Chapter Eleven
"Marry me?" asked Tony
Ziva mouth opened then closed then opened again. He had truly surprised her, if not sent her into a state of shock.
"I mean it, Ziva; marry me," he said.
"Director Elbaz has offered me a position to come back to Mossad," Ziva said to him.
Tony's mouth went dry and he started to wonder when his timing got so bad. He waited for her to finish what she wanted to say.
"I told her that I can't make my decision until I find Bodnar," she said then she looked at him sadly. "I say the same thing to you. I can't give you an answer, Tony, until I find and make Bodnar pay for what he did to my family. Do you understand, Tony?"
"I understand, Ziva," he said then smiled even though he cost him a lot to smile.
"Thank you, ahuvati," Ziva said.
"I owe you my patience," he said.
Ziva nodded her head in agreement.
Tony took another sip of his tea as he waited to see Director Elbaz. Only I can propose marriage twice in one lifetime and have one woman leave me at the altar, and the second woman make him show patience while she gets revenge. And people wonder why I have commitment issues. He waited in her officer while she attended some matters. His mind kept going over and over his conversation with Ziva from yesterday. I should have asked her if there was a time limit on this vengeance or would I have to wait years for an answer. Instead of going around saying – my name is Inigo Montoya and you have killed my father– she is going to go around saying, my name is Ziva David and you have killed my father. My life is going to become a parody of The Princess Bride.
Today, Ziva was off to plant a tree and mourn her father alone, except for several well-placed Mossad officers. She asked for time alone and he agreed. Jesus, I've become agreeable over the years, haven't I? Now, he waited to talk to the new director of Mossad. Orli Elbaz entered her office.
"I hope you were comfortable while I attended to some important matters," she said, as she waltzed into the officer and to her desk. She sat down.
"I am fine," he said.
"We have much to talk about," she stated.
Tony placed his cup of tea on the desk and smiled. He waited for her to continue.
"Director David appeared to have a great deal of respect for NCIS to the point he carried on several ops with you rather than the CIA," she stated.
"If I'm not mistaken he had a relationship with Director Vance which led to a great deal of trust. Their trust of each other led to greater ops performed together," said Tony.
"The CIA wishes to influence our missions and act as a parent to a child. We cannot afford a relationship like that because it can costs lives," she said.
"I understand," Tony agreed.
"I'd like to continue that relationship and maybe increase it," she said. "Do you think there will be interest for this?"
"We are talking intelligence gathering and anti-terrorism, right?" smiled Tony.
"Yes," she nodded her head. "There are some things we prefer to do on our own."
A sly smiled cracked her lips and Tony suddenly realized that she was as deadly as Eli David was. Don't underestimate this one or you'll be dead, DiNozzo.
"Yes, I believe there will be interest more shared ops and missions," said Tony.
"Excellent," she smiled. "Would you be interested in having an active role in this relationship?"
"Why me?" asked Tony.
"You know Deputy Director Ben-Gidon and you have some experience with us. You'd be perfect if you spoke Hebrew," she said.
This was her subtle way of telling him to learn Hebrew. Tony smiled.
"Italian and Spanish are my languages, other than English," he replied.
"So few, such a shame. You could get some in your entourage who speaks Hebrew," she suggested.
"I could, or I could allow the director to decide such things as that," said Tony.
"Would you have a problem dealing with Mossad?" asked Elbaz.
"No, I'd have no problem," he said.
"Good," she smiled. "If you don't want to be so bold as to ask for the role as our primary contact, then I can ask for you."
"Madam Director, you can do anything you wish to do," Tony smiled.
"Now, my second problem is Ziva David," she said.
"How is Ziva a problem?" asked Tony.
"The David Family has a special place Israel. I won't explain it to you, but I will say that they are leaders. I offered her a position with Mossad as my right hand, Assistant Director David. She wants Bodnar first. I need her alive to make up her mind and she appears determined to go back to the US," she said.
"It is her country now," said Tony.
"Israel is her homeland, though," said Elbaz. "I believe that will be enticement eventually. It is in the David blood to serve Israel."
"What do you want from me?" Tony asked.
He wanted to tell her that Israel used up Ziva and tossed her aside, but he was now in a position that diplomacy counted. God, he missed being just a field agent sometimes.
"Keep her alive and help find Bodnar. I believe she will make the right decision in time," said Elbaz.
Marry me or become her right hand – how come I'm feeling a little insecure at the moment? Tony smiled at her.
"I will do everything in my power to protect and help Ziva," he said.
"It appears that I have a reason to contact NCIs," she said Elba.
She stood up and headed for the door. Tony watched. Once she left, he chuckled to himself. Who would have thought that I'd become Mossad' favorite at NCIS? I am really blessed.
NCIS
Tony entered his hotel room. As he did, his smartphone rang. He looked at it and saw that it was from Gibbs. Part of him wanted to toss the smartphone aside after the day he had, but his old instincts kicked in. Rule 3 – never be unreachable.
"Hey, Gibbs," he answered.
"How's Ziver?"
"She has a lot on her plate, but she doing alright," he said.
"Protect her six, DiNozzo. I don't like her being there," Gibbs said.
"Her six is well protected," he said. "Anything on Bodnar?"
"We are working on it. I even talked to an old contact of mine at CIA. You know I want him, DiNozzo," said Gibbs.
"I know, Gibbs."
"When will you be back?" he asked.
"Couple of days. I'll let you know."
"Good," he said then hung up.
Tony hung up. He tossed the smartphone on a chair then he stripped his jacket and tie off and tossed them on the same chair. There was a knock on the door. Tony walked over to it and opened the door to reveal Ziva standing on the other side of it. He started to open his mouth, but she put her hand up and shushed him.
Before he knew it, they were wrapped in each other's arms and devouring each other's mouths. He could feel her need for him and need for solace radiating off her and he wanted to do nothing more than make her feel loved and secure. In a graceful, yet un-choreographed, display of movement, they wrestled over to the bed and fell onto it. After that, they raced to who could get rid of their clothes first, and that was followed by a release of built sexual tension that had existed between them for years.
In the blue darkness of his hotel room, they lay naked in each other's arms. Even though their bodies were exhausted now, neither one of them could sleep. It had been an eventful few days.
"Wow," was Tony's response to the last two hours of off and on lovemaking.
"I think that was well said, Tony," smiled Ziva.
"Yeah, and it took us long enough to finally doing it," chuckled Tony. "Did we break rule 12?"
"You are no longer my partner or a field agent," Ziva pointed out.
"No, I'm and Assistant Director," said Tony. "Thank God I'm not a field agent anymore because Vance would make me an agent afloat for this, as it stands now he'll probably have some HR rules to point out to me and then nail my ass to the door."
She kissed him long and passionately then broke away from him and asked, "Am I not worth it?"
"Oh, hell, yeah," he grinned.
A comfortable silence enveloped them, as they lay there. Tony felt his eyes starting to become heavy. Sleep was beckoning.
"We have to leave here," Ziva said. "I am ready to go home."
The thought that she was calling DC home made him feel somehow better. DC was where she felt comfortable and secure, and it was definitely were her family was. Her surrogate father was waiting for her return. Tony opened his eyes.
"I'll make arrangements for us to return to DC," he said.
"When we return I will have time for nothing except finding Bodnar," Ziva told him. "We cannot have this. We cannot be together, not until Bodnar is found."
Tony took a deep breath. This was the old Ziva talking, the assassin Ziva. Bodnar was her mission and nothing could get in its way, especially love.
"Ziva," he said softly.
"No arguments, Tony. Just like, I can't give you an answer on whether I'll marry you or Director Elbaz an answer about the job she offered me until we find him, I cannot have a relationship with you. I must be focused on nothing but Bodnar. He is not going to get away with what he has done," she stated.
"I understand, Ziva. I intend on my team to be heading the search for Bodnar," said Tony.
She moved in his arms so that her dark eyes were staring into his eyes. Even in the dark, he could see the pain she was in.
"My father was not a good man, but he was trying to redeem himself with an act of peace. Bodnar killed my father and the Palestinians' voice for peace. He condemned my country to years and years more of hatred, pain, and death. That is why I must find him and make him pay. I will not be stopped," she said.
"Ziva, I'll give you plenty of room, but I can't let you do whatever you want to do. Also, if I get Bodnar, I intend him to bring him to trial and not be his judge and executioner," Tony said.
"I expect nothing less from you, Tony. You are a good man, which is one of the reasons I love," she said.
"And what are the other reasons?" he smiled.
"Ah, they can no longer be discussed until after Bodnar is dealt with," she said with a smirk.
He kissed her forehead then said, "The bastard doesn't have a chance."
NCIS
Tony managed an upgrade to first class for the return flight. He knew that his upgrade wouldn't come without a price, though. Malachi and Officer Tuvia joined them on the flight and Mossad asked that they be part of the team seeking Bodnar. Tony agreed then he made the mistake of letting Deputy Director Craig know, who then let Vance know. Vance was hoping to keep Mossad out of the direct investigation in the US, where they believed Bodnar was still in hiding, but now it seemed impossible.
Once they were settled on the plane, Malachi asked to speak to Tony. They moved over to a couple of open first class seats and sat down.
"Director Elbaz told her that she offered Ziva a position," he said.
"I know, Mal."
"I don't want her to come back, Tony. It is too dangerous. The David's have bled enough for Israel," he said.
Tony was shocked by this. He thought Mal would toe the Mossad line, but he wasn't. Tony smiled.
"I agree," he said.
"How can we make sure that she stays in DC," said Mal.
"We get Bodnar quickly and hope she says yes to my offer," Tony said.
"What is your offer?" he asked.
"I asked her to marry me," said Tony.
Mal smiled then laughed. He slapped Tony on the back then said, "It is about time."
Tony got up and rejoined Ziva. He sat down and she looked at him with a mix of curiosity and annoyance.
"What were you two talking about?" she asked.
"Movies. I was giving him some good DVDs to watch. He doesn't get much a chance to see movies," smiled Tony.
"You are lying to me," she said.
"Ziva, you have never known when I am lying or not," he said.
"Yes, I can," she said.
Tony grinned, "If you say so."
Ziva glared at him then she stuck earbuds of i-Pod into her ears and upped the volume of the music. Tony sniggered then he sat back and started to wonder how the hell they were going to capture Bodnar quickly. Other than setting a trap, someone with Bodnar's skills could stay in hiding for years. They just didn't have years hunting Bodnar and his rogues. No, they needed a ploy to draw him out and cut his damned head off.
Ray tapped Tony on the shoulder. He turned in his seat and looked at him.
"Yeah, Ray," he said.
"I was just thinking – how about I put a team of hunters, all special ops, and we go hunting for Bodnar," he said.
"It's an idea, Ray, but I'm thinking of a different tactic," said Tony.
"What?"
"Staking a goat and waiting for T Rex to show up," he said.
Ray smirked, "Who is the goat?"
"That is what I am working on," he said.
NCIS
The plane landed and with the help of the Mossad officers, they flew through customs. Waiting for them after customs was Gibbs and McGee. Ziva walked up to his and received a kiss on the cheek and a hug.
"Welcome home, Ziver," he said.
Tony, Ray, Malachi, and Liat came up behind Ziva. Gibbs looked at them.
"Craig and Vance want you back at NCIS for a meeting of some sorts," said Gibbs.
"What about Ziva?" Tony asked.
"Abby, Ducky, Jimmy, and MacDonald are back at my place waiting for us. We are having a welcome home party and she's stay with me," said Gibbs.
"Gibbs, I don't need protection," she said.
"Doesn't make a difference what you want, you are staying at my place. No argument," he said and she nodded her head.
Tony sighed. She'd never listen to him like that. I'm lucky if she listens to me at all. Gibbs looked at him with his patented glare.
"What are you waiting for?" he asked him.
"You know I have no idea what I'm waiting for," he said then he walked away with Ray, Malachi, and Liat going along with him.
Ziva wanted to stop him and say goodbye, but she didn't want Gibbs and his observation skills honed as a sniper in their business. She made a note to call him later.
"Ray," Tony said.
"Scrounge us up a car," he barked.
"One will be waiting for us, Tony," Malachi said. "Liat and I will drive you to NCIS."
"Thanks, Mal."
They arrived at NCIS and proceeded to the Director's office. Waiting for them were Vance and Craig. Vance was seated at the top of his conference table and Craig beside. Tony told Ray to find Sonia and have some time together, while he, Malachi, and Liat sat at the conference table.
"Bodnar, we believe, is in this country, but we have no idea where," said Vance.
"He won't elude us for long," said Malachi.
Tony rolled his eyes and snorted, which brought him negatively to the attention of Vance.
"Do you have something to say, DiNozzo?" asked Vance.
"Bodnar will elude us for as long as he wants to unless we luck out and we all know that," said Tony.
"Tony has a point," Craig came to his defense, which brought a grin to Tony's face.
"Come on, Mal; you know how good Bodnar is and he has help," said Tony.
"At least three top Kidon officers went with him," said Malachi.
"So, what do we do?" asked Vance.
"We set a trap that he can't say no to," said Tony.
"And what would that be?" asked Vance.
"I am against using Ziva," said Malachi.
"I am, too, Mal. I was thinking that we arrange for a visit to NCIS by the new director. He can't miss an opportunity to take out his competition," said Tony.
"I don't think Director Elbaz will like being used as a target," said Malachi.
"We have the time, Mal. Find a double for her. She can stay well protected in Israel and she sends a double off to meet us here," said Tony.
"That can be arranged," said Mal.
"But we have to keep this to as few as people as possible knowing the truth. We don't know who Bodnar still is in contact at Mossad and we want Director Elbaz's life to be safe," Tony said.
"How long will his take to put together?" asked Vance.
"A week, maybe two," said Malachi. "I will leave Liat here, while I go back to Israel to sell the plan and arrange it."
"Let's make this even more tempting for Bodnar. As a gesture of friendship and alliance, we will put her up in the Four Seasons in Washington DC. She'll be a more appealing target outside of the embassy, and we can arrange for a fake dinner with the SecNav," smiled Vance.
"Let's bait this with as many targets as possible," smiled Malachi. "He wants me dead, so I might as well join this circus."
"How about a double for you?" asked Tony.
"You can't double this handsome face," smirked Malachi. "Liat will just have to protect me."
"Let's get this started. Once we have everything hammered out, then I expect you to leak it properly, Deputy Director Ben-Gidon," said Vance.
"It will be my pleasure, Director Vance."