FREEZE FRAME 4: Dead Man Talking.
DISCLAIMERS: I do not own NCIS.
Previously...
Gill and Gibbs talked to Marley about the Devlins and the incidents surrounding Patrick's death. Marley and Jackson tried playing cupid in a bid to get Gill and Gibbs married. They haven't given up, yet...
Finally, the last chapter: a short epilogue that brings Ziva to the promised ball and, hopefully, all the dance practice will pay off.
Chapter 15: Epilogue - Belles of The Ball.
FREEZE FRAME TWO: Cut to Mid shot of Marley and Ducky dancing, twirling in the soft light of the room. Convert Black and White. Cut.
Fade in to an aerial long shot of the city of Washington DC. The city lights of yellows and whites are bright and dancing. Add blue filter. SFX; traffic and light music. Zoom in and down to the Atrium Ball Room's huge entrance, where the annual Renaissance Debutante Ball is taking place. The ball is a charity event held for the Neuroscience Research at the Garvan Institute. The President of the United States, along with his wife, will receive the debutantes and their partners.
Guests mill around the entrance.Pan past Ziva in her gown, alone and waiting. A motor entourage pulls up beside her- Pan out to long shot.
The President is ushered up the steps, where an official welcoming party is standing at the entrance to the ball room. Bodyguards and FBI agents are following and keeping a vigilant watch.
Zoom in close up to one agent, Tobias Fornell. He is pressing his ear piece, calling the coast clear. A reflection is caught in his eye; Pan and track the direction of his point of view. Camera moves to the building across the street, travels up several floors and stops at two windows. One is open. Zoom in through the window to mid shot of darkened room. Two figures sit there in the shadows with binoculars, looking at the scene below.
"Shit! I think Fornell just spotted us," said Tim, looking through his binoculars. He sighed with relief when the agent looked away and followed the President's entourage to the reception area at the entrance of the ball room.
"You sure? Step back," said Abby, tugging at his shoulder.
"Hmm, maybe, he's gone now. The coast is clear. I've still got eyes on Ziva."
"Good, here Tim," said Abby, passing him a cup of a hot toddy, having poured it carefully from the thermos. The light coming from the open window shone on her excited face. This was Abby's second only ever stakeout, but like the first it had nothing to do with a real case. "It's my great aunt Hilda's recipe. It will keep you warm and make you alert."
"Yeah, cause the world needs more lerts," added Marley with a giggle. "Can I have a go at the binoculars, now?" She asked coming into view beside them.
Tim looked around Abby at Marley. "Shhhush, and no, not yet. You shouldn't even be here. None of us should. This room is meant for the NCIS surveillance teams. Now sit in that chair there by the other window."
"Stop worrying, Tim. NCIS isn't even on the security detail list for the ball, so the room's all ours. Ian in security fixed it for me," explained Abby.
"Well, it's not needed tonight because the FED's have their rooms above us. Besides, they can't see us," butted in Jimmy, coming up to stand next to Tim on the other side. He was just as excited as Abby to have been included in the team's personal covert operation.
"Feds? Mr. Palmer, really?" scoffed Ducky as he peered through his antique opera glasses. "Hopefully they can't see us. They may think we are some threat or something. At least we can see into the ball room. Timothy, you can see the entrance. Is Ziva still standing there alone?" he asked, as Marley plonked down in the seat beside him.
"Yep, Ducky."
"It better not be too much longer. Ziva is likely to just take off," scowled Marley. "Can I borrow your glasses Ducky?"
"Oh no, she can't, not yet," gasped Abby. "She just looks fantastic in that dress, very Grace Kelly from Rear Window, except for the grey bodice and Ziva's black hair, oh and their difference in height. But other that, they could be twins."
Ducky went to hand over his glasses to Marley, and then suddenly pulled them back. "Marley, you could give us at least a hint as to who her blind date is?" hedged Ducky, though most of the team had their suspicions, and Ducky even more so.
"You mean dates, I've arranged two," she laughed.
"Why, I thought it would have been obvious. To..."
Marley glared at Jimmy before he could finish his sentence."Because, someone needs a little shove in the right direction, and I figure a little competition, maybe jealousy was the way to go," she said.
Ducky handed Marley his opera glasses."Oh, this will be interesting, then. Matchmaker, matchmaker, make me a match," sang Ducky, enjoying his family's game.
"M.E. and babysitter, now matchmaker, Sir?"
"Yes, Mr Palmer, I am a man of many talents. Though Marley and Abby have been mainly responsible for tonight's scenario, I have had some input, however."
"Like going to the dance rehearsals with Ziva," said Marley.
"Yes that and then some," he smirked , then winked at Marley.
"Well, at least your babysitting duties will be a breeze this time, Doctor Mallard. Marley's not going to take off on you here, not while we're all here," said Jimmy. His huge grin suddenly dropped when he felt the glare of his mentor's eyes. Even in the dark he could feel them boring into him. "Oopps, foot in mouth again," he mumbled to himself.
"I'm not babysitting Marly, tonight," smiled Ducky, knowing he'd unnerved his young friend.
"Then, wh..."
"I am!"
Abby jumped, and Jimmy squealed.
"Jackson, don't do that, you'll give our position away. Why didn't you knock?" chastised Abby.
"This is a covert mission, isn't it? Besides the door was open, and I have an arm full of pizza," guffawed Jackson.
"Yeah, everybody, so shush, now," ordered Marley.
Jackson handed out pizza slices while the team turned their eyes to the reception entrance. They watched the President and his wife, who had joined the reception party greeting the important guests. Agent Fornell stood at the end of the line of the dignitaries, keeping his eye on everybody. He turned to the pretty woman next to him and smiled. "Fornell's doing his job. Looks like he's trying to pick up a lady at the same time," said Tim.
Jimmy grabbed Tim's binoculars. "Let me see. Hey, isn't that Gill?" he asked, as he zeroed in on the tall, pretty strawberry blonde at the end of the line. Dressed in a long soft jade satin evening gown that hugged her full curves, she smiled and shook people's hands with grace."I'm sure it's Gill. Tim, you must be blind."
"He must be, because it is mom. You really think Fornell's trying to pick her up?" asked Marley worriedly.
Tim snatched back the glasses and adjusted the focus on the zoom. "No, Marley, I don't think he's trying to pick her up. I was just teasing," Though, Fornell just keeps smiling at her. Bit of a goofball if you ask me,mused Tim silently. "How come Gill's there anyway?"
"She's at the official table. Tonight's charity is for Bipolar and Neuroscience research. She and Alistair are part of the charity's management and research committee"
"A shame Gibbs isn't there," said Tim.
Ducky retrieved his opera glasses from Marley and peered through them. "Yes, Mr Timothy, a real shame," he said sarcastically. "Gill looks absolutely stunning."
"Oh, but, we can't trust Fornell. He's moved in on Gibbs before," said Abby.
"Just because they've decided to have a modern relationship doesn't mean they aren't committed to each other," said Jackson, trying to hide the hint of disappointment in his voice.
"Yeah, like Castle and Becket." stated Marley, though she wasn't as confident as she sounded. The ball and the dates; the competition was supposed to be for Ziva. She hadn't counted on agent Fornell being there. She suddenly wished Gibbs hadn't been called out on a case.
The black limousine that had been blocking their view of Ziva pulled away, leaving a clear view of the large steps where she nervously waited. From the left a faired haired, medium built man wearing a tuxedo and carrying an orchid hurried towards her. Ziva turned and smiled at the gentlemen as he pecked her cheek, before offering his flowers.
"The Eagle has landed," announced Marley.
"What that's Callen," announced Tim. "Her date is Callen? Low blow, Marley."
Abby jumped up and down on the balls of her feet., "One down another to go. Marley, good choice, but where's ..."
"I don't know. He's late," groused Marley.
"He's not the only one!" grumbled Ducky, as they watched the pair head to the left of the building, where the debutantes were entering.
Cutaway to a building front below the window; long shot of a figure dressed in a dark dust coat standing in the shadows, watching the entrance to the ballroom. The team still watches from the widows above. They can see the entrance and the large ball room from the side wing with its large columns and tall, folded back French doors.
A figure in the shadows watched the line of dignitaries standing with the President, though he was more interested in the pretty blonde at the end of the line. He growled when he spotted the FBI agent standing too close to her, and pulled once again at the stiff collar of his white shirt and bow tie, that could be seen at the opening of his coat.
Suddenly Tony appeared, running as he checked his watch. He stopped abruptly, having sensed the figure hiding in the shadows. He turned and reflexively reached for his gun from inside his dinner jacket. However, it wasn't there. A quick piercing whistle stopped him in his tracks.
"Boss? Is that you?" he said relieved.
"Yeah, DiNozzo, where have you been?"
"Well, Boss, I thought I'd drive the... " Tony suddenly stopped chatting when Gibbs landed his signatory,' I don't wanna hear excuses' head slap. "Get in there. Callen's already with her," he growled.
"Callen? I hate that guy. Marley, the little trickster set up two dates. No wait, you're not one, too, are you? Is that why Ducky…" he paused pointing to Gibbs.
"Nope, Vance sent me here as an extra detail for the President."
"Really, I would have thought they'd have plenty of men here. I heard this is Fornell's gig. Anyway, it's just as well. Callen I can compete with, you I'm not so sure. "
"We won't be competing with anyone if we don't get in there."
"We?"
"Move, DiNozzo, quit your blabbering. You're being received by the President, that's how debutante balls work. All the young couples are met by some important official. Then they dance."
"On it, Boss. Any advice?" asked Tony as they started across the road.
"Don't step on her feet."
"No, I mean when we meet the President."
"Forget the President, just get in there and dance with Ziva."
Gibbs and Tony walked into the now nearly empty foyer. "Head over there, DiNozzo. That's where the debutantes and their partners are lining up."
Tony nodded ,then headed off to a room to the right of the foyer. While the debutantes were getting ready, the rest of the guests were enjoying a pre- dinner cocktail. Gibbs could see the President and his wife being shown where they would stand on the stage and where the debutantes would stop to curtsey, then peel off and wait to the side. Fornell was busy placing body guards and checking in with security. He stood with Gill up at a front table.
Gibbs spotted them and moved forward to position himself between them.
"Jethro!" Gill cooed, surprised, but smiling. "How did…
"Vance assigned me this afternoon."
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"I wanted to surprise you."
"Wait, where is Marley?"
"Dad's babysitting."
"Hmm," she giggled." I wonder if he planned this. What a coincidence, him wanting to visit this particular week.
"You sound like you don't want me here," groused Gibbs.
"No, I'm delighted. I just think your dad and Marley would love the idea that we are here together. They've been playing cupid all week."
"Well, Marley's set this up for for Ziva and Tony. She's had Callen turn up as Ziva's date, too."
"Oh dear, Tony is going to have to assert himself. Callen is a worthy opponent," she laughed.
Tobias suddenly coughed. "Ahumm, so why is NCIS interested in this ball? We have the President's security detail. Really, Gibbs, I don't think we need the extra man."
"Who said I was here for the President's security, Tobias?" Though, at first Gibbs couldn't figure out why Vance had sent him there, dressed to the nines. Not that he minded, Gill had been preparing for the night along with Ziva. Tony and Ducky had been rehearsing dance numbers with her, and he'd heard Tobias was also attending. He silently wondered if the conversation he'd seen Vance and Ducky having that afternoon had anything to do with it. When Vance had insisted that he attend dressed in a dinner suit, it had sounded plausible. However, Ducky offering him the loan of his bow tie, that he just happen to have in his desk drawer, now seemed suspiciously coincidental. Rule number 39, there's no such thing as co-incidence. He wondered if anyone else was involved.
"Gibbs?" nudged Tobias. "Why are you here?"
"That's a matter of Navel security, Tobias. I already have my cover," he smirked, indicating Gill. "You remember Miss Riggs, from the Hanson investigations," asked Gibbs, no longer caring who had organised this or why. He was just loving the fact that Fornell was now pissed.
"Of course, well I'm just going to do the rounds. Miss Riggs, I hope you will still save the first dance for me." He smirked back at Gibbs.
"Aren't you supposed to be working?" snapped Gibbs.
"I will be, while I'm dancing I can be scanning the room. Miss Riggs promised. It's just the first dance, Jethro. Remember how Diane just loved to dance? Those ball room dance lessons really came in handy too," he teased as he turned and walked away.
"Sorry, Jethro, I didn't know you were coming when Tobias asked for the first dance."
"Never say you're sorry," he smiled and kissed her pretty pink lips. "You look beautiful. Green's my favourite colour."
"Thank you ," said Gill as she pecked him back. "Drink, Jethro, wine, red or white?" she offered, as she stopped the waiter walking past.
"Bourbon," he ordered.
"We don't serve spirits until after the main course, sir," answered the young waiter apologetically.
Gibbs threw a five on the man's silver tray.
The young man nodded, "One bourbon coming up."
Cut away to the large room where the debutantes are getting ready for the presentation. Pan the room full of white dresses with pastel splashes of colour and well dressed gentleman of all sizes and ages. The diagetic sounds of the conversations and excited chatting can be heard.
"I remember some of my friends making their debutante many years ago," said a rather sophisticated older woman,
"I do too, but not here. We lived in England, but I missed them when we moved," commented the woman standing beside her.
"Yes, well, I never got to go to my prom, for the same reason. Great idea, having a Renaissance ball, and making it a debutante."
"Yes, the charity is a worthy cause, too. Fundraisers are a lot more fun with a theme."
Ziva was shaking her head at this stage. She was standing at the back of the room, in between Tony and Callen. She had been delighted to see Tony, but was now a little nervous about juggling two dates. Two Iraqi terrorists wouldn't have scared the hell out of her as much as these two. Perhaps if Tony had walked up to her and said something about how she looked or how excited he was to be here, which she knew he was. But No, Tony had fixated on Callen. If Ziva didn't know better she'd say he was jealous. Actually, she knew he was jealous. He was always made things difficult for when she was dating.
"Callen? ... Well, this is awkward," said Tony. "Who have you been practicing dancing with? Though we only have to do one, then the floor is anybody's. I've been practicing within Ziva for weeks now."
"Tony, you only went once with me."
Callen laughed. "When Hattie found out I was coming here and that Ziva was my lovely date..." he smiled at Ziva and played with the petals on her wrist corsage, "Hattie insisted she teach me the first dance, a slow waltz. She said Fred Astaire taught her. That wouldn't surprise me."
"Well, I guess we should let Ziva choose," said a confident Tony. Callen name dropping Fred Astaire was moot and would have no effect on Ziva. She wouldn't even know who the guy was.
Ziva, playing the game between the two and liking it, smirked. "Well, they are about to announce the couples, let us see who they announce as my partner. Whomever that is may have the first dance."
"Hardly seems fair, Ziva, I was here first," said Callen.
"Seems hardly fairrr...," mimicked Tony in a whiny voice. "I think she could go with the one she knows how to dance the best with; and that would be Moi!"
"She is the bat's mother, Tony. It is very rude of you to talk about me like I was not here."
"It's the cat's mother, Zive, and well yes, I ap... You are right; it was rude of me. Okay, the deal is we wait to be announced," agreed Tony.
Callen nodded and held tight to Ziva's hand as he turned to listen to the Master of Ceremonies call their names.
Tony was annoyed at the man's familiarity with his partner and grabbed Ziva's other arm and hooked it under his. "Hold tight, Zive. This is your debut as an all American beauty and citizen. I'm proud to be at your side."
After two couples had walked up the aisle and were greeted by the President, Ziva's name was announced.
"Miss Ziva David, and her escort...Ahh, escorts, Mr. G. Callen and Mr. Anthony DiNozzo."
Ziva smiled at Tony, and then at Callen, then back at Tony. "I am proud, too."
All three walked slowly towards the podium to the 'ooh's and 'ahhs' of the guests, including Gibbs and Gill. Once there, Tony and Callen let Ziva go. They watched while she curtsied, in front of the President and his wife, who they bowed their heads slightly to, in acknowledgement of her gesture.
"Miss David," greeted the President, "Welcome."
"And such two handsome escorts," added the First Lady.
"Yes, Ma'am, I'm very lucky," she smiled, curtsied again, and then allowed Tony and Callen to escort her to their place at the side, while the other debutantes were received.
Up at the window and across the street each member of the team echoed the 'ohhs and ahhhs.
Marley kept her eyes on Gibbs and Gill, too. She was glad that Gibbs's newest assignment was the debutante ball. She wondered if Vance really had an assignment for him or if he, too, was just as much a romantic as she and Jackson. Either way, she was very happy that they were both there with Tony and Ziva.
Abby jumped up and down on the balls of her feet, excited and anxious about the first dance and who Ziva would dance with first. She drew a breath as she spied through the binoculars the couples now taking the dance floor, and then groaned…..
Callen didn't give Ziva a chance to choose. The music started for the first dance, and the M.C. announced the Viennese Waltz. He swung her around and took up their position in among the dancers. Tony graciously stepped back to the side line. And gave Ziva an "it's alright" nod and Gill and Gibbs a sad smile.
All the dancers kept in time; side stepping and twirling to Kenny Chesney's 'Angel Loved The Devil.' Halfway through the number the music changed again, and the routine morphed into the Pride of Erin, with the women changing partners after each set. The President and the First Lady joined the circle, and each couple had their turn of dancing with the President or his beautiful and friendly wife.
As soon as Callen had passed on Ziva, Tony saw his opportunity and tapped him on the shoulder. Tony didn't let either Callen's frown or the disappointment on the face of the rather buxom elderly women now stepping into Ziva's place perturb him. He just smiled and danced perfectly with the grace and charm that was well embedded in his Italian DiNozzo genes.
By the end of the dance, the crowd had been delighted with the couples' dancing and charmed by the President's inclusion and informal participation. People applauded and laughed and wished they were there to have had the honor of dancing with the President or the First Lady.
Tony grinned like the Cheshire cat when the music stopped and the round now bought Ziva to stand beside him as his partner. The emcee then invited the other dignitaries and guests to take the floor for another waltz, this time the quicker American version with faster turns.
Before Gibbs was able to come to his feet, Fornell was at Gill's side, offering his hand for her promised first dance of the evening. He swung her on to the dance floor with a fast twirl and gathered her quickly in her arms, moving into the full dance floor.
Tony gave Callen no such opportunity to tap him on the shoulder and careered Ziva into the center using a similar turn. He spotted Gibbs over Ziva's left shoulder and scowled at his friend.
Gibbs smirked and, taking the hint, moved in to tap Fornell on the shoulder. He smoothly moved in between the pair of dancers to take Gillian by the waist and turn her away from his adversary.
The President and the First Lady took their seats, with security agents close by, and watched the dancers move across the crowded floor. Fornell smirked and quickly moved towards the front where the orchestra was playing and to where Callen was now also standing.
The team hiding in the room across the street had watched the whole proceeding and were delighted at the outcome. Tony had done them proud, and Gibbs, too. Marley was revelling in the romance of the couples and the hope that her matchmaking scheme would pay off. Unfortunately, though, it was obvious that Callen and Fornell were up to something. Both she and Abby started to get worried when they spied the two whispering to each other near the orchestra's conductor.
"Can you lip read what they're saying from here, Abby?" asked Marley.
"No, they're hiding their mouths."
"Stop worrying what could they possibly do. Both Tony and Gibbs are in the middle of the dance floor. Fornell and Callen wouldn't tap their shoulders again would they, Doctor Mallard?" asked Jimmy.
"No, Jimmy, that would be bad form. However I believe they may be up to something."
"Hmm, they do look suspicious," noted Tim.
"Well, Callen was supposed to make it hard for Tony, but just to give him a shove," revealed Marley.
"Yes, and that worked. But I didn't count on Fornell," said Abby as she chewed on her bottom lip.
"Yes, but I did," said Ducky.
They watched Tobias nod at Callen and then turn to the conductor. Without losing the lyrical motion of the baton counting the three-four time of the waltz, the conductor leaned down to listen to what the FBI agent had to say. Smiling, he nodded and, with a quick sweeping motion of the baton, he silenced the orchestra. In a voice only loud enough for the musicians to hear, he informed them of the new piece they would be playing. To get them time to find the requested sheet music, he turned to the bewildered dancers.
"Sorry for the interruption, ladies and gentlemen, but I have received a special request. However, I am sure you will enjoy this as well." Turning back to the orchestra, he raised his baton and waited until the musicians had raised their instruments into playing position. With a nod to the brass and percussion sections, the conductor gave a quick two count to establish the tempo, and on the next down beat the orchestra broke into a fast and upbeat rendition of Carrapicho Festa de Um Provo, a traditional Samba number.
Immediately a handful of couples moved into the fast and energetic rhythms and dance moves of the Samba. Most of the other couples retired to their seats to watch the entertainment. Couples side stepped and rocked and then turned in the off beats, while shadowing each other's steps to the lively two-four count.
Gibbs glared at Tobias, immediately realizing he had been responsible for the change in the dance number. He looked at Tony.
"Just do what I do, Boss," he said. "Ducky had this covered," he chuckled.
"Not a problem, DiNozzo. Just remember, I have a bad knee," he whispered.
Tony and Gibbs both kept up with the fast moves, amazing both their partners and, to some extent, the crowd.
"So, you are a bit of a Fred Astaire yourself then, Tony," commented Ziva.
"Patrick Swayze, Zive," he corrected as he moved her side to side rocking and rolling his hips as he pulled her in and out to the sensual rhythms of the dance.
Soon they were the only ones left on the dance floor. They danced at the same pace and steps, like it was choreographed and timed perfectly. Gibbs and Tony smiled at each other, as they kept in step and sync, turning, and swirling, kick changes with Bota Fogos and maypole turns with their arms stretched across their pretty partners' waists.
For their parts, Gill and Ziva kept up with the pace and the rhythm, swinging and dipping their hips as they rolled into each of their steps, letting their men take the lead.
"On three, Boss, next round," directed Tony.
"Tony?" asked Ziva worriedly.
"Trust me," he whispered before giving her a quick peck to her exposed neck before he swung and pulled her into his chest, gyrating his hips slowly against her. "One-and-two, three-and-four," he counted and Gibbs followed. "Okay, Boss, and zig and zag, hip twist, dip and hold."
Gibbs followed the count and dipped, holding Gill in place.
"Jethro, you can dance," giggled Gill.
"Never said I couldn't," he smirked. While he had her in his arms he planted a sensuous kiss to her lips.
Ziva squealed with delight, and then laughed when she was swung around herself as Tony called, "zig and zag, dip and lift..." Tony sashayed and then in one smooth move, lifted Ziva above his head.
"Fly, little sparrow," he said softly, before putting her down onto her feet, twisting her around and then dropped her in a dip, where he too kissed her beautiful red lips.
FREEZE FRAME ONE : Cut to mid shot of Tony and Gibbs holding Ziva and Gill in a dip. Convert black and white. Cut.
Then cutaway to a long shot of Fornell and Callen grinning. They are standing by the doors to the veranda area, looking up at the window across the street. SFX of non diagetic sound of the team cheering. Pan to window, and zoom in. Ducky is standing at the window giving a thumbs up to the two agents below.
"Ducky," squealed Abby, "You set Gibbs up?"
"Not quite. I've had Tony in my morgue practicing that routine for the last two weeks. I was pretty sure Tony was going to be Ziva's date. Well, I was counting on it, though I didn't know how I was going to get Gibbs there."
"Gibbs must have known he would be going," surmised Tim.
"I think he suspected, especially when Vance handed him the assignment," laughed Ducky. " I think he was very determined when I told him Fornell was going to be on the security detail tonight. Gibbs is very candid about his relationships. But I suspect there is more to the Dianne, Fornell, and Gibbs triangle. I would never have expected him to pick up that dance so fast or even to be able to follow Tony."
The team all laughed, as Marley jumped into Ducky's arms. He swung the little girl around, "Matchmaker, matchmaker, find me a match," he sang.
"Yup, well my job here is done. You're next," giggled Marley.
FREEZE FRAME TWO: Cut to Mid shot of Marley and Ducky dancing, twirling in the soft light of the room. Convert Black and White. Cut.
THE END
A.N. Stay tuned for Freeze Frame 5. All the gang will be there, though it will center around Tony and Ziva.
A huge shout out to Harliquinn for the beta on this one. I can dance, ( and I think Gibbs could possibly dance well too) but I'm hopeless with music; the edits and suggestions were just perfect. Keeping a straight face at some of my descriptions must have been hard, not to mention a little faux pas, when I described Callen as a worthy component, instead of opponent... LOL. However, I'm sure he has some very worthy components... well I can dream.
Thanks so much for all the reads and reviews. Gaben