"Can you get into Tony's bank records, McGee?" Gibbs turned his attention back to the laptop.
McGee looked startled at the sudden change, but looked at the keyboard. He hunted around on the desktop and found a short-cut to Tony's bank. He was quickly able to get in, as Tony again had his username and password saved. He opened up his accounts, plural. His eyes opened wide.
"What is it, McGee?" Gibbs saw McGee's change in demeanor.
"Boss, Tony cleaned out his account. He took everything." Gibbs looked alarmed at that. His worst fears were realized.
Vignette Eleven: "Roads Taken" – Part Two
Two Months Ago
Tony headed down I-95S and drove to the apartment building in silence, his brain on overdrive not knowing what he would find. Whatever it was, he wasn't going to take no for an answer any more, and "I'm fine, Tony" was history as far as he was concerned.
"Ok, McGee, I'm here." Tony whispered into his phone as he wandered down a dank and dingy hall. Tony looked around and wrinkled his nose. "Are you sure this is the place?" Tony was wearing a nice suit and shuddered to think of the multitude of germs that were crawling all over the place.
"Don't be such a girl, Tony." Tim sighed in exasperation. "Think of Ziva being in that place."
That shut Tony up. He briefly wondered if she actually slept here, and then decided he didn't want to know. "Ok, McSnoop. Guide me." Tony whispered into this cell, looking from door to door.
"You're almost there, Tony." McGee responded. Tony stopped in front of a door, hearing movement inside.
"I think I found her, McGee." Tony hung up before Tim could respond. Taking a deep breath, Tony knocked lightly. He could hear all noise cease in the apartment. He sensed rather than heard the slow footsteps coming to the door.
The door cracked open slightly, and Tony was stunned to find a gun pointed at his head. "Hi Ziva." Tony said lightly.
Ziva frowned. "Why are you here?" She asked in surprise, still keeping the door mostly closed and not releasing her grip on her weapon.
Tony looked at her knowingly. "You know why I am here, Ziva. Let me in." Ziva stared into his eyes, and then dropped her weapon. She walked away from the door, allowing Tony to let himself in. Whatever he thought he would find when he got here could never prepare him for the truth.
The room itself was dingy, with mildew on the walls, walls covered with photos and newspaper accounts. Big circles were drawn around individuals that were either Bodnar or his associates. A small desk was set up, on which lay a laptop and a now cold cup of coffee. Tony took in the wealth of information Ziva had accumulated. He looked at her, his hands in his pants pockets.
"What are you doing, Ziva? He asked quietly. Ziva stiffened and gave him a look.
"You know what I am doing; otherwise you would not be here spying on me." She spoke sharply.
Tony felt hurt at that. "I'm not spying on you, Ziva. I'm trying to protect you. Do you realize that your actions have caught the attention of Homeland Security? They want to bring you in."
Ziva looked stunned at that. She looked at her bulletin board, crammed with pieces of paper. She clasped her hands tightly, rubbing her left as she always did when stressed.
"You can't stay here, Ziva. It's not safe." Tony tried to reason with her. When he saw her stubborn expression, he sighed. "What have you found?"
Ziva turned the laptop around. A map of Europe was showing, with various cities highlighted: Paris, Madrid, Rome, Hamburg…
"I am the daughter of Eli David. I must avenge his death." She lifted her chin in defiance. "You have to be ok with that, Tony."
"No, Ziva. I do not have to be ok with that. Do you want to know why I don't have to be ok? It's because you are reverting back to your old Mossad ways and shutting me out."
"Tony…" Ziva began.
"No, let me finish and I don't want to hear any more 'I am fines' from you, Ziva. I know you, and I know you are up to something."
Ziva sighed walked over to where he was standing. "So you thought you would come here to talk me out of it?" She said, with a bit of a challenge in her voice.
Tony took his hands out of his pockets and crossed his arms. "If I thought it would work and you would listen to me? Hell yeah. But I know you've made up your mind, so there is only one thing I can do."
He took a deep breath. "Let me in. Whatever it is you're planning. I want in. If you're taking off, I'm going with you. No, listen to me…"
Ziva started shaking her head "no".
"Ziva, we have to treat this as an undercover op. You can't just fly all over Europe and the Middle East searching for Ilan Bodnar and not expect your movements to be detected. And you will less likely to be found out if you are traveling with someone. We do this together. We adopt aliases, we change our appearance. It's the only way to succeed and get back in one piece."
He grabbed her face. "I have lost you too many times already: when Vance split up the team, when you stayed in Israel, when I thought you died on that boat, when you almost married CI-Ray. I am not losing you again, and if the only way I can make sure you come back is for me to bring you back, then that's what I'm going to do."
Ziva listened, her eyes growing bigger as Tony continued his argument. She had to admit that he was making a lot of sense, and she would be lying to herself if she didn't feel a sense of relief to have her secret out.
"I love you, Ziva. You are not going without me." Tony's word was final.
Ziva looked at Tony, her hands grasping his as they held her face. "Then I guess we better start making some plans. I have many contacts. We can create a whole life that will pass the scrutiny of the best, including Ilan. And Tony, I want to come back. I love you, too."
They touched foreheads. "Ok, the first thing we are going to do is pack this stuff up and get you out of here. No more using that laptop; we need to get Homeland off of your scent." Tony helped Ziva take down the bulletin board.
And so they made their plans. They would leave on a Friday after work, taking the train to New York, and stay at Tony's dad's place. Once in New York, they would change their appearance, and get their new passports and driver's licenses.
After that task was completed, they would rent a car under their new identities and drive to Canada. From there, they would make their way to Europe and begin their hunt.
NCIS- May 2013
Gibbs walked into Vance's office, hoping he was doing the right thing. He felt to a certain degree like he was selling Tony and Ziva out, that he was abandoning them.
He knew they were on their own, and it was of their own choosing. He couldn't offer any resources, and making an effort to search for them could endanger their lives. No, his sole purpose was to save their careers after they got back, when they completed their mission.
"They did what?" Vance yelled, as Gibbs explained that two of his Agents were gone.
Gibbs sat quietly and let Vance expel every expletive he had if it made him feel any better.
"Come on, Leon. You knew it was only a matter of time." Gibbs offered.
"Agent David, yes. But DiNozzo taking off with her? I thought he had a better sense of career fulfillment. You know they're on their own, Gibbs. I can't give them any help or resources."
"I know that and they know that, Director. Why else do you think they didn't let us in on their plan? Plausible deniability."
Vance glared at Gibbs. "Are you telling me you had no idea this was going to happen?"
Gibbs shifted in his chair. "This? No. All I knew was that DiNozzo was worried about Ziva and I told him to watch her back."
"Well, he took your words to heart, it would seem." Vance chewed on his toothpick angrily. He sat down.
"Look, I want the Bastard dead as much as Agent David does, but I cannot sanction an assassination by an NCIS Agent. Not on my watch, Gibbs!"
Gibbs nodded. "Understood, Director. I think that's why Tony went with her. To make sure she does it by the book. He wants her to come back, and he knows I expect him to bring her back. The only way that is going to happen is if they follow some rules."
"So you don't think her plan is to kill Bodnar." It was a statement.
"I think DiNozzo's plan is to make sure Ziva doesn't kill Bodnar; that they locate him and then let the authorities know where they can find him, and get him captured. That's what I'm banking on." Gibbs took a deep breath. He needed to convince Vance that while Tony and Ziva were acting as free-agents, they will still need help when they ask for it.
"So we just sit back and wait until we hear from them, is that what you are trying to sell me Gibbs?" Vance asked, looking hard at him.
Gibbs nodded. "I think they will find a way to let us know what Intel they get. The endgame is to capture Bodnar. They don't have to be the ones who put the cuffs on him; at least I'm hoping Ziva is seeing it this way."
"And if she isn't?" Vance said quietly.
"Then they're both screwed." Gibbs admitted.
One Week Ago
Tony scratched his head. He had been growing his hair, and had to resort to an assortment of hair products to try to conceal the extra length. Whatever he used today was bugging the Hell out of him.
If anyone noticed the increased length in what he considered to be his thinning hair, no one had said anything. Hair grows at the most a half an inch every month, so it had only grown about an inch, but Tony felt like he had added three inches to his head.
He and Ziva had solidified their plans, at least as far as getting to New York and Montreal. They would take the train from Union Station after work on Friday. Tony had reluctantly called his father, not really wanting him involved, but also realizing it gave them a good cover story.
To add to the "festive nature" of the weekend, Tony would be getting tickets for the Opera. But this was one detail he didn't regret and he and Ziva planned to go. It was their last public hurrah as themselves and they were going to enjoy it to the fullest.
They would take a cab from his dad's place on Sunday, so he wouldn't have any information regarding their actual departure from New York.
Tony looked at Ziva, who looked up at the same time. They both smiled at each other, and Tony wondered how he was going to make it through the week without giving their plan away. As if reading his thoughts, Ziva got up and walked into the Woman's restroom.
After about two minutes, Tony got up and walked in that general direction. He peeked in. "It is clear, Tony." Ziva said.
He walked in and leaned against the wall. "Are you ok, Tony?" Ziva looked concerned.
"I hate lying to Gibbs." He admitted.
Ziva walked up to him and touched his cheek. "I know. I do not like it either. But you are not…changing your mind? You are still coming with me?"
Tony jerked at that. "What? Yes, I'm still going with you. You are not leaving without me, so get that out of your head right now." He growled.
"Oh, I have many things in my head right now, but it has nothing to do with…" Tony kissed her, cutting her off. They touched foreheads.
"I just wish it was Friday already." Tony whispered. "Which is stupid, because we are both probably going to get so fired over this and I really like my job." He looked at her. "But I love you more."
"I love you too, Tony. Just a few more days. Our preparations on this end are almost done. Did you talk to your father?"
Tony nodded. "He's thrilled. 'Glad you finally came to your senses, Jr.'." Tony gave his best impression of his father.
Ziva chuckled. "Well, not all of this weekend will be a lie, yes?" She patted his cheek and left the bathroom. Tony straightened his tie, grinning. He carefully wiped the smile off his face and he followed Ziva out and back to the Bullpen.
Gibbs' Home- May 2013
Anthony DiNozzo, Sr. walked into the familiar living room. "Glad to see you took my advice about re-decorating, Gibbs." He said sardonically.
Gibbs smiled at his attempt at humor. "Explain why I am here again?"
"Sit down." Gibbs requested. Sr. looked concerned at that.
"Jr. is in trouble, isn't he? What about Ziva, is she ok?"
Gibbs cocked his head. "Tell me about this weekend."
Sr. smiled. "Well, I have to admit I was surprised when Jr. called, telling me he and Ziva were spending the weekend in New York and wanted to stay with me. Pleasantly surprised, I might add."
Gibbs smiled to himself. Tony's dad had made his feelings clear about what he thought Tony should do regarding Ziva. His smile left his face. Did Tony's dad just reveal that Tony and Ziva…
"Just tell me what happened." Gibbs leaned forward, looking serious.
"Well, they arrived Friday night, took the train into Penn Station. Then they grabbed a cab to my place. We had a late dinner, and then talked for a while. It was nice."
"What did you talk about?" Gibbs asked, knowing in his gut Tony and Ziva would never say anything to his father about their plans.
"Just…what they were doing this weekend. They went to the Met Saturday night. One of the Big Three, Gibbs." Sr. said significantly.
Gibbs had to smile again at that, remembering how agitated Tony had been when he thought Ziva was going to the opera with "someone special."
"Can I say something, Gibbs?" Sr. interrupted his thoughts.
"Yeah, sure." Gibbs looked at him, curious.
"My son thinks the sun rises and sets on you. The last thing he ever wants to do is disappoint you."
Gibbs sat up at that. Could Tony have let something slip? That alarmed Gibbs more than relieved him.
"I could never understand why my son would not make Ziva a part of his life. Then I found out why." Sr. glared at Gibbs.
Understanding dawned on Gibbs. "What gives you the right to tell my son who he can or cannot have a relationship with, Gibbs? Let me tell you something. Anthony's mother was the love of my life. And I would do anything; even go against any rule or logic, to spend just one more day with her."
Gibbs' eyes unwittingly went to the photo over his mantel. He would be lying to himself if he said he wouldn't do the same, to spend one more day with Shannon and Kelly. Sr. followed his gaze.
"You do know what I am talking about, don't you?" He challenged Gibbs.
Gibbs looked at him, but didn't say anything.
Sr. waited, and then nodded, acknowledging that Gibbs wasn't going to comment.
"Tony and Ziva did not come back, after spending the weekend with you. We can't find them. I have an idea what they are doing." Gibbs hedged.
"Well, then maybe you aren't the Bastard I thought you were after all, Gibbs." Sr. smiled.
Gibbs looked shocked at that. "What are you talking about?"
"Jr. asked for his mother's engagement ring this weekend. If they didn't come back, then I am pretty sure they eloped and are on their honeymoon right now." Sr. looked so pleased he was about to pop.
Gibbs was silent. Tony's dad thought he knew, or had figured out, that Tony was going to propose to Ziva. Gibbs thought about the implications of the engagement ring. He knew it would make sense for them to be "married" if they were going undercover; he and Jen had played that part many times. But it never occurred to him they would actually get married.
He quickly figured the ring was probably a prop, but he didn't want to burst DiNozzo, Sr's. bubble. Not yet, anyway.
"Is that what Tony told you? That he and Ziva were going to elope?" Gibbs asked.
Sr. lost his grin. "Well, no. But that would explain everything wouldn't it?"
Gibbs looked down, then back up at Tony's dad. "They are off the grid. There are people who want them dead. I had you come down here to protect you. Whoever is after Tony may go after those closest to him."
Tony's dad looked aghast at that. "Are they safe? How do you know that whoever this person is that wants to hurt my son and Ziva doesn't have them?"
"My gut." Gibbs said. "Look, A.D. I can't tell you everything I know, but you need to trust me on this."
Anthony DiNozzo, Sr. looked like his world had come to an end. "And what am I supposed to do? Hole up in some 'safe house' somewhere?"
Gibbs smiled. "You're already here. Guards will be posted outside."
"For how long?" Sr. demanded.
"For as long as it takes. Until Tony and Ziva surface or until I am convinced that you are not a target. Do you think you can live with that?" Gibbs snapped back.
Sr. looked shocked. "I guess I'll have to." He conceded.
Wow, thanks for the great reviews. Sorry for the mix-up with the first posting. Glad you like this story. I am trying not to get ahead of myself too much.
Addendum: I've changed bits of this story to match the preview that finally showed for "Chasing Ghosts". I think Gibbs and Vance find out what is going on and possibly Gibbs also goes to Berlin with Tony and Ziva, but the rest of the story will have to stand.