Vance nodded his approval. "Very well, Agent Burley. Continue to offer whatever support you can to Agents DiNozzo and David." The transmission ended.
Vance, Gibbs and McGee all looked at each other, knowing that things were moving fast. "McGee, I want to go to both Tony and Ziva's apartments and have them outfitted with video and listening devices. Hopefully we will know when he gets here and be waiting for him, but just in case…" Gibbs didn't finish the statement.
"On it, Boss." McGee responded immediately. As scary as the thought was of someone coming to kill Tony or Ziva, he now felt he was doing something instead of waiting around to hear what was happening on the other side of the Atlantic. "I've got you." McGee whispered to himself.
Vignette Eleven: Part Twelve
Stan was just getting ready to leave the office when his phone rang. "Special Agent Stan Burley." He answered by rote, gathering up stuff and not really paying attention.
"Ah, Agent Burley! What a delight to hear your voice again." The cocky British accent was full of humor.
Stan grinned. "Is that you Thomas? I was just thinking about you and your lovely wife. I would love to get together again before you leave."
Tony smiled. "How about tonight? The usual place? You know the routine." Tony was reminding him about the door knocks.
"Sounds good, I don't have any special plans. It will be great to catch up." Stan responded. "Seven o'clock? I'll be there." Stan hung up and finished putting his reports away.
He was glad Tony had contacted him. He needed to let them know what he had learned and what he suspected. He wasn't sure how Ziva would handle the news, but hoped any news would be welcomed.
Tony turned and smiled at Ziva. "Stan will be here at seven. That should give us time to figure out what our next move is." He went over to the table where Ziva was looking over some maps and the names of interest to Bodnar.
Ziva nodded thoughtfully. "I hate to admit this, but I like being here and having Stan as a contact. I thought I could do this alone, and then you convinced me that you should help. Now I am thinking we may need more help than I originally thought."
Tony frowned. "Is there something you are not telling me, something you figured out that you hadn't considered before?"
Ziva took his hand and shook her head. "Just reality, I think. I am used to missions with a clear set of plans, goals and the actions necessary to make it happen. This is all…" She waved her hands helplessly in front of her.
"Fly by the seat of your pants, yeah I know. I feel just as nervous and unsure that what I am doing is the right thing. Oh, I don't mean being here with you, and going after Bodnar, I mean whatever calls I make, or people I contact. Anyone of them could be the last person we should be taking to." Tony sat down next to her, and put his arm around her shoulder.
"I feel better having Stan in the loop as well. Now, if we can just figure a way to get Gibbs and McGee on a plane without being seen, I'd be one happy camper." He kissed her hand.
Ziva chuckled. "Where would everyone sleep?" She joked. She looked at the map again and sighed. "I think we should wait until we talk to Stan, especially if he spoke with Samuel or was able to divert their Intel reports. It would be nice to get some actual intelligence to work from instead of making educated guesses."
Tony nodded approvingly. "I think you're right. Let's hear what Stan has to report and go from there."
NCIS
Gibbs looked up from his desk as he saw the dark suited man being escorted into the bullpen. "May I help you?" He asked, knowing this had to be someone from the Israeli Embassy from his looks and demeanor.
"Yes." The gentleman extended his hand and looked around. "I need to speak with Special Agent Ziva David. I have some important documents for her."
Gibbs stomach did flip flops. He never expected anyone to come looking for Ziva. Once she renounced her homeland and became an American Citizen, the Israeli Embassy had lost all interest in her.
Gibbs saw McGee stand up out of the corner of his eye. "Easy, McGee." He said to himself. He looked at the Attaché.
"Agent David is on a case right now and isn't available. Is there something I can do to help?"
The Embassy Attaché looked distressed. "Do you know when she will return? It is imperative that she has this information."
"Well, actually no, I can't. It's classified." Gibbs hedged. "I'm sure you understand the concept." He looked at the courier's pouch the man was holding. "Can we take it for her? The Director can lock it up in his office until she returns."
Gibbs held his breath. He did not want this guy coming back looking for Ziva. He had no idea what the leanings were at the Embassy, and for all he knew, this man was checking Ziva out as part of Bodnar's instructions.
The attaché hesitated, and then looked like he was going to agree. "I cannot keep coming back hoping to find Agent David available to personally take charge of this. May I speak with your Director?"
Gibbs picked up his phone and dialed upstairs. He spoke softly into the phone, giving Vance as much detail as he had.
Gibbs hung up and nodded. "If you'll follow me, I can take you to Director Vance now." The man nodded his head and followed Gibbs up the stairs.
McGee watched them as they left, breathing a sigh of relief. Thank goodness they had thought to tell the guards in the lobby that all visitors asking for Ziva or Tony were to be escorted to Gibbs, with no comment.
Although he supposed it wouldn't necessarily be bad if the rumor that they had both left for New York got out to Mossad, but as Gibbs said, they didn't know who their friends were any more. No one could be trusted until proven so.
Vance was standing in his doorway when Gibbs got upstairs with the Israeli. "Shalom." Director Vance greeted the visitor. "I understand you have a package for Agent David?"
Vance indicated he should enter his office and closed the door. He pressed a button underneath his conference table. The man looked around wide eyed as the room was filled with sounds of sliding metal.
"The room is secure, you may speak freely." Vance informed his unexpected visitor. He smiled slightly. "Unless of'course you do not feel at ease speaking to us?" It was not quite a challenge, but Vance stopped smiling.
The Israeli considered his options and decided to take the path of least resistance. He handed over the diplomatic pouch to the Director.
"These are documents for Ziva David's eyes only. Even I do not know what they are. Only that they were found in her father's office, after his death."
Gibbs and Vance exchanged glances. Vance nodded in understanding. "You have my word that these will be placed in Agent David's hands, and they will not be touched. Is there any news you can give us regarding the search for Ilan Bodnar?"
Vance waved his hand, indicating he should sit. He poured the visitor some water and waited patiently.
Taking a sip, the Embassy attaché cleared his throat. "We have a man on the inside of his organization. I myself have not been given any of the security briefs."
Vance frowned. "Why do you have someone on the inside? If he is there, then why hasn't he taken Bodnar? What is he, and I am only assuming it is a he, waiting for?"
The man shook his head. "I am afraid I am not privy to the actions of our colleagues in Israel. I do not know who this person is, whether they are male or female or what their mission is. I only know that it has happened."
Gibbs set his lips in a thin line. This was important information, and Ziva should know who was working on the inside, to keep her eye out for them. He saw Vance had not relaxed his stance.
"I see." He answered. He stood up and locked the pouch in his safe for the benefit of the courier. "We won't keep you from your duties. Good day." Vance curtly nodded and released the room from its security confines.
Gibbs smiled to himself. "Well, he just dismissed this guy." He mused. He indicated the man should come with him and he walked him downstairs, all the way out to his waiting car. He stood and watched to car leave the premises.
He wasn't sure what had just transpired, but he was curious what was so important that it had to be delivered personally to Ziva.
He headed back into the building and up to Vance's office. Vance looked up as Gibbs strolled back in.
"So, what did you make of that?" Vance sat back in his chair.
Gibbs shrugged. "I think he knows more than he told us. Why would he know Mossad has an inside man, or woman as you pointed out, and not know who it was?" Gibbs rubbed his jaw. "I don't think he was lying about someone being on the inside, though. But I don't get what they are waiting for either."
"I just hope they aren't waiting for Agent David." Vance said quietly.
Gibbs looked up at that. "Do you think she let some of those loyal to her father know what her plans were?" Gibbs asked in disbelief.
"Not necessarily. I'm not convinced Agent David knows who is or isn't loyal to Eli. But they know this is her fight. They may be waiting for a moment when they know Bodnar will be vulnerable and David more likely to be successful."
"You're thinking Ben-Gidon? Or maybe Tuvia?" Gibbs asked.
Vance nodded. "The thought entered my mind. Both Officers had an allegiance to Eli David, and also know Agent David's mind as well. They could be strong allies, but I am not sure how they plan to let her know of their plan, if indeed this is what they are planning."
Vance stuck a toothpick in his mouth. "And Agent David may already be in contact with them, working with them. When are we supposed to hear from them again? I would like an answer to this question."
Gibbs shook his head. "Stan thinks he might hear from them tonight. I'm sure he'll ask when they last talked to us. I should have thought to tell him to have them give us a call."
"What are you going to do about the pouch?" Gibbs asked.
Vance looked at his safe. "I can't help but think there may be something in there that will help Agents David and DiNozzo, but I am not inclined to look through whatever is in there. We will need to wait until we hear from them to get instruction."
Gibbs nodded his head in agreement. "Ok, well if I should happen to hear from either of them I'll let you know."
Naples, Italy
Tony looked up as the requisite knock sounded on the door. He checked his watch out of habit, noting Stan was right on time. He grinned at Ziva and went to the door.
After checking the peephole, he unlocked the door. As before, Stan entered on his own, but this time he was not greeted with weapons trained on him.
Tony and Ziva greeted him from their seats at the table. "Glad you could come, Stan. Have a seat." Tony said amiably. "What news do you have for us?"
Stan took off his jacket, loosened his tie and sat down. "Well, a lot of activity today. Our young friend showed up as planned." Stan shook his head.
"Couple things: first of all, he is definitely under the thumb of Ilan Bodnar. He was sent to give us false Intel regarding Bodnar, I think. He said they had been tracking him, and now believed he was in Munich. Thanks!" Stan took the offered beer from Tony.
He shifted a bit in his seat. "I think he may be tasked with taking you out, Tony. It makes sense, given the history and Bodnar habit of using others to do his dirty work. I think this kid is also considered expendable by Bodnar."
Tony and Ziva listened with growing concern, as Stan relayed his thoughts. Tony wasn't thrilled to hear he was a probable target, but intellectually he knew that was always in the realm of their new reality. The attempt on his father's life was proof of that.
"I did put one of those tracking disks on him, so you will be able to keep tabs on him."
Ziva opened the laptop and clicked on the tracking software. Stan gave them the disk number as well as the second tracking disk. "That one I placed on our courier, Marco Cagnani. We've been able to pull a bait and switch. We now have the real Intel reports and Bodnar will be getting what we want him to see."
Ziva nodded in excitement, finally seeing some positive action in the pursuit of this man from her childhood. The two dots pulsed, in different areas of the city.
"I was able to contact Director Vance and Gibbs, so they know about these new developments as well, especially about Rivkin and the possible threat to you, Tony. They will also be tracking him." Stan took a sip of his beer.
Tony nodded. "So they know you've been in contact with us?"
"Yes, I told them. They both seemed relieved. But they are getting antsy. Not because Bodnar hasn't been caught but I think because you are getting closer." Stan qualified. "When was the last time you contacted Gibbs?"
Tony and Ziva looked at each other. "It has been since we first arrived. And we feel the difference as well. The game has changed, he is near. I can feel it." Ziva said, her voice almost a whisper. She turned to Stan.
"Why do you think Ilan is not really in Munich?" She asked.
Stan frowned and looked at Tony. "Well…that would be really stupid of Rivkin to tell us where Bodnar really is. He was sent to throw us off the chase." He looked again at Tony for support.
Tony frowned as well. "What are you thinking, Ziva?"
Ziva looked surprised. "Only that it would not be out of the realm of possibility for Bodnar to go to Germany. His parents came to Israel from Germany, I don't remember exactly where though."
Tony shifted in his seat. "You are thinking he has family still there that will protect him? Wouldn't it be common knowledge about his German roots? I would think that would be the last place he would go."
Ziva glanced at Tony. "I know where he came from because he told me when I was a child. But I do not think he made a habit of telling people of his roots. His grandparents were sent to Krakow. It is a painful memory for him."
Tony and Stan sat silent, absorbing this new information. Stan cleared his throat. "Do you think he remembers telling you he was from Germany, well his parents? I can't believe Rivkin would actually tell us where he is." Stan looked defeated. If this were true, then his entire assumption about Rivkin could be wrong.
Stan shook his head. "No, he knew about the attempt on Tony's father. No one in Mossad was informed. He could only know because Bodnar told him."
Tony considered that. "I think we need to call Gibbs. It's still early there; unless they are out in the field he should be in the bullpen."
Ziva nodded in agreement. "I would like to speak to him as well." She got up and pulled out a new burn phone and handed it to Tony.
Tony punched in the number and put the phone on speaker.
NCIS
Gibbs stood; ready to leave Vance's office, when his phone rang. Looking at the readout, he cocked an eyebrow. "Well, speak of the devil." He glanced at Vance.
Vance sat up. "DiNozzo and David?" Gibbs nodded.
"Gibbs."
"Hi Dad. Lisa and I are sitting here visiting with Cousin Sam and decided we would give you a call." Tony's voice was unmistakable.
Gibbs rolled his eyes at "Sam", knowing he meant Stan. "Yeah, we were hoping you would call, Son. You're on a secure line. Feel free to talk."
Tony smiled. "Got it. We've been brought up to speed by Stan. We obviously have some concerns."
Gibbs nodded. "Well, you're not here, DiNozzo so you don't have to worry about getting killed in your apartment. We have both of your apartments under surveillance plus we are tracking Rivkin. We'll get him."
Tony breathed a sigh of relief. He wasn't embarrassed to admit to being afraid of what Rivkin would do if he realized Tony, and by extension Ziva, were not in D.C.
Vance interrupted his musings. "Agent David, an attaché from the Israeli Embassy showed up today with a diplomatic pouch for you. We were able to talk him into letting us take custody of it."
Ziva looked surprised. "Did he say what it was? I cannot imagine anything the Embassy would have for me. Once I became an American Citizen, they essentially cut me off."
Vance nodded in understanding. "The attaché stated that it was papers from your Father's office in Mossad. He was adamant that you have custody of them, but denied any knowledge of what was contained in the papers."
Ziva paled, hearing of information her father had hidden in his office and that the Mossad thought she should have in her possession. She thought back to when she had returned to Tel Aviv for her father's funeral.
She had gone through his homes with a fine tooth comb, intent on finding all personal papers and taking them from prying eyes. She was forbidden access to Mossad, and she had not been upset: she really didn't want to go there and be reminded of her painful past any more than she already was.
Now that she considered it, it made perfect sense for Eli to have hidden sensitive documents, if that's what these were, in his office. Intruders maybe could have penetrated his defenses at his private residences, but they would not have gained access to his private inner sanctum at Mossad. She was surprised that Bodnar did not already have custody of these documents.
"What are your wishes, Agent David?" Vance pressed.
Ziva looked at Tony and Stan. She wanted desperately to know what was in the pouch, but she wasn't sure she wanted anyone else to know.
"We can hand deliver the package to the Field Office in Naples. You can get it from there." Gibbs offered.
"Yes, I think that would be best." Ziva answered, feeling relieved that didn't pressure her to open the pouch.
Gibbs looked at Vance. "Ok, McGee and I will hop a transport and be there in the morning."
Tony and Ziva smiled. "Really, you're coming?" Tony was excited to see them again, missing them both more than he ever thought he would.
Gibbs growled. "Ya' think? I owe you a head slap, DiNozzo."
Tony went quiet at that. "Uh, Boss. Out of curiosity: did you ever look at the security footage of the bullpen the night before we left?"
Gibbs was brought up short by that. "No, didn't think it was necessary, since we knew what you did. Why?"
"Just wondering." Tony said quietly. Ziva reached over and grabbed his hand.
"I'll meet you guys tomorrow in my office, Gibbs." Stan spoke up, not sure what had just occurred. "There is nothing suspicious about NCIS Agents coming to the Europe and Africa Field Office."
"Tomorrow then." Gibbs hung up. He wanted to see the security footage. Tony would not have brought it up if it wasn't important. He looked at Vance. "I'll tell Ziva and Tony in person about this inside…person. I want to see her reaction." Vance nodded in agreement.
Gibbs grabbed McGee and filled him in regarding their trip to Naples. Tim was excited he was going to finally see Tony and Ziva after all this time. He would be lying to himself if he said he didn't miss them, even Tony and his wisecracks and inevitable movie quotes. Things had been way too tense since they had left and he ached for some levity.
He was surprised that Gibbs led him down to Abby's lab and confused when he asked Abby to pull up the security footage of the night of Tony and Ziva last day at work.
"Here it is, May 10th." Abby said as she pulled up the footage. She fast forwarded to the afternoon and into the evening.
"Wait! There! Go back, Abby." Gibbs pointed to the screen, after seeing Tony and Ziva by themselves.
Abby slowly backed up until they got to the frame of Gibbs leaving the Bullpen. The three watched silently as Tony and Ziva looked at each other as Gibbs left. Tony stood and put his gun, ID and phone in his desk, as Ziva did the same.
They stood together, talking, clearly worried but committed to their plan. Gibbs swallowed as he saw Ziva run her hand on McGee's desk then stop in front of Gibbs' desk. She lovingly picked up his coffee mug.
Tony came to her side and touched her arm. He then faced the security camera and made some movements with his hands. Ziva looked up as well, and placed her hands over her heart and spoke.
Tony then held out his hand, taking Ziva's in his. They walked together to the elevator and left the building.
Gibbs was silent. Finally finding his voice he asked Abby to go back a few frames. "There, freeze that." He looked at Tony, his right hand showing four fingers. "Ok, go forward slowly." Tony dropped his hand, the showed all five fingers on both hands, dropped them and showed eight fingers. Abby stopped the tape.
McGee looked confused. "Was he giving a clue? Numbers? Four, ten and eight? Four-ten-eight…Fortunate? They think they are fortunate?"
Gibbs shook his heads. "Rules, McGee." He should have known.
McGee's eyes opened wide at that and then closed, trying to remember which rules Tony was referencing. "Rule No. Four:
The best way to keep a secret? Keep it to yourself. Second best? Tell one other person, if you must. There is no Third best." He looked at Abby.
"That explains why they didn't tell anyone beyond themselves, I guess." Tim looked at Gibbs and gulped. "What's rule No. Ten? Never get personally involved in a case? Well they screwed up that one!"
Gibbs actually smiled. "Not Ten, McGee. Rule No. Eighteen: It's better to seek forgiveness than ask permission." He rubbed the back of his neck. He turned to Abby. "Let me see the footage of Ziva again."
Abby nodded quietly, as unnerved by this footage as Gibbs and McGee were. It explained so much and now she was upset with herself for being angry with them.
Abby went back to the frame where Ziva had her hands over her heart and was speaking.
"What's she saying, Abbs?" Gibbs asked, knowing she could lip-read.
Abby looked intently at the frames, mouthing out the words as Ziva verbalized them. When she realized what Ziva was saying, tears sprang to her eyes. "Gibbs…" She whispered, turning to him
Gibbs immediately picked up on her distress. "What is it Abby? What is she saying?"
Abby took a deep breath. "She expected you to see this, Gibbs. She is saying…You are my father. Her hands are over her heart as a sign of love."
Gibbs opened his mouth slightly in shock, and then closed it. He stared at the image of his "kids", telling him what they were doing, asking for forgiveness and telling him how important he was to them.
Thanks for the great reviews! Keep them coming. Will try to update more frequently.