"Sir, Agent Ziva David is an NCIS Special Agent. She quit Mossad years ago." Gibbs looked sideways at Vance, unnerved.
"Are you sure about that Gibbs?" Morrow barked. "According to intelligence I have, not only didn't she quit, but she's been working as a double agent for the past four years!"
Gibbs stood stock still, not sure he had heard his former Director correctly. He looked at Vance, shocked. Vance was angrily chewing on a toothpick.
"Chief Morrow is of the opinion that Agent David is not looking for Ilan Bodnar to kill him, but to rejoin his ranks. He believes David was in on the coup from the beginning and is using all of us for her benefit."
Gibbs sat down heavily. "This can't be true!" Gibbs was overwhelmed and frightened by what Homeland Security was suggesting.
Vignette Eleven: Part Seventeen
Gibbs rubbed his neck. He looked at his former boss, scrutinizing him. Having come to a decision, he stood again. "If you'll forgive me Chief, you're Intel is wrong. Ziva David is no more a traitor than I am. What are you basing this on? Other than Ziva being Israeli, former Mossad and the daughter of its former Director?" Gibbs decided to put on the gloves.
Morrow smiled grimly. "We know that she has been in contact over the past few months with a Mossad Officer. This same officer was found dead yesterday, murdered. He had numerous papers on him, including several outlining plans to meet with Agent David."
Gibbs listened carefully. Ziva had never explained where she had gotten a lot of her information on Bodnar from, but it made sense that she would have some sort of contact within Mossad.
"I'm sure Agent David did speak with this Mossad Officer. Ilan Bodnar, the man who orchestrated the murder of Mossad Director Eli David, is a wanted man by every agency in the world, including Homeland Security and NCIS. Ziva David is not working with this man; she is trying to seek revenge."
"And she does this by sneaking off, taking one of your best Agents with her, roping him in. None of her actions were sanctioned, Agent Gibbs. And now we have a dead Mossad Officer, one who was clearly dealing with Agent David!"
"Excuse me, if I may speak finally!" Mossad Director Orli Elbaz had listened impatiently as the men had argued, but she could take no more.
"I can tell you, as Director of Mossad, that Ziva David did resign four years ago and she has never worked for us since. She did not continue assignments with her father while under the employ of NCIS. I also know Ilan Bodnar and there is no way the two of them would work together for any common cause, much less the downfall of Eli David. To suggest such a thing is ludicrous." Director Elbaz was clearly angry.
"I sent the Mossad Officer to contact Ziva, to assist her with any intelligence we may have regarding Bodnar. She did not instigate the contact. I knew…that Ziva would not sit idly by and wait for others to find her father's killer. We know many things, including where Bodnar is right now, but we consider it to be her birthright to avenge Eli's death, should she so choose." She put her hand to her forehead, rubbing her temple.
"It is not a simple task, and it is not one we could expect. It was her choice. We are here to assist."
Vance's jaw worked, trying to decide if he should speak or not. Taking his toothpick out of his mouth, he looked directly at Chief Morrow.
"Contrary to your belief, Agents David and DiNozzo did not take off on their own to go after Bodnar. I was aware of the mission and gave it my full approval, before they left." Vance was aware of Gibbs' eyes boring holes into him, but he chose to ignore it for the moment.
"We are in constant contact with our Agents, they did not go rogue and are not working without authorization." Vance stared at the Senior Division Chief. "Secretary of the Navy Jarvis was also read into this mission, and has used his considerable contacts to aid our Agents. And if you'll forgive me, I would think Agent David would have had a hell of a time becoming a United States citizen, given that she was still working for Mossad. How did your boys screw that up?"
"Now, listen here, Leon…" Morrow broke in.
"No, Tom. You listen. You barge in, claiming foul in my house, with piss-poor evidence to back it up. Are you challenging my authority and the authority of the Secretary of the Navy? Ilan Bodnar is not in the U.S. I don't think NCIS requires the services of Homeland Security for this mission." Vance glared at Morrow.
Gibbs was troubled. He had a lot of respect for his old boss, and he didn't like the way Leon was treating him. But he didn't like the accusations Morrow was spouting off about Ziva, either.
"Chief? I would bet my career, hell, my life…on Ziva David. She is not a traitor, and she is not a threat to national security. Please, sir; just drop it." Gibbs didn't like begging, but he knew if Morrow didn't drop this and Ziva was subjected to these accusations when she returned, it would devastate her.
Morrow eyed Gibbs carefully. He knew Gibbs was very selective about his team, and wouldn't have just any one on it. The fact that this woman was a part of his team spoke volumes, especially considering her family history. He sighed. "All right, Gibbs. I'll leave it be. But you warn her to be careful about her dealings outside of work. The next time I may not be so willing to let it drop."
Gibbs nodded. "Understood, Sir. Thank you." Morrow signed off and his image disappeared from the screen. Director Elbaz was still looking at them.
"Has Ziva left for Berlin?" She asked, looking more relaxed now that Homeland Security had left the room.
"Yes." Vance answered. "They will contact us when they get there."
Elbaz nodded. "Very well. My own officer is in place as well. We will get Bodnar, Director."
"Yes, we will. I am sending additional support for David and DiNozzo. I don't want there to be any misinterpretation about this mission."
Elbaz nodded in understanding. "Thank you, Director Vance. We will talk again." She signed off and the screen went blank.
Gibbs looked at Vance. Vance turned to the technicians. "Can you excuse us for a moment? Thank you." He waited patiently until the two techs left MTAC. He then faced Gibbs.
"You knew? Or did you just say that to cover for Ziva?" Gibbs wasn't sure if he was angry or not, but he was shocked.
Vance sighed. "Yes, I knew, and I did approve them to go. It had to look the way it did, Gibbs. That they took off on their own."
Gibbs' eyes widened. "You were worried someone would think you were sending Agents on your own behalf, to do what you couldn't do." Gibbs sat back down in one of the chairs.
"Partly. But I needed to buy them as much time as possible, let them contact us when they were ready. It took them awhile to get things rolling. I couldn't risk their exposure before they even got started." Vance sat down next to Gibbs.
"They do not have clearance to tell anyone that I approved this little venture of theirs, so don't be pissed they didn't tell you. It was on my orders, Gibbs."
Gibbs wasn't even thinking of that, he just thought of the desperate hours when they were searching for Tony and Ziva that a head's up would have been welcome.
"So, now what? We send in the Cavalry?" Gibbs asked sardonically.
"In a manner of speaking. Just you, Gibbs. And I will have Agent Burley join you since he has been working with DiNozzo and David recently."
"What about McGee?" Gibbs asked, remembering how McGee felt inadequate for this part of the mission.
"If you think you can use him, then fine. He can use computers and the internet just as well from here though." Vance reminded him.
Gibbs considered his options. "I think I'll give him the option. It will be good experience for him. But I will leave it up to him."
Vance cocked an eyebrow at that, knowing there was some background to that statement, but he didn't ask for an explanation.
"Ok, then. Make your plans, Gibbs." They left MTAC and Gibbs went down to the squad room.
Berlin, Germany
Tony and Ziva arrived in Berlin, breaking up the fifteen plus hour drive into three days. They wanted to be as fresh as they could when they got there, so they felt no need to break any land speed records.
They actually got a tiny bit of sightseeing in as well, not knowing if they would get the chance to come back.
After settling into their hotel, they looked over their notes. "Malachi suggested we meet him at this bar 'A Trane'. It has jazz music." Ziva snorted, knowing it was Malachi's favorite.
"So I guess we just keep showing up until he does?" Tony asked. He didn't mind dressing up and going out, especially since it was with Ziva.
Ziva smiled at Tony. "Hopefully, he will show up tonight, but it would be fun to just relax a bit."
Tony kissed her softly on the lips and was taken by surprise at her aggressive response. He pulled back to get some air. "Guess those side effects are kicking in, hmm?"
Ziva looked confused, then embarrassed. "I am sorry. I…" She stopped, her face red.
Tony cupped her face. "Hey, I am yours to play with all you want." Ziva chuckled.
"I know. I was just taken by surprise." She kissed him again, and let him take the lead. Moaning into the kiss, they both knew that going to the bar would have to wait.
Four hours later, Tony and Ziva were standing at the bar. Ziva had on a beautiful necklace of golden disks. Her dress was black, with huge slits going up each arm. It was all Tony could do to not snake his own arm into those slits. He looked impeccable in his greenish-grey suit and tie.
The bar was sophisticated and appealed to professionals. There were TV's for sports and news. The music was a soft, subdued jazz, but there was also a small dance floor, where several guests were swaying.
Ziva watched a few couples dancing, drinking her Vesper- a martini made of gin, vodka and Kina Lillet. Tony stood close by her, having his usual scotch on the rocks. He felt Ziva take a deep breath, almost sighing.
"You ok?" He looked at her, concerned.
"I was just thinking about when I was a child. My father taught me how to dance. I remember, I was so embarrassed about going to a school dance, I was sure no boy would ask me. My father was very unhappy with me that I did not want to go. I finally told him it was because I did not know how to dance with a boy and I did not want to be made to look foolish. He stood me up, right in my bedroom, and started to dance with me." Ziva looked out at the couples on the floor.
"He sang some song; I do not remember now which one it was. And he showed me how to dance with a man, how to let him lead. I must have stepped on his toes a hundred times!" Ziva shook her head, surprised at this memory coming back so clearly. "My mother stood in the doorway, smiling at me in my father's arms."
Ziva sighed. "I remember laying my head against his chest, feeling so loved and protected. It was one of my last hopeful childhood memories I have of my father. After that, he started going away more often. My mother began pulling away. By the next summer, she had left, taking us with her." Ziva fell silent, her eyes still watching the dancers on the floor.
She was startled when her view was blocked. Tony stood in front of her, smiling. "May I have this dance?" His hand was held out, a warm, gentle smile on his face.
Ziva looked at his hand, then back up into his face. She looked into his eyes, seeing the love she felt for him reflected back.
"Yes, you may." She answered, her voice barely a whisper.
Tony encased her right hand in his left and placed his other hand at her waist. Ziva placed her left hand on his right upper arm and the two began dancing to the music. They moved as one, in perfection.
They looked deeply into each other's eyes, not needing to speak. Ziva laid her head on his chest, and Tony tightened his gripped around her waist. Remembering Ziva's words, of feeling so loved and protected, he squeezed her hand and whispered in her ear "Ani ohev otach". Ziva's breath caught, and she pulled even closer.
Tony rested his chin on the top of her head, feeling her in his arms. "I wish we could stay like this forever." Ziva whispered, as the music came to its inevitable end.
They continued swaying for a few moments after the final notes faded away. "We can, and we will, Ziva. I promise." She pulled back and looked at Tony, wanting to believe him. Tony bent down and kissed her deeply, sealing his pronouncement. He could feel her lips smiling as he caressed them with his own.
Finally breaking apart, they held hands and walked back to the bar. A man was waiting there, his back to them. He turned toward them when they reached their former places at the bar. "What a lovely couple you make."
Ziva and Tony looked at the man in surprise, seeing Malachi standing there with a smirk on his face. Tony wasn't sure if he should shake his hand or break his jaw, so he settled for a head nod.
"Malachi." Ziva said quietly. "How long have you been here?"
"Long enough to watch you two have eye sex that was apparent to everyone within a six-block radius of this dance floor." He was enjoying himself.
Ziva rolled her eyes. "What do you have for us, or are you just going to make jokes?"
Malachi lost his smile. "I had hoped you would be happy to see me, Ziva. The last time we saw each other, we were on better terms."
Ziva thought back to when Malachi and Liat had been sent as the protection detail for her father when he had come for the summit he and Director Vance had set up. She wondered briefly if he felt upset that he was not given the same opportunity for her father's last and final visit.
Ziva felt rebuked. "I am sorry, Malachi. You are here at great risk to yourself, to help us. I am of'course happy to see you. We both are."
Malachi eyed Tony, who still hadn't said anything. "Well, Agent DiNozzo? Are you just going to stare me down and shoot daggers with the eyes?"
Tony's mouth twitched. "Sorry, I'm not as carefree as I used to be. Call it my gut."
"Tony!" Ziva shushed him. She didn't know what had gotten into him, and she didn't want him to antagonize Malachi.
If Malachi was disturbed by Tony's demeanor he didn't show it. "Please, Agent DiNozzo. I understand your…attitude, especially as it concerns Ziva. Do not be worried, I am here to help."
Tony relaxed slightly, but he was still cool. Something felt off, but he couldn't put his finger on it. His eyes darted around the room, looking at the other patrons, seeing if anyone else was paying attention to them.
"Who is the woman in the photo you sent? We could not make her out." Ziva asked immediately. This had been concerning her since she saw it.
Malachi shrugged. "I do not know her. She has only been seen with Bodnar, never with the group. I am sure she is his lover. It is very hard to find her, thus the poor photo."
Ziva felt deflated. Someone who could get that close to Ilan would be a great asset. She let it go for now. "I recognized those from Mossad, but the others I do not know."
Malachi nodded. "They are from Germany, childhood family friends. Amir Mantel, Adam Eshel, Erich Mengen, and Gerhardt Tobler."
Tony was writing down the names on his notepad. "What about 'MC'?"
Malachi looked stunned at the question. "Excuse me?"
"Do you know who 'MC' is?" Tony asked, emphasizing the initials.
Malachi thought carefully. "I am aware of an 'MC' who is a cyber-terrorist. Is that who you are referring to?" He looked from Tony to Ziva.
Ziva nodded. "NCIS has been getting fake Intel reports from you, well, Bodnar I guess I should say. The last one made a reference to 'MC'. What that tells us is at least Bodnar knows of this person."
Malachi's eyes widened. "Is that so? And what did this report say about the mysterious 'MC'?"
"That he had been seen in Madrid. We figured it was an attempt to get us off of his, Bodnar's, back."
"Aw, dangling fish in front of you and casting it in a different part of the lake. I see." Malachi responded.
Tony wasn't quite sure what Malachi had just said, but he thought he could puzzle it out. "So, do you know if he knows 'MC' or not?" He asked again, losing patience.
Malachi shrugged. "The name has not come up to my knowledge. However, I am not his second and do not necessarily have his ear."
"What is he planning, Malachi?" Ziva asked, disturbed.
"Well, one thing he has planned, which certainly will not happen, is the death of one Agent Anthony DiNozzo. He is then planning an attack on an Iranian installation that will have Mossad written all over it, causing an international incident."
"Compromising the tenuous accord and jeopardizing the new Director of Mossad." Tony interjected.
"Precisely." Malachi nodded.
"But to what end? The end of Mossad? The end of Israel? I do not understand his motivation now." Ziva's face was pale, her eyes dark with emotion.
Tony put his arm around her waist, pulling her close to comfort her.
Malachi held out his hands, showing them empty. "He lost his chance to lead Mossad. I do not know if he has a clear plan. These are only things I have heard him speak of. I truly believe he thinks he will be welcomed back to Mossad, to clean up the mess."
"A mess he created." Tony said flatly.
"To be sure, and who better to clean it up, since he knows what it took to make it? He is orchestrating events, but I could be mistaken as to his desired outcome." Malachi shoulders sagged.
"I have had many opportunities to kill him, Ziva; to avenge my Director's death. I have done as I was instructed. I have waited for you to come. I will assist you as best as I can. What would you have me do?"
Ziva looked at Malachi and then looked at Tony. "I want you to tell Ilan that I want to meet with him."
"Ziva!" Tony exclaimed.
She turned to him and placed her hand on his chest. "It will be fine, Tony. Malachi will ensure that only Ilan comes, won't you Malachi?" Ziva looked back at her former Mossad partner.
Malachi's mouth had dropped open when Ziva had spoken. He nodded dumbly, not trusting himself to speak. He understood that Ziva had just instructed him to "detain" the remaining members of Bodnar's cadre. He looked at his watch.
"I must go. It is not wise to be gone for too long." He looked concerned.
Ziva nodded. "We will make our plans and then we will contact you regarding when and where I wish to meet with Bodnar. Do not say anything to him until you have heard from us. It may be several days, Malachi. Can you do that?" Ziva stared hard at him, daring him to disagree.
Malachi sighed softy. "I will wait, Ziva. And I will say nothing, you have my word." He bowed slightly and took his leave.
Ziva watched him leave, her lips in a thin line. She turned to Tony. "You do not trust him." It was not a question.
"Well, he doesn't have a great track record as far as you are concerned, Ziva. Although I do believe in his desire to avenge the death of your father." Tony rubbed the back of his neck.
"I just…I don't know. I'm not sure he is safe for us to be around."
Ziva looked alarmed. "You think Malachi has been compromised, that he is being watched?"
Tony looked grim. "The thought crossed my mind. How can they not suspect him, given his history with your father? I don't understand how he made it past the front door."
He grabbed Ziva's hand. "Malachi may be using them, but they could be using him: to get close to you."
He looked around the bar. "I've felt eyes on us all evening. They already know we are here. Or someone does."
Ziva felt the color drain from her face. She had learned through the years that Tony's gut was almost as good as Gibbs'. And she silently berated herself for her own instincts being dulled and not picking up on anything.
She pulled Tony out onto the dance floor again. His look of surprise turned to one of knowing. As they slow turned around to the beat of the music, they could surveille the entire room.
Tony looked at every face he could find, studying for any sense of heightened awareness, or urgency. A blur by one of the potted plants caught his eye. "Shit!" He exclaimed, taking off toward the exit.
Ziva ran after him, swearing to herself. They had no weapons, what did he think he was doing? "Tony!" She shouted.
She caught up with him, stunned that he had tackled the person he was running after. Tony pulled himself up, bringing his prey with him.
If Ziva was stunned before, nothing could have prepared her for the sight before her now.
"Monique?" Ziva could barely get the name out.
Monique smiled tightly. "Hello, Ziva. I told you Tony was more than he seems." She dusted off her pants. I have much to tell you."
Can't wait for Tuesday's ep, the beginning of my little Vignette. I will have to finish this well before 10x22 "Revenge" although I know most of what I have written will not happen. Malachi will not show up, and I doubt Monique will either. To me the big question is what is going to happen after Bodnar is caught/killed since I don't think they can drag that on through five episodes. But then again, they did that with the whole Harper Dearing thing. shrug Anyway, thanks for the amazing support for this series. This will be the last Vignette and then I will start a new series for Season Eleven. I looked back at this story and realized I predicted in February that Tony would go with Ziva to avenge her father's death and go after Bodnar. I'm stunned to have guessed this correctly as most of my Vignettes have been totally wrong. haha