"McGee," said Gibbs when he and Bishop returned to the Navy Yard, "Go to Norfolk. Talk to Petty Officer Harper."

"About what, Boss?"

"He spoke to DiNozzo. Said he thought there was some sort of scam going on at Norfolk."

"Why did he speak to Tony?" asked McGee.

"Thought he still worked for NCIS," said Gibbs.

"And you think this is connected to Tony being shot?" asked Tim.

"Timing's about right. He might have regretted talking to Tony. Or someone might suspect he's been talking. Bit of a longshot but check it out."

"On it, Boss," said Tim.

"Going to see Abby," said Gibbs.

"We met Tony's Dad," said Bishop when Gibbs had gone.

"You did?" said Tim, "how? Why?"

"That apartment in Massachusetts Avenue?" said Ellie, "belongs to Anthony DiNozzo Senior, not our Tony."

"Wow," said Tim, "so he actually exists."

"What?"

"He used to drop these little hints about his father. It was one of the things he did. I wasn't sure that he really had a father. I mean, we never saw him," said Tim. "So, what's he like?"

"Very charming," admitted Bishop, "and he looks a lot like Tony. But he made my flesh creep."

"Why?"

"He just seemed … selfish … self-centred. Moved to DC because he found out that Tony is working on the Hill. Seems to think he can use that to his advantage. Didn't seem to care that his son had been shot. Is it true that he didn't show up when Tony had the plague?"

Tim thought back, "No. I guess he didn't."

"Wow," said Bishop, "if it was me who got the plague you wouldn't have been able to move in the hospital for my relatives."

"At least we know that Tony didn't get the apartment as a secret love nest," said Tim.

"True," said Bishop, "but Gibbs wants me to run background on him now. In case someone's getting at Tony as revenge on his dad."

"Good luck," said Tim, "see you later."

NCISNCIS

"Abs," said Gibbs, "McGee's on his way to see Harper. Did your search show anyone from the base here on the day Tony was shot?"

"Sure," said Abby, "543."

"What?"

"I told you, Gibbs. There's a lot of people working at Norfolk. And like the Director says, the navy is run from the Navy Yard. There's bound to be people here from there. And there from here. But that doesn't matter so much."

Gibbs ignored this, "anything odd about the access any of them had?" he asked.

"Nothing obvious," said Abby. "Petty Officer Harper works in Supply so he has contact with a lot of people. Wouldn't be surprising if there were people visiting who knew him."

"What about that stolen ID?" asked Gibbs.

"Oh," said Abby, "it's turned up. It was dumped in a rose bush near the museum."

"Fingerprints?" asked Gibbs hopefully.

"Nope," said Abby sadly, "wiped clean. I'm checking for DNA but I'm not hopeful."

"Means that someone got off base with a different ID," said Gibbs. "Can you check to see if there's any ID checked as leaving but not coming in that day?"

"I could," said Abby, "but it might not show us much. There are people who were on base overnight. They wouldn't have used their ID that day to get in. And the checks are more thorough for people coming in than leaving. IDs aren't always recorded for people going off the Yard."

"Check anyway, Abs," said Gibbs, "see who the people are who either don't seem to have left base or left without any record of them coming on. Oh, and check to see if anyone came in who might have a grudge against DiNozzo. Anyone he put away while he was still an agent."

"Gibbs, you do know not many people do go out for revenge. I mean, I know you've been real unlucky over the years with people swearing vengeance on you …"

"Just the way I am," said Gibbs with a wry smile.

"Yes," said Abby earnestly, "when you piss someone off you really piss them off. But usually, when the bad guys get out of jail they don't go after the people who put them there. They're too busy planning their next job. Or going straight … hopefully going straight although recidivism is a real problem. It's something that society needs to look at … prison doesn't always work. I mean it keeps the crooks from doing more crookery but it doesn't seem to stop them doing it when they come out. I was talking to Ducky about …"

"So you don't think the person going after DiNozzo is someone he sent to jail?" asked Gibbs putting an end to her flow of conversation.

"I don't know. I mean Tony's luck is a bit like yours so it might be. But I guess it's all we've got going for us at the moment."

"Keep at it, Abs," said Gibbs.

"Don't I always?"

"Yes, Abs. You do."

NCISNCIS

Gibbs returned to the squad room and was surprised to see McGee sitting at his desk.

"Agent McGee, have you learned the secret of time travel?" he asked.

"Er, no, Boss."

"Or finally got hold of one of those jet pack things?"

"No, Boss," replied Tim with a tinge of regret.

"Then what the hell are you doing here? I told you to go talk to Harper."

"You did, Boss. And I did, Boss. Or I was going to but …"

"But what? You changed your mind. Decided it was too long a drive? When I give an order I expect you to follow it, McGee."

"I know, Boss. And I did, Boss. I mean I was doing it, following your order."

"And yet here you are. Explain!"

"I called the Case Officer at Norfolk. Out of courtesy." Gibbs looked at him blankly. "To let him know I was on his way. And he was excited."

"That you were on your way?" asked Ellie, "it must be really boring there if they think you going is exciting."

"No," said Tim with forced patience, "he was excited because they'd just uncovered a scam at Norfolk."

"Go on," said Gibbs, "we haven't got all day."

Tim refrained from pointing out that his account would have been over if he hadn't been interrupted so much, "they found that uniforms, old vehicles and stuff like that had been sneaked off base. Turns out that a couple of sailors were selling to some movie companies. Make great props and costumes."

"How long has this being going on for?" asked Gibbs.

"Couple of months," said Tim. "Actually 'scam' might be wrong word." He paused to see if he would be interrupted again but, when he wasn't, he continued, "the people involved say they didn't think there was anything wrong with it. The stuff was on its way to be destroyed or upcycled. The movie companies claim not to have known the sailors weren't allowed to sell it."

"How much is the stuff worth?" asked Gibbs.

"The trucks are the most valuable," said McGee, "they don't run anymore but they'd look OK as props and they could be stripped down. But probably only a few thousand dollars, Boss."

"Doesn't sound like something that fear of discovery would cause someone to go after Tony, does it?" said Bishop.

"No," said Gibbs.

"And the case officer says that the sailors were pretty terrified when they got caught. Not exactly hardened criminals," said Tim.

"OK," said Gibbs, "tell the case officer to send us transcripts of the interviews. And tell him to keep them in custody until we've taken a look. But it looks as if it's a dead end. Another one."

"What now?" asked Tim.

"Bishop, get on that background search on DiNozzo Senior. McGee, go see if Abby needs any help. She's trying to work out if there's anyone who used a different pass to get on to the Yard to the one they left with."

"And you, Boss?" asked McGee.

"I'm going to go see DiNozzo. Think it's time we had a heart to heart."

At that moment the Director came down the stairs.

"No need, Gibbs. Senator Adler has decided he wants to visit us again. He's bringing DiNozzo with him. Capitol police are going to escort them both. They're on their way."

It wasn't long before the Director's PA was once again ushering the Senator and his Chief of Staff out of the elevator.

"Agent Tibbs … I mean, Gibbs," said Adler as he walked towards Gibbs and the Director. Gibbs looked at him suspiciously and saw a glint of mischief in his eyes; he remembered that he and Tony were best friends and he could see what they had in common. "I wanted to continue the discussions that were so rudely interrupted the other day," he said, "and Tony insisted on coming too."

"Come up to my office," said the Director, "I have Agent Makerson standing by to talk to you."

"Not Agent Gibbs?" said Adler.

"No," said Vance with apparent regret, "Agent Makerson was due to speak to you on your earlier visit but he was on sick leave. Agent Gibbs is engaged in trying to find the shooter. I don't want to take him away from that task."

"Of course," said the Senator, "another time perhaps, Agent Gibbs?"

Gibbs nodded in a way that was open to many interpretations. He watched as the Director led the Senator and Tony away. As they reached the foot of the stairs, he called after them, "DiNozzo, I need to talk to you afterwards."

Tony nodded but didn't stop.

Gibbs sat down at his desk and pulled the reports that Bishop and McGee had written towards him. He had just put his glasses on when the phone rang.

"Gibbs," he said. "What? Are you sure? We'll be there." He put the phone down with a thud and Bishop and McGee looked up.

"Boss?" asked McGee.

"That was Detective Jonas of Metro PD. They've just arrested someone on a pickpocketing charge."

"Boss?" asked Ellie.

"He had a stash of military IDs on him."

"And?" asked McGee thinking he would have been head slapped if he had reported so slowly.

"It looks as if they've been stolen over the last three months or so."

"Why did he steal them?" asked Ellie.

"He's a wannabe sailor. Got knocked back when he applied so he's been going round stealing ID so he can pretend. He dresses up in uniforms and carries the IDs with him," said Gibbs.

"Did he steal Christian Mason's ID?" asked McGee.

"Go check, V Street station. Both of you."

"Boss," said McGee as he stood up to go, "you realise that if this guy stole Mason's ID …"

"Yeah, Tim. I get it. Mason's ID being stolen has just been a red herring. Nothing to do with the shooting."

An hour later Gibbs got a call from McGee.

"Boss. Peter Simpson is the guy Metro has in custody. He admitted to stealing Mason's ID and using it to get access to the Navy Yard. He looks a bit like Mason. He kept his head down to avoid being seen by the security camera and used a different ID to get off."

"You sure he's been using the IDs for himself? Not selling them on?" asked Gibbs feeling a little reluctant to let go of this lead completely.

"Pretty sure, Boss. He was real excited to be interviewed by navy cops. I think he's a couple of sandwiches short of a picnic."

"OK, McGee, head on back. Tell Metro we want copies of any psychological evaluations they do."

Gibbs put the phone down and then saw Tony and the Senator leaving Vance's office.

"Thank you, Director Vance," said Adler, "that was most informative. I can see that NCIS is doing a good job. My office will be in touch if I need anything more." When they reached the foot of the stairs he continued, "Tony, I believe Agent Gibbs wanted to speak with you. I'll head back to the office now. Why don't you stay here and head off afterwards."

"Yes, Sir," said Tony, "is there anything you need?"

"No. Mark was due back today from his stomach flu. If I need anything I'll ask him."

"I'll work on those calls from home," said Tony.

"You should rest that arm," said Adler.

"I don't use my arm to talk on the phone," said Tony.

"That's the problem," said the Senator, "you can't twist someone's arm when you're speaking to them on the phone. That's the joy of face to face meetings! See you tomorrow."

"Gibbs," said Tony, "what do you want?"

"Why don't I drive you home," said Gibbs, "we can talk on the way."

"Sounds good to me," said Tony.

Gibbs grabbed his coat and gun and began walking to the elevator.

"Interesting meeting?" he asked.

Tony groaned but said, "All meetings are useful and instructional."

"Bull," said Gibbs succinctly.

"No, it's true," said Tony, "it's all a matter of outlook. The meetings may not be 'useful and instructional' in the way the other people in the meeting hoped … but there's always something to be learned."

"How long did it take you to work that one out?"

"Couple of years," admitted Tony, "but then I realised. I couldn't get out of going to meetings … and I had to behave in them … so I had to find a way of making them all potentially valuable."

"So you spend all your time being nice to people?" asked Gibbs.

"I wouldn't say that," said Tony cautiously, "but I've learned only to make enemies when it's unavoidable. It's like the trash you have at home but never get round to throwing out. It's always got the potential to be useful. Same with people, you never know when the person you'd like to piss off will be in a position to help you."

"Sounds a bit boring," said Gibbs, "having to be diplomatic all the time."

"It's not for everyone," agreed Tony, "and if I was giving you careers advice it wouldn't be to move into politics."

Gibbs laughed. By this time they had reached Gibbs' car in the garage so they got in. Tony sighed and laid his head against the rest.

"You OK?" asked Gibbs.

"Just peachy," said Tony, "nothing like a death threat to keep the juices flowing. Got any leads?"

"Did have," said Gibbs, "but they've all dried up. Harold Harper?"

"The guy from Norfolk?"

"Yep. Case Officer at Norfolk found out what he'd been talking to you about. It was small beer."

"So it wasn't linked to the shooting after all?

"Doesn't look like it. There was a stolen ID used to access the Navy Yard. We thought that might be a lead but that's a bust too."

"So you have nothing?"

"Well, we met your Dad today."

"What?" asked Tony.

Gibbs hesitated slightly, "we ran a background check. Found an apartment in your name. Or rather the name of Anthony DiNozzo; didn't realise it was your father. We paid a visit and found our mistake."

"I bet that was a pleasant experience," said Tony bitterly.

"Well …"

"You know what you were saying about me having to be nice to everyone? It turns out to be more difficult when it's family."

"Tony …"

"He only moved to DC when Beth and I moved here. He suddenly cottoned to the fact that perhaps I had access to people with power. Lo and behold he wants to build bridges, Junior, reconnect, get to know my grandchildren. Yeah!"

"So I'm guessing it hasn't gone well," said Gibbs.

"We're maintaining lines of communication," said Tony carefully, "he is my father after all, the grandfather of the girls. But I'm making it clear that he has no connection to my work."

"We wondered if there's anyone who might be trying to get to him through you?" suggested Gibbs.

Tony laughed, "You met him. Do you honestly think he'd care if I dropped dead tomorrow?"

"But you're not surprised we thought there might be potential for people to be putting pressure on him? That he might have pissed off the sort of people who aren't squeamish when it comes to violence?"

"No, I guess not," sighed Tony, "look, you can investigate all you want. But Senior's always been pretty good at skating on thin ice. I doubt if he's got mixed up in anything completely illegal. He's good at fine lines but that's another reason I'm keeping a distance. There's no scandal in my family and I'm going to make sure it stays that way." He looked at Gibbs, "What? You think there's some scandal I'm hiding? And why are you running a background check on us anyway?"

"We'd do it for anyone we were giving protection to," said Gibbs, "be stupid to make an exception just because we knew you ten years ago."

"OK," said Tony, "that sounds reasonable except I think there's something going on. Tell me, what skeleton do you think I've got lurking in my closet?"

Gibbs was not one to shy away from confrontation but he was conscious of a feeling of regret. "That meeting with Vance. When you opened the briefcase."

"What about it?"

"There was a pair of women's panties inside. You looked … embarrassed, angry."

"They could have been Beth's," said Tony.

"Yes, they could have been," agreed Gibbs, "but the look on their face suggested they weren't. And having met your wife, I don't think she's the sort of woman to leave her underwear lying around."

"So, on that basis, you think I have a mistress who is the type of person to leave her panties around?"

Gibbs shrugged.

"Glad you have such a high opinion of me, Gibbs. I guess nothing has changed after all. I should have known better."

"DiNozzo, don't be stupid. I don't want to believe that," snapped Gibbs.

"You seem to be doing a good job of it," said Tony.

"I'm trying to stop you being killed," said Gibbs, "I've got to think of everything."

"It wasn't my briefcase," said Tony.

"What?"

"Mark Solomon was meant to be taking the meeting. He called in sick. I was having the morning off to go to the doctor with Martha. I rushed round, picked up his briefcase which was supposed to have the briefing papers in. He also lent me a tie – which didn't go with my suit. When I opened the case I saw the panties. I didn't want to risk searching – I wasn't sure what else I'd find." Gibbs wasn't sure if it was the ill matching tie which was really annoying Tony rather than the panties.

"And Mark Solomon?"

"Is the sort of person who might well have women's underwear in his briefcase. He's me as I was ten years ago. But I'm not that person now, Gibbs. I love my wife and my daughters and I won't do anything to lose them."

"OK," said Gibbs.

"You know, if you were going to break your rule about apologies now would be a good time," suggested Tony.

"Nothing to apologise for," said Gibbs, "when you're working a case you have to follow every lead."

"So that's all this is? A case?" Before Gibbs could answer, Tony said, "You know this isn't the way to my house, don't you?"

Gibbs looked round and cursed. While talking to Tony he had got distracted and he was now a hundred yards from his own house.

"You're getting old, Gibbs," said Tony. He waved a hand in front of Gibbs' eyes, "or do you need gl … what!"

Something had hit the windshield and spread a myriad of splinters across it. Even as he stared, another circle of cracks appeared.