SECTION 11
"Up and at'em, DiNozzo." Gibbs opened the rear car door.
Tony groaned as he opened his eyes. "Not a dream, then?" Without waiting for an answer, Tony looked around. "Where are we?"
Gibbs handed him a cup of coffee. "We're about two hours out." He nodded at the nearest building. "McGee's using their café for something and picking up some sandwiches."
"Grandpa Gibbs know we're coming yet?"
Gibbs looked at him with a smirk. "That would make me, Daddy? Sure you want to go down that path, Mrs. Gibbs?"
"What…no…Gibbs…Ick!"
"Ick, DiNozzo? What are you two?"
"If I am, you're really a cradle robber." Tony was somewhat relieved. Even incestuous banter was better than the silence between them. "So, does your dad know we're coming?"
Rather than answer, Gibbs took a long drink of his own coffee.
"Boss, we can't just dump this on him. You need to call and let him know we're coming." Silently, Gibbs pulled out his cellphone and flipped it to his SFA. "He's your dad, why do I have to tell him?" Tony whined.
"You'd rather tell your father and I tell mine?"
There was no question in Tony's mind. He quickly pulled up Gibbs' contact list and pressed the button to connect.
"I thought that'd be your answer. Looks like McGee is finally getting the sandwiches; if you want to stretch now's your chance."
Tony exited the car and stretched feeling his vertebrae slip into place as he waited for Jackson to answer. "Mr. Gibbs, this is…"
"Leroy, great to hear from you."
"This is…"
"I know, Leroy, but you shouldn't be wasting your honeymoon talking to me."
"Boss…" Tony hit the speakerphone button.
"I'm sorry that I wasn't able to make the wedding. You know how busy it can be here. I hope you had lots of pictures taken. I'll need a new one of you and Tony for on the mantle." Jackson continued his one sided conversation. "I hope Tony understands."
"He does, Dad. You've got company. The press?"
"Definitely. I hope you're headed for someplace warm."
"Damn. Look, dad, things aren't as they appear."
"I'm sure. I'm so happy for you both."
"Can you get away? Pack a bag and we could met somewhere."
"I understand. I wish you had enough time to come here but I know you only have a short break. You just enjoy yourself don't worry about me. We'll get together later. Give Tony a hug for me. I gotta get back to the register."
"Alright, Dad, I'll call you later tonight."
"Boss, we've got problems." Just as Gibbs disconnected, McGee hurried across the parking lot. "According to Director Vance…"
"The press is already camped out in Stillwater."
"How did…" Tony waved the cellphone at McGee, before handing it back to Gibbs. "What now, boss?"
"I've got a credit card under another ID. We could find a motel somewhere."
"No." Tony straightened up. "Anyone could recognize our picture from the publicity and turn us in. I've got a place we can go. While I was in Philadelphia, I inherited a place from a relative in Italy. For some reason, she had the solicitor file it under the name Cristian Antonio Fabbri. I never had it changed. Figured I'd have it if I ever needed a bolt-hole. "
"What's it like?"
"A cabin. Set on the side of the mountain about 30 minutes to the nearest small town."
"What about…"
"Has internet access, McGeek."
"Let's go." Gibbs reach for the driver's handle.
"Shotgun."
"Seriously, Tony?"
"I know where we're going, McGee. I think that earns co-pilot status."
McGee acquiesced. He settled in the backseat and began distributing sandwiches as the others buckled in.
"Where to?" Gibbs asked as he started the motor.
"South."
Section 12
"This is what you call a cabin?" McGee asked incredulously. The cabin was perched up on a slope of a hill overlooking the valley. The exterior was a traditional log cabin style with notched beams. It was the size that shocked him.
"What did you expect me to call it? Swiss cheese?" Tony said irritated. For the last few hours he had been feeling increasingly agitated. He was voluntarily allowing Gibbs and McGee into his safe haven; the only place where all the masks could come down. The only place that was safe for him. The only bolt hole from the world and Gibbs. Fiddling with the radio had helped the first couple hours but the last head slap had convinced him that Gibbs was near the end of his rope also.
"DiNoz…" Gibbs took a deep sigh as if finishing Tony's name was too much effort. He had to admit that being shut up in a car all day with a bored DiNozzo must be one of the most effective means of torture known to mankind. The only respite he and McGee had was the short stop at a small grocery store to stock up. Both men had chosen not to accompany Tony on the shopping spree. Gibbs had suggested that it was too much of a risk for both to be seen together in public. McGee excused himself trying to find a signal that would allow him to receive any texts that had come in to his cellphone. If the two of them had to live on Tony snacks for the next few days; the quiet had been worth it.
"The sun's going down; let's get the stuff in before it gets dark." Tony said almost reluctantly; or it seemed that way to Gibbs.
Exiting the car Gibbs took a deep breath. The air was clean and he could smell the hint of pine in the air. Grabbing his go back and a few sacks from the store, he stepped back waiting for Tony and McGee to load up before shutting the trunk, locking the car and following Tony up the path.
Tony fumbled with the key; finally pushing the door open and gesturing the others in. McGee followed Gibbs eager to see the interior.
Gibbs nodded his head in approval. Although the furniture fit the décor, it was obviously well-made and expensive. The entrance led into a fairly wide-open, very spacious floorplan. He could see the kitchen had updated appliances. There was a wide bar with stools creating a slight division from the open area. A large table sat in front of a large double window. Plenty of room for guests. To the left the area was a large open seating area. Chairs and tables were clustered to allow for board games; sofas begged to cradle you for a nice nap. The end of the cabin was a huge fireplace taking up most of the wall. On either side, built-ins held hefty sized logs with shelves above to hold a myriad of board games and books. This was a place a man like he could relax in, but it didn't really seem to fit DiNozzo and his Armani suits.
"Uh, Tony," Gibbs turned to look at McGee who had an anxious look on his face. "Do you…uh…?
"Sure, McGee. Out the backdoor, it's about 300 yards down the path." Tony gestured to a door that was adjacent to the bar area.
"Out...Out…" McGee stuttered.
"Well, you can use the one upstairs, if you'd rather." Tony smirked as McGee threw him a dark look. "Might as well take your bag, guest room is second door on the left. First door is the bathroom." When Gibbs' looked at him with quirked eyebrow. "He seemed to like the cabin experience, I thought he might want the authenticity of it."
"There's really an outhouse?" Gibbs questioned.
"Yes. There's indoor plumbing but I guess they wanted it authentic." Tony prowled around the area trying to shake the excess energy. "Before I put the supplies away, I'll run up and change. There's good cell coverage if you want to give your dad a call. "
"DiNozzo, you don't have to leave the room." Gibbs stated.
"I'm still feeling a bit grimy from the holding cell. I thought I'd grab a quick shower." Tony tried to sound nonchalant; but Gibbs wasn't buying it.
"Tony…" Gibbs gave him a look of concern. They needed to talk about their situation and figure out where they went from here.
"Not yet, Gibbs. I need…" Tony recognized the look but just shook his head. He needed a shower and some aspirin before the talk he knew was coming. He headed for the steps. "I'll be back"
Left alone, Gibbs looked around the room but opted to leave the cabin for some fresh air. Exiting through the back door Tony had pointed out; he found a wonderful deck area complete with sturdy furniture. Extracting his phone, he flipped it open grimacing when he saw he did have all the bars just like Tony had promised. He wished he had thought to stop at a liquor store. This would be much easier with a glass of bourbon.