Section 54

The overnight flight hadn't brought Tony a lot of sleep. He envied his husband's ability to sleep on any aircraft. He was amused that Jethro seemed a bit more restless in first class than on a military flight. Tony had expected Jethro to be a bit leery of public displays but when the blankets and pillows were handed out his husband had raised the arm rest between them, layered the blankets over them and pulled Tony into his side. Much of the night Tony had watched the clouds and stars.

The layover in Paris had given the men just enough time for a quick coffee before the flight to Rome. The layover in Rome gave the men a little time to walk around and they decided to eat at Gran Café Panorama before the flight to Palermo. While airplane food had improved, they enjoyed a nice meal at the Sport Village Café. By mutual decision, they decided to leave shopping for the return trip. Finally, their flight had touched down in Palermo. Jethro snuck looks at Tony, hating the tension in his body language. He led him to the baggage claim and then the two started to make their way from the airport discussing whether to take a bus or taxi for the forty-five minute ride into Palermo.

"Good old McTransport," Tony chortled as he pointed out a sign to Jethro. A liveried driver held a sign proclaiming Gibbs and DiNozzo. "He booked us a car."

Gibbs felt his gut clench. "No, he didn't." At Tony's look, he explained. "I had him book the tickets under his name. I didn't want anyone to know we were coming."

The driver looked at his smartphone and then approached the two men. "Signor Gibbs. Signor DiNozzo. Welcome to Palermo." The driver noticed Jethro's wary look. "Ah, please, one minute." Quickly he dialed a number and spoke in rapid Italian and then handed the phone to Gibbs.

"Gibbs."

"Ah, Signor Gibbs, this is Vincente Rossi. We spoke at your office. When Signor Moretti heard you were headed to Palermo. He took the liberty of arranging transportation for you and a suite of rooms at the Grand Hotel Villa Igiea."

"We had considered staying at the Villa."

"Of course, Signor. Signor Moretti felt that it would be convenient for you to be closer to town for a few days. If you would prefer, I could make arrangements for Giro to take you to the villa."

"That won't be necessary. The hotel is fine. I assume we will be meeting Signor Moretti."

"Of course, signor. Signor Moretti suggests that we met tomorrow for lunch in your suite, if that is agreeable?"

"We'll expect you then."

"Bueno. Signor Moretti has placed Giro at your service during your visit. If you require anything, please do not hesitate to ask. Until tomorrow, Signor Gibbs."

Jethro closed the phone and handed it to Giro. "Let's go."

The driver smiled and insisted that he take their baggage. Once in the car, the driver pointed out sights as they drove but Tony and Jethro remained mostly silent. When they arrived, the hotel was impressive. It was located outside of the city of Palermo with views of the mountains and the sea. When Tony spoke up, the driver smiled as he took their bags out of the car. "It is very beautiful here. It is also quieter but only a ten- to fifteen-minute drive to downtown." He handed Gibbs a phone. "If you need me, please do not hesitate to contact me. My number is right here." With that he led the two men up to the reservation clerk and excused himself.

Tony waited quietly letting Jethro deal with the check-in. The desk had provided the keycard to the presidential suite. It had a separate living room with a large desk, a bedroom, a bathroom with beautiful marble, a dining room and a balcony with sitting for dining or conversation. Jethro couldn't help imagining sitting with Tony on the balcony having coffee and watching the sun set or the sun rise.

They were led to their suite by a friendly, thankfully English speaking attendant. Safely in their room, Jethro tipped the bellboy having exchanged dollars for Euros at the airport. Years of work experience had given DiNozzo complete faith in Gibbs and he had quietly followed his lead. Now that they were alone, Tony wanted answers from Jethro. "What's going on?"

The knock on the door startled both men. Tony's hand automatically went for the gun he always wore. The same gun that was in the gun safe back home. Jethro simply went to answer the door. "Yes?"

"Compliments of the hotel, signor." The young man placed his tray on the nearby table. "If you would prefer to dine in your room, please you have only to contact the front desk." He handed Jethro a handwritten menu and waving off a tip left them alone.

"Missing something?" Jethro smirked.

"Ha-ha." Tony rolled his eyes and looked at their gift. There was a large basket with a wide selection of biscotti, crackers, nuts, cheeses and fruit. He took note of the bottle of Sicilian chardonnay wine from one of the better known local wineries. "This is not your general hospitality gift basket. Not that I don't appreciate it. What's going on?"

"Apparently, it's not just Senior and wife that were being closely monitored. The car, Giro, the hotel room were all arranged by Signor Moretti. The person on the other end of the phone was our old friend Vincente Rossi."

"The lawyer." Tony exhaled slowly. "He's had someone watching us?"

"Appears so."

"I don't like the sound of this. What's your Gibbs' gut say?"

"If they had wanted to harm us, I have no double we would have disappeared from the airport. Vincente Rossi indicated that he and Signor Moretti would join us here for lunch tomorrow. He also said it would be easier if we were close to town for the next few days. I think we're close to your anonymous benefactor."

"So, not Signor Moretti. One of his clients then?"

"Probably. By this time tomorrow, I believe we will have some answers."