Section 68

When Gibbs let himself into the house, he almost swore. There was a light on in the kitchen. It could be his dad, but his gut knew it wasn't.

"Coffee?" Tony gestured to the carafe in front of him.

"Sounds good."

They sat in silence while Jethro took his first long sip.

"Surprised you're up."

"I've gotten used to you holding me while I slept. Guess I woke up missing you." Tony admitted. "Zuma was stirring so I took him out."

"Where is he?" Jethro looked around. Ever since the trip, Zuma had insisted on one or preferably both men within paw reach.

Tony pointed towards his lap. Ducking his head, Jethro could make out the pup sprawled across Tony's legs. "Still clingy."

"I didn't realize how traumatizing it would be for him." Tony couldn't ignore the elephant in the room anymore. "Want to talk about it?"

"What?" Tony simply gave him an eye roll and Jethro took another long sip. "You want to know where I was?"

Tony motioned towards his cell. "There's a text from McGee. Says he'll call us after he gets a couple hours sleep and that he may have found something. Put that together with your late night visit, I would guess the Gibbs' gut strikes again. I suspect you have an idea of who my father is. So, I'll ask again. Want to talk about it?"

Jethro shook his head ruefully. "Ever since Italy came up, I've had that feeling that I'd heard of Palermo before. Thought about it for a while. Maybe Dad or one of his buddies had mentioned it in an old war story. I woke up a bit earlier and remembered where I'd heard it. Came downstairs to check and didn't find what I remembered."

"You didn't find what you remembered, so you…"

"I pulled up a bio on a website. It was changed last week when this thing started."

"Hiding the evidence."

"Yes. So I remembered McGee talking about some website that stored old sites."

"You found it there?" Tony was amazed.

It was Jethro's turn to roll his eyes. "I decided to pay a short visit. He tried to deny it but…"

"You bluffed." Tony shook his head. "Did it pay off?"

Jethro nodded. "Admitted everything."

"Someone you know then?"

"I gave him twenty-four hours to come forward," Jethro said. "But, I'm not going to lie to you. That's happened for too long. It is someone I know and someone you know."

Tony went to stand and jostled the pup awake. Startled, Zuma moved his paws in distress until Tony cuddled him against his chest. Watching, Jethro knew that both were drawing comfort form the caresses and cuddling. Tony took a few deep breaths. Jethro knew that he was torn between wanting to know and the betrayal of knowing that this person was in their lives all along. He also knew Tony was mentally going through a list of all the men in their lives. Finally, Tony looked into Jethro's eyes and simply said, "Who?"

"Mabus." Jethro said. "Your father is Jarvis Mabus."

"Secnav?" Tony shook his head. "He doesn't have kids."

"Not with his current wife." Jethro explained. "Mabus lost custody of his kids to his ex-wife in their divorce."

"My birth led to his divorce?"

"No, Tony. Your mom believed she seduced him. Back in the day, before he really focused on politics as a career, he had a history of allowing innocent women 'seduce him' and then he would trot out the wife and kids. He walked away with another conquest, leaving the woman to believe she had seduced a devoted husband destroying their lives. I doubt very much that you were the only child he sired on the way."

"Son-of-a-bitch."

"Totally. He divorced when you were a few years old. It corresponds to when he appeared in Palermo claiming that his wife was willing to accept you. He had just lost all custody and you were…"

"A replacement."

Jethro nodded. "He would have used your presence to cast doubt on why he lost custody."

"He's been in on this since I was arrested. He could have ended this the first night." Finally rising, Tony and Zuma paced. Technically, Tony paced. Over his fright, Zuma had his head over Tony's heart and had decided to sleep through the rest of the conversation. "Did he start this? Was he the one that called DHS?" Tony pondered as he walked. "No, too much risk for him. He wouldn't want DHS involved. So, why didn't he stop it the first night? He doesn't want the truth to come out, does he?"

"He says that it would ruin his career."

"What's your gut say?"

"He never wanted it to come out and if you had been deported..."

"I'd have been his dirty little secret forever." Tony returned to the table. "Mabus was involved in our marriage. Why save me?" Tony held up a hand. "Never mind. Mabus didn't expect you to declare war on DHS. He was forced to help save me. But why marriage?"

"He says your mother suggested it."

"Why go along with it?"

Jethro hated to explain but Tony deserved the truth. "He admitted that he thought a marriage between us would lead to both of us leaving the MCRT team and NCIS. He saw it as a way of getting rid of us. Mabus was very upset that, instead, Brigida gave you the folders and that you turned them over to the FBI becoming the public's hero."

"He knew? He knew about what Senior and Benoit had done? He didn't come forward with it."

"My gut thinks it was his ace in the hole. He doesn't want the fact that you are his illegitimate son to come out. If it had leaked, Mabus could have used them to create a diversion. If Mabus controlled the release, it would have destroyed your career at the very least."

"And yours." Tony took a sip of his now cold coffee. "He would have walked away the hero."

"What you do now is up to you, Tony. I gave him twenty-four hours to come clean with you, if that's what you want."

"It's our decision. Whether Mabus likes it or not, we're married."

"You have a few hours, at minimum, to decide what you want to do."

"I want a meeting." Tony stated.

"I'll call Mabus."

"No." Tony shook his head. "I want Secretary Comey, Fornell, Vance, Secretary Hagel and the VP. Let's see how he likes having his life destroyed."

Section 69

"Well, I guess I should be grateful it's not night time." The vice-president grumbled as he ran into Secretary Hegel in the hallway that lead to the private room in the restaurant. "What the hell was so important, Hegel, that you had to call another damned meeting?"

"Actually, sir. I didn't call for the meeting." Hagel stepped backed to allow the VP to enter first.

"Well, if you didn't call for it, who the hell did?"

"That would be me."

The vice-president froze. It was his worst nightmare come true. Gibbs. "Son of a bitch."

When the participants were finally settled around the table, the vice-president slowly scanned the participants. He wasn't sure that he wanted to know what kind of situation Gibbs felt required the Secretary of Defense, the Director of NCIS, the Director of the FBI, Agent Fornell and Agent DiNozzo. He paused. Where has Jarvis Mabus? The fact that the Secretary of the Navy had not appeared did not calm him in the least. "I assume you gentlemen have been briefed on the situation." The fact that everyone but Gibbs and DiNozzo nodded started his ulcer growing. "Alright, Gibbs, you have the floor," the vice-president said reluctantly.

To everyone's surprise, it was DiNozzo who began speaking. "I appreciate all of you taking time out of your busy day for this meeting." He ignored the raised eyebrows and mutters. "I know that you have put your careers on the line over the last two weeks and I do appreciate it." He paused for a moment and looked down. He felt Jethro's hand touch his knee and it gave him strength. "I went to Sicily in search of answers and I actually found my birth mother, who confirmed that I, in fact, do have dual citizenship. My biological father is a US citizen."

"While I'm sure that everyone is pleased by your appreciation, this doesn't appear to meet the standard for an emergency meeting of top level cabinet members," the vice-president said. "If that's all…"

"No, sir. But, I would hope the fact that my biological father is an upper level member of the administration who conspired to have me killed. would be."

"Aw, son-of-a-bitch." The vice-president moaned. He motioned for the secret service member standing at the door. "Contact my office, tell them to reschedule all my appointments this morning."

"Yes, sir. Your wife called to remind you about your grand-daughter's recital this evening."

"Tell her I'll call her later."

"Yes, sir. Anything else, sir?"

The vice-president looked at his watch, it wasn't even 8 am. Then he looked around the table at the assembled group, plus DiNozzo and Gibbs. DiNozzo before 8 am. That called for coffee. Gibbs before 8 am. That called for a nuclear strike and failing that… "Get a bottle of bourbon and glasses."

"Sir, uh, the bar isn't open." The secret service agent said.

"Do I look like I care? Get it opened."

"Uh. Yes, sir. I'll… uh.. Anything else, sir?"

"Coffee. Strong. Black. Plenty of it." Gibbs spoke up. "Not all of us like pickling our liver this early in the morning."

"Not everyone has a reason." The vice-president said dryly. "Would anyone else like anything else?" He said facetiously.

Vance spoke up. He was already rubbing his temples. "Aspirin™."

"That'll be the bourbon, coffee and Aspirin™. Now."

"Yes, sir." The agent retreated thankfully. Now all he had to do was find bourbon at this hour.

"Alright, DiNozzo. Should I take the fact that Secretary Mabus is not present to indicate he is already aware of the situation?"

"No, sir." Tony replied evenly.

The vice-president breathed a sigh of relief. At least, it might be possible to contain the situation.

"He is the situation." At least when the vice-president swore this time, he had plenty of company. Tony paused for a drink of water before needlessly clarifying. "Secretary Mabus is my biological father."

"Are we to understand that Mabus is aware of that fact?"

"I spoke with him earlier this morning in his office." Gibbs spoke up. "Not only did he admit to being Agent DiNozzo's father, but he implicated himself in the Benoit operation run by Director Shepherd."

The sound of running feet in the hallway had the men reaching for their side arms. Then the sound stopped and a slightly flushed secret service man carried in a bottle of bourbon and glasses. Setting them on the table in front of the vice-president, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a bottle of Aspirin™ which he handed to Vance. "Your coffee will be here in a few minutes, sir." Tony took a drink of water to keep from snickering as the secret service agent made a dignified retreat to his post.

The vice-president took a glass and pushed the rest into the middle of the table for the men to help themselves. After pouring a healthy measure, the vice-president passed the bottle to his right and sat back to wait for everyone to fortify themselves. "I am so sick and tired of 'La Grenouille' and 'Benoit'. If Shepard was still alive, I'd strangle her myself. What does Mabus have to do with the whole mess?"

"Secretary Mabus indicated to me that he green-lighted the op Agent DiNozzo was assigned."

"This was before he knew Agent DiNozzo was his son."

"No, sir." Tony spoke up. "He has been aware of who I was since my birth. After Agent Gibbs informed me…"

"Stop. Just stop. The Agent this and Agent that isn't necessary. We are all aware of your marriage, don't try to pretty it up. This is no time to be politically correct." The vice-president rubbed his temple and Vance passed the Aspirin™ down the table. Dumping three pills in his hand, he washed them down with bourbon. "Just tell us what happened."

"Mabus was stationed in Palermo as a junior intern. He met my mother Brigida Fabbri. She was unmarried. They had a one night stand after which he never contacted her again. He asked for and received a transfer to Rome. Following the crash of Flight 112, Brigida had to go to Rome to make arrangements. Roberto DiNozzo was her brother-in-law and the DiNozzos assisted her in taking care of the arrangements."

"The DiNozzo family were an influential family and Mabus ended up at the funeral where he realized that Brigida was pregnant. I was born that night. After Gibbs spoke with Mabus today, I called the law firm that handled my adoption. They faxed papers directly to Director Vance showing that Mabus signed the adoption papers. He knew about my birth and he knew who my adoptive parents were."

"You have proof?" Vance pulled papers out of an attaché case and passed them down. "Why did he want you involved in the La Grenouille debacle?"

"Mabus hoped René would kill Tony. His exact words were that he "thought René would handle him" and that's why he suggested Tony for the op."

"He actually set him up? His own son?"

"He indicated that he had tried to get rid of Tony several times, including recommending that Tony be sent to ROTA." Gibbs explained.

"Agent Afloat." Vance said. "He's the one who told me to assign DiNozzo to the Agent Afloat position. I remember he was very angry when Gibbs' team was reassembled. He initially approved McGee's and David's return but refused DiNozzo's until..."

"Until Gibbs' not so subtle threat?" Hagel interjected. "I remember that well." He glared at Gibbs.

"I'm disturbed that the entire citizenship issue could have been solved with just one sentence. That makes me wonder, what else has he been responsible for?" The vice-president asked.

Hagel rubbed his temples. "He's the one that suggested marrying Gibbs to DiNozzo."

The vice-president handed him the Aspirin™. "Am I to assume there was an ulterior motive to that also?"

"Yes, sir." Gibbs replied. "He felt that either the environment would become so hostile that either Tony, I or both would resign or that when we 'divorced' he would demand Tony be reassigned."

"Is there anything that I need to be made aware of?"

"Mabus knew about Senior and Benoit's crimes." Tony stated flatly.

"I beg your pardon?"

"My mother had several…watchers who kept an eye on me, our team and my adopted family. She was provided meticulous reports. The folders that I turned over to Fornell came from her attorney. When I spoke with him this morning, Moretti volunteered to send a signed statement and copies of receipts showing that copies of the reports were received and the copies had been paid for by Mabus."

Vance automatically pulled out a thick file and passed it to the vice-president. "This is only one of the files. They were downloaded from the attorney's secure server by Agent McGee. The documentation corresponds to the reference number and summary on the receipts. They are overnighting discs with the complete scanned copies of the reports from the time that DiNozzo was adopted until the files were provided last week."

"So, he was aware that a US citizen has been committing crimes for what, ten years?"

"Closer to thirty-five years." Vance corrected him. "Moretti, the attorney who is handing DiNozzo's case, indicates that the records show that criminal activity began shortly after the death of DiNozzo's adopted mother in 1980. International activity became apparent about twenty years ago."

"I am fairly certain that I know why Gibbs and DiNozzo requested this meeting and what their recommended action would be. However, gentlemen, I don't have to explain the repercussions of Mabus' actions and what it could do to international relations. This type of scandal this close to elections could be disastrous." The vice-president held up his hand for silence as Tony straightened in his chair as if to interrupt. "I do, however, want to tell you that recently I have been proud of this administration and in particular Agent DiNozzo's determination to see justice done. It took a lot of guts, DiNozzo, to turn in the man that you believed was your father." The vice-president looked him in the eye. "I cannot allow this country, your country to do any less. There will be no deals made. There will be no cover-up."

Tony sagged in his chair. He was so relieved and in all honesty, surprised. He and Gibbs had discussed the situation before the meeting and both men had agreed that, if necessary, they would resign from NCIS and go public. He put his hand under the table, briefly holding Jethro's hand. He was thankful that they didn't have to give up the careers that they both loved.

"Now. I am slightly concerned that we have a lot of paper trails but I don't expect Mabus to go quietly. I am sure that he will go to any lengths to refute the evidence from your attorney. I wish that we had a recording of that conversation, but I know Gibbs' would never record anyone without a warrant…" The vice-resident paused as if waiting for Gibbs to speak up. "Where did you leave the situation with Mabus?"

"I gave him twenty-four hours to tell Tony the truth."

"Alright, gentlemen. That gives us a very short time to plan. I am assuming that the inclusion of Director Comey and Agent Fornell means that NCIS will not object to the FBI overseeing this op."

"No, sir." Vance confirmed. "Given SecNav's past suggestions regarding Agent DiNozzo's career, I believe that I would be asked to be a witness along with two of my agents. Given that this would be a major conflict of interest; I formally recommend turning the case over to the FBI."

"Secretary Hagel?" The vice-president prodded.

"I concur with Director Vance's recommendation. I also offer myself as witness to the conversation that occurred between Mabus and Vance regarding DiNozzo's return from serving as Agent Afloat."

"Director Comey?"

Comey looked at Fornell who nodded. "Yes, sir. I will appoint Agent Fornell as lead and will oversee the operation personally."

"Since we are all in agreement, jurisdiction is no longer an issue." He poured himself another glass of bourbon. "Now, gentlemen, we need a plan. How do we nail him?"

Section 70

Tony had just finished putting a casserole dish in the refrigerator. "If I'm not here, it should go in at 350° until the potatoes are golden brown."

"Not a problem, son. Never made a shepherd's pie quite like that." Jackson wasn't surprised that Tony preferred to use fresh vegetables. "Think you'll be that long?"

"I want to drop a casserole and Diana's doll off." After leaving the meeting, Tony had found out from Vance that Helen was coming in late due to Diana being sick. He was going to meet her, shortly after lunch. "Then Jethro and I need to see human resources to update some forms."

"I called Williams and he is updating the plans for Tony's kitchen. We may stop by and sign off on those, also."

Tony's cell rang. Looking at the incoming number, he gave a slight nod to Jethro. "Special Agent Anthony DiNozzo. Secretary Mabus, sir. I'm sorry for my attitude the other week, sir. That's kind of you, sir. Today? We could come by your office. Don't tell Gibbs? Top secret? Oh well, alright, sir. Fortunately, we have some things to take care of at NCIS, so could I meet you there? We're planning on driving in together, so Gibbs' father can have my car. That's going to make it difficult to get there." Tony paused as if thinking. "I know. What about the parking garage next to NCIS? McGee was complaining earlier that it had been roped off and they couldn't park there till Wednesday. I could meet you there say… three thirty? Of course, sir. I'll be there. Thank-you, sir."

"I don't like this," Gibbs spoke up.

"Jethro, we discussed the plan earlier."

"I didn't like it then and I don't like it now."

"I haven't even told you what he said." Tony laughed. "Evidently, I'm about to be briefed on a top secret operation. I'm not supposed to tell Gibbs about it; he will be read in later. I am not to come to his office and he did not want to come to NCIS. If anything comes up, I am to contact him by his cell number only."

"Good job, DiNozzo. You played it well. Sounds like he has no suspicion."

"I don't like it either." Jackson grumbled, taking a seat at the table. "Using Tony as bait. That man is slicker than Lucifer and twice as evil."

Tony smiled as he remembered Jackson sticking up for him the morning of Senior's arraignment. He had insisted on making Mabus acknowledge his presence and refused his hand. Tony decided his father-in-law was a fantastic judge of character.

"Is the garage ready?" Jethro asked.

"Vance had it cordoned off before he left the meeting this morning. Cover story is repairs."

"Cover for the agents?"

"Several maintenance machines, line painters, etc. have been brought in."

"Eyes?"

"McGee is coordinating the surveillance with Agent Bob Mincef. They're going to tie into the parking cameras and have equipment in some of the maintenance equipment. They tried to explain it," Fornell shook his head. "Just gave me a headache. Told them just to make it happen."

"He a techie?"

"Comey felt that the team needed someone computer savvy like your McGee. Picked him to replace Ron personally."

"Speaking of, have you heard from our old friend lately?" Tony asked sarcastically.

"Not since he jumped to DHS."

"Are we sure that Mabus wasn't involved in that?" Jackson spoke up.

"Not totally, but it doesn't make sense. Guess we'll know today."

"We better get going, Tony. Abby needs to wire you up and we need to be in Vance's office for a final check."

Taking a deep breath, Tony stood and went to hug Jackson who held him tightly. "You take care of yourself and Fornell, you take care of my boys."

"We'll be fine, Jackson." Tony headed for the door.

"I know you will." Jackson hugged his son, too. "Watch yourself." He held his shoulders and Jethro nodded solemnly.

"Uh, Jethro." Tony called from the entrance hall. "We have a slight issue."

"What's wrong…" Jethro started out and then began laughing. Fornell and Jackson followed him curious about his laughter.

In front of the door, stretched out to his full length, was Zuma. He had his leather raccoon, his squeaky bone and was ready for the day. "What are we going to do? He's already got separation anxiety."

Jethro stood firm. An undercover op was no place for a pup. There was no way they were taking Zuma with them. "Dad will take care of him, you know that."

Tony nodded sadly. Picking up the pup, he hugged him in preparation for handing him to Jackson. As he cuddled him, Zuma recognized the weak link and whined pitifully. "Jethro…"

Jethro tried but there were two sets of those darned puppy eyes. Once this was over, Tony would need comfort. "Get his stroller." Tony thrust the pup into his arms and hurried to get it before Jethro could change his mind. Zuma looked up at him triumphantly. "You will stay with McGee and Abby."

"Way to hold firm." Fornell smirked.

Tony pushed the stroller off the elevator. He didn't want to risk having to chase Zuma all over the building. There was too much a small pup could get in to. Helen was waiting to give him a hug outside Vance's office. Filing in quietly, Jethro and Tony joined Abby, Vance, McGee and Helen.

Vance glared at the stroller. "You brought a dog to my office."

"Of course not." Tony said indignantly. "I brought a small puppy who has already been traumatized enough."

"Hey, Zuma. How's Auntie Abby's boy?" Abby knelt to talk to Zuma through the mesh windows.

"We have been given the greenlight." Vance said unnecessarily. "Jethro, Hagel and Comey want us in MTAC. Helen will be here with Agent DiNozzo. She has been read into the situation."

Jethro automatically looked at Tony who gave him a smile and a nod. "Actually I'd love the chance to talk to Helen." He patted the pocket Jethro knew held information on trust funds for Helen and Diana. Jethro walked over to Tony and handed him the shopping bag with Helen and Diana's gifts. "As soon as you get back we'll do the souvenirs for Helen and Diana."

"You didn't have to bring us anything."

"Not bring my best girl anything? Blasphemy." As the door clicked, Tony took a deep breath.

"Are you okay?" Helen placed her hand on his shoulder. "I'm here if you want to talk."

Tony forced a smile. "I do, but not about that. I don't know what all Vance told you about my… mother."

"I know that she's now a nun and that you went to Palermo to meet her. I'm so happy for you, Tony. You deserve so much happiness. I see things are going well between you and Gibbs."

"They really are. Helen," Tony took her hand. "I found out something about my mother's family. Evidently they had money. A lot of money. While we were over there, Jethro and I were given control of the family trusts. We did a lot of talking about what we wanted to do. The first thing that we decided to do is to take care of our family." Tony reached into his pocket and pulled out the papers and handed them to Helen. "You and Diana are part of our family."

Helen opened the envelope with trembling hands. She had only read the first couple of words when she burst into tears. "Tony, you can't…"

"I can and we did. Diana will have everything she needs and you'll be able to spend more time with her. The fund will pay for the special school her doctor recommended. I know that you've had to refinance and take out additional mortgages and loans. By the end of the week, your condo will be free and clear. You will also receive a call from my attorney later this week. He's arranging for a van with a lift. You won't have to tug her chair in and out of the car anymore."

Helen simply cried harder. "Tony, it's too much."

"Nothing's too much when it comes to taking care of family. Jethro and I are building a new house, so there'll be a lot of barbeques and swim parties." Tony distracted her by beginning to describe the new house while she held the papers to her chest like a lifeline.