Section 83
The early morning phone call had Tony moaning as he tried to go for the nightstand and cell phone. "Stay down," Jethro ordered and growled, "Gibbs" into his own cell. "Tony is not to be riding more than necessary. Here? Why, here? Don't throw my own words back at me, Leon. Nine o'clock. Fine."
"What is nine o'clock and why do I think I am not going to like it?" Tony looked at the clock. "It's nearly seven. I never sleep that late. And nine o'clock?"
Jethro hid a smirk. Tony might laugh at his caffeine addiction but his husband took a cup to jumpstart his brain some mornings. "Vance was letting us know that we would be having a nine o'clock meeting and that since you are restricted, the meeting will be here."
"In our bed? I don't think that's appropriate." Tony wisecracked.
Jethro tousled Tony's hair. "Up and at it. We have time to get you showered and dressed."
"I have a coffeecake in the freezer that I could set out to have with our coffee. Just a half hour in the oven."
"Tell me where it is and I'll get it while you decide what you want to wear. No suit and tie." Jethro ordered, "You're out sick and it won't hurt to remind them of it."
"Polo and khaki, got it."
By the time their guests had arrived, all three men in the Gibbs household were up and dressed. To his disgust, Zuma had also been brushed and suffered having his teeth cleaned. The pup was in his bed, located in the kitchen, shooting evil eyes at Jethro and Tony while he chewed on Rocky Raccoon. Tony watched as Zuma snarled between chews almost as if the pup was complaining to the raccoon. "Something tells me that he is not happy with us at the moment." Tony pointed to the puppy.
"Because he acts like Leroy without coffee?" Jackson joked.
Jethro looked at the pup and then his family. "It's a good thing he can't hold a gun."
"As long as he doesn't go Mabus on us." Tony joked before closing his eyes and the humor draining away.
"Tony…"
"Guess it isn't that funny, is it? Mabus is dead. So is Sacks. This whole thing has been one giant SNAFU from the start."
"Not all bad." Jethro reach for Tony's hand. "You've got me and you've got dad."
"I'd like to think that if Sacks had lived, we could have got past the lies. Been brothers; at least friends."
"It wouldn't have happened." Quipped a petite African American woman with brown eyes, dressed in a crisp black dress who stood just inside the foyer. "They told me the door wouldn't be locked and that I could let myself in."
"They?" Jethro asked.
"Director Vance and Agent McGee. They're waiting outside. I'm Clarissa Sacks, your ex-step-mother."
"Please, come in. Sit down. Can I get you anything?" Jethro pushed on Tony's shoulder to make him stay seated.
Clarissa watched the interplay. "Just coffee. Black, please. I understand you were injured in the … what did you call it? The giant SNAFU?" Her words almost dripped ice. "Forgive me, that isn't why I came."
"Why did you come?" Jethro asked sitting the coffee in front of her. He could see his dad gripping Tony's hand under the table.
"I was told you had asked to see me, Agent DiNozzo. They also informed me you were on medical leave. Therefore, the director was kind enough to bring me by."
"I appreciate that, Mrs. Sacks. Please call me Tony." Tony swallowed a lump in his throat. "I'm sorry about Ron."
"I know that you never got along. I'm sure his arresting you didn't help matters."
"Were you told what happened?" Gibbs asked.
"All the sordid details? Like my son hacking the FBI? My son trying to help that bastard escape? The fact that said bastard shot our son in cold blood?" She took a precise sip of her coffee before sitting it back down.
"You said he wouldn't have got past the lies." Tony stated.
"Jarvis has been twisting his head since he was thirteen. He managed to get to Ron when he started boarding school. By the time I realized, it was too late. Jarvis demanded limited contact through the court. Told the judge he wouldn't go for custody but that his son wanted to know about him. Of course, Ron was eager for it." Clarissa played with her cup handle.
"Jarvis is why he went into the FBI. Told him grand stories of being an agent and about you." Clarissa took another sip of coffee. "It's not like Ron didn't know about you. Everyone in the family knew about the various Mabus scandals. Jarvis just put all the blame on your mother and eventually, you. For years he poisoned Ron's mind about the 'other child' with the millionaire family. The golden child who breezed through the academy, police stations and finally NCIS. All it took was dropping your name, just before you two met."
Clarissa took a deep breath and let it out. "I tried but the damage was too deep and the hatred too well-fed. I encouraged my cousin to take him on at DHS. I thought if there was space between the two of you his obsession would fade. Ron demanded to know everything so I told him all I knew about you. Born in Italy. Brought to the US. I thought he truly wanted to know about you. Instead, he went looking for your adoption file. He arrested you before I could stop him and that bastard just encouraged him."
Clarissa looked at her watch. "You asked to see me and I'm doing all the talking. What did you want?"
"I wanted to say how sorry I am…"
"Stop." Clarissa interrupted him. Standing up, she straightened her dress. "If you're expecting gratitude for covering up the truth of Ron's death, know this. I don't care if the world knows the truth, it means nothing to me. My son is still dead. For his sisters' sakes, I could say 'thank you', but it doesn't mean anything. We don't care about the funeral and the pomp and protocols. It won't bring my son back. The only good thing out of this is that the bastard is dead."
She walked deliberately towards the front door, pausing only once. "You were with him and Dr. Mallard told me about your words. Maybe that makes you feel better. Maybe that eased his suffering and for that I can thank you but if you're expecting a fairytale ending, don't. You wanted to meet me. You have. Don't come to the funeral. Don't call. You aren't part of my family. My daughters and I don't want you in our lives. They have no interest in meeting you or talking with you. I know that it wasn't your fault, directly, but the fact remains that if it weren't for you and Jarvis, my son, my only son would be alive. I'll see myself out. Good-day, gentlemen."
"Well. I never…" Jackson shook his head. "How could she…"
"She's right. If it weren't for me, we wouldn't have been there. Sacks wouldn't have been killed." Tony was white with shock.
"You think Sacks would have been content to remain Mabus' secret? At some point, whether or not you were there, he would have demanded recognition. I doubt Mabus would have taken that lightly and would have found a way to get rid of him."
"I concur." Secretary Hagel said from the foyer. "Please don't get up. This is officially an informal visit to check on Agent DiNozzo's welfare. I apologize for Mrs. Sacks. I'm not sure exactly what she said but I can see from the looks it wasn't pleasant."
"Not your place to apologize, Secretary." Jethro motioned Hagel to a seat. "Can I offer you some coffee?"
"Who made it?" Hagel asked causing Tony to smirk.
"We have the colored dishwater which DiNozzo favors and real coffee. Dad made both."
"Dishwater, please. My gut can't take any more of that battery acid you drink."
"Where are my manners?" Tony shook his head. "Secretary Hagel, this is my father-in-law, Jackson Gibbs. Jackson, this is the Secretary of Defense, Franklin Hagel." The two men shook hands across the table.
"Mr. Gibbs…"
"Just Jackson." The older man interjected.
"Jackson. You must be very proud of your son and son-in-law."
"Always have been."
"They are a credit to the service of our country."
Jethro set a cup of coffee in front of Hagel, clearing away Mrs. Sacks' as he did. "Why the snow job, Hagel? What do you want?"
"Let's wait for Vance."
"While you wait then, answer something for me." Jethro spoke up. "The other night when you called and demanded Tony come to the hospital; you really didn't need him. You held his medical proxy."
"I told you I wanted Agent DiNozzo to have the chance at closure."
"Over his wife?"
"Ah." Hagel sat is coffee down. "Half expected you to ask that question that night."
"I was a little more concerned with my husband's well-being at the time."
"How is Mrs. Mabus taking her husband's death?" Tony asked.
"There is a Mrs. Mabus, but only just." Hagel admitted. "Heidi Mabus moved out almost six months ago. She indicated that he had become very angry, difficult and confrontational. In return for her not going to reporters with her allegations, Mabus agreed to a divorce and generous settlement if she filed in her home state. He did force the concession that she would 'appear' in public as needed until the divorce gradually became public. Only a few of us knew the truth."
"Good-morning, Gibbs, DiNozzo."
"Director."
"Leon."
"It's nice to see you again, Jackson."
"Nice to see you, too. Well, I'll leave you boys to talk and go watch some television with Zuma. Come on, pup." Zuma looked up at Jackson. "Come on, we'll go watch some news."
Zuma considered the offer and then stood up and started carefully across the kitchen dragging his raccoon. Jethro got up and went to pick the grudge-holding pup up. He planned to carry him to his grandfather and save his paws.
"I hear you are now Agent Zuma." Hagel stood and rounded the table holding out a hand for Zuma to sniff. "I hear you are also on medical leave." Zuma left Jethro to hold Rocky and stretched his head out to allow the man to scratch his ears. Hagel snickered. "Are those superman socks?"
"He picked them out." Jethro defended himself. Handing the pup to his dad, he also handed over the raccoon. He automatically poured Vance a coffee and came back to the table. "So now what?"
"We need to discuss the funeral details." Hagel said bluntly.
"What does that have to do with us?" Tony asked.
"Funeral plans must be made." Vance spoke up. "The question is what role you wish to play. As his son, you could…"
"No." Tony shook his head.
"Give it a bit of thought, DiNozzo." Hagel advised. "You are entit…"
"No. I don't plan on acknowledging Mabus as my biological father."
"If it comes out later..."
"We'll deal with it." Jethro took his husband's hand.
"What's the cover story to be?" Tony asked.
"The official story is that Mabus was contacted by someone claiming to know about an illegal immigration ring. NCIS, DHS and FBI were working jointly on the case. Mabus and Sacks were meeting the informant when the meet went bad. You, Mabus, Sacks and the informant were shot. The assailant was also killed." Hagel said simply. "Sacks and Mabus will be buried with honor. The question is your role."
"Mrs. Sacks made her opinion clear. She does not want me to attend Ron's funeral."
"Is Heidi Mabus willing to fulfil the role of grieving wife?" Jethro asked.
"She is currently living in New York. I contacted her the day he was shot and have been in contact since then. She arrived late last night and is staying in their home. Heidi is still legally his wife and has agreed to go through with the funeral."
"Does she know…"
"The truth?" Hagel shook his head. "No. She was given the official story."
"What about me?"
"She knows about you." Hagel admitted. "She overheard Jarvis talking to Sacks. When she confronted him he became angry and…"
"He hit her, didn't he?" Jethro felt his gut clench. "That's why she really left him." Hagel simply nodded.
"Bastard." Tony muttered. "Every time I think it can't get worse, it does. I really won the father lottery between him and Senior. What god did I piss off? I mean, do I have a 'kick me' sign on my back?" Tony was becoming distraught.
"It's okay, you've got me and dad."
"I will inform Heidi that you do not plan to participate and let her go ahead with the arrangements." Hagel stated.
"Is that all?" Jethro asked worried about Tony's emotional well-being.
"Not quite." Vance spoke up. "I want to thank you for making arrangements with Mrs. Lamina to deal with the tributes for Agent Zuma," he said dryly. "There have been several requests for Agent Zuma to speak at various schools and events."
Tony let his head fall forward until it hit the table letting it bounce a couple times until Jethro slipped his hand between his husband's head and the table. "I don't think Agent Zuma is interested in public speaking." Jethro said sardonically.
Vance and Hagel exchanged looks. When they didn't immediately speak, Tony looked up. "What now? No, don't tell me. They want Zuma on 'The Tonight Show', don't they? No, I know, the President is going to give him the key to the country." Gibbs hit him lightly on the back of the head. "Thank you, boss."
Vance just shook his head. He was used to the two agents' antics. "If you could focus for just a few more minutes, DiNozzo, we'll leave you to your pain meds. We have a request that I promised to pass on."
Section 84
"Are you sure you're feeling okay?" Jethro asked his husband as he pushed Tony's wheelchair along the corridor.
"I'm fine. Just a bit nervous. Are you sure you wouldn't rather go in alone?" Tony wavered.
"We don't have to do this." Jethro said stopping the chair next to the door and coming around to kneel beside Tony.
"Yes, we do." Tony looked down into the pup carrier. "How about it, Zuma? Are you ready?" After a nap in the car, the pup was much happier and had forgotten his anger over the early morning grooming. Poking his head out, the pup looked around. Tony rubbed his ears and Zuma squirmed until his paws were holding his head up out of his carrier. "You ready? Want to go in?" Tony crooned. Sitting up straighter, Tony gave Jethro a smile. "Let's do this."
Jethro stood and knocked on the door. It was opened by a young brunette with red-rimmed eyes. "Can I help…" She looked down to see Tony and tears came to her eyes. "You came? I can't believe. Uh…" She let the door close behind her. "Thank you so much. I wasn't sure you'd be able to come. Did they tell you about Ethan?" she asked.
"The lady who contacted our boss told him about the accident and Ethan's parents. Jethro called to talk to his doctor to get clearance for our visit. I'm sorry for your loss."
"I'm all that he has now." She said sadly. "I'm sorry, I'm Carey. Carey Richards. I'm Ethan's aunt."
"I'm Agent Tony DiNozzo and this is my husband Agent Jethro Gibbs. And this," Tony tickled under Zuma's chin. "This is Agent Zuma Gibbs."
"Thank you for coming. Ethan hasn't shown much interest in anything since…" She swallowed hard. "Since my brother and his wife were killed. With the broken bones and the traction, I know he must be bored. He doesn't want to talk or anything, he just lays there. One of my friends was here and she was showing him some videos on her tablet and when she showed him the one about your dog, he just…" the woman shook her head. "She told me she was going to call and try to get ahold of you but I really didn't think you'd come."
Tony reach out and took her hand. "How are you holding up?"
"It's tough. Jacob and I lost our parents several years ago. Marianne was an only child. Her parents are very elderly and are out in New Mexico. I'm really all that Ethan has left." She smiled tremulously.
"Ethan is a bit restless, Carey." Another young woman opened the door a crack. "Is something… I told you." She smiled brightly. "Director Vance said he would call you. I just knew you would come."
"You're Becca? Thank you for calling us." Tony said brightly. "Mush, Jethro. We have an Ethan to meet." The two young women giggled which was Tony's intent. Jethro gave them a long-suffering look but obediently moved to push the chair as Becca held the door open wide. Carey entered ahead of them, announcing, "Ethan, you have visitors."
The eight-year-old was lying on the bed with his hips and legs encased in casts; a bar between his legs. His gaze was fixed on the TV that hung over his bed. The slight twitching of his hands the only sign that he heard his aunt's statement. "Hey, Ethan. Hope you don't mind our stopping by." Tony said jovially. "When Zuma heard, he insisted." At his name, Zuma gave a woof of agreement and the boy's face turned in their direction, a look of surprise on his face.
"Agent Zuma?" The boy said softly. The pup barked and wiggled his paws.
"He said he's happy to meet you, Ethan." Tony said.
"Dogs can't talk." Ethan replied.
"Of course they can. Zuma, do you want to get out of your carrier?"
Zuma looked at Tony and then at Ethan. "Ruff."
"See?"
"Here let me." Jethro stepped around and picked the pup out of his carrier. "Do you want on sit on the bed?" Zuma barked once and Jethro sat him carefully on Ethan's bed after a quick nod of approval from Carey.
Zuma walked up the bed carefully until he could sniff the hand Ethan held out. He was wearing his Superman socks and he carefully held out a paw. "He wants to shake hands. Look, Aunt Carey."
"I see. Best not keep him waiting." The young woman's eyes were full of unshed tears.
Jethro walked to the rear of the room where he could keep watch. The other young woman drifted over to stand by him. "Thank you, Agent Gibbs. Carey has been so worried. She hasn't even wanted to leave Ethan to make funeral arrangements. They have to have closed casket so the funeral director said there wasn't a hurry."
"The funeral director is being helpful, then? Friend of the family?"
"No. The hospital recommended him, but he's been very kind."
"Had they been close?"
"Carey has been a great aunt, but she was going to school. She dropped out after the accident."
"Georgetown?"
"Howard. Pre-med."
"Surgeon?"
"Research. She was interested in Alzheimer's research. That's how her dad passed. Carey always said that her mom just lost her will."
"It happens."
They were silent for a while as they watched. "Does she live in DC?"
"She lived in a dorm. Said it was easier."
"Year round?"
"Jacob insisted that she stay with him and Marianne over the summer to save money. They were so proud of her."
"They owned a house in DC?"
"Rented over in Virginia. They were saving for a down payment. Carey paid the rent for the month but the landlord is anxious for her to clear out the townhouse. I told her I'd stay with Ethan but…"
"It's very hard. Probably just needs some time."
"Both of them."
"How long will he be here?"
"The hospital social worker, Mrs. Enognirac, is trying to sort out a rehab hospital for Ethan but there's something wonky with the insurance."
"Wonky?"
"Something about his dad dying first and he was on his dad's insurance. I don't really understand and I know Carey doesn't either. The social worker is trying to help but… I wish Carey had a lawyer." She smiled brightly as she watched Carey, Ethan and Tony playing with Zuma. Jethro had gotten a couple wooden cars he and his dad had made and put them in Zuma's carrier. The little pup was using his nose to 'drive' his car to Ethan's delight. "I can never thank you enough for what you've done today."
"You care about them."
"Carey and I are closer than sisters. I've known her for… wow… nearly fourteen years. We went to middle school and high school together."
"Not college."
"Carey's really smart. She got a scholarship that helped her. I'm doing part-time at the community college. It'll take me longer but I'll get there."
"Medical research?"
"No, that's Carey's dream. I'm studying to be a nurse at the moment. I have almost all my classes except for the core done. I've taken a couple semesters off and have been saving up money to take time off work to do the practicals. It's going to be a while now." A knock on the door drew everyone's attention but Zuma and Ethan's. They were racing in the Indianapolis 500.
"Dr. Melinger."
The older man waved Carey down. "I just thought I'd stop by and see if I could get an introduction to this 'Agent Zuma' everyone is talking about." He approached the bed delighted to see the happiness in the small boy's face. "Ethan, want to introduce me to your friend?"
"Agent Zuma," he said with perfect manners. "This is Dr. Melinger. Dr. Melinger, this is Agent Zuma from NICS and his partners…Agent Tony and…"
"Agent Jethro." Tony said in a mock whisper.
"Oh, yeah, Agent Jethro." Ethan said.
Dr. Melinger held out his hand and took a small paw. "I'm pleased to meet all of you, especially you Agent Zuma." The doctor laughed as Zuma barked. "I hate to break this up, but it's time for Ethan's x-ray."
"Awww." Ethan moaned.
"Hey, champ, we all have to do it. He," Tony jerked his thumb at Jethro. "He made me have an x-ray before I got here."
"Really?"
"Yep. Every other day." Tony confirmed.
"Wow. Is it cause you got hurt when Agent Zuma saved you?"
"Yes, it is. That's why Zuma has to wear socks. His paws were hurt. I don't like x-rays and he doesn't really care for the ointment and socks, but it's important. Agents have to do a lot of things they don't like."
"I guess." Ethan looked sad. "Will I ever see you again?"
"I'm sure that we'll be in touch. Agent Zuma will see to that."
"Good bye, Agent Zuma." Ethan hugged the pup who kissed him all over the face. "Thank you, sir, for bringing them." He looked over at Jethro.
"Oh, wait." Tony looked at the doctor. "Just one more minute. I almost forgot Zuma brought you a present." He waited while Jethro retrieved it from the bag on the back of the wheelchair and then handed the gift bag to Ethan. Simultaneously, Jethro picked up Zuma and helped him back into this carrier.
Ethan reached into the gift bag excitedly. "Carey, look! It's Agent Zuma. He's even wearing his socks." Thankfully the baby boutique had found another plush pup in stock. Tony had insisted on adding the Superman socks for authenticity.
"I'm sure if you asked Dr. Melinger he'd let you take Zuma with you." Tony prompted.
"Really? Can I, Dr. Melinger?"
"Absolutely." The doctor was delighted with the turnaround in the boy's emotions.
Zuma, Tony and Jethro retreated in a flurry of good byes and thank yous. Outside the door, Jethro stopped and came around to look at his husband,noting the lines of pain etched on Tony's face. "We're going to leave here, stop and get something for you to eat and then it's pain pill, time. No arguments." He smirked, "After all, agents have to do a lot of things they don't like."
"Yeah, yeah use my own words against me."
Section 85
"So what did your interrogation uncover?" Tony asked happily eating a white chocolate, raspberry crisp muffin from Hansen's. Aalrik had even carried Tony's cappuccino to the car to say hello and meet Agent Zuma, of course. He handed a Hansen bag to Tony who peeped in to find several cookies.
"What are these, Aalrik?" Tony held one up.
"They're something I just thought the pup might like. They're puppy treats." Zuma's ears perked up. "I thought Agent Zuma would give me his opinion. The bone-shaped one is Autumn Oats. It has pumpkin and squash pureed. I used a lot of oats with the flour and some molasses to sweeten it up. The top has a thin layer of minced sweet potato and carrots. The heart shape is a Love'n Nuts. It has a slightly crispier texture and the flour is crossed with corn meal. Also there is a nice protein base with creamy peanut butter. The apple shape is Happy Harvest. It has wheat flour and applesauce. I added a touch of spice to give it a nice aroma but no nutmeg. Nutmeg is toxic." Aalrik clarified. "The round ones are Sweetie Pies. I used rice flour, pureed sweet potatoes, a drop of honey and some egg. Really basic. Lastly the stars are the Zuma Treat. I used a bit of chicken broth, eggs, powdered milk, rice, honey and chicken pureed like baby food."
"Wow. I had no idea you made puppy treats."
Aalrik smiled. "I have an older dog and I make them for him. The Zuma is a new recipe. It has a lot of nutrients for puppies. It's nice to have a few for the service dogs that come in and out during the day. I don't really sell them."
"Thank you, so much." Tony was touched. "Hey, Zuma. Want to try a treat?" He held the bag out to the pup. Zuma stuck his nose in the bag and gently picked up a Happy Harvest. Tony watched as he laid it down and took a bite. Zuma barked happily. "I'd say they are a hit. Thanks, again, Aalrik."
"Take care. We miss you stopping by." He waved as Jethro pulled out of the parking lot.
"What interrogation?" Jethro asked taking a sip of his special Java. "Don't forget to take your meds."
Tony pulled a frown but obediently took the pills with a drink from the bottle of water Jethro had purchased. "I saw you and Becca talking. Spill."
"Carey and Jacob lost their father to Alzheimer's. Their mother died of a broken heart, according to them. Ethan's parents Jacob and Marianne rented a townhouse. Carey stayed with them over the summer as she worked to save for tuition. Carey is doing pre-med and wants to go into Alzheimer's Research. Becca and she have been friends since they were about Ethan's age. Becca wants to be a nurse. She's been attending part-time but can't afford to take off work to do her hospital rotations."
Jethro paused for another drink. "The landlord is pressing for the townhouse to be cleared out. The insurance company is trying to avoid covering Ethan's medical bills. A social worker, Mrs. Enognirac, is trying to help but has limited resources. Ethan will need rehabilitation and the kids will need an appropriate home to live in before Carey can bring him home."
Tony licked the last of the crumbs from his fingers. He looked at Zuma who had curled up to nap with Rocky. "So what's the plan?"
"What plan?"
"Puh-lease. I know you, Jethro. How do we help?"
"I was thinking. Those condos where Helen and Diana live. They're handicap compliant, aren't they?"
"Yes. That's one of the reasons that Helen choose there; for the elevator and the convenience."
"If Carey had a three-bedroom unit, then Becca and she could share."
"We could introduce her to Helen and Diana. They could support each other. That would be great." Tony said enthusiastically. "I can arrange for a moving company to pack up everything for them and store it. So, housing handled. Scholarships for nursing and med school?"
"Yep. Also a trust fund for Ethan's education."
"They're going to need money to live on. Stipends attached to the scholarships?"
"That would work and we could also provide a stipend for Ethan's care. Something useable for the little things."
"How do we make it happen?"
"You can call Mrs. Enognirac. Get the details needed, even ask her to look at the condo. Get recommendations for the rehabilitation center. We call the attorney Moretti recommended and he can work out the details."
"The medical insurance?"
"Let the attorney deal with it."
"Cover story?" Tony asked. "Inheritance?"
"Life insurance."
"What about Becca?"
"Hmmm."
"You said Cary and she'd been friends for years. Maybe Jacob set it up for her like another sister."
"Works for me." Jethro agreed.
Tony felt his phone vibrate. "Forgot to turn the ringer back on after we left the hospital. I don't recognize the number. Special Agent Anthony DiNozzo. How may I help you?"
"It's Becca. Becca Peterson. I snitched your cell number from Carey."
Tony pushed the speaker button. "Hi, Becca. Are Carey and Ethan okay?"
"More than. Your gift just arrived and before you deny; I know it had to be you. I know the aide said it was from some children's organization but I know better. I checked and that organization doesn't exist. They don't have anyone but me, so it had to be you. I wanted to say 'thank you'. I want to tell you that you shouldn't have, but you should have seen Ethan's face when he saw the Ipad and the XBOX package. I can't begin to tell you how happy he is now. I wanted you to know how grateful I am. The restaurant gift cards are so wonderful, too. Carey is just so overwhelmed by them. She and Ethan are talking about where they would like dinner from. Did I tell you he hasn't let go of the puppy you gave him? Not once. All I had been hoping for was a visit. How do I ever repay you?"
Tony tried to answer but there was too big a lump in his throat. He looked at Jethro, helplessly. "No need. Someday when this is past, just take some time to relax with your family and enjoy life. Take care of each other."
"We will. God bless you both." The two men could hear the tears in her voice when she hung up. Jethro reached out with his right hand and linked fingers with Tony. "You did good, husband."
"We, did good." Tony smiled and clarified.
"Better talk to the attorney about setting that organization up. We may need it again."
Section 86
It surprised Tony that he really wasn't missing work yet. He, Jethro and Jackson had fallen in to a comfortable routine. First thing in the morning, Jethro would help Tony dress and shower. Then while Jethro showered, Tony would get Zuma's bag of socks and spread them out. The pup would examine the offerings and then pick out a pair. Taking them carefully in his mouth, the puppy would lay them in Tony's hand. He would carefully clean Zuma's paws and rub salve on them before slipping on the socks.
Tony smiled as he sat on the bed, Zuma sprawled over his lap. The pup was so relaxed; he was even letting Tony give his fur a good brushing with only minor grumbling. As he brushed, Tony grinned at the little blue and white athletic shoe socks. Zuma had looked the socks over twice but the Superman socks were in the laundry basket. Evidently the blue socks were the next best choice.
"He looks about asleep." Jethro said, coming in to the room drying his hair.
"At least he's not putting up as much trouble with getting groomed. He was so angry yesterday."
"But today, you combed your hair and then combed his. He wants to be like his mommy." Jethro smirked.
"I'm not his mommy." Tony protested. Zuma grumbled and tilted his head. He rolled over and exposed his belly to the comb. "You are such a good boy."
"Hey, Zuma. Where's Mommy?" Jethro asked. Zuma tilted his head and looked from Jethro to Tony. He gave a short whine when Tony stopped paying attention.
"That is not a fair test. Is it, sweetie?" Tony resumed his stroking.
"Ready?" Jethro held his hand out to help his husband to his feet.
Tony put a disgruntled Zuma on the bed. Rising he ended up pressed against Jethro. He could feel their joint pleasure at the touches. "I think fate has it in for me." Tony said as he slipped his arms around his husband.
"How so?"
"We get married and have to take McGee on our honeymoon. We get to go to Italy and you get shot in the…"
"Hip. I got shot in the hip." Jethro interjected.
"Now, you're almost healed and I get shot twice during a sting by the FBI agents. I don't think that's all coincidence; ergo, fate has it in for me."
"Did you just use 'ergo'?" Jethro tapped the back of Tony's head gently. "We can still do this." The kiss was just as wonderful as on their private balcony in Palermo, until Zuma barked.
"Boys? You up?" Jackson called. "What do you want for breakfast?"
"Since I can't have what I want..." Tony turned away. "Any requests?"
"Scrambled eggs?" Jethro helped Zuma to the floor.
"Ham or bacon?"
"Yep." Jethro said.
Tony just laughed and made a face at him. "Let me check the fridge."
McGee paused his game and clicked on the private message window.
Agent Bob Mincef: Good-morning, Agent McGee.
Agent Timothy McGee: Good-morning. And I told you. Tim or McGee.
Agent Bob Mincef: Sorry. I hope I didn't message too early.
Agent Timothy McGee: Used to being at work by now. You?
Agent Bob Mincef: Came in early. I'm trying to compile all the reports into one for Agent Fornell.
Agent Timothy McGee: He makes you call him Agent Fornell?
Agent Bob Mincef: Tobias or Fornell. Just don't feel I've earned that right yet. You wouldn't understand.
Agent Timothy McGee: Trust me. When I came over from Norfolk, I was petrified of Gibbs.
Agent Bob Mincef: Hard to believe. You're a bit of a legend for those coming up in cyber areas.
Agent Timothy McGee: How's the investigation going?
Agent Bob Mincef: Director Comey is…
Agent Timothy McGee: I can imagine. Close to being done?
Agent Bob Mincef: I'm compiling all the communications that were sent or received among all participants. I've got to pull the ballistics report regarding the shots that hit Agent DiNozzio. Then I've still got to get all the media pulled together. Blast, it's Comey.
Agent Bob Mincef: Now I've got to go through all the agents involved from all agencies and provide dossiers for the report.
Agent Timothy McGee: Send me a list and I'll do the dossiers for you.
Agent Bob Mincef: Seriously?
Agent Timothy McGee: Yeah. I've probably already got a lot in my directory already. Vance wants those, also. Every time I do one, I save it. I have several on the FBI already.
Agent Bob Mincef: You're a lifesaver.
Agent Timothy McGee: No problem. Send it to my NCIS email.
Agent Bob Mincef: I owe you one.
Agent Timothy McGee: Buy me a cup of coffee sometime. What time's the report due?
Agent Bob Mincef: 15:00 hours
Agent Timothy McGee: I'll have them to you by lunch.
Agent Bob Mincef: Thanks, again.
Agent Timothy McGee: Got the list. I'll start on them now. Talk to you later.
"You are not Ambassador Nimbob of Momnarth Pern."
"Sorry, sir."
"Agent McGee, right? You work with Gibbs."
"Yes, sir."
"So what was so important that you bumped the ambassador's call."
"Sir, I… uh…"
"If you felt it was important enough to hack my computer, you can spit it out."
"Yes, sir. Mr. Vice-President, I was assisting Agent Bob Mincef with the report for Agent Fornell. I was only helping with providing dossiers on the agents involved."
"At ease. I'm fine with NCIS and FBI working harmoniously. Lord knows between Gibbs and Fornell there's been enough disharmony. Go on."
"Well, I had never worked with Agent Patterson so I didn't have a dossier already prepared. I started compiling information and well, sir… I found this."
A small window opened on the vice-president's screen and he obligingly opened the visible link. "Is this really his?"
"Yes, sir. I wanted to be sure and I may have used a back door to … uh…"
"I am well aware of your hacking abilities, Agent. Just saying you verified it will suffice. Don't tell me anything that would make me have you arrested."
"Yes, sir."
"Do you have any other evidence that might corroborate this?"
"Yes, sir. I'm sending you an email with attachments now as well as a list of organizations where Agent Patterson is signed up."
"I'm assuming he used an alias."
"Stonewall69."
"Ahh… the riots."
"Yes, sir."
"I appreciate the information but I am a bit surprised you brought the information directly to me instead of Director Vance. I'm assuming you haven't told either DiNozzo or Gibbs, either."
"No, sir."
"I'll take care of this. And… good work, Agent McGee. Now can you get Ambassador Nimbob?"
"Yes, sir. Thank you, sir." McGee logged off. He hoped that he had made the right decision going to the vice-president.