There was something about the smell of a baby that was soothing, Tony thought cuddling Victoria close. There was a baby smell, not that smell, but a pleasant one of powder and lotion and sweetness. There was also a warmth that soothed the spirit. Peace talks would go much better if each participant were holding a baby, Tony mused.
Thankfully, he had baked the night before. Abby had raided the cookie jar and the brownie box and the cake plate, in addition to grabbing her cupcakes. The group were enjoying the treats. Tony noticed that Jethro was keeping the cookie jar close to his end of the coffee table and was inhaling the chip-a-peel cookies. Tony was glad he had made a triple batch while munching on his own cookie.
"Welcome, friends." The reporter's normal exuberance was slightly dampened and her first words silenced those in the Gibbs' living room. "Today our country says good-bye to two heroes. As many of you are aware, Monday was a tragic day. Secretary of the Navy Jarvis Mabus and Special Agent Ronald Sacks of Homeland Security were murdered in a shoot-out. I'm now being joined by Franklin Hegel, Secretary of Defense. Welcome, Secretary Hegel. Let me extend my sympathies for your loss. You and Secretary Mabus were long-time friends, I understand."
"Did anyone know Hegel was being interviewed?" Tony asked looking around the room. "Must have been need to know."
Secretary Hegel took a breath. "We were. Thank you."
"We were shocked at the bombshell on Wednesday. If not for the diligence of my assistant producer, the connection would not have been made. Was this family deliberately hidden? Were you aware that Agent Sacks was Secretary Mabus' son?"
"Of course. You have to understand, Jarvis, Secretary Mabus and his son were close but Agent Sacks did not want to trade on his father's name. He wanted to make it on his own and he did. Agent Sacks was on one of the premier FBI teams before being offered an advancement and joining Homeland Security."
"The release of details about the incident on Monday has been sporadic and incomplete. I know that we have been assured that there is no active investigation on-going. Can you take our viewers through exactly what happened on Monday in the parking garage at the Naval Criminal Investigative Services building?"
"I'm sure that you and your viewers will understand that some information is classified, but I will provide what information I can." Hegel took a sip of water.
"An informant contacted Secretary Mabus indicating that he had information on a smuggling operation being run by members of the US Navy."
"What type of smuggling?"
"Purportedly members of the navy were smuggling illegal aliens into the country. Of course, Jarvis…Secretary Mabus as the Secretary of the Navy contacted Director Leon Vance of NCIS and the lead MCRT was assigned to the case."
"I'm sure our viewers are familiar with NCIS acronym but for those who are not familiar with MCRT, would you mind defining it?"
"Of course. MCRT is stands for Major Case Response Team."
The reporter looked at him coyly. "Would our viewers know any of the members of the team? Maybe someone who's been in the news?"
Secretary Hegel gave a laugh. Gibbs and Tony knew instantly this was pre-arranged.
"He's going to out you on ZNN?" Palmer asked indignantly.
"I think we were outed a couple weeks ago," Jethro said wryly.
"No, I… Yes, but… I meant…"
"Easy, Black Lung, he's just yanking your chain." Tony gave his husband a smile. "Our team was bound to be revealed. It's going to be public knowledge."
"I'm sure you are aware that Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs and Agent Anthony DiNozzo are members of that team."
"I'm sure that our viewers remember Agent DiNozzo's father was arrested a short time ago."
"He's a very brave man. I understand, Agent DiNozzo was severely injured that day."
"Thank-fully, he was wearing a bullet-proof vest." Hegel said gravely. "If not, today's ceremony may have been for three. As it stands, Agent DiNozzo took two bullets. One was minor, the other chipped his spine and caused severe bruising to his kidney."
"Viewers, let's take a minute of thanks to Agent DiNozzo and his husband, Agent Gibbs for their efforts and a prayer that Agent DiNozzo heals quickly." She bowed her head for a few seconds. When the reporter raised her head, she had a small smile. "I understand there was another agent injured that day and he seems as much a hero as his partners..."
"No, no, no, no, no, no," Tony chanted under his breath and Jethro snickered. It was no use, as in the corner of the screen appeared a picture.
"I'm being told that we have to take a quick break. When we come back, we'll talk to Secretary Hegel about one of his newest and most popular agents."
"McGee, quick. Get her number on this..." Jethro demanded passing his cell to McGee.
"Jethro, what are you doing?" Tony asked. His husband simply smirked as he took the phone from McGee.
"Welcome back. I understand that Agent Zuma was injured that day. We have been contacted by many young viewers who are extremely concerned. Can you tell us how severe were his injuries?"
Hegel faced the camera, "Let me assure you that Agent Zuma is currently recovering alongside Agent DiNozzo. He is a very young agent and has not had the time for the pads of his paws to toughen up. The vet has assured us that he'll be fine. Agent Gibbs has been treating his paws with a salve and will be switching to one that will help toughen his paws."
"I understand that is the reason for Agent Zuma's unusual footwear." A close up of Zuma in his Superman socks peeping out of his NCIS carrier appeared.
"They aren't strictly Navy issue, but it does help keep the salve on. He really isn't old enough to understand how important it is to follow doctor's orders and take your medicine."
"Viewers..." The reported cupped her hand around her ear dramatically. "It appears that Agent Zuma is watching our broadcast and has sent a message. Slowly, please…. Agent Zuma wants to extend his deep sympathy to the families of Secretary Mabus and Agent Sacks for their loss. He is also grateful for the concern expressed by your viewers." She listened a bit without speaking. "Agent Zuma would like to thank everyone for the get-well gifts they have sent to him but he asks that you consider sending them to your local shelter. Agent Zuma says he is well cared for and loves his family very much, but there are many puppies out there who will grow up to be heroes and who need a little extra help and love."
The reporter smiled. "What a lovely thought. Thank-you, Agent Zuma for calling in. Maybe when you're better you would join me one night on the show." As she spoke, a third picture popped up and Jethro cursed. It was a shot of him wearing the carrier with Zuma proudly displayed.
Jethro glared at Palmer who had delivered a Gibbs slap. "I think I liked it better when you were scared of me." Palmer simply pointed at Jackson.
"Leroy Jethro!" His father scolded with a smirk. "Watch your language."
"I'd like to thank Secretary Hegel for taking the time to talk with us," the reporter said as the show returned from a commercial. "He had to join the other VIPs filing in to the memorial service. We are being told that the families will be the last to enter. Before he left, Secretary Hegel provided a brief overview of the operation. He was unable to provide full details due to the classified nature of the op."
The reporter straightened and put on a solemn expression. "Monday afternoon, Secretary Mabus, Special Agent Sacks and our favorite MCRT team," she gave a small smile, "met the informant in the parking garage of NCIS. An FBI strike team, headed by Special Agent Sacks' former partner Tobias Fornell, were in place for support. Instead of providing information on the supposed smuggling ring, the informant attempted to assassinate Secretary Mabus. In the subsequent shoot-out, Agent Sacks was killed, Agent DiNozzo and Secretary Mabus were gravely injured. Secretary Mabus was rushed to the hospital where he succumbed to his wounds early Tuesday morning. The assassin was also killed but his identity is being suppressed for security reasons."
"There is a very somber feeling here today. A tragedy striking so close to the heart of our government. We find ourselves taking whatever happiness or lightness of heart we can find. I asked Secretary Hegel earlier about a rumor that has been making its way around the capitol. After confirming the information, he indicated that it would be fine to set the record straight and that he did not feel that it would be disrespectful to the family of Secretary Mabus."
Tony looked around at the other puzzled faces. "What rumor?"
She allowed a measured smile to curve her lips. "If you recall I talked earlier this week to one of the first responders at the scene. While NCIS medical attended Agent Sacks and Agent DiNozzio, he provided aid to Secretary Mabus. At that time, he declined to comment on the rumor."
"Oh, my..." McGee stared at the picture of the paramedic. "That's the paramedic that had me… uh, detach… Zuma from Mabus'… uh…"
"She wouldn't…" Tony said with bated breath. "Everyone will know that Zuma bit his…"
"It seems as if during the shootout one of the MCRT became confused and rather than attacking the assassin; he attacked Secretary Mabus." The reporter smirked. "Yes, viewers, it is confirmed that Agent Zuma in the zeal of his first real mission latched on to the… shall I say, delicate part… of Secretary Mabus' anatomy. One of the MCRT had to give him the command to, uh, drop… his attack. Secretary Hegel assured me that before the last surgery where Secretary Mabus finally succumbed that Agent Zuma visited him in the hospital and properly apologized. One hopes that as Agent Zuma grows, that he will be able to reach the jugular, not the… other part. Thanks for providing us a spot of levity on such a tragic occasion, Agent Zuma."
The reporter straightened her papers. "I'm being told that the family is about to enter. That is Heidi Mabus. She is the widow of Secretary Mabus and was on vacation when the incident happened and immediately flew back. She is escorted by Secretary Hegel." As those at the Gibbs house watched, the petite blonde in black walk past the casket pausing as if to offer a prayer and then touch the casket to say good-bye.
"Nice." Tony spoke up. Turning Victoria slightly, he pointed towards the screen. "See how well she pulled that grieving widow ensemble together."
"Ensemble?" Jimmy asked. "Should you be telling my daughter this?"
"Explain." Jethro said simply.
"Take the dress. Nice and simple. Classic lines. Midi length. Not showing too much leg. Then there is the material, crepe. Holds up for the service. Sleeves. Widows never show bare arms even in the heat of summer. Now, she has chosen full sleeves of black lace. Perfect for the spring weather and not bare. No gloves. Interesting choice, but it showcases her hands. But, the piece de resistance is the veil."
"The veil?" McGee asked. "Does it really matter?"
"Definitely." Abby chimed in. "Too little makes you a potential skank. Ready for the next hubby. Too much makes you a hussy. Just like a mini skirt…"
"Too over the top." Tony confirmed. "The widow could really care less. Knowing how Heidi really feels, she nailed the widow role."
"Son, she isn't wearing a real widow's veil." Jackson corrected.
"Ah, not the type the always in fashion Jacquelyn Kennedy donned; true elegance and grace is mostly lost on modern times." Tony said sadly. "This is the contemporary twist combined with the grace. The headband is not as simplistic donned nor as fancy as the headband/fascinator that Celine Dion wore. Celine's veil was more a reverse mantilla. It was appropriate for a Catholic service. Here, Heidi has chosen a more intricate but still classy headband. It echoes the lace of her dress. Custom-made, I'm sure. I'm glad she chose to only wear the veil on half her face. It is just coverage enough that it's hard to see her eyes. Sensible heels. Perfect." Abby nodded in agreement.
Jethro shook his head and took a long drink of beer. "I can't believe you're an expert on women's funeral fashion."
"You should hear him on club wear." Abby said enthusiastically.
"The Sacks family is now entering. I believe that is Agent Sacks' oldest sister Lucinda Sacks. She is a criminal lawyer and has successfully defended many high profile clients. Following her, I believe is Jocelyn Sacks-Trulmen. Dr. Sacks-Trulmen is a highly regarded orthopedic surgeon. Camilla Sacks is now entering. The honorable Ms. Sacks is a circuit court judge. And the last sister is Dr. Madeleine Sacks, a world renowned expert on cinematography. She is also founder of "A day in another life." The foundation gives sick children a chance to cast themselves in their favorite film."
The four sisters filed past Mabus' coffin and each paused briefly before moving to the other side where Ron's coffin was placed. Each sister stood for a moment head bowed before taking their seats. "And now viewers, Mrs. Clarissa Sacks is entering. She is being escorted by Agent Fornell."
As she entered, Clarissa walked steadily. Like her daughters, she had chosen a classic black midi dress but had opted for a stylish fascinator with a bird cage veil. When she came abreast of Mabus' coffin, she paused for a moment and then broke protocol and stepped over to Heidi who rose. The two women exchanged quiet comments before they shared a brief hug. Only then did Clarissa and Fornell move to the empty seats facing Ron's casket.
"And that is total class." Tony said. He cuddled Victoria closer as the service began.