Chapter Seven

Knock Three Times

Feeling more rested, Tony walked into the bullpen the next day with a cup of his favorite Hazelnut coffee. He'd received a call from Gibbs upon awakening telling him the FBI wanted a meeting first thing and to get his ass in, pronto. That most likely meant the feebs had discovered something new, or figured out that NCIS was holding back.

As he approached the bullpen, he could hear Ziva's voice speaking Hebrew in a clipped, agitated tone. Tony pulled back, lurking around the corner behind some greenery despite the fact he couldn't understand what she was saying. Speaking in Hebrew didn't mean anything. After all, she was Israeli, and it was her native tongue, but this wasn't the first time. Tony couldn't quell that nagging feeling that it meant more than he could comprehend. It was the same feeling he had when he'd futilely searched her computer. She was up to something; he just knew it – so he'd keep digging.

Ziva's computer was on, and Tony's superb eyesight could see the document she had open was also in Hebrew. When Gibbs appeared, entering the bullpen from the back, Ziva quickly closed her document, opening another in its place and switched to English on her phone call. Her voice immediately became lighter, more friendly.

"It was nice to hear from you. We will talk again soon," she said before hanging up. "Good morning, Gibbs."

"Where the hell is DiNozzo?" Gibbs asked in his usual abrupt manner.

"I have not seen him, but he is rarely here early. Perhaps if you tell me what you need, I could assist you," she said.

"Morning, Boss," Tony said, tossing his bag behind his desk and approaching Gibbs. "Any idea what this is about?"

Gibbs had a tall cup of coffee clutched in his hand, and Tony could see an empty one already in the trash. Doubly-caffeinated Gibbs first thing. Joy.

"Why do I not know what is going on? Why am I being excluded?" Ziva asked, her face pinched with frustration.

"Director knows keeping Montague's connection quiet is no longer an option," Gibbs said.

"Understood," Tony said, knowing that meant they'd have to lay all their cards on the table this time.

Hopefully, the FBI would do the same, because Tony didn't think they'd been completely forthcoming, either. There was always friction and attempts to edge other organizations out whenever shared jurisdiction was involved. It was even worse with LEOs in the local PDs. It used to drive Tony crazy when he'd been in Baltimore. Quite honestly, it was a big reason why 9/11 was able to happen. Sadly, not much had changed since.

"Is anyone going to explain what is going on? We are a team, and teams should share everything," Ziva said crossly, her voice rising.

"Care to share what your phone call was all about, then?" Tony asked.

Ziva's eyes widened, but she recovered quickly. "You do not need to know what I talk about with my aunt, but I do need to know about our case with the FBI," she said.

Tony would bet his left nut she wasn't talking with her aunt.

"Why do you care so much about who I speak with in my personal life? You are too nosy," Ziva said.

"Yes, and inquisitive and observant – that's what makes me a good investigator," Tony replied. "You'd be surprised by how much I notice."

"I am not under investigation. You would do better to focus on our case," Ziva said, glaring.

"Zip it, or you're both out the door. Somebody better give me something work-related," Gibbs yelled.

Ziva looked affronted, and she crossed her arms across her chest, her face pinched. Despite the anger, Tony suspected he'd rattled her. He knew she was up to something, but he couldn't prove it. Much like Robert Redford in Three Days of the Condor, he knew there was a spy but was yet unable to work out who he could trust for assistance. It was maddening.

"Sorry, Boss," he said, knowing that antagonizing Ziva in front of Gibbs wasn't going to get him anywhere. "We're trying to track down anything on the kidnappers."

"What do we know for sure?" Gibbs asked, unaware – or more like ignoring – Tony's inner turmoil.

"We did not find any electronic trace of the blackmailers. Lieutenant Montague was approached in person both times, and he claims he was too drunk to remember specific characteristics of those who threatened him other than that they were big and bulky," Ziva said disapprovingly. "A naval officer should instinctually be more observant."

"What about the guy who he lost the money to in the first place? He has to be able to describe him," Tony said, pieces suddenly clicking into place once he pushed his concerns about Ziva to the back of his mind. "Show me the money."

Gibbs nodded. "I'm going to have Abby get a sketch artist to work with him," he said, getting up and heading towards Abby's lab before he'd even finished speaking.

Tony knew Gibbs had used kid gloves on the Lieutenant the day before, but that was out of respect to the Admiral. Things had escalated, and Montague's personal problems aside, he needed to own up to his own culpability and give them something to work with. Gibbs' temper wouldn't stay below boiling point much longer.

"It looks like we will be returning to Philadelphia. I am sure you will be happy to see all your old… friends," Ziva said, an odd, half-smile forming.

Tony knew she'd compiled dossiers on all of them for Ari, so she probably knew more about his trouble in Philly than he liked. Best defense was a good offense…

"It'll be great to see everyone. If things go smoothly, maybe I'll even get to work with some of them again. Some great guys there, I can set you up if you like. What attracts you in a man?" he asked, waggling his eyebrows.

Ziva frowned – it was obviously not the reaction she was expecting. "I do not need assistance with my dating life. I am perfectly capable of finding a man without your input."

"That's great, but there probably won't be much time for dating while we're there, so try and keep your mind focused on the case, okay?" Tony said, turning to his computer and knowing she wouldn't be able to let that go.

"Ha! That is like the pot calling the stove black. I am not the one who people assume could be a serial killer because of my excessive dating," Ziva said, rolling her eyes.

Tony knew his love 'em and leave 'em dating habits would be a prosecutor's dream. Gibbs talked him down from that panic attack, but it didn't make it untrue. He'd been left feeling oddly unsettled since that whole fubar, never mind adding his concerns about Ziva.

"Kettle," he said absently, keeping his face impassive despite the fact she'd hit her mark.

"What?" she asked.

"Who's Tony dating now?" McGee asked, entering the bullpen carrying his breakfast. "And why are you both here so early?"

"I do not know who he is dating. I am not nearly as interested in his personal life as he always is in ours," Ziva said.

"For someone who claims not to care about my dating life, you sure do talk a lot about my dating life," Tony said, one eye raised.

"No, seriously though, Tony – why are you here so early? That's not like you," McGee said.

"Three dead, tortured, and mutilated bodies aren't enough for you to come in early, McGee?" Gibbs asked sharply as he returned to the bullpen.

The boss had a habit of returning just as someone uttered something that could be used against them. Usually it was Tony, so he was delighted to see the panic cross McGee's pale face this time. Tim nearly dropped his coffee and had to juggle not to let it spill across his desk.

"Wh- What? No! That's not- not what I meant. It's just that Tony…" he said, trailing off and looking at Tony with desperation.

"Tony what, McGoo?" Tony asked, raising his eyebrows questioningly and letting the younger man dig his own hole.

"Well, it's not like you're a morning person. You've said yourself that you do your best work at night," McGee said, a distressed whine entering his voice.

"Any hits from Paul Bergmann's acquaintances?" Gibbs asked, growling, and clearly finished with the conversation.

"He's single, parents live out in Utah, but they haven't heard from him recently and didn't know he was missing. No girlfriend, and closest friend is our Lieutenant. The last time anyone saw him seems to be at the end of the work day last Friday evening. No idea where he went from there," Tony said, rattling off the details.

"There are no witnesses who saw him anywhere after that? Do we even know if he went to the Vault?" Gibbs shouted.

"So, you do have a connection to The Vault Tavern. You kept that quiet," Agent Fornell said sourly as he stormed into the bullpen, frowning. "I thought we'd grown closer than that."

He was followed by Ron Sacks and a female agent with dirty blonde hair cut short in the back but longer on the sides around her face. Both agents looked as disgruntled as Fornell and stood sullenly behind him like bodyguards in a bad mafia film.

"What's your connection to the place?" Fornell asked, scowling.

"I don't remember you mentioning it either, yet you clearly know something," Gibbs said, standing to glare at Fornell.

"This is supposed to be a joint investigation," Fornell said.

"Joint means going both ways," Gibbs said, glancing pointedly at the unfamiliar agent with Fornell.

"Ah, speak for yourself there, Boss. No one here that I know of goes both ways… except perhaps Ziva," Tony said, attempting to alleviate the heavy tension filling the space.

Ziva shot him a filthy look.

"This is Agent Tina Kehoe. She works in our Philadelphia office and has been the lead investigator on our missing persons case," Fornell said, indicating the woman standing beside him.

She nodded briefly, focusing solely on Gibbs. "Does your missing person also have a connection to the Vault?" she asked.

"The bodies were discovered in an alley not far from there," Gibbs said, not giving anything away.

"I know where they were found, that's not what I asked. All our victims have either been there, or the person being asked for ransom has. You were in the area when you came across the bodies, so you must know something," Tina said, her thin lips disappearing as she frowned at Gibbs.

"Agent DiNozzo discovered the bodies," Gibbs said, jerking his head toward Tony.

Tina turned, looking at Tony for the first time. She gave a quick nod in lieu of a greeting. "So, I'll ask you – does your missing person have a connection to the Vault? Is that why you were in the area?"

"He does," Tony said, knowing that since Gibbs directed her attention to him, it meant he wanted Tony to be the one to reveal what they knew about Lieutenant Montague. The less words Gibbs had to use the better.

"We went to Philadelphia to pick up a Lieutenant who'd been threatened at the club and put him into protective custody. This Lieutenant is roommates with our missing person. There hasn't been a ransom demand as of yet, so we have no concrete proof the cases are connected."

"But you believe they are. How was your Lieutenant threatened?" Tina asked.

Tony puckered his lips, choosing his words carefully. "He was asked for military schematics in exchange for cancellation of a debt."

"Who is this Lieutenant? I want to question him," Fornell said.

"He's already been questioned," Gibbs replied. "You can see the transcript."

"I'll take the transcript, but I still want to talk to him. And I want to see whatever else you're hiding. I know you too well, Jethro, and I'm aware you don't play well with others," Fornell said, stuffing his hands inside the pockets of his long, winter coat.

"You don't need to talk to him," Gibbs said flatly.

"That's enough. We've got bigger problems now, and we're all professionals," Tina said, glaring at the two senior agents.

"Well, aren't you Simply the Best, Agent Kehoe. Can I call you Tina? Always loved that name," Tony said, beaming.

Tina rolled her eyes. "Oh, lovely. A Tina Turner fan. Isn't that original? Listen, I've had an agent undercover at the Vault for months, and he disappeared yesterday – after you all began poking around. I've been up all night, I'm tired, I'm concerned, and in no mood for all this posturing. If anything's happened to my agent, I'm holding you responsible."

"You have a missing agent, and you didn't lead with that?" Gibbs asked, the harsh lines in his face seemingly sharpening.

"You already have someone undercover?" Ziva asked, sounding nearly as angry as Gibbs.

"Who's the agent?" Tony asked, pinning Tina with his eyes.

Something about the urgency in his voice kept her attention locked on him. "His name is Brian Sullivan, but he goes by–"

"Sully," Tony whispered, heart hammering.

Tina seemed surprised. "Yeah. He's one of my best. He's been with the department for a long time, even before I was there, and he's never missed a check-in," she said.

"Do you know him, DiNozzo?" Gibbs asked, his eyes also locked on Tony. An invisible beam of understanding seemed to stretch between the two.

"Yeah," Tony said, slightly shell-shocked as images from his time in Philadelphia played fast and furious like an old black and white film behind his eyes.

Sully had been Tony's introduction into undercover work on that long-ago first assignment. The older man had taken the young rookie under his wing and tried to protect him, knowing the supervisors who were supposed to have Tony's back were really hanging him out to dry. He'd taught Tony a lot in the short time they'd worked together, and the fact Tony had never been able to say thanks, or even a goodbye, had always been one of his biggest regrets about that time.

"How do you know Sully?" Tina asked, her eyes narrowed in suspicion.

"I worked with him once… a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away," Tony said absently, his mind still watching the images flickering in rapid succession.

"You know him? Is there anyone in Philadelphia you do not know?" Ziva asked, exasperated. "Perhaps you should stay behind. You will stick out like a sore toe."

"Thumb," McGee corrected automatically.

"We need to talk. Your office. Now," Fornell barked, already turning back for the elevator.

Gibbs followed without a word, leaving Tina staring after them, dumbfounded.

"Where are they going?" she asked, confused. She almost looked as if she wanted to follow.

"Nowhere. They're going to shout at each other like two male lions having a turf war," Sacks said, sounding bored. He crossed his arms and leaned his back against the wall.

"Yeah, Gibbs and Fornell are like opposing forces of nature. You don't want to be anywhere near them right now. Trust me," McGee added, sounding immensely relieved they were out of range.

Tony, who by now had pulled himself back together after the shock of hearing Sully's name, had to get his head in the game. He saw the curious look Gibbs shot him when he passed, and he knew that he'd be grilled later. Still, he couldn't believe his co-workers couldn't see through this act for what it was.

Well, Slacks maybe he could believe. That guy was an idiot.

"You've got it all wrong. It's all for show. They use each other to enhance their reputations. They're in the elevator right now working out the details without any interference from us or their directors. They'll come out and tell us all exactly what we're going to do. Both of them are results-driven," Tony said.

"Right," Sacks said, rolling his eyes. "Just because he arrested you doesn't mean you know anything about Fornell, DiNozzo."

"He arrested you?" Tina asked, startled, and finally looking away from the elevator to stare at Tony.

"Former perp framed me," Tony said, waving it away. "Doesn't mean I don't see what's going on between Gibbs and Fornell – obviously better than you do, Slacks."

"There is nothing going on. They loathe each other," Ziva said.

"She's right," Sacks agreed.

Tina looked from face to face, apparently sizing them up, trying to figure out who to believe. She didn't seem to have a lot of confidence in any of them. Tony found this interesting – not that she didn't believe any of the NCIS people, they were all new to her – but she also seemed to have doubts about Slacks, who was a fellow FBI agent and working the case with her. That was interesting.

"Tell me what Sully was doing," he said, deciding to pump her for as much information as he could glean before Gibbs and Fornell returned from their elevator tête-a-tête.

Tina seemed just as happy to leave the subject behind. "He started at the window, taking admission, but he's got a good head for numbers, so they put him to use keeping track of supplies. He's kept me informed of anyone going in and out. They have an illegal card game each night in the back, and he's recognized some high-rollers in attendance," she said.

"Any back-up?" Tony asked.

"We have spotters outside and watching the club as customers, but no one else working on the inside. It's a popular place, and they're very picky about who they hire. They have a long list of candidates who want to work there for the tips, so I haven't been able to get anyone else on staff," Tina said.

"Did anything happen the night he disappeared?" McGee asked.

"Something always seems to happen there. A lot of fights, drugs, intimidation. At first, we thought it was mafia-related, but I don't think so. I think it's a terror cell getting organized, but I have nothing solid. Sully saw our last victim in a heated debate with one of the regulars before he disappeared. I don't know if he saw your victim because you kept that bit to yourselves, and now Sully has disappeared," she said bitterly.

"So, you have a list of suspects, some regulars? Do they have a connection to the club, or are they just patrons?" Tony asked.

"Just patrons as far as I can tell. Sully has been in the back where the files are kept, and he got a photo of a personnel list, but none of the names tagged in a search," Tina said.

"He must have grown careless after being there so long," Ziva said.

"There's nothing careless about Sully. He's my best, most-seasoned investigator, and he was making progress. Something went wrong, and I'd bet it had to do with your snooping around," Tina said sharply, hackles raised.

"We were merely doing our jobs. Agent Fornell did not tell us to be wary of an undercover operative, so there was no way for us to know if anything we asked would blow his cover. He should have mentioned this, yes?" Ziva asked.

"Well, since we didn't know your missing person also had a connection to the club, there was no way to know we needed to inform you, was there?" Tina shot back.

"Enough! You'll find NCIS usually likes to charge in without a plan and play cowboy. Fornell will reign them in," Sacks said.

"Because the FBI has been so successful at locating missing undercover operatives. How many is it now that NCIS has located for you?" Tony asked, one eyebrow raised.

Sacks scowled, "We'd prefer to find them when they're still alive, thanks. One of these days, DiNozzo, your mouth is going to get you into so much trouble, you won't be able to talk your way out of it."

"Well, that hasn't happened yet, so until then, I'll keep using it to annoy you," Tony said.

Before Sacks could launch a comeback, the elevators doors once again slid open. Gibbs and Fornell emerged, neither looking the worse for wear.

"Well, DiNozzo, how good are you at mixing drinks?" Fornell asked, grinning.

/* /* /* /*

Gibbs stood in the Director's office after he'd laid out everything happening with their case, and what he and Fornell had agreed upon going forward. After a little back-and-forth and some posturing, the two senior agents had decided on a workable plan. What he hadn't mentioned to the Director was the fact the FBI previously put plans in place to get another operative inside the club. Ron Sacks had been slated for the role, but he and Fornell had agreed to replace him with DiNozzo due to new intel.

He knew the Director wasn't going to like it, but it's what would work. She had a bug up her ass about putting Ziva undercover, and the fact Ziva had the same idea made his gut churn. Even though he'd told Ziva that she reported to him and only him, she was still feeding Jenny information. Apparently, she thought the Director would have more luck getting things to go Ziva's way than she was having. Jenny should know better, but they were both about to get a reminder that he wouldn't be pushed – by anyone.

He was annoyed but also disappointed in both of them. He thought the relationships he had with each woman was stronger than that. Of course, Jenny had fooled him once before. He wouldn't allow her – or Ziva – to get another chance. DiNozzo tried to warn him, but he didn't want to hear it. That was another situation he was going to have to repair.

"I had Cynthia book you two rooms in Philadelphia – you can work out the sleeping arrangements. Now that there's a missing FBI agent, I can understand why they'd want to take point, but it's better to have less… volatile emotions in charge. Can you be less volatile?" Jenny asked, peering at him over her glasses.

"I don't like emotions period," Gibbs said.

"Noted. I agree that the undercover FBI operative will need to be replaced, but I want you to put Ziva in rather than DiNozzo. It's a completely different job, someone completely opposite from Agent Sullivan won't raise as much suspicion," Jenny said, putting the report Gibbs had handed her down and looking directly at him.

"No," Gibbs said.

Jenny arched one finely-groomed brow. "No? You are aware that I'm your boss, correct?"

"And it's my team. I thought you wanted our record to reflect well on your leadership," Gibbs snapped.

"I don't believe a different undercover operative is going to change the way you work, Jethro," Jenny said.

"Ziva has been an investigator for all of six months. DiNozzo is a pro – he goes," Gibbs said, flat out refusing to leave any wiggle room.

Jenny threw her arms up in the air. "He's not the only agent capable of undercover work, yet you always want DiNozzo."

"Yeah, there's a reason for that," Gibbs said. "Tony's an expert. You have the file. You know how often the alphabet agencies request his services."

"I do. And I've also noticed you usually turn them down," Jenny snapped.

"I don't like to share," Gibbs snapped back.

"Ziva is a trained spy, she can gather intel just as easily as he can – probably better," Jenny said.

"Ziva is a killer, and she's young. She hasn't learned to control her emotions. She's more likely to kill any suspects before getting what we need," Gibbs said.

"You underestimate her. I've worked with her before. I know she's capable," Jenny insisted.

"Capable of securing a crime scene on her own? She's yet to do that," Gibbs said.

Jenny's lip twitched, and Gibbs knew she was faltering. She had to know that Ziva was still too quick to resort to violence, and they didn't have room for error on this one.

"DiNozzo will not only get the evidence, he'll make them think they've made a new best friend. That silver tongue of his is why the others all request his services," Gibbs said.

Jenny raised her eyebrow once again. "That's the most words I've ever heard you use in support of anyone – yourself included," she said.

"What do you want, Jen? To impress the Admiral or Ziva? If you need a positive outcome, you need DiNozzo," Gibbs said.

"Fine, but I want to be kept informed," she replied, still looking disgruntled.

"If it makes you feel any better, the FBI already had a set-up for another undercover operative to go in," Gibbs said, fighting to control a smirk. He knew that would just piss her off.

"What do you mean another set-up?" she asked.

"They've detained a bartender who was set to start there on a few trumped-up charges. They can give him other things to worry about, and we can send someone in his place," Gibbs replied.

"And the FBI agreed to use DiNozzo?" Jenny asked doubtfully.

"They were going to use Sacks, but DiNozzo fits better, and Tobias knows he's the better choice," Gibbs said.

Jenny threw her hands in the air. "Then why didn't you just say that in the first place? If they're expecting a male, Ziva never would've worked anyway," she said, exasperated.

Gibbs finally let his smirk show. "Wanted to see how far you'd push it. I don't know what you and Ziva are up to, but you're not going to mess with my team."

Author's Note: Go on and tell me what you think? It helps to know, and besides, I like chatting NCIS. :)