Chapter 21
Ducky watched as Mike left, turning to Tim and Abby, momentarily speechless. “I didn’t….oh dear…”
“Mike…” Abby was shocked at his behavior. Mike was acting like he didn’t even care what was at stake. He was choosing his pride over the op, over her. Turning to Ducky, she asked him with sad eyes, “Ducky? Ducky what did I do?”
“We let Director Morrow handle him,” Ducky told her quietly, tightening his arm around her shoulder.
Fornell was coming out of the elevator when Franks brushed by him, slamming his hand on the button to close the door. “What the hell?”
Walking hurriedly to the bull pen, he demanded, “What the hell is Franks doing?”
When Fornell came closer, Ducky motioned to the badge and gun sitting on the blotter. “I believe he’s taking a break. One hopes that it will be a very short one.”
Ducky suspected Mike knew that the team had lost faith in him and was taking the decision out of Tom Morrow’s hands. If it was truly a case of Abby’s best interests rather than Mike’s pride, it could be the best thing.
Gasping at the hurt, she murmured, “I didn’t mean to make him leave, Ducky. I just…wanted him to know that he’d crossed the line…” Tim came up behind Abby and pulling her towards him and away from Ducky. She let some tears fall on his shirt, hurting that the day’s events had separated her and Mike. He meant so much to her, that she could only hope when everything had calmed down he would understand.
“Abby, you didn’t do anything wrong. He did cross a line, my sweet girl.” Ducky moved up close behind Abby and stroked her hair, giving Fornell a sad look. “I think he may know that he reacted badly and he needs to take a step away for a moment to clear his head. His worry about you must have been immense, dear girl, and he’s been working such long hours here on the case.”
He passed his hand over her back gently. “You didn’t cause this, Abigail.”
Turning towards him, Abby looked at Ducky skeptically. “But how do I fix this, Ducky? I did this to the team. Me. If I hadn’t…then he wouldn’t have…” But Abby knew she was beating a dead horse. Still didn’t stop the guilt though.
“You can’t, dear girl. Only Mike can do that. This is something that he created and he is responsible. You can’t control this, dear girl. You have to be focused on the undercover operation. For the FBI agents as well as yourself.”
“I know, Ducky. Doesn’t help the guilt though.” Taking a deep breath, she stepped away from him. Looking around at what was left of the team, sans Jet but with Fornell, she questioned. “So, what do we do now?”
Stepping forward, Fornell said, “You’re with me, Ms. Sciuto. We have to build your history and background. The rest…I’m not sure…”
“We’ll wait for instructions,” Ducky said with a small smile. “Won’t we, Timothy?”
“Right, Ducky,” Tim responded automatically, wondering what Fornell meant.
~*~
Martin watched Tom as he hung up the phone. “Fill me in, old friend.”
“Mike’s pulled himself off the case, taking a few days of leave. Says the team doubts him now with his actions towards Gibbs.” Morrow regretted the way things were turning out, but was glad that Mike had made the decision.
“And you? What do you think?” Martin had concerns about Franks’ involvement from the beginning, but this was a new development. “Do you think this puts us at risk?”
“I think this is how it was going to have to turn out anyhow; with Mike’s beating of your agent, and Abby’s response to Gibbs.” Sighing, he accepted the inevitable. “Seems like the rest of the team questioned Mike’s ability to be objective as well.”
“Your Abigail raises great loyalty in everyone. She is a powerful catalyst. I’ve never seen anything like it before, Tom. Never.” It boded well.
“No, there’s never been someone quite like Abby before, at least none that I’ve worked with. And she’s a smart girl. She won’t put herself into a situation that’ll put herself or Gibbs or any of the others in overt danger. At least, no more than she has to. And I trust your man to do the same.”
“He’s my best, Tom. I don’t say that lightly, my friend.”
“I know you don’t. And despite Abby’s feelings or the strength of our combined forces, I wouldn’t be putting her in the situation if you had any doubts.”
“Wouldn’t expect you to I wouldn’t put your agents on the line any more than I’d put my own if I didn’t have faith. I trust you…and you can trust me, Tom. As a friend and as a director of a federal agency.”
“Of course I trust you, Marty. I always have.”
He nodded, squeezing his friend’s shoulder as they waited for the next wave of people to arrive.
~*~
“Directors need us upstairs, Ziva.” Tony looked over at Gibbs. “Relax. Gonna be a long night.”
“I’ll try,” Jet remarked, smiling slightly. Whatever had happened centered DiNozzo. “Good luck up there. My director sometimes eats agents for breakfast.”
“Good thing we’re past dinner,” Tony shot back.
Rolling her eyes at the men’s banter, Ziva was glad to see the relationship between them had evened out. “What about McGee, Tony? Do we need to get him too?”
“Yeah, we’ll pick him up at the squad room.” Tony inclined his head to Gibbs slightly. “In the immortal words of Ahhhhnold, the governator, I’ll be back.”
Jet smirked, nodding.
Rolling her eyes, Ziva nodded a goodbye to Jet and followed Tony out of the lab.
They were quiet until they got onto the squad room floor and stepped out. “Abbs? What’s going on? You okay? Was the debriefing that bad?” Tony met McGee’s eyes. “Tim, the directors are ready for us…”
Nodding, Tim waited for Abby to explain what had happened, knowing that they needed to know.
Sniffing, Abby wiped at her eyes as she turned towards Tony and Ziva. “Mike left. He took himself off the team for this, for the op. Said that we don’t trust him, that we’re out to get him. Said we were judging him and he wasn’t going to stand for it. So he put his badge and gun there and left.”
“Mike…” Tony didn’t know what else to say. He focused instead on the badge and gun, swallowing hard. “Abby, I’ll talk with the director about it. We’ll make sure that everything is organized and that you and Brooks stay safe.” He pulled her into a tight hug. “You’re gonna be okay, right?”
“Yeah, I’m going to be fine, Tony. I’ve got you and Tim and Ziva and Ducky and the directors behind us. Jet and I will be fine, perfectly safe. Well, as perfectly safe in an undercover op as we can be.” Stepping away from him, she took a deep breath and straightened her shoulders. “Now the directors need to see you. The sooner you get up there, the sooner this day can be put behind us.”
He kissed the top of her head, giving her another tight hug. “Love you, Abbs. You’re incredible, remember that.”
“I will. Love you too, Tony. Lots. Almost as much as Bert,” she teased, knowing he knew she loved him more than the hippo.
Tony angled his head to Ducky. “Keep an eye on her,” he said in an undertone, nodding when Ducky acknowledged him with a small smile. “Ziva. McGee? You guys ready?”
“On your six, Tony,” Tim replied, using a phrase Tony often did with Mike. He hoped that Tony would know that both he and Ziva would be behind him as the team leader now. Nodding, Ziva started moving, stopping to squeeze Abby’s arm in support.
Tony half turned, giving Tim a nod and a nod of acknowledgment. “Thanks, McGee. Ducky, assist in whatever they need, even if it is gofer stuff, okay? We all need to work together here.”
Giving Tony a little saucy salute, she watched them head up the stairs towards the director’s office, Tim and Ziva flanking Tony. Once they were out of sight, she turned to Fornell who was watching the whole exchange with an amused smile on his face. “Ready to get started, Special Agent Fornell?”
Laughing at her vibrant behavior, he replied, “Have a seat, Ms. Sciuto. Let’s build the history of Mrs. Jet Brooks. How does being a digital artist sound? I remember seeing those pictures you created down in your lab. We could set up a gallery, records of sales, the works.”
“Ooo…I like it. Kinda of a macabre Andy Warhol.” Taking a seat, she started to get into the flow of his creation.
Ducky squeezed Abby’s shoulder. “That sounds lovely, doesn’t it, Abigail? Would you like to call your new friend in to consult? As you will be his…spouse? Estranged spouse?”
“Estranged spouse, Duckman. But if we want Jet here, I need to go down and get him. I turned the speaker phone off when I left.”
“What do you think, my dear?” Ducky believed that the sooner they integrated the other man, the better for all involved, but Abby and Fornell knew his needs best of all. Much as it pained Ducky to realize it, Abigail had a growing bond with the FBI agent.
“Let the girl go get him, Doctor. We don’t seem to have another option, do we Ms. Sciuto?” Fornell asked knowingly. “The sooner we get this set up, the sooner we can put this to bed and get the op running.
“I’ll be right back,” she squeaked, making off for the elevator.
“She’s a transparent one, isn’t she, Doctor Mallard?”
“Indeed she is,” Ducky remarked, sighing slightly. “I worry for her, Agent Fornell. She isn’t as hardened as the other agents, most especially not your man, Brooks, is it?” Ducky asked. He found it worked much better if he feigned ignorance and gained people’s trust that way. A dotty doctor tended to get better results than a special agent any day of the week.
“No, she’s not. But I think, in this situation, it will work out better for her. As your own, Officer David, proved when your team put her out in the field. As beautiful as she may be, there is a clear edge to Ziva that doesn’t exist in Abby.” In his previous dealings, Fornell had come to respect the NCIS medical examiner, though he never took the man’s observations lightly. Doctor Mallard was an astute judge of character.
“Tell me about this Brooks character,” Ducky pressed. “Is he a FBI informant? How did this criminal come into your care?” He knew he could probably get away with being uninformed for a time longer and he intended to press it to any and all advantages.
“’Brooks character,’ Ducky? “ Eyeing the doctor, Fornell considered what he should and wanted to tell him. Granted, everyone involved so far knew the truth about Jet’s identity. However, Fornell liked to play his cards close to the chest, charming Scottish doctor or no.
“Yes, Special Agent Fornell. Brooks character.” Ducky flashed the other man an innocent smile.
“You really need to update your jargon. In any case, Brooks is actually one of mine. He’s working as an undercover agent. Our operation ran into the op Franks was running tonight. Now it seems we’re going to be combining our investigations, and your Abigail will be going undercover with Jet.”
“One of yours? An agent? How…fascinating. Undercover meets undercover. My…what a tangled web.” He continued to play the innocent elder man, hoping to reel Fornell in even more.
“When first we practice to deceive,” he echoed, starting to get the feeling he was being plugged for information, even in such a good natured way as the doctor.
“Tell me about this gentleman, then,” Ducky said, now genuinely interested in the information. “Has he been an agent very long? I take it he is quite talented? You strike me as a man who does not suffer fools lightly.”
“And you, dear Doctor, are no fool.” Looking up from the computer, Fornell considered the medical examiner. “Ducky, you know that Franks has stepped aside. He’s found himself in a position where he can’t let go of his prejudice against my agent. DiNozzo’s going to be taking over, I believe.”
“What is the situation with Agent Franks, have you any idea? Why did he strike out at your man?” Ducky wanted to ask Fornell frankly if he thought he could work under or alongside Tony, but he wouldn’t push that hard yet.
“I can’t tell you for sure, Dr. Mallard, since I wasn’t there. But I do know he used the need to protect Ms. Sciuto to do it. As for the real reason, if there is a different one, you will have to talk to the people more involved. My number one priority is to see to my agent’s safety. And now your forensic scientist.” In truth, Fornell really didn’t feel comfortable in sharing more than was necessary. He trusted the doctor, but the fewer people who knew the details the better.
“I was there in the aftermath,” Ducky admitted. “And I have never seen him like that. It was as if he was completely out of control, Fornell. Very disturbing. I’ve worked with Mike for a great deal of time and I’ve never seen him like this.” Ducky sighed, momentarily at a loss for words, feeling as if he might be being disloyal to Mike.
Understanding the doctor’s upset, Fornell was strangely compelled to almost comfort the man. “I think this whole situation got everyone’s panties in a bind, Doctor Mallard. With our two ops crashing into each other and with the obvious chemistry between Jet and Abby, emotions and tempers are running high. But we’ve gotta pull together now, be professional and all that.”
“Yes, of course. I’ll not be any trouble and I’m here to assist in any way I can. I don’t get involved in all of these agency stresses. Gets in the way of the job,” Ducky said with a heavy sigh. “As long as Abby is well looked after, my work here is done. She’s very special to us, Fornell. Make sure your agent is aware.”
“From his reactions so far, I think he already knows that. But I’ll keep an eye out for her as well, Doctor. She’ll be safe. In fact, when your computer geek whiz comes down here, we’re going to make sure her identity sticks, that there won’t be anything to pull attention away from Mrs. Abby Brooks back towards Abby Sciuto.”
“That is the bottom line, Fornell. I cannot believe they sent her undercover. She isn’t someone who is a…” Ducky trailed off, searching for words in a rare moment. “She isn’t a natural agent, Fornell. She’s not like them at all. I worry about her…”
“You mean to say she is not someone who easily, or comfortably, deceives people?” Fornell thought it was sweet, the way the older man was acting so protective over the younger woman. Sciuto seemed to have a strong hold over the people she worked with.
“She isn’t someone who can lie convincingly,” Ducky agreed, speaking in a firm voice. “And she doesn’t like the field work. She’s most at home with “Major Mass Spectrometer” as she calls it. At heart she’s a scientist, not an agent, so I’m quite upset that Mike sent her undercover. And if she goes under again, I will be quite upset again. And again. That girl means something to me, Special Agent Fornell.”
“I can see that you are, Doctor. But she worked well enough undercover that she convinced my seasoned agent, who isn’t easily duped. With the whole of the FBI and NCIS behind her, your Ms. Sciuto will do well.”
“Whether she’s good or not, that doesn’t matter,” Ducky said in that same firm voice. “She is uncomfortable in that venue and I, for one, worry about her. Promise me, Fornell, that she will be taken care of. As if she was your own.” Ducky lowered his voice at the end, knowing he sounded quite firm and angry.
With his hands on his desk, Fornell pushed himself to a standing position. Leaning towards the doctor, he looked him in the eye, knowing how important the girl was to him. “Doctor Mallard, I swear she will be as safe as if she was standing in her black platform shoes in her forensics lab. There will be an undercover protection detail, two of your own. We will have GPS, bugs, every other kind of tracking we can install. Abby will be safe, Doctor. As safe as I can possibly make her.”
“And if one black hair is harmed on her head, Agent Fornell, you will answer to the director, but also to me. And I am not the lightweight you may think I am.” Ducky stared down the younger man, giving him every indication that he was not a man to be trifled with. Fornell had no idea how dangerous mild-mannered Doctor Mallard could be.
Fornell had to stifle the snort that threatened to escape at the medical examiner’s warning. He knew that the doctor would be true to his word. But no one had ever seen the doctor taken such a defensive position. “I understand, Doctor. She will be fine, I swear.”
“Don’t underestimate me,” Ducky said in a low voice. “You have no idea what I’m capable of, Fornell. You would be wise to consider that.”
“I would never underestimate you, Doctor Mallard.” Starting to get annoyed at the other man’s behavior, Fornell looked him in the eye. “However, Doctor, it would be wise of you to not threaten a federal office, regardless of how long you have been with NCIS.”
Ducky gave the man an innocent look. “Oh, dear man, I was not threatening you. Would never threaten you.” Unless the agents were harmed, Ducky added silently.
“Right,” Fornell said sarcastically, dragging out the single word.
Ducky rolled his eyes, folding his arms. “Do tell me about this computer magic you’re creating.”
“It’s not so much computer magic, Doctor Mallard, as it is working contacts, setting up a document trail, creating a history where none existed before.”
Ducky nodded, settling in and waiting to see how things progressed.
~*~
Tony knocked once on the conference room door before he entered, giving the men inside a few seconds in case they needed to finish up any conversations. When he opened the door and walked in, he tried to convey an air of authority. “Directors…”
Following along behind DiNozzo were the other two agents on the case that evening; McGee and Ziva. “Come in and sit down you three. You know FBI Director Fletcher,” Morrow stated, gesturing to his friend.
Tony took the lead, extending his hand. “Director Fletcher, good to meet you. I’m Anthony DiNozzo.” He shook the man’s hand very firmly. “And these are two of my teammates. Officer Ziva David is our Mossad liaison. She has been with NCIS for four years now. And my…” Tony hesitated only a second. “Agent, Timothy McGee. We’re prepared to answer any questions you have and are ready and able to cooperate with the FBI.”
Tim gave Morrow a short nod as well. “Director, Sir. Which one of us would you like to start with?”
Martin looked over at Tom, a small smile on his face. This DiNozzo was something else. He liked the idea that the younger man was taking firm control of the team. This boded well. He wanted the man in the field, with Jet and Abby. He had a good feeling about this.
Morrow liked how Tony entered the room and took charge. Losing Mike on this op might night be the detriment to the team as he thought it would be. Watching the three taking up positions at the table, Tony taking the head of the group, Morrow considered which one to start with.
“Let’s start with you, Agent DiNozzo. Why don’t you begin by giving us a debriefing of the evening’s events?”
Tony nodded, waiting until Ziva and McGee were seated to begin speaking. He stood behind them, establishing clear leadership. “McGee and I were on inside protection detail at the event. Abby was to pose as his date and drift away, luring the drug dealer to her. She broke away as we planned, and Tim and I began sweeping the perimeter. As we met in the middle a group of people crossed in front of us and both of us lost sight of her for approximately two minutes. When we tracked her again, she was disappearing down a hallway.”
Tony cleared his throat and swallowed. “Agent McGee and I crossed the room as unobtrusively as possible and cleared side rooms until we found them. Abby was standing over the man and he was unconscious at her feet. She seemed emotionally shaken up but physically uninjured. Agent McGee and I did a cursory search and restrained the man we thought was a suspect. Abby fled, he regained consciousness, there were words spoken…”
Tony paused, wondering how to spin the next part. “McGee and I got hotheaded, but we sparred verbally with him. We brought him out to the van and McGee got in back, while I briefed Mike.”
He looked at both directors and waited for additional instructions, hands lightly resting on Ziva’s and McGee’s shoulders.
Taking up from Tony’s cue, Tim added his version. “When we entered the party, I let myself get taken away with the crowd after a decent amount of time had gone by. I moved to a position that would allow me to keep Abby in my sights. I saw a man, who we later determined was as an agent undercover with the FBI, approach Abby and give her a drink. At this point, the crowd surged again, I lost contact with Abby, and when the way cleared she was gone. As Agent DiNozzo already mentioned, we saw the two of them disappearing down what appeared to be a hallway.”
Looking up at Tony standing over him, and then over to Ziva, he took strength from being united with his teammates. “When we cleared the alcove where we found Abby and the perpetrator, Abby decided to go back to the van outside while we took care of closing up the op. We thought we had attained our man by his approach and interaction with Abby. As we continued our investigation, we were obviously proven wrong.”
Shaking off that mistake, he went on. “I covered the man in the back of the van along with Officer David. And in the course of our apprehending him, I lost my professionalism with the suspect.”
Giving Tim a look of encouragement, Ziva took up the retelling from there. “From the men’s descriptions and Abby’s reactions, I do not believe Tony and McGee acted out too beyond the scope of our investigation. Abby seemed to be in shock, disturbed somehow by the man’s presence. In their reactions, I drew the conclusion that they were upset at his possibly hurting someone very close to us all.”
Putting her hand on Tim’s knee, she squeezed lightly, trying to convey some peace to her friend. “The suspect was left in handcuffs and deposited on the floor of the van. I observed everyone’s behavior, finding it particularly interesting that Abby seemed almost fascinated by him after being so shaken up by her encounter. In my own short dealings with him, he did not seem to behave as one might expect. Brooks was calm, cool, and quite arrogant towards the men, at the same time protective over Abby.”
Coming to the part she hoped would not embarrass the two men anymore than necessary, she continued. “When I was instructed to take the suspect to interrogation, he confided in me the location of another weapon, a knife hidden near his groin. When they had searched him earlier, Brooks had been unconscious and not easy to search. But he turned it over to me without hesitation as he seemed to trust me.” Warrior to warrior. “In fact, to show his trust of the entire agency, he told me and then demonstrated his ability to get out of the cuffs. He had allowed himself to be taken into custody after being hit with a stun gun. And now it seems, he did that to ensure his cover.”
Not knowing how much Tim or Tony knew of the occurrence in interrogation, Ziva took a final deep breath in order to finish. “Abby came in to print the suspect. And on her request, I allowed them to be alone. I was standing right outside the door. Honestly, I trusted him. He could have kept the knife and the information about his escape ability to himself. But as an act of good faith, he left himself vulnerable. And as his intentions towards Abby no longer seemed hostile to anyone, but Franks, I allowed it. A few minutes later, Franks came down the hall. I believe to investigate. Hearing that I allowed Abby to be alone with the suspect infuriated Franks. He burst into the room and began to punch the man we had in custody. I followed as quickly as I could and perceived no threat. Abby was putting her equipment away and Brooks was still cuffed.”
Ending her long-winded speech, Ziva sat back in her chair and waited.
Martin listened quietly, making notes on his PDA when necessary. “Has Gibbs been seen to by your doctor, Tom? He took a shot from a stun gun and multiple blows from your agent.” He looked at the two men, knowing that something had happened when the men said that they were hotheaded.
“Did any of you lay a hand on my man? I expect complete truth, gentlemen,” Martin spoke in a low but firm voice, meeting the eyes of each of the agents.
“Directly, no,” Tony said a little uncomfortably before he regained focus. “I may have smacked his head against the wall accidentally as we walked out of the room. Complete accident. Three men essentially abreast, small doorway.”
“Mmmm hmmm,” Martin said, arching an eyebrow to Tom.
“And I…when we had him in custody, I had my weapon trained on his gut when he made insinuations against Abby, implying the things he did and wanted to do to her. I took offense at his behavior towards her, Directors. I didn’t hurt him, but…”
“But you believe you behaved out of the constricts of your normal duties, Agent McGee, though your overall intent was the protection of Ms. Sciuto. Is that correct, Tim?” Seeing the nervous nod, Tom had to just shake his head. “It appears our little Abigail has all the men twisted in a bind, trying to protect her. And you, Ziva? Were you able to keep your head cool while these two’s heads were too hot for themselves to handle?”
“Though I do not know how the temper of my head had anything to do with my performance in my duties this evening, I will say that the tension between the men was almost palatable. You could cut it with a spoon.”
Martin managed a small smile. “Special Agent Gibbs hasn’t said anything about any of your behavior. You gentlemen should consider speaking with him, as professionals.” He looked over at Tom, waiting for him to add anything.
“Yes, sir,” Tony said, shifting to stand slightly behind Tim now, offering complete support to him. “Agent McGee and I will cooperate, Directors.”
“I will, Director. We will. I do regret my behavior, Directors. Beyond it as a personal reflection of myself, but as it stands as a reflection on NCIS.” Standing up, Tim put himself at Tony’s side, as Ziva did the same. A united front, a new team dynamic.
Tony felt empowered as McGee and Ziva stood at his sides. He turned to their director first and then the FBI agent. “Can you fill us in on the plans, sirs?”
Putting down his pad of paper, Morrow considered the agents in front of him. A cop, an assassin, and a computer whiz. Interesting mix, he thought. But a combination that would most likely work to make this op successful.
“Until further notice and review, Agent Franks will be stepping aside. And until then, the op is yours, Special Agent DiNozzo, along with Agent Fornell. Currently, Fornell is compiling a background for Abby. She will be joining Agent Gibbs as his estranged wife. McGee, Fornell will need your assistance in guaranteeing an impenetrable history and identity. DiNozzo, I’m giving you the lead on this. Don’t screw it up. Martin, do you have anything you want to add? They’ll need to know the details of your operation.”
“My men and women will work side by side with yours,” he said firmly. “Any of you can come to me or Director Morrow if you need anything that all.”
“No plans to screw it up, sir,” Tony said firmly. “And thank you, Director Fletcher.”
““Work up identities for yourself and McGee, DiNozzo. You’re going under as well. Fornell and Abby will update you. Good luck, men,” Martin said softly.
“Go back to Fornell. He’s working on linking your new identities with Abby and Jet’s. Give him any assistance he’ll need. Make this work, gentlemen. And Ziva, you will be the liaison between NCIS and the FBI while DiNozzo is undercover. Make sure you can work with Agent Fornell. You’ll be our people’s link to the outside, to home. You’re dismissed.”
Tony arched a brow. He and McGee were going under as well? “Undercover, sir? All right,” Tony sad slowly. “We’ll all work alongside Agent Fornell and the other agents, sir. Right McGee? Right, Ziva?”
Nodding in agreement, Ziva remained silent as she considered what all the evening’s events had been leading up to.
“Yeah, I guess so,” Tim said hesitantly. He’d never gone undercover before. Could he handle this kind of responsibility? Of course he could; he was a federal agent. “Any ideas, Directors, on what our responsibilities will be? What our cover will be?”
“Your main responsibility will be to protect Abby and Jet, to run whatever research needs to be done, to do what you two do best: investigate the crap out of everyone and every situation those two will come across. This op could be months long, gentlemen. So make whatever arrangements you’ll need to make tonight. I don’t want you two coming home to dead house plants. As for your identities, you will be working with Agent Fornell on those, as he works to integrate our agents with his.”
“Security detail?” Tony added, nodding. They could do this. “Clothes?” he asked. That was his only concern. He had a small suitcase in his car, but he didn’t have any high end stuff beside the tux that needed to be dry cleaned. His paycheck was direct deposit, all his bills with automatically taken from his bank account and he had no pets or plants that would miss him.
Months. Months with Abbs who wasn’t really gonna be Abbs, the mysterious agent…and McGee. Tony didn’t want to examine why the latter part made him smile the most.
“Basically, Agent DiNozzo. I want to make sure my best agents are in there with them, making sure that Abby isn’t getting in over her head. The instant your gut tells you that something is going bad, you call me and we’ll pull out. I won’t be risking your lives for some criminals, no matter how high up they may get.” Looking over to Martin, Morrow continued with the details they had worked out so far.
“Your wardrobes will be waiting for you at the hotel gentlemen, befitting your new identities, as will Abby’s. Are there any questions?”
Tim wanted almost desperately to ask if he could bring his old typewriter with him. But he knew that asking a question like that would get his ass reamed. There had been enough of that so far.
“We’ll do that, Director. Thank you for your faith in us.” Tony had worked protection details before, but never for someone he cared for like this. Given how much Morrow cared about Abby, Tony knew this was a huge honor.
He glanced over at McGee, noting his discomfort. “McGee needs his typewriter and a couple of reams of paper. That doable? He has writing deadlines that I’m sure he can’t move. When you’ve worked out a secure line of communication, he can utilize that to send information to his publisher and agent.”
Martin arched an eyebrow. He’d heard McGee was an author but hadn’t expected this request. He glanced at Tom, watching the other man for his reaction.
Before Morrow could speak, Tim jumped into the conversation. “It’s not deadlines or anything like that,” he started, shooting Tony a small smile for standing up for him. “It’s really more like I have to write. I have to get it all down, get it all out. But I wouldn’t want to compromise the operation or anything. ‘Cause who knows what kind of manpower they have behind both crime rings we’re going after.”
Tim’s mind was going round and round, arguing each side while the others looked on. “I could set up a completely secure computer, one without internet access, and have it with me at all times. That way, no one would have access to my printer ribbons, or access into the computer itself. Of course I use a pen name. But that’s easily traceable back to me. And then the ops would be ruined and exposed. Which would put Abby"and Jet of course"at risk…”
Tony stood shoulder to shoulder with McGee, meeting each of the other men’s eyes. “He needs an outlet to effectively do his job, especially if we’re talking months. This isn’t negotiable from my perspective. Can you make it happen, Director?” he addressed the question to Morrow.
“Do what you need to do, Tim. Just make sure you don’t compromise your undercover identities, especially with any link back to you or Abby. Remember, Tim. It is Abby’s life on the line. I trust you to make the best call.”
Tim looked at the director, shocked. “Th..thank you, Director.”
“Thank you, sir,” Tony added, giving Tim’s arm a squeeze. “When you deliver the clothes, sir, please arrange a laptop for each of us. Tim will take what disks and installation stuff he needs before we leave here.”
Martin was impressed with the teamwork and the interaction between the men. He gave Tom a look and a small smile and a nod. This could work out well for Jet. He’d have a good team behind him.
Standing up, Morrow walked to the other side of the conference table. Holding out his hand, he shook the hands of each of his three agents. “I’m going to be relying on you three to make this operation a success and to bring our girl home safely. You have my full trust and support. Whatever you need, you make this work,” he finished, stopping in front of DiNozzo.
Tony met the NCIS director’s eyes, nodding. “You have our complete cooperation, sirs. This team is committed to keeping both agents safe and their covers intact. You can rely on us, sirs.” He took a breath, knowing they were being dismissed at any moment.
“Thank you for your confidence in me, sir,” he added in an undertone. “I won’t let you down.”
“I know you won’t, DiNozzo. If I had any doubts as to your ability to lead this team, I would allow Agent Fornell to head up this op. Do your job, Tony. That’s all you can do, and that’s all I will ask you to do. Do your job and make sure you bring our girl home safe.”
Walking back to his chair next to the Director of the FBI, Morrow turned back to his agents, saying, “You’re dismissed.”
Tony nodded, shaking the directors’ hands. “We’ll call you when the identities are set, sir.” With that, he led Ziva and McGee out.
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