Title: A Pound of Flesh
Author: ncismom
Characters: Tony DiNozzo, Jethro Gibbs, Tony DiNozzo, Sr.
Warnings: angst, drama
Spoilers: Takes place a couple months after the Season 7 episode, “Flesh and Blood”.
Summary: The unexpected return of Tony’s father creates friction between DiNozzo and Gibbs.
Disclaimer: I don't own NCIS and it characters, I just enjoy letting my imagination run wild!
Part 1
The sound of the sirens were deafening as the ambulance weaved its way through the streets of Washington D.C. towards George Washington Hospital as Tony DiNozzo watched the paramedics feverishly work to stabilize his father. The elder DiNozzo had insisted on Tony staying with him and the paramedics had reluctantly agreed in hopes that it would help calm their uncooperative patient. It was the first time in his life that his father actually needed him and Tony was determined to be there for him. Maybe this could be a turning point in their normally strained relationship; then again, Tony had learned a long time ago not to get his hopes up, at least where his father was concerned.
“Just take it easy, dad,” Tony soothed. “Everything’s going to be fine.”
“Easy…for…you to say, Junior,” his father gasped, his voice muffled by the oxygen mask over his face. “You’re…not…the one…with an elephant sitting…on…your chest.”
“Just let these guys do their job,” he urged. “You’ve got Bob over there sweating bullets.”
Tony felt his dad’s hand tighten around his as another wave of pain assaulted him. “I’m scared…Junior. This could…be it…for your…old man.”
He shook his head in protest. Tony had never known his father to admit to being afraid of anything and to hear him say that he was scared of dying was almost more than he could fathom. “Just remember that DiNozzo’s don’t quit. Do you hear me, dad? You’re not going to quit.”
“So…many regrets.”
Tony reached up and brushed a stray lock of hair from his father’s forehead. “I know, Dad. Let’s not worry about the past. Right now, you’ve got to concentrate on getting better. Now just relax; you’re almost at the hospital.
Senior nodded and closed his eyes, but he still refused to let go of Tony’s hand. Bob mouthed a silent thanks to Tony as they noted a slight improvement in the EKG. Tony breathed a sigh of relief and sat back against the wall, watching the two paramedics pour their soul into making sure that his father lived. It was an awesome responsibility to hold someone’s life in ones hands and these men and others like them did it without reservation. He had been in that position before when he had pulled Gibbs and Maddie out of the river; it was an experience that he hoped he wouldn’t have to live through again.
“Thanks guys,” he quietly uttered.
Pete glanced up and smiled. “You’re welcome. Don’t worry,” the paramedic added. “He’s going to be okay.”
Tony acknowledged him with a tired grin. The adrenaline was beginning to wear off and the exhaustion that had plagued him earlier was beginning to return. He wasn’t sure that he would have the energy to climb out of the ambulance whenever they arrived at the hospital, but somehow, he would have to find the strength that he would need to help his dad make whatever decisions that would have to be made regarding his health.
It was just a couple of minutes before the ambulance was backing into the emergency room entrance of the hospital. The doors swung open and the two paramedics unloaded the gurney and headed towards the ER. He listened carefully as Bob summarized his father’s condition and spouted off his most recent vital signs. Tony tried to follow them into the treatment room, but his path was blocked by the attending physician, who left him standing in the corridor with only a quick promise to keep him informed.
He made his way over to the waiting area and sat down on the couch. Tony cradled his head in his trembling hands. A myriad of emotions were vying for control; feelings of anger, remorse, frustration, and guilt were rearing their ugly heads, demanding his attention. He was still finding it difficult to believe that he was sitting in a hospital waiting room, counting the minutes until the doctor returned to bring him news of his ailing father.
Tony hated hospitals and usually avoided them, especially since his bout with the plague. Now, here he was waiting to find out if his father was going to live or die and he was once again drawn back to a time when he was faced with the possibility of losing the man who had been more of a father than Anthony DiNozzo, Sr. had ever been. It was only after the case had been solved and Gibbs had taken his unexpected hiatus in Mexico that Tony had taken the time to sort through his feelings, which he did in the privacy of his own home, unbeknownst to his team. At the time, he no choice but to bear his burden alone; he had to keep the team together and be strong for them. It was one of the loneliest times in his life. Until now.
Raking his hands through his hair, he wondered how long he was going to have to wait to find out how his father was doing; he truly despised waiting. It seemed that he’d been waiting all his life on his father to show some interest in him and it had taken the older man losing everything to make him remember that he still had a son. Tony still wasn’t sure that his dad wanted or needed him, especially after their argument earlier in the morning.
He slid down and rested his head against the cushion of the couch. Tony gingerly felt his swollen lip as he allowed his mind to drift back to the moment that served as the catalyst that now had his father hovering between life and death.
***Three hours earlier***
Special Agent Tony DiNozzo fumbled with his keys, wondering if he had enough energy to unlock the door to his apartment and stumble the few feet required that would allow him to seek the comfort of his couch. It had been nearly four days since he had managed to snatch more than a quick nap at his desk and the exhaustion ripped through every fiber of his being. This last case had quickly turned from a routine investigation of a petty officer’s apparent suicide to a race against time to save the dead man’s family from a ruthless drug lord by the name of Nicholas Sporanzi.
After pursuing countless leads and carefully monitoring Sporanzi’s movements, Gibbs and the team were able to take down the drug dealer and rescue the wife and daughter of Petty Officer Joseph Morgan. They had tracked Sporanzi to a deserted warehouse on the waterfront and like a well oiled machine, the team entered the building and while Gibbs and Tony had kept the dealer and his two bodyguards occupied, Ziva and McGee had extracted Morgan’s family.
It had been Tony’s bullet that felled Nicholas Sporanzi. Gibbs had given Sporanzi several opportunities to surrender, but he was not going to be taken alive. He had opened fire on them and Tony and Gibbs had no choice but to return it. The whole shooting incident was over in less that 30 seconds and as a result, there were three less criminals to terrorize the streets of Washington, D.C.
After the scene had been processed and the necessary statements were taken, Gibbs had sent his team home with strict orders not to be back at work until the following Monday, stating that their reports could wait until then. As soon as they arrived back to NCIS headquarters, Ziva and McGee didn’t waste time following the Marine’s instructions. Gibbs had privately praised Tony for a job well done and the two men went to their respective cars.
As soon as he had been sure that Gibbs had cleared the parking garage, he got out of his vehicle and made his way to the bullpen, hoping to have most of the paperwork ready for Gibbs to sign off on first thing Monday morning. If he managed to finish it up tonight, it wouldn’t be hanging over his head all weekend and he’d be able to enjoy his days off. Of course, he wouldn’t be doing much more than lying around his apartment, eating Ramen noodles, and watching the James Bond marathon on television, but considering how tired he was, that would be enough excitement for him.
He had just sat down at his desk when he heard the familiar ding of the elevator. Tony didn’t have to look up to know that Gibbs was now standing in front of his desk. After being properly chastised for not following his orders, he was accompanied by the team leader to the parking garage. Gibbs opened his car door and stepped aside so Tony could slide into the driver’s seat and then closed the door. He started the engine and headed home, knowing that it was useless to try and argue with his boss.
Glancing up in his mirror, he saw that Gibbs was following him to ensure that he didn’t head back to the office. Tony pulled in front of his apartment building and waved to Gibbs and he drove on by. Five minutes later, he was still trying to find the right key to fit his lock.
He finally came across the one that would unlock the door. As he entered the apartment, he slung his backpack on the floor, slipped off his shoes and fell on the sofa. Tony embraced the softness of the cushions as he cradled a pillow underneath his head. He felt like he could sleep for days or at least until Monday morning.
Just as Tony was beginning to doze, the sound of his door bell startled him, causing him to end up on the floor. “Son of a …!” Tony pushed himself up on his hands and knees and glared at his door, wondering who would be at his apartment at four in the morning. Standing up, he made his way towards the door, pausing only long enough to turn the lights on.
Opening the door, his expression faded from anger and disgust to one of surprise and uncertainty. Standing before him was his father, Anthony DiNozzo, Sr., the man who up until recently had seemingly been content to deny his existence whenever it suited him. Their last encounter had resulted in his father telling him that he loved him, but for some reason, Tony couldn’t convince himself of his dad’s sincerity.
It took a few seconds before Tony trusted himself to speak. “Dad? What’re you doing here?”
“I just got into town,” Senior answered, handing Tony his coat and hat as he entered the apartment. “My flight arrived a little over an hour ago from Monte Carlo.”
His father’s tone was icy and distant, much like their relationship. Tony cleared his throat. “You took Al up on his offer?”
“You could say that.”
Tony draped his father’s coat and hat over a nearby chair. Closing the door, he leaned against it and wrapped his arms around his weary body as he waited for the inevitable other shoe to drop. He could tell by his father’s eyes that all hell was about to break loose. Being on the receiving end of Senior’s wrath was not a new experience, just one that he hadn’t had to face in a long time. “Did you two have a nice visit?” he nervously asked.
“Yes, it was very pleasant. Al is a gracious host.”
“That’s good.”
“I suppose it is.”
Taking a deep breath, he blew it out and braced for the storm that was about to hit. “Something wrong, Dad?”
His dad’s eyes narrowed. “Why do you ask, Anthony?”
Tony casually shrugged. “Because you’re here in my apartment at four in the morning,” he carefully replied. “I wasn’t sure that you even knew where I lived.”
“I’ve kept up with you over the years.”
He knew he was being fed another lie. What did he expect from a man whose whole life had been nothing but a fabrication? “Really?”
Senior nodded. “Especially these last couple of months.”
Tony hugged himself a little tighter. “I’m not sure I know what you mean.”
“I think you do, Junior.”
The older man took a step closer to him. Tony could feel the daggers shooting from his eyes as they pierced his soul. Standing to his full height, his stance took on a defensive posture. “Maybe you better clarify it for me, because I’m on my fourth day without any real sleep and I’m a little fuzzy.”
His father exploded, his normally cool façade shattered by rage. “Did you think I wouldn’t notice?”
Tony’s own anger rose, quickly escalating to match his father’s ire. “Notice what?”
“The fact that my own son has been sticking his nose where it doesn’t belong!” Senior bellowed.
“What are you talking about?”
Senior took a step closer, but Tony didn’t back down. “How about for starters, you letting me believe that Al picked up my tab, when in fact it was you? If I hadn’t discovered that before I went to Monte Carlo, it could have been a very embarrassing situation all the way around.”
Tony’s laughter dripped with sarcasm. “Heaven forbid that Anthony DiNozzo, Sr. find himself in an embarrassing situation. Tell me again, why you’re mad about this?” he impatiently inquired. “Your bill was taken care of; you saved face at the hotel and you got a free trip to Monte Carlo. I’m not quite following your logic, Dad.”
The elder DiNozzo visibly bristled. “How did you get into my accounts?”
“Secrets of the trade.”
“Secrets of the trade? You hack into my accounts and you expect me to be satisfied with an answer like that?”
“I don’t expect you to be satisfied with anything I’ve done,” Tony admitted. “I’m used to that, so it really doesn’t bother me. I was doing what I thought was right; I’ve been trying to help you get back on your feet. In case you haven’t noticed, you actually have money in your main account in New York.”
“I don’t need your charity!” Senior growled.
He couldn’t believe the words coming out of his father’s mouth. “Really? Do you plan on going around and mooching off royalty for the rest of your life?” Tony challenged. He knew from experience that it was useless to get in a war of words with his father, but his fatigue and years of pent up frustration were spurring him on.
Tony’s head snapped to the side as his father backhanded him. He wiped the blood from the corner of his lip and met Senior’s stare. It wasn’t the first time that Senior had raised his hand to him for smarting off, but it was definitely going to be the last time. “I think you better leave, Dad.” He had been a fool to think that he could work his way back into his father’s graces.
“Not until I get an explanation as to why you find it necessary to keep track of my finances!”
The senior agent laughed. “What finances, Dad? You’re broke!” Tony cried out. “I’ve been trying to help you get back on your feet a little at time. What’s wrong with that?”
“I already told you that I don’t advertise my failures and by you taking it upon yourself to…”
His father staggered and clutched his chest. Tony reached out to steady him. “Dad?”
“Junior?” The older man blindly reached out for his son.
“Dad, what’s wrong?”
Tony helped him over to the couch and loosened his father’s tie and the top buttons of his shirt. “Dad? Can you hear me?”
“My….chest…hurts?”
“Your chest?”
Senior nodded. “Thought it was heartburn…on the…plane. Not so sure now.”
Tony patted his dad on the shoulder as he dialed 911. “Just take it easy, Dad. Help is on the way.”
“Just let…me…rest. I’ll be…all right.”
He began to give the information to 911 as he continued to watch his father struggle with the agony that was threatening to overwhelm him. Satisfied that the paramedics were on their way, Tony helped Senior put his feet on the couch and knelt down beside him. “Okay Dad: I just want you to try and slow down your breathing. Everything is going to be okay.”
“Can’t…go to the hospital,” his father moaned.
“You don’t have much of a choice right now. This isn’t heartburn, Dad.”
“I know, but….”
“Then no arguing; you’re going to the hospital.”
“Can’t pay…”
Tony squeezed his shoulder. “Don’t worry about that. Right now, the only thing that matters is making sure you’re okay.”
The older man’s pain filled eyes met his own concerned gaze. “Why?”
“Why what, Dad?”
“Why do you care?”
He wasn’t sure that he could honestly answer his dad’s question. Why did he care? Maybe for the same reason that he couldn’t bust his father a couple of months earlier; maybe it was the hope that if he cared for his dad that his feelings would be reciprocated. He swallowed hard, giving his father the only answer that would come to his lips. “Because you’re my dad…”
***present time***
“Excuse me? Are you here with Mr. DiNozzo?”
Tony opened his eyes to find a nurse standing over him, concern and compassion radiating from her tired eyes. “Um…yeah. I’m his son.” He stood up and pinched the bridge of his nose in an effort to clear the cobwebs from his mind. “How is he?”
“The doctor wants to speak with you. He asked me to tell you that he will be out in just a few minutes.”
“Did he say anything about how my dad was doing?” he asked again.
“No, but I’m sure that he’ll answer all your questions,” the nurse assured him. She motioned towards a tall man with graying hair that had just entered the waiting room. “Here he comes now.”
Nodding his thanks to the nurse, he quickly made his way across the room and greeted the physician. Extending his hand, he introduced himself. “I’m Tony DiNozzo.”
“Dr. Ryan Manning,” the doctor replied as he shook Tony’s hand. “I was called in as a consultant on your father’s case and once he’s admitted, his care will be turned over to me.”
“How is my father?” Tony pressed.
“He’s resting at the moment. We managed to get him stabilized and we’re running a few tests to get a better idea at what we we’re looking at,” Manning informed him.
“Did he have a heart attack?”
The doctor nodded, confirming Tony’s fear. “Yes, he did. But thankfully, we got to him in time. Once he is situated in his room on the cardiac wing, I’m going to let him rest for today; I’ve scheduled him for a heart cath tomorrow so we will know what direction we need to go in.”
“Can I see him?”
“After he gets settled.” The doctor looked at his watch. “It will be probably another 30 to 45 minutes. You can go on up to the waiting area on the third floor and a nurse will come and get you when you’re able to see him.”
Tony clenched his jaw, stifling a defeated sigh from escaping his lips. “Thanks, Doc,” he finally managed to mumble.
“You’re welcome and don’t worry, you’re father’s going to be all right.”
He watched Dr. Manning head back through the double doors and down the corridor that led to the treatment rooms. His father was going to be all right, or so Dr. Manning had said. Tony wasn’t convinced, but he wasn’t about to argue with the well meaning physician. Truthfully, he was too tired to argue and he would need what little reserve of strength he had left to deal with his father.
He never remembered his father being sick, but Anthony DiNozzo, Senior would never admit to having a cold, much less a serious illness. Tony had been away a lot as a youth and between boarding schools and summer camps, he possibly saw his father a grand total of two weeks a year. Even at Christmas, Tony considered himself fortunate to get a message from the housekeeper stating that his dad had gone to pursue another lucrative deal, which usually involved Senior staying occupied during the entire two weeks he was home.
Knowing now that his father’s life had been a lie, he wondered what exactly his dad had been doing all those times when he had forced his young son to spend those holidays alone. Had Anthony DiNozzo, Sr. truly been that desperate to avoid his son? Had he really been that much of a burden to his father?
Pushing these thoughts to the back of his mind, he forced himself to consider what his next step should be. He rolled his neck from side to side in an effort to work out the kinks as his mind began to sort through what he needed to do. Tony glanced at his watch. He needed to take a shower and change clothes, but that would have to wait until after he saw his dad. There was no doubt in his mind that his father was making a list out of things that he would require during his hospitalization and he would be able to take care of both chores at one time.
Tony wondered if he should call someone, but he had no idea who his dad would want him to notify, especially knowing how much he hated to appear weak in front of others. Was there another trophy wife that he would rather have by his side instead of his son? He shook his head in disgust. Where had that thought come from?
“Come on, DiNozzo,” he quietly chastised. “Get with it.”
Making his way towards the third floor, he briefly considered calling Gibbs and letting him know what had happened. He brushed that thought aside, not wanting to bother the team leader until he knew exactly what was going on. He was aware of the fact that Gibbs had little use for his father, especially when the former Marine discovered that Tony was still trying to help his dad financially. That revelation had led to a heated argument in Gibbs’ basement, with both of them finally having to agree to disagree.
As he exited the elevator, he met his father’s gurney as the orderlies wheeled him down the hall. Tony was taken back by the pallor of his dad’s skin and the fear still present in his eyes. These were the same eyes that had often bore daggers through him as a child whenever he had done something wrong; now, there was no anger, only apprehension.
“Junior?” his father called out.
The two orderlies stopped, allowing Tony to catch up to them. “I’m right here, Dad,” he answered.
“I thought you may have gone.”
Confused, Tony asked, “Why would you think that?”
His dad closed his eyes for a brief second as if he were considering Tony’s question. A tear escaped and snaked its way down his father’s cheek. “Because you have every right to walk away.”
He probably did have every right to walk away; his father had walked away from him plenty of times throughout his life. But he couldn’t. Not now. Maybe this could be a new start for them, or maybe his father was just fabricating one of his cons. Only time would tell.
He took his dad’s hand and gave it a squeeze. “I’m not going anywhere,” he vowed.
“Thanks, Anthony.”
Tony wasn’t sure how to handle this unusual display of emotions from his father. This was a side of his dad that he had never seen. “The nurses are waiting to get you settled in your room. I’ll come see you when they’re done.”
He watched as the orderlies continued to wheel his father down the hall to his room. Tony leaned against the wall, struggling to gather his own thoughts. There were so many doubts assaulting his mind, he was no longer certain of his place in the life of Anthony DiNozzo, Sr. A man, who up until a couple of months ago, seemingly had everything he wanted; now all he had was his son.
The ringing of his cell phone shattered his silent musings. He pulled it out of his pocket and glanced at the caller ID. “Gibbs,” he muttered. “Crap.” Tony wasn’t sure that he was ready to talk to the team leader, but he also knew he didn’t have much of a choice.
Blowing out a pent up breath, he reluctantly answered his phone. “DiNozzo…”
Story Notes:
Since A Cry for Help has been completed, this is my next endeavor. I hope that you enjoy it and hang on, it's going to be a bumpy ride!
Author's Chapter Notes:
The unexpected return of Tony's father causes friction between Tony and Gibbs.
Chapter End Notes:
Since A Cry for Help has been completed, this is my next endeavor. I hope that you enjoy it and hang on, it's going to be a bumpy ride!