How To Relate: Chapter 5
Title: How To Relate
Author: justhowthisgoes
Fandom: NCIS
Category: Hurt/Comfort/Family
Pairing: None
Rating: T
Spoilers: Up to Season 7
Summary: Tony has been getting threatening letters and the team is worried, but Tony isn't taking them seriously. Then come the attempts on his life. Could the new girl at NCIS be involved? And what secrets from Tony's past will be revealed in the search?
Disclaimer: Standard disclaimers apply.
Chapter 5
Coinkydink? I Don't Think...
Ziva sat at her desk, lost in thought. Tony had been in a very foul mood the previous night after discovering his vandalized car, utterly negating the team's 'cheering up' attempt. Of course, he could hardly be blamed after what had happened. The club owner had allowed the team to check the club's security footage, but unfortunately it was a new system and several cameras, including the one that covered that portion of the parking lot, had malfunctioned.
Unconsciously twirling a pen through her fingers, with Gibbs' line about coincidences in the forefront of her mind, Ziva watched with narrowed eyes as Ali came through the room with her cart. Ali seemed to feel the gaze on her and turned. Ziva glared back at her, putting as much hostility as she could into the look. Ali's eyes widened and she bit her lip, seeming unnerved, before continuing on her route.
"What was that about?" McGee asked. He had apparently entered the bullpen just in time to catch the tail end of the exchange.
Ziva gave him a cursory glance before turning back to stare contemplatively at the door Ali had just walked through. "Do you not think it is even a little suspicious, McGee?"
McGee hung his coat over the back of his chair. "What's suspicious?"
"She is suspicious. Ali."
McGee looked perplexed. "Why?"
"Oh come on, McGee. She just happens to show up at the club last night when we were all there. After she just happened to walk past as we were discussing our plans to go there. And then she happens to leave suddenly after speaking to Tony and then his tires just happen to get slashed."
McGee raised his eyebrows. "I'm sure it's just a coincidence, Ziva."
Ziva gave him a look.
"Well, I mean, you're not suggesting that Ali is Tony's mysterious stalker, are you? Ziva, that's… that's ridiculous." McGee stammered.
"Why is it ridiculous?" Ziva started ticking off on her fingers. "She began working here about the time Tony got the first letter, she acts very strange around him, and she was at the club last night. I do not think that is so ridiculous."
"Like I said, it's gotta be a coincidence."
"McGee, I think you are being blinded by a pretty face."
McGee looked almost insulted. "I'll have you know that I, unlike Tony, have the ability to be objective when dealing with women that I find attractive."
Ziva scoffed. "Of course. You are the portrait of objectivity."
"'Picture', Ziva, and anyway, what could Ali possibly have against Tony?"
"I do not know, but I know she is hiding something." Ziva insisted.
Ding.
Tony exited the elevator, arguing with someone on the other end of his cell phone.
"No, no, no. Joe- I said full detailing… No, look I don't care what- No. Yeah, you got it… You're the man, Joe." Tony hung up and let out a huge breath. "Man, I have been on the phone all morning. I already feel like I've been working all day, and I just got here."
"Problems, Tony?" McGee inquired.
"That was my mechanic, Joe." Tony slung his bag down behind his desk. "He can be a little slow, but he's the only one I trust to take care of my baby. I tell ya, if you really want to hurt a guy, you go after his car."
"Well, I am sure you will have your 'baby' back in no time." Ziva assured him.
Tony shook his head. "No. I've actually decided to leave her at the garage for a little while. She's due for a tune-up anyway, and I don't want to risk anything else happening to her."
"So how did you get to work this morning? Did you ride the bus?"
"Ha. No way. It's called a rental car, Zee-vah. And don't worry," Tony held up his wrist, "I got an automatic."
"Well Tony, I hope you decided to spring for the extra insurance." McGee put in seriously. "With your luck lately, I think you might need it."
Tony gave a mock glare. "I resent that comment, McGee. And… yes I did." he admitted. "Thought it might be wise."
Just then Ali walked back through the bullpen and into the elevator. Ziva narrowed her eyes and frowned at her departing back before the doors closed.
"I saw that look, Ziva. Are we not playing nicely with others?" Tony teased.
"Ziva thinks that Ali is the one that slashed your tires. And maybe sent you those letters too." McGee informed him.
Tony laughed. "Aw, Zee, you do care. I'm touched. But Ali? Really?" He looked less than convinced. "There's no need to see new enemies around every corner. I already have more than my fair share."
"Ya think, DiNozzo?" Gibbs entered the bullpen, thumping down a large stack of files which he proceeded to divvy up amongst his team's desks.
"What's this, Boss?" Tony looked down, puzzled.
"Your old case files." Gibbs replied.
"So this is what we're doing today, looking through Tony's old cases?" McGee asked.
"Well, yeah, McGee, unless you have a better suggestion."
"No, Boss, just checking."
"What exactly are we looking for?" Ziva asked.
Gibbs took a gulp of his ever-present coffee. "A lead."
Ziva shrugged. "Alright. Oh, Gibbs," she suddenly remembered something. "Ducky wants you to come down to autopsy when you get a chance."
Gibbs nodded, heading to the elevator. "Get to work."
McGee whistled. "Wow, Tony, these sure are a lot of files."
Tony stretched his hands behind his head with a grin as he reclined in his chair. "Yeah, well, what can I say, McGoo? When you're good, you're good."
"And to think that each and every one of these files is most likely someone with a grudge against you." McGee continued.
Tony sat up and shot him a cross look.
"You know," Ziva mused, "I am almost certain that I would have more enemies than this. That is, if they were not all dead."
Tony's eyes danced with mirth as he exchanged an amused smirk with McGee.
Ziva reached for the top file on her desk and looked over at them, innocently. "What?"
"Nothing." They replied in unison, quickly picking up files of their own.The autopsy doors whooshed open as Gibbs strode in.
"Duck, you got something for me?"
"Ah, Jethro. As you may recall, I have been compiling a psychological profile on this anonymous letter-writer of Anthony's."
"Yeah, Duck. I recall."
"Yes, well, from the wording in the letters, the writer is looking for revenge of some sort. It seems that he- or she, as the case may be-" Ducky clarified, "wants to make Anthony suffer for some perceived injustice."
"Does he say what? Anything that might give us a clue who this could be?"
"No, the phrasing is almost deliberately vague." Ducky spread out copies of the letters and photos on a table. "By attempting to run him down at the crime scene, and then slashing his tires while he was out last night, our writer is virtually taunting Anthony, trying to intimidate him and make him believe that no place is safe. And as you can see, the letters have become progressively more aggressive, and now photos as well. He seems to get a sadistic enjoyment out of causing pain and likes to be in control. Furthermore, he is persistent. There can be little doubt of that."
"Persistent? Meaning he will go after Tony again." Gibbs' question sounded more like a statement.
Ducky sighed. "That would be my supposition. And soon, most likely. Moreover, I fear this time he will try something less blatant, and more difficult to elude." When there was no response he glanced at Gibbs, whose expression was unreadable. "What are you thinking, Jethro?"
"I'm thinking we'd better track down this scum of the earth before he goes after my agent again!" he growled, brusquely stalking out of autopsy.
Gibbs made his way down the hall, stopping at the door to the evidence garage where Abby had been going over the SUV from the previous day.
Abby was on a creeper half-under the vehicle, working. As she pushed herself out she spotted him. "Gibbs! How did you know?"
"Know what, Abbs? Have you got something?"
"Well, I'm running the fingerprints from the SUV, but if our bad guy sticks to his M.O. he'll have worn gloves, so they most likely belong to the owner. Same thing with the hairs I found, they're probably the owner's too."
"Is that all you've got Abbs?" Gibbs sounded vaguely irritated.
Abby held her hand over her heart, feigning offense. "Gibbs. Is this doubt I hear? I'm surprised at you. I wouldn't call you in here just for that."
"Then what?"
"Exhibit A: mysterious fibers." Abby held up a small evidence bag triumphantly. "Found only on the gas and brake pedals and on the floor in front of the driver's seat. They probably came from our bad guy's shoes."
Gibbs peered closely at the bag. "Well? What are they?"
Abby frowned. "I don't know, Gibbs. They're mysterious. But don't worry; Major Mass Spec. has rarely let me down. These could tell us where this guy has been, or maybe even where he's living."
"How long till you know something?"
She shrugged. "Could be a few hours, could be a few days."
Gibbs just looked at her.
"I'm kidding, Gibbs. When I know, you will know," she assured him. "You know you always know when I know. Sometimes you even know before I know that I know. You know?"
Gibbs half-smiled. "Yeah, Abbs. I know."
Abby gave a wave as he left.Late that afternoon, Tony was getting restless. He folded a paper airplane and threw it at Ziva.
She looked up at him. "Tony."
"What?" He grinned innocently.
"I am trying to work."
"You're not done with those files yet?"
"No. Almost. You have finished yours already?" she asked, skeptical.
"Yup." Tony leaned back in his chair.
"How? You have been messing around all day."
"Work smarter, not harder, Ziva. That's my motto. Besides, I already know these files. They are my old cases, after all."
Ziva closed her last file. "Done."
"I'm done too." McGee announced.
"Good." Gibbs strode into the bullpen, fresh coffee in hand. "You can all go home." He continued up the stairs toward MTAC.
"Ah, finally!" Tony exclaimed, standing up and stretching. He glanced at his watch. "And with any luck, I'll get home in time to catch Total Recall. One of Arnie's finest. Great plot, incredible humor, exploding cars. What more could you ask for in a movie?"
Ziva and Tony began gathering up their things as McGee remained at his desk.
"McGee, you coming?" Tony asked.
"No, I'm staying for a little while. The Director asked for me to help on a project."
"What does the Director need your help with, McGee?" Ziva questioned, curious.
"Well it's-" McGee began.
"Obviously something super technical that only McNerds know how to do." Tony interjected. "Blah, blah, blah, boring."
McGee smiled at a point behind Tony's head. "Hello, Director."
Tony's eyes widened in horror and he slowly turned.
No one was there.
McGee and Ziva both cracked up as he turned back around.
"You should have seen your face, Tony." Ziva laughed.
"Yeah, yeah. You're hilarious." Tony replied sarcastically. "Come on Ziva. Let's leave Timmy to play with his toys."
"See you guys tomorrow." McGee waved, still grinning as the other two stepped into the elevator and the doors closed. "So, Ziva. Total Recall. You interested?" Tony asked as the two walked into the parking garage.
Ziva shook her head. "I think I will pass."
"You sure? Great plot, incredible humor -"
"And exploding cars, yes I know." Ziva chuckled. "Not tonight Tony."
A bright green Volkswagen Beetle pulled out of a space ahead of them. Ziva paused when she saw that Ali was driving it.
Tony noticed where she was looking. "Ziva."
Ziva turned back to him, arms folded. "What? I do not trust her."
"Come on Ziva, give her a break. It's not easy being the new kid."
"Has anyone ever told you that you are too trusting?"
Tony laughed out loud. "Nope. I can honestly say that's not something I've ever been accused of." He grew sober. "Look Ziva, I guess you've got to trust your gut, but don't turn this into a cat-fight. Well, at least, not unless you give me fair warning."
Ziva raised an eyebrow.
"So I can set up a video camera, of course." Tony grinned as he climbed into his rental car and started the engine.
Ziva scoffed. "Goodbye Tony." She continued over to her parking spot and searched through her bag.
A sudden explosion nearly knocked her off her feet and she dropped the keys she had just found. Coughing at the smoke that began to fill the garage, Ziva crouched behind her Mini Cooper, looking for the source of the blast. She gasped in shock as she saw that it was Tony's car.
...
Chapter 6
Author: justhowthisgoes
Fandom: NCIS
Category: Hurt/Comfort/Family
Pairing: None
Rating: T
Spoilers: Up to Season 7
Summary: Tony has been getting threatening letters and the team is worried, but Tony isn't taking them seriously. Then come the attempts on his life. Could the new girl at NCIS be involved? And what secrets from Tony's past will be revealed in the search?
Disclaimer: Standard disclaimers apply.
Chapter 5
Coinkydink? I Don't Think...
Ziva sat at her desk, lost in thought. Tony had been in a very foul mood the previous night after discovering his vandalized car, utterly negating the team's 'cheering up' attempt. Of course, he could hardly be blamed after what had happened. The club owner had allowed the team to check the club's security footage, but unfortunately it was a new system and several cameras, including the one that covered that portion of the parking lot, had malfunctioned.
Unconsciously twirling a pen through her fingers, with Gibbs' line about coincidences in the forefront of her mind, Ziva watched with narrowed eyes as Ali came through the room with her cart. Ali seemed to feel the gaze on her and turned. Ziva glared back at her, putting as much hostility as she could into the look. Ali's eyes widened and she bit her lip, seeming unnerved, before continuing on her route.
"What was that about?" McGee asked. He had apparently entered the bullpen just in time to catch the tail end of the exchange.
Ziva gave him a cursory glance before turning back to stare contemplatively at the door Ali had just walked through. "Do you not think it is even a little suspicious, McGee?"
McGee hung his coat over the back of his chair. "What's suspicious?"
"She is suspicious. Ali."
McGee looked perplexed. "Why?"
"Oh come on, McGee. She just happens to show up at the club last night when we were all there. After she just happened to walk past as we were discussing our plans to go there. And then she happens to leave suddenly after speaking to Tony and then his tires just happen to get slashed."
McGee raised his eyebrows. "I'm sure it's just a coincidence, Ziva."
Ziva gave him a look.
"Well, I mean, you're not suggesting that Ali is Tony's mysterious stalker, are you? Ziva, that's… that's ridiculous." McGee stammered.
"Why is it ridiculous?" Ziva started ticking off on her fingers. "She began working here about the time Tony got the first letter, she acts very strange around him, and she was at the club last night. I do not think that is so ridiculous."
"Like I said, it's gotta be a coincidence."
"McGee, I think you are being blinded by a pretty face."
McGee looked almost insulted. "I'll have you know that I, unlike Tony, have the ability to be objective when dealing with women that I find attractive."
Ziva scoffed. "Of course. You are the portrait of objectivity."
"'Picture', Ziva, and anyway, what could Ali possibly have against Tony?"
"I do not know, but I know she is hiding something." Ziva insisted.
Ding.
Tony exited the elevator, arguing with someone on the other end of his cell phone.
"No, no, no. Joe- I said full detailing… No, look I don't care what- No. Yeah, you got it… You're the man, Joe." Tony hung up and let out a huge breath. "Man, I have been on the phone all morning. I already feel like I've been working all day, and I just got here."
"Problems, Tony?" McGee inquired.
"That was my mechanic, Joe." Tony slung his bag down behind his desk. "He can be a little slow, but he's the only one I trust to take care of my baby. I tell ya, if you really want to hurt a guy, you go after his car."
"Well, I am sure you will have your 'baby' back in no time." Ziva assured him.
Tony shook his head. "No. I've actually decided to leave her at the garage for a little while. She's due for a tune-up anyway, and I don't want to risk anything else happening to her."
"So how did you get to work this morning? Did you ride the bus?"
"Ha. No way. It's called a rental car, Zee-vah. And don't worry," Tony held up his wrist, "I got an automatic."
"Well Tony, I hope you decided to spring for the extra insurance." McGee put in seriously. "With your luck lately, I think you might need it."
Tony gave a mock glare. "I resent that comment, McGee. And… yes I did." he admitted. "Thought it might be wise."
Just then Ali walked back through the bullpen and into the elevator. Ziva narrowed her eyes and frowned at her departing back before the doors closed.
"I saw that look, Ziva. Are we not playing nicely with others?" Tony teased.
"Ziva thinks that Ali is the one that slashed your tires. And maybe sent you those letters too." McGee informed him.
Tony laughed. "Aw, Zee, you do care. I'm touched. But Ali? Really?" He looked less than convinced. "There's no need to see new enemies around every corner. I already have more than my fair share."
"Ya think, DiNozzo?" Gibbs entered the bullpen, thumping down a large stack of files which he proceeded to divvy up amongst his team's desks.
"What's this, Boss?" Tony looked down, puzzled.
"Your old case files." Gibbs replied.
"So this is what we're doing today, looking through Tony's old cases?" McGee asked.
"Well, yeah, McGee, unless you have a better suggestion."
"No, Boss, just checking."
"What exactly are we looking for?" Ziva asked.
Gibbs took a gulp of his ever-present coffee. "A lead."
Ziva shrugged. "Alright. Oh, Gibbs," she suddenly remembered something. "Ducky wants you to come down to autopsy when you get a chance."
Gibbs nodded, heading to the elevator. "Get to work."
McGee whistled. "Wow, Tony, these sure are a lot of files."
Tony stretched his hands behind his head with a grin as he reclined in his chair. "Yeah, well, what can I say, McGoo? When you're good, you're good."
"And to think that each and every one of these files is most likely someone with a grudge against you." McGee continued.
Tony sat up and shot him a cross look.
"You know," Ziva mused, "I am almost certain that I would have more enemies than this. That is, if they were not all dead."
Tony's eyes danced with mirth as he exchanged an amused smirk with McGee.
Ziva reached for the top file on her desk and looked over at them, innocently. "What?"
"Nothing." They replied in unison, quickly picking up files of their own.The autopsy doors whooshed open as Gibbs strode in.
"Duck, you got something for me?"
"Ah, Jethro. As you may recall, I have been compiling a psychological profile on this anonymous letter-writer of Anthony's."
"Yeah, Duck. I recall."
"Yes, well, from the wording in the letters, the writer is looking for revenge of some sort. It seems that he- or she, as the case may be-" Ducky clarified, "wants to make Anthony suffer for some perceived injustice."
"Does he say what? Anything that might give us a clue who this could be?"
"No, the phrasing is almost deliberately vague." Ducky spread out copies of the letters and photos on a table. "By attempting to run him down at the crime scene, and then slashing his tires while he was out last night, our writer is virtually taunting Anthony, trying to intimidate him and make him believe that no place is safe. And as you can see, the letters have become progressively more aggressive, and now photos as well. He seems to get a sadistic enjoyment out of causing pain and likes to be in control. Furthermore, he is persistent. There can be little doubt of that."
"Persistent? Meaning he will go after Tony again." Gibbs' question sounded more like a statement.
Ducky sighed. "That would be my supposition. And soon, most likely. Moreover, I fear this time he will try something less blatant, and more difficult to elude." When there was no response he glanced at Gibbs, whose expression was unreadable. "What are you thinking, Jethro?"
"I'm thinking we'd better track down this scum of the earth before he goes after my agent again!" he growled, brusquely stalking out of autopsy.
Gibbs made his way down the hall, stopping at the door to the evidence garage where Abby had been going over the SUV from the previous day.
Abby was on a creeper half-under the vehicle, working. As she pushed herself out she spotted him. "Gibbs! How did you know?"
"Know what, Abbs? Have you got something?"
"Well, I'm running the fingerprints from the SUV, but if our bad guy sticks to his M.O. he'll have worn gloves, so they most likely belong to the owner. Same thing with the hairs I found, they're probably the owner's too."
"Is that all you've got Abbs?" Gibbs sounded vaguely irritated.
Abby held her hand over her heart, feigning offense. "Gibbs. Is this doubt I hear? I'm surprised at you. I wouldn't call you in here just for that."
"Then what?"
"Exhibit A: mysterious fibers." Abby held up a small evidence bag triumphantly. "Found only on the gas and brake pedals and on the floor in front of the driver's seat. They probably came from our bad guy's shoes."
Gibbs peered closely at the bag. "Well? What are they?"
Abby frowned. "I don't know, Gibbs. They're mysterious. But don't worry; Major Mass Spec. has rarely let me down. These could tell us where this guy has been, or maybe even where he's living."
"How long till you know something?"
She shrugged. "Could be a few hours, could be a few days."
Gibbs just looked at her.
"I'm kidding, Gibbs. When I know, you will know," she assured him. "You know you always know when I know. Sometimes you even know before I know that I know. You know?"
Gibbs half-smiled. "Yeah, Abbs. I know."
Abby gave a wave as he left.Late that afternoon, Tony was getting restless. He folded a paper airplane and threw it at Ziva.
She looked up at him. "Tony."
"What?" He grinned innocently.
"I am trying to work."
"You're not done with those files yet?"
"No. Almost. You have finished yours already?" she asked, skeptical.
"Yup." Tony leaned back in his chair.
"How? You have been messing around all day."
"Work smarter, not harder, Ziva. That's my motto. Besides, I already know these files. They are my old cases, after all."
Ziva closed her last file. "Done."
"I'm done too." McGee announced.
"Good." Gibbs strode into the bullpen, fresh coffee in hand. "You can all go home." He continued up the stairs toward MTAC.
"Ah, finally!" Tony exclaimed, standing up and stretching. He glanced at his watch. "And with any luck, I'll get home in time to catch Total Recall. One of Arnie's finest. Great plot, incredible humor, exploding cars. What more could you ask for in a movie?"
Ziva and Tony began gathering up their things as McGee remained at his desk.
"McGee, you coming?" Tony asked.
"No, I'm staying for a little while. The Director asked for me to help on a project."
"What does the Director need your help with, McGee?" Ziva questioned, curious.
"Well it's-" McGee began.
"Obviously something super technical that only McNerds know how to do." Tony interjected. "Blah, blah, blah, boring."
McGee smiled at a point behind Tony's head. "Hello, Director."
Tony's eyes widened in horror and he slowly turned.
No one was there.
McGee and Ziva both cracked up as he turned back around.
"You should have seen your face, Tony." Ziva laughed.
"Yeah, yeah. You're hilarious." Tony replied sarcastically. "Come on Ziva. Let's leave Timmy to play with his toys."
"See you guys tomorrow." McGee waved, still grinning as the other two stepped into the elevator and the doors closed. "So, Ziva. Total Recall. You interested?" Tony asked as the two walked into the parking garage.
Ziva shook her head. "I think I will pass."
"You sure? Great plot, incredible humor -"
"And exploding cars, yes I know." Ziva chuckled. "Not tonight Tony."
A bright green Volkswagen Beetle pulled out of a space ahead of them. Ziva paused when she saw that Ali was driving it.
Tony noticed where she was looking. "Ziva."
Ziva turned back to him, arms folded. "What? I do not trust her."
"Come on Ziva, give her a break. It's not easy being the new kid."
"Has anyone ever told you that you are too trusting?"
Tony laughed out loud. "Nope. I can honestly say that's not something I've ever been accused of." He grew sober. "Look Ziva, I guess you've got to trust your gut, but don't turn this into a cat-fight. Well, at least, not unless you give me fair warning."
Ziva raised an eyebrow.
"So I can set up a video camera, of course." Tony grinned as he climbed into his rental car and started the engine.
Ziva scoffed. "Goodbye Tony." She continued over to her parking spot and searched through her bag.
A sudden explosion nearly knocked her off her feet and she dropped the keys she had just found. Coughing at the smoke that began to fill the garage, Ziva crouched behind her Mini Cooper, looking for the source of the blast. She gasped in shock as she saw that it was Tony's car.
...
Chapter 6