Fox's Den

Chapter Five

Tony picked up the phone and dialed Ducky’s extension, telling him Gibbs wants him in the Bullpen ASAP cause a woman just collapsed there. Not a few minutes later Ducky appeared with his black bag.

 

“Good Lord Jethro, she looks like she’s been through the wringer! What happened?”

 

“I don’t know Duck, I was heading out for a coffee and she stepped off the elevator and just collapsed. She looked like she was running from something, her eyes kept darting every which way.” Gibbs replied to the Medical Examiner.

 

Once he had completed his assessment he pulled out some smelling salts to awaken the woman. Once she began to awake he calmly told her to relax, that she had collapsed and she needed to wait a few minutes before moving.

 

Once Ducky said it was safe for her to move Tony helped her to stand and walked her into the conference room for more privacy. Gibbs and Ducky were talking in hushed tones about something.

 

“Can I get you anything miss?” Tony asked startled when he heard a quiet voice answer him.

 

“Tea? If you have it? Please?” the woman asked.

 

“Sure” he said pouring her a cup of tea and getting a soft thank you in return. Sitting down in the chair next to her he asked her what her name was.

 

“Wanda, My name is Wanda Smith.”

 

“Okay Miss Smith...”

 

“Wanda. Just Wanda, please?”

 

“Okay then, Wanda. I’m Special Agent Tony DiNozzo. Will you tell me what brought you here? To NCIS I mean.” Tony queried.

 

“I…Several years ago I married a man named Earl Smith and not long after we got married he started beating me. I filed for divorce but he walked right through the restraining order and put me into Intensive Care. My best friend MaryAnn flew up from Atlanta and sat with me. By the time I was released Earl had disappeared. Me and MaryAnn started selling jam and things but then she disappeared. A few days ago I’d gone into town and ran into Earl’s brother there. He blames me for his disappearance.” Here she paused to take a sip of her drink and organize her thoughts.

 

“No-one really cares that he’s missing so his brother blames me. Anyway, he tried to strangle me, pulled me into a small alleyway when someone, a marine who was just passing through, heard me and literally saved my life. Clint, that’s Earl’s brother, shot him and took off. The guy died before the ambulance got there. He told me to come here and that you would catch Clint and that I’d be safe here. I know Clint followed me at least part of the way. I saw him on one of the buses I took and managed to trick him into thinking I got off at another stop.” Wanda stopped and took a shaky breath. She didn’t know whether or not to tell this man about what she and MaryAnn had done. Taking another deep breath she was about to continue when the door opened and the two men she had spoken with earlier came in.

 

“Wanda, This is my boss Special Agent Gibbs and our Medical Examiner Doctor Mallard” Tony said.

 

“Ducky, my dear, just call me Ducky.”

 

“Okay.” Wanda giggled a little at the ME.

 

“DiNozzo. What do we have?”

 

“Dead Marine, boss. Killed by Wanda’s ex-brother-in-law, for defending her against Clint Smith who blames her for his brother’s disappearance, even if the bastard should’ve been shot.” Tony remarked

 

“Explain.”

 

“Earl, that’s my ex-husband, used to beat the shit outta me. It started shortly after we got married, then when I filed for divorce and got a restraining order he put me in the hospital. My friend MaryAnn flew from Atlanta to be with me. When I got out he was gone. Ain’t heard from him since. Divorce went through ‘cause he was presumed dead.” Wanda explained hurriedly before Tony could.

 

Nodding Gibbs stepped out, going to speak with the director. When he came back he told her that she was being placed into protective custody and that the marine’s body was already on its way to Ducky’s morgue.

 He also said that she would need to provide a sketch of Clint so they could put an APB out on him. Wanda told them that Clint had done time. That he had been in prison since a few days before her and Earl got married. She didn’t even know they’d released him. Nodding Tony took Wanda down to Abby’s lab to have a sketch done while McGee tried to find their suspect’s rap sheet and any other pertinent information.

 

When Tony returned back to the bullpen he placed a call to the local sheriff’s office where Wanda lived. He was getting the information on not only Earl, who also had a rap sheet, and also getting their take on what had happened to Earl and any information they had on Clint as well as other information.

 

When Tony found out that when Earl put Wanda in intensive care after violating the restraining order her friend from High School, MaryAnn, came up from Atlanta and when his boys had gone to arrest Earl he’d disappeared, some suspected he’d run off while other’s thought he’d met a far more…darker…end, though there’s no proof let alone anyone that really cared anymore.

 

He also learned that after Earl had gone and disappeared; Wanda and MaryAnn became lovers. At least everyone suspected they had…when MaryAnn disappeared as well some folk began to suspect that maybe Wanda was the reason. Although, no one would say that aloud and it was mostly just idle gossip by some nosy busybodies as the sheriff put it. Especially since Wanda and MaryAnn were best friends.

 

After hanging up with the sheriff Tony let Gibbs know what he’d found out so far before being told to escort Wanda Smith to the people who would be protecting her and make sure Abby sent the picture up to McGee so they could put a BOLO out for Clint Smith.

 

In the meantime miles away a woman was pacing back and forth in her office. She couldn’t believe that Wanda was in D.C. And that her own protective custody might be in jeopardy. It could also be a career ender if the truth ever got out. Hopefully that son of a bitch Clint was caught BEFORE anyone dug up the well hidden information on her and her involvement.

 

‘I wish I could have brought her with me when I was placed into Witness Protection. Once things have settled down I will go back to her. Hopefully I can salvage what is left of our friendship.’ the woman thought as she sat down and began to reminisce on the Good Times she’d had. Getting that phone call that her best friend was in ICU had changed a lot between her and Wanda.

 

‘If I’d have known that bastard had a brother I’d have shot his ass before he went after Wanda.’ She thought as she began to work on the never ending paperwork.

 

~Some Unknown Location~

 

‘Dammitall, that little whore done did gave me the damned slip. I’ll find her. And when I do that damn bitch will get what’s comin’ ta her.’ A scruffy looking man thought as he walked down a deserted highway.

 

~ D.C. ----> N.C.I.S ~

With Wanda safely ensconced in a safe house just outside the city limits Tony and McGee continued to find any information on Wanda Smith, Clint Smith and Earl Smith. Wanda hadn’t given them a last name for MaryAnn so they’d had to go through the yearbook and find it. MaryAnn Jones. She’d been working in Atlanta at a Museum when she’d flown to Tennessee when Wanda had been hospitalized. They also found a deed to some land in both her and Wanda’s names as well as some permits for a business; but after that nothing else.

 

Tony looked at the clock and swore softly. They needed to get going so they could get Kelly from school otherwise they’d be late.

 

Standing he motioned to Gibbs that he was leaving. Gibbs stood up, told Kate and McGee to keep looking and to go home by 1800 hours and to be back in the office by 0900 hours, and headed towards the elevators where Tony was waiting.

 

Once they got on and were definitely out of earshot Kate stood up, walked over to McGee and began to talk.

 

“What do you think is going on with Gibbs and Tony?” Kate asked

 

“I don’t know. I do know that Tony updated some of his forms and his address is the same as Gibbs’.” McGee replied while continuing to type.

 

“Did you know Tony had a daughter?”

 

“No. I don’t think anyone knew. Well except maybe HR because it’s listed in his file.”

 

“How do you know it’s listed in his file?” Kate asked.

 

“Uhmm…Well…You know…I uh…I just…I kinda…  hackedintoHRtoseehisfile.” McGee said, more like stuttered almost incoherently.

 

Kate just looked at him with wide eyes and asked what else he’d found. When his reply was nothing other than there was no mother listed for Tony’s daughter, whose name was listed as being Kelly G. DiNozzo, and that he did have a will in place and that his lawyer was listed as one of three immediate contact persons should Tony be killed.

 

Hearing the elevator ding Kate quickly walked back to her desk in case it was Gibbs coming back. She needn’t have worried; it was only Abby coming up to talk.

 

Meanwhile Tony and Gibbs were on their way to get Kelly. Gibbs was at the wheel so that they weren’t late. Once arriving at the school Tony and Gibbs got out of the car and waited for the bell to ring and the children to come running out to meet their parents or to walk home, for those that lived close enough to do so and whose parents let them.

 

While they waited they talked quietly about the case and what trouble it could bring. The fact that MaryAnn looked like someone Gibbs knew but he couldn’t quite place who it was, was driving both of them a little crazy.

 

When Kelly came running out and jumped into Tony’s arms he laughed asking her how her day was.

 

“It was okay Papà. I missed you though.” She said.

 

“Oh. Mr. Muten and Mrs. Young want to talk to you and Daddy.” Kelly said suddenly remembering that she was supposed to tell her Papà and Daddy that.

 

Nodding Tony looked to Gibbs who shrugged and they walked around and into the school Office to speak with the secretary and let her know that today was their only day available to speak with the Principal and Kelly’s teacher.

 

Once everyone was present and had been seated in the Principals office Mr. Muten began.

 

“Mr. DiNozzo some things have been brought to my attention recently and they are cause for concern. You have changed your address recently, placed another person as the secondary primary contact and also Kelly’s behavior recently as well.” The principal spoke.

 

“Yes. Our address has changed. We moved recently. More specifically we’ve moved into her Dad’s house with him which also explains the change from no secondary contact to having one as well.” Tony said a slight frown on his face.

 

“Yes, that is what is a little, disconcerting, not to mention very unorthodox. You are listed as her father and yet you just said her dad, referring not to yourself.”

 

“Yes. It is a very convoluted tale that basically boils down to Kelly being mine through adoption and Jethro’s by birth. The details are very convoluted and involve classified information. All you need to know is that her dad was only recently found and re-united with Kelly and instead of trying to negotiate some sort of visitation system, because her dad and I work together we decided it would be better for Kelly if we both just moved in with him instead. If you have a problem with that then I suggest you let us know now.” Tony said, his eyes spitting fire while his voice was deceptively calm and cool.

 

Gibbs placed a hand on Tony’s shoulder to keep him grounded and from getting up and punching the principal in the face before speaking himself.

 

“Mr. Muten Tony and Myself are Federal Agents working for a quasi-military agency, NCIS. If you have a problem with the fact that Tony and myself live together and are raising Kelly then I want to know now so that I can contact the Director and have him look into this matter. I’m sure that once it got out that you were being investigated by NCIS there would be many problems for you.” Gibbs stated with a hard look at the principal.

 

“Mr…?”

 

“Gibbs.”

 

“Mr. Gibbs. I didn’t mean to offend. I was just concerned because of the unusual circumstances. We were unaware of the special circumstances that surrounded Kelly’s life let alone that Kelly wasn’t Mr. DiNozzo’s biological child. Especially with the way Kelly has been acting recently.” Mr. Muten said apologetically.

 

“And just how has she been acting?” Tony asked.

 

“She has been getting into skirmishes with older students recently, the most recent one resulted in her being knocked out. Mostly those skirmishes are over some of the younger students.” Mrs. Young jumped in.

 

“It’s one specific group of boys in the 4th grade. We’ve been unable to do anything because by the time the teachers realize something is wrong it has broken up.” Mrs. Young continued.

 

Looking to their daughter Gibbs raised an eyebrow in question.

 

“They keep picking on other kids.” Kelly said defiantly.

 

“So you decided to take matters into your own hands.” Tony said flatly.

 

“Yes, Papà. The teachers won’t do anything and their picking on kids in Kindergarten and 1st grade. They are bullies and I don’t like them.” Kelly defended.

 

Tony and Gibbs looked at each other before speaking at the same time.

 

“She takes after you Jethro.”

“She takes after you Tony.”

 

Chuckling at the two men Mrs. Young continued.

 

“She may take after both of you but her actions have caused several parents to complain. More specifically the parents of the group of boys she has been thoroughly embarrassing. The teachers should be doing something and I plan to look into why nothing has been done about these boys myself.”

 

“I also plan to dig into this matter. We don’t tolerate bullies and knowing the story behind Kelly’s actions doesn’t absolve her of the blame. She has been fighting, even if it is to protect those younger than her, and there needs to be some sort of consequences.” Mr. Muten said.

 

Kelly pouted at that. She wasn’t in the wrong! Those stupid boys were.

 

“Kelly is a smart girl. Well advanced for her age group.” Here the principal paused.

 

“Since Kelly has already shown a fondness for children younger than her and a distinct aversion for most kids her age. Her punishment will be to help the teachers for kindergarten and 1st grade.”

 

Kelly’s head shot up and the smile on her face was positively glowing. She loved learning but she loved to teach too. She already knew she wanted to be a teacher when she got older.

 

Tony and Gibbs just smiled. Tony knew that Kelly wanted to be a teacher, whether that would remain the same or change as she got older remained to be seen but at least for now her ‘’punishment‘’ was more of a reward for her.

 

Smiling at them Kelly’s teacher Mrs. Young hated to have to break the happy mood in the room.

 

“Mr. DiNozzo. Kelly has also been very fidgety today. She kept staring out the window and muttering under her breath. Normally I wouldn’t be concerned but it was the way she looked when she did so.” She stated.

Tony paled slightly and looked to Gibbs for help. He nodded minutely towards the door and Tony nodded back before getting up and taking Kelly’s hand.

 

“Come on piccina let’s go get the car ready while your daddy finishes up with your teacher.” He said as they walked towards the door.

 

Once Gibbs knew Kelly and Tony were out of earshot his face hardened slightly as his gaze swung around to the two in the room. Speaking softly but deadly he told them not to bring this subject up ever again, especially not to Kelly. He told them that things had been hectic because of some very mixed information and things were still a little shaky because of that. All they needed to know was that things had been resolved but Kelly would probably still have a slightly rough time because of it. He turned and walked out leaving the two stunned at his abruptness and cryptic speech.

 

Once they arrived home Tony went straight to the bedroom to change while Gibbs got Kelly started on her homework, not that there was much. Walking upstairs he found Tony standing there in the middle of the bedroom with a slightly lost look on his face. Walking up behind him he wrapped his arms around the younger man and whispered into his ear, which caused Tony to let out a small chuckle and turn his head to look at Gibbs.

 

“Thank You, Jethro.” He said before kissing him lightly on the lips and walking into the bathroom to shower and change. Smiling slightly Gibbs walked back downstairs to find Kelly munching on what looked suspiciously like green pepper strips while working on some math homework.

 

He figured he’d get a start on dinner so that Tony would have a little time to relax after the stressful day. Pulling the steaks he’d placed in the fridge to thaw out he went outside and fired up the grill. Back in the kitchen he had to hide a snicker as Tony walked in, ruffled Kelly’s hair and snatched a green strip from the small plate that sat in front of her.

 

Kelly’s exclamation of “Papà!” and her pouting had Tony chuckling while Gibbs shook his head at their antics. Sometimes Tony acted like a big Kid himself.

 

The rest of the week seemed to go along a similar vein as Monday had, minus the talk after school. No more information on Clint Smith and nothing on the BOLO’s.

 

They’d had three call outs to local crime scenes. The first had been a female Petty Officer that had been raped and strangled by her ex-boyfriend. That had been resolved that same day. The second was a dead Lieutenant that had been shot execution style. That had taken a little longer to solve. The lieutenant had been having an affair with a married woman and her husband, the lieutenant’s captain, had found out and killed the guy before turning on his wife.

 

The third had been a Marine who’d been stabbed multiple times and shot once in the head. That had turned out to be a simple case even if it was strange. The guy’s girlfriend’s daughter had killed him because he wouldn’t sleep with her, never mind that she was only 15 and her mom didn’t even know she was sexually active. The teen would be tried as an adult and would probably get a good chunk of prison time. Wasting her life because someone didn’t sleep with her.

 

Friday rolled around and thankfully they had the next two days off, as long as no big cases came in. Thankfully nothing did. The only excitement had been when they got a hit on the BOLO out for Clint Smith. Turns out the guy had been arrested for Public Intoxication and released. By the time the cops in Arkansas had realized there was a BOLO out on the man he’d already been released and had left town. Hopefully he would pop back up soon.

 

TBC…

 

AN: Goodbye Earl was done by the Dixie Chicks. There is a very good reason for this case being brought up and it will become evident further on down the line. You might be able to guess if you’ve seen the music video for this song. I just twisted things to suit my needs. If you haven’t seen the music video or if it’s been awhile just go here to watch it.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gw7gNf_9njs&ob=av3e Goodbye Earl by Dixie Chicks

 

Fair Warning this is a Country song done by a country group that have been blasted for something by the media. I can’t remember what. I know it was something about the war though. All that aside I am eclectic in my music tastes so I often find inspiration in music.

 

Oh and the green pepper strips are something I used to eat as a kid. It’s quick and easy. Cut peppers, salt to taste and eat. :D Crunchy and Salty and well they are easier to eat than chips especially when riding a bike downhill with no hands. :D