Salad Days Sequel to Impregnable

“DiNozzo?”

“Gibbs.” Tony didn’t appear as shocked as Gibbs was. After all, he’d heard about the murdered naval officer nearby and had expected NCIS to show up eventually to question any potential witnesses. He may not work at NCIS any longer, but that didn’t mean he didn’t know that Gibbs was still leading the MCRT.

“What are you doing here, DiNozzo? Where have you been? We searched everywhere.”

“I didn’t want to be found. You of all people should understand that. I’d appreciate it if you not broadcast my presence at NCIS. I no longer work there. People don’t need to know my every move.”

“Why?” Gibbs asked, heartbroken.

“Why what? Why did I leave? Why am I here? Why am I still alive?” Tony prompted, not willing to just answer the question that he knew Gibbs was asking.

Gibbs growled. “All of it. Except the last one.”

“Is this really how you treat your witnesses?” Tony smirked at Gibbs, politely reminding him that he was a guest in Tony’s home.

Gibbs sighed, trying to get control of his temper. “You’re special, DiNozzo. You always have been.”

Tony eyed Gibbs consideringly, before finally gesturing for Gibbs to have a seat as Tony too sat in one of the insanely comfortable fancy chairs that adorned the waiting room. He accepted the statement as it was intended, a compliment. Deciding to return the favor and answer the question Gibbs was really asking, Tony offered, “You know my uncle died. Instead of leaving me money like I expected, he left me the American side of his business. While not the only reason I resigned from NCIS, it was a major one. It was my job to run his business and it was huge. Unlike my father, my uncle knew how to hire good people and make wise business decisions to keep them. In his salad days, he was one of the best.” Tony trailed off as the memories overwhelmed him.

As Gibbs watched Tony and waited for him to come out of his thoughts, Gibbs’ cell phone rang. “Gibbs.”

“Boss. We’ve talked to all the witnesses except the one you’re at and the scene is wrapped up and ready to go.”

“Good. Head back to NCIS HQ. I’ll meet you there.” Gibbs hung up the phone.

Tony chuckled. “Still the same phone manners as ever, huh?”

“You were saying?” Gibbs prompted, ignoring the comment on his phone manners.

“I had a lot to learn about running the business in a very short amount of time, but I learned it and between that and investments of my mother’s trust that’s how I am here today in this amazing mansion.”

Gibbs shook his head. “DiNozzo.”

Tony knew what Gibbs wanted to know. “As for why I left well, on top of this generous opportunity, I was tired of being the target. Jenny targeted me with her undercover op. McGee and Ziva regularly targeted me and it wasn’t just playing like what I did. Vance targeted me with the agent afloat gig. Heck. Even you used me as a target at times, Gibbs. And that’s not even counting things like the plague and other work related injuries. I was just done, Gibbs.”

Gibbs looked shocked at the bare facts especially when Tony tacked his name onto the end. “How did I not realize all that was going on?”

“I don’t know, Boss. Maybe you should figure that out. In the meantime, should we get back to why you originally came here?”

“Just tell me what you know, DiNozzo.” Gibbs ordered as his mind whirled on all the things he hadn’t put together about Tony’s reasons for leaving.

“I don’t know much. Only that a petty officer was killed in the neighborhood. He was seen talking to my neighbor across the street multiple times. And visiting the house a couple to the right of my neighbor across the street. I doubt you’ll find any evidence at either house though. I’m pretty sure there’s a secret hideout somewhere around here that has all the evidence. I’d check the park and cemetery thoroughly if I were you.”

Gibbs nodded. “Thanks. Steaks at my place after the case is closed?” Gibbs hoped Tony would say, yes. It would mean that he still had a chance to win the man’s friendship back and maybe something even deeper.

“Of course. Just let me know when.”