Contumely

Fornell’s agent had been nice enough to pass along the message to Paul. However, Paul’s message back to Ziva was not what she expected at all. She could practically read the contumely in his response. The haughtiness was practically vibrating off the written note that she had been handed.

The note simply read, “Your father is fine. He is with his wife (your mother) and his kid, Tali. He has the perfect family he always wanted, now. He will not be seeking you. He has given you up as a lost cause like he did with Ari.”

Ziva screamed in rage. She couldn’t believe it. Her own father had abandoned her. She hadn’t really expected a get out of jail free card this time as she knew he was pissed at her, but she had never expected this betrayal.

Fornell watched via the cameras and had the agents leave her alone to rage. He wasn't sure if this would be good, bad, or indifferent for them. He suspected indifferent, but only time would tell.

They still needed to interrogate her, but he'd been purposefully waiting for the outcome of this before doing so. He wanted her off balance when he went to interrogate her. After she came down from her initial rage, he'd have a couple of agents bring her up to the interrogation room.

He wondered if DiNozzo and Gibbs would want to observe the interrogation. He should offer the chance to observe as a courtesy to them anyway, especially if it would help either of them move past what happened.

Heading over to NCIS as he assumed Gibbs and DiNozzo would be there, he was surprised to only find McGee at his desk. When questioned about the whereabouts of DiNozzo and Gibbs, McGee could provide no information. He couldn't even tell Fornell if they were OK.

Shaking his head at McGee's lack of knowledge which would absolutely be unacceptable at his agency, he returned to his car and drove to Gibbs' house. If he hadn't been seen at work, then chances are Gibbs was at his place. Though Fornell was truly curious why he hadn't made it into work.

The thing with DiNozzo and Ziva happened last Thursday. It was now Monday that would usually be enough time for anyone to be back at work especially those two. They were practically workaholics.

Taking advantage of Gibbs open door policy, Fornell barged right into his living room. “Gibbs?” He yelled, announcing himself.