In the morning, Jethro and Ducky were the first to arise. Tony was still asleep as it took some time for him to settle during the night. He woke up a few times with nightmares, but finally drifted into dreamless sleep at about three am. Gibbs managed to catch a few hours himself.
He was shaken by Tony’s admission. He was sipping on some coffee in the kitchen while Ducky drank some tea.
“What did Agent Fornell say, Jethro?” Ducky asked as he sipped his Earl Grey.
“He agreed to take on the case for us. Despite the fact that Tony is an NCIS agent, this falls under FBI jurisdiction, not ours. We’re going to meet with him this afternoon.”
“We, Jethro? Do you think Anthony will be able to discuss this with the FBI?” He sighed. “He just made the admission. I doubt he will be able to open up so soon.”
“We have to do something, Duck. His father is coming in a week. I can’t have Tony running. I have to find something to get him on. Fornell will be able to help.” Gibbs took a deep breath. “I just need some time to figure out how we’ll play this. I WILL get the bastard for what he did to Tony. Somehow.”
“Agreed, Jethro. Agreed.”
*
Tony slowly awakened. At first, he was not sure where he was. He shot up in bed panting, wildly looking around. When he inhaled, he noticed the distinct scent surrounding him: GIBBS. He was at his Boss’ house. He was safe. When he was able to calm down his breathing, he groaned to himself. He couldn’t believe he lost control last night. He couldn’t believe he told Gibbs and Ducky his deepest shame and secret. Now, they would never look at him the same. He would have to leave for sure. Tony stood on shaky legs and walked out of the bedroom. He heard voices downstairs. He was not sure what he should do. He could feign sleep for a little longer, but he realized he had to face the music. He felt so rattled, he could not even muster a smile or a joke to cover his embarrassment.
“Anthony.” Ducky said as the young agent walked in the room. Gibbs heart melted as Tony walked in. He looked very comfortable in sweatpants and sweatshirt. His hair was going in all directions. The thirty two year old agent managed to look much younger. Tony said nothing as he sat down, unable to look either man in the eye. There was awkward silence initially, when Gibbs finally spoke.
“Coffee, Tony?” He stood and walked to the coffee pot and poured him a cup. He brought some milk from the fridge and handed them to him. He slid the sugar bowl over as well. “It’s not that hazelnut crap you like, but it’s something.”
Tony looked up at Gibbs and managed a small smile as he said quietly, “Thanks, Boss.” He then ducked his head shyly and began to doctor his coffee.
Ducky sensed that Tony and Gibbs needed some time alone. He took one last sip and stood. “I must get home and check on mother. I will see you at the office.” He smiled kindly as he stood before Tony. “Dear boy.” He leaned over and kissed Tony on the head. He nodded at Jethro and left.
Gibbs stood and walked back to the counter. He placed some bread in the toaster and pressed down. He said nothing as he waited for it to cook. When it was done, he grabbed some butter and jam, placed the toast on a plate, and brought it to the table. “Eat.” He said curtly as he looked at his young charge.
“But, I’m not really hungry.” Tony shrugged his shoulders.
“Please, Tony. You need something in your belly.”
Tony chuckled slightly. “That’s twice you’ve said please to me now.”
Gibbs smirked. “I’ve been known to throw the word around, when it’s important.”
Tony’s eyes watered as he shook his head and looked down as he shoved the food away from him. He whispered, voice cracking, “How can you even look at me?”
Gibbs scooted his chair closer to him. He gently grasped his chin and made him look up. “I can look at you because you are a brave man. Despite what he did to you, you have grown up to be a fantastic person and the best young agent I have ever worked with.” Gibbs nodded his head to punctuate his point. “I am so proud of you for coming to me last night; for trusting me. I am sure that was so hard for you. But, you are so brave, Tony.”
“I’m not…” Tony softly answered.
“Yes, you are. And listen to me.” Tony gazed up again. “I meant what I said last night. I will not let him hurt you again.”
Tony leaned towards Gibbs. As Jethro embraced him, Tony asked in a quiet voice with hope underlying everything, “Promise?”
Gibbs kissed him on his forehead. “Promise, sweetheart. Remember, you’re mine. He will never lay a hand on you again.”
*
Gibbs drove Tony to his apartment so he could shower and pack some clothes. He asked Tony to stay at his place for the time being. Gibbs felt safer knowing Tony was with him at all times until they figured out their next move. He had to convince Tony to come into work, though. He thought he understood Tony’s fear, but the younger man said very little en route to the Navy Yard. When they arrived, Tony stood by the car once they were in the garage. “I c-can’t.” He said, voice quivering.
“Tony. It’s okay.”
“No, it’s NOT!” He said as he walked a few steps away from the lead agent.
“Then explain it to me.” Gibbs kept his tone deliberately neutral.
“When they find out, they’re going to t-treat me d-different!” His stutter became more apparent as he became more agitated.
“Tony, they are your friends and co-workers. We need them to help us so we can keep you safe. They won‘t judge you.”
“No! I don’t need their help!” Tony’s eyes became wild as he looked around. “I-I just n-need to go…” He looked as though he wanted to bolt.
Gibbs walked up to him and stopped his frenzied movements by grasping him gently by the shoulders. “No, Tony. You don’t need to run anymore.”
Tony shook his head back and forth. “I-I…” He began to hyperventilate.
Gibbs steadied him with his palm against his cheek. “No. No more running. This time you have family that can help you. You’re not alone, Tony. Not anymore.”
As he took deep breaths to calm himself, he kept his head bowed as he said, “I-I’m scared.”
“I know.” He placed his arm around Tony and led him into the building.
*
As they entered, they went straight down to Abby’s lab. He left Tony just outside the lab and went in to talk with Abby first.
“Abs.” Gibbs said.
“Bossman!” She leaned in to get her daily kiss on the cheek. “I don’t have anything for you. I mean, since we don’t have an active case. I guess that’s why you didn’t bring a Caf Pow…”
“Abbs.” He interjected. “I need you to listen to me.”
“Sure, what’s up?” She looked beyond him. “Why is Tony standing in the hall?”
“Abby, in about half an hour I need you to come to the conference room and I will explain everything. In the mean time, I want Tony to lay down on your cot.”
“Oh my God, is he sick? Is it the Plague?” She asked, concern lacing her tone.
“No, Abbs. I promise I will explain. But Tony needs a little peace for now. Can you please not ask him what’s wrong. You’ll understand soon enough.”
“Can I hug him?” She asked with puppy dog eyes.
Gibbs couldn’t help but smile. “Sure.” He walked away to get Tony. Abby saw through the glass door Gibbs say something to Tony. Tony gazed towards the lab with a skeptical look, but allowed himself to be led in. Abby was nearly in shock when she noticed Tony’s appearance. His hair was still neat but not styled. Despite darker circles under his eyes, he looked much younger. His shoulders were slightly slumped forward. Instead of his high end suits, he wore a polo shirt, some old khakis, and tennis shoes.
“Hey, Tonyboy.” Abby said softly as she smiled at her friend. She was pleased when he did make eye contact with her.
“Abbs.” He answered, practically a whisper. He allowed himself to be led over to her cot. Gibbs sat him down and whispered in his ear that he would be back. Abby sat down next to Tony and did not crowd him and talk incessantly, demanding to know what was wrong with him. She leaned over and gave him a quick hug and kiss on the cheek. She stood. “Love you, Tony.” She went to the lab to work.
Tony felt himself blush slightly as warmth spread through him. He lay down on the cot and tried to sleep.
*
Gibbs walked to the bullpen to see Ziva and McGee getting some morning work done.
“Hey, Boss.” McGee said. “Have you seen, Tony?”
“Yep. He’s down with Abby.” He looked at his two agents. “I need you two in the conference room in about thirty minutes. I need to talk to the Director first. Abby, Ducky, and Palmer will meet us there.”
“What about Tony?” Ziva asked, concern in her voice.
As Gibbs walked away and sprinted up the steps, he said, “It’s about Tony.”
*
Vance sat behind his desk, hands clasped in front of him. “And this has been occurring since what age?”
“Ten.” Gibbs answered as he sat forward in his chair.
“Jesus.” Vance stood and walked to the window. “My daughter is ten. I couldn’t ever imagine…” He shook his head in disbelief. “How is Dinozzo?”
“A wreck, as you can imagine. But, he‘s a strong kid.” He paused. “I’m bringing the FBI in on this, Leon. We have to find some way to get this bastard.”
“I agree.”
“Fornell’s coming later today.”
“Will your boy be up to talking with him?”
“I don’t know. Maybe if I’m with him, it’ll help.” He sighed. “I need my team off rotation right now, Leon. I need to find out anything and everything about Dinozzo senior. If he’s coming next week, we don’t have much time.”
“Consider your team assigned to his case. But, you need to let it appear to be all within the purview of the FBI. They need to get all the credit.”
Gibbs smirked as he walked away. “Don’t they always?”
*
As he waited for the team to take their seats, he knew they were all eager to understand what was going on.
“What I am going to tell you stays among our team.” He looked around and then his eyes rested upon his junior agents. “Ziva and McGee. A few days ago you mentioned your concern over a phone call Tony received.”
“Yes.” Ziva answered, while McGee nodded.
“It turns out it was Tony’s father.” Abby’s eyes narrowed at the mention of Dinozzo senior. “He is coming to visit him next week.”
“And that is not good news, yes?” Ziva asked.
“Tony doesn’t mention his father much.” McGee interjected. “He said a few things here and there, but I was never sure what the truth was.”
Gibbs continued. “Last night, Tony came to my place. He was terrified and upset. It was hard for him to tell me and Ducky, but he admitted that when his father comes around he hurts him.”
Abby stood as her eyes narrowed. “What do mean hurts him?” She said in a serious tone.
Gibbs took a deep breath. “Since he was ten, his father has physically and…sexually abused Tony.”
Abby gasped as she covered her mouth in disbelief. McGee looked down and Ziva clenched her fists. Palmer looked to Dr. Mallard in shock. For a time no one said anything.
Gibbs continued. “Tony was reluctant to come here today. He is scared and is worried the group will treat him differently and judge him. His first instinct is to run.”
Abby spoke, “How could he think that? We love him.”
“Abigail, Tony has had many years to form his masks that cover his fear and pain. When his father came to him in the past, he left his other jobs, hoping to escape. If we know what he went through, he may feel stripped bare, he feels vulnerable.” Ducky explained. “He needs our support, but is worried all he will get is pity.”
“What about his father, Gibbs?” Ziva asked with a serious glare.
“Fornell is coming to talk with Tony today. This will be an FBI investigation with us aiding in the background. The Director is aware. We need to do what it takes to find out anything and everything on Tony’s father.”
“He’s coming next week, Agent Gibbs?” Palmer asked.
Gibbs nodded. “So, any digging we do needs to be discrete. We cannot do anything that alerts him to our investigation. After Fornell talks with Tony, hopefully we’ll have more to go on.”
“If he was abused,” McGee said, “there has to be records of it, right?”
“I don’t know.” Gibbs said. “I haven’t delved into those issues yet with Tony.” He paused. “We’ll meet again after talking with Tobias.”
*
Tony lay sleeping in the lab. He felt a gentle hand on his back and his eyes slowly opened. He looked upon Gibbs. He remembered he was in the lab. He slowly sat up with help from his mentor. Gibbs guided him to a chair. “Tony, everyone wants to see you. Is that okay?”
Tony wanted to say no, but Gibbs assured them that they would not pass judgment upon him; they were his friends, his family. He reluctantly nodded and they made their way up. Tony felt like his heart was in his throat as they walked into the bullpen. He stood in the center next to Gibbs. His eyes couldn’t rest on them. Abby came up first and hugged him tightly. She whispered in his ear, “Remember, I can kill someone and leave no trace of it.” Tony found himself hugging her back, almost holding on for dear life. She led him to his chair when she felt he was a bit unsteady.
McGee sat on the desk as Tony sat. The senior agent still could not make eye contact. “We’ll get the bastard, Tony. We’ve got your six.” He placed a hand on Tony’s shoulder. “We don’t want you to leave. I still have some things to learn from you.” He smirked. “Plus, who else would make fun of me?”
Tony smiled slightly. “Thanks, Tim.”
Ziva looked at him. “You know the things I can do with a paperclip and my ninja skills.” She was pleased when Tony gazed up. “We’re here for you, Tony. It is not pity. One thing I have learned since being here is the real concept of family. It does not have to be blood. Remember that.” Tony nodded his thanks.
Palmer sat opposite Tim on the desk. “Whatever you need, Tony. We’re here.”
“Thanks, Jimmy.” Tony whispered and looked down again at his hands.
Gibbs sensed Tony was getting overwhelmed, so he motioned for everyone to return to their respective places. He held Tony’s arms and helped him up and led him towards the conference room. He poured him a cup of water and himself a cup of coffee and sat down. They sat in silence for a bit. Jethro stood and told Tony he was gong to the restroom. Tony nodded but said nothing. He felt emotionally drained.
*
After Gibbs finished and washed his hands, he took out his phone. He dialed a number and waited.
“Hello?”
“Dad?”
“Jethro! How are you, boy? What’s wrong?” Jethro had to smile. His father was always so suspicious. “Is it Tony?” Since Jethro had reconciled with is father a few years ago, he knew that Tony and Jack kept in touch.
“How’d you know?” Jethro asked.
“Intuition.” Jethro could imagine Jack’s smug look on his face. “Is he sick? Kidnapped? That boy seems to attract trouble.”
“It’s hard to talk about over the phone, Dad.” There was a tone of defeat in Gibbs’ voice.
“I’m going to pack up and come there.”
“You don’t have to, Dad.”
“Nonsense, Leroy. I’ll be there tomorrow.” And with that, Jack hung up.
*
As he made his way back to the conference room, Gibbs saw Fornell exit the elevator.
“Tobias. Thanks for coming. I haven’t told Tony about your involvement yet.”
“I suspected as much. Is he going to be able to cooperate?”
“I hope so.” He looked at the folder in his friend’s hand. “What’s all that?”
“Information on Dinozzo senior.”
“You compiled it that fast?”
Fornell shook his head. “No, open case file.”
“Really?” That made Gibbs smile.
“Yep, Daddy Dinozzo has been watched by us for almost ten years. There are some shady business dealings among other things.”
“Yet, nothing concrete.” Gibbs scowled.
“Placed on the back burner for other cases.”
“Huh.” He gestured towards the conference room. “I don’t want to leave him alone too long.” As he started towards Tony, Fornell grabbed his arm.
“Jethro, I would prefer to interview him down at the Hoover Building. I want my people recording. We have to do everything by the book. Plus, I have a woman down there that specializes in interviews of people who have suffered molestations, rapes, and sexual slavery. She would be in the room with us.”
“I’ll try, Tobias. But he’s pretty shaken up. A more familiar atmosphere might be better.”
“I get that, but this has to be done by the letter. Dinozzo senior is an extremely powerful man with even more powerful friends. If this goes down in our favor, it will be a major scandal. I just want all my T’s crossed and I’s dotted.”
Jethro sighed. “I’ll see what I can do.”
*
As they entered the conference room, Tony looked upon them with wide eyes. He stood up immediately when he saw Fornell.
“Gibbs?” He said, a hint of disbelief in his voice.
“Tony, Tobias is here to help.” He gestured for him to sit. “Trust me, okay?”
“Hey, Dinozzo.” Fornell said in a soft tone. Tony looked like a scared little animal, not the usually confident federal agent he had known for the last five years.
“I called him to help us, Tony. NCIS can’t investigate your father. It has to be the FBI.”
“Investigate?” Tony said in a tight tone. “T-Then h-he’ll know I-I said s-something!” He went towards the window. “H-He s-said I-if I-I ever tell, h-he’ll hurt me m-more!” Tony tried to take calming breaths. After some moments, he did. “He’ll make sure I can never talk again. He said he’ll tell my Bosses that I did bad things so I’ll get fired! He said h-he had p-pictures and v-videos of m-me!”
“That’s blackmail, Tony.” Fornell said. “And coercion. Not to mention rape and incest.”
“You can’t prove it!” Tony was increasingly more agitated. Gibbs walked up to him.
“Hey.” He said in a gentle tone, as he placed a hand on his arm. “We want to stop him. The feds have an open case file on him. We just need to figure out our next move. I need you to talk to Tobias.”
“H-here?” He asked in a tiny voice.
“At their headquarters.” Before Tony could protest, Gibbs continued. “I’ll be right there with you.” He wanted to sound reassuring. “We will stop your father. One way or another. We just need more information.” He brushed the gathering tear away from Tony’s striking hazel eyes. “I know it’s painful and scary to talk about it, but it will help take him down. He doesn’t deserve to get away with hurting you.”
After some time, Tony looked at Fornell. He seemed genuine in his concern. He gazed back at Jethro. He nodded reluctantly.
“Good job.” Gibbs leaned in and kissed Tony on the forehead. Fornell turned to leave, followed by Tony and Gibbs.
TBC…
Chapter End Notes:
AN: minor changes in canon. Tony is 32 y/o in the fic. 'Heartland' never happened. Gibbs and Jackson repaired their relationship a few years before the fic.