Chapter 14

"You don't play fair, DiNoteso!" Fornell started in as son as Tony picked up the phone. "But, on the other hand, you've made Gibbs an Internet sensation. Last I looked he had over 350K views."

Tony laughed.

"I could have wooed you to the FBI, if I had more time."

"Never, Fornell." Tony replied. "That never would have happened." He chuckled.

"I'm a better boss than Gibbs."

"I'm not sure that that would be such a great feat." Tony replied.

Fornell laughed. "Yeah, I think that you're right."

"Plus, I like being boss so much better." Tony added.

Tobias nodded, even though Tony could not see him. "I've heard."

"Vance?"

"Yeah, I called for my monthly check in, and he gave me the news you had left. Then he sent me an email with ah link to the YouTube video." Fornell paused. "He didn't tell me what I would be seeing. It was…."

"Hilarious and horrifying…all at the same time?" Tony suggested.

Tobias nodded. "Yeah, that's about right." He paused again. "How are things going, by the way?"

"Really well. We are all getting along. The building is brand new. It's great. I'm still getting used to Hawaii. The bugs grow big here."

"What kind of house did they get you?"

"Well, it's huge. I had my choice of two, actually. Both were seized from some white-collar criminals. But, I chose the one I did for the pool and the detached guest cottage and the outdoor kitchen. It has 4 bedrooms, 4 baths, fireplaces in all the bedrooms, a huge kitchen, and a home theater." Tony replied. "I've had my team over twice already for a barbeque and for a movie night."

"A detached cottage, huh?"

"I'm putting Gibbs out there when he visits." Tony told him.

"He might never leave."

"Hadn't thought about that." Tony admitted. "I'll make him my pool boy. That'll get him out of there."

Both Tony and Tobias laughed.

"I'm glad things are going so well for you, DiNoteso." Fornell said, sincerely.

"Gibbs hasn't contacted you?" Tony asked. He was surprised that Fornell didn't know things as they happened at NCIS. The FBI seemed to have the whole building bugged at times, considering how much they knew about NCIS business.

"He did. After he was fired and was on his way to Florida. Fornell said. "He even asked me to look after his house until it was sold. Somebody just put a contract down on it last week."

"Fired? I thought…."

Tobias sighed. "It was quit for be fired. Either way, it looks bad on your record. And anyway, I thought he would have tried to talk to you first."

Tony chuckled. "It took him a month to call me."

"Wow! …never, ever expected that."

"I thought sure he would be blowing up my phone on my way out of town that day. Never got a call." Tony said. "Not a one, from anybody. That, that was probably the worst. I had already talked to Ducky and Jimmy, but…."

"Abby was being Abby? Tim was not seeing what was right in front of him? And Ziva was in denial?" Fornall stated.

"You sure you guys didn't bug our bullpen?"

"No, I worked with you guys long enough and close enough to see a lot." Tobias admitted. "And I'm glad you left. I'm not glad you're not with the FBI. But, I am glad you got out while you could. Vance was not the only one who could see how unhappy you were."

Tony smiled. "Thanks for looking out of me."

"Absolutely, and you know, if you ever change your mind…."

THE END