interagency cooperation

four

"Navy Lieutenant Commander Eris Conrad was engaged to Thomas Servaes, an Archeology Professor working at George Washington University. She was stationed aboard the USS Delaware, but had requested early leave (about a week before they all docked in Norfolk) to to surprise him for their anniversary."

Ziva began, using the remote to bring up pictures on their plasma. Before she could continue, Tony snatched it out of her hands. She fixed her glare on him as he continued.

"She enlisted the help of FBI Special Agent Grant Anderson, her childhood friend, to help keep her return quiet to execute the plan. According to his girlfriend (who is quite attractive, if I do say so myself), Conrad and Anderson were supposed to meet them at a local bar. You know, this- OW!"

He hunched over in pain, clutching his stomach while Ziva plucked the remote from his hands. She had a satisfied smile on her face as she passed it to McGee.

"Do I want to know?"

The three agents stood at attention, Tony slightly shoving Ziva in retaliation. Gibbs looked between the three, his signature glare almost unrelenting. You covered your mouth in an attempt to keep your laugh in.

"They were just filling me in, Agent Gibbs."

He fixed his eyes on yours, the mischievous glint in yours matching the stern spark in his. Keeping eye contact, he spoke.

"Continue, McGee."

"Right."

He used the remote to bring up what looked like phone records. Everyone returned their attention to the screen, Hotch moving from behind Gibbs to your side.

"I managed to get Anderson's last calls and texts from the phone records. He was last texting his girlfriend on when they were going to arrive at The Kindred Spirit, a local bar. That's where the surprise was supposed to take place."

"Timeline."

Tony took the lead this time, motioning as McGee brought the four pictures back up. You and Hotch glanced at each other, slightly impressed with how quickly they worked. No wonder their solve rate was so high.

"Last week, Conrad requested and was granted liberty to go home and see her fiancé in time for their anniversary. Anderson and his girlfriend were in on it, and helped keep it quiet. They were supposed to meet at The Kindred Spirit last night for the reveal, but never showed. She decided to bring him to hers instead, and came across the victims."

Gibbs took a long look at the four onscreen, eyes searching for details.

"Ziva, Tony, I want you two to get in touch with the ship. Find out what you can about the Lieutenant Commander."

The two agents nodded, moving to gear up.

"McGee, go down to the lab, see what else you can dig off that phone. Get me close friends, family, anything. Talk to the girlfriend first."

"Going now, Boss."

He strode away towards the elevator, leaving you, Hotch, and Gibbs. You watched the two males have a silent conversation, matching glares making shivers run down your spine.

Though Hotch was known for his stern aura, you'd honestly never seen him this...intimidating. By the looks of Ziva and Tony's faces, Gibbs seemed to be the same.

"Ziva! DiNozzo!"

Both flinched, not wanting to get involved.

"Take Agent Hotchner with you. His profiling skills might be useful."

Hotch kept still, making you roll your eyes. You elbowed him lightly, getting his attention to have your own silent conversation.

"Just go, Hotch."

"You asked me here."

"To help, not hover. I've done plenty of cases like these on my own."

"But-"

"This isn't your area, it's mine. Until further notice, we answer to them."

He moved forward without another word, glancing back at you as he followed the two out. You gave him a small wave goodbye.

"L/N, with me."

Gibbs motioned for you to follow him, pointing a finger ahead.

"Where are we going, Agent Gibbs?"

"Interviews, Agent L/N."