𝐑𝐔𝐋𝐄 𝐓𝐖𝐄𝐋𝐕𝐄 ━━ 𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐲 𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐨𝐳𝐳𝐨

TWO | my blue heaven

"The body was in the water less than 24 hours. N-A-S Key West tagged and bagged and shipped it over."

"We got an I.D.?" Tony is quick to jot down some notes in his PalmPilot.

Gibbs answers back with a name. "Seaman Russell McDonald. Nineteen. Assigned to the USS Foster."

"Destroyer, Spruance Class." Kate blurts out.

"Hey, look at that! New kid on the block's been doing her homework."

"Showoff." I grumble teasingly.

"USS Foster left Roosevelt Roads Naval Station two days ago en route to Norfolk." The four of us move to the monitor beside Gibbs' desk. "This is her position now," He points to a blinking spot, "and this where the body was found. In the Bahamas."

"Roosevelt Roads." Tony bites back a bright smile. "That's Puerto Rico." He can't hold it in any longer. "I love Puerto Rico." He enunciates.

"I'm glad." Gibbs doesn't know what else to say.

Tony shuts off the device. "No, boss, you don't understand. I love Puerto Rico."

"You've been there a lot?" Kate presumes.

"No, no, that's just it. I have never been there." He shakes his head side to side. "I mean, I'm so wanting to go. Ever since I was a kid, I was so. . .wanting. . ."

The look on our faces makes Tony finally calm down.

"Sorry. I just always. . ."

"Wanted to be there."

"Yeah."

Tony busies himself with his notes while Gibbs finishes up the rest of the profile. Ducky provides us with a detailed report on the body, from the cause of death to the seaman's attire.

Once we exit Autopsy, Gibbs passes back a file. "Seaman's local. Address is in the file. You don't have to do the dirty deed. CACO already notified next of kin."

"Why me, boss? Wouldn't a woman be more sympathetic?" Tony's eyes shift up to meet mine.

"That's exactly why he's sending you." I scan him up and down. "You're feminine enough."

"No. That's why Evaline is going with you." Gibbs clarifies and steps into the elevator.

I frown my brows. "But he's totally capable of doing it himself. Unless, of course, he needs to hold someone's hand when he crosses the street."

He scoffs. "I was taught that if I had nothing nice to say, I shouldn't say anything, so. . ." Tony trails off into silence.

"When did an order turn into a debate?"

Kate stifles a laugh as Tony and I go silent.

The drive to the address is quick, although Tony felt the need to stop for coffee on the way. If Gibbs ever finds out, we're both dead.

"I hate this. I really do." Tony stares at the house anxiously, hesitant to walk closer to it. "You have no idea how tough this is going to be."

"Believe me, I know." A small breath exits my body, another one replacing it instantly. "I've been on both ends of the conversation." I take the first step, and Tony follows behind closely.

While Tony looks around the living room, I talk to Seaman McDonald's mother.

"According to the report we were given, it looks like Russell didn't have many friends during his time aboard the destroyer."

"Oh, no." Mrs. McDonald is quick to disagree. "He had many friends on the ship. He told me so in his letter." I can tell she's trying not to burst into tears.