Genreflections

Interesting - Can't argue with the results

2010-01-07T18:04:08Z

Your result for The Fan Fiction Personality Test...

The True Fan

OOC is blasphemy, canon is everything.

Once you fall in love with a movie, book or TV series, you are loyal like an old dog. You take fanfiction quite serious and use it as a substitute after the canon ran out.

You are probably a walking dictionary of your favourite fandom and you are picky about what you write and read. The closer to the "real thing" fanfiction is, the more you like it.

You rather explore a character in all depth, see new sides and learn more about them than creating new characters or mix up the situations they are in.

Take The Fan Fiction Personality Test at OkCupid

From Caz's Journal

2010-01-07T17:37:47Z

India Foxtrot Yankee Oscar Uniform Charlie Alpha November Uniform November Delta Echo Romeo Sierra Tango Alpha November Delta Tango Hotel India Sierra, Charlie Oscar Papa Yankee Alpha November Delta Papa Alpha Sierra Tango Echo India Tango Tango Oscar Yankee Oscar Uniform Romeo Lima India Victor Echo Juliet Oscar Uniform Romeo November Alpha Lima

Audio: The Dead Line by Phil Ford

2010-01-06T19:17:51Z

Just as Pack Animals is my favorite Torchwood book to date, I believe that The Dead Line is my favorite Torchwood audio drama to date. How can I not love this one when it contains Ianto's "blip in time" speech.

The storyline is, once again, basic yet intriguing. People all over Cardiff who own old phones from the 1970s (and how weird it was to think of the 70s as ancient) are receiving calls that put them into a most unusual coma. Jack, being Jack, dials the number without any problems. The call is actually an older one that no longer exists. Unfortunately, he is quickly called back and is himself soon a victim.

Ianto, distraught, calls an old girlfriend of Jack's past, a woman who is an eminent neuroscientist and knows about Torchwood and Jack's immortality. While Ianto stays by Jack's side, Doctor Stella Courtney searches for a solution while Gwen and Rhys work out in the field to find the source.

Well done, and some deeper insights into how Ianto views Jack and his relationship with the Immortal. Barrowman was delightful, but didn't have a large role in this, thanks to being mostly unconscious. I personally think this would have been a wonderful aired episode.

Doctor Who: The End of Time

2010-01-05T22:53:33Z

Spoilers!!!
Seriously, I mean it...
Don't read if you haven't seen
"The End of Time"

Okay, you had your warning, so don't whine if you kept reading and get spoiled.

I had a chance to watch both Part 1 and 2 of "The End of Time" today and needed a place to vent. First, I mostly loved Part 1. A crazier than normal Master, a Doctor who is raging against the dying light until he discovers that his denial may doom the Universe, and Wilf searching for the one man the Earth needs with his Silver Brigade. What's not to like?

Yes, there were still some moments of humor, I would expect nothing less, but this was definitely a darker episode of Doctor Who than we have seen in a while. We've been building up to this episode for quite a while and, mostly, things have been orchestrated well.

Part 2 is where I began to get annoyed. I really didn't think the whole Time Lords coming back was necessary. The thing coming could've been almost anything, from Death to the Cylons to the Daleks to some new and horrible threat. This is actually a good thing in that many of DW fans who didn't see the original series might have in their heads that the Time Lords were these perfect people who could do no wrong. Any of us who watched during the Classic DW days know that this was not necessarily true. The Time Lords could be just as evil, just as arrogant, just as stupid as any living thing.

I was thrilled that the Master basically saved the day. Thank you for that RTD. I've always had a deep admiration for this poor man, made crazy by his own people. John Simms was absolutely brilliant, as if that is a big surprise!

Then it was over. The Doctor saved Wilf, absorbed the radiation and, suddenly, had the ability to delay his regeneration. The send-off to all his friends and companions was simply boring and, in a couple of places, ridiculous. Shall we begin the ranting now? You betcha!!

1. Martha and Mickey. Seriously, what happened to her? Tom is no where in sight, she's now married to Mickey, and toting a gun? I don't know what surprised and shocked me more. If this had been written by someone new to DW, I might understand it. But this was written by RTD himself. Is this his way of slapping us in the face? No, of course not. He does that later in the Captain Jack visit. Gotta say that I thought Mickey was looking buff. The facial hair works for him. Not so sure about Martha's new hair.

2. Sarah Jane Smith and her son. Whoopee, the Doctor saved the idiot kid who was crossing a street while texting. That seemed somewhat anti-climatic, didn't it? Still, it was nice to see Sarah Jane.

3. Captain Jack. Here's where we get the slap in the face from RTD. We have the Doctor pimping for Jack, setting him up with Alonzo (who I do like a whole lot). And how did the Doctor know Alonzo wanted to play on that side of the fence? Does the Doctor think this will make up for the loss of Ianto and Stephen? I found this bit downright insulting, but I guess I shouldn't be surprised. At least we got to see Jack.

4. Verity Newman, granddaughter of Joan Redfern. This actually was the best of the bunch, and a pleasure to see the same actress used.

5. Donna Noble. Yeah, okay, that wasn't totally bad. Considering that Donna shouldn't remember for the sake of her own life, the script did the best it could with the storyline. And a winning lottery ticket? Not too bad a wedding present.

6. Rose Tyler. I actually would've liked to have seen the Rose of the Alternate Universe, happy with her version of the Doctor, but I guess that would be asking for trouble.

What was my overall opinion? I liked 75 percent of the ending, but the final section brought the other part down. And was it really necessary to destroy the TARDIS during the last regeneration? There have been regenerations there before without that much damage. Is it because Ten didn't want to go? Was there some rage within that burst of energy?

I'll give Matt a chance, but he's got big Converses to fill. I'm not really certain that he's up to it. Hope he doesn't become the George Lazenby of Doctors. You know what I mean, he's really not that bad, but can't possibly compare to the person who came before him, yet makes it easier for the guy who comes next...the Roger Moore.

Book: Pack Animals by Peter Anghelides

2010-01-05T02:07:48Z

Okay, this Torchwood book is a testament to "Don't Judge a Book by It's Cover". Which, by the way, has Gwen walking on broken pavement, a tiger by her side, carrying MonstaQuest cards that seem to have Tosh on one of them.

The basic premise is simple enough. There are monsters out there that frighten the Weevils, ones that seem to travel through telephones and CCTV feeds. It is up to Torchwood to find out what is going on and stop it, but this time there is another group of alien hunters who have the same goal

This is my favorite book to date. Why, you ask? First is because we have a real Jack/Ianto relationship, one that involves actual kissing. And then there is naked!Ianto, always a plus in my mind. Seriously, the story is well-written, isn't Gwen-centric, but has a great Gwen/Rhys dynamic going on.

John Churchill and Ianto Jones

2010-01-05T00:32:42Z

Whoa, I was watching a rerun of "Cold Case" last night and was captivated by this one actor, John Churchill. Does he not remind you of Ianto Jones? Check out these photos...http://pro.imdb.com/media/rm4103378432/nm0161446 and tell me if I'm mistaken. Especially during the episode where he playeda very proper steward on a cruise ship in 1966. Lovely, captivating eyes and that intensity that Gareth David-Lloyd brings to his roles.

NCIS Fic: I Smiled (6/?)

2009-12-30T02:03:01Z

Director Morrow’s question broke the stare-down as Gibbs and DiNozzo turned to face him.

“State Senator Malcolm Harrison?” Reaching for the composite sketch, the police detective smoothed the paper out before moving back to the computer he had been using. Pecking quickly at the keyboard, he soon had a photograph to compare to the sketch. “I’ll be damned. Gibbs, check this out.” Tony turned the monitor around, holding the paper up next to it. There was no mistaking the resemblance.

“You haven’t answered my question, Jethro.”

“That’s our serial rape suspect,” Gibbs replied. “And it appears that you’ve given us his name, sir.”

“Tread carefully. Harrison is a powerful man, a politician who has been reelected over the years on a strong law and order platform. Make certain of your facts before you question the Senator’s son.”

Tony bristled. “Are you warning us off, Director?”

“DiNozzo.”

Morrow’s raised hand stopped his agent’s protest. “No, Detective DiNozzo, by no means. If Lawrence Harrison is the man who committed these horrendous attacks, he needs to be stopped. But jump the gun and your suspect will be hidden behind a wall of attorneys you’ll never get through. Or vacationing in some lovely country with no expedition treaty.”

“Yes, sir. Sorry.”

Morrow’s smile was forgiving. “Jethro will tell you that you should never apologize, that it’s a sign of weakness.”

“Sir?” Tony thought he detected laughter in Morrow’s dark blue eyes.

“I, on the other hand, believe it is a sign of accountability.” He handed the drawing back to the younger man. “Put your puzzle pieces together, Detective DiNozzo. Until you have enough for an arrest, tread softly.”

Tony inclined his brunette head. “Understood.”

Morrow left Gibbs and DiNozzo behind, his destination the bowels of the building. Based on what he had been witnessing, it was time to have a little talk with NCIS’ resident medical examiner, Doctor Donald Mallard.

“DiNozzo, research our suspect. I’ll see what Abby has come up with in the evidence we brought from Baltimore.” Gibbs strode toward the elevators, while Tony resumed his computer search.

~NCIS~

“Ducky, do you have time for a cup of tea?” Tom Morrow walked into autopsy, spotting the spry older man sitting at his desk.

“Of course, Director. Gerald, why don’t you take a break as well. I think twenty minutes would be good.”

Gerald glanced over at the two men watching him before putting the mop and bucket he had been using to clean up the last autopsy’s bodily fluids safely in a far corner of the room. “Of course, Doctor Mallard.”

Once they were alone, Ducky pulled out a bottle of single malt scotch from his bottom desk drawer along with two glasses. He poured a small measure into both, handing one to the Director after he had snagged a chair to sit beside Ducky’s desk. Neither man spoke until they had taken a healthy sip from the golden liquor.

“What’s on your mind, Tom?”

“Gibbs.”

An eyebrow raised, Ducky waited for more.

“And his new partner.”

“Ah, young Anthony DiNozzo. Does he concern you for some reason?”

Another sip taken, Tom considered his answer. “Concern? No. But I’ve been watching the two of them since Jethro agreed to work with the Baltimore detective, going so far as to ask for my assistance in clearing it with the police department. You know that was unusual enough to catch my attention.”

“He seems to be quite capable.”

“Yes, he does. And apparently capable of standing up to Jethro.”

Ducky nodded. “Anthony doesn’t appear to be cowed by Jethro’s rather bearish personality. What did you see?”

“When I was walking down the stairs, they were nose to nose arguing. I don’t think I’ve seen anyone that brave or, perhaps, that foolish before.” He waited for Ducky to consider that.

“Indeed? That is most unusual. Especially considering that they have been working together long enough for that young man to know better.”

“I think he was well aware of Gibbs’ reaction, I just don’t think he cared.”

“And this concerns you, Tom?”

“Not in the way you think. Gibbs has driven away almost every agent that has worked with him. Even Stan Burley finally asked for a transfer.”

Ducky was momentarily speechless in his surprise. “You want to recruit DiNozzo for NCIS?”

“I’ll need to do some checking on his background, education and the like. But, yes, I believe I would.”

“Are you asking me my opinion?”

“You’ve meet him, watched as he and Gibbs interacted. What do you think of the idea?”

Ducky’s blue eyes narrowed speculatively. “The idea does have possibilities. There is something about Anthony DiNozzo that reminds me of Jethro, back before the Kyle Boone case. I would have to observe them interact before I could say whether this would be a good idea or a disaster in the making.”

“Do that, Doctor. I value your opinion.” Morrow stood, finishing off the scotch before placing the glass back down on Ducky’s desk. “Meanwhile I shall do a snooping of my own into Anthony DiNozzo’s life.”

~NCIS~

Gibbs walked into Abby’s lab, the wall of noise that she called music slamming painfully into his ears. He made his way quickly to the stereo system and slapped at the off button, earning an immediate reaction.

“Hey, what do you think…Gibbs!” Black pigtails bouncing, the enthusiastic young forensics expert spun around on her stool. “Where’s my Caf-Pow!, mister?”

“The machine is being refilled. Put it on my tab. What’ve you got, Abby?”

“With the masses of evidence you brought me?”

“Yeah.”

Abby Sciuto frowned. “Something’s hinky, Gibbs. Based on what I could find, there was real DNA evidence taken, but it seems to have ‘disappeared’,” she said, her hands making quotes in the air.

“Disappeared?” Gibbs frowned, his eyes level under drawn salt and pepper brows.

“Yeah, supposedly sent to be analyzed, but it never seems to have gotten there.”

“How many pieces of evidence went missing?”

“From all the cases that you and Tony have connected?”

Gibbs nodded.

“I’d say about 12 samples total.” Just before the older man exploded, Abby held up a finger. “Wait, it isn’t all bad news.”

“I don’t how it can’t be.”

“There are other samples that were never sent off. I don’t know why, unless someone suspected what was happening and wanted to keep a backup supply.”

He considered that idea, slowly nodding in agreement. “I want everything you found and didn’t find notated.”

“You think this is a crooked cop, don’t you?” Abby asked, tilting her head to the side.

Gibbs didn’t answer. Instead he turned his attention back to the evidence they still had. “Do whatever tests you can.”

“I still need someone to compare the results to, Gibbs.”

“Working on that.”

“So, bossman, how is Tony working out?”

“Why?”

“Well, you really can’t be a team leader without a team to lead. And with Stan gone, you need someone permanent to work with.”

“You realize that DiNozzo is a cop, not a special agent.”

“So? You know you could steal him from Baltimore, if you wanted. C’mon, Gibbs, he’s good. Admit it.”

There was no answer, but a pale blue lightning of amusement flashed under his lashes as he turned to leave.

Abby called after him. “Gibbs! We need to keep him here!”

He was still ignoring her when the elevator doors closed, hiding her grinning face.

~NCIS~

Having filled Tony in on the situation, Gibbs was pleased to see his reaction was one of pure fury. “We need to speak to the detectives involved in these cases, DiNozzo. Somebody is covering. We need to find out who.”

“And which of them might have suspected what was going on enough to keep evidence hidden in plain sight. Did Abby say which cases were involved?”

“I didn’t ask. Call her and find out. We’ll speak to that person first, see what they can tell us.”

Tony’s hand was on the receiver, but he hadn’t picked it up as yet. Biting his lip, he looked up at Gibbs. “I don’t think they’ll tell you anything.”

At first Gibbs was inclined to snap at him. The look on Tony’s face stopped him. “Why not?”

“Best guess?”

“Yeah.”

“Besides the whole Thin Blue Line and the Brotherhood of the Badge thing, there’s one more problem. Whoever this is has to be higher than just a mere detective. It has to be someone with clout.”

“Someone of rank.”

“Yeah.”

“Any ideas who it could be?”

Restlessly, Tony’s hand stroked the arm of his chair. “Not yet. I’d need to go through the case files again, talk to the detectives involved.”

“And when you do figure out?”

A muscle flicked angrily at Tony’s square jaw. “Then they go down. I don’t give a rat’s ass who it is.”

“You might find it tough afterwards.” Gibbs wanted the person behind the cover-up, but also wanted to make certain that DiNozzo was aware of the potential repercussions in regards to his own job.

“I’ve changed departments before, I can do it again.”

“Then get to it.”

Book: Almost Perfect by James Goss

2009-12-26T03:26:19Z

This Torchwood book had an interesting premise, but failed to deliver. A magic machine has wreaked havoc in Cardiff, from mysterious disappearances to a desperate young woman searching for love to Ianto Jones waking up as a woman. Yes, you read that right, our favorite coffee brewer and Jack's partner in work and love has become an almost perfectly beautiful woman.

I have a few major complaints about this book. First, Goss tends to tell us rather than show us. We don't get to "see" how Ianto and Jack react when they first discover the change. I also felt that the characters were slightly out-of-character. I won't even discuss the creepiness factor of Ianto still having Lisa's clothing, much less him wearing said clothing, in a book set after Tosh and Owen were killed.

Book: The Stealers of Dreams by Steve Lyons

2009-12-26T03:21:16Z

This one is a Doctor Who book, bought by me because Captain Jack Harkness is in it.

Far in the future, the Doctor, Rose and Captain Jack visit a planet where fiction ahs been outlawed. Before long the three are trying to fight against the police and searching for a rebel group illegally showing fiction on television.

The Ninth Doctor actually has little to do in this adventure. It's a lightweight story that does show the good and bad in fantasy as well as making some telling remarks about the Doctor's character.

NCIS Fic: I Smiled (5/?)

2009-12-26T00:04:00Z

Tony was surprised when he first saw Gibbs’ house that evening. Even in the glow of the street lights he could see the well-kept yard and the equally maintained structure, not what he was expecting from a man who wasn’t married. He followed Gibbs to the front door of the modest house, surprised when the other man simply opened it and walked through. Tony shook his head, wondering if Gibbs had a remote for the front door like that used for cars.

“Make yourself at home. I’ll get the guest room ready.”

“Uh, Gibbs, don’t go to any trouble. I can crash anywhere.”

An exasperated male voice drifted into the living room where Tony was nervously waiting. “Don’t be an idiot. You need a place to get some sleep, I’ve got the space.”

Tony looked around, raking in the polished leather on an old couch, the two overstuffed chairs, and the dated lamps that were ready to throw a soft orange glow through the room. A bicycle rested against a door jamb. The kitchen table was old, but had been loving restored. Looking closer, Tony could see the faint imprints of numbers written in a childish hand in the wood. He gently traced them with a finger. This wasn’t an ordinary house, it was a home. Something Tony had little real experience with, but craved nonetheless. Not wanting to be found snooping, he went back to the living room.

Gibbs returned. “It’s ready. Kitchen’s through there. I don’t have much in the way of food, but I can scramble up some eggs and toast in the morning. Follow me.”

The younger man obediently walked quietly behind Gibbs.

“Bathroom’s in there. Decent shower, fresh towels have been laid out. This is your room for the time being. Get settled. It’s been a long day. You might want to hit the sack as we’ll be starting out early tomorrow morning.”

Tony took the hint, easing some of his exhaustion by standing under the hot spray of the shower. A towel wrapped around his waist when he was done, he wiped the steam from the mirror above the sink. The face staring back at him had dark half-moons under bloodshot green eyes. He quickly dried himself off, donning a well-worn pair of jeans that fit him like a second skin.

Moving back into the guest room, Tony eyed the bed. Pale blue sheets were partly covered by a hand-sewn quilt. He gently fingered the material, softened by age and frequent washes. He smiled, imagining that it was a family heirloom, lovingly made by someone in Gibbs’ family. He crawled under the covers, his leaden eyelids closing in relief. Before one more thought came to his busy mind, the young detective was sound asleep.

~NCIS~

Gibbs changed his own clothes, listening to the clanking of the water pipes as his temporary guest took the suggested shower. He walked back down the stairs to his basement, wanting to organize the wood he had picked up at the lumber yard a day before he received the call from Baltimore. As he shifted the planks, all his movements were precise and considered.

Gibbs was preparing to build another boat, his fourth to date. He had just burned the last two weeks earlier. Although some people wouldn’t understand destroying a boat constructed by hand, Ducky called it cathartic, a way to work through the pain of his last divorce.

Engrossed in his organizing, Gibbs didn’t realize how much time had passed until he heard the creaking of floorboards over his head. He quickly slipped a spare pistol from its hiding place under his work bench before taking the stairs two at a time.

The lights were still off in the house’s main floor, but there was a blue-white glow coming from the dining room. Gun securely in his grip, Gibbs slipped across the floor as quiet as a ghost. Frowning at a peculiar series of clicking noises, he prepared himself before swinging into the doorway, gun pointed at the intruder.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” Gibbs barked angrily.

Tony blinked at the other man, lowering his own weapon and placing it on the kitchen table. “Checking some hunches. Sorry if I woke you. I’m trying to find out how many cameras might be in the general area of the attacks.” He smiled ruefully. “We don’t’ get laptops at Baltimore, so I borrowed yours. Hope you don’t mind.”

“Thought I told you to get some sleep.”

“I did, about four hours worth. It’s enough for now.” He shrugged. “I do my best work at night.”

Gibbs snorted. I just bet you do, DiNozzo. “What did you find?”

“There are no banks, but I did a search for ATMs. All of them have cameras of some sort. I found ten within the area of the attacks. The only traffic cam is two blocks away from Faith’s attack. It was only installed last week, so it won’t help with the others, but maybe…” He turned the laptop around so Gibbs could see the map currently displayed on the screen. It was filled with dots of various colors. “Most liquor stores have cameras as do pawnshops and convenience stores. I’m trying to correlate their locations with the locations of the attacks. Maybe, just maybe, we’ll get lucky and catch our guy on camera.”

“We don’t even know what he looks like yet,” Gibbs commented.

“I emailed Raul, the sketch artist? He’s a night owl, so I knew he’d be still up. He’s certain that it is the same man. I mean, like most eyewitness reports there are some variances, but the basic look is the same. He’s gonna have a composite sketch ready for us tomorrow morning.” Tony chuckled. “I have to bring a breakfast burrito and a tall orange juice.”

“We need to track the money as well.”

“I’ve been thinking about that. Dunkin’ Donut is getting us copies of the original franchise contract as well as the cashier check used to pay for it. That’s probably gonna take about three days to get here. I’ll call the University of Illinois regarding the scholarship tomorrow.” Tony chuckled as he glanced at his watch. “Make that later today. Something like that will probably be layered in holding companies. We’ll need a computer whiz who may have to do a little discrete hacking. I hope you know someone like that, ‘cause otherwise we’re up a creek. Baltimore PD does have some tech guys, but they’re really backed up.”

Gibbs considered the possibilities, then nodded. “I should be able to find someone.”

Tony waved a hand in the general direction of the bedrooms. “Go on back to bed, Gibbs. I’ve got a few leads on where Gunia and Trott may be, I want to follow up on them.”

“What about Henderson?”

“Nothing since she disappeared from the hospital after the rape kit was done.” Tony turned his attention back to Gibbs’ computer screen, using a two fingered method of typing.

Checking the time, Gibbs decided that 5:30 wasn’t too early to start the day. He prepared the coffee maker, switching it on to perk before heading upstairs to take his own shower.

~NCIS~

By the time the two men arrived at the Navy Yard where NCIS was located, Gibbs had arranged for the services of a corporation forensics expert from Norfolk. He would begin investigating the money trail with the available information. As Gibbs or Tony received more information, they would pass it along to their expert.

Tony had found Precious Gunia, now a novitiate at the Convent of the Sacred Heart outside Randallstown, Maryland. She had reluctantly agreed to speak about the attack after conferring with her Mother Superior.

Tony arranged for he and Gibbs to speak with her later in the afternoon. He planned to have Gunia identify the sketch of the suspect, if possible. “She’s made it very clear. While she’s willing to talk to us, our nun-to-be will not participate in any trial.”

The sketches were waiting for Tony as promised, one based on each person’s individual description as well as a composite sketch combining the common elements of all.

Gibbs took the composite, studying it. “Decent sketch.”

“Worth the stop at Tico Taco, huh?” Gibbs had not been thrilled to go through the drive-up at the popular chain, although he had ordered a coffee, his third, for the trip to work by way of the Baltimore Police Department.

“I want to talk to the detectives working these cases. There aren’t that many listed, so why the hell didn’t anyone else see the pattern?”

Tony’s eyes narrowed, his back becoming ramrod straight. “It sounds so simple, doesn’t it, Gibbs? Just one problem. We don’t have the time. I’ve got over twenty active cases on my desk on any given day. Some of those guys probably have even more.”

They were glaring at each other when NCIS Director Tom Morrow came walking by, stopping to watch the confrontation. It was rare to see anyone challenge Jethro Gibbs, particularly someone younger. The sketch clenched in Gibbs’s hand caught his attention and he leaned closer to look at the ones on the younger Baltimore detective’s temporary desk. Eyebrows raised, he picked the top one up, waving it at the men. “Why do you have a drawing of Senator Harrison’s son?”

Book: Something in the Darkness by Stephen James Walker

2009-12-23T00:32:09Z

Subtitled "The Unofficial and Unauthorised Guide to Torchwood Series Two". Walker has put together another indepth look at BBC's newest hit. Like his earlier book, Inside the Hub, he has divided the book into individual parts, including biographies of the cast, crew, and characters, preparation, transmission, and episode guides. Another must for die-hard fans. Even if you don't agree with Walker's analysis of the episodes, you'll enjoy the read. And that gorgeous cover photo of a scruffy John Barrowman doesn't hurt either!

Torchwood Audio: Asylum by Anita Sullivan

2009-12-23T00:28:17Z

PC Andy calls in Torchwood after he arrests a young shoplifter carrying an alien. While the team attempts to discover who she is, Andy learns more about aliens and Torchwood. This audio play uses the original cast, including Tom Price as PC Andy, and is set after the conclusion of Season 1. Some good Ianto moments, but no real indication of his relationship with Jack. A bit too much Gwen for my taste.

Torchwood Audio: In the Shadows by Joseph Lidster

2009-12-23T00:24:40Z

I'm falling behind on my reviews, so forgive me if you get a little overwhelmed by them for the next couple of days. In this audio book, read by Eve Myles, the Torchwood team investigate the case of a missing man brought to their attention by PC Andy. The man's body was found days later, but his remains were seventy years old. Then another person disappears, a young woman who is later found in a nightclub in such a condition that it is obvious she was years older than when she disappears. The investigation soon has Captain Jack Harkness send to hell by the man suspected of the earlier disappearances and deaths. Creepy, would have made a terrific film. Eve does a good enough job reading the story, lots of emotions, but she's a little slack with Jack's accent. I particularly enjoyed how Ianto manages to save his lover. We also see a Jack who is uncertain how to refer to his relationship with Ianto, but the whole Jack/Gwen fiasco raises its ugly head again. Definitely worth a listen simply for Hero!Ianto.

Christmas Greetings from the Kenosha Police Department

2009-12-23T00:12:59Z

Season's Greetings from John Barrowman...with news

2009-12-21T23:39:26Z

Hooray, Hooray!! Another album coming out from JB!

NCIS: Favorite Videos

2009-12-18T00:03:20Z

This video totally rocks! And watching it had me considering all the really good videos out there that I thought I'd share with you. I'm certain that you've seen some of them before, but as I find a good one that I watch over and over again, I'll post it here. Enjoy!

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-17T23:53:15Z

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NCIS Fic: I Smiled 4/?

2009-12-08T00:27:10Z

“There were bound to have been other attacks, but this is the first that I’m certain is tied to the same attacker. Consuela Lopez was a waitress at Jake’s Bar and Grill, just four blocks away from where Gonzalez was killed. A youngish guy, barely legal, was trying to press his attention where it wasn’t wanted. After he grabbed her, Consuela broke away. The owner, Jake Trenton, and his bartender, Trini Orajo, had to rescue the girl when the suspect tried again. They tossed him out on his ear.” Tony flipped through his notes.

“Who filed the police report?”

“Trenton. He said the guy was threatening all of them. He took it seriously enough to make an official complaint.” Tony directed Gibbs to the address.

The building was an example of pre-depression architecture. The paint had weathered out of the fading letters of the sign over the front entrance. Tony and Gibbs pushed through the double doors, pausing to survey the interior. It was as drab and ordinary as its patrons, but remarkably clean.

Tony sauntered over to the bar, waiting for the man with two muscular arms wedged into a black T-shirt to make his way over.

“What can I get you?” the bartender asked.

“Some information.” Tony showed the man his badge. “Detective Anthony DiNozzo, Baltimore Police. This is Special Agent Gibbs, NCIS. We’re here about the attack on Ms. Lopez from a couple of years ago. Can we speak to Jake Trenton?”

“You’re the cop who called yesterday?”

After Tony admitted that he was, he and Gibbs were ushered to the back of the business. Once all three men settled into a well-patched booth, the bartender introduced himself as Turner.

“Tell us about the guy who attacked Ms. Lopez.”

Turner huffed. “Snotty little bastard. And I do mean little. He seemed to think he could do whatever the hell he wanted. Kept going on and on that we’d be sorry.”

“Did he say what he meant?” Gibbs asked.

“No, but I took it as a threat. Trini and I didn’t really listen to the specifics, we just gave him the bum’s rush. Although…”

Tony leaned forward. “What?”

“It might not be connected. This isn’t the best neighborhood in the world.”

“Let us make that decision.”

“There were some incidents for a couple of weeks following. Cars were keyed, antennas broken off. And we had a flurry of police visits.”

“Police visits? Did they say why they were here?”

“I gathered that there were a bunch of 911 calls claiming there was a fight here. I don’t know much more than that. All I know is that the cops were getting really pissed about coming out here for nothing.”

“Can you remember the specific dates? I know it’s been a while ago.”

“Date and time,” Trenton replied. “After the second call, I started putting them on my calendar. Be right back.” The owner slid out of the booth, heading to his office.

“Our suspect?”

Tony grinned. “Oh yeah. And a big mistake on his part. We can pull the 911 recordings and, once we’ve got the bastard, do a voice comparison.”

“Why can’t we get an address for the caller?” Gibbs asked.

“We still can’t recognize cell phone numbers on our emergency system. And if he used a disposable phone, we really wouldn’t.”

The two men fell silent when Trenton returned with his calendar. He read off the dates and times while Tony took notes.

“Mr. Trenton, did you or your employees give information for sketch of the suspect?” Tony asked.

“Not a sketch, no. We did give a description but that’s all.”

“Okay, thank you. Do you think you’d recognize this guy if you saw him?”

Trenton sighed, shrugging. “Frankly, I don’t think I could. Not enough for a court of law. It was night and the bar is pretty dark. The only reason I bothered to make the report is because he scared my waitress with his ranting and raving.”

“Thank you for your time, Mr. Trenton.” Preparing to leave, Tony started to scoot out of the booth, then stopped, turning back to face the bar owner. “What about Ms. Lopez? Is she still working here?”

Jake Trenton shook his head. “Consuela left after her car was vandalized for the second time. Tell you the truth, she was getting a little paranoid the last week she worked here.”

“What do you mean?” Gibbs was suddenly alert.

“Connie thought someone was following her, watching her. I mean, I checked. I never saw anyone suspicious.”

“Do you have a forwarding address for Ms. Lopez?”

“No, I’m sorry. She sent her brother to pick up her final check. That’s the last I’ve heard from her.”

“Thank you, sir.”

Back out in the sunshine, Tony pulled his sunglasses out, slipping them over his narrowed green eyes. “She felt somebody watching her.”

“Her car was vandalized twice. Sounds like he was trying to send her a message.”

“A message she seems to have gotten. We need to find her.”

“Let’s get today’s interviews over with and we’ll see what we can find.”

~NCIS~

Three interviews later, Gibbs and Tony were knocking on the door of the first rape victim, Lavonia Montgomery. A waitress at the local Dunkin’ Donuts, had been attacked while walking to the bus stop, just like Faith Lindsey.

An intercom on the wall beside the door crackled to life. “What do you want?”

“I’m Detective Tony DiNozzo, Baltimore Police Department. This is my partner, Special Agent Gibbs. We’re looking for Ms. Lavonia Montgomery.”

“Hold your badges up to the eye hole,” responded the female voice.

Tony and Gibbs did so, giving the woman time to inspect them. Finally the door began to open, very slowly. Lavonia’s eyes were filled with fear and mistrust, but after reexamining the badges and identification once more, she opened the door wider, allowing the two men to enter her house. She ushered them to her living room, the nervous sweat beginning to glisten on her ebony features.

“Is this about my rape?” she asked suspiciously.

“Yes, ma’am. We’re looking into a new lead.” Tony had decided to be honest with the woman. After all she had been through, beaten and raped before being beaten once again, almost to the point of death, she deserved the truth.

“What type of lead?”

“We believe that the man who attacked you also attacked others.” Tony gently reached over and touched the fingers tightly clenched on the sofa cushion. He ignored the slight shying away, but removed his hand nonetheless. “We need your help.”

She shivered, but nodded. “I wondered. I had heard…well, I’ve heard some rumors about other rapes in the area. But Detective Lebowicz never told me that they might have been connected with mine.”

“Can you help us, Ms Montgomery? Lavonia?”

Gibbs was impressed by how Tony would adjust his approach based on the person he would be speaking to. He wondered just how much undercover work the Baltimore detective had done.

~NCIS~

Tony was dragging by the time he and Gibbs returned to the Navy Yard. He dropped his aching body into the desk chair, leaning over to dig through his backpack for a pick-me-up, a candy bar. Gibbs had disappeared shortly after growling “coffee”. He was gone before Tony could explain how he liked his own coffee, heavily sugared with a dollop of hazelnut flavored creamer.

With a shrug, the police detective ripped open the chocolate and took a big bite. Pulling up a blank document on the computer, he began typing a report on the six interviews he and Gibbs had conducted.

He was finishing by the time Gibbs returned, only one cup in his hand. Tony snorted. “Why, thank you, Special Agent Gibbs, I would like a cup of coffee. Thank you so much for thinking of me.”

Gibbs’ mouth curved into an unconscious smile. “Vending machines are down the hall, DiNozzo.” He waved his hand toward the small break room. “Help yourself.”

Tony glanced at his watch. “I’d rather have a real meal. C’mon, Gibbs, it’s late and I’m hungry. I haven’t eaten all day. It’s your town. Pick a place and I’ll buy.”

“Report’s done?”

“Yes, Gibbs. I’ve written up interview reports before.”

Before Gibbs could respond, Ducky Mallard walked to where the men were glaring at each other. “Ah, Detective DiNozzo, you’re still here.” He beamed down at the young man. “Have you eaten?”

“We were just discussing that very subject, Doctor Mallard. And please call me Tony.”

“I rather like Anthony, a most interesting name. It means ‘worthy of praise’.”

“Not according to Gibbs,” Tony muttered.

Ducky continued speaking as if he hadn’t heard the younger man’s complaints. “The actual origin of the name is unknown, although it is believed to be Etruscan. There were two very famous saints named Anthony, Saint Anthony the Great who…”

“Ducky,” Gibbs interrupted. “Did you come up here for a particular reason?”

“Ah, of course, Jethro. I thought I would ask you and young Anthony to join me for dinner.”

“What about your mother?”

“Mother is busy with her book club this evening, leaving me free to treat you two gentlemen to a wonderful meal at Hannigans.”

“Ducky, you don’t have to do that. If you and…” Tony swallowed his laughter. “…Jethro want, I can grab a quick bite somewhere else.”

“Nonsense. I want to get to know more about you. It isn’t often that Jethro works so closely with another agency, particularly the Baltimore Police Department. That makes you unique.”

“Huh.” Tony tried to keep his skepticism to himself, but could see by the glare sent his way by Gibbs that he wasn’t entirely successful. Luckily the medical examiner didn’t seem to be aware of it.

After some further discussion, the three men proceeded to the restaurant. They made their meal and drink selections quickly, handing their menus to the waiter.

Snapping his maroon napkin open before placing it on his lap, Ducky spoke. “Did you find out anything to clear the young man currently in my care?”

Tony leaned forward in an effort to keep the discussion private. “We’ve been given similar descriptions from everyone we’ve spoken to today. Even Lavonia Montgomery, the first rape victim, gave the same basic ID. I’ve arranged for those in this general area to see the department sketch artist.”

“Blond, small stature, very strong, arrogant,” Gibbs said. “Why the hell didn’t the Baltimore cops notice?”

A pained expression was Tony’s only response. He was wondering the same thing. Although all the victims and witnesses spoken to claimed to have given descriptions, only three files contained them.

“Something else as well, Duck. With the first two possibles, both originally put down as simple bar fights, there seems to have been some anonymous retaliation.” Gibbs sipped at his coffee.

“Calls to 911 and nuisance vandalism at the first place. Tip calls to Narcotics with the second,” Tony explained. He paused, waiting until the food was served and their beverages refilled, the waiter finally gone. “Then there’s the sudden windfalls.”

Ducky’s eyebrows raised inquiringly. “Windfalls?”

“Lavonia was offered a job clear across the country, a chance to be a manager at a new Dunkin’ donuts in Taos, New Mexico. At the time she thought it was a Godsend, a way to start over. A lawyer visited Lavonia the day she got home from the hospital, implied it was a settlement from her employer to keep her from suing them.”

“It wasn’t?”

“Nope. When I contacted Dunkin’ Donut, they denied any type of settlement. They were gracious enough to check into the Taos franchise. It was arranged and paid for the day before Lavonia was released from the hospital. In cash.” Tony handed Ducky the medical files, turning his attention to his beer-battered fish and chips.

Ducky flipped through the paperwork, leaving his own chicken Caesar salad to read the evaluations of Lavonia Montgomery’s medical condition. “The poor young woman was horribly beaten. I doubt that she would have been able to travel immediately.”

“She wasn’t. Got out of the hospital after three days, stayed home for about a week recovering, another week packing up her belongings for shipment to Taos. Seems the so-called settlement even included transportation of her household items as well as an apartment. She stuck it out for a year, but finally moved back here to be near her family.”

“The next victim, a Lois Brennan, found herself the recipient of a full scholarship to a college in Des Plaines, Illinois, less than two weeks after she was raped,” Gibbs said.

“We’re still trying to find Trina Henderson, Precious Gunia, and Brenda Trott. Based on what happened with the first two women, I have to think someone is trying to buy everyone off.”

“I believe you said that there were seven victims of attack? Who is missing?”

“Rebecca Malone. She was attacked, but fought the guy off. No payoff or bribe here, but that might be because she didn’t really get a good look at her attacker. She may have done him some serious damage however. Rebecca swore that he was bleeding when he fled.” Tony sighed. “She may still have the jacket she was wearing that night. Rebecca said she tossed it in a box in the garage. She’s gonna look. I don’t know if we’ll be able to get any DNA off of it, might not provide more than the blood type.”

“Every little bit helps, DiNozzo. Finish your fish.”

Book: The Lost (a collection) 4/4

2009-12-06T17:37:07Z

The last story is "Legacy" by Ruth Ryan Langan. If the last story was a gothic throwback, this one is very early Harlequin. Not a style that truly appeals to me. There is a great suspension of belief and coincidences in this gentle story.

Aiden O'Mara was unemployed and on the verge of disaster after her mother's death. She's shocked when she is contacted by a representative of Cullen Glin to offer her an all-expenses paid trip to Ireland. Glin believes Aiden is his granddaughter. She agrees to get the substantial check for her problems that she is also promised. She never expects to find love.

The collection was not one that I would've bought, to be honest, if it hadn't been for J. D. Robb being one of the authors. I do read romance, just not these authors or these kind of stories.

NCIS Fic: I Smiled 3/?

2009-12-06T00:20:02Z

Tony put the last folder back into its box, leaning back in his chair until his spine creaked. “I think eight of the cases are connected.”

Gibbs winced at the sound. “Six attacks on females, five of which were rapes. Why include two of the bar fights?”

“Beside the similar description of the guy involved?”

The NCIS special agent nodded.

“Both fights were instigated by inappropriate behavior with women working at the two bars. And that’s something else. All the women attacked work in this six block area. Not a one were customers, all of them worked at the local bars, clubs, and restaurants.”

An expression of satisfaction showed in Gibbs’ eyes. “Interesting. So you think our guy prefers to attack people he doesn’t consider an equal.”

“Yeah, that’s my take. His problem is with women who serve him, cater to him.”

“But not as far as he wanted.”

“Exactly.”

Gibbs considered the boxes in the room, divided by the possibility of a connection. “So we have two fights that preceded the seven attacks, five of those ending in rape. We can presume that Ramirez was the reason that Faith wasn’t raped. But why wasn’t Rebecca Malone?”

“She was the first attack. Could be he hadn’t worked his way up to it yet, or something stopped him. The detective assigned to the attack never considered it as an attempted rape. His report was sketchy at best. We need to talk to all the victims again, Gibbs. And look again at the evidence we have, see if there is something there that could forensically tie the cases together.”

“Not here. I want everything gone over by my people.”

Tony grimaced. “The only way that can happen is if NCIS takes over the case. Sorry, cases.”

“Then that’s what I’ll do.” Gibbs didn’t understand the problem.

“As soon as you do, Tidwell will try to pull me off.”

“Try?”

“Like I told you, I want this S.O.B. I’ll still work it with you, but it’ll be tough. Tidwell tends to micromanage my time.” There was an edge to Tony’s voice.

“I’ll take care of that. While I’m talking to your captain, I want you to get everything ready for transport to NCIS, including any and all forensic evidence.”

“On it, Gibbs.”

Gibbs flipped open his cell phone, quickly dialling a well-known number. "Tom, I need a favor."

Once the call was completed, Gibbs’ tall figure turned and headed toward Tidwell’s office. He knocked once before stepping inside. He ignored the captain’s glare of annoyance.

“What can I do for you, Special Agent Gibbs?”

He tossed the list of case numbers onto Tidwell’s desk. “I’m taking these cases over. They are all related to the attack that ended Marine Corporal Gonzalez’s death.”

Tidwell looked at the nine case numbers. “He committed all of these?”

“No, he was a victim. Detective DiNozzo believes that you have a serial rapist.”

“Detective DiNozzo believes that? I’m afraid you’ve put your trust in the wrong man. DiNozzo is a screw-up. He’s been bounced from department to department since he started in law enforcement. He’ll be out of here soon enough.”

“I’ve looked over the cases myself and I agree with him. I also want DiNozzo assigned as liaison.”

“That’s out of the question.”

Gibbs gritted his teeth. “Why?”

“We’re short-handed.”

Gibbs looked out into the bullpen. He saw six detectives, one of whom was reading a newspaper while another was playing solitaire. “Yeah, I can see that.”

Tidwell’s face grew beet red with rage and embarrassment. “I told you, he’s no good.”

“Then you shouldn’t care if he’s working with me.”

“Fine. Take him, Special Agent Gibbs. Just don’t come back here complaining about DiNozzo.” Tidwell waved his hand in a gesture of dismissal. “Sgt. Callahan will prepare the necessary paperwork for my signature.”

Gibbs struggled to keep his temper, wondering how DiNozzo managed to work for so long under an idiot like Robert Tidwell.

It took longer than Gibbs believed reasonable to complete the paperwork necessary to transfer the cases and related evidence to NCIS. By the time he came outside to find DiNozzo leaning against the government-issue sedan, he was ready to explode.

Tony took one look and immediately changed whatever he had planned to say. “Gibbs, everything is stuffed in the car. The perishable stuff is packed in dry ice in a cooler I placed on the back seat. The file cases are in the trunk and the back. It’s a tight fit, but I made sure to seal everything with duct tape.” Tony hesitated for a moment. “You should be fine to drive back to NCIS. All I need is your signature for evidence transfer.”

“Get in the damn car, DiNozzo,” Gibbs growled. “For the time being, you’re mine.”

~NCIS~

Arriving at NCIS headquarters at the Navy Yard alive, Gibbs had grabbed two red-garbed individuals to help carry the various boxes of evidence and case files.

Tony followed behind the others as they took the elevator to another floor. He was startled to see a most unusual young woman come bounding across the room calling Gibbs’ name over and over again. Her black hair gleamed in the lights of the lab, bouncing in the shape of pigtails. She had dark eye makeup, black lipstick, and a collar around her neck decorated with nasty spikes.

He found himself smiling when the bouncing figure threw herself into Gibbs’ waiting arms, barely avoiding impalement.

“Gibbs! Gibbs, Gibbs, Gibbs!! You’re back!”

“I wasn’t gone that long.” Gibbs gently disentangled himself. “And I was only in Baltimore, not the other side of the world, Abby.”

“Might as well have been,” she muttered, before taking in the boxes being deposited throughout the room. “Ohhh, you brought me presents?”

“Cases, old ones that need to be looked at again and see if any information and/or evidence can be tied together.”

“Cool.” Abby glanced sideways at the man currently snooping around her lab. “So who’s the pretty boy?” she whispered.

“Detective Anthony DiNozzo, Baltimore PD. We’re working together.”

“Together? You and a local cop?” Abby looked back at the intruder.

Tony grinned across the room at her sudden interest. “So you think I’m pretty?”

Abby turned scarlet. “How did you hear that?”

He tapped at his ears. “Exceptional hearing. And I think you’re rather pretty as well.” His strikingly handsome face smiled warmly down at Abby as he moved to stand beside her. “You can call me Tony.”

“When you two lovebirds are done admiring each other, I’d like to get back to finding the Corporal’s killer,” Gibbs said, glaring at both of them.

“Sorry, Gibbs.”

“Sorry, bossman.”

“This is Abby Sciuto, our forensic expert. DiNozzo caught a case that may be more complicated than it appeared at first. Abby, I want you to recheck every piece of evidence on these cases. See if anything matches.”

“You’ve got it, Gibbs.” Abby darted around the room, organizing the boxes by date and switching her equipment on. “Give me the evidence logs so I can get started.”

Once that business was completed, Tony found himself following Gibbs into the elevator. They made a silent journey to another floor, the silver doors opened onto a busy working area. Tony looked at all the people hard at work, a stab of jealousy slamming into him. This was what he had searched for during his spotty career. People working together toward a common goal.

“Sit over there,” Gibbs pointed to an empty desk across from where he took his own seat. “The case files are on the floor next to you. Set up an interview schedule.”

Searching the desk drawers for a pad of paper, Tony soon got to work, using the computer to find local addresses for victims and witnesses, as well as what station the detectives involved worked out of.

It was hours later that the seductive fragrance of fresh coffee filled the air, drawing Tony’s attention from his work. Looking up, he was just in time to grab the sandwich tossed at him from across the room. A fresh cup of coffee had been placed by the telephone, packets of sugar and creamer beside it. Tony gave a quick nod of thanks before digging into the food.

~NCIS~

“Does he have a place to stay?”

“What?” Gibbs looked up to see Ducky standing in front of his desk.

“That young man you brought back with you. If he is to continue working here, Detective DiNozzo cannot keep commuting. Particularly if he lives near the area where Corporal Gonzalez died.”

Gibbs glanced over at the man in question, currently on the phone and oblivious to being the focus of attention. “So he’ll get a hotel room.”

“During the height of convention season? Most of the decent hotels will be fully booked. That will leave him a choice between extremely expensive and barely more than a flop house, I believe you call them. I sincerely doubt if his department will be reimbursing him for his living expenses.”

“What do you expect me to do about it, Duck? Invite him to stay with me?”

Ducky beamed. “Excellent idea.”

“I wasn’t seriously suggesting that as a solution.”

The older man shrugged. “You have a spare room, Jethro. He needs a place to stay, not to mention a ride since you drove here together. It seems perfectly logical.”

Gibbs knew when to give up, grumbling a bit as a matter of form. He was well aware that at the end of the day, he would be taking home a guest.

“DiNozzo!”

Tony jumped, his startled green eyes wide.

“You planning on staying here during the case?”

“Yeah, thought it would cut down on commute time.” He frowned. “I need to call around, see if I can find a hotel nearby. Anything close that you can recommend?”

“Doubt you’ll find anything. I’ve got a spare room. You can stay with me.”

“Don’t think your wife would appreciate you bringing unexpected guests home.”

“No wife, not anymore.”

Uncomfortable, Tony tried to get out of the obviously reluctant invitation. “I can sack out here, Gibbs. Won’t be the first time I’ve slept at the office, even without using the cots.” He grinned. “You’ve got better carpet here.”

“Forget it. You’re staying at my place. I assume you’ll need to go get some spare clothes?”

Tony held up a small backpack. “Nah, I’ve got enough here to last me a few days.”

Gibbs was impressed by the detective’s foresight. He gave a quick nod of approval before getting back to work.

NCIS Fic: I Smiled 2/?

2009-12-06T00:18:12Z

Gibbs drove DiNozzo back to the station after they left the hospital. He was amused that the detective didn’t complain, just strapped himself in place and grabbed hold of the “oh crap” handle.

“You willing to share?” Tony asked.

“Dead Marine. NCIS case.”

“Not arguing.” The blare of horns as Gibbs swerved around a semi had Tony holding his breath. “I want in.”

“Why?”

“Because someone attacked Faith Lindsey. Not Gonzalez, based on the size of the hand that grabbed her so forcefully. But some jackwad who has her terrified did, and probably killed Gonzalez as well. I want this S.O.B.”

Gibbs had intended to take over the case, but now found himself reconsidering. His first opinion of Detective DiNozzo hadn’t been favorable, based on his almost GQ clothes and his model good looks. There was something in his eyes, a fire that had Gibbs hesitating.

“Well, do you agree?” Tony prodded.

“What if I say no?”

The detective grinned mischievously. “You’ll be seeing or hearing about me everywhere you go.” He sobered. “I’m working this case, with or without your cooperation. I just think it would be easier if we weren’t butting heads.”

Gibbs pulled into the visitors’ parking area at the Baltimore Police Station Tony worked out of, putting the vehicle in park. “How long have you been a detective?”

Tony blinked at the sudden shift in topic. “Here? About two years.”

Gibbs smiled. “Agreed.”

“Okay. If you’ll pull your records on Gonzalez, I’ll check on Faith’s background. I’ll also see whether there have been other attacks in that general area.”

Tony got out of the car with a cheery wave. He heard the squeal of tires from behind him as Gibbs left. He headed into the station, only to be stopped by the desk sergeant.

“DiNozzo, the captain left word he wants to see you asap.”

“Thanks, Del.”

Tony took the stairs two at a time, making his way through the old battered metal desks of the detective division. He knocked on the well-worn doorframe, waiting impatiently for the order to enter. It was a power play by his captain to make his men wait, especially Tony. Captain Tidwell had taken an instant dislike to him from the moment he arrived at the station, although Tony didn’t know why.

“Enter.” Tidwell was looking down at a sheath of papers on his desk, drawing out the annoying power game. A tall, distinguished-looking man in his late forties, Tidwell was carefully groomed. He finally put the papers down, turning his attention to his waiting detective. “You had a death related to a failed rape attempt?”

“Why isn’t the case closed?”

“I have some questions regarding the circumstances. There are some inconsistencies.”

Pushing his bottom lip forward in thought, Tidwell considered the situation. “Fine. Two more days, then you close it. Understood?”

“I understand.” Tony quickly left the office before Tidwell could question him regarding the mysterious soaping of his precious vintage Porsche.

Several heads raised when Tony left the captain’s inner sanctum. They resumed working after seeing that Tony appeared unscathed. Tony settled behind his own desk, booting up his antiquated computer. He hated using it, not only because the light grey characters on the black background gave him a headache, but due to the machine’s lack of speed..

He began his search on Faith Lindsey’s background. At the same time he called records for information on attacks in the area. He pulled a candy bar from his desk and started munching during his research time.

Three hours later, Tony had some answers and one big question. He was just about to call Special Agent Gibbs when the man appeared in front of his desk. “Geez, Gibbs, I was going to…”

“What do you have?” Gibbs interrupted him.

“There have been six reported attacks over the last two years. Based on the fact that some women won’t report an attack, I think we can safely assume there are many more. These were all committed within a six block area of Faith’s attack.”

“Suspects?” Gibbs pulled a chair up beside Tony’s, looking at the map filled with red and blue marking pen splotches.

Tony glanced around the room, lowering his voice. “Officially, none. And considering how detailed some of the descriptions were, I don’t understand how there couldn’t be.” He paused for a moment. “No one was ever arrested. Hell, no one was even seriously questioned, based on what was entered into the system. I need to pull the actual case files.”

“Need some help?”

“Wouldn’t mind it.” Tony rubbed at his bloodshot eyes.

“You look like crap, DiNozzo,” Gibbs said.

“Yeah, well, I’ve only had about two hours sleep in the last three days.”

“Must’ve been a hell of a party.”

“I wish. Nah, no party, no date. I’ve been working a double homicide. Two gangbangers killed by a third member of their happy little family over who would take control of the local drug trade after the original leader died. I was staking out the killer’s baby mama’s place.”

“Alone?”

Tony shrugged. “I was the only detective available.”

Gibbs looked around the room at the six other detectives currently at work. He knew there was much more to the story than that, but let it go for now. “Go home. Get some sleep. You’re no good to anyone if you’re too tired to think.”

“We’ve got bunks in the back. I’ll sack out for a couple of hours, be back to my usual brilliant self in no time. C’mon, I’ll check the file boxes out and you can get started.” Tony got slowly to his feet, gesturing for Gibbs to follow. He took the list of case file numbers with him.

They stopped by the break room to get the NCIS agent a large cup of hot, overly strong coffee from the always percolating urn. Proceeding onto Records, Tony chatted with the sergeant in charge while helping him search for the evidence boxes.

Gibbs found himself watching the way the detective easily pretended to be totally alert and wide awake while listening to stories about the old days as related by the records sergeant. The man was obviously nearing retirement, marking time until he could get his full pension.

“Hey, Gibbs, want to help me out here?” Tony stood in the doorway, surrounded by ten file boxes. “Tompkins and I can’t do it all.”

“Sure. I thought you said there were six other attacks.”

“There were. But I also found four other incidents from the same general area that I wanted a closer look at.” Tony balanced four of the boxes in his arms, followed down the hallway by Gibbs carrying four more boxes. Trailing behind was Sgt. Tompkins with the last two boxes.

“We can use conference room A. It’s one of the few rooms around here with a lock on the door. There are only two keys and I’ll get them both. Put the boxes over here,” Tony instructed the other two men.

Once Tompkins left, with Tony’s thanks, Gibbs looked around the room. “We’ll need supplies.”

“I’m on it. I’ll be right back.”

Tony returned with pads of paper, pens and markers, as well as both keys and a large map of the neighborhood where the suspected attacks occurred. He handed Gibbs one of the keys before he pinned the map to the wall. “You and I will be the only people with access to this room. If what I suspect is true, we’ll need to restrict the number of individuals who can come in here.” Tony was overcome by a jaw-cracking yawn.

“DiNozzo, go. Get some sleep.”

“I’m going, I’m going.” With a weary wave, Tony headed to the small gray storage room in the back of the stationhouse. The room was crammed full of bathroom supplies, broken office equipment, and two sets of rusty metal bunk beds, faded gray blankets folded neatly at the foot. Tony dropped onto the musty mattress of one, almost immediately asleep.

~NCIS~

Gibbs quickly began to see the pattern that DiNozzo had spotted as he read through the case files. He had pages of notes with some follow-up questions in the margins. He also had the same suspicions regarding the investigations. Someone was preventing any arrests. Beyond that, someone was blocking even the mention of a viable suspect. Gibbs listed the full names of the investigating officers and, on a hunch, made another note to ask his Baltimore partner the names of their immediate supervisors.

Discovering his mug was empty, Gibbs grabbed it and the conference room key and went in search of a refill, carefully locking the door behind him. As he headed down the hall to the break room, he was stopped by a man who reminded him of a politician, slick and a bit slimy.

“Who the hell are you?”

“Special Agent Gibbs, NCIS.” Seeing the lack of comprehension on the other man’s face, he explained. “Naval Criminal Investigative Service.”

“Captain Robert Tidwell. Is there something Baltimore P.D. can do for NCSI?”

“NCIS. I’m working with Detective DiNozzo.”

“Regarding which case, Agent Gibbs?”

“The Lindsey attack, Captain.” Tony DiNozzo appeared behind Tidwell. “The dead guy was a Marine.”

Tidwell turned, transferring his gaze to his detective. “You didn’t mention that NCIS was taking over.”

“We’re not. I’m merely here to assist Detective DiNozzo in his investigation.”

“I see.” His mouth thinning with displeasure, Tidwell considered the two men. “Remember, detective, two days.”

“Got it, Captain.”

Unable to foist the case onto the federal agency and unwilling to respond to the edge of distain in his man’s voice in front of a third party, Tidwell spun about and stalked back to his office.

“Two days?”

“Tidwell gave me a deadline to finish with this case.”

“That mess in there will take longer than two days, DiNozzo,” Gibbs said, gesturing toward the locked conference room.

“Don’t worry about it.” Jauntily he cocked his brunette head to one side. “You’re here to assist me? Does that mean I’m your boss?”

Gibbs snorted. “Dream on, DiNozzo.”

Tony broke into an open, friendly smile. “Were you looking for me?”

“Coffee.”

“Ah, I see.” Tony laughed, letting himself back into their make-do command center. Checking through Gibbs’ notes, Tony grabbed a pen and jotted some answers to a few of the special agent’s questions.

The names of the detectives were read carefully over. For the ten cases, there were a total of five. He considered the list. Tony knew only one of the men well, three by name, and the last not at all. He went through the first folder, making his own notes.

Gibbs returned with fresh coffee, settling at the table across from Tony. The men worked in relative silence for the next two hours, only the rustle of paper and occasional scritch of a pen heard.

Tony’s stomach growled, breaking the silence. “I need food. I don’t even know what time it is, but I need food now.”

“Where’s your watch?”

“In the shop. The crystal got busted during a fight.”

When Tony didn’t elaborate, Gibbs glanced at his watch. “It’s late afternoon. Might be a good time to break. Anyplace good to eat around here?”

“Hot and filling diner food, strong coffee and great desserts at a reasonable price. Sound good?”

“Sounds perfect.” A smile ruffled Gibbs’ mouth.

Locking the conference room behind them, the two men headed out of the station, unconsciously falling into step as they walked side by side down the street.

~NCIS~

Gibbs leaned back in his chair, relaxing over his empty pie plate and a freshened cup of coffee. He found himself amused by the detective’s whole-hearted enjoyment of the diner, from the food to the waitress, a grandmotherly type who seemed amused by DiNozzo’s flirting, to the ambiance of the authentic 1930s place.

“Need anything else, handsome?”

“Nah, I’m full, Louise. Thanks for the extra ice cream on my apple cobbler.” Tony patted his stomach.

“We owe you, Anthony DiNozzo. Extra ice cream doesn’t begin to repay that debt,” Louise said softly, her eyes narrowing. “Especially since you won’t let us feed you for free.”

Tony just took the check from her, waving off Gibbs’ move to pull out his wallet. “I’ve got this. You can spring for a pizza tonight.”

They remained at the diner, discussing the cases as Gibbs finished his coffee.

“The basic descriptions of the attacker appear almost identical in four of the six core cases. Compact frame, well-muscled, a thick crop of yellow hair.”

“Two victims mentioned a polished veneer, one swore he was wearing a high-end suit,” Tony said gloomily. “The follow-ups were meager, no viable suspect was named in any of the reports.”

“Bribery?”

“Or threats. I don’t know who, but I think I can guess some of the generalities.”

“Let’s hear it.” Gibbs was curious as to how much they agreed on the basics.

“Rich, powerful or from a powerful family, fairly young. Anger management issues. We probably would find a juvenile record for violence if they weren’t sealed.”

“Might even be expunged if your guess about the rich and powerful is right. What else?”

“I’m no profiler.”

“You’re an experienced cop.”

Tony blew his breath out, before continuing. “Small in stature, no more than five foot eight inches. That also fits with the marks on Faith’s arm. A small hand grabbed her, not the wide hands and thick fingers of our corporal.”

“Compensating for inadequacies?”

“That’s my guess.” Tilting his head, Tony watched Gibbs considering that assessment. He was relieved when the older man inclined his silver gray head in agreement.

“We have a basic description. Now all we have to do is put a name to this killer.”

NCIS Fic: I Smiled 1/?

2009-12-06T00:11:57Z

Title: I Smiled

Author: Lizabeth S. Tucker

Rating: PG-13 (all the various ratings confuse me, so I'm going movie style)

Pairing: None

Spoilers: None really

Archive: Yes, just let me know where.

Summary: My version of how Gibbs and Tony first met in Baltimore. I thought it was time for me to try this.

Disclaimer: The characters in the story are the sole property of everyone but me. No money is received, even if I wish there was.
A/N: To kickstart my writing, I am actually writing as I post. It is why this will be the only place the story will be found until I'm done with it. Then it will be posted on FF.net, per usual.

I Smiled

By Lizabeth S. Tucker

Rubbing the sleep, or lack of it, from his bloodshot green eyes, Baltimore Detective Anthony DiNozzo made his way through the onlookers to get to the crime scene. There was nothing like yellow tape and flashing blue lights to bring a crowd out. This particular group of nosy locals included hookers, drug dealers, and gang members, as well as some homeless from the area.

“Sorry about pulling you back out, Tony,” the heavyweight uniformed officer said while holding the tape up. “I know you just got off-duty a few hours ago.”

Tony ducked under the flimsy barricade. “Don’t worry about it, Lou. Guess Tidwell is still in a snit about his car.”

They walked together toward the refuse-filled alley. Officer Louis Donovan shook his head. “That wasn’t your fault, kid. Why don’t you tell the Captain that?”

“I doubt that he would believe me even if I did tell him who was behind the soaping, which I wouldn’t. I’m already on his hit list, so why should I bring anyone else along to be at his mercy?”

“You’re a better man than me, Tony. Sometimes.”

A quick grin was Tony’s only answer. He nodded toward the alley. “What’ve we got?”

“Looks like an attempted rape gone bad for the rapist. The intended victim, one Faith Lindsey, managed to kill her attacker before he could complete the act.”

Tony stopped at the edge of the scene, grimacing at the number of people milling around the body. He whistled shrilly. “Listen up, people! Just because the alleged perp is dead doesn’t mean you can mess up the scene. If you don’t have business here, clear out!”

Once the sightseeing police officers were gone from the alley, Tony had a clear view of the dead body. He moved closer, frowning at the sight of the uniform. “Damn, a Marine. Has anyone notified NCIS yet?”

“Yeah, I had dispatch do it,” Donovan replied. “Right after I called you. They’re sending someone over along with their medical examiner, Tony. Seems Doctor Raj is overloaded with work. Techs are on the way.”

“Where’s the victim?”

“Paramedics took Ms. Lindsey to Baltimore General.” Donovan held up his hand. “And before you ask, I sent Jake with her. He’ll get her clothes and any further statements she might make.”

“Good. What else can you tell me about what happened?”

Donovan referred to his notes. “I had some trouble getting a straight statement from her. Ms. Lindsey was a bit hysterical, poor little thing. She said that the Marine grabbed her as she was taking a shortcut to the bus stop. She managed to get loose and hit her assailant with a board. Unfortunately for him, the board was studded with nails.”

Tony walked around the dead body. “You called her a ‘poor little thing’. Ms. Lindsey isn’t big, she’s not muscular?”

“Nah, she’s hardly bigger than a minute.”

The detective stared down at the body of the six foot, well-trained military man. “Then how did she overpower him? It doesn’t make sense. What’s wrong with this picture?”

“Good question.”

Tony turned to see a man with salt and pepper hair staring at him with intense blue eyes. He took the new man’s measure, including the almost military haircut and posture. “You from NCIS?”

“Special Agent Gibbs. You in charge?”

“For the moment.” Tony held his hand out. He shrugged when Gibbs ignored it, the agent’s attention on the dead Marine. “Detective Anthony DiNozzo. You can call me Tony.”

“Maybe he was drunk or high on something,” Donovan said, referring to Tony’s earlier question.

“If he was, it’ll show on the blood workup. This is Doctor Mallard, our medical examiner.” Gibbs introduced the older man directing the placement of the gurney.

“Dr. Mallard, I understand NCIS will be handling the autopsy,” Tony said, nodding pleasantly.

“Yes, your ME asked if I would be willing. I hope you don’t mind,” Dr. Mallard said while kneeling next to the body.

“Fine with me. Raj is probably busy dealing with the Thompson Street apartment fire victims. Can you state the cause and time of death for our Marine?”

“Tony, I already told you all that,” Donovan protested.

“You know it has to be official, Lou.” Tony looked back at Mallard. “Doc?”

“Blunt force trauma to the skull is indicated. Something also appears to have penetrated and been ripped free.”

“Consistent with a nail-studded board?” Tony crouched down, barely registering the arrival of Baltimore Police Department crime scene technicians.

Mallard’s pale blue eyes considered the shape of the wounds, comparing them with the alleged weapon indicated by DiNozzo. “Possibly. I won’t know for certain until I have this young man back in autopsy.” He probed the dead Marine’s skull with his glove-covered fingers. “I can say that it appears that he was hit with extreme force.” He used the liver probe, checking the results. “The time of death would be approximately three hours ago.”

“That’s fairly consistent with our timeline. Thanks, Dr. Mallard. If you could let me know when the autopsy report is ready, I’ll come pick it up.” He handed the NCIS medical examiner his card.

“Of course.”

“You don’t believe he’s guilty.”

Tony frowned, considering Gibbs’ statement. “I don’t know. I just can’t put the pieces together. I need to see this woman.” He glanced up at the NCIS field agent. “Feel like a road trip?”

“I’ll drive. My car.”

“Sure. Lou, have one of the uniforms drive the sedan back to the station, willya?” He tossed the keys to Donovan, following Gibbs to his car.

Twenty minutes later, Tony was debating on his next move. “As soon as I manage to pry my fingers off the dashboard, I’m going to shoot you. Or throw up. Or both.”

“Stop whining, DiNozzo,” Gibbs snapped, glaring at the cop.

Tony slowly pulled himself out of the government-issue Taurus, convinced that his fingers would never straighten out. He fell into step with Gibbs, still grumbling about psychotic drivers and generally ignoring the non-verbal attempts to shut him up.

As they approached the emergency department, Tony finally stopped complaining. “Nurse Kathy! How’s my favorite caregiver?”

“Tony DiNozzo, what are you doing back here? I thought we had an agreement, no more ‘accidents or incidents’.”

“I’m not a patient this time, sweet lady. I’m here on business. Popeye Doyle and I need to see Faith Lindsey. Paramedics brought her in a while ago.”

Nurse Kathy nodded. “Assault and attempted rape.”

“That’s the one. Is she legit?”

The older woman pursed her lips.

“Kath?”

“She’s definitely been attacked. Her injuries are consistent with an attempted assault.”

“But?”

“Something is…off. I’ll leave it up to you to figure out what.” The nurse provided the examination room number and returned to her work.

“Know her well?” Gibbs asked as they walked down the hall.

“Yeah, Nurse Kathy is usually on duty whenever I have to visit here.”

“As a patient?”

“Sometimes.”

“Seems like most times based on what she said.”

“Captain Tidwell would tell you that I’m a bit disaster-prone.”

“Popeye Doyle?”

The grin flashed. “Oh, yeah. The French Connection. Gene Hackman, Roy Scheider. Had this kickass car chase scene. One of the best cop movies ever made.”

Any comment Gibbs might’ve made was held as they came to the exam room. A uniformed officer was standing just outside the door. Tony exchanged softly uttered greetings with the young red-haired man.

“She say anything, Jake?”

“Nothing, Tony. Cried for quite a while, refused the rape kit, and basically hasn’t said a word since we got here other than answering the doc’s questions. Am I free to leave?”

“Yeah, go ahead. Where are her personal effects?”

“Here. I put everything in a paper bag like you taught us.” He pointed to a chair slightly hidden behind him.

“Good job, Jake. And here I thought you were sleeping during my class.”

“Are you kidding? Not a chance. I want my own gold shield someday. Knowing what to do and what not to do will help.”

“Just hang in there, kid. Someday you’ll get one.” Tony clapped the earnest young patrolman on the shoulder. He took charge of the bag, pulling out a pen to initial and put a time on the evidence. Once done, he nodded at Jake. “Go on, get back to work before Lou comes looking for you.”

“Thanks, Tony.” Officer Jake O’Brian left with a cheery wave.

Tony took a deep breath, his face and posture changing to someone a bit bashful and flustered. He slid hesitantly into the hospital room. “Ms. Lindsey?”

The young woman’s features were dainty, her wrists small. As Lou had said, she was just a tiny slip of a thing. “Y-yes?”

“I’m so sorry to bother you. I’m Offi…uh, Detective Anthony DiNozzo, Baltimore PD. This is Special Agent Gibbs from NCIS.” When he saw her puzzled glance at Gibbs, Tony clarified. “Naval Criminal Investigative Service.”

“Oh.” She began fidgeting with the thin off-white blanket covering her body.

“I just have a few questions to ask you.”

“I…I don’t know what I can…it happened so…”

“I know, Faith. May I call you Faith?” Tony’s demeanor was gentle, non-threatening. He kept his distance as well, never moving within reaching distance.

“Yes, I suppose so, Detective DiNozzo.”

“You can call me Tony, if you want.” The detective’s smile was charming and a bit rueful. “I haven’t been a detective very long. It kinda freaks me out to be called that.”

Faith began to relax, smiling tentatively. “Okay, Tony. I don’t really want to talk about it.”

“I know this is painful, but I’ve gotta write up a report of what happened before it can be closed.”

“I…I understand.”

Gibbs stood back, watching as DiNozzo gently and carefully led the young woman through the events of her day. She revealed that she had been working an extra shift as waitress at Connor’s Diner. The detective commiserated with her over being on her feet for such a long day, related how he handled it as a beat cop, and recommended some remedies for relieving the aches and pains.

Just as the increasingly impatient NCIS special agent was about to take over the questioning, DiNozzo got to the alley where the alleged attack occurred.

“You were heading to the bus stop after work?”

“Yes. I always go through the alley. So do others who work in the area.”

“During the day?”

Faith rubbed the back of her trembling hand across her swollen and bruised mouth. “I guess. I’ve never…I don’t usually work at night. I was working an extra shift.”

“Was anyone else in the alley when you got there?”

“I didn’t see anyone. Tony, can’t we just drop this? It’s over with, I’m okay. I don’t want to talk about it.”

Tony bent his head slightly forward. “A man died, Faith. A man who you claim attacked you. That man was a United States Marine. That’s why Special Agent Gibbs is here. I mean, if this guy, a decorated Marine, was so vicious as to attack a defenseless woman, there has to be an investigation. His family will have to be told what kind of man he really was.”

Her brows drew together in an agonized expression. “His family? He was married?”

Gibbs stepped forward. “Corporal Ramon Gonzalez was his name.” He didn’t answer the question about Gonzalez’s marital status, mostly because he didn’t know as yet.

Faith took a shuddery breath, her eyes darting between Gibbs and Tony.

Tony resumed the questioning. “You saw no one when you first stepped into the alley. What happened then?”

“Someone grabbed me from behind.” She gestured unconsciously toward her throat.

Tony pulled a small disposable camera from his jacket pocket. “Do you mind if I record your injuries? Just for the case file.”

“I suppose so.”

Tony had Faith hold open the neck of her hospital gown, taking photographs of the red marks across her throat. “Thank you, Faith. Go on.”

“An arm was choking me. I tried to get free, but he was so strong.” Faith could hardly lift her voice above a whisper. “He pushed me onto the pavement and…and began pulling at my dress.” Tears slid down her face.

“Faith, can you tell me how you got away?”

“I…I don’t know.”

“Was Gonzalez drunk? Did he seem to be high?”

“I don’t know,” she wailed. “I don’t know!”

“Okay, okay, Faith.” Tony moved closer, gently rubbing the sobbing woman’s arm. As the sleeve of the gown was pushed up, he noticed a series of finger-shaped bruises on her arm. He tossed the camera to Gibbs. “Just one more picture and we’ll leave.” Tony put his own hand next to the marks on her upper arm.

Gibbs quickly snapped the photograph, holding onto the camera as Tony carefully put the gown to rights.

“Faith, is there someone I can call for you? A family member or a friend maybe?” Tony asked softly. “They’ll need to bring you clothes to leave the hospital in.”

“The nurses called my roommate, Stella. She’ll be here soon,” Faith replied, a slight tremor in her voice. “Stella’s bringing something to wear.”

Tony wrote her address down in his notebook, handed Faith his card, and explained that he would be contacting her with more questions in a day or so. He nodded toward the door, following Gibbs out into the hallway.

Gibbs silently handed the camera back to the younger man. He saw a muscle quivering at DiNozzo’s jaw.

“Damn it.” He ran his fingers through his slightly long hair in frustration. “She’s lying.”

“Not about the attack.”

“No, just about who did it.”

Book: The Lost (a collection) 3/4

2009-12-05T14:17:22Z

"Lost in Paradise" by Mary Blayney was a bit of a throwback to the old gothic and paranormal stories of my childhood. An innocent young woman, Isabelle Reynaud, is convinced to come to help the natives of an island with a curse and a mysterious Master of the island, Sebastian Dushayne. Magic, faith, and love help break the ancient curse in this gothic Beauty and the Beast redo.

A pleasant enough read but not one that totally thrilled me. I'm really not acquainted with Ms. Blayney's work, so I don't know if this short story is indicative of her talents, but with the high cost of books, even eBooks, I can't say I would go out of my way to try one of her full-length works.

Book: The Lost (a collection) 2/4

2009-12-01T20:05:51Z

The second story in this collection is "The Dog Days of Laurie Summer" by Patricia Gaffney. A writer that I like, Gaffney goes paranormal in this story. Laurie Summer was a wife, a mother, and a workaholic realtor who didn't really appreciate what she had. Then she drowned, finding herself stuck in her comatose body and longing to let husband Sam know she was still there.

Before she realizes it, Laurie awakes in the body of a golden retriever, one rescued by her husband and son, Bennie. As she adjusts to life as a dog, she learns how much she has missed and will miss unless she can find a way back to her human body.

At first I was dismayed to have a body transfer in this story. It is tough to pull off at the best of times, but more so in a short story. It took me a while to get into the tale being told, but soon Gaffney's talent helped me to enjoy what I was reading.

My biggest complaint may be the ease that Laurie accepted her new body and life. I would have expected something more traumatic, much like that shown by Andre Norton in a similar tale of human transformed into animal, particularly when you consider the overwhelming input of smells that an animal, especially a dog, would experience. That said, this is an enjoyable tale of a woman finding what was truly important in her life.

Audio Book: Torchwood - The Sin Eaters by Brian Minchin

2009-12-01T00:22:25Z

Read by Gareth David-Lloyd, Ianto Jones on Torchwood, this is a strange and very Torchwood style story. Reverend Hayward wants to revive his aged church's congregation, but his method of helping relieve their sins leads to death for the sinner. Jack, Ianto, Gwen, and Rhys must try and find out what is going on and how to stop the deaths.

Gareth is fantastic, so much so that I'm planning on getting some other audio books that he is the reader for. His Captain Jack Harkness voice actually sounds like John Barrowman. I can tell who is speaking with the subtle, and not so subtle, changes in tone, accent and speech patterns.

For those looking for lots of Ianto goodness, this is definitely the story for you. And there are some great Jack/Ianto moments as well. This was a keeper!