Gibbs awakens on a patio in Mexico with a sack covering his head. His head is uncovered and Paloma Reynosa asks Gibbs if he knows who she is, he does. "Tennessee Williams said 'We are all sentenced to solitary confinement inside our own skins for life.' Surrounded by men with guns, I think of this often, beautiful, sad but frank," Paloma says. "Do you consider yourself a frank man?" she asks. "He also said all cruel people describe themselves as paragons of frankness. I would expect nothing less from the man who murdered my father," Paloma says. She stares at Gibbs, who remains silent, then sips her scotch. "I see you chose your words carefully Agent Gibbs, that is good. Your life depends on them," she says as Gibbs swirls his drink around in the glass. "I don't usually drink scotch," Gibbs says as he raises his glass and drinks from it.

In the squadroom, Tony is holding a small American flag, head in his heads saying, "This can't be happening, it cannot be happening." Smiling, McGee walks over to the filing cabinet near Tony's desk. "How could they let you in?" Tony demands of Ziva. "I passed the exams. I will officially become a citizen of the United States of America," Ziva says as McGee winks at her. "I've never been more disappointed in my government," Tony says. "Hey, that is my government now," Ziva replies. "Not til Friday," Tony tells her. "I expect to see you there, and you too McGee," Ziva tells both men. "Ziva, of course I'm gonna be there. Everyone is going to be there, and uh, Gibbs I bet, when he's back from his...." McGee tells her. "Hey, let's call it a vacation," Tony says. "It is not the first time he has run off on his own," she says. "Hey, not the first time he's run off to Mexico," McGee adds. "Not the first time he's gone without telling us anything," Tony says. "Nothing new to see here," McGee says with a smile. Vance walks up and says, "Not a poker player among you. Terrible, terrible bluffs. We're all used to how Gibbs operates for better for worse, let's just stay focused on what we're good at without him." Tony looks at Vance and asks, "What would that be Director?" "If you don't know Agent DiNozzo, I'm not gonna tell you," Vance says. Vance heads upstairs and calls for McGee to go with him as he needs him. McGee follows Vance upstairs to MTAC. "That was a pretty tasty and cryptic bit of rejection right there. Did ya see that? The Director just slammed me" Tony tells Ziva. "I saw. Must be feeling like the redheaded stepchild," Ziva replies. "Now how would you get that Idiom right?" Tony asks her. "Because I'm an American now," Ziva says. "Not yet. I think I'm going to call my Congressman," Tony says as he picks up his phone.

Vance and McGee walk into MTAC. Vance inquires about McGee being friendly with Alejandro Rivera when he and Abby were in Mexico. "Well, in the broadest definition I suppose," McGee replies. Vance turns and looks at McGee and says, "We have an awkward situation brewing already, you want to complicate it further? I want all his information going through this office directly, not Ms. Hart. I've asked him to enlist the Federales in tracking down Colonel Bell and his men south of the border." "And Margaret Allison Hart, Esquire is under the employ of Colonel Bell. Alright, I won't let you down," McGee says. Vance turns around and asks the Tech to bring Alejandro online. Once Alejandro is live onscreen, Vance asks about Colonel Bell's plane. Alejandro explains that they found a partially dismembered body (no head or hands) not far from the massacre at the beach home of the former American agent Mike Franks. Alejandro says they are already using methods taught to them by Abby. Vance has already run some of the fingerprint scans from the crime scene and several of the men are former military and known associates of Colonel Bell. Alejandro says the other members are suspected associates of the Reynosa cartel and they have a laundry list of charges against them. Vance is tasking an agent from the San Diego office to assist Alejandro on the ground and their Navy transport will retrieve the evidence and bodies from Franks' place. Alejandro feels that the American presence will help calm the violence because the cartel is afraid of nothing in Mexico. Vance leaves Alejandro to chat with McGee and leaves MTAC. McGee asks, "Was there any sign of Gibbs or Franks on that beach?" "No. Gibbs? He's in Mexico?" Alejandro asks.

At Paloma's residence, she sits with Gibbs on the patio and asks, "You solve crimes for a living. Is there such a thing as the perfect murder?" "Never seen one," Gibbs replies. "But how would it work?" she asks. "It's not the method it's the victim," he answers. "Get someone no one will miss," she says. "You don't need tips on how to kill me," he replies. "I am not opposed to killing or torture when it suits my needs that is part of my business. Colonel Bell wanted to prove that he was a better man than you. He and his men made for a useful ally but they were a means to an end...namely you," Paloma says. "I don't know what your after but you might as well put a bullet in my head right now because your not going to get anything," Gibbs replies. "It's never easy to turn someone, to change them. A federal agent in Washington D.C., you have value. I don't want your death, I want your life," she replies.

Gibbs and Paloma are inside her residence. Gibbs paces the living room, looking at the guard, Dean, before he sits down on the couch. "You gonna make me suffer? Throw the murder charge, force me to work with you. Thing about being a cop-called burden of proof," Gibbs says. "You want evidence?" she asks and Gibbs nods. "An investigation performed by your own people that conclusively puts your signature on the crime," she replies. "Prove to me I'm guilty of a crime, bring it out in the open. I know something about convictions and I get 'em and I got 'em," Gibbs replies. Paloma smiles, then nods to the guard (Dean), who steps out of the room for a minute. "I don't care to put you on trial Gibbs, it may not suit my needs to kill you but it might be useful to kill everyone you ever met," she taunts. Dean returns and places a gray duct tape wrapped box on the table, then looks at Gibbs (who is looking at Dean's sidearm and the K-Bar knife in his back pocket) and hands Paloma a rolled up rag. Paloma sits, rolls out the contents of the rag and says, "starting with your friend Mike" as an index finger rolls out of the rag. "Your former mother-in-law comes next," she says smiling. "Doing me favors now?" Gibbs replies sarcastically. "Then your coworkers, and if I must, I promise to personally visit Pennsylvania and shoot your father in the head. That would complete the circle. You will start small, just make sure this package is delivered. How many more lies are your convictions worth?" she says.

Tony and Ziva walk into Vance's office as he is hanging up the phone. Vance has the duo taking a C-130 transport out of Pax River to Mexico. Vance wants Tony and Ziva to 'ride-along to Mexico' and return Hernandez's body to Mexico and escort the new bodies back to NCIS to ensure an unbroken chain of evidence. McGee walks in and Vance wants McGee to notify Alejandro that the airlift is en-route. McGee informs Vance that there is no word on Franks, but Alejandro thinks he might know Gibbs' location. "I never mentioned Gibbs to him. Who told him to look for Gibbs?" Vance says. "I may have mentioned it, was that not supposed to happen?" McGee asks. Vance just looks at McGee, then heads to MTAC. "You want us to bring Gibbs back to Director?" Tony asks. Vance tells Tony that the transport will only be on the ground long enough to load and unload, a couple hours tops, and wonders if Tony will be able to locate and retrieve Gibbs in that period of time. As he's saying this, he flicks at his right eye. The door to MTAC buzzes and Vance and McGee step inside. Tony is beaming from ear to ear, "Did you see that?" he asks Ziva. Tony believes that Vance winked unless he was prepping his eye for the scanner. Ziva doesn't understand why it matters if Vance winked. "Because that's what he and Gibbs do. They have this whole 'wink wink nudge nudge' language. Vance can't greenlight an op, he expects us to pick up the slack when we see it," Tony says as he he imitates Vance's eye 'flick.' "You see slack?" she asks. "I don't know, you see a wink?" Tony replies. At the same time, they both turn and look towards the closed MTAC door.

At Paloma's residence, the Federales arrive with Alejandro leading the way. Dean walks up to Paloma and whispers, "Company." "Very well," she replies. Alejandro looks angry and questions Paloma in Spanish. She tells him they were just having a drink. "Agent Gibbs, has this woman made threats against you? You want to file charges for abduction?" Alejandro asks. Gibbs looks at Paloma who tells him, "Remember my advice, choose your words, carefully." "Not against me personally," Gibbs tells Alejandro. "You are reaching," Paloma tells Alejandro. "So are you," he replies. Alejandro gives his men orders to vacate the premises and tells Gibbs to come with him. As Gibbs stands up, Paloma says, "Say Adios." Gibbs looks at her for a moment, then leaves with Alejandro. Getting into the SUV, Gibbs asks "How did you find me?". "I follow her moves very closely, she's never reckless, difficult, almost impossible to prosecute. I nearly had her when a private investigator came here from America digging into her father's death. She had the P.I. killed," Alejandro says as he drives off. "You had your task force investigate the cold case, Pedro Hernandez or is that just coincidence?" Gibbs says. "The report Ms. Sciuto prepared? I have still not seen it. Paloma must have someone on the inside," Alejandro replies. "Yeah she hasn't seen it yet either," Gibbs says. "What happened to it? Someone must've stopped it. Ms. Sciuto?" Alejandro asks. "No," Gibbs replies. "You're certain?" Alejandro says. "Yeah I'm dead certain, I wouldn't allow it," Gibbs answers. "I believe this, that's all I needed to know," Alejandro says as he pulls up in front of Paloma's home. "Someone took a bullet for you Gibbs, but you will take the next one," Alejandro tells him as he gets out of the car. Dean opens the door for Gibbs and says, "Surprise" as he helps Gibbs out of the SUV. Paloma comes down and addresses Alejandro, "Well Hermano, does he have your precious report?" "Hermano, brother and sister. I guess she never had to turn you," Gibbs says.

Tony and Ziva are leaving NCIS. Ziva tells Tony about the oath she has to take to become a U.S. Citizen, she has to renounce all her ties to Israel. "Well you will still be you Ziva and I'll be there to hear it, I promise," Tony says. As they enter the elevator, Abby joins them, grabs both of their shoulders and says, "You guys are going to Mexico, what's the plan?". "What do you know Abs?" Tony asks. Abby pulls a Gibbs and shuts down the elevator. "Gibbs mentioned Rule 40," Abby says. "When you think someone's out to get you they are," Tony replies. "I have never heard of rules in the 40's," Ziva says. "They don't come up very often," Tony tells her. "And that's a good thing," Abby says quietly. "How many times have I told Gibbs to write these things down," Ziva says in frustration. "You don't have to write them down, they are for daily use, most of the rules, but the 40's...." Tony says. "The 40's, the 40's are for emergency use only," Abby says. "If the 40's are in play, something unspeakably bad is going down," Tony says. "We have to get him back," a concerned Ziva says.


Alejandro looks at a photo of him, Paloma and their father when they were younger. He picks up a dish with an appetizer on it and offers it to Gibbs, who takes one. "Your sister wants to make me her pet. And you? What do you want? You want to put me on trial?" Gibbs asks Alejandro. "I cannot, without that report it will be her way or she kills everyone you love, there is no other option," Alejandro answers. Gibbs pops the food into his mouth, "I've had this before," he says as he leans back on the couch. "No way out, in that riddle. Guy trapped in this room no doors, no windows," Gibbs says. "And how did he get there?" Paloma asks. "Well it was built around him but there's nothing there except a mirror and a table. How's he get out? Here's a hint, it won't work in Spanish" Gibbs says. "Look in the mirror, see what you saw. Take the saw, cut the table in half. Two halves make a whole, climb out the hole. Most retarded riddle I've ever heard," Dean says. "My father taught it to me. My dad...never an easy guy. Takes a man to make a man right?" Gibbs says. "Hermano," Paloma says as she sees her brother getting agitated. "When things get rough, I can still go talk to him," Gibbs continues. Alejandro takes Dean's gun out and aims it at Gibbs. "You know so much, Gibbs, well tell me this. How will this feel to me, what will it feel like to pull this trigger?" Alejandro asks. Paloma stands and says, "Alejandro, don't let him make you into a killer. You are more powerful in the government." Alejandro is agitated and says he is going to shoot Gibbs with his own gun. "You've never done this before. I have. I've killed men and woman in combat, in the line and in life. And some of those still haunt me, but I've never lost a night's sleep over your father. You want to know just what it feels like to be the hand of justice?" Gibbs stands and finishes, "then pull the damn trigger yourself and find out. Go on, do it." Gibbs stares down a crying Alejandro.

The C-130 carrying Ziva and Tony lands in Mexico. They grab their gear as the ramp at the back of the aircraft is lowered. "Alright we gotta move fast," Tony says. "And quietly" Ziva adds. "No authority, no jurisdiction, no time," Tony says. "We do not get back on this plane without Gibbs," Ziva says. "Agreed," Tony replies. As the ramp lowers, Gibbs walks up towards the plane and Tony and Ziva just stare at each other, then Gibbs.

Heading back to the U.S. on the cargo plane are Tony, Ziva and Gibbs along with the evidence and bodies from the shoot-out at Franks' home in Mexico. Gibbs is sitting across from Tony and Ziva, eyes closed. Sensing they are staring at him, Gibbs opens his eyes. "You didn't find Franks?" Tony asks. "I said you didn't find Mike Franks?" Tony repeats. "I heard you," Gibbs answers. "So you just don't want to talk about it?" Tony asks as Ziva elbows him. Gibbs says the bartender told him Franks family left town the day before. "So, he knew something was coming. What else did you find out?" Tony says. "Federales got tired of me asking questions," Gibbs says. "Why didn't you just tell them you were with the Task Force?" Tony asks. Angrily, Gibbs replies, "Because, I wasn't!" "Still, I would've thought it would've taken the whole Mexican army to kick you out," Tony says. The pilot announces there is turbulence coming up, they are still a few hours from Andrews Air Force Base, so the passengers should hang on. The three of them adjust their positions a little. Gibbs says, "You get held up in customs, use my name." "Where are you gonna be?" Tony asks. "I left a mess I gotta clean up," Gibbs responds. Tony leans to Ziva and whispers, "That's 45, basically."

Back at NCIS, Tony walks into Vance's office. Vance hands McGee a battery from a black case and tells McGee that one is the right model. "You picked up an extra passenger," Vance says to Tony. "Yeah, funny that, Gibbs was just waiting for us at the airport," Tony answers. McGee says that Alejandro called them while they were in the air. "You mean your best buddy?" Tony replies. "He said he had to run Gibbs out of town. Tempers running high already the last thing he needed was another cowboy," Vance says. "Maybe he should have asked your permission before he went down there," Tony replies. "He doesn't need my permission," Vance says. "Well without it, he doesn't get your protection," Tony says. Vance looks at McGee and says, "Fit it for a GPS and a bug." McGee nods his head and leaves. Vance asks Tony where Gibbs is. "He went home to shower and change clothes. He got some enchilada and dust on his shirt." "When he gets in, tell him I'd like to see him," Vance says. Tony looks down at the black case in front of Vance.

Ducky is performing an autopsy on Colonel Bell's dismembered body. Across the room, Palmer is using a drill and crow bar to open one of the crates with a body and/or evidence in it from Mexico. Ducky removes a slug from the body and says, "Mr. Palmer do you think you could do that a little more quietly, I can hardly hear myself think!" Palmer asks Ducky what he is thinking about but Ducky says his mind is a complete blank. "Has that ever happened to you before? Perhaps this will remind you of a time when....maybe you were just a lad and...," Palmer says as he walks towards Ducky. "What is it you are doing Mr. Palmer?" Ducky asks. "I thought maybe if I teed the ball up properly..." Palmer says. "I might find the fairway," Ducky finishes. Ducky tells Palmer it reminds him of a caddy on a golf course who kept giving him tips. When Ducky reached the 18th hole, the caddy gave him another tip and Ducky said he was going for it (he was 218 feet from the hole). Ducky takes the crowbar and demonstrates his shot and how he shouted obscenities at the man. Palmer assumes Ducky made the shot but he didn't. He overshot the hole by 15 yards and took a triple bogey. But Ducky learned a lesson, "Being correct does not excuse a violation of form." Ducky tells Palmer to take the slugs from Bells body up to Abby and then finish opening his crates as quietly as possible.

At home, a freshly showered and dressed Gibbs calls his father and asks him if there is anybody he can stay with for a few days.

Tony and Ziva go to see Abby to get a status update on the evidence. Abby is in the process of running the slugs that came from Bells body and doesn't expect to get a hit. Just as she says that, her computer beeps and registers a 'match found.' "Oh no, not again," Abby says. "What again?" Ziva asks. "Do you think there's any chance Gibbs went down to Mexico to kill Bell?" Abby asks. "What would you even think something like that?" Tony asks. Turning back to her PC, Abby pulls up the file and tells them the slugs came from Gibbs SIG Sauer.

At home, Gibbs is cleaning his SIG Sauer.

Back in autopsy, Tony says to Ducky, "What would you say if we told you that the slugs removed from Bell's torso came from Gibbs' gun?" "I would say that someone is trying to present Gibbs as a murderer," Ducky replies. "When he clearly is not," Tony says. "Well as friend and colleague, I think the best of Jethro. I would like to believe that he did not kill this man, but as a scientist I know that he did not," Ducky tells Tony and Ziva. "How can you be certain?" Tony asks. "Well the fatal injury was to the head and I would speculate that there are defensive wounds to the hands. This dismemberment was intended to cloud not only the identity of the victim but also of his killer. Additionally, Gibbs has always told us not to believe in coincidence, so when I see this serrated pattern, so similar to the K-Bar nick on Agent Macy's neck," Ducky says. "It's the same knife," Palmer says. "It's the same killer," Ziva adds. Tony points out that Dean turned on Bell and now he's with the Cartel. "How did he get Gibbs' gun? Gibbs is always saying there is only one way to do that," Ziva says. Palmer looks at them inquisitively and Ducky fills him in, "Pry it from his dead cold hand."


Tony and Ziva are brainstorming in the squadroom. "Since Gibbs is not dead, we have to assume he met Dean, in Mexico," Ziva says. "That's why I'm busy here, tracking Dean," Tony says as he's sitting at his desk working on the computer. "Tony, why would Gibbs ever let him walk away alive?" she asks. "I mean I'm tracing cell phones, emails, credit card transactions. This is McGeek work," Tony gripes. Ziva reminds him McGee is still in MTAC. "Chasing scraps of opportunity that Director Vance drops in front of him. He's like one of those fish that swims around inside a sharks mouth, picking stuff out of their teeth," Tony says. "Pilot," Ziva says. "Yeah pilot fish," he says. Ziva tells him, "the pilot for Bell's private jet" and points to the transaction on Bell's credit card statement. She also points out the timing on Bell's private cell phone. "Dead men don't make phone calls. Someone else is using his phone, perhaps the elusive JPD," Tony says. Ziva says she's going to do that thing McGee does to make sure the cell phone is active. "Look at us, doing it without him," Tony brags. "Without who?" Gibbs asks as he walks in. Tony fumbles over an explanation of what he meant by 'without him' then tells Gibbs that Director Vance wants to see him. Gibbs begins to head upstairs when Ziva notices Bell's phone is active and he's making a call. Gibbs phone begins to ring and when Ziva traces the call, she and Tony realize Dean is calling Gibbs. Gibbs opens his phone, then looks at Ziva and Tony, who are staring at him, then looks up at Vance who is standing at the top of the stairs.

In Vance's office, Gibbs phone keeps buzzing. "Do you need to get that?" Vance asks. Gibbs takes out his phone and says it's voice mail. "What are the chances it's a message from Lieutenant JP Dean? The man who murdered Agent Macy and possibly Colonel Bell, his own boss," Vance asks. "I don't know, I'll have to check," Gibbs says as he tosses his cell phone on Vance's desk. Vance takes Gibbs phone and plays with it. "I spent a lot of time in Los Angeles this year, getting that office up and running," Vance says. "I noticed," Gibbs says as he looks away from Vance. "Hetty Lange out there, she's got a friend at Warner Brothers, took us on an inside studio tour. A lot of old props, costumes all the way back to Casablanca," Vance says. "Should tell DiNozzo," Gibbs says with a grin. "When I started here, with our different philosophies, it took me a minute to figure out how we were going to get along Gibbs. I thought about Rick and Louie from
Casablanca," Vance says. "What-and I'm Rick?" Gibbs says with a smile. "Oh in so many ways. Problems me. I'm sick of being Louie. I'm sick of of having to look the other way while you're sneaking around behind my back. That doesn't work for me," Vance says. "Well maybe I shouldn't work for you," Gibbs says. "You tell me what your into right now, that's an order," Vance barks. "No," Gibbs replies. "You're benched!" Vance says. "Took you long enough Leon," Gibbs says. Vance pushes his chair back, stands up and says, "You want to try me, come on," Vance says. "What stopped you from day one?" Gibbs asks. "My job, my life does not revolve around you you egocentric son of a *****," Vance angrily replies. "You sure make it sound like it does," Gibbs says. "One word and you're done. You hate me because I can make that call," says Vance. "Right. Because my life revolves around you," Gibbs says with a smirk on his face. Someone knocks on the door and Vance angrily calls out, "What?" McGee sticks his head in to tell Vance that Bell's jet has cleared Mexican airspace, Alejandro couldn't stop it and they filed a flight plan for Virginia. "How long?" Vance asks McGee. "Five hours and since the entire case is headed here, Alejandro is going to follow on the next available flight," McGee tells him. "I'll be taking that," Gibbs says as he points to his cell phone, which is in Vance's hand. Vance tosses it down on the desk and Gibbs picks it up and walks out. McGee stares at Vance for a moment, then leaves, shutting the door behind him. Still standing at his desk, Vance reveals Gibbs' cell phone battery from his phone.

Gibbs walks into Abby's lab and sees a security guard. Abby introduces him as Darren, an armed security guard reassigned to guard her but she has no idea why. Gibbs nods his head at Darren, who takes the hint and leaves the two of them alone. "Except when I look at you, I know exactly why," Abby says. "Abby, I'm sorry," Gibbs says. "Gibbs why would you say that to me? It terrifies me when you break your own rules," Abby says. She is wagging her finger at Gibbs and explains to him that is something Mike Franks is never going to be able to do again. She confirms to Gibbs that the finger Paloma showed Gibbs belongs to Mike Franks, it's his right index finger. "He was alive when it was severed though?" Gibbs asks. "Ducky thinks so and it was shot off, for whatever it's worth," Abby says. "Gibbs, do they have him, do they have Mike?" Abby asks. Gibbs gives Abby a long hug and kisses her cheek. "Can you at least tell me who they are?" she asks but Gibbs breaks off the embrace and leaves without a word. "I guess that's why super heroes have secret identities," she says.

In autopsy, Ducky shows M. Allison Hart one of the 'known' tattoos on Colonel Bell's body. "Despite his known reputation in this building, I considered Bell a good man," Allison tells Ducky. "Well I imagine you wouldn't have worked for him if you believed otherwise," Ducky replies. "Thank you Doctor, for that consideration," she says. "Forgive me, I forget sometimes, the effect this room has on some people," he says. "It does lend itself to a measure of introspection," she says. She looks at Ducky and says, "What is it you want to know Dr. Mallard?" "It was the Colonel who had an ax to grind with Gibbs, not you. You were carrying out orders," Ducky says. "It was a request, one I was free to decline," she replies. "But you were interested in learning more about Gibbs," he says. "Yes, I was," she replies. "And now you're feeling that you backed the wrong man," Ducky continues. "Now, I'm remembering you have some sort of psychological degree," Allison says.

In the squadroom, McGee pulls up a satellite photo of Bell's residence on the big screen. He updates the team to let them know that Bell keeps a hangar at a small airfield near his home. "Alejandro sure Dean is on board?" Ziva asks. "Eyewitnesses confirm that Dean was traveling with at least four other men," McGee says. "Including the pilot and copilot," Tony says. "You three meet the plane. Grab Dean as soon as he steps off the plane and bring him back. Any questions?" Vance tells Ziva, Tony and McGee. While he's talking, Gibbs receives a text message from Dean; "Am I safe?" "One. Who's got lead?" Gibbs asks Vance. "Agent DiNozzo's got point," Vance replies.

Bell's plane lands at the private airstrip. Tony says it's their bird and makes sure McGee and Ziva are in place. Ziva is on the rooftop with a sniper rifle and scope. The plane pulls up and the men began to exit the plane once the door opens. "You got a visual on our guy?" Tony asks Ziva. "Target acquired," Ziva says as she spots Dean through her scope. Tony tells Ziva to switch off the night vision because it's going to get bright, so Ziva does. Tony and McGee turn on their headlights and Tony calls out, "NCIS! Put down your weapons! Jimmy Dean, you are under arrest." "Double crossing son of a....." Dean says as he goes for cover at the waiting car. A gunfight begins; Ziva takes out two of the men with Dean, McGee takes out a third man and Dean makes a break for it when he realizes he's alone. As Tony sees Dean out in the open, he fires off five rounds at Dean.

In the NCIS garage, Gibbs is using a crow bar to open one of the evidence crates. He opens a side panel and removes the package that Paloma wanted him to deliver. On top of the package is a note, which Gibbs opens and reads.

In autopsy, Dean's body is lying on the table with two noticeable gunshot wounds to the chest and one to the forehead. "What do you think Director?" Ducky asks. "Dean here killed Macy, killed Bell; played some part in the shootout between the cartel and Bell's men, maybe killed Mike Franks," Vance says as he looks at Dean's corpse. "Dead or alive, are his whereabouts still undetermined?" Ducky asks. Vance nods his head yes. "I did retrieve .45 caliber slugs from that shootout in Mexico," Ducky says. "That's Mike Franks' weapon of choice," Vance says. "Yeah, I'm gonna go and double stack the drawers," Palmer says and hustles away.

Gibbs is sitting on a bench in a park when Alejandro joins him. "I fly out to resolve the situation only to find it already resolved," Alejandro says. "You tell Dean he was in the clear. You tell him that your guy in D.C. is gonna take care of him," Gibbs says. "Turns out to be true. If you have bad intentions, Washington airspace sure becomes treacherous," Alejandro says. "All those bodies, Dean takes the fall, smart," Gibbs says. "Would you have told me otherwise?" Alejandro says. "Never underestimate your opponent," Gibbs says. "Should write that down, except you and I are on the same side," Alejandro says. "You hold the cards. You and Paloma have Franks so you have your delivery," Gibbs says as he nods his head towards the package. "You didn't open it?" Alejandro asks. "I didn't need to," Gibbs says as he picks up a piece of paper off the package and hands it to Alejandro. "We have to distrust each other as our only defense against betrayal," Alejandro reads from the paper. "My sister and her quotes," Alejandro says as he folds the paper and puts it in his pocket. "You guys have a way of making a man feel left out," Vance says as he walks up to Gibbs and Alejandro. Alejandro gets up, shakes Vance's hand and says, "Director Vance, just trying to soothe some fractured egos." "With Agent Gibbs, that could be dangerous. Always a politician huh?" Vance says. "You of all people would understand," Alejandro says. Vance points to the package on the bench and says, "That something from home?" "Yes, to sweeten any sour feelings," Alejandro says. Vance picks up the package and asks what it is. "Candy," Gibbs says. "Handmade," Alejandro says. Vance opens the package a little and smells it. "Well, I'll be on my way," Alejandro says and begins to walk off. He turns around and says, "Unless you have that report for me." "You should already have it. Ms. Sciuto sent it straight to the Task Force," Vance replies. "Hmm..." Alejandro says and walks off. Vance pulls out a small recorder and replays part of Alejandro's conversation with Gibbs. "He's cagey, Alejandro. Doesn't give anything away," Vance says. Gibbs hands Vance his cell phone battery, "New battery." "Here ya go," Vance says as he hands Gibbs his old one. "You made it obvious that your hands were tied without saying," Vance says. "Well...couldn't. I knew this delivery was just a test, I figured I could buy time," Gibbs replies as he puts the battery back into his cell phone. "Put a lot of trust to that follow-your-lead, Gibbs," Vance says. "Every day Leon," Gibbs says. "You think Mike Franks is still alive?" Vance asks. "I think Mike Franks left that beach shootout in pieces. Alejandro's lying about something, I just don't know what," Gibbs says. "He showed his hand," Vance says. Both men stand up and begin to walk. "I've seen enemies with vendettas, Leon. Seen people lose their lives to them, people that matter," Gibbs says. "The worst enemies are the ones that hide in plain sight. The ones we can't arrest them. You know there's a story about Humphrey Bogart on that tour. Might be apocryphal but I hope it's true. So he finishes early, he walks across the street to a bar still wearing his costume and his makeup. Couple hours later the director realizes he needs Bogie for one more shot, so he sends a production assistant, sends a kid to drag Bogie back onto the cafe set. The Director somehow gets him to the top of the stairs and says 'All I need you to do is look over here and nod'," Vance says. "That's it?" Gibbs asks. "That's it. Bogie nods, in one take, he's done. It's in the movie. When Victor Laslo wants the bandleader to play "La Marseillaise", he looks to Rick for the okay. It's only the turning point for the entire character, where he actually makes a commitment, he joins the cause," Vance replies. "All he had to do was nod," Gibbs says. "And that started everything," Vance replies. "You didn't get a copy of Abby's report," Gibbs asks. "I never saw it. Decades old cold case in Mexico, that's not really my business is it?" Vance says. Gibbs smiles and looks away. "Gibbs, if something has to happen with Alejandro, you don't have to say a word," Vance says as Gibbs nods. The two men walk away with Vance humming the tune "La Marseillaise."

Vance returns to his office where McGee, Ziva and DiNozzo are sitting on the couch waiting for him. Vance asks Ziva about her ceremony and she tells him it's first thing in the morning. Vance says they will debrief second thing, then tells them all it's late, to go home and get some rest. As they all three leave, Vance asks DiNozzo to give him a minute. McGee hesitates and turns to look at Tony from the doorway before leaving.

Gibbs' doorbell rings and he opens it to Allison Hart. "Sharp suit. You're clearly supposed to be somewhere in that sharp suit," Allison says. Gibbs notices her legal briefcase and tells her it's alright. "Never known you to hang around the house dressed like that Special Agent Gibbs," she says as she walks into Gibbs' house. He shuts the door behind her and asks, "What's on your mind?" She walks over to the table and puts her briefcase down. "Do you really believe in right and wrong? And enforcing the law? Putting the bad guys behind bars? Protecting and serving? Why, of all things are you a cop?" she asks as she pulls Abby's report on Pedro Hernandez's death out of her briefcase.

Meanwhile, Ziva is taking her oath to become a U.S. citizen with Vance, Abby, Ducky, Palmer and McGee in attendance. As she's reciting the oath, she sadly looks at the two empty chairs beside her; one for Gibbs and one for Tony.

"We're both sworn representatives of the law. We're both supposed to uphold the code," Allison says as she places two U.S. Code law books on Gibbs' table.

Tony is in Mexico following Alejandro Rivera around.

"I've got my own code," Gibbs says. "No, that doesn't work. This is the bullet that should end you. Do you think I want that?" Allison asks. "I didn't ask you to stop it. What do you want, Allison? Thank you? An apology?" Gibbs asks. "Why the hell not?" she asks. "Because I've got a rule against it, Gibbs answers. "Well, it's a stupid rule," she replies. "Maybe it is," he says.

Ziva, along with the rest of the new U.S. citizens, finish taking their oath. A round of applause breaks out in the room.

"I wanted to know who you were. Who you are. As a person. Speaking as an officer of the law, I think we could beat it," Allison says pointing to Abby's report. Gibbs smiles and Allison leaves, leaving the report and the two books on Gibbs' table.

In Mexico, Tony continues to follow Alejandro, who stops to eat an apple. Tony is grabbed and shoved out of the way, up against a wall. "Hola," Mike Franks says. "Franks," Tony says surprised. "What's your assignment here?" Franks asks. "Observe and report, Directors orders," Tony says. "I'll take it from here Probie," Franks replies. Tony looks at Franks bandaged hand. "I can pull the trigger with my thumb," he tells Tony. Franks walks out of the alleyway to follow Alejandro. Tony sighs and puts his sunglasses back on.

At home, Gibbs opens the door to a spare bedroom. As he is standing there, moving around, he reminisces:
We see a young Shannon reading the 'rules' from papers inside a box. #44 First things first, hide the women and children. "What is this?" she asks. "Your idea," a young Gibbs responds. "You're actually writing them down? Why didn't you start with number one?" she asks. "Can't I get anything right?" Gibbs asks. "Sometimes, I guess," she says and laughs.

Gibbs walks on into the room, smiling and looks around at packed boxes and an unmade bed. Gibbs picks up and goes through the box, looking at old photos of Shannon and Kelly while he reminisces.

"Back again Marine?" a younger Mike Franks appears. "Not anymore. It's done," a young Gibbs replies. "Not what I heard. No such thing as an ex-Marine, that's forever," Franks replies. "Not even gonna asks where you've been. Guess the question is, where you going?" Franks says. "I don't know," young Gibbs replies. "Look at you, all self-loathing and misery. You make me sick. Come here to mope?" Franks says. "Nope, came for a job," young Gibbs says. "My god, you really want to be a cop? You got to let a lot of old stuff go, learn a lot of new stuff to take its place. Think you can do that?" Franks asks.

"I think I'd be a good cop," Gibbs says, present day. Gibbs pulls out rule #13 "Never, ever involve a lawyer." He circles it then flips it over and writes on the back #51 'Sometimes - you're wrong' and places the card inside he box.

We see someone placing candy inside a jar. The door to the store opens and its bell rings. We see Jackson Gibbs turn around and say, "Can I help you?" Paloma Reynosa flips the "Come In We're Open" sign to "Closed" and says, "Yes, Mr. Gibbs, I think you can."