NCIS (2003–…): Season 15, Episode 10 - Double Down - full transcript
Torres and Sloane run protection detail for a U.S. senator in Afghanistan during the holidays and must return to the States when they learn the senator's son is in the ICU.
MAN:
Tonight's show is coming to us
from halfway around the world.
So, let's hear a big round
of applause for Chet Goodman.
(cheering, applause)
The Afghan desert.
I've been in a situation
like this before.
Hot air blowing
in my face all day,
icy cold at night,
never knowing when the
enemy's gonna attack.
Finally, I had to divorce her.
(laughter)
I mean, sure, I
lost my apartment.
That's not funny.
I lost the car.
It's a joke, Senator.
I lost my last
shred of dignity,
Explain how a divorce
but I didn't triple
the national deficit
is like a military drawdown
in a hostile country
with an unfamiliar culture.
No $2,000 government
contract toilet seats
Um...
in my house.
I think you just did.
CHET:
And don't get me wrong.
I still drunk dial my ex.
But you all moved back in.
Damn right. Oorah!
SOLDIERS:
Oorah!
Who's that?
Senator Phillips?
I'm getting heckled
by a Washington politician?
And three-star Marine general.
SOLDIERS:
Oorah!
Generals.
Always sending someone else
to fight your battles.
When I'm fighting, you'll know.
SOLDIERS: Ooh.
All due respect, this
is a goodwill tour.
You take your security detail
and go back to shaking hands.
Let me handle the jokes.
I would,
except the Geneva Conventions
make torture illegal.
(laughter)
I can clearly see...
(phone ringing)
there's some
home-field advantage.
Excuse me.
I-I know when I'm
losing a crowd.
Gibbs?
Can you hear me?
Yeah, barely.
The show's getting a bit rowdy,
thanks to your buddy
Phillips here.
It's taken a few days,
but I totally get
why your unit loved him
in Desert Storm.
Hey, Sloane,
I didn't call to chat.
(laughter)
What's wrong?
CHET: This place would even
depress Charlie Brown.
(laughter)
Senator Phillips' son, Chandler.
He's in ICU.
The ICU?
What happened?
GIBBS:
I'm still trying to find out.
Doctors say it's bad.
He might not live.
(cheering, applause)
Oh, my God.
*
That's a...
hell of a gut punch, Gibbs.
Yes, sir.
What happened?
Well, according to
the Metro Police report,
Chandler fell from
a stairwell landing
in his apartment building.
It was a 20-foot drop,
and, in addition
to breaking his foot,
he also hit his head
on the concrete steps.
Is that the whole story?
They think he was drinking.
I'm getting home to see my boy.
Understood?
Understood, sir.
Already trying to arrange
an earlier flight, sir.
Don't sugarcoat it, Gunny.
Doctors put a clock
on this thing?
Clock's ticking, General.
I will be there.
Gibbs.
I just spoke to the
head of neurology.
Barring a Christmas miracle,
Phillips won't make it
back here in time.
Look, I know you and the
senator go back a long way
and that you wanted to be a part
of his security detail.
What's done is done.
BISHOP:
Hi, Detective.
So, what did the doctor have to
say this time, Detective Mayer?
Same as before, Agent Bishop.
Chandler Phillips' injuries are
consistent with a drunken fall.
Got it. Got it.
E-Except his blood alcohol
came back,
and it was
under the legal limit.
So drinking, yes. Drunk, no.
Did the neighbors
see anything?
Did you process the scene?
Do you mind if I just,
like, take a look?
No. Yes.
And this isn't your case.
You can read my report
after it's been filed
and I've started
my well-deserved holiday break,
which I can't do
until you go away.
Cool. Cool.
Yeah, my, uh...
brothers and parents are
coming in from Oklahoma.
Hey, that's an evidence file.
You're not authorized
to handle it.
Don't worry. I'll sign the log.
Wait.
No.
Oops.
I guess that means you
now have to add NCIS
to the chain of evidence. I...
Or I can just sign the whole
damn case over to NCIS.
You want more work?
Merry Christmas.
And a happy New Year.
It's starting to make sense.
What's up? (clears throat)
Torres and Gibbs
were supposed to be
my security detail.
But I guess
you've been here before?
Yes, sir. Almost ten years ago.
Army psyop.
Why did you want to come back?
I spoke to base command.
The earliest flight
out is in 42 hours.
That's too late.
Helmand province
is heavy with Taliban,
and this airfield
is no longer secure, sir.
Which is exactly the reason
the U.S. Marines
were sent back here.
Well, until they get
the Afghan National Army
and this base up to snuff,
we need an air escort,
and there's not one available
until the day after next.
Okay.
We'll switch airfields.
(insects trill, bird twitters)
(rustling, zipper closes)
This is a Marine-occupied base.
You sleep with a weapon
under your pillow?
It's the desert.
You know, scorpions.
Senator, it's the
middle of the night.
Where are you going?
Home.
To see my son.
There's a plane
leaving in the morning
from Lashkargah airport.
A few hours away.
You up for that?
Die Hard is my favorite
Christmas movie.
I don't know what that means.
I'm here on a holiday adventure.
Gentlemen, buckle up.
I got us a ride.
I had to make
a small compromise,
but there was already a Humvee
going to that airport.
One Humvee
for all that desert?
It's not ideal,
but it's out best shot
of getting you home.
Too risky.
I can go alone.
We go where you go.
Why was there a transport
already on the way
to the airport?
Well, um...
about that compromise...
CHET:
Knock, knock.
Hey, Senator.
Looks like we're
pulling out together.
Oorah!
I see you, McGee.
Everything okay?
No. No, it's not.
Because you decided
to take over a Metro case
on December 22.
That is-- let's see-- one, two,
three days before Christmas.
I have plans, too.
With twin newborn cherubs?
I'm sorry. I-I thought
this was an important thing
to see through.
Look, our job was to update
the senator on the case,
not take it over.
His son fell down the stairs.
I-I felt like
Metro was rushing
to call this an accident,
and they've overlooked
several factors
that would suggest foul play.
Such as?
Such as...
Chandler Phillips
has a criminal record.
27. Single. Unemployed.
Well, he didn't live up
to his war hero dad.
Doesn't prove anything.
Well, the accident
could be connected
to his criminal activity.
Chandler was
arrested last year
for possession
of illegal prescription drugs.
And it made the news
because the senator
had just sponsored
an anti-drug bill.
Well, looks bad
if your kid's a user.
And then to save face,
the senator
paid for Chandler's bail
and then publicly disowned him.
His only child.
And that was a week
after the senator's wife
died of cancer.
Stressful time.
Chandler fell off the radar,
and they haven't spoken since.
Well, given the senator's
determination to get home,
I'd say he's willing
to forgive and forget.
He's a dad.
All parents love their kids...
no matter what.
You think the same thing
works in reverse, boss?
You know,
if a parent misses
their kid's first Christmas?
The twins are four weeks old.
They'll never remember.
Um, photos.
Uh, Photoshop.
Enough.
Almost dawn in Afghanistan.
Yeah, I just heard
from Sloane and Torres.
They're transporting the senator
to a civilian airport.
If there's more to this case,
I want to know about it
before wheels up.
You, too, Father Christmas.
CHET:
I got shotgun.
I can't wait to get out of here.
This is your bag, Chet?
Years on the road have taught me
drink heavy and travel light.
That bag has been to dives
all over the world.
Now it's been to this one.
But six porta-potties
for 300 Marines
is not what I signed up for.
Luckily I just got word
that I'm up for a lead role
in a comedy pilot.
Writer wants to meet this week.
Oh, so you got
a Marine transport
to be your own personal Uber.
My agent also reps Colin Powell.
Cut the chatter. That flight's
not gonna wait for us.
What are the seating
arrangements?
Knock, knock.
Uh, who's there?
Chumps ride the hump.
(sighs) That's not even a joke.
Well, the stairs match
Metro's reports.
Nothing new there.
This place is not so sexy.
I don't know. The roaches
downstairs didn't seem to mind.
I pulled up Chandler's
social media posts,
and they all show
expensive hotels,
wild parties,
and an overall "sexy" lifestyle.
Where does he get the money?
The senator?
I doubt it.
Chandler's bank account
has been dormant
for over a year.
He must be using cash.
Did Metro follow up on that?
No, but they did talk
to the roommate.
(rap music playing loudly)
Seth Hendrix.
Federal agents.
(knocks on door)
Seth Hendrix?
A... Ocean's Eleven-themed
porno movie?
Or an illegal casino.
(music shuts off)
It's all legit, okay?
Sorry, I-I didn't hear
you guys knock.
I'm still in mourning.
NCIS Special Agents
Bishop and McGee.
And you do know
that Chandler's not dead?
Did his dad,
Senator Smug, send you?
I already talked
to the cops.
Yeah. Uh, we'd like
to confirm what happened.
(sighs)
Chandler and I
were playing video games
and drinking,
when he decided
to run out for coffee.
Our vision was getting
a little blurry,
and we were having a hard time
discerning
between the Darkin
and the Iceborn.
Video game creatures.
Next thing I know,
Metro Police
are at the door saying
Chandler fell.
I was inside the whole time.
And the... backroom Bellagio?
The table's just for practice.
We were professional gamblers.
And best friends.
Again, Chandler's... not dead.
We're gonna look around
a little bit.
SLOANE: Things are going
smoothly here, Gibbs.
Any updates on Chandler?
What do you know, Gunny?
Swelling hasn't gone down.
But Chandler, he's hanging on.
Good to hear.
We'll check in once
we get to the airport.
Be safe.
Corporal, this isn't
the route we discussed.
How can you tell?
Everything looks the same.
The senator and I talked
before we left, ma'am.
This way's faster.
Every second counts.
And Corporal Girard knows
every curve,
canyon, and crack
of this desert.
JIMMY: I knew this
would come back to bite me.
The first year I invite
Breena's parents over
for Themed Christmas
and we get a last-minute case.
Isn't Christmas the
theme of Christmas?
God, Breena's dad is gonna
roast me like the prize goose
the butcher just delivered.
I was gonna wear a waistcoat,
Abbs, make figgy pudding.
Did you even look
at the 3-D model that
I sent you, Charles Dickens?
Hey, that's the theme
we were going for.
Yes, I did. But...
based on the medical records
from the hospital,
your animation
is incorrect.
See, it shows
that Chandler fell forward
with his face hitting first.
It was based
on momentum
and him walking forward,
you know, like a human.
Yeah, but the severity
of his cranial wound means
that the back of his head
hit first.
(sighs) I thought
you were gonna say that.
So I made a second model.
In order for Chandler to hit
the back of his head first,
he would have
to have fallen
backwards
and at a very high velocity.
Right. So why did you show me
the first model?
Because, Bob Cratchit,
you're not the only one
with Christmas plans.
I was hoping
you would say I was wrong.
Well, you're not.
Chandler Phillips
fell straight backwards.
Which, even if he was buzzed, is
really hard to do at that speed.
Unless he was pushed.
Humbug.
Humbug.
CHET:
I'm just saying, I get it.
My old man disowned me
for wanting to be a comic.
I was nine.
I didn't say "disown."
I turned my back
on Chandler because he...
lacked purpose
and only thought of himself.
Sound familiar?
Yeah. You even have
my dad's righteous indignation.
The only difference
between you and Chandler is
that he still has a chance
to be a decent human being.
Hey, hey, hey, you two.
I will turn this car around.
We may have to. Corporal.
Everybody hold on.
IED.
It's old. But it means
the Taliban's back
to playing their
greatest hits.
Uh, is it safe to be out here?
Senator, if this crater's an
indication of what's ahead,
we have to turn back.
I got to call this in.
What about taking
the longer route?
It's too late.
What? That's it?
Well, that's just great.
Merry flippin' Christmas.
Radio's gone, too.
Sat phone?
Left it in the backseat
when we got out.
So nobody knows we're here.
What the hell
just happened?
Was that crater
some kind of trap?
Crater had nothing to do
with it.
There was a live IED
buried in the road.
Well, why didn't it go off
immediately?
We-we should be dead.
Are we dead?
The explosive had a delay
so it doesn't just hit the lead
vehicle in a convoy, okay?
This is not
what I signed up for.
It's too dangerous to
stay out in the open.
Whoever planted the bomb has
likely heard their handiwork.
We have to find shelter.
Yeah, I think we passed
a Starbucks.
There.
The mountains? Isn't that
where the Taliban live?
Move.
Senator.
Sir, we got to go.
*
It's late, Abby.
What do you got?
Well, hopefully more answers
for Senator Phillips.
I haven't found
anything to suggest
who tried to
murder Chandler.
But you were right--
something is hinky.
He was running
an illegal casino.
Casino, no.
Illegal, yes.
How much you want to bet
I can roll a two?
Well, odds are 36 to one.
Nice.
These are casino-grade dice
made from a cellulose acetate.
The dots are called pips.
They're drilled,
and then they're filled
with a white plastic with
the same density as the dice.
So that they weigh the same
on each side.
And so that
they roll evenly.
But these didn't.
Because these dice are loaded.
The pips on one side
have been filled
with something that's
ten times heavier
than the plastic.
I don't see anything wrong.
Exactly.
Loaded dice
are usually terrible.
Like, a casino
can identify them immediately.
But these are perfect.
Whoever made these
is really smart
and really skilled.
Probably with, like,
a chemical engineering degree.
Chandler Phillips
dropped out of college,
but Seth Hendrix did not.
The drunken roommate?
McGEE: Yeah, apparently,
this guy graduated
from MIT with a GPA
two-tenths higher than mine.
(exhales)
Clear.
Clear. Come on in, folks.
I suppose
you're gonna complain.
You kidding?
This is better than most
of the motels I stay in.
Cleaner, anyways.
Everything's gonna be fine.
As soon as we don't check in,
camp command will
send out an alert.
We'll be able to hear
a search team from in here.
Yeah, I'm thinking,
what, a few hours.
Might be longer.
Why's that, Senator?
The route change
through the hills--
I planned and cleared it
with our driver.
But, uh...
I knew once camp command
found out,
they'd change our quick hop
into a time-wasting convoy.
So...?
They think we took the long way.
Well, they'll send
a search team.
But they'll be looking
in the wrong place.
(rap remix playing loudly)
Nothing like a little
holiday spirit
at the crack of dawn.
(pounding on door)
MAN: Hey! You in there?
The neighbors seem
to think so.
(loud pounding)
Hey!
(scoffs)
Poor guy.
Well, let's help him out.
* We go ho, ho, ho...
(remix of "Jingle Bells"
continues playing)
* We go ho, ho, ho
*
(music shuts off)
Must be ten grand
cash there.
And a nice bottle
of champagne.
All right, you ready?
Federal agents!
NCIS!
Get up!
(screams)
All right. Okay.
Gibbs, I just got your message.
Everything okay?
He's awake.
Thank God.
Well, you should call
the senator.
I think we just got
that Christmas miracle.
(chuckles)
(phone beeping)
When's the last time
you heard from Agent Sloane?
Excuse me, sir.
I don't mean
to interrupt.
Gunny, NCIS Director Vance.
How can I help you?
I just read in the paper
this morning
that Chandler Phillips
had been hospitalized.
Yeah. Last night. But he seems
to be putting up a fight.
Glad to hear it. Just wanted
to come and offer my support.
You know his father?
No, sir. Chandler came into
my recruitment office yesterday.
Chandler Phillips?
I didn't know who he was
at first,
until he told me his story.
Chandler wanted to turn over
a new leaf.
His criminal record
would require a waiver,
but he said that life
was all behind him.
Chandler Phillips just enlisted
in the Marines.
SLOANE:
One first aid kit.
Six pieces
of foil-wrapped chewing gum.
Four protein bars.
And two flashlights.
Which might come
in handy soon.
And so will this map.
It belonged
to the corporal.
Hey,
I appreciate you making
the grocery list, but...
how much longer you
plan on being in here?
We've been here for hours.
How 'bout actually doing
something to help us
get the hell out?
There is nothing to do
but wait.
And listen.
So shut up and man up.
Oh. Like you?
So noble.
So righteous.
No wonder your son
couldn't live up
to your expectations.
They were too high.
Chet.
I said I got it.
Son didn't go into
the family business,
so Dad thinks
he's worthless,
and is forced to turn his back.
You don't take responsibility
for any of it, do you?
Whatever issues you may have,
I am not your father.
No.
My dad never got
an innocent Marine killed.
Hey, hey. Hey, hey.
Enough. Come on.
Break it up.
Enough, children.
Feel better now?
Get down!
(grunts)
(distant chatter)
(quietly):
Come on. Come on.
Go.
(groans)
Senator?
Everybody okay back there?
No! He's been shot!
(Phillips groans)
MARINE HELO PILOT (over radio):
Negative visual.
We have a few more minutes
in this search grid,
and then we'll have to head back
for refuel.
Anything from our
casino grifters?
They're on
their way in.
Good.
Doctors removed Chandler's
breathing tube.
While there doesn't seem to be
any long-term brain damage,
he can't remember
what happened.
That why you
called me up here?
No.
I've been on the horn
with central command.
Transport never made it
to the airport.
Search team.
Ground and air.
So far, no sign.
You want something from me,
Leon, just ask.
I wanted you
to be on that detail.
When Phillips requested
an NCIS security escort,
Agent Sloane
begged me to go.
I said "no."
Yeah.
Then why the hell did you
give up your spot
and tell her that
it was on my orders?
It seemed important to her.
Question is
why did you say "no"?
Because of your relationship
with the senator.
I was doing you a favor.
Since when?
You trying to protect Sloane?
I'm trying to prevent history
from repeating itself.
She can handle it.
SLOANE:
The bullet just missed
your armor.
There wasn't much
to work with, but, uh,
I think it will hold.
My guts are still on the inside?
Yeah, they are.
(grunts)
So is the bullet... deep.
So no more fistfights, kid.
(chuckles)
He did save my life.
I suppose I owe him something.
How about silence?
(sighs)
Why do you have your agents
taking apart my craps table?
It's custom-made.
Evidence.
Cheating the casinos
means serious prison time.
They don't always
roll a two.
Oh, so you admit
to loading the dice?
Well, that was fast.
How about attacking Chandler?
Did you do that, too?
Because that wasn't an accident.
I'm willing to come clean
on the dice,
if that proves I didn't commit
attempted murder.
It doesn't.
I never admitted
to using the dice.
Expensive hotel rooms,
the wad of cash we found
in your apartment--
that's all, what?
Pure luck?
That's about to run out.
McGEE:
You and Chandler
were partners in your
little casino con,
till two days ago
when he wanted out.
He joined the Marines.
(scoffs)
The Marines?
(laughing): Okay, come on.
Th-that's a joke.
(laughs)
Look, Chandler never
wanted to be like his dad.
So if he was going straight,
this is the first
we've heard about it.
Who's we?
BISHOP:
So there's actually three
of you involved
in the casino con.
Misty Boxlarter.
You also went to MIT.
But, unlike Seth,
you dropped out.
It's a tough school.
Not for him.
Seth's a genius.
Clearly.
Uh, you and Seth are together?
We met at school.
And Chandler?
Did you try to kill him?
I wasn't even there that night.
The guys would rather spend
their money on a party
than a nice apartment,
so I have my own place.
Can anybody verify
you were there?
No.
But I would never hurt Chandler,
and neither would Seth.
Why?
(sighs)
I'll have to show you.
Do you play craps?
I bet you're sorry
you came here now.
We both had our reasons
for coming, sir.
You find what
you were looking for?
Have you?
(laughs)
Of course.
I travel to battle zones
every Christmas...
...to show support.
For the troops.
(grunts)
Now you're analyzing me.
What do you say?
I'm, uh, running away from
spending the holidays at home?
With family?
I'm just talking
in a cave.
(grunts)
What do you want
me to say, huh?
That Chet's right?
SLOANE:
(clears throat)
I don't know.
Was he?
(sighs)
(laughs)
(exhales)
Yes.
Okay?
When your wife passed away,
it was just you and Chandler.
That must have been
really hard.
I'd been hurt in battle before.
(sighs)
Her death was
a new kind of pain.
I coped... how
I knew best.
Faced with loss,
we all do, sir.
PHILLIPS:
I played a stoic Marine.
Emotions in check.
But Chandler took it
as a sign of not caring.
Like he did when I
pushed him to be better.
I pushed so hard,
I pushed him away.
I never saw...
the part I played in that...
(laughs)
(laughing):
...until...
...until it punched me
in the face.
I gotta tell my boy
I was wrong.
(engine approaching)
TORRES:
Coming in!
Hey.
Hey.
Here's the good news.
Our Taliban Twins
were bikers.
So they were alone.
They were probably out
on a scout.
Which means they'll be missed.
We're gonna have company.
Do you have enough gas in there
to get back to camp?
Well, here's...
here's the bad news.
Nope.
Seven. Seven out.
Next shooter coming out.
Okay, so now the roll passes
to the next player.
We'll pretend Agent McGee
is Chandler.
And I am using the loaded dice.
Right, which is when the
random girl drinking champagne
at the end of the table
decides to put a hundred
on the deuce.
ABBY:
Two.
Pays out 30 to one. Jimmy,
give the lucky lady
$3,000.
Three grand only goes so far.
Ever heard of "letting it ride"?
Misty is now gonna place
all three grand
on the same bet.
Two craps two.
That's snake eyes.
It's also $90,000.
And Misty's cue
to generously
tip the dealer
and walk away.
Chandler switches back the dice
before anyone asks questions,
and we party
for the next few months.
Wait a minute.
You've got three dealers
watching the game
at all times.
How do you get the dice
on and off the table?
That's the trick.
Sleight of hand.
It's incredibly difficult.
Even with the help of cameras,
it took Chandler
over a year to learn.
Neither of us know how to do it.
So without him, the scam ends.
Yeah, we'd never hurt
the golden goose.
And we have no idea
who did. Right, babe?
Misty, anything you give us
will help you with the DA.
Well...
While we play, Seth watches
to make sure security isn't
getting too curious.
A few days ago,
he thought one did.
It was nothing.
Just a false alarm.
The pit boss in Atlantic City
who followed Chandler?
Chandler never said
anything about it.
Besides, I don't even remember
what the guy looked like.
Oh, I do.
Tall, thin, with
a dark mustache.
Kind of, like,
hipster-looking.
I think that
was the guy
outside their door
this morning.
SLOANE:
This way back to camp
isn't the way we came.
A lone rider going
off-road can save time.
And gas.
SLOANE:
Here, I got it.
You take this dry riverbed.
It's smooth,
and it'll lead you right
back to camp... I hope.
TORRES: I thought you'd
been here before.
It's a big area; it
was a long time ago.
TORRES: Do not put
doubts in my head.
Uh, we have enough of those.
I-I think he passed out.
Senator, can
you hear me?
Senator!
General?
Senator.
Senator, sir.
Ugh.
The bleeding didn't stop.
Here, put your hand
underneath his bandage
and keep pressure on the wound.
Directly?
Yes, directly.
You want to save his life?
There. Got it?
Nick. You got to
get out of here now.
Yippee ki-yay.
(engine revs)
Hey, update
on Sloane and Torres?
Search team
is still on the hunt.
Anything on the casino
employment records?
Oh, just downloaded.
You really think
mustache man is
a casino enforcer?
McGEE: I just want
to find this guy.
I promised the twins that
I would close this case.
There.
Okay. Axel McKenzie III.
He's worked security
at the Atlantic Diamond Casino
for the last two years.
All right, send me
that contact info.
Hey. No need.
Boss?
You found him.
Actually, uh, I called.
I'm not in town
to kill Chandler.
I came to hire him.
BISHOP:
Hire him?
After catching him cheat?
Yeah. His
sleight-of-hand
was flawless, and
I've seen a lot.
So I cornered him, alone,
in the hotel bar.
He denied it.
No, that was the
craziest thing.
He just admitted to the whole
scam right then and there,
begged me
not to press charges.
He promised that
he would get help.
You know,
change his life around.
He went to a Marine recruiting
office the next day.
So much for hiring him.
Casino thinks
we can use his skills
to spot other cheaters.
Look, I tried calling
before I ever showed up,
but Chandler
never answered the phone.
I saw why on the news
this morning,
which is right when
I called you guys.
Hell of an accident, huh?
It wasn't.
What about the money?
Decent guy or not,
a casino is gonna miss 90 grand.
Oh, yeah, Chandler gave it back.
You mean his cut-- 30,000.
No, he gave back
his partners' cut too.
That was part of the deal.
Is that... important?
Yeah. Motive.
(sighs)
CHET: Damn it,
Senator, you got me
feeling guilty about my dad.
I'm gonna have to
call the bastard.
Wingos.
The name...
on the wall.
You part of that?
Op was classified, sir.
Not everyone made it.
That must have been hard.
I coped the best I knew how.
Senator?
What do we do?
Have faith.
McGEE:
Chandler told you
he got caught.
And that he gave away
all your secrets
and all your money.
You got angry, and Chandler
stormed out of the apartment,
into the stairwell,
and you followed.
No.
You-you can't prove anything.
How could he give away
your secret dice recipe?
I mean, that's your life's work.
It's pretty convincing
to a jury.
It just depends
on how we charge you.
Yeah, I don't think it
was attempted murder.
Heat of the moment.
Which means aggravated assault,
if you confess.
We were both angry
when Chandler told us.
But she-she didn't
meant to do it.
You saying Misty was there?
She-she pushed him,
and-and came back in
and told me everything.
I-I love Misty.
I do.
But...
it was her.
Oh, screw this.
He's lying.
Are you sure about that?
Everything he said did happen,
but it was the other way around.
Yes, I lied.
I was at the apartment.
And after Chandler told us
what happened, we were mad.
But while Seth
went after Chandler,
I went to the table
and got started practicing.
Practicing sleight of hand?
I wasn't gonna let Chandler
ruin a good thing.
And while
I was practicing,
Seth's the one
who came running in
and told me what he did.
Well, it's your word
against your boyfriend's.
He just accused me of murder.
We're no longer dating.
Which sucks for Seth,
because he doesn't know
I've been protecting him.
Protecting him from what?
In order to practice
sleight of hand,
Chandler used
video cameras, so...
I was doing
the same thing.
They were recording
when Seth confessed.
I hid the tape.
Mis... Misty.
You have to help me.
MISTY:
What? What happened?
I-I pushed him.
I pushed him,
and then-then...
then he fell
on-on the stairs.
What?
Gibbs showed that to Seth,
who decided that assault
didn't sound so bad.
Case closed. And...
just in time for Christmas.
(soft chuckle)
So why doesn't this
feel so good?
'Cause the rest of the
family's not home yet.
CHANDLER:
How can they still be missing?
I want to
see my dad.
You have a lot
to tell him.
I want to look him
in the eyes...
...and I want
to tell my father that...
he was right.
Last time
we spoke...
there... there wasn't much love.
I need to change that.
Parents always love their kids.
No matter what happens.
CHET:
Come on.
Don't stop fighting now.
(bird squawking)
What is it?
Vehicles approaching.
Good or bad?
No matter what,
keep quiet.
*
* Come, they told me
* Pa-rum pum pum pum
* Our newborn king to see
* Pa-rum pum pum pum
* Our finest gifts we bring
* Pa-rum pum pum pum
MAN (over P.A.):
Stand by for orders.
* To lay before the king
* Pa-rum pum pum pum...
They recover
the corporal's body?
No man left behind.
*
* So to honor him
* Pa-rum pum pum pum
* When we come
(digging softly)
*
(exhales)
(exhales)
(sighs)
I can go alone.
We go where you go.
Gibbs,
good to see you.
It's been
a long flight.
Only because I no longer need
the security detail.
Or this chair.
And I-I don't know
why we're here.
I told you I want to see my...
* I am a poor boy, too...
Welcome back, sir.
* I have no gift to bring
* Pa-rum pum pum pum
* That's fit to give...
Dad, I am so s...
I love you, son.
* Rum pum pum pum
I love you, too.
* Then he smiled at me
* Pa-rum pum pum pum
* Me and my drum.
Captioning sponsored by
CBS
Tonight's show is coming to us
from halfway around the world.
So, let's hear a big round
of applause for Chet Goodman.
(cheering, applause)
The Afghan desert.
I've been in a situation
like this before.
Hot air blowing
in my face all day,
icy cold at night,
never knowing when the
enemy's gonna attack.
Finally, I had to divorce her.
(laughter)
I mean, sure, I
lost my apartment.
That's not funny.
I lost the car.
It's a joke, Senator.
I lost my last
shred of dignity,
Explain how a divorce
but I didn't triple
the national deficit
is like a military drawdown
in a hostile country
with an unfamiliar culture.
No $2,000 government
contract toilet seats
Um...
in my house.
I think you just did.
CHET:
And don't get me wrong.
I still drunk dial my ex.
But you all moved back in.
Damn right. Oorah!
SOLDIERS:
Oorah!
Who's that?
Senator Phillips?
I'm getting heckled
by a Washington politician?
And three-star Marine general.
SOLDIERS:
Oorah!
Generals.
Always sending someone else
to fight your battles.
When I'm fighting, you'll know.
SOLDIERS: Ooh.
All due respect, this
is a goodwill tour.
You take your security detail
and go back to shaking hands.
Let me handle the jokes.
I would,
except the Geneva Conventions
make torture illegal.
(laughter)
I can clearly see...
(phone ringing)
there's some
home-field advantage.
Excuse me.
I-I know when I'm
losing a crowd.
Gibbs?
Can you hear me?
Yeah, barely.
The show's getting a bit rowdy,
thanks to your buddy
Phillips here.
It's taken a few days,
but I totally get
why your unit loved him
in Desert Storm.
Hey, Sloane,
I didn't call to chat.
(laughter)
What's wrong?
CHET: This place would even
depress Charlie Brown.
(laughter)
Senator Phillips' son, Chandler.
He's in ICU.
The ICU?
What happened?
GIBBS:
I'm still trying to find out.
Doctors say it's bad.
He might not live.
(cheering, applause)
Oh, my God.
*
That's a...
hell of a gut punch, Gibbs.
Yes, sir.
What happened?
Well, according to
the Metro Police report,
Chandler fell from
a stairwell landing
in his apartment building.
It was a 20-foot drop,
and, in addition
to breaking his foot,
he also hit his head
on the concrete steps.
Is that the whole story?
They think he was drinking.
I'm getting home to see my boy.
Understood?
Understood, sir.
Already trying to arrange
an earlier flight, sir.
Don't sugarcoat it, Gunny.
Doctors put a clock
on this thing?
Clock's ticking, General.
I will be there.
Gibbs.
I just spoke to the
head of neurology.
Barring a Christmas miracle,
Phillips won't make it
back here in time.
Look, I know you and the
senator go back a long way
and that you wanted to be a part
of his security detail.
What's done is done.
BISHOP:
Hi, Detective.
So, what did the doctor have to
say this time, Detective Mayer?
Same as before, Agent Bishop.
Chandler Phillips' injuries are
consistent with a drunken fall.
Got it. Got it.
E-Except his blood alcohol
came back,
and it was
under the legal limit.
So drinking, yes. Drunk, no.
Did the neighbors
see anything?
Did you process the scene?
Do you mind if I just,
like, take a look?
No. Yes.
And this isn't your case.
You can read my report
after it's been filed
and I've started
my well-deserved holiday break,
which I can't do
until you go away.
Cool. Cool.
Yeah, my, uh...
brothers and parents are
coming in from Oklahoma.
Hey, that's an evidence file.
You're not authorized
to handle it.
Don't worry. I'll sign the log.
Wait.
No.
Oops.
I guess that means you
now have to add NCIS
to the chain of evidence. I...
Or I can just sign the whole
damn case over to NCIS.
You want more work?
Merry Christmas.
And a happy New Year.
It's starting to make sense.
What's up? (clears throat)
Torres and Gibbs
were supposed to be
my security detail.
But I guess
you've been here before?
Yes, sir. Almost ten years ago.
Army psyop.
Why did you want to come back?
I spoke to base command.
The earliest flight
out is in 42 hours.
That's too late.
Helmand province
is heavy with Taliban,
and this airfield
is no longer secure, sir.
Which is exactly the reason
the U.S. Marines
were sent back here.
Well, until they get
the Afghan National Army
and this base up to snuff,
we need an air escort,
and there's not one available
until the day after next.
Okay.
We'll switch airfields.
(insects trill, bird twitters)
(rustling, zipper closes)
This is a Marine-occupied base.
You sleep with a weapon
under your pillow?
It's the desert.
You know, scorpions.
Senator, it's the
middle of the night.
Where are you going?
Home.
To see my son.
There's a plane
leaving in the morning
from Lashkargah airport.
A few hours away.
You up for that?
Die Hard is my favorite
Christmas movie.
I don't know what that means.
I'm here on a holiday adventure.
Gentlemen, buckle up.
I got us a ride.
I had to make
a small compromise,
but there was already a Humvee
going to that airport.
One Humvee
for all that desert?
It's not ideal,
but it's out best shot
of getting you home.
Too risky.
I can go alone.
We go where you go.
Why was there a transport
already on the way
to the airport?
Well, um...
about that compromise...
CHET:
Knock, knock.
Hey, Senator.
Looks like we're
pulling out together.
Oorah!
I see you, McGee.
Everything okay?
No. No, it's not.
Because you decided
to take over a Metro case
on December 22.
That is-- let's see-- one, two,
three days before Christmas.
I have plans, too.
With twin newborn cherubs?
I'm sorry. I-I thought
this was an important thing
to see through.
Look, our job was to update
the senator on the case,
not take it over.
His son fell down the stairs.
I-I felt like
Metro was rushing
to call this an accident,
and they've overlooked
several factors
that would suggest foul play.
Such as?
Such as...
Chandler Phillips
has a criminal record.
27. Single. Unemployed.
Well, he didn't live up
to his war hero dad.
Doesn't prove anything.
Well, the accident
could be connected
to his criminal activity.
Chandler was
arrested last year
for possession
of illegal prescription drugs.
And it made the news
because the senator
had just sponsored
an anti-drug bill.
Well, looks bad
if your kid's a user.
And then to save face,
the senator
paid for Chandler's bail
and then publicly disowned him.
His only child.
And that was a week
after the senator's wife
died of cancer.
Stressful time.
Chandler fell off the radar,
and they haven't spoken since.
Well, given the senator's
determination to get home,
I'd say he's willing
to forgive and forget.
He's a dad.
All parents love their kids...
no matter what.
You think the same thing
works in reverse, boss?
You know,
if a parent misses
their kid's first Christmas?
The twins are four weeks old.
They'll never remember.
Um, photos.
Uh, Photoshop.
Enough.
Almost dawn in Afghanistan.
Yeah, I just heard
from Sloane and Torres.
They're transporting the senator
to a civilian airport.
If there's more to this case,
I want to know about it
before wheels up.
You, too, Father Christmas.
CHET:
I got shotgun.
I can't wait to get out of here.
This is your bag, Chet?
Years on the road have taught me
drink heavy and travel light.
That bag has been to dives
all over the world.
Now it's been to this one.
But six porta-potties
for 300 Marines
is not what I signed up for.
Luckily I just got word
that I'm up for a lead role
in a comedy pilot.
Writer wants to meet this week.
Oh, so you got
a Marine transport
to be your own personal Uber.
My agent also reps Colin Powell.
Cut the chatter. That flight's
not gonna wait for us.
What are the seating
arrangements?
Knock, knock.
Uh, who's there?
Chumps ride the hump.
(sighs) That's not even a joke.
Well, the stairs match
Metro's reports.
Nothing new there.
This place is not so sexy.
I don't know. The roaches
downstairs didn't seem to mind.
I pulled up Chandler's
social media posts,
and they all show
expensive hotels,
wild parties,
and an overall "sexy" lifestyle.
Where does he get the money?
The senator?
I doubt it.
Chandler's bank account
has been dormant
for over a year.
He must be using cash.
Did Metro follow up on that?
No, but they did talk
to the roommate.
(rap music playing loudly)
Seth Hendrix.
Federal agents.
(knocks on door)
Seth Hendrix?
A... Ocean's Eleven-themed
porno movie?
Or an illegal casino.
(music shuts off)
It's all legit, okay?
Sorry, I-I didn't hear
you guys knock.
I'm still in mourning.
NCIS Special Agents
Bishop and McGee.
And you do know
that Chandler's not dead?
Did his dad,
Senator Smug, send you?
I already talked
to the cops.
Yeah. Uh, we'd like
to confirm what happened.
(sighs)
Chandler and I
were playing video games
and drinking,
when he decided
to run out for coffee.
Our vision was getting
a little blurry,
and we were having a hard time
discerning
between the Darkin
and the Iceborn.
Video game creatures.
Next thing I know,
Metro Police
are at the door saying
Chandler fell.
I was inside the whole time.
And the... backroom Bellagio?
The table's just for practice.
We were professional gamblers.
And best friends.
Again, Chandler's... not dead.
We're gonna look around
a little bit.
SLOANE: Things are going
smoothly here, Gibbs.
Any updates on Chandler?
What do you know, Gunny?
Swelling hasn't gone down.
But Chandler, he's hanging on.
Good to hear.
We'll check in once
we get to the airport.
Be safe.
Corporal, this isn't
the route we discussed.
How can you tell?
Everything looks the same.
The senator and I talked
before we left, ma'am.
This way's faster.
Every second counts.
And Corporal Girard knows
every curve,
canyon, and crack
of this desert.
JIMMY: I knew this
would come back to bite me.
The first year I invite
Breena's parents over
for Themed Christmas
and we get a last-minute case.
Isn't Christmas the
theme of Christmas?
God, Breena's dad is gonna
roast me like the prize goose
the butcher just delivered.
I was gonna wear a waistcoat,
Abbs, make figgy pudding.
Did you even look
at the 3-D model that
I sent you, Charles Dickens?
Hey, that's the theme
we were going for.
Yes, I did. But...
based on the medical records
from the hospital,
your animation
is incorrect.
See, it shows
that Chandler fell forward
with his face hitting first.
It was based
on momentum
and him walking forward,
you know, like a human.
Yeah, but the severity
of his cranial wound means
that the back of his head
hit first.
(sighs) I thought
you were gonna say that.
So I made a second model.
In order for Chandler to hit
the back of his head first,
he would have
to have fallen
backwards
and at a very high velocity.
Right. So why did you show me
the first model?
Because, Bob Cratchit,
you're not the only one
with Christmas plans.
I was hoping
you would say I was wrong.
Well, you're not.
Chandler Phillips
fell straight backwards.
Which, even if he was buzzed, is
really hard to do at that speed.
Unless he was pushed.
Humbug.
Humbug.
CHET:
I'm just saying, I get it.
My old man disowned me
for wanting to be a comic.
I was nine.
I didn't say "disown."
I turned my back
on Chandler because he...
lacked purpose
and only thought of himself.
Sound familiar?
Yeah. You even have
my dad's righteous indignation.
The only difference
between you and Chandler is
that he still has a chance
to be a decent human being.
Hey, hey, hey, you two.
I will turn this car around.
We may have to. Corporal.
Everybody hold on.
IED.
It's old. But it means
the Taliban's back
to playing their
greatest hits.
Uh, is it safe to be out here?
Senator, if this crater's an
indication of what's ahead,
we have to turn back.
I got to call this in.
What about taking
the longer route?
It's too late.
What? That's it?
Well, that's just great.
Merry flippin' Christmas.
Radio's gone, too.
Sat phone?
Left it in the backseat
when we got out.
So nobody knows we're here.
What the hell
just happened?
Was that crater
some kind of trap?
Crater had nothing to do
with it.
There was a live IED
buried in the road.
Well, why didn't it go off
immediately?
We-we should be dead.
Are we dead?
The explosive had a delay
so it doesn't just hit the lead
vehicle in a convoy, okay?
This is not
what I signed up for.
It's too dangerous to
stay out in the open.
Whoever planted the bomb has
likely heard their handiwork.
We have to find shelter.
Yeah, I think we passed
a Starbucks.
There.
The mountains? Isn't that
where the Taliban live?
Move.
Senator.
Sir, we got to go.
*
It's late, Abby.
What do you got?
Well, hopefully more answers
for Senator Phillips.
I haven't found
anything to suggest
who tried to
murder Chandler.
But you were right--
something is hinky.
He was running
an illegal casino.
Casino, no.
Illegal, yes.
How much you want to bet
I can roll a two?
Well, odds are 36 to one.
Nice.
These are casino-grade dice
made from a cellulose acetate.
The dots are called pips.
They're drilled,
and then they're filled
with a white plastic with
the same density as the dice.
So that they weigh the same
on each side.
And so that
they roll evenly.
But these didn't.
Because these dice are loaded.
The pips on one side
have been filled
with something that's
ten times heavier
than the plastic.
I don't see anything wrong.
Exactly.
Loaded dice
are usually terrible.
Like, a casino
can identify them immediately.
But these are perfect.
Whoever made these
is really smart
and really skilled.
Probably with, like,
a chemical engineering degree.
Chandler Phillips
dropped out of college,
but Seth Hendrix did not.
The drunken roommate?
McGEE: Yeah, apparently,
this guy graduated
from MIT with a GPA
two-tenths higher than mine.
(exhales)
Clear.
Clear. Come on in, folks.
I suppose
you're gonna complain.
You kidding?
This is better than most
of the motels I stay in.
Cleaner, anyways.
Everything's gonna be fine.
As soon as we don't check in,
camp command will
send out an alert.
We'll be able to hear
a search team from in here.
Yeah, I'm thinking,
what, a few hours.
Might be longer.
Why's that, Senator?
The route change
through the hills--
I planned and cleared it
with our driver.
But, uh...
I knew once camp command
found out,
they'd change our quick hop
into a time-wasting convoy.
So...?
They think we took the long way.
Well, they'll send
a search team.
But they'll be looking
in the wrong place.
(rap remix playing loudly)
Nothing like a little
holiday spirit
at the crack of dawn.
(pounding on door)
MAN: Hey! You in there?
The neighbors seem
to think so.
(loud pounding)
Hey!
(scoffs)
Poor guy.
Well, let's help him out.
* We go ho, ho, ho...
(remix of "Jingle Bells"
continues playing)
* We go ho, ho, ho
*
(music shuts off)
Must be ten grand
cash there.
And a nice bottle
of champagne.
All right, you ready?
Federal agents!
NCIS!
Get up!
(screams)
All right. Okay.
Gibbs, I just got your message.
Everything okay?
He's awake.
Thank God.
Well, you should call
the senator.
I think we just got
that Christmas miracle.
(chuckles)
(phone beeping)
When's the last time
you heard from Agent Sloane?
Excuse me, sir.
I don't mean
to interrupt.
Gunny, NCIS Director Vance.
How can I help you?
I just read in the paper
this morning
that Chandler Phillips
had been hospitalized.
Yeah. Last night. But he seems
to be putting up a fight.
Glad to hear it. Just wanted
to come and offer my support.
You know his father?
No, sir. Chandler came into
my recruitment office yesterday.
Chandler Phillips?
I didn't know who he was
at first,
until he told me his story.
Chandler wanted to turn over
a new leaf.
His criminal record
would require a waiver,
but he said that life
was all behind him.
Chandler Phillips just enlisted
in the Marines.
SLOANE:
One first aid kit.
Six pieces
of foil-wrapped chewing gum.
Four protein bars.
And two flashlights.
Which might come
in handy soon.
And so will this map.
It belonged
to the corporal.
Hey,
I appreciate you making
the grocery list, but...
how much longer you
plan on being in here?
We've been here for hours.
How 'bout actually doing
something to help us
get the hell out?
There is nothing to do
but wait.
And listen.
So shut up and man up.
Oh. Like you?
So noble.
So righteous.
No wonder your son
couldn't live up
to your expectations.
They were too high.
Chet.
I said I got it.
Son didn't go into
the family business,
so Dad thinks
he's worthless,
and is forced to turn his back.
You don't take responsibility
for any of it, do you?
Whatever issues you may have,
I am not your father.
No.
My dad never got
an innocent Marine killed.
Hey, hey. Hey, hey.
Enough. Come on.
Break it up.
Enough, children.
Feel better now?
Get down!
(grunts)
(distant chatter)
(quietly):
Come on. Come on.
Go.
(groans)
Senator?
Everybody okay back there?
No! He's been shot!
(Phillips groans)
MARINE HELO PILOT (over radio):
Negative visual.
We have a few more minutes
in this search grid,
and then we'll have to head back
for refuel.
Anything from our
casino grifters?
They're on
their way in.
Good.
Doctors removed Chandler's
breathing tube.
While there doesn't seem to be
any long-term brain damage,
he can't remember
what happened.
That why you
called me up here?
No.
I've been on the horn
with central command.
Transport never made it
to the airport.
Search team.
Ground and air.
So far, no sign.
You want something from me,
Leon, just ask.
I wanted you
to be on that detail.
When Phillips requested
an NCIS security escort,
Agent Sloane
begged me to go.
I said "no."
Yeah.
Then why the hell did you
give up your spot
and tell her that
it was on my orders?
It seemed important to her.
Question is
why did you say "no"?
Because of your relationship
with the senator.
I was doing you a favor.
Since when?
You trying to protect Sloane?
I'm trying to prevent history
from repeating itself.
She can handle it.
SLOANE:
The bullet just missed
your armor.
There wasn't much
to work with, but, uh,
I think it will hold.
My guts are still on the inside?
Yeah, they are.
(grunts)
So is the bullet... deep.
So no more fistfights, kid.
(chuckles)
He did save my life.
I suppose I owe him something.
How about silence?
(sighs)
Why do you have your agents
taking apart my craps table?
It's custom-made.
Evidence.
Cheating the casinos
means serious prison time.
They don't always
roll a two.
Oh, so you admit
to loading the dice?
Well, that was fast.
How about attacking Chandler?
Did you do that, too?
Because that wasn't an accident.
I'm willing to come clean
on the dice,
if that proves I didn't commit
attempted murder.
It doesn't.
I never admitted
to using the dice.
Expensive hotel rooms,
the wad of cash we found
in your apartment--
that's all, what?
Pure luck?
That's about to run out.
McGEE:
You and Chandler
were partners in your
little casino con,
till two days ago
when he wanted out.
He joined the Marines.
(scoffs)
The Marines?
(laughing): Okay, come on.
Th-that's a joke.
(laughs)
Look, Chandler never
wanted to be like his dad.
So if he was going straight,
this is the first
we've heard about it.
Who's we?
BISHOP:
So there's actually three
of you involved
in the casino con.
Misty Boxlarter.
You also went to MIT.
But, unlike Seth,
you dropped out.
It's a tough school.
Not for him.
Seth's a genius.
Clearly.
Uh, you and Seth are together?
We met at school.
And Chandler?
Did you try to kill him?
I wasn't even there that night.
The guys would rather spend
their money on a party
than a nice apartment,
so I have my own place.
Can anybody verify
you were there?
No.
But I would never hurt Chandler,
and neither would Seth.
Why?
(sighs)
I'll have to show you.
Do you play craps?
I bet you're sorry
you came here now.
We both had our reasons
for coming, sir.
You find what
you were looking for?
Have you?
(laughs)
Of course.
I travel to battle zones
every Christmas...
...to show support.
For the troops.
(grunts)
Now you're analyzing me.
What do you say?
I'm, uh, running away from
spending the holidays at home?
With family?
I'm just talking
in a cave.
(grunts)
What do you want
me to say, huh?
That Chet's right?
SLOANE:
(clears throat)
I don't know.
Was he?
(sighs)
(laughs)
(exhales)
Yes.
Okay?
When your wife passed away,
it was just you and Chandler.
That must have been
really hard.
I'd been hurt in battle before.
(sighs)
Her death was
a new kind of pain.
I coped... how
I knew best.
Faced with loss,
we all do, sir.
PHILLIPS:
I played a stoic Marine.
Emotions in check.
But Chandler took it
as a sign of not caring.
Like he did when I
pushed him to be better.
I pushed so hard,
I pushed him away.
I never saw...
the part I played in that...
(laughs)
(laughing):
...until...
...until it punched me
in the face.
I gotta tell my boy
I was wrong.
(engine approaching)
TORRES:
Coming in!
Hey.
Hey.
Here's the good news.
Our Taliban Twins
were bikers.
So they were alone.
They were probably out
on a scout.
Which means they'll be missed.
We're gonna have company.
Do you have enough gas in there
to get back to camp?
Well, here's...
here's the bad news.
Nope.
Seven. Seven out.
Next shooter coming out.
Okay, so now the roll passes
to the next player.
We'll pretend Agent McGee
is Chandler.
And I am using the loaded dice.
Right, which is when the
random girl drinking champagne
at the end of the table
decides to put a hundred
on the deuce.
ABBY:
Two.
Pays out 30 to one. Jimmy,
give the lucky lady
$3,000.
Three grand only goes so far.
Ever heard of "letting it ride"?
Misty is now gonna place
all three grand
on the same bet.
Two craps two.
That's snake eyes.
It's also $90,000.
And Misty's cue
to generously
tip the dealer
and walk away.
Chandler switches back the dice
before anyone asks questions,
and we party
for the next few months.
Wait a minute.
You've got three dealers
watching the game
at all times.
How do you get the dice
on and off the table?
That's the trick.
Sleight of hand.
It's incredibly difficult.
Even with the help of cameras,
it took Chandler
over a year to learn.
Neither of us know how to do it.
So without him, the scam ends.
Yeah, we'd never hurt
the golden goose.
And we have no idea
who did. Right, babe?
Misty, anything you give us
will help you with the DA.
Well...
While we play, Seth watches
to make sure security isn't
getting too curious.
A few days ago,
he thought one did.
It was nothing.
Just a false alarm.
The pit boss in Atlantic City
who followed Chandler?
Chandler never said
anything about it.
Besides, I don't even remember
what the guy looked like.
Oh, I do.
Tall, thin, with
a dark mustache.
Kind of, like,
hipster-looking.
I think that
was the guy
outside their door
this morning.
SLOANE:
This way back to camp
isn't the way we came.
A lone rider going
off-road can save time.
And gas.
SLOANE:
Here, I got it.
You take this dry riverbed.
It's smooth,
and it'll lead you right
back to camp... I hope.
TORRES: I thought you'd
been here before.
It's a big area; it
was a long time ago.
TORRES: Do not put
doubts in my head.
Uh, we have enough of those.
I-I think he passed out.
Senator, can
you hear me?
Senator!
General?
Senator.
Senator, sir.
Ugh.
The bleeding didn't stop.
Here, put your hand
underneath his bandage
and keep pressure on the wound.
Directly?
Yes, directly.
You want to save his life?
There. Got it?
Nick. You got to
get out of here now.
Yippee ki-yay.
(engine revs)
Hey, update
on Sloane and Torres?
Search team
is still on the hunt.
Anything on the casino
employment records?
Oh, just downloaded.
You really think
mustache man is
a casino enforcer?
McGEE: I just want
to find this guy.
I promised the twins that
I would close this case.
There.
Okay. Axel McKenzie III.
He's worked security
at the Atlantic Diamond Casino
for the last two years.
All right, send me
that contact info.
Hey. No need.
Boss?
You found him.
Actually, uh, I called.
I'm not in town
to kill Chandler.
I came to hire him.
BISHOP:
Hire him?
After catching him cheat?
Yeah. His
sleight-of-hand
was flawless, and
I've seen a lot.
So I cornered him, alone,
in the hotel bar.
He denied it.
No, that was the
craziest thing.
He just admitted to the whole
scam right then and there,
begged me
not to press charges.
He promised that
he would get help.
You know,
change his life around.
He went to a Marine recruiting
office the next day.
So much for hiring him.
Casino thinks
we can use his skills
to spot other cheaters.
Look, I tried calling
before I ever showed up,
but Chandler
never answered the phone.
I saw why on the news
this morning,
which is right when
I called you guys.
Hell of an accident, huh?
It wasn't.
What about the money?
Decent guy or not,
a casino is gonna miss 90 grand.
Oh, yeah, Chandler gave it back.
You mean his cut-- 30,000.
No, he gave back
his partners' cut too.
That was part of the deal.
Is that... important?
Yeah. Motive.
(sighs)
CHET: Damn it,
Senator, you got me
feeling guilty about my dad.
I'm gonna have to
call the bastard.
Wingos.
The name...
on the wall.
You part of that?
Op was classified, sir.
Not everyone made it.
That must have been hard.
I coped the best I knew how.
Senator?
What do we do?
Have faith.
McGEE:
Chandler told you
he got caught.
And that he gave away
all your secrets
and all your money.
You got angry, and Chandler
stormed out of the apartment,
into the stairwell,
and you followed.
No.
You-you can't prove anything.
How could he give away
your secret dice recipe?
I mean, that's your life's work.
It's pretty convincing
to a jury.
It just depends
on how we charge you.
Yeah, I don't think it
was attempted murder.
Heat of the moment.
Which means aggravated assault,
if you confess.
We were both angry
when Chandler told us.
But she-she didn't
meant to do it.
You saying Misty was there?
She-she pushed him,
and-and came back in
and told me everything.
I-I love Misty.
I do.
But...
it was her.
Oh, screw this.
He's lying.
Are you sure about that?
Everything he said did happen,
but it was the other way around.
Yes, I lied.
I was at the apartment.
And after Chandler told us
what happened, we were mad.
But while Seth
went after Chandler,
I went to the table
and got started practicing.
Practicing sleight of hand?
I wasn't gonna let Chandler
ruin a good thing.
And while
I was practicing,
Seth's the one
who came running in
and told me what he did.
Well, it's your word
against your boyfriend's.
He just accused me of murder.
We're no longer dating.
Which sucks for Seth,
because he doesn't know
I've been protecting him.
Protecting him from what?
In order to practice
sleight of hand,
Chandler used
video cameras, so...
I was doing
the same thing.
They were recording
when Seth confessed.
I hid the tape.
Mis... Misty.
You have to help me.
MISTY:
What? What happened?
I-I pushed him.
I pushed him,
and then-then...
then he fell
on-on the stairs.
What?
Gibbs showed that to Seth,
who decided that assault
didn't sound so bad.
Case closed. And...
just in time for Christmas.
(soft chuckle)
So why doesn't this
feel so good?
'Cause the rest of the
family's not home yet.
CHANDLER:
How can they still be missing?
I want to
see my dad.
You have a lot
to tell him.
I want to look him
in the eyes...
...and I want
to tell my father that...
he was right.
Last time
we spoke...
there... there wasn't much love.
I need to change that.
Parents always love their kids.
No matter what happens.
CHET:
Come on.
Don't stop fighting now.
(bird squawking)
What is it?
Vehicles approaching.
Good or bad?
No matter what,
keep quiet.
*
* Come, they told me
* Pa-rum pum pum pum
* Our newborn king to see
* Pa-rum pum pum pum
* Our finest gifts we bring
* Pa-rum pum pum pum
MAN (over P.A.):
Stand by for orders.
* To lay before the king
* Pa-rum pum pum pum...
They recover
the corporal's body?
No man left behind.
*
* So to honor him
* Pa-rum pum pum pum
* When we come
(digging softly)
*
(exhales)
(exhales)
(sighs)
I can go alone.
We go where you go.
Gibbs,
good to see you.
It's been
a long flight.
Only because I no longer need
the security detail.
Or this chair.
And I-I don't know
why we're here.
I told you I want to see my...
* I am a poor boy, too...
Welcome back, sir.
* I have no gift to bring
* Pa-rum pum pum pum
* That's fit to give...
Dad, I am so s...
I love you, son.
* Rum pum pum pum
I love you, too.
* Then he smiled at me
* Pa-rum pum pum pum
* Me and my drum.
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