NCIS s14e22 Episode Script
Beastmaster
1 (rock music playing faintly over speakers) (horse neighs) DAWSON: Let me guess.
âFunâ? (music stops) You like this place so much, you just had to tell the world.
I get it.
I like it here, too.
This is Sergeant Dawson calling in vandalism on Pine Trail.
Suspect fleeing north on foot.
DISPATCHER: Copy that, Sergeant.
Told you, Jasper.
This place is fun.
(clicks tongue) Give it up, kid, before you get hurt! (groans) (Jasper neighs) DAWSON: Jasper, what's wrong? (Jasper neighing) Easy, boy.
Easy.
Whoa, buddy.
What's up? (snorting) (man screams in distance) Good ear, Jasper.
We better check that out.
Park police! Anybody out here? This is Dawson.
Hold me out at East Portico Stones.
Got a possible disturbance.
DISPATCHER: Copy that, Dawson.
State the nature of the disturbance.
Whoa.
Steady.
Sergeant Dawson, do you require assistance? Dawson, do you copy? Sergeant Dawson, do you need backup? Sergeant? NCIS 14x22 Beastmaster First aid.
Report writing.
And sexual harassment.
QUINN: Sexual harassment training, really? Did you even learn anything? âIf you make a pass, never harass.
â That is not a thing.
Did you even take the class? Please.
I taught the class.
Oh, right.
Yeah.
No, he actually got up in front of the room.
The instructor lost her voice and asked for volunteers.
Was she hot? Case closed.
McGEE: All right, we are almost done with these in-service training reports.
Almost? Uh, we just did six classes in three days.
Yeah, because our senior field agent screwed the pooch.
Look, I'm sorry; human resources used to keep track of all the scheduling.
It's not my fault that they changed the system and made it my responsibility.
So, we're pretty much saving your job.
Well, point is, we're getting caught up.
And? And we won't have to face any penalties.
And? And thank you for saving my job.
Seriously.
But Nope.
No buts.
We still have to do the O-CAT.
Mm! (Quinn groans) What is that, like, animal safety? No, it's pepper spray training.
Every couple years, we all have to get recertified.
Yeah, which includes getting sprayed.
Yeah, I'm sorry.
I'll go easy on you guys.
Oh, no, no.
No, this is your fault.
No, you don't get to spray on us.
Who else is gonna do it? You want help? Uh, we're okay.
No way.
What? Suit yourself.
Grab your gear.
We got a body? In Rock Creek Park.
(camera clicking) BISHOP: Gunnery Sergeant Remi Tanner.
We've seen a lot in this park, but this marble thing that's a first.
Crushed by an ancient temple? DUCKY: Well, that is technically correct, Alex.
While not religious in nature and certainly not ancient, these stones were once part of a temple built to honor democracy: the United States Capitol.
In 1958, the East Portico was remodeled and the leftover stones stacked here.
BISHOP: Hmm.
This far off the beaten path? I've never heard of this place.
DUCKY: It's a forgotten legacy.
Ah, but these stones witnessed the inauguration of every president from, oh, Andrew Jackson to Dwight D.
Eisenhower.
They also witnessed the final moments of our Marine's life.
Killed by a little piece of history.
DUCKY: Yes, but look here.
Yeah, this man put up quite a fight before being crushed by government waste.
DAWSON: If there was a fight, Jasper heard it first.
That's the only reason I stopped to listen.
We trust each other's instincts.
(pats Jasper) TORRES: Does that include finding dead bodies? DAWSON: For everything.
Trust makes mounted police work possible.
They're flight animals.
They run when they're scared.
How does that work in the big city? Well, it doesn't.
Right.
We train them to follow their riders.
It could take years.
But a mounted officer can do more than ten on foot.
From crowd control to P.
R.
People are more willing to approach someone on a horse.
How does the horse feel about that? (Dawson chuckles) Well, they're social animals.
TORRES: Damn, Gibbs.
Seems like opposites attract, huh? (chuckles) You bring treats, Agent Gibbs? TORRES: What's in your pocket? Just leftover breakfast, but it's not vegetarian, Jasper.
I am sorry about that.
(chuckles) Thanks, Dawson.
Come on, Jasper.
Let's go.
Well, now we know that horses don't like jacket jerky.
(horse neighs) Whoa, whoa, whoa.
Whoa, whoa.
It's okay.
Jody only attacks criminals.
Yeah, I always knew the ladies always loved the bad boys.
Uh, actually, Jody's male.
He's named after one of our fallen park police officers.
What are you doing, checking? (laughs) No, I'm just not a horse person, okay? COLE: That's all right.
They're not horses.
They're cops.
Okay, what do we have? Well, there's footprints around the body.
McGEE: Untraceable, but it shows there was two attackers.
Found a cell phone case, but no phone, and $500 cash in the victim's wallet.
Mugging interrupted by Mister Ed? Well, it was late and the park was closed.
Exactly, so what was our Marine doing here in the first place? DAWSON: Agent Gibbs, over here! Let's widen the search area.
Sorry, I thought Jasper was nosing after some crab apples, until I saw this burlap stuck in here.
Looks like blood, so I thought it might be evidence.
Let's see.
(grunts) DAWSON: Animal skulls.
What the hell? BISHOP: The lesser spot-nosed monkey, native to West African forests.
(laughs) Now, that's a cute animal.
BISHOP: They were the source of the skulls found at the crime scene.
Not so cute.
Our victim, Gunnery Sergeant Tanner, was single and had a spotless record.
He was part of Marine Corps Forces Africa.
Just spent three months in Liberia, where his unit was sent to train wildlife rangers.
BISHOP: I've heard of that.
U.
S.
Marines teach non-lethal raid tactics-- flash-bangs, rubber bullets.
Apprehending poachers is dangerous business.
BISHOP: Well, these monkeys aren't endangered, but they're part of the illegal animal trade and sold as pets.
Not dead ones.
Why the skulls? Maybe they're a message.
Revenge for Marine involvement in Africa? Well, that still doesn't explain why the guy was in the park with a wallet full of cash.
Maybe the skulls were his.
What? Why? McGEE: Skulls are valuable.
There's an entire American subculture obsessed with bone collecting.
How do you know that? He dated Abby.
Ah.
I'm not saying the guy killed the monkeys himself, but maybe he brought home some souvenirs to sell.
And then things went bad.
Phone records night of the murder.
Uh, victim's missing cell phone has since been turned off or destroyed, but the last three calls were from the same person: Phoebe Spitz.
Pick her up.
Well, Abby says Miss Spitz is already on her way in.
Abby? McGEE: Yeah, apparently, she and Miss Spitz are friends; they spoke this morning.
About what, skulls? I have no idea, boss.
Abby said she'll explain later.
Tim, got your message and picked up those pepper sprays.
I'll have everybody sprayed and done by the week's end.
You're a lifesaver, Clayton.
Thank you.
Wait.
What's happening? He put Reeves in charge? Why? Well, McGee claims that as British MI6, Clayton is an independent party.
Oh, I'm not giving either one of them the pleasure.
Look, we'll spray each other.
Huh? You trust me.
Hey, sorry I'm late.
I had to update my presentation.
What presentation? Veterans Animal Patrol United.
It's an organization of U.
S.
military veterans who are dedicated to protecting wildlife around the world.
Oh, cool.
That's what I said.
So then I joined the board of directors last year and I met the founder, Miss Phoebe Spitz.
Doesn't she look awesome? I love the camo.
Abby, I hate that picture.
I know, but it gets everybody's attention.
The photo helps with awareness, but it doesn't exactly capture our values.
You mean like death from above? Peaceful conservation.
When I retired from the Marine Corps, I made it my life's work.
I was trying to make it Tanner's, too.
I called last night to recruit him.
Three times? Tanner kept hanging up on me.
I thought it was a bad connection.
Then Abby told me what happened.
It's horrible.
He was a good guy.
Was he an animal lover, as well? Not at first, you know.
When Tanner's unit was first stationed in Liberia, he thought it was some kind of hippie-dippie P.
R.
stunt.
But then he was able to witness these animals in their natural habitat.
He was amazed to find out that elephants mourn their dead and rhinos dance before they mate.
Just like humans.
PHOEBE: He was also amazed at how easy it is for poachers to kill these animals for their skins and ivory.
That was done with a chainsaw.
Oh, that's awful.
So, did he tell you why he was in Rock Creek Park last night? Yeah, with monkey skulls? No.
Our conversations were short.
He's been playing hard to get.
Is it possible maybe he was trying to sell them, the skulls? No way.
Tanner may not have committed to my organization, but he was committed to these animals.
I thought you said this was about revenge.
Well, I possibly, if we knew who might have a reason.
Oh, I-I do.
Here.
Ousmane Best.
He's a big-time poacher, arrested last month.
So, he's in prison? Yes, and Tanner's unit put him there.
Look, Best has a network of smugglers all around the world.
I wouldn't put it past him to put out some kind of bounty.
Did Tanner tell you that last night? No.
Like I told you, I have no idea what was going on in that park.
(horse neighs) (trash can lids banging) That's it.
Good boy.
TORRES: All right.
Thank you.
MAN: Whoa, whoa.
(horse neighs) Bishop and McGee went to the victim's apartment.
All they found was his laptop.
(horse snorting) I'm assuming this only makes sense to horse people? Police horses have to train.
Pushing the ball teaches them to push a crowd, and the banging gets them used to city sounds.
You off duty? Yeah, but I usually stick around to help train the horses.
And I heard you wanted to talk about recent park activity.
Yeah, crime patterns.
Anything new? Unusual? Like animal trafficking? It's looking that way.
Disgusting.
Can't say we find a lot of tusks and furs laying around, but I would gladly sift through crime reports if it helps catch them.
Yeah, great.
Yeah, that's it.
That's it.
Horses are not dogs, man.
You don't miss a thing.
No, I'm saying, cats and dogs I understand, but anything bigger than a person, I mean, it's just not a pet.
That's right.
They're livestock.
COLE (over radio): This is Officer Cole.
Hold me out at Bingham Road and Fern Trail.
Suspicious activity.
One suspect in custody.
That's near your crime scene.
Backup en route.
You drive, I'll point the way.
Cole, copy.
NELSON: Um, I think they left.
Who the hell are you? Under arrest, I think.
One minute this officer busts me for smoking a joint, the next he handcuffs me to this bench and takes off on his horse.
Why? I'm pretty sure they were chasing someone, but I am kind of high.
(gunfire in distance) Shots fired, shots fired.
Stay here with him.
DAWSON: Backup required at Fern Trail.
Cole.
Cole.
Oh, my God.
Officer down, officer down.
We need immediate medical assistance at Bingham and Fern.
Whoa, boy.
(neighing) Whoa, Jody.
Whoa.
DISPATCHER: Dispatching EM to Bingham and Fern.
(neighing continues) Okay, all right, Cole.
I'm gonna apply some pressure.
This may hurt.
Gibbs, grab his bridal.
Hold on, Cole.
Whoa, whoa, Jody, whoa.
Help is coming.
You're gonna be okay.
(neighs softly) Uh, Dawson.
Yeah? Call the vet, too.
It's okay.
Easy, now.
I appreciate the update.
Okay.
Officer Cole is at Washington General with two chest wounds.
Doctors have their hands full.
(sighs) Any word on the horse? Yeah, he's being treated at the stable.
I don't understand how you guys are so emotional over a horse.
âA,â I grew up on a farm and horses are beautiful animals.
And âBâ, these tears are the end of pepper spray.
Boom.
(chuckles) Wait, you guys let Reeves do it? Hell no.
(sniffles) I was merely a witness to a whole new universe of foul language.
Oh, yeah.
Quinn has a potty mouth.
REEVES: No, it was Ellie who raised the bar to Olympic heights.
QUINN: Ah.
Even I blushed.
Well, I know six languages.
It's easy to get creative.
REEVES: Thank you.
The international desk keeps getting calls from the Liberian embassy.
The ambassador wants to meet with Director Vance.
Uh, what for? They haven't given me a reason.
Just keeps telling me it's urgent.
Huh.
Well, what happened at the park? Well, Gibbs is talking to the only guy who might be able to tell us something.
NELSON: Well, I was kind of high.
Things are a bit blurry.
Yeah, like your criminal record.
Nelson, you were arrested six years ago for airport drug trafficking.
You did prison time.
I've changed now.
So, what were you doing near a murder scene? Murder? Whoa.
Now, I mean, yes, I had pot, but that's legal in D.
C.
And you'll find that bag weighs exactly 1.
9 ounces, so you can't arrest me.
Unless we can prove intent to sell.
Even if I was selling-- and that's not an admission-- I'm not getting rich.
When I got out of prison, I downsized.
Ever hear of minimalism? I cut my dreadlocks and got rid of everything I own.
I only buy what I need to live.
I don't even have a bank account.
You can check.
We did.
Where were you last night? I was alone all night in my tiny house.
I park it all over.
My carbon footprint is very low.
Aside from smoking like a chimney.
That's the only reason I got busted.
McGEE: You lit up in a public place.
It's against the law.
Apparently, horses can smell prime Kush for miles; they caught me.
And left you.
Oh, yeah.
As he was writing me a ticket, the horse heard someone in the bushes.
It stopped and got real quiet.
He.
Horse is a he.
Okay.
He seemed to recognize a scent or something and got fidgety.
So, the officer cuffed me to the bench and let the horse lead the way.
Then you guys showed up and the gunshots started.
Did you see the person? All I saw was a shadow.
It happened real fast.
That horse was like a Scud missile.
A stud missile.
(laughing) Director Vance, Liberian Ambassador Gabriel Moore.
Ambassador Moore, it's a pleasure.
You are dismissed.
Ambassador, would you like to sit Director Vance, my country was in the news this morning, and the only reason I found out was because I was watching.
Why was my embassy not first informed? The news reported the murder of a decorated Marine.
Who was working with my government in Gola National Forest.
Training wildlife rangers, yes, but he was killed here in D.
C.
Ambassador, forgive me, but your embassy was not very clear as to the nature of this meeting.
You have information to help our case? I do not.
Then I'm confused.
About what? About why you're angry with NCIS.
The victim was found with animal skulls, huh? That was not reported in the news.
You will keep me informed before anything is made public.
Well I report to the Secretary of the Navy, but as a courtesy, I'll be happy to keep you in the loop.
I will keep you updated.
It is my duty to make sure my country and its people are fairly represented on the world stage.
What exactly are you expecting? I won't take up any more of your time.
Director.
Agent Gibbs.
Dawson.
How you holding up? Cole just got out of surgery, so it's touch and go.
But the doctors thought it went better than expected.
I know him, he's strong.
He'll make it through.
Which is why he's gonna need those riding boots back as soon as you finish processing them.
I also have Jody's tack out in my truck.
This is a joint investigation now, right? Have a seat.
I prefer an outdoor office.
I meant to say nice work with Jody.
You didn't tell me you were a horse guy.
Yeah, that makes two of us.
Something about you standing next to a horse, that does seem symmetrical.
Jody seemed to think so, too.
That horse doesn't usually take so easily to strangers.
Was just following orders.
Oh, I have this.
The vet found this in Jody's mouth.
Hey, Quinn.
What is that? It looks like bone or ivory.
(phone ringing) Did the horse eat anything at the crime scene? That's why I thought it would help.
GIBBS: Abbs, yeah.
I'm on the way down.
Right now.
Dawson, you waiting for an invitation? Well, the park is my office.
This is yours.
Joint investigation.
Come on, let's go.
(elevator bell dings) Marine gunny's car.
It was found parked in a lot outside Rock Creek Park.
So, he entered on foot.
Dawson, park police.
Abby, science police.
Anything tell you why he entered the park? I'm still working on it, but this parking stub was found underneath one of the windshield wiper blades.
It's dated the night that he died, but there's no address, so still trying to track down where that came from.
That why you called? Nope.
Then what do you got? Evidence of a genocide.
Animal or human? Insect.
The southern pine beetle.
DAWSON: Tree killer.
Yep.
That's why the Forest Service sprays infested areas with a poison called permethrin.
Guess what else had traces of permethrin on it.
How? So glad you asked.
So the only local area that's recently been dusted is a remote stretch of land outside of Alexandria.
That's a national forest.
The bag was there? Mm-hmm.
Two days ago, when it was sprayed.
The only structure in the spray zone is an old ranger shack.
Thanks, Abbs.
DAWSON: Did you try carrots? What about his treats? Well, then I'm out of ideas, but I'll visit tomorrow.
Thanks.
Sorry.
Jody.
Bullet wound? Just a graze, no tissue damage.
The horse could gallop tomorrow, but Jody won't eat.
Well, he's used to the same person, riding him, feeding him, putting him away.
He knows something's wrong.
So you know your horses.
Got tire tracks.
Looks like a dually.
(camera clicks) Box truck, maybe.
So you know your trucks.
I own trucks.
Got them and the horses in the divorce.
He got everything else.
What else is there? His 23-year-old assistant.
You got the better part of that deal.
Damn right, I don't have to have dinner with the horses' sorority sisters.
That's a new lock.
DAWSON: About as secure as a screen door on a submarine.
Whoa.
Whatever's inside might need to stay in there.
(clears throat) Only one thing smells like that.
Dead body.
I was hoping for something different this time.
Mind if I get this over with? (flies buzzing) Well, that's different.
It's called bushmeat.
Derived from animals native to Africa.
Bat, monkey, lion-- whatever the local population hunts for protein.
In Liberia.
Oh, in many countries all over Africa.
It's outlawed by their governments because it destroys the ecosystems.
Duck, this case isn't about rhino horns or elephant tusks.
No, it's about food.
So what's it doing in the U.
S.
? Jethro, illegal bushmeat is a worldwide, billion-dollar business.
It's smoked, smuggled into the country, and then sold on the street to expatriate communities.
Taste of home.
Well, never underestimate the power of nostalgia.
Mere pounds can go for hundreds of dollars.
It's a health risk.
Well, the greatest fear is of an unknown and catastrophic disease.
You see, smoking the meat does not kill off all the bacteria.
Sounds like nightmare soup.
It's a shame.
I used to like soup.
What do you have? Uh, maybe a little good news.
That's a welcome change.
I know why our killer stole our victim's cell phone: he was taking pictures of them.
But our dead Marine had a cloud account that automatically uploads any cell phone pictures.
No clear faces, but they tell a story.
The bushmeat must be in those bags.
Including the skulls.
Well, they're used to prove the meat's origin and worth.
BISHOP: Either way, I think these guys were headed to the park to sell it.
Our Marine followed them.
Mm-hmm.
He hid in the bushes, but they must have seen him and attacked.
When Dawson showed up, the killers ditched the monkey skulls.
They came back yesterday.
Which is when they shot Officer Cole and his horse.
But it is looking like our dead Marine was one of the good guys.
An animal lover to the last.
VANCE: This is what you wouldn't say, what you thought this case was leading to.
My apologies, Director Vance.
It is both a source of great pride and embarrassment.
Have a seat.
We are a nation of survivors.
Slavery, civil wars.
We strive for progress, but many are still poor, and cattle production is difficult and costly.
Bushmeat has been a way of life for generations.
Which is why it can wipe out animal populations.
It is unsustainable and a health risk.
My government desperately tries to teach this to the public.
But food is also a cultural touchstone.
Used for celebrations, weddings, christenings.
More reasons it's smuggled into our country.
Old habits die hard.
Sorry, that's another turn of phrase.
It's difficult to change minds.
Even more so to change hearts.
Ah.
Many Liberian citizens believe the government to be weak or corrupt.
Sometimes it is true.
But I am here to offer any assistance you may require.
Anything, please.
I appreciate that.
And I just might have something in mind.
Undercover? Ambassador Moore has agreed to lead you through a local street market where he believes bushmeat is being sold.
Market vendors can lead us to the smugglers.
Yeah, and the killers, I get it.
Why did he ask for me? Said he liked you.
He liked me? The man said two things to me: âHello,â and then âGet out of the room.
â I'm pretty sure he thought I was the butler.
So did I at first.
Reeves, Jeeves.
So confusing.
That's funny.
I can also think of something that rhymes with âNick.
â - Slick? - Try again.
Quinn, everything okay? Uh, no, just got off the phone with the hospital.
It seems that Officer Cole's internal bleeding didn't stop, so he died an hour ago.
Looks like we've got two murders on our hands.
Boss, did you hear about this? Find the source of that meat.
(elevator bell dings) (elevator bell dings) (upbeat African music playing, food sizzling) (lively crowd chatter) (bleating) WOMAN: Gentlemen, come, come.
You need spices? I have spices.
Tsire has a lovely flavor.
Peanuts and spices, perfect for meat.
MOORE: That is the problem.
We have no meat.
Perhaps you can help us? This is a market.
There is plenty of meat.
You pick something.
I have spices to make it delicious.
MOORE: Uh, no, no, no, no.
I want to cook my friend a piece of home.
Mm-hmm.
I need bushmeat.
What is the word you said? Bushmeat, please.
This is America.
I am an American.
I don't know about that.
Now, go.
Go! (sighs) No one's willing to talk to us.
Patience.
The word will spread.
Someone always wants to make money, huh? Is it odd this is making me hungry? Everyone gets hungry.
Even butlers.
MAN: Fresh veggies, gentlemen! Come try some.
No, thanks.
One taste can change your mind.
You did say you were hungry.
Wait, I know you.
MOORE: I I don't think so.
Yes, yes, yes, You are a government man.
Please, keep your voice down, huh? Oh, I will.
If the rich government man donates to the knife show.
Knife show? You've got a long way before you turn pro.
I am flawless.
Hardly.
Look at your ear.
Practice makes perfect.
Yeah, clearly you need lots of it.
Hey, Clayton, pay the man and let it be, huh? We do not want trouble.
WOMAN: Let go of me! She did not pay for that! I saw you! Who do you think you are? You cannot come to our market and just think you can take All right, all right, break it up! That's enough! Break it up! Hey, that's enough! Or I start spraying! Get off her! I've recently seen how nasty this stuff is.
I really don't want to use it.
Okay? So stop.
Please.
Who the hell are you? She was stealing from us! I can explain.
DAWSON: Thanks for returning Cole's boots.
The familiar scent and visual can help them understand.
Help them grieve and move on.
Worth a shot.
I agree.
Question is: how did you know to bring the boots? (chuckles) I know that you'd want Cole's badge.
We're finished with processing.
Thank you.
(softly): Yeah.
Really thought that he'd pull through.
You two were close.
Yeah, I trained him.
And right now I'm wondering if I did a good enough job.
This place, these people, they're family.
I think you did everything right.
Jody still won't eat.
Sounds funny, but you know, they get depressed.
Yeah, I've seen that before.
My daughter, Kelly, she used to ride down by the beach.
There was this stable near the water, owned by an old Korean War vet.
He started calling her Sergeant Reckless.
After the war horse, why? One summer, his wife died, and her horse wouldn't ride, wouldn't eat.
Kelly noticed that, and she made it her project.
Horse ignored her.
But she kept going back.
Every day.
Until the horse started eating.
Mm-hmm.
She knew that that horse just needed a buddy.
Sergeant Reckless, because like the war horse, your daughter was a lifesaver.
(chuckles) So horse sense runs in the family.
No.
Uh, that was all her.
I saw the way that you were with Jody yesterday.
You're just what he needs to break his funk.
Funk? Everybody here has already tried everything; this horse is as stubborn as they come, and I think he's finally met his match, Gibbs.
At least, I hope so, anyways, if you're willing.
A horse that doesn't eat, dies.
I was only trying to help.
Okay, last time I was here, NCIS thought my friend was guilty, so I wanted to clear his name.
I was there, asking questions about bushmeat.
No one would answer me, so I started poking around.
They thought you were stealing.
Because they're hiding something.
I didn't find anything to prove that, but I can tell.
Wait a minute.
Who told you the murder had to do with bushmeat? Abby.
Okay.
What else do we have? Nothing.
We've hit a dead end.
No leads on the bushmeat or the smuggling pipeline.
(door opens, closes) Okay, first thing.
I only talked to Phoebe because she knew the victim.
I didn't know she was gonna go commando.
What's the second thing? Okay, the second thing should be the first thing.
I used the wildlife DNA database to track all the animals from the meat shack.
They all came from the Gbarma District of Liberia.
Is that good or bad? It's a bad thing.
A small village in Gbarma just reported an Ebola outbreak.
All the meat downstairs was clear.
Next shipment won't be.
No.
We have to cut off this pipeline, now.
Okay, CDC, FDA and the FAA have all been notified.
FAA? According to the USDA, bushmeat gets into the country via airports.
How many different agencies are involved with this stuff? Well, I left out FWS, who said the meat can be hidden in shipments of fish or other legal foods.
But mostly, it's just smuggled in suitcases.
Well, you won't find that in the food court.
Point is, a shipment tainted with Ebola has its way of getting here.
We're gonna stop them.
McGEE: Yeah, we're trying, boss.
We've been through all the Liberian Intel.
Government surveillance on poachers and known players in the animal trade.
McGEE: A lot of suspects.
BISHOP: But none in the U.
S.
Dead end.
Whoa, wait.
Stop.
Go back.
Right there.
Who's that? BISHOP: Ousmane Best.
He's a big-time poacher, but he's in prison in Liberia.
Who's that with him? The dreadlock guy? Uh, I can't tell.
You know what? Our Marine has more photos from that same batch on his laptop.
Boss, is that? ABBY: Nelson, our park stoner.
He said he quit trafficking illegal drugs, which was true.
Yeah, well, he got into bushmeat.
Different product, same illegal pipeline.
Airport connections.
Guy was broke.
If he's a kingpin, where's the money? He was never a kingpin.
He was an avenue to get to U.
S.
soil.
He's getting the meat from someplace overseas, so I'm betting that that's where the money is, too.
It's an offshore account.
Yeah.
Still raises a lot of questions.
TORRES: And I got answers.
And maracas.
(maracas shaking) Ah! They had them at the pawn shop.
TORRES: Oh, you owe me $10.
Oh, Abby will explain.
Oh, I gave, uh, my maracas to a friend of mine.
No, uh, explain the other thing.
Right.
So, I finally tracked down the parking stub from the Marine's car to a parking garage by a pawn shop downtown.
Here.
I checked it out.
Tanner pawned a guitar the night he died.
Deposit for a new apartment.
Explains the cash in his wallet.
TORRES: Also explains how he found Nelson.
Got security footage from the parking garage.
Can you fast forward to 9:47 p.
m.
, please? Yep.
And there's our stoner.
And Gunnery Sergeant Tanner walked right by him.
Yeah, he bumped into him in the parking lot.
Purely by chance.
GIBBS: He recognized him.
ABBY: Probably from the same photo you did, Gibbs.
Also, Tanner's been studying those poacher files for at least three months.
ABBY: He must have followed Nelson all the way to the park.
Where is he now? No permanent address.
He does live in a mobile tiny house.
What about his accomplice? The guy who shot Officer Cole and the horse does not show up on the video.
But I might have a lead, and straight from the horse's mouth.
Someone had to say it.
MCGEE: So how much jewelry did you have to go through before you found a match? A lot.
Ivory's still way too popular.
Uh, the piece from Jody's mouth was from a spiral taper earring.
Thought horses were vegetarians.
Well, they are, but this one was smart enough to take a bite out of the shooter.
REEVES: Yeah.
His bloody ear wasn't from his knife act.
Oh, he's on the move.
Look.
GIBBS: Heads up, gang.
We got a truck.
(horn honks) McGee, you three have the street.
It's a busy place.
Not ideal for a takedown.
Wait on my signal.
Hurry up.
Come on, I called you two hours ago.
Between the park yesterday and the market today, police are too close.
Then forget your stuff so we can get the hell out of here.
If we can get out of the country, my uncle will hide us in Monrovia.
I don't need your uncle.
Let's go.
GIBBS: Bishop, Torres, move.
Federal agents! The police, they're here! Then you better get out of the way.
McGEE: Gun! NCIS! (coughing) It's over! Put your hands in the air! (coughing) Don't shoot! (handcuffs clicking) This is exactly how they train rangers to take down poachers.
NEWSCASTER: Two arrests have been made in connection with the smuggling of illegal bushmeat into the United States.
Meat tainted with the Ebola virus Congratulations, Director.
Two smugglers gave up their airport contacts pretty fast.
Be assured, my government is following up in Liberia.
This will not end here.
Ball's in your court now.
That idiom I know.
(laughs) Press conference is in an hour.
Director.
Please be mindful in your media portrayal of my government.
It is a powerful tool that could help build trust.
This press conference will be seen back home.
Which is why you're giving the opening statement.
I beg your pardon? I can't think of anything more powerful than your country seeing a proud and committed public servant.
(laughs) Thank you.
Now, that's just, um that's just beautiful.
Park police said he was born this morning and that they named him after fallen officer Cole.
Mm.
Cole the foal.
(chuckles) Just Who's crying over a horse now? Oh, come on.
It's pepper spray, come on.
Nick, that was three hours ago.
(laughs) McGEE: Nick.
Got great news.
What's up, Tim? Um You know what, never mind.
Come on, tell me.
What's up? Okay, um (chuckles) It's a, it's kind of a funny story, really.
The, uh, the OCAT training.
I just came from HR.
Turns out they, uh, they mixed up the dates.
We're not due until next year.
We didn't have to get sprayed? Oops.
âOopsâ? Okay, Reeves, hand it over.
I'm sorry, Tim, but I am an independent party.
What? What are you doing? No.
Oh, come on.
That's funny.
Very funny, very funny.
Any last words before we take this outside? Whoa, whoa, whoa, come on.
This-this is not my fault.
(rooster crowing) DAWSON: Hey, buddy.
Yeah.
Well, what do you know? Good to have you back, pal.
What changed, huh? Gibbs, you've been here all night? What did you do? What? He's eating.
Tell me what you did.
I could get you a coffee or an aspirin.
That's a mighty hard floor.
No.
We don't mind.
Do we, Jody? (chuckles) He just needed a buddy.
Well, you know, Jody could also use a ride, if you're up for it.
What do you think? (laughs) Okay.
âFunâ? (music stops) You like this place so much, you just had to tell the world.
I get it.
I like it here, too.
This is Sergeant Dawson calling in vandalism on Pine Trail.
Suspect fleeing north on foot.
DISPATCHER: Copy that, Sergeant.
Told you, Jasper.
This place is fun.
(clicks tongue) Give it up, kid, before you get hurt! (groans) (Jasper neighs) DAWSON: Jasper, what's wrong? (Jasper neighing) Easy, boy.
Easy.
Whoa, buddy.
What's up? (snorting) (man screams in distance) Good ear, Jasper.
We better check that out.
Park police! Anybody out here? This is Dawson.
Hold me out at East Portico Stones.
Got a possible disturbance.
DISPATCHER: Copy that, Dawson.
State the nature of the disturbance.
Whoa.
Steady.
Sergeant Dawson, do you require assistance? Dawson, do you copy? Sergeant Dawson, do you need backup? Sergeant? NCIS 14x22 Beastmaster First aid.
Report writing.
And sexual harassment.
QUINN: Sexual harassment training, really? Did you even learn anything? âIf you make a pass, never harass.
â That is not a thing.
Did you even take the class? Please.
I taught the class.
Oh, right.
Yeah.
No, he actually got up in front of the room.
The instructor lost her voice and asked for volunteers.
Was she hot? Case closed.
McGEE: All right, we are almost done with these in-service training reports.
Almost? Uh, we just did six classes in three days.
Yeah, because our senior field agent screwed the pooch.
Look, I'm sorry; human resources used to keep track of all the scheduling.
It's not my fault that they changed the system and made it my responsibility.
So, we're pretty much saving your job.
Well, point is, we're getting caught up.
And? And we won't have to face any penalties.
And? And thank you for saving my job.
Seriously.
But Nope.
No buts.
We still have to do the O-CAT.
Mm! (Quinn groans) What is that, like, animal safety? No, it's pepper spray training.
Every couple years, we all have to get recertified.
Yeah, which includes getting sprayed.
Yeah, I'm sorry.
I'll go easy on you guys.
Oh, no, no.
No, this is your fault.
No, you don't get to spray on us.
Who else is gonna do it? You want help? Uh, we're okay.
No way.
What? Suit yourself.
Grab your gear.
We got a body? In Rock Creek Park.
(camera clicking) BISHOP: Gunnery Sergeant Remi Tanner.
We've seen a lot in this park, but this marble thing that's a first.
Crushed by an ancient temple? DUCKY: Well, that is technically correct, Alex.
While not religious in nature and certainly not ancient, these stones were once part of a temple built to honor democracy: the United States Capitol.
In 1958, the East Portico was remodeled and the leftover stones stacked here.
BISHOP: Hmm.
This far off the beaten path? I've never heard of this place.
DUCKY: It's a forgotten legacy.
Ah, but these stones witnessed the inauguration of every president from, oh, Andrew Jackson to Dwight D.
Eisenhower.
They also witnessed the final moments of our Marine's life.
Killed by a little piece of history.
DUCKY: Yes, but look here.
Yeah, this man put up quite a fight before being crushed by government waste.
DAWSON: If there was a fight, Jasper heard it first.
That's the only reason I stopped to listen.
We trust each other's instincts.
(pats Jasper) TORRES: Does that include finding dead bodies? DAWSON: For everything.
Trust makes mounted police work possible.
They're flight animals.
They run when they're scared.
How does that work in the big city? Well, it doesn't.
Right.
We train them to follow their riders.
It could take years.
But a mounted officer can do more than ten on foot.
From crowd control to P.
R.
People are more willing to approach someone on a horse.
How does the horse feel about that? (Dawson chuckles) Well, they're social animals.
TORRES: Damn, Gibbs.
Seems like opposites attract, huh? (chuckles) You bring treats, Agent Gibbs? TORRES: What's in your pocket? Just leftover breakfast, but it's not vegetarian, Jasper.
I am sorry about that.
(chuckles) Thanks, Dawson.
Come on, Jasper.
Let's go.
Well, now we know that horses don't like jacket jerky.
(horse neighs) Whoa, whoa, whoa.
Whoa, whoa.
It's okay.
Jody only attacks criminals.
Yeah, I always knew the ladies always loved the bad boys.
Uh, actually, Jody's male.
He's named after one of our fallen park police officers.
What are you doing, checking? (laughs) No, I'm just not a horse person, okay? COLE: That's all right.
They're not horses.
They're cops.
Okay, what do we have? Well, there's footprints around the body.
McGEE: Untraceable, but it shows there was two attackers.
Found a cell phone case, but no phone, and $500 cash in the victim's wallet.
Mugging interrupted by Mister Ed? Well, it was late and the park was closed.
Exactly, so what was our Marine doing here in the first place? DAWSON: Agent Gibbs, over here! Let's widen the search area.
Sorry, I thought Jasper was nosing after some crab apples, until I saw this burlap stuck in here.
Looks like blood, so I thought it might be evidence.
Let's see.
(grunts) DAWSON: Animal skulls.
What the hell? BISHOP: The lesser spot-nosed monkey, native to West African forests.
(laughs) Now, that's a cute animal.
BISHOP: They were the source of the skulls found at the crime scene.
Not so cute.
Our victim, Gunnery Sergeant Tanner, was single and had a spotless record.
He was part of Marine Corps Forces Africa.
Just spent three months in Liberia, where his unit was sent to train wildlife rangers.
BISHOP: I've heard of that.
U.
S.
Marines teach non-lethal raid tactics-- flash-bangs, rubber bullets.
Apprehending poachers is dangerous business.
BISHOP: Well, these monkeys aren't endangered, but they're part of the illegal animal trade and sold as pets.
Not dead ones.
Why the skulls? Maybe they're a message.
Revenge for Marine involvement in Africa? Well, that still doesn't explain why the guy was in the park with a wallet full of cash.
Maybe the skulls were his.
What? Why? McGEE: Skulls are valuable.
There's an entire American subculture obsessed with bone collecting.
How do you know that? He dated Abby.
Ah.
I'm not saying the guy killed the monkeys himself, but maybe he brought home some souvenirs to sell.
And then things went bad.
Phone records night of the murder.
Uh, victim's missing cell phone has since been turned off or destroyed, but the last three calls were from the same person: Phoebe Spitz.
Pick her up.
Well, Abby says Miss Spitz is already on her way in.
Abby? McGEE: Yeah, apparently, she and Miss Spitz are friends; they spoke this morning.
About what, skulls? I have no idea, boss.
Abby said she'll explain later.
Tim, got your message and picked up those pepper sprays.
I'll have everybody sprayed and done by the week's end.
You're a lifesaver, Clayton.
Thank you.
Wait.
What's happening? He put Reeves in charge? Why? Well, McGee claims that as British MI6, Clayton is an independent party.
Oh, I'm not giving either one of them the pleasure.
Look, we'll spray each other.
Huh? You trust me.
Hey, sorry I'm late.
I had to update my presentation.
What presentation? Veterans Animal Patrol United.
It's an organization of U.
S.
military veterans who are dedicated to protecting wildlife around the world.
Oh, cool.
That's what I said.
So then I joined the board of directors last year and I met the founder, Miss Phoebe Spitz.
Doesn't she look awesome? I love the camo.
Abby, I hate that picture.
I know, but it gets everybody's attention.
The photo helps with awareness, but it doesn't exactly capture our values.
You mean like death from above? Peaceful conservation.
When I retired from the Marine Corps, I made it my life's work.
I was trying to make it Tanner's, too.
I called last night to recruit him.
Three times? Tanner kept hanging up on me.
I thought it was a bad connection.
Then Abby told me what happened.
It's horrible.
He was a good guy.
Was he an animal lover, as well? Not at first, you know.
When Tanner's unit was first stationed in Liberia, he thought it was some kind of hippie-dippie P.
R.
stunt.
But then he was able to witness these animals in their natural habitat.
He was amazed to find out that elephants mourn their dead and rhinos dance before they mate.
Just like humans.
PHOEBE: He was also amazed at how easy it is for poachers to kill these animals for their skins and ivory.
That was done with a chainsaw.
Oh, that's awful.
So, did he tell you why he was in Rock Creek Park last night? Yeah, with monkey skulls? No.
Our conversations were short.
He's been playing hard to get.
Is it possible maybe he was trying to sell them, the skulls? No way.
Tanner may not have committed to my organization, but he was committed to these animals.
I thought you said this was about revenge.
Well, I possibly, if we knew who might have a reason.
Oh, I-I do.
Here.
Ousmane Best.
He's a big-time poacher, arrested last month.
So, he's in prison? Yes, and Tanner's unit put him there.
Look, Best has a network of smugglers all around the world.
I wouldn't put it past him to put out some kind of bounty.
Did Tanner tell you that last night? No.
Like I told you, I have no idea what was going on in that park.
(horse neighs) (trash can lids banging) That's it.
Good boy.
TORRES: All right.
Thank you.
MAN: Whoa, whoa.
(horse neighs) Bishop and McGee went to the victim's apartment.
All they found was his laptop.
(horse snorting) I'm assuming this only makes sense to horse people? Police horses have to train.
Pushing the ball teaches them to push a crowd, and the banging gets them used to city sounds.
You off duty? Yeah, but I usually stick around to help train the horses.
And I heard you wanted to talk about recent park activity.
Yeah, crime patterns.
Anything new? Unusual? Like animal trafficking? It's looking that way.
Disgusting.
Can't say we find a lot of tusks and furs laying around, but I would gladly sift through crime reports if it helps catch them.
Yeah, great.
Yeah, that's it.
That's it.
Horses are not dogs, man.
You don't miss a thing.
No, I'm saying, cats and dogs I understand, but anything bigger than a person, I mean, it's just not a pet.
That's right.
They're livestock.
COLE (over radio): This is Officer Cole.
Hold me out at Bingham Road and Fern Trail.
Suspicious activity.
One suspect in custody.
That's near your crime scene.
Backup en route.
You drive, I'll point the way.
Cole, copy.
NELSON: Um, I think they left.
Who the hell are you? Under arrest, I think.
One minute this officer busts me for smoking a joint, the next he handcuffs me to this bench and takes off on his horse.
Why? I'm pretty sure they were chasing someone, but I am kind of high.
(gunfire in distance) Shots fired, shots fired.
Stay here with him.
DAWSON: Backup required at Fern Trail.
Cole.
Cole.
Oh, my God.
Officer down, officer down.
We need immediate medical assistance at Bingham and Fern.
Whoa, boy.
(neighing) Whoa, Jody.
Whoa.
DISPATCHER: Dispatching EM to Bingham and Fern.
(neighing continues) Okay, all right, Cole.
I'm gonna apply some pressure.
This may hurt.
Gibbs, grab his bridal.
Hold on, Cole.
Whoa, whoa, Jody, whoa.
Help is coming.
You're gonna be okay.
(neighs softly) Uh, Dawson.
Yeah? Call the vet, too.
It's okay.
Easy, now.
I appreciate the update.
Okay.
Officer Cole is at Washington General with two chest wounds.
Doctors have their hands full.
(sighs) Any word on the horse? Yeah, he's being treated at the stable.
I don't understand how you guys are so emotional over a horse.
âA,â I grew up on a farm and horses are beautiful animals.
And âBâ, these tears are the end of pepper spray.
Boom.
(chuckles) Wait, you guys let Reeves do it? Hell no.
(sniffles) I was merely a witness to a whole new universe of foul language.
Oh, yeah.
Quinn has a potty mouth.
REEVES: No, it was Ellie who raised the bar to Olympic heights.
QUINN: Ah.
Even I blushed.
Well, I know six languages.
It's easy to get creative.
REEVES: Thank you.
The international desk keeps getting calls from the Liberian embassy.
The ambassador wants to meet with Director Vance.
Uh, what for? They haven't given me a reason.
Just keeps telling me it's urgent.
Huh.
Well, what happened at the park? Well, Gibbs is talking to the only guy who might be able to tell us something.
NELSON: Well, I was kind of high.
Things are a bit blurry.
Yeah, like your criminal record.
Nelson, you were arrested six years ago for airport drug trafficking.
You did prison time.
I've changed now.
So, what were you doing near a murder scene? Murder? Whoa.
Now, I mean, yes, I had pot, but that's legal in D.
C.
And you'll find that bag weighs exactly 1.
9 ounces, so you can't arrest me.
Unless we can prove intent to sell.
Even if I was selling-- and that's not an admission-- I'm not getting rich.
When I got out of prison, I downsized.
Ever hear of minimalism? I cut my dreadlocks and got rid of everything I own.
I only buy what I need to live.
I don't even have a bank account.
You can check.
We did.
Where were you last night? I was alone all night in my tiny house.
I park it all over.
My carbon footprint is very low.
Aside from smoking like a chimney.
That's the only reason I got busted.
McGEE: You lit up in a public place.
It's against the law.
Apparently, horses can smell prime Kush for miles; they caught me.
And left you.
Oh, yeah.
As he was writing me a ticket, the horse heard someone in the bushes.
It stopped and got real quiet.
He.
Horse is a he.
Okay.
He seemed to recognize a scent or something and got fidgety.
So, the officer cuffed me to the bench and let the horse lead the way.
Then you guys showed up and the gunshots started.
Did you see the person? All I saw was a shadow.
It happened real fast.
That horse was like a Scud missile.
A stud missile.
(laughing) Director Vance, Liberian Ambassador Gabriel Moore.
Ambassador Moore, it's a pleasure.
You are dismissed.
Ambassador, would you like to sit Director Vance, my country was in the news this morning, and the only reason I found out was because I was watching.
Why was my embassy not first informed? The news reported the murder of a decorated Marine.
Who was working with my government in Gola National Forest.
Training wildlife rangers, yes, but he was killed here in D.
C.
Ambassador, forgive me, but your embassy was not very clear as to the nature of this meeting.
You have information to help our case? I do not.
Then I'm confused.
About what? About why you're angry with NCIS.
The victim was found with animal skulls, huh? That was not reported in the news.
You will keep me informed before anything is made public.
Well I report to the Secretary of the Navy, but as a courtesy, I'll be happy to keep you in the loop.
I will keep you updated.
It is my duty to make sure my country and its people are fairly represented on the world stage.
What exactly are you expecting? I won't take up any more of your time.
Director.
Agent Gibbs.
Dawson.
How you holding up? Cole just got out of surgery, so it's touch and go.
But the doctors thought it went better than expected.
I know him, he's strong.
He'll make it through.
Which is why he's gonna need those riding boots back as soon as you finish processing them.
I also have Jody's tack out in my truck.
This is a joint investigation now, right? Have a seat.
I prefer an outdoor office.
I meant to say nice work with Jody.
You didn't tell me you were a horse guy.
Yeah, that makes two of us.
Something about you standing next to a horse, that does seem symmetrical.
Jody seemed to think so, too.
That horse doesn't usually take so easily to strangers.
Was just following orders.
Oh, I have this.
The vet found this in Jody's mouth.
Hey, Quinn.
What is that? It looks like bone or ivory.
(phone ringing) Did the horse eat anything at the crime scene? That's why I thought it would help.
GIBBS: Abbs, yeah.
I'm on the way down.
Right now.
Dawson, you waiting for an invitation? Well, the park is my office.
This is yours.
Joint investigation.
Come on, let's go.
(elevator bell dings) Marine gunny's car.
It was found parked in a lot outside Rock Creek Park.
So, he entered on foot.
Dawson, park police.
Abby, science police.
Anything tell you why he entered the park? I'm still working on it, but this parking stub was found underneath one of the windshield wiper blades.
It's dated the night that he died, but there's no address, so still trying to track down where that came from.
That why you called? Nope.
Then what do you got? Evidence of a genocide.
Animal or human? Insect.
The southern pine beetle.
DAWSON: Tree killer.
Yep.
That's why the Forest Service sprays infested areas with a poison called permethrin.
Guess what else had traces of permethrin on it.
How? So glad you asked.
So the only local area that's recently been dusted is a remote stretch of land outside of Alexandria.
That's a national forest.
The bag was there? Mm-hmm.
Two days ago, when it was sprayed.
The only structure in the spray zone is an old ranger shack.
Thanks, Abbs.
DAWSON: Did you try carrots? What about his treats? Well, then I'm out of ideas, but I'll visit tomorrow.
Thanks.
Sorry.
Jody.
Bullet wound? Just a graze, no tissue damage.
The horse could gallop tomorrow, but Jody won't eat.
Well, he's used to the same person, riding him, feeding him, putting him away.
He knows something's wrong.
So you know your horses.
Got tire tracks.
Looks like a dually.
(camera clicks) Box truck, maybe.
So you know your trucks.
I own trucks.
Got them and the horses in the divorce.
He got everything else.
What else is there? His 23-year-old assistant.
You got the better part of that deal.
Damn right, I don't have to have dinner with the horses' sorority sisters.
That's a new lock.
DAWSON: About as secure as a screen door on a submarine.
Whoa.
Whatever's inside might need to stay in there.
(clears throat) Only one thing smells like that.
Dead body.
I was hoping for something different this time.
Mind if I get this over with? (flies buzzing) Well, that's different.
It's called bushmeat.
Derived from animals native to Africa.
Bat, monkey, lion-- whatever the local population hunts for protein.
In Liberia.
Oh, in many countries all over Africa.
It's outlawed by their governments because it destroys the ecosystems.
Duck, this case isn't about rhino horns or elephant tusks.
No, it's about food.
So what's it doing in the U.
S.
? Jethro, illegal bushmeat is a worldwide, billion-dollar business.
It's smoked, smuggled into the country, and then sold on the street to expatriate communities.
Taste of home.
Well, never underestimate the power of nostalgia.
Mere pounds can go for hundreds of dollars.
It's a health risk.
Well, the greatest fear is of an unknown and catastrophic disease.
You see, smoking the meat does not kill off all the bacteria.
Sounds like nightmare soup.
It's a shame.
I used to like soup.
What do you have? Uh, maybe a little good news.
That's a welcome change.
I know why our killer stole our victim's cell phone: he was taking pictures of them.
But our dead Marine had a cloud account that automatically uploads any cell phone pictures.
No clear faces, but they tell a story.
The bushmeat must be in those bags.
Including the skulls.
Well, they're used to prove the meat's origin and worth.
BISHOP: Either way, I think these guys were headed to the park to sell it.
Our Marine followed them.
Mm-hmm.
He hid in the bushes, but they must have seen him and attacked.
When Dawson showed up, the killers ditched the monkey skulls.
They came back yesterday.
Which is when they shot Officer Cole and his horse.
But it is looking like our dead Marine was one of the good guys.
An animal lover to the last.
VANCE: This is what you wouldn't say, what you thought this case was leading to.
My apologies, Director Vance.
It is both a source of great pride and embarrassment.
Have a seat.
We are a nation of survivors.
Slavery, civil wars.
We strive for progress, but many are still poor, and cattle production is difficult and costly.
Bushmeat has been a way of life for generations.
Which is why it can wipe out animal populations.
It is unsustainable and a health risk.
My government desperately tries to teach this to the public.
But food is also a cultural touchstone.
Used for celebrations, weddings, christenings.
More reasons it's smuggled into our country.
Old habits die hard.
Sorry, that's another turn of phrase.
It's difficult to change minds.
Even more so to change hearts.
Ah.
Many Liberian citizens believe the government to be weak or corrupt.
Sometimes it is true.
But I am here to offer any assistance you may require.
Anything, please.
I appreciate that.
And I just might have something in mind.
Undercover? Ambassador Moore has agreed to lead you through a local street market where he believes bushmeat is being sold.
Market vendors can lead us to the smugglers.
Yeah, and the killers, I get it.
Why did he ask for me? Said he liked you.
He liked me? The man said two things to me: âHello,â and then âGet out of the room.
â I'm pretty sure he thought I was the butler.
So did I at first.
Reeves, Jeeves.
So confusing.
That's funny.
I can also think of something that rhymes with âNick.
â - Slick? - Try again.
Quinn, everything okay? Uh, no, just got off the phone with the hospital.
It seems that Officer Cole's internal bleeding didn't stop, so he died an hour ago.
Looks like we've got two murders on our hands.
Boss, did you hear about this? Find the source of that meat.
(elevator bell dings) (elevator bell dings) (upbeat African music playing, food sizzling) (lively crowd chatter) (bleating) WOMAN: Gentlemen, come, come.
You need spices? I have spices.
Tsire has a lovely flavor.
Peanuts and spices, perfect for meat.
MOORE: That is the problem.
We have no meat.
Perhaps you can help us? This is a market.
There is plenty of meat.
You pick something.
I have spices to make it delicious.
MOORE: Uh, no, no, no, no.
I want to cook my friend a piece of home.
Mm-hmm.
I need bushmeat.
What is the word you said? Bushmeat, please.
This is America.
I am an American.
I don't know about that.
Now, go.
Go! (sighs) No one's willing to talk to us.
Patience.
The word will spread.
Someone always wants to make money, huh? Is it odd this is making me hungry? Everyone gets hungry.
Even butlers.
MAN: Fresh veggies, gentlemen! Come try some.
No, thanks.
One taste can change your mind.
You did say you were hungry.
Wait, I know you.
MOORE: I I don't think so.
Yes, yes, yes, You are a government man.
Please, keep your voice down, huh? Oh, I will.
If the rich government man donates to the knife show.
Knife show? You've got a long way before you turn pro.
I am flawless.
Hardly.
Look at your ear.
Practice makes perfect.
Yeah, clearly you need lots of it.
Hey, Clayton, pay the man and let it be, huh? We do not want trouble.
WOMAN: Let go of me! She did not pay for that! I saw you! Who do you think you are? You cannot come to our market and just think you can take All right, all right, break it up! That's enough! Break it up! Hey, that's enough! Or I start spraying! Get off her! I've recently seen how nasty this stuff is.
I really don't want to use it.
Okay? So stop.
Please.
Who the hell are you? She was stealing from us! I can explain.
DAWSON: Thanks for returning Cole's boots.
The familiar scent and visual can help them understand.
Help them grieve and move on.
Worth a shot.
I agree.
Question is: how did you know to bring the boots? (chuckles) I know that you'd want Cole's badge.
We're finished with processing.
Thank you.
(softly): Yeah.
Really thought that he'd pull through.
You two were close.
Yeah, I trained him.
And right now I'm wondering if I did a good enough job.
This place, these people, they're family.
I think you did everything right.
Jody still won't eat.
Sounds funny, but you know, they get depressed.
Yeah, I've seen that before.
My daughter, Kelly, she used to ride down by the beach.
There was this stable near the water, owned by an old Korean War vet.
He started calling her Sergeant Reckless.
After the war horse, why? One summer, his wife died, and her horse wouldn't ride, wouldn't eat.
Kelly noticed that, and she made it her project.
Horse ignored her.
But she kept going back.
Every day.
Until the horse started eating.
Mm-hmm.
She knew that that horse just needed a buddy.
Sergeant Reckless, because like the war horse, your daughter was a lifesaver.
(chuckles) So horse sense runs in the family.
No.
Uh, that was all her.
I saw the way that you were with Jody yesterday.
You're just what he needs to break his funk.
Funk? Everybody here has already tried everything; this horse is as stubborn as they come, and I think he's finally met his match, Gibbs.
At least, I hope so, anyways, if you're willing.
A horse that doesn't eat, dies.
I was only trying to help.
Okay, last time I was here, NCIS thought my friend was guilty, so I wanted to clear his name.
I was there, asking questions about bushmeat.
No one would answer me, so I started poking around.
They thought you were stealing.
Because they're hiding something.
I didn't find anything to prove that, but I can tell.
Wait a minute.
Who told you the murder had to do with bushmeat? Abby.
Okay.
What else do we have? Nothing.
We've hit a dead end.
No leads on the bushmeat or the smuggling pipeline.
(door opens, closes) Okay, first thing.
I only talked to Phoebe because she knew the victim.
I didn't know she was gonna go commando.
What's the second thing? Okay, the second thing should be the first thing.
I used the wildlife DNA database to track all the animals from the meat shack.
They all came from the Gbarma District of Liberia.
Is that good or bad? It's a bad thing.
A small village in Gbarma just reported an Ebola outbreak.
All the meat downstairs was clear.
Next shipment won't be.
No.
We have to cut off this pipeline, now.
Okay, CDC, FDA and the FAA have all been notified.
FAA? According to the USDA, bushmeat gets into the country via airports.
How many different agencies are involved with this stuff? Well, I left out FWS, who said the meat can be hidden in shipments of fish or other legal foods.
But mostly, it's just smuggled in suitcases.
Well, you won't find that in the food court.
Point is, a shipment tainted with Ebola has its way of getting here.
We're gonna stop them.
McGEE: Yeah, we're trying, boss.
We've been through all the Liberian Intel.
Government surveillance on poachers and known players in the animal trade.
McGEE: A lot of suspects.
BISHOP: But none in the U.
S.
Dead end.
Whoa, wait.
Stop.
Go back.
Right there.
Who's that? BISHOP: Ousmane Best.
He's a big-time poacher, but he's in prison in Liberia.
Who's that with him? The dreadlock guy? Uh, I can't tell.
You know what? Our Marine has more photos from that same batch on his laptop.
Boss, is that? ABBY: Nelson, our park stoner.
He said he quit trafficking illegal drugs, which was true.
Yeah, well, he got into bushmeat.
Different product, same illegal pipeline.
Airport connections.
Guy was broke.
If he's a kingpin, where's the money? He was never a kingpin.
He was an avenue to get to U.
S.
soil.
He's getting the meat from someplace overseas, so I'm betting that that's where the money is, too.
It's an offshore account.
Yeah.
Still raises a lot of questions.
TORRES: And I got answers.
And maracas.
(maracas shaking) Ah! They had them at the pawn shop.
TORRES: Oh, you owe me $10.
Oh, Abby will explain.
Oh, I gave, uh, my maracas to a friend of mine.
No, uh, explain the other thing.
Right.
So, I finally tracked down the parking stub from the Marine's car to a parking garage by a pawn shop downtown.
Here.
I checked it out.
Tanner pawned a guitar the night he died.
Deposit for a new apartment.
Explains the cash in his wallet.
TORRES: Also explains how he found Nelson.
Got security footage from the parking garage.
Can you fast forward to 9:47 p.
m.
, please? Yep.
And there's our stoner.
And Gunnery Sergeant Tanner walked right by him.
Yeah, he bumped into him in the parking lot.
Purely by chance.
GIBBS: He recognized him.
ABBY: Probably from the same photo you did, Gibbs.
Also, Tanner's been studying those poacher files for at least three months.
ABBY: He must have followed Nelson all the way to the park.
Where is he now? No permanent address.
He does live in a mobile tiny house.
What about his accomplice? The guy who shot Officer Cole and the horse does not show up on the video.
But I might have a lead, and straight from the horse's mouth.
Someone had to say it.
MCGEE: So how much jewelry did you have to go through before you found a match? A lot.
Ivory's still way too popular.
Uh, the piece from Jody's mouth was from a spiral taper earring.
Thought horses were vegetarians.
Well, they are, but this one was smart enough to take a bite out of the shooter.
REEVES: Yeah.
His bloody ear wasn't from his knife act.
Oh, he's on the move.
Look.
GIBBS: Heads up, gang.
We got a truck.
(horn honks) McGee, you three have the street.
It's a busy place.
Not ideal for a takedown.
Wait on my signal.
Hurry up.
Come on, I called you two hours ago.
Between the park yesterday and the market today, police are too close.
Then forget your stuff so we can get the hell out of here.
If we can get out of the country, my uncle will hide us in Monrovia.
I don't need your uncle.
Let's go.
GIBBS: Bishop, Torres, move.
Federal agents! The police, they're here! Then you better get out of the way.
McGEE: Gun! NCIS! (coughing) It's over! Put your hands in the air! (coughing) Don't shoot! (handcuffs clicking) This is exactly how they train rangers to take down poachers.
NEWSCASTER: Two arrests have been made in connection with the smuggling of illegal bushmeat into the United States.
Meat tainted with the Ebola virus Congratulations, Director.
Two smugglers gave up their airport contacts pretty fast.
Be assured, my government is following up in Liberia.
This will not end here.
Ball's in your court now.
That idiom I know.
(laughs) Press conference is in an hour.
Director.
Please be mindful in your media portrayal of my government.
It is a powerful tool that could help build trust.
This press conference will be seen back home.
Which is why you're giving the opening statement.
I beg your pardon? I can't think of anything more powerful than your country seeing a proud and committed public servant.
(laughs) Thank you.
Now, that's just, um that's just beautiful.
Park police said he was born this morning and that they named him after fallen officer Cole.
Mm.
Cole the foal.
(chuckles) Just Who's crying over a horse now? Oh, come on.
It's pepper spray, come on.
Nick, that was three hours ago.
(laughs) McGEE: Nick.
Got great news.
What's up, Tim? Um You know what, never mind.
Come on, tell me.
What's up? Okay, um (chuckles) It's a, it's kind of a funny story, really.
The, uh, the OCAT training.
I just came from HR.
Turns out they, uh, they mixed up the dates.
We're not due until next year.
We didn't have to get sprayed? Oops.
âOopsâ? Okay, Reeves, hand it over.
I'm sorry, Tim, but I am an independent party.
What? What are you doing? No.
Oh, come on.
That's funny.
Very funny, very funny.
Any last words before we take this outside? Whoa, whoa, whoa, come on.
This-this is not my fault.
(rooster crowing) DAWSON: Hey, buddy.
Yeah.
Well, what do you know? Good to have you back, pal.
What changed, huh? Gibbs, you've been here all night? What did you do? What? He's eating.
Tell me what you did.
I could get you a coffee or an aspirin.
That's a mighty hard floor.
No.
We don't mind.
Do we, Jody? (chuckles) He just needed a buddy.
Well, you know, Jody could also use a ride, if you're up for it.
What do you think? (laughs) Okay.