Title: NCIS – Fallen Hero

Author: D M Harper

Summary: When Naval Criminal Investigative Service's MCRT investigates the death of a decorated Marine, one member finds much more than a motive for murder.

PAIRINGS: Agent Ziva David & Abigail Sciuto; Agent Ziva David & OFC; Abigail Sciuto & OFC.

Rating: MA for Mature readers.

Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction borrowing characters from a TV series. Other characters are original, but have learnt to play nicely with the others. No profit is gained and no copyright infringement is intended to creators Donald P. Bellisario & Don McGill or Belisarius Productions, Paramount Network Television & CBS Paramount Network Television.

A/N: Please take a dip into the review pool and leave a message. The Muse gets a little hungry!

Chapter 1

Thirty nine year old, Senior Field Agent Anthony DiNozzo from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service's Major Case Response Team, dunked his seventh paper ball into Special Agent Timothy McGee's waste basket and gleefully declared, "He shoots and he scores! Try to beat that Agent McGeek."

Twenty nine year old McGee stopped typing on his Logitech keyboard, picked up one of the two scrunched up wads of paper lying on his desk and without turning his brown haired head, sailed the ball through the air and landed it straight into DiNozzo's rubbish bin. "I believe that is now eight to seven," he stated without a trace of ego.

"Jesus McFly, how in the hell do you do that?" retorted the close cropped, dark haired DiNozzo. He leaned back in his chair and took aim again.

"It takes practice and simple aerodynamics Tony."

"Oh hold up a minute there Junior Field Agent McSmartie, don't go getting all geeky on me," protested DiNozzo before releasing his next throw. It crashed into the side of the basket and the flustered Agent proclaimed, "Damn, you win this round McBurger, but I'll get you next time."

Former Mossad Liaison Officer, now Probationary NCIS Special Agent Ziva David, peeked out from behind her computer monitor, "Hard titties Tony."

DiNozzo shook his head at the Israeli born, exotic black haired beauty and quipped, "That's tough titties Probie."

"Will I never get the hang of this American Slang?" complained a slightly miffed twenty-seven year old Ziva.

"Probably not," replied DiNozzo with a grin. "But it sure is entertaining and provides comic relief."

Grey haired Supervisory Special Agent and former Marine Gunnery Sergeant Leroy Jethro Gibbs, walked behind DiNozzo and announced, "Gear up people, we have a dead Marine over at Ashton Heights in Arlington."

The three Agents jumped up from behind their desks and collected their ready bags.

As fifty four year old Gibbs slapped the back of DiNozzo's head, he declared, "The record is fifteen straight dunks DiNozzo."

"On it Boss," conceded DiNozzo with a grimace.

Both David and McGee glanced at each other and exchanged broad smiles while heading towards the elevator.

-o-

Chief Medical Examiner Donald Mallard, sixty seven, was kneeling beside the body of a "Class A" uniform clad Marine and said in his refined Scottish accent, "Right young man, let's find out what happened to you shall we."

Gibbs and DiNozzo entered the living room and the older Agent asked, "What do you have for us Duck?"

"I can tell you your victim received a single gunshot to the base of his skull. By his liver temp and lack of rigor, I'd say it occurred no less than two hours ago."

DiNozzo checked his watch, "1310 hours Boss."

"Thank you DiNozzo, but I can tell the time."

"Only trying to help there Boss."

"Then go assist the others with processing the rest of the house."

After a brief smirk, Doctor Mallard continued with his preliminary findings, "I can also inform you the choice of weapon was probably a 9mm pistol."

Gibbs' brows arched, "Considering the majority of the front of Lieutenant Harris' skull is missing, what makes you think that?"

The M.E. handed his friend an evidence bag, "The 9mm shell casing I located between the collars of the Lieutenant's jacket and shirt tell me all I need to know to make an informed submission."

With a sly grin, Gibbs stated, "Obviously a close quarters shot."

"Yes I agree and the burn marks and stippling fortify that theory. From the positioning of the body, I'd say the poor fellow was executed."

"That's what I am thinking too Duck."

"Of course I will know more once I am back at the morgue."

"I wouldn't expect any different from you."

DiNozzo returned with news, "Nothing on the computer Boss. There are no secret files, nada."

"Okay, get back to the office and find out everything on the Lieutenant. Take McGee with you and drop the computer off to Abby."

"Understood Boss," DiNozzo disappeared down the hall towards the study.

Ziva joined Gibbs and the doctor seconds later carrying a digital camera around her neck, "No sign of forced entry or a struggle."

Gibbs looked at the two duffle bags sitting beside the front door and pondered, "The Lieutenant was either going somewhere or just returned."

"He must have known his assassin and let them into his home," remarked Ziva solemnly.

Doctor Mallard nodded in agreement, "Considering the absence of ligature marks or bruising, I would say the unfortunate chap knew them well and deemed it was useless to attempt any form of defence. The Lieutenant did not put up any resistance at all. Obviously, he realised his attacker was capable of murder."

Turning to his left, Gibbs asked, "Ziva, what did the neighbours have to say?"

"A Private Carlos Garcia from next door arrived home from vacation this afternoon and noticed Lieutenant Harris' vehicle in the drive. The Private stated the Lieutenant had been stationed in Afghanistan for the past six months. If we did not have a problem with our network connection on our phones, I could give you more information."

"It can wait until we return to base and the new cells and portable AFIS scanners should be delivered tomorrow morning."

"This is good news."

"Well, that solves the mystery of the luggage," commented the doctor.

"It certainly does, meet you back at the office Duck," said Gibbs while heading towards the front door. "I'll leave you to finish up here Ziva."

"As you wish Gibbs."

-o-

"What do you have DiNozzo?" inquired Gibbs while nearing his desk.

DiNozzo stood and pointed a remote control at the large computer display monitor behind Gibbs' desk, "Boss, 1st Lieutenant Mason John Harris was born on the fifth of August 1976 in Wheeling West Virginia. At the time of his death he was thirty three years of age. Harris entered Officer Candidate's School in 1998 at the age of twenty two. Finished sixth in his class and was stationed at the Marine Corps Base in Hawaii with the 3rd Marine Regiment until 2001. There was a tour of duty with the 2nd Battalion 5th Marine Unit for twelve months then two more tours followed in 2002 and 2003. In 2004 Lieutenant Harris was stationed at Camp Pendleton Oceanside California before being shipped out to Afghanistan in 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009. Each tour was of a six month duration and his Military Occupational Speciality was Military Police. His last base was Camp Dwyer, Garmsir District."

"Family McGee?" asked Gibbs while continuing to look at the view screen.

"Lieutenant Harris is survived by his younger sister Addison and his parents Stephen and Dorothy. Addison is twenty seven and a high school teacher in Wheeling while his parents own and run the local hardware store. Lieutenant Harris has never married, but became engaged late last year."

"To who McGee?" queried Gibbs impatiently.

"That's where it gets a little interesting Boss," chimed in DiNozzo.

"You want to explain that?" directed Gibbs.

DiNozzo shrugged his shoulders and clarified, "There is no record of the fiancée's name with the Department of Defence."

McGee continued, "What Tony is trying to say is there is no information on file and when I tried to access the empty file looking for a back door, I was sent a message notifying me it was classified data and above my security clearance."

Preening, DiNozzo declared, "That can only mean one thing; the late Lieutenant Harris was under investigation."

"McGee, work on gaining access and DiNozzo look into Lieutenant Harris' financials," instructed Gibbs.

"Right Boss," acknowledged DiNozzo. "By the way, where is Ziva?"

"Why are you asking, are you her mother?"

"Ahh that's a negatory Boss."

Gibbs smacked the back of DiNozzo's head, "That's two for the day." He turned and headed for the lift. Pressing the button for the B2 level, Gibbs walked into the morgue a short time later and was greeted by Medical Assistant Jimmy Palmer.

"Hello Agent Gibbs."

"Mr Palmer."

"Ahh Jethro, so good of you to drop in," commented Doctor Mallard while looking up from the naked body of Lieutenant Harris. "You're just in time. Our young Marine here was in perfect health as one would expect, apart from the large exit wound to his cranium that is." He handed Gibbs an evidence bag, "There's your bullet and if I am not mistaken, a 9mm handgun was the killer's preferred choice of weapon. I detected powder burns to the skull and residue on the hair. This suggests it was indeed a close quarter's discharge."

"Do you have anything else for me Duck?"

Mallard addressed his assistant, "Mr Palmer, if you would please."

The younger man moved to the head of the table and turned the cadaver onto its left side.

Pointing to the right shoulder, the M.E. continued, "As you can clearly see, there are several small bruises. The colouring indicates the contusions are at least twenty four hours old."

"Any idea as to the cause?"

"Jethro, the marks were made by human teeth."

"Pardon Doc?"

"Love bites my dear friend or I believe they are commonly known at hickeys."

"Obviously a parting gift from Afghanistan," quipped Gibbs while he withdrew his phone. "DiNozzo."

"Yes Boss."

"Did Lieutenant Harris have any stopovers on the trip home?"

"Checking now ... and that's a negative Boss. He had three flights, all military and all connecting."

"Did you come up with anything unusual with his bank records?"

"No, there have only been his regular pay deposits and small withdrawals."

"I need a list of all personnel Lieutenant Harris was stationed with and pay close attention to females."

"You find something Boss?"

"Yes, Duck located bite marks on the Lieutenant's shoulder."

"Maybe they were from the mystery fiancée?"

"They very well could be DiNozzo." Gibbs ended the call. "Duck, do you have enough of an imprint to identify the teeth responsible for the bites?"

"I believe so Jethro, leave it with me."

"It's all yours Doc."

-o-

Twenty eight year old Goth clothing attired Abigail Sciuto was busy behind a computer when Gibbs entered her Lab. He handed her a large drink container of "Caf-Pow" and nodded, "What do you have for me Abs?"

Kissing him on the cheek and smiling, the raven haired five foot ten Forensic Specialist answered, "McGee was correct about the computer. There is nothing of importance or suspicious on the hard drive, but there was an interesting e-mail received this afternoon at 1610 hours." Typing in a command on the keyboard, Abby brought up the message on one the large screens.

Hey Mason,

Hope your trip home was good and you have settled in okay.

I already miss you and am looking forward to our dinner date next Friday night.

Love and hugs always,

"G"

"And before you ask Gibbs, I traced the IP address to Camp Leatherneck, Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Unfortunately I can't track it to a particular user. The system is networked and whoever sent the e-mail encrypted their user name."

"Can't you dig a little deeper?"

"Oh yee of little faith, I can, but it is going to take some time. This person is really good at covering their tracks."

"Someone has gone to a lot of trouble to conceal their identity and that makes them a person of interest."

"I'll let you know the second I have something."

"Appreciate it Abs."

-o-

At 1740 hours a grinning Abby skipped into the Squadroom on the first floor and approached Gibbs' desk, "The weapon used was a Berretta M9 9mm pistol, which is the standard sidearm for the US military and I still haven't cracked the code on the user profile."

"You think that is our anonymous fiancée Boss?" asked DiNozzo.

"Considering the extent they have gone to, I would say yes."

Ziva walked in and DiNozzo wisecracked, "Where have you been Probie?"

"That is none of your business Tony."

Gibbs gave his Senior Agent a death glare then turned to David, "How did you go Ziva?"

"I believe I went well."

With a smirk Gibbs retorted, "I am sure you did just fine."

Standing up, McGee announced, "Boss, I've completed the check on Lieutenant Harris' unit and no one has either a Christian or Surname beginning with the letter G."

"Okay, expand your search to include females serving at Camp Leatherneck in the Helmand Province."

"Yes Boss."

"Any plans you have for tonight people, cancel them. Nobody goes home until we identify the unknown fiancée."

It was 1826 hours when Abby phoned Gibbs, "Bingo! I have your missing link."

"I'll be down in a minute and good work as always Abs." Standing, Gibbs reattached his cell to his belt and motioned to DiNozzo, "You're with me."

"I'm right behind you Boss."

The two Agents entered Abby's Lab two minutes later and immediately looked towards the military identification of a female displayed on the screen behind Abby.

"Whoa, Lieutenant Harris sure had good taste in woman," declared Tony with a lecherous grin.

"Damn it," uttered Gibbs in disbelief.

Both Abby and Tony looked at him inquisitively.

"You know her Gibbs?" enquired Abby.

"Go set up a Com-Link with Camp Leatherneck in MTAC A-SAP DiNozzo."

The younger Agent hurried out the Lab without question and before Abby asked again, Gibbs explained, "I served with her father during Desert Storm back in 1991. We became friends and kept in contact until he was killed in action in Bagdad in 2005. I've known Gray since she was eleven and even attended her Officer's Graduation."

"Do you think she is capable of being involved in Lieutenant Harris' death?"

"I don't believe so, but something was clearly going on." Gibbs left and went up to the Multiple Threat Alert Center. After his eye was scanned at the door, he entered the room and found DiNozzo talking to a tech to the left side of the room.

DiNozzo turned to him and said, "Two minutes Boss."

"Clear the room people," ordered Gibbs. "That includes you too DiNozzo."

"Understood."

Once the space was empty, Gibbs pressed a button on the control panel and the large view screen lit up with the image of a vacant room and a chair. Moving to the front of the monitor, the Agent waited.

Seconds ticked by before a desert camouflage uniformed, collar length blonde sat down and looked directly into the digital camera.

"Is the room secure Captain?" asked Gibbs.

The attractive Marine nodded, "Affirmative Gunney, I gather this is not a social call."

"No ma'am you'd be correct, it's official."

"Then carry on Supervisory Special Agent Gibbs."

"Ma'am it is with regret that I inform you of the passing of 1st Lieutenant Mason Harris."

The Captain's face showed no emotion as she blinked several times, "Understood Agent Gibbs and I cannot guarantee the security of this link."

"I understand Captain."

"My tour of duty ends tomorrow and I will be stateside on the fifteenth. I will attend the Navy Yard upon my return and answer any questions you may have."

"Appreciate your co-operation ma'am and I truly am sorry for your loss."

Without another word, the Captain leaned forward and disconnected the link.

-o-

Walking into the bullpen, DiNozzo instantly went to his desk and typed on his keyboard. "The mystery deepens," he explained as the Captain's image came up on the view monitor. "Behold the unknown fiancée."

McGee and Ziva gathered in front of the screen while Tony proclaimed, "Meet USMC Captain Grayson Lee McCall and our esteemed leader knows her."

"I served with her father," announced Gibbs from his position behind the group.

DiNozzo scowled and waited for the smack, it didn't arrive.

"Captain McCall will be here on Monday to assist us with our investigation," announced Gibbs. "The questions will have to wait until then."

"How did she react to the news of her fiancé's demise?" enquired McGee.

"In true Marine fashion, emotionless," answered Gibbs.

"That's one tough woman," mumbled DiNozzo. "Or maybe she is just cold."

"Gibbs," interrupted Ziva. "I checked Lieutenant Harris' service record and he was decorated twice whilst in combat. There are no other entries."

McGee added, "The Lieutenant was well liked by his fellow Marines and appears to have had no issues."

"In other words, we have nothing," complained Gibbs indifferently. "No trace evidence, no eyewitnesses and no suspect. Go home people."

"Night Boss," chorused DiNozzo and McGee as they collected their ready bags.

Ziva collected her belongings then said, "Goodnight Gibbs.

As the three Agents entered the lift, DiNozzo remarked, "The Captain is the best looking Marine I have ever seen."

McGee agreed, "She certainly is stunning Tony."

"She is incredibly beautiful," chimed in Ziva deadpan.

Both men looked at their colleague in astonishment. The brunette merely shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly and stared ahead.

"Is there something you want to share with us Ziva?" posed DiNozzo.

"I do not think so Tony."

"Oh, what a shame, a little girl on girl admiration is a good thing."

Exiting the elevator, Ziva looked over her shoulder and snapped, "You are a chauvinist pig DiNasty."

"Good one," praised Tim as the trio entered the reception lobby.

-o-

Grayson McCall held onto her emotions until she entered her office. Sitting down behind the desk, she placed her head in her hands and finally allowed herself to cry for the loss of the man she loved. The tears flowed freely for ten minutes before she collected herself and wiped her face with several tissues.

Standing up, the Captain went and organised a patrol outside the wire with her unit. When they arrived back at camp three hours later, Grayson busied herself with paperwork before ceasing duty. The five foot eleven Marine ate dinner alone in the chow hall then retired to her room for the evening. Despite her best efforts, she cried herself to sleep.

-o-