Tim couldn't believe everything had fallen apart so fast. One moment it had been perfect. The next everything had fallen apart. And it all started with that one phone call. He could remember it as if it were yesterday, which ironically, it was.
"McGee," Tim answered the phone. He hadn't even taken the time to check the caller I.D.
"Tim? It's Sarah. Something bad has happened." Tim's little sister started. She sounded like she'd been crying, sending alarm bells ringing in his head. Not wanting to involve his teammates Tim lowered his voice.
"What's happened?" He asked. He didn't fail to notice Tony and Ziva giving him curious looks. Sarah started crying saying the same thing over and over again.
"She's dead, she's dead, she's dead!" Tim was beginning to panic.
"Who is?" He whispered, afraid of the answer. If it was possible Sarah started crying even harder.
"Mom, they found her body this morning. Somebody STRANGLED her! He's back, Tim, he's back! What are we going to do?" Sarah wailed.
"Shh, It's okay, calm down. You know what to do. Call Sam and pack your bags." Tim reassured, though he was terrified too.
"What about you Tim? You're in danger too. Even more than me." Sarah asked. Tim sighed and failed to notice Tony and Ziva get closer to hear his reply.
"I can't Sarah, I need to stay here. I'll be safe. I've changed my name and everything. He'll probably go into hiding." Tim tried to reason. The real reason was that he didn't want to spend the rest of his life hiding. He had friends here. A family. And he wouldn't let that man take it away from him.
"But he found mom," Sarah argued. Tim knew that she was only worried about him.
"But she didn't change her name. I tried to tell her but she wouldn't listen. It's her own fault she's dead!" Tim said the last part a little harsh, but if his mom only listened. Tony and Ziva exchanged startled glances, who could be dead? Why had McGee changed his name? Sarah burst into tears when Tim said that making him feel instantly guilty.
"Look, I'm sorry Sarah. I didn't mean it. I'm just upset, you know? Mom would want us to be strong. I need to go. Call me as soon as Sam says it's safe." Before Sarah could respond Tim hung up and left for the bathroom. Tony and Ziva were appalled. McGee's mother was dead? What happened? Who was Sam and why was Sarah in danger?
Gibbs watched his agents from his office. He was worried about McGee. The call had obviously distressed him. Tony and Ziva looked worried too. That was never good. Tim had just recovered from that cave in. They did not need any more drama.
Tim was in the bathroom staring at the mirror. He was trying to stop the stem of salty tears that streamed down his face. He had been crying for the past ten minutes out of frustration and fear. He had no idea what to do. He was afraid of what might happen to him and his sister. He was afraid of anyone finding out about it. He couldn't tell anyone. That could put them in danger and he didn't think he could get the words out anyway. Soon he would be dead. He had known that as soon as Sarah told him mom was dead. The only way to save her was to sacrifice himself.