RE-POSTED: I'm really sorry! I thought that the site had saved my changes, but clearly it didn't. But it's fixed and Tony's wife is Alice and not Sandy (she's only in 'Clear The Air and Move On'). I'm really, really sorry and THANK YOU to all people that made me notice the mistake :)
Unfotunately, I don't own anything of NCIS :(
This story is ''Secrets & Family'' Sequel, but you don't need to read that story or ''Who's That Girl?'' to understand ''A Ghost from The Past''.
''A Ghost from The Past''
Chapter 1.
Friday evening - NCIS HQ
It was about 0800 pm on a Friday evening, halfway between mid October and early November.
"Done!" said Ziva, clicking her pen to close it.
"Me too," said Gibbs, closing a file.
"Aaand... me too," said Tony, streching his neck and turning off his computer.
"It's time to go home," said Gibbs. All three of them looked at McGee. He was still writing down his report.
"What about you McGee?" Gibbs questioned.
"Almost done, boss," he answered, without raising his eyes .
"You'll finish it on Monday morning. Go home now," said Gibbs softly.
Ziva and Tony exchanged a worried glance as Tim said, "I prefer doing it now, Boss.''
Gibbs looked at the other two agents and nodded,stood up and grabbed their stuff.
"Do you need a ride home, McGee?" asked Tony.
"No, thanks."
"Are you sure? You don't have..."
"I rented a car, yesterday," said McGee.
"Oh... ok," said Tony looking at Ziva seriously.
"And anyway, its out of your way," said McGee.
"Less than 15 minutes and it wouldn't be a problem anyway, Tim," smiled DiNozzo.
"Go home Tony, and have a nice night... don't worry about me," McGee smiled halfheartedly.
"Ok... goodnight," Tony and Ziva said.
Gibbs, Ziva and Tony walked into the elevator, silently and thoughtfully.
When the elevator doors closed, Ziva said, "We've got to do something for him.''
"Definitely," Tony agreed.
"He's rented a car, Tony! It's not normal!" she said.
"No, it's not," Tony sighed.
"It happened about...?" started Ziva, unsurely.
"Exactly 3 months and 6 days ago," sighed Tony, looking his shoes.
"You're right. It was your birthday," remembered Ziva.
"Yep. It had been a pretty nice evening," sighed Tony, sadly.
"Yes, " smiled Ziva, sighing, "We've got to do something," she repeated.
"Yes, but what?" asked Tony.
Ziva and Tony looked at Gibbs. He stared back, but he didn't say a word. He just turned and looked their images reflected on the elevator doors.
Ziva drove fast, as usual, and arrived home in 12 minutes and 20 seconds. New record! Her new apartment was at 1545 35th St. NW, Georgetown.
She opened the door and she felt happy being at home. Yes, that is my own home!
She took a relaxing bath with a lot of foam. Maybe that wasn't a Mossad trainer killer thing, but it was certainly a female thing and she wasn't a Mossad killer anymore. She was an NCIS agent or, as Tony sometimes still said, ''Our new probie!". She smiled at that thought, but suddenly a sad memory came to mind...
After the bath, she ate something and then she laid down on her ultra-soft sofa. She wanted to know what was going to happen to Scarlett O'Hara in the fifth chapter of "Gone with the Wind".
"Oh, my God! I'm becoming a honey chick! If Tony knew it!" she thought smiling. She was discovering her soft side and she liked it.
The phone rang and she answered,"Hello," then she said smiling. "Hi... no, I was just reading, and you?... are you in DC?... really?... Great!... wait! You didn't tell him anything, did you?... good," she sighed in relief. "You know why... that'd be hell for me, if he knew that we... I know, but not now, I need some more time... are you angry?'' she warily asked. ''Are you sure?... Bad news or good news?... Yes... Really? It's great!... Sure, I'm 'greatly' happy... okay, I'm really happy," she said rolling her eyes. "I suppose I'd have thank him... one day, I promise... okay... could we meet? Maybe tomorrow...perfect!... I'll be waiting for you," then she hung up as a sweet and sexy smile appeared on her face.
Gibbs arrived at home and went straight down to his basement. He had bought chinese food and two big cups of coffee. He didn't time to waste!
Gibbs had two very important woodworks to finish. He smiled thinking about the last time he had made a woodwork like those ones. Kelly was about two years old and, together with his wife Shannon, they were his entire world. They were the perfect family.
The former Marine sighed and a new sad thought came to mind...
"Stop thinking and start working, Jethro !" he said to himself.
Tony was driving home. Ten minutes more and he would have arrived. His cell rang,"DiNozzo," he said, hoping it wasn't a job call.
"Tony! Where are you?" asked a well-known voice.
"I'm going home Abs. Why ?"
"And Gibbs? And Ziva?"
"I think they've just arrived at their homes. Considering the way they drive! But what's the problem? Do we have a dead Marine or a dead sailor? Please don't tell me..."
"No, no. I'm worried."
"Worried? What about?"
"Tim. He's still here!"
"I know."
"You knew? And you didn't do anything?"
"Abby, listen, he ..."
"We've got to do something!"
"We all know, but you can't help a man that doesn't want your help."
"But he's our friend, Tony! Don't you realize what he's going through?"
"I was there, Abby," he stopped her, "I was there with him," sighed Tony.
"So?"
"So nothing!"
"I'll call Gibbs!"
"Abs, leave him alone tonight. It has been a very long week. Ziva and I have tried to talk with him, but..."
"No, I'm calling him," she hung up and Tony closed his cell, sighing.
Abby is right, but ... not tonight! That night Tony needed peace and quiet.
Tony could see his new house from afar now. He had bought it with a little part of his mother's inheritance. There was a little garden around the house and a bigger one in the back, along with a pool. Finally he arrived at 4901 Hillbrook Ln. NW and parked in the little drive on the back of the large, red brick house.
He crossed the little garden and opened the backdoor.
The house was quiet and the lights was dimmed in the hall. He shouted,"Is there anybody home?"
Nobody answered, but he caught a glimpse of two eyes appearing from behind the door to the living room. Tony sighed, faking sadness, "Oh , dear me! I'm alone. I hoped to find someone, but..." an 3 year old blond child ran to him shouting,"Daddy! Daddy! You're home!" and jumped into his arms, kissing him.
The little boy was the spiting image of his father. Same blue-green eyes, same impertinent look and same disarming smile.
"You's eating with us?" asked his son as he played with his dad's tie.
"Yes, I am," answered Tony, putting his weapon in a drawer and locking it.
"And ten you's going back to NCIS?" the child said pouting.
"No, tonight I'm staying home," smiled Tony.
"Yay!" shouted his son, hugging him,"So, we watch 'The Lion King'!" he firmly stated.
"Michael, you're choking me," whispered Tony.
"We watch dat movie, right? Pleeease... please, daddy!" said the child, looking at him with puppy eyes. He's such an actor!
"We'll see. Where's mummy?"
"Kit-chen."
Tony went to the kitchen carrying Michael in his arms. "Ciao, piccola," he said, kissing his wife.
"Ciao, tesoro," she answered, stirring something.
"What have you cooked?" asked her husband.
"Meatballs, mashed potatoes, and peas."
"Yum," said Tony. He was really hungry and his wife was a very good Italian cook!
"Mummy! Nooo. I do not eat peas. I do not want peas!" Michael started whimpering as he crossed his arms.
"No, angel. You'll eat them," said Alice.
"No! NO! You's mean!" shouted the child.
"Hey!" Tony snapped, staring him. He had a very strict look. "Say sorry, immediately," said Tony, quietly but firmly.
"Sorry, mommy," sighed Michael, kissing her.
"If you'll eat the peas, maybe we could watch 'The Lion King'. What do you think, mommy?" winked Tony.
"'The Lion King'? Again?" she asked,"No doubt, you're a little DiNozzo! Ok, we'll watch that movie for the 1000th time," she smiled.
"Daddy, Mel is mean to me!" protested Michael as he took Tony's face in his tiny hands to have all his ttention..
"Mel?" asked Tony, raising his eyebrows.
"Yes. Melanie McGee. She is very disag ... desegre..." that word was too hard for him.
"Disagreeable?" Tony helped him and saw his son nodding."Why?" asked Tony.
"She kicked me!"
"Yes, but tell your father what you did before that," said Alice, trying not smile. Michael looked around and didn't answer, so his mother said,"He cut off Mel's doll head."
"Nice!" exclaimed Tony, but Alice stared him,"Ehm, I meant, you should not do such a bad thing, Michael," said Tony, trying not to smile as well.
"It's been a very long afternoon," sighed Alice,"He cut the doll's head off. She kicked him. He pulled her hair. She pushed him. Finally I managed to divide them and I gave them cookies and tea and..."
"And?" asked Tony, staring at his son. Michael bite his lower lip smirking.
"And he kicked her under the table, so she stole his cookies. It's easier working at the hospital!" sighed Alice.
"An interesting afternoon, definitely!" said Tony.
"And what about you?" asked Alice.
"Two terrorists. One taken and one gone," said Tony, cryptically. They wanted to protect Michael from the bad side of the world.
"Why was Mel here?" asked Tony as he placed a pillow on Michael's chair and sat him down on it.
"Because she was with Tim's sister, but Sarah received a call from her boss and she's got to go to the office," explained Alice, then asked, "How is Tim?"
"Later. It's better we talk then," answered Tony, seriously.
Gibbs' cell rang, he looked at the display and he recognized the NCIS Lab's number,"Yes, Gibbs."
"Gibbs! We've got to talk!"
"Something wrong, Abs?" he asked.
"Yes. It's Tim."
"Abby, please..." Gibbs sighed as he rolled his eyes.
"He needs our help," she complained.
"I know, but you can't help a man that doesn't want your help."
"Tony said the exact same words!"
"Because sometimes he's right too," grinned Gibbs.
"Gibbs, no jokes! This is serious!"
"I know, but we have to wait until he's ready. Go home Abby," he said softly as he hung up.
During the dinner Tony said, ''Gibbs, invited all...''
"Uncle Gibbs, Daddy!" Michael corrected him with his mouth full of peas.
"Right," his father nodded, smiling, "Uncle Gibbs invited all of us on his boat for the next week end. We should start on Friday, after work."
"Yay! Are we's going? Please!" the little child asked folding his hands under his chin.
Tony and Alice looked each other and she nodded, so Tony said, "Yes, we'll go. I think it'll be a very nice week end."
When dinner ended Tony asked his wife if she needed help washing up in the kitchen.
"Daddy, come on! You's have to put on the DVD," said Michael, pulling his hand.
"Stay with your son, Tony. He needs your attention and your time... and it's your 'movie night'!" smiled Alice, sweetly, "I'll reach you later."
"Come in," said Ziva, looking at him.
"Thanks. You look incredible," he whispered as he kissed her.
"When did you arrive?" she asked, escorting him to the sitting room.
"Four hours ago."
"Have you already called him?" she asked, sitting down on the sofa, next to her boyfriend.
"No, I haven't," he answered, kissing her lips softly again,"I missed you so much."
"Me too," she whispered. "Do you want something to drink?"
"No, thanks.. I want just one thing," he winked.
"What?" smiled Ziva.
"You," he answered, kissing her again... and again... and again...
"I'm here, honey," she whispered, giving herself up.
Abby called Ducky too, but he was out for a dinner with Dr. Jordan Hampton. The next day she was leaving for a 7 day symposium in Seattle and they wanted to spent the evening (... and night!) together, so Abby was obliged to follow Gibbs' advice. She said goodnight to all of her "babies" in the Lab and went up to see if McGee was still in the office. When she arrived Tim's desk was empty and she assumed he had gone home.
Abby arrived at home, still thinking about Tim. She got out of her red car and went to her door.
Suddenly she turned around. There was something strange... just a sensation.
She looked around , but the street was empty, except for the neighbor's black cat. The cat mowed and ran away, scared.
A bush across the street stirred and a big rancoon jumped out, running across the street. Abby smiled.
You're so stupid, girl! It's just a nice little animal. You're a very weird goth, if you're afraid of a little animal!
She opened the door and went in, but that uncomfortable feeling didn't disappear.
Alice entered the TV room, carrying a big cup and Michael's bottle of camomille. She stopped on the doorway looking at 'her men'. They were so similar even when they became annoying, and she loved them more than her own life. Tony was a very good father, so sweet, protective, and caring, but also severe and strict about sincerity and good manners'. They were watching the movie and repeating all cartoon's words. She smiled, but a sad thought came to her mind... She sighed and kissed 'her men's' hair, giving them their camomilles. Then she squatted near Tony, who had Michael on his lap.
"Tomorrow we could spend the day together," he said.
"I'd love it," she answered.
"Maybe we could go somewhere for the week end..." he proposed, but Ziva was thoughtful and distracted, so he asked, "Where are you, Ziva? You're not in this bed with me. Why are you so distracted?"
"Sorry, I'm happy with you, but..." she said, snuggling in his arms.
"But?"
"But I'm worried about a friend."
"Is he sick?"
"No. He's going through a horrible part of his life."
"Can't you help him?"
"I don't know. I'd like to help him, but..."
"He doesn't want your help," he finished.
"How do you know?" she asked, looking up at him.
"Because I knew a man that never wanted help."
"And, what happened?"
"He finally found someone that helped him to understand that he needed help, that he needed to trust someone," he smiled, kissing her.
"A woman?"
"Yes," he nodded.
"I think it's harder this time. My friend's living a personal hell because of a woman," said Ziva, laying near him, again.
After a quick dinner, Abby visited her favorite Goth site on Internet. She was still looking for an original idea for her Halloween costume. She couldn't wear the Marilyn Monroe costume again.
A noise made her start. She grabbed a frying pan and crept to the back door. She saw a shadow behind the door and shouted,"Who's there? I've a gun! Go away!"
The shadow stopped in front of the door and a well-known voice said,"Abby, it's me."
"Jimmy?" she said, opening the door,"What are you doing here? I could have hurt you!"
"With that?" he asked, pointing the frying pan. She glared at him.
"Why are you here?" she asked.
"I need your help."
"Come in," she said. Abby locked the door and asked, "What's happened?"
"Someone has stolen my car," Jimmy sighed.
"Oh, I'm sorry. How did you get here?"
"Taxi."
"Well, call the Police," she smiled.
"I think Dr. Mallard's going to kill me," he sighed.
"Because someone has stolen you car? I don't think so," she laughed.
"Uhm... in my bag I had..." Palmer trailed off, very uncomfortable.
"What?"
"Okay." he sighed, "You know that the team has arrested a terrorist."
"Yes. Actually two terrorists, but one of them tried to escape and they shot him."
"Right. We've done his autopsy and..." he swallowed.
"And?" she encouraged him.
"Dr. Mallard had plans for tonight."
"I know," sighed Abby, "But I still do not understand what the problem is!"
"He told me to tag all the deceased's personal effects and samples, and then give you everything."
"But, you didn't give me anything!"
"Yep,'' Jimmy sadly nodded. ''It was late and I was very tired. I thought that nothing bad could happen... Oh , Abby... I... I..."
"Jimmy, what did you do?" she asked, warily.
"I put everything in my bag and I went home," he sighed.
"What? Are you crazy? " she was shocked.
"I wanted to go home, get some rest and then finish the job. Dr. Mallard is going to kill me," he complained as he sagged on her black couch.
"Vance, Gibbs and Tony too," she said, thoughtfully.
"What can I do now?" he complained.
"You could call Gibbs..." she proposed, uncertainly.
"Abby!" he stared her.
"Okay, you right... but we've got to do something! I'll call Tony," she said, taking her cell.
"No! He'll tell Gibbs and I..."
"Maybe, but it's better than calling Gibbs. Tony could act as a go-between," she smiled as she made the call.
'The Lion King' had ended so Sandy and Tony took Michael to his bedroom, tucked him up in bed and said him two sweetgood-nights.
"I think I'll have a shower now," said Tony, walking toward their bedroom's bathroom.
"I'll be waiting for you in bed," said Alice.
When Tony was already in the shower the phone rang.
"Hello," she answered.
"Alice, it's Abby... I need to talk to Tony," she said, anxiously.
"Something wrong?" she worried.
"No, well kinda, but I need Tony."
"Sure," she said, going to the bathroom, "He's in the shower. I think you've got to wait a moment."
After about two minutes, Tony, wearing his blue bath-robe, answered the phone.
"What's up, Abs?" he asked, drying his hair with a towel.
"We've got a problem!"
"Abby, I've already told you that McGee..." he said, rolling his eyes.
"It's not about Tim. It's about Palmer."
"Palmer? What did the Autopsy-Gremlin do?"
Abby told Tony the whole story about case 99875's evidence. While she was talking he became more and more astonished. When she's finished he said, "It's a really big mess, but what did he have in mind?"
"Any ideas?" asked Abby.
"I could call a Baltimore PD friend that has been transferred to Washington DC PD some months ago," said Tony ,thoughtfully, "I'll call you as soon as I'll get something," and hung up.
"What's happened?" asked his wife.
"Palmer has made a mess," answered Tony, calling his friend.
After the call, he explained everything to Alice and, jumping into bed, he asked, "What are you reading?"
"An Agatha Christie's novel, 'Ten Little Indians'. You'd like it."
"Murderers? Deaths? Killers?" asked Tony, grinning,"I don't think so ... I've enough of them."
"You're right... so... how is Tim?" she said, closing her book.
Timothy McGee was still at the NCIS Squadroom. He was looking for any possible reason to not go home. He didn't want to go home. He didn't want to open that door and not to see her. "Ally," he whispered, "Oh, I miss you so much, sweetie," he sighed.
Why have you gone away? Why would someone take you away from me? Why didn't I die instead of you? Tim thought as tears filled his eyes.
"I need you," he whispered.
Alice was waiting for Tony's answer. He said, "He's suffering a lot."
"It's normal. You've got to help him, honey."
"I know,'' Tony ished as he liad donw next to his wife. ''This evening I offered him a ride home. I thought that we could talk, while I was driving, but he told me he's rented a car and..."
"Hasn't he bought a car yet? It's not normal, Tony."
"I know. Ziva has said the same thing."
"Talk to him, Tony."
"Yeah! And what should I tell him?" he snapped. "I can't tell him that everything will be the same again, because it won't. I can't tell him that I know what he's going through, because it's not true... I still have my wife!"
"Tony..." Alice whispered, looking at him sadly.
"Sorry, piccola,'' Tony kissed her. ''I know, it's not your fault, but I have enough of everybody telling me I've got to talk to him.''
"You're right. Maybe your Boss?"
"Who? Gibbs?" Tony nervously asked. "This evening, before coming home, Ziva and I tried to talk with him, but he didn't say a word. He just stared at us. He looked like the Sphinx," Tony shook his head. "And Mel? How is she?"
"She seems the same little girl of the past, but there's something strange too," she thoughtfully answered.
"What do you mean?"
"I don't know..." she shook her head and sighed.
"Hey! You're the shrink!" smiled Tony.
She sat up on the bed and explained, "Mel plays and laughs as usual, but then she seems absent or she reacts angrily, like she's done with Michael. I mean, Michael has cut her dolls' heads off many times, but she's never reacted in that way. Usually she took the wheels off Michael's cars and then they laughed and put the doll's heads on wrong bodies or the wheels on wrong cars on purpose. Just to have fun."
"So? What's your diagnosis?"
"I think that nobody has told her the truth about her mother. She's not stupid and she's starting to understand that there's something wrong in what she knows. If a child lost a parent, he or she will tell you that mum or dad has 'flown up to the Sky' or 'lived with angels'."
"And Mel?"
"She just said that her mother has left for a long journey, but she'll be back soon and this is not good, Tony."
"No, it's not at all," said Tony, thoughtfully.
He cell rang, again. It was his friend from Washington DC Metro PD. He told Tony they found Palmer's car parked near a McDonald's, between 14th St. NW and U St. NW. The car door had been forced, but nothing else. If the car's owner wanted it back, he had to go to the PD Car's Deposit on 16th St. The man said that it would be unusual, but Palmer was Tony's friend, so consider it a favor. Tony thanked him. Then he called Jimmy and told him what he had to do.
"Now I'll turn off my cell and even if the 3rd World War broke out, I'd wouldn't care about it in the least," sighed Tony as he closed his cellphone. "I've had enough of everybody's problems.''
Alice was laying near him, smiling. She understood and, even if she wanted to go on talking about Tim and his daughter, she decided they would talk about it next morning.
"I'm dead tired," Tony yawned as he stretched and snuggles under the comforter.
"Oh..." Alice whispered, only partially faking disappointment.
"What?" he asked.
"Nothing."
"No, you're thinking about something. What is it?" Tony softly smiled as he winked to his wife.
"I was thinking that you've spent the last three nights at NCIS and... you know..."
"I know, what?"
"I missed you so much. I hoped you missed me too," she teased him.
"I have," he nodded, smiling.
"Good, ''Alice smiled back. ''But, if you're so tired..." she said, caressing his blue t-shirt.
"What's in your mind, Mrs. DiNozzo ?" he winked, playing with her long hair.
"Nothing. It will be for another time. You're right, you need some rest. You're too tired," she said laying down on her side of the bed and switching off the light.
Tony shifted to her and started caressing her hip, "I'm never too tired for you, tesoro," he smiled as he kissed her and put a hand on her nape.
"You sure?" she whispered, kissing him. Tony just nodded, winking. "Oh, I almost forgot!" she exclaimed with a teasing smile.
"What?" whispered Tony, kissing her neck.
Alice took Tony's face in her hands and locked her eyes with his. Tony looked at her questioningly.
"You'll be a father, again,'' Alice whispered.
"Really?" smiled Tony, happy and moved. She nodded. "Ti amo, Alice," he whispered.
"Ti amo, Tony," she said.
It was a night of sweet love and hot passion ...
Meanwhile...
Abby was driving Jimmy to Metro PD Car's Deposit. "You owe Tony a huge 'thank you'," she said. "I know," answered Palmer, sighing.
Gibbs was working in his basement. He has to finish his woodworks in time for Christmas and he had lot of work to do.
Ducky and Jordan had just arrived at Mallard's Manor and they were drinking some brandy in front of the fireplace.
Tim has finished his work and was coming back home.
Tim arrived at 6302 Lenox Rd, Bethesda. He and Ally had bought a big, red brick house with the "DeepSix" earnings and with Ally's grandfather inheritance. It was a little smaller than Tony and Sandy's house and there wasn't the pool, but they had planned on building one for the next summer. But now it didn't matter anymore.
When he opened the door, his house was silent and dark. He switched on the little lamp to his right.
Some months ago he'd have found his wife waiting for him, they would have gone upstairs to Melanie's bedroom and kissing her goodnight. Then would have gone to their bedroom together. Always together... but now he was alone with a little daughter to raise.
"Mr. McGee," said a woman, in low voice. She was Mel and Michael's baby-sitter.
"Good evening, Mrs Wilson. It's late, I know. I'm sorry, but my work..."
"Never mind. Mel's sleeping."
"Is she well?"
"Yes. She has been at the DiNozzo's this afternoon and I think she amused herself, but..."
"Yes?"
"Maybe this is none of my business, but I think she needs help."
"Help?"
"Yes. She keeps saying that her mom's left for a long journey. I think she didn't understand that her mom will never come back."
"Maybe, because nobody has told her the truth," Timothy sadly said.
"Oh," she sighed. "I'm sorry, but this not good for her, Mr. McGee."
"Well, she my daughter, she is just 2 years old and I'll take care of her. So do not worry, I know what is better for my daughter!" he angrily snapped at her.
"Alright," said the baby-sitter, really worried about him and Mel. "Do you need me tomorrow?"
"No, I'll be home all the week end. I'll need you on Monday afternoon, when Mel's coming back from the crèche," he said, escorting her to the door.
When he closed the door he went upstairs to see Mel.
His little girl was sleeping and she was so sweet and quiet. Tim sat down on her bed and caressed her soft, long red hair.
How could I tell you that your mum is passed?... It hurts looking you... You have her red hair, her blue eyes and her smile... even her freckles... My little baby, I love you so much and I'd like to be a better father, but I'm so sad and so upset. I'm alone... You need my help, I know... You need to know the truth, but how.
Tim silently sobbed as he kissed her cheek. "Goodnight," he whispered and left his daughter's bedroom.
Another sleepless night was waiting for him... Or not?... Late at night he fell asleep... He dreamt...
TBC
Explanation: the name of Tony's son is Michael, but it has nothing to do with the little DiNozzo in ''Family''. I just really like this name :)
Let me know what you think about this old/new story, but be nice, pleeeeeeeeeease! :)