Disclaimer: I don't own NCIS in any shape or form – so please don't sue, all you will get is my crappy car.

Warning: The following story contains violence and mature subject matter, which may be disturbing to some readers. Reader discretion is advised.

a/n: Words typed in "Italics" indicates that characters are talking using American Sign Language (ASL). I just want to say thanks to my faithful readers who have stuck with me this far and for reviewing. Warning: This Chapter contains spoilers for Judgment Day.

Chapter 10 – Thirteen Months Later:

A small petite woman, wearing a black dress, covered by a lined, black trench coat, boots, gloves, her head covered by a wide, brimmed black hat; got out of a taxicab which stopped behind a long line of limos and various cars parked alongside a cemetery. "Please wait for me," the unidentified woman asked. "I shouldn't be very long."

"No problem lady," the driver shrugged, settling back in his seat wait. "It's your nickel."

Reaching into the backseat, the woman lifted out a portable car seat; with a sleeping infant and a spray of white roses, tinged with purple. She then started walking towards a graveside ceremony which was already in progress. Spotting the security detail on the perimeter of the crowd, she stopped by a marble bench. Placing the infant carrier on the bench, she then sat down on the cold marble; watching the priest perform the burial rites for NCIS Director Jenny Sheppard. Seeing the grieving faces of NCIS personnel and friends, along with various mucky-mucks from various Government agencies. Flashing back to when she last saw Jenny alive.

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"Randi, I just wanted to say thank you for helping save my life," the Director with her red hair cut in a stylish pixie cut said warmly. "I'm just so sorry that you experienced the trauma that you did."

"I'm glad to be able to help prevent you from being killed Jenny," Randi replied. "And I'll be okay. As least I survived, as dad and Jethro keep reminding me."

"And that is the most important thing," Jenny responded. "The reason that I asked you to come here is because I wanted to give you this medal of Bravery. We usually present this medal to agents who go beyond the call of duty. The NCIS staff and I feel that you deserve to receive this honour for your role in preventing this terrorist act against the people of America," Jenny opened a gray, velvet covered case displaying a gold medal engraved with the outline of the White House and the words 'Merit of Bravery'.

"I…I don't know what to say," Randi stammered. "I mean, I'm not an American citizen."

"I insist that you accept this medal as a token of our appreciation."

Randi looked over uncertainly towards her father and Jethro, who had returned to the office without William. Both men smiled and nodded. "Well, I accept and I will treasure it always, thank you," Randi said, accepting the velvet covered case from Jenny, who then hugged the purple haired woman, when Jenny stepped back. Gibbs then stepped forward to hug Randi gently, mindful of her bruises; kissing her on the cheek and signing. "Thank you and remember that you are truly a survivor."

"Ah shucks Jethro. Don't make me blush," Randi quipped, causing the agent to quirk a smile.

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Present Day:

"I will never forget you, my friend," Randi murmured, brushing her fingers over the velvet case in her purse. Becoming aware of the baby's fussing, she turned towards her daughter, noting that she was waking up. "Shush little one, we don't want to draw attention to ourselves yet," she whispered and signed. "Oh, you lost your 'binky'." Picking up the soft, baby soother, she touched it to the baby's rosebud lips, who eagerly latched onto it. Looking up over at the group of mourners, Randi noticed a man in a dark suit, who looked extremely familiar. Reaching into her purse, Randi grabbed her 'Sidekick' and quickly focused and snapped a photo of the man in question.

Seeing that the gathering of mourners was starting to disperse, Randi reached up, pulling the heavy, black lace veil fastened to the brim of her hat, down over her face. She then stood up and started walking with the baby carrier, gradually heading towards the flower laden casket, being careful to skirt the crowd of people until she reached it, placing her offering of roses on top of the grey casket, bowing her head in prayer. "Rest in peace my friend. Rest in peace." Several tears slowly making their way down her face, leaving tracks in her make-up.

Looking back on the crowd of people congregating near the various vehicles, Randi saw someone mentioning a name that she recognized. Her eyes narrowed as she looked down at the baby. Randi then headed back towards her taxi, once again skirting the crowd of people.

Pausing by a car that she recognized, Randi quickly scribbled a note and tucked it under the windshield wiper before getting into the back seat of the taxicab with the carrier. "Thanks for waiting, now please take us to the Fairmont Hotel, near University Hospital."

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Several hours later Randi looked up from settling the baby in the portable crib, when she heard several knocks on the door. Standing on tip-toe, she checked the peep-hole and smiled.

"Hello Jethro," Randi said, swinging the door open.

"Care to explain your cryptic note?" Gibbs asked, stepping inside the room. "Ms. PC Matthews." Holding a page from a notepad, which the following words were scribbled hastily. "Your new Director is not who you think he is. Come to the Fairmont Hotel, room 518 – P.C. Matthews."Gibbs recalling the moment when he spotted the note on his car at the cemetery, realizing looking sharply around, hoping to spot the author, but only seeing a taxi driving off.

"I knew that would get your interest," Randi smiled. "I knew that you would figure out who I was."

"Thanks to the advance copies of your latest book that you sent to all of us with the dedication to us and to Jenny," Gibbs replied, recalling Abby's and Tim's excitement when the books arrived six months ago at NCIS headquarters and being secretly pleased at the dedication which read: "This book is dedicated to all my friends at NCIS who accepted me into their hearts and helped me thru a personal incident that occurred while visiting Washington, especially to Abby and Jethro – you are in mine and my family's hearts forever. And Jenny – you rock at being the Director, you go girl!" The book being a political thriller, loosely based on true events and Randi's therapy for recovering from her ordeal. "Jenny was quite pleased to receive her autographed copy of your book."

"I know," Randi replied. "She sent me a card expressing her congratulations and gratitude for receiving the book."

"So, are you ready to explain your note?"

"Yes, Randi replied, walking over the portable crib, bending over for a moment before turning around holding her daughter. "But first I would like you to meet my daughter 'Jayma Renee Avalon'."

Gibbs's stunned gaze took in the sight of the small baby cradled in Randi's arms. Jayma had mocha colored skin and dark hair. Her features were all Randi. "She's beautiful just like her mother, but who?"

"Who's her father?" Randi smiled sadly. "Her father is your new director."

"How? When?"

"The new Director was the ringleader behind Jenny's attempted assassination."

"So that's who the unidentified DNA belonged to," Gibbs breathed before exploding. "That bastard raped you last fall! But you didn't tell us about him raping you."

"I believe that he did so when I was drugged and unconscious," replied Randi.

"You were the woman at the cemetery today. You watched as we laid Jenny to rest and left the note on my car."

"Uh-huh," Randi nodded. "I'm so sorry about Jenny. She will be missed by so many people."

Gibbs looked at Jayma, who was gurgling and waving her tiny hands. "May I?"

"Of course," Randi transferred Jayma to Gibbs's capable arms, admiring at how comfortable he was holding the infant.

"She's a good baby," Gibbs remarked as he sat down in the easy chair, cradling her against his chest. "She's what? Three to four months?"

"Four and half months," replied Randi.

"Why are you here?" Gibbs questioned. "Are you here because you want us to go after Leon Vance?"

"I'm here because I want Leon's medical history on account of Jayma. And yes, I hope that he can finally be brought to justice."

"I can't do it by myself."

"Get your team to help you."

"Vance has assigned a new team to me. DiNozzo is being TDA as a NCIS liaison on a Navy vessel, stationed out of Rota, Spain. Ziva is being sent back to Mossad and McGee is being transferred to Cyber crimes," Gibbs explained. "Abbs and Ducky are the only ones staying with me."

"What! When?" Randi replied shocked, sitting down on the bed abruptly.

"He informed us directly after we returned from the funeral and it's effective immediately. Tony and Ziva are supposed to fly out sometime tomorrow," Gibbs reported, looking down at the tiny baby, who was starting to fuss. "I think that this young lady needs a change."

"Oh you need a new diaper?" Randi chuckled as she spoke and signed before plucking her from Gibbs's arms. Holding Jayma, Randi quickly grabbed a diaper from a diaper bag, before placing the wriggling baby on a bath towel spread on the bed. Unsnapping the soft pink sleeper, Randi efficiently removed the soiled diaper, cleaning the tiny bottom and fastening the clean diaper around her before snapping the sleeper closed.

"Here, I'll put the dirty diaper in the garbage for you," Gibbs picked up the rolled up diaper with no hesitation and dumping it into the bathroom garbage container.

"Thank you," Randi said, as she picked Jayma up, talking and signing. "There all clean sweetie." Then looked at Gibbs. "You seem comfortable with babies. You should have some of your own; you'd make a good father."

A shadow passed over Gibbs's face as he replied. "I had a daughter years ago."

"Had?"

"Kelly and her mom were killed because Shannon witnessed a murder."

"Oh god Jethro, I'm so sorry. I never would have said anything if I had know. Please forgive me."

"It's okay, you didn't know," Gibbs replied, looking at Jayma, who was holding her mom's fingers, looking at them curiously. "You sign and talk to Jayma."

"That's because Jayma is deaf. She was tested at birth," Randi explained.

"Really?" Gibbs said. "Can Jayma hear at all?"

"She has very little residual hearing," Randi replied. "So is everyone still back at NCIS?"

"Tony, Ziva and Tim were packing up their stuff when I left. And Abbs and Ducky are probably at home," Gibbs answered, glancing at his watch.

"I'm sorry; I hope that I'm not making you late for an appointment or something."

"Nah, it's just that Abby and Ducky arranged for all of us to get together at our favourite Chinese restaurant," Gibbs smiled. "Come with me and bring Jayma. Everyone will be happy to see you again. And I know that they will love to meet this little darling."

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At the restaurant, the hostess led the way to a private dining room, where Gibbs and Randi found Ducky waiting for them. "Ah Jethro, I wondered if you would be joining us," Ducky looked up from pouring a glass of scotch. "Randi, my dear, I'm surprised and pleased to see you." Ducky then spotted the baby carrier that Gibbs was holding. "Jethro, have you been keeping secrets from the rest of us?"

"Ducky," Randi began before being interrupted by the arrival of Abby, Tim, Tony and Ziva.

"Randi!" Abby exclaimed. "What are you doing here? Oh never mind, it's so good to see you."

"You too Abby," Randi said before being hugged by everyone.

"Ah boss, is there something that you want to tell us?" Tony asked, gesturing towards the baby carrier.

"Not me DiNozzo," Gibbs mock scowled.

Randi unstrapped the little girl, who was now dressed in a pale green sleeper and a white sweater set from the carrier. Turning around with the baby in her arms. "This is my daughter Jayma Renee Avalon."

Gibbs watched amused, and Ducky chuckled as several jaws dropped.

Abby was the first to recover. "Congratulations, she's just darling."

"I'm guessing that the Staff Sgt. is not her father," Ziva remarked, studying Jayma. "And Abby is correct Randi, your daughter is beautiful."

"Wow," Tony shook his head. "You are a dark horse."

Tim opened and closed his mouth several times before stammering. "Uh, oh, golly gee."

"William is no longer in my life," Randi scowled. "I booted his miserable ass out the door when I caught him cheating on me with my ex-roommate."

"Oh dear," Ducky clucked, reaching out towards Jayma. "May I hold her?"

"Of course," Randi smiled, placing the baby in Ducky's arms. "And do you know what his excuse was? He only slept with Chrissy because I wouldn't and also because I refused to consider an abortion or giving her up for adoption."

"That bastard," Abby signed, as Ziva muttered in a foreign language and the four men scowled as they remembered the arrogant jerk.

Finally Tony boldly asked. "Why would he want you to consider those options?"

"Tony!" Tim blurted along with Abby and Ziva.

"I don't mind answering," Randi replied. "It's because she is the result of what happened to me last year."

"The man that we couldn't identify," Abby gasped.

"That's right Abby. But now I believe that I now know who he us, and I'm going to need all your help in proving it," Randi said, reaching into her purse for her Sidekick, scrolling thru the digital pictures until she found the one she wanted. Leaning forward, Randi showed the picture to everyone at the table.

"Is that who I think it is?" Tim blinked.

"NCIS Director Leon Vance," Ziva stated.

"Oh, oh, I'll help you nail his hide to the barn door," Abby said in a bloodthirsty tone of voice.

"Thank you," Randi smiled at her friends before turning serious.
Um, not to put a damper on things, but I would like to drink to Jenny's memory first." Picking up her glass of diet pop and waiting until everyone followed suit by picking up wineglasses or liqueur glasses. "Here's to NCIS Director Jenny Sheppard, may your memory live on forever."

"Hear, hear," the other chorused before they all drank from their respective glasses before lowering them to the table.

"Terrible thing to have happen," said Ducky who surrendered Jayma to Abby's eagerly waiting arms.

"So Randi, how long are you here for a visit?" Tony asked.

"Oh three months," Randi replied. "Jayma and I will be staying with Renee outside of Norfolk."

"Renee?" Gibbs asked.

"My sister," Randi explained. "Renee's husband, who's in the Navy, is stationed at Norfolk. Renee used to be in the Canadian Navy, it was her old uniform that I borrowed last year for Halloween."

"Using up your vacation time?" asked Tony.

"No, my maternity leave."

"How much time do you get off anyway?" Tony yelped.

"New moms in Canada are entitled to a year of maternity leave."

"Really?" Abby blinked.

"Here in the US, a new mother only gets six weeks for maternity leave," Ducky said. "If they want to take more time off, they have to take it without pay."

"Wow," Randi said.

"So back to Vance," Abby said. "What do we need to do Gibbs?"

"First we need to prove that he is indeed Jayme's biological father," Gibbs said. "McGee, I want you dig into Vance's background, right back to the day he was born."

"And if the DNA is a match, I will forward his medical history to you Randi. That is if I'm correct in assuming that you want this information for your daughter's benefit," said Ducky.

"Any information will be passed to me and I will forward it to Randi and the proper channels," Gibbs stated. "Ziva, when do you have to report to Mossad?"

"I have requested some time off, so I will follow Vance's movements, yes?"

"Yes," Gibbs nodded.

"I'll run the DNA samples first thing in the morning," Abby said.

"I just have one request," Randi said as Abby passed a fussy Jayma back to her. "Please, please, just be careful. I don't want anything to happen to you because of me. And I don't want Vance finding out about Jayma."

Gibbs leaned towards Jayma and her mom. "What do you need Randi?"

"Can you pass me the cloth diaper and my shawl from the diaper bag? Jayma is hungry and I need to feed her."

"What about her bottle?"

"Um, I'm breastfeeding, am I going to bother anybody if I feed her here?"

"Nah," Gibbs shrugged. "Go ahead, we're all adults here." Gibbs helped to arrange the lace shawl around Randi's shoulders, so she could discreetly unbutton her dress in order for Jayma to eagerly latch onto a waiting nipple and start nursing.

Abby, Ducky and Ziva continued eating their food. Tim blushed furiously as he tried not to pay attention to the nursing baby. Tony however, was openly staring until Gibbs reached over and quickly smacked him on the back of his head.

"Ow, thanks boss," Tony yelped before turning his attention to his own meal.

They continued talking quietly and Randi soon switched Jayma from left to right until the baby was finally satisfied.

"Here, I'll burp her while you eat your food," Gibbs offered, taking the sleepy baby from Randi's arms, placing the cloth diaper on his shoulder before gently rubbing the little girl's back.

"Thank you Jethro," Randi replied, rebuttoning her dress before removing the shawl and starting to eat her meal that Gibbs had arranged for the waitress to have reheated.

They were enjoying after dinner drinks, except for Randi who was now drinking water and Gibbs was drinking coffee.

Tony leaned forward speaking, his words slightly slurred. "Uh boss, what can I do to help?"

"What time is your flight supposed to leave tomorrow?" Gibbs asked quietly.

"I'm supposed to be catching the 1200 flight on the supply plane heading to Rota, Spain. But there's gotta be something that I can do to help."

"Yeah, maybe there is," Gibbs replied. "According to Vance's bio, he worked in Europe before coming stateside."

"And I can contact people who may have worked with him or know him," Tony replied, sitting back in his chair, pleased with himself.

"Oh dear," Ducky said in a dismayed tone of voice. "I just realized the time and I am going to have to leave." The elderly M.E. pushed back his chair, reaching for his hat and overcoat. "Anthony, my dear boy, promise me that you will stay out of trouble and please do stay in touch while you are over in Spain." Ducky then turned to Randi and Jayma. "It was so nice seeing you again and meeting this little angel." He smiled, gently chucking the baby under her chin, before hugging Randi.

"Hey what about me Ducky? Don't I get a hug?" Tony joked, standing up; holding his arms wide.

"Of course," Ducky chuckled, hugging the younger agent briefly before releasing him.

Tony turned towards Randi with a smirk. "Come on Randi, I gotta get a hug from you as well."

"Well okay," Randi smiled, shaking her finger at Tony; playfully. "But you gotta keep your hands off of my ass this time or you will regret it."

"You touch her ass DiNozzo and I'll break your fingers," Gibbs growled at his former senior field agent.

"Come here, you big lunk," Randi said before hugging the playboy agent.

Stepping back, Randi took the sleeping baby from Gibbs and placed her in her carrier; snapping the buckles shut. Tony hugged Tim and Ziva before turning to Abby, who was fighting tears and failing. "Aw Abby, please don't cry," gathering the Goth scientist in his arms.

"I'm gonna miss you Tony," Abby sobbed against Tony's shirt.

"Don't worry; I'll be back before you even realize that I've been gone."

Finally Tony turned towards Gibbs. "How about a head slap boss, one for the road you know?"

"Sure," Gibbs smirked, one of his hands going up behind Tony's head, who braced himself. Gibbs then unexpectly pulled the younger agent into a bear hug. "Don't you get yourself killed over there, or I'll kill you myself," he whispered into his senior field agent's ear.

"You got it boss," Tony replied, fighting his own tears.

Randi watched the interaction between the close knit team, ignoring her own tears trickling slowly from her eyes; dripping from her chin.

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At the hotel, Gibbs carried the baby carrier with a sleeping Jayma up to Randi's room. Inside, the baby was gently transferred to the crib and Randi looked up at the grey-haired agent. "Thank you for everything Jethro."

"You take care of that little princess and I'll let you know what we find out about Vance."

"I know you will and you be careful yourself while digging for information."

"Always."

"Yeah right," Randi snorted. "Abby has told me some stories about some of the risks that you've taken over the years."

"Looks like that I will need to have a little talk with Abbs about telling tales out of school," Gibbs quipped.

"Don't you dare," Randi replied, smiling at the silver haired agent.

Gibbs looked at the petite woman standing in front of him, her once purple hair now colored red with purple highlights. "How's your dad doing? And your mom?"

"Mom is doing better after her leg infection finally cleared up. Dad, well not so good now, he has to use the wheelchair fulltime now."

"I'm sorry to hear that."

"Time marches on, you know," Randi replied. "Well, good night Jethro."

"How about a hug," Gibbs smirked. "I promise not to let my hands wander."

"I don't mind, as long as it's your hands doing the wandering," Randi replied archly, looking up at him thru lowered lashes.

Gibbs was momentarily stunned before pulling the tiny woman in his arms, his lips crashing down on hers, who responded eagerly; tasting the bourbon that he had been drinking earlier. Finally, Gibbs reluctantly ended the kiss, saying. "I better say good night." His chest heaving.

"Yeah, good night," Randi breathed, her breathing slightly hitched.

The End…..

a/n: There may be a sequel depending on what the new season brings us. And about the medal that Jenny presented to Randi – yeah I know that this probably wouldn't happen in reality, but hey – it's called creative license, and I like to think that Jethro probably recycled one of the many medals that he has received during his career at NCIS which always end up in Tony's desk drawer. And I also want to say thanks for everyone who took the time to read my first NCIS story and for reviewing…reviews rock and for making me feel welcome to the NCIS side of FF.

One final note – God bless our Canadian, US and other countries' militaries – active and retired.