Again I want to thank everyone for their reviews I really do appreciate them. I am not sure how you are going to take this chapter. The one thing I love about NCIS is the humor and I tried to put some in this chapter.

Chapter 11

Ducky asked a few more questions after Gibbs told Tony/Billy they were going to Stillwater in the morning. During the questioning, the ME found out that the disembodied Billy believed it was late June of 1968. It was just a couple of weeks before Billy's father beat him to death. When the ME tried to ask him questions about his father Billy became upset so Ducky switched to questions he knew would not upset the younger man.

When Ducky was finished he said his goodbyes and headed home so he could take care of a few things before he went to bed. First thing he needed to do was to make a few of phone calls. The first call he made was to Dr. Jordan Hampton. He knew she would be available to work in his place at such a short notice. This year, she had decided to take some personal time off from work. She was only working when needed. Next, Ducky called Palmer to let him know about this coming week and what work needed to be completed during his absence. Lastly, he wanted to get most of his packing done so he didn't have to worry about it in the morning.

Gibbs left shortly after Ducky because they were going to need to rent a car so four adult men could travel in comfort. Neither Ducky's Morgan nor Gibb's pickup truck would fit the bill. When Gibbs was finished with the paperwork he made arrangements to have the rental delivered around ten in the morning. He wanted to make sure the ME had enough time to call Vance in the morning. When he was finished Gibbs stopped by Tony's apartment to pick up a few things he knew the younger man was going to need. The last place he stopped before going home was to the store. He needed to buy a few things for the trip.

It was late when Gibbs returned home. Jackson heated up dinner for his son. When Gibbs was finished eating and the dishes were done, the three men went to pack for tomorrow's trip. Jackson went into his room to start packing his things. He couldn't believe how much stuff he had accumulated since he had been staying at his son's house and he wasn't sure if it was all going to fit in one bag.

In the meantime, Gibbs was helping Tony/Billy pack his clothes. Gibbs saw the younger man had a puzzled look as he picked up the clothes.

"What's the problem?"

"These are not my…my clothes. They are too big. When we get to Stillwater, I…I won't have anything to wear."

Gibbs smiled and almost laughed, "Billy, trust me, when you get there these clothes will fit you just fine."

Tony/Billy still had the puzzled look on his face as he continued to pack. When the younger man was finally finished Gibbs went to pack his things.

The next morning the rental was delivered on time. Gibbs, Jackson and Tony/Billy put their luggage into the car and headed over to Ducky's house. The ME was already packed and was waiting outside for them when they arrived. Jackson and Tony/Billy waited in the vehicle while Gibbs helped the older man to put his things in the car.

Gibbs and Ducky moved a little away from the car so they can speak in private. They didn't want Tony/Billy to overhear what they were talking about. Gibbs turned to his friend and had to ask, "Did you get everything cleared up with Vance this morning?"

Ducky smiled and then laughed a little, "Yes, I did indeed. I told him I stopped by your house real late last night. You were worried about your father. He was not feeling very well and wanted to go home. I told Leon that I did check your father out and he does seem like he might be coming down with something but I thought it was safe for him to travel. You didn't want him to make the trip by himself since he was not feeling well. So, you were going to take him back to Stillwater this weekend. You might have to stay and would call him Monday if your father was not feeling any better. You ask that I relay the message to him for you."

The older man continued, "Vance did ask me about Anthony and I told him you didn't want the lad to stay by himself because he was still recuperating from his injuries. So, you were taking him with you. I also told the director that I thought it was a good idea since Anthony has been cooped up in that house for over a month now. A little trip might be just what the lad needs."

"What about you?"

"I told him there was very little going on in autopsy. I had not taken a day off in months and I would like some time off myself. I did need to go along just incase something happens to your father or Anthony. I told him I had already called in my replacement Dr Jordan Hampton and she was going to be there first thing Monday morning and I already gave Mr. Parmer a list of what needs to be done."

Gibbs looked surprised, "And Vance bought all that?"

This time, Ducky started to laugh out loud, "Jethro, the director already knew something was up. He said at the yesterday's meetings he could tell you had something on your mind that was bothering you. Leon smiled and told me to tell you to go ahead and take whatever time you need off but make sure you are back within two weeks. He said there wasn't much going on here right now anyway. He also said to call if you need anything."

Gibbs smiled, ever now and then, Vance will surprise the hell out of him and this was one of those times. He knew a lot of people did not like the man but deep down he knew Vance was a caring person. He just didn't show it too often because of his position.

Gibbs already knew the best route to take to get to Stillwater. He figured they should arrive there around two in the afternoon. What he didn't count on was Tony/Billy and the two older men needing bathroom breaks. They were only an hour outside Washington DC when Jackson had to go to the bathroom so Gibbs had to make his first stop. It was shortly after they got back on the road when Tony/Billy had to go to the bathroom real bad. The ex marine made the mistake of stopping at a McDonalds with a Playland. Gibbs decided to order him a coffee while Tony/Billy went to use the men's room. The disembodied Billy had never been to a McDonalds before. He was fascinated with it. He watched the children playing in the playroom area. When the six foot two man tried to walk into the play area it took every bit of Gibbs' strength to pull Tony/Billy away from it. Gibbs had to promise the younger man he would get him a Happy Meal if he would come with him.

Gibbs and Tony/Billy stood in line waiting for their turn.

"Leroy?"

"Yes?"

"What is a Happy Meal?"

Gibbs decided to go ahead and get some food and drinks for everyone. Tony/Billy had decided he wanted a Chicken McNuggets Happy Meal for himself. While the others ate, the younger man sat in the front passenger seat quietly enjoying his food. It reminded Gibbs so much of Tony. Most of the time Tony can be loud and obnoxious when he is eating, but there are those few times when he will just sit there quietly and enjoy his food. It's like he was in his own little world and nobody can enter it at that special moment.

They were almost finished eating when Tony/Billy laughed out loud, "I got a blue spaceship." He picked it up and showed it to everyone. The younger man started playing with the toy and making whooshing noises. The other three men just smiled. After Gibbs throws out the trash, he started up the car and left the parking lot.

About a half an hour later, it was Jackson and Ducky's turn to have to go to the bathroom. So, Gibbs had to make another pitstop. This time he decided it would be safer just to go to a rest stop and use their men's rooms. He didn't want to have to buy Tony/Billy another meal.

While Gibbs and Tony/Billy waited, the younger man continued playing with the spaceship and making what he thought was spaceship noises. The noises were starting to get on Gibbs' nerves. A few minutes later, Jackson and Ducky returned and got back into the car. Tony/Billy continued making the noises as Gibbs started up the car. Without thinking, the ex marine lowered the driver's side window down. He reached over and snatched the spaceship from Tony/Billy and throws it as far as he could out the window. Gibbs forgot this younger man was not his senior field agent. Gibbs started to back up when he saw the look on both Jackson and Ducky's face. Neither men were pleased at what he had just done. He looked over at the younger man who had tears starting to fall down his cheeks. Gibbs drove the car back into the parking spot and spent the next ten minutes looking for that damn blue spaceship. When he finally found it he handed it back to Tony/Billy and apologized.

Gibbs had driven about thirty miles, when Tony/Billy lost interest in the spaceship and started to focus on the radio in front of him. Gibbs had turned it on at the beginning of the trip but left it playing low. Tony/Billy kept pressing the buttons until he found the music he liked. Tony/Billy started laughing when he heard Do Wah Diddy Diddy. He turned the radio up. He picked up the straw out of the cup and started to sing into it like it was a mike.

"There she was just a-walking down the street singing

do wah diddy diddy dum diddy do

Snapping her fingers and shuffling her feet singing

do wah diddy diddy dum diddy do"

"Come on Leroy, sing this with me. We used to do it all the time."

Gibbs looked in the rearview mirror. He could see Ducky just grinning. He knew the ME was not going to let him live this one down.

"She looked good, She looked fine

She looked good, she looked fine and I nearly lost my mind"

"Come on Leroy, sing it with me pleeeaassse." Gibbs looked again into the rearview mirror. He could see the two passengers in the back seat and they looked like they were getting ready to bust a gut. Gibbs just shook his head because he knew his father and his friend were going to harass the hell out of him later about this. Billy's plea started to tug at his heartstrings. He decided he might as well join in. How could he deny the man with the mind of a ten year old?

"Woh oh oh I knew we was falling in love

Yes I did and so I told her all the things I'd been dreaming of

Now we're together nearly every single day singing

do wah diddy diddy dum diddy do

We're so happy and that's how we're gonna stay singing

do wah diddy diddy dum diddy do…."

After the song was over and Gibbs had made Billy very happy, things started to settle down. Ducky and Jackson were quietly talking in the back about their time they both spent in the military. Gibbs looked over at the passenger next to him. Tony/Billy had fallen asleep. The blue spaceship was lying on floor. Gibbs still felt a little guilty for what he had done earlier. He promised himself he would make it up to the sleeping man once they reach their destination.

After several more stops, they finally arrived in Stillwater a little before five. Gibbs had to wake up Tony/Billy. The younger man smiled when he saw the house. He remembers it. He opened the door of the car and stepped out. The three men stood and watched as the younger man walked around the front yard. When Tony/Billy saw the swing on the front porch he ran to it. He sat down on it and began to move back and forth.

"Uncle Jack! Uncle Jack!"

The older man moved toward the porch. He couldn't help but smile. "What is it son?"

"I remember us sitting on this swing. We use to sit out here at night and watch the stars. You told me one time if I wished hard enough upon a fallen star my wishes would come true but I don't think my wishes were any good."

Jackson walked over and sat down next to the young man, "Why is that Billy?"

"My wishes never came true."

Tony/Billy looked up as Leroy sat the bags down on the porch. "Billy, you going to help me or not?"

The younger man stood up and moves over to get his bags. Gibbs knew Tony's body was still healing some and didn't want him to be left too much. "Billy, you take the smaller bags and I will get the rest. Do you remember which room you are going to be staying in?"

Tony/Billy smiled, "Yes, I get to bunk with you."

Years ago, when Billy first started staying with the Gibbs during the summer, Jackson had decided to buy a set of twin beds for Leroy's room. Jackson, his wife and Leroy had enjoyed the time Billy had spent with them. They wanted Billy to feel like he was part of their family when he was there. So, they told him one of the beds would always be his and waiting for of him. After Billy left to go home, Leroy's friends and company used the bed on a couple of occasions. When Billy died, Jackson had planned to take the bed out of the room but Leroy begged him not to do it. The son never told his father, but if the bed stayed there it was almost like Billy would be coming back someday. When Leroy left to go in the military, Jackson left the room as it was. The only time it was use after that was when Shannon and Kelly were alive. Leroy use to bring them for visits.

Billy ran up the stairs and found the room and placed his bag next to what he considers his bed. Gibbs walked into the room just in time to see the younger man lying on the bed with his eyes closed. Gibbs placed the rest of the bags between the two beds. "You enjoying yourself Billy?"

Tony/Billy opened his eyes and smiled. "Yes…I am…I am finally home. Leroy, I really missed this bed. My bed."

"Well, why don't you get up and help me make the beds then we can go down stairs."

It was really too late to cook so Jackson decided to order pizza and have it delivered. While they were waiting for the pizza to arrive, Jackson showed Tony/Billy his collection of DVDs. The younger man's face lit up the moment he saw James Bond's Goldfinger. "Leroy took me to see this. Please Uncle Jack…I wanted to see it again." So, Jackson put the DVD in the player and Tony/Billy sat quietly and matched the movie.

When the pizza finally arrived, Tony/Billy was so engrossed in the movie he barely noticed when Gibbs placed a plate with two slices of pizza in front on him. Jackson stayed in the living room and watched the movie with Tony/Billy.

Ducky and Gibbs decided to go into the kitchen to discuss what is going to be the next step.

"Okay Ducky, we are in Stillwater. So what do we do now?"

"Tomorrow, I think it is best you take Billy to the places you two used to hang out when you were children. Maybe it will jog his or your memory."

"Ducky, I don't plan to go swimming in the creek. I am too big for that now."

The ME moved within a few feet of Gibbs. Ducky may be small but he can also be very intimidating when he needs to be. The older man looked annoyed, "Jethro…we are here to help get Anthony back. If it takes you swimming in the creek to get him back then so be it. Tomorrow, you make sure you bring your swimming trunks just in case."

When the two men were finished talking they went back into the living room, Tony/Billy was barely awake. Gibbs walked over and told the younger man to go upstairs and take a shower and get ready for bed. He would be up there shortly. About a half an hour later, Gibbs entered the room. He found the younger man sound a sleep in his bed. The older man went to take a shower and get to bed himself. He was tired from all that driving.

It was around midnight when Gibbs was awakened. Tony/Billy was having a nightmare. "Daddy, please…please don't hit me. I…I promise I…I will…"

Gibb turned on the small lamp next to the bed, "Ton…Billy wake up. Come on Buddy, wake up."

Tony/Billy sat up in the bed and looked at Gibbs, "Wha…What?"

"You were having a nightmare do you want to talk about it?"

Tony/Billy looked around and then down at his hands. "I was dreaming my…my dad was mad at me because I didn't know all my spelling words. He was going…to…punish me because I didn't study hard enough."

Gibbs wrapped his arms around the younger man. "Don't worry, you are safe here. Now why don't you just lie back down and try to get some more sleep. If you get scared don't forget I am just the next bed over."

When morning came, Jackson had the coffee brewing when Gibbs entered the kitchen. Ducky was sipping his tea and looking at the morning newspaper. "How was his night? I thought I heard him having a nightmare."

"He did and it was about his father. He went right back to sleep after we talked a little."

Ducky sat his tea down, "Jethro while you and Billy go see the sights today. I was thinking maybe we should take a look into Billy's father's past. I am going to contact Abigail and see if she can find out what became of Billy's father."

Ducky turned to Jackson; "That reminds me, I am going to need Billy's father's full name and any information about his father you can give me. Once I get it I will contact Abigail."

Jackson got up, "After Billy died I lost track of what became of that bastard. I didn't want to have anything to do with him. As far as I was concerned, he didn't exist. My wife used to keep all the family pictures, letters and info in the boxes in the hallway closet. Give me a few minutes and I will get them for you."

Gibbs motioned for his father to sit back down, "No, Dad let me get them."

A few minutes later, Gibbs returned with a couple of the boxes. There were still quite a few more of them in the closet. They decided to take them into the living room. Gibbs sat them down on the coffee table. Jackson and Ducky sat down on the couch as Gibbs pulled up a chair. Jackson removed the lid off the first box. It was full of albums. The older man reached in and pulled out a small blue picture album. He opened it up. "Leroy, I bet you remember this one?"

Gibbs smiled, "I remember this. It's pictures of Kelly's first year. Shannon put it together for you as a Christmas present." Gibbs started looking through it. He remembered Shannon had made him one too when he was deployed. He lost his when the tent he was staying in got blown up while he was out on a mission.

"Yah, it was one of the best gift I ever had received. If you want to take it, it's yours son."

Gibbs smiled. When he was finished looking through the album, he placed it on the end table so he wouldn't forget it. "Thanks Dad."

He returned to looking through the box. Gibbs smiled when he saw a green album about the same size as the other one. "Isn't this the one of Billy's first summer with us?"

Jackson just smiled, "Yes, if you remember we were going to give it to him but he was afraid he might lose it. He asks that we keep it for him instead."

"Dad, we should have suspected something was wrong that first year when he wouldn't take his shirt off." Gibbs flipped through the album until he saw what he was looking for, "Ducky, here is a picture of Billy and me down by the creek."

The older man smiled when he saw the picture. It was of two young boys standing next to a rope with a tire tied to it. Behind them was a pretty good size creek. Both of the boys looked like they just got out of the water. From the looks on their faces you could tell they were having the best time of their lives. The oldest of the boys had his arm around the shoulder of the younger boy. Even though Jethro has not looked like that in decades, the ME could see the older boy was his gray haired friend. What surprised Ducky the most was the uncanny resemblance between Billy and Tony. Ducky had seen a picture of Tony when he was just a little boy. "Jethro do you realize how much Billy and Anthony look alike?"

Gibbs looked at the picture; "You know I have never thought about it until now. This could have been a picture of Tony when he was young. The only thing I know that was different is Billy had ice blue eyes where Tony has green."

A few seconds later, they heard the person they were just talking about come down the stairs. He's hair was all messed up and he needed a shave and he was still wearing what he slept in.

Gibbs got up out of the chair. "Billy, why don't you go get dressed while Dad makes us breakfast?"

Jackson got up, "What would you like for breakfast?"

"Pancakes," He smiled.

When Tony/Billy got out of the shower Gibbs was waiting for him, "Okay Billy, I am going to show you how to shave."

"Why?"

"Some boys have to start shaving early and I think it's time you learn."

"Okay."

The pancakes were ready by the time Gibbs and Tony/Billy were finished. After breakfast, Gibbs and Tony/Billy did the dishes. Gibbs decided it was time to go and take the younger man to see Stillwater. Ducky and Jackson were going to continue going through the boxes.

As Gibbs and Tony/Billy walked down the main street of Stillwater, the older man couldn't get over how much Stillwater had remained the same after all these years. A few of the older buildings were gone and some newer ones took their place but that was all. A few people recognized the NCIS agent and waved to him and he waved back. Gibbs looked at the younger man. Tony/Billy was quiet.

"What's on your mind?"

Tony/Billy was smiling, "It's nice to be here. I miss this place."

"Where would you like to go first?"

"How about the movies?"

"It's too early for it to be open."

"How about we go to the creek?"

"Do you have your swim trucks on?"

"No, but I didn't want to go in the water. I just wanted to look around and enjoy being here."

Gibbs was glad, "We can do that."

As they headed toward the creek, they had to pass the town cemetery. Billy asked if they could stop and pay their respects.

Billy started picking the wildflowers and placing them on the graves of the Gibbs family. Gibbs walked over to one particular grave. He stood for the longest time looking at it. He did not notice the younger man walking up behind him as he read the words on the headstone.

Mary Ann Gibbs

Beloved Wife and Mother

1930 – 1967

Billy placed several flowers on her grave, "I liked your mother. She always treated me nice. I wished she had been my mother."

"I know." Gibbs turned and looked at the younger man.

"I like this place. It is nice and quiet. When I come here I feel so at peace." Billy closed his eyes for a few seconds and took a deep breath. When he opened his eyes, he had a big smiled on his face. He turned and went back to putting the flowers on the graves. When he was finished, they headed toward the creek.

It didn't take them long to reach their destination, Gibbs was surprised to see no one there. He remembered as a kid someone was always at the creek whether it was fishing or swimming. He never had the creek alone until now. They walked for a while following the worn out trail along the bank. Tony/Billy would occasionally pick up a rock and throw it into the creek. Gibbs decided to sit down on the big rock he used to use to jump into the deep part of the creek. Billy was always too scared to do it. Billy sat next to him. They remained that way for a long time until Gibbs finally spoke.

"Billy, the other day you asked me if I kept your secret. What do you mean by that?"

Tony/Billy cocked his head and smiled at the man next to him shyly. "You are keeping my secret. I can't tell you. You will have to find out on your own but you better hurry time is running out…."

It was almost noontime; Gibbs decided it was time they both headed back to his father's house. Jackson had made lunch. "You boys go wash up. Lunch is ready."

After lunch, Gibbs could tell Tony/Billy was tired. "Why don't you rest for now? Maybe we can catch a movie later okay?"

"Okay."

They watched as the younger man went up stairs. Ducky turned to Gibbs and said, "We need to talk about what I just found out…"