Ducky was recovering and the Palmers were settling into their new life. Jimmy was taking well to being the head Medical Examiner. He had even begun the process of searching for a long term assistant. He had interviewed four or five candidates but none of them fit. They were all nice enough but Jimmy just didn't take to any of them. The temporary assistant left a couple days after Ducky transferred to rehab. Leaving Jimmy to handle everything one hundred percent on his own.
"I managed to arrange an interview for you it is very last minute but the candidate is in the process of moving cross country and needs to return to finish some business in Vermont." Vance explained.
"When is it?" Jimmy asked.
"She should be arriving in about half an hour. I know it's last minute but she is very promising and she is hoping to have a job as soon as the move is permanent." Vance explained.
"What brings her to DC?" Jimmy asked.
"Her husband is a surgeon and he has been hired on at Walter Reed. She actually went to college in DC but moved to Vermont to accept a job." Vance explained.
Jimmy reluctantly stepped into the conference room and waited for the candidate. Part of him wanted to just give up and hand the process over to Vance. He was never going to find anybody he liked as much as Ducky. He was never going to be Ducky and he was sure he would never have that kind of partnership again. The door opened and a tall woman with long reddish hair stepped into the room. Jimmy recognized her but he could not put his finger on where from.
"Oh Jimmy. When I heard I was going to be interviewing for assistant Medical Examiner at NCIS. I just figured I would be working for Ducky." Sarah explained.
"So we have met?" Jimmy asked.
"Yes, I am Sarah Knox. I was temporarily assigned as an intern under Dr. Mallard." Sarah replied.
"Sarah Knox! Now I remember. How have you been? What brings you back to NCIS?" Jimmy asked.
"At the time I had no real interest in being a medical examiner but when I returned to school. I don't know something clicked and I pursued the career. After graduation I got hired to a county lab in Vermont and moved around the state for a couple years. Until I met my husband, Dave. Then I settled in Middlebury. I worked at a local hospital and my husband worked there as a surgeon. I got pregnant last year and gave birth to our son in March. I had just returned to my job when Dave was hired on at Walter Reed. He hated to leave but it was a dream position." Sarah explained.
"Why would you be a good fit for NCIS?" Jimmy asked.
"Dr. Mallard was the most inspiring man I ever met. I am disappointed that I cannot work with him but I am glad to see you are still here. You are definitely just like Ducky. He was always bragging about you. As for me. I am a hard worker and dedicated. I am punctual and despite a rough road at the start. I am extremely loyal." Sarah explained.
"How do you feel about the dead?" Jimmy asked.
"I have no trouble with dead bodies. I have been a ME for years." Sarah laughed.
"No what I mean is. Do you feel the dead deserve the same respect as a living body?" Jimmy questioned.
"They have already lost their lives in a tragic way. They deserve dignity and respect. Their families deserve to know their loved one was in good hands during their final doctor's visit." Sarah explained.
"How do you feel about music in the morgue? Do you feel that co-workers are a dysfunctional family and we are all one body?" Jimmy asked.
"I hope you like Opera. As for us all as one family. Why of course that is the only way we can function sometimes." Sarah explained.
"Welcome to NCIS." Jimmy replied happy to finally have found a new Ducky.
Back home Breena was tending to Noah. They had put off surrogacy for a bit. At least until Jimmy had found an assistant. Breena was slightly disappointed but knew that it was for the best. Noah was enough work. In the meantime they had worked to get certified to adopt a slightly older child. Before they were only interested in four and younger. They wanted a slightly younger child, back when a biological child was still seemingly easy. Noah had just gone down when Breena's cellphone rang. She raced downstairs before the ringing woke the toddler.
"This is Breena Palmer speaking."
"Hello Breena it's Cindy from Making Families."
"Oh Cindy did we miss an appointment. I am so sorry. Jimmy is just getting used to his new position and Noah and I just got over a cold."
"Relax your next appointment is a week from Thursday. I am calling because we have a potential adoption for you."
"Already?"
"Older kids are easier to place. They are less in demand than babies."
"I know but it's only been a month."
"You guys are so great with Noah. Anyway this girl is eight years old. She has been in foster care since she was five and she was just removed from an abusive home. She is very fearful but you have done such great things with Noah. Anyway I can send you her file if you are interested."
"I will have to talk it over with Jimmy and then I will call you back."
"Great I will only be in the office until three today due to a court appearance but I should be in all day tomorrow."
"I'll talk to Jimmy as soon as he gets home and aim to call back first thing in the morning."
A/N: Could the Palmer family be growing again? New chapter will be up soon. Thanks for reading and please review.