Title: NCIS – Fallen Hero

Author: D M Harper

Summary: When Naval Criminal Investigative Service's MCRT investigates the death of a decorated Marine, one member finds much more than a motive for murder.

PAIRINGS: Agent Ziva David & Abigail Sciuto; Agent Ziva David & OFC; Abigail Sciuto & OFC.

Rating: MA for Mature readers.

Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction borrowing characters from a TV series. Other characters are original, but have learnt to play nicely with the others. No profit is gained and no copyright infringement is intended to creators Donald P. Bellisario & Don McGill or Belisarius Productions, Paramount Network Television & CBS Paramount Network Television.

A/N: Please take a dip into the review pool and leave a message. The Muse gets a little hungry!

Chapter 21

Ziva was sitting at her desk perusing a DoD file when Tony placed a bouquet of flowers on top of her desk. She glanced up at him and noted, "If you are attempting to butterball me up, it will not work."

"You mean butter and no, these are not from me. Some guy delivered them for you while I was passing reception. I thought I'd save you the walk to the lobby."

"That was nice of you, but I am still upset with you."

Tony went and sat behind his desk, "I know you are and I don't blame you."

"I still don't understand what possessed you do say that to Grayson."

"I was jealous of your relationship and lost my head for a brief moment."

"So it was intentional?"

"Afraid so and I sincerely apologise."

"Tony, it is now Wednesday, why did it take so long for you to admit that?"

"Look Ziva, I was an ass and quite frankly too scared to talk to you. I was expecting you to attack me Monday morning."

Ziva smirked, "Grayson made me promise not to and I will honour that commitment."

"I must thank her."

"Oh do not be thankful Tony," remonstrated Ziva while twirling a paperclip in her left hand. "She still has to remember the incident and may wish to harm you again. Like me, Grayson knows of the eighteen ways to kill a person with this clip."

Tony grimaced at the thought, "Jesus, there's something to look forward to."

"How is Grayson doing?" asked Tim from behind his work station.

"The headaches seem to be gone and last night she had more memories return."

"Hopefully it won't be long before she is back to normal."

"So who sent the flowers?" inquired Tony.

"I'll find out DiNosey."

"Good one Ziva," declared Tim before chuckling.

"That's enough out of you McSquirt," retorted Tony.

"Nice flowers," announced Gibbs as he returned to his desk. "DiNosey hit yourself for me will ya?"

"Right Boss," replied Tony as he smacked the back of his head.

Gibbs sat down and inquired, "Where are we on the P.F.C. Wilcox case people?"

Ziva answered first, "Private First Class Wilcox will be available for interview tomorrow morning. His doctor, a Captain Banner informed me Wilcox will be sedated until then."

"Good work Ziva, anything else?"

"Yes Boss," replied Tim. "Financial records show no irregularities and the ex-wife is still conveniently out of town. Her co-worker implied Elisa Wilcox is scheduled to return to work 0900 hours tomorrow. Phone records turned up a number belonging to a Sergeant McMasters. The number was called fifty-six times in the past month."

"What do we have on the Sergeant?" inquired Gibbs.

"Sergeant McMasters works with P.F.C. Wilcox in supplies at Quantico," responded Ziva. "He is currently on leave and his whereabouts at this stage are unknown. A BOLO has been issued for him and his vehicle."

Tony spoke up, "Boss, my guess is he is Charlottesville with the ex-wife after beating P.F.C. Wilcox to within an inch of his life."

"So how do you explain why you are not on the way to Virginia?'

Ziva's desk phone rang, "Agent David speaking."

"Agent David, Pete Wilson from Charlottesville Police Department."

"Ahh yes Officer Wilson, what do you have for me?"

"We located Sergeant McMasters' vehicle in the car park at the Hampton Inn and Elisa Wilcox is a registered guest."

"Thank you Officer Wilson, a team will be there shortly."

"We'll keep an eye on them until you arrive."

Ziva hung up and declared, "Gibbs, Tony's theory is correct. McMasters and the ex-Mrs Wilcox are at the Hampton Inn."

Nodding, Jethro called Abby, "What do you have for me?"

"Epidermis recovered from P.F.C. Wilcox's teeth matched a Sergeant McMasters' DNA."

"Thanks Abs."

"You're welcome Gibbs."

"Okay DiNozzo you're with Tim. Go pick up the happy couple, DNA matched McMasters."

"On it Boss," replied Tony.

Ziva looked at Gibbs, "What about me?"

With a smile Gibbs pointed to the flowers, "You may want to read that card Ziva."

Reaching for the envelope, Ziva pulled out the card and read:

Ziva,

Have dinner with me, we need some alone time.

Call me,

Grayson.

Ziva looked at Gibbs and asked, "How did you know?"

"Gray called me this morning and asked for the name of a good restaurant."

"So it's a date?"

"It looks that way to me."

"Oh."

"She knows she loves you Ziva, she just doesn't remember."

"Thank you Gibbs, I needed to hear that."

"That's why I told you," quipped Gibbs with a smirk.

"I better call her."

"If you need me, I'll be up in Vance's office."

Ziva nodded then reached for her cell phone.

"Hello Ziva," answered Grayson seconds later.

"Thank you for the flowers and I would enjoy having dinner with you."

"Excellent, I've made reservations at La Tabernadel Alabardero for 1900 hours."

Ziva gulped, "How did you know that is our favourite restaurant?"

"I didn't, Jethro told me. I just wanted to take you out and forget about trying to jog my memory. Amy has been invited to stay overnight at Abby's, so I thought it would be nice to have a date."

"It will be very pleasant."

"Once we got together, did we date often?"

"All the time, you liked taking me out."

"Is there anything else I liked to do with you?"

"You touch and kiss me constantly."

"I'm sorry you have missed that."

"It's been damn near impossible, but I have adapted."

"I am very grateful for you Ziva."

"You will make me cry."

"I better go then, see you when you get home."

"Bye."

-o-

Grayson looked across the table at Ziva and grinned, "You are so striking and I can see why we like coming here, the food is magnificent."

Ziva's eyes sparkled, "Did you have any headaches today?"

"No, but my C.O. visited and he informed me I am on medical leave until the thirteenth."

"This is good news."

"I was thinking we could visit mom on the weekend and I could meet this Gary she keeps talking about."

"He is a very handsome man and treats your mother well."

"So I like him?"

"Yes you do and it is a good idea to get away."

"I think the break will do both of us good. Oh, before I forget, I have an appointment with Doctor Hill Friday morning."

"Is Amy driving?"

"Yes and Abby is taking her to the airport on Sunday."

"Do you think they will maintain a long distance relationship?"

"I think so; Amy is very keen on the proposal."

"As is Abby."

"Would you care for dessert?"

"No, I am fine."

"I'll pay the bill then we can go home."

"Thank you for a superb date."

"You are welcome and I thoroughly enjoyed myself."

-o-