Big shout out to my readers, you all are the best! Starting next week, I'll post three times a week, Mon., Wed., Fri. - the days you voted for. A little surprise for you in this chapter.


Finding Home, Chapter Fifty

Tim resumed his thoughts about NCIS as they walked. "The flip side to being a small agency is there's still an incredible amount of loyalty which flows in all directions - between agents, Leads and teams, in between teams, directors and employees. Most of us know a lot of us, or at least have heard things about us. I hope we always have that community feel. You don't see that at the other agencies; there's loyalty but it's mostly one way – upwards - and agents seem to only know the agents they've worked with at some point. I'm sure it works fine, but I'm more of a community kind of guy. While I protect my privacy I also like to be part of a community."

"That part of why you're working things out with Gibbs?"

"Yeah, a lot of it. I won't be part of his team, but I still want to be part of his community – his family."

Uncle Dave nodded, "Ok, I guess I can understand that."

Uncle Jim elbowed him, "We've seen the man step up for Tim a couple of times. From what little I know, I'd say he's sincerely trying." Tim nodded, glad they both seemed to understand, at least as much as he understood his driving need to fix things with his former boss.

They arrived at the fabric vendor's stall and the three men started looking for the type and colors of fabric Claire and Maisie had requested. Between the three of them they found fabric for both women. The vendor also had yarn, freshly spun yarn from different breeds of sheep and goats. Tim spotted a skein of the softest blue that he thought would look wonderful with the blue of his grandmother Maisie's eyes. He spoke with the vendor for quite awhile, wanting to know how many skeins he needed so someone could knit a sweater for Maisie. Dave had no idea what his godson was up to, but when Jim saw the color of the yarn, he had an inkling of what Tim was about. Realizing that one of the fabrics on Claire's list was to make a top for Maisie, he tapped Tim on the shoulder. "Are you trying to decide what size a sweater or wrap should be for Maisie? "

"Yes, this nice lady is suggesting a wrap since I don't have her size, but I'd really like her to be able to wear it anytime, not just going out."

"Ask her if it would help if she knew how much fabric would be needed to make a blouse for her?"

"Huh, ok." Tim turned to the woman whose face lit up when he asked and Jim offered his list, pointing to the fabric in question. She did some mental figuring and then pulled a few skeins from her supply. Tim looked at it and asked the woman how hard it would be for his grandmother to make the sweater for herself. The woman patted him on the cheek and offered to make it for him to send to her. Tim asked if it could be done in time for mailing to the U.S. for Christmas and she beamed at him. He laughed, he'd never envisioned giving handmade sweaters from the Mediterranean as gifts but he thought they'd be light, perfect for spring or fall climates back home. Remembering that Claire's eyes were hazel, he told the woman and she helped him find yarn that Uncle Jim agreed would look lovely on his wife.

Tim had worried about those two, not sure what to get them but he liked the idea of handmade. After arranging everything with the woman, along with Jim's purchases, they moved on. Tim remembered some Greek music the Russell kids had been playing when he'd stayed over and had written the group's name down, always looking for new tunes. He pulled the information out of his phone and realized he could probably buy the album online and send it to Callum and Ainsley via one of the music sites. He asked Jim whether they had i-pods or MP3 players and with an eye roll was told his cousins had the latest i-pods. That gave Tim another idea and as they walked through the vast market he kept his eye out for covers for their devices. Again, after seeing what the Russell kids were using, he thought that Callum and Ainsley would enjoy the same sort of thing.

As they walked, Tim was blown away by the variety of merchandise offered, from fabric to artwork, furniture to clothing to kitchen items, to bric-a-brac and fresh produce. Uncle Dave suggested a Grecian print handbag for Aunt Liz and eventually they found one that Tim liked and the Admiral knew his wife would love. Tim bought another, smaller version for Sarah and a sturdy book bag for Rob. He paused to look at some light fixtures but didn't see any that jumped out at him for his dining room.

Dave and Jim were having a great time, buying little items for their families. They asked Tim if he was going to look for anything for Lina and he chuckled. "She designs and makes her own clothes, so I guess if I saw some fabric that would be fine but her taste is impeccable. She also designs and makes her own jewelry and handbags, so I think shoes are the only items left there. And as she is an artist, everything in the house she shares is her work as well. I think a book might be safe or maybe luggage."

They laughed at that and Dave said, "Better figure out something she doesn't make herself, Tim boy."

"Lotions, perfumes?"

"Yeah, find out what scents she likes, that's good."

"Dedicate a book to her." Tim smiled as he'd thought of that too. For this Christmas it would be something simple, for instance those little glass cylinders for holding individual flower stems. And maybe a pretty vase, he didn't remember her mentioning pottery as one of her art forms. He decided to ask Trina. He spotted some handmade soap and purchased a variety for Kim, Tea, Eva and Trina. He knew Eva and Caleb loved to cook together and didn't have much extra money, so he would get a gift card from a kitchen shop they'd mentioned that day they'd spent together in Athens. He laughed to himself; new friends meant more fun buying Christmas gifts. He loved buying gifts for people, simple ones - things each would like. He'd rarely had time in his old life and only bought online but shopping like this was a lot of fun – especially with his two escorts. Each man was now carrying a pack on his back, Jim had one of his own and Tim brought an extra one that his godfather was carrying. Laughing, he pulled out his phone and took a photo of Admiral Crane in casual clothes, Tim's spare pack on his back and then one of Uncle Jim pawing through the book bags. Tim had noticed some of the crew around, they'd spotted their officers and mostly melted away into the growing crowd but he'd seen a few smirks and smiles too. There were even a few discreet nods.

By 11:30 they were getting hungry and decided to head over to the museum. Tim wanted to buy an annual pass so he'd do that today and they could wander through the exhibits until Lina's lunch break and possibly after their meal as well. All three men were very happy to check their packs while they were in the museum and after making sure Lina knew they were there but in no hurry, they strolled around. Jim hadn't been before and Dave said it had been years since he'd been and Tim had only been the one time so they enjoyed the sights. He stopped by the gift store, looking for items he hoped would interest some of the others on his gift list. He found a book that he knew Ducky would like and then spotted some beautifully made shadow puppets. He'd noticed an exhibit at another museum he'd visited and the gift shop had a good stock of replicas. He chose some of the most intricately made and purchased them for his cousins and Kayla and Jared Vance. He found some small dolls dressed in ancient Grecian fashion and bought several to send to the shelter for the children's Christmas. These would be sent home with Uncle Jim who promised to personally deliver them to Tim's friend Lu at the shelter. Tim had some other trinkets he'd purchased for them while in the UK; he'd already given them to his uncle who would delivery those to the shelter and camp as well.

At 1300, Lina found them and announced she could take extra time so they decided to eat out. Checking with Lina, Tim confirmed his suspicions that Thanasis was not all that far away and the four of them agreed, the two naval officers excited to try the minced meat souvlaki Tim had raved about.

The two older men were relaxed and kept the conversation going, telling Tim and Lina more stories about their escapades, some with Dan McGee, some of them together and some individually. They enjoyed the souvlakis, the company, the conversations and especially the laughter. Eventually they accompanied Lina back to the museum, reclaimed their packs and headed back out to the market. Tim and his uncle were still looking for gifts and Uncle Dave was having too good a time looking to want to stop. Besides, he'd given himself the entire afternoon off; he wasn't due back until 1800.

By 1600, they threw in the towel. As much fun as they'd had and as many items as they'd purchased, they were done. Tim was both relieved and sad, knowing the time to say goodbye to them was drawing closer. They walked partway back to the Metro station with their packs now stuffed full and stopped at a café for a coffee. Jim was a little pensive, something Tim had said earlier rang a bell with him but he hadn't yet figured out what exactly it was or why. He mentally shrugged; he'd rather enjoy their last hour with Tim than worry about some wisp of a memory. The three of them sat enjoying the company and the coffee and were just about to leave when Tim's phone rang. He answered it and began to look concerned as he listened. The men were surprised when he finally spoke. "We're not that far from you. Didn't you drive in today? Why don't we meet you and I can drive you home. Is there…yeah, that's what I was thinking too. Ok, we'll be there in a few minutes." Tim shook his head as he disconnected. "Lina's not feeling well, she's not sure if it's something she ate or if she's coming down with something or a combination of both. Do you two mind if we walk back to the museum? It's just a few blocks. She drove in today so we can all ride back together."

"Has she felt ill since lunch, Tim? Do you think it's something from the restaurant?"

"I don't know, but we three are fine, right? And I've eaten there before and so has Matt, with no ill effects." He paused briefly and then continued. "With the number of kids they have going through the museum, it could very well be some sort of bug. I don't know about Greece but at home, you know this is flu season."

"Uh oh, get your flu shot?"

Tim laughed, "Before I left the States! Ducky wasn't taking any chances!"

"Ducky, oh yes, that's the Dr. Mallard you were speaking of the other day. He gave you a shot? Isn't he a medical examiner?"

"Yes, but he also takes care of our general health. He didn't do our physicals, but most other things."

"Ah, yes. Tell me - is the nickname because of his surname?"

"Oddly enough, he says it has nothing to do with that. Although he's a Scotsman, he lived in London as a child during World War II. He claims that the nickname comes from a well-earned reputation among his friends for his talent in ducking the bombs."

He happened to glance from his godfather to his uncle and was a little alarmed to see the man had gone pale. "Uncle Jim, are you all right?"

"Yes, Timmy, I think I'm just tired. You'd think I'd be used to walking – we walk the ship every day, but this is different."

Tim nodded, "Yeah, I know what you mean. Walking slowly – strolling as we've been doing - does a number on my back."

His godfather frowned, "You have a back problem, Tim?"

"It doesn't generally bother me but yes, I do - from the car wreck and a later injury. It's strolling or kneeling that hurts, luckily I'm more likely to be on the run and I'm not a churchgoer so no worries about kneeling! As long as I stay in shape it's good."

They reached the museum and Tim texted Lina to let them know they were there. She quickly joined them, a pale version of the woman they'd had lunch with, and led them to her car. He opened the passenger side door and made sure she was comfortable before opening the trunk and putting all the packs in. When all four of them were in, they decided to drive to the Piraeus Metro station where Tim's car was parked. Uncle Jim would then drive it, following him to Lina's, there they'd change cars. They stopped at Lina's place long enough for Tim to help her inside as she was now experiencing some lightheadedness. Dani was home and she promised to take good care of their friend. She also mentioned that Ross had been feeling the same symptoms, making Tim think it was a bug that was going around.

After retrieving their stuff from the trunk of Lina's car and re-settling themselves into Tim's, the three men headed off to the ship. The two older men teased Tim because he was driving as slowly as possible. He shrugged, "I don't want to say goodbye. I know I'll see you again, it's just…this has been a phenomenal week and everything but I just found you, I don't want to let either of you go."

"We feel the same way, Tim. If I could think of any viable excuse to hold us over, I would. But I don't think Secretary Porter would be very happy with my saying I wanted to hold us over for a month or two to spend time with my godson and the Captain's nephew." They chuckled at that. Uncle Dave continued, "Now if you wanted to come with us, that would be great! But I know better than that."

"I've got an idea, let's plan our next meet and then we'll have something to look forward to – and don't forget Skype, we can see each other all the time on that."

Tim nodded, "Yeah, that's good and I like the idea of scheduling when we're going to meet. " He paused. "It'll be a while though, you two will be home through March, but I can't take vacation that soon. Maybe over the summer if you're home."

"Doubt we will be, depends on what's going on. We might be somewhere close by here though, not Greece, but possibly Turkey or maybe Israel." The Admiral snorted, "Or we could be off the coast of South Korea."

"Can't make it there, but if you're anywhere near here, I could get away for a couple of days and come visit."

"Any chance of you getting Stateside in the next year?"

Tim shrugged, "I wasn't planning on it but things change, you never know!"

Uncle Jim laughed, "We'll never get everyone in the same place!"

Tim grinned at him, "I love a challenge!"

They'd reached the harbor and were waved in by the guard. Tim shook his head, "I know this is picky, but security is too lax here. They should be stopping me every time I come in and they haven't since Wednesday."

"That's because they know you belong to us and you're a federal agent."

"Doesn't matter, protocols are in place for a reason. They're asking for trouble. "

"You're right. What are you going to do about it?"

"Sir, you're the Admiral! We're not allowed to do anything until something actually happens."

Uncle Dave nodded. "All right, we'll talk with the harbormaster tonight, call it a courtesy call." Uncle Jim snorted, "And by 'we' he means me."

Tim smiled. "You two crack me up."

His godfather and uncle grinned at each other and then at Tim, "We aim to please!"

They pulled up in front of the gangplank and Tim got out with them, trying to ignore the big lump in his throat. "0600 tomorrow, right?"

"Tim…from experience I can tell you it'll just be harder if you come down."

Tim nodded. "Ok."

He looked at the two of them. "I've had the best week of my life, even with Gibbs, your poor sailor and the case, Abby's craziness and my various meltdowns, you two…and the whole family…I'm so lucky, I think I must be the luckiest guy in the world."

They grabbed him and held on for long minutes. Uncle Jim finally managed to speak. "We were excited – all of us – to be visiting here, it's been a few years. But when I looked up and saw Dave staring at you, I remember thinking that ghosts usually appear as they were when they died, not as grown men. And then I just kept thinking how they say that everyone has a double, but how big of a coincidence would that be? When Pete introduced you…Tim, I can't even begin to tell you how that felt. To even think that you might be alive, that someone wasn't pulling a massive trick on us."

Uncle Dave was nodding, "It's a miracle, son, that's what you are, along with Sarah, Rob and Geordie. I look forward to meeting him too!"

Tim laughed, "There's been a lot of changes since last time we saw our brother the Marine, that's for sure." He gave the two men one last heartfelt squeeze and then stood back. "All right, I'm just gonna go."

"Tim, what about your pack?"

He smiled at his godfather, "Take it home with you, Uncle Dave. I'll get it next time I see you, all right?"

He got pulled in again, this time for farewell kisses from his uncle and godfather. "Love you, our sweet funny little boy, back from the dead and grown into the wonderful person you are, our Tim. This has been a fantastic week for us too."

Tim's phone alarm chimed and the three of them laughed. "Ok, now I have to go, got a fancy dress party to get ready for tonight. You'll give everyone kisses and hugs from me?"

"Yes of course."

"Ok, going then. Love you both more than I can say." Tim pulled back, smiled at them, turned around, got in his car and drove away, knowing he didn't dare look back.

As they watched him drive away, Dave elbowed Jim. "What's up?"

"Geez, I thought I slid that past you."

"No siree, now spill."

"I'm pretty sure Mallard was the name of Lily's father. I need to ask my mom."

"You think…?"

"Could be, I think the last name's right, he was a kid in World War II so he's about the right age, he's Scots, he's a doctor. Could be Timmy's been working with his own grandfather for all these years and neither of them knew it."

"At least they're close and he hasn't done any of the horrible things Gibbs has."

"You're right. Anyway, we don't know for sure."

The Admiral looked at him. "You have time right now and it's just lunchtime at home. Call her."

"And ask her and if she says that might be him, then what?"

"Then it's up to her. Hopefully she calls Dr. Mallard and the two of them decide what to do."

"Oh, that's a good idea, I like that. Huh, I wonder who would have his phone number…besides Tim."

"Good question, let's think while we walk, this stuff is getting heavy."

Two steps up the gangplank, Jim said, "He works at NCIS HQ, she can call there, ask for him."

"Yep. Simple."

"Why didn't you just say so?"

"Because sometimes my dear Captain Hubbard, it is more fun than I can resist to just torture you."

Very quietly under his breath, Jim muttered something about know-it-all Admirals but his boss just laughed at him. They reported in and continued their walk to quarters.

After Jim removed his shoes, he sat in front of his laptop and sent a ping to his wife. She answered, "Hi honey! I wasn't expecting to hear from you till later!"

"Just got back from the flea market with Tim and Dave. Got everything on your list, I'm proud to say."

"And did you have a good time with Tim?"

"Yeah, it was great, we had a hard time saying goodbye. Dave even hinted he could come with us." Claire laughed. "We had lunch with his girlfriend too, that was fun."

Claire looked at him. "What?"

"Geez, between you and the Admiral!"

"We both know you well, James Hubbard."

"Ok, here goes. In DC on his old team, Tim has a friend he calls Ducky. He talked a little more about him today and I realized his name is Mallard. He's the Medical Examiner and he's also a physician – and he's Scots. I was thinking…"

"Oh my gosh, Jim, you think he's Maisie's Donald?"

"Wasn't sure I had the last name right."

"It's Mallard, Donald Mallard."

"Didn't hear Tim say his first name."

"He works in DC?"

"Yeah and he sounds like he's about the right age, he's a doctor and he's Scots."

"We have to tell her."

"I agree."

"Do you have his phone number?"

"No, but he works at NCIS headquarters, you could call for her, ask for him, if you have any problems tell the switchboard you're the wife of a Navy Captain – throw my name in and that it's a personal call. That should get you through and then Maisie can talk with him."

"I can look that up online."

"Yes."

"Oh Jim, this is exciting and a little scary."

"Scary?"

"For your mum, it might be a little scary after all these years. To have to tell her first love that he was a father but that his daughter is dead."

"Geez, I was only thinking about him being Tim's grandfather – and Sarah, Rob and Geordie too."

"Now that's a young man who's going to have a whole lot of surprises when he surfaces."

"Maybe not, they write him every week and they tell him everything, they each number their letters so he knows which order to read them in. Tim says a lot of times he'll get several weeks of mail all at once and he insists on knowing as much as possible about what's going on with them."

"Jim honey, hold on, I think I hear Maisie and the kids coming in." Jim nodded as she disappeared from the screen. She was back in two minutes with his mother and the two kids. He spoke with his children for a few minutes and then asked them for some time with their mother and grandmother. He didn't look worried so they cheerfully agreed and blowing kisses at him, vanished from the room. He smiled, as much as he loved his nephew and as hard as it was to leave him behind, he couldn't wait to get home to see his kids.

He looked at his mother who sat there with a patient look on her face. "It's good to see you, son. Have you had a good time with our Timothy today?"

"Yes mum, it was a wonderful day and Dave went with us."

"That's good. Now, tell me what's on your mind, James."

"Mum, Lily's father I mean her biological father, his name was Mallard, yes?"

"Yes, sweetheart. Donald Mallard." Claire took the next bit. "Mum, Tim works with a Dr. Mallard at NCIS, he calls him Ducky. Jim says he sounds the right age and that he's Scots."

Maisie's already pale skin went paper white. "Ducky…oh my, I haven't…oh my heavens."

"Mum, was that your Donald's nickname?"

"It had been when he was a child in London during the war. He managed to duck away from all the bombs." Maisie was understandably flustered. "I thought of trying to find him after your dear father died, but then I realized I would have to tell him that he'd had a daughter he'd never met who was now deceased and three grandchildren he'd never met, also now deceased. I just couldn't do that to him."

"It's up to you, Mum. I didn't say anything to Tim, I wasn't sure of my facts anyway."

"Do you know how long Tim has known him?"

"Ten years, Mum."

"Would Donald have met Sarah and Rob?"

Jim had to stop and think about that and then remembered Tim's description of his second surprise party. "Yes, he's met Sarah in person at least once, she was at his house last week for one of Tim's birthday parties and Rob was there over Skype, like we're using now."

"Oh that's good then. Then perhaps the news about Lily won't seem quite so harsh." She shook her head, "I don't know what I'm saying, there's nothing in this world that will soften that news. All I can hope is that he'll forgive me." She stopped and took a deep breath and held it before releasing it. "I must tell him, it's only right, I should have told him years ago. Drew always urged me to, but I didn't want to shake things up. Your father and sister were so close."

Jim felt the familiar pang of grief when he thought of his father and sister. "It's up to you, Mum."

"There's no choice son, I owe it to my grandchildren as well as Donald."

The three of them spoke for a few minutes longer and then Jim signed off as it was time for him to relieve his XO. Across the Atlantic, his mother remained in front of the computer screen although her eyes were unfocused; her joy in finding her grandchildren alive now buried in the dread of the task ahead, one she could only envision as full of grief and anger.