Author's Note: I'm compressing five weeks into two chapters. Conversations and events are in chronological order by week.

Week One

Text from Tony to Sammie

In my head, I call the iguana Leroy… but Gibbs can never know that.

*picture of the iguana sitting on the cover of Gibbs' coffee*

I can't believe Dad hasn't tossed it in the trash by now.

I'm pacing myself. No more than once a day, and I've skipped a day too. He just laughs and tosses it back to me. Neither of us has explained to Tim or Ziva, it's driving them crazy.

Phone call from California to Sammie

"You better not be selling anything… I have an air horn and am not afraid to use it."

"Kelly?"

"… Maddie?!"

"You're really alive? I couldn't believe it when your dad called me, but I also couldn't believe he would lie about something like that…"

"Maddie… it's so great to talk to you again! Did he explain what happened?"

"Oh yes… I made him go over it twice."

"Good for you!"

"He said you had a head injury and forgot everyone?"

"I remembered people in dreams, and I knew some of the things I was told weren't right… but I couldn't truly remember, not until Tony tracked me down and showed me pictures. And then when he took me to the house… memories flooded back. There are still a lot of gaps, but I remember a lot now. I saw your picture in my room, and I ran into the backyard and right to where we buried the time capsule. Dug it up and everything."

"Wow… that's incredible. Um, Kelly, why didn't you get in touch sooner?"

"I thought about it… I just didn't think you getting a call from someone claiming to be your long-dead best friend would go over well. Figured hearing it from Dad would be easier. And I can't swear to this, but I think he was nervous about me finding out that he almost got both of you killed. I confronted him about it after Ziva and Abby spilled the beans."

"He did the best he could in that situation. I've never been so scared. And Tony managed to save both of us."

"You'll have to tell me the whole story someday. But I want to hear about you! Give me your life story since I disappeared."

Maddie laughed. "That will take a while, and I want to hear yours! Do you have time to take this to video chat?"

"Yes! Hang on…"

Text from Tony to Sammie

I think Gibbs finally got fed up with Leroy… I left him sitting on top of Gibbs' gun in the drawer where he keeps it, but this time he didn't give it back.

Conversation in the Bullpen

Tony was the first off the elevator, with Ziva close behind. Gibbs had gone straight to Autopsy, and Tim was at his desk, running various searches and compiling more background on the dead seaman.

"Ziva," Tony said as he logged in to his computer, "set up a timeline from the interviews. We should be able to eliminate a few suspects that way."

"On it." Ziva glanced up at him as she settled in at her desk. "And you are…?

Tony sighed and shot her a small smile. "Still the senior field agent and authorized to delegate tasks. But… I'm putting out the BOLOs on the missing mechanic and the petty officer."

Tim looked over at him. "Do we think they're suspects or victims?"

"No idea," Tony replied and he typed. "If Abby finds multiple blood sources, then I'd say victims… or victim and accomplice?"

"Or maybe Seaman Jones managed to injure his attacker," Tim pointed out.

Tony shrugged. "Maybe. Ducky didn't find any defensive wounds on the body at the crime scene, though."

Ziva shook her head. "He was left out in the open… it is possible Seaman Jones would have disappeared too… perhaps the MP who called it in interrupted whatever the killer planned."

Tim grimaced. "Two bodies, maybe more… we might have a serial killer."

"Too early to say, McJumping the Gun."

"Tony, that was terrible."

Tony sat back, frowning. "Yeah it was, wasn't it?"

Ziva arched a brow. "You are off your game." She traded looks with Tim, who nodded seriously.

"She's right, Tony. You didn't flirt at all with that witness."

Ziva's eyes narrowed. "She was very beautiful and particularly… curvy."

Tim looked back at his computer, typed a few more lines, then looked at Tony again. "She definitely found you attractive. She was all over you… and you didn't even seem to notice."

Tony glanced between his two teammates. "I was focused on the case. Dead seaman, remember? Other victims out there, maybe… could still be alive."

Ziva smiled as she sketched out her timeline. "I think it is because no one measures up."

Tim grinned while Tony glared at Ziva. "And I think we have work to do, Probationary Agent David."

They all worked in silence for a few minutes, until Ziva spoke up again. "By the way, how is Sammie?"

Tony growled softly, prompting Tim and Ziva to exchange grins. He was spared from replying, though, as Gibbs strode toward his desk. "My daughter is fine, Ziva, thanks for asking. She's at work right now, which is more than I can say for you and McGee. Stop teasing DiNozzo and stay focused. Ducky says cause of death is the same as our first victim."

"So it is a serial killer," Tim commented.

Gibbs glared at him. "Too early to say, McGee." He ignored the soft 'Ha' coming from Tony's direction. "Just stay focused on the evidence."

Text from Sammie to Tony

I reconnected with Maddie today! She called you a hero… and I agree.

Just doing my job. :) Glad you got to talk to her. Say hi for me.

Got time to talk?

I wish… hot case. Multiple murders. Tim is thinking serial killer.

That creeps me out.

We'll get him. We always do.

Watch out for my dad? And be careful yourself.

I will. Still no sign of Leroy.

Just wait.

Family Drama

"Agent Gibbs?"

The entire team looked up when the young probie called his name.

"You have a visitor, sir."

Gibbs leaned forward to peer around his computer monitor, then stood and came around his desk to approach the woman standing with the young agent. She was close to his own age, a little taller than Ziva. Her medium-length blond hair was dyed with pink and light blue stripes. She wore a fitted gray t-shirt with a drawing of the Milky way and a 'You are Here' message with an arrow, blue jeans, and red sneakers.

Gibbs nodded to her escort, who returned the nod, glanced at the woman, then headed for the elevator.

"Agent Gibbs?" the woman asked.

He nodded.

"Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs?"

"Yes, ma'am."

Her eyes narrowed. "Don't 'ma'am' me." She looked from him to the rest of his team, all of whom were gaping at her, then back at him. "I'm Christina Bradley. Samantha Hawthorne is my niece."

Gibbs caught Tony's flinch from the corner of his eye; he smiled slightly and nodded to her. "She said you might be stopping by."

"I'm sure she did." Christina sounded both resigned and amused.

"Let's go to the conference room," Gibbs said. He turned toward Tony. "Keep checking into those financials. If you get a lead, take Ziva."

"On it, Boss!"

Gibbs caught the wide-eyed stares Tony exchanged with Ziva, and saw Tim making a call; he'd bet it was to Abby.

Gibbs led the way up the stairs and to the conference room. He held the door open for Christina, then let it close behind him. She pulled out a chair and sat; he gestured toward the coffee pot and raised his eyebrows.

"Is it any good?" she asked.

"Nope."

"Then why offer? Sit. Let's get this dealt with."

Gibbs' lips twitched into a slight smile, and he took a seat opposite her.

She met his gaze, pursing her lips. "You claim to be Samantha's biological father."

"Not just claim," he responded.

"Her biological parents died in the car crash that almost killed her."

Gibbs considered her for a moment, then reached for his wallet, pulling out a picture of Shannon and handing it to her. "My wife, Shannon. Kelly's… Sammie's mother. She was killed while under protective custody, waiting to testify in a murder trial."

Christina glanced from the picture to Gibbs and back. "Samantha does look a lot like her."

Gibbs smiled. "I'm told genetics will do that." He looked at her seriously. "Everyone thought my daughter Kelly died in the same crash that took her mother. For twenty years, I believed she was dead."

Christina handed the picture back to him. "What makes you think Samantha is your daughter?"

Gibbs replaced Shannon's picture in his wallet and put it back in his pocket. "DNA. Fingerprints. Kelly's memories. I'm sure she's told you some of it."

Christina tapped the tips of her manicured nails on the table. "Samantha is impressionable."

Gibbs laughed. "No, she's really not. And why would I try to convince anyone to take on the role of my daughter?"

Christina shrugged. "You could be a procurer."

"A what?" Gibbs held up his hand as she began to speak. "I know what that is. Ms. Bradley…"

"Tina. I get the feeling we're going to have to get to know each other."

Gibbs thought perhaps the last person to have him so off-kilter was Diane. "Tina," he said slowly, "I'm a federal agent. I hunt procurers." He paused for a moment. "But if I were looking to prey on young women, I wouldn't go after someone as intelligent, cautious, and self-sufficient as Sammie."

Tina tapped her nails again. "You've got a head on your shoulders, I see." She sat forward. "What makes you so sure Samantha is your Kelly?"

"You mean besides her memories of me, her mother, her best friend, the house…"

Tina waved her hand. "Suggestion is a powerful thing, honey."

Gibbs blinked at the term. He started to speak, then stopped, brow furrowed. "You interested in forensics, Tina?"

She smiled at him. "I have a passing interest, yes."

Gibbs stood. "I'm going to introduce you to Abby." He gestured toward the door.

Tina looked at him, then shrugged and got to her feet. "Whatever can clear this up," she commented.

They walked through the halls and rode the elevator down in silence. Abby's music blared from the lab as soon as the elevator doors opened. Gibbs preceded Tina into the lab. "Abs!"

"Gibbs!" Abby turned to him, her smile fading as she took in the stranger behind him. She reached for the remote and lowered the volume. "Cool hair," she offered.

Tina smiled at her. "Nice tat," she responded, pointing at Abby's neck.

Abby grinned, then looked at Gibbs.

"Abby Scuito, our forensics expert," Gibbs said to Tina. "Abby, this is Tina Bradley… Sammie's aunt."

Tina moved forward, reaching out to shake Abby's hand. "Lyssa's older sister. Just looking out for my niece."

Abby looked at Gibbs. "Does Sammie need looking after?"

Gibbs could feel a headache coming on. "Do me a favor, Abs… go over all the evidence that shows Sammie and Kelly are one and the same."

Abby grinned. "You got it, Bossman!" She turned to the computer as she motioned for Tina to come closer. "You want me to bring her back up to you when we're done?"

"Yeah," Gibbs sighed.

He left the lab, and then the building as he was craving some coffee. Sitting on a bench outside, he pulled out his phone and hit the button to speed dial his daughter, figuring he could leave a message if she was working.

"Hi, Dad!"

"Hey, Kells."

"Uh oh. What's wrong?"

"Tina's here."

There was a long pause. "I'm sorry. I did warn you."

"Yeah, you did… tough to be prepared."

"She's a force of nature. Momma used to call her Hurricane Tina."

"With reason."

"How many times has she used an endearment on you?"

"Just the one."

"Which?"

"Honey."

"Yikes. I am sorry."

"She accused me of trying to lure you into prostitution."

"She… I don't have the words. You didn't shoot her, did you?"

"Nah. Told her I wouldn't target someone as smart and independent as you."

"Aww, thanks! Um… you should know that I already showed her pictures of you, Mom, and me, and she admitted you must be my dad."

Gibbs was silent for a moment. "Then why…"

"She's always been overprotective. She's testing you… and she thinks I'm still fourteen."

"Why fourteen?"

"There was a boy… never mind. Suffice to say the fact that I'm an adult seems to have escaped her."

"She gives me a headache."

"Exposure should be limited to small doses if at all possible. Where is she now?"

"With Abby, getting all the evidence that you're Kelly explained to her."

"That will help… even though she already knows. She's always going on about relying on evidence and not wishful thinking."

"I should tell you what I'm wishing right now."

"No need. Been there. Hair color?"

"Pink and blue."

"Ah. T-shirt?"

"Gray, universe, you are here."

"We're good. She just wants to check you out. If she were dressed in plain black, you'd be in trouble."

"Thought I already was."

"Not yet. But if she calls you sugar, run. If she calls you sweetie, you're in. Seriously, though… she does mean well."

"She announced to the whole team that you are her niece… awfully possessive."

"Not surprising. She's jealous of Jack, for crying out loud."

"I'll try to keep her away from Tony."

"Please. I gotta go… my break is almost over. We've had a couple of emergencies, so we're behind with regular appointments."

"Go. I'll call you tonight with the update. Bye, Kells."

Gibbs hung up and stared at nothing for a while, finishing his coffee before heading back to the office.

He'd been at his desk for about half an hour when Abby brought Tina upstairs. "All the evidence has been reviewed, Gibbs! Tina's cool." Abby grinned at Gibbs; he tilted his head toward the back elevator, she saluted with the wrong hand and left.

"You're Samantha's father," Tina stated bluntly.

Gibbs gazed thoughtfully at Tina for a moment. "You already knew that," he commented mildly.

Tina grinned at him. "You talked to Sammie."

"Uh huh."

She shrugged. "I wanted to see how you'd respond to a challenge."

Tony made a noise as if he were choking on something. Tina looked at him, frowning. "You got a problem, sugar?"

"DiNozzo," Gibbs said, standing, "take Ziva, go run down those two leads."

"On it, Boss!" Tony left, glancing back at Tina, who was watching him, her arms crossed over her chest. Ziva looked back as well, then followed Tony to the elevator.

Gibbs looked at Tim. "McGee, go help Abby. She's got some catching up to do after being distracted."

"Yes, Boss."

Gibbs waited until Tim was out of sight before leaning back against his desk. "We good?"

Tina continued to stare toward the elevator. "I don't like that man."

"DiNozzo? You haven't been around him for more than a minute or two."

Tina shrugged. "I know his type. All flash, no substance."

Gibbs laughed quietly. "You're way off base."

"Maybe." She dropped her arms and turned to face him. "In my experience, men that good-looking don't bother to develop character."

Gibbs shook his head. "Kelly likes him."

"You mean Samantha?"

Gibbs just stared at her; she smiled. "You've improved with age," she said suddenly. "Samantha and Abby shared pictures."

Gibbs laughed. "We'd kill each other within a week."

"Two days, tops. And you're really not my type, sweetie… you talk too much." She looked around, then walked to Tim's desk and pulled his chair towards Gibbs, sitting down. "Samantha says she's moving in with you."

Gibbs nodded.

Tina sighed. "She doesn't listen to me. I hope you'll hold the line."

"On what?"

"Setting limits."

Gibbs snorted. "Kelly is an adult. She's twenty-eight and has it more together than most people her age."

"She needs protecting."

"From what?"

"The world is a dangerous place."

"I'm a federal agent. I'm well aware. And Kelly can hold her own. But if needed, she's got seven of us ready to help her."

Tina nodded slowly. "Any chance you can get her to give up that dog?"

"What's wrong with Jack?" Gibbs asked indignantly.

"I'm allergic." She grimaced. "Sometimes I think she got that dog to keep me away." She shot Gibbs a wry smile. "I can be a bit… overbearing."

Gibbs laughed. "Jack is named after my dad. Kelly was talking about getting a dog and naming it Jack when she was five years old." He looked at Tina, raising his eyebrows. "I suppose there are additional benefits."

Tina's smile widened. "You're a worthy opponent." Her smile faded. "I'm still Samantha's family."

Gibbs nodded. "I'm not interested in having her cut any ties. Just happy to have her back."

Tina nodded, then stood, returning Tim's chair to its proper place. She walked back to Gibbs, holding out her hand for him to shake. "I expect an invitation to visit this summer."

"There are some great hotels in the area… since you're allergic to Jack, of course."

Tina laughed. "Nicely put, sweetie." She dropped his hand. "I should get going. I'll give Samantha a full report… and I'm sure you'll do the same."

He nodded. "I'll walk you down." They headed for the elevator.

"Can't have visitors running loose?"

"No, ma'am."

"I told you not to call me that."

"Yes, you did."

Tina smiled but said nothing. The trip down in the elevator and back out of the building was silent. When they reached the sidewalk, she turned to look at him. "It must have been hell, believing your daughter was dead all those years."

Gibbs simply met her eyes and nodded.

She tilted her head and looked at him thoughtfully. "In some ways I wish that hadn't happened to either of you, but I can't wish she wasn't part of our family. She made Lyssa and Will very happy."

"I'm grateful they were there for her and raised her so well."

Tina nodded once. "See ya, sweetie." She turned and walked away. Gibbs watched her go, then exhaled deeply and shook his head as he made his way to the coffee cart.

As he waited in line, he called his daughter and left a message. "Hey Kells, I survived. She admitted to testing me… got three 'sweeties' so I guess I don't have to lock the door. She did call Tony 'sugar' though." He hung up, laughed quietly to himself, then stepped up to the front of the line and ordered his coffee.

Week Two

Email from Abby to Sammie

Hi Sammie!

Your Aunt Tina is so cool! She sent me an awesome t-shirt. Distance raptor/Time raptor = Velociraptor, with a great drawing of a velociraptor. They probably had feathers, though. I'm still wearing it to work tomorrow.

Timmy helped me with all the donation boxes yesterday. We got them out of the house and right now they're split between his car and mine. We're delivering them over the next few days. Gibbs and Tony started ripping up the carpet as soon as we were done. I think they're planning to paint the walls first, before they put the new flooring in. I was going to get a dog bed for Jack, but Gibbs said he thinks Jack sleeps on the bed with you, so I didn't yet. But I want to get you both homecoming presents, so let me know if there's anything in particular you need.

I offered to go furniture shopping with Gibbs once the room is ready. He may even take me up on that! He said it's been a long time since he was a student, so I think he wants me to help pick out a great desk for you. Let me know what you like.

Ziva and I want to have a girls' night… so let us know if there's a good time for you, and we'll come to you if we don't have a case.

One week down, four to go! I'm helping Gibbs organize the party. Can't wait for you two to be together again!

Text from Tony to Sammie

Leroy lives! He appeared in my desk drawer, on top of the case where I keep all Gibbs' awards. I have to come up with something really creative now.

Why are Dad's awards in your desk? Maybe you could buy a ton of little iguanas and put them all over the place.

Love that idea. But I'd have to catch him in the right mood. Long story about the awards… will tell you later. BTW, case closed, wasn't a serial killer. Just an idiot.

Finally! I do like the lower creep factor.

Conversation in Autopsy

Ducky looked up as the door to Autopsy opened. "Ziva! How nice to see you. To what do I owe the very great pleasure?"

Ziva smiled at him. "I have not seen you much since Seaman Jones was murdered. Now that we have solved the case, I wished to come say hello."

Ducky rose from his chair. "I would enjoy the company, my dear. Mr. Palmer has the day off, so it has been very quiet today. Do you have time for some tea?"

"Certainly."

Ducky motioned for Ziva to sit and started making the tea. "I take it Jethro has finished the interrogation?"

"Yes, it did not take long. He and Tony tab-teamed Petty Officer Jamison."

Ducky hesitated, then chuckled. "I do believe you mean they tag-teamed the petty officer."

"Ah, yes."

Ducky gazed fondly at her. "You do know that Anthony is convinced you do that on purpose."

Ziva smiled. "Not at first, and not this time. Sometimes it is on purpose, sometimes it is not."

"Well," Ducky said, "I consider it one of your endearing quirks. We are all unique in our own ways."

"That is certainly true."

Ducky contemplated her as she sat quietly. "You seem far more content then you did when we talked at my house."

"I am." Ziva tilted her head thoughtfully. "I have talked with Tony. We cleared the air, and I think we are friends now… at the very least better ones than we were."

"I am very glad to hear that. Have you talked with Jethro as well?"

Ziva smiled and shrugged. "It does not seem necessary. He saw that Tony and I talked, and he asked if I was doing well. We are all working well as a team." Her expression softened. "Gibbs is very happy."

Ducky smiled in agreement. "He most certainly is. Easier to work with, I'd wager."

"Yes, although he will still give Tony a head slap when it is needed."

"I suspect they would both miss the head slaps, were Jethro to stop them completely." Ducky poured the tea, handing a cup to his companion. "Let that steep a while longer to get the full flavor, my dear."

Ziva held the cup in her hands. "Thank you, Ducky."

"So," Ducky began, after he took a seat with his own cup, "have you spoken much with Kelly since she went home?"

"You call her Kelly?"

Ducky shook his head. "I haven't had all that much opportunity to speak with her, but I have noticed Jethro prefers her given name."

Ziva nodded. "That is not a surprise." She thought about it. "I have continued to call her Sammie because that is what she asked of us, that evening in Abby's lab. I believe everyone except Gibbs refers to her by that name."

"I suppose Jethro will get used to it in time." Ducky peered at her over the tops of his glasses. "Rumors say Anthony is very much taken with her."

Ziva smiled. "I believe that he is. I have not seen him flirt with another woman since he met her, and he has had ample opportunity. He claims, though, that they are just friends." Her smile faded. "I wonder, though, what Gibbs would think of Tony dating his daughter."

Ducky smiled and took his first sip of tea. "I believe, my dear, that you might be surprised."

Basement Talks

Gibbs' phone rang, and he sighed as he set down the toy helicopter and the sandpaper. They hadn't had much down time while they tracked down Seaman Jones' killer; he'd had to cancel dinner with Kelly, and she wouldn't be free until the following week, so the last thing he wanted was another case. He picked up the phone, squinted at it, then smiled slightly as he flipped it open. "Mike."

"Probie. How ya doin'?"

"Just put a case to bed. Trying to get some toys sanded and painted, but I keep getting interrupted."

Mike was silent for a moment, long enough for Gibbs to get concerned. "Mike? Everything okay?"

Mike sighed. "Almost called you for help yesterday, Probie. Amira went missing. We got her back this mornin', so no worries."

"She's alright?"

"Yeah. Layla and that old biddy mother of hers took Amira shopping. Ol' lady took her eyes off Amira just for a moment, or so she says… Layla was in a dressing room trying somethin' on. Then Amira was just gone. We were thinkin' the worst, but this morning a woman contacted the police, said her teen daughter brought a little girl home. Turns out the daughter wasn't right in the head… got pregnant, had an abortion 'cause she was scared of her parents, but then she took Amira."

Gibbs let out a relieved sigh. "So she took care of her."

"Tried to hide Amira in her room, but yeah. Girl's parents hesitated to go to the police because they didn't want their daughter arrested. Layla is declining to press charges as long as the parents get the girl some help."

"Lot of that going around."

"What was that?"

"Nothing, Mike. Everyone okay?"

"Yeah. Amira's no worse for wear. Layla's still a bit teary-eyed, and her mother's been stayin' away from me since it happened." There was a pause, then Mike continued, "Job we do, we see all sorts of things, and most of 'em ain't pretty… I'm just thankful nothing worse happened. Amira's callin' it a sleep-over."

Gibbs smiled at that. "Kids are resilient."

"Yeah. Listen, Gibbs… I get it better now. What you went through when you lost your family… and what it meant to you to get your girl back. I want to apologize for not giving you and her the consideration you deserved."

Gibbs cleared his throat. "Apology accepted, Mike."

"Pass it along to Kelly?"

"I could… or you could write her a letter."

"Damn it all, Probie…"

"I'll pass it along," Gibbs laughed. "Give Amira a hug for me, and tell Layla I'm thankful everything turned out well."

He hung up and checked his watch. If he remembered correctly, Kelly would have gotten home only a little while ago, so she might still be awake.

The phone rang only twice before she picked up. "Hi, Dad!"

"Hey, Kells. How was work?"

"Relatively calm for a change. We had a few cancellations and no emergencies. What was your day like?"

"Closed a case."

"Tony told me. Everyone come out of it safely?"

"Guy we arrested has a few bruises on him, and I think McGee needed to ice his hand, but other than that, we're all good."

"What happened to Tim?"

"Tackled the guy when he ran, had to punch him to subdue him… guy put up a heck of a fight."

"I thought that sort of thing was usually Tony's job."

"Tony was helping Ziva free the guy's prisoner. Witnessed the killing, guy was trying to figure out what to do about him."

"So he was okay with killing one person but not two?"

"Killed two people. First one was an accident, second one was out of panic. Then he kidnapped the witness."

"Wow… Tony was right, the guy's an idiot."

"Yeah, well, we still had a hard time tracking him down… followed a bunch of false leads that didn't pan out because the witness wasn't exactly squeaky clean."

"You know, the more you and Tony talk about your jobs, the more I like mine."

"I'm just as happy you're not in law enforcement, Kells. Heard from Mike Franks just now."

"Huh. Okay. And?"

Gibbs smiled. "His granddaughter was taken yesterday, recovered this morning unharmed. Guess it made him think about you and what happened and how he handled everything. Asked me to pass on his apology."

"He could have apologized a little more directly."

"We could go down to Mexico, surprise him."

"Hmm. I'll think about that one." A bark sounded in the background. "I should walk Jack… I'd keep talking, but I like being aware of what's around when I walk him at night."

"Good girl. We're still on for dinner next week, right?"

"Absolutely. But if you get a case, I'll understand."

"I can always hand off the lead to Tony."

"As long as it's safe."

"He's got Ziva and Tim to watch his back."

"I know." Gibbs could hear the smile in her voice. "I'll talk to you soon, Dad."

"Have a good night, Kells."

Gibbs went back to sanding the toy helicopter, smiling when he got the nightly text letting him know his daughter was home safe for the night.