A/N Just a brief author's note before we begin: If you are a fan of Gibbs as father figure, this is probably not the story for you. Ditto for fans of Nick Torres. Some warnings: There will be deaths of several major characters; there will be traumatic scenes with kids. This is NOT part of my AU.
Chapter 1 Prologue
Halloween Night 2023, London: He watched the woman as she walked from the bus stop towards her flat. Still dressed in black and carrying that blasted black lace parasol, he noted. She looked up and noticed him sitting on the step for her building.
The woman rushed to him, squealing in delight. She opened her mouth to greet the familiar face but before she could get a word out, he raised his pistol with the silencer and shot her in the temple.
"'That's for Reeves; it's your fault he's dead. You shoulda never fell for that fake invite that set up the kill." He showed no remorse as he turned and walked away from the body of the former forensic scientist.
~Vigilante~
5 November 2023, DC: "This just in… breaking news. Former Navy petty officer Christopher Ferris, accused of murdering five retired high-ranking Naval officers, has been assassinated in a sniper-style take down. Authorities say he was being escorted from what should have been his arraignment at US district court when a bullet struck and killed Ferris. No other injuries were reported."
~Vigilante~
17 November 2023, US Federal Prison, VA: Alejandro Rivera was surprised to learn that he had a visitor. He was taken to a private visitation room in shackles. When the guard opened the door he saw a familiar face, one that had caused him much pain and that was responsible for his current living arrangement.
"What are you doing here?" was all he had a chance to say. The words had barely escaped his mouth before the bullet tore into his brain. The body crumpled to the floor as the visitor tucked the weapon into his jacket and buzzed for the guard to let him out of the small room.
"Gotta clean up in there," the man told the guard as he exited.
~Vigilante~
2 December 2023, Baltimore PD: "Officer down at the Camden Yards," the caller ended the call to the 911 center abruptly. Dispatch sent two patrol cars to investigate.
"Gonzales, car 352, at Camden Yards; two officers fatally shot. No suspect in the area. Send the coroner; they're both gone."
~Vigilante~
15 December 2023, NCIS: Tim McGee took the call at exactly 1012; he remembered the time later because he had just glanced at his watch when Torres had tried to sneak to his desk. Late again; it was becoming a habit with the agent. Ellie Bishop, his SFA, noted the time as well as her boss's phone rang.
"McGee," Tim answered the phone; his face turned grim as he listened to whoever called. Ellie shrugged as Torres and Alden Diamond, the fourth and newest member of the MCRT, both looked over to her. "Yeah, we're on it." He lowered the phone from his ear and let out a breath with a whoosh. This was going to be one hell of a case; his gut was in knots already.
"What's up, Boss?" Diamond queried the team leader. "We got a case?"
Tim scrubbed a hand over his face, "Yeah, and it's a doozy already. Guards found the body of that Marine who was charged with murdering those two teen boys in Reston; the one that was acquitted on a technicality. He was dropped at our main gate about fifteen minutes ago. Nobody saw anything…"
"Damn," Torres shook his head in disbelief.
"Grab your gear, guys, and let's go see what we got," Tim led his team to the elevator. He rubbed his temples; he was getting a headache already…