Tim adjusted his tie as all the people moved from the main floor of the massive church downstairs to the basement for the funeral reception.
DiNozzo, Gibbs and Ziva walked with him down the stairs.
"That was some eulogy." Tony said to McGee. "Well written."
They hit the bottom landing and looked around for people they might know. The Ardone family was standing together. But not many other people were there that they had met. Kevin Carlisle's sister, Terri and her two daughters and husband stood with her twin sister and their brother and Kevin's mother.
Then McGee saw him. Archie McKinnon. He stood with his friends: the strongly built boy who had greeted him at the dorm, the geeky looking boy, two red-headed girls, a blonde guy, and a huge guy who must have been at least twenty.
Archie came over to greet the agents. "I wanted to thank you for coming. I'm sure Kitty was glad to have such loyal friends."
"We would do anything for her." McGee assured him.
"Really? That's good to know!" Kitty snuck up behind him and greeted him with a huge smile and a hug. "Thank you so much for coming! My parents would have been so happy to meet you. Kevin, as well. He would have truly loved you all."
"How are you holding up?" McGee discretely whispered in her ear.
"Great. I'm just happy I managed to keep a few lives with us after this ordeal."
"Kitty, could I have a word with you?" Gibbs asked wrapping an arm around her shoulders.
He led them away from the crowds and sat her down on the stairs.
"Kitty, you are aware that I was talking to the courts yesterday, much to my dislike?"
"Yes."
"Well, we wanted to keep your custody within the agency so we can take care of you and protect you. The judge was kind enough to hear my case and he said that, with your consent, McGee will be your legal guardian until you reach the age of 21."
Kitty gaped for a moment. "You're serious? Yes! Of course, I'd love to stay with McGee!" She jumped up excitedly. "Thank you, Gibbs." She gave him a huge Abby-style hug.
"You just need to sign a form saying you agree to the arrangement..." He hugged her back.
"You don't need to tell me twice!" she said smiling out of control.
He let her go and held her at arms-length. She brushed a stray hair form her face and smiled at her. "You remind me so much of Kelly."
"I'm happy that you would compare me to such an important person in your life, Gibbs." She smiled. "May I ask… does anyone else know about Kelly?"
He shook his head. "Only Ducky. And I'd prefer you didn't discuss it with him."
"Autopsy gremlin might be listening." Kitty repeated DiNozzo with a laugh.
"Exactly. I don't want anyone else knowing either, alright?"
"Yes, boss."
Gibbs smiled, gave her one last hug and dragged her off to talk to the rest of the funeral guests.