A/N: Yes, it was the old "Law and Order Guest Villian" rule of thumb. I was hoping that Rockwell's reason for doing what he did would be a surprise. Ducky is rarely targeted in fic. As always, thank you for your thoughtful reviews. A special thanks to helva2260 for reminding me about the movie The Bone Collector (I've never seen it, but I know the premise). That's a much better movie for Tony to think of, especially with Angelina Jolie in it, and I'll change the story before I post it to my website. FYI, I make corrections pointed out by readers before I post a final final version of a story on my website. Well, not all of what's suggested is used, just corrections to blatant errors.

Chapter Eight

"You suspected he had something to do with it?" Ducky's tone was accusing.

Gibbs nodded. "I had a feeling he was involved in some way, but I couldn't be sure. Ziva and McGee are tailing him."

"It was personal, Jethro," Ducky said. "A vendetta against me, and Tony paid the price."

"Tony didn't pay anything, Ducky," Gibbs replied. "He's alive and safe. Rockwell will pay for what he did, he's going away for two murders and the attempted murder of a Federal Agent."

"Here, Doctor Mallard," Jimmy Palmer handed the ME a cup of hot tea. "This will help calm you down."

"Thank you, Mr. Palmer." Ducky gratefully accepted the steaming cup and took a careful sip.

"Did Rockwell look at all familiar to you, Ducky?" Gibbs asked. "Does his name mean anything, spark any memories?"

Ducky shook his head. "I don't think I've ever seen the man in my life, and the name isn't familiar at all."

"It could be an alias," Jimmy said helpfully.

"Gee, thanks Palmer," Gibbs replied, "I never would have thought of that." Jimmy blushed and excused himself.

"He was only trying to help, Jethro," Ducky admonished.

"I know," Gibbs admitted. "I'm on edge. I think I have good reason."

"And Tony's not around to defuse the tension," Ducky said understandingly. "Not to mention the fact that you don't take too kindly to the attempted murder of one of your agents."

"It makes me grumpy," Gibbs said wryly, causing Ducky to chuckle.

"Gibbs! Gibbs!" Abby's voice sounded tinny.

Gibbs walked over to the videophone. "What's up, Abs?"

"I found out who Everett Rockwell really is," she said excitedly.

"We're on our way," Gibbs said, heading for the elevator, followed closely by Ducky. Once in the lab they were greeting by a literally bouncing Abby.

"Meet Eric Carmichael," Abby said proudly, pulling up a photo of the man they had been calling Everett Rockwell. "I matched the prints you got off his water bottle to those of Carmichael."

"He has a record?" Gibbs asked.

Abby shook her head. "No, he really is an ex-cop. He was in the Denver police department for thirty years. His son was murdered, but they had to release the only suspect."

"Stephen Carmichael," Ducky said softly.

"You know the case?" Gibbs asked.

Ducky nodded. "Yes, this was before I joined NCIS. Young Carmichael was killed in a drug buy gone wrong. He had a serious heroin habit and apparently got into an argument with his dealer. In the ensuing fray Stephen was stabbed several times. They had a knife that belonged to the dealer, but during the course of the autopsy I found that the fatal wound was made by a knife that was never found and the wounds made by the dealer's knife were just slashes; painful yes, fatal, no."

"So they had to let the dealer go," Gibbs said.

"Yes," Ducky confirmed. "I never met the Carmichaels, so I would never have recognized Stephen's father. I imagine he blames me for the lack of justice for his son's murder."

"Why would he try to hurt Tony?" Abby asked.

"To make Ducky feel the pain of losing someone he cares about," Gibbs replied.

"Even worse," Ducky added. "To make me be the one responsible for Tony's death."

"Guess what else, Gibbs," Abby turned to Gibbs expectantly.

"Abby," Gibbs rubbed his eyes, "please don't make me play guessing games."

"Okay," Abby said apologetically. "Carmichael's wife, Anita, worked for twenty years at the Downtown Aquarium in Denver. As a marine biologist." She grinned triumphantly at the two men.

Gibbs placed a gentle kiss on her temple. "Good work, Abs."

oOoOoOo

I seem to be sleeping a lot, which annoys me. I want to be working on getting my muscles to respond, not sleeping. I haven't taken so many naps since – well, I was never good at taking naps. My nannies used to try to put me down for one around afternoon tea time, but I never stayed in bed. There was always so much to explore, so many things to see and do. The garden was huge, a veritable jungle. When I was ten I saw Raiders of the Lost Ark. The garden became a South American jungle and I was searching for lost Incan treasures, being chased by pygmies. Before that it was the swamp infested by the Alien Dead and I was defending the world from zombies. Or I was time traveling with a group of dwarves searching for treasure.

You learn to make your own fun when there's no one around to play with. I sigh and start moving my feet from side to side. It looks stupid, but hey, they're moving. The door opens and Jimmy Palmer sticks his head in.

"Hey, Tony. Are you up for a visitor?"

I turn my head - this has gotten easier - and grin, waving Jimmy into the room with my right hand. The left hand isn't as strong, but I'm working on it. I'm so happy to see the Autopsy Gremlin I could grab him and kiss him, but I wouldn't want to scare him away.

Jimmy grins at me and comes into the room. He's carrying some stuff; I can't see what it is.

"Abby's stuck in the lab running some tests and McGee and Ziva are off somewhere. Special Agent Gibbs and Doctor Mallard are discussing the case, and they suggested I come see you to keep you company. I know you'd rather have Abby or someone else here..."

I frown and manage to get out a disgruntled huff. Jimmy's not a bad kid; I like him. I don't know if I'd hang out with him, but to be honest; I don't know that much about his private life. For all I know he could be a bigger club hopper than I am.

Nah.

Jimmy looks pleased and ducks his head to hide his smile. "I brought a portable DVD player and some movies. I thought you'd be getting bored and would enjoy watching a movie or two."

I grin at Jimmy and give him a thumbs up. He pulls out a bunch of DVDs.

"I didn't know what you'd want to watch, so I got a selection of the latest releases. I have Flyboys, The Guardian, The Illusionist, The Night Listener, Snakes on a Plane and My Super Ex-Girlfriend."

He looks at me expectantly. I'm actually pretty impressed by his selection. I've seen all of those movies at the theater, but I wouldn't mind seeing them all again. I point to Snakes on a Plane and Jimmy grins.

"I've been wanting to see that movie. I love Samuel L. Jackson. Here, let me sit you up a little more." He presses the button that raises the head of my bed until I'm in more of a sitting position. Then he wheels the bedside tray and places it over me, but far enough down so I'm not crossing my eyes watching the screen.

"Is that okay?" I signal yes and he queues up the movie.

"Oh, the doctor said you're allowed to eat and drink, but keep the food soft so I brought some pudding. Is that okay?"

Is that okay? I want to marry Jimmy. I grin enthusiastically at him and make 'give it here' motions. He grins back and opens a chocolate pudding container. He carefully sets the container in my left hand and places the spoon in my right. Smart kid, he noticed I use my right hand more. The pudding is deliciously smooth and chocolately and I moan in ecstasy.

Jimmy starts the movie and pulls up a chair next to the bed, settling himself comfortably as the opening scene starts to play.