"And your roommate?" Abby pressed, their usual routine of her juicing him for information. She had held off on asking about Connor for a while now, but considering Nico's life sort of completely involved Connor, it was hard to avoid forever. As it was, Nico had managed to avoid that topic with her for just over a month.

"Connor, he's a massage therapist. Sorry, a registered massage therapist. We went to the same summer camp. He's cool. Especially considering my rent consists of cleaning and helping cook and tending the garden."

"Garden?"

"Yeah, he has a house, and a nice yard. So, he plants a garden. And he has an in-ground pool."

"Who does?" Agent Ellie Bishop came in.

He nodded to her and kept working on filling out the forms, "My roommate."

"How does he afford it?" Abby asked, smirking at the screen.

"Well, his Grandfather bought it as a gift for him. And I guess he makes enough with his practice that he does fine."

Ellie frowned, "A pool? How far away do you live?"

"With no traffic? About half an hour." Nico shook one of the bottles, "Abby, there's something in this one. Doesn't look right."

She took it and looked at it against the light like he had. "Weird, it's like there's glitter in there. Try to get a sample into the mass spec without getting the specks."

He nodded and focused on doing that while Abby and Agent Bishop talked theories and such.

Nico knew he had seen this before somewhere. He checked the sample again and then put it into the spectrometer. "Abby, can I try something with a small bit of this?"

She nodded, "as long as you leave some for further testing."

Nico nodded and got a small bit with a couple flecks and took a couple drops of peroxide and dropped them in.

He swallowed hard as it reacted, "I've seen this before."

Abby watched for a second, "What is that?"

"The liquid is just gelatin with too much water. The flecks are gold. It's a method of transport…" he swallowed again, leaning against the table. Bad images were flashing through his head. "There was a case four years ago, kidnapping an rape. Bunch of other illegal activities."

"How do you know that?"

Nico looked at Agent Bishop, "Because my roommate was the first survivor. The only survivor."

Abby was going through files, "Do you remember the name of the group?"

"Those bastards." Nico shrugged, "only reason I know these details is because Connor told me that this was how they had transported valuable currency, they would color it so it was basically opaque and put gold flakes and pieces into it and pour it into bottles. The gelatin is thick enough to pass for nail polish and keeps any big pieces from rattling around. And it's not always gold. Sometimes it's silver or diamonds, sometimes there are capsules that they put cocaine in…"

"I remember because we could never find any proof of what he said and they only caught ten of the perps when Connor said there were at least twenty." Abby finally sounded like she remembered, "The Ghost Clan, thirty six victims. One survivor. It was a joint investigation with the FBI, fell into our jurisdiction when Connor Stoll was kidnapped because his mother was a marine…"

Ellie shook her head, "It was never on the news, was it?"

"Only a small briefing that there had been a big take-down of a gang of serial rapists and murderers and that the victim rescued from them was recovering well in Bethesda hospital." Nico recalled, "Connor's brother said it was because they hadn't found all of the guys yet."

Ellie rushed toward the door, "I'll tell Gibbs and the director."

Nico swallowed again, feeling like he was choking. "Abby, Connor is a loose end to them."

"Don't worry, Gibbs is the best. We'll make sure he's safe." She gave him a smile, "We'll get these guys."

Nico hoped she was right. He hadn't seen Connor until months after it had happened, but he had seen the scars being their prisoner had left him. Mentally an physically.

"Nico, you think we'll get them, right?"

Nico nodded, "Yes, but I don't dare to think that something bad won't happen before we do. That would just be jinxing us."

"So cynical!" She folded arms, "Have a little faith in team Gibbs."

"I just…I can't lose another person I care about. My boyfriend…he died almost a year ago…I've lost my sister and my mom…" his hands were shaking.

"Do you…you do! You like him!" She looked excited.

Nico made a face, "He has a girlfriend. Besides, I'm more concerned about his safety than my feelings." He glared at the mass spectrometer to try and make it work faster.

"Glaring will not make major mass spec work—"

The computer brought up the results.

Nico arched an eyebrow, "I think it sensed that I was going to send it to meet my father. That's enough to make anything work faster."

She stared at the screen, "Gelatin and gold, a bunch of different dyes, this is crazy."

Nico shook his head, "I can't believe they've resurfaced."

Director Vance and the rest of the team came down.

"How do we know it's the same group?" He started off, briskly. Somewhat incredulous.

Abby gestured to the screen, "this fits the description given to us by our only witness ever. Not to mention our current victim was raped and murdered. There is gold in this stuff…"

"Uh, this package just arrived for Mr. Di Angelo." The mail guy said.

Nico took it, opened it, and read the scribbled note.

He frowned, "'Who ya gonna call?' What kind of a note is that?" He checked the envelope again, but there was nothing on it.

Abby took it with a pair of tweezers, "It's a quote. From Ghostbusters."

Nico vaguely remembered Will calling him a ghost-buster. "Oh, okay. But why send me a note that says that. Nevermind, I'm sorry, I'm off-topic. Back to the Ghost clan."

He realized it as he said it, and felt his eyes widen.

Abby and the others were looking at him sympathetically.

"We keep this quiet. Gibbs, you an your team will be protecting Mr. Di Angelo. I'll call the FBI and get a team on that witness."

"Don't bother." Abby interrupted, "Nico lives in the same house as him."

McGee frowned at the computer, "No wonder they sent that note to you."

"Abby, check for invisible ink." Nico said, grabbing gloves.

"Gibbs, bring him in for now so we can tell him what is going on and make sure the man understands why we will be doing to protect him. Mr. Di Angelo, I take it you know him?"

Nico nodded, "Almost eleven years now, sir."

"Anything we should be aware of?"

"He has a girlfriend. Sophie Santana. And his brother lives about an hour away."

"Work address?" McGee asked.

Nico gave it to him. "Do you want me to call ahead and let him know you're coming?"

Vance shook his head, "Can't risk it. We keep this as low profile as possible. Nobody that isn't directly involved with the case should know. Is that clear?"

"Yes sir."

Nico threw himself into his work after they left, helping Abby sort through evidence and try to find leads.

Bishop poked her head in, "They're here. Vance said you could come up and talk to him."

Nico glanced at Abby for permission, then hurried after Bishop.

Connor was in the conference room, looking confused and a little worried, but relieved as he saw Nico, "Hey! What's going on? I thought something must have happened to you." He hugged Nico then pulled away.

"I'm fine." Nico said automatically, "Concerned, a little angry, but fine."

Connor nodded sharply, then looked at Bishop, "Okay, so what did I do?"

She looked a little confused and concerned, "You're here for your own safety right now."

Vance entered, "Mr. Stoll, sorry to bring you in like this but there's been a development in a case concerning the ghost clan."

Connor looked like he had been slapped, then sat hard in the seat behind him. "Oh."

Nico could see the struggle on Connors face between trying to remain calm and the resurfacing memories. He was glad Will had kept him away from this case back then.

"We have reason to believe that you're in danger. We're going to put a protective detail on you and we would like to have someone posted at your brothers to keep him safe as well." Vance said in a business like manner.

Connor nodded, "I'll have to warn him. But yeah, that's…that's best." He sounded distracted.

"You haven't had any sort of contact or threats?"

Connor started shaking his head, but then his eyes closed and he looked like he was reprimanding himself, "There was a strange message at work when I went in this morning. Someone had left a message with the Ghostbusters theme. I just figured it was one of my friends pulling a prank while drunk. It's happened. But with the Ghost clan…"

Nico swallowed, "I got a note with a quote from that."

Connors eyes flashed angrily, "Dammit, I thought I was done with this."

"We'll take care of it once and for all, Mr. Stoll, I've got my best team on it and they'll be working with the FBI. We would like one of our agents to go over the case with you again see if there's anything we're missing."

"Fine," Connor was tapping the table rapidly, anxiety written on his face. "Will I be able to go to work or should I tell my coworkers to take care of things?"

"We're not sure at this point. We will let you know as soon as we have a plan." Vance's tone was actually kin of calming, despite being all businesslike.

Connor sighed, rubbing his forehead, "Okay. I'll call my brother. But he's not going to trust whoever shows up unless I give him the name of the initial agent. He's a suspicious person."

Nico snorted, "Just him?"

Connor gave a half-smile, "If you're referring to the panic room, that was Grandpas addition."

Nico shook his head, "I was referring to your security system."

"What kid of brother would I be if I didn't have my brothers security system?" Connor shrugged, "Besides, who better to design a security system than…"

"Point taken. I love with a former juvenile delinquent. Moving on, you should call your brother."

"Agent Spencer will be assigned to your brother and his family. We will have to search into the lives of yourself and those you interact with." Vance said.

"I understand."

Nico glanced at the Director, "Abby said she doesn't need me unless there's more evidence brought in."

He nodded, "You can go with the agents back to your home."

Nico nodded then helped Connor up since the guy looked a little drained. His worry had lowered a bit, letting him focus on helping his friend through this nasty business.

Connor walked alongside Nico, nodding to McGee, Bishop, and Gibbs.

Gibbs had his usual no-nonsense look, an was quiet as they rode the elevator down.

Nico glanced at the agents, then looked up at Connor, "So, did you pull that prank on Annie?"

Connor grinned, "It was awesome. She flipped. Then I had to buy her cake to placate her. Got rid of Becca's hiccups, too. Terrified her."

Nico shook his head, "I thought your work was supposed to be relaxing."

"Nothing like a good scare to help you relax. Or realize how tense you really are. By the way, you haven't been doing your stretches an you're limping, idjit."

Nico groaned, "You're such a mother-hen!"

"Not even close, dork. I'm just the guy trying to make sure you don't die from neglecting yourself. You're the one who messed your back up so badly." Connor smirked.

"You're the freak."

"Dork."

"Is that really your best comeback?"

"Well, I could use some Greek names, but they're all pretty mean and we do live together."

Nico snorted, "Right, because I totally check my tongue when I bash you in Italian."

"I have a soul." Connor nudge him.

Nico rolled his eyes, "Yeah, of a Labrador retriever. Fetch, boy."

"Oh man, we were supposed to go to the range after work!" Connor jumped the train tracks.

Nico took a couple seconds to process it, "Yeah, a gun range where the people who want to get rid of you could just shoot you. Brilliant."

Connor shrugged, "Well, I was looking forward to beating you again."

Nico made a face, "Guns and archery. Drive me crazy. I thought if I went with someone other than Will I might stand a chance at being better, but no! You had to be a good shot."

"I've been doing archery longer, and shooting guns longer. It's not like I'm exceptional."

Nico sighed, "I'll just go with Percy. I'll definitely beat him."

Connor laughed, "Guy has no aim!"

"Your point?" Nico kept it going, trying to keep Connor distracted. Let the agents protect Connor, he would keep Connors mind of of matters while he could.

And he knew that Connor was aware of what he was doing.

They got to the car and Got in, Connor in the middle of the back seat.

Nico tried to grasp another topic, but couldn't think of anything good.

Connor called his brother as they started out, which sounded like a frustrating conversation.

"No, Travis! Listen—" Connor glared at the his knees, "Hi Zoey, can you put your Mommy on?"

Nico tried not to laugh.

"Thank you, yes, I love you too." He started tapping his knee, "Katie, there's an agent from NCIS coming to your house on a protective detail. The Ghost Clan is back." A pause. "Travis will understand. The agents name is Spencer. Last name. Okay. Yeah, thanks Katie. Love you too. Bye."

Nico shook his head, "How did you and your brother get anything done without Katie?"

"Before Katie we lived together. If he wasn't listening I could punch him in the stomach or throat for a moments silence to tell him stuff." Connor grumbled.

Nico shook his head, "Primitives."

"Well, we can't all be as reclusive as you. And that was mostly after Zoey. Before we practically read each other's minds."

"I think your breakdown in communication started before Zoey." Nico jabbed his elbow into Connors side.

"Yeah, it did." Connor agreed, suddenly serious. He rubbed where his fake leg started. "Gods I'm nervous."

"Gods?" McGee looked concerned.

"Something we started at camp." Connor lied smoothly. He always was a good liar.

Nico nodded, "Glad I'm not the only one who still does that."

Connor kept glancing at Gibbs.

Nico wondered if Gibbs had handled the case the first time around.

From the way McGee seemed to be studying Connor, it seemed likely that he had been on the case.

"You healed well." McGee finally said.

Connor gave a breathy laugh, "Thank God, yes."

McGee looked relieved by this reaction, "I thought you would be training to be an agent. You seemed set on it back then."

Connor's face fell, "Yeah, well…I lost my foot in an accident. It's a liability in the field, so…I had to change direction." He stared at the palm of his right hand.

Nico wondered what he was seeing, what he was thinking. He gave Ellie their home address.

McGee nodded, "I'm sorry."

Connor shrugged, "Life happens. I'm still helping people. It's a decent exchange."

Nico knew that Connors feelings on the matter were far more complicated than that, but he also knew better than to push the older man.

He just wanted to see Connors real thoughts and feelings on the matter. To be able to comfort him if he needed it, or listen to Connors frustrations an anger.

But some topics weren't breachable. Not yet. For Nico, it was romance. For Connor, it was the past. Specifically his kidnapping.

And now Connor was more susceptible because if they took out his fake foot, he would be slowed down considerably. But he was also stronger than he had been when he was taken. When he was taken he had just gotten over a bad case of bronchitis.

"This is it." Connor said, pointing for Gibbs to pull into the driveway.

They got out and Connor immediately went inside with Ellie. Nico checked the mail, opening it carefully because of the hornets nest in the stupid thing, then headed inside as well.

McGee was setting up at the dining table.

Connor was showing Ellie the security system.

Gibbs looked around with what seemed like a critical eye.

Nico felt a little useless right now, so he went and started a pot of coffee and tried to figure out what to cook. Finally he decided on beef stew since they had the meat and started on the broth.

Connor came in and wordlessly started helping, chopping onion like a pro.

Nico switched to the actual broth ingredients. Gathering the supplies. "Chicken broth too, right?"

"Yeah, helps the beef not taste metallic." Connor answered in a matching tone. "Good thing I got groceries, huh?"

Nico nodded, "Crazy day."

Connor sighed, "I'm glad you came home. I think I would have freaked out."

Nico nodded, "It was all stuff Abby had to do. And I know…I know it was a bad time in your life. You're my friend." He almost said that he loved him. Connor nodded, "I know. Let me finish the stew. You better grab some solitude while you can."

Nico nodded, "Don't forget to cancel your date with Sophie."

Connor flinched, "Nico…she dumped me. Three days ago. Ran off to India with another guy."

Nico gaped at him, "What? But…"

Connor shrugged, "I wouldn't sleep with her. She didn't like that."

Nico looked at Connor more carefully. He had been avoiding doing so because he usually found another quirk that he loved.

This time he saw the circles under Connors eyes, barely visible but still there.

"Why didn't you tell me?" Nico asked softly.

Connor shrugged, "Wasn't important."

"I know how much you liked her." Nico said, hoping Connor wouldn't put up that false front again. He loved it when Connor would show his vulnerability.

"Nico, I really can't think about that right now."

"Right. Sorry." Nico leaned against the counter. "So, Gibbs and McGee were part of the original investigation?"

"Along with Agents DiNozzo and David. Yes."

Nico opened his mouth to reply, but Ellie suddenly said,

"How can anyone do this to a person? They did this to all of their victims?" She was looking at her computer screen.

Connors face became a blank slate and he focused completely on the stew.

Nico steeled himself and went over.

It was horrific. It took him three minutes of staring to realize that it was Connor.

Then everything looked worse.

He ran to the bathroom and threw up. Then dry heaved for about ten minutes. It took him right back to the horrors of Tartarus, but seemed worse because it was someone he cared about.

"Nico, you okay?" Connor offered him a glass of water.

Nico looked up at him, "That…"

Connor nodded, "They thought I was dead when they found me. Understandably so. It's mostly bruising, with blood from various wounds washed over it. It's not as bad as it initially looks."

Nico didn't feel reassured. "Connor, how are you…"

"Calm? No clue."

"Not terrified."

Connor met his eyes, "I am. More than you can imagine. They hurt me, Nico. For weeks. No, months. Three and a half months of nonstop torture and pain and fear. Just…violence every day until I would finally pass out. They did what they liked with me. Honestly, it's a wonder I don't have any diseases."

Nico grabbed Connor's wrist to make him stop talking, "I know. I know."

Connor winced, gaze dropping to the floor. "Sorry."

Nico steeled himself, and pulled Connor into a hug. It was tight, a little too strong, kind of awkward, but wonderful.

Nico gently rubbed Connors back, "I'm strong enough, let me bear it."

Connor gave something of a choked laugh or sob, then buried his face in Nico's shoulder.

"Okay." Was the muffled reply.