The team worked hard on the case hoping to help Gibbs get home earlier than usual to spend time with his daughter. Tony of couse was hoping for his own private party with her later that week as well. He adored Cassie like a sister and he wouldn't have it any other way.

"What do you got Abs?" asked Jethro Gibbs as he walked into the lab.

"I've got results, but first we need to discuss something Gibbs."

"What Abs?"

"Cassie, she was here to see me earlier today,"

"Yeah, were you the inspiration she had to pierce her nose?"

"No, but I'd like to be. That's not my point Gibbs. Were you planning on ever telling her that Kate was replaced? She thinks you are keeping things from her Gibbs."

"I didn't want to upset her Abby. I know that she loved Kate, but I didn't want her think I simply replaced her with the first available person."

"Right, but this is Cassie we are talking about. She wants to know about what's going on all the time. Just talk to her Gibbs."

"I will Abs."

That night Cassie was in the basement when her father arrived home from work. She hardly moved when he decended the stairs into the basement.

"She's beautiful Dad," said Cassie referring to the boat.

"Thanks, we missed you. I talked to Abby," he said walking over to the work bench.

"I didn't pierce my nose because of her so I hope you didn't imply to her I did,"

"No, but she told me that you think I just replaced Kate without thinking,"

"Dad, you had all the time in the world to tell me and you didn't. I wanted to know that you weren't holding out."

"Cass, I didn't just find a preson as soon as possible. She's part of an Isreali government group called Mossad a very well trained officer. I wasn't exactly given much of a choice in the matter."

"How's Tony been?" she said changing the subject.

"He's been good. With him it's never easy to tell what bothers him."

"Kind of like you?"

"Cassie," sighed Gibbs hearing the hurt in her voice.

"I've been doing some thinking about things Dad. I don't want to leave in the fall."

"Sweetheart, you've wanted to go to Harvard since you were ten,"

"I know and I do, but lately with everything that has happened I've been thinking that I don't have to go right a way. We never really got to spend time just the two of us. I'm always on the go and you are well aways going. Dad, I want to go to school, but there are a lot of other things I want as well. Mostly I want you to be happy,"

"Who says I'm not happy?"

"Dad, it's written all over your face,"

'It's not your job to take care of me sweetheart,"

"Well then whose job is it? Dad, face it you need me here,"

"Cassie Elizabeth Gibbs, you are not responsible for my happiness. You need to be you and leave me to me. You are not dropping out of college before you get there,"

"Well then I suppose telling you I signed up for Fletc is a bad idea?"

"You WHAT?!"

"I talked to Franks about it. He helped me file the paperwork,"

"Without my consent?!"

"Dad, I…"

"Not happening. NO!"

"Dad, you just said…"

"I didn't say anything Cassie. I didn't agree to this,"

"Dad, you aren't listening to what I'm saying. I told you I filed the paperwork. I haven't been accepted yet"

"Cass," he sighed. He didn't want to fight with her on her first night home.

"We don't have to talk about this now."

"Right, how was mexico?"

"Maybe we should avoid that topic too,"

"Is there something else I should know about other than that decorative nose piece?"

"No, but I don't want to fight with you right now not about this. Listen I'm tierd and jet lagged so why don't we call it a night?"

"Yeah, get some sleep. Welcome home sweetie,"

"Night Dad," she said accending the stairs.