It was late October; Jethro sat behind his desk still somewhat surprised that he made the decision to come back to NCIS. He had been back just under two months and was still adjusting. He barked out orders to his team then announced that he was going for coffee. He walked to the coffee shop and ordered his cup. While waiting he looked casually out the window. Jethro watched a woman unlocking her shop, he had seen her before. "Naomi," Jethro smiled. He grabbed his cup and walked to her store.

"I'm not quite open," Naomi stood up from behind the counter, "Jethro!" She smiled brightly and walked over to him. "Look at that," she ran her fingers along his moustache.

"What?" Jethro questioned as he saw the look on her face.

"I like you better without it," Naomi smiled. "How are you?" She questioned leaning against the counter.

"Okay," he sighed as he sipped his coffee, "You?" he asked.

"Okay," she looked at him. They both laughed. "I gather you are back for good?"

"Yeah," he shuffled his feet. "I missed it."

"They are lucky to have you Jethro," Naomi smiled. "I never did thank,"

Jethro covered her lips with his finger, "Let's not." He gave her a gentle kiss on the cheek, "What was said and done in Mexico stays in Mexico."

"Can I at least cook you dinner sometime?" Naomi asked.

"Soon," Jethro looked at his watch, "I have to get back. I will call you." He gave her another peck on the cheek, "I promise." Jethro grabbed one of her business cards on his way out the door. He walked back to NCIS; smiling at remembering the brief time they spent in Mexico. Jethro hated to admit it but he felt very comfortable with Naomi more then he did with any woman, except Shannon.

Later that day Jethro called Naomi and made dinner arrangements for Friday night. Just as he disconnected the call he noticed Jen walking towards him.

"We have to talk," Jen held up a folder, "This case is taking longer then expected."

Jethro and Jen spoke briefly about the case which meant Jethro pushed his team harder to solve it. He worked later that night then he expected to and was exhausted when he got home. Working on the boat just didn't seem to appeal to him so he grabbed a beer and sat on the steps of his basement thinking about Naomi and the events that took place in Mexico. He remembered the feel of her soft skin against his. Jethro sighed. It had been a long time and he longed for it but he had a case to solve and his personal needs would wait.

Friday arrived sooner then expected and Jethro was looking forward to their dinner. He had agreed to meet Naomi at the restaurant especially since he was in the middle of a case. They spent the evening talking about everything securing the trust they developed in Mexico. He knew from that very moment that he and Naomi would remain friends no matter what. He gave her a gentle kiss as he walked her to his car and promised that he would keep in touch with her.

Jethro and his team solved the current case. He stood in front of his bathroom mirror and looked at his face. He laughed seeing his moustache and remembered how Naomi thought it didn't suit him. Jethro shaved it off, dressed and headed to work. The next few days were used to catch up on paperwork and then it happened they caught another case. Jethro and his team had to share the investigation with Army CID and a Lieutenant Colonel Hollis Mann.

Six months after that; it was now March and the snow was still present in DC. The flowers had yet to bloom and everyone was anxious for spring to arrive. Jethro and Naomi both very busy spoke by phone at least twice a week. He talked about his cases and she talked about her store. Jethro didn't mention that he was almost killed by Sharif because he didn't want to worry Naomi. He also didn't mention that he and Hollis were sharing a bed or that he and Hollis had been seeing each other off and on for a little less than two months.

Jethro received a call that fateful day from Ducky. Apparently a young man was found by Metro PD in the snow and then proceeded to come alive in autopsy. The young man, Liam O'Neill, was rushed to the hospital. Jethro and Ziva arrived at the hospital after getting tip that the young Marine had a visitor. Jethro was completely surprised seeing his friend Mike Franks at the young Marine's bedside. Between team NCIS and Mike Franks the case was closed and Mike went back to Mexico.

After their recent case things seemed to resume but at a slower pace allowing them to catch up on the paperwork which was piling up. "Agent Gibbs," the young agent called. "There's a woman here to see you."

Jethro waived her in and watched as she approached. "Can I help you?"

"Yes," the young woman said, "My name is Paula and I work with Naomi." She removed an envelope from her bag. "She's been trying to get a hold of you but has been unsuccessful." She handed him the envelope, "Please Agent Gibbs she really needs your help. I wouldn't ask but she's tried to call twice and,"

"I never received any calls," Jethro was concerned. He stood up and looked at her, "Is she okay?"

"The letter explains it," Paula stated. "I have to get back to the store. Please help her."

Jethro walked Paula to the elevator then walked to a private area and opened the letter.

"Jethro – I need your help. It's important. Please. – Naomi"

Jethro gave his orders to Tony and the others and drove to Naomi's house. He knocked on the door.

"Who is it?" Naomi asked.

"Jethro," He replied.

She opened the door a crack and peered out. Once she saw that it was him she opened it and let him in. "I didn't think that you would come." She didn't look at him.

"Why?" Jethro asked trying to see her face. "Naomi," he turned her around. He noticed the remnant of a bruise on her face close to her eye and the bandage above her eyebrow. "What happened?"

Naomi sat on the couch and looked at him; there was no expression in her eyes. "I tried calling you," she looked at him. "A woman answered your cell and said that she had you now and not to call again." Naomi's voice was filled with sadness and anger, "You were away from your desk so switchboard gave me to another agent. I left a message with him. But you never called. You promised."

Jethro sat next to her and tried to determine what happened. Naomi moved away slightly and grabbed a pillow. "What happened?" He looked intently at her. "Naomi?"

She looked at him allowing the tears to flow, "I came home from work and put the key in the door. Just as I opened it he shoved me in."

"Who?" Jethro asked feeling the anger and protectiveness in him rise.

"I don't know," Naomi replied trying to remain calm. "He wore a mask and the knife was big."

Jethro could sense what happened, "He raped you."

"He did more then that," Naomi replied. She looked at him then removed the pillow from her body. "See," she lifted her shirt and exposed the numerous knife marks along her abdomen.

"What is Metro PD doing about it?" Jethro asked.

"I don't know," Naomi sighed, "They took my statement, had me go to the hospital and then told me to go home."

"That's all," Jethro was getting angry, "Did they have any idea who?" He realized that Naomi wouldn't have the answers. "I will look into this." He gently touched her hand. "I am sorry that you couldn't reach me." He pecked her cheek. "I will take care of this I promise."

Naomi looked at him, "Don't make promises you can't keep."

"I will keep this promise," Jethro replied firmly, "I guarantee it." He ran a hand along her cheek bone. "Do you need anything?"

"I'm okay," Naomi let out a nervous laugh. "With the exception of the hospital I haven't left the house in four days. But I'm okay."

Jethro knew she wasn't. "I will come by after work and stay with you."

"No," Naomi stood up, "You are seeing someone now."

"You need me," Jethro stated.

"Need you?" Naomi yelled, "I needed you four days ago. I don't need you now." She opened the front door, "I'm tired and you have to get back to work." She watched as he walked to the door. "Goodbye Jethro."

Jethro could see the sadness and pain in her eyes and was determined to make it right. He touched her face once again before leaving, "I will get this guy, I promise."

Naomi closed the door and bolted the numerous deadbolts. She leaned against the door waiting. She heard Jethro close the car door and start the car. She laid on the couch, pulled the blanket over her and wept eventually falling asleep.

Jethro dialed a number, "Hollis," Jethro tried to contain his anger. "Did you by chance answer my cell a few days ago?"

"Yes," Hollis stated, "You were in the shower why?"

"You hung up on a friend of mine," Jethro noted.

"No," Hollis answered, "It was a hysterical woman calling for you. I knew it was your ex wife and,"

"No," Jethro growled, "It was NOT my ex it was a friend. Damn it Hollis." He disconnected the call before he said anything he would regret. Jethro walked into the squad room and called DiNozzo over to his desk. "Did you take a call for me about four days ago from a Naomi?"

"Yes," Tony replied, "I laid it on your desk. I wrote the date, time and name of the caller."

"I never received it," Jethro started to stand up.

"That's my fault," Jen stated. "I left you a message that day and I had an armload of files. I accidentally picked it up when I picked up my files."

"Damn," Jethro slammed his fist on his desk, "Jen, excuse me Director may I speak to you privately?"

Jen wasn't sure if she wanted that conversation with him being angry, "In my office," she replied reluctantly. "What's this all about Jethro," Jen asked as she sat behind her desk.

Jethro paced for a moment, "I need permission to look into a case."

"What kind of case?" Jen questioned trying to read him.

He hated being vulnerable and even though he trusted Jen he didn't want to reveal too much about his relationship with Naomi. But if he were to keep his promise to her he had to open up. "I met a woman in Mexico," he said as he sat in a chair. "She and I became instant friends helping each other with our grief." He looked at Jen, "No we didn't sleep together." Jethro leaned forward and clasped his hands together. "She was raped Jen and I wasn't there for her."

"I'm sorry Jethro," Jen walked to the other side of her desk and leaned against it, "Wouldn't that be a Metro case?"

"Yes," he sighed, "But I have a gut feeling."

"Say no more," Jen stated, "I have come to trust and somewhat understand your gut." She saw the pain in his eyes, "You feel like you let her down," Jethro nodded, "Part of that is my fault for not getting you the message. Let me see what I can do."

"Thanks Jen" Jethro stood up.

"If and only if I can get this case here," She switched into director mode, "I don't want you to waste a lot of time on this case."

"I understand Jen," he paused as his hand touched the door, "Director," he winked as he left.

"We need to speak privately," Hollis stated as Jethro approached his desk.

"No time Hol," he noted. Jethro retrieved his Sig from his drawer and his coat. "I am going for coffee."

"Now," Hollis asked angrily, "We need to discuss the earlier conversation." She followed him to the elevator.

"We discussed it," He pushed the button, "You will never answer my cell phone again."

"That's not fair Jethro," Hollis stated, "You told me your ex was calling and,"

He faced her letting the anger show on her face, "Did you ask the woman's name?" She shook her head no, "You should've. My friend was raped and she needed me." The elevator doors opened, "I need coffee." Just as he exited the elevator his cell rang, "Yeah Gibbs. You did great thanks Director."

"What did your director do?" Hollis asked.

"Not that it's any of your business any more," Jethro looked at her, "She got Metro PD to release the case to me."

"Your friends rape case," Hollis stated.

"Yes," Jethro turned to face her, "I have a gut feeling."

"You sure it's not something else?" Hollis asked realizing that she had just screwed up. "Jethro I'm sorry. What can I do to help?"

"Give me time," Jethro stated as he walked away.

Jethro read over the case file. He couldn't get through some of it without either feeling sick or getting very angry. What the guy did to Naomi was deplorable. Jethro sipped his bourbon waiting for Ducky to arrive.

"What is this all about Jethro my boy?" Ducky asked as he descended the stairs.

"I need to know what some of this means," Jethro couldn't look at Ducky, "Naomi was raped and,"

"Let me have a look," Ducky stated as he grabbed the file. He removed his glasses and cleaned them real quick then replaced them on his face. "Oh dear," Ducky would occasionally say as he read through the doctors report.

"What Duck?" Jethro asked.

"Poor girl," Ducky sighed, "She will never be able to bear children." He looked at Jethro, "You might need that scotch. She was horribly mutilated and unless she has extensive surgery to correct it." Ducky didn't look at Jethro for a moment then sighed, "She will never have a normal sex life again, if she ever has sex at all. It seems the bastard did extensive harm to her."

Sadistic," Jethro noted.

"Very," Ducky replied. He looked at his friend, "This bastard wants and needs to exert power over his victims. By raping and mutilating them he gains the ultimate control."

"What else Ducky?" Jethro asked.

Ducky gave his assessment then departed Jethro's house. Jethro dialed Naomi's number hoping that she would be up and be willing to talk.

"Hi," Jethro said hearing her answer.

"Hello," Naomi didn't want to talk to him.

"I took over the investigation," Jethro noted.

"Good," Naomi replied. "Maybe you will catch him."

"I will," Jethro stated.

"Well goodnight then," Naomi stated ready to hang up.

"Naomi," Jethro called, "Wait."

"What Jethro?" she replied rudely.

"How are you?" Jethro questioned.

"Is that all you called for?" Naomi was feeling very alone.

"No of course not," Jethro sipped his bourbon, "I want to talk to you about the case. I want to know that you are okay and I want to know that you forgive me."

"I don't want to talk, I'm not okay and I don't need to forgive you," Naomi stated. "Jethro it's late and I am tired," she sighed, "I am lucky to sleep when I can since I have nightmares." She let the frustration in her voice show, "I am constantly taking showers trying to rid my body of what he did to me and I am constantly on edge."

"Since I have the case," Jethro noted, "I can assign an agent to you."

"No," Naomi replied almost in tears, "I don't need a babysitter and I don't need someone to try and watch my every move especially when I don't know what my moves are."

"Can I come over?" Jethro asked as he fiddled with his car keys.

"Not that it'll do any good," Naomi replied.

"I will see you shortly," Jethro disconnected the call and headed to Naomi's. He lived close to her and arrived shortly thereafter. She opened the door knowing that he was there. "Hi," he said as he walked inside.

"Hi," she replied.

Jethro pulled her close and held her, "Let it out," he stroked her hair. "You're safe with me always." Jethro felt Naomi's legs start to give out on her. He walked her to the couch still holding her. He could feel her releasing the tears as her body shook. Jethro held her as she continued to cry.

Naomi did feel safe with Jethro, he was the only man she felt safe with, "I'm sorry," she wiped the tears from her eyes, "I was rude to you and that wasn't right."

"You have been through hell," Jethro wiped a tear from her face; "I am a Marine I can take the abuse."

She let out a small laugh and he responded by laughing too. "Thank you." Naomi pulled him up and walked him to the spare room. "I can't sleep in there anymore." She crawled on the bed and pulled Jethro to her, "Please stay with me for a while." She scooted close to him.

Jethro pulled her close and held her as he listened to her breathe. He ran a hand over her hair watching her sleep. She turned to face him as though she was snuggling closer; it was then he saw exactly what the knife did to her body. Jethro was now more determined then ever to catch him.

Jethro pulled himself away from Naomi long enough to hit the head. On his walk back to the spare room he saw her bedroom door cracked open. He removed a pair of gloves from his pocket and put them on before entering the room. The sight before him saddened and angered him. Her bed was covered in blood from where his knife touched her body. He looked around and felt as though something wasn't quite right. Jethro closed the door. Just as he turned he saw Naomi leaning against the door jam of the spare room. "I thought you were asleep?"

She shook her head, "I am only able to sleep for a few minutes at a time."

"Did the police gather evidence from this room?" he asked as he met her in the hall.

"No," Naomi noted, "They did their preliminary at the hospital," she sighed, "That was it. They dismissed me."

Jethro was fuming, "They didn't gather evidence," he spoke to himself, "Damn." He dialed a number, "DiNozzo I need you and the others over here," Jethro gave Tony the address. "Bring the kits we have a case." He looked at Naomi, "I will explain later. "No I will call Abby, no we won't need Ducky."

"I will make you some coffee," Naomi stated as he disconnected the call.

"Naomi," Jethro turned her around gently, "I know you are going to hate this but I,"

Naomi placed a gentle finger on his lips, "I know. You need to interview me again as if it just happened." She seemed to brace herself, "I can take it." She placed a gentle kiss on his cheek, "No one else but you Jethro, okay?"

"Okay?" Jethro replied.

Within twenty minutes everyone was on the scene. Abby was asked to the scene as a personal favor to Gibbs. She was there to get the swabs she needed from Naomi. "This won't hurt," Abby noted as she removed the swab from its container.

"Jethro has a lot of respect for you Abby," Naomi noted as Abby placed the swab back into the container. "He speaks very highly of you and the team."

"Thanks," Abby smiled. Her jet black hair bobbed in the pigtails. She could feel Naomi's eyes on her. "Is there a problem?"

"No," Naomi walked over to the closet and opened the door, "Do you think you can use these?"

Abby looked into the box, "Yes," She cocked her head and looked up at Naomi her green eyes sparkling. "I don't picture you as the Goth type."

"Not me," Naomi sighed, "My son loved this stuff. These were his favorite CD's."

"He doesn't want them anymore?" Abby asked not realizing that Patrick died.

"There's no need where he is," Naomi tried to reach for the box but it hurt too badly.

"Jail," Abby pulled out the box.

"No I hope heaven," Naomi sat on the edge of the bed, "He died last year while serving in Iraq."

"I'm sorry," Abby sat next to her. "I will take good care of these."

"I know you will," Naomi patted her leg. "Anything else you need to swab from me?"

"No," Abby sighed, "I am sorry that happened to you," Abby bit her lip, "Gibbs will catch him. That I know for sure."

"Thanks Abby," Naomi sat on the bed listening to the others interact.

"Guys," Abby yelled, "Be careful with my evidence."

"DiNozzo," Gibbs yelled.

"Yes boss," Tony replied.

She couldn't hear what they were saying but she could hear the others go at it. "To my left McGee," Ziva stated, "Careful where you put that thing."

"I'm trying Ziva," McGee noted.

"Don't get snappy," She replied.

"It's snippy," Tony remarked.

"What are you doing?" Jethro asked leaning against the door watching her smile.

"Listening," she looked up at him, "They remind me of my childhood."

"How are you holding up?" He sat next to her.

"Okay," Naomi looked exhausted.

He stroked her hair, "This will all be over soon and then you can start putting the pieces back together." He removed the pad from his pocket and was about to speak when he was interrupted by Tim.

"Ah boss we need you out here for a moment," Tim noted.

"What is it," Jethro looked up and saw Hollis standing in the living room. "What are you doing here?"

"I wanted to make sure that you were on a case," Hollis noted.

"As I said I was," He pulled her to the corner, "I don't appreciate you coming here especially when you might contaminate the evidence."

"Jethro," Naomi walked into the living room and stopped seeing his arm on Hollis. "Excuse me." She stopped McGee and spoke into his ear he nodded then continued.

"That her?" Hollis asked not trying to hide her jealousy.

"Yes," Jethro noted, "You really shouldn't be here." He walked Hollis to her car and watched her drive away. "McGee," Jethro called.

"Yes boss," Tim replied.

"What did Naomi want?" Jethro asked the young man.

"She was going to lay down for a few minutes," Tim noted, "And that it was okay that we keep working."

Jethro opened the door and looked at the frail woman laying on the bed. His heart ached. He wanted so much to hold her and wipe away the tragedy that occurred in her life but he knew he couldn't. She turned and faced him, "I thought you were asleep."

"No," she replied, "I said I was laying down." Naomi sat up, "So is she the one that hung up on me?"

"Yeah," Jethro sat next to her. "When you are ready I will ask you what I need to."

"I'll put on another pot of coffee for you," Naomi started to get up but couldn't move. "Maybe I'm terrified of reliving this," She looked at Jethro seeing him question why she couldn't move.

Jethro helped her up and escorted her to the kitchen and watched as she made the coffee. It was going to be a long night.