Wow! It's been a long time since this was updated.

However there have been some developments. The main one being that I shall be continuing this story solo, that being said I shall be sticking to what had been planned so far, which should take us up until chapter 5 or so. After that, I have the rough idea but some minor things to resove and make decisions on.

I hope despite the gap between updates and the fact that this is no longer a collab that I don't lose too many of you.

Ducky glanced up from his desk as the doors to Autopsy hissed open. On seeing Gibbs storm through, he placed his pen on the desk whilst pushing his slipping glasses higher up on the bridge of his nose. He frowned as he took in the tension in his friend's stance, that along with the way his jaw was tightly clenched meant that this visit was certainly not one of a social nature. He commented mildly, "I wasn't expecting to see you down here, Jethro."

Ignoring the statement, Gibbs asked, "You busy?"

"I was just finishing my report on Petty Officer Rawlings, nothing that can't wait a few more minutes." His slight frown deepened marginally before he continued, "I assume this visit has something to do with the gift Director Sheppard received today." On seeing Gibbs scowl, he added, "I went up to the lab to retrieve some results from Abby and she let slip what she was working on. Any news on who sent it yet?"

Letting out an irate sigh Gibbs shook his head. "Abby couldn't pull any prints. Was wondering if there was anything you could tell me, anything that might help us find out who this is."

Giving a small laugh Ducky replied, "Jethro, I may have studied psychology but I still need something to base my observations on."

Gibbs held out two evidence bags, one containing the three flowers and the other containing the card that had accompanied them. "This do?"

Ducky took the proffered bags with a small smile. "It's a start." He looked at the flowers first and without even glancing up at Gibbs, he asked, "Did you know that all flowers have a meaning?"

Rubbing at his temples, Gibbs replied tersely, "How is this relevant, Duck?"

Ignoring his friend's harsh tone, Ducky studied the flowers intently and continued, "It is believed that the flowers you pick convey a message on how you feel about the recipient."

"So what do these mean?"

"These, Jethro are calla lilies, they are a popular flower choice for both weddings and funerals-"

"Funerals?" Gibbs interrupted.

"Yes, Calla lilies can symbolise resurrection and rebirth. Although in this case I would assume that they were given for their meaning of majesty and beauty; as a sign of appreciation. This ties in with the note, which holds no threatening connotations. I don't believe whoever sent these means any harm towards Director Sheppard."

"They're stalking her."

Ducky looked up at that, eyes wide. "I believed that the issue here was a security based, revolving around the fact that someone had managed to get into the Director's locked office."

"It was at first," Gibbs admitted.

"But now?"

"Jenny let it slip that recently she's been concerned that someone's been following her. I had a brief talk with Hector who told me that for the past few weeks, today especially, there have been times where she's been distracted, on edge."

Realization dawned in Ducky's eyes. "You believe that this is merely his first proper contact, that he has learned her routines, her habits and is now making his presence known to her. It would certainly make sense that someone with Jennifer's background would be more likely to pick up on someone watching her. And while I agree that we need to catch whoever this is, I still don't think that he poses an immediate threat to her."

"Don't like the use of the word immediate."

"What you have to understand Jethro, is that if Jennifer is indeed being stalked then there are many different types of stalkers, the most immediate danger being presented by the predatory or resentful stalker, neither of which would send such a gift or card to their victim and certainly not with such an innocent message."

Gibbs gave a small nod of understanding. "Fine, so what can you tell me about them?"

Ducky slipped a glove onto his hand, he gestured at the bag that contained the card, "May I?"

"Go ahead, Abby's already analyzed it."

Slowly and carefully Ducky pulled the card out of the plastic bag and studied it carefully. "He may not have left behind a physical trail, but that doesn't mean that he hasn't left us clues as to what type of person we're looking for. Did you know, Jethro that Graphology is the study and analysis of handwriting in relation to human psychology-"

"Get to the point," Gibbs sighed irritably.

Glancing upwards, Ducky saw that his friend really wasn't interested in the why's and how's, he just wanted a result. "Very well. My point is that we can get a read on the senders personality by looking at his handwriting. If you look here you'll see that the letters slant to the left, this indicates that the sender keeps control over his emotions. The writing is small but not overly so, showing us that the writer is a thinker, possibly an academic, very detail orientated. The writing is neat and completely legible which would mean that despite his emotional reservations that he communicates well with others." Ducky gave a confused sigh and shook his head. "It's not the common description of a stalker, even one harbours no ill intent towards their victim."

"It can't be the most accurate way of getting a personality type, you could be wrong," Gibbs pointed out.

"I'll admit that this is not a certainty, but I would expect some sign that the writer is unstable, even slightly delusional if he has taken to stalking. If we are dealing with a stalker then he's not your everyday variety."

"Why do I feel like that isn't good news," Gibbs sighed. Rubbing his forehead he asked, "Anything else you can tell me?"

"I would assume from this that whoever wrote this has met Jennifer, rather than just seen her through the media. They don't seem to be the type of person who latches onto someone without meeting them, although I have no way of confirming that, call it a gut feeling." He gave Gibbs a wry smile.

Gibbs managed a small smile back, his mind running through what he'd just been told. In all honesty getting Ducky to analyze the evidence was a last ditch attempt to find some form of lead. "You think they'll keep this up, keep going?"

"I don't know, I think we need to be cautious and keep our eyes open. If he is indeed following her then he won't just stop." Ducky frowned down at the items. "Do you mind if I keep these?"

"Go right ahead. If you think of anything else-"

"I'll let you know," the Doctor assured him.

Gibbs nodded as he headed towards the double doors, now even more convinced that Jenny wasn't safe, that something wasn't right. As he reached the Autopsy room's doors, he heard a small cough and turned to find Ducky still staring at him intently, his head cocked to one side. "Your gut's bothering you on this one."

A statement more than a question, but Gibbs replied anyway, "Yeah it is." Before walking out the open doors and back into the elevator.

Jenny blinked rapidly, trying to concentrate on the files in front of her, attempting - somewhat unsuccessfully - to distract herself. Leaning forward on her elbows she rubbed at the back of her neck, her eyes involuntarily drifting to the door where she knew Hector was standing guard on the other side, giving the third degree to anyone that so much as glanced in the direction of her office.

Shifting uncomfortably, she tapped her pen against the desk agitatedly. She didn't like this, didn't like that she'd been confined to her office and especially didn't like that this incident had unnerved her. She'd been able to push away the thought that someone was watching her, had been able to deny it to herself. The flowers, the note made it real, confirmed her unspoken fears of the last few weeks; months if she was being completely honest.

The tapping of her pen slowed as she became lost in her own thoughts. Whoever this was would be caught, she knew that, they'd slip up and that would be it over, and then she could get on with her life. Somewhat comforted by this thought, she righted her pen and turned her full attention back to her paperwork.

Hector's head snapped up as he saw Agent Gibbs enter the outer office. "Got an I.D. yet?"

The older man shook his head. "Nope. Anything I should know about happen?"

"Couple of people wanting to make equipment requests, told 'em to submit it in writing, didn't let anyone in."

Gibbs nodded. "Good." His eyes trailed over Hector, quickly deciding that he could be trusted, and not just for the fact that he was Jenny's head of security. He cared, actually cared about her and Gibbs was in no doubt that he'd do what was necessary to keep her safe. "What are the plans for tonight's detail?"

"Was waiting until I got news to confirm anything, but the preliminary plan is to carry out a sweep of the house before she gets home. We'll have two Agent's outside the house as usual and an extra two in a car across the street watching the perimeter."

"No security inside the house?"

"Doubt the Director would allow it, that and if the area's secured it won't be needed. She'll have a panic button of course."

"Any worries-"

"And an Agent will be placed directly with Director Shepard and back-up will be called." Hector's eyes flashed slightly. "With respect Agent Gibbs I am more than capable of doing my job. The Director's safety is my main priority, I don't mind sharing plans for her security with you in these instances, but let me worry about keeping her safe while you concentrate on your job and find this guy."

They stared at each other for a few minutes, an uncomfortable silence stretching out between them with both men realising they'd reached a stalemate that was only broken when eventually Hector asked, "Anything else, Agent Gibbs?"

"Need to talk to her."

Hector gave a brief nod, stepping away from the doorway to let Gibbs past. Once the door was firmly shut he slid back into his original stance.

Jenny didn't even look up as Gibbs entered the room. "What did Abby find?"

"Nothing."

Her head shot up at that. "Nothing?" She echoed questionably.

"That's what I said."

She blinked somewhat disbelievingly, trying to keep a rigid control over the confusion that was threatning to take over her thoughts. "What about prints?"

"There were only two sets of prints on that card, yours and mine. No distinctive marks on the card either, nothing that we can trace."

"Right." Jenny bit down on her lip looking slightly dazed.

"I did speak to Ducky, got him to look at the card. He doesn't think that whoever sent these means you any harm, but we can't ignore the fact that he got in here without being noticed. And if he's been following you then he could very well make another gesture, so your security will need to be increased."

"For how long?"

"Not sure."

Jenny leaned back in her chair, suddenly too tired to argue. She waved her hand dismissively. "Fine." Gathering her files into a neat pile she hit the intercom on her left hand side. "Hector could you please arrange for the car to be brought round, I'm finished here for the night."

"No problem Ma'am," came the slightly disembodied reply.

Jenny looked up from her desk. "Is that all Agent Gibbs?"

Gibbs eyes scanned over her, taking in the tired eyes, the closed off stance and nodded, knowing that she wanted out of this office and knowing that there was now no reason for her to stay, with her security she was just as safe at home. He gave a slight nod. "That's all."

"Good." she heaved the large pile of files into her arms and balancing it carefully she grasped for the strap of her handbag with her free hand. "I'll see you tomorrow."

Taking the heavy paperwork pile out of Jenny's grasp, Gibbs told her casually, "I'll walk you down."

Managing a weak smile, Jenny replied almost teasingly, "That's what I have Hector for."

"He has to keep his hands free."

"I'm quite capable of carrying those files."

"Can't a guy do something nice for his former partner, Jen?"

Jenny's smile got slightly wider, the cloud from her eyes lifting. "Well when you put it like that how can I refuse?"

Standing up from her desk, Jenny sent a disdainful glance in the direction of the seemingly never shrinking pile of paperwork. Placing her hands in the curve of her back, she stretched out, groaning as she did so. Her muscles were always so stiff now, she seemed to almost constantly ache. Sighing, she walked over to her drinks cabinet and pulled out her decanter of bourbon, splashing a generous amount into a glass and sipping at it slowly she made her way back to her desk, grabbing a handful of files before heading towards the large sofa.

Sitting down, she swung her legs up onto the cushion, bending them at the knee - intending to use them as a makeshift table for her work. Continuing to sip at the burning liquid she couldn't help but let her eyes drift to the fireplace, watching the flames twist and dance as she placed the glass at her side.

It wasn't long until her eyes began to drift shut, the file on her knees fluttering onto the floor, separate sheets of paper littering the darkened wood. Despite letting out a small murmur of protest Jenny decided to ignore them, she could get them in the morning after all and right now she just wanted to sleep.

Rubbing his cold hands together, Hector walked round to the front of the house, nodding at the two Agent's standing at the door. "Back of the house is clear."

One of the Agents, a small dark-haired woman nodded. "Garden's closed off with thick trees and hedges, it's highly unlikely someone would get through un-noticed. The back door's locked, we checked when we swept the house. We'll check the grounds every fifteen minutes though. While we do that Agents Kent and Parker will watch the front."

"Good," Hector replied, his eyes scanning across the street once more.

Scuffing his foot against the ground, Agent Charlie Harris pointed out, "You should go home, get some sleep. You're back on at seven you need to be alert."

Hector gave a distracted nod. "I will, it's just that something feels off."

"We're here, no one's getting past us," Charlie assured him with a grin.

"Don't get cocky," Hector snapped at the younger man. "That's when mistakes get made."

Charlie's head bowed slightly, fully rebuffed. "Won't happen again," he mumbled.

"Better not." Hector let out an irate sigh. "I'm going to check the house, then I'll go."

"It's after twelve," Angela Young pointed out. "She could be asleep."

"Light's are still on, she'll be in the study."

"You've been here way too long," Charlie smiled.

Hector managed a small grin. "Yeah well once that's done I'll go, let you get on with this."

"'Bout time," Angela joked as Hector stepped towards the heavy front door, turning the handle.

Leaning forward on his haunches, he picked up the stray pieces of paper off the floor and slipped them back into their folder, careful to ensure that they were in the correct order. He eyed the contents in moderate disinterest and on seeing she'd finished the work inside, silently placed it on top of the finished pile on her desk, putting the others on the smaller 'still to do' pile, before heading back to where she was sleeping.

Smiling softly at how peaceful she looked, he pulled the throw off the back of the sofa and covered her with it, tucking it carefully in at her sides. Gently brushing a few strands of hair off her forehead, his thumb travelling down to trace the smooth skin of her cheekbone.

Hearing the slow creak of the front door open, he cocked his head to one side, slowly drawing his hand away and got to his feet. He had to do this, had to be seen, she wouldn't believe him otherwise. He heard the deep male voice call out, "Director Shepard."

Backing silently away he watched her stir slightly, although her eyes stayed resolutely shut. He didn't want to go, didn't want to leave her but he knew he had no choice. Taking a deep breath he finally pulled his eyes away from her sleeping form and ran out into the hallway.

His steps slow and heavy in the silent hallway Hector made his way towards the study door. Not wanting to alarm the woman inside, he paused at the table in the hall and called out lowly, "Director Shepard."

He heard no reply, and was about to try again when the figure of a tall, dark haired man darted out of the study, running quickly down the hallway towards the kitchen. Pulling his gun from his holster, Hector yelled out, "Federal Agent. Stop!" When the man continued to run, he fired. The man didn't even pause. Grabbing his radio he barked into it, "Male, Caucasian intruder heading towards rear of the house." Without waiting to hear a reply, he ran towards the study, praying.

Jenny jolted awake at the sound of gunshots. Adrenaline flooded her bloodstream and she jumped to her feet with ease, barely aware of the throw that fell to her feet. She was heading towards the door when Hector barrelled through it. Grabbing her by the shoulders he pushed her roughly away from the door and patted her down looking for injuries. "Hector I'm Ok, what's going on!"

He didn't answer her, instead saying into his radio, "Director Shepard is secure."

Jenny blinked at him in confusion. "Hector! What is it?"

Again he didn't reply, distracted by the Agent who appeared in the doorway. "You get him?"

"No sign, we couldn't see or hear anyone, Agent Harris is checking the house and Agent's Parker and Kent are checking the grounds, but no sign so far." She turned her attention to Jenny. "Ma'am are you Ok?"

"I would be better if I knew what the hell was going on here!" Jenny ground out in frustration.

Hector blinked at her in slight confusion. "You didn't see him?"

"Who?"

"There was a man in your study, I was doing a quick sweep of the house when he ran out of here." Hector tightened his grip on Jenny's forearm as she paled, her eyes widening.

"No," she whispered, her eyes focussing on the faraway wall, trying to distance herself from the proceedings in an effort to keep calm. "I was asleep."

She briefly closed her eyes as she heard Hector's hiss of breath, his hand slipping from her arm and she saw him move closer to Agent Young, muttering to her, "Stay with her, stay alert."

The young woman gave a curt nod, and Hector turned on his heel and exited the room. Jenny watched the remaining Agent's movements closely, knowing that she was on red alert. She swallowed convulsively, her spine rigid. At this moment in time she wanted nothing more than to shut herself away, to admit that she was scared but her pride wouldn't let her; so she rallied herself together, determined to keep up her façade of calm.

Her eyes examined the room, falling onto the throw that was now lying discarded on the floor. She frowned slightly, remembering that it had been tucked around her when she'd jumped to her feet. Tearing her eyes away, she swallowed heavily, trying to rid herself of the lump of panic that had suddenly taken up residence in her throat.

Gibbs eyes shot open as the harsh ringing of his cell phone reverberated around his basement, jerking him out of his sleep. Sitting up, he ducked out from under his boat, rubbing at the stubble covering his jaw and stifling a yawn he reached for his phone with one hand and his mason jar with the other, answering gruffly, "Gibbs."

There was a small hesitation on the other end of the phone before the man on the other end bit out, "Agent Gibbs, it's Hector, we have a situation."

Slamming the mason jar back onto his workbench, Gibbs felt his chest tighten and his stomach drop. "What kind of situation?"

"An intruder."

Gibbs bit back a vicious curse. "You get 'em"

"No, he managed to run. We've searched inside and out, there's no sign; he's long gone."

"The Director?"

"Secure."

Nodding regardless of the fact that he couldn't be seen, he replied, "I'm on my way."

He heard Hector's tired sigh, but knew that the man had expected nothing else and ended the call. Pushing his phone into his jeans pocket, he sent a longingful glance in the direction of the mason jar of amber liquid, wishing he could indulge but knowing he needed a clear head.

His gut was churning on this one, there had to be a connection between this and the note left in Jenny's office, there just had to be.

Grabbing the jacket he'd slung over the end of the banister, he shrugged it over his shoulders and quickly checked that he had his car keys, before leaving the basement.

It only took him ten minutes to reach Jenny's Georgetown townhouse. The difference in the neighbourhood was apparent from the moment he'd turned into the normally quiet, residential street. Almost every light in Jenny's house was on, cars were parked haphazardly at the sides of the roads and large numbers of her detail swarming around the both the front door and the grounds.

As he approached the front door he saw Hector end the conversation he was having with another member of the detail. On seeing Gibbs approach he casually dismissed the man, indicating with his head that he should step inside, then turned his full focus Gibbs, eyeing him somewhat apprehensively.

Gibbs gave him a curt nod in lieu of a greeting. "What happened?"

"Outside was secure, checked it myself. I decided to do one last sweep of the house before leaving, something just didn't feel right. As I entered the intruder ran out of the Director's study-"

"Where was she?" Gibbs interrupted harshly.

Hector's nose wrinkled in distaste as he replied, "She was in her study. She didn't see him though; she was asleep. I called out for him to stop and when he didn't I fired, he didn't so much as pause. Radioed for the other Agents to give chase while I secured the Director. We know he exited through the backdoor, it was wide open."

Hector's voice lowered, his tone becoming increasingly urgent. "That door was locked when I checked the grounds and there are no signs of forced entry. We carried out checks every fifteen minutes. The grounds were secure Agent Gibbs, this should never have been a possibility."

Gibbs sucked in a breath between tightly clenched teeth, he was right, with the security they had put in place no-one should have been able to get near the place. He also knew that human error just hadn't been an possibility here, that Hector simply wouldn't have allowed it. Gibbs wasn't overly sure where that left them and that was a frightening prospect. Only just resisting the urge to rub his temple tiredly he asked, "The scene been secured?"

"Of course."

"I'll call my team, we'll check for prints and look for ways he could have got in."

Hector nodded, then after a moment's thought added meaningfully, "The Director's still in her study."

Gibbs didn't reply too busy digging out his phone. He stepped to one side as he called all three members of his team and telling them in no uncertain terms to get themselves here ASAP. Once he was done, he headed straight to the study, nodding to the Agent standing by the door.

He paused in the doorway, sending another young female Agent a meaningful glare. She gave a slight nod, and cast one last look in Jenny's direction, before leaving the room and taking a new place next to the Agent outside the door.

Turning his full attention to Jenny, he studied her carefully. She had her back to him, not even turning when he entered the room. A cup of coffee was clutched between her hands and she seemed to be gazing intently into the fire.

He glanced back towards the sofa, noting the throw that lay in a crumpled heap on the floor, next to a half glass of bourbon. He felt his stomach drop at the thought that this guy had gotten so close, never mind the fact that he'd even got in in the first place, but what bothered him most was that he'd watch her sleep, that he'd been hovering over her when she should have been safest. Stepping forward he called out questionably, "Jen?"

She turned, her shuttered eyes meeting his, her stance remaining rigid. He stepped towards her, and finally she replied, "I wondered how long it would take you to get here." she glanced past him out into the hall. "Your team here yet?"

"On their way."

Jenny nodded, sipping distractedly at her coffee, grimacing when she realised how much it had cooled. "I should probably move rooms," she said finally, not particularly aiming her comment at him, more thinking aloud.

He answered regardless, "We'll need to check in here."

She nodded again, telling him, "I haven't touched anything, neither has Agent Young." Her eyes met his again. "I was doing paperwork." At his confused look, she clarified, "When I fell asleep, I was doing paperwork on the sofa, they fell to the floor. I was going to pick them up in the morning."

Her words seemed to float meaningfully in the air, and Gibbs glanced down at the floor again. On seeing that there were no files there he looked back up. "Has he taken them?" He questioned urgently, knowing what a security breach that would be.

Jenny shook her head and Gibbs was unable to identify the emotion that flashed across her face. Her voice was quiet as she finally replied, "I think he filed them, I had two separate piles and….." she trailed off, her eyes focussing on the dancing orange flames once more.

Gibbs eyes narrowed in concern. "You shouldn't be here." And she instantly knew that he wasn't just referring to her study

"I'm not leaving, Jethro. He's not forcing me out of my home." She met his eyes defiantly.

He gave a slight nod, knowing it was useless to try and push the issue. "You still shouldn't be here when my team gets here."

Her grip tightened on her mug, knuckles whitening. She nodded, biting out, "I'll sit in the living room."

"I'll walk you through."

"Fine." She made to walk past him, and he watched her walk into the hallway, waiting a second before following. They had just past the two Agent's on the door when he reached out and touched her arm to gain her attention. She glanced up at him, and he told her determinedly, "I meant what I said earlier Jen. We'll get this guy."

Jenny gave a brief nod, and for a brief moment her composure very nearly slipped. Resisting the urge to turn into his arms, she pulled herself together, instead drawing some comfort from his nearness.

No one in the hall, or indeed in the house, was aware of the dark eyes that watched them intently from the upstairs landing.