Title: NCIS – Fallen Hero

Author: D M Harper

Summary: When Naval Criminal Investigative Service's MCRT investigates the death of a decorated Marine, one member finds much more than a motive for murder.

PAIRINGS: Agent Ziva David & Abigail Sciuto; Agent Ziva David & OFC; Abigail Sciuto & OFC.

Rating: MA for Mature readers.

Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction borrowing characters from a TV series. Other characters are original, but have learnt to play nicely with the others. No profit is gained and no copyright infringement is intended to creators Donald P. Bellisario & Don McGill or Belisarius Productions, Paramount Network Television & CBS Paramount Network Television.

A/N: Please take a dip into the review pool and leave a message. The Muse gets a little hungry!

Chapter 3

Grayson opened the door to a grinning Gibbs, "Glad to see you could make it."

"I was happy to receive an invite and I bought beer." He handed over the chilled six-pack of bottles.

Leaning in, Grayson embraced her friend tightly, "It's been way too long Jethro."

"I agree and you'll be pleased to know we have Collins in custody."

Tears flowed unchecked from the blonde's blue eyes as she stepped back, "I'm so glad to hear that."

"He has confessed to both murders and a Colonel Flack from the Pentagon is most appreciative."

"He will be my new C.O. as of April 5th." Grayson wiped her eyes dry and regained her composure.

"You've got a post at the Pentagon?"

"Affirmative, but it is only for twelve months. I'll be heading back to Afghanistan again afterwards." Linking her arm around Jethro's, she led him into the kitchen. Handing him a beer and stacking the others into the refrigerator, she opened one for herself.

During dinner, the pair spoke about everything but the case. It wasn't until they were seated in the living room that Grayson began.

"Did you locate any evidence in Collins' home?"

"Yes, we found the Berretta secreted in the attic along with one hundred and forty thousand dollars. Agent McGee discovered several threatening e-mails sent to Lieutenant Harris while Collins was on leave."

"My guess is Private Rowe was Collins' partner, but he got greedy."

"You're correct. Rowe asked for a bigger cut of the proceeds and when you started to investigate, Lieutenant Harris let that fact slip during a conversation with Rowe. He in turn advised Collins and was viewed as a liability."

Tears once again filled Grayson's eyes, "It broke my heart when Mason confessed what he had inadvertently leaked. I loved and trusted him, but he betrayed me and the Corps. He admitted it all the night before he left Camp Dwyer. I drove over there to say goodbye and after a few drinks at a local cafe, ended up back in his room." Taking a deep breath, Grayson continued, "Jethro, this is all off the record, but my father trusted you and so do I."

"You have my word, this is just between us."

"Mason and Rowe were lovers and had been in a relationship for over two years."

"Did you have this knowledge prior to the investigation into Rowe's death commencing?"

"Negative, I only learnt of it on the eleventh. I was however, aware of Mason's sexuality when we first met."

"So you were aware of that detail when he proposed?"

"Affirmative, Mason was so afraid of being discharged if the truth ever came out. Our engagement was nothing more than a smoke screen and when I returned home, the plan was to break it off."

"Is that the reason you transferred to Camp Leatherneck?"

"Affirmative, it was easier to pretend we had a relationship if I was elsewhere."

"Fraternisation could have had you both tossed out."

"The rules are a little more lenient overseas these days."

"True and I gather Collins found out about Mason and Rowe."

"Collins was Rowe's ex and Mason had his suspicions about the man, but had no evidence."

"Collins made no mention of that."

"He won't, better to be a fallen hero than outed as gay."

"Well, I won't be sharing that information with anyone."

"I appreciate it Jethro."

"So what are your plans?"

"Have another beer then enjoy the rest of my liberty and maybe catch up on some sleep."

"That sounds like a good idea."

"You finished that boat yet?"

"I'm just about done Gray."

"Let me know when and I'll help you knock down the back wall again."

Gibbs chuckled for a split second, "Sure thing."

After consuming another beer, Gibbs left with a date for lunch the following day.

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