Tony was far from cured but he had peace of mind. At least a small amount of it. Vance and Rachel were working to get restraining orders against the team. In the meantime he was regularly checked in on by police. It had been embarrassing at first. Until an officer shared his story of domestic abuse and Tony realized even the strongest could be made a victim. The team had not physically abused him but their mental torment was enough to make them dangerous. They had literally almost set him over the edge. If it weren't for Vance he would have gone over that railing and probably severely injured himself. It wasn't a far fall but there was plenty to fall on and really mess yourself up.

"Unfortunately Abby is still fighting with us. She got a lawyer and everything. I am sorry." Rachel apologized.

"So still no restraining order?" Tony asked.

"Unfortunately not but the police will continue to check in." Rachel apologized.

"At least there's that." Tony sighed.

Jethro and Abby were livid. They could not believe that Tony was trying to get a restraining order against them. They had done nothing wrong. In fact it was Tony who should be facing legal battles. He had killed Tori and Jimmy. He had turned Rachel and Vance on all of them. They had lost there jobs, as had McGee and Bishop. Poor McGee had even lost his relationship with Delilah. Tony had ruined their lives. Why was he the one who was made to be the victim?

"McGee and Bishop are both facing eviction." Abby commented.

"They can move in with us." Jethro replied.

"Here's hoping this nightmare with Tony ends soon." Abby replied.

"Here's hoping." Jethro agreed.

"Rachel claiming he has PTSD is really screwing us." Abby replied.

"PTSD? That makes me sick. PTSD is a horrible thing and it should NOT be taken lightly. It should not be used to protect a murderer." Jethro ranted.

"Exactly and we know he's faking. Tony faked sick all the time. Remember when we were helping Bishop move? He claimed his asthma was acting up but given how close he was to Jake. I would say he was taking sides." Abby added.

"My thoughts exactly." Jethro agreed.

"What we need to do is catch him in the act." Abby replied.

"Again my thoughts exactly." Jethro replied.

Tony returned home from therapy. He grabbed a rubber container from the fridge, lifted the lid, and sniffed. It was the chicken casserole from the night before. Exactly what he was looking for. He placed the container in the microwave and then returned to the living room.

"I'm reheating the casserole from last night." Tony announced.

"Is there enough?" Valarie asked.

"Should be, at least for lunch." Tony replied.

"Oh about dinner. I have a book club meeting tonight. Are you OK just ordering a pizza or should I cancel?" Valarie asked.

"You need to get out and enjoy yourself. I feel like I am holding you hostage." Tony insisted.

"Tony caring for you is my choice. You. You are my best friend." Valarie insisted.

After Tony's appointments at the hospital. He invited Jeremiah and KiKi over. It would have to be a short visit. Due to Jeremiah having to work the next morning. Tony was surprised to learn that Jeremiah worked as an accountant at a local medical supply company. Not because he was deaf but because Jeremiah did not seem like the office and tie type. Tony figured he was a mechanic or a tattoo artist. Something where he could show off his tattoos and joke around a lot. Really they weren't that different.

"My wife, KiKi's mother." Jeremiah signed.

"You don't have to talk about her. I know better than to pry." Tony assured.

"I need to. Sometimes I just need to." Jeremiah insisted.

"In that case go ahead." Tony replied.

"She died in her sleep. She had a heart defect that the doctors never noticed. Apparently it's more common than you think. I always thought it happened to kids on the basketball court or babies but it happens to adults too. We were fighting about something stupid and I ended up going and sleeping in the guestroom. The next morning I woke up and checked on KiKi. She was soaking wet and desperately hungry. She was about a year and already knew some sign. I got her taken care of and went to check on Ashley. She was not one to let KiKi's needs go unmet. She was already cold but I did CPR until the paramedics arrived. Her parents tried to claim I had killed her. Then when the autopsy showed it was an un-diagnosed heart condition. They claimed I could have saved her if I had been there. A fact I knew far too well. They even tried to take KiKi away. I had to get a lawyer from out of town. It was a very small town. After everything was cleared up. I moved away and haven't been back since. It's been just KiKi and me for two years." Jeremiah explained.

"Jeremiah. I am so sorry." Tony signed, fighting back tears.

Talking with Jeremiah made Tony feel much better. He ached knowing his friend had been through so much, but he took solace in knowing he was not alone. It was now after eight and Tali was asleep. Valarie was at book club and Rachel was likely preparing for bed. Tony was alone and had an uneasy feeling. There was a knock on the door and he knew right away that something bad was about to happen. He immediately reached for his phone and prepared to dial 911. The knocking grew louder as he dialed. Finally the door swung open and his former family rushed inside. He tried to run but somebody grabbed him from behind. He tried to fight back but he had only his hands for defense and they were overpowering him. He felt a strong blow to the back of the head and then he was released, falling hard to the floor. He felt four swift kicks, from four different feet. Then just as quickly as they came. They left. He coughed and small trickle of blood fell from his lips.

A/N: Just how bad did they get Tony? New chapter will be up soon. Thanks for reading and please review.