Inside was a hive of activity. Callen and Sam had barely caught up with Melissa as she asked which ward Marco would be on. There were nurses and doctors walking in the corridors tending to patients in their beds when they reached the ward they knew Marco Triton was on. Immediately and almost methodically Melissa walked to the nurse's station. Behind the desk was a middle aged woman with black hair. Callen and Sam stayed by the doors.

'Melissa?'

'Hi Trina, looking for Marco Triton. Need to ask him some questions he up to it?'

'Yeah he'll be fine to answer some questions. I know he was asking after you.' Trina smiled as she ushered Melissa to the door. Melissa motioned to the guys by the door. As Melissa rounded the corner she could hear Marco talking to Trina.

'Marco is it ok for the police to ask you some questions?'

'Yeah sure.'

Melissa peered around the corner as Trina left and Marco sat up on the bed a bandage wrapped around his head.

'Well don't you get into some wars?' Melissa joked as Marco's face lit up.

'Mels? You're not a cop.'

'No NCIS near enough same thing.' Melissa shrugged stepping further into the room as Callen and Sam appeared at the door.

'You've got company?' Marco noted noticing Callen in the doorway.

'Oh yeah this is Special Agent's Hanna and Callen. It's ok for you guys to come in we're not making out or anything,'

'Didn't think you would be.' Callen retorted with a smile as Marco looked on confused.

'What are you pair on about?' Marco finally managed.

'My colleagues here were quizzing me about you on the way over here. Think they were hoping there was some gossip,' Melissa explained

'Oh. Sorry but we're just friends. She's got her head screwed on unlike me,' Marco put his hands up.

'You have too,' Melissa reassured.

'Me and Jodie broke up a few days ago.'

'Oh that why you're in LA needing your best friend?'

'Something like that,' Marco smiled

'Something like that. Do you remember what happened?'

Marco shook his head as Sam and Callen stepped into the room and Melissa sat down in a chair. Sam stayed near the door while Callen sat on the arm of the chair that Melissa was sat in. Melissa glanced in Callen's direction as he did.

'I was walking in the alleyway heading to the motel. I was gonna get booked in then call you see what you were up to tonight. I was walking then whack something hit my head with force. Then came the kicking. I must have passed out. I woke up here.'

'Did the guy speak? Was there noises? Strange smells?' Melissa prompted

'No not that I remember,' Marco sighed 'Just usual street noises. Sorry I'm not any help...'

'Hey stop bringing yourself down Marco John Triton. You're doing great,' Melissa answered quickly placing her hand on top of his.

'I would listen to her,' Callen added. 'She's right.'

'She usually is,' Marco answered back as Melissa shuffled in the chair.

'Can you remember anything else? What time was it?' Sam asked as Melissa stood up.

'Why?' Marco asked confused by the question.

'If you remember the time we may be able to get the guy on some surveillance cameras get an ID.'

'It was about half four. I remember thinking that Melissa wouldn't be awake. I looked at my watch was gonna call you before you went to work. I wanted to check in because of what today is…'

'You know me I'm fine. Anyway it appears we should be more worried about you…'

'What's today?' Sam asked as Melissa backed towards him. Callen was also looking at her for an explanation.

'Anniversary of a friend's death,' Melissa replied looking down at the floor. 'You know I'd be fine. Keep myself busy…' Melissa paced next to the bed.

'I know.' Marco shrugged

'Well then get some rest let us good guys get the bad guy.' Melissa gave him a quick hug from where she had stopped before heading towards the door. 'See you soon Triton'