One week later, Brody found herself back in New Orleans, this time with a different purpose. She had decided to return not just for a visit, but to officially join forces with her former team once again. Dwayne Pride had offered her a liaison position, bridging her skills and experiences with the team's ongoing investigations.
As she stepped into the familiar NCIS office, Brody was greeted warmly by her friends and colleagues. Lasalle was the first to approach, a wide grin on his face.
"Brody, you're back!" he exclaimed, giving her a friendly hug.
Brody returned the hug, feeling a rush of familiarity and excitement. "Yeah, I couldn't stay away for long."
Sonja and Tammy came over next, both expressing their happiness at seeing Brody again. Sebastian and Loretta joined them, completing the reunion of the team.
"Welcome back, Brody," Pride said, his voice filled with pride. "Glad to have you on board."
"Thanks, Pride," Brody replied, smiling gratefully. "It feels good to be back."
Pride nodded in agreement, about to respond when his phone suddenly chirped with an urgent alert. He glanced at the screen, his expression turning serious.
"Looks like we've got a new case," Pride announced, his voice tinged with anticipation. "A body has been discovered in the Bywater area."
Brody's heart skipped a beat at the mention of Bywater. It was where she had first started her career in New Orleans, her initial case leaving a lasting impression on her. The memories flooded back.
"I know that area," Brody said, her tone reflective. "It's a real throwback."
Pride nodded thoughtfully. "Let's get moving. Brody, you're with us on this one."
The team sprang into action, grabbing their gear and heading out to the crime scene. The drive to Bywater was filled with quiet intensity, each member mentally preparing for the task ahead.
As they arrived at the scene, Brody's familiarity with the area proved invaluable. She guided them through streets, her instincts honed from her previous experiences.
The body was found in an abandoned warehouse, the surroundings eerily reminiscent of Brody's first case. Pride took charge, coordinating the initial examination with Loretta while Lasalle and Sonja secured the perimeter. Tammy and Sebastian began canvassing the area for witnesses and potential leads.
Brody observed the scene, her mind sharp and focused. She couldn't help but feel a sense of déjà vu, but this time, she was not alone. The team worked seamlessly together, each member contributing their expertise to solve the case.
Hours passed as they pieced together the evidence, following leads that took them deeper into the streets of the Bywater.
Finally, as the sun began to set, they gathered once more in the NCIS office. The case had been solved, the truth uncovered amidst the shadows of the past.
Pride looked around at his team with pride, his voice filled with gratitude. "Great work, everyone. Brody, welcome back to the front lines."
Brody smiled, a mixture of emotions swirling within her. "Thank you, Pride. It's good to be back."