A Jibbs story

*Sky*

Kat walked home quickly. She was late for the bus, so she had to walk the mile and a half home. Her stomach still churned when she remembered the times she would be late home in her previous house...

Since she was later than usual, she quietly snuck in the front door and up to her room. She collapsed on her bed, thinking about everything today.

There was a soft knock on her door. Jenny came in after. "Kat, you're home."

"Yes. I see that."

"Why were you so late?"

"I was a bit late to the bus so, I had to walk home." Kat didn't budge from her spot laying on her bed.

"Why didn't you call? I could've come to pick you up."

"It's no trouble, really... I actually had fun walking home."

"I know it may seem like fun, but it is dangerous. Especially with..."

"Especially with what?"

"...nothing."

Jenny stood silent for a moment. "Listen, I need you to come to work with me tomorrow. I know that means missing some school, but it's okay. There's a girl who is related to a case we have. She is 5 and a lot like you. But she won't tell us anything, because she's scared of us. We were thinking you might be able to ease her mind a little..."

"What do you mean 'a lot like me'?" Kat leaned up on her elbows now.

Jenny sighed, thinking how to word the next statement. "... She was abused by her parents. Her parents are dead now, but we need her to tell us her side of the story. She's the only witness."

Kat shivered thinking about a 5 year old being abused. At least Kat had a decent childhood before the Peterson's changed. "Do I have to?"

Jenny sat on the bed. "No... no, you don't have to do anything you don't want to. But this little girl needs help... and she can't get help until she talks to an agent... it's how the system works..."

Kat sighed dramatically. "Fine. I'll help"

Jenny kissed Kat's head. "You are so amazing... Thank you. We will leave first thing tomorrow morning."

---

The next morning, Kat's alarm went off like usual. She grabbed her phone, threw on some clothes that looked somewhat decent, threw her hair into a bun, put on a jacket, and was ready to roll. Jenny called from downstairs, and they left for the office.

When they arrived at NCIS, Kat first went to the bullpen. She sat on the corner of Gibbs' desk and waited. Eventually, Jenny came downstairs and to Gibbs' desk.

"Alright Kat, she's here and as ready as she'll ever be." The girl had stayed with a social worker the night before.

Kat followed Jenny to the conference room. As they walked, Jenny filled in Kat with some details. "Her father was discharged from the navy a year before she was born. There are no records of her birth, even... so we have no idea what her name is, or anything about her... we only know that she was at the scene, and called the victims her parents..."

When they arrived at the conference room, Jenny paused. "Remember, you don't have to do anything you don't want to do... you are still healing yourself, Kat... as soon as it's too much, come right out here, I'll be here."

Kat nodded as she opened the door and went into the room. At first, she didn't see anyone. Then she walked around the table and saw a girl under the counter on the wall, curled up and scared.