Tony ducked as the bottle flew over his head. He looked nervously down the hall, praying that Tali would stay in her room. Of course she stayed. Senior had knocked her around before. Tony hated himself for getting her mixed up with his father. He should have known that Senior would slip back

into his old ways. He had kicked Senior out of the house the first time Tony saw bruises on Tali's face. Senior had left but Senior was like a bad penny. He just kept coming back. Two weeks had passed since the day Tony kicked Senior out. He was busy packing up and preparing to move back to America.

The move back to America had nothing to do with Senior. His lease was up and it was just time. Paris had been amazing. He would definitely consider returning one day but there was so much going on at home. He kicked himself for missing McGee's wedding and swore he would be there when his Probie became a daddy. Jimmy and Breena had decided it was time to add to the family and were once again pursuing adoption. Abby was toying with the idea of leaving NCIS. Vance was starting to date again. Gibbs and Ducky were getting older. So much was changing. Tony just wanted to return to his family. He just prayed that they would be able to help him.

Senior's latest rampage was lasting longer than any of the more recent ones. The last time a rampage lasted this long Tony woke up in a hospital bed with a uniform for Rhode Island Military Academy hanging on the door. Tony was older and stronger now but he still could not fight back against Senior. The old bastard was a powerful one.

"You not gonna fight? Ya always were weak." Senior slurred.

It was becoming painfully clear that Tony could not just hide. He went for Senior's knee. Old bastard had a trick knee it was his first weak spot. Tony kicked Senior's leg out from under him. Senior rose in a daze. For a second Tony thought that he was safe. The next thing he knew Senior was going for his throat. Tony grabbed Senior's arm. They continued to shove and kick each other. Eventually Senior got the upper hand. He shoved Tony to the ground and kicked him repeatedly in the legs and back. Tony closed his eyes and laid still.

"Coward" Senior scoffed.

Tony woke the next morning in a great deal of pain. Most of his wounds were defensive wounds. That was the good news. His back was killing him. He forced himself up and drug himself to the kitchen. He put on a pot of coffee and then stumbled to the fridge. Bacon and eggs today. Simple enough but they were Tali's favorite breakfast. Once breakfast was on he made his way down the hall to Tali's room.

"Tali it's time to get up." Tony said weakly.

"Are you OK, Aba?" Tali asked.

"Fine" Tony lied.

"How did you get hurt?" Tony asked.

"I fell" Tony lied.

"Oh" Tali replied.

"Don't worry I am going to be OK. Come on let's get a start on breakfast. It is out last day to pack before the movers come." Tony explained.

"How are they going to get a truck on the ocean?" Tali asked, studying the toy globe on her desk.

"Out stuff is coming on a boat." Tony explained.

"Gibbs' boat?" Tali asked.

"No a big boat. It is called a barge." Tony explained.

"Are we going on the boat?" Tali asked.

"No we are going on a plane." Tony laughed.

Tali was such a smart girl. Tony knew he could not keep the truth from her for very long. He wished that Senior would stay away but knew better. He had made the mistake of letting Senior back into his life. Every time he let Senior back in, it got harder to get rid of him. He wished that he was half as smart as Tali. At least smart enough to stop falling for the routine. He knew that Senior was an old dog who would never learn new tricks. Senior would forever abuse and torment his son. The more Tony hoped and prayed that it would stop. The worse that the abuse would become. He knew it was no use trying to hide. Senior would find him, would find them. At least Tony would be back with his family soon.

The boxes were packed and the movers were due to arrive early the next morning. Tony learned from the night before and locked his front door. He his apartment was in a safe area but there was no safe when Senior was around. The bastard could even charm Gibbs. Night had fallen and Tony sat on the window seat and stared up at the moon. He thanked God that he was safe for the night. He prayed the safety would last. He prayed that even if he were harmed. That Senior would remain above harming his sweet Tali.

The sun brought a new day once again. Tony was thankful for a safe night. Breakfast their last morning in France was the last of the Cheerios in disposable bowls. Tali went on and on about moving. Most children were terrified of the idea of moving and having to make new friends. Tali not so much. His girl was a social butterfly. She loved meeting new people and made a new friend everywhere she went.

"Will Tori be my friend?" Tali asked.

"You guys got along when Uncle Jimmy and Aunt Breena visited this summer." Tony recalled.

"Yeah we did but that was just a visit." Tali commented.

"Tori is more shy. The fact that she played with you at all is a good sign." Tony assured.

"OK" Tali replied.

"Will McGee's babies play with me?" Tali asked.

"Not for a while." Tony laughed.

A/N: How will the others react to Tony's return? New chapter will be up soon. Thanks for reading and please review.