Gibbs and his team are summoned to examine the mysterious death of a Navy commander who, after successful open heart surgery, seemingly bursts into flames.

The NCIS team discovers that the commander made an art out of making enemies and they track down a young ensign who was relentlessly hounded by the deceased. But as they take him into custody, a scuffle takes place and Kate reacts with fatal results, realizing too late that they have the wrong man. Ultimately, Tony and Ducky combine their knowledge to uncover the person responsible for the commander’s death.