CHAPTER ONE

Abby twirled in her lab chair as an extra special mix of music blared from her speakers. The mere decibel would make most people cringe but for Abby, it was at the perfect volume so she could feel it in her bones – literally.

Tonite was the Plastic Death concert she had been looking forward to for weeks. She bought tickets ages ago and prayed that a case wouldn't interfere with the concert.. She felt optimistic about her chances of going – despite the fact that she didn't yet have a plan to gain Gibbs's blessing to go – until a particularly trying case had hit the team. The killer had been caught but there was still loads of evidence to process before everything could be handed over to the prosecutors.

Unfortunately, that meant a late nite for one Miss Abby Sciuto on the very Friday Plastic Death would be playing to a sold out show across town. Abby loved her job, she really did. But her love for music was a close second.

Knowing there was no way she could do both her job up to her perfect standards and catch the concert, Abby settled for spinning in her chair as yet another DNA sample was churning through Major mass spec.

She pushed the toe of her chunky boot off the floor to get another two or three spins, stretching her arms out. Her eyes scrunched shut, she spun and sang along with Plastic Death's lead singer, Sebastian Forewaight.

Abby and Sebastian were about to bring the metal ballad to a close when her music was abruptly silenced. She stopped mid-spin and jumped from her chair to tell off whoever would dare interrupt her creative crime solving process.

As she leapt up, Abby swayed for a moment before gaining her balance.

"Who the hell -?" She started to complain when she saw Gibbs come around the corner from her office. "Oh Gibbs! I didn't see you there! What can I do for you, Oh Mighty One?"

Gibbs raised an eyebrow as he came closer, waiting for Abby to stop talking.

"I came down here to tell you to call it a day, Abs. It's been a long case. You did great and we got our guy. The rest of the evidence can be processed later."

"Ooh! Really, Gibbs? Are you sure? That would be amazing," Abby gushed as she flitted around the lab turning off her babies. "Plastic Death is playing tonite! Thank you, my silver haired fox."

Gibbs watched his surrogate daughter with fondness as she grabbed her coat and purse. But even with his Marine-honed observation skills he was surprised by her signature bone crushing hug.

"You're welcome, Abs. But you should be thanking yourself," Gibbs said, returning the hug. "Your evidence is what sealed the deal on this one."

Abby let go of Gibbs and beamed up at him in response to the praise. Gibbs was still holding on to Abby's arms when she sensed rather than saw his demeanor change.

"This concert, Abs? Where is it?"

Abby's smile faltered a bit and she looked away. She bit her bottom lip before answering.

"It's local, Gibbs. I know what you're going to say. You're going to tell me to be careful and call if I need you. But I won't need you. I mean, I do need you, like all the time Gibbs, but not tonite. You know what I mean?"

Abby meant to sound chipper and reassuring but her tone sounded strained by the time she took a breath. She looked up at Gibbs, who was watching her carefully. He seemed to be pondering something.

"Local? As in where?" Gibbs asked. He didn't want to ruin Abby's night but his gut was telling him something was up. Abby never chose a few words when more would do and saying the concert was local was too vague for his liking.

"Oh, you know, here. In D.C., " Abby said hurriedly, edging toward the door.

"Abby…" Gibbs started.

"Gibbs, come on let's go," Abby exclaimed, turning around to escort Gibbs out. "I'm sure you have tons of interesting work to do at home. You know, with your boats and your bourbon."

Gibbs let Abby walk him out of the lab and lock the door but wasn't about to be deterred that easily.

"Abigail Rae, I asked you twice now where exactly this concert is happening and you still haven't answered me. Now, if you would like to still have the option of going anywhere this weekend other than my house, you won't make me ask again."

Abby's shoulders tensed as soon as Gibbs adopted his Dad voice. Now she was really in a pickle. If she told Gibbs the concert's less than savory location, there was no way she would hear even the opening melody of "Kiss me or Die," her favorite Plastic Death song. If she lied, she'd make it to the concert but break Gibbs biggest rule. There was always a chance Gibbs would never find out, but that was a small chance at best.

Gibbs always discovered the truth. I mean, he caught international terrorists and hardened criminals for a living, for goodness sake. Still, Abby thought, Gibbs himself had practically forced her to go by letting her leave evidence unprocessed, which was unheard of. One little smudge of the truth wouldn't hurt anyone. But, a little voice nagged in her mind, he just wants you to stay safe.

Abby shook her head to clear her thoughts. She weighed her options once more as she slowly turned around to face Gibbs.