Chapter 1

It was an average day at NCIS headquarters, with the exception of Abby's lab. Abby stormed about in a frantic state at the news she had just received from Gibbs.

"I can't believe this! When are they going to realize I prefer to work alone?" she demanded.

"Abby calm down," Gibbs said. "I tried to tell Director Shepard, but again, she said you were overworked. I have no say in this anymore."

"I'm sorry Gibbs, but I'm not exactly thrilled about having another assistant after the scenario with Charles. Are you sure there's nothing you can do?"

Gibbs nodded. "Sorry, but my hands are tied. Just try to get through this for now."

"Okay," she said with a sigh of surrender, "but this doesn't mean I won't be watching them like a hawk. One screw up and that's it."

Gibbs smiled and turned to leave. "They'll be here this afternoon," he said over his shoulder.

Abby went over to her computer and resumed working on the evidence in a current case, muttering to herself about getting another assistant. She had become so engrossed in her work that she didn't realize what time it was until she heard a soft voice behind her.

"Excuse me, are you Ms. Sciuto?"

Abby turned and saw a young woman around her age with short dark hair and eyes concealed behind dark rimmed glasses. She was dressed gothic style just like she herself did while she worked. Abby looked the woman over skeptically before approaching her.

"I'm Abby, you must be my new lab tech."

"My name's Angela Daniels. Nice to meet you," Angela said as she extended her hand.

Abby looked at the woman's hand shortly before finally shaking it. "Do you have any experience in forensics?"

"I worked for the Los Angeles crime scene investigation unit, then I went on to the FBI who then transferred me here when Director Shepard requested an assistant for you. It's my understanding that you prefer to work solo, so I promise I'll stay out of your way as much as possible. You won't even know I'm here half the time."

Abby smiled. "Then we'll get along just fine Angie."

"So, what's my first assignment Boss?"

"I have some fingerprints and blood samples that need to be run through the database over there. Here's the report of everything that's been analyzed already so you're up to speed," Abby handed her a folder of data.

"I'm on it."

Angela went about her work like a professional and had the results in under an hour. Abby was impressed by her efficiency. After work, Angela headed home. As she put the key in the door, she glanced over her shoulder, looking around momentarily before going inside. She kicked off her shoes and sat down, turning on the TV. She flipped to the news and felt her heart drop into her stomach.

"Russian Mafia front man Mikhail Romanov was released from federal prison today after the death of the leading prosecutor in the Stevens family murder case."

Angela picked up the phone and dialed a number. "It's me. Did you know Romanov was released from prison?"

"He was released two days ago," the voice on the other end said.

"When the hell were you planning to tell me, after he's killed me!" she demanded angrily.

"Calm down. There's a chance he doesn't know where you are yet."

"I can guarantee it's a slim chance. He's smart, he'll find me."

"You're still under our protection. We'll get him before he gets you."

"I hope so," she said and hung the phone up. She groaned as she stared at the TV screen. "I don't need this shit!" She went to her bedroom and opened the drawer of her nightstand. She took a .45 pistol and loaded a clip. She searched her closet and came out with a shoulder holster that contained two spare clips of ammo. "I don't care what they say, I'm not taking any chances this time."