Jan 2
"What a different story men would have to tell if only they would adopt a definite purpose" - Napoleon Hill
Jimmy Palmer loved his job.
He valued learning from Dr Mallard and never faulted his teaching. The wide variety of cases given to NCIS also meant that at least once every few months, he would be guaranteed something unique.
Testing.
There were days when he couldn't quite get his head around the horrible things people were capable of doing to each other. Through finding cause of death, he allowed Gibbs' team to catch a killer, hence opening a can of worms.
Betrayal, disloyalty, adultery and jealousy.
Palmer finally understood why the Doctor spoke to his 'guests'. It gave him a sense of peace, and again, Palmer couldn't fault him for that.
Alone in the morgue except for the Gunnery Sergeant on the table, he relished in the tranquility. The coolness of the AC, the low hum of the various lighting. Simply waiting.
"Dr Mallard will be here shortly." Palmer spoke clearly; no-one except his 'guest' could hear him anyway. "He's probably caught in traffic... Or held up by his mother." He trailed off, lost in his thoughts. "Such an entertaining woman. I understand where the doctor gets his charm from, that's for sure." Abby entered the lab at that moment, although Palmer didn't even notice. "He's one of the best teachers I've ever had. I owe him a lot. But you're in great hands, I promise. I remember one time-"
Smiling, Abby left as quietly as she had entered. She could talk to him later.