Chapter 3
Ducky had been up all night, no make that, from very early morning to breakfast time. The autopsy had not shown any immediate concerns. No puncture marks, just the catering knife between the third and fourth rib, into the heart. It had a slight upward slant so either the murderer was sitting, or was smaller than Cassandra, the nurse standing at 5 foot 7 inches. Was the murderer sitting in a wheel chair? He was wondering if Delilah could help in that area.
"Sorry I'm late Dr Mallard," as Jimmy gushed into autopsy, "I had to get Victoria seen to. My, I never thought that a child that small, could move that quickly, she was over the front door before you could say hold me back," he added laughing, "But Doctor what do we have here?" as he looked at the body.
"Cassandra Somerville, RN Nurse Corps, retired," Ducky began to say, "Otherwise known Sandra Sommers, murdered last night at the retirement home where Leroy Moore and Tony's dad reside…as I was the on call, locum ME and Sandra is Navy I claimed the body. Agent Gibbs was called by LJ, Anthony by his father, Agent Fornell had got a call too, and then Abby arrived."
"Abby?" Jimmy quizzed, "Nope got me there."
"Sister Mary called her."
"Of course Sister Mary, I had forgotten she was the Nun there. But Doctor Mallard the murder weapon as I see a stab wound?" as Jimmy pointed.
"Bagged and tagged, waiting for it to be taken to Abby, I'm not sure she is in yet, I know…" as they heard the autopsy doors slide open and Abby appear.
"Ducky you have the knife I believe?"
"Abigail…I most certainly do, it is just on that tray," pointing to a metal tray, "I was going to ask Mr Palmer to bring to you but since you have come to me, here you are. How may I ask is Fornell's aunt?"
"Jemima? Last I saw of her, she was getting cosy with Tony's dad," she replied smiling.
"Agent Fornell has an aunt?" Jimmy now questioned, "Well, well."
"Quite Mr Palmer, but now if you could or would excuse me, I will leave you in charge, I am going to retire for a few hours' sleep," as Ducky now made a move to get his coat.
-oOo-
Later that day in the bullpen, Tim was not a happy camper, he had wondered where everyone was all morning, Ellie had just shrugged her shoulders. When Tony came in well after lunch Tim had demanded some answers.
"What, who, where, when why and how? And you never called me," he complained.
"Oh yes Tim, the 6W's, well…what … a murder, where…Dad's retirement home, who…Cassandra Somerville, when…very late last night, how…a knife through the chest and finally why Timmy, that is for us to solve,
"Why was I not called?" he pleaded.
"You have family there?" Tony enquired.
"No."
"I rest my case," Tony answered from his seat.
"You still had fun," Tim pouted.
"Not fun Probie, but the night owl club was good, but maybe you could ask Gibbs nicely if you can come along", as he saw Gibbs appear with for Fornell. "Afternoon Boss, just updating Tim on the case."
"Good,… McGee… Ducky wants Delilah here."
"What? Why? When? Where?"
"Here we go again," Tony sighed looking at Ellie.
"Autopsy ASAP," Gibbs announced.
"DiNozzo, back to retirement home, with Ellie and Tim."
"What about Delilah, I need to get her here."
"McGee, you have a cell don't you?" as he saw Tim nod, "Well call her."
"Are you not coming with us," Ellie asked looking at Gibbs and Fornell.
"Got to see Abby first," came the reply.
-oOo-
"Gibbs, ok the fresh prints on the knife handle were Sandra's, where she must have tried to pull out. It would appear we also have the chef's prints, which I would say correct as it's his knife."
"So the chef did it?"
"Not so fast Gibbs, I did also get traces of latex."
"Latex?" as Fornell quizzed.
"Yes latex as in gloves, and being a retirement home there are boxes and boxes of them," Abby smiled at the two.
"Great," Fornell muttered.
"Come on Tobias we need to speak to the manager re garbage," as Gibbs kissed Abby on the cheek, turned and walked to the door.
"Do I not get one, Fornell," as she turned her cheek to him.
"Don't push your luck."