Autopsy.
"Good morning Mr Palmer." states Ducky cheerfully hanging up his coat and hat. Although sitting at the computer Jimmy does not respond.
"Mr Palmer?" Ducky taps him on the shoulder almost causing Palmer to fall out of his chair.
"Mmmmmorning Doctor" as he settles back in the chair Ducky can he see he has a black eye.
"What happened to your eye Mr Palmer?"
"It's nothing Doc." Ducky stares at him. "Just a small accident."
"Well let's get to work then."
"Right away Doctor Mallard" Jimmy responds gratefully.
Squad Room - A few hours later.
"Gibbs."
"Agent Fornell. To what do I owe the pleasure of your company?"
Fornell frowns. "I'm not in the mood Jethro. This is serious."
Gibbs sips his coffee. "Serious you say. Then how may I help the FBI today?"
Fornell looks around the room. "This is sensitive. Our usual conference room?"
"After you". The two men stride into the elevator and Fornell flicks the emergency stop switch.
There's an uncomfortable silence. "Well Fornell?"
"I'm here to speak to your autopsy assistant. Mr James Palmer."
"Jimmy? What on earth could the FBI want with Jimmy?"
"I'm not at liberty to divulge that information Jethro."
"Oh come on Fornell. You have to give me something or I'm not giving you Palmer."
"Last night one of my agents was severely assaulted and he identified Palmer as his assailant."
"Palmer? There must be some kind of mistake. Let me talk to the boy."
Fornell thinks a moment. "That might be the best approach. As you can understand my team is very angry about the matter."
"I'll see what I can find out."
"Appreciate it Jethro."
NCIS - Elevator. A short time later.
"So Palmer what the hell is going on?"
"Agent Gibbs...I don't know what you mean" Palmer stutters.
"You with a black eye, an assaulted FBI agent... ring any bells Palmer?"
"Oh" Jimmy stares at the floor.
"I can't help you Palmer if I don't know what's happening."
Jimmy looks up to find Gibbs staring at him.
"Well you see sir ah Agent Gibbs it's like this...."
NCIS Squad Room - A short time later.
Gibbs crosses the squad room smiling.
"What's the story Gibbs?"
"It was self defence."
"Come off it Gibbs you'll need more than that."
"Your agent attacked Palmer outside a nightclub and I had Abby enhance the images from the club's security cameras that clearly show your agent attacking Jimmy first. He was simply responding to the threat."
"And why would one of my agents want to attack your assistant?"
"Because he's the brother of our Agent Lee and doesn't like the fact she and Jimmy are..."
"Are what Gibbs?" Gibbs just stares at Fornell and doesn't answer the question.
"Oh! I'll have a talk to him and see about getting the charges dropped."
"Thanks Tobias."
"You're quite welcome Jethro."
Rule 12 - Never date a co-worker.
Enigma.