Spoilers, of a sort, for the 'Frame Up' episode in Season 3.

"Check again," said Tony curtly before turning on his heel and striding out of the lab.

"Uh, nice to meet you," said Paula inadequately before scurrying after Tony.

Silence reigned as they travelled up in the elevator.

"McGee! Go down to the truck. Bring back the trash bag. Bring Paula with you."

"Boss?" said McGee, "I'm in the middle of …"

"Now, McGee!"

"Yes, Boss," said Tim before gesturing to Paula to accompany him.

"What are we doing?" asked Paula when she was once more in the elevator.

"Don't know," said Tim.

"And that doesn't bother you?"

Tim turned to look at his companion, "Tony is the most easy-going boss I've ever had. But when he speaks in that tone of voice … well, you do what he says."

Meanwhile in the squad room, Tony walked up to Gibbs' desk,

"Gibbs, how many pairs of gloves did you use at the crime scene this morning?"

Gibbs looked puzzled, "None."

"None?"

"No. You had me talking to those teenagers. Didn't know I needed to put gloves on to do that."

"Huh," said Tony tapping his feet impatiently.

"Why?" asked Gibbs, "What's the matter? What did Abby have to say?"

"The finger of that glove? Abby found a finger print on it."

"Good," said Gibbs.

"Not really. First results show it's yours," said Tony.

"It must be a mistake."

"Abby doesn't make mistakes," said Tony. "But I told her to re-run the test." He looked up as he saw McGee hurrying in with the bag from that morning's activities. "Tim, find all the evidence gloves we used."

Tim nodded and, putting on a pair of new gloves, went through them. "Six pairs, Boss," he said.

"All intact?" asked Tony.

"What?" asked McGee.

"They got all their fingers?"

McGee took another look, "Yes. All OK. Um, why am I looking?"

Kate drew near, "Abby found Gibbs' fingerprint on the piece of glove Cassidy found."

"What? It must be a mistake. I mean, I know Abby doesn't make mistakes but perhaps Gibbs lost a glove when he was there before. It could happen."

"Yeah, must be something like that," said Tony, "I'm going to see Ducky."

"Anthony," said Ducky cheerfully when he saw Tony walk in, "I wonder if I could trouble you to give the fair Consuela a message …"

"What you got?" asked Tony briskly. This was so unlike Tony that Ducky stared in disbelief. "I asked you to report, Ducky," continued Tony when he got no reply.

"Is something amiss, Anthony?" asked Ducky.

"You could say that," sighed Tony, "I need to know what you've found."

"Very well," said Ducky, "I fear I have very little to report. I have sent some blood and tissue samples to Abby to see if they can help determine the cause of death. As far as I can tell from a cursory examination the victim seems to have been in good health. I would surmise that death was caused by some traumatic injury … to another part of the body."

"Nothing else?" asked Tony.

"There is one curiosity," said Ducky.

"I'll take anything you can give me," said Tony.

"There is a bite mark on one of the legs. It could, of course, have happened ante mortem but I would surmise that it happened around the same time as death or at least around the same time that the limbs were removed. Anthony, what has happened? You are not normally this abrupt."

"Can you get anything from the mark?" asked Tony.

"I could try to make an impression of the bite mark," suggested Ducky.

"And could that identify the person who make the bite mark?" asked Tony.

"Possibly," said Ducky. "Anthony, you are worrying me."

"You remember that glove that Paula found at the crime scene?" asked Tony.

"Indeed. I thought it showed great skill and observation," said Ducky.

"Yeah. Well, it had Gibbs' fingerprint on it."

"So?"

"How did it get there?" asked Tony.

Ducky stared, "There must be an innocent explanation," he said finally.

"I hope so," said Tony. "I haven't been able to come up with one yet."

"I will start work on the bite mark immediately," said Ducky.

"Thank you, Doctor," said Tony.

As he left autopsy, his cell rang and he saw it was a call from Abby.

"On my way, Abs," he said.

When he arrived at the lab it was to find Abby in tears once more and Lottie looking on nervously. Tony braced himself for bad news,

"I re-ran the fingerprint," said Abby. "And I got Lottie to run it was well."

"And?" asked Tony.

Abby swallowed convulsively and seemed unable to answer so Lottie spoke for her, "Same result. The fingerprint belongs to Agent Gibbs."

"OK, thank you," said Tony. "Abby, get to work on the samples Ducky sent you. See if you can work out a cause of death … anything you can find out about the victim. Ducky's working on a bite mark impression – he'll send that to you as well. Abby?"

Once again, Lottie answered for Abby, "Dr Mallard also found some traces of blood on the legs. We're testing that separately in case it doesn't belong to the victim."

"Keep me informed," said Tony. He put an arm around Abby's shoulder and dropped a kiss on the top of her head. "Time to step up, Abs. For Gibbs."

Abby nodded tremulously and wiped her eyes.

McGee was waiting for Tony when he left the lab.

"What you got, McGee?" asked Tony.

"Nothing much. I've sent out requests to all the local hospitals about accidents with severed legs and to funeral homes in case they've lost some … clients."

"And Kate?"

"Still checking CCTV at Quantico gates. Nothing shown up yet but it's tricky – we don't know what time frame we're looking at," said Tim.

"Check with Ducky. See if he can estimate a time of death or a time when the legs were cut off."

"Yes, Boss. Er, where are you going?"

"To see the Deputy Director," said Tony.

"Oh," said Tim.

Deputy Director Craig was defiantly drinking a cup of exotic coffee under the disapproving gaze of his personal assistant when Tony asked for a word.

"Of course," said Craig. "Devon, that will be all for now."

Devon nodded graciously, "Would you like me to take that cup for you?" he asked.

"I haven't finished it yet," said Craig firmly.

Devon admitted defeat and left the room noiselessly. "I'd offer you a cup," said the Deputy Director, "But I seem to remember you prefer …"

"Froufrou coffee is what Agent Gibbs calls it," said Tony with an attempt at a smile.

Craig recognised that Tony had not come for a chat, "What can I do for you?"

"We were called to a crime scene in Quantico this morning. Teenagers found a pair of severed legs in some bushes."

"Human legs?" asked Craig.

"Yes, Sir. In perfect condition … well, apart from not being attached to the rest of the body."

"And?"

"And when we were doing a search of the crime scene we found the finger of an evidence glove …"

"And?"

"And Abby … Ms Scuito … found a fingerprint on it."

"And somehow this is not good news?"

"No, Sir. The print belongs to Agent Gibbs."

"Our Agent Gibbs?"

"Yes, Sir. I thought I should let you know."

"Are we sure this is not some sort of mistake? Perhaps Agent Gibbs lost the glove at the crime scene?"

"He wasn't involved with the search, Sir. He didn't need to wear any gloves."

"Then on a previous visit to Quantico?"

"Possibly," said Tony. "We're working on it."

"And are there any other leads?" asked Craig.

"Dr Mallard is doing some work on a bite mark on the severed legs and there is some blood work to be done," said Tony. "We're hoping … expecting … that will give us something more to go on."

Craig stood up, "With me," he ordered. He led Tony down to the lab where they found a still-tearful Abby,

"Ms Scuito, how far have you got with your tests on the legs Agent DiNozzo's team found this morning?"

"I'm about to run the blood samples. And then I'm going to look at the bite mark. I'm slower than usual … I'm finding it hard to use my microscope."

Craig nodded; as he looked at Abby's red swollen eyes, he was surprised she could see anything. "Ms Sterling," he said.

"Yes, Sir?" asked Lottie looking surprised to be addressed.

"You are fully certified to work in forensics here?"

"Yes, Sir."

"Good. Take over the tests Ms Scuito was about to perform."

"But …" began Abby.

"Go home, Ms Scuito," said Craig. "You're in no fit state to be working this case."

"But …"

"No buts. We need the best work here. At the moment that won't be done by you," said Craig firmly. "Ms Sterling, keep Agent DiNozzo and me informed."

As Craig and Tony walked away, Tony said, "Guess that's why you decided Abby needed an assistant."

"Well, not because I thought Agent Gibbs was going to be the potential centre of an investigation," said the Deputy Director drily, "But it's crazy not to have a backup for Ms Scuito. And now I need to phone the FBI."

"Yes, Sir."

"I know you'd prefer to keep the investigation in-house but we can't afford to do that. I know you are concerned about Agent Gibbs …"

"Yes, Sir."

"But we can't risk any appearance of a cover-up. I've got to be concerned about the reputation of this agency."

"Yes, Sir."

"I will see if I can get Agent Fornell assigned to the case."

"Yes, Sir."

"Is that all you've got to say?"

"Yes, Sir. Well, no, Sir. I knew we couldn't keep this quiet. That's why I came to you."

"Oh. Well, that's OK then," said Craig. "I'll go make the phone call."

Tony watched him go to his office and remembered, not for the first time, how easy it was to underestimate Jerome Craig.

NCISNCIS

"Gibbs," said Tony a little later, "Lottie wants you in her lab."

"What for?"

"She and Ducky want to take a cast of your mouth."

"Excuse me?"

"Suck it up, Marine. I'll come with you," said Tony.

Ducky was waiting for Gibbs. "This will save time, Jethro. And making a mould will be more accurate than looking at your dental records."

Gibbs scowled through the whole process and mumbled incoherently. "No, Jethro," said Ducky severely, "They don't do bourbon flavour. Or coffee."

Tony smiled for what seemed like the first time that day but the smile faded when Lottie did her technical wizardry and it seemed that Gibbs' teeth were a perfect match to the indentation on the victim's leg.

"There must be a mistake," said Gibbs feeling that it was all he was saying that day.

"Uh no, Agent Gibbs," said Lottie, "I was most careful with the test. And Dr Mallard was watching me closely."

"I am at a loss to explain it, Jethro," said Ducky, "But I have to agree that it seems that your teeth were responsible for making the bite mark on our unfortunate young woman."

"How?" snapped Gibbs, "Did I do it in my sleep? I didn't kill anyone and I'm certainly not in the habit of biting people!"

"We'll work it out, Jethro," said Tony calmly. He put his hand reassuringly on Gibbs' shoulder. At that moment one of the pieces of equipment chirruped to indicate another test result. Somehow Tony wasn't surprised to see that one of the blood samples from the leg was of the same type as Gibbs' and different to that of the legs.

"The DNA test is running," said Lottie earnestly, "I'll let you know when the results come back.

Gibbs and Tony nodded glumly and went back to the squad room. Kate, Tim and Paula had nothing to report. They had no leads on who the victim could be and there was no unusual activity at the gates to Quantico.

"Although, it wouldn't be unusual for an NCIS agent to be in Quantico," observed Paula.

"Thank you, Agent Cassidy," said Gibbs coldly.

"Keep looking," ordered Tony.

"Do we have any cases coming up where Gibbs has to testify?" asked Kate suddenly.

"Kate?" asked Tony.

"Well, the attempted kidnapping turned out to be a way of stalling the Haskell case. Are we sure this isn't something similar? I mean, look how we're all focussed on this case now," said Kate.

"But wouldn't you be focussed on it, anyway?" asked Paula. "I mean, even if Agent Gibbs wasn't the main suspect?"

Tony couldn't fault Paula's reasoning but thought she might need to learn a little tact or discretion. On the other hand, her bluntness might make her a perfect match with Gibbs.

"Good point, Kate. Why don't you look into that?" he said.

"I suppose it might be revenge, you know, setting Gibbs up," sighed Tim, "I've still got a list of possibilities from the last time. You want me to look at it again?"

"Yes," said Tony. "No … get Agent Cassidy to look. She'll come to it with a fresh pair of eyes. Might spot something we'll miss."

The others nodded at their assignments and Tony then noticed Deputy Director Craig drawing near with Agent Fornell and another man.

"Agent DiNozzo," said Craig, "You know Agent Fornell. FBI have assigned him to look at our case. Agent Sacks will assist him."

"We need to talk to you, Jethro," said Fornell.

"In an interrogation room," inserted Sacks, "And we need to record it."

"Wait a minute," began Gibbs.

"It's either here or at the Hoover Building," said Craig, "The FBI was trying to be helpful here."

"Let's get this over with," said Gibbs grumpily.

"Agent Sacks will be doing the interview," announced Fornell as Tony led the way. "My director seems to think that Gibbs and I are friends so I need to be hands-off."

Tony mumbled something that might have been agreement. He and Fornell went into the observation room while Sacks took Gibbs into the interrogation room. Fornell cleared his throat, "We'll need to take the evidence you've gathered so far," he said casually.

"Seems reasonable," said Tony equally casually. He took his cell out and fired off a quick text to McGee. "I just told Tim to get it all ready," he said.

Fornell smiled and they settled down to watch Gibbs' masterclass of deflection with Agent Sacks.

"He new?" asked Tony.

"Came on board a couple of weeks ago," said Fornell.

"You sure he's ready for this?" asked Tony as he nodded towards the window through which they could see an increasingly flustered Sacks and an infuriatingly calm Gibbs.

"It'll do him good," said Fornell blandly.

The interview ended inconclusively. As Gibbs pointed out it was impossible for him to have an alibi when nobody knew who the victim was or when the alleged murder took place. It looked as if Agent Sacks would have liked to arrest him just for being annoying.

"We need to take your evidence," he said brusquely when emerging from Interrogation.

"No trouble," said Tony serenely. He had just received a text from Tim confirming that they had taken duplicates of everything.

Agent Sacks looked at him suspiciously and wondered if he'd made a strategic error in leaving Agent Fornell alone with the senior agent. Back in the squad room, McGee handed all the evidence over with a polite smile on his face while making sure that Sacks signed for each piece.

Agent Sacks glared at Gibbs who said 'helpfully', "Don't worry. I won't leave town."

The FBI agents left more or less contentedly. The MCRT sighed with relief as they watched them go.

"Going to see Ducky," announced Tony. "See if he's got anything else."

He found Ducky in Abby's lab rather than Autopsy.

"Ah, Anthony," he said, "Charlotte and I have discovered something."

Lottie beamed her appreciation at being called by her full name.

"What you got?" asked Tony.

"I believe we may be able to identify the implement used to detach the legs," said Ducky.

"Well, not the exact one," said Lottie. "Although it is possible that if we found a candidate we could make a positive match."

"I would surmise, my dear, that it would be difficult to clean the instrument completely," speculated Ducky, "We might discover traces of blood, tissue, bone, muscle or …"

"Yeah, yeah, I get the idea," said Tony hastily. After years of police work he wasn't particularly squeamish but he was tired and didn't really want to picture what might still be adhering to the blade in question.

As always, Ducky looked disappointed that detail wasn't required but decided to be compassionate. "Indeed, DNA is a marvellous tool. I think from looking at the cut marks we can deduce the type of blade. If it is an unusual one, that might assist you in tracking it."

"Sounds good. Do the FBI know?" asked Tony.

"They have copies of the photographs I took," said Ducky virtuously, "And, of course, they now have the limbs: they should be capable of reaching the same conclusions."

Tony smiled. "Any idea so far?"

"We think the cuts were made with a crosscut saw," said Lottie.

"And manual rather than a power tool," added Ducky.

"Are they rare?" asked the Tony who was not into DIY and usually managed to persuade Gibbs to do the repairs at home.

"No," said Lottie.

Tony's face fell but Ducky continued, "We believe, however, that the tool used was a vintage saw. Quite old but very sharp. Probably in excellent condition."

"That should make it easier to trace," said Lottie cheerfully.

"Great," said Tony gloomily.

"This is good news, Anthony," said Ducky, "Isn't it?"

"Who do you know who uses vintage hand tools?" asked Tony.

"Oh, I see," said Ducky as he pictured Gibbs working away in his cellar.

"Stick with it," ordered Tony as he walked away.

Just as Tony was considering sending everyone home for the day, Lottie and Ducky came into the squad room.

"What now?" said Gibbs as he saw the glum looks on their faces.

"The DNA results came back," said Ducky.

"And?" asked Tony.

"The blood found on the legs matches Agent Gibbs' blood," said Lottie.

Gibbs opened his mouth to say it was all a mistake but closed it again. Saying it didn't seem to be making a difference at the moment.

"We had to let the FBI know," said Ducky apologetically.

NCISNCIS

"Good day?" asked Faith when Tony got home that evening.

"Just peachy. How do you feel about going back into criminal law?"

"Why?" asked Faith cautiously.

"Jethro may need a good lawyer."

"Why?"

"The FBI have taken him into custody on suspicion of murder," said Tony.

"What? Did his barista try to give him decaf?"

"I wish," said Tony, "Then he'd have a plea of insanity."

"What happened?" asked Faith.

Tony explained the events of the day and how when Agent Sacks had found out the results of the blood test he had insisted on taking Gibbs in. "But at least they haven't actually charged him yet."

"Were you serious? About me representing Jethro?" asked Faith.

"I don't know," said Tony wearily. "Let's hope it doesn't come to that."

"Daddy," said Tilly as she came into the room.

"Hello, sweetheart. What are you doing up?" asked Tony, "You should be asleep by now."

Tilly climbed into his lap, "I don't like going to sleep without seeing you."

"OK," said Tony, "Just for a few minutes then. What's that you've got in your hand?"

Tilly produced an apple core.

"Tilly, I gave you that apple an hour ago," said Faith. "Why didn't you throw the core away?"

"I wasn't sure if I should," said Tilly.

Faith and Tony exchanged looks as they wondered what eccentricity had entered into their daughter's mind this time.

"Why not?" asked Tony.

"Auntie Abby's Lottie didn't," said Tilly.

"Who?" said Faith.

"You know. The lady who's helping Auntie Abby," said Tilly.

"What about her?" asked Tony.

"She brought all those apples to Jacob's birthday party," said Tilly.

"And?"

"Then she went around collecting the cores. Especially the ones that people hadn't eaten much of. So, I thought perhaps I shouldn't throw mine away," said Tilly.

"I think you can throw this one away," said Faith firmly and she took the soggy apple remains out of Tilly's hand and took it into the kitchen. When she came back she looked at Tony ready to share her amusement at Tilly's latest foible but saw that he was staring into space, "Tony? What's the matter?"

"Probably nothing," said Tony. "I think …"