CHAPTER 7

A/N this was the hardest chapter I've ever had to write. Big thank you to my editor who has the patience of a saint when dealing with my 'I can't do this, it's too hard' whining. All reviews much appreciated.

Sara was adamant she would talk to Abby.

Fornell was adamant that she shouldn't.

Gibbs was adamant that they do something.

Sara won the argument with one well aimed comment "Stop trying to control me Tobias, that's exactly what he did. I want to do this and I will do this"

Once it had been agreed the plan was deceptively simple; Gibbs would get Abby to the therapists' office, call Fornell who would pick up Sara and meet them there.

The reality of course was anything but simple.

Gibbs knew he couldn't be straight with her, she would never agree if she knew where they were and why, so as much as it went against the grain to lie, he decided it was the only way.

It took over a week for the right opportunity to come along, a case with very little in the way of forensics.

"Abby" Gibbs kept his distance despite wanting to wrap his arms around her and protect her from the world.

She looked at him questioningly.

"I need you to come down to the crime scene"

"Why? I don't do crime scenes, that's what your team is for"

"The forensics on this one are sparse and I'd appreciate your help in checking we haven't missed anything" Gibbs hated lying to her and had to struggle to maintain eye contact.

With a barely suppressed sigh of annoyance, Abby agreed.

"Meet me out front, I just need to call ahead and tell them we're coming" As Gibbs dialled Fornell's number he told himself over and over that he was doing the right thing.

Gibbs was grateful the drive would be a short one. Rather than filling the silence with babble and constant flicking of radio stations Abby sat staring out the side window. Gibbs endured the heavy silence, reminded again how much he missed his Abby and resolved, again, that he would do whatever it took to bring her back, regardless of any personal sacrifice he had to give along the way.

He grew more nervous as they pulled up outside the therapists' office and saw Fornell's car already there.

Abby jumped out of the car quickly, seemingly anxious to get this over with.

"Doesn't look much like the crime scene, why isn't it taped off?"

Gibbs didn't reply, just opened the door and ushered her into the building.

Fornell met them in the foyer, Abby eyed him with suspicion "I didn't realise the FBI had an interest in this case"

Fornell ignored her and opened another door "Through here".

Abby walked into the room and found herself alone with Sara, she looked around for Gibbs and Fornell but neither were to be seen.

"Hi, my name is Sara and you and I need to talk"

Gibbs and Fornell had moved quickly to adjoining room where Fornell had set up a video feed, Sara concession to Fornell insisting he be present.

They both stood to watch the feed, both terrified, both ready to burst into the other room if the situation became unbearable.

Abby stared at Sara for a long time before asking aggressively "What is this?"

"I want to talk to you about this man and what he's doing to you" Sara held out a photo of Curtis.

Abby no more than glanced at the photo "He's not doing anything to me that would be any of your business" she crossed her arms defensively.

"He destroyed my life and he'll do the same to you if you let him"

Gibbs could see the anger rising in Abby, her faced was flushed and her movements became more precise, more controlled.

Rather than describe her own experience again, Sara directed all her comments at Abby's situation.

"He does things for you that you are perfectly capable of doing yourself. He takes all the small decisions out of your hands, telling you that you shouldn't be worrying about what to have for dinner or what movie to watch"

Sara saw she was getting nowhere and pushed harder, she needed to force a reaction, any reaction was better than placid denial.

"He's told you that your friends are holding you back, using you to get themselves ahead. You've stopped seeing anyone socially but right now you think that's been your decision. You don't do any of your old activities, your choices in food, music, movies, everything have changed at his suggestion."

Sara didn't miss Abby's icy glare but she continued on regardless.

"When he has you completely isolated he will start making you doubt your ability to do your job, when he has achieved that, he'll leave, just up and go without a word, leaving you with nothing and nobody"

"You have no idea what you are talking about" Abby was dismissive.

"Yes, I do. The man you know as Curtis was in my life for 2 years and he did to me exactly what he's doing to you. If it wasn't for my Godfather I'd be dead by now, or worse.

My Godfather never gave up on me, the same as Gibbs will never give up on you. Please, please let us help you before it's too late"

Abby took two long strides to stand toe to toe with Sara, she grabbed her thin shoulders and began to shake her "I might have known Gibbs was behind this, he can't stand to see someone else making me happy. Curtis is the best thing that ever happened to me and I will not let you, Gibbs or anyone else take that away" Abby was screaming, her face inches from Sara's.

Suddenly Gibbs and Fornell were in the room. Gibbs took hold of Abby and lifted her away while Fornell gathered Sara into his arms.

Abby fought, struggled and twisted herself out of Gibbs grasp.

"Curtis was right about you! You disgust me, I hate you" Abby hissed at Gibbs, her voice full of venom then flew from the room.

"ABBY!" Gibbs called after her.

"Let her go Jethro"

"Never gonna happen Tobias, NEVER!"