Chapter 49

The team entered the room, Tim was the last one in. Noelle was in the bed, arms filled with bruises, bandages around her head, and on her nose, bruises on her face, her lip had a cut and her left eye was black and swollen. Bobby walked to her and stood next to her staring at the others.

" Hello. " She looked at Abby, recognition passing through her eyes. " So you're the reason they know my name. Should have figured from the way you reacted. " She didn't sound angry, just slightly amused.

" Yeah, I'm Abigail Sciuto. I'm the forensic scientist at NCIS. You can call me Abby. It's so good to finally meet you! " Abby answered, her usual chipper self.

" Well, I seem at disadvantage here. I only know two of you. " She said, sounding apologetic.

" I'm Special Agent Gibbs, these are Agent DiNozzo, Officer David and Dr. Donald Mallard. " Answered Gibbs, pointing to each of them.

" Nice to meet you all. " She said, looking to each of them. " A Dr.? I thought the doctors had already checked me. "

" Oh no my dear. I work at NCIS too, I'm a medical examiner. And I have to say it's very nice to meet you too. "

" ME? Should I be worried? "

Ducky chuckled.

" No, you should not. We're here to talk to you, nothing more. "

" I'm curious to the kind of statement I'm supposed to make that requires so many feds. I was hoping that it would be quick, because I don't want to still be doing it when my kids get here. "

" Don't worry. Agent DiNozzo and me will be taking your statement. " Said Agent Gibbs.

" Sorry to ask, but if only you two will be taking my statement, why are the rest of you here? And why is not Agent McGee doing it? I mean, he has waited outside the room all this time, right? Not meaning to sound disrespectful, I'm just... curious. "

" We came to meet you! We worked on your case for weeks and we would like to see you in person. " Abbysaid. The agents and Ducky didn't miss how the girl's eyes narrowed when the goth said that. " Oh! Almost forgot! " She went through her purse and removed a small clear plastic bag with writing on it, inside a bracelet and a necklace. She walked to the bed and handed it to Noelle. " Here. McGee said you wanted it back. "

She took the bag, opened it and put the bracelet and necklace on.

" Thank you Miss Sciuto. "

" Call me Abby. "

" Thank you Abby. "

She checked the charms on the bracelet, after a minute she turned her attention back on them. She looked at Ducky.

" Dr. Mallard, you were the ones performing the autopsies related to this case, correct? "

" Yes, I was. Why do you ask? "

She took a deep breath.

" I would like to see Johnathan's body. "

The people in the room were surprised by that, Bobby included. Ducky looked to Gibbs and McGee before turning back to her.

" If you don't mind, why would you want to do that? "

" Let's just say that this is something I have to do. "

" Madie. " Said Bobby, looking at her, his eyes asking ' are you sure? '.

She turned her face to him, in her eyes they could see she was not backing down.

" I will do this Bobby. It only depends on Dr. Mallard and on NCIS policy. " She turned to look at Ducky again. " Well? Is it possible? "

" It is, but it may not be advisable for you to see. "

" When can I see it then? Tomorrow? The day after? "

" I believe that you will still be here than. "

" My legs are what I need for walking, and they are fine Dr. Leave the medical issues to me. If I go to NCIS the day after tomorrow, will you show me his body? "

Ducky looked from her to Gibbs, to McGee and finally to Bobby, the last one returned his gaze and shook his head.

" She won't change her mind. It will just be easier to do it as she says. "

" Of course, if you wish to see it. "

" Thank you Dr. Mallard. " She smiled, relieved. " Well, it was nice meeting all of you. But I think we should we get this over with? " She looked from one person to the other, stopping at Gibbs.

The other noticing the clear dismissal, said their goodbyes and left the room, Tony and Gibbs stayed, along with Bobby.

Once the door closed she Madeline turned to the two agents.