Authors note

The usual disclaimers apply, as much as I would love to these characters to be, they are not mine.

Chapter 4

Abby sat in front of one of her multitude of machines running tests on the paper and envelope that Gibbs had presented her with earlier, her mind kept turning back to the words the paper contained and the threat it was to Gibbs. She knew it was an occupational hazard, Gibbs and the team dealt with some of the lowlifes of the world and occasionally they wanted revenge. But this to her seemed so much worse, it was taunting him to find not only the sicko but also the victim. She sighed as the machine bleeped and she read the results to herself. Dead-end again.

She had nothing to give Gibbs and it wasn't fair, she wanted to tell him loads of great information that would help the rest of the team but she couldn't, it wasn't there, whoever this guy was he was smart.

A hand gently massaged her shoulder causing her to jump and spin in her seat,

"Gibbs…" was all she said on a half groan half laugh, as he smiled and spun her chair back round and continued to massage her neck for her.

"So what have you got for me Abbs?" he asked quietly, sensing her answer as he felt the muscles under his hands tense again, she sighed and spun the chair round again, jumping up and pacing the room, unable to keep her energy levels and frustrations down

"Nothing, this guys smart, he wore gloves used a really common paper that you can buy anywhere, the envelope was pre gummed so no DNA. The only thing I can tell you is that the post mark is for Dulles international airport and was posted two days ago." she told him hardly breathing between words wishing it was more "I'm sorry Boss man, I wish it was more but that's all I have, and genius that I am I cant…."

Gibbs smiled at her "Abbs, its ok, I don't expect you to work miracles everyday, only most" he told her gently stopping her ramble into what would no doubt become a technical mine field that would only increase his headache. He sighed and walked to the table where the note sat in a plastic bag. Abby watched him carefully as he read it again, his eyes far off and thoughtful.

"Who are the few Gibbs?" she asked coming up and peering at the letter over his shoulder. Gibbs turned and glared at her

"If I knew that then I wouldn't't be standing here would I Abby?" he snarled, then sighed, Abby didn't't deserve that she was only trying to help.

He ran a hand through his thick hair

"I don't know Abby, I just don't know," he said tiredly, carefully placing the bag back on the table

"I'm going for coffee," he told her as he walked away.