Hey Abbs! What've ya got for me? Tony stepped off the elevator and called over to the dark haired girl examining the door of a wrecked car.
Nothing, yet, Tony. Sorry. She gave an apologetic shrug that matched the tone of her voice and turned back to her examination of the vehicle. Although, this is really bothering me. I understand why the airbag didn't deploy. It wasn't a head on collision, so the sensors weren't triggered. I checked those and they were in working order. She indicated a pile on the workbench that clearly included the airbag.
Abby shook her head as she paused near the driver's side of the mangled wreckage.
But, what, Abbs?Something's really hinky here, Tony. Gibbs is tall enough that the seat is back fairly far. That means that when the seatbelt locked on impact, it should have prevented him from flying forward far enough to hit his head. And, of course, he should have had a broken collar bone to go with his injuries. Abby paced slowly around the twisted remains of the Dodge Intrepid, inspecting it, before climbing carefully inside to begin the same procedure there.
What, you're not satisfied with the injuries he's got? Tony asked with disbelief, as he wandered over to look at the previously undeployed airbag.
No! It's not that. Abby popped her pig-tailed head out of the shattered window. If the seatbelt had been working properly, that's what should have happened. The force of the belt on that narrow boneYou have been hanging out with Ducky too much, haven't you? Tony interrupted what could become a lengthy explanation. So, fine, he should, but doesn't have a broken collar bone. What's that mean to this car and us?
It means that something is rotten in Dodgeville. Hand me that screwdriver, will you? I want to check this. One gloved hand extended from the vehicle, surgeon-like, waiting for the instrument to be placed in it.
As she worked, she told Tony, I've checked this vehicle's service records. I remember that a number of our pool cars had a recall on their seat belt ratcheting wheels not too long after I started here. I wanted to see if this car was ever one of those and if it was indeed serviced.
He watched as Abby released the inside panel covering the seatbelt mechanism. Then he passed her a flashlight as she bent down to examine the ratcheting spool upon which the remaining seat belt webbing rested. Finally, she sat back and gave him a concerned look, then extricated herself from the wreck and headed for her terminal.
And was it? Tony had waited for Abby to elaborate on the car's possible recall history, but she'd fallen strangely silent.
Was it what?Part of the recall, Abbs! Tony shook his head.
No, this car was purchased after that. Something's not right here, though, Tony. There's dirt and gravel lodged in the ratcheting wheel for the seatbelt. Abby turned to face the tall man, concern etched on her face.
Okay, that means what?See, the seatbelt works with a pendulum mechanism designed to sense sudden deceleration. It activates the ratcheting wheel to lock and the seat belt doesn't move. Some are mechanical, some are electronic, but if the ratcheting wheel is all jammed up with dirt and gravel, it can't catch and lock up the seat belt. Gibbs had no chance with that belt, Tony.Was it tampered with? His voice was low and quiet.
You tell me. This type of problem only used to occur with construction vehicles. They've fixed it now. But you know how Gibbs drives. Do you think he off-roads it enough to pack that much debris in what should be a secured area? Abby looked at him levelly and did not flinch from his hard gaze.
Is that it?
It's all I have right now, she said, simply.
I need more than just some dirt and gravel. Even, he continued as she opened her mouth to protest, if it's where it's not supposed to be. Find me something else, Abbs. Find me some solid proof that this wasn't an accident.I'll do my best. She bit her lip then reached out to him as he started to leave. Tony, I have a bad feeling about this.Me too, Abbs, me too. Tony nodded and turned away again. Her silence gave him pause, however, and he looked back at her. Are you all right?It's not me I'm worried about, it's Gibbs. She gave him her please don't tell me I'm crazy look as she waited for his response.
I can call the hospital and check in on him he began doubtfully, but she shook her head.
No, I'm going back over this car, top to bottom. There's got to be something else here. I'm going to find it.