CHAPTER 5

Abby picks up the phone. "Abby here!"

"Hi Abs. Listen, I just called to catch you up on the case. Sean and McGee found a possible location for the fishing boat. We're on our way to Virginia Beach." Gibbs says.

"I appreciate you calling, but you don't have to call just to say where you're going. You take off all the time for cases."

"I know Abs, but what if you go into labor while I'm gone?" Gibbs says nervously.

"I so love you. Anyway, you shouldn't worry so much. Remember, we have a plan for when I do go into labor. I call you, then I call Ducky, so there should be no problems."

Gibbs chuckles. "Alright Abby. I love you too." They hang up.

Abby picks up the phone again and calls the lab.

"NCIS Forensics Lab..."

"You are so formal Sean. Loosen up a bit!"

There's silence for a few seconds. "Is this Abby Sciuto?" Sean asks excitedly.

"The one and only," Abby answers. "Listen. Can you keep me up to date on the evidence you get?"

"Oh wow! It would be my honor ma'a…."

Abby cuts him off "I hope you're not about to call me ma'am. It's Abby or Abs, got it?"

"Yes m…Abby."

"Okay, now where were we?"

Gibbs and the team arrive at the marina. They fan out and look for the bell from the picture. An employee comes up to Gibbs and asks, "Is there something I can help you with?"

Gibbs flashes his badge. "We're looking for this man." Gibbs says as he holds up a picture.

"I'm not familiar with him, but maybe the office staff is. If you'll please follow me."

Tony is walking down the dock when he finally sees the bell. "Over here." He yells to Kate and McGee. "Let's start searching these boats."

"Don't we need a warrant for that Tony?" McGee asks.

"Not if we don't actually step into the boats." Tony replies.

"I think I found the boat." Kate says a few minutes later. "Definite signs of a struggle."

"Start processing. Tony, sketch; Kate, photos; McGee, bag and tag." Gibbs says as he walks up. "We have an I.D. on our mystery boat owner: Adam Young. When you have everything, Kate and Tony, pay a visit to Mr. Young, McGee, bring the evidence back to the lab.

"On it."

Kate and Tony walk up to Adam Young's house and ring the doorbell.

"You really didn't know what Braxton Hicks is?" Kate asks incredulously.

Tony laughs. "Sure I did Kate. I was just making sure you did."

"Uh huh, yeah Tony. Why would you know anything about women anyway?"

"I know lots about women Kate."

"Like what?"

A man opens the door. "Hello."

Tony and Kate show their badges. "Mr. Adam Young?"

"Yes that's me. How can I help you?"

Kate says, "We're investigating a murder case. Can we ask you a few questions?"

"um. Yeah, absolutely. Come on in."

"Mr. Young, we're looking into the murder of Tom Lynch. What was your relationship with Mr. Lynch?" Tony asks.

"Tom's dead. Oh my God. No, this can't be."

Kate holds out a picture taken after the autopsy.

"Oh no! Tom!" Adam is very visibly shaken.

"Can you please answer the question?" Tony says.

Adam finally answers, "What? Oh, yes. We have been friends for 3 years now. We met at Virginia Beach Fishing Center. We go out on my boat whenever Tom has shore leave."

"Sir, where were you 2 nights ago?" asks Kate.

"Am I a suspect in this?" Adam sounds shocked.

"We have reason to believe that Mr. Lynch was murdered on your fishing boat."

"I've been in Nova Scotia visiting family for two weeks. He was murdered on my boat?" Adam sits down on his couch very hard. Kate and Tony look at each other.

"If you can think of anything that may help, or anyone who would want Mr. Lynch dead, please call us." Tony says as he hands over a card.

"I will, but who would want Tom dead? He was such a nice guy."

"That's what we are trying to find out Mr. Young. Thank you for your time." Kate and Tony show themselves out.

Gibbs walks into the bullpen while McGee is in the lab dropping off the evidence they collected. Ducky is standing by Gibbs' desk. "Jethro, if I may have a word?"

"Yeah Duck, what is it?"

"I heard you have a lead on your case. How tall is the suspect?"

"The marina staff said he is a bit taller than 6 feet."

"I believe then that your suspect did not kill our Mr. Lynch. You see, they striations on his neck indicate that a much shorter person wrapped the rope around his neck. The first marks are on a downward angle, while the rest are upwards, as if the murderer wrapped the rope around Mr. Lynch's neck while he was standing and then he fell to his knees."

"How tall would the person have been?"

"My guess would have to be around, oh, 5'6"."

"We're either looking for a short man…" Gibbs begins

"Or a woman." Ducky finishes.