Disclaimer : You'll have to re-read Chapter 1 for it.
Chapter 3
Down in Autopsy
"What do you have for me, Ducky?" Gibbs strolled into Autopsy, seemingly immune to the smell of antiseptic and decomp.
"The body of a man in his prime, Jethro." The doctor said sadly. "A shame, really. This young man was a wonderful example of health. His lungs and heart in a fine state. In fact…"
"Ducky, what do you have for me that I can use?" Gibbs refrained from sighing, but his voice showed the strain of his patience.
"Our young man was slashed across the jugular, Jethro. Come see." The two men walked over to the uncovered body.
Ducky pointed to the throat of the dead man.
"A precision cut, no hesitation…very cold." The doctor commented.
"So someone knew what they were doing?" Gibbs asked.
"Undoubtedly, Jethro. Not just the actions of slicing another being's throat, but exactly where to slice on this particular victim. If Miss McLean was telling the truth that he was pushing her on the swing, the position of his body would indicate that he was turned around to face his attacker, had his throat sliced and then was pushed back."
"Unfortunately, Ducky, it was in a sandbox…too many random foot prints and indentations, not to mention all the people and disturbances that occurred afterwards…but there might be some way to determine if he turned around on his own or if he was forcibly turned. I'm going to visit Abby."
Ducky nodded and turned his gaze back to the body. He clucked sadly, shaking his head.
Abby's Laboratory
Gibbs entered the lab where NCIS's resident contradiction worked. Abigail Scuito was outwardly all Goth but inwardly all creampuff. But through and through, she was a caring and happy woman.
The senior agent stopped, realizing that music wasn't blaring. Music was always blaring in the lab when Abby was there. His eyes skimmed the room and he realized that Abby wasn't in the lab. He knew she had come into work earlier…evidenced by the empty Kaff-Pow cups in the trashcan. Frowning, he retreated from the eerily quiet lab and made his way back up to his desk.
A cheerful sing-song voice greeted him upon his return.
"Hey, Gibbs!"
A corner of his mouth quirked up, but he tried to keep his voice serious.
"Abby, who let you out of the lab?"
"You did, Gibbs." She smiled happily. "Half day for me today, remember? You okayed it last week."
Abby looked at Gibbs and hersmile fell. "I'm not going anywhere today, am I?
Her dejected voice pulled at his heart. He really didn't like having to hurt her.
"I'm sorry, Abs." He said softly.
She smiled weakly. "I know. It's not like you know ahead of time when the bad guys'll show up. I'll be downstairs making like a lab rat."
Gibbs watched Abby walk away. Her usual bouncy walk had turned rather sedate.
"Ziva, Tony…go with her…show her the evidence that was collected."
"Right away, boss." Tony replied.
Ziva stood quietly and the two agents followed Abby down to the lab.
Gibbs returned to his desk to start reviewing the photos and the statements from both Miss McLean and the police officer who was first on the scene.