A HAIR RAISING MOMENT.
Abby's Lab.
"That's all I've got for you at the moment. I know it's not much." She pouts.
"Every little bit helps." Tony smiles to reassure her. "We better go see what the autopsy gremlin has for us." As he and Ziva start to leave the lab an exclamation from Abby makes them turn back.
"Wait. I nearly forgot. Jimmy came in with the scrapings from underneath Lieutenant Sanderson's fingernails just before you got here and he said...that is Palmer not Sanderson obviously since he's dead and can't talk...well Jimmy said..."
"Abs!" Sometimes DiNozzo's Gibbs portrayal was frighteningly accurate and this was one of those times. "The short version please."
"Palmer said he was really struggling with the condition of the body and hasn't yet established cause of death and that means there's no reason to go and see him."
"That is disappointing."
"Well with Ducky spending so much time at the hospital with his mum Palmer is kind of flying solo on this one. The body really was badly decomposed. I think Jimmy is getting a little frustrated. He's practically pulling out his hair. I told him to call Dr Hampton to help. I'm sure Ducky won't mind."
"Great thinking Abs." Tony and Ziva leave and Abby turns back to her analysis.
Autopsy. A Few Days Later.
Ziva walks in through the automatic doors calling out as she does so. "Anybody here?" Receiving no reply she walks out and then crashes into Jimmy as he steps out of the elevator as she attempts to step in.
"Officer Da..da..vi..vi...David". He stutters starting to turn an embarrassing shade of red. "I'm so sorry."
"It is okay Jimmy. Can I call you Jimmy?" She smiles in a manner meant to be reassuring not quite realizing that her reputation has proceeded her and he has already heard many terrifying rumors about her talents in the short time she has been with NCIS.
"Sure. Dr Mallard has already left but is there something I can help you with?" He tries desperately to maintain eye contact and not stare at her boots. He'd always had a thing for those steel caps.
"Actually it is you that I came to see."
"You did?"
"Yes. Let us go and sit down." They walk into autopsy and both grab chairs and sit down.
"How can I help you?" There that came out sounding more confident and competent he thinks.
"I am here to help you with your little problem. You see I know all about it."
"You do?" He can't quite believe what he's hearing. Surely Michelle wouldn't have said anything to Ziva and how else could she have found out. Maybe she'd overheard Michelle and Abby talking. Oh, God this was so embarrassing. What if DiNozzo found out? Or McGee?
"Jimmy?" Ziva clicking her fingers in his face brings him out of the musing trance her words have sent him into.
"It is nothing to be ashamed off."
"It's not?" That was what Michelle had said but he hadn't believed her.
"I had a school friend with exactly the same problem."
"Ah."
"You should know it is simply a medical condition and there is treatment available. She..."
"She?" What on earth was agent David talking about? He was certain his problem did not affect females.
"Yes. She received treatment and was fine."
"What are you talking about?" It is becoming clear they are talking at cross purposes.
"Trichotillomania. The impulse disorder that leads to you pulling out your hair."
"But I don't have it. What made you think I did?'
"Abby. The other day when you were having trouble determining cause of death she said you were pulling out your hair. I know what a problem this disorder can be so I came to see if there was some way I could help." She is slightly disconcerted to observe Palmer trying very hard not to laugh.
"To pull one's hair out is just an expression Officer David. It means to be really frustrated and in dealing with that body I was."
"Oh."
"But I do appreciate you offer to help." He smiles at her.
"You are welcome Jimmy." She smiles back. Two colleagues beginning the journey of understanding each other.
Factual Stuff: Trichotillmania is a real disorder but I believe it is usually diagnosed in one's teens so it was unlikely Jimmy had it. Then again I've always thought of him as a 'late bloomer' type.