Chapter 10

As he headed to worked, Tim knew Sarah was right, but he was at a loss to explain why this needed to be done. He hadn't had a problem with calling in sick last year. This case was somehow different. No one said anything when they saw him working at his desk, but they were all thinking the same thing: Tim looked like a ghost. Gibbs took one look and him and sent Ziva and Tony went to interview the other families again.

A few hours later, as Tony and Ziva drove back to NCIS, they reviewed what they'd found: All the men had been runners, but unlike Liz Rivens, their wives had known where they liked to run, and that trail hadn't been one of their choices. Except for the first victim's family. That trail had been his favorite.

"Okay, so maybe the first victim started the trend and the others didn't necessarily tell their wives where they ran, but why would they choose to come all the way out to this trail when there are plenty of places closer to home?" Ziva asked as they headed back to NCIS.

"You're the runner, Ziva. You tell me. Have you ever tried a new trail?"

"Yes."

"Well, why did you switch?"

"It was recommended to me by another runner." Ziva stopped for a moment. "Wait, if the killer had picked these men out in advance, he would have known about their running and could have lured them to that trail."

"If so, he'd have to be familiar to them, wouldn't he?"

"Probably, yes."

"Maybe some of their running buddies noticed a new guy around."

"Let's ask them... if they're still alive."

"Okay." Tony turned the car back toward the base.

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"I'm afraid I don't have anything new for you, Gibbs."

"That's not why I'm here, Ducky."

"Ah. It's Timothy, isn't it?"

"What do you think?"

"I think he'll collapse before the day is out."

"Do you know why?"

"No, not exactly. Obviously, something about his father's death is still unresolved for Timothy. He told me they never found out why he committed suicide, but I think there's something more. I just don't know what. He told me that last year when it got bad he called in sick. However, this year he is probably worse, but he's still coming. I don't know why. I don't know if he knows why, but regardless, he's weak, physically and mentally."

"Is there anything you can do for him?"

"Not unless he's willing to talk about it, which he's not. He thinks this is normal."

"How about physically?"

"Short of strapping him to a bed or giving him a sedative, not much."

"Okay."

"You can try to send him down and see if he'll talk to me, but I don't know that he will."

"I've got another idea."

"Really?"

"Yeah, someone else who might drag it out of him, literally."

Ducky chuckled as Gibbs left. "Of course. Abby."