"I don't know anything."

Ducky stopped dead in his tracks that next morning, entering Abby's lab to wish her good morning. "Good morning to you too, my dear."

She cringed. "Sorry Ducky…good morning. Guess I'm just a little on edge…after what happened in Mexico and everything."

"Yes, I hear Timothy was willing to sacrifice himself for the greater good…I would imagine that would have been terrifying for you."

She felt a twinge of guilt, not really focusing on what McGee had been willing to do. Her mind was elsewhere. "Yeah, it was pretty heroic of him huh?"

"Quite." He eyed her curiously. "Did you sleep well last night?"

"That obvious?"

"You are home safe and sound now Abigail…no need to worry."

She folded her hands together anxiously. "I almost wish I was back in Mexico…"

Ducky was sure he misheard her. "I'm sorry?"

"Nothing…I'm just tired." She turned back to her computer and started punching nothing particular into her keyboard.

Ducky approached and placed his hands over hers to stop the movements. "What is troubling you?"

One look into his eyes, and she wanted to burst into tears right then and there. But she resisted. "I cant talk about it….I want to…more than anything….it's killing me inside, but I just cant…" She took in a deep breath. "Gosh I hate this."

"It has to do with Jethro doesn't it?"

"Did he tell you? Please tell me he told you…then I can tell you…because if he told you, that means it's okay for me to tell you…and I really want to tell you…"

"He hasn't told me…but nothing makes you lose sleep and behave like this outside of Gibbs…"

"That's not true," she tried to plead her case. "I didn't sleep when Tony was being framed for murder, or when he was stuck in that sewer, or when McGee was stuck in that prison, or when you got stabbed…or when Kate…" She stopped herself short. "It's a miracle I'm not locked up in a padded room isn't it?"

"It's no sin to care Abigail…just be sure to realize what is in your control and what is not."

"Tell me about it."

Ducky sighed outwardly, his hands still over hers. "Does this have anything to do with the cold case you were sent to investigate?"

She remained silent.

"Does Gibbs know the effect it is having on you?"

"Does he ever."

"Perhaps I should speak with him?" He suggested.

"No!" She almost shouted, before softening her next words. "We both know that if Gibbs wanted to talk to you about it, he would…so maybe you should wait."

"Wait till what my dear? Till you collapse from lack of sleep?"

"I'm a big girl Ducky…I can handle this. I'm just a little shaken up okay? Please let me handle this on my own."

He admired her response. "I will do as you ask, but should you need me…"

"I know where to find you." She embraced him gently and managed a smile. "Thanks Ducky."

"I certainly hope the next good morning I come down to give will be a cheerful one."

She watched him leave and whispered a quiet response to no one but herself. "Probably not for a long time…."