I Told You, Chapter 2.
"Boss, I've got a problem!" McGee called.
"What is it McGee?"
"They've found a dead body at Quantico Naval Base."
"Give it it another team, McGee. We're a little tied up if you hadn't noticed."
"I, err, would boss, but…" McGee hesitated, Gibbs walked up to him menacingly.
"What is it, McGee?"
"Boss. They, err," he hesitated again.
"Spit it out McGee," Gibbs breathed, leaning over McGee's desk.
"There is a note with your name on it; on the body; Boss."
"Get your gear, we're heading to Quantico!" Gibbs called.
Kate and Tony, grabbed their guns, and PDAs and headed towards the elevator. Gibbs and McGee followed them.
Gibbs slipped his hat onto his head, as he stepped out of the van. Tony, Kate and McGee followed Gibbs towards the body. Ducky was crouched over the body, and Jimmy was busying himself with various instruments.
"What we got Duck?"
"A bullet wound to the heart. Bullet seems to have pierced the heart, resulting in immediate death."
"Time?" Gibbs asked, as Ducky pulled the probe from the liver.
"Approximately two hours, Jethro," Ducky replied.
"Tony! Photos. Kate! Measurements! McGee! Try to find bullet casings!" Gibbs called as he walked around the body, inspecting it. His brow furrowed with each step.
"What is it boss?" Tony asked.
"Something doesn't add up."
"What?" Kate asked.
"He still has his valuables. It rules out robbery. No defensive wounds suggests he knew his attacker…"
"Or the attacker took him by surprise?" Kate finished. Gibbs grinned.
"There's nothing more I can do here, Jethro. Once we get to the lab, I'll pull the bullet from him, and send it to Abby so it can be traced."
"Thanks, Duck!" Gibbs called. "McGee! Find anything?"
"No shell casings Boss. Whoever shot the Commander, cleared up after himself."
"Professional, Boss?" Tony asked.
"Could be," came the reply.
"Why would a professional shoot, two Naval officers with no connection to each other?" Kate asked.
"How do you know that?" Gibbs asked.
"I remember his service record Gibbs. These two never served together. Not to mention, the note. It was for you. The shooter could have some personal with you, and killed these officers to get your attention."
"Get the note to Abby, Tony."
"Already done Boss."
"We're done. Let's find out if Abby's got something."
"Abby you have anything for us?" Gibbs asked, as he handed her a Caf-pow.
"Nothing yet. I've just gotten the bullet from Ducky. I'm running it now."
"Let us know, when you've got something," Gibbs called as he turned to leave. A beeping stopped him. His phone rang.
"Gibbs?" Gibbs answered.
"I've got something," Abby told him. Gibbs closed his phone and walked over to her. "It seems that the bullet has hit a red flag."
"What case is it attached to?"
"Not what case, but rather who, Gibbs."
"Who, Abby?"
"This bullet is from the same gun, that Ari used to shoot you."
"Packages, guys," the letter-carrier called.
"Thanks, Toby," Kate smiled, as she took hers. Tony thanked him as well, as did McGee. Gibbs merely nodded. Slicing open the envelope, he pulled out a sniper's bullet. Holding it up, he examined it. Kate, Tony and McGee just stared.
"Who's it from Gibbs?" Kate asked.
"Ari."
"Ari?" Tony queried.
"The bullet from the naval commander's heart was from the same gun, that Ari used to shoot me."
"This is all Ari?" Kate asked.
"Yeah," Gibbs replied solemnly.
"I'll get a detail to protect you, Gibbs." Kate immediately picked up the phone. Like a shot, Gibbs stood up and walked over to her desk, placing his finger on the phone, hanging up.
"You'll do no such thing, Kate. I want him to think that I'm vulnerable." He paused. "You'll all go about your normal business. He's trying to get under our skin. Don't let him!" Gibbs left, and headed towards MTAC.
"What did you get McGee?" Tony asked. Gingerly McGee opened his package. It was a photo.
"Who's the photo of?" Kate asked.
"Abby."
Tony and Kate rushed over to their desks, and opened theirs. Tony pulled out a picture of Kate, and Kate of Tony. Tony showed McGee, but Kate just stuffed hers into her draw and locked it.
"What's yours Kate?" Tony asked.
"Nothing," came the blunt reply. He's trying to get inside our heads. I'm ignoring it. I'm going to see Abby." Kate walked briskly to the elevator and pressed the button for Abby's lab.
"Abby, I have a problem," Kate whined.
"What is it Kate?"
"Ari sent us packages. I got a picture of Tony."
"Why is that a problem, apart from the obvious reason?"
"I kinda…" She trailed off.
"Kinda what?" Abby pressed.
"Kinda…" She breathed heavily, before muttering. "Have feelings for him."
"Didn't quite catch that Kate."
"I have feelings for Tony, Abby. I don't know what to do." Kate whined.
"I know this is difficult Kate, but remember Gibbs' rule on dating co-workers."
"Yeah, don't do it."
"Look, if you're really worried about Tony, why don't you look out for him. I wouldn't make it obvious, Gibbs will tell. He always does." Abby smiled at her reassuringly.
"Thanks, Abby." Kate grinned at her. "Do you fancy some lunch?"
"I would but…" Abby trailed off uncertainly.
"But…" Kate repeated.
"Tim already asked me. How about tomorrow?"
"Sure. No problem." Kate turned on her heel and was about to walk out the door, when she turned back to Abby. "Have fun!"
With a knowing grin and wink, Kate disappeared.