Sorry I wasn't able to respond to reviews – yesterday was crazy hot, so I avoided being at home as much as possible, then was busy writing. I figure you'd rather the next chapter than a quick reply to the review…

-----

"I'm leaving."

All eyes moved to Abby as she stepped up to Gibbs desk. Her expression was neutral, but her eyes were sad. "Jack asked if I would like to come up and help in the store for a while since I'm not allowed to work here. I've decided to go."

Gibbs eyes flicker to Jack and then back to Abby. "For how long?"

Abby chewed nervously on her lower lip and glanced over at Jack who gave her a reassuring nod. "Until the case is over."

"But what about me?"

"You've got plenty of people around here to watch out for you." Abby swallowed against the tears that were forming. She refused to cry over such a ridiculous situation.

" Abby…"

"No Gibbs, catch this bastard so things can get back to normal. That's all I ask." Abby crossed back to Tony's desk where she had left her purse. "Let's go, Jack."

Abby didn't speak at all on the ride home and Jack didn't pry. They hadn't been home for more than five minutes when the doorbell rang. Jack hung around to see what it was, but when Tony stepped inside and pulled Abby into a tight hug, he left them alone and headed upstairs to gather his things.

Tears started to fall the moment Tony pulled her in.

"Shh, Abby. It'll be okay. I promise." Tony tried to sooth. He hated seeing her like this. Abby was the one person he would do anything for to lessen the pain and this was the one thing he couldn't help. He could believe Gibbs was so blind – granted the man had three ex-wives, but still… he must've learned something.

Abby clung tighter to him as he smoothed a hand down her hair. "It'll be alright, Abby. I'll keep an eye on things, and if she tires anything else, I'll step in and put a stop to it. I'm working as hard as I can to get this solved, not only for your and Gibbs' safety, but to get the bitch to go home to Hawaii where she belongs."

"Thanks Tony," Abby sniffled against his shirt. "You're the best."

"No Abby, you're the best. You've been through so much in the past few weeks and then this bitch comes in and walks all over you and there is nothing that you can really do… I would've punched her long time ago."

"I thought about it."

"You should have."

"You would've recorded it on your phone and posted it online."

"I would have."

Abby socked him lightly in the arm before squeezing him in return tight hug. "Thanks Tony."

"My pleasure. Now, go on and get your stuff packed. I should get back to the office. Give me a call once you get to Stillwater safely, okay?"

"Yes mom."

Tony rolled his eyes and gave her a little shove towards the stairs.

----

It was nearly eight by the time Jack and Abby arrived in Stillwater. They were both exhausted from the day's events that they each ate a quick sandwich and headed to bed. Jack had to be up early to open the store, but told Abby to try and sleep in. Once she was tucked into Gibbs' childhood bed, she pulled out her phone and sent a quick text to Tony.

Safe in Stillwater, let everyone know. Keep me updated.

XOXO, Abby

Tony was quick to reply.

We're all still in the office, nothing new. I let everyone know you are well.
Gibbs isn't happy you're gone. Hasn't said more than two words at a time since you left.
Hollis is still a bitch.

Abby smiled at Tony's response. She was glad to have him around to keep an eye on Hollis. Somehow she knew everything would be okay. She lifted the dog tags from around her neck and set them carefully on the nightstand where she could grab them first thing in the morning and slip the chain around her neck.

She felt safe and secure tucked into Gibbs old bed. As she fell asleep she let her mind wander to the last time she had been in this bed… and how she and Gibbs had made love as quietly as possible. Swallowing moans and silencing each other with kisses.

She fell asleep with a smile on her face.

----

Gibbs climbed the steps to bed and paused before pushing the door open, a part of him hoping to find Abby snuggled under the covers waiting for him. She wasn't. With a sigh he settled in for the night and closed his eyes.

Gibbs woke to the feeling of a warm body snuggling in next to his. "Abby…" His voice was heavy with sleep as he mumbled her name and pulled her in. "don't leave me – heavy sigh – I love you too much."

"I love you too, Gibbs."

Gibbs opened his eyes slightly and frowned. His arms were wrapped tightly around Abby's pillow. He looked at the clock. It was shortly before five. He decided it wasn't worth trying to catch anther hour of sleep, so instead he showered and dressed for the day.

He arrived at NCIS long before anyone else and plopped down into his chair. It was going to be a long day, but now that Abby had left he was more determined than ever to catch the bastard that had started the whole thing.

Digging through his desk, Gibbs came across an old post-it note that Abby had left for him in one of his pockets before a daylong seminar he'd been forced to attend.

Guess what?? I love you!

"Oh Abby."

---

TBC…

Someone is finally starting to get a clue…