Chapter 9

" What you got? " Said Gibbs strolling into the bullpen.

" I looked into Lt. Manning's records, they're clean. Talked to his colleagues, he was friendly, responsible, never got in trouble. All around perfect guy. " Said Tony from his desk.

" Emily Manning was well liked by her neighbors, she was on the PTA. Everyone that I spoke with only had good things to mention. Said she was nice with everyone, that her kids were adorable. No one could think of anyone that would wish to harm them. " Said Ziva, leaning against her desk.

" So they were perfect. " Said Tony.

" I have looked at their phone and financial records Boss. Nothing out-of-place. No suspicious calls. No out-of-place payments or deposits. Nothing. I'm gonna start going through their computer as soon as Abby is through with it. " Said Tim, from his place behind his computer.

" So, you got nothing. " Snapped back Gibbs. His phone rang. " Gibbs "

" Gibbs! You have to come here! Someone just left a message for the victims. "

" Coming Abby. " He snapped his phone shut. " Abby got something, let's go. "

He left the bullpen, his agents following.

When he entered the lab, Abby was working on her computer. She turned and greeted them on her usual super energized way.

" Guys! This is super creepy! "

" What is? " Asked Tony.

" A couple of minutes ago all the Manning's cellphones began to ring at the same time. They rang three times each than stopped. And there is a voice message in every one of them. "

" What's in them? " Asked Ziva.

" Haven't listened to them yet. "

" Play it. " Said Gibbs getting closer to her.

" Okay this is the one from Lt Manning's phone. "

A electronic manufactured voice began to speak.

Hello My Love, it's good to finally talk to you after all this time, I missed you too much. I'm sure you knew this day was coming. You know me too well to think otherwise. As I know you too. I'm sure you already got my previous message, and already started making preparations for our meeting. Since I'm in a giving mood, and it's you, I will give you a few pieces of information that will help you better prepare. I would hate for it to be too easy. It would be disrespectful to you.

The message ended. They stayed quiet, absorbing the information. Until Gibb's spoke up.

" Play the next one. "

" This is from Emily Manning's phone. "

Hello again Love, This will be a three stages game. The first step was already taken. I know the NCIS team is listening to the message, this information will be useful for you too. Only not too much, you will not be able to stop me. Exactly two days after this messages are delivered the next stage will occur. A friendly advice: Use boots, there will be quite a mess. At the scene, there will be a clue to the location of the third stage. I know you will understand. the NCIS team, well, them I'm not sure. The two days wait will give you time enough to physically prepare. But, as you know, that doesn't mean you should let your guard down. I know that the time away have not destroyed your amazing abilities. As for the day and time, I know you will figure them out as soon as you see the clue. And if the investigation interfere with our meeting, I know you remember our procedures.

The message ended.

" Next one. "

" This one is from Amanda Manning's phone. "

Well Love, this is the last message. And in a way is a bonus, I already gave you all the tips I was going to. It wouldn't be much of a game if it was too easy. So, why this message do you ask? Well, I missed you. And I wanted to talk to you. I just couldn't believe it when I saw you. You look so different. It never ceases to amaze me how good an actor you are. You never needed plastic surgery to change, you always had a brilliant control over your own body. And this personality of your persona, it's amazing, I don't know anyone else that could keep that up for so long...I was happy to see the job you took, makes me think that we were never really that far apart. It saddens me that your actions led to this situation that were in, it's the last thing that I wanted. If you hadn't fought against fate. But you did, and both of us have to face the consequences of your actions. Be ready. I expect nothing more than the best of games from you. I love you, always.

The occupants of the lab were quiet, absorbing the information they heard.

" Well, I think it's safe to say we're dealing with a lunatic. " Said Tony, trying to defuse the tension in the room.

" You think? " Bit back Gibbs. " Abby, call Ducky and get him up here, play that messages for him, I want his view on this guy. "

" Alright Bossman. " She turned on the video device she had on her desk. An image of Ducky working on some paperwork appeared. " Hi Duck! "

" Oh! Hello my dear! What can do for you? "

" Gibbs wants you up here. The Manning's got three voice mails from our guy. He wants your view from what makes this guy tick. "

" I will be right up. "

" Okay. " And she turned off the call.

She turned to the other occupants of the room, all lost in thought.

" Did you manage a trace of calls Abby? " Asked Tim.

" No, I tried but there wasn't enough time. "

" Why call know? " Asked Ziva.

" He's nuts Ziva. "

" Not why call Tony. Why call now, at this moment. He seemed well aware that we were listening, he spoke to us. The message is for someone he knows, and that knows him back. "

" So how can he be sure that the message will be received? " Said Tim, picking up on her trail of thought.

" Exactly. "

" Maybe he thinks we'll show them to the intended receiver. " Said Tony

" How? We don't know who this person is! That was no names, no clues, nothing. " Replied Tim.

" Well this is fun, seeing you guys brainstorming, but I got tons of evidence to go through. So out! " Said Abby, shooing them with her hands.

" McGee, stay here and help with whatever she needs. " Said Gibbs walking toward the door. " The two of you, back to work! "