Ok, I still don't own. I still wish I did.

The first song bit is the song Sin from Android Lust.

I also pretend that the songs 'Poker Face' by Lady Gaga, and 'Halo' by the Pussycat Dolls are songs that Abby wrote. The final song lyrics I use are made up by me, so I own them. I also reference 'Circus' and 'Womanizer' by Britney Spears and 'Rehab' by Rihanna. I don't own those.

Reviews are like Gibbs kissing Abby on the cheek. I live for it 

________________________

"Grab your gear" Gibbs slammed down the phone and reached for his gun and badge. He tossed the keys to Ziva and sent McGee for Ducky and Palmer. "A dead sailor, Macy Barnes, she's been on leave and was found dead outside Tunes, a jazz club."

"Motive?"

"Yes, DiNozzo, they've already got a motive and the killer. We're just going to have a look."

"Right boss, we'll figure out the motive."

Ziva stood behind them in the elevator and rolled her eyes.

---

"Time of death, Duck?"

"About 5-6 hours ago. Her throat was slit, and just from a quick look, it was a small knife with a sharp blade. Judging from the amount of blood, she was killed right here. From what I can see, I don't think there was a sign of struggle."

"Hey boss, I spoke to the manager and he said that Macy was part of an artist development show that was held last night. He said she left out the back door with a guy in a suit, but didn't remember what he looked like, but McSpycam is working on security tapes. He said that from afar their conversation looked professional, like maybe he was a talent scout. He also said that he had spoken to Macy and she was looking to start a music career- that she was done with the Navy." Tony rattled off the details from his notepad.

"Was there not there a killing at that talent show down town a few weeks ago? A girl found dead out back?" Ziva thought back to what she had heard on the news.

"Oh yes, I do remember something about that. I do hope you catch this killer before any other young women suffer the same fate" Ducky said, pulling the zipper of the body bag closed.

---

Abby tapped her foot in time to the music blaring in her lab and sang along to Android Lust while her fingers flew over the keyboard at her computer.

"You taught me to lie
I taught you to fake it
you asked me to take it with no explanation …"

"Who's faking what, Abbs?" Gibbs asked, setting a Caf-Pow by her right hand.

"Gibbs! I was at the best concert last night. It was Android Lust. You know how much I love them. Anyway, the sound was amazing, the lighting was perfect" She paused to take a sip from the Caf-Pow in her hand "and I had so much fun. It was just amazing, amazing absolutely amazing! I can't wait until their next show. I'm thinking of driving to the show in Jersey tonight. I know it's a bit of a drive, but you know, I really don't mind the drive. I'm sure I could convince some friends to go. You… You could come along if you want. I doubt you'd want to go, not that I don't think you have good taste in music, because you do, but I just don't see you at an Android Lust show."

"Abby…"

Abby searched his eyes and then something clicked "Oh, you need me here tonight, don't you?"

Gibbs nodded and gave her an apologetic look.

"It's ok. I don't think they could pull off two such great shows in a row, anyway."

"I'll make it up to you Abbs."

"Gibbs, how kink, er, rude. You should tell Tony to take it down a level."

Gibbs raised an eyebrow at Abby's sudden and drastic change in demeanor and turned slightly to follow her line of sight. His lips twitched upward in a small smile as Hollis Mann strode into the lab "Jethro, I've been looking for you."

"Ah, anyways… Gibbs, I'll call when I've had a chance to finish enhancing the surveillance video that McGee brought down." Abby spun back to her computer, her eyes wide as bit her lower lip. She knew about the relationship between Gibbs and Hollis, and mostly she tried not to care, but there had always been tension between her and Hollis. She didn't notice so much when she was in the bullpen, but when Hollis stepped into her lab, she felt like her territory was being threatened. She didn't like it.

---

A week later and they were no closer to solving the death of their sailor-turned-singer. After comparing notes with the local police, they were fairly certain that the two deaths were related. Both young women had been killed, their throats slit, behind music venues after some sort of a talent search, or artist promotion. Both women were, almost desperately, hoping to drop their day jobs and pursue music full time.

Abby was spinning circles on the chair in her lab when she heard someone clearing their throat in the doorway. Abby put her feet down, and the world stopped spinning around her. She shook the last bit of dizziness from her mind and looked up "What can I do for you, director?

Jenny had a smile on her face. She didn't think she would ever completely understand this Goth woman in the lab, but that was ok. "You ok? A little dizzy?"

Abby grinned "A little, want to try?"

Jenny shook her head "No. I'm good, thanks Abby. The reason I'm here, is because of the case. I've been speaking with Agent Fornell and the FBI and we'll be working together. We've come up with an idea to flush out this mystery man."

"Major mass Spec and I are at your service."

"Good."

"So yeah, just bring me what you've got that needs processing. I don't have anything else running right now."

"It's not your lab that I need, it's you."

"Me?"

"Abby… you can sing, right?"

"Oh, I sing all the time. I mean, you probably wouldn't really hear me because I've got my music turned up so loud, but in fact, earlier you should've seen me, I was twirling around here like a diva. A hair brush makes for a great microphone."

"No, Abby… I mean, you can sing in front of people. On a stage, can't you?"

"Well, I don't… I've never sung on stage before. Well, there was that one time when I was out with my friends and they made me do a horrible remix of 'I will survive' on the karaoke stage."

"Abby, there is another artist promotion event in the DC area in just over three weeks. We think that this man has been posing as a talent scout, and that he will likely be at this upcoming event. We want to try and create an 'artist' that is similar to the two previous women that have been killed, in hopes that he will try and make his move. Abby, I think you may be the one to pull it off."

"I… you want… You think I could be a pop-star? What about Ziva?"

"I want as many agents in that club. I need her in the crowd."

"Well, ok. I guess. What song will I do?"

"More like songs… We've book an hour-long time slot for the show."

"An hour?"

"It won't be all singing and dancing. It will be like a professional show with wardrobe changes, and… don't worry Abby, you'll be well prepared."

"But you said it's in, like, three weeks? How will I ever get all this figured out by then? I…"

"I've got a team of professionals that will help you. This is your only focus for the next three weeks."

"But my lab?"

"The FBI is sending someone over to take your place in the lab while you work on this. Don't worry, your lab will be in safe hands and will be waiting for your return. Ah, here comes Sam now… Abby, this is Sam. He'll be taking care of your lab."

Abby looked from Sam to the machines in her lab and then back to Sam.

He reached out his hand in a friendly gesture "Don't worry, I've been working in forensics for nearly 20 years. I understand your attachment to your machines. I'll take good care of them."

Abby nodded.

"Ok Abby, grab your stuff. I need to introduce you to your talent team. They are waiting up in my office." Jenny turned towards the exit. Abby hung up her lab coat and grabbed her jacket and purse before following after the director. Five steps out of her lap she turned and rushed back through the doors to grab her stuffed hippo.

Up in the director's office, Abby was shocked to see twelve people seated around the large table.

"Abby, have a seat. Let me introduce everyone." Jenny waved to an open chair before shutting the door behind her. "First of all, this is Brittany. She will work on the music with you, your voice, some song writing, etc. We spoke earlier and agree that it will be more convincing if you perform a few original songs, along with a few covers. Then we have Sarah, she will be responsible for your make up, and Ken, he will do your hair and work with you on your wardrobe for the show. Devon is a choreographer. The others, Kelly, Eric, Diana, Sean, Laura, Keith and Julie will all be doing backup dancing."

"Wait, backup dancing? I'll be dancing too?"

"Abby, both dead women had some suggestive sexual undertones in their music in their show. We need your show to be the same."

"I see."

"So for the next three weeks you'll be meeting at Devon's studio on 35th street. Keep me updated."

---

Gibbs watched curiously as Abby bounded down the stairs from the director's office with a group of twelve people following behind her. She was talking animatedly, her hands all over the place, as they usually were when she was excited about something. They could be her friends, maybe. They aren't agents, they're wearing visitors' passes, but they aren't dressed like the majority of Abby's friends either, Gibbs thought. He watched as they all piled into the elevator, likely headed down to Abby's lab.

Hollis stepped into his sight and it brought him back "Jethro, did you hear a word of what I just said?"

"Huh? Oh, sorry. What?"

"Jethro, I was talking to you, and you completely ignored me. Are you ok?"

"Sorry, just thinking. What do you need?"

"Well for starters, I need to you sign these" Hollis handed him an old report "and second… well, you'll figure out later."

Gibbs fought the smile that twitched on his lips.

The day progressed without excitement. As the afternoon drew to a close Gibbs made a trip down to the lab to see Abby. Besides the case of the dead sailor, the day was slow and he hadn't had an excuse to visit since he had delivered her morning Caf-Pow.

He was pleasantly surprised that the lab was silent. It wasn't a bad silent, his gut wasn't twisted with worry, it was a peaceful quiet, perhaps between songs, or the end of the CD. He rounded the corner and nearly tripped over his own feet when he saw a strange man in a lab coat tinkering with Abby's beloved Major Mass Spec.

"Who the hell are you?" he spat.

Sam spun around at the sudden break in silence "I… I'm… I'm Sam, forensic specialist for the FBI."

Oh no, did Jenny try this whole Abby-needs-help thing again? "Where's Abby?"

"She, uh… she was moved. I don't know the… the details, all I know is that I'm her… her replacement." Sam was fairly certain that this man in front of him was ready to break his neck.

"Who placed you here?"

"Director Shepard, sir."

Gibbs was out the door before the word 'sir' passed Sam's lips. The elevator ride up to the bullpen seemed to take double the time it normally took, but once the doors opened, he was up the stairs to the director's office in half the time as usual.

"Jethro, no need to knock, make yourself comfortable." Jenny said sarcastically as he barged through her door with Cynthia on his heels.

"Director I tried to…"

"It's ok Cynthia." Jenny waved her out.

"Abby." Gibbs drew out her name, emphasizing both syllables.

"What about Abby?"

"She's gone, Jen. Where did you send her? I want her back, now."

Jenny stacked the files on her desk, and then dug around for a post-it note in her desk. "Relax." She smoothed the yellow sticky note on the top file and scribbled a short note for Cynthia.

"I will not relax." Gibbs slammed his hands down on her desk "If you don't bring her back, I'll… I'll…"

"I know, you'll quit, or retire, whatever you'd like to call it this time. But Jethro, trust me, just relax. She's not gone for good. I've assigned her to your case of the dead sailor."

Gibbs was pacing back and forth in front of her desk, long determined strides. "Assigned her to my case? She's not an agent."

"I know, but she can sing." Jenny waited for Gibbs to take a seat before explaining Abby's role in the case.

"So what you're telling me is that you are using her as bait?"

"Well… the word bait seems a bit harsh."

"No Jen, I won't allow it. Call her back in here. I can't let you set her up to get hurt. This is crossing the line. She isn't an agent. You can't do this."

"She's already agreed. She will have all the protection that is needed, I know that you and your team won't let any harm come to her. Fornell's team will be in on this sting and I'll have Hollis on the inside as well. Nothing will happen to Abby, I'll make sure of it. I promise."

"And these people she'll be working with?"

"Have all been screened by the FBI, and gone through several interviews. She's in good hands. I know Abby isn't a field agent, but you've got to believe that I would never put Abby in harm's way on purpose. Plus, she's got you to look out for her."

Gibbs stood and walked to the door, "If anything happens to her, Jen… I mean it."

"She'll be fine, Jethro."

---

Just before 7am, Abby pulled up to Devon's studio. She was a little unsure of the whole thing, but she always enjoyed a new adventure.

Devon greeted her at the front counter "Hi Abby! Brittany is waiting in studio one, this first week will be all about the music. We can't exactly put a dance routine together without music. So once you've got the songs figured out, I'll work on a routine and we can start rehearsing next week."

"Great, thanks" Abby followed the signs to studio one, and stepped inside. Brittany sat at a piano, making small notes on a sheet of music.

"Hey Abby, are you ready to get started?"

"I think so…" Abby dropped her coat and bag into a chair by the door.

"Ok, so I was thinking that we'll do five covers and three that we'll write together. It'll make you seem more 'real' as an artist to this guy compared to if we just did covers. Ideally I'd rather have them all originals, but we don't have that kind of time. Something like this would normally take six months to a year to plan out. We've got three weeks."

"I feel so confident."

"Oh, you've got a great team together here. It'll be fine. So let's start with the covers that I've picked for you. I'd like to do 'When I grow up' by the Pussycat Dolls, 'Circus' and 'Womanizer' by Britney Spears and 'Umbrella' by Rihanna."

"Hold up, none of this is really my type of music, in fact I cringe at the thought of singing those lyrics but I can deal with that, but Umbrella, ella, ella…? I don't think I can do it. I'm sorry."

"We can take a look at some of her other songs. We just need a wide range of 'popish' songs to try and attract this guy. Here look through some of the other songs she's done."

Abby looked through the lyrics of a few other songs. The lyrics of one of the songs stood out.

Baby, baby, when we first met
I never felt something so strong
You were like my lover and my best friend
All wrapped into on, with a ribbon on it

And all of a sudden, when you left
I didn't know how to follow, it's like a shot
That spun me around and now my heart left
I feel so empty and hollow…

Yes, this song was good. "How about Rehab?"

"Oh, well… sure, we can do that one. Here I've got the songs on CD for you to take home and listen to, sing along, whatever. Just know the words when you come in tomorrow. As for the rest of today, we need to work on writing a few more songs. So first, I need to know what you're thinking about."

"I'm a forensic scientist. I think a lot about bullets and blood."

"No… Abby you're a woman. You must think about men. Is there a special man in your life?"

"Yes… well, no. Not really."

A wide smile spread across Brittany's face. "Abby, I need details!"

"I… can't tell. I've told no one."

"I have to know Abby. It's like doctor-patient confidentiality, only singer-songwriter. I promise it won't leave this room." Brittany pleaded with her eyes and Abby gave in.

"Oh, what the hell." Abby threw her hands in the air in surrender "It's my boss."

"Jenny Shepard?"

"Oh God, no! It's Special Agent Gibbs." Both Abby and Brittany fought back a giggle before breaking out into laughter.

"Oh… I don't think I met him. Tell me about him."

"He's perfect. But you would know if you've met him. He's not exactly forgettable." Abby's voice was a whisper.

Brittany urged her to continue. "… and?"

"That's just it, he's perfect, but he's taken." Brittany gave her an encouraging look and Abby continued "He's always been there for me. He's protected me when I needed it. He brings me Caf-Pows in the morning, and kisses my cheek when he leaves the room. He makes my knees weak. We've got this crazy supernatural connection, he always knows when I have results and just magically shows up in my lab. He's magic, I swear! He's currently dating Lieutenant Colonel Hollis Mann, I mean, I guess I'm happy for him, that's all I really want, for him to be happy, but I'm jealous. She's always interrupting our moments. Before she showed up I was content with just our little moments that we had in my lab, I know I can't have him, but I had those moments, and now she's always barging in like she owns the place." Abby stopped when she saw Brittany start to smile "What?"

"Oh, I'm just thinking that we've got a crazy amount of material to work with."

"Hey, this is my life." Abby protested.

"And misery is material."

Abby shrugged and rolled her eyes. "Alright, then it looks like this will be a two disk CD-set."

By the end of the day they were sitting into the studio bouncing along to the music for the first song they had created. Brittany had come up with an idea of a song about hiding her feels, and Abby had come up with the idea about using her 'Poker face'. On more than one occasion she had been able to convince the team to play poker with her down in the lab. Usually it was when they had a break in a case or were waiting for lab results. Ducky was the only one who had been able to crack her poker face. Not even Gibbs was sure when she was bluffing.

Brittany started the track over and Abby stepped up to the microphone to record.

I wanna hold 'em like they do in Texas Plays
Fold 'em let 'em hit me raise it baby stay with me, I love it
Luck and intuition play the cards with Spades to start
And after he's been hooked I'll play the one that's on his heart

Oh, oh, oh
I'll get him hot, show him what I've got
Oh, oh, oh
I'll get him hot, show him what I've got

Can't read my, can't read my
No he can't read my poker face
Can't read my, can't read my
No he can't read my poker face…

Abby sung through the rest of the song.

"That's great, Abby! Let's just redo the first eight bars."

When Abby finished she stepped out of the recording booth and Brittany pressed playback and they listened.

"Paired with great dance moves, it'll be a slap to the face for that Hollis woman."

Abby laughed and then pulled Brittany into a tight hug "I like you."

---

Out of habit, Gibbs first stop of the morning was Abby's lab, Caf-Pow in hand. The door slid open and he suddenly remembered that Abby wasn't around. He dropped the Caf-Pow in the trash and left the lab. When he got to his desk he flicked his cell phone open and pressed the speed dial for Abby's phone.

Her cheerful voice broke the silence "Hey, it's Abby. I must be reaaaallly busy if I'm not answering my phone. Leave a message and I'll call you back. Maybe."

Gibbs decided against leaving a message and closed his phone again.