I DO NOT OWN NCIS OR ANY OF ITS CHARACTERS!

DUCK CALLING

Ch. 1

"I don't know Abby. Is this really your kind of thing?" Tony asked tilting his head looking over the lab tech's newest attire.

"Sure Tony, I researched the outfit on line, so I would fit right in," Abby adjusted her camouflage cap in the mirror.

"I wasn't referring to the outfit, though you will probably blend right in with the others. I meant, well, you're an animal lover right?"

"Of course. Oh, I see," Abby turned quickly to look into her friend's face. She smiled at his concern, "I don't want to participate. As a matter of fact I hope to thwart the efforts of the others." She pulled a wooden whistle-like object from her hidden pocket.

"Is that what I think it is?" Tony smirked. "You know that attracts the targets?"

"Yes. That's why I'll be a mile or so away and hopefully no one gets a chance to aim at any of them."

Tony shook his head. He had to hand it to her, she had a plan; but he wasn't sure how successful she'd be. There was one way to check it out.

"Hey Abs. Why don't you try it out?" he encouraged.

"Here? Not sure it'll attract too many inside," she shrugged. She was curious about how the whistle would sound any way. She put it to her lips and gave her best impression.

Quack. Quack. Quack. Quack.

Tony and Abby both laughed finding it silly. "I just hope those wild ducks find it enticing."

The door suddenly swished open bringing a visitor rushing in attempting to catch his breath from the quick trip to the lab. Tony looked at Abby who stood wide eyed and open mouthed at her visitor before looking back to Tony. After a second or two they both doubled over in laughter.

"What is so funny?" the medical examiner asked clearly not amused at their reaction to his entrance.

"It's just," Tony sputtered trying to talk over his laughter.

"Yeah, Ducky," Abby attempted to convey what had triggered their outburst. She held up the whistle for Dr. Mallard to see.

Recognizing the object she held he still wasn't sure of its connection. "If you two have quite finished I have come to collect the belongings of our young petty officer. He has been released and with the case closed the family would like the personal effects as well."

"Of course, Ducky," Abby giggled as she went to gather the items.

Tony hid his mouth as he tried to regain his composure. Unable to contain his mirth he made an ungraceful exit.

Ducky scowled as he watched the agent depart. "Really Abigail, what is with the two of you?"

Taking a deep breath Abby regrouped. Without her cohort around to exacerbate the situation she smiled good humoredly, "You see Ducky, I was testing my new whistle and no sooner had I blown through it you came running through the door. You know like the duck call called the Duck."

The older man shook his head. "Well I guess now when I say if you ever need me all you need to do is whistle, you'll be prepared." He smiled as took the box from Abby and turned to leave. As the doors slid open again he heard the distinct: Quack. Quack. Quack. Quack.

He looked back over his shoulder to see Abby tilt her head and shrug with a sultry smile on her lips. "I can always use a good Duck man."

"And you can ruffle my feathers any time, my dear," Ducky replied leaving Abby open mouthed again.

'Huh, we shall see my little Ducky. We shall see,' Abby plotted.