Beyond Rule 12

Shadows And Light

The office was abuzz with activity as the team gathered around the briefing table. The case they were assigned to was as baffling as it was unsettling. A series of grisly murders had been linked to a possible serial killer, but so far, every lead seemed to go cold. Noelle's mood was noticeably darker, a stark contrast to her usually focused demeanor. The tension of the recent revelation about Gibbs had taken a toll on her. She was determined to move on, but the weight of the situation clung to her like a shroud.

In the lab, Abby Sciuto was humming to herself as she meticulously examined evidence from the case. Noelle walked in, her demeanor subdued. Abby looked up, her bright smile dimming slightly at Noelle's somber expression.

"Hey, Noelle, you look like you've been dragged through the mud and back," Abby said, her tone a mix of concern and curiosity. "What's up?"

Noelle took a deep breath, knowing that if there was one person she could trust with her personal struggles, it was Abby. She glanced around the lab, ensuring that no one else was in earshot. "Abby, can I talk to you about something... personal?"

Abby's eyes widened. "Of course! What's going on?"

Noelle hesitated, searching for the right words. "It's about Gibbs. I found out he's seeing someone, and it's been messing with my head. I thought I could handle it, but..."

Abby's expression softened with empathy. "Oh, sweetie, I'm so sorry. That sounds really tough."

Noelle nodded, feeling a pang of relief just from voicing her feelings. "Yeah, it's been rough. I just want to move on, but it's like my brain won't let me. I told myself I'd get over it, but..."

Abby moved closer, placing a comforting hand on Noelle's shoulder. "Well, you don't have to go through it alone. You know I'm here for you, right?"

Noelle managed a weak smile. "I know, and I really appreciate it. I just didn't know how to handle it, you know? So I figured I'd come here."

Abby's eyes twinkled with a mischievous glint. "You know, I've got a scientific method for getting through emotional turmoil. It involves loud music, chocolate, and lots of dancing. Trust me, it works wonders!"

Noelle chuckled, her mood lifting slightly. "I might take you up on that. But for now, just talking helps."

"Anytime," Abby said warmly. "And if you need more than just a chat—like a dance party or some crazy science experiments—I'm your girl."

Noelle felt a genuine smile form on her lips. "Thanks, Abby. I think I'll take you up on that offer. But first, let's get through this case."

As the day progressed, the team focused on their investigation. The case was growing increasingly perplexing. They had traced the killer to a dilapidated house in a rough part of town. The address had been flagged as a potential hideout for their suspect. The atmosphere was tense as the team prepared to move out.

Tony and Noelle were assigned to search the property. As they arrived, the eerie silence of the abandoned neighborhood set the tone. They approached the house cautiously, their senses on high alert.

"This place gives me the creeps," Tony remarked, his voice low. "You sure this is the right address?"

Noelle nodded, her mood reflective. "Yeah, this is it. Let's check it out."

The inside of the house was as dismal as the exterior. Dust-covered furniture, peeling wallpaper, and broken windows created a scene straight out of a horror movie. Tony and Noelle split up to cover more ground. Tony took the downstairs while Noelle headed upstairs, her footsteps echoing on the creaky wooden stairs.