A Tangled Web 2/? - A Watcher!Abby fic
This is part of the Watcher!Abby series I co-author with strangevisitor7, the rest of which you can find here (links to her LJ). This is the second part of A Tangled Web.
Disclaimer: None of it's mine, not one little bit.
A Tangled Web
The two men sat regarding each other across Dr. Adam Clifford’s desk. Gibbs was scowling and waiting impatiently for Methos to speak. After a moment, Methos leaned back in his chair and sighed.
“Richie tells me that you know everything about us…” he said, leaving the statement hanging as a question. Richie may have revealed certain details to Gibbs, but Methos was so infuriated with Richie that he’d ended their phone conversation before he ascertained exactly how much.
“That’s correct,” Gibbs replied curtly, but a slight smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. The smile was mirrored by Methos.
“Well, anything he may have revealed while under duress can certainly be taken with a pinch of salt,” he said.
Gibbs leaned forward in his chair and regarded Methos intently.
“You mean the whole living forever unless someone removes your head? That wasn’t true? Because, if it wasn’t, then I’d love an explanation as to how he isn’t currently nursing a gunshot wound and why you’re not currently dead. Now can the games, Clifford. Is that even your name?” Gibbs demanded.
Methos resigned himself to telling Gibbs a version of the truth, something he wasn’t happy about no matter how small a part of the truth it may be. Gibbs knew too much about Immortals, but Methos was going to make damn sure he didn’t know any more about his own history than was strictly necessary to find his would-be murderer.
“At the moment, yes. And as the target of this crime was clearly Doctor Adam Clifford; that is the only name you need to know. If I think anything else is relevant, I’ll reveal it,” Methos replied.
“I’ll decide what’s relevant, Doctor. If you’re not going to cooperate, I’ll happily bust your ass for obstructing an investigation,” Gibbs retorted. Methos laughed.
“What investigation?”
“I’ll think of something,” Gibbs muttered. Methos held up his hand in a placatory gesture.
“Look, Agent Gibbs, if I was the intended target, then surely my assailant would have known that fire wouldn’t kill me. Ergo, it’s only logical to conclude that Adam Clifford was the target of a killer or killers unknown,” Methos reasoned. Gibbs nodded, forced to concede the point.
“So who’s got a beef against Clifford?”
*-*
Given the special nature of the investigation, Gibbs’ choices for partner were limited to the few people who knew about Immortals. He didn’t want to involve Abby and Ducky in the investigation beyond their fields, and he was still too pissed at Richie, so he was content to allow Clifford to help him. They separated, Gibbs going to question one of the nursing staff while Adam went to talk to one of the doctors.
The list of suspects had four names, two of whom had alibis for the time of the ‘murder’. Top of Gibbs’ list was a woman that Clifford had had a relationship with in the UK who was now a nurse at the hospital. Clifford had said the relationship ended badly, and that she had been avoiding him since his arrival.
For a man who’s only been here a couple of weeks, he’s sure made enough enemies. But Hell hath no fury… Gibbs thought to himself as he headed to the nurses’ station.
He found Maria Thatcher at the nurses’ station and took her aside to an empty staffroom. She proceeded to make them coffee, which wasn’t bad for filter.
“So, how can I help you Agent Gibbs?”
“I’m investigating the murder of Daniel Clifford,” he replied, watching her face for any reaction. He had to admit, he didn’t see any sign of recognition.
“I don’t see how I can help you. I don’t know anyone by that name. Was he a patient?” she asked, and Gibbs was sure she was genuine.
“We think the intended victim was his twin brother, Doctor Adam Clifford,” Gibbs explained and this time there was a definite reaction. Maria’s face darkened at the mention of Clifford, and she took a long drink of coffee before answering.
“I see. I didn’t know Dr. Clifford was in the DC area,” she replied. There was a definite tone of anger in her voice, but she was trying to keep it in check. Gibbs raised an eyebrow at her statement and pretended to check his notebook.
“According to our information, he’s been working in this hospital for two weeks. He’s on your floor and you haven’t seen him?” Gibbs said with a note of incredulity. Maria shook her head and smiled.
“I’ve been on vacation, staying with folks in Florida. I just got back today.”
Gibbs nodded. He’d have to check out her alibi, but it looked like he just lost his best suspect. He hoped Clifford was having better luck.
*-*
Methos entered the office of Captain Aaron Deckard, one of the staff surgeons he had noticed watching him over the last few weeks. It wasn’t much to go on, but he was as good a suspect as any to begin the investigation with.
Captain Deckard was seated at his desk, but he jumped up when Methos entered.
“Doctor Clifford, this is a surprise. Something I can do for you?” he asked nervously. Methos closed the door behind him and walked over to Deckard’s desk.
“I was just wondering why you dislike me, Captain,” he replied.
“Dislike?” Deckard made his way around the desk.
Methos readied himself for a confrontation, but Deckard stopped a few steps away from him. The man seemed even more nervous than when Methos had entered the room. He was fidgeting and shifting his weight as he stood there. Methos felt sure that he wanted to tell him something and excited that he might already have a lead he pressed the matter further.
“You’ve hardly said two words to me since I arrived, and yet you seem to be everywhere I go,” he said. Deckard didn’t respond; he just stood there, staring at Methos.
“I know you watch me,” Methos said, leaning closer to intimidate him, his voice barely a whisper.
“How could I not? That grace and intelligence, you’re a hard man to ignore,” Deckard replied, then suddenly grabbed Methos and pulled him in for a kiss.
*-*
“Well?” asked Gibbs as Methos hurried out of the office toward him.
“It isn’t him,” Methos replied, flushing a little. Gibbs fell into step with him and the two headed back toward Methos’ office.
As they reached the door, Gibbs’ cell began to ring. He stopped to answer it, indicating that Clifford should continue inside. He spoke briefly to Tony, who told him they had another body to investigate. A man approached while Gibbs was talking and waited patiently for the phone call to finish.
“Are you Agent Gibbs?” the man asked when he'd closed his cell. Gibbs nodded. “I’m Lieutenant Marks, sir. I heard you were investigating the death of Dr. Clifford’s brother? I think I have some relevant information.”
“What is it Lieutenant?”
“That man’s name isn’t Adam Clifford. I met him about ten years ago when he was using the name Adam Pierson. I don’t know if that’s his real name either,” Marks said, all the while keeping an eye on the door to Dr. Clifford’s office.
“Not illegal to change your name,” Gibbs replied, although internally he sighed. He’d only known about Immortals for a few days and already he was covering for one. The Lieutenant seemed to accept this though, and he left. Gibbs wasn’t sure whether to tell Clifford or not, but he could decide that later. He walked into Clifford’s office. “Got another body, similar MO,” he said curtly before walking back out again.
He knew he’d been rude, and maybe a little unfair, but he wasn’t comfortable with any of this situation. He didn’t owe Clifford anything, least of all access to any official investigation.
*-*
Several hours later, Methos was walking out to his rental when Gibbs pulled up at the kerb. Methos halted and waited for the agent to get out of the vehicle.
“I’m assuming there’s been a development,” Methos replied, slight amusement colouring his tone.
“Could say that,” Gibbs replied and the look on his face sobered Methos immediately. Gibbs handed him a photograph of a man in naval uniform. A man who bore a striking resemblance to Methos.
“If I didn’t know it was impossible, I’d say we were related. Who is he?”
“The latest victim. Burned the same way you were. Except this one isn’t getting up and nor are the two killed before you. Local LEO’s just decided to inform me there were two civilians killed with the same MO in the last year,” Gibbs replied.
“A serial killer? Ye gods and little fishes. There never was a motive, I just fit his ‘type’,” Methos said with a shiver. “Now how do we find him?”
“Now?” Gibbs said, striding back to the car. “Now we let Abs do her thing.”
Disclaimer: None of it's mine, not one little bit.
A Tangled Web
The two men sat regarding each other across Dr. Adam Clifford’s desk. Gibbs was scowling and waiting impatiently for Methos to speak. After a moment, Methos leaned back in his chair and sighed.
“Richie tells me that you know everything about us…” he said, leaving the statement hanging as a question. Richie may have revealed certain details to Gibbs, but Methos was so infuriated with Richie that he’d ended their phone conversation before he ascertained exactly how much.
“That’s correct,” Gibbs replied curtly, but a slight smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. The smile was mirrored by Methos.
“Well, anything he may have revealed while under duress can certainly be taken with a pinch of salt,” he said.
Gibbs leaned forward in his chair and regarded Methos intently.
“You mean the whole living forever unless someone removes your head? That wasn’t true? Because, if it wasn’t, then I’d love an explanation as to how he isn’t currently nursing a gunshot wound and why you’re not currently dead. Now can the games, Clifford. Is that even your name?” Gibbs demanded.
Methos resigned himself to telling Gibbs a version of the truth, something he wasn’t happy about no matter how small a part of the truth it may be. Gibbs knew too much about Immortals, but Methos was going to make damn sure he didn’t know any more about his own history than was strictly necessary to find his would-be murderer.
“At the moment, yes. And as the target of this crime was clearly Doctor Adam Clifford; that is the only name you need to know. If I think anything else is relevant, I’ll reveal it,” Methos replied.
“I’ll decide what’s relevant, Doctor. If you’re not going to cooperate, I’ll happily bust your ass for obstructing an investigation,” Gibbs retorted. Methos laughed.
“What investigation?”
“I’ll think of something,” Gibbs muttered. Methos held up his hand in a placatory gesture.
“Look, Agent Gibbs, if I was the intended target, then surely my assailant would have known that fire wouldn’t kill me. Ergo, it’s only logical to conclude that Adam Clifford was the target of a killer or killers unknown,” Methos reasoned. Gibbs nodded, forced to concede the point.
“So who’s got a beef against Clifford?”
*-*
Given the special nature of the investigation, Gibbs’ choices for partner were limited to the few people who knew about Immortals. He didn’t want to involve Abby and Ducky in the investigation beyond their fields, and he was still too pissed at Richie, so he was content to allow Clifford to help him. They separated, Gibbs going to question one of the nursing staff while Adam went to talk to one of the doctors.
The list of suspects had four names, two of whom had alibis for the time of the ‘murder’. Top of Gibbs’ list was a woman that Clifford had had a relationship with in the UK who was now a nurse at the hospital. Clifford had said the relationship ended badly, and that she had been avoiding him since his arrival.
For a man who’s only been here a couple of weeks, he’s sure made enough enemies. But Hell hath no fury… Gibbs thought to himself as he headed to the nurses’ station.
He found Maria Thatcher at the nurses’ station and took her aside to an empty staffroom. She proceeded to make them coffee, which wasn’t bad for filter.
“So, how can I help you Agent Gibbs?”
“I’m investigating the murder of Daniel Clifford,” he replied, watching her face for any reaction. He had to admit, he didn’t see any sign of recognition.
“I don’t see how I can help you. I don’t know anyone by that name. Was he a patient?” she asked, and Gibbs was sure she was genuine.
“We think the intended victim was his twin brother, Doctor Adam Clifford,” Gibbs explained and this time there was a definite reaction. Maria’s face darkened at the mention of Clifford, and she took a long drink of coffee before answering.
“I see. I didn’t know Dr. Clifford was in the DC area,” she replied. There was a definite tone of anger in her voice, but she was trying to keep it in check. Gibbs raised an eyebrow at her statement and pretended to check his notebook.
“According to our information, he’s been working in this hospital for two weeks. He’s on your floor and you haven’t seen him?” Gibbs said with a note of incredulity. Maria shook her head and smiled.
“I’ve been on vacation, staying with folks in Florida. I just got back today.”
Gibbs nodded. He’d have to check out her alibi, but it looked like he just lost his best suspect. He hoped Clifford was having better luck.
*-*
Methos entered the office of Captain Aaron Deckard, one of the staff surgeons he had noticed watching him over the last few weeks. It wasn’t much to go on, but he was as good a suspect as any to begin the investigation with.
Captain Deckard was seated at his desk, but he jumped up when Methos entered.
“Doctor Clifford, this is a surprise. Something I can do for you?” he asked nervously. Methos closed the door behind him and walked over to Deckard’s desk.
“I was just wondering why you dislike me, Captain,” he replied.
“Dislike?” Deckard made his way around the desk.
Methos readied himself for a confrontation, but Deckard stopped a few steps away from him. The man seemed even more nervous than when Methos had entered the room. He was fidgeting and shifting his weight as he stood there. Methos felt sure that he wanted to tell him something and excited that he might already have a lead he pressed the matter further.
“You’ve hardly said two words to me since I arrived, and yet you seem to be everywhere I go,” he said. Deckard didn’t respond; he just stood there, staring at Methos.
“I know you watch me,” Methos said, leaning closer to intimidate him, his voice barely a whisper.
“How could I not? That grace and intelligence, you’re a hard man to ignore,” Deckard replied, then suddenly grabbed Methos and pulled him in for a kiss.
*-*
“Well?” asked Gibbs as Methos hurried out of the office toward him.
“It isn’t him,” Methos replied, flushing a little. Gibbs fell into step with him and the two headed back toward Methos’ office.
As they reached the door, Gibbs’ cell began to ring. He stopped to answer it, indicating that Clifford should continue inside. He spoke briefly to Tony, who told him they had another body to investigate. A man approached while Gibbs was talking and waited patiently for the phone call to finish.
“Are you Agent Gibbs?” the man asked when he'd closed his cell. Gibbs nodded. “I’m Lieutenant Marks, sir. I heard you were investigating the death of Dr. Clifford’s brother? I think I have some relevant information.”
“What is it Lieutenant?”
“That man’s name isn’t Adam Clifford. I met him about ten years ago when he was using the name Adam Pierson. I don’t know if that’s his real name either,” Marks said, all the while keeping an eye on the door to Dr. Clifford’s office.
“Not illegal to change your name,” Gibbs replied, although internally he sighed. He’d only known about Immortals for a few days and already he was covering for one. The Lieutenant seemed to accept this though, and he left. Gibbs wasn’t sure whether to tell Clifford or not, but he could decide that later. He walked into Clifford’s office. “Got another body, similar MO,” he said curtly before walking back out again.
He knew he’d been rude, and maybe a little unfair, but he wasn’t comfortable with any of this situation. He didn’t owe Clifford anything, least of all access to any official investigation.
*-*
Several hours later, Methos was walking out to his rental when Gibbs pulled up at the kerb. Methos halted and waited for the agent to get out of the vehicle.
“I’m assuming there’s been a development,” Methos replied, slight amusement colouring his tone.
“Could say that,” Gibbs replied and the look on his face sobered Methos immediately. Gibbs handed him a photograph of a man in naval uniform. A man who bore a striking resemblance to Methos.
“If I didn’t know it was impossible, I’d say we were related. Who is he?”
“The latest victim. Burned the same way you were. Except this one isn’t getting up and nor are the two killed before you. Local LEO’s just decided to inform me there were two civilians killed with the same MO in the last year,” Gibbs replied.
“A serial killer? Ye gods and little fishes. There never was a motive, I just fit his ‘type’,” Methos said with a shiver. “Now how do we find him?”
“Now?” Gibbs said, striding back to the car. “Now we let Abs do her thing.”