That's because you don't accuse Ziva of murder... you assume she did it. :lol:
Kidding, kidding.
As far as Palmer, I was confused too, especially since Tony calls him the "Autopsy Gremlin"... But it's just funny, because the two of them seem the most unlikely people to be talking secretively in the evidence garage. I think that it was like what someone else said- Tony turned to him sometimes while he was team leader.
And I guess that makes sense, because Tony doesn't seem like the type that, when team leader, would turn to the team when he's perplexed about something. He would go to a third party to talk it out. And I guess Palmer was just easier for some reason...
I really loved this episode, though. I think Gibbs' reactions to some of the things Tony was doing was hysterical. Also, Tony's angst at realizing he made a big mistake was so well portrayed. The scenes between Tony and Abby in her lab were adorable.
All in all, great episode.