She was standing at the window looking out at Lieutenant Holder. Her body was bent awkwardly over the edge of a metal bed frame, her head at an unnatural angle against the Dumpster. She could hear Emily Pederson behind her, raspy voiced from too many cigarettes, telling her over and over, Lynn just wanted some fresh air. We both go out there all the time. She kept pointing to the fire escape, insisting that Lynn must have slipped on something. Over by the ladder, go check.

Kate was suspicious, but she'd planned to go out there anyway. She wanted one more photo of Lieutenant Holder; an angle she couldn't get from inside. Warily she stepped out onto the platform. It shook slightly, but seemed okay. Maneuvering around, she was having trouble getting the angle she wanted. The irritating Emily's words now just so much noise in the background of Kate's mind, she moved closer to the ladder to get the picture. As she found the spot she wanted, she shifted her feet and leaned to focus... Airborne... wind rushing by... dead...

Kate's eyes flew open as she sat bolt upright in the car seat. She was shaking and gasping for breath.

Kate! Kate, I'm here! Tony reached a hand back to her, but she was still caught between illusion and reality.

Gibbs had turned around in his seat and was shocked to find Kate white as a sheet, trembling violently and barely able to breathe. Her pupils were dilated and clearly fixed on some image left from the dream.

Tony knew they were close to the office. He also knew that Kate needed his help now. Deciding that she couldn't wait, he quickly pulled onto the shoulder of the road, stopped the car and slid into the back seat. Wrapping his arms around her, he began whispering in her ear, reassuring her. He ran one hand gently up and down her back to help her regain control of her breathing. All under the suspiciously watchful eye of Gibbs.



Just drive, Boss. Please.

Gibbs stared him down for another full minute. When the younger man didn't so much as blink, he got out and moved to the driver's seat. Pulling into the NCIS parking lot a handful of minutes later, Gibbs turned around to check on his rattled team members. They hadn't changed position, but Kate seemed much improved -- her breathing was slow and even, her color looked better and her shaking seemed to have subsided.

Tony pulled away from Kate slightly, and tipped her chin up so he could see her face. We're back to the office now. Are you going to be okay?

Kate took a shuddering breath, Yeah, I think so. But that one was the worst yet. There was more, and I have to remember it!

I know, and you will. Right now, just take it easy, okay?

She shot a fast look towards Gibbs, before whispering to Tony, I need a minute or two. I'll meet you inside.

I'll catch up with you in a little bit. Tony waited until after Kate had left the car, then turned around and faced Gibbs. Say it.



Tony rolled his eyes. Boss, you could have shattered glass with that glare. Just say it.

Well, I was shocked to see you wrap yourself around her like that. I wasn't aware you'd become that close. Gibbs carefully watched the younger man's response.

We told you about the nightmares earlier; you can see how bad it is. She honestly believed that she was dead when she fell. Pardon us if we actually took some time to talk to each other outside the office. Tony sighed and glanced out the window before looking back at his boss. I'm sorry if it bothers you, but it isn't like I haven't helped out others before. And so have you. He knew he was walking a very fine line here, because there was one hell of a lot more going on between Kate and himself, but now was not the time to play with that bit of fire.

Gibbs watched Tony for a moment before responding. Is that all?

For now? Yeah. Anything else? Tony received a negative shake from the older man's silvered head. He climbed out of the car and headed for the building.

Gibbs sat there for another minute. With a muttered, he exited the vehicle and followed his agents.