As soon as they were seated in the car, it took only a glance at each other and they were leaning close, kissing deeply. When they broke apart Tony told her, I don't think we have to worry about keeping our relationship a secret. Just as long as we don't flaunt it.

What do you mean? She asked nuzzling her cheek to his. He proceeded to tell her about the aftermath of her nightmare. She'd been completely unaware of anyone else in the room.

Tony! God! How am I going to face them?

You did fine with Gibbs. Tony gave her another quick kiss. Smile for the surveillance cameras, he told her as he shifted into gear and headed for her apartment.

They rode in a companionable silence, the lateness of the hour and Kate's sedative hangover making her content to gaze idly out her window. Headlights in the rearview mirror captured her attention, sticking with them through several lane changes. She looked over at Tony whose eyes were busy moving between the road and his mirror with the well-practiced flicks of someone experienced in surveillance.

Hey, Tony... The gray sedan?

Yup. He's been with us since we left NCIS. Are you armed?

No, and even if I were, I'm not so sure my aim would be any good right now. Are you?

Yes and no. I have a gun locker in the trunk, key's on the ring.

Kate eyed the vehicle in the side view mirror again. What do you suppose he's doing, surveillance or targeting?

I don't know, but I think we're about to find out. Tony made a decision; he trusted her abilities as an agent, but he wouldn't needlessly put her at risk. Sorry, Hon, but we're not going to your place. He made some calculated moves to get them off the expressway. If it lost their unwanted friend, so much the better. When he was satisfied with their new course, he turned to Kate and grinned. You get to spend tonight in my bed.

Kate just stared at him before realizing he was leading the tail away from her home. Despite the seriousness of the situation, she gave a light laugh. Hope you have clean sheets.

Clean sheets I have, but the food's all at your place. We can scare up something to eat, but it's not going to be gourmet anything. He was still grinning, but he was scanning the neighborhood, and checking out his mirror. He knew where he was and he knew a couple of good shortcuts home from here. The big question was did their tail know where he lived? Going on the assumption that their pursuer had not scouted his neighborhood, Tony sped through a series of alleys and narrow streets. As long as there were no unfriendlies ahead of him, he should have the advantage.

As the car skidded around the corner and into a parking space, Kate's practiced eye sized up the situation in the parking lot. Lighting was provided by a few security lights spaced around the lot, casting a sodium yellow glow and warped shadows from trees and cars on the tarmac. Where the light reached the building the weaker beams ricocheted off the roof and building corners, splashing angled shadows on the concrete walkway in front of the garden level apartments, one of which was Tony's. Her Secret Service training allowed her to spot the hazards and safe zones quickly, as he killed the engine and snagged the keys from the ignition.

They raced toward Tony's apartment, nearly reaching it when a shot rang out. Tony suddenly found himself slammed up against the wall, deeply shadowed from the corner balcony above, Kate's body covering his. Her attention was focused on the parking lot, her stance protective as she assessed the threat while Tony eyed the bullet-creased concrete that marked the spot where they'd been seconds before.

Now that's just not right, shooting at a man in front of his own door. Selecting two keys off the ring, Tony reclaimed Kate's attention. This is the door key and this is for the gun locker in the bedroom closet. I'm going to head back that way, he indicated a shadow-splotched path and Kate nodded approval. With luck, he'll take the bait. Arm yourself and bring one back for me; I don't think it's safe to go for my trunk. Again she nodded. He gave her a quick kiss and said, as he turned down the shaded and uneven path toward the pool.

The minute he took off Kate crouched low and bolted for the door. The sound of two more shots behind her fizzed through her awareness, but she did not let it distract her. If they were going to survive, they had to trust each other. Within seconds she had the door open, and slid through the smallest possible opening. She dashed to the bedroom and quickly felt around for the closet light switch. She dropped to her knees as she spotted the locker and rammed the key in the lock. Scanning the weapons it contained, she wasted no time in selecting the familiar Sig Sauer for herself and the Beretta for Tony. As she grabbed the clips and slammed them home, she spotted the sheathed nine-inch hunting knife. Eyes lighting, she stuffed the now loaded pistols in the waistband of her shorts and snatched up the knife as well, pleased to see the sheath had ties. She slammed the locker closed and expertly strapped the knife to her thigh. Then she drew the Sig and flew back to the living room.

Before exiting, she twitched the curtain near the door. No one was waiting for her. Next, she slowly opened the door a crack, gun ready. Nothing; she eased it open a bit more and saw Tony, back in the shadows where they'd started. His head was turned away from her; she carefully assessed the shadows he faced before attempting to slither out to the cover of the large rosebush. As she nestled under a large cluster of pink blooms, she saw her partner's fingers flicker. She smiled grimly; now that she knew he'd seen her, she watched and waited. His stance changed slightly and so did hers as she readied herself for whatever he needed from her.

Tony had led their shooter on a merry little chase. He wore a nasty smile, grateful for the number of times he'd run around the complex just for fun. He only hoped he'd given Kate enough time. When he caught her slipping through his door from the corner of his eye, he was ready with a plan to take out this scumbag. He waved his fingertips casually to let her know he'd seen her, then he gave her a moment before signaling their next move.

Kate stayed put as instructed and watched as Tony bounded toward another shadow near the corner of the building. The shot was expected, but the shooter stayed hidden from her view. She looked up; her partner now facing her. He cocked his head toward the shooter then motioned toward his car. Kate made a quick threat assessment. She didn't like it, but there was no better option. She nodded and readied her weapon. Tony took off and the shooter stepped forward. Still in shadow, but the muzzle flash visible to her, she'd sighted the threat.

Tony was behind her in a flash, slipping the other gun from the waistband of her shorts. NCIS. We don't like being followed or shot at, so I'd say you just pissed off the wrong people. Tony rolled his eyes as distant sirens drew closer. I'll call Gibbs and get him to call off the local dogs.

Kate nodded, moving around to face the man she held at gunpoint, eyeing him critically. You're the guy from Lynn Holder's murder! she gasped, recognizing the hard glint in his eyes.

Hearing Kate's words caused the to man lunge for her. He grabbed her arm as she fired at him, the bullet grazing his scalp. Blood poured from the wound as the two struggled for the weapon. Suddenly Kate made an unusual move and then they both stood oddly still, the only sound the hitching gasps of the prisoner. Slowly, inexplicably, he raised his open hand, gun dangling unthreateningly from his index finger. Kate never moved a muscle, but Tony heard her low snarl, I've had a lousy night. Do you really want to piss me off again?

N-n-no lady, please! Look, just let me go! He looked like he really wanted to shake his head, but made no move. As Tony stepped over to relieve the man of his proffered weapon, he saw the reason for the sudden capitulation. Kate had his hunting knife pressed tightly to his throat.

Oh, I don't think she's going to let you go. And I really wouldn't so much as breathe wrong. She really has had a rotten night. Tony looked at Kate and grinned. He could not wait to be alone with her.

Gibbs rolled into the parking lot scant minutes later. The scene that greeted him confounded all logic. Hi, Kate. Why are you holding him at knifepoint? Tony's got a gun on him.

Because I. Don't. Trust. Him. She spat out each word as if it would leave a bad taste in her mouth otherwise.

He looks pretty calm to me. Don't you think, Tony? Gibbs came over and led the now handcuffed man to the back of the car.

Well, considering he followed us from the office, shot at us several times, went for Kate's gun, got shot in the process and had to be restrained with a knife to the throat before he'd calm down, I'm kinda thinking Kate might have a point. Besides, I wouldn't argue with her right now.

Gibbs looked at the dazed and tired prisoner. I'd say you picked the wrong day to mess with my team.