Kate sat in the back seat once again, her head back and eyes closed. She discovered that as long as she didn't try to breathe, her ribs didn't seem to hurt too bad. She only hoped she'd left Emily with a few painful reminders of their encounter as well.

Hey, Kate, Tony spoke up suddenly. When we were out on the fire escape you said something odd. Something about getting pissed'? What did you mean?

She thought back and tried to replay the whole thing in her mind. They'd been out on the platform; she realized that by staying close to the wall and holding on to Tony she was fairly safe, so she wanted to look around some. Leaning over the end of the ladder, she could see how Lieutenant Holder could have gone off the fire escape and landed where she did. But it would have required another person for it to happen.

I think I figured out how Lieutenant Holder was murdered. Unfortunately our shooters got to us before I could check out my theory. I'd completely forgotten about it until now.

Let's hear it anyway. We can always go back and test it out later, if we have to, Gibbs demanded.

Okay, here goes. I'm guessing Lynn wanted out of whatever her part in the operation was. Courier, probably. And it's a pretty good bet that didn't go over well with her old friend Emily. Now I can't be sure what happened in the apartment, but I'd bet that Lynn took off down that fire escape running for her life. If I'm right about the damage, someone with long enough and strong enough legs put one foot on that platform and gave it a few good shoves. A frightened and shaking woman would have a very difficult time hanging on. If the structure were loose enough she might even lose her grip and fall, probably with just the right trajectory to land on that bedframe.

There was silence from the front seat for a moment. Then Gibbs spoke up. How sure are you about this theory? he asked.

More sure now than when we were first out there today. When that bullet hit the wall, I lost my grip on Tony's hand and we both fell. With the platform shaking and being so close to the edge, I went over the side. She paused when Gibbs spun around in his seat and stared at her. Somehow, maybe because I was close to the wall, I managed to grab one of the rungs of the ladder and hang on. Tony went in after the second shooter and I worked my way down the ladder. By myself, going slowly and only shaking some, that ladder was extremely unsteady. Every move I made set it to shifting in another direction. Now imagine Lynn, terrified and running for her life trying to get down that same ladder with someone deliberately adding to the shaking. She couldn't have made it more than three rungs.

If it was deliberately sabotaged, then they must have suspected Holder wanted out. And that makes it premeditated as well. Tony mused, as he parked the car.

We still need to sort out some things, though. That bank account business, for instance, and we still don't have proof of drug trafficking, yet, Gibbs reminded his team. Passing through the glass door, the older man spoke to Kate. You go straight to Autopsy, no arguments! We'll take the evidence to Abby and then come down and see what Ducky has to say about your ribs.

For once, Kate didn't feel like arguing. Fatigue combined with the pain made her more than willing to lay down on one of Ducky's cold metal tables. Riding down in the elevator, she leaned against the wall and was nearly half-asleep by the time she reached Autopsy. Entering the brightly lit room, she spotted the green-gowned doctor obviously cleaning up from a recently finished procedure.

Ducky? Is this a bad time? she asked, hesitantly.

Caitlin! No, my dear, not at all. Is there something in particular I can do for you? No more headaches, I hope. He smiled at the brunette in front of him.

No more headaches. At least not from nightmares, anyway. I had to apprehend a suspect today who didn't understand the concept come quietly'. As a result, I seem to have an injury that I was hoping you'd take a quick look at. While she spoke she unbuttoned her shirt in the same manner that she had earlier.

Certainly. Now let's have a look. Ducky watched as the young woman bared her side and showed him a truly impressive contusion. Well now, that is nasty. How bad does it hurt?

Have you ever had someone bash you in the side with a baseball bat?

No, can't say I have, the doctor returned, but I can imagine it.

Yeah? Well, I wish I felt that good. And that's doctor-patient confidentiality. Don't you dare tell Gibbs or Tony. Kate allowed herself to be led over to a table and helped on to it.

I know this is going to hurt, but I'll be as gentle as possible, Ducky warned her as he ran his hand over and around the wounded area. Kate hissed in pain and bit her lip, willing herself not to cry out, but by the time the short exam was over, there were tears in her eyes. Ducky gave her shoulder a reassuring squeeze. Let's get this x-rayed. If we're lucky, it's not as bad as it looks. You'll need to remove your blouse and lie down. As Kate complied, the doctor wheeled over the portable x-ray machine. Next, he slid the thick plate containing the film under her. Then he walked over to a rack she'd never really noticed and picked up a lead apron, speaking as he did so.

Since nearly all of my patients are deceased, I rarely have to ask, but it is a standard question. Is there any chance you could be pregnant? Ducky returned and looked down into his friend's shocked eyes, as he placed the apron over her lower abdominal and pelvic regions.

Kate couldn't speak. Pregnant? Oh, shit! She hadn't been thinking about pregnancy, just Tony. Stupid, stupid, stupid! Her mouth dry, she answered, Well, I suppose it's possible, but I don't think so. At least... her voice faded away as she closed her eyes in humiliation.

Ducky nodded, but did not speak. Instead he went about the process of positioning Caitlin's body for the x-ray, using few but comforting words concerning the procedure. After he'd finished, he helped her sit up and she dressed, seeming to have regained her composure.

Thanks, Ducky. When will we know about my ribs?

I should have these developed in about fifteen minutes, if you want to wait.

Mm, I think I'll go up to the lab and see what's going on with the evidence. I'll be back in a little bit, if that's okay.

Ducky nodded his approval and Kate smiled her thanks as they parted company.