Gibbs, Kate and Tony stood in the observation room and watched as Emily Pederson was brought in. She hadn't been given a chance to clean up, giving Kate one more psychological advantage. This woman, whom Kate could only view as her enemy, yanked the chair and sat defiantly, glaring at the observation mirror and the watchers behind.

Gibbs entered the interrogation room first. He didn't expect to break this arrogant female. She radiated deceit and hatred in waves so powerful they felt like physical blows. Ignoring her, he leafed through a file deliberately made thicker for the interview. After several minutes he slapped the file down and turned his intimidating glare directly into the eyes of their suspect.

I hate liars, Pederson, and you're a liar. Not one honest word has left your lips since you had Lieutenant Lynn Holder murdered.

Emily Pederson sneered. Special Agent Gibbs, isn't it? We met Tuesday night? You seem to have forgotten all your manners since then. Pity; I hate rude men. She tossed her tangled hair and turned her head pointedly away from him, refusing all attempts at eye contact.

Tony and Kate watched the drama from behind the one-way glass, interrupted only when another agent brought Kate the requested hunting knife. She slid the object out of its sheath and turned it over in her hands. Tony, watching her, indulged his curiosity.

Where did you learn how to use a hunting knife that well?

She glanced up at him. Would you believe me if I said summer camp?

You're kidding, right? Leaning back against the edge of the window, he looked at her, looking forward to learning more about this very unique woman.

She grinned back at him before leaving the room.

Gibbs was beginning to see just why Kate hated this woman so much. Thrice divorced and he had still never felt the desire to hit a woman. Until now. Emily Pederson's supercilious visage and snide comments had passed grating some time ago. When the door opened and Kate sauntered in looking cool and composed, he was truly grateful, although he did not show it and would die before admitting it.

Good afternoon, Emily. Nice to see you. No fire escape, no guns, and you're a mess. Now, since you haven't managed to kill me, or even beat me in a fair fight, what do you say we cut the crap? I know you're behind Holder's murder and I'm going to prove it with or without your help. We have the locations of your properties; we'll be checking them out just as soon as we're done here. We have Duvall and we have Larry Martin. She was gratified to see the slight widening of Emily's eyes. Oh, yes. We caught your big, bad, stupid boy; or should I say I caught him. Now I'm betting he's not going to take the fall for you. Neither will Duvall. Kate leaned forward, looking this hated woman head to toe derisively, noticing the faint sheen of perspiration now coating her lip and forehead. You aren't worth the sacrifice. She walked out without another word to the woman; Gibbs followed just as they'd planned.

The team regrouped in the observation room. Gibbs turned to congratulate her on her performance when he noticed her grimace of distaste. Something wrong? he asked her.

She's scum, I know. But there are still parts of that that I don't like doing. Kate shook her head. I'd prefer a straight interrogation, any day.

This was your plan. And phase two is just about to start, so you'd better get ready. He nodded toward the window as a pair of agents arrived to escort Pederson to a holding room.

As they reached the door, two other agents ushered Larry Martin past his partner into the interrogation room. He reacted much as Kate thought he would. His emotions played clearly over his face: shock and dismay followed by fear. She believed him to be the weak link, and now it was up to her to break it.

Larry sat in the same room, in the same chair as earlier. He knew he was being watched; he wondered how many there were behind that mirror. As he heard the door open, however, he closed his mind. They wouldn't get anything from him, not even with Emily in custody. When the interrogator came into view, he refused to allow his surprise to show. Instead of the cold-eyed man from earlier, this was a woman.

Kate sat and looked her assailant in the eye, carefully setting her file on the table. She kept the knife in reserve, hidden in the file for the moment. Resting her hands atop the sheaf of papers, she began conversationally.

Good afternoon, Mr. Martin. Do you remember me? At his silence, she smiled slightly and continued. That's fine, we'll get to that shortly. Why don't we start with your relationship with Emily Pederson? Still no reaction from the man, but again, that was expected. Nothing to say? She had a lot to say about you. About how much she relied on you for, oh, pretty much everything. She said she trusted you to handle so many details for her, she couldn't possibly begin to list them all for us. Kate's careful emphasis on particular words made her underlying meaning clear. Emily was going to hang you out to dry, Martin. She was going to pin everything she could on you.

Martin held tough. This woman was lying. Em would never do that to him, never. It didn't matter what she looked like when they brought her out of this room, she'd never sell him out. Would she? He felt a trickle of perspiration betray him and prayed the snake of a woman across from him would not notice. He would trust Em, he would not betray her.

Kate watched the prisoner intently. He had doubts, but he wasn't ready to crack. He still believed that Pederson hadn't given him up. She needed another lever, and she needed it fast. Standing, taking the file with her, she paced the length of the room. Casually she commented, That must be some relationship you and she share. You'd sacrifice your life for a murder she committed? Of course, you were both part of it, I realize. But she did order it. And then there's the meth. That will add some pretty hefty charges as well. Not to mention the attack on me and my partner. Attempted murder of two federal agents doesn't go down lightly either. And you'd take all that on, so she can go free. Interesting. I wonder how long it will take her to find a replacement for you? A year? Six months? Two, maybe? She leaned over and looked him in the eye. Face it, Larry, you're expendable.

His escalating rage was becoming difficult to control. How dare this bitch insinuate such things about his Emily! Martin clenched his fists and his teeth, but she continued her taunts about his worthlessness, going so far as to claim Em already had another man! A hazy red glare began to build before his eyes.

Gibbs and Tony watched the drama play out before them in the observation room. Privately, Gibbs worried that Kate was in over her head when she began taunting Martin. As the suspect began to show visible signs of anger, he grumbled his concerns quietly to the other man.

Tony glanced at his boss and replied, She knows what she's doing, I trust her. Besides, if she needs help, I'm here and so are you and she knows it. She'll let us know.

Gibbs had to be content with the answer, unsatisfying though it was. He was still trying to get used to this new connection between his junior agents when Martin lunged for Kate. He had his gun drawn and was a hair's breadth from firing, when he felt Tony's hand on his arm. Restraining the impulse to fire, he watched as Kate handled the infuriated prisoner.

She'd had her back to him, knowing she'd pushed him too far. Sliding her hand in the file, she unsheathed the knife in preparation for the attack that was now inevitable. A glance in the mirror showed her Martin's advance and she countered it deftly. Once again her knife blade was pressed against his throat.

Did you really think I'd allow you to attack me? You are a fool! No wonder Emily gave you up. Kate laced her voice with a derision she didn't feel. Sit down, Larry. I don't really need anything from you. As I said, Emily gave us everything we need. We just thought we'd give you a chance to have your say before we have you charged with Murder One and drug trafficking. And attempted murder of two NCIS Agents. Enjoy what's left of your life. Kate gathered up the file, gritting her teeth against the pain in her ribs, and headed for the door. As she reached for the knob, she heard a noise. Glancing back over her shoulder, she saw Martin's head had slumped to the table. Shrugging she continued on her way only to be halted by a quiet plea.



Kate was tired and in pain.

Did she really give me up?

The disbelief and hurt in his voice made Kate sick, but she continued the charade. Yes, she did.

She said she loved me. She said we'd always protect each other. She said... he fought the emotions that bubbled close to the surface. Slowly he regained control. Right, well, screw what she said. You want to know what that bitch is into? Pay attention.

Kate turned around and sat back down at the table, taking notes. By the time the Larry Martin had run down, they had quite a lot on Emily Pederson and the late Lynn Holder. Kate thanked Martin and made her way out of the room, meeting up with her teammates in the hall.

At least now we know how Lieutenant Holder was tied up in all of this. An expert forger!

That's still just hearsay, we need to find some proof, Tony. Gibbs' words reminded them everything was hearsay and required corroborating evidence.

Yes, but according to Martin, we could find just about everything we need either at Pederson's house or at her meth lab. Kate supplied.

Pederson and Martin are in custody, that can wait until morning. The team leader was eyeing Kate suspiciously. Her gait had developed an unnatural hitch to it and her breathing was shallow.

Why wait, Gibbs? Let's just go and get this done tonight! She wanted this case finished, off her desk, out of her life.

Kate, Ducky said you needed rest. By the look of you I'd say you should have been off your feet an hour ago, not wrestling suspects in interrogation. Go home, and go to sleep. We'll start searching the properties first thing in the morning. Gibbs turned away from her and went to his desk.