Kate unbuttoned her blouse and listened as Ducky explained the importance of getting the proper tension on the bandages. She felt Tony's fingers on her shoulders as he helped slip the garment from her and she wondered how much of a part their relationship had played in the recent exchange. She let the men's words wash over her as she ruminated, lifting her arms, inhaling and exhaling when directed.

There you are, Caitlyn. You can put your arms down now. She gaped at the doctor and realized that she felt more like a trussed-up Thanksgiving turkey than an injured agent.

Thanks, Ducky, she said, lowering her arms. It really does feel better. I appreciate this. Let me ask you something. Should I have gone to the hospital last night?

No. As I said, you were luckier than you have a right to be. He finished repacking his bag before turning to face her. You were unwise in rushing home, though. You should have waited for me to develop your x-ray and tape you up. You knew you'd done more damage to those ribs before you left Autopsy last night.

Kate accepted Ducky's gentle chiding. I suppose you're right, but I was afraid you or Gibbs would insist on driving me directly to Memorial. The EMT at the scene was furious with me, but she had to let me go after I signed the release. I didn't think I'd get off so easy with you two.

You wouldn't have. If I thought you had been in danger, I'd have been over here last night with an ambulance to transport you. He chuckled at the look on her face. Perhaps you need to remember, Caitlyn, that we're family. And we're always harder on the ones we love. The coroner picked up his bag and left the room.

Noting the odd look on her face, Tony asked, Kate, you okay? He picked up her shirt and helped her slip it on.

she said, distractedly.

You sure?

She looked into his eyes and saw the love and concern. Her lips curved into a gentle smile as she answered. I'm sure, Tony.

He finished buttoning her blouse and dipped his head down for a quick kiss. Good. I love you, Kate.

I love you, too. She rested her head on his shoulder for a brief moment, before they left the room.

They rejoined Ducky and Gibbs, who were setting up for lunch. Tony went to help, pointing to a chair. Kate, go sit. We'll get this.

She lowered herself carefully into the indicated chair at the table with a bemused smile. Gee, a girl could get used to this, she said, as she watched the three men bringing the food and drinks to the table.

You can still be sent to the hospital, Agent Todd. Gibbs plunked a large bowl of salad down in front of her. He turned away, but not before she caught the hint of a grin on his face.

Tony and Ducky carried in the last of the dishes. There's a cold soup, salad and sandwiches. I also brought iced tea. And I don't want to take home anything but empty containers, so eat. Ducky seated himself as did the others.

The food was enjoyable and they thanked the doctor for his generosity. They tried to keep the conversation light, but it quickly turned to the case. Gibbs passed on what Abby had found out about the documents and they took turns tossing out ideas and new theories.

Well, it looks like we have to start with Jeremy Duvall and Larry Martin. If we confront them with the documents, maybe we can get them to crack. Tony sat back and drained his glass.

I'd have sworn Larry gave up everything when I questioned him, but clearly he was holding out. Do you suppose this whole thing is going to come down to money? Kate had eaten all she could manage, but gladly accepted more tea.

With the kind of money these two moved around, that's more than likely. But the last question still remains. Who was the intended victim? Gibbs shook his head and sat back as well.

Kate had a sudden thought. Did we ever look to see if anyone profited from Lynn Holder's death? All that money has to go somewhere.

Ducky smiled and spoke up. Ah, instead of cherchez la femme, cherchez l'argent. When the other three simply stared at him, the coroner rose and began clearing the dishes, muttering something about the futility of bringing culture to the masses.

Kate's right. Now that we know we're talking about very large sums of money, we need to know where it's going. Gibbs was making notes in his notebook.

You know who else we need to print? Allerton, Lynn's boyfriend. The first one, I mean. So far, nobody in this case has been what they seemed; it'd be stupid to overlook him. Tony had one of those gut feelings that the guy knew more than he'd told. He was looking forward to seeing just how much he really knew about his alleged girlfriend.

The team leader made a couple more notes as Tony helped to clear the table. Kate tried to stand and found that between the pain and the loss of flexibility, she couldn't get her chair pushed back far enough to get up. Seeing her struggle, Gibbs helped her to her feet, then steered her straight into the living room.



What am I, a dog? She moved carefully to the sofa and went to lower herself to the familiar cushion. Gibbs once again stepped over and supported her as she descended the last several inches. After pausing a moment he sat down next to her.

Kate, are you sure you shouldn't be in a hospital?

Gibbs, please.

He lifted a hand in mock surrender. All right.

Kate bit her lip, then ventured, But thanks for caring.

Surprise showed in the blue eyes. Then he nodded and stood, taking a moment to look around before walking over to the balcony doors to stare out at the afternoon sun.

Tony strolled in and sat down where Gibbs had been. I finished helping Ducky put away the empty containers from lunch. Can I get you anything else?

Not right now, thanks. She smiled at him as he threaded his fingers through her hair.

Caitlyn, my dear, I put the rest of the tea in a pitcher I found in your cabinet. I hope that's all right. Ducky selected the armchair nearest to her.

That's fine, Ducky. Thanks again for lunch, it was wonderful. And the tea won't last long. It's delicious and I'm so tired of being hot. Has anyone heard when the power is supposed to be back up?

Gibbs wandered back over and sat in the other armchair, near Tony.

The coroner answered her thoughtfully. The last I heard, they were hoping to start getting some areas powered up as early as today. But that depends on whether it was wiring or transformers that were overloaded. In some ways it's been rather quaint; reminds me of some time I spent in Africa...

Oh, Duck, please. Tony interrupted. No offense, I'm sure it's a great story and all, but I'm so sick of the heat I don't think I can listen to a story about Africa. He moaned and slumped back on the sofa as the others laughed.

Kate protested as Ducky volunteered to launch into a story about Iceland and Gibbs smiled slightly as the bantering continued.

But if you close your eyes, perhaps the frozen imagery will help. The coroner persisted. You know it's been medically proven that...

Not if my eyes are sweating, too! Tony stated. Ducky subsided with a shrug as the others chuckled. The relaxed chatter lasted for a short while before the visitors felt the need to leave.

I'm going to head out. I want to make arrangements to get Lee Allerton picked up for questioning again and get him printed this time. And I'm going to stop by the lab to check out Abby's work for a couple minutes and see how the AFIS search is going as well. Gibbs stood as he spoke.

I'll walk down with you, Jethro. I need to be going, too. Thank you Caitlyn, Tony for having us over. Watch those injuries. Ducky stood as well and moved toward the door.

Tony hopped up quickly. Uh, thanks for lunch Duck, Boss. Should we come into the office with you? Start working on that money trail for Holder's ill-gotten gains?

Yeah, Tony, that's a good idea. Kate started to struggle to get up. Thanks again for lunch, Ducky.

Gibbs looked at his two junior partners and shook his head. Nah, give your injuries the night off. I'll start an inquiry going for Holder's money before I leave the office tonight. See you first thing in the morning.

Tony glanced at Kate and then offered to walk the other two men out, but they waved it off and all said their farewells. After the door had closed behind the visitors, Kate said, Well, that was an interesting afternoon.

He drew the word out. He started to sit down next to her but she stopped him.

This heat is making me drowsy and my ribs are bothering me. I'm going to go stretch out and take a nap. Wanna join me?

Pass up an offer to share a bed with you? Never. Let's go, Todd. He helped her up and they headed for their bedroom.