Hey Abbs, how did you find this place? Tony looked around at the funky 50's era decor.

I just drove past it one night on my way home from... somewhere. But the food's great. Too bad Ducky couldn't join us. Abby's dark head was bent over a menu.

I'm just grateful they have power! I'm really looking forward to something cooked for a change. Kate was thrilled to be out of the office and away from the case for a while. Something decadent for lunch would complete the escape.

Thought you liked my cooking, Tony pouted.

Wait... Tony cooks? Abby asked, disbelieving.

Gibbs sat back and relaxed, content to be a silent audience to their chatter.

Well, for now he sort of cooks. There's no power, so it's all just throwing together cold food. Kate tried hard not to laugh, but her eyes sparkled with undisguised merriment.

Just then the waitress arrived. After everyone had ordered their lunch, Tony defended himself from the good-natured onslaught.

Oh, fine. See if I fix you anything to eat next time we're both wounded. The object of the women's teasing pretended to be offended, but could not stop the wide grin from crossing his face.

I'll cook, Tony. I'm not such a bad cook, myself, Kate said with a touch of smugness.

I'm sure you're a great cook, Kate. You must be a whiz at heating up that frozen lasagna you bought.

Look who's talking, Mr. I-have-frozen-pizza-and-beer-in-my-fridge! Kate tried to look indignant, but was close to laughter.

Okay, truce! Abby broke in. When we get the power back you two can have a cook-off if you want. She shook her head at the two.

Tony struck up a conversation with Gibbs about the local sports teams; the older agent went along with the topic as a means of distraction. Abby and Kate chatted mindlessly about an upcoming sale at a local clothing store. All four were consciously trying not to mention anything work-related.

As they settled down to plates of tantalizing food, the conversation died out. As much as they tried, the case was never far from them, but no one wanted to speak of it during their brief hiatus. The ringing of a cell phone shattered the uneasy quiet surrounding the four. Gibbs pulled out the chirping device.



Agent Gibbs? Agent Wallace, DEA. We need to talk. A confident, matter-of-fact voice answered.

I was under the impression we were. Gibbs responded.

Agent Gibbs, I don't need the shit. You have a suspect in custody, Emily Pederson. I need her. Wallace defiantly stated.

You need her? Disbelief now colored his words. Why do they always try to take my prisoners?' he thought.

Look, I got people lined up to ride my ass over this chick. My phone hasn't stopped ringing for 54 straight hours. I can't even take a damned leak without holding onto the stupid phone! So just cut the crap and hand her over. A belligerent tone arose in his voice, raising Gibbs hackles.

Agent Wallace, we'll be happy to turn her over to you. After we finish with her and the JAG prosecutors have their say in the matter. She's the primary suspect in the murder of a Naval lieutenant. Now, I don't care if she was supplying the entire North American continent with meth, we still have first crack at her. Are we clear? Gibbs snapped the phone closed and muttered various incendiary comments under his breath about presumptuous government agents.

Boss? Care to share?

Gibbs growled as he finished up his lunch.

Guess we can expect some company this afternoon. Tony sighed and finished his meal as well.

Kate shook her head vehemently and her gaze grew stormy. Oh, no. I haven't been through all of this to watch that woman work the system. Gibbs, if we turn her over to the DEA, she'll never spend a day in jail. She'll certainly never pay for what she did to Lieutenant Holder. Pederson may have been a drug dealer, but to the agent that crime paled in comparison to the lives that she had ruined.

Don't worry, Kate. I'm not letting anybody take her anywhere. We're going to finish our investigation and turn it over to the JAG prosecutors. After that, though, it's out of our hands. If JAG and the DEA want to make a deal, I can't stop them. Gibbs sighed and ran his hand over his face.

Anything I can do to help, guys? Abby felt bad for the team. She'd watched them wrestle with this case for nearly a week and seen the toll it had taken on them.

Not unless you can think of any evidence we've missed Abbs. Tony's sigh matched Gibbs'.

I'll go back over everything just as soon as we get back. Just in case. Abby looked over at Kate. Don't worry, Kate. We'll get her.

They paid the check and headed back to the office, shifting back into the mindset they would need to carry them through the afternoon. They waded through the puddles in the parking lot, Abby promised to call if she came up with anything helpful. They thanked her and parted company with the goth girl as they entered the building.

Gibbs saw the unfamiliar man first. he muttered, coming to a halt in front of Kate's desk. Tony, directly behind him, slammed into his back before realizing there was a stranger in their midst.

Say, Boss... who's the Fed? He peered over Gibbs' shoulder.

Gibbs took a step forward, more to give him some space from his partner than anything else. And you would be... Agent Wallace? His tone made it perfectly clear the interloper was unwelcome.

Agent Gibbs, I presume. I'm here for Emily Pederson. Wallace stood from where he'd been leaning against Gibbs' desk.

Sorry you wasted your trip. Gibbs sat down at his desk, refusing to make eye contact with the DEA agent.

Gibbs, I haven't got time for this. I want that woman and I want her now!

Tony, sitting at his desk, joined in. You want her? You'd better talk to the rest of the men she's had. She is one scary female.

I don't... who's he? Listen, just give me my prisoner and I'll be on my way. Wallace's patience was fraying rapidly.

The silver-headed man had picked up his phone. Gibbs, for Director. Holder murder. I'll hold. Blue eyes looked up at the irritated man. We'll get it straightened out for you, he assured.

----------------------

Twenty minutes later Gibbs returned to his desk with a subdued Wallace in tow, neither man appearing happy.

DiNozzo. You finish going over that paperwork?

Yeah, Boss. Kate and I have been setting up the file for the interrogation. Tony walked over to Gibbs' desk as the older man sat down. Do we know what time she's supposed to be here?

Half hour from now. Kate? You ready for this? He swiveled his chair to look at the woman who'd been exceptionally quiet since returning from lunch.

Yes, Gibbs. I'm ready. She stood and removed her suit jacket, not wanting any loose clothing on in the presence of the prisoner. Unconsciously her hands traveled her body lightly, checking for potential hazards that an enraged Emily could use against her. She removed her necklace and pocketed it; the chain would probably break before real harm could be done, but why take chances. When she was satisfied she was prepared to enter Interrogation, she nodded to the men.

Okay, let's go. Gibbs checked his weapon and saw that Tony did the same. Green eyes met blue, and in that instant the two men had only one goal: to protect Kate no matter what. They turned to go and Wallace trailed behind.

What's the deal with the DEA? Tony asked Gibbs, sotto voce.

Jeff Wallace, Special Agent Anthony DiNozzo, Special Agent Kate Todd. Wallace has permission to sit in on the Interrogation with us. At Kate's protesting look, he added, In Observation, Kate. DEA wants to know how strong our murder case is. They don't want her to walk any more than we do.

They filed into Observation and lined up along the mirror so they could watch Emily being brought in. She was wearing an orange jumpsuit, standard prison issue. The guard had her by the elbow, which she furiously yanked from his grasp. Handcuffed, she grabbed the chair and pulled it out so she could throw her body into it.

Kate studied the woman for a minute. She was attractive, with light brown hair and what could be very pleasant features, if they weren't twisted up with hatred. Kate could see her curving her full lips into a sensual smile, arching her long neck coyly, if it suited her to do so. It was a little too easy to see how she twisted so many people around her wants and desires. Tony was right, she was a piranha. She turned and exited Observation.