Tony was very happy to see Kate exit the exam area. He didn't mind waiting for her, but he'd felt more awkward sitting by himself in the waiting room. As she neared him, he noticed she seemed paler and more distressed.

Kate, you okay? He kept his voice quiet, but he could not hide his concern.

She simply shook her head and motioned toward the door, and her silence worried him. He stood and followed her, observing that she seemed to be in more pain than before. As soon as they were out of the office, she leaned against him and his arm automatically went around her waist. He could feel the slight tremble that she fought to suppress and wondered what had her so distraught. Without thinking he dropped a kiss on her head and whispered, Whatever it is, Honey, I'm here.

Tony settled Kate in the car, then seated himself. Now, what's up?

She took a breath. We have to go to Memorial. I need a blood test and an ultrasound. She looked in his eyes and saw her own questions mirrored there. She said she's not positive what it is, she needs the tests to be sure, although she has an idea. She said she'll have the test results by four this afternoon and then we can talk about what it is. Her voice broke on the last few words. I'm scared, Tony. What's wrong with me? She blinked away the tears that threatened.

Kate, come here. He held out his arms for her, but she held herself back.

Tony, I'm sorry. This is all my fault. She berated herself for all times they made love unprotected.

Your fault? Kate, I was there, too. Unless you've been doing something I don't know about, I'm just as much a part of this as you are. It's no one's fault, it's something that happened. Let's go have the tests done and then let's see what the doctor says. I love you, and I want to be here for you, so please don't push me away. His words were soft and gentle, and as he finished he held his arms out to her again. This time she slipped into them and rested her head on his shoulder.

God, Tony, I love you, too. I just wasn't sure ...

He tipped her chin up and kissed her. Be sure, Honey.

They drove to the hospital, stopping to pick up a bottle of water for Kate along the way. She drank as she explained the need for the water, as well as the doctor's speculation on her condition.

I pushed her for something and she said it might be an ectopic pregnancy. But she also said she couldn't be sure without the tests. Kate shook her head. Like I need something else on top of the ribs. At least the gunshot wound on my leg is healing up nicely.

What exactly is an ectopic pregnancy, anyway? Tony asked.

Not sure. I swear, I've heard the term before, but I can't remember where, she mused. Before it gets any later, I'd better call Gibbs. She pulled out her cell phone and dialed.

barked the voice.

Hello, Gibbs. I, um, need some time this afternoon. I had a doctor's appointment and they need me to run over to the hospital for a couple of tests. She held her breath and waited.

There was a beat of silence. Then, Kate, is everything all right? The tone was indecipherable.

Yeah, Gibbs, everything's fine. Don't worry. I should be back in a little while. Kate kept her voice as neutral as his.

Tony with you?

She glanced at the driver as he pulled into the hospital parking lot. Yeah, he is. Sorry about that. He insisted on coming with me. She winced inwardly, expecting his ire.

Let me talk to him.

Kate passed the phone to Tony, who raised his eyebrows questioningly. Hey, Boss.

Tony. I'm not going to ask what's going on. It's quiet here today, so concentrate on Kate and let me know if you're coming back here or not. Despite Kate's protestations, Gibbs knew better. Doctor's don't send patients to hospitals for tests without reason.

Sure, Boss. Tony somehow kept the amazement from coloring his voice. He flipped the phone closed after Gibbs had disconnected and handed the device back to Kate.

She asked him.

Nothing. He said it was quiet there and not to worry about it. He switched off the engine then came around to help her, putting his arm around her as they headed into the large facility looming in front of them.

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

The blood test itself didn't take long, although there had been a bit of a wait beforehand. Now the couple were stuck waiting again, this time in the radiology department. Just about the time Kate was sure they'd been forgotten, a nurse stuck her head out a door and called Kate's name.

She stood up and the nurse glanced at Tony. Oh, your husband can come with you, she said as she turned to lead them down the hall. Kate had her mouth half open in protest while Tony grinned.

Ah, let her think I'm your husband. It'll be fun for a few minutes, he whispered in her ear.

They reached the dimly lit exam room and the nurse paused to remove a gown for Kate. Go ahead and change in the bathroom. She indicated a small, connected room. You only need to remove the bottom half of your clothes. Oh, and I know you probably need to, but don't go. Remember, we need a full bladder for this.

Why is that, exactly? Kate asked as she picked up the gown.

Less space for everything to move around. If your bladder is full then your uterus has no place to move, the woman answered, while making notes on a chart.

Kate couldn't think of a single thing to say. For the second time that day she found herself donning a less-than-fashionable garment that made her feel exposed.

When she opened the door, the nurse was waiting. Okay, Ms. Todd, just climb up on the bed here and we'll get you ready. Mr...

Kate interjected.

the nurse continued smoothly, can stand right over here if he wishes to see the screen. Otherwise, where he's sitting is just fine.

Tony moved to the position indicated by the nurse. He was mildly curious about the screen, he more wanted to be close to Kate.

Ready? Okay. Now this is going to be cold... and she squirted some clear watery gel on her abdomen.

Whoa, yeah! Kate nodded her head. It felt like someone had put rubbery ice on her stomach. She watched as the woman she had assumed to be a nurse pulled out the ultrasound probe and began to run it along her lower abdomen.

So, are you a radiologist? Kate asked, trying desperately to distract herself from the discomfort of having someone lean on her when she had to go to the bathroom so badly.

Just a technician, but I do dozens of these a week. Don't worry, I've read over the orders from your doctor. I know what she wants me to look for, and I'll be as gentle as possible. But I'll warn you now, it's probably going to hurt a lot, because I'm going to have to use a fair amount of pressure. The woman smiled at Kate reassuringly as she continued her scan.

Tony was fascinated in spite of himself. He told himself he'd stay quiet, but he couldn't help but ask, Do you really know what you're looking at on the screen?

Again the tech smiled and pointed out Kate's right ovary and part of the uterus. Then she said, I'm going to do your left side now, Ms. Todd.

Kate braced for the pain, but this was worse than when the doctor examined her. The tech pressed down with the probe and tears sprang to Kate's eyes. Suddenly she felt Tony's hands in hers and she squeezed, grateful for an outlet from the white-hot stabbing in her side. After what seemed like an eternity, the torture was reduced to a mere throbbing agony. She heard the kind voice tell her she was done, that she could relieve herself and get dressed, but she felt like she her brain and her body were living on two separate planes. She felt Tony help her sit up and climb down off the bed and she slowly came back to herself, enough so she could take care of the business at hand.

It was several minutes later when she exited the small bathroom, looking the same as when she arrived at the hospital. She felt a hell of a lot worse. Turning to the woman whose name she'd never heard, Kate asked, How long before the results of the test...

Well, I can tell you now what I saw. The radiologist still has to read it, of course. But your doctor was concerned about your left tube and ovary, and truthfully I couldn't get a conclusive look at the area. I think she may have good reason to be concerned, but without a clearer picture, I can't say for sure. Her eyes were sympathetic.

Thank you, Kate said quietly, and she and Tony left the room and the building.