As they walked through the parking lot, Tony's earlier curiosity finally got the better of him. Okay, Kate, I have to know. Exactly how did you wind up with shocking pink lipstick on your jacket and your blouse half undone?

Her cheeks flamed even as she protested. Tony, it was one button! Besides, what does it matter? You jealous?

They'd reached the car and as Tony went to open the door for Kate, he flicked a fast glance at Leah that Kate caught. No, I'm not jealous. He leaned a little closer and whispered in her ear, But I could be a little turned on.

Kate smothered a wide grin as she got in the car. Just shut up and get in, DiNozzo.

He laughed as he opened the door for Leah, noting her odd expression. Something wrong? he asked her. She shook her head in response and climbed in. Then he settled himself in the driver's seat and they headed for dinner.

Once at the restaurant they waited at the bar for their table, each starting with a margarita. After taking a healthy sip of hers, Leah looked at the couple and asked, So Gibbs doesn't have a problem with you dating?

Tony laughed and Kate looked surprised. Are we that obvious?Let's just say I've seen the signs before. Leah smiled at them. Do you think you're hiding it from him?No, Gibbs knows. He might even be okay with it. Glad that they weren't hiding anything from Leah now, Tony put his arm around Kate.

Really? Now that's surprising. Leah took another drink and her expression grew thoughtful just as the hostess came to seat them at their table. There was idle conversation as they looked over the menu and decided on their meals.

After they'd ordered, Kate looked over at Leah. My turn. What's with you and Gibbs?

Leah laughed. You and Tony should compare notes. He and I had this discussion earlier.So, what's the answer? Kate looked from one to the other.

She used to be Gibbs' partner. Can't you tell by the way they get along so well? Tony smiled.

Wow. How long were you partnered? Kate took a sip from her drink while she watched Leah's face. The expression was difficult to read, but to Kate it almost looked like regret.

About three years. The senior agent we worked with gave us a lot of space to work on our own; we got to know each other quite well. To hide the pain in her voice she took a long drink from her glass, finishing the tart concoction before either of her companions.

Tony and Kate exchanged a look before Kate dared to press on. Did something happen between the two of you? I don't mean to pry, but... she trailed off as Leah fixed her eyes on Kate's.

I suppose that depends on your definition of something'. Professionally, it's a very ugly story that I really don't like thinking about. Personally, I was stupid. Either way, I left NCIS and DC for ten years. I came back five years ago as a favor to a friend, against my better judgment. As if she'd realized she'd said too much, she stopped talking abruptly, dropping her eyes to the table.

Their food arrived and they ate in silence for a little while until Tony and Kate struck up a light conversation. Eventually Leah joined in and soon all three were laughing about practical jokes they'd seen and heard at some of the police stations where Leah and Tony had worked. As they finished up dinner and the women finished their second margaritas each, Kate tried to apologize.

Leah, I'm sorry if my question was out of line before. It's just that we're all going to have to work together, and, well, if there's some way we can smooth things over between you and Gibbs... Once again Kate's words faded as Leah looked at her.

Thanks, Kate. I appreciate the offer, but the only thing we can do is solve this case quickly. The sooner I get out of his office the better we'll both be. Her voice was level, but her eyes betrayed her pain.

Is this because of the personal or the professional? Tony asked gently.

Leah gave a mirthless chuckle. Does it matter? Both mistakes were unforgivable.Ducky didn't seem to think so. Kate shot a surprised look at Tony, as did Leah.

Yeah, well, Ducky doesn't know everything. Jeth and I would have been much better off if we'd never seen each other again. And I'm done with True Confessions for the evening, ladies and gents. There isn't enough alcohol in my blood for my soul to be this naked. She rose and made her way toward the front of the restaurant.

What do you think, Tony? Kate stared after the departing redhead.

I think we're in for an interesting case.