Kate squirmed in the passenger seat. Tony glanced at her and laughed softly at the grimace on her face. What's the matter, Honey?I don't know how Abby puts up with such tight fitting jeans! She grabbed the fabric encasing her legs and tried unsuccessfully to tug the offending garment into a more comfortable shape.
Relax, Kate. We look the part, that's all that matters. As he sat at the traffic light, he ran his eyes over the low-cut red top she'd found among some clothes she'd stashed for undercover work. It paired nicely with the way Abby's black jeans molded to her body, riding low on her hips.
She stopped fussing with her clothes and caught his look.
His reply was to lift an eyebrow with a small smile and turn his attention back to reaching their destination. She took the opportunity to examine him one more time. The leather pants he'd pulled out of his filing cabinet, For undercover work, Kate! suited his long legs in ways that little girls shouldn't be exposed to. The casual drape of his dress shirt hid the gun at the small of his back, and the spiky, tousled look he'd achieved by running his hands through his hair removed the look of from him rather well.
She turned her attention back to the road and indicated an alleyway. Park over here. It's close enough.
They exited the car and, with ease, slipped into their roles as a slightly tipsy couple out for a good time. Kate subtly steered him as they wobbled along the sidewalk, and as they neared the meeting place she gave a barely perceptible nod.
Katie, Katie, Katie, he began in a singsong voice, loud enough to carry between the buildings. Hey, Katie, c'mere. I got somethin' I wanna show ya.
She feigned reluctance as he gently tugged on her hand, giving both of the agents time to scan the narrow passageway. Tony spotted the small figures first, huddled near an overflowing Dumpster. He tipped his head and Kate slipped forward calling softly to the girls.
Kitty? Candy? It's Kate. This is my partner, Tony. She watched both girls' eyes flick warily to the man who stood beside her. Our car's about a half a block away, okay?
Candy looked to Kitty and they nodded, their fear tangible. Slowly the quartet moved back toward the street. Kate caught the flash of light on steel first.
Tony had his weapon in his hand as the word left her lips, but the shooter had clearly been lying in wait for them. From the corner of his eye, Tony saw Kate moving to shield the girls even as he lined up to fire. Within seconds it was over; two shots, a child's scream, and a man's grunt were all that was heard.
Tony, help me! Kate's speed had saved Candy's life, but perhaps only temporarily. She held pressure on the wound in the girl's side, desperately trying to stem the flow of red.
Tony ran back to where Kate sat on the pavement, Candy's limp body in her lap, Kitty's shaking one next to her. Bastard got away. I hit him though, he left a pretty good blood trail. I'll be right back with the car, just hang on.Miz Fed? Kate? The hesitant words drew the woman's attention from the bullet wound to the frightened child at her side.
Yeah, sweetie. What do you need? She smiled gently as she spoke.
Candy gonna be okay? Cause, like, she's the one with the whole story you want. Screeching tires cut off the conversation, and a moment later Tony was back, helping Kate and her precious burden to her feet. They eased Candy into the car, Kate sitting with her in back while Kitty took the front seat with Tony.
As soon as he cleared the narrow residential streets, he hit the gas at the same time Kate cried, Go, Tony, go! They made it to Memorial in record time and Tony was out of the driver's seat hollering for a gurney as a police car pulled up behind them.
Hey, buddy! You got any idea how fast you were driving? The chubby cop swaggered up to him, ticket book in hand.
ER personnel rushed through the doors. All attention was focused on getting Candy inside and the doctors' briefed on her injury, causing the traffic officer to get lost in the commotion.
The disgruntled cop approached Tony from behind, noticing the telltale outline of a concealed weapon as the tall man leaned over to help lay the injured child on the gurney. Freeze, mister! Hands where I can see Heads snapped in the direction of the voice and Tony rolled his eyes.
Go! Kate, stay with her, I'll deal with Officer Friendly. He turned to the man, who had drawn his weapon, making sure to keep his hands away from his sides, palms out. Problem, Officer? he said easily.
Turn around and put your hands on your head. When Tony refused to comply immediately, the cop took a step forward. Do it! Now!
He turned around slowly. I'm NCIS and if you'll let me get my ID for you... he found himself shoved roughly to his knees, the comforting feel of his Sig stripped from him.
Didn't I hear you say that little girl had a gunshot wound? The cop glared, his weapon trained on Tony as he slowly circled around to face him.
Yes, Officer...Patterson, Tony replied, reading the man's name tag. But I'm not the one who shot her. I'm the one that drove her here. I'm NCIS and she's a witness. If you'll let me get my ID... he growled, trying to suppress the anger that was growing by the minute.
Doesn't look like you're packing anything in them pants cept this gun. Patterson smirked at Tony, pleased to have the taller man on his knees.
It's in the glove box. And don't make me call my boss tonight. He hates having to deal with idiots. Especially on his night off. He saw Kate walk out of the glass doors and toward them.
Problems, Tony? The look she gave him was not the teasing one he'd expected. She was all business as she walked past him to the car.
Nothing I can't handle. He gave her one of his trademark smiles.
Who do you think you are, missy? And just what are you doing? Kate had the glove box open before Patterson could stop her. Pulling out both ID wallets, she dropped them open to their photo ID's. Special Agent Kate Todd, NCIS. My partner...
Tony, seeing the officer's attention and weapon were no longer trained on him, stood and moved slowly to Kate's side. Special Agent Anthony DiNozzo, His voice was as soft and steely as hers was angry. If you don't mind, we'd like to get back to the girl now.
Patterson made a dismissive gesture in Kate's direction. Tony held out his hand for the return of his gun, but Patterson shook his head. There's still the matter of your speeding. Fraid I'm gonna have to give you a ticket.