The doors to Autopsy had barely opened wide enough to admit her as Leah slipped into the room. She spied Ducky in his greens, sanitizing one stainless steel table as she made her way toward the pristine one.

Hey, Ducks! What's up? She hoisted herself onto the metal surface, the old habit coming back naturally.

He eyed her speculatively. You do know I never liked it when you called me Ducks,' Leah dear. Why don't you try telling me what's really on your mind?Where's your assistant, Jimmy? Leah glanced around the open space, then back at the coroner.

I sent him to lunch a little early while it was quiet. Ducky moved around the now clean table attempting to catch the redhead's eyes. What's going on?

She gave a faint smile, still unwilling to meet her friend's gaze just yet. What isn't, Doctor, what isn't? Tell me, how well do you know Jeth's team? Especially that guy, McGee.

Ducky was taken aback by the question. They're what you'd expect from anyone working with Jethro. Talented, hardworking, intuitive, dedicated, loyal. Why? What's happened?Someone dug up my work history. She shifted uncomfortably and looked away before finally meeting Ducky's eyes. You never told him we kept in touch, did you?You asked me not to, although I never understood why. Why didn't you want him to know where you'd gone?We were better off with a clean break, personally and professionally. And I was right, his career is doing great and he moved on without me.He did not move on without you. He married two redheads with tempers just like yours. Tony and I even wondered if he'd fallen for Kate for a little while. You really do owe him the truth about why you left, Leah.Yeah, well that story's finally come out. At least what I did and the agency reasons behind it. She looked at her feet as she swung them slowly back and forth.

Did he tell you about the sniper as well? At her nod, he continued. It's about time you two put that behind you. But you didn't tell him the most important reason behind why you left, did you?Ducky, I swear... this is one promise you'd better never break. She shook her head and looked up at him once more. His team, or this McGee found the official version of my hirings and firings before I came back to Arlington. I haven't told Jeth about any of this and I just don't want to get into it. She held up a hand as he opened his mouth to protest. I'm not up to having an argument with him about all the undercover work I did. He's not going to be satisfied with half an explanation and when he hears the whole story, we both know he's gonna go ballistic. Never mind that it was years ago and I'm fine.

Ducky studied her. Well, it looks to me like you're going to have to explain it to someone. I doubt McGee or the rest of the team are just going to be as wiiling to sit on it as I have been, if they don't have the full story. Your past, my dear, looks pretty shady indeed.Come on, Duck, help me out. Can't you talk to them? Tell them I'm on the level. Her voice dropped, the tone confidential, almost pleading. Jeth and I just, well, found a little common ground, if you will. Please, just let me have this; it's more than I ever thought I'd have. She bit her lip and looked away, the light glinting off the faint sheen of tears in her eyes. I know it can't last, but please don't let them take it away from me yet.This time, Leah, I think you need to stop running and face up to who you are and what you want. The only thing hiding ever got you was very good at doing your job. He patted her shoulder as he walked past her stripping off the soiled greens on the way.

Damn you, Ducky! She turned around watching him distance himself from her.

The Doctor has spoken, my dear.