Kate sat at her desk running searches on the list of names in front of her. It seemed plausible that all of their victims were members of the FBI team from Gibbs' old case. What she was lacking was a motive. And an explanation for the three year gap.

She turned away from the screen while she waited for some results and sighed. Speaking of explanations, she could really use one for Leah's work history as well. Kate really liked what she knew of the redhead: unfortunately Leah made an art out of being evasive. To the best of her knowledge the woman had never lied to them, she'd just never volunteered anything she didn't absolutely have to. Kate wanted to give her the benefit of the doubt, but on the face of it, the evidence was very damning.

Just then Gibbs walked in with Kitty at his side. How's Candy doing? Kate asked as the man seated himself at his desk, Kitty taking a nearby chair.

She's doing quite well. She was a great help. Tony's taking a piece of candy she lifted down to the lab for Abby to analyze, and I need to get authorization so I can have her released into my custody as a material witness in a capital crime. Gibbs picked up the phone as he finished speaking and requested a meeting with the director. What have you found out?Looks like our victims may have been tied to the FBI team on the Trainor case. Kate handed over what little data she had put together since she and Abby had made the connection earlier.

He skimmed over the pages, nodded before returning it to her. Stay on this. Has Leah seen it? When Kate remained silent, he brought his eyes up to pin hers.

Uh, no. Gibbs, there's something else you should see. She reached over, pulled a few more sheets from her desk, and glanced down at them before holding them out hesitantly. Abby and McGee found this while running some other research. I'm sure there's an explanation... Her tentative words faded out as he took the papers from her.

Gibbs skimmed the sheets at first, then began read them carefully. He shook his head over the entry in her official record after the Trainor case. Whoever had written the report hadn't pulled any punches. Setting that aside, he read her work histories with interest. When he finished he carefully squared the stack of documents on his desk before turning back to Kate.

Did you ask Leah about this? He waved a negligent hand at the damaging information.

McGee did, but she didn't say anything. Just asked us to check on the two cold cases and left. That was when we found the connection to the FBI.Where is she now? Gibbs asked.

Right here. Both Kate and Gibbs looked up sharply and turned in the direction of the new voice. Sorry, didn't mean to startle anyone. Leah looked carefully between Kate and Gibbs, trying to gauge the mood.

Was there something you needed? Kate asked evenly.

No, I was just going to talk to Gibbs for a minute. It can wait. Leah took a step backward and wound up with her back pressed against Tony, who had entered the bullpen silently. she muttered, dodging his arms as they came up to steady her. A moment later she was in the elevator and gone.

What just happened? Tony asked Gibbs and Kate after watching Leah's hurried departure.

I'm not entirely sure myself. Kate, fill DiNozzo in on your morning. Gibbs glanced at his watch. I need to see the Director. Leah will have to wait.

Tony waited until Gibbs was out of earshot. Okay, Kate, what's going on?

Wordlessly, she turned and picked up the pages from Gibbs' desk and handed them to Tony. While he read them she sat back down at her desk and shuffled through the other files.

I'm sure there's an explanation for this. There was no doubt in his voice as he placed the pages carefully back on his boss' desk and leaned against the edge. You didn't see her at Arlington. She moved with a certain confidence through all that hatred, as if she were somehow above it. And I've never seen anybody locate a bug that quickly. There's something she's not telling us.What, that she has plenty of experience as a dirty cop? Kate shot back, a little upset at the admiration she heard in her lover's voice.

He stood and moved to his desk, slightly hurt by the tone in her voice.

All this over that redhead? Damn! Kitty's voice surprised them, they'd forgotten her as she'd sat quietly.

Kate sighed. Kitty, it's complicated... she began but the girl cut her off.

Everything's complicated if you let it be. Just because someone ain't talkin' doesn't mean the reasons ain't there. Or that they ain't good ones. Suddenly she changed her posture from insolent teenager to pre-debutante. Rising, she walked over to Tony and extended her hand which he took automatically.

Mr. DiNozzo, I'm so pleased to make your acquaintance. The cultured tones in which she spoke said money, and lots of it. Forgive me for not introducing myself sooner. Catherine Bellagio. She gave a shy smile as he grinned at her.

Of the Philadelphia Bellagios, I presume? I do remember the scandal when their daughter disappeared. Tony held onto her hand as she tried to yank it back, reverting to her streetwise persona.

I don't blame you one bit, Kitty, he said soothingly. I was homicide, not missing persons, but from what I heard the whole family had a screw loose or two.Or two, the girl agreed. She turned to Kate. My point is...

Kate held up a hand, shaking her head. Back up... I'm still on Catherine Bellagio of Philadelphia'. How do you two know each other and when did this turn into the Twilight Zone?

Tony laughed. We just met last night, Kate. I worked Philly homicide when young Catherine was supposedly kidnapped from her very wealthy family. It was about six months before I left. I only remember the case because they had us on the lookout for the body, you know, just in case. He glanced up at the very much alive young woman and shrugged.

Kate nodded slowly. So you're a runaway?

Kitty's features hardened as she looked at the agent. I will never set foot in that sick man's house ever again. Gibbs promised me I wouldn't have to, and you can't make me go back. Like I was tryin' to say, just cause it looks like...

Kate interrupted. I understand that things aren't always what they seem. But we're trying to help. You and Leah. So, why won't she open up to us?There've been any number of people who could've helped me. Why didn't I open up to them? Kitty answered back. Sometimes you have to give trust to get it. Like you did with me and Candy, trusting us to help you. Maybe you need to trust Red on whatever has you so upset.

Tony nodded, but Kate still looked doubtful. She's so close to Gibbs. What if she hurts him?That guy? Kitty pointed to the empty desk. Suddenly she laughed. Trust me, he can handle her. She looked speculatively at Kate. Mm, now I get it. Well, that explains why she left the way she did. She shook her head. You guys got a candy machine somewhere?Candy machine's in the break room. Why'd she leave? The three turned to see Gibbs walk up.

Kitty smiled and looked up at the silver-haired man. He might play gruff in front of his coworkers but she'd seen the gentle side of him with her only friend. Red? How well do you know her?Well enough to know she hates being called Gibbs sat down in his chair and avoided the child's eyes. What have you two been doing, besides gossiping? He glared at the adults.

Kate's been filling me in on what she's found out this morning, Boss.And have you made any progress since then? He waited while they glanced at each other before Kate spoke up.

No, the searches are still running. Abby's working on it, too, she added.

Then go see if she's made any progress. Tony, find out when Dr. Eames will release Candy. The paperwork's in process to get her released to us, we should have it by late afternoon. He turned back to the girl as Kate left the bullpen and Tony busied himself with hospital bureaucracy.

Why'd she leave, Kitty? Gibbs spoke softly to the girl.

I'm not sure. But I'd guess it's because she thinks you don't trust her. And she thinks Kate's more important to you than she is. Kitty didn't flinch from the steady blue gaze.

How'd you come to that conclusion? Gibbs was curious.

Reading people is a survival skill in my line of work. Kitty gave a mirthless smile. Now, about that candy machine?