She felt herself drifting, floating. The haze that surrounded her was comforting at first, like a downy blanket. As it began to come apart in wispy shreds the images took on a frighten clarity. Guns moved toward her, sinister objects reaching for her body. The smell of cordite filled her senses as the barrels caressed her skin the way a lover's touch might. Cruel voices whispered indecipherable threats in her ear as more weapons filled her vision. She could not escape the horror that played in her mind, she could not scream to wake up, as she felt the rifle barrel invade her mouth.

Fear soaked her skin, for it was only in dreams that the fear came out. Fear of being found out. Fear of being unable to pull out one more lie when she needed it. Fear of letting a partner down, fear of letting fear show. Fear of failure.

The view changed. She was standing in a desert, the setting sun at her back. Six men ringed her, four more nearby, all of them angry. Accusations piled on top of her and rolled off her back. Then the guns were back, weapon after weapon, deadly mouths pressed against her skin as the whispers turned to angry shouts with the shattering of her cover. She stood on the hot Mexican sand, with ten angry men and thirty-five shackled girls. She brazened it out. She bluffed, she lied, and she prayed harder than she'd ever prayed. The sound of the gunshots, the remembered feel of the bullet searing her flesh made her gasp.

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McGee looked up sharply as Leah let out a loud gasp and sat straight up in bed. The sheets were clenched in her fists and her eyes were wide with fear.

Leah? Are you okay? The minute he asked the question he wanted to smack himself. It was obvious she wasn't.

She struggled to get her breathing under control, taking several deep breaths. After a moment she looked around the room, finally resting her eyes on the man in the wheelchair. Blinking, she said the only thing that popped to mind. McGee? What happened to you?

He returned her surprised look, not expecting the question. I, uh, zigged when I should have zagged, I guess. He shrugged before continuing. Shouldn't we let the doctor know you're awake? She paused, lost in momentary thought. Oh, yeah, that probably is a good idea. She found the call button and pressed it, then looked around the area again. I'm surprised Gibbs isn't here.He was with you all night, according to Kate and Tony. Director Morrow called a meeting, though, so he went. Unwillingly, Ducky said.

She nodded and closed her eyes. McGee watched her rest as the floor nurse came in. Did you need something, Mr. McGee?

Leah propped herself up, startling the nurse. Sorry. I'm the one who buzzed.Oh! Let me get the doctor! He'll want to check you out right away. She hurried off, smiling.

Leah flopped back on the bed and angled her head so she could see her visitor. Seriously, Tim. What happened? She waved her hand at the wheelchair.

Got shot in the thigh. Tony said it wasn't too bad, but I lost a fair amount of blood. I don't remember much about last night.That makes two of us. She closed her eyes again. Hope your leg doesn't hurt as much as my head does, though.I don't know. Ever been shot in the leg? He said it jokingly, but he was unprepared for the answer he got.

Yeah, actually. But those guys didn't really like me much. They kinda wanted it to hurt. A lot. She opened her eyes and looked at him. Don't look so surprised, Tim. Not everything goes as planned. Sometimes it goes down really wrong.

McGee was just about to ask her what happened when the doctor came in. Ah, Miss Hecht. So it isn't just a rumor, you actually are awake!Oh, lovely. You're one of those. Leah closed her eyes and groaned.

Now your friend here will just have to leave, and we'll get you checked out. Then you'll be all set! Leah pried open one eye to see a wide, fake smile plastered on the doctor's face. The woman's perverse cheerfulness made Leah cranky.

Sorry, my friend stays and you need to kill the happy buzz you've got going. It's hurting my head. She folded her arms over her chest and gave the woman her very best don't screw with the cop look.

Now, Miss Hecht... The doctor wagged her finger and gave her recalcitrant patient a look.

It's Detective Hecht, and don't mollycoddle me, Doc. I've been through worse. Leah fought the urge to reach out and break the finger.

The word came out short and sharp as the doctor gave up her patronizing act. But the friend... Leah finished in a voice that clearly would tolerate no argument.

The doctor gave a grudging nod. Stays. Now may I check you out?

Leah smiled. Sure, no problem.