Gibbs threw the telephone receiver into its cradle in frustration. The nurse on Leah's floor was nice enough once he'd identified himself, but nice didn't equal helpful. It seemed that Leah's doctor had left instructions that the patient was not to be disturbed. Leah seemed to be recovering well, but was still quite tired and the doctor was adamant that she get as much rest as possible.

It helped to know she was doing better and if rest was what it took for her to recover, then he would let her have all she needed. He took the pent-up frustration at being denied access to her and unleashed it on the stacks of files that sat on his desk.

Some twenty minutes later a shadow crossed his desk and remained, unmoving. he barked, irritated at the interruption.

Special Agent Gibbs? Federal Marshals for the witnesses. Gibbs' head snapped up and took in the two identically dressed men. He stood and suppressed a snort; everything from their haircut to their shoes screamed federal agentThey should be back in just a moment. They and two of my agents went to the cafeteria for something to eat. As if on cue, the elevator doors slid apart revealing the quartet.

Kate was still laughing at the story Kitty had told her when the doors opened and she felt the change in the air. Looking up she saw the two men with Gibbs, recognized them instantly for the Marshals that they were.

This is ridiculous,' she told herself, unable to prevent the sudden tightening of her stomach. I hardly know these girls. I should be glad they're going somewhere safe.'

She stood there, numbly, as the introductions went on around her, words washing over her but barely touching her. She smiled at the appropriate times, said the correct words and suddenly they were ready to leave.

Kate turned to the girls, unable to simply let them go. I don't know if I'll see you at the trial or not. But I want you to know, I'm glad I met you. She smiled at them and they surprised her by wrapping their arms around her, the three caught in a fierce hug.

Thanks, Miz Fed. You gave us a second chance at life, Kitty whispered in her ear. Maybe someday you'll be proud of me.I already am, Kate whispered back,

They disentangled themselves reluctantly and then the Marshals led the girls away. Kate watched until the elevator doors closed before she turned to sit at her desk.

She never noticed when the tears began to trail down her cheeks. Nor could she have explained their presence to anyone if she had.

Gibbs had gone back to his paperwork and was back to seriously contemplating torching it all once again. He found it nearly impossible to keep his mind on the reports as thoughts of Leah crowded in at every opportunity. Irritated, he turned to ask a question of the agent on his right.

He snapped her name before he looked up to see the streaks on her face where the tears continued to fall.

Her answer was tired, but when she looked up she made no effort to swipe at the tracks on her cheeks.

Why are you crying? His question was harsher than he'd meant for it to be, and he opened his mouth to apologize, but her response was quicker.

I'm not crying... she trailed off as her hand touched the wetness on the side of her face and her expression betrayed the surprise of finding it. Incongruously, the realization only made the tears flow faster. She swallowed and slammed her eyes shut, attempting control, but both men could see it was futile.

I... look, I don't... I mean... I'm sorry, okay? She opened her eyes to glare at her boss.

No, it's not okay. DiNozzo, take the DC Waterworks home, will you? This place is giving me a headache! He stood suddenly and stormed off, Tony and Kate flinching at the sound of the men's room door slamming open.

Tony, I'm sorry. Kate wiped at her face and fished up a tissue for her nose.

Don't apologize. I think Gibbs understands, too. Tony ran his hand down her back as she logged out of her computer and started to gather her things.

Is he going to be okay? She stood and reached for her coat.

I think a lot of that depends on Leah. He helped Kate on with her coat and they left, Tony's arm around her waist and her head on his shoulder.