A NOTE TO AVOID CONFUSION: This is one side (Kate's) of a phone conversation. When she pauses because the person on the other line is speaking, the text goes to a new paragraph.

SUMMARY: "Just because you go through secretaries and receptionists like Kleenex doesn't mean other people's coworkers aren't important to them!" During SWAK.

GAMES COWORKERS PLAY
"So what did I miss?"
"Kate broke up with some lawyer guy..."

"Hi, uh, can I speak to Rodney?"

"Yes, Amanda, this is Kate. I know it's after hours, but he isn't answering his cell and he's not at home, so..."

"Yes, this is very important."

"I don't care if he said not to disturb him, I really need to speak with him."

"Amanda. May I remind you that a new receptionist would not be hard to find if I brought this up with Rodd... thank you."

Muttering. "Has got to be the most pathetic, whiny little girl ever to- Hi, Rodd."

"No, I just a had little difficulty getting Amanda to transfer my call."

"Actually, I called-"

"I'm at Bethesda Naval Hospital."

"Rodd, you know I hate it when you call me sweetheart."

"Yes! Yes, I'm fine. My, uh, coworker-"

"Oh, stop it, Rodd, just because you go through secretaries and receptionists like Kleenex doesn't mean other people's coworkers aren't important to them!"

"I'm not in a mood!"

"Well how about you try spending hours and hours in an isolation unit thinking you've got the pneumonic plague, then finding out, hey, you're home free but your friend's gonna die, and then you can tell me I'm in a mood!"

"I'm not hysterical!"

"Of course I'm serious! Why the hell would I joke about almost getting the plague!"

"Well, it's hard to get it naturally any more, but when somebody puts it in an envelope and mails it to you and you open it and breathe in all the powder, it is quite possible."

Softer. "I know. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to blow up at you like that."

"Listen, Rodd, that's kind of why I called. I'm not gonna be able to make it tonight. I'm sorry."

"I know. I know. I'm really sorry."

"Um. I'm staying here overnight."

"No, they aren't keeping me for observation."

"Wel-l... I'm staying with my friend."

"Male, why do you ask?"

Muttering. "Yeah, sure, no reason."

"Yeah, he's my coworker."

"Yes... it's Tony... why, have I mentioned him?"

"Yes, he's the one I went to Paraguay with- on official NCIS business!"

"You've obviously never been to Paraguay. Trust me, it has no tourist appeal."

"A threat? What are you talking about?"

"Rodd, you have obviously never met Tony."

"Yes. No. NO!"

"Listen, sometimes he's funny, and he's not so bad on the eyes, and every now and then I begin to think he might have some niceness and sincerity hidden deep in there, but that's really the extent of it."

"Rodd, sweetheart, you're turning green."

"What? No! It was supposed to be funny, you know, like a joke? Those short humorous things you say to people that often begin with 'knock knock'?"

"You are hopeless!"

"You know what? Maybe this isn't meant to work out."

"Um...am I breaking up with you?" Very fast. "Maybe."

"Listen––"

"Rodd––"

"Really, I think––"

"You're being childish!"

"You know what, Rodd? I am tired of this. I am tired of you. I am tired of your smartass receptionist Amanda! And this is over."

"No, do not call me. Do not email me. Do not write letters to me, or slip notes under my windshield wiper, or page me, or use any type of communication device, electrical or otherwise, to contact me."

"Do I need to remind you that I carry a gun?"

"Yeah, screw you too."

Click.

THE END