Lucy had spent a good part of the afternoon rehashing her argument with Kate in the hallway. She couldn't decide whether she was a little angry, a lot angry or just plain mad. The day had started well because they had apprehended a suspect that morning who, after questioning, had turned out to be the guilty one. Good news, they had closed another case and could celebrate with a drink that evening. Unfortunately, once the adrenaline and the euphoria had worn off, the administrative work remained unbearable and in this case, a good part of it had fallen on her shoulders. Usually she didn't complain about it, the ungrateful tasks were also part of the job, but the problem was that the minimum concentration required did not prevent her mind from wandering elsewhere. And thus to return unceasingly on the argument of earlier, or on their break-up.

And finally, the day had gone like this, Jesse had left, she had declined drinks with Kai and Ernie because she had fallen behind on the file and wanted to finish.

"I thought you'd be having a drink by now."

Jane's voice brought her out of her thoughts, and Lucy took her eyes off the screen to smile at her supervisor.

"I would have liked to yes, but I haven't finished filling out all the paperwork yet and I'd really like to have it out of the way by tomorrow.

-I understand."

The special agent in charge was known for a couple of things, one: because she was extremely competent, the other: because she always took care of her teams. And right now, she was perfectly capable of seeing that Lucy was upset.

"Is everything okay?

-Yes, yes impeccable! I just hate it, like everyone else."

The little brunette gave a smile that could have been convincing, really, but not for Jane.

"Can't you sit down over a drink and talk like two responsible adults?"

Lucy lowered her head slightly. She wasn't sure she wanted to have this conversation with her manager. Of course, Jane was more than just a professional relationship, but she found it easier to talk to Ernie or Jesse. The closeness that had developed between her ex and her manager was probably part of it.

"Kate told you about the altercation this morning, right?"

Jane raised an eyebrow.

"Kate didn't tell me anything at all, I haven't seen her all day. What happened?"

Lucy had the unpleasant feeling that she had trapped herself, it must have been a mom thing.

"I may have made a joke or two that was not in very good taste.

-Jokes?

-Or remarks?"

Jane raised her second eyebrow. The young agent sank into her chair in the face of the inquisitive look.

"Lucy, you barely manage to be in the same room together.

-I know."

The special agent in charge observed her young protégé with kindness.

"Short of being at the bar with the team, do you want to come over to my house for a drink? You know my door is always open."

The little brunette smiled affectionately.

"That's sweet, but I think you're right, it's time Kate and I worked some things out."

Jane nodded her head in agreement.

"You know where to find me otherwise.

-Yes, no problem. Thank you."

The manager left the office, leaving a somewhat pensive Lucy behind her screen. After a few moments, she went back to work to finish the last report quickly, then stood up, grabbed the light jacket from the back of her chair and left the building. Agent Whistler's building was not far away and at this hour the traffic was flowing. She wasn't sure if it was a good idea to show up unannounced, but now that she was on a roll, she wasn't going to turn back.

About twenty minutes later, she knocked on the door of apartment 1204. The last time she had been here, Cara had opened this door and Lucy had discovered a girlfriend hiding somewhere on the DC side. She huffed to try to calm her nervousness. And Laura opened the door wide with a very surprised look.

"Good evening."

Lucy hiccupped in shock and stopped breathing for a moment without even realizing it. She had not been mistaken this morning, her impression was right. This woman she didn't know was Whistler's new girlfriend.

"Okay."

She started to breathe again and turned around, still under Laura's astonished look.

"No, no, not again! This time it's over."

Lucy angrily pressed the elevator button, but of course the traitor was gone.

"Talk like adults, of course yes."

The tall brunette went out after her to try to understand.

"Excuse me but, is everything okay?

-Everything is perfectly fine yes!"

It was beyond irony, the tone was acrimonious. And that elevator still wasn't coming. Lucy gritted her teeth.

"Where are you from? From DC too? Is there a group of girlfriends there?"

Laura was swimming in confusion.

"What? I don't understand a word you're saying. Won't you come in for a moment? Kate will be back soon."

Lucy laughed wryly.

" Yes of course, so I could hold the candle."

She could hear the elevator finally arrive.

"I don't know how long you and Kate have been a couple, but I hope you are very, very happy!"

And it was easy to understand that she didn't mean a word of it. The doors finally opened on a tall blonde with a ponytail and a pizza in her hands. So the elevator was clearly not on her side today.

"Oh, and it's pizza night! Excellent!"

Kate had not moved in surprise, she blocked with one hand the doors that were closing just as Laura declared in a loud and very audible voice:

"I'm her cousin."

The statement brought down the anger of the little woman in one blink. The tall brunette passed a head to meet Kate's eyes.

"Didn't you tell me she worked at NCIS? Do investigators always jump to conclusions like that?"

Lucy lowered her head and sighed heavily, she was having a very bad day.

"I'm sorry."

The FBI agent finally got out of the elevator, she still didn't understand the situation but she tried to defuse it anyway.

"There's enough pizza for three if you want to join us.

-I won't bother you, I think I've done enough for today."

Laura had a conciliatory smile.

"You're here now. Maybe this way we can get to know each other properly?"

The little brunette hesitated, originally she had come to talk to Kate, not to get to know her cousin. But after her hateful behavior today, she could probably make an effort and try to redeem herself. She nodded slightly, much to Agent Whistler's delight, judging by her expression. The three women entered the apartment. Laura held out her hand to Lucy:

"Nice to meet you, Laura Perfin, Kate's cousin.

-Nice to meet you, Lucy Tara, the NCIS agent who judges faster than her shadow."

They shared a laugh that lightened the mood. Kate's gaze went from one to the other.

"And can someone explain it to me?

-If you don't mind K, I think it's going to stay between your colleague and me."

The terrace was lit up and the open bay window looked out. The smell of pizza had quickly invaded the apartment. They sat outside to share the meal, enjoying the pleasant evening heat. Very quickly, the atmosphere was friendly and funny, Laura took advantage of this unexpected audience to share some anecdotes about her cousin. Kate tried to protest but it was useless. The hours passed in a pleasant way and Laura finally got up.

"Well, I have a long day ahead of me tomorrow so I'll leave you to it.

-Do you need a ride home?

-No, I saw that you have water, electricity and even cinemas on the island. So I guess there are cabs too."

Kate rolled her eyes at Lucy's laughter.

"Are you free for lunch tomorrow?

-Yes, but K, if you offer me a sandwich from the vending machine again, even though I love you, I'll pass."

Whistler laughed out loud.

"Fair enough."