A/N: Sorry for the hiatus. Please read... *hides under rock*

Quickly, I get into the car, and immediately began grilling Maura. The betrayal sets in almost instantaneously. I can't believe how she had this whole other life, but more than that, I am dumbfounded she didn't trust me enough to tell me. But beyond that, I'm angry at myself. I mean, I fell for someone who "accidentally" didn't tell me about most of her life. I am caught thinking the very thing I've been desperately trying to avoid: the fact I'm in love with my best friend. Everything I grew up around tells me this is wrong, but I know it's true. Not that it matters anymore. When we get to Patty's cell, my mind's more muddled then it was when I got into the car. I let the boyish agent, Tim whoever, come with me, but I make Maura and Frankie stay in the car. From the anxious look on my brother's face, he needed the quiet, and I think separating Maura and I was a good idea. As soon as I walk in, the man behind the desk takes McGee and I to a back room where the crime boss waits.

"Maura?" He asks, worriedly, "Is she hurt?"

"Don't you mean Kate?" I sneer.

Patty sighs, and a pained look crosses his face. He knew, too. Am I the only one who didn't? "You know," Patty says lowly, as if he's almost ashamed of his knowledge, yet anxious to have someone to share it with, no matter the consequences.

"Yeah. Tell me more," Tim pushes.

"Who's he, Jane?" Doyle asks me. Tim seems surprised by the familiarity with the first name basis, but he doesn't say anything.

"Federal Agent. Now tell us."

"What agency?" Patty now turns towards the boyish agent.

"Naval Criminal Investigative Service."

"You were one of Kate's coworkers, weren't you?" Patty realizes.

"I was. Tell us everything now," Tim demands.

"When I was younger, to get out on bail, I needed cash I didn't have. I sent a 'friend' to make a deposit at a local sperm bank for the cash. A week or so later, I get a call saying that my sperm impregnated a woman. Maura's mother. I gave her the name Kate, but her mom preferred Maura. At twenty-two, she had her PhD. She was being threatened, so she decided to control her own destiny. The next day, she applied to the secret service. She made it, and well , did amazing. Then, NCIS stuck their nose onto one of her cases, and let's just say, the lead agent made quite the impression on her. She was with them until the Ari debacle. Then she was put in WP, and placed here. No - one suspected, and she is safe. That is, until you all showed up," Patty stuck his knobby finger at McGee.

"There was a dead navy officer," Tim defends his team.

"If it is Colonel Jordyn Harrington, a man named Harry Sedirick killed her. It was over their uncle's will."

"How... Why... What... How does he knew this from jail?" Tim stuttered, but I am unfazed.

"He's got friends," I responded.

As I go to leave, Tim asks for permission to stay and ask Patty one personal question about Kate. I see no harm, so I let him. I pause by the door as I hear him ask, "Did Kate say why she joined NCIS? I mean, besides Gibbs' partial job offer."

"Yeah, she was crushing on that boss of yours. They got together, y'know. She doesn't like him like that anymore, though. I think she swings the other way, if you know what I mean."

Tim's face turns bright red as he walks out. We get in the car and I can't quite look at Maura yet. That last sentence of Patty's keeps ricocheting in my brain. Is it possible I might have a chance with Maura? Looking at her, I don't know if I trust her enough to care anymore.

A/N: Whaddya think? Review, por favor. K. Major props to Esquinzo, who never gave up on this story.