Real Riches
Everyone in Ops stopped talking when Deeks walked in, and he couldn't help but smile at their reaction. Nell let out a shrill wolf whistle and in response he spread his arms wide and bowed and then did a slow turn for them all so they could get the full effect of his makeover. His hair was brushed and slightly shorter, but it still fell softly over his forehead and his beard was neatly trimmed. And if the old saying is correct, that the clothes make the man, then it was entirely true in Marty Deeks' case. He looked like he had just stepped off a yacht from the south of France. His designer suit was made of straw colored raw silk and draped sensuously on his tall, well built frame. His white linen shirt was crisp and open at the throat and his shoes were leather loafers the color of butter. The watch he wore was Hetty's favorite Rolex and cost more than Deeks made in his last four years combined as a detective.
Hetty entered with a smile of great pride on her face and handed Deeks a monogrammed silk handkerchief to complete his transformation into a rich, young playboy with more money than he knew what to do with. And Deeks was loving it.
"What did you do with the real Deeks, Hetty?" Sam asked, as he stared openmouthed at her handiwork.
"Yeah, Hetty, this new model is a keeper. Let's just throw out the old one." Kensi said with an amazed smile.
"I thought you liked the old one," Deeks said, frowning at this new development.
"Hetty, you have definitely outdone yourself." Callen stood with his hands on his hips and a smirk on his face.
"Why is everyone talking like I'm not here?" Deeks former exhilaration was waning as he began to feel like a piece of meat on display.
"Ladies and gentlemen, may I introduce Mr. Julian Rix, son of the late and very wealthy Jonathan Rix of Cincinnati, Ohio. Julian however, spent most of his misspent youth on a yacht traveling from port to port and spending daddy's money until daddy died, at which time Julian inherited everything. He made more money when he invested a good portion of his inheritance in a start up dot com enterprise in the Silicon Valley. He is in LA to see what else his money can buy, mainly a seat at the table with the power brokers in this part of the world and to chase starlets." Hetty finally took a breath and then turned to Nell for the real reason behind Mr. Deeks' makeover.
"We have been receiving intel about a group of wealthy men operating in this area who don't want to go through the democratic process to achieve power." Nell brought up some photos of two politicians and three military leaders. "These men have all died under suspicious circumstances over the last year and we have reason to believe they were murdered by this group of power brokers headquartered here in Los Angeles."
"And we know this how?" Callen asked.
"This man, retired Naval Commander Daniel Cole, who barely escaped with his life last year after refusing some demands made by these men." Nell replied. "He's the reason we know about them at all. He's now in protective custody."
"What's their goal?" Sam questioned.
"We're not entirely sure Mr. Hanna, but undoubtedly part of it includes money and power. " Hetty said solemnly, "The FBI had an undercover agent get close, but he turned up dead before he could report any details."
Everyone became silent as they realized that Deeks' assignment might look fun, but it was extremely dangerous and it sobered them all.
"What we do know is the name of one of the leaders of this syndicate and the fact that they are looking for 'investors' in whatever they're planning." Hetty informed them. "And that's where Julian Rix comes in. We will be setting him up as one of those investors. He has a lot of money and spends it extravagantly, but he wants to play with the big boys as well. He is ultra conservative, but not necessarily well informed or overly concerned with doing things within the law. Mr. Deeks will play him as sophisticated, but easily manipulated and as a somewhat shallow, lightweight character."
"The shallow and lightweight part shouldn't be any stretch at all for Deeks," Sam laughed and received a shake of the head and a lopsided grin from Deeks for his comment. Although Kensi noticed how quickly the grin faded, replaced by a wounded look in his pale blue eyes.
"Who's his backup Hetty?" Kensi asked and they could all see the nervous tension in her body as she stared at Deeks.
"I am, Ms. Blye," Hetty answered.
Her answer was met with silence and raised eyebrows.
"Don't you think I can handle it?" she asked smiling slightly at their reactions.
"What's your cover?" Callen asked with a hint of doubt in his voice.
"I will be Mr. Rix's dresser and executive secretary," she answered, staring down Callen and causing him to break eye contact. "You have to agree, Mr. Callen, I am qualified in both departments. And I don't think I will be viewed as a threat."
"And your alias, Hetty?" Nell asked.
"Miss Charlotte Wordingham." Hetty smiled. "I have done some of the backstopping on my alias already, but you will fill in the blanks, won't you Nell?" she didn't wait for an answer. "Mr. Callen, you will be running the op and if you need to speak with me or Mr. Deeks, you have my contact number." She headed for the door and motioned for Deeks to follow.
"Where will you be Hetty?" Callen asked curiously.
"Instructing Mr. Deeks on fine food and wine, expensive whiskey, the arts and how to act like you've been born with a silver spoon in your mouth."
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