Some Like It Hot!
By Phillydi
I've been writing some heavy stories of late…so I thought it was time to have some fun!
The contingent of NCIS agents and techs are gathered around the Ops table waiting for their fearless leader to arrive and give them the latest case fresh off the docket. Everyone is in good spirits, with teasing at an all time high and laughter echoing about the room. They had just finished a very somber mission, where the entire team had been stretched to their physical and mental limitations, so they were counting their blessings, and appreciating the gathering of close teammates and good friends in the room today.
"Good morning everyone, I'm glad to see you all in high spirits," Hetty calls out as she enters the room. She knows the past few days have been hard on her team and she gives them a few more minutes to enjoy the camaraderie.
When she is able to capture their full attention again she opens up the case to the group.
"There have been reports of an illegal baby adoption ring at a local dance studio," reports Hetty. "Mr. Beale if you please? "
Eric's fingers fly over his keyboard. A Navy personnel picture of a young officer fills the large video screen.
"This is Ensign J.P. Worley, and he reports that his wife was approached by a member of the Let's Get Physical Dance Studio about adopting a baby after she was overheard talking about her inability to conceive a child. The employee said she knew an expectant mother who couldn't keep her baby and she would be willing to set them up with an interview. Unfortunately, they handed over $10,000 to the pregnant woman and have not been able to contact her since. They went back to the studio and found the employee no longer works there and very conveniently, the owner doesn't know anything about the transaction either."
"As a side note, the owner of the studio has a very questionable background," Nell chips in. "She has written a few bad checks, has one DUI and a couple of disorderly conducts in her past."
"Please don't tell me you're going to send us in as undercover dancers?" Callen asks apprehensively.
"Oh, heaven forbid, Mr. Callen, I've seen you dance," Hetty smiles
"Oooh! Slam dunk and over the funk with your bad as…" Deeks throw his hand up but stops mid air.
All eyes are turned to Deeks.
"I mean… she got you really good." Deeks mumbles and tilts his head forward to scratch the back of his neck and deflect the unwanted attention.
"Yes, well thank you Mr. Deeks, but I actually had something else in mind Mr. Callen," Hetty grins as she turns to look at Kensi.
"The studio is looking for a new Zumba teacher, and Ms. Blye is just the person to fit the bill."
"Whoa," Kensi holds both hands up in the air. "I don't know one Zumba step from another Hetty!"
"Of course you don't, Ms. Blye. I didn't expect you to. That's why I have set up for you to take lessons today in the gym with one of the best instructors in Los Angeles. Before he's done with you, I guarantee you will be able to teach Zumba with the best of them!" Hetty exclaims as she throws her arm up in the air.
"What the hell is Zumba?" Sam asks. By the confused looks on Callen and Deeks' faces he isn't the only one in the room without a clue.
"Where have you been, Mr. Hanna? It's only the biggest fitness dance craze since disco," Hetty explains to the team.
"It was actually created in the 1990's by a Columbian fitness trainer named Alberto Perez," says Nell. "He was inspired by the salsa, samba and meringue music he grew up with. The dance moves can get quite hot and sexy, or so I hear," Nell smiles seductively.
"I think it is a challenge you are prepared to handle, Ms. Blye and besides you will find it an exhilarating work out. I love it!" Hetty exclaims.
The room goes deadly quiet as all eyes hit the floor. Each member of the team has just received a mental image that they were definitely not prepared to assimilate. Callen quickly moves the conversation forward before one of his team members say something they are bound to regret.
"So while Kensi is going undercover as a Zumba teacher, what angle do you want us to cover?" Callen asks.
"Well, Mr. Deeks will be posing as Ms. Blye's husband and we will have backstopping for both of them that shows they have trying for a few years to have children but are now considering other alternatives," explains Hetty. She turns to Nell who puts up a list of credentials for the new Zumba teacher and her husband.
"Kensi and Deeks let me introduce you to Lucinda and Chris Thomas." California driver's licenses flash on the screen with the agents new aliases.
"Oooh, can I call you Lulu?" Deeks asks.
"Don't start Deeks," Kensi warns him with a ominus look but she already knows her partner is only getting warmed up.
"As I was saying…." Nell squints at Deeks as a challenge not to interrupt her again. "You and your husband are new to the Los Angeles area, arriving just recently from Tucson. But you bring with you a list of dancing credentials that would rival even Arthur Murray." The display screen shows an inventory of dance competitions and recitals going back 10 years. There is a professional head shot of Kensi/Lucinda to go along with her impressive dance qualifications. "You are a newly certified Zumba teacher and you have moved to LA to seek fame and fortune as a choreographer but are supporting yourself as an instructor for now." Nell looks over her creation of Kensi's backstopping with satisfaction.
"Thank you Ms. Jones," Hetty says. "As for Mr. Callen and Mr. Hanna, I want you both to see if there are more couples out there who have been taken in by this scam. They may have been too embarrassed to come forward to tell their story. But we need to get a profile of these ring leaders and we need more information. Mr. Beale will work with you to identify possible military and non-military clients from the studio.
"Dodged a bullet there G," Sam says with relief.
Callen smiles but looks at Kensi in sympathy. This is going to be fun….
Later that day in the gym…
Callen, Sam and Deeks exit the locker rooms after changing into their workout clothes. It's been a long day and it's time to unwind. They are headed for a workout but stop short when they hear the seductive strains of Latin music fill the hall way that leads to the gym. All three men are frozen in their tracks.
"This way," Deeks quickly leads the group into the indoor shooting range and kills the lights before they enter the room. The space overlooks the gym floor and gives the three agents front row seats to the show going on below.
Callen and Sam are speechless. Deeks is beside himself with glee.
"Oh, my god," Deeks says in astonishment. "Now that's what I call professional development."
Ok, has it gotten your attention? Should I continue? Anything you think I should include with this story….it's got to be fun! Let me know…..