The Best Laid Plans
"If you utter another word, so help me I'll..." Sam growled the words out to Deeks as they stepped out of the car towards the side entrance of the DEA office.
"Ok, ok," was the quick reply from Deeks, who stretched out of the car and shook his head like a wet dog, blond wavy hair flying out as he did so. He looked up and slowly drank in the clear blue skies of the early Mexican morning, looking forward to seeing the welcoming smile of his regular partner. Deeks thought that he really must have pissed Callen and Hetty off, to have had to endure spending nearly two and a half hours in a car with Sam.
"Geez Deeks, you're worse than a wild animal." Sam's temper was seriously fraying at the edges. He was going to have some harsh words with Callen next time he saw him. Time with Deeks was always a challenge, and to be trapped in a car with him for so long had almost caused numerous accidents, some which Sam thought he himself had actually instigated; the closest he had ever come to suicide!
"Morning guys," chirped Kensi, walking out of the DEA office door and quickly recognising the tension which was palpable between the two men.
"Kensi," Sam said as he stormed off towards the door and Kensi. "I now have a whole new level of respect for you."
"Thanks, I think..." She replied.
"Morning Kensi," Deeks said. "So did you miss me or did Callen fill the whole for me nicely?"
Kensi stared at Deeks, wondering at the double entendre which could have been contained in that sentence.
"Callen was a welcome relief from your non-stop chuntering, and so filled the gap nicely. I'm sure you'll be pleased to know we slotted back to the same routine we had before you joined our happy team." Kensi said with a sweet smile, knowing her response would wind Deeks up, and he looked at her with a cocked head, again reminiscent of a dog. Kensi thought that Deeks had been spending too much time with Monty, his own dog, and Monty's personality and characteristics were rubbing off on him. Either that or Deeks just naturally had animal instincts. Kensi smiled to herself this time, as she escorted her colleagues into the DEA offices.
Yet more introductions took place between the NCIS and DEA officers, this time with Sam Hanna and Kensi Blye in full military police uniform and Deeks in his customary jeans and t-shirt.
"Agent Callen laid out the plan for us last night," Agent Nicholls said to the new arrivals, as they gathered around the same large table in front of the big screen TV as the previous night.
"There's a strong possibility that Miller has holed up with his girlfriend on a farm here, just outside Tijuana," continued McCoy as he tapped away on his keyboard. With a few clicks of the mouse, various images filled the screen, showing maps of the roads and the farmland belonging to the Perez family. "We'll have the farm surrounded as best as possible by 08:45, and storm the main building and the three outbuildings at 09:00."
"We'll have four DEA officers, led by McCoy clearing the main building." Nicholls said. "Sam, you'll lead the team into outbuilding one, with two of my officers. Kensi, another two officers with you on outbuilding two, and I'll have another three of mine on building three. I can't see Miller hiding out in the fields, but just in case, we have seven mobile officers in vehicles to monitor activity from the surrounding roads. I'll be with one of the mobile teams, coordinating from the perimeter."
Deeks looked at the select group around the table, feeling left out. He knew he had to keep out of sight if he was to offer assistance in the guise of a lawyer further down the line. For once he resisted the temptation to offer some witty remark about LAPD being surplus to requirements.
Sam thought carefully about the plans which Nicholls had laid out. With limited resources and the need to move quickly, this was most likely the best plan which could be made. The DEA specialised in a number of activities including property raids, and he could not think of a way which could improve the plans already made.
"How many civilians are we expecting to encounter," he asked.
"We know of Catalina and her father," replied Nicholls. "And we believe there will be between two to four farmhands present."
Sam weighed up the odds, which were clearly in their favour. "Why the overkill with agents?"
"There is a strong possibility that the Tijuana drug cartel will be wanting to acquire or kill Miller as he was most likely a witness to Edwards' execution." Said Nicholls. "We don't know when or where he'll attack but we have to assume he knows about Catalina Perez, and play this cautiously."
"Sounds sensible," Sam agreed with Nicholls. "Who knows about our real identities?" Sam had to ensure that he knew what he could trust within the DEA.
"That would be me, McCoy and Frederikson. No-one else knows or will know unless we get the go-ahead from either you, Blye, Callen, Deeks or Miss Lange." Nicholls response was purely professional, and Sam was impressed by his attitude and the plans that had been so meticulously laid down so far. "The rest of the team are due in the next five minutes, and to them you and Kensi will be MPs, so expect a fair amount of resistance – nothing personal you understand?"
"We understand," Sam replied for Kensi too. "Kensi, how's Callen this morning?"
Sam and Deeks had headed straight for the DEA office rather than stopping at the motel first to meet up with Callen. They had known the DEA had laid plans, and that Callen would have fully briefed Kensi as to how he preferred the operation to go down.
"He's fine and happy with the plans on how to raid the Perez farmland," Kensi replied, making eye contact with each member of her audience. "He just wants to remind you that he needs to be contacted the moment you have Miller, with details of when, where and how Miller was found so he can ensure he's in place for you later."
Deeks looked at Kensi with an automatic grin, hiding a pang of jealousy. He knew Callen and Kensi had frequently partnered up before he joined the team. Although he was convinced that they did not have the same chemistry that he had with Kensi, he knew they had a connection and understanding which left him feeling somewhat vulnerable, for reasons he could not quite explain.
Sam nodded in agreement. He was frustrated he hadn't had the chance to see Callen yet, but agreed with all the plans so far. Provided Miller was hiding on the farm, they should be able to secure him, meet up with Callen and be heading back to California within a matter of hours.
"Well, if that's all the plans sorted, I'll be on my way to wait this out with Callen. Any messages you want me to give him in person?" Deeks looked at Sam and Kensi in turn.
Kensi shook her head however Sam said, "Yeah, you can tell Callen that next time I see him he'd better have a very good explanation as to why I drew the short straw with you. And if he can't explain himself, I'll knock him into next week."
"Woah, hold up there big guy," Deeks held up his hands to Sam. "I'm a just followin' orders, and I'm spreading my love around. I'll pass that on to Callen, word for word as he now has the pleasure of my company." He glanced slyly at both Sam and Kensi as he started to move to the corridor leading to the car park. "Bet he'll want to partner up with me permanently after this little adventure…"
"I wouldn't be too sure of that," Sam retorted, with a slight smile on his face as he thought that Callen and Deeks quite often deserved each other. He turned to Nicholls and said. "Let's meet the rest of your team and get this show on the road."
Within the next ten minutes, another twenty DEA officers had gathered in the open plan office and Nicholls and Sam had jointly laid out the plans for the raid on the Perez farm. Officers were issued to their specific teams; maps of the property had been passed to each team member and vehicles assigned. Before 08:30 all agents were on their way to a medium sized private farm on the outskirts of the city.
A short drive later and the agents were manoeuvring cars in to position at the farm's perimeter and piling out of vans and falling into the pre-assigned teams, checking weapons and ammunition whilst moving quickly and quietly to their respective buildings. McCoy guided his team to the main building, whilst the two NCIS officers in disguise as MPs, and the DEA agents led their teams to the outbuildings. All waited quietly and patiently until the clocked ticked round to 09:00 hours when the order was given by Nicholls to breach.
Each team went in efficiently, covering each room and each other's backs. Within minutes the three outbuildings were given the all clear, and shortly after McCoy's call came across the airwaves stating he had secured Catalina and her father but there had been no sign of Miller.
The teams re-assembled in front of the main farmhouse and Sam spoke quietly but firmly to McCoy.
"Has she said anything?"
"Only to say that she hasn't seen Miller for a week and has no idea where he is," came the reply.
"Do you believe her?"
"No I don't."
Sam walked determinedly over to Catalina, knowing how intimidating he looked in his military uniform and automatic rifle in hand. Before he could reach her, a message was relayed over the radio.
"Attention all agents, Miller has been apprehended," the voice crackled but sounded distinctly like Nicholls. "I repeat Miller has been apprehended."
"This is McCoy, how did you find him?"
"He ran right through the boundary fences in to my car," a sardonic laugh followed Nicholls' statement. "He's now cuffed and sitting on the back-seat, almost knocked himself out."
"Great," was the response from McCoy. "If you're guys can double check the perimeter, we'll meet you back at the office then with Ms Perez and her father."
McCoy relayed his brief conversation with Nicholls to the NCIS agents before he thanked his agents for a job well done.
Sam dialled Nicholls mobile. "Congratulations."
"Thanks," was the short but sincere response from Nicholls.
"I know Miller'll be taken back to the DEA cells, but I'd like to see him beforehand." Sam spoke grimly, frustrated that he did not directly have the pleasure of apprehending his suspect.
"Sure," Nicholls said. "I'll leave my teams to tidy up and I'll be with you in two minutes."
"Appreciated," was the brief response from Sam, and he signalled to Kensi to move away from the DEA officers so they could discuss their situation in private.
"With Miller captured so quickly it means we may have to split up again," Sam said to Kensi.
"I guess so," Kensi said. "Someone may need to stay here and investigate the murder of Edwards. He was a marine after all…but why can't we get someone from the San Diego office down to take over? It'll free us all up to focus on Miller and the military angle."
"Agreed," Sam thought through Kensi's idea. "San Diego NCIS agents have much closer ties to the DEA office here in Tijuana, and we do have other responsibilities. I'll call Callen, take Miller back to the DEA HQ, ask the routine questions and set out the preliminaries for Edwards' murder enquiry. Hetty can liaise with San Diego who can take over and work with the DEA on the drug angle and murder."
Just as they finished talking a black SUV pulled up in the farm's driveway. Nicholls exited the vehicle and opened the rear door. Miller was gently moved to a standing position besides the vehicle. He was dressed casually in jeans, stained grey t-shirt and a ripped denim jacket. His dark brown hair framed his pale face and his eyes were a vivid blue. He was giving off a feverish hue and was sporting an egg shaped lump on his forehead.
Sam pulled himself up to his full height and marched over to Miller.
"Private Miller, I'm Major Williams with the Military Police." Sam spoke with the voice of authority that commanded respect.
"Sir," Miller stood to attention and saluted the Major, although the effort made him woozy and he left the salute early to steady himself against the SUV.
"This is Lieutenant Alva," Sam introduced Kensi, and again Miller attempted a salute. "You will be taken back to the DEA office for a preliminary interview, we'll get that head wound seen to, and then we'll escort you back to Camp Pendleton, where you'll be held in the brig until your trial. Do you understand?"
"Yes sir," Miller had a resigned look on his face and was staring at his feet.
"I beg your pardon Private," Sam's voice rose as he demanded respect from his prisoner.
Miller's head snapped up as he stared at a space just to the left of Sam's head. "Yes sir."
"That's better, Private," Sam turned abruptly away from his prisoner, followed smartly by Kensi.
Out of earshot, the two agents quickly conferred with McCoy, requesting the young DEA agent call Callen to advise they were to leave the Perez farm in five minutes, and ensuring a medic was available to check the head wound on the prisoner. The last thing they needed was for Miller to die on them for an untreated bang to the head.
Gradually the various DEA squads reconvened in the farm's driveway. Sam and Nicholls were in the lead vehicle with Miller in the back, accompanied by Kensi to guard him. McCoy had Catalina and her father in the back of his SUV, and the three farm hands were split into three other vehicles. Before the clock had swung round to 09:45, the convoy of vehicles were on the move.
The drive back was longer due to the convoy and the extra caution that everyone took. Passengers were surveying the sun baked landscape and all vehicles for any signs they were being followed. Martinez and his cartel had not made an appearance at the farm, but if they had been watching, there was a chance they could be ambushed on the return journey. The communication between the agents was constant. Every potential threat was reported to the lead vehicle, who in turn was scouring the horizon for any danger from the opposite direction. Within five minutes Nicholls was approaching the junction where the dirt road and the main road met. Knowing the rush hour traffic would be heavy and continuous; he advised all teams to be extra vigilant. He was just replacing his radio to its cradle when a man ran in front of the SUV, causing him to break suddenly.
"What the..." Nicholls exclaimed as he braced his arms against the steering wheel. He was grateful that everyone was wearing seat belts and surprised that none of the airbags had exploded.
The man had placed his own hands on the front of the vehicle in an effort to stop himself being propelled into the air, and instead had bounced off and landed several metres in front of them.
"That's...Reed," shouted Sam, as Callen had stared into the eyes of the occupants of the front seat, before being thrown to the ground. Sam swore inwardly, thankful he had the presence of mind to recall Callen's undercover name, and doubly mad that Callen had to change plans again without telling anyone. He should be locked up in one of the DEAs holding cells, not roaming the countryside hoping to be caught, he thought angrily.
Callen hauled himself up from the dusty track, stared wildly at Nicholls and Sam before limping off into a nearby field. Nicholls quickly unfastened his seat belt, swung open his door and chased after Callen. Sam quickly whirled round to Kensi and ordered her to remain with Miller. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Kensi draw her gun and train it on Miller. He hoped that Martinez wouldn't decide to attack now – and he would kill Callen if this destroyed their mission. Sam got out and chased after the two men.
Nicholls had the head start and was surprising fast for a man of his stature. Within thirty seconds he had caught the limping Callen and rugby tackled him to the ground, dust spewing up as their bodies landed heavily on the barren farm land.
"What the hell d'you think you're doing?" Nicholls let his temper fly as he roughly rolled Callen over so he was facing him.
"Improvising," was the smart response, accompanied by a vicious right hook to Nicholls jaw.
Nicholls fell towards his right as Callen rolled over and struggled to get up from underneath him.
"Not so quick you bastard, I've been waiting a long time for this." Nicholls voice was rising as he again tackled Callen before he could take off. This time he dealt two quick blows to Callen's face and a third punch to his kidneys.
Callen was winded but moved his hands up to Nicholls neck in an attempt to strangle him. Before he could make the connection, Sam arrived and quickly hauled Nicholls off of Callen.
"What are you playing at Senior Agent Nicholls?" Sam shouted at the man, wondering what in hell had come over him.
Nicholls wiped his bloody nose and replied, "I was apprehending a violent escapee."
"Really, it seems he came off worse than you! Ever heard of hand cuffs?" Sam's attention was fully on Nicholls and he failed to notice the look of pleasure which was slowly spreading over Callen's face.
"I'd call it police brutality and I wanna press charges with you as the witness." Callen smiled and pointed to Sam as he spoke. Blood was now running down the side of his face from a cut eyebrow. He made no attempt to wipe it away.
"It's called reasonable force you little shit," Nicholls spat. "And you've got no grounds as you threw the first punch. And I have witnesses to that."
"Like hell you do," Callen knew he was going to like playing Reed, especially as he was going to be able to press Nicholls buttons.
By now the two men were squaring up to each other and Sam was holding them apart at arm's length. Suddenly Callen made a run for it. Sam pushed Nicholls roughly back and told him to stay there as he chased after his escaped prisoner. Within seconds he had caught Callen, grabbing his arm and spinning him round.
"What the hell do you think you're doing?" Sam glared at Callen, demanding an answer.
"Playing my part and making it look convincing for Miller," Callen replied. He could see Sam was all riled up and wanted to provoke him. The worse picture he could paint of himself for Miller – in front of Miller's own eyes – the easier he hoped it would be for Miller to bond with him.
Callen wrenched his arm from Sam's grasp pushed Sam back angrily, then again moving forward so he invaded the larger man's personal space. "How was the journey down with Deeks?" He murmured to Sam, looking into his eyes with a smile. "Bet it wasn't half as blissful and me and Kensi's drive. You know I'm thinking we should swap partners permanently. You could learn so much from Deeks as..."
Before Callen could stop talking at him Sam roughly pushed Callen. Sam had had enough. He'd openly threatened both Deeks and Callen about swapping partners and whereas he would never carry out his death threat, he could certainly make their lives hell. The force of his push made the shorter man stumble before hitting the ground hard. That in itself was enough to wind Callen but quickly got to his feet and brushed himself down before once again moving into Sam's personal space.
"Is that all you've got, military man?" Yet again Callen smiled at Sam, but this time his voice was quiet and threatening, almost a whisper. If Sam hadn't known better, he would have been intimidated and extremely worried about the sudden change in attitude.
"Just shut up and turn round," Sam reached for his zip ties as he took a tight hold of Callen's arm and twisted him around. "I don't have time for your games or your smart mouth." He forced Callen's other arm behind his back as he secured the ties tightly, causing Callen to wince slightly. "Would've been better for you if you'd just gone straight to the cells."
"Yeah but wouldn't have been half as much fun as getting one over on Nicholls."
"G, what is it with you?" Sam shook his head is desperation as he marched his prisoner back towards the convoy of vehicles.
As they passed Nicholls, Callen gave him a smile. Nicholls gave him a look that could kill, and the DEA agent went back to the car. Sam marched Callen past the car and Callen took the opportunity to make eye contact with the prisoner inside, winking at him before being led to the fifth car back which was empty of prisoner's from the farm raid. Sam opened the rear passenger door and ordered Callen in. Sam followed to keep guard. Orders were relayed over the radio to each vehicle, and once again the journey back to the DEA office commenced. Sam hoped that this time, it would be without incident.