Chapter 7

What is this guy up to? wondered Eric. He studied the screen closely, then began checking other databases. Something is not right. He immediately called Callen.

"What is it, Eric?"

"I just got a hit on Bradley Webster's passport."

"Tell me more." Callen picked up the TV remote and muted the documentary he'd been watching about the Russian czars.

"He's not listed on any passenger manifest, yet his passport showed up at LAX 20 minutes.

"Interesting. Any surveillance footage of him?"

"Searching now, but don't hold your breath. Apparently, the airport has been having intermittent power surges due to ongoing construction. Plus, there were two Aeroméxico, three Delta and two Qantas flights all landing around the same time."

"Okay, keep me posted."

"Want to grab some food?" asked Deeks after they'd changed back into their street clothes.

"Not tonight. I'm meeting some girlfriends for dinner."

"Girlfriends? Have I met them?"

Kensi stared at him. "You know perfectly well that you haven't."

"You could introduce me. What are their names?"

"There you go being all persistent and nosy again. If you must know, it's Tiffani, Joanna, Lauren and Tiffany."

"You said Tiffany twice."

"That's because there's Tiffani with an 'i' and Tiffany with a 'y.'"

"Got it. Tiffany times two," nodded Deeks.

By now they were at the parking lot. A white convertible with the top down was waiting with two attractive women in it. The driver raised a hand in greeting. "Hi, Kensi. Ready to go?"

"So ready," she sighed.

"Hello, ladies," said Deeks. He gifted them with his killer smile. "Marty Deeks, Kensi's new partner."

The man could be in a toothpaste commercial, thought Kensi. He was wearing a white tee shirt, jeans and had his messenger bag slung across his chest. Kensi was acutely aware of her friends checking him out.

The driver spoke up. "Hi, Marty. I'm Lauren."

"And I'm Joanna," said the other woman. "We've heard your name, Detective.

"Yes, several times," confirmed Lauren.

"So, Kensi's mentioned me." He cut his eyes briefly to her. "Good to know."

"But now we can put a body, I mean, face to it," said Lauren with a killer smile of her own.

Kensi was mortified. I can't believe she said that.

"Where are the Tiffanies?" he asked, clearly enjoying the attention.

"You know about them? They're meeting us at the restaurant," said Joanna. "Why don't you join us? We'd love to get to know you better."

"I'll bet you have some cool cop stories," added Lauren.

Behind his back, Kensi was shaking her head and mouthing no, no, no.

"Another time. I'm sure Kensi needs some girl-talk since she operates in a high-testosterone zone all day." He adjusted the strap of his bag.

"Yes, please!" said Kensi. Her eyes narrowed. Did he just flex his biceps? What a show-off. She barely restrained an urge to slug one of said biceps.

"I imagine you'll be discussing hair and make-up and reality shows . . . and men," said Deeks.

"Don't get it in your head that we'll be discussing you, Deeks," said Kensi with a snort. Even as she said it, she knew, without a doubt, he would be the number one topic. Lauren and Joanna looked at each other with raised eyebrows.

"Oooh, big strong NICS agents," gushed Lauren.

"It's NCIS," corrected Kensi.

Lauren waved a hand. "Oh well, whatever you guys are called. I can never get it straight."

"Ladies, it was a pleasure," said Deeks. He turned to Kensi and winked. "Catch you tomorrow, Kensalina."

She glared at him. "Kensalina? What's with that?"

Deeks didn't respond, but grinned and got in his car

Kensi climbed in the back seat and threw her things on the floorboard.

"Damn, girl," gushed Joanna. "You hit the partner jackpot."

Kensi pulled her hair into a ponytail and sighed. "He's my work partner. That's all. End of discussion. Besides, it's not like I picked him out of a catalog. My boss thrust him on me."

"I wouldn't mind him being thrust on me," said Lauren with a giggle.

Kensi's did an eye roll. "Okay, bad choice of words. You two are impossible. Why am I friends with you again?"

Lauren slipped her designer sunglasses on. "Because we're fun and straight-shooters. And he already has a pet name for you. How cute!"

"Can we forget about Deeks? I really need a margarita." She closed her eyes and massaged her forehead. As if on cue, Kensi's phone buzzed with a text from Deeks. Can't go wrong with black.

Of course, the dress, she thought. I should wear the burgundy one just to spite him.

Joanna was shocked. "Why? He's gorgeous."

"Yeah. Is he single?" asked Lauren.

Kensi felt like screaming. "As far as I know."

Joanna turned half-way around in her seat. "You work with him every day and you don't know?"

"No wedding band," noted Lauren.

"We can't wear a lot of jewelry in this job."

"Kensi, you need to make a move. It's not every day a hottie like that drops into your life," said Joanna.

"No kidding," sighed Lauren. "And it's pretty obvious Marty has a thing for you."

Kensi was startled. There it was again. The elusive 'thing.' It must exist and I'm the only one trying to deny it.

With an effort, Kensi tried to direct the conversation to other subjects. "So Lauren, when's that big interview?"

Discussion about jobs and interviews and bosses occupied them until they reached the restaurant 15 minutes later, then the talk shifted to food and drink.

The Tiffanies were not there yet, so the three of them sat down on a long bench at the front of the restaurant to wait.

"Kensi, will you be at Zumba tomorrow night?" asked Joanna.

"Sorry. I have to work."

"With Marty?" said Lauren.

Kensi sighed. They were back to Deeks again. "Yes, with Mar, uh, Deeks. We just call him Deeks. And Sam and Callen."

"Let me guess, you can't talk about it," said Joanna.

"Right. You know I would tell you if I could."

About that time, the Tiffanies arrived and the group was shown to a table. As usual, Kensi chose a chair so she could watch the entrance of the restaurant. Joanna noticed and said, "You're never off duty, are you?"

Kensi picked up a menu and smiled. "Not really."

Throughout dinner it seemed to be all about Marty, Marty, Marty. Finally, Kensi said, "Isn't there any other news besides my new partner?"

The women all looked at each other and started laughing. "Nothing as delicious as your Marty," said Tiffany.

Suddenly, Kensi's cell rang. She felt a flash of irritation when she saw Deeks' name. At least I haven't put his picture on there yet. But she'd considered it.

"Why are you interrupting my dinner?" she demanded.

Lauren leaned toward the table and whispered, "I bet it's Marty."

"Yeah, love you, too," said Deeks.

The phone almost slipped from Kensi's hand. "Excuse me?"

Deeks tried not to laugh. "Oh, forgot who I was talking to."

"You're talking to your partner. Did you butt-dial me?

"No, there's been a shooting," he said.

"What?" Kensi was all business now. She got up and moved toward a row of potted plants along one side of the restaurant.

"Remember Beckwith, the museum director?"

"Of course. What happened?"

"He and his wife were returning from the symphony tonight and two guys jumped them at their front door. Shots were fired and they were transported to Cedars-Sinai. Eric's trying to get more info."

"Could this be a random robbery?"

"Beats me," said Deeks. "Sam and Callen are headed to the house and we're to go to the hospital to interview the Beckwiths. Where are you? I'll swing by and get you."

Kensi blew out a sigh. "Okay."

"Kens?

"Yeah?"

"Sorry this messes up your evening with the girls."

"Part of the job, right? We were just lingering over our margaritas."

Deeks laughed. "Should I bring you some coffee?"

"Shut up and hurry up."

"Yes, ma'am. Walking out the front door as we speak."