Chapter 10

Only when they were back in the car did Kensi mentally relax. Deeks' nurse friends are not what I expected. I let my imagination run away with me. But my imagination is pretty vivid where Deeks is concerned. Carla and Manny are good people. Tina, well, better not go there.

"See, there was no need for you to be jealous," said Deeks as he turned out of the parking lot.

"Who said anything about being jealous?" said Kensi in a huffy tone. "You're reading more into the situation than is necessary."

Deeks cut his eyes to her. "I think you were a wee bit concerned about my nurses."

"Your nurses are lovely caregivers. I liked them."

"That they are. However, Manny and Carla aren't the only nurses I know," he added mysteriously.

They were approaching an exit. Kensi said, "Left or right?"

"We take the second left up here."

"Actually, I meant your unfortunate butt mishap."

"Unfortunate butt mishap. Wow, when you say it like that it sounds like I had epic diarrhea or hemorrhoids."

Kensi made a gagging sound. "That's disgusting . . . and you're avoiding the question."

"Even though you're my partner, that remains confidential patient information, you know, HIPAA stuff. In other words, that is for me to know and you to discover."

"Are you throwing down a dare?"

Deeks shrugged. "Take it however you like."

Never one to back down from a dare, Kensi said, "Oh, it's on." She didn't want to analyze right now why she was so consumed with learning everything she could about her new partner. Work partner, she reminded herself. We only work together. Had she not stressed that fact to her girlfriends earlier this evening?

"Given your sudden preoccupation with my butt, I accept your challenge of my challenge."

"Wait a minute. Callen's calling." She pressed a button and switched to speaker phone. "Go, Callen."

"How are the Beckwiths?"

"The husband got a flesh would in his arm and the wife was terrified and scraped up, but they'll be released in a little while."

"Hey, did you guys find a man's Rolex there?" asked Deeks.

"As a matter of fact, we did and the contents of a woman's purse," said Callen. "We're working on getting security camera footage from the area. Meet us back in Ops. Eric said he has an update."

"On our way," said Kensi and disconnected.

"It doesn't make sense," said Kensi. "Why didn't they go back for the watch?"

"Right. You have an older, defenseless couple, you have the weapons, you're in charge of the situation. Even if dogs are making a ruckus, a Rolex is a valuable piece of bling. I would have certainly gone back for it."

"Unless it was more about intimidation than an actual robbery," said Kensi.

"Right. Somebody trying to rattle their nerves hoping Mr. Beckwith will overlook something tomorrow night."

Back in Ops

Eric brought up surveillance footage from the customs area at LAX. "Meet Bradley Conrad Webster, 45-year-old self-employed CPA from Encino. He's returning from a family wedding in Mexico with his wife and kids." The footage showed an African-American man in a flowered shirt and shorts, followed by an attractive woman and two sullen teenagers pulling their carry-ons.

"Definitely not our Brad," said Callen.

"As far as I can tell, unless our Brad has had plastic surgery and obtained a new passport, he's still in London," said Eric.

"So we're no closer to figuring out this thing," said Sam.

"Kens, what did you guys learn?" asked Callen. She relayed the info about the presidential masks and then Deeks' cell rang.

He looked at the number. "It's Beckwith."

"Mr. Beckwith, how are you?"

"We were just released. Our daughter came to pick us up. I'm calling because my wife remembered something which may or may not be significant. Only the one in the Obama mask actually spoke. The other one started to say something, but Obama told him to shut up."

"Okay, thanks. Try to get some rest."

"Maybe that guy had an accent or was someone they knew," said Deeks.

"I could look at stores selling masks, but with Halloween coming up that would take a long time. I've even seen them for sale in convenience stores," said Eric.

"Get a fill-up and a new face, all at the same place," said Deeks.

"Start by looking at stores near the Beckwith home. Maybe our bad guys aren't too smart and we'll catch a break," said Callen.

Big Night at the Museum

Usually when a man and a woman are preparing to go out for the evening, the man is ready first and has to wait on his date. And this proved to be the case tonight with Deeks and Kensi.

Okay, so it's not a date, but it kinda feels like one. I wouldn't mind going on a real one with Kensi.

"Mr. Deeks, are you ready for your first undercover with NCIS?" asked Hetty.

Deeks checked out his reflection in the full-length mirror. "Oh yeah, it'll be a walk in the park compared to some of the cases I worked with LAPD. Now if only my date would hurry up. Why are guys always waiting?"

"I heard that, Detective," snapped Kensi from the small changing cubicle. "And it's not a date, it's work."

"But you wish it was. Plus, there's no reason why work can't be fun. Well, as long as you have the right partner."

Deeks leaned toward Hetty and whispered, "You didn't loan her that lipstick gun, did you?"

Hetty's eyebrows arched up, but she remained silent with that quirky little almost-smile. "Just be on your best behavior tonight, Mr. Deeks."

"Copy that."

Kensi stepped out and immediately felt Deeks' eyes assessing her. He smiled. "Like I said, you can't go wrong with black." Kensi liked the couture dress, but she liked the way Deeks looked at her even more. The air between them felt electric and goosebumps popped out on her arms. Kensi returned his smile and reached into her small clutch to retrieve her ear wig.

"Was it worth the wait?" she asked quietly.

"Absolutely." They continued to stare at each other as if they were the only two people there.

Sam and Callen appeared at that moment looking equally sharp in their tuxedos. "I'll be up in Ops with Mr. Beale," said Hetty as she ushered them out the door. "Good luck, everyone."