Twenty minutes earlier-
"I copied the hard drive, but I doubt we'll find anything good." Kensi said.
"The librarian said that she'd burn us a copy of the surveillance tapes from this morning. Should only take a few minutes." Sabatino said.
"Oh, great." she said. There was a moment of silence, and then Sabatino cleared a path for Kensi. "Yeah," Kensi said, as she walked away from the bank of computers.
"Cop or soldier?" he asked.
"Excuse me?" she asked.
"Your father. Was he law enforcement or military?" he asked.
Kensi thought about where this conversation was going, and then stopped in her tracks and asked. "Why?"
"Well, it's just that you carry yourself with a real confidence and authority." he said.
Kensi paused a moment and then asked. "Are you hitting on me?"
"No. Well, maybe a little. Don't worry, I'm harmless. With our lives? Hell, I can't even keep a plant alive, let alone a relationship." he said, and then started to walk away. Sabatino stopped as they were approaching the exit, and posted up at one of the tables. "Plus, I wouldn't want to step into the middle of something."
"Something?" she asked.
"Yeah. Between you and your partner." he said.
Kensi was so dumbfounded that she was at a loss for words. "Between me and my…" Kensi laughed, and then continued. "There is nothing going on between me and, um…"
Sabatino could see that Kensi was lying about something, but didn't push. Although he did help Kensi with my name. "Deeks?"
"Yeah. No. No, no, no, we are not a good match. We wouldn't—We're barely good partners." she said.
"That's good. For him. Both of you really. If you were my partner, I'd end up falling for you. Hard. Then what would I do? Good partners are hard to find. I need someone I could trust to have my back. I wouldn't want to lose that. On the other hand, you'd also be the person I cared about more than anyone else in the world. And I'd never want to see you in jeopardy. So you couldn't possibly be my partner. It's a dilemma."
Kensi thought about what Sabatino said, and everything he said hit a home and hard. So Kensi laughed it off. Kensi started backing away as she said. "Right. Un, heh…Well, I think it's stupid, personally—"
"Excuse me." I said.
I could see that Kensi was happy that I showed, but also annoyed. "What?" Kensi asked.
"Uh, Sam is following Greshnev and Eric is going to talk us in." I said.
"You had to come in here to tell me that? You couldn't just text me?" Kensi asked.
"I could have—" I began.
"And you didn't because?" Kensi asked.
"I could have, but if I would have stayed another second in that car, I would have killed Snyder." I said, and then walked away.
Kensi looked at my posture, I was giving off no tells, but she knew that I was pissed, and groaned. Kensi thought that I was up here because she thought that I was trying interfere with something, but it didn't occur to her that Snyder was walking on thin ice.
"Snyder has that effect on people. I'll ride with Deeks." Sabatino said.
"Thanks." Kensi said.
N.C.I.S. L.A.
Boatshed-
As we were driving to meet Sam, Eric called to inform us that Sam had been arrested. So the four of us went to the boatshed to think up a plan.
"Thanks for the ride, Kensi." Snyder said.
I stared at Snyder. I now know how Sam felt when I stepped in on the beach last time.
"Snyder let's go have a chat." Sabatino said.
"There's an interrogation room down the hall over there." I said.
Sabatino and Snyder walked away, while Kensi grabbed four photos and spread them out on the table. The photos were of Michelle, Kirkin, Sidorov and Greshnev. I paced the room for a while. Kensi looked at me a few times, and then asked. "You want to talk about it?"
"What's there to talk about?" I asked.
"Come on, it can't be that bad." she said.
"Why not?" I asked, stopping next to the table and watching the Sabatino and Snyder talk.
"You may not like him, but Snyder does what's required of him." she said.
"Is that a subjective point of view, or an objective one?" I asked.
"Objective." she said quickly.
"Doesn't matter if he's good. He's a pompous, arrogant prick. Two traits that will get you killed." I said, still looking at the plasma.
"Why did you really come in?" she asked.
I looked at Kensi a moment. I was dumbfounded that she was asking that question, even after I already answered it. And then I realize the point of this question. "You think that I'm playing the jealous boyfriend?" I asked.
"No." she said.
"Uhuh. I have an idea what you and Sabatino talked about. Numb nuts alluded to it before I came up, but I really can't stand Snyder." I said, and then paced the room again.
There was about five minutes of silence before I said. "Well, we're obviously missing something." I said.
"What does Sidorov want?" she asked.
"He wants Quinn to kill his rival, Kirkin, so he can come back and sell the nukes that he stole." I said.
"That's it." she said.
"I mean, the broad strokes, yeah, that's it." I said.
"No, that's how we get Sidorov and Greshnev." she said.
"Okay, this is going to be hard to believe, but I'm not exactly following the Kensi logic train. Apparently, it doesn't make stops in my neighborhood."
At that moment, Snyder and Sabatino exited the interrogation room.
"We have a plan." Kensi announced.
"We do?" I asked.
"We'll let's hear it." Snyder said.
"We kill Kirkin." Kensi said.
"That's out of the box." Sabatino said.
"But we don't really kill him. We make Sidorov and Greshnev believe Quinn did. They'll come out of hiding to pay her off and when they do, we track them back to the stolen nukes." Kensi said.
Snyder chuckled, and then asked. "And what makes you think that Kirkin is gonna cooperate with us? I mean, the guy is a career criminal."
"But he's also a business man and Sidorov is a rival, which we eliminate by arresting him. That's good." I said, giving props to Kensi plan.
"It could work." Sabatino said.
"I'll run it by Callen." Kensi said.
"Problem is that Sidorov gave Quinn twenty-four hours to make the hit, which means it's gotta go down today. What about getting to Kirkin?" I asked.
"He travels with a lot of protection but he's also got a bad back form a bullet he took few years ago. Does a chunk of his business at a spa that's a favorite with Russian Mob types." Sabatino said
"I've taken a bullet, why can't I work from a spa?" I asked.
"Because your healing process is a little too good." Kensi said.
"Touché." I said. Sabatino and Snyder both look at us. "Long story, and it's above your paygrade." I said.
"He also likes blonds." Snyder said.
"All right. I will wear a wig, but I will not dye my hair for this man." Kensi said, and then walked away.
"Wouldn't help. You're not his type." Sabatino said, turning to look at Kensi.
Kensi stopped at the entrance to the hallway, and then turned to look back at us. "What's his type?" Kensi asked.
Sabatino and Snyder shared a look, and then looked at me. It took me a few moments to realize why. "No. Really?" I asked.
I heard Kensi inhale, and bit her lower lip. The look on her face is one of triumph. "Come on." I said.
N.C.I.S. L.A.
Spa-
Sabatino had made the rounds, and was getting back into the suv that Kensi was waiting in.
"So?" Kensi asked.
"Snyder's covering the back." Sabatino said.
"Deeks, you hear me?" Kensi asked.
"Wow." I said.
"Deeks, say something. Are you there? Deeks?" Kensi said.
"Uh, yeah, I can hear you." I said.
"What are you wearing?" Kensi asked.
"That's not funny. It's like a gulag water park in here." I said.
"Oh, please, how many times have I had to go undercover with a low-cut blouse and a high-cut skirt?" Kensi asked.
"Both of which are more than I'm wearing right now. How you doing? Good to see you." I said.
"Oh, really?" Kensi said.
"Hi, that's, no. Uh-huh. Again, not funny. I'm serious. I'm pretty sure a naked Viggo Mortensen's gonna jump out any second and start pummeling me." I said.
"Any sign of Kirkin?" Sabatino asked.
There was a short pause before I said. "Yeah he's surround by a ton of tattooed meat." I said.
"Excuse me?" Kensi asked.
"That was a poor choice of words. All right this is happening. Ah! Oh, that's hot." I said.
"You better be talking about the water and not the scenery." Kensi said.
There was a moment of silence before Kensi heard me speak again, and it was in Russian.
"Deeks we can't understand you." Kensi said, but I didn't listen.
N.C.I.S. L.A.
"I have a proposition for your boss, Kirkin." I said, in Russian to Kirin's bodyguard that approached me.
"As you can see he's on the phone." The bodyguard said.
"I'm pretty certain he's gonna want to hear what I have to say." I said.
The bodyguard look at Kirkin, who nodded for me to approach, and then I moved towards Kirkin. The bodyguard moved a little too close for my liking. "Whoa, whoa. Back it up there comrade, the last thing you want is any accidental underwater contact, so just give me, like… Maybe more. All right, all right, all right." I said, motion with my hands.
"Who are you?" Kirkin asked.
"Special Agent Martin Deeks, N.C.I.S." I said.
"You're a little out of your neighborhood, right?" Kirkin asked.
"Not to mention my comfort zone." I said.
"Deeks, we can't understand you." Kensi said.
I scratch my ear, and then said. "I want to make you a very lucrative deal, but you have to do one thing for us."
"What's that?" Kirkin said.
"You have to let us kill you." I said.
Kirkin looked at me, and then his bodyguards dunk me under the water. When they let me come up for air I said. "Marco."
When I come up for air the next time, I hear Kirkin asked. "What do I get out of this deal?"
"If you let us fake your death, we'll arrest Isaak Sidorov." I said, wiping water off of my face.
This was a slight pause, and then Kirkin said. "You can get my business card from the front desk. What time are we doing this?" Kirkin asked.
"It will be later today. We'll call you when we're ready." I said, and the moved to collect my towels.
I went back to get my things, and then grabbed the business card. I was stepping through the front door to see Kensi and Sabatino ready to storm the place. "Ah." I said.
"What the hell happened in there?" Kensi asked.
"Scared?" I asked with a sly grin, but I don't give Kensi a chance to respond. "Kirkin's in. He'll do it."
"Good job, man." Sabatino said.
I was a little surprised by this, but I take the praise in stride saying. "Thank you"
"I was trying to call you. Are you okay?" Kensi asked
"I just feel really dirty. Maybe I just need a hug. Just a little snuggle session." I said, as I reach in to hug Kensi.
"What are you…Ugh." Kensi said.
I winked at Sabatino, who just smirked at me, as Kensi said. "Ew, you're like a wet dog." I said.
"Because I had to change really quickly. Don't have time to change for my own safety." I said, and shook myself off like a dog. Kensi closed her eyes as Sabatino backed away a step.
"Funny. I'll tell Callen to prep Michelle." Kensi said.
I rub my eyes, and said. "Ouch." I pause for a moment, and then ask. "Is anybody else itchy?"
N.C.I.S. L.A.
Two hours later-
Kensi, Kirkin and his entourage, and I are in the bar of a fancy hotel waiting for Michelle to show.
I went to check to see if Kirkin needed anything. "Can I get you anything else, sir?" I asked.
Kirkin was taken back at first. Then he adjust his tie, and winked at me. "Wow. Sorry that I asked." I said.
As I was approaching the bar, Kensi asked. "Did Kirkin just wink at you?"
"Yeah, that's his way of letting me know that he's ready." I said.
"Uh-huh." Kensi said.
As I was walking to the other end of the bar, I saw Michelle walk in. We made eye contact, and then Michelle approached the bar. "Can I get you a drink?" I asked.
"Vodka and soda, please." Michelle said.
"Okay." I said.
"Where's your restroom?" Michelle asked.
"All the way down on the right." I said, nodded my head ever so slightly.
I saw Michelle look away, and then look back at me. Michelle walked away. When she was three feet from me she pulled her gun out, and then walked another six steps before opening fire on Kirkin.
As Kensi filmed the execution, she said. "Eric, I'm sending you eyewitness footage right now. Make sure it gets onto the local news outlets and the internet. Tell Callen that Sabatino and Snyder are in position and we're a go."
"On it." Eric said.
Kensi and I disappeared into the crowd, getting into the SRX and driving back to OPS.
N.C.I.S. L.A.
Boatshed-
Kensi was standing next to the table and I was sitting on the table when Sabatino returned to the boatshed with news that Sidorov got away, but Snyder was killed in the process. I may not have like Snyder, but he didn't deserve to die. Sabatino was on the phone when he entered the boatshed, and we caught the tail end of the conversation. Sabatino was standing by the bay doors.
"Yes, sir. No, sir. I will, uh, pass on your condolences." Sabatino said.
"Was that Granger?" Kensi asked.
"Yeah." Sabatino said, and wipe tears off of his cheeks.
"Did Snyder have a family?" Kensi asked.
"Divorced. No kids. Goes with the territory, I guess. Any, uh, signs of Sidorov?" Sabatino asked, walking over to join us.
"Nothing yet, but we'll find him. Losing Greshnev is gonna hurt and he's got three stolen nukes he's still gotta sell." I said.
"Let's hope we find him before he finds a buyer." Sabatino said.
"We have every law enforcement agency in the state looking for him so…" Kensi said, trailing off.
"Yeah. All right. Well, I…I better get going. I'm being called back to Washington to head up a new task force with the sole purpose of hunting down Sidorov and the missing nukes." Sabatino said. Sabatino then stepped in close and said. "Hopefully, we could grab a celebratory drink when this is all over."
Kensi snickered then said. "Sure."
I know Kensi is able to do whatever she wants, but come on. I thought. "Sounds great." I said.
Sabatino smirked, and then shook my hand. He shook Kensi's hand, and Kensi said. "Thanks."
I stood up from the table, as Kensi and I both turned to watch Sabatino leave. It's never easy losing a partner. I've lost a few myself. I thought.
"Promise me you'll never do that?" Kensi asked, when Sabatino opened the door to leave the boatshed.
"What's that?" I asked.
There was a moment of silence before Kensi said. "Get yourself killed."
"Well, the good news for you is I have a natural aversion to death so…" I began.
"I'm not kidding." Kensi said, when she turned to face me. I get a good look in Kensi eyes, and I can see the tears that she's was fighting to keep at bay.
I stare into Kensi's eyes for a few seconds, and then lower my eyes to a point on the floor behind her a beat. I look back into Kensi's eyes as I say. "Okay."
"Okay." she said.
I can't help it. I have to crack a joke to break the tension. "But if I am killed in the line of duty, you do me a favor?"
"Yeah." she said, not wanting to contemplate a future without me.
"Cryogenically freeze me and put me in your living room?" I asked.
Kensi let out a laugh, and a smiled that Kenzie use to smile when I cheered her up. "What on earth would I do with your frozen dead body in my living room?" she asked.
"You're right. I'm guessing the bedroom's much more intimate." I said.
"Oh, my gosh." she said, and then turned to walk away.
"What? I'm gonna be in suspended animation. You wouldn't have to feed me. It's way better than an aquarium." I said.
"Good night." Kensi said, looking over her shoulder.
Just as Kensi was opening the door, I shout. "You smell like sunshine." I didn't get to finish my statement because the door shut and Kensi was gone. "And gunpowder. Two of my favorite thing." I said.
Just then my phone beeped, and I saw that I got a message from Nell. I read the message, and swallowed hard. We need to talk about the "partner's" survey that you gave me.