Chapter 9 Big year ahead

In many ways this summer feels markedly different than the last one:

Jack is nowhere to be found,

Kensi and Marty are an ITEM i.e., inseparable.

Because of their bruising breakup, Syd and Chester are scarce – only showing up when they are sure the other won't be around,

The other couples, however, all survived the school year and are having a lot of fun under the sun, in and out of the water, etc.

Everyone is fascinated by the plans Kensi and Marty are putting in place. They are in awe of the attention the duo garnered from the big wigs in the SF Bay area; they congratulate them and instruct them not to be strangers!

Kensi's 19th birthday party is a summer highlight. She is fascinated by the obvious coordination between Marty and her folks when she opens her gifts. Mom and dad gave her a complete surfing wardrobe – skillfully chosen and coordinated (obviously Marty had a helping hand in that), Marty gave her an almost new surfboard along with coupons for 10 free surfing lessons (as if he'd ever charge her). The board was decorated with a hand-painted silhouette matching the photo of Kensi on Marty's shoulders, arms raised in a victory salute.

Before he left to go home Kensi handed him a coupon saying, "Tomorrow morning bright and early!"

He grinned, "5:30 sweetheart! You bring breakfast."

"Hey, the coupon doesn't say that!"

"Teacher's prerogative."

"Jerk!"

"1-4-3!"

"Love you too!"

The coupons were all used by the time summer was over and Kensi was getting to be quite good on the waves. Both were realizing the enjoyment of surfing with someone you love. Who knew?


The last week of July they checked with the business office at Stanford. Sure enough, all the arrangements had been completed for both of their scholarships, one box checked off.

Marty inquired about his apartment; he got the address and gave it to Kensi, Chester, the Blye's and others who may need it – and authorized sharing of his address when necessary. The apartment would be ready for move in by August 15.

Kensi had been checking in with Nell off and on. Nell had been on the fence about returning to Stanford for another school year. She and Kensi had gotten along great, but the little dust up regarding Marty, Chester and the blonde in the club had soured her attitude. Chester had ridden her pretty hard in regard to her presumed negativity towards Marty. Apparently, Nell had some bad history (hers or a friends) along those lines, and it came out in a bad way and at a bad time. Kensi really didn't want to break in a new roommate, so she's working the phone lines to see what she can do.

Kensi and Marty planned to take a load of his things up to his new apartment on August 22. They would look it over and get him partially moved in. They would also touch base with the Chairman and DA, thanking them for all they have done for them so far. They had invited her folks to come up and see Marty's place, and have a little meet and greet with the Chairman, DA and their wives.

After Halloween last year, they were trying to organize a fun, safe Halloween party. They were hoping those three older couples would host/chaperone the event. It was looking good so far.


Late afternoon on August 21st, the kids drove north with a loaded car. They stopped by the dorm and checked Kensi's room, no sign of Nell. It looked like she had moved out – no note. Kensi frowned and dialed Nell's cell, straight to voice mail. She sent a TXT:

K: M & I stopped by our room; we are bringing some of his things up to his apartment. We will be back right after Labor Day, hope to see you!

Radio silence from Nell. Kensi checked at the front desk and no one had heard from Nell. The asst dean on duty asked if Kensi needed a new roommate; she said "Not yet, I'm still trying to get ahold of Nell. How soon do I need to let you know?"

"Wednesday after Labor Day."

"Ok, I'll do that." Kensi agreed.

They get the keys and drive to Marty's apartment; they start to take boxes in. It's a 2-bed on the 1st floor. Kind of clean but not up to Marty's standards . . . note to self, bring cleaning supplies.

"This place could use a woman's touch," remarks Kensi.

"Are you available?" Marty muses.

"You can't afford me," Kensi snorts.

"I thought so," he mutters.

"What was that?"

"Nothing, nothing at all!"

She walks up to him, stopping when they are toe to toe. She grasps his face with her palms and plants a long, passionate kiss on his lips.

"What was that for?" he wonders out loud.

"For love! And a security deposit in case Nell is GONE and I move in with you."

"Wait a minute, we never negotiated a security deposit! It's going to cost you more than that."

"Easy lover boy, don't get your boxers in a twist!"

'How does she know I wear boxers?'

"I've got to make a call, you can keep on bringing stuff in," Marty says.

"What the hell! I'm not carrying your junk while you gab on the phone. I'll take a coffee break."

"My coffee maker isn't in yet. And I don't gab."

"I see a Starbucks on the corner. Back in a few." 'This place isn't half bad'.

"Bring me back a peppermint mocha, please. Light on the peppermint."

"Ok."


He made his call.

The chairman answered, "Hello Marty, are you in town?"

"Yes, at my apartment. Question – Kensi thinks the place needs a woman's touch, who do I ask for the ok to do something?"

"My secretary can give you the name and number. Generally, any structural stuff is a no-no as you might assume. BTW while I have you on the line, we are having a reception at our home Friday evening. To introduce the new faculty and even though you will be teaching only one class, you are on the team. May I assume Kensi is your plus-one?"

"A safe assumption."

"Then I will put the two of you down as attending, correct?"

"Correct. Dress code?"

"Black tie or equivalent."

"Ok, I'll scrounge the closet . . . Kidding." Marty says, the chairman cringes.

"BTW, I need your decision as to which introductory class you want to teach. Please get me that info ASAP."

"Will do, we'll see you and your lovely wife at the reception."

"Yes, good-bye."

"Kensi, we have a black-tie invitation, 2-weeks from Friday evening. To introduce new law school faculty, the Chairman says I'm on the team. You have any dress-up gowns?"

"I have a black bikini," she giggles.

"That would make a splash . . . as security throws us into San Francisco Bay!"

"Um . . . do I look that bad," she pouts.

"Ah, no . . . just the opposite!"

"Well, do you have a tuxedo?"

"No, we need to find a formal wear rental shop quickly. Can you google search for one?" Marty asks.

"On it," Kensi replies. She finds one and they are off, arriving in 20 minutes. After describing what they need, they go to their respective dressing rooms.

Marty emerges first in a beautiful black Hugo Boss tuxedo. He is really sharp; he smiles as he looks in a full-length mirror. He waits a few minutes – and then . . .

Kensi emerges and he stares open mouthed. "You like?" she asks. He can't speak; she is absolutely stunning in a black pencil, ankle length Versace gown. It has one shoulder bare and a generous slit on the left, up to 6" above her knee. He can't move.

He finally speaks; "damn, with you on my arm I could enter wearing a loin cloth and nobody would know that I'm in the room!"

"Don't be ridiculous. You are biased."

"I'll admit to that. Nevertheless, I will definitely be second fiddle, and proud to be that. Any alterations needed?"

"None," the salesman says. "You two are a pleasure to fit; we hope to service all your formal wear needs for a long time to come."

"You probably will, unless we purchase something in the future."

"We can help you with that too."

"I'm sure, we shall talk about that. Thank you for your assistance."

"You are very welcome. Please pick up the clothing 2 days prior to the event. Here is my card with my cell number, you may call or TXT if you need assistance."

"Thank you, kind sir."

"And you pretty lady and gentleman."


When Kensi and Marty arrive, a valet (probably hired for the event) escorts them in and takes Kensi's wrap. As they enter all heads turn and the room goes dead silent. Roger (the Chairman) and Cheryl (his wife) notice the nervous look on the faces of the pair and carefully move to assist them. Roger taps his glass to get everyone's attention and introduces them. "Everyone, let me introduce Martin and Kensi – our newest colleagues. Kensi is a 2nd year student in the new psychoanalysis degree program. She will be sitting on the committee that is exploring how best that degree can be used and has agreed to work with us for 3-years post-graduation. Marty is a 3rd year law student and will be instructing 1st year students in one of the introductory law classes. Marty also has agreed to work with us for 3 years post-graduation."

"We have been pursuing this couple for over 6-months, along with James, the San Jose County DA. We are extremely pleased to have procured their services. Please take this opportunity to get to know this fine young couple."

They are blown away. Never have they been introduced so formally, and complimentarily as this. They have no idea what will come next. They need not have worried.

Cheryl stays by Kensi's side until she visibly relaxes and the conversation starts to flow. One of the ladies asks, "Kensi, how did you settle on psychoanalysis?"

"Well, my dad is a retired Marine. As a little girl I always wanted to follow in his footsteps. He taught me so much, including how to shoot a rifle. Even his sniper rifle – he was a Marine sniper. But in my last 2 years of high school, I thought about life as a Marine brat. Do you ladies really want to hear all this?"

"YES," they all said! They were fascinated by Kensi.

"Well, I remembered all the times my dad was absent from my life and decided that I didn't want to raise a family like that. No disrespect to my dad."

"Of course, smart, perceptive," were some comments she heard.

"Then two big things happened. 1) this degree hit my radar, and 2) I met Marty! Wow, life changing events! So, here I am. Marty and I are blown away that we were so vigorously sought after. And glad!"

Marty had sidled over, put his hand around her waist and asked "What are you telling these lovely ladies?"

"I am telling them all about you!"

He looks horrified, "Not all, I hope."

"Well, I'll save a thing or two," she chuckles as do a few ladies.

Cheryl asks, "Marty, Kensi has shared with us how she ended up here at Stanford. How did you?"

"I just followed her ass." He glances down at her backside.

"MARTY! You did not," Kensi explodes as the ladies double over in laughter. She lightly slaps his chest.

Marty corrects himself with a twinkle in his eye. "Actually, if I had done that, I would already have been here 6 months ago. After we met and connected last summer, we decided that carrying on at our separate schools would be best for a year at least. And it's working out nicely."

"Getting here started with a call I made to the law school to introduce myself. Fortunately, Roger was available to talk. So, Kensi and I met him; he must have been impressed."

Cheryl pipes up, "Impressed is an understatement! He babbled on and on about you two for days! I knew you were road kill, he always gets what he goes after!"

"Amen to that. My husband and I are exhibit A; you two may be exhibit B. Welcome aboard," another lady speaks up.


The duo is relaxing as the evening progresses. They both share their stories, and the group is very welcoming. They have never been immersed in such a high-powered group. It is dizzying, really. They notice that Roger and Cheryl are keeping their eyes on them, but only once steering them away from supposed trouble. Marty will ask about that later. They can't have made any enemies already, can they?

Then Kensi remembers – Jack's father is a prominent attorney. Can he have close allies here? Is he a Stanford graduate? Better check this out. She trembles a little, Marty notices and tightens his arm around her waist. He draws close to her ear to whisper; she beats him to it.

"Later," she whispers. He nods.

As they prepare to leave, a diminutive lady from the group Kensi was talking with steps over to them.

"Mr. Deeks, Miss Blye, may I speak to you for a moment? I want to introduce myself; I am Henrietta Lange."