A/N: This was written shortly after season 14 starting filming. So there was very little information available, but we had this one spoiler.
"Hey, what's with the emergency all call?" Deeks asks, rushing into the bullpen with Kensi where the rest of the team is grouped around the mounted screen.
They'd gotten the call at 5 with instructions to come in ASAP, so his hair's a little more unruly that usual. He chews at his bottom lip, already sensing the heightened tension in the room.
"Remember the Robert Griffin case from a few years ago?" Callen says. Kensi's hand tenses on Deeks' arm and she steps forward.
"Robert Griffin. He was one of the people who were chopping people into pieces and sewing their bodies together."
"Yep," Callen responds grimly.
"Oh, you've got to be kidding me," Deeks mutters. He feels a shudder run through Kensi and she moves closer. Of the many screwed up cases they've worked, this was one of the worst.
"FBI has been tracking them all this time," Sam explains. "Last week, they found two more bodies. Now they're asking for it to be a joint case since we have experience with the killers."
"So what's the game plan?"
"Well, since Fatima and Rountree weren't around during that case, we thought we'd bring in some special reinforcements." Callen nods to the stairs just as Nell approaches the first landing.
Kensi and Deeks meet her at the base of the stairs, each giving her a hug.
"Oh, I missed you," Kensi whispers, squeezing her tightly.
"Me too. I just wish it was under better circumstances," Nell sighs. With a tablet tucked in the crook of one arm, it almost seems like she's never been gone. "Eric wanted to come too, but unfortunately he couldn't get out of some meetings. He said to tell you that he's sending you a custom-made surfboard, Deeks," she adds.
"He doesn't have to do that, but I appreciate it," he tells her and squeezes her arm again.
"Alright, let's save the reunions for after we get these guys," Sam interrupts.
As Nell hurries over to pull up the crime scene photos, as horrific as the first time around, Deeks feels dread pool in his stomach.