The Family

Chapter 15

Deeks chose law enforcement as a career because he'd always had a deep sense of duty to protect the vulnerable. Kensi and Joe did as well. He could sense how antsy they were to follow Callen and Sam, to be part of the action and take down the bad guys. He wanted to go himself, but he wasn't in any condition to be effective. Kensi gave him that look he'd seen hundreds of times. She couldn't stay in the conference room and do nothing. It wasn't her. Joe looked at Elan, who nodded and held out his hand. Joe pulled a backup gun from an ankle holster and handed it to him, while Hetty pulled a small gun from her purse and passed it to Lily. No one spoke. They didn't have to. Elan and Lily would stay in case trouble came. Kensi headed for the door with Joe right behind her. They would back up Callen and Sam. They were hardwired to do that, and Deeks was proud of her. Worried, but proud.

"Watch her six, Joe," Deeks called out as they closed the door behind them.

"Y'all are damn dedicated," Taylor Longstreet said. "Jefferson Hyde ain't worth it."

"They are protecting their own and the innocent, Mr. Longstreet," Hetty said. "I think you would do the same, if able."

"Not sure that's true," he replied. "Not anymore."

"You're war weary, brother," Elan said. "It happens."

"We pay a heavy price for what we do, but it's for the greater good, don't you think, Mr. Longstreet?"

"How long since you've been in Washington, Hetty?" He asked.

"I imagine it's still hard to keep your distance from some of the less than honorable characters one finds in and around the intelligence community."

"I won't miss it, or any of the people, except Russo," he replied. "He's the only one I trusted."

"You're wiser than your years," she said. "Time away will give you the perspective you need to make a decision about what to do going forward."

"Staying put is the only thing I want right now, so you can stop pitching me on a job," he said sharply. "I just want to live like a normal human being for a while."

"When you find out what normal is, give me a call," she replied with a deep sigh.

The muffled sound of distant gunshots startled all of them. Deeks stood up too fast and the room spun, but Longstreet grabbed his arm, and he was able to sit back down instead of landing on his ass. Elan checked the hall. Lily was right beside him.

"It's not close," Elan whispered. "At least not yet."

"Wish we were on coms," Deeks said. "Can you tell which direction the shots are coming from?"

"This room is on the same floor as the ICU," Hetty noted.

"They're going after Hyde," Longstreet said.

"Lucky for us they don't know we're in here," Deeks said. "Still…I'm feeling a little naked here. Got another gun in that handbag of yours, Hetty?"

"Afraid not, Mr. Deeks. But please keep your pants on."

"Amen to that," Longstreet said with a quick grin.

"I won't let them get to you, Cuz," Elan promised.

"We won't…mon amour," Lily corrected.

Elan said something in Arapaho, and Lily smiled. Maybe she was learning the language. Deeks understood that need, since he'd been trying to learn French so he could understand the snide comments Kensi and Callen occasionally made about him in the bullpen. All those thoughts flew from his mind when footsteps echoed in the hall outside.

"It's Callen. Open up."

"Entre, mon ami," Lily replied as they lowered their weapons.

Callen entered with a flush to his cheeks. It wasn't hard to see he'd been in a serious firefight. Sam came in behind him, looking pissed.

"Sit rep, Mr. Callen," Hetty said from her seat at the end of the table.

"Four men went after Jefferson Hyde," he replied. "Three down. One wounded. Russo is questioning him now."

"They were dressed in hospital scrubs," Sam added. "We wouldn't have noticed them if they hadn't pulled their weapons when they did. They wounded a nurse, but she'll be okay."

"Is Kensi okay? And Joe?" Deeks asked in a rush.

"Yeah. They're good," Sam said. "Kensi's with the wounded nurse, and Joe is helping secure the scene."

"Russo said he recognized one of the shooters," Callen said. "Sonny Slidell. Ring a bell, Longstreet?"

"The uncles sent the bad boys," he replied, his face contorting briefly with anger. "Did they get to Hyde?"

"Not even close," Sam said.

"Is Sonny alive?" Longstreet asked.

"No, he is not."

"Good," Longstreet said. "I always believed Sonny was the guy who led the attack on my partner's family. He was close to Hyde in the early days. Guess loyalty went out the window when Hyde got caught."

"Russo thinks the survivor will give up the uncles, as you call them," Sam said.

"Then he better promise him WITSEC," he growled.

"He asked if you wanted to join him for the interrogation," Callen said.

"Nope. Still done, and too tired."

"And in need of some pain medication, if I'm not mistaken," Hetty said. "Elan can take you back to your room, Mr. Longstreet. Sounds like you need to hear some soothing stories about the ranch."

"Trying to make me feel bad about my choices, little lady?" He snapped, looking as surly as he sounded. "Well, I don't need to hear it. I don't work for you either."

"No, but you might want to ask Elan and Lily for some stories about me. They might be rather illuminating," she said as she got to her feet.

Lily handed her back her weapon as she stared at the sullen man. "A warning, Mr. Longstreet. I may be short in stature, but my reach is quite long, as you may have heard. Being rude doesn't suit you and doesn't bode well for your future either. In this game, opportunity only lasts for so long, and can disappear in a heartbeat. Don't end up in the shadows, Mr. Longstreet. You won't enjoy it in the long run."

"Mr. Callen. Mr. Hanna. With me." Hetty said, and they walked out together.

No one said anything until Deeks laughed and made the sound of an explosion going off. "That's the sound of your nonexistent future in federal law enforcement, brother."

"May I suggest an apology the next time you see her, mon ami," Lily said.

"Especially for calling her 'little lady'," Deeks added. "In fact, you should probably make sure you're armed next time."

"You shittin' me?"

"No." They all said in unison.

"And don't turn your back on her either," Deeks said with a wide grin.

"Now you're just trying to scare me," Longstreet said as Elan wheeled him out into the hall.

"With Hetty, you should always be a little scared, mon ami," Lily said seriously. "I will tell you stories about her that are not stories at all. You have probably heard some of them. And you probably didn't believe them."

"She can be a fairy godmother or your worst nightmare," Deeks said softly. "I've always favored the fairy godmother scenario. It's safer and I do love The Wizard of Oz."

They told him stories all the way back to his room.

Deeks walked out on the side porch and handed Taylor Longstreet a mug of coffee. The sun felt good as he slumped down into the adjacent rocker. Taylor grunted his appreciation but made no comment as he continued to watch Elan and Soldier work one of the cutting horses. The former DEA agent had been at the ranch for three days, keeping to himself most of the time. George had let him be, as was his way. Their first meeting had been typical. George had hugged him, stunning the hardened man. The shadow of surprise had flickered in his eyes as he was ushered into the kitchen where Jim Littleshield handed him a plate of pancakes and bacon. He hadn't said much during that first breakfast, just listened as George and Jim asked questions about what had happened while they'd been up on the reservation. Deeks had done his best to answer them. Longstreet offered nothing. When breakfast was over, George had formally welcomed Taylor to the ranch, telling him he could stay as long as he liked, but was expected to earn his keep as soon as he was able. It got a warm smile from the man. Deeks thought he'd been relieved to know he wasn't going to be treated like a charity case. But the man still seemed uncomfortable with the family's generous hospitality.

"Anybody work that Appaloosa?" Longstreet asked. "Jim says he's still kinda wild. Think if I asked, they'd let me give it a go?"

"Seriously?" Deeks said, taking a sip of coffee. "You can't even walk good yet."

"I'll heal. And it'll be a helluva lot more fun than mucking out stalls," he replied.

"Good point," Deeks laughed. "But you do know that horse fell on top of George and broke his leg, right?"

"Doubt he meant to," he replied. "Maybe he's just misunderstood."

"Or a head case."

"He's not the only one," Taylor mumbled.

"You calling yourself crazy? Or me? Cause I can do crazy," Deeks smiled and rolled his eyes. "Used that a lot undercover. People tend to leave crazy people alone."

"You should have left Jefferson Hyde alone. You were crazy not to."

"We would have if he'd given us half a chance."

"I'm glad you survived, Deeks. I'm surprised y'all did. Y'all are one helluva family."

"Yeah, they are," Deeks said softly. "I was a real head case the first time I came here. George has a way about him that works on horses and humans. It's like he can look inside your head and your soul. He's a good man to talk to…if you need or want to…"

Longstreet didn't reply, he just continued to sip his coffee and watch Elan instruct Soldier on training the chestnut mare. Deeks loved the sound of Arapaho carried on the soft breeze blowing down from the Sierra Madre. It relaxed him and he closed his eyes. He was mostly pain free now, except for a few twinges along his ribcage. He would have fallen asleep if Longstreet hadn't spoken.

"Russo called me last night. They took down Hyde's uncles and the whole organization in an overnight raid."

"So, it's finally over over?" Deeks asked. "No more worrying or looking over our shoulders?"

"No. You're all safe for real now," he replied.

"You too."

"Yeah. Me too. Hyde's in custody and he's got no more men to send after me or you and your family. He's done."

"Good to know," Deeks sighed and took a sip of coffee. "I'm assuming Russo let Hetty know?"

"Hetty wasn't available. He talked to Callen. He was out on a case with Sam."

"You jealous?"

"Look around," Longstreet said. "Why would I be?"

"Point taken. How long you staying at the ranch?"

"If everything stays the same, as long as they'll let me, I guess," he replied. "It reminds me a little of our farm in the Blue Ridge Mountains I used to call home. My daddy would have loved this place."

"Was he a good man?" Deeks asked.

"He was solid. Hardworking. Proud. Stubborn. Didn't talk much and couldn't tell a joke to save his life."

"Sounds like George."

"Yeah, it does. He gave me a hat," Longstreet revealed with a slight smile. "Makes me feel like I'm in that western TV series with Kevin Costner."

"When did you have time to watch that?" Deeks asked.

"For all the people in it, Washington can be a lonely place," he replied. "I'm not a real night life kinda guy."

"Come on, Longstreet. Are you telling me you never went out for a beer and to…you know…pick up women?"

"Before we went undercover, Billy and I would hit a few watering holes," he said. "Billy was a player, but I didn't think it was fair to get involved with someone and then just disappear when we went under. Russo warned us off, too. He likes his agents focused on the job at hand. Women were just a distraction in his eyes."

"Kensi and I were warned when we became more than just partners," Deeks reminisced. "We kept it quiet as long as we could. Afraid we'd be reassigned. Hetty knew. She always knows everything. Warned us that the powers that be were concerned that our relationship would make us vulnerable and easily compromised."

"Russo worried about that too. Now I wonder if Foley found out Billy had been seeing a girl. Or maybe she was a plant to keep eyes on us."

"You think she sold him out?"

"I don't know for sure, but now that I know Foley was working for Hyde, I'm questioning everything that happened."

"Let it go, brother," Deeks said quietly. "Look around. This is a peaceful place. Real. It can be your saving grace if you let it."

"Is that what it is for you?"

"It's a home I never could have imagined growing up."

"I know your file said you were born in LA, but I just assumed you grew up here in Wyoming and somehow ended up with the LAPD."

"Born and raised in Reseda, California," Deeks said as he stared at the yellow leaves of the cottonwood trees standing sentinel over the barn. "Came here with Joe after an operation and firefight went bad."

"That Chinese spy case?" Longstreet asked.

"Speaking of spies…are you always such a nosy bastard?" Deeks asked, letting his annoyance show until Longstreet smiled. "Okay. Yeah, that case."

"Russo sent me your file. Told me to read it," he explained. "Sent me everyone's file. Read them all. I'm a thorough sonofabitch."

Deeks fought the old memories that flooded his mind. "Joe almost died."

"I know. You two seem close."

"We're brothers. He brought me here," Deeks said. "This family showed me what a true family is all about. It was and is light years away from what it was like for me growing up."

"Do you still see your real family?"

"This is my real family," Deeks said. "George showed me what a real father should be, and he's nothing like mine. My dad was a terrible person. He was a drunken bastard who loved to terrorize my mama and me. He made our life an everyday hell. I had no idea what a father's love could be until I met George. For him to take me in like he did…to tell me he loved me like a son? Let's just say…that was and still is a revelation."

"What happened to your real dad?"

"That's a story for another day," Deeks replied.

"And not in that file they gave me," Longstreet said. "Sorry. Guessin' you want me to shut the hell up now. Didn't mean to interrogate you."

"That's what you're trained to do. Hard to stop," Deeks replied. "Talk to Lily. You two have a lot in common. She was French Intelligence until she had to get out of Paris. In the end she gave it up to stay here with Elan. As much as she loves him, it hasn't been easy for her. She might be able to lay some wisdom on you."

"Sounds like there's a longer story there."

"Hers to tell, buddy."

"Y'all are an interesting bunch," Longstreet said.

"They're all awesome, and so's this ranch," Deeks said. "Hope you find what you're looking for here."

"Wish I knew what that was," he said wistfully.

"Stay until you do," Deeks said as he stood up. "You up for a ride this morning?"

"Probably not a good idea unless you've got a very old, swayback mare with sore hooves," he laughed.

"Yeah, probably not," Deeks acknowledged. "Can you make it out to the barn? I can introduce you to my horse Sheila."

"Lead the way, Cowboy Deeks," Longstreet drawled. "Maybe I'll say hello to that Appaloosa."

Soldier was washing down the horse they'd been working when they finally made it to the barn. Soldier nodded to them, keeping his eyes on Taylor Longstreet. He remained reticent around new people. They had to earn his trust. Longstreet seemed to understand that and said nothing in way of a greeting. He simply walked up to the horse's head and began rubbing his ears.

"Beautiful animal," he said. "I hope you know how damn lucky y'all are. Had a moon eyed roan growing up. I miss old Skeeter."

"You still got 'im?" Soldier asked.

"Naw. Had to sell him when I was about your age," he replied softly. "Hard times on our farm. Needed to eat."

"I'm sorry."

"Me too."

"Uncle Jim says you been asking about that crazy Appy," Elan said.

"Yeah. Kinda like the look of him," Longstreet replied. "Mind if I get acquainted with him?"

"He belongs to George, but I doubt he'd mind," Elan said. "Just don't rush it. He's got a mind of his own, which might not include you. Hate to see you get knocked on your ass and end up back in the hospital."

"Got it."

"You okay, Uncle Deeks?" Soldier asked. "Uncle Joe told me some of what happened. It made me mad…what that man did to you."

"I'm good, now, Soldier. Rather hear about your adventures at Sea Ranch. Joe settle in okay?"

"Margaret rented them a house overlooking the ocean," he replied. "Uncle Joe was too tired to look around when he got there. Fell asleep listening to Little Chris talking about the trail ride we went on."

"Did you like it out there?"

A soft smile spread across his face. "It was awesome, Uncle Deeks. All the houses are up on a high bluff, so you have to take stairs to get down to the beach. Makes it real private. I'd go down every morning. Just walk…watch the waves. The cool thing was, I was alone most of the time. The surf was rough and the water's real cold. Not like LA. You'd love it, Uncle Deeks."

"Sounds like a good place to take Kensi," Deeks said with a wide smile.

"Not much to do, though," Soldier added.

"Pretty sure we'll think of something," Deeks said, eyeing the smiles he got from Elan and Longstreet. "Did you like Margaret and her family?"

"Margaret reminded me of Hetty."

"How's that?"

"She's nice, but you know not to mess with her," he replied. "She took to Joy right away, and that made Aunty Di happy. So did all the wine they drank."

"She took him target shooting," Elan said, not sounding too pleased by it.

"Wanted me to be prepared, Papa," Soldier said defensively. "She had a couple of guys watching the perimeter, but she wanted to know if I could handle myself. Just in case."

"She wasn't wrong, man," Longstreet said. "Was she satisfied?"

"I'm a good shot," Soldier said. "Papa taught me."

"Targets don't shoot back," Elan said.

"Nothing happened, Papa," the boy said. "It's why you sent me there, right? To protect Aunty Di and the kids?"

"I needed you to be safe…"

"Heard Margaret's son's a chef," Deeks interjected, realizing the conversation might become uncomfortable for both of them. "You learn any new recipes while you were there?"

"Yep. Cookin' one tonight."

"Gonna give us a hint? Pigs-in-a-blanket maybe? No? Course not. Okay…something exotic then…like lobster? Or mussels? Yucky, slimy oysters?" Deeks grimaced dramatically.

"You're funny, Uncle Deeks," Soldier said.

"At least he thinks he is," Longstreet laughed.

A whistle split the air and they turned to see George waving them back to the house. Soldier walked the chestnut mare over to the gate and released her into the pasture. Deeks and Elan trudged slowly toward the house, keeping pace with Taylor Longstreet.

"Why do I have a bad feeling about this?" Deeks asked.

"Not surprising considering the week we've had," Elan said.

"Maybe it's good news, Papa," Soldier said as he trotted up to join them.

"I hope you're right, son."

Jim Littleshield was working on lunch in the kitchen, and George was stacking logs next to the fireplace. Kensi and Lily stopped talking when they came in, and Deeks felt the hair rise at the base of his neck. Taylor Longstreet dropped wearily into the overstuffed chair, groaning with the effort.

"What going on?" Deeks asked.

"Hetty called," Kensi said gently and looked nervously over at Longstreet. "The detail taking Jefferson Hyde to a medical facility outside of Washington was attacked an hour ago. He was killed."

"By who? I thought everyone was in custody?" Deeks asked.

"They're still running facial rec on the attackers killed at the scene," she replied. "But one was identified as Hyde's brother-in-law."

"Laurel's family was part of the old Cornbread Mafia. They're almost as bad as Hyde's family. Russo shoulda known there was a possibility they'd retaliate after they were notified of her death," Longstreet said. "Not that I'm sorry the bastard's dead."

"Taylor…I'm sorry…but…" Kensi hesitated and reached for Deeks' hand. "Christopher Russo was shot and killed during the attack."

"What? No. Fuck no," he said, quickly getting up, looking distraught and angry. "Why the hell was he even there?"

"Apparently he wanted to see it through to the end," she replied. "At least that's what his second in command told Hetty. I'm so sorry, Taylor. Hetty said you two were close."

Longstreet looked stunned, bereft by the loss and unsure what to do with himself.

"I gotta go."

He limped toward the door, but Elan stepped in front of him and put a hand on his chest. "Where to?"

"I don't know…back to Washington I guess…"

You gonna walk, brother?" Deeks asked gently.

"I don't know what to do, man," he said, his voice hollow. "After Billy…Russo was the only one who gave a shit about me. Now I got nobody."

"That's not true, son," George said. "We'll get you through this."

"You don't even know me," he said.

"They didn't know me either when I showed up here," Deeks said. "But they were willing to let me stay and work out the things I was struggling with."

"You're welcome here. You know that," George said. "Stay a while. Rest. Give yourself time to grieve."

"Listen to him, mon ami," Lily said. "I have been where you are now. This ranch is a healing place. It will give you the space you need to recover…physically and mentally. If you are even a little bit like me, mon ami, your natural response to this is action…to keep moving, possibly to seek retribution. But what you need to do is stop. To breathe. You have nothing to lose by staying, because you have already lost everything…just as I did. Stop, mon ami. Quit trying to be who you once were. Allow this place and this family to show you there is another way…another life for you."

"Maybe you'll become part of the family like I did," Deeks said.

"You sure about this?" Longstreet asked George.

"I could use another man around here…one good with horses."

"And with guns?" Longstreet said. "Cause your family seems to attract trouble."

"Then you'll fit right in," Deeks said.

"Is that what you think I am? Trouble?"

"Whatever trouble life has saddled you with Taylor, we think you're worth the effort to help you work things out," George said. "Ain't none of us perfect, son. But this family does look out for one another. And you've already done that by saving Marty and Elan's lives. That act wasn't lost in all that came after. You have nothing but our thanks and our offer of sanctuary."

"Can I work that Appaloosa if I take you up on your offer?"

"He's crazy, son…but I reckon you're a little crazy yourself to want to take him on."

"Call me Tay, Mr. Atwood."

"Call me George, son."

The end.

Thanks to all who read this story and to those who sent comments. I appreciate you all. Until next time…Sweet Lu.