Hetty had been busy Sunday. Over numerous phone calls, she had laid her plans, moving each piece to the exact spot where she needed it. A phone call later that afternoon had eased her worry greatly, reaffirming that there were still many good people everywhere. Her plan for today would work, hopefully giving her agents the time they needed. She smiled to herself, not at all surprised that she thought of Mr. Deeks as one of her agents. He had been since the mess with Matiese, when saving Miss Blye, and backing her up when she confronted the slippery spy.
Mr. Deeks had been found, by Julia Feldman no less. Apparently, Julia had a few skills of her own. She had kept the how to herself. Only saying that he was alive and safe. Still very hurt, of course, but Julia had extracted a promise from him to talk to Kensi. She had stressed the decision that he made after, would be respected by her. Hetty had agreed as well, knowing when those two finally were able to really talk, to have the facts of what happened came out, she believed everything would be fine. Maybe stronger than before. With a promise to talk again, Hetty heard the fire in Julia's voice, speaking of having a talk with her daughter. She had chuckled, not envying her agent that conversation.
It was Monday, nearly time for her agents to appear. She had requested Julia have Kensi come in, at least to hear her announcement and explanation of what was to happen. After everything, Hetty believed all of them needed a reset, a small break to catch their breaths. Plus, the surprise she had for Miss Blye today, hopefully would convince her of what she really stood to loose and would help in healing the relationship between her and Mr. Deeks.
Callen and Sam arrived first, talking low, wondering if Kensi would show. A few minutes later, Nell signaled from the staircase, Kensi having just parked, and on her way in. Hetty took a deep breath, centering herself, focusing on the moments ahead. This would either strengthen her team, or it would be the beginning of the end.
Kensi walked through the doors of the Mission, realizing she was nervous. So much had happened, so much hurt and pain, she trembled slightly as she made her way down the hall, nearing the bullpen to hear Callen ask about her. "I'm here Callen," she called out, rounding the corner to stand before her teammates.
Callen grabbed her, a hug his answer. Sam was next, a squeeze to let her know they were there for her. "So, how are you? Have you talked to Deeks?"
She caught Nell and Eric out of the corner of her eyes, making their way to them. "Guys," she began, when everyone was there. "I'm all right, not great but better than I was. And no, I haven't talked to Deeks, but I will. He's agreed to talk, so hopefully I can straighten this mess out." She noticed a few of the support staff listening. " I screwed up, and I hope I can fix it. I can try, and hope for the best.
The others nodded, offering help, all she had to do was ask. Smiling, her attention now focused on Hetty, the others noticed her making her way to the staircase. A sliver of fear ran through Kensi, remembering the same scenario playing out on that fateful Saturday. She shook herself, dismissing it. Deeks was safe, she knew that.
"Good morning everyone, I have an announcement to make." She motioned to her desk, a group of strangers standing there. "Please welcome our guests, who are from the San Francisco office who are here to upgrade some of our systems. As this will take some time, we will be shutting down operations for two weeks."
A low murmur began to move through the crowd, questions forming quickly. Hetty raised her hands, clearing her throat for silence. "Because of the extensiveness of their task, everyone here has two weeks off, with pay. After we return, some of them will stay behind for a few days, to bring us up to speed." She smiled, looking at the crowd. "Please have any work you are doing at a stopping point. All of us need to be away from here by no later than one this afternoon. Once you are ready, report to Miss Jones or me. Have a wonderful vacation, and we will see each other in two weeks. Thank you."
With that the crown began to scatter, everyone eager to start their surprise vacation. Hetty made her way to her team, smiling at Eric.
"Mr. Beale, I know that OPS is your baby, but I strongly recommend you take this vacation," she said, stopping Eric before he could voice his displeasure. He agreed, knowing he really needed the break, as did they all.
"Miss Blye, Miss Jones, a moment please?" She motioned both women to her desk. "I would consider it a pleasure if both of you would join me for lunch today." Both of them were slightly floored, not expecting anything like that. "I have someone you should really speak with Miss Blye. I believe the information you will find out, will help you in your upcoming…discussion with a certain shaggy detective."/
Kensi paled, worry on her face. "Relax Miss Blye, there's nothing to worry about. Just think of this as a," she paused, searching for the right phrase. "Think of this as insight to help you hold on to Mr. Deeks."
Both Kensi and Nell, now intrigued, agreed to lunch. Before they left to begin wrapping up their work, Hetty called out. "Oh Miss Blye, invite your mother. She seems fascinating and I would like to meet her."
By one that afternoon, only Hetty, Kensi and Nell were left. Everyone else had left, trickling out in small groups. The three women stood, watching as the technicians began to turn themselves fully to their work. Satisfied that her building was in good hands, she wished the team well, then gestured for Nell and Kensi to follow her.
It was strange, leaving work in the afternoon. Neither Kensi or Nell really knew what to do. A small stab of pain lanced through Kensi, knowing she would normally have been with Deeks, her days filled with more than likely the beach, Monty in tow.. The nights…a shiver ran down her spine, settling in her stomach…
"Leaving, Hetty having given them the address, they met twenty minutes later, a very exclusive restaurant. Both women felt underdressed, a notion Hetty dispelled. "Nonsense! Both of you look perfectly lovely." When they walked in, the owner himself escorted them to their table, a private set-up, far away from prying eyes. Julia was already there, a glass of wine in front of her.
"Mrs Feldman, thank you for joining us," Hetty remarked, smiling at the brunette as she took her seat. Kensi sat beside her mom, a smile for each other. Nell, greeting Julia, noticed where Kensi got her looks. "Our other dining companion should be here shortly. It seems she was running a little late. Let's order drinks shall we?"
They agreed, sitting and chatting until the owner appeared, leading a women to their table. Hello's given, handshakes offered, then they all sat down, the woman staring between Hetty and Kensi.
Kensi was sure she knew the woman, positive she had seen her before, just unable to place where. Hetty sensing her question intervened.
"Yes Miss Blye, this is Sylvia Cranston, wife of the investor Robert Cranston."
The other ladies sighed, now recognizing their lunch companion from the numerous times having seen her on television, attending gala and other high profile functions.
"I'm here as a favor to Hetty. My last favor," she cut her eyes at Hetty, pressing her point. "After this, I don't owe you anything else."
"Of course Mrs. Cranston, as per our earlier conversation. But Miss Blye, and I'm sure Miss Jones and Mrs. Feldman, would like to hear your story. Kensi especially needs to hear it, given her recent…troubles."
Instantly, the mood at the table changed, the air becoming tense. Kensi, wondering what Hetty had done now, stared at Sylvia, curiosity finally winning. "What about my situation do you know?" Defensiveness rising in her tone.
Sylvia stared at all of them, finally sighing, seeming to resign herself to the unpleasantness she was about to plunge into.
"I'm the person you should thank Kensi. If it weren't for me, you," she motioned to all of them," really all of you, might never have met Marty Deeks." She placed both hands on the table, steadying herself. "Marty and I were engaged years ago. And I destroyed it, and lost the best man I've ever known."