Chapter 5 - Dancing With Our Hands Tied by Taylor Swift

After several arrests and multiple law enforcement agencies pitching in, Jane called it for the night. They'd cut off Tate's supply chain and all the inventory was accounted for, plus they turned over information about the suspected human trafficking ring to the proper channels to investigate further. The teams were exhausted and Kate agreed the rest could wait until morning while forensics processed more evidence. As for what happened between Kate and Lucy at the nightclub, they didn't get a moment to talk once backup arrived. It all happened in a blur and they hadn't had a moment to regroup since. With one of the top members of the Kuni Gang in custody and the explosives from the port confiscated, everyone had a temporary, but much-needed moment to recover from their long days. Kate and her team were staying in housing on base until the case ended and she decided to check in with them before calling it a night. She called Carlos and found out Ernie offered to let him stay over, mainly so he could check out the vintage collection Ernie had been talking about. She texted Zeinab to make sure everything was in order in New York, even though she knew it would be. Maya was the only one unaccounted for and when she didn't pick up her phone, Kate changed out of her dress and headed back to the bullpen, where she had a feeling she would find her. She already knew Jane and Jesse went home to their families for the night, but was surprised to see Lucy sitting at her desk, changed out of her undercover dress, and working on paperwork. Kate smiled when she noticed the way Lucy looked at her when she glanced up from her computer. Even after all that time, Kate knew that look well. She was about to approach her desk when she noticed Maya lying on the table in the conference room staring up at the ceiling. The boss in her knew immediately what she needed to do, but the exhausted, hopeful for a conversation with the beautiful brunette she had been kissing earlier, side of her was a bit annoyed. She sighed and gave Lucy another smile before heading into the conference room to check on her agent.

"Maya, why aren't you in bed? Go get some sleep."

"Something's off," muttered Maya as she continued to stare at the ceiling. Kate sat down beside her and slowly nodded.

"It's called exhaustion. You need sleep. We've been up and going for longer than I probably should've allowed."

"I'm fine, boss, but you should go get some."

"I was trying," grumbled Kate and Maya immediately perked up. She glanced at Kate and then where Lucy was still sitting at her desk. She smiled slyly and Kate's eyes widened as she shook her head.

"Sleep, Jamali, I meant sleep. I was trying to get some sleep. Get your mind out of the gutter." Maya smirked and looked back up at the ceiling.

"Now I know you're tired if you're letting those thoughts slip."

"Maya," whined Kate. Maya sat up and crossed her legs under her.

"The Kuni Gang doesn't track. Something about it is off."

"We just apprehended an arms dealer and found evidence of a human trafficking ring and organized crime. Let's take the win."

"I mean with Tate. It doesn't track with Tate."

"That's a problem for tomorrow. Forensics is running prints and evidence. There are other agencies helping out. You can rest. Go call Zeinab. Tell her you are okay and go to sleep. That's an order."

"Fine, but something is off."

"And if so, we'll figure it out when our brains aren't at half capacity, okay?"

"Yeah, okay," conceded Maya. Kate helped her to her feet and out of the conference room. She smiled at Lucy when the junior special agent stood up from her desk and turned off her computer.

"Heading out? You two burn the midnight oil even more than I do," said Lucy and Kate nodded.

"Yeah, it's been a long day. I was just wrangling this one over here," she informed and Maya pushed out her bottom lip in a pout.

"I don't need to be wrangle…" Her yawn betrayed her and she nodded.

"Okay, yeah, I need some sleep. Night, boss, night Lucy," mumbled Maya and Kate shook her head in amusement as her agent headed for the exit.

"I'm sure you're all exhausted, did you get any sleep on the way here," asked Lucy and Kate shook her head.

"No, I was worried about Kai and they wanted to get to work." Lucy nodded again as the silence surrounded them. Kate felt it too as she looked around the bullpen. They'd had many interactions alone there and most of them were full of heartache and pain, but something about it felt different as Lucy stepped closer to her.

"Um, about earlier."

"You mean when you threw yourself at me," teased Kate with a coy smile and Lucy cleared her throat as she tried not to blush too much.

"Technically, Eve threw herself at Ryan."

"Right, Eve," said Kate as she tried not to look too smug.

"I take my job very seriously," she added and Kate couldn't help but to laugh at the cheeky smile Lucy gave her.

"Well, it was a job well done. You thought quickly on your feet and got us all out of there. You saved a lot of people tonight. The kiss was definitely an added bonus."

"For me too," agreed Lucy. Kate gulped and felt her heart flutter in the way it tended to when Lucy was that close to her. She stuffed her hands into her pockets and gave a shy smile.

"I should get some sleep."

"Yeah, definitely. You staying on base?"

"Yeah, Jane found some nice accommodations for us. She offered to let me stay with her, but I wanted to be close with the team…even though Carlos totally ditched us for Ernie." Lucy giggled.

"I don't blame him. Ernie is cool. Walk you out," offered Lucy and Kate nodded.

"I'd like that," she agreed as they headed for the elevator. They stood in comfortable silence, both lost in their own train of thoughts as they waited for the elevator. As soon as it opened, they got in and Kate leaned against the wall. The exhaustion was slowly starting to take hold of her and she felt Lucy's hand on hers. Her eyes fluttered back open, not quite sure when they had closed in the first place, and saw Lucy gazing up at her.

"Let me make sure you get home," said Lucy.

"I'll be okay."

"I know, but for my peace of mind. It's right around the corner. I can drop you off."

"Thanks. I guess I'm a bit more tired than I originally thought."

"The adrenaline has worn off. If you weren't tired, I'd think you were a machine. Even Tennant gets rest."

"Well, you're here pretty late, so what is your excuse?"

"It's out of habit now really. Ernie says I've become a workaholic and he may be right."

"You love your job, nothing wrong with that." Lucy looked down and nodded.

"Except that's not the only reason. I think he might be right. It's like you said before, our jobs make it really easy to hide and I think I've been using it to not deal with some things. A lot has happened in the past couple of years."

"Yeah, it has," agreed Kate as she looked down at her hands and began to fidget. Lucy glanced over at her and took in a deep breath to steady her nerves. Ernie was right. He came to check on her after Tennant announced that Kate and her team were flying in to assist with the case. Lucy was stunned by the news and wasn't quite sure what to feel, but it didn't stop Ernie from giving her advice anyway. He told her that she and Kate had been running from each other long enough and she needed to decide if she was going to continue the vicious cycle or embrace everything she'd learned from her time with the kahuna.

"I wasn't just here tonight wrapping up paperwork. I was kind of hoping you would come in. I saw Maya when I was about to leave and had a sneaking suspicion that you would come looking for her," she confessed and Kate's eyes widened.

"So, you were waiting for me," she asked and Lucy smiled sympathetically at her when she noticed the heaviness of her eyes.

"You look so tired right now."

"Not tired enough for you to deflect and not answer."

"Does it have to be an honest answer?"

"Preferably, yeah," giggled Kate as she shifted closer to her. They both glanced down at where their fingertips had managed to inch closer and were ghosting over one another.

"Why were you waiting on me," Kate asked. She swallowed hard when Lucy stepped closer to close the distance between them. Their eyes locked and Kate remembered in that moment exactly how easily she could get lost in those hazel eyes.

"Well, I had finally kissed the woman I could never stop thinking about for the past year and it was like falling all over again, so yeah, I was waiting to see if she felt it too." Kate was surprised by the confession. Before she could respond, the loud ding of the elevator broke their trance of one another. Kate sighed as the doors opened onto the ground floor.

"I hate this elevator and I'm pretty sure it hates me," grumbled Kate and Lucy nodded in agreement.

"I'm not sure what you did to it, but I think you're right," she informed as they stepped off of it and headed out of the building.

"Oh and you're so sure it's on me? How do you know it isn't actually mad at you?"

"Because I'm a delight," teased Lucy and Kate shook with mirth.

"I missed this," admitted Kate as they walked through the parking lot. Lucy smiled up at her and nodded.

"Me too." By the time they got to Lucy's car and headed toward the housing Kate was assigned on base, the tension between them was palpable. Lucy parked in the driveway and turned off the car as Kate glanced over at her. Both could feel it, the pull, the way they were gravitating toward each other, but Kate took in a deep breath to try to steady her resolve.

"What are we doing, Lucy?"

"Well, I'm making sure you get home safely."

"You've done that, so what are we doing now?" Lucy took in a deep breath as well and Kate patiently waited for her to respond. She didn't want either of them to regret something. There had already been too much regret in their relationship as it was. Lucy could sense her hesitation and slipped her hand into Kate's. She smiled when Kate laced their fingers together.

"What I think we both have wanted for a while now," answered Lucy. Neither knew who made the first move and neither cared. It happened in hurried kisses and desperate caresses as they managed to make it out of the car and into the house. By the time they were halfway up the stairs, Kate had Lucy pressed against the wall and Lucy was working on unbuttoning Kate's shirt. She was surprised when Kate stumbled back, almost as if forcing herself to pull away.

"Wait, no, not…not like this," Kate managed to get out as she tried to catch her breath. She sighed when she saw the hurt and rejection flash in Lucy's eyes.

"I thought you wanted…right, okay," said Lucy as she headed back down the stairs with tears in her eyes. Kate immediately reached out to pull her back into her arms.

"That's not what I meant. I'm not looking to hook up, Luce, or just for sex."

"Is that what you think I'm looking for," questioned Lucy.

"I have no clue and assuming has not been a good idea for either one of us. Lucy, the last time I was here, we weren't in a good place. We haven't spoken in a year. I just want to make sure we know what we're getting into here. I don't want to fall back into old habits where we have great sex and then have no clue what it all means after."

"Okay, then no sex." Kate eyed her carefully.

"Why does that feel like a trick?" Lucy giggled and shook her head.

"No trick, no mind games, no trying to outwit each other or get the upper hand. You're right, we should slow down. Besides, I know you're exhausted. I'm sorry for pouncing on you."

"Just now or at the nightclub," teased Kate as she pulled Lucy closer and Lucy bit her lip.

"Actually, neither," she confessed.

"Good, because just so we're clear, I really like when you pounce on me." Kate slowly leaned back in to kiss her and Lucy moaned when their lips meshed together. Their bodies sought one another out once again and it was Lucy's turn to pull back.

"Okay, you can't kiss me like that if we want to go slow."

"Like what," whispered Kate into her ear and Lucy groaned.

"Kate," warned Lucy and Kate shook with mirth.

"Fine, it's probably for the best anyways. I really am tired." Lucy nodded her understanding.

"Okay, then I'll head out."

"Or, you could stay and sleep. It's late. I won't be able to sleep until I know you're home safe anyways, so why don't you just stay," suggested Kate as she laced their fingers together. Lucy smiled when Kate nuzzled her neck. She nodded and Kate led her upstairs to the bedroom. Neither was sure what was happening between them, but it also felt right.

Kate woke up to her phone ringing and a buzzing sound. She groaned and shifted in bed, frowning in confusion when she realized she wasn't in her bed at home. She was disoriented and it took her a moment to remember the whirlwind of events that led her back to Hawai'i. She jolted awake the moment her brain fog cleared and reached for her phone.

"Hello," whispered Kate.

"Morning, Whistler." Her eyes widened and she gulped as she glanced over at the brunette still fast asleep beside her.

"Ernie, everything okay?"

"We've got a lead and it might be a doozy. Tennant is on the phone getting some more intel and I was going to have Lucy call you, but she's not answering. Carlos and I are on our way in and he already called Maya. Jesse's bringing coffee."

"Great, thanks, um, I'll be right there."

"Oh and uh, could you try to reach Lucy for me? I figure you might have better luck than I will."

"Sure," she said quickly before hanging up. She grabbed Lucy's buzzing phone from the other nightstand and shook her shoulder.

"Lucy, wake up. We have to go in and the others are already on the way," she said before hopping out of bed. Lucy groaned and slowly stretched as she sat up in bed with a sleepy smile.

"Morning," said Lucy. Kate couldn't help but to smile at how cute she looked with her hair in disarray and smile that could brighten any room.

"Morning, Luce. Jesse is on coffee duty. The others are on their way to base. There's a lead."

"Got it," said Lucy as she rolled out of bed. Kate glanced over at her as she put back on her shirt from the previous night. The two of them managed to keep their agreement, mainly out of exhaustion, and did not have sex, but did get quite cozy in bed. She knew exactly what would happen if Lucy walked in wearing the same clothes as the night prior.

"Are you going to wear that to work," questioned Kate.

"Well, I can't exactly go home and make it back in time. Is it a problem if they know about us?"

"No, but I'm not exactly ready to be bombarded with questions in the middle of a case either."

"I agree, but this was my backup outfit and I don't have any other clothes in my car. I have a spare shirt in my locker at work, but it kind of feels a little walk of shame-y to show up in the same shirt and then change when I get there. Probably should've thought of that before I stayed last night, huh?"

"Actually, I was going to suggest wearing one of my shirts, then. Here," said Kate as she sifted through her luggage and found a button up shirt Lucy had worn before. Lucy recognized it and smiled at the gesture. She kissed her cheek.

"Thanks," said Lucy before heading into the bathroom. Kate shook her head at herself as she felt the anxiety and fear from the past nag at her in the pit of her stomach. All it took was one night to end up back in bed with Lucy and while she didn't regret it, she wasn't sure what any of it meant. Once again, she was in limbo with the woman she knew she loved, but also had no clue what the future held for them.

It didn't take long for either one of them to get ready and Kate was relieved to be the first ones in the bullpen, except for Jane, who was already in her office. Lucy hid her smile as she headed for her desk and Kate headed into her friend's office. She gave a light knock before closing the door behind her.

"Morning," said Kate and Jane did a double take as she looked up from the paperwork she was working on. She silently stared at Kate and Kate tried her best not to fidget under the intensity of her friend's scrutinizing eyes. She knew the moment Jane's eyes sought out Lucy, she was busted. Jane glanced back and forth between where her friend was standing and her junior special agent was sitting at her desk.

"Kate."

"Don't. Let's not…nothing happened….it was…where are we with Tate," she rambled as she sat down. Jane shook with mirth.

"Not even twenty four hours, huh?"

"The case, you know, the reason I dropped everything, grabbed my team, and flew across the country for you," reminded Kate.

"Is that what happened?"

"Jane," warned Kate and Jane had to clear her throat to stop from laughing.

"Right, world in danger, serious business, sorry. Um, we found a lead. We think Everett actually was onto something. Ernie found the blueprints to the property where Kai and Jesse were investigating that shack. It's technically Kuni Territory, but on the outskirts of where they do most of their business and he found a modification. There's a bunker behind it. We think that's what Everett got too close to," explained Jane.

"A bunker," questioned Kate.

"Maybe that's where Tate will head. We cut off his supply chain with the Kuni's and every law enforcement agency on the island is looking for him."

"So, you think he would return to the scene of the crime?"

"Tate seems like someone who thinks he's smarter than everyone else. I could see him assuming we've already overlooked the area and have moved on. Besides, we didn't find the bunker before, so why would he think we know about it now?" Kate slowly nodded and Jane noticed her apprehension.

"What is it," questioned Jane and Kate sighed.

"I don't know. I just, it's something Maya said yesterday about something feeling off. It's also been a long couple of days."

"Sounds like a long night too," mumbled Jane and Kate gave her a look.

"Sorry," added Jane as she hid her smile.

"I need coffee," grumbled Kate before walking out of her friend's office, knowing she was quite amused.

By the time the rest of the team gathered, everyone was ready to focus on the case. Kate was relieved when no one mentioned anything about her and Lucy's relationship, even though Ernie eyed them carefully a time or two. The two teams were in the war room, all a bit haggard and tired, but still ready to work as Ernie updated them on his findings. Kate noticed the way Maya was unusually silent as Jesse took the lead on making recommendations for a plan of attack.

"It makes sense. The shack was abandoned and a decoy. Everett might have even realized it. For all we know, Tate has been hiding down in that bunker the whole time," explained Jesse.

"But why wouldn't he move," asked Carlos and the question finally snapped Maya out of her thoughts.

"Based on that theory, he got away with it. He killed Everett. Shot the agents looking for him. Returned to the scene and is now just there with no supplies to carry out an attack or motive," questioned Maya. Jesse threw his hands up in exasperation.

"Well, I'm open to any ideas and evidence that anyone else in the room has," he challenged and Jane sighed.

"Jesse," she warned.

"No, I'm just saying, Tennant. We have a dead Marine. Kai is recovering at home and we have no other leads except that we are pretty sure there's a Delta Force sniper on the loose on the island with delusions of grandeur that could strike at any moment. Please, let's sit on our hands a bit longer and wonder what Kai took a damn bullet for," he said as he plopped back down in his seat. Everyone was quiet and Lucy placed a hand on his shoulder. She knew he felt personally responsible for what happened. He sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose.

"I'm sorry. I'm tired and frustrated and quite frankly, terrified this guy is going to strike if we don't do something soon," admitted Jesse. Jane looked around the room and slowly nodded.

"Any other ideas," she asked and Kate glanced over at Maya, who seemed to be silently communicating with Carlos. When he shrugged, she sighed, but shook her head. Kate shook hers as well and Jane gave a nod.

"Okay, then we do what we've been doing. We check out the lead and watch each other's backs in the process as best we can. Ernie, Carlos, be our eyes and ears. Jesse, Lucy, and Maya should head to the bunker," instructed Jane. She noticed the way Carlos and Maya looked at Kate for confirmation and Kate gave a nod.

"I'll head there as well," said Kate and she noticed Maya visibly relax. Jane nodded in agreement.

"We'll all go then, see what we find, and if we're right, we can put an end to this. Everyone grab your gear. Bulletproof vests, everything, remember we're dealing with a sniper and need to be extra vigilant," added Jane.

An hour later, they were almost at the bunker as Kate drove with Maya to the site and Jane drove the other car with Jesse and Lucy. Ernie and Carlos were keeping an eye on things from Ernie's lair. Kate glanced over at Maya and saw her staring out the window.

"This is usually your line, but a penny for your thoughts?"

"If Zeinab were here, would you have agreed so quickly?"

"Without another option? Yes." Maya continued to look out the window and Kate sighed.

"If she was here, would you have pushed back more," asked Kate.

"Even without another option? Yes."

"All the same rules apply out in the field. We've done this plenty of times, even with Zeinab hanging back or playing her role a bit differently. I know you miss her." Maya smirked.

"It's not about the personal side of it, Kate. I miss knowing if we're wrong, she's there to have our backs. I don't know these people. I know you do. I know you and Lucy are…"

"I'm not asking you to trust them right now. I'm asking you to trust me." Maya glanced over at her and gave a curt nod.

"Okay, boss." They pulled behind Jane's vehicle and each drew their weapons as they surveyed the area behind the dilapidated shack. They each looked around the area and fanned out. They headed toward the place on the map where the bunker was marked. The closer they got, the easier it was to see the outline of the entrance and Jesse glanced over his shoulder at Jane. They each pointed their weapons and Jane gave a nod for Jesse to open it. It happened in slow motion for Maya as Jesse removed the brush and unlatched the door. She heard the sound of the click before she saw the trip wire inside the bunker door. She was already suspicious of their plan and was on high alert. Her feet were moving before she could verbalize it and lunged at Jesse just as rounds of bullets sprayed the area where he had been standing. The two of them rolled down a hill and crashed into the trees below as the others took cover. Bursts of gunfire echoed off the trees as Maya looked Jesse over for injuries.

"I'm okay," he grunted out as he held his arm. She scrambled back to her feet and up the hill to see Kate, Lucy, and Jane taking cover behind the vehicles.

"Maya, Jesse," called Kate.

"We're okay," called Maya. Jane searched the trees for the sniper, but quickly realized the gunfire was coming from too low of a trajectory. She whistled loudly and pointed in the direction of the wooded area north of them. Lucy saw the automatic weapon firing in the direction of the bunker, but before she could focus on that, she heard the sound of beeping in the distance.

"Jesse, Maya, get out of there," shouted Lucy. Jesse and Maya's eyes widened when they realized what they were hearing as well. It was an explosive device. They managed to take cover behind the vehicles with the others just as a bomb went off in the bunker. They all covered their heads as debris rained down around them and the pelting of bullets continued in the distance.

"Jesse," called Lucy as he ducked behind the other vehicle and snuck around the back into the woods. The sound of the automatic weapon firing incessantly grew louder as he approached it, but he sighed in relief when he realized there was no one manning it. He quickly disarmed it and searched the area for any signs of Tate. When he saw none, he cursed loudly in frustration, knowing that Tate was once again nowhere to be found.

AN: So, what did you think of the chapter? Poor Jesse. I really felt for him this chapter. He really just wants to protect his teammates and get the case closed. Also, Jane teasing Kate about her and Lucy was one of my favorite scenes to write. I love those fun Tenstler friendship moments. We are coming up on the final two chapters of the story and I am excited to hear what you think. More soon.