Chapter 4 - Astrid
It wasn't often that Deeks would go hang out with the boys,mostly because his circle of friends was small. One friend was in WitSec, the other was currently playing for the NBA. So when Kip Brigham called to let "Marty-Mar" know he would be in Vegas this weekend and to come join him, Deeks couldn't say no. His wife, however, could. But Kensi knew what it was like to have a friend to hang with. She had Nell and her friends down at Pendleton. So she was more than happy to insist that he go hang with Kip.
"You really should go. You need to go. Actually, I insist that you go to Vegas with Kip."
"Wow. If I didn't know any better, one would think you can't wait to get rid of me. Spill, Sugarbear. What do you and Velma have planned?"
"Just our weekly mani-pedi. We also may have a John Hughes movie marathon to watch. The usual stuff." Kensi loved her girl-time with Nell. She didn't have a lot of friends, but Nell was the best possible friend. She could be herself and Nell had been so helpful when they were "away," especially to Deeks. And few people knew how wicked funny Nell was. A mindless weekend with her best friend would be perfect.
"Okay, okay. I will let Kip know I'll be there." As Deeks turned to go call Kip, Kensi grabbed him by the arm.
"Just a minute, Player. To be clear, this better not be Kip's way of making it up to you for missing our wedding by throwing you a bachelor party. NO LAP DANCES FOR YOU. The only female dancing on your lap is me and me alone." Kensi's eyebrows were raised and her hands were grabbing at his belt to emphasize her point.
"Don't you worry my love. I will make sure to wear the that special belt you bought me with the combination lock which only you know the combination to." He inched his hands under her shirt and started to tickle her sides.
"Haha, very funny." She then proceeded to lead him back to their bedroom. Clothes started flying with Deeks yelling "Jackpot" and Kensi laughing.
Monday came much too soon. Deeks had not made it home until very early that morning. Kensi didn't even wait up for him. She decided to let him sleep a little longer and cover for him at work. Kensi kissed her husband, and he mumbled something about sushi. Kensi shook him to find out if he was sick. He then told her to tell the guys he had some bad sushi and he would be in a little late.
"Yeah like that's gonna work" she thought. But being the good partner she agreed to the plan. She went about finishing getting ready, made sure Monty was settled and left. Twenty minutes later, she entered the bullpen to find Sam and Callen at their desks. They were getting ready to head to the gym to workout so she tagged along.
Callen brought out two Sayoc bamboo grappling sticks and tossed one to Kensi. They squared off and began to fight. Kensi was graceful in her movements. She had been working with Deeks to improve his skills and in the process had further developed hers. Sam was impressed, as was Callen.
"Not bad Kensi, not bad."
"Better than your husband."
"Speaking of which…" Sam looked at his watch. Kensi quickly answered. "Deeks is running late. He ate some bad sushi last night, it made him sick." Callen just glared at her. This would have been amusing when they were just partners, it's hilarious now that they are married.
"Bad sushi? If I remember correctly, you like sushi too. Why aren't you sick?"
"Umm," Kensi stalled as Sam and Callen just looked at each other. Kensi looked at both of them suspiciously, "What?"
Callen chuckled.
"You know we invented the bad sushi move, right?" Sam said.
"Which means we don't fall for the bad sushi move ever." Callen added.
Kensi knew she was beat. "Okay. He went to Vegas. He drove back late last night. Well actually it was more like very early this morning"
"And he didn't invite you?"
"No, because I had plans."
Sam and Callen looked at each. "You let your husband go to Vegas without you? And what plans could you've possibly had?"
"His friend Kip called and invited Deeks to meet him there since he missed the wedding."
"Whoa! He went to Vegas with Kip Brigham and he didn't call us? By the way, if you lie to us about your plans, we'll know."
"Yes. And as for my plans, John Hughes marathon and mani-pedis with Nell."
"Wow! That you should have lied about." Callen and Kensi went back to sparring.
They were distracted as Deeks " limped" into the gym. "I'm, uh, really sorry that I'm late. I had some bad sushi last night." He looked over to his wife who was trying desperately to get him to stop talking by waving her hand under her chin in a "cutoff" sign. But he either didn't see her or chose to ignore her and kept going. "I mean it was so hard to get out of bed this morning. Kensi tried to wake me up but it was rough. And why are you doing this?" Deeks mimicking his wife's gestures.
"Because they know."
"They know? Okay the only way they could know is if the person who watched Pretty in Pink for the 98th time with her bestie, ratted out her husband. We agreed on the bad sushi move, wifey!"
"Well, hubby, it turns out that they invented the bad sushi move."
Deeks looked at Callen's and Sam's smug faces. Callen tossed a stick to Deeks and Kensi tossed hers to Sam. As Sam was discussing the various blunt force weapons that were available on the street, Deeks suddenly looked over the door at the far side of the gym and called out, "Hey Hetty!"
When Sam turned toward the door, Deeks attempted his move. Sam, however, reminded Deeks that he was a Navy SEAL when he avoided the move, turned Deeks into a choke hold and then dropped him to the mat. Just then Callen's phone rang calling them up to OPS.
Kensi walked over to the mat where the heap that was her husband was lying. She helped him up, gave him a kiss and led him out the door following Sam and Callen. Deeks just sighed. One of these days, he would get the drop on Sam. One of these days.
The case involved four bodies found in a diner after an explosion. One of the problems was the diner had been closed for over a year. The four men involved could not be more different. There was a millionaire, a college kid, a grandfather and a man licensed to drive a bulldozer. The only common thread was that they followed a twitter account that belong to the Office of Naval Intelligence and received an invitation to the diner from that account.
Deeks felt the need to address the perceived elephant in the room. "Okay, is anybody else wondering why the Office of Naval Intelligence is on Twitter in the first place?"
Eric had the answer. "Operation Wide Awake. It's an experimental project that uses social media to reach its participants. It's designed as a strategy game. Naval Intelligence was recruiting high IQ individuals to test the integrity of the project."
They knew the what, but as to the why…. the Wonder Twins still did not have an answer. Hetty joined them with some more information. "This group was known as Echo-1. They were the elite group of the project. The director behind the project has been authorized to speak to you Mr. Callen. Take you partner and see what you can find out. In the meantime, Mr. & Mrs. Deeks, keep digging into the group's background."
Even though Kensi will be Kensi Blye in the field, Deeks liked that the team, especially Hetty, embraced their marriage. And there was just something in the way that Hetty said "Mrs. Deeks" that made him smile. He caught Kensi's smile when Hetty referred to her with her married title. Another reminder of how happy she made him every day.
Callen called into OPS to let the team know there was a fifth member. Mike Hoffman was his name, he lived in San Pedro. Deeks and Kensi were sent to find him. The drive over was quiet. Deeks was concerned that his wife might have been upset with how late or rather how early he came home. They hadn't really had a chance to talk about what went on.
"So, uh, tell me. Did the, uh, ride over here strike you as as somewhat tense with long, uncomfortable silences? Kind of like this? Is this about Vegas?" Kensi just glared at her husband. "Oh come on! You said I could go. I had every intention of being home much earlier. We overslept through check out." At that comment, Kensi's eyebrows went straight up.
Deeks went wild-eyed and immediately started backpedaling. "Sugarbear, it's not what you think. Kip was asked at the last minute to meet with several season ticket holders who were having a private reception. I was his plus one. Nothing happened except that the champagne was flowing and I may have had a little too much to drink and I know you would not want me to drive under the influence, and…" At that point Kensi placed a finger over his lips. She had heard enough and to be honest, she liked seeing him squirm. There was never a doubt of his fidelity. "I am over Vegas."
"You've never been to Vegas."
"Exactly why I am over it."
"Technically you can't be over a place you've never been to. Doesn't matter, here's the deal. We're going together. You and me."
"No."
"Yeah. Look at me. It's happening."
"No it isn't."
"Vegas . . . .Vegas . . . Alright, I get it. You're afraid that you wouldn't be able to keep up with me in Vegas." This is where knowing his wife and her uber competitive nature could be played to Deeks' advantage.
"Oh I could keep up with you."
Now to carefully reel her in. "Not even close."
"I'd bury you."
Deeks smirked. Time to close the deal. "Okay, so prove it. Me. You. Vegas."
"Okay. You're on. Bring it beach boy."
"You know what they say. What happens in Vegas - -"
"Will leave you curled up in a little fetal position begging for mercy."
"Promise?" And just like that he gets to take his wife to Vegas for a fun weekend of clubs, restaurants, a little gambling and shows. Of course, he will probably have to endure an outing into the wild, but for her, he would endure anything. No matter how creepy or uncomfortable it made him.
Mike Hoffman lived on the the third floor of a slightly run-down apartment building. Kensi was trying to understand how a guy with such a high IQ had a rap sheet full of warrants for check fraud, possession of counterfeit currency and misdemeanor assaults. As the partners started up the steps, they were practically run over by a young woman with colored streaks in her blonde hair.
Deeks tried to impress his partner with his cultural knowledge by referring to the young lady as a hipster. She insisted that the girl was EMO. Deeks just looked at Kensi deciding he didn't care anymore. The two reached the third floor and found Hoffman's apartment.
As they approached the door, they stopped at the sight of blood smeared on the wall. Then Deeks noticed blood on Kensi's jacket. Kensi then turned and took off after the girl from the stairs while Deeks went into the apartment.
Kensi finally got close to the girl but a chain link fence separated them. She yelled for the girl to stop which she did, on railroad tracks. The sound of an oncoming train distracted the runaway. Kensi tried to get the girl to come to her. Instead, the blonde took a step back just before the train reached her. By the time the train was past, she was gone.
Kensi ran back to check on Deeks. He was examining a dead body on the livingroom floor. "Manic pixie dream girl?" Kensi just looked at her husband. He knew that look. His wife hated failing.
Kensi started looking around the scene. The laptop that was found would be bagged for Beale. A picture of the victim was sent for identifying. Sam and Callen entered the apartment. Kensi was able to confirm that the dead body was not Hoffman. She then turned and went into the kitchen where she saw pictures on the fridge. Right in the middle was a snapshot of the runaway with Hoffman.
"I think her name is Astrid." At that the three men looked up at Kensi. "She clearly knew Hoffman."
Just then Eric called Callen with an update on Hoffman's phone, no activity. Still no ID on the dead guy. Callen asked if Hoffman had any family. The sound of tapping keys came over the speaker and then Eric's voice. No known family. Nell then added that none of the victims had ever met each other. That backed up the story of the project manager. Sam was now concerned that Dr. Mathers could be a target. The two senior agents headed out.
Deeks looked up to say something to Kensi but she was back at the fridge staring at the picture of Astrid. Something drew her in. He knew that look on his wife's face. Manic-pixie-dream-girl has gotten under Kensi's skin. The last time Kensi got close to suspect, it was Talbot and it did not end well for her. And even though he does not expect the same situation with Astrid, he will keep a close eye on his wife. She was as much of a protector of the innocent as he was. And truth be told, probably more so for young girls who may had led a tough life, much like she had. It was a trait he both loved and admired about his wife. And he would always support her beliefs and help her do what is right.
Deeks and Kensi were in the bullpen waiting when Nell came down from OPS to update them on what happened at the Naval Intelligence Lab. Astrid had set off metal detectors and when security approached her, she ran. Kensi defended Astrid as being scared. Deeks wondered if she had the gun used in the shooting at Hoffman's place. Kensi just glared at him. A check with the neighbors confirmed that Astrid was living at Hoffman's but only recently and they kept to themselves.
Eric came into the bullpen with Hoffman's laptop. It was wiped clean, a professional job, but it did have the latest version of Wide Awake. Meanwhile Sam and Callen were on the hunt for Mathers' friend Torretto. Nell's digging uncovered a bank account with several large deposits.
When the senior partners returned to OSP following their car chase, Nell was waiting with Deeks and Kensi with the identity of the dead guy in Hoffman's apartment. Max Naylor was a prison cellmate with the driver killed in the car chase. Naylor had experience in demolitions so was probably responsible for the diner explosion. Both were guns for hire. The working theory was that they were hired to sabotage Wide Awake. Now only Hoffman and Mathers were left. It was then that Eric came down the steps saying Hoffman's cell phone was back on. The team rushes up to OPS.
Callen told Beale to call the cell phone, hoping the camera was active and they could see who answered. The phone rang and it was Astrid who answered the phone and then quickly hung up. Kensi told Eric to call her back.
Her husband voiced his concern about that plan. "Wait a minute, what's the plan here? What are you going to say to her? If you're not killing everybody involved in a top secret governmental program, may you could over to watch Pretty in Pink and we can eat some Oreos?"
Kensi looked at her husband. He's never questioned her motives like this before and she did not appreciate his tone or words."This might be the only chance we get and I think I can get her to talk to me."
"Why?" Deeks looked at his wife. He desperately wanted to help avoid the rabbit hole she went down before with Talbot.
And just like that time, she was resolute in her convictions and her assessment of Astrid. "Because she's scared."
Hetty came into OPS. "You found the girl."
Kensi updated Hetty, "Yes. Astrid is on the run and she knows about Operation Wide Awake. We have a chance to talk to her."
"But your partner believes your emotions are clouding your judgement."
At that Kensi turned towards her husband. The hurt and betrayal on her face cut Deeks internally, but he knew he had to be honest with Kensi. It was the only way their partnership and their marriage would stay true. There will be times when they disagree and they need to be able to talk that out. Especially within team discussions. The team had to know that they were still independent thinkers. Deeks looked apologetically at Kensi when he answered Hetty. "Well that's a little harsh, but . . . Yeah." Deeks watched his wife react as if she took a punch to her gut. But other than a slight falter, she was not going allow the rest of the team see the full effect on her husband's doubt in her assessment.
Hetty looked at both of them and decided to have Eric call Astrid back. "Maybe she will see in you what you see in her, Mrs. Deeks." Eric let them know he has Astrid on a traffic cam as he rings the cell phone.
"Hello?"
"Hi. Astrid. My name is Kensi. I was at your apartment building today. I'm so sorry if I scared you.
"You didn't scare me."
"Well I know you've had a hard time today. I thought you might like to talk."
"I don't."
"Well then, maybe you need a friend?"
"You don't really know me."
"No, I don't, but I would very much like to. Why don't you start by telling me something about yourself."
"You're tracing this call."
Kensi looked at her husband. Deeks smiled and encouraged her to keep at it. He was so proud of her. She was not afraid to hold to the courage of her convictions. Astrid has touched something in her and he would support her. Kensi tried a different tact.
"Okay. Well, let's start with me then, um . . . I'm married and totally over Vegas. I love Pretty in Pink and Oreos."
"No one is trying to hurt me, they are trying to hurt Mike."
"And where is Mike right now?"
"He is enjoying the art of civilized bushwhacking. I have to go now."
"No. No. Astrid." And with that, the phone was turned off so no more tracking was to be had.
Callen wondered aloud if anyone knew what Astrid was referring to. Hetty nonchalantly explained that the art of civilized bushwhacking was an old fashioned term for the game of poker. All eyes were on the operations manager who merely shrugged and walked out. A quick check of Hoffman's finances showed a series of withdrawals at the Hollywood Park Casino. The team headed down the stairs to track down the lead. Deeks however stopped to speak with Hetty.
"You knew that putting Kensi on the phone with Astrid was the right call," Deeks started.
"And you want to know how I knew that."
"If you don't think I need to know . . ."
"No, no, no. After her father died, she, uh, ran away. She lived on the streets for almost a year."
"Yeah, I knew that. But I didn't know that you knew about it." Kensi and Deeks had shared many dark secrets about themselves with each other. He just didn't know that Hetty knew. But of course we are talking about Hetty Lange and she knew all the secrets she knew about him, that Kensi also knew.
"I did, just like I know your secrets which I also assume your wife knows."
"She does. It's just that I know my wife. She never likes showing a weakness and if we could keep that between us, I don't think it's something Sam and Callen need to know."
Hetty nodded in agreement. Her admiration of the detective and his fierce loyalty to his wife continued to grow. Deeks nodded his thanks and went to join his partner. In the meantime, Hetty had Nell sit down with the current version of Wide Awake. They need to know what it was that got four people killed.
The ride to the casino was quiet. Kensi was still stewing about Deeks' presumed betrayal regarding Astrid. Deeks knows his wife well enough that he needs to correct her perception. "You were really great with Astrid. I think you might be able to reach her, get her to come in," he tried.
Kensi just kept her eyes straight ahead. Sometimes her stubbornness got in her way. And the last thing she wanted to do is cause a divide between the two of them. But she needed to know, "Why did you not back me up?"
Deeks was relieved that she voiced her upset. It was actually calmer than he was expecting. "I had concerns. I remembered how you were with Talbot, and I started to see signs that maybe you were headed down that road again. I didn't want you to get lost. I didn't want to see you hurt. And. . . before you get upset with me for 'handling' you, hear me out. Let me first say, I love you. Second, I'm sorry. It was never my intention to call you out in front of the guys. But I knew your history and I could see how you would identify with Astrid. And without knowing her role in this, I just jumped to the conclusion, probably wrongly, that she is involved. Let's see . . ."
He stopped mid sentence when he noticed a stray tear sliding down her cheek. "Kensi, sweetheart, please don't cry. I was wrong. Really, really wrong. You have great instincts. I should have trusted you." Deeks felt like a total heel. He reached across the console for Kensi's hand. Kensi laced her fingers in his which Deeks was very grateful for. "You're right."
"Sorry, what?"
"You're right. I did identify with Astrid. You knew my history. But I want to help her. I want us to help her."
Deeks looked adoringly at his wife. He admired her strength and compassion, and he would do all he can to help her and help Astrid. They just need to find her. "Well partner, let's find Hoffman, hopefully he will lead us to Astrid and together, we will help her. I love you Kens." With that he leaned over to kiss her.
"Love you too."
The casino floor was full of activity. Eric was able to find Hoffman at a poker table. Callen turned to Deeks and Kensi and told them to go do their thing. Deeks looked at his wife. "First date?"
"Last date."
"Is this still about my weekend with Kip? We're here, in the casino. We can stay behind, have a little fun."
"I think I need an upgrade." With that, Kensi let her ponytail fall loose. Deeks swallowed hard as she ran her hands through her hair to fluff it out and then adjust her shirt neckline a little lower. She put on her best "out for a prowl" look on her face and walked away from her partner.
"Kensi!. . . . Kensi!" God that woman was going to be the death of him. Kensi flops into the empty seat next to Hoffman. "Ugh! My boyfriend hates it when I gamble." Kensi caught Mike checking her out.
"Life's a gamble."
Kensi gave Hoffman an amused look and started to reel him in. And on cue, her partner appeared behind her.
"Fern? Fern, what are you doing here? Are you trying to make me jealous?" Deeks huffed and puffed at her.
Kensi ignored him and spoke to her target,."Ahem, see he went to Vegas and, uh, he thinks this is gonna make up for it."
Mike gave Kensi a very lecherous once-over with his eyes. "I'd never go anywhere without you. He's clearly playing way out of his league."
Deeks continued his injured boyfriend act. "You know what I love? I love it when people talk about me like I'm not standing right behind them."
Kensi leaned into Mike as he picked up his winnings. "So are you just lucky or are you really, really good?"
"I'm really, really good. But I'm looking to get lucky."
Knowing Kensi had him, Deeks made his dramatic exit. "Okay. Heh, you know what? I love a little butter with my cheese. I'm gonna grab a soda."
Mike then asked to buy Fern a drink. She had a better idea. They got up from the table and walked out the door and right into Sam and Callen.
As Deeks cuffed Hoffman he reminded his wife of his status. "Just to be clear, I am totally in your league."
"In your dreams!"
"All the time darlin, all the time."
Callen and Sam just rolled their eyes at their teammates.
In interrogation, Mike was still trying to hit on Kensi until Deeks told him it was all an act and to STOP hitting on his wife.
Hoffman looked at Kensi, who nodded to confirm Deeks' statement. "Well you two are impressive. I never would have guessed."
Kensi then asked Mike about Operation Wide Awake. Hoffman gave the two a very blank stare. Deeks placed Hoffman's laptop in front of him. Mike assured them that unless it was a game with dice and cards, he would need an instruction manuel, preferably with pictures.
"This looks like a game Astrid likes to play." And then Mike froze.
Deeks pushed him. "Okay. Who exactly is Astrid?"
"I, uh. I don't know. I think she is my daughter."
"You think?" Kensi wanted to hurt this guy.
"She's different. She, um, barely speaks. She's really good at math. She spends hours on this computer. I took her to the casino a few weeks back and taught her how to gamble. Astrid never loses. I mean, like ever."
"The art of civilized bushwhacking." Kensi's lips turned in a slight smile remembering the phone conversation.
"Yeah, that's what we call poker. Hey, you talked to her? Where is she?"
"We're hoping you could help us find that out."
"Well I was on an 18-hour streak at the casino when you found me. Hey, I gave her my cell phone in case of emergency. No, trust me. That girl knows how to take care of herself. She's okay, right?"
Kensi just looked at Hoffman. He had a daughter that he sorta claimed. Astrid was God knows where and Mike didn't seem to understand the danger she was in. Kensi got up and walked out the door with Deeks right behind her. Sam and Callen had been watching the interview. The team deduced that Astrid was the fifth member of the group. Mathers wouldn't have known about her since she used Mike's laptop. They also agreed that Astrid seemed to have a form of autism, possibly Asperger's Syndrome, which would explain her behavior ticks. The good news was that as long as Mathers and Torreto think Hoffman is the fifth member, Astrid was safe. Kensi and Deeks went back into interrogation.
Hoffman was bemoaning his state of affairs. Kensi had no sympathy. Deeks watched his wife, seeing that memories of her dad were filling her mind. Hoffman confessed to his sins with Astrid, including denying he was her dad to Astrid's face. All he wanted now was for her to be safe, for someone to watch out for her if had had to go to jail. Hoffman looked right into Kensi's eyes when he said that and Deeks knew that there was no way his wife would walk away from Astrid. She identified too closely. Kensi looked at her partner, and got up and left the room.
Deeks looked at Hoffman as he slumped in the chair. There was nothing he could say that could make their prisoner feel any worse. Deeks left the room to check on his partner.
"I'm fine," Kensi said, her back still to her husband.
Deeks didn't believe her but would play along. "I know. Just getting some water." Deeks took two bottles out of the fridge, turned and placed one on the table in front of her. He then leaned in and placed a kiss on the side of his wife's head. "Just remember I love you."
Kensi sighed and leaned into his chest, Deeks' arm automatically went around her shoulder. Her head was filled with thoughts of her dad and their last night and of her mom and how she felt abandoned by her. She looked into the blue eyes that were her anchor and started to ask, "Could we?"
"You already know the answer to that." He would do anything to support his partner and he agreed, Astrid would need help when Hoffman went to jail. He would even help with Mike's legal issues. It was not normal to get so involved with a case but sometimes you need to step out of your comfort zone and just help. He gave Kensi another kiss to her forehead and went back to interrogation.
Callen and Sam found Torretto at Mathers' house. Both knew Operation Wide Awake was flawed and Toretto knew Mathers killed the group. Eric informed the team that Mathers' phone received a short call from Hoffman's phone. Astrid must know that the program was flawed and was telling Mathers. They traced both phones back to the casino. The team raced to save Astrid.
After a tense standoff where the team, Mathers and Astrid all had guns drawn, Kensi was able to talk Astrid into giving her the gun she was holding. "Hey what do you say we get out of here?" Astrid paused but then followed Kensi out. Deeks was so proud of his partner. She would do what was right for Astrid and he would be right there with her.
Callen looked at Kensi leaving and then at Deeks. They were quite a team. He had his concerns when they returned to OSP after saving Nate. Could a married couple function as partners? They kept answering the question with a resounding yes.
Kensi and Deeks ultimately became guardians to Astrid. She lived at Hoffman's apartment but would check in with them and frequently went to the beach and other outings with the couple. She continued her education at a local college. Deeks helped with her application and financial aid paperwork and was able to find scholarships for her. Hetty also started a file because she saw Astrid's potential that could be very useful once she was through school. And Kensi found someone to mentor. She knew what it was like to be on her own on the street. Kensi was also very grateful to her husband who tapped into his lawyer skills. He represented Mike and got him a reasonable sentence. Hoffman promised to keep in touch with Astrid and the agents would do what they could to keep the small family together.
The team once again settled in their new routine and dynamic. Little did anyone know that a storm was brewing of nuclear proportions. Not only would Deeks and Kensi's marriage be put to the test but the whole team would be involved in a case that could shatter them to their core.