Proving Ground

Chapter 7

Hearing Kensi's voice knocked him slightly off center, and definitely off his game for a moment. He could hear the emotion in her voice, the tone expressing her deep concern even as she tried to hide her fear from him. He understood that fear. It was familiar, something they'd shared for some time. It was like treading water in a storm, with no idea where the tide might take you.

It was Hetty's voice that anchored him again. Callen was a great team leader, but Hetty was the ultimate mastermind when it came to navigating the type of maze he found himself in. Her presence settled him down, and helped him concentrate. She made it feel like old times, when she was fully in charge, directing the team and manipulating sources as only she could. She was a good person to have on your side. Her abilities were legend. That she had made a commitment to his well-being had given him a much needed boost in confidence. All of them were risking their jobs in order to help him, and it touched him deeply. His circumstances hadn't changed, but he felt the strength of the team behind him now, and it made all the difference. He no longer felt alone.

When he'd finally made it back to the apartment building, he'd discovered Orlena had unexpectedly bought into his little adventure as well. He'd used the back door as she'd instructed and had run into Lamont on his way out. The young man's look of concern as he'd assessed the latest damage to his face had surprised him. His joke about how a white man can't jump or apparently fight either, had actually made him laugh, which was a welcome relief, easing some of the tension he'd been feeling for most of the day. The young linebacker had insisted on taking him up to Orlena's apartment, and although he'd resisted, the kid had just shaken his head and smiled, then turned him around and ushered him up the stairs to an entrance off her kitchen.

Orlena's anger over his cuts and bruises had puzzled him. He'd thought she'd seen his appearance on her doorstep as an imposition, but somehow, in the short time he'd been under her roof, she'd become possessive. She'd even demanded to know who'd beaten him up, and when he said he couldn't tell her, she'd used a variety of incredibly dirty swear words. He wasn't sure if they were directed at him or at Yavuz and Sadik, but they'd made him smile. She'd grumbled about his line of work the whole time she spent cleaning up his face and treating the cuts. Before leaving to give him the privacy he needed to talk with the team, she'd scolded him one last time, complaining she was getting too old for this kind of nasty stuff, as she called it. Now he sat silently trying to gather his thoughts and take in all the information the team had shared.

"I got aspirin or I got something stronger, Sugar," Orlena said, poking her head back in as he sat in her kitchen. "Which you need?"

"I'll take the aspirin," he replied. "Thanks."

She drew him a glass of water and watched him take the pills, her expression sharp and slightly critical.

"You gonna call me names again?" He joked, grinning cockily and getting a smile in return.

"Those were for them boys tuned you up," she said, her smile slowly fading. "I ain't never forgot that night you found me in that alley."

"You never told me who beat you up either," he reminded her.

"That rat bastard been dead a long time now," she said, standing at the sink with her back to him. "Finally picked the wrong girl to beat on. She had some mean friends, that one."

"I wasn't sure you'd make it that night," he said softly.

"Me neither, Sugar," she replied. "I owe you for a long time."

"This is payback enough."

"You still the nicest white cop I ever did meet," she said, finally turning to look at him. "Damn fine lookin' too, till now. That black eye turnin' ugly, Sugar. You lucky that long hair of yours hidin' that big old band-aid I had to put on that nasty lookin' cut. How come you let 'em do you like that?"

"One of me and too many of them," he replied. "Plus, they were armed. Anyway, getting knocked on my ass was better than getting shot."

"Who you messin' with, boy?" She asked.

"No one you'd want to know, Orlena," he replied. "Hard men, with dangerous plans."

"You got anybody can help?"

"My boss and my 'new' partner are coming by in a little while," he said, realizing how late it was getting. "I should go."

"You don't trust 'em, do ya, Sugar?"

"You always were too damn smart to be on the street," he said, moving past her toward the door.

"Yeah well, Sugar, I'm still smart," she replied. "You use my office for your meetin' tonight. I got me a surveillance system in there might come in handy."

"I don't want to put you in that position, Orlena," he said quickly. "I can take care of myself, and you don't want to get on the wrong side of my boss. I have a feeling that woman holds a grudge."

"Who you think you're talkin' too, Sugar?" She laughed. "I'm a tough old hooker who seen all kinds of shit and dealt with all kinds of shitty people. Don't you worry 'bout me. I can handle myself. Hell, might even charge your lady boss for letting you stay in one of my rooms."

"Orlena, you are something else," Deeks said with a smile. "I think I might love you just a little bit."

"Course you do, boy," she laughed. "Now go on down to the office. I'll have Lamont bring 'em on back."

"You sure about this?"

"You go on now. Sit behind my desk, too," She said. "That the power position, Sugar."

He found it hard not to smile at how far this woman had come. She didn't have to help this much, but he appreciated it and was now looking forward to the look on Mosley's face when she saw him behind that big white desk.

As he headed down the stairs his mind filled with all the intel he'd been given and with the stark memory of the look on Yavuz's face when he spoke of the death of his wife. This was personal, a vendetta broad in scope and full of rage. Who it was directed at he had no idea, but whatever Yavuz's plan was, it had to end here, before it ever got off the ground.

He surveyed the spacious office as he settled behind Orlena's desk, looking for the surveillance cameras she claimed were there. Whoever set it up for her had done a damn decent job, because he saw nothing to indicate where the cameras were hidden. He'd have to remember to confiscate the tapes at the end of this. As much as he trusted Orlena, he couldn't leave a recording of such a sensitive meeting in her hands. What he might do with it was an open question. If things went wrong, he might need it.

"Your meeting's here, Mr. Deeks," Lamont said formally, a smirk playing around his mouth.

Mosley's expression was one of slight surprise that immediately became lethal. Teague looked bemused. He smiled broadly at them as he motioned them to the two purple chairs in front of the desk.

"Have you taken on a second job as a pimp, Detective?" Teague snarked. "I must say, it suits you. White trash. White desk."

"You want my intel or not, Executive Assistant Director, or would you rather explore my life after I clock out?" Deeks asked, ignoring the man and looking directly at Mosley.

"I could care less about what you do in your off hours, Detective Deeks," Mosley replied, sounding bored as she settled into one of the chairs. "I want the name of the man who orchestrated the theft of those missiles."

"Let's hope the bruises on his face aren't an indication that he didn't make it that far," Teague said. "They throw you out on principle or did you fuck up?"

"Lets just say they're security conscious," Deeks replied.

"So you did meet him?" Mosley asked.

"Initial contact was with a Turkish national named Ali Sadik," Deeks reported, tired of the games. "After a nice little ride with a hood over my head I met Berat Yavuz, the man behind the hijacking."

"And you're sure he's the leader of this little gang?" Teague asked.

"This isn't a gang…"

"And just what would you call it?" Teague interrupted.

"You want my report or what?" Deeks asked, his patience with the man thinning rapidly.

"Let him talk, Benjamin," Mosley said. "Is this about money or terrorism?"

"He doesn't need money. The guy has a multimillion-dollar estate up in Coldwater Canyon. The place is practically a fortress…razor wire on top of the walls, security cameras covering the perimeter and the interior, and his guards have military training."

"Doesn't sounds like your typical terrorist," she said, looking curiously at him.

"He's not. At least not in this country," Deeks replied. "He's not interested in selling the missiles. He's looking for someone who can get them out of the country."

"And ship them where?" Teague asked.

"Turkey."

"Why?" Mosley asked.

"Vengeance. His wife was killed in Istanbul four or five years ago," he replied. "I think he wants to make a statement by taking out the people who killed her, and do it as violently as possible."

"That's quite a theory, Detective," Teague said.

"It's not a theory. He actually used the word 'vengeance' during our conversation," Deeks said.

"What did you talk about in this conversation?" Mosley asked, sounding condescending and suspicious.

"Our childhood and the women in our lives," he replied quietly. "We had similar experiences, only we were able to get to Kensi before she was killed. Apparently, his wife wasn't so lucky."

"Please tell me you haven't bonded with this man," Mosley said. "Getting attached to a suspect could compromise this whole operation."

"He had me pistol-whipped," Deeks snapped. "We're not bosom buddies, but we understand each other as far as it goes. He's a complicated man, and quite capable of carrying out his plans, if Benny here can convince him he can get the missiles out of the country."

"I'm quite capable of convincing anyone of anything," Teague said.

"Then convince me you're not pissed I called you Benny," Deeks said with a quick, cocky smile.

"Enough you two. Did you set up a second meeting?" Mosley asked.

"He said he'd have Sadik contact me," Deeks replied.

"That sounds rather loose," Mosley said.

"I wasn't really in a position to demand a firm date," he said a little heatedly, irritated by her distrust.

"That's the way these things go. You know that," Teague said to her. "We just have to be ready when he calls. Meanwhile we need intel on these men and on what might have happened to Yavuz's wife. If he has former military men as guards, it could indicate an internal struggle between government factions in Turkey or with some of the militant fringe groups. Things are pretty volatile there right now. If any one of those groups suspects Yavuz is planning an attack…"

"You think his enemies might come looking for him here?" Deeks asked.

"It's possible," the man acknowledged. "I'll be able to judge that better after we meet with him."

"You have a team working this, right?" Deeks asked Mosley. "Shouldn't we meet with them? Coordinate our efforts? I'd like to know who has my back out there when we ask to see those missiles."

"I'll let you know when the time is right," Mosley said smoothly.

"Are they a secret or what?" Deeks asked. "I've interacted with other teams at OSPs."

"This is an interagency operation, Detective," Mosley conceded. "I hand picked each person. They are an elite team, the best at what they do."

"Even more of a reason why I should meet them, don't you think?" Deeks insisted. "Helps to be able to tell the good guys from the bad guys if a firefight breaks out."

"They know what you look like, Detective, so they won't shoot you if that's what you're worried about," she replied.

"Good to know, boss," Deeks said, not bothering to hide his annoyance. "But I'd just as soon not kill one of your special little team members because I didn't know who the hell he was."

His anger was full blown by the time he finished and Mosley looked as if she would explode. It was Teague who calmed the waters, taking his side and surprising Deeks.

"He's right, Shay," he said. "There's no reason to keep him in the dark any longer. He's in. He's made contact and he's still alive, which means they believe he is who he says he is. That's an important level of trust. And if there are enemies of this man in play, it would be dangerous to have to determine whose side someone's on in the middle of a firefight. It could get us both killed if he hesitates."

"That's just it. I won't hesitate," Deeks warned.

Mosley wasn't happy, but she appeared to acquiesce to the idea, and Deeks shot a look at Teague, who nodded imperceptibly at him. That one small signal sealed a tentative connection, and it eased some of Deeks' concerns. The man sounded competent and knowledgeable. They might not like each other, but he now felt they could work together.

"So when can I meet this 'elite' team of yours?" Deeks asked.

"We'll set something up after Benjamin meets with Yavuz," she replied. "If it's necessary."

"I thought we just agreed it was?" He said, confused by the sudden contradiction.

"If you're still involved in the operation after Benjamin has established himself, I'll consider it. But if you're presence is no longer needed, then I see no reason for you to meet my team."

She smiled at him and stood up. "This meeting is over, Detective. Call me when you hear from Yavuz."

"That's it?" Deeks was stunned.

"Benjamin can go over his backstory with you in the morning," she replied smugly. "He'll let you know if we need anything else from you."

"Deeks?"

Lamont stood in the doorway with a bloody lip and seething anger and a touch of fear in his eyes.

"Orlena needs you out back," he continued. "She's got a gun on some guy. I found him messin' around your truck."

"Shit," Teague said, sounding tired.

Deeks glowered at the man. "He with you, Benny?"

Not waiting for an answer, he slammed past them all, pulling his gun as he ran for the backdoor. He found Orlena holding a man at gunpoint.

"Didn't want this kinda trouble, Marty," Orlena said. "I told you."

"I know. I'm sorry," he said.

"He was beatin' on Lamont. Can't have that," she continued, her gun never wavering.

"Tell her to lower her weapon, Deeks," Teague said. "And you can put yours away as well. This is Remick. He works for me."

"He the guy you had tailing me?" Deeks asked.

"I'm the one having you tailed, Detective," Mosley said as she stepped out under the light over the concrete parking area.

"Yeah, well, he must not be one of the elite members of your team if he has to use a tracker to follow me, and gets outplayed by a lady in leopard pajamas," Deeks taunted.

"Lamont tried to stop 'im," Orlena spit out. "Had that boy in a choke hold when I got here. Shoulda shot the sonofabitch."

"That would have been trouble you wouldn't have wanted," Mosley said. "He's a federal agent, as am I."

"For all I know he a thief," Orlena snapped. "This my property, lady. I got a right to protect it and my employees."

"Lower your weapon, or this will no longer be your property," Mosley warned.

"Why you want to threaten me, boss lady?" Orlena said, lowering her gun and turning to face Mosley. "I protected your boy. Let Marty crash here when he say he in trouble. No cost, neither. Now you send some punk ass to mess with his ride? That don't show no trust at all. You don't get no loyalty doing a man that way, honey. Shame on you."

"I don't need life advice from a whore," Mosley replied coldly.

"Honey, everybody whorin' after somethin'. You included," Orlena said, cussing softly as she walked back inside.

"You have some very unsavory friends, Detective," Mosley said tightly. "I suggest you find new accommodations."

"I'm fine right here," he replied. "Now tell me why you wanted a tracker on my truck? You already have one on my phone."

"I thought that would be obvious. I don't trust you," she replied. "You might decide to leave your phone somewhere while you meet with people you aren't supposed to."

"Guess you won't trust Remick after this either," Deeks said. "Sorry, man. When you're out looking for a new job…you probably shouldn't add being taken down by a former hooker to your resumé."

"As I said, Remick is with me," Teague said. "He'll be joining us when we meet with Yavuz."

"Seriously?"

"I think we're done here," Mosley said, sounding irritated. "Unlike you, Detective Deeks, a whorehouse is not somewhere I want to spend anymore time in than necessary."

"I'm sure Deeks has discovered all of its particular charms by now," Teague said as Mosley stepped back inside. "Possibly the little tart who lives in that cute little pink room?"

"You're a real douche, Benny," Deeks said, his anger slowly simmering. "Time for you to go, man, and don't forget to take your tail with you. Wouldn't want you to lose him."

"See you in the morning, fucker," Remick mumbled as he stopped in front of him. "Your friends got lucky tonight."

"So did you," Deeks said. "I have a feeling Orlena is a pretty good shot."

"Take off, Remick. The detective needs his rest," Teague said. "We don't want him to fuck up tomorrow."

The man remained where he was, ignoring Teague's order, and Deeks felt more than just anger at what had happened. His earlier confidence was shaken.

"Teague? We need to talk," he said.

"About what exactly?"

"Don't bring this dick when we meet with Yavuz," he replied, keeping his eyes on the man as he insulted him.

"Why?"

"It's not a good mix," Deeks said.

"That's not a reason, Detective."

"Trust me. Leave him out of it," Deeks said. "At least at this first meeting. Then you'll understand."

Teague stared at him for a moment, his jaw flexing as he considered his request. "He's coming. He's my backup. Deal with it."

Remick slouched against the truck with a smile on his face, making Deeks wonder how he managed to be stuck in this mess with three of the most obnoxious people he'd ever worked with. He was ready to walk away from the whole thing, at least for tonight, but one of his phones rang. He knew Kensi wouldn't call him, and Mosley had just left, so it could only be Sadik.

"Sonofabitch," He said under his breath and shot a heads up look at Teague.

"Yeah?" He said as calmly as he could.

"You have one hour to meet Mr. Yavuz at the address I will send to your phone," Sadik said. "Do not be late and bring your contact."

He was gone before Deeks could reply.

"What time's the meeting tomorrow?" Teague asked, knowing who it must have been.

"The meeting's in an hour," he said, staring at the address that had just appeared. "And it's not at his home."

"Then where the hell is it?" Teague asked, sounding pissed.

"West Eighth and Francisco. Just off the 110," he replied. "There are two new high rises under construction there."

"Not much notice," Remick said.

"I think that's the point," Teague sneered.

"To get access to the property, Yavuz must be an investor," Deeks reasoned. "It's an isolated place to meet."

"I don't like it," Teague replied.

"Neither do I, but we don't have a choice," Deeks said. "We won't get another chance."

"Hope you have a story ready for them about how we met," Teague said, his voice sliding into that irksome tone he used when they first met. "Time to make me look good."

"Not sure that's possible, but I'll try to rise to the occasion," Deeks said.

"Just make sure you don't fuck it up, asshole," Remick said.

"I wouldn't let him talk when we get there, Benny," Deeks said. "Now…we taking your car or my truck? Yeah…probably yours."

"Remick's."

"Hope it's appropriate for a man who's a high roller from Rome," Deeks said as they followed Remick out into the alley behind the apartment building.

"Lorenzo is much more circumspect than that, Mr. Gentry," Teague said. "He's a consummate professional. Low key. Unobtrusive. The epitome of discreet. And, of course, a gentleman."

"Of course," Deeks breathed out. "You want to tell me how a discreet gentleman like Mr. Benedetto met a thug like Max Gentry or should I surprise you at the meet?"

The man said nothing as he climbed into the back seat of a silver Chevy Impala with Nevada plates, which gave Deeks an idea.

"A few years ago, there was a high profile case out of Las Vegas," Deeks began, as he settled inside. "A group of well known arms dealers from around the world met at one of the casinos. All set up on the dark web. A stolen shipment of thermobaric weapons were being offered at auction…"

"Those things can vaporize a city block," Remick said, sounding a little too appreciative for Deeks.

"I heard the sale was raided by the FBI and Homeland," Teague said.

"Yeah, but only half the weapons were recovered," Deeks reminded him. "The rest, and the men who took them were never found."

"You're suggesting I take credit for that," Teague said. "How did Max Gentry become involved?"

"He was brought in by your partner, who later disappeared," Deeks added.

"I like it. It's credible and no way for him to check to see if it was me or not," Teague said. "It's believed that those types of weapons were used by the Syrian Air Force, notably in Aleppo."

"So Yavuz will probably be familiar with what they can do," Deeks said. "That you were able to secure those weapons and escape detection should prove hiring you is a good move."

After that, they rode in silence until they pulled into the Sheraton Grand, not too far from the meeting place. Teague told him he had to change and left him with Remick.

"Nice digs. You staying here too?" Deeks asked.

"Why? You coming over for a beer later?"

"Point taken," Deeks said. "But since we're having such an invigorating conversation, just a word of advice. Watch yourself around Ali Sadik. He takes his job seriously."

"So do I."

"Are you unbalanced too?" Deeks asked, leaning forward to emphasize the importance of what he was saying. "Because I am fairly sure Sadik is a beer or two short of a six pack."

"What makes you say that?"

"The disturbing look in his eyes and the fact that he kicked the shit out of one of his own men because I managed to ram the poor guy's head into a wall. Let's just say he's not a tolerant man."

"I'll remember that," Remick said, but Deeks wasn't sure he believed him.

When Teague returned he was wearing a European cut suit, a very expensive tie, and a light grey fedora. He looked very Italian.

"Il mio nome è Lorenzo Benedetto," the man said as he slid in beside him.

"Ciao, baby," Deeks growled. "Call me Max."

"Well this should be fun," Remick said as he pulled out onto the street.

"It won't be," he said. "Just stay cool when they disarm you. I forgot to bring aspirin."

Deeks took a deep breath, fingering the zipper on his leather jacket as he settled into his alias. He pulled at the ragged edges of his memories for the times in his life when he had been alone and in survival mode. Now he had to access the dark instincts that had kept him alive when Max Gentry walked the streets. Blowing out his breath as they approached the looming, unfinished towers he felt a sudden sense of dread. He didn't like this place.

The construction site was huge, the skeletons of the two buildings dimly lit by a few cage lights hung along the steel girders. They drove by the solid fencing that showcased what the future would look like when these high rises became a part of the city landscape, but tonight that was just a dream. Tonight they were dark and ominous, the taller of the two structures stark against the night sky. Chain link lined the perimeter and they followed it until the headlights illuminated a man standing by an open gate, motioning them inside. As they bounced over the uneven ground and wove around a couple of forklifts, they saw two cars parked beside a tall stack of steel girders, effectively hiding them from the street. Remick pulled in beside them and parked, catching his eye in the rear view mirror before he turned off the lights. Four men suddenly appeared as they got out, motioning them over to an orange construction elevator. They were armed, and Max spread his arms wide as the men took his weapon and patted him down. Thankfully Remick and Teague did the same. Once they were unarmed the door to the construction elevator was opened and they were ushered inside and the long ride up began. The air was still and none of them made eye contact, looking out over the lights of the city as they were lifted slowly past each unfinished floor. Max counted them off until they reached the tenth floor. When they turned toward the building Sadik was waiting for them with four more armed men. Yavuz stood on the far side, ignoring their arrival.

"It was to be you and your contact, Gentry," Sadik said gruffly.

"This is my contact, Lorenzo Benedetto," Max said. "This other guy was news to me too."

"Remy is with me, amico," Lorenzo Benedetto said with a cultured Italian accent. "He looks out for me."

"Do you not trust Gentry to do that?" Sadik asked.

"Max is a facilitator. He works only for himself," Benedetto said.

"And you don't?" Sadik asked.

"Of course, but in my line of work one needs to protect oneself," He replied.

"Are you saying you don't trust us?" Sadik asked.

"Perhaps I should be talking to your boss," Benedetto said haughtily. "That is if he wants to make a deal."

Max knew immediately that it was the wrong thing to say to a man like Sadik, and definitely the wrong tone, so he stepped between them.

"Cut him some slack, Sadik. He's Italian. Full of shit, but makes magic happen. He knows how to make weapons disappear and reappear without anybody knowing."

"You have worked with him before?" Sadik asked without taking his eyes off the man.

"Yeah. Watched him sneak a pallet of thermobaric weapons right out from under the nose of a truckload of Feds," he replied. "It was fuckin' beautiful."

"And him?" He asked, pointing at Remick.

"Like I said…just met 'im," Max replied.

"He is not needed here. Take him up a couple of floors and search him," Sadik ordered his men.

"I must object," Benedetto said.

"He goes or there will be no meeting," Sadik said. "Your choice."

Max knew there was no choice and so did Teague, whose eyes were the ones that met his in the darkness.

"As you wish," Benedetto said, waving Remick and the guards away as if it were his idea. "Now shall we talk about your needs?"

Max looked over at a seething Remick as two armed men led him back into the elevator. He could only hope that the man stayed cool when they stripped him down to his shorts like they'd done to him.

"Mr. Yavuz is waiting," Sadik said, motioning them toward the solitary figure looking out over the freeway that streaked through the center of Los Angeles.

Sadik spoke briefly to the man before he allowed them to join him, and Max felt the same apprehension he'd experience when he'd met the men for the first time.

"This city only becomes interesting at night," Yavuz said, turning to greet them. "Do you agree, Mr. Gentry?"

"It has its charms," he replied.

"Where is your home Mr. Benedetto?" Yavuz asked. "Ali tells me you are Italian."

"I have an apartment in Rome, but spend my down time in my villa outside of Orvieto."

"Orvieto is one of my daughter's favorite places," he shared. "I took her there when she was fourteen. She didn't want to leave."

"It is a lovely old hill town," Benedetto agreed. "Molto bello."

"Yes it is. High on its hill. It makes a person feel safe," Yavuz said, stepping closer to the edge of the high rise. "Height affords perspective as well as privacy. It can afford protection or it can offer a warning of the consequences of betrayal. What we agree to here is between us. A contract beneficial to both sides and held in strictest confidence. I must trust that you will honor that…that you are serious businessmen in a dangerous business."

Max swallowed hard as Sadik pulled his phone and began to text.

"You don't have to do this, Mr. Yavuz," Max said as calmly as he could.

"Once again you surprise me, Max," Yavuz said, taking a step toward him as he searched his face. "You are smart, but an odd man to figure out. I find that very interesting."

"Just trying to bring both sides together," he said, as his stomach twisted into a knot.

"You vouch for this man Benedetto?"

"Yeah, I do."

"Then we will seal the deal at my home tomorrow," he said lightly. "Sadik will call you with the details. Lunch perhaps."

"I look forward to it," Benedetto said warmly.

They shook hands and Yavuz gave Max a look as he passed by. There was no warmth at all in his eyes. Max watched him go and then turned to look at Teague. The agent had missed the subtle warning and misread Yavuz. He looked pleased and was totally unaware until he heard Remick scream, his body falling past them in the empty space beyond the edge before they could even catch their breath.