AN: So…I've learned a lot from readers last chapter. One, a lot of you love Maya. Two, we're all very protective of Kate and don't like it when she is treated like the bad cop by the team. Noted. As usual though, you know I'm all about Kacy endgame, Tenstler friendship goals, and all the things. Let's get back to the drama.
Chapter 3
As Kate sped down the road leading to Wally Holman's house, she could practically feel the tension rolling off of Zeinab. She knew how Zeinab felt. She felt it when Lucy was undercover, the uncertainty, the thoughts of something horrific happening while trying to assure one's self that nothing was known yet. It was torture and she sighed in relief when they pulled up beside the ambulance and saw Maya sitting in the back being looked over by the EMTs while Carlos watched their every move. Zeinab was out of the car before Kate could even come to a complete stop. She ran over to her girlfriend and Maya gave her a reassuring smile as she held the bloody gauze to the back of her head.
"I'm okay," she assured, but Zeinab turned to Carlos for confirmation.
"They're going to take her to the hospital to run some tests. She hit her head and was knocked out. Probably going to need some stitches," he informed. Kate sighed in relief. She could tell by Maya's demeanor and how the EMTs were treating her that they did not deem her injuries life-threatening. She heard her name being called in the distance and saw FBI ASAC Curtis waving her over. She glanced at Zeinab, who was inspecting her girlfriend as they whispered to one another. Kate decided to give her and Maya a moment while she figured out what happened. She smiled appreciatively at her old boss as she headed his way.
"Thanks for coming and getting to the scene so fast. We weren't exactly close by when we got the call," she said.
"We had some agents working on another case nearby. Glad we could help and Jamali is alright," said Curtis.
"What do we know about Holman?"
"He surrendered and seemed pretty concerned about Jamali. He admitted he'd been drinking, thought someone was breaking in, and shot at the door. Luckily, it was a poor shot. The wall took the brunt of it. Jamali will have a few nicks and bruises. She'd lost consciousness but was awake when we arrived. Hit her head on the porch railing when she dodged the shot."
"Where's Holman now?"
"We already have him apprehended and headed in for processing."
"I'm going to request to have him put into my custody with added protection, but wanted to give you a heads up first."
"It's your investigation, Whistler. We're just happy we could help and Jamali is okay. It's the least we could do after you did us that solid on the Berkhead case."
"Thanks, I appreciate it. It's nice to know you still have my back."
"Always, and um…good luck with NCIS. Try to make sure there aren't any more clerical errors with the processing this time," he said with a wink.
"Trust me, that won't be an issue anymore."
"Oh I know it won't. Tennant is a force of nature, but there's a reason I like to stay on your good side. We're going to wrap up and head back." She sighed in relief as he headed back over to his team and she headed for the ambulance. Maya gave her a comforting smile.
"I'm okay, boss," assured Maya. Kate noticed Zeinab scanning the yard and knew exactly who she was searching for.
"They already took Wally into custody. He'll be given added protection and surveillance and will be exactly where we can see him this time," informed Kate. Maya placed her hand on her girlfriend's when she saw the anger still evident in Zeinab's eyes.
"Not good enough. I want to interrogate him myself," said Zeinab, but Maya shook her head.
"That won't be necessary, Zei. I should be cleared at the hospital and will be fine, a few stitches max. I don't think he was trying to hurt me," said Maya.
"He shot at you," reminded Zeinab.
"He shot at someone checking his doors and coming around the back of his house. He also was the first one trying to render aid when I woke up. The moment agents arrived, he let them arrest him," defended Maya. Before Zeinab could respond, Kate interjected.
"None of that matters right now. What matters is that you are okay. Zeinab, just focus on getting her home. I'll worry about Wally," said Kate.
"Boss, someone was watching from down the street when I got here. I think someone might be after him," said Maya. Carlos nodded in agreement.
"I checked traffic cams in the area and there was definitely someone lurking. I'm already running a search but it may take some time. No plates," informed Carlos.
"We'll get him into custody tonight and have someone monitoring him at all times. I'll take care of Wally. Maya, you just focus on getting better," said Kate. They heard more cars screeching to a halt and Kate shook her head in disbelief when she saw Lucy, Jane, and the rest of the NCIS Pearl Team getting out of their cars. Zeinab was heading in that direction before any of them could stop her and Kate managed to step in between her and Kai before Zeinab could reach him.
"This is your fault! If this damn team would've just let us do our jobs, Maya wouldn't have almost been killed," shouted Zeinab. She jerked away from Carlos when he jogged over to hold her back as well. Kai gulped at the way she was staring him down, daring him to say a word, and Kate gently placed her hands on Zeinab's shoulders.
"Hey, look at me. Zeinab, look at me," demanded Kate. Zeinab gritted her teeth, but looked at her boss.
"I know. Okay, trust me, I know and I will handle it, but you need to go with Maya to the hospital. That's your only focus right now, okay?"
"But they…"
"Zeinab, go," said Kate. Zeinab glared at Kai one more time before turning to leave. Carlos glanced over at the NCIS team before smiling sympathetically at Kate.
"Hate to say it, but she's not wrong, boss," he whispered to her. She gave a curt nod.
"I'm aware. Make sure they get to the hospital safely," she instructed. He gave a nod before heading back over to the ambulance. Kate took a moment to compose herself and felt Lucy's hand on her shoulder. When she looked up, she saw her fiancée looking at her with concern evident in her eyes.
"What happened?" asked Lucy. She could practically feel the anger boiling in Kate and was surprised when she ignored her question to stand toe to toe with Jane.
"A word," declared Kate before walking away. Jane sighed and nodded.
"Kai, go check on your dad. The rest of you, head back to the bullpen," said Jane. Kai shook his head.
"But…" She cut him off.
"I'm not asking," she warned sternly. Jesse pulled Lucy, Kai, and Ernie away.
"Let's go," said Jesse when he noticed the look in his boss's eyes. Jane stuffed her hands into her pockets as she walked over to where Kate was waiting for her away from the crime scene.
"Kate…"
"He shot at her."
"I don't know what to say," admitted Jane. Kate crossed her arms and scoffed.
"Really? You don't know what to say? Okay, then how about I help you with that? Wally Holman is now in my custody where he will remain. No tricks from Ernie or anyone else on your team and let me make myself perfectly clear. Tennant, you said you were protecting your family. Well, if you were in my position and a member of your family was just injured and could have died because another part of your family wouldn't listen, what would you do?"
"Kate…"
"You and your team are off this case and every case moving forward until further notice."
"Wait, what? Since when is that even your call?"
"Since all of you started interfering in my investigation. This is the problem. You don't listen and now I have to do what I was trying to avoid."
"Look, I get that you're pissed, but…"
"Oh, I am more than just pissed and you know what sucks? Zeinab's right and now one of my people are heading to the hospital because you wouldn't listen."
"This isn't my fault or yours for that matter. Wally…"
"Oh really, not your fault or mine? Seriously? If Wally Holman was in custody like he was before some mysterious clerical error happened, Maya questions him safely. Maybe we get answers. Maybe we don't, but either way, he doesn't have access to a gun that could have killed her. So yes Jane, you want to see me not caring about the rules and the protocols, and instead caring about family? Well, Maya is my family and because of you, she could've been killed today."
"Look, I know things have gotten tense, but…"
"NCIS Special Agent in Charge Tennant, you and your team are benched. If you have any questions about that, you can speak to your director who has already assured me there will not be an issue moving forward. We're done here." Kate headed back over to where the EMTs were putting Maya into the ambulance to take her to the hospital. Jane cursed under her breath and scrubbed her face with her hands in frustration, knowing Kate was furious.
The next couple of hours seemed to go by at a snail's pace as the NCIS Pearl Team waited for any updates on Maya. While Kate hadn't said much to her fiancée at Wally's home, she did text Lucy that she would send updates when they heard anything. Lucy, Jesse, and Jane headed back to the bullpen to wait for updates while Kai checked on his father to make sure he was transferred properly into FBI custody. Now that they suspected someone was tailing Wally, Kai was even more on high alert. It didn't take long for Maya to be cleared after running some tests and getting stitches in the back of her head at the hospital. They were all relieved when they found out she was heading home for the night with Zeinab. Ernie went to the FBI Headquarters to see Carlos after they got the news. Now that the entire Pearl Team was benched, he felt helpless and was trying to understand how things unraveled so quickly. He paced back and forth in Carlos's lair as Carlos tried his best to listen to his friend's ranting while setting up the parameters for a new search into the Kakuda Family's finances. He wanted to make sure Maya got home safely, but Maya and Zeinab assured him his time would be better spent getting answers.
"I know Whistler is in a tough spot and I was worried about Maya too. You know that, but we know Wally. There has to be an explanation and what did Whistler expect Kai to do? Just leave his father in jail where he could be hurt? For all we know, he's in danger too. Whistler can't be mad at Tennant for just looking out for Wally like that, you know?"
"Back to calling her Whistler I see."
"Well, she is acting like Whistler, by the book and feelings be damned. This is Kai's father we are talking about. She goes to his restaurant all the time and yet just like that, he is the enemy and so is Kai? We don't even know why Wally grabbed that gun in the first place. You said it yourself, there was another car down the street, so who knows. Maybe he was trying to protect himself from someone else. What I do know is that these things are pretty simple. Either you are with us or against us, and right now, Whistler is acting like she is against us and all we want to do is find out who did this."
"False dichotomy," mumbled Carlos as his eyes remained trained on his screen.
"What?" Carlos sighed and looked up at his friend.
"That's a false dichotomy. Those aren't the only two options and quite frankly, there's no choice to choose based on those options. Of course we are with you, Ernie. We're all friends, hell, you're like a brother to me, but this situation has gotten really complicated because no one is talking or listening. Your team is barreling head first into fires to try to put them out, but you aren't actually listening to why that isn't the right approach right now. We aren't your enemies and we all have a job to do, one that's supposed to keep everyone safe, including Wally and Maya. I get that you meant well, but the more your team comes in and starts meddling, the more likely it is someone else with even less sympathy involved in the situation will take over the case, especially if they think protocols are being ignored."
"Someone else like who? They can't just do that."
"We were assigned the case as easily as we can be taken off of it, which is why we've been trying to handle this carefully. The brass doesn't care about your feelings or the ties we may have to who goes down. They care about results. So no, it isn't either we are with you or against you. We aren't against you. We are just trying to figure out what happened and quite frankly, Wally could've killed Maya today so in that false dichotomy of yours, what side does that put you on when it comes to her life?"
"You know I didn't mean it like that."
"Yeah, because there is nuance and I need you to remember that. You and your team are real quick to dismiss the boss all of a sudden like she is some villain, but all she has done is saved your ass and mine on multiple occasions. We only know each other because she was willing to drop everything we had going on in New York to come here and trust me, it was a lot. Our team wasn't exactly hurting for work or recognition, but we dropped all of it to come here when she found out Kai had been shot. She also gave me a second chance after my sister created all that chaos and could have taken her down for Scott's death. She didn't because she understands that things can get complicated and personal, so maybe instead of automatically assuming the worst about her and us, you get out of our way and let us do our jobs so we can find out what the hell actually happened," said Carlos. Ernie slowly nodded.
"Sorry, I'm just frustrated and knowing we can't help just makes it worse."
"Well, to recap, you were trying to help and that didn't exactly make it better either. Look, I need to focus. I'm running this stupid search instead of being there with Maya because we're still on the clock so…maybe we can rant about all this later," suggested Carlos. Ernie cleared his throat.
"Right, yeah, sorry. I should probably head out and check on Kai," said Ernie.
"Probably," said Carlos as he focused back on his screen and started typing again. Ernie left the office feeling even more frustrated than when he entered. He could sense that Carlos wasn't exactly happy with him in that moment either.
Lucy sighed in relief when she read the text message Maya sent her. Jesse and Kai both glanced up at her and were relieved by the smile on her face.
"Maya is okay and already home. She even is already joking about how now she will have to wear her hair down for the wedding to cover up the stitches, three right on her hairline at the base of her neck. She has a mild concussion but is doing well. Kate's heading home in a bit too. They all need to regroup and try to focus on the case tomorrow," informed Lucy.
"Wait, that's it? What about my pop?" asked Kai. Jesse groaned.
"Kai, nothing that they do tonight is going to change that he's going to remain in custody overnight," reminded Jesse.
"Yeah, unless they find the actual killer. My pop says he didn't kill Richie and I believe him."
"Did he also say he didn't shoot at Maya today?" questioned Lucy. Kai gulped and looked down.
"He said he didn't mean to. It was an accident," he defended.
"So he accidentally got drunk, picked up a gun, aimed it at the door, and pulled the trigger?" she asked.
"Look, I don't know what happened. None of us do. All I know is my pop has a lot of flaws, but he isn't a murderer. I'm sorry that Maya got hurt and I'm happy she's okay, but it doesn't change that he isn't. You all can go home and curl up in your warm beds, but as long as he is in a cell, I'm going to do my job and investigate what happened."
"Tennant told us to stay put and so did the director," reminded Jesse.
"So what am I supposed to do, just sit here twiddling my thumbs? No, I'm going to do what I originally planned. I'm going to question Richie's guys and see what…"
"No, you're not," called Jane. They all spun around to see her standing there with her arms crossed. She looked stressed and worn down. Kai gulped as he shoved his hands into his pockets.
"Tennant, he's my…"
"Yeah, Kai, we know and we know you want to catch whoever did this. So do we, but we played this one wrong…I played it wrong. We are going to figure out what happened to your dad, but no more going in blind or ignoring orders."
"Tennant…"
"Kai, Maya could've been killed. Just because she wasn't doesn't change anything. It makes us lucky, not right. Lucy, thanks for letting us know she's okay. Everyone should head home and we'll figure out what to do tomorrow. Everyone just needs to take a beat," she said before heading for the exit. They were all stunned when she got into the elevator and left. The only other time they had seen her so defeated was during the Shaw case. Kai collected his things and slung his backpack over his shoulder.
"They told me I can talk to him in the morning. I don't like it, but I'll wait until then," he conceded and turned to leave.
"Kai, what did your dad actually say happened last night?" asked Lucy. His shoulders slumped in defeat.
"He said he doesn't remember," he admitted before heading for the exit. Jesse let out a low whistle and shook his head.
"This case is kicking our ass and we aren't even on it. How are you holding up, Luce?" He leaned against her desk as she sat back down.
"I feel helpless. I know this is killing Kate and I feel so bad for Wally and Kai. I just don't know what to do. Hell, I don't even know if going home is the right thing. Maybe she needs space right now. I don't want to crowd her. She's been asking all day for us not to hover and I don't want her to think that's what I'm doing now. I just want to be there for her. That's all I always want."
"Then go home. Look, Kate isn't just Whistler. She isn't just the head of a task force. If today kicked our ass, imagine what it did to her. Maybe Whistler would need space, but Kate loves you and could probably use some reassurance right now. You two are about to get married and there are going to be some hard cases that you don't agree on…hopefully not like this, but still. You're probably going to have to learn to compartmentalize a bit." Lucy slowly nodded as she stood up and started collecting her things.
"You know, when we first were hooking up, back before we were even really dating yet, that's what she said. She said it was important for her to be able to compartmentalize and I didn't really understand that. Then too, back then, she was DIA and I always felt like we were right about the DIA."
"Still are," he said with a chuckle.
"Since she moved back, it's felt like we are on the same team though, all of us, just different agencies. It's weird to not feel that way right now."
"Well, things got pretty heated today and I get it. If we were them and some other team came in and started doing things that got you or Kai injured out in the field, I would be pissed. But, cooler heads and all that, right? Go home, Luce. Trust me, I've worked on some tough ones and knowing I got to go home to Heather and the kids got me through."
"Thanks, Jesse. This is why you're my best man," she said as she clapped him on the back.
"Yeah, we're gonna need to circle back to that at some point because I'm having a hard time planning a bachelorette party for you. I don't care what Ernie says. It's awkward." She laughed and slung her backpack over her shoulder.
"I already told Ernie I didn't really want one, just a chill night hanging out."
"Wait, what? He told me you wanted strippers and the whole shebang, one last crazy night out. I've been stressing over trying to plan something like that for weeks. You're like my kid sister."
"Thanks, big bro, but no strippers needed. I get plenty of action from my girl and have no complaints." She giggled when he pretended to gag.
"Too much information, Luce," he called as she headed for the exit.
"Love you too," she called back.
Jane was exhausted as she entered her home and took off her shoes. One thing she could never get used to about the job was how quickly everything could change. The day before, she was texting Kate about wedding details and teasing her about being anal retentive. Now, as she plopped down on the couch in the living room, worn out physically and mentally, she wasn't expecting a text at all from her friend. She placed her face in her hands and rubbed her temples as she heard the familiar pitter patter of feet drawing near.
"Hey mom, you okay?" asked Julie as she stood in the entryway. Jane gave a tired smile.
"Hey, sweetie. It's just been a long day."
"Want to talk about it?"
"Thanks, but I think I'm just hungry. I'm going to give myself a minute and then make dinner. I promise."
"Don't worry about it. We already ate. Alex got us pizza."
"Of course he did. Well then I'll make myself something in a bit." She closed her eyes and took in a slow breath to calm her nerves. She replayed every decision she made that day, every conversation she had, every moment she had to make a choice that would upset someone no matter what she did. She didn't know how long she sat there, but her eyes fluttered open when she felt the couch dip beside her. There was Julie with a warm smile and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich neatly cut on a plate.
"Is that for me?" Julie nodded.
"I made your favorite."
"You did. I love PB&Js. They're the best. I could have them all the time and never get tired of them," said Jane as she placed the plate on her lap. She smiled as she took a bite of what felt like her first real sustenance of the day.
"Thank you. I needed this."
"Sure, so now do you want to talk about it?" Jane giggled at her daughter's persistence.
"It's kind of a grownup problem."
"You always say that."
"Well, that's because it tends to be true."
"Okay, then give me the kid version. I can tell you're sad."
"Um, okay, well, your Aunt Kate and I are having some issues." Julie gulped.
"Like you and Aunt Maggie?" Jane's eyes widened.
"No, no, of course not, nothing like that. Sorry, I'm really tired. I just meant that we had a disagreement." Julie perked back up.
"Oh, then that's okay. What did you disagree about?"
"Work stuff."
"That's it?" She looked at her incredulously and Jane giggled.
"It was pretty important work stuff."
"More important than being friends?"
"Well, no, but…"
"Mom, remember when Allie and I weren't friends for like ever, it was like two whole weeks? It was horrible. Remember what you said?"
"Yes. I said that a good friendship is hard to find and you shouldn't give up on it so easily."
"So we didn't. I said sorry for writing that note to Carson Porter and she said sorry for being so mean about it and that was that. Aunt Kate is your friend. She makes you happy and all smiley and fun and when she was gone, you weren't really smiley and fun anymore. I don't want that again….I also really want to be her and Aunt Lucy's flower girl, so please, please, please say sorry and bring her a snack. That worked with Allie." Jane laughed and kissed the top of her head.
"I'll do my best, but no matter what, your Aunt Kate and Aunt Lucy love you and you're definitely going to be their flower girl."
"Good, because I would really miss Aunt Kate if she wasn't here anymore. I miss Aunt Maggie too, but Aunt Kate watches my favorite movies with me and knows all the best parts to sing and has always come around more. I know she's your friend, but she's like my friend too, you know?"
"Yeah, she really is. I'll fix it."
"Promise?" she asked hopefully. Jane winked at her daughter.
"I promise to try my best."
"Cool." Julie hopped up and headed upstairs as Jane took another bite of her sandwich. It was simple advice from her daughter, but it made her think about all the ways having Kate in her life impacted more than just her work. It impacted her entire family.
Kate was exhausted as she sat in her car in the driveway of her and Lucy's home. She stayed with Maya and Zeinab until Maya was released from the hospital and cleared protocols. She was relieved that the BAU field agent was already back to her usual self, a bit more tired, but already thinking about the case. Once they were on their way, she had to stop by headquarters to ensure that Wally's transfer went through without a hitch and increased monitoring on his private cell. Even though she was angry about what happened to Maya, she knew something was off about the situation. Wally had never been anything but kind to them and Maya had spent plenty of time analyzing all of the new people in their lives. Maya knew Wally and Kai had past issues they were working through, but nothing about him raised any real red flags. Once Kate was sure he was in a secure location, she decided to head home. She wasn't sure what argument would be waiting for when she got there. Ever since she moved back to Hawai'i, things between her and Lucy had been amazing. They rarely had disagreements and found ways to communicate through them when they did, which was something that took them time to learn when they first moved in together. However, this type of conflict reminded her of when she worked with the DIA. The two teams just had different philosophies and while it had only been an issue before the team decided to relocate to Hawai'i, she felt like she was in a vicious cycle and Maya was once again almost killed because the teams couldn't agree on an approach. She told herself that was a problem for the next day though and agreed with Maya's suggestion. It had been a very long, stressful day, and they couldn't do their jobs properly if they were so stressed and pulling all-nighters that they didn't give themselves a moment to regroup. She unlocked the front door and braced herself for whatever tension she would receive from Lucy, but was stunned when Lucy rounded the corner and pulled her in for a tight hug.
"I'm so glad you're home. Are you okay? I talked to Maya. She said she still plans on working the case. I wasn't expecting that but hope that's a good sign." It took Kate a second to recover and she blinked several times.
"Um, I'm okay I guess. She won't be out in the field for a few days as a precaution, but she still wants to work in the office."
"How are you really doing?" asked Lucy as she laced their fingers together and led her toward their bedroom.
"Fine, um, what's happening right now?" Lucy tilted her head in confusion.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean I got into a huge fight with Tennant. Our teams are at odds, I essentially had all of you suspended indefinitely, and Tennant and I aren't talking. Aren't you mad at me?" Lucy pulled Kate over to their bed to sit down.
"No. Is NCIS Junior Special Agent Tara a bit irked that everything went sideways so fast? Sure, but the truth is, the moment Kai came to Tennant to ask for help getting his dad released, I knew it wasn't going to end well. I figured it would just be a blowup between you and her and would get worked out eventually, but knowing that Maya got hurt, that whatever Wally is wrapped up in had him so scared that he almost shot her? That's not okay. So, even though Special Agent Tara is bummed to be benched and is licking her wounds a bit like the rest of her team, me, just Lucy, wants to hold her fiancée tonight because it was a really shitty day and a really scary reminder that life is short." Kate didn't realize she had tears in her eyes until one slipped onto her cheek and Lucy wiped it away with her thumb.
"I love you so much, Luce."
"I love you too and I'm so sorry you even had to be in this situation. I know you didn't ask for this. You know, I didn't completely get it before, but watching you and Tennant have to make all these impossible decisions today, knowing no matter what you did someone would feel betrayed, I don't know how you do it." Lucy smiled when Kate wrapped her arms around her and pulled her into her lap.
"Well, it helps to know I have the most amazing woman in the world to come home to even after days when nothing went according to plan."
"It does?"
"Definitely," assured Kate before tenderly kissing her. She pushed her bottom lip out in a pout when Lucy pulled away to stand up.
"Good, then follow me."
"Where?" Kate stood up and followed Lucy toward the bathroom. She was once again shocked by what she found. Lucy had drawn a bubble bath with her favorite aromatherapy scents and lit several candles. There was a mason jar of Pinot Grigio waiting for her as well.
"What's all this?" Her jaw dropped when Lucy began to undress in front of her.
"I know my girl. You need to relax and you are at your best when you have regrouped and gotten a good night of sleep, so I figured I could help you with that."
"And the catch?" asked Kate as she eyed her curiously. Lucy dropped her bra and panties.
"No catch and the fact that you think there is means I haven't been supportive enough when it matters," she said as she began to unbutton Kate's blouse. Kate stopped her by lacing their fingers together and gazing adoringly into her eyes.
"You're the best and always make me feel like I can do anything. I just didn't expect you to be so understanding about all of this," she confessed. Lucy wrapped her arms around her and rubbed her back soothingly.
"I understand because I know you. I know you bend over backwards for the people you love and even those you barely know. I know you're going to do everything you can to figure out what happened and to help Wally, but I also know that tonight, my girl is drained. We both are and all I want is to remind you that you can always come home to me."
"Luce," whispered Kate before capturing her lips in a passionate kiss. After the day they both had, Kate was expecting a very cold welcome. But as usual, Lucy never ceased to amaze her and always managed to give her exactly what she needed.
AN: I loved writing that last scene of the chapter because there were so many times in Season 1 where Kate was left standing there alone, either feeling distraught, injured, or both, and all I wanted was for them both to realize that life was too short and their love meant too much. It is nice to be in a place in these fics and in the show where they have moved beyond that beginning stage of their relationship. I hope you enjoyed. More soon.