A/N: Hey everyone! I had a small issue with my iphone (where I was writing this story on the notepad) and I took it in for service, not realizing that notepad wasn't something backed up on itunes. Needless to say, I lost the story and got really frustrated. A nice review the other day from That Aussie Gurl really helped boost my muse and I'm going to try to keep this one going! That being said, this chapter is kinda short, sorry!

Chapter 3:

The Ops center was uncomfortably silent after Kensi's surprising announcement. Deeks could only stare at his partner with his mouth open, while sneaking glances at the surveillance still, trying to figure this mystery guy out.

"You're certain of this, Miss Blye?" Hetty questioned, her gentle tone a stark contrast to the obvious inner turmoil of Kensi.

She chewed on her nail, nodding her affirmation. As almost an afterthought, she added, "Even if I'm not, what is the chance that the software is wrong?"

Nell perked up, "Facial recognition only 'works' under optimal acquisition conditions. As soon as pose, lighting and occlusion are included, the performance quickly deteriorates... Oh, that was rhetorical wasn't it?" Blushing at her mistake, she busied herself on her tablet, getting important information for the agents. "Records show that Jaskolka has been living in Torrence with his wife, Layla Morris Jaskolka for the past three years."

"Kensi and Deeks can check out the crime scene and Sam and I will interview Jaskolka's wife-"

"No." Everyone stopped to look at Kensi.

The director of OSP's lips quirked up in a mild smirk at the initiative of her younger agent. "No? Miss Blye?"

"Hetty, I know- knew Jack. I was there for his PTSD treatment and recovery process. If he's relapsed or snapped, I'll be able to see the signs better than Callen or Sam."

For a moment, they all thought that Hettty would deny Blye her request, but that moment passed quickly, "Agreed. Mr. Hanna and Mr. Callen, your contact person at the crime scene will be Detective Thomas."

Sam and Callen gathered their coffees and belongings, nodding to Hetty.

"I sent the address of the wife to your smartphones, Deeks and..." Eric began, then realized that Kensi had already rushed from the OPS room. Deeks shrugged, and the tech continued. "Nell and I will dig up more info on the three marines and Jaskolka."

The rest of the agents filed out of ops towards their respective destinations and the LAPD Liaison was eager to catch up with his partner.

"A moment of your time before you go, Mr. Deeks," Hetty's voice raised above the noise of the mass exit. Marty reluctantly held back.

"I'm sure that this doesn't need to be said..."

"Then can we not say it? I'll take care of her - this - everything." Hetty's eyebrows raised in surprise at his tone. "Look," he quickly tried to cover his ass, "I know that she is personally invested in this case..."

"Know this, Mr. Deeks. I need to be kept apprised in how compromised she is by this case and I need you to know that if you fail to 'take care' of 'everything', no amount of back talking will get you out of the world of trouble you will find yourself in. You are in charge of your side of the investigation. Do you understand?" He nodded meekly. "Dismissed."

Deeks took a step, then looked back to Hetty. "Hey, is there any chance I can get you to tell her that I'm in charge? A text... a phone call... a quick note jotted on some fancy letterhead...?"

With no further word, the older woman turned and walked away.