a/n: thanks to everyone that has been following and staying with me and all the newbies I appreciate the support. Cat4444 as always you keep the creative juices flowing.

Chapter 6

The last visit Kensi made to Officer Kevin Verbeek had been pleasant. Walking into his office, she quickly noticed him sitting at his desk, a thin layer of sweat beaded on his forehead. His uniform shirt was open and the white shirt underneath was also damp with sweat. His cheeks were reddened, his eyes bloodshot. His hair was messy on the right side. He smiled widely when Kensi and Tori entered his office, although he did not stand to greet them, instead motioning for them to sit.

"Agent Blye, if I remember correctly," he said in a distant voice, his eyes slowly moving past Kensi to Tori, "and a new partner. I'm sorry if I don't shake your hand."

Tori stared at him for a moment, "Sir, is everything alright?"

He laughed, slapping his hand down on his desk, "Well, aren't you a smart little thing."

Kensi felt uneasy as she glanced from Kevin back to her partner. Unconsciously she reached for her sidearm, and feeling the grip against her finger, she smiled uneasily. "We just need to talk to you about Petty Officer Redington."

He cocked his head; his eyes darting back and forth. "You already questioned me, Agent Blye. Am I to assume I am a person of interest?"

Tori stepped up taking the stare from her partner, "We have uncovered new facts, and we just want to check them out."

Kevin nodded his head, motioning them to the two chairs in front of his desk. As the two Agents sat down, he leaned over and pulled out a bottle of Bourbon and three glasses from a side drawer. "Can I interest you in a drink?"

"We're on the clock," Tori said, raising her hand; glancing sideways at Kensi.

"Shame," he simply replied filling his glass. He hissed as he swallowed the golden liquid in one shot then refilled the glass again. "I've been saving this for a special occasion, and I have a feeling this is just the right time. So, ladies, how can I help your investigation?"

"You told Agent Blye that Petty Officer Redington had been missing for two weeks?" Tori never broke her stare as she spoke. "But the Coroner's report . . . "

"Let me stop you right there," Kevin raised his hand; taking a sip of his drink he cleared his throat. "I lied, plain and simple. Shane hadn't been missing that long, he worked for me, and I knew where he was at all times."

"So why lie?" Kensi looked at him, upset at the information and that she didn't pick up on it right away.

"What I was doing was not really legal." He finished his second glass, and poured a new one.

"And what was that, Officer Verbeek?" Tori didn't seem at all phased by his admission.

Kevin lifted his glass, tipping it in her direction. He moved his gaze over to Kensi, who was carefully watching the man. "Agent Blye, you have been so very quiet. Cat got your tongue?"

"No, I'm just trying to figure you out."

"Not much to figure out, I am a talent scout. I find the talent, and I mark them for use. Shane had some raw talent." He finished another glass, setting it on his desk, then reached over to open a side drawer. He pulled out an envelope and placed it on his desk for both agents to see. He followed quickly by placing a 9mm gun on top. Tori tensed, Kensi stuck out her hand motioning her to relax. He had made no threat against them yet. Kensi hit her agent in distress pad on her cell, her finger rested over the button ready to tap it again. "I am good at my craft ladies; I have found quite a bit of talent. I got foolish when they took Shane." He lifted the gun, and, pointing it at Kensi, he slowly stood up. Kensi pressed the button one last time, knowing Ops would get her distress call and soon this would be over.

Kensi could feel sweat dripping down her neck, "Put the weapon down, Kevin, let's talk about this."

Kevin began to laugh, shaking his head; he made his way around the desk before sitting down on it. His hand never wavered, his laughter died out and he relaxed just enough to use the gun to scratch his temple. As Tori moved to reach for him, his focus snapped to her, his gun following his gaze. "No one likes a hero. Do you know what happens to heroes, young lady? They get others killed." He waved her back to her chair with the gun. "And I doubt either of you fine things remembered to wear your vests. I, on the other hand, came prepared."

"You don't have to do this, Kevin. Whatever happened, whatever is going to happen, we can offer you protection." Kensi glanced up at him, she could tell Tori was getting antsy and might do something overly foolish.

"Protection? Really? You don't even know what you're up against yet," he said, his voice raised. Standing up, he pointed the gun at Kensi and stepped forward until his leg was touching hers. "And you, sitting there offering me something so pointless as protection."

Kensi held her hands up, "Then tell me what happened so we can help you."

Kevin looked at her sideways, "I'm a dead man. How can you help a dead man?"

"Let us stop whoever did this, that's how." Tori spoke; she glanced at Kensi giving her a slight nod.

Kevin contemplated her offer, he stepped back, his shoulders hunched. His eyes teared up, and his hand shook. "She found me when I was twelve. My parents had died, and I was forced to live on the streets. She helped me and took care of me, kept me from harm. There were so many others like me. She loved us all. She gave me a new name, moved me here to America. I worked hard for her, I did things no person should ever do, but I did it for her." He lowered his hand, looking at Kensi. "I can't stop them.

"Shane was a message for me. I tried to stop, to stop her, and this is what happened. My friend was taken away. You must know how that feels, Agent Blye, Deeks never left you, he was taken . . ." Glass shattered behind him. He let out a grunt, his eyes rolling back into his head. His knees buckled as his body collapsed to the floor. Kensi ducked down out of reflex, glancing at the body that lay mere inches from her, blood pooling on the floor. Judging by the entry wound in the back of his head, she knew he wasn't going to be any more help. Her hand shook as she tried to dial Ops.

The door burst open and Sam and Callen barged in, completely unaware of what had just happened. Sam went to Tori, who slowly stood up, while Callen dropped down next to Kensi. She could tell he was talking to her, but she couldn't hear him. The pounding of her heart made that impossible. "I'm fine!" she said, probably a bit too loud.

She shivered. "Kens?" Callen's voice made her jump. She looked into his green eyes and, at that moment, she lost it. Shaking her head, she pushed past him; she had to get some air. Walking out of the room, she knew Tori could fill them in. She hurried to the main doors. Ignoring the rush of people, she stepped outside. Pressing against the cool wall, she stared up at the dark night sky. The thought of her partner in trouble burst past her emotional haze. Why hadn't she seen it until now? How could she have been so stupid? She thought about the letter and guessed he never wrote it. It had been another ruse. She wanted to scream; she wanted to find whoever had done this and make them pay. But most of all, she hated herself for believing so easily that Deeks wanted nothing to do with her or the others. She began to sob uncontrollably.

Sirens echoed in the distance, she heard the doors open. She knew it was Sam walking toward her. He was the only one who dared try to talk to her when she was on the emotional edge. Wiping her eyes, she turned away from him, trying to regain some composure. His hand dropped heavily on her shoulder, his voice was soothing, "We'll find him, Kens that I can promise you."

Kensi shook her head, blowing out a few staggered breaths. She turned; Sam looked terrified. She knew he was hiding something from her. His usual stone face seemed to be battling with his own emotions. He pulled her in for an unexpected hug. Kensi was lost by the display of emotion, but at the same time, she returned the hug, knowing Sam was probably just as upset as she was. It wasn't until she heard Callen clear his throat that she pulled away from Sam. She looked at her leader; his face looked aged and worried. She meekly looked away; he never cared to show his emotions to the rest of them. He nodded to Sam in silent thanks for being the emotional strength of the team.

"Hetty wants us to return to Ops. They have three days on us." He clenched his jaw. Kensi knew just as well as anyone else that he was going to make everyone pay for doing this to one of his own. Even if Deeks was the newest member, he still found a place with the team. She bit the corner of her cheek. "We have agents coming in to clean out Verbeek's office and residence."

Tori walked up to the trio and smiled a weak smile, "Let's bring him home."

Hetty stood in Ops, her face had paled just after she called for her team to come back. Eric sat frozen at his desk, staring blankly at the computer screen. Nell stood behind the Operations Manager, clutching her pad till her knuckles turned white. No one dared speak or breathe. Hetty stumbled back.

"Hetty!" Nell rushed forward, placing a hand on her shoulder.

The woman brushed her off, "I am alright, Miss Jones, please assist Mr. Beale. I want everything on Mr. Deeks. Find every trace of him, everything." She moved past Nell and walked out into the hall. Waiting for the door to close, she slumped over, placing her hand firmly on the wall to hold her up. Her other hand held her heart; she was not made for this anymore. She closed her eyes, falling back on her breathing techniques to control her ragged breath; these were her children, her responsibility. She watched them like a concerned mother. She cared for them and still she let him go, not thinking anything more about his leaving. She felt the tears sting her eyes. Pulling out her cell, she dialled a number she never wanted to call. The one favor she wanted to hold back for a rainy day. Taking another steadying breath, she stood straight. Now she needed his help more than ever.

"Ivan, its Herta, I'm calling in my favor."

TBC, reviews are welcomed