This is a little bit of a personality study as we look for Deeks shooter.
Hetty thought a minute, then smiling said "Are you quite done with your pity party detective? We have work to do. I have turned Eric and Nell loose on this already and now they have something specific to focus on. They are mad as heck as is you're team. Have faith in them as they do in you, they haven't given up on you, don't you give up OR turn your back on them. They won't quit until they prove you innocent. The word from them is that they are all behind you and don't believe for a minute you did anything. I am sure that hearing this won't change anything. Be sure you understand those words. They would be upset and possibly surprised that you are more worried about them than yourself. They feel the same way. That's why you work so well as a team." After discussing several points and asking a few questions of clarification Hetty realized it was time for Bates to return the detective. She closed the meeting by saying "this tape will be the basis for our investigation. At this point I think we should show it to them tomorrow. Give us tonight to digest all this. Nate, Granger what do you think? (Both men nodded agreement) Now to more important matters, after the trial and you are proven innocent what are your plans Det. Deeks?"
Taking a deep breath Deeks responded "IF I am proven innocent I am going on a world tour of surfing venues-call it Deeks Rediscovery Tour 2015. Starting in Hawaii and then on to the African coast, Australia, Viet Nam and ending up back in Hawaii on the North Shore. I figure 4 to 6 months depending on how I'm doing with the rediscovery part. I hear that the North Shore is the best surfing anywhere better than even The Pipeline. If, after that I have convinced myself I'm ok then I will come to you Hetty and see if there is a place for me at NCIS and sign those papers but-the 3 agents, wonder twins, you, Granger and especially director Vance must all ok that return to NCIS. I have to ask though, what my status will be if I take that trip for say, the full 6 months? What happens?"
Bates said, "You get 10 weeks paid sick leave and 3 weeks' vacation for sure, I'll try to get you more. Then you would go on unpaid leave. You could have up to 3 months of that and still have a job."
Hetty said "I will insure you get up to 6 months from NCIS. That will include the pay supplement you get from NCIS to adjust your pay up to agent status. (Deeks never even knew about that as it all came thru NCIS so he had no idea who was paying what) Know this Martin Deeks you are a good person and we all want you back, Kensi most of all. When she told you all in, she meant it. And for the record- -even if it's a year from now there will be a place for you at NCIS. You are a good person and someday you will realize that. Kensi is working on you to make you understand just that. The rest is just a hiccup." Deeks looked up slightly at that. Of course Hetty knew about 'all in'. Should have never thought otherwise. She finished by saying "I will have the papers in my desk and the director will see this tape first thing tomorrow. I will be amazed if he doesn't back me up on this. Does that answer your questions?"
Granger growled "Donnie would have liked you once he got to know you and he would say-suck it up and get better-she needs you to be whole. Besides maybe I even support having you around." This last part muttered under his breath. That did cause Marty's head to snap up and Hetty to look over the top of her glasses and smirk at the gruff Asst. Director.
Deeks went on, "one last thing, I don't want to see anyone, except Nate at the trial and IF then I will stay in contact with him on my tour so he can help me if needed and report back to you regularly."
"You bet" was Nate's immediate answer.
Deeks then said "ok since the house is now technically mine, you should be able to get in and check it out without a problem. There is a key under the rock on the left side of the front steps as you enter. I assume it was locked up after the CSI's were done with it. Do you need me to sign anything?"
Bates replied "no, having this on tape and saying it in front of me is good enough. If they don't like it send em to me Henrietta. And just to be sure you understand kid, you are still one of mine also. I ain't buyin' this whole set up and I WILL get those responsible. That includes whoever helped Riviera get you put in genpop."
After a little more small talk Bates advised them it was time he got Deeks back. He also promised to make sure he was ok and to check in on him regularly. He had contacts in the secure wing that would put the word out. He didn't even bother with the cuffs this time.
In the car Deeks finally blurted out "how bad did I screw up Bates?"
"Kid it ain't pretty but based on what you told us today and what that team of yours is capable of, I'm bettin you get cleared of all charges. Big thing you need to worry about is getting well. That partner of yours is drop dead gorgeous AND lethal. If you cross her they will never find your body. I promise you I will find the problem on our end. You just deal with helping NCIS on their end, then we burn em together."
With that they arrived back at the jail. Riviera was waiting. Bates glared at her and said "sorry he's not yours anymore. 3 guards from the secure wing came out to meet them at that same time.
"Lt. is this the man you told us about?" Getting a nod in return the same guard stepped forward and said "detective, you are in good hands now- -we still believe in innocent etc. - - -." Then heading inside to in-process Deeks he threw a glare at Riviera for good measure.
Bates looked at Riviera and snarled "you are going down and so is your helper. Mark my words. I would look over my shoulder for a brunette carrying a chip on her shoulder and a grudge in her heart. She's gonna coming looking for you soon."
"Hah, bring her on. What's her dog in this fight anyway? She's just another fed even if she is his partner. Been there done that. They ain't all that tough Bates."
Laughing in her face he stared at her as he said "Oh you don't know this one. Her nickname is bad-ass and her "dog" as you put it is Deeks. They are a couple as well as partners. She will back him up no matter what. If you get in her way. Say a prayer to your God cause your ass is hers" and then he literally stomped off.
Back at the boatshed Hetty looked at Nate and asked, what's the verdict Nate?"
Nate's thoughts next time. Any idea where we go from here? Let me hear your thoughts.