And Nate's considered opinion is

"Off the top, not PTSD related, it's a case of PHD-piled higher and deeper. Marty has reached his limit

of stress. Kensi is hi-maintenance, the job stress, helping her heal, not worrying about himself, IA. It just

became too much. That he isn't crazy or have severe PTSD or hasn't eaten his gun is a testament to his ability to handle

pressure. I would worry about him blowing a gasket and breaking out in ulcers but not going 'goofy'-that's a

clinical term by the way." Nate was grinning. He then added "I hope the team understands all this and has

some forgiveness in their hearts. They need to remember all the crap they gave him early on and he never quit

doing his job or them despite all that. I say they owe him, he would say he doesn't deserve it-net-net they need

to prove to him he is worth something. He needs that family he talked about. I would suggest Kensi get him

over to see Julia and develop that relationship. That would be a big step for him and them both-being part of a

solid, stable family and seeing a loving relationship between, kids and grandkids. My gut tells me

there maybe 1 more piece to the puzzle but I'm gonna hold on that right now."

Hetty smiled and just said "hummmmmm" and then Nate began to understand his OPS manager a little

better and a smile crossed his face. "Nell, tape off and confirm" came across Nell's phone in the form of a text

shortly thereafter.

"Done" read the return text several minutes later.

AUGUST 21, 2014

Nate finished his recap of the trial so far to the agents by saying "and today starts the defense's case.

His lawyers are confident they can poke enough holes in the D.A.'s case to get reasonable doubt and a hung

jury at worst, if not downright acquittal. Any questions and/or does anyone have second thoughts? It's been 3

months since you saw the tape. Are you all still good to go on this?"

G was the first to speak "Nate, we were with him before that tape, we just didn't really ever show it the

to him the same way we did each other. That's on us and now we are even more sure of our feelings. We have

seen Kensi's reaction. She is fighting to not close herself off. Her focus is proving his innocence and getting

him back. That's best for team and family. It hinges on finding that woman."

Just then "found her" Eric was screaming at the top of his lungs as he came running downstairs from

OPS, almost falling down the last set. He tapped his tablet a couple times and a knockout blond appeared on

the screen behind Deeks desk. "Meet Danielle James. She is returning from a business trip/vacation trip to

Europe and the Alps. She purposefully cut contact with the world the time she was gone. No cell activity and

no credit cards."

"Go-go-go and take her straight to the courthouse. I will alert the lawyers" barked Hetty. Kensi was

already moving. Sam yelled Kensi, take one of the lights and sirens vehicles-we need speed. She got a Dodge

SUV from the motor pool and went tearing out with lights and sirens, G and Sam hanging on for dear life.

Pull up the location and load it to the GPS" she said while doing her best Richard Petty driving school imitation.

"She's at LAX, head to the lower level. Soon they came screeching to a halt at the airport with Sam

yelling "there."

Pulling up in front of Dani at the curb, G jumped out, showed his badge saying "Ms. James, federal

agents. We need you to accompany us to court immediately. It concerns Marty Deeks. He needs your help. I

will explain in the car." Instead of the expected reaction of fighting with him or lack of understanding she threw

her luggage in the back, jumped in saying get moving. The agents all looked at each other and traded grins.

This one would not be intimidated by Riviera, the D.A.-anyone.

In the car Danielle spit out "Is Marty in trouble? What do I need to do? How can I help? I will help any way I

can. He is such a truly good guy."

Sam explained everything including the charges.

"Oh my Lord" exclaimed Dani, relief obvious in her voice "I CAN help-he spent that night with me he

from 9 pm till 5 am the next morning. He was never out of my sight for more than 10 minutes. That's the reason

I went to Europe- -to try and wash that blond surfer outta my hair so to speak. We slept together only cause he

was plastered and I had hopes of rekindling our relationship. Then he started saying how he messed up and

hurt the people he cared about, especially 'her'. We ended up talking all night. He is a good man. But there is

someone else who owns him heart and soul. He didn't mention her by name but he had that look. You know,

the one that says he's off the market. She must be absolutely amazing cause all he could say was 'I let her

down' and 'I can never look her in the eye-I blew my one shot at a life'. I gotta ask, will I get to meet this

woman at the court house and have a chance to tell her how sorry I am? I would have never slept with him had

I known and I need her to understand that. I pray she will forgive me. I don't want to be the cause of their split."

"You just did and thank you" came from the front seat driver. The 2 agents plus Dani looked at each

other and smiled.

At the court house Nate met them and explained that he would take her in and the rest needed to go

back to the Mission and watch the entire tape again as a refresher as to what happens next." He stressed

entire then said "especially my discussion with Hetty at the very end. Until you see it again I don't want any of

the 5 of you approaching Marty. Be sure Nell and Eric also see it. It will be several hours before all is settled

here, if today at all. And another day before he is processed and released."

AUGUST 22, 2014 8:00 AM COURT ROOM #104

"Madam Forwoman have you reached a verdict in the case before you?"

Standing the woman said "we have your honor" and handed the plea sheet to the bailiff who passed it

on to the judge who looked, refolded it and intoned:

"Will the defendant please rise while the verdict is read." Then turning to the forwoman he went on

"What is your ruling in the case #435760489, people vs. Det. Martin A. Deeks as regards to the single charge

of murder in the 2nd degree?" This said by a 70+ year old, white haired judge.

"Your honor, in the case of Detective Deeks, we the jury find the defendant- - -not guilty, innocent of all

charges."

The D.A. immediately jumped up and said "request to poll the jury your honor."

The judge went thru the jurors individually asking them if they agreed with the verdict to which each one

did as emphatically as the forewoman.

Looking at Deeks the judge said "Having been found not g- - -innocent of all charges by a jury of your

peers you are hereby released and I am directing LAPD to immediately re-instate you. I also apologize and

behalf of the City and County of Los Angeles. Given the nature of the circumstantial evidence in this case you

should never have been charged." The gavel sounded better than Kensi's moaning in the middle of a night of

fun to Deeks.

Nate texted simply "innocent" to Hetty who let out a warhoop startling the agents and causing Granger,

Eric and Nell to appear from upstairs. Hetty produced some champagne and said "Agent Hanna, glasses

please we need to toast to victory for Det. Deeks- -innocent of all charges." Kensi put her head down and

started sobbing.

Finally when the glasses were full, she managed to stand and thru her tears, lifted her glass and

offered "to my man and partner-touché and salute!" The others looked at her, puzzled but she just smiled.

She then put her head on Sam's chest as the tears came again.

"I suggest everyone allow agent Blye sometime" ordered Hetty as she herded everyone out of the

bullpen.

Is that it?