We are making progress!

Kensi just sat there staring at the note in Bates hand writing. He had shared something he swore he wouldn't. That fact affected Kensi almost as much as the letter. Bates really was an old softie hiding behind that tough cop exterior. I wonder why is so attached to Deeks. Is there more history there? She would save this and someday, maybe their wedding day, share it with Marty. That day was so far away at the present time that she didn't even want to consider the possibility.

She finally made her way back to the bull pen. "What's up Kens" asked Sam.

"A, well, er, Hetty just kinda apologized for some things. She also gave Deeks and me the ok to be together- - -I think plus Bates had given her a note for me. Still trying to soak it up and sort it out. Anyway if we don't pull this off tomorrow, it won't matter. And if I can't put us back together after that all is for nothing. I'll end up that crazy old cat lady down the street." Then she sat there staring at the envelope wondering how to make all this happen. It was almost overwhelming, even to her. Please tell me this is almost over.

Nell called the agents saying "we have some information from Kensi's house- -come on up. After they had all entered, Hetty nodded to Eric.

Eric began "Ok, first your dad's rifle and you're your personal 9 mm are both missing Kensi. Also, there was evidence of male and female semen in your bed-assumed to be Jack and Nicole at this point. Won't have the tests back till the am. Finally there was this in the bathroom. A picture came up on the screen and written across the bathroom mirror was 'we will take back what's ours by any means.' We assume that means you and Deeks, Kensi. You both seem to be the targets." No one noticed the quick look Kensi and Hetty shared. Finally the shoe print doesn't match Jack's shoe-same tread wrong size. Also not Nicole's size based on data on file so we are still short a sniper. They do feel it is a woman's shoe though. It probably too small to be a man's. This leads us to believe there is another woman in the equation. "

Sam turned to her and, putting a hand on her shoulder said "I'm probably not the one to talk. I haven't been easy on Deeks. Not because he's a jerk or a bad person or bad Detective slash agent, but because you are my little sister and no man is good enough for you. But I may have been wrong. He seems to be growing on me. Your walls came down, you were smiling, laughing, even joking and doing your job even better than ever. As a team the 2 of you have something even G and I struggle with. An amazing ability to read each other from miles away. You know what each other is thinking even when not in the same room. You just know what the other one doing or is going to do. That is a great asset and Deeks brought it out of you. Use it to put your partnership back together. I think he wants you more than anything. You just need to let him know you need him that much. He may be feeling that he is in a 1 sided relationship right now and probably has some trust problems. Nell, Eric and I will help anyway we can. G may even help some! I'm sure Hetty will and we will make Owen help or they will never find his body." That last comment evoked a laugh and up in OPS Hetty, Nell and Eric shared a look. Hetty looked at the other 2 and simply said "Thank you" and the other 2 didn't think she was talking to G. "You two, go over everything again. Be sure there is no stone unturned. This has to be right the first time. This is family we are protecting" and she walked out, head down and hands clasped behind her back.

Eric and Nell simply stared at each other, not sure what to say.

BACK IN TIME 3 DAYS

"Miguel Hernandez, meet Mr. Jose Ortega. He is head of the Ortega Cartel and this is his right hand Miguel Ortega, his cousin. We are setting up a merchandize trade of guns for drugs for cash. A different kind of 3 way if you will. We all hope this leads to future business and an establishing a pipeline that runs both ways. The formal meeting will take place Friday but Ortega wanted to meet the players. Each one is allowed a body guard. This is Ernesto Rivera, head of the LAtin Kings and his right hand Salvador Renaldo.

I'm Max Gentry, the- -ah 'special assistant' to Miguel, leader of the Demons and I am familiar with the Kings, albeit the previous administration. Please learn the faces of each one here. We will be joined by 2 others, Mr. Ortega's supplier in Afghanistan along with his 'significant other'. Any questions or shall we toast to a success meeting?" After shaking hands and looking each other over carefully 'Max' let out a big breath knowing that the Kings emissaries didn't know him AND that the meeting would include the supplier. Gotcha he thought. All wrapped up neat and tied with a bow. We raid the meeting, take em down, arrest me and all is good. And then deal with the tough issue- -Kensi and I. Hope that one works out, been a lot happen not in the original plan. "Ok the bubbly is on the table, grab a glass and drink up."

"What if our Afghani contact wants different arrangements" asked Jose Ortega, a very menacing sneer on his face.

"He can put it where the light don't shine. I set this up to satisfy the groups here. All have been satisfied. It's my way or the highway. He should have given you any special requests before this meeting. You knew why we were gathering today-to let everyone see who the players were. You did tell him about the plans and this meeting didn't you" growled Max as he moved to stand face to face with Jose. The look on Jose's face, especially the eyes, told 'Max' what he needed to know. "Well then, it seems any issues are on you aren't they? We expect you to have them there at the right time and the right place." At the same time, Jose heard the click of a switchblade coming from the location of Max's right hand. "Anything more you want to say" Max sneered still staring at him.

"A-well-I'm sure this will be fine" stuttered Jose as he put both hands up in supplication and took a step back. Wow those eyes, nothing but pure hate and death there. Not even gonna mess with him

With that the formal meeting broke up and drinks were hoisted. 2 hours later, as Max and Miguel rode back to San Diego 'Max' was working on a way to get the information to Bates to arrange the take down Finally he said, "Miguel, ok if I go grab me a little tonight. Should be pretty quiet. All is lined up. I'll put some feelers out on the people there today but I really don't think we're gonna find an issue with them. You know me, I have a 'special way' of relaxing with members of the fairer sex. Sex being the operative word."

Miguel thought for a moment and then as he chuckled said "Max, mia amigo, you have organized this in such a short time and gotten all the players to agree that it is the least I can do. Here" and he handed Max a wad of bills. Deeks estimated over $1000. Hah add bribing a feder- -police officer to the list. It's picky but its one more thing his attorneys will have to deal with during the trial.

Once they were back in San Diego, Deeks parted company with Miguel at the 'Dew Drop Inn'- -great name for a flea trap he chuckled as he went to his room. He thought about how to code the communication to Bates. With the NCIS crew, he could be creative and they would pick it up in a minute. If the agents couldn't the wonder twins would solve it in about 10 seconds. Maybe I go that route and have them pass it on. Then the light bulb went on. Comfortable with his code and how to communicate to his team, he decided to get a burger and several beers. He could afford to be a little woozy tomorrow but not the next 2 days. He would be very busy the 36 hours leading up to the meeting.

We're still on track to a solution. Any ideas who/why? Let me know if you're still enjoying this.