CHAPTER FIVE
Kenzi leans against the running board of the big red Kenworth truck with her arms crossed in a stubborn posture. She knew the guys wouldn't like her plan, but she also knew she they had no alternative but to agree. She listens to Sam now, understanding his concerns and having a few of her own, but it doesn't shake her determination.
"Chip Riley runs this outfit… and he screens all the applicants personally."
"Good. I like a man who handles the hard work himself."
"Ha. Ha... not funny, there partner. There has to be some way you can get into the operation without have to pass the 'clutch and release' test."
"The what?!" All three agents look to Deeks for an explanation.
"I paraphrased. I'm just sayin'... they're gonna be clutching and wanting to release."
"Deeks, as usual your mind works in mysterious ways, but he's right, Kenzi... you watch your ass in there." Callen's big brother advise is accompanied by a serious glare from all three men.
She looks from one to the next and then huffs out a breath in indignation, "Geez, it's like having three big brothers ten minutes before my prom date arrives! Guys, I can handle myself... and besides, I'll be wired, right? If anything pops up... or out, you'll be close by."
Kenzi strides off across the shipping yard towards the office as several of the male drivers stop to watch what they hope will turn out to be the new girl. They exchange crude comments amongst themselves, hoping they get a chance to haul with her.
Once inside the office, she confidently approaches the secretary's desk. The receptionist is an older woman who obviously doesn't have much respect for the young girls working here. She gives Kenzi a disdainful look.
"Is Mr. Riley in?"
"And you are?"
Kenzi can see the attitude this woman has and steps up to interrupt. "The woman who has his truck... from yesterday."
The woman stares at Kenzi for a long moment, obviously taken aback by her attitude and the fact that she isn't intimidated like the other girls. Kenzi stares at her calmly and the woman finally reaches out to push the intercom button on her desk.
"Mr. Riley?"
"Yes?"
"I have a woman out here, who says she's here about your truck... from yesterday?"
There is a long pause and then he responds. "Send her in, please."
The older woman motions her towards the inner office door and Kenzi walks confidently past her. Chip Riley sits at his desk with his feet up, when his door opens and Kenzi walks in. She gives the cluttered room a quick once over and doesn't quite hide her distaste. When the door is closed behind her and they are alone, she finally speaks.
"Mr. Riley? My name is Frosty Marshall."
He doesn't bother to get up, but his attention is on the striking brunette beside her. "They call you Frosty?"
"I call me Frosty."
"And you're here about my truck?" His feet slowly come to the floor as he leans forward, studying her intently.
"More precisely, I'm here to negotiate the return of your truck... and its contents."
"You the one out there with Jenny Burke yesterday?"
"Yep. Had a bit of bad luck on that run. Guess you can say we both did... you and me. You lost your truck and its cargo... not to mention a couple of dumb ass drivers. But I don't think that's much of a loss myself. Me... well, I lost a job that I really needed. With Burke's truck broke down I need a new job. "
Just looking at him, she knew Callen was right when he said Riley was a snake oil salesman. She hides her disgust and stands there casually inspecting her nails. Chip realizes she isn't just the average chic that usually comes in here looking for work. She may be trouble, but with a body like hers he was willing to take the risk.
"Very true. I just happen to have two openings for drivers... after yesterday's incident. I hope those morons didn't hurt you or Jenny?"
"I can handle the boys, Mr. Riley... I can't abide animals without manners." Her eyes bore into his and he knows from Bob's account she fairly kicked his ass out there.
"Well, I like your spirit, Frosty. And my truck?"
Kenzi sounds bored with his coy interrogation. "It's safe... for now, but it's gonna cost you to get it... and that hot load back. I figure that must be worth something for keeping it out of impound, right?"
His eyes narrow slightly at the mention of the cargo, but he keeps things neutral until he can figure out her game. "Exactly how do you figure it as a hot load?"
"Roster says they were hauling feather pillows. That load was sitting pretty damned low on the axles and it hauled like a heavy load. So when I got back to town, I checked it out. Not sure what GPS 9300 Series Units are, but they sure as hell weren't pillows in those boxes."
"I don't believe in unnecessary hassles… unless it's worth my while." Riley stands up and slowly walks around his desk until they are standing face to face. "What exactly do you want?"
"A small finder's fee... and a job. You're actually getting the better end of this deal. You get your shipment back, your truck back and a damned good driver… all for the incredibly small price of only twenty thousand dollars."
"Twenty thou?!"
"The way I figure it… that new rig is worth two hundred thou, the shipment is another hundred thou easy. Come on, Chip, you and I both know with that kind of money you can easily spare twenty for my hard work."
Chip puts his hands on his hips, stuffing his thumbs under his belt as he studies this gutsy woman in front of him. Something is telling him she was trouble, but she is so bold and sassy he can't help but like her. He smiles now and agrees to her terms with a slight nod. "On the condition. You pass two tests I like to do personally."
His intercom buzzes suddenly and the crackly voice of his receptionist says, "Mr. Riley, the gate called to say that Navy cop is back to see you." He sighs and frowns at this interruption. He sighs and reaches out to gently run his fingertip down her soft cheek, regretting he doesn't have time to test her out himself. He finally goes to the sliding window behind his desk. He opens it and scans the yard for a moment before he yells, "Monk! Get in here!"
Turning back to Kenzi he smiles, "All right, Miss Marshall, you've got a deal… providing I get my truck back with all its contents… and you pass the tests."
Before Kenzi can ask exactly what those tests might be, the door opens and a large muscular man comes in. He is about twenty-five and not handsome, but passable, except for the cold depth of his eyes. His hands are roughened with calluses and the many tattoos tell his life story. He gives her a slow once over, silently hoping this is a new applicant he gets to test out.
"Monk… meet Frosty Marshall. She was kind enough to secure our lost rig. I want you to go with her… get the rig and make sure the shipment is all there. Then let her drive it back here… give her the usual tests on the way to make sure she's qualified, all right?"
"Yes, sir." Monk grins and steps back, motioning for her to go with him.
Kenzi has been around long enough to know when a man had sex on his mind and one look at the way Monk was drooling over her was enough to know what at least one of the tests was going to be. Kenzi hides her distress, realizing Sam's diversion wasn't going to save her this time and tries a different tactic.
"A flunky? I thought you did the testing personally?"
"Normally, I do… but unfortunately I have something to attend to here. Monk will help you drive the rig back… then maybe we can talk about my personal involvement later."
She glances at Monk, then turns back to Chip with a last comment. "Maybe."
Monk and Kenzi drive her Camaro to the location where she and Deeks parked the Bishop rig. It's an area staged with several undercover cops to keep an eye on things and make her back up if needed. The plan is to let Kenzi drive off in the truck and follow along to see where Bishop stored the rig full of stolen merchandise. Deeks and Callen are in an unmarked car as they listen in on the conversation through the wire Kenzi is wearing. Callen can't help but torment Deeks as they listen to how easily Kenzi handled this sleazy suspect.
"I bet Riley is already drooling in anticipation."
"Good thing Sam made his appearance right then." Deeks doesn't add that it hadn't had the desired effect and only put Kenzi into another situation with this unknown 'Monk' guy.
"Don't worry, Kenzi can wrap a man around her finger with just one look. She had Riley eating out of her hand."
Deeks is suddenly flooded with memories of their morning and a flush crawls up his neck as he clears his throat and quickly looks away. Callen studies him for a moment and then grins as it dawns on him why Deeks is refusing to look at him.
"Wait! You get yourself a little tangled up, Deeks?!"
"What the fuck are you talking about?!"
"You and Kenzi! You stayed with her last night."
"Of course I did… someone had to be there in case Riley's guys showed up."
"And you sat out front all night? Like Sam and I would have done?"
Deeks trusts Callen not to tell anyone… especially since this could cause trouble for them both if Heddy found out. There is a tense silence until Deeks finally turns back to look his friend in the eye and grins, "Not exactly."
"You lucky son-of-a-bitch!"
"Can it, Callen! Nothing happened… we just talked." Deeks again turns to stare out the windshield and jerks his finger to point ahead.
Callen looks back just in time to see the Camaro turning into the lot were the red truck is stored. He gives Deeks one more glance, then pushes this topic to the back of his mind for a later discussion. Callen understands his friend's fascination with Kenzi; he just hoped Deeks was man enough to take on a woman like that and survive.
Kenzi and Monk leave Kenzi's car in the lot and head for the big red rig as Monk motions her towards the driver's side so he can observe her driving. She climbs into the driver's seat and wastes no time in firing up the big diesel engine. Monk watches, but his attention is quickly distracted to the way she fills out her shirt and the long length of her tanned legs.
Kenzi is aware of his wandering eyes, but ignores him as she steers the big rig towards the exit and out onto the main road. They drive in silence as Kenzi heads back towards the Bishop Trucking yards. Monk is preoccupied with leering at her as his excitement becomes obvious and he occasionally strokes his hand down over the bulge in his levis. When they are about a mile from the Bishop yards he points towards a side road.
"Turn here."
"Here? Why?"
"It's a back road to the yard. We can complete the tests back here without being disturbed."
When she glances over at him now she sees the lust filled gaze and realizes it's time for battle. She just hopes Deeks and Callen aren't far behind. She has no intention of submitting to more test… especially in the arms of this hired ape. She hides her disgust and swings the big rig onto the side road without hesitation. Monk smiles and sits back to adjust his Levis… already excited at the thought of getting this sexy woman in the back for a sleeper test.
His adjustment doesn't go unnoticed by Kenzi and she comments on it… wanting to keep Callen aware of what is going on in the truck. "Relax, honey… you're getting hotter than a three dollar pistol and we ain't even shook hands yet."
"We're gonna do a lot more than shake hands, sweetheart… so just pull this rig over along the side of the road so we can get started."
Kenzi takes a deep calming breath, this is the moment of truth. She casually glances in the side view mirror as she pulls the rig off onto the dirt. She doesn't see anyone behind them at first, but when the dust settles she is relieved to see Callen parked back behind some trees. When she turns her attention to the man beside her he is already reaching for her. She tenses, but doesn't pull away as he curls his finger along her collar and pulls the material back.
"So when do I start the job?"
"Uuhh… you haven't actually passed all the tests yet. The most important part is coming up."
"And just what's that?"
"We call it the sleeper test." His eyes meet hers as he tilts his head towards the sleeping compartment behind them.
Kenzi holds his gaze, even as his hand now curves farther along her shoulder underneath her hair. She fights the urge to pullaway from him as she controls her voice to calmly play innocent.
"I'm not sleepy. But don't let that stop you, though… you go ahead and curl up back there and I'll drive us back to the yard."
Monk smiles, but Kenzi can see the irritation flashing in his eyes as he closes his fingers around the back of her neck and begins to pull her closer. His other hand snakes out to grip her bare knee. She resists his pull now, gripping the steering wheel and Monk's irritation surfaces.
"Look, Frosty! Don't play games with me, okay!? You want to work for Bishop Trucking you either give it up... or get out!"
He roughly drags her closer, almost pulling her from her seat as he leans over to try and kiss her. She manages to turn away, jamming her elbow into his chest as she keeps some distance between them. They struggle for a moment as Monk continues to try and kiss her, but she evades his wet, slobbery lips. After several seconds Kenzi finally gasps in pain as Monk's hand curls cruelly into a handful of her hair and pulls back hard to hold her head still. He glares down at her now with an animalistic growl.
"You're pretty… but you ain't too smart... now hold still!"
"I think the word is choosy, pal…"
"You could be living high in a little while… a chick like you can do real well here... if you just give it up."
Kenzi relaxes the tension in her body, hoping he'll let go of her hair if he thinks she is going to cooperate. It works and Monk releases her hair as he once again tries to kiss uses his lapse in control to once again jam her arm up under his throat and shove him back in his own seat. She quickly slides as far away from him as she can get.
"No offense… but I didn't go to the trouble of bringing this rig back just to let some flunky drool all over me!"
"You bitch!"
"That may be, but Riley is the only man I'm concerned with right now… he's the man in charge… and he's the man with the power to get me what I want."
"We'll see about that!"
He lunges across the seat at her again and she presses herself back against the driver's door in an attempt to avoid him. She realizes the guys won't be coming to her rescue, because it'll ruin everything if they do. She needs to get out of this on her own and knocks Monk's roving hands away as she quickly unlatches the driver's door and falls backwards out the door. Just avoiding Monk's next attempt to grab her, she catches herself on the hand rail as she drops awkwardly down to the ground. She looks up to see Monk lying across her seat, making one last grab at her. She pushes herself away and tosses one last nasty comment up at the big oaf.
"Relax, Monk… you'll live longer."
"You're through! Just like that Sanchez bitch! I'll make sure of that!"
"We'll see… you just be a good flunky and take this rig back to your boss." She grabs the door and slams it shut, causing Monk to jerk back inside to avoid being hit. He slides over behind the wheel, aroused and frustrated, but his anger is under control as he glares down at her. She steps back when he lowers the window to threaten her one more time.
"You're never gonna drive after I tell Riley what you did."
"Give him a message from me… I still got my insurance policy."
Monk doesn't reply as he jams the truck into gear, grinding them in his agitation. She steps back and watches as Monk roars away down the road. When he rounds the bend out of sight, Kenzi puts her hands on her hips and lowers her head, rotating the sore muscles and releasing the survival tension as she finally relaxes. She takes several deep calming breaths, but doesn't turn around when she hears the car pull up behind her. She is filled with anger that she had to go through that while they sat there listening. She walks away down the road to put distance between them, too angry to face them... especially Deeks right now.
Callen's restraining hand on his arm stops Deeks from going to Kenzi. He knows Deeks is the last person she wants to see right now. Deeks sighs in defeat and nods, letting Callen handle this. A few moments later Callen catches up with her and falls into step beside her, but remains silent respecting the anger in her eyes. He glances at her repeatedly as they walk, waiting until she finally lets out a heavy sigh.
"You owe me a day at the spa for that one."
"You did fine, Kenz. You handled it just right."
"Oh yea? Wait 'til you see the bruises from that ape!"
"I can have Heddy issue you a tranquilizer gun for your next safari?"
Kenzi stops walking and turns to look at him, the teasing note in his voice finally breaking through her anger. When their eyes meet she once again punches him in the arm with enough force to make him groan. "And I want darts big enough to put down that Rhino."
Their eyes hold for a moment, then he sighs and rubs his arm, understanding her frustration. "Sleeper test, huh? Well, now we know what Riley's into. Come on, let's get out of here."
They walk back to the car, which has discreetly followed their walk from a distance. Deeks listened in to the conversation, only feeling slightly like guilty for eavesdropping. She climbs into the back seat and Callen gets back in front. Deeks is pulling out onto the road, making a u-turn when his eyes meet hers in the rear view mirror. She looks away; embarrassed that she was manhandled by that ape... but worse that Deeks had witnessed it.