"Is that supposed to be a cat?" Talia asked conversationally, her head tilted to the side as she examined an abstract painting in red, blue, and brown.
Deeks looked over her shoulder, squinting one eye. "I think it's a hawk," he decided.
It was one of many paintings scattered throughout Carson Desforges' home, and personally, Deeks thought it was hideous. After dinner, they'd wandered off under the pretext of examining the paintings to regroup.
"So you get anything out our host during dinner?" Deeks asked more quietly. Before they ate, Deeks had engaged Carson in a conversation about work, subtly encouraging him to consume a few drinks. Then he'd left Carson in Talia's more than capable hands.
"Enough to know we're on the right track." Talia, leaned smiling flirtatiously as she added, "I pretended I was so interested in his recent success. A little more flattery, and he mentioned he's made some savvy business deals. He started talking about risks being worthwhile depending on the outcomes, bit then he clammed up on me."
"That's a good start. Nicely done, Jenny."
"Aw, thanks, sweetie," Talia said, kissing his cheek playfully. Still leaning close, she added, "I think with a few more drinks, we can get something more useful."
Deeks' impression of Desforges was a man way in over his head. Although he tried to pretend that he fit right in with the rest of the guests, it was clear Desforges was new to this world. Deeks caught the way his eyes played over the pretty people in attendance, and general air of wealth.
He'd obviously tried to impress his new associates if his home—well outside the budget of a man in his position and expected income—was any indication. Everything from the décor, which featured mismatched pieces of art, to the overly fancy hors d'oeuvres spoke of someone who was new to wealth.
"How do you suggest we do that?" Deeks asked, not hearing how his tone had naturally turned teasing, even flirtatious.
"Just be your usual charming self, and I'll take care of the rest," she said, and patted his chest.
Two hours later, Talia, Deeks, and Carson were lounging in his den. The rest of the guests had left, but Carson Desforges had invited Daniel and Jenny to stay for drinks. A half-empty bottle of scotch sat precariously close to the edge of the glossy table between them.
"Daniel, why did you give up law?" Carson asked, words slurring, and a half empty glass cradled in his left hand. He squeezed Talia's shoulder familiarly. "Jenny said you were very successful."
"I was one of the best," Deeks agreed, eyeing Carson's hand until the man moved it with a vaguely sheepish look.
"He's so modest." Talia rolled her eyes, nudging his shoulder. "Actually, he was a named partner at my father's firm."
"Unfortunately, some of my colleagues objected my view of the law, as well as some of my methods. Didn't matter that I was getting results."
Carson shook his head at Deeks' story. "That's how they always are. They always appreciate the money, but never how you get it done." Muttering under his breath, Carson finished off the rest of his drink.
Deeks caught Talia's eye, nodding slightly, and she subtly shifted closer to Carson.
"Danny's new job is a lot more exciting now, and the best part is, now we can do whatever we want," she said, slurring her words slightly. Deeks doubted it was even necessary with how much Carson had drunk.
"Jenny!" Deeks hissed sharply, drawing an interested look from Carson.
"Babe, I didn't say anything," she protested. "You're just an extremely good businessman. Selling a…difficult to find product." She leaned close enough to whisper in Desforges' ear. "It's amazing the prices people will pay to get what you want."
"It's late, and we need to go," Deeks interrupted. He stood abruptly, grabbing for Talia's hand. "Thank you for dinner, Carson. We'll see ourselves out."
Deeks kept a worried face in place as Carson's eye lit up with poorly concealed interest. Talia let Deeks drag her forward, muttering apologies under her breath. He was sure Carson followed them all the way out the door.
"That was fun," Talia said once they were outside. She looped her arms through his and laughed quietly.
"Yeah. Let just hope it was enough to get him to reach out with a proposal."
"Oh he will." Talia nodded confidently. "We're that good."
A/N: I don't know if this makes much sense, but the main point of this story is Talia and Deeks are working together and Kensi is left out. Which will definitely come up in the next part again.
