Deeks blinked, a hazy ring of light filling his vision. His head was tilted back over the hard metal of a chair at an uncomfortable angle, which was unfortunate since it let the blood from gash inside his mouth drain into his throat. He coughed, fighting against the hands holding him place to avoid choking.

Finally, they released him enough to sit up. He unceremoniously spat a mouthful of blood on the floor, grimacing at the sharp taste, and flared in the direction of Michael and his henchman. Deeks couldn't actually see more than a hazy outline, but he hid his disorientation. The longer he could hold out, the longer Kensi and Julia had to get free. Or for the team to come to the rescue. It was highly motivating and kept Deeks from giving in to the pain radiating throughout his head and face. Actually his left shoulder didn't feel so great either.

"Detective, how much longer do you think you can hold out?" Michael asked, pacing in a half circle around Deeks. He gave the orders and did most of the talking, but primarily relied on the other men to handle the more physical aspects. Based on that and his build, Deeks predicted he wouldn't be too difficult to overcome if isolated.

"Oh, you really underestimate the stubborn nature of NCIS agents," Deeks replied with a smirk. It tugged at his torn lip and he felt a trickle of blood slither down his chin.

"You're very smug for someone who holds your mother-in-law and wife's life in your hands."

Deeks licked a bead of blood from his lip, glaring at Michael. He could see him a little better now; the man didn't look nearly so composed anymore.

"And then you'd have zero leverage," Deeks said. "Because you know that if you hurt either of them, I would use every last ounce of my energy to fight back. Maybe I would win." Deeks grinned darkly. "Either way, you still won't have the information you're looking for."

"You talk too much," Michael growled, gesturing sharply to Ethan. Deeks barely had time to brace himself before Ethan punched him hard enough his head snapped backwards. He lost his tenuous grasp on consciousness, Jasper's raspy laughter in his ears.


Kensi had waited a few minutes after Deeks was pulled from the room to retrieve his knife. Her fingers trembled as she slipped it into her own boot. It took all her effort to concentrate on forming a plan and not Deeks.

She'd fully explored every inch of the room, and found no possible exit, barring they dug through solid stone. Swearing under her breath, Kensi grasped her head, fingernails digging into her scalp as she tried to temper her frustration and worry.

If she didn't have to worry about her mom, she'd rush whoever came to the door next, disarm them however possible, and fight her way through to Deeks. She couldn't take that risk though.

With that in mind, she walked over to Julia and sat down. Gathering Julia's hands in hers, she looked her directly in the eye.

"Mom, I need you to listen to me. If there's an opportunity for you to run, I need you to take it, ok?"

"But what about you and Marty?" Julia asked. She wasn't a naive woman; she was terrified, but she'd gathered herself, and faced Kensi just as gravely. "I don't think I can leave both of you behind."

Kensi pressed her lips together, inhaling shallowly through her nose.

"You'll have to," she said gently. "It'll be safer for you. Deeks and I can handle this." She gave Julia's had another squeeze.

"Ok," Julia murmured, a tear trickling down her cheek. "I love you, baby."

"I love you too, Mom."

Sniffing, Julia opened her arms, gathering against her chest. She kissed the top of Kensi's head.

The sound of the door opening again had Kensi hastily pulling away. She didn't want Michael to have any extra ammunition against her.

Jasper and Ethan entered first, dragging Deeks between them. Kensi's breath caught in her throat; he looked dead, head hanging limply, the hair at his temple stained a dark red.

The two men roughly deposited Deeks at the opposite side of the room. He didn't move.

Michael entered the room next, gesturing for Julia. Kensi's hand tightened on her arm instinctually.

"Stand up Ms. Feldman," he said. "You're going to deliver a message for me."