Sheriff vs. Agent
Chapter 10 Fish or cut bait II
SHERIFF DEEKS' OFFICE
Professional Decision
"What about the professional decision?" Claire asks.
"Yes, about that," Marty mutters.
Sheriff Marty Deeks and Deputy Claire Mason are talking over an indoor picnic in Marty's office. Claire has worked hard to prepare to replace Marty in the next general election in 15 months – with his support. But now he isn't sure he will return to NCIS-OSP in Los Angeles. And if he stays?
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Marty starts, "As I stated, I do not want to run against you in the election. Period!"
"And I have stated that if I start a family, I don't want a very dangerous job." She is emphatic.
"Family means kids?" Marty cocks his head.
"No, even just being a wife would qualify."
"Really?" He is surprised.
"Really!" She reaffirms.
"So . . . even a deputy position?" He raises an eyebrow.
"Yup. I would like to put together a position like: forensic specialist, trainer, shooting school, self-defense etc. What do you think of that?"
"Wow! That is creative. I love it. How do wd process this?"
"Well, I've been thinking here. What if we talk with 3 or 4 adjacent counties; seeing if we could convince them of a concept like this?" She looks down, not too sure of herself.
Marty leans across the table, lifting her head by a finger under her chin. "Hey, that is a brilliant idea! Let's work on it, together."
She smiles at him, grateful for his encouragement.
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It was a mild late winter evening and her apartment was only 4 blocks from the sheriff's office, so Claire had waked to meet Marty for their picnic. So, he walked her home afterward. As they sauntered down the street, swinging their arms, he grasped her hand as they brushed together. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see her smile as they connected. It felt good, really good.
At her door they paused, she spoke up. "Marty, I told you a while ago, that I would take my cues from you. Remember?"
"Yes, I do."
"Well, I am not seeing a stop sign!" She smiles.
"That's because I'm not waving a stop sign."
She takes a step forward, wraps her arms around his neck and gently pulls his head down to her. Her lips capture his in a long, passionate kiss. They break, then come back for another one, still more passionate.
They both grin, resting their foreheads together. Looking into his mesmerizing cerulean blue eyes she whispers, "Thank you, Marty. For your honest support, and the lovely picnic. I thoroughly enjoyed the evening."
With one more peck on the lips, they part. Wondering where all this would lead.
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Marty had a difficult time dropping off to sleep. He wondered if he had made a final decision to stay in Indiana? If not, he really needed to throe up that STOP sign! Claire and he were building up steam! It would not be fair to let her/them progress further, if he knew there was no future for them. He wasn't the kind of guy to do that! But was he ready too close the door on Los Angeles?
Still a dilemma!
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SUNDAY – THE AMISH CHURCH
1:00 PICNIC
Marty and Claire had requested a community picnic for the purposes of a discussion. They wanted to see if there was support for co-sheriff's and 1 deputy for the county.
In addition, what did the folks think of Claire's idea she had presented to Marty – to be supported by 3 or 4 adjacent counties.
Largely due to the massive good-will that Marty had accrued in his dealings with the citizenry, they overwhelmingly supported what they were hearing. In concept. Obviously, the folks wanted specifics, and they were promised such. Marty felt good about things.
BUT he remained in a quandary.
GO or STAY?
What was it going to take for Marty Deeks to make up his mind?
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Kensi and Marty hadn't talked in 2 weeks. Their last conversation had been about his prioritized list of Pros and Cons. The bone of contention was an old topic: kids, family, safety, job.
Does Kensi want to be a mother? Probably not.
Would Kensi consider moving to a safer job? Not now! Stop asking me this, Deeks!
The call ended on a very chilly note!
If this was the last word, Marty was staying.
How long could he vacillate?
Then it hit him!
This was like the time he had proposed to Kensi. She had said a flat-out NO. Not a "not now". Not a "not yet, give me some more time and I'll get there". Not a "let's keep things as they are, ask me again in 6-months". Just NO. Then she had lied to her team . . . said that Deeks had cheated on her with a well-known DEA agent – a CYA move. The team never questioned her story; never checked with Deeks to get his side. Not even Hetty, who in her heart knew that Kensi was lying.
Should he call Kensi on it?
Had he given her enough time, chances to come to a reasonable position?
Yes, she'd apologized; but, was that enough?
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ONE MORE CALL, ONE MORE TALK
Breakfast with mama Deeks. Marty lays it all out for his mother. The good, the bad, the ugly.
"Marty, you love Kensi!"
"I know, at least I did. But mama, she won't give me any HOPE that she might come around to what I think is a reasonable position!"
"You mean on safety for the family's sake?"
"Yes, she hasn't budged in 2 years! It's her way or the highway! Firm as a rock."
"Do you want me to call her?"
"No, I don't want her convinced against her will. What kind of a family would that be?"
"So, what do you want from me, son?"
"Am I missing something, mama?"
"Not that I can tell, I'm afraid."
"Thanks." They embrace, he kisses her n the cheek.
They part, both crying.
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NCIS-OSP, HETTY'S OFFICE
RING RING
"Hetty speaking."
"Hetty, this is Marty."
"Marty! Do you have good news for me?"
"I'm afraid not. Unless you can give me some inside advice on how to change Kensi's mind."
"On what, my dear?"
"On family, kids, safety, a reasonably safe job. You know the drill. She hasn't budged in 2-years! It's NCIS Special Agent and field work – or nothing. I'm done, sad to say."
"Marty, Marty, Marty. Don't you think that she will change her perspective when she holds her newborn baby?"
"No, I don't. I'm afraid if she thinks that I'm counting on that, she will veto having kids. Sad to say, I really think that."
"Bugger! Unfortunately, I can't argue against that. So, what about FLETC?"
"I must decline the spot in this upcoming class. I know you can't promise anything for future classes. So, I will take my chances if I change my mind. Hetty, thank you so much for all you've done for me! It has been a pleasure working with you and Callen's team. Especially Kens! A better, more courageous, more loyal partner I can't imagine. God, I hate this, but I have to go. I'll try to keep in touch. Bye, Hetty!"
"Bye, Marty! Stay safe!"
Keeping in touch is a common parting sentiment. Unfortunately, it is rarely done in the fashion that the parting parties intend. Will this be any different?
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TBC