-Sheriff vs. Agent
Chapter 15 Commitment
LAKE JAMES, INDIANA
Marty and Claire are spending a weekend on the water. Well, on a rented house boat anchored close by a sand bar in a secluded cove on Lake James.
The houseboat is one of three on this lake, owned by the Roberts family. The family is the nucleus of the largest, and most successful real estate firms in the business sector in Indiana. They openly support law enforcement; renting houseboats on 3 of Indiana's largest lakes at a significant discount to LEO. Plus, Claudia Roberts watched Claire run the obstacle course the weekend Claire met Marty; she was enamored with Claire, and the two ladies have become telephone and skype buddies. This resulted in an even larger discount for Claire and Marty. He has pestered Claire to find out how large a discount they received. She will not tell. He is not happy. She pats him on the cheek, saying "Poor baby, just enjoy the weekend, lover boy." He will.
The lake is in northern Indiana, 30 miles north of Fort Wayne. Fort Wayne brings back fond memories, of course; that is where the sheriff's conference was held during which Marty and Claire met. A life changing introduction for sure!
Mama Susie had prepared the food for them to take; Claudia had offered; Clair gracefully declined. Claire had added some finishing touches. Marty promised to catch some Walleye pike, and cook it to perfection. As of Saturday afternoon, the fish were not biting. Oh well, Susie had them well supplied. She knew her boy wasn't going to catch any fish!
Saturday evening sees the couple cuddling on a double lounger on the top deck. The sun is about to set. Marty gets up and stretches. After kissing her on the forehead, he ambles off saying, "Be right back, babe." He disappears into the cabin for a few minutes. When he returns, he drops to one knee by her side. She has been dozing and doesn't notice.
Marty gently rubs her shoulder; "Claire Honey."
"Um," she opens one eye and notices that he's kneeling beside her. "Marty!" she squeals. She suspects what's coming; she has been expecting (hoping) for it for some time.
He grasps one hand and goes on, "Sweetheart, I want to go to sleep in your arms forever; and wake up the same way always. Claire Alexandra Mason, please marry me!"
"Oh my god. YES, Martin Andrew Deeks, I will marry you!"
They embrace and kiss as sol sinks into the placid waters. No waves, no surf, but they are ecstatic. They found their forever love in Indiana!
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FUN, FUN, FUN
12 hours earlier
Marty woke up early this Saturday morning. His surfer habit still has not worn off. Maybe never will. He kisses his girlfriend on the head as he slips out of bed. He can't go for his usual early morning run on the houseboat; fortunately, the boat comes equipped with both a treadmill and a Peloton stationary bicycle. He gets on the bike, logs on and finds that there is a 5K group starting in 10 minutes. Perfect, he has warm-up time.
He starts the race nice and easy; he immediately falls significantly behind. He never catches up. 'These damn yuppies, so competitive!' He logs off before the post-race comments start. He doesn't want to know.
He starts the coffee to brewing. It wakes Claire up; he knew it would. She rises up on her elbows. Early morning (for her) Claire is as beautiful as ever. Her red/bronze tresses hardly show bed-head. No makeup – she really doesn't need it. Gravelly voice – cute. Eyes – still have that brilliant sparkle. He can hardly believe it; he has found another amazingly gorgeous woman who loves him. And he loves her to death. Amazing! Someone must have a plan.
They are going to participate in several activities today. And Claudia Roberts has colluded with Claire to have a video produced, of their day.
The Roberts have 3 sons; Carlton, Jackson and William. All 3 work in the family real estate firm. Plus, Jack and Will dabble in video production. The two boys are present today, and will handle the cameras. Afterwards, they will edit and produce a DVD of Claire and Marty's day. Marty wants to know how much this will cost; again, Claire isn't talking. If he wasn't so much in love, he might get steamed. Claire has a way with him that Kensi didn't. It is a beautiful relationship! Activities of the day:
Water skiing.
Parasailing.
Wake board.
Swimming and diving,
Lunch. At a lakeside marina.
An hour and a half before sunset they retire to the houseboat. Exhausted and exhilarated. They have a piece of Susie's chocolate cake and a glass of wine. Then relax in the double lounger . . . until Marty gets up and excuses himself.
You know what happens next!
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PAIFIC BEACH MEDICAL CENTER, ROOM 302
Kensi was moved to a step-down room yesterday. Today is the 1st day Katie can visit her Kessie. To say she is excited would be a massive understatement!
She is bouncing in her car seat all the way to the hospital. Roger keeps glancing in the rear-view mirror to be sure his daughter is still secured.
They walk into the lobby and Katie immediately spots the gift shop. "Daddy, look! See the flowers, can I get one for Kessie?"
"Yes, baby, you can." She leads her dad into the shop, tugging n his hand all the way. He is just too slow!
The young girl peruses the flowers and falls in love with a bunch of yellow tulips. Roger reads the attached card; 'Yellow tulips signify joy, friendship and happiness'. He read it to Katie and she nods. "I like that, daddy."
"I do too," a tear almost escapes his eye. He pays for the flowers, including the small vase, and they head for the elevator.
As they walk down the hall, Roger has some instructions for Katie. "Remember, Kensi has been hurt. So be gentle with her, don't go jumping on her. Ok?"
"Ok daddy. I remember."
"Good, now here we are." He slowly pushes the door open. They see Kensi alone, sitting partially up in bed with her eyes closed. They are not sure if she is asleep.
They slowly walk over to the bed, and Katie stops. She softly says, "Kessie, are you sleeping?" Roger is proud of his daughter's careful, soft voice.
Kensi opens her eyes and breaks into a beautiful smile. "Katie, baby, come here!" She reaches out her arms and the little girl steps into her embrace, an awkward one. "Dad, can you lift her up here, so she can sit with me?"
"Will she hurt you, babe?"
"No, it hurts not to have her in my arms," Kensi declares.
Roger lifts Katie up and gently sets her at Kensi's side. The woman and the girl embrace. Both have a tear trickling down their cheek.
'Damn, I wish I was in those arms' Roger thinks.
"Daddy, the flowers." Katie reminds him.
He produces the tulips and places them on the over-the-bed table.
"I got these for you, Kessie," Katie remarks.
Kensie can hardly talk. "Thank you, baby. They are beautiful."
"They are for joy . . . what else daddy?" Katie hesitates. She looks to her dad.
"Joy, happiness and friendship," Roger can barely choke out. He is trying valiantly to hold himself together. Big, bad army ranger indeed!
They talk for close to 15 minutes before Roger sees Katie beginning to wilt. He knows, unfortunately, that it is time to leave. Had he been alone, he would have stayed. But he knew that he had to bring Katie for this 1st visit. Neither girl would have forgiven him.
"We will do our talking dinners after you get home and are well settled. Ok?" He asks Kensi.
"Yes," she takes his hand and squeezes. "I'm thinking of writing you a letter. I have lots of time after all. Would that be weird?" She drops her head.
"Not at all. Don't expect me to reciprocate, please. I'm not a letter writer." He chuckles. She does too.
He gives Kensi a kiss on the cheek, and picks a very sleepy Katie up. He winks as he turns and exits the room.
Kensi is alone again, with her thoughts. They are alternately dark and bright. How can she walk into the light? Does she know how?
In the past she would talk something like this over with Marty, her partner and best friend. Now?
She takes a deep breath and sends Marty a long TXT:
Partner, are you willing to talk with me? I really would like your advice about Roger. I know you may not want to do this. I am at Pacific Beach medical. We could schedule a call. My best to you & Claire.
She crosses her fingers and cries herself into a nap, dreaming of yellow tulips.
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TBC