Sheriff vs. Agent
Chapter 21 Looking ahead
8888888888888888888888
A/N: Hoosier65 asked an interesting question. Double wedding? That is not how I am writing it, but it's an interesting thought. That would be rushing Kensi & Roger.
888888888888888888888
NCIS-OSP
The viewing of the DVD went well. There was a good crowd and they were well behaved. They realized that the personal questions they all had were not going to be answered, so they were not asked.
When Marty succeeded with his 1st flip, they all cheered. When he wiped out on his 2nd & 3rd tries, they all moaned and groaned.
When the engagement ring was exposed, there were gasps. Then cheers. Not a few turned to their neighbor and wondered what really happened to DENSI? There was no answer, lots of speculation. Some were cognizant of Kensi's reticence, and rightly concluded that a proposal had been offered, and declined. Out of respect, they kept this to themselves. That is the kind of respect that Marty Deeks engendered. It is a testament to the kind of man he had become, in spite of his miserable childhood.
Hetty was proud, her trust had been validated.
88888888888888888888
1 MONTH LATER – ROGER'S APARTMENT
Kensi had brought Chinese take-out for supper.
The relationship between Kensi, Roger and Katie was strengthening weekly. Both adults were all in; Katie had been all in for a long time. They knew that a very important decision point was looming on the horizon.
After eating and clean-up, Katie was watching a movie and Kensi & Roger we re cuddling on the couch.
"Kens, I've got to tell you something."
"Ok," she dreads what's coming."
"I've got another 5 months or so left in the Glendale project. Maybe 6 weeks more. I need to look ahead for the next job. I need to keep the business moving forward, keep my guys working and supporting their families."
"Of course you do. What are you seeing in the months ahead?" She asks.
"Well, my home base is in the Midwest, as you know. I have two projects back there, just waiting my signature of acceptance. Then we can start planning, and go ahead. But-
"But, what?"
He hangs his head. He looks up and says, "You. Us."
She had anticipated that this was coming. Damn, why can't things be simple? Happiness seemed to be within her reach, for a while. Now?
"Roger-
"Kens, staying longer in California would be nice. But I have no leads out here, no reputation."
"Didn't this Glendale project start that for you?" Then she thinks – I'm doing it again. Forcing him to mold his life to mine. I lost Deeks because of that. Have I learned nothing? There was that question again. Selfish, selfish Kensi! When will it stop?
"Kens, I-
"STOP! Roger, I . . . I need to make a change. I lost Deeks because I insisted that he mold his life to mine. He wanted a wife, family, kids, AND a less dangerous job. I refused to leave my life as an NCIS Special Agent, working in the field, regardless of the consequence. Well, the cost was high! Too high. Now? To lose you and Katie? That cost, I would not survive."
She collapses in his lap, clinging to him for all she's worth.
Roger doesn't know what to do. He wishes he could call Marty; his advice had been spot on, so far. But he doesn't want to break the spell. He knows the folly of acting out of pity. That is no way to respond at a time like this.
He was about ready to express his love for her. But in such a highly emotional moment? Would that sound contrived?
"Kens what-
"I'm ready."
"Ready for . . . what?"
"If you will have me, I'm ready to go with you where you need to go."
"Kens, do you know what that sounds like?"
"Yes. I'm not ready, I don't think we are ready for that. But I don't want to shy away from that possibility because of my stubborn attitude. You go where the work is, and I'll be by your side as long as you'll have me."
"I will have you, thank you Kens. That is very freeing."
Roger goes to work; Kensi goes to the gym.
88888888888888888888888
INDIANA
Claire has received a letter from Claudia Roberts. She has read it and is flabbergasted. After supper she reads it to Marty:
Claire, my friend,
As you are aware, I am the COO of our firm. One of my responsibilities is for security of the properties that we actively manage. The employee who has been in charge of security will be retiring in 4 weeks.
As I think of a replacement, your name is at the top of my short list.
I am quite impressed with you and Marty. If you would consider this position, I would like to host you and him for a get-acquainted weekend. We would take care of all your expenses. Please call if we can schedule such a weekend.
Looking forward to seeing you,
Claudia Roberts – COO Roberts REM
(Roberts Real Estate Management)
Marty looks at her, raising an eyebrow. "Wow!"
"Yeah, wow! What do you think?"
"Well, you have intimated that you are willing to look at safer work. Is this something that you would consider?"
"Yes, at least enough to take a look. I wouldn't go for a weekend just for the heck of it."
"I agree. Shall we look at freeing us both up for a weekend in Indianapolis?" Marty asks, expectantly.
"Yes, I'll work on it." She gives him a kiss.
"Another thing?" Marty hugs her tighter.
"What?" She wonders.
"Wedding; where and when?"
"Where would be your 1st choice, my dear?"
"Malibu beach, sunset, ASAP!"
"May I sleep on that?"
"Yes, my love. I'll expect a response at breakfast."
"You will, will you?"
"Yup."
8888888888888888888888888
BREAKFAST
Marty wakes up to an empty bed beside him. It's an unusual morning when he isn't the first one up. He gets up, slips on his robe and pads out to the LR. He sees his fiancé concentrating on her laptop.
"What're you looking at, babe?"
"Malibu, Santa Monica, Manhattan Beach. Have you ridden the Eye?"
"Not yet."
"Wouldn't that be a kick, getting married at the top of the Eye?"
Marty eyes her, "Seriously?"
"No, but I would like to ride it. Maybe throw my garter off when I get to the top?" She gives him the side eye!
She giggles.
"You haven't had that 1st coffee yet, I see."
"Nope! Can you get that, babe?"
"On it," he shakes his head.
From the kitchen, "So, what about Malibu?"
"I'm in. You know my parents are gone, and I haven't any siblings or aunts and uncles. So, it's just friends from Middlebury for us. And your CA life."
"I've already called Eric to be my best man."
"He agreed?" She asks as Marty appears with coffee and cinnamon rolls.
"Yes, he did. What about your ladies?"
"Well-
"Am I not gonna like this?" He already cringes.
"I asked Claudia to be my Maid of Honor."
He stares.
"Marty-
"And she agreed. Plus, she will plan and resource it all."
"Pretty much. Now listen-
"Claire. I am just wondering when the other shoe is going to drop?"
"Meaning?"
"When will she start 'demanding' things from you, from us?"
"I don't see that coming. I really don't."
"Claire-
"Marty. What I see, what I feel is that she sees me as the daughter she wanted but never had. She is lavishing on me (us) what she would have done for her own daughter. I don't see her turning on me, or us, anytime soon. Probably not ever."
Silence as Marty sips his coffee and thinks.
"You sure?"
"As sure as I can be, sweetheart."
"Ok, I'll trust your instincts. But keep your eyes and ears open, babe."
"I will, thank you. I love you!"
"Love you too!"
88888888888888888888
TBC