Jamie's Encore
Chapter 13 Watchers & Concert
CORONADO CONDO
Kensi and Deeks have arrived in San Diego. They have found the unit where Juan's grandma lives. Now they are in Jamie & Caitlin's condo and they discover that from the small front balcony they can view the target unit. How fortunate. So, Caitlin invites the NCIS agents (well, one agent and one investigator, how annoying) to stay in the guest bedroom as long as they are watching. They agree, after discussing starfish mode, snoring, sides of the bed and more. Caitlin found the banter amusing. She and Jamie, by comparison, are smooth as silk. And she thinks they both like it that way.
So, Kensi and Deeks set up shop. They take turns going for a walk/run and observing the opposite side of the target unit. In the first day, there has been no sign of the suspect. Only the old lady. They decide to knock on the door and see what they can find.
Deeks puts on his housing inspector uniform and knocks at the door. The grandma answers his knock.
"Yes, what can I do for you, sonny?"
"Ah, I'm looking for the home of Juan Hernandez. Is this it?"
"That sounds like my grandson."
"Does he live here with you, ma'am?"
"No, but he visits from time to time."
"Well, do you know when he might be here with you, again?"
"Well, he called this morning and asked if he could bring me supper tonight."
"Do you know what time he usually comes, ma'am?"
"Probably 6 o'clock or so."
"That's very helpful. I'll try to stop back then. Thank you very much ma'am. It was very nice talking with you. You have a nice day now. Good bye."
"Good bye." She closes the door.
Wow, not many people are so forthcoming. This is my lucky day, Marty thinks.
Marty drives around the complex and parks again and goes up to connect with Kensi.
Once inside, he asks "did you get all that on tape?"
"Yup, and forwarded it to Captain Espinoza and Hetty. They will coordinate and see if SDPD assists with a take down, or if Sam and G come down to help.
They await further instructions.
Hetty and Espinoza consult. He insists that his #1 team will assist Kensi and Deeks with the operation. Hetty doesn't have any ammo to refute his insistence, so he prevails.
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17:00 and all officers are in place.
Jamid, Caitlin and Olivia are ensconced in the condo.
18:15 and a young Hispanic male approaches the target condo, carrying what looks like 2 bags of take-out food. Supper for himself and his grandma.
As he nears the front door, two officers approach him. They announce themselves and he stops, puts his bags down and raises his hands. He is taken to a parked forensics van and finger printed. The prints are sent to an FBI lab, where it is confirmed that they match those found on the envelope and letter.
He is very cooperative, thinking he has done no wrong. He is read his rights and arrested. He does not ask for an attorney and interrogation begins.
It soon becomes clear that he is a low-level courier, and he knows nothing of the origin or importance of the letter. He doesn't know who hired him; only that he got paid to drop the letter off. There is nothing to tie him to Anton Hernandez, as far as criminal activity is concerned. Another dead end; Anton Hernandez remains behind bars supposedly still running his organization.
NCIS & SDPD will be watchful for further clues. The safety net around Caitlin will remain intact until after her debut concert.
Kensi and Marty have returned to the mission, opening up the guest room for the next occupants.
Now there is Jack! Where does he fit in?
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JULY 10
Once the young courier was on ice, Caitlin was much relieved and her concert preparations settled into her normal routine. She made it a habit to practice outdoors in the Rady Shell each Wednesday. The college crowd was growing, word of mouth from her 4 fans was working!
At LAX Jamie is waiting for his father and grandfather's plane to land from NYC. Jamie has arranged for them to stay in the guest room now that the NCIS presence has gone home to LA.
As usual he gets right to the gate. He is surprised to see that Nicky has accompanied the gentlemen.
"Hey Nicky, I didn't expect to see you!"
"Hi uncle Jamie! Things opened up at the last minute, and here I am!"
"Literally last minute," Pops rolls his eyes.
"Well, we will have to find you a place to sleep," her uncle grimaces.
"Oh, I can sleep anywhere!" She declares.
"You may have to!" Jamie frowns.
As it turns out, Olivia has a spare twin bed in her 1-bed apartment. She is happy to have some company for a few days.
JULY 11
Jamie and Caitlin had accumulated quite a selection of brochures and maps for tourists – such as visiting family.
Nicky and the older gents looked things over and planned their day. With a little help, they sequenced things so their time was not spent continually walking. Pops could not have endured that. They visited Sea. World (everybody does), Old Town and the San Diego Zoo. That was a FULL day! They brought a Mexican supper back to the condo, which was enjoyed by all.
The evening was very low-key, as Caitlin prepared emotionally for her big debut. She did 3 short sessions at the piano, interspersed with cuddle sessions in a love seat – with Jamie of course. After some of Henry's hot chocolate, she and Jamie went to bed early. This is the first time in her life that she has had the support of a man like Jameson to help her prepare for a big night. She could feel the difference!
JULY 12 – CONCERT DAY
Jamie had the day off, so he could support Caitlin in any way that would help her. They woke up early and enjoyed the breakfast that Henry had prepared. Jamie told Pops that they just might invite him and dad to come to San Diego for every concert that Caitlin would be performing in. Caitlin seconded the idea!
They went to the beach and walked, waded in the short surf, got fish tacos from a food cart, laid on a blanket and soaked up some rays, walked the beach some more.
"You will be so relaxed that you won't be able to play," Jamie teased her.
"No, sweetheart," She rejoindered. "This is so good!" "Thank you for doing this with . . . for me. I've never had this kind of support – and love! Thank you, Jamie!" She stopped, turned to him and wrapped him up in her arms. She planted the most passionate kiss on his lips that she ever had. He responded in kind.
CONCERT TIME
The audience was SRO and abuzz; the orchestra in place and warming up. The Rady Shell became silent as the concert-master entered and took her bow. She put her violin to her shoulder and motioned to the first oboe to sound the tuning note. He did, and the orchestra members tuned their instruments. The concert-master took her seat and things quieted down.
Music (and orchestra) Director Rafael Perez entered to steady applause. He bowed and took his podium. He waited an appropriate moment. Then he spoke:
"Ladies and gentlemen, it is a real pleasure to see you all here tonight. This will be a night we will long remember. We are going to enjoy the debut of the San Diego Symphony's PIANIST IN RESIDDNCEC – Dr. Caitlin McKenna!"
At the mention of her name, Caitlin strode gracefully from the left wing, toward the concert grand piano to a standing ovation including cheers of BRAVO.
As she approached, Rafael stepped down from his podium and took 2 steps toward her. He took her hand and lightly kissed each cheek. They both turned to face the crowd, she curtsied and he bowed. He turned to his podium and she took the bench.
After taking a few moments to settle in, Caitlin began playing the familiar strains of Beethoven's last piano concerto – No. 5, Op 73 "The Emperor". After curtsying left and right to massive applause, she retired to the left wing. The orchestra completed the first half of the concert by playing Symphony No. 6 in F major – "Pastoral".
To close out the 2nd half of the Beethoven by the Bay concert, Caitlin performed his piano sonata No.8 in C minor, Op 13 "Pthetique". She again curtsied and left the stage to a standing ovation. The applause would not stop until she reappeared, curtsied and took the bench. She held up a microphone and addressed the crowd:
"Thank you so much for such a warm welcome. It was a hard decision to leave Julliard in New York City. Your very warm welcome has shown me that I made the right choice. I will play one encore for you – one only (she held up 1 finger). To hear more, come to the next concert I perform in . . . there will be 2 per year.
"My doctoral dissertation was on Beethoven, this composition is one of his most well-known and needs no introduction." She turned to the keyboard and settled herself. She began the opening strains of "Moonlight Sonata". There were audible Oh's and Ah's – sighs of contentment and recognition.
She played movements 1 and 2 with feeling that the audience had never heard or felt. Then-
SHE ATTACKED!
Caitlin McKenna performed the 3rd movement with a passion, a ferocity the audience had never before witnessed. It brought them to their feet, and they remained standing until the last chord died out. Then they stayed on their feet and began a standing ovation the likes of which she had never witnessed – let alone received.
If you could have seen the faces of Henry, Frank and Nicky, you would have seen tears trickling down their cheeks. And they were not alone! Jameson was a total wreck. He was so damn proud of her. If he had a ring in his pocket, he would have marched out onto the stage and proposed, right then and there. He did make a decision, however. It wouldn't be long!
Caitlin made 4 curtain calls, the last with Rafael. In the 4th one he held up the mic – "shall we send her back to Julliard?"
"NO," the audience roared.
"Is she a keeper?"
"YES!"
She curtsied one last time, Rafael took her hand, and they exited the stage.
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TBC
Next – concert aftermath!