Sheriff vs. Agent
Chapter 11 Gold, silver, bronze
EAST CENTRAL INDIANA
Cracker Barrell Restaurant
"I can't believe this! My former team would be laughing their heads off if they could see me now!" Marty Deeks held his head in his hands. He had agreed to a dinner date with Claire Mason, his girlfriend. She told him to dress casual, but shirt and shoes were required. He sucked wind at that, but went along with her advice. And was she ever spot on!
"You could have gone with black tie," she huffed. "Then the entire place would have been staring at us. The little kids would have been pointing, and their moms would have been covering their little one's eyes. And I would have made you sit all alone."
He glared, "You wouldn't!" He sputtered.
"Try me next time!" She glared, then grinned.
Marty stuck his head in the menu. "What are grits?"
"Cooked corn meal." She speaks.
"You're kidding!" His mouth drops open.
"Nope. I usually have them for breakfast; refried with butter and real maple syrup." She admits.
The waitress stops by.
Marty thinks she asked if they were ready to order. He's not sure.
"I'll have the meat loaf, garlic mashed potatoes, creamed spinach, 1 corn on the cob and a biscuit with butter and honey." Claire rattles off her order.
To avoid embarrassing himself, Marty orders the same.
"And a beverage, ma'am and sir?"
"May I see a wine list," Marty inquires.
Both the waitress and Claire stare at him.
'What did I say?' He thinks.
"Claire, babe, order drinks please," that works better.
"Two Michelob Light, please," Claire recites.
"Excellent choice, ma'am" the girl compliments his girlfriend. She trots off to put in their orders.
'Note to self: let Claire order drinks, save face!'
Claire bends close and whispers, "After dinner I want to peruse the gift shop. I saw some cute stuff in there as we came in. I like to have little toys and things in my squad car. For the kiddies that I might run into during the day. You ever do that, sweetie?"
"Ah, no. But I can see the attraction. Good idea!" He chokes back a laugh. 'Marty, you aren't n LA anymore!'
Their food and beer arrive, and they settle into a quiet meal.
Except for that baby screaming across the way.
And the old man with the 12-inch beard at the table next to them – belching up a storm.
'Next time I'll pick the restaurant. Definitely.'
Did he see Claire snicker?
'Is this a test? OMG – it is!'
"I'll get you for this!" He looks askance at her.
She grins, says nothing. She is looking forward to her punishment, and he knows it!
Damn, what's a guy gonna do?
Grin & bear it!
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9-MONTHS LATER
Personal: 6 weeks ago, Marty asked Claire to move in with him, she accepted. Their personal relationship is progressing very nicely. He finds himself comparing her to Kensi less and less. He knew it would take time, and it has. He is very satisfied with his choice to stay in Indiana. Claire, the community, the relatively safer work environment are all positive factors. His prioritized list of pros and cons is bearing itself to be accurate.
In 2 months', the two of them will be attending the annual sheriff's conference in Indianapolis. This year the event is co-sponsored by the Great Lakes NCIS office. Word on the grapevine is that NCIS-OSP will be sending a delegation! He isn't sure if he is looking forward to seeing his old team or not. Seeing Kensi could be quite problematic. He and Claire have talked about it; he has her full support – something he is grateful for.
This year he is completely healthy; he has warned Claire that he fully intends to kick her ass on the obstacle course. She looked at him and chuckled – the gauntlet has been thrown down! Damn, he is looking forward to this, so is she!
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INDIANAPPOLIS CONFERENCE
The airport shuttle from the Embassy Suites hotel takes on a full load of guests and luggage at the curb side pick up area. Marty finds himself looking around everywhere he goes, wondering if he will spot Callen's team. He has been contacting Hetty almost every month to keep in touch. She hasn't mentioned this conference; he hasn't asked.
After loading their bags, Marty & Claire take adjacent seats. They know no other passengers; he finds himself relieved. Is this how it's going to be the entire time. He is going to be an emotional train wreck! Except for-
Claire.
He finds himself leaning on her more and more. And she is always there for him. Kensi was too. But Claire doesn't have the difficulty communicating, she has no tendency to shut down, to push him away. Marty finds it to be an easier relationship, not high maintenance. He will never regret his time with Kensi, never. This is just easier – and he loves it. And Claire!
They get to the hotel, check in and follow the bell-boy with their luggage to their room. The door is opened for them and as he goes to enter, Marty looks around. Across the way, on the same floor, he sees Sam entering a room. He makes note of the room's position and follows Claire into their own 'suite'.
After the young man gets his tip, and they get settled, Marty talks. "Claire, I saw Sam Hanna enter a room across the way. On our floor."
"Marty, babe, we've talked about this. Don't get all worked up, please. I'm here for you, you know."
"You may never know how much I appreciate you. I love you sweetheart!"
"And I love you, babe!" She leans in and gives him a long, deep kiss.
He relaxes under her touch. "Maybe we'll meet at breakfast?"
"That would be a nice way to start the day," she smiles warmly.
He returns the smile, and gives her one more kiss. "Dinner?"
"Yup! Who chooses?"
"Me, babe," he remembers Cracker Barrel! He saw a Pizza Hut through the shuttle window. They walk to it, enter and eat.
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BREAKFAST
After their usual morning routines, Claire and Marty take the elevator down to the main floor. They enter the dining area and orient themselves.
They see the NCIS-OSP team working their way around the various food stations, collecting their food. Kensi is at the omelet station, waiting for her order to be prepared. Claire winks at Marty, leaving him to start collecting the food that he knows they both enjoy. She saunters up behind Kensi and clears her throat.
Kensi turns around and is startled. Claire ambushes her with a hug. After releasing her, she speaks, "Kensi, I thought it was you! Marty and I were hoping we would meet up with you and your team!"
'I bet you were, bitch!' Kensi thinks.
"Claire, isn't it? How nice to run into you! Where is Deeks?"
Claire can read facial and body expressions like the pro that she is. She can feel the poison radiating off Kensi in waves. She ignores Kensi's use of Marty's surname. If the two ladies had claws, there would already be blood on the floor!
"Oh, Marty is collecting our breakfast. He knows what I like. He is such a gentleman – as I'm sure you remember."
"Omelet for Kensi!" The chef calls.
"Oh, that's me. We'll probably see you around." Kensi picks up her plate, turns and scoots off to where her team is gathering. 'Just in time!' She sighs.
Claire turns and searches for Marty. She sees him at the pancake & waffle station. (Of course) She grabs a tray and heads his way. "What shall I pick up, hon?"
"Well, what about bacon & eggs? And juice? I'll pick up coffee."
"Coffee my way?" She smirks.
"Of course," he grins. Then pecks her on the forehead.
She sighs, 'God, I love this man!'
Kensi notices, and almost loses her breakfast.
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NCIS-OSP, LOS ANGELES
Hetty, Nell and Eric are monitoring the team from time to time. Each team member at the conference is equipped with an ear wig, button cam and mic. Their attendance was requested by the Great Lakes office due to a credible terrorism threat. They have noticed nothing so far. The team members are free to sign up for classes and activities of their choice.
Susie Deeks has been in regular contact with Hetty. The two ladies have struck up quite the friendship. Susie had told Hetty about the upcoming highly competitive obstacle course competition between Marty and Claire.
Knowing that information, Kensi & Sam have signed up. They intend to crash the party. This should be interesting.
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SUNDAY 10:00 – OBSTACLE COURSE
The obstacle course was constructed by a general construction contractor from Vincennes. Roger Lonnstrom was a fellow Vincennes HS alum as was Claire. He was 2 years ahead of her; she knew him peripherally.
The course is set-up so that 2 competitors can run at a time. 16 people have signed up to compete. (Claire, Marty, Kensi and Sam have all signed up. When the two teams see that – adrenalin starts to flow!)
All competitors will run a preliminary round. The lowest 8 times will advance to the semi-finals.
After a 2-hour break to refresh, semi-finalists will run the course. The lowest 4 times will determine finalists.
After another 2-hour refresh break, the 4 finalists will run the course. Gold, silver & bronze medals will be awarded to the 3 lowest times.
Claire is the defending woman's gold medalist. She would have garnered the silver medal in a combined competition. This year men and women will compete in a combined competition. Claire wouldn't have it any other way! SHE IS READY!
All 4 of our persons of interest advance to the semi-finals. Claire, Kensi and Marty make the finals. Sam is eliminated by 3/10 of a second. Obviously, he is pissed!
In the finals Claire & Kensi are paired; Marty is paired with Dan Malone, a deputy in the South Bend Sheriff's office.
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NCIS-OSP
Hetty, Granger and the Wonder Twins are monitoring the finals with piqued interest.
"Hetty, how would you handicap the finalists?" Owen asks.
"Eric, mute the comms, so they cannot hear us."
"Done."
"Well, I am afraid that Miss Blye holds on her shoulders the same burden that did Mr. Hanna."
"What are you taking about, Hetty?" Nell ponders.
"Hate, Miss Jones, hate." Hetty points out.
"Ah, you are correct Henrietta," Owen admits. "But I am sure that neither Sam nor Kensi would admit to that strong an emotion."
"Probably not. But the negativity towards Mr. Deeks, after he decided not to return to us is very strong. It can cripple an athlete. It certainly hampered Sam, in a big way."
"So then, where does that leave us?" Nell wonders.
"Look at Claire Mason. She is a greyhound! A very smart greyhound!" Hetty smiles in appreciation.
"Do you think she'll win?" Eric asks.
"I think she and Marty will finish 1 and 2, in some order."
"Is Marty that good?" Nell wonders.
"He has something to prove," Owen whispers.
"Indeed."
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OBSTACE COURSE FINALS
If you were watching closely, you would have seen Claire and Marty embrace, give each other a kiss, then pray for the other. It was either touching, or disgusting.
The group in Los Angeles was touched.
The smaller group in Indiana was infuriated.
The ladies ran 1st; Claire won by 5 seconds. Kensi stumbled across the finish line, crying. Claire came to console her with a towel and a bottle of water; Kensi swatted her away, angrily.
The men ran next. Marty won by 2 seconds.
When all the finalists' times were compared:
GOLD MEDAL Claire Mason
SILVER MEDAL Marty Deeks
BRONZE MEDAL Dan Malone
The three medalists had a group picture taken; then Marty and Claire had a picture taken. Marty requested copies of both be sent to him. He had a plan.
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TBC
A/N: I have vacillated regarding the end game for this story. I am a big time DENSI fan; I am also a committed happy ending guy. There will be a happy ending for both Kensi and Marty. But not DENSI. I hope you can appreciate this tweak of the storyline.