Sheriff vs. Agent

Chapter 2 Cheers & Jeers

MAMA D'S B&B

The 3 NCIS agents joined sheriff Deeks for a discussion and luncheon. Mama D had set out cold beverages and snacks as they got started at 10:30.

M: I think you all are aware that the #1 topic today is the timing of my return to Los Angeles. If and when I decide to return.

S: What's the hangup?

M: Well, when I arrived here the sheriff position was vacant. Had been for several years. I was appointed temporary sheriff, then I won a special election, handily, to fill out a 4-year term. The next regularly scheduled election is 2 years away. Given how strongly the community has embraced me, especially the Amish, I am struggling with the thought of leaving before my term is up.

G: You realize, don't you, how much we need and want you to return?

M: I do. But I have not even decided if I will be returning or not. It's a tough call.

S: You've got to be kidding me. Your talents are being wasted here in Podunkville!

K: Sam, shut up! That's not helping! She glares at her teammate. Her head bows, she's almost weeping. She feels Marty slipping away.

M: Well, Sam. These people need law enforcement and protection as much as anyone. NCIS-OSP has a never-ending stream of possible agents to choose from. FLETC graduates 50 or more twice a year. Plus, a high-profile team such as yours attracts many experienced agents all the time.

C: All true, but we have expressed our regrets, our mistakes, and our desire to have you rejoin our team.

M: You have, and I will take all that into account. Now, let's have lunch.

Marty texts his mother and she soon came into the room with their meal. The talk continues in rather subdued fashion.

After eating Sam and G leave to finish packing.

Kensi and Marty are left alone.

"Kens."

"Yes."

"I'd like you to think about something. If I do decide to stay here until the election, or longer; would you be willing to come join me here, begin building our life together here in Indiana?"

She is stunned. "Marty, I don't know what to say."

"Will you think about it, please?"

"Marty, NCIS is my life. I just-

"I know you signed up to find the truth about your dad's death. You solved that." Marty reminds her.

"Yes, but, there's so much more now. The team is my family. I'd like you to be part of that, again. Please?"

"Can you promise me to just consider it, please?"

"I don't know . . . maybe I can. I'll try."

"That is all I can ask. Thanks Kensi."

They part with a hug and a peck on the lips.

Kensi did not give him the feeling that she would seriously consider coming to be with him n Indiana. If that's his decision, he would be on his own!

RING

"Hetty here. Hello Marty, do you have news for me?"

"Not really. I'll tell you what; I am going to try and have some definition for you in 2-3 weeks' time. I'm going to attend a sheriff's conference in Fort Wayne in 2 weeks. I will touch base with you after I get back here."

"I look forward to hearing from you then sheriff. I hope your recovery goes well."

"Me too. Talk with you then, bye."

"Bye, Marty."

FORT WAYNE, INDIANA

The long weekend meeting for sheriffs and deputies includes lectures, equipment demonstrations, health screenings and physical ability testing. Of real interest is an obstacle course set up on a local football field.

In one break-out session Marty attended he met a deputy sheriff from Vincennes in the far southern part of the state. An attractive, willowy red-head named Claire Mason.

One of the activities they did was one showing trust for their partner – the falling back blindly activity. One partner stands with arms crossed on their chest. They then close their eyes and let themselves fall backwards; trusting their partner to catch them and not let them fall to the floor. Claire and Marty were designated as partners. They did the activity flawlessly, with smiles and laughter.

At lunchtime they ended up at the same table of 8. As they talked Marty told Claire about the possibility of a vacancy in his sheriff's department. She expressed real interest in moving up from her deputy position. They exchanged contact information.

In the afternoon Marty went to observe participants run the obstacle course. Claire was doing this activity. Marty watched her with fascination. She was quick, strong, but graceful. Marty estimated her to be 5'11" tall and very athletic. Her times for the course bested all previous female competitors; and exceeded 80% of all previous male competitors. Marty secretly wished that he was in shape, so they could have run the course side-by-side. 'Whoa, down boy'! He congratulated her as she was toweling off.

They agreed to meet for dinner that evening at a nearby Mexican restaurant. Conversation was light and friendly. Marty determined that Claire really was interested in the sheriff's position if he vacated it. She seemed like an ideal candidate; he promised her that he would contact her and start the process of helping her prepare to be a successful replacement. They parted with a hug; he pressed a light kiss to her cheek.

Back at the office he talked with deputy Anderson; the scholarship had come through. Jimmy was ecstatic. He would be leaving for school in 3 months. Marty realized he would need a replacement deputy before his own election came around. He knew whom he wanted to offer the position to.

RING

"Hetty here. Marty! Good to hear from you. What news do you have for me?"

"Well, I had a great sheriffs conference, I met a potential replacement; a deputy Claire Mason. She Is a deputy in Vincennes. She knocked my socks off on the obstacle course; bested all previous female competitors and 80% of all previous male competitors. AND, my deputy has scored a full-ride to Michigan State University, starting in 3 months. I'm going to see if I can bring Claire on as my deputy and groom her for my replacement if I decide to return to LA."

"Good for you. And how is your recovery coming along?"

"As expected, nicely."

"And have you made any progress towards your decision to stay or come back?"

"Not really. I'm focused on my recovery and making sure that the fine folks hereabouts have the best law enforcement possible. We'll see how it goes. Nice talking with you Hetty."

"Great to hear your voice, Marty, bye."

"Bye, Hetty."

Hetty picks up her office phone, "Mr. Beale, Miss Jones. My office NOW!"

Thy appear.

"This request is for your eyes and ears ONLY! Understand?"

"Yes ma'am."

"Find me everything you can on a deputy sheriff Claire Mason; Vincennes, Indiana. Record, personals, pictures, everything. Noone else to see or know about this. Go!"

"Can we ask why?"

"No, not now. GO!"

They get to work. 30" later they are ready. They call Hetty up to Ops to show her what they have found. She walks in and says, "Eric, secure the room."

All the auxiliary staff leave, and the room is locked down.

Eric puts their findings up on the big screen. Hetty then tells them what she knows from her talk with Marty.

Callen and Sam bang on the door, demanding entrance. Hetty refuses. They will be angry.

Hetty, Nell and Eric talk in a whisper. "Wow, she is pretty. I don't like this," Nell utters.

Claire's file is outstanding. High marks in all areas. No disciplinary actions. Several letters of commendation. Two medals that she refused, stating that she felt they were not deserved. She has taken all course work available, to better herself.

A worthy replacement indeed!

Hetty responds, "We've made our own bed, led by Miss Blye. We will just have to lay on it, hoping for the best."

They all have a bad feeling, a very bad feeling.

INDIANA

"Deputy Mason here, may I be of assistance?"

"Sheriff Deeks here, I certainly hope so."

TBC