Sheriff vs. Agent
Chapter 30 Wedding & Election I
A/N: Well guys, we are reaching the end. This chapter & 1 more – maybe an epilogue. There is one more significant story arc yet to go. I've had fun adding to Hoosier65's great story. And giving it an alternate ending. I love DENSI, but if you thought that was the only way those 2 characters could have a happy ending, I submit that I showed that to be not the case. Agree or not . . . R&R! DocR47
VINCENNES INDIANA
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
When Kensi and Roger had discussed where to have their wedding, she had immediately told him that she wanted to have the ceremony in Vincennes, his hometown.
"But, Kens, weddings are traditionally in a venue of the bride's choosing. Town, church etc." Roger voices.
"I know, and I choose your hometown. This is my wedding gift to you, my love." She happily said, following it up with a deep kiss.
"Thank you, sweetheart!" He says when they break apart.
Kensi had a conference call with Hetty, Nell and Eric. She wanted to assess how much emotional damage had been done by her and Marty's decisions to leave NCIS-LA. She wanted to invite several former teammates to attend and maybe participate. After much discussion, the group agreed that she should feel free to invite anyone that she wanted to; individuals could decide for themselves to attend or not. The wedding party consisted of:
Bride: Kensi Marie Blye
Maid of Honor: Nell Jones
Bridesmaids: Claire Deeks (seated), Susie Deeks
Groom: Roger Lonnstrom
Best man: Marty Deeks
Groomsmen: Paul Lonnstrom, Ralph Kabrick
Flower girl: Katie Lonnstrom
Accompanying the bride: Marty Deeks
Ushers: Nate Getz, G Callen
Catering & cake: 1st UM ladies
Coordinator: Claudia Roberts
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Claire and Julie Ann were able to travel and attend. Claudia and James arranged for a private duty nurse to accompany the new mother and child; Maggie, the new nanny, was also along to assist.
Of the NCIS former teammates, only Sam Hanna turned down an invitation. Kensi rather expected that, but was disappointed nonetheless.
The bride and groom wrote and spoke their own vows:
KENSI: I was feeling very sorry for myself when I met Katie – then you, Roger. I had been very selfish in my last relationship, and it cost me everything. I woke up just in time, threw selfish Kensi aside, and decided that I couldn't afford to discard another good man. Or a lovely, trusting, beautiful little girl.
So, Roger James Lonnstrom – I am yours, only yours always and forever!
ROGER: When I saw you talking to Katie, I was concerned. I had drilled it into Katie – NO TALKING TO STRANGERS! Well,she held out an NCIS badgeand said "Kessie is my friend!" We all went to supper; you ate for two (Kensi swats him) and the romance was underway.
After losing a spouse and your child's mother, it's easy to think that life is over. You and Katie showed me that was true only if I gave up. You also showed me that there was a reason NOT to give up. YOU!
Kensi Marie Blye – I am always and forever yours. Only yours!
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LOS ANGELES
In a nod to Kensi's roots the honeymooners spent 5 days in Santa Monica. Kensi taught Roger the fundamentals of surfing, they rode The Eye and visited the NCIS-OSP mission to see some friends and former colleagues of hers. Sam had gotten wind of the visit and was voluntarily absent. This left Kens with a sorrowful feeling; but she couldn't do anything about that.
Hetty, Nell & Eric and many staff were overjoyed to see the couple. Many pictures were taken, hugs given, and mountains of well wishes.
They returned home refreshed and ready to resume work.
Kensi had a large project on her plate.
MANAGING THE REELECTION CAMPAIGN OF SHERIFF MARTY DEEKS!
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MIDDLEBURY, INDIANA – OCTOBER 10
24 days until election day.
Sheriff Deeks is sitting at his desk, perusing some reports when deputy Blye storms ingo his office.
"Look what is popping up all over town, Marty!" She throws a colorful placard down on his desk. (She never uses his 1st name at work!)
He looks at it – DAMN! He reads:
Your sheriff Deeks
SHOT HIS DAD WHEN HE WAS 11 YEARS OLD
Do you want to elect him again?
Elect Gregg Watts INSTEAD!
Wake up Middlebury!
"Watts? SOB! The sheriff we had a run in with
on Lake James," Marty snorts. "I'm gonna-
"You will do nothing!" Kensi stops him. "I'm your campaign manager, I'll handle this."
"But-
"No buts about it," she huffs. "You need to keep your hands clean; you will only do what I tell you to do!"
He smirks, "You always wanted to be in this position, didn't you?"
"Damn straight. Now let me get started on this, sheriff. Can you do the patrols for a couple of hours while I make some calls?"
"Yup, I'll be out there if you need me. Ma'am." He grins, then grabs his duty belt, jacket & keys and heads out.
Kensi sighs, sits down at the desk and picks up the phone.
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2 HOURS LATER
Marty steps in the door of the office.
"Well manager, what do we have?" He grins.
"Lots, take a seat."
He does; Kensi hands him a Coke. He pops the tab and sits back, crossing his feet at the ankles.
"First, Gregg Watts is a nephew of the sheriff we ran into at Lake James. Second, he signed a 3-month lease on an apartment 5 weeks ago. Just in time to establish residency in the county."
"How convenient!" Marty smirks.
"Exactly. Third, he has 6-months deputy experience under his uncle. Fourth, he is bank-rolled by some big spenders in Indianapolis."
"What?! What would they gain by supporting a candidate for Middlebury sheriff?" Marty is puzzled.
"Unknown; but it stinks!" Kensi is suspicious.
"Have you talked to Claudia? She may be interested."
"I haven't; that's a good idea."
"I have them once in a while." He grins.
"I remember, partner." She smiles.
She calls, Claudia is interested and promises to talk to the Indiana AG.
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LONNSTROM HOME – ~ 1 WEEK LATER
Sheriff Deeks was determined that 'honesty was the best policy' and Kensi totally agreed. She was setting up a press conference where he would tell the story. They wanted his inner circle to hear the story straight from him first.
Assembled on a Saturday afternoon in addition to Marty and Kensi were: Claudia Roberts and her whole family, Roger & Katie, Claire (she already knew), Deacon Arnholt (Amish, Maggie's father) and Mayor Poole. Nanny Maggie was there to attend to Julie Ann.
Kensi introduced the group to the issue at hand; she told the group that she and Claire already knew the story. Then she let Marty have the floor.
"First off, it is true. I did shoot my dad in the shoulder when I was 11 years old. The important part of the story, I think, is WHY did I do that."
He proceeded to explain why and answer questions.
Kensi followed up with her knowledge of him as her long-time partner . . . professionally.
Kensi was putting together a press conference and she asked for advice.
Claudia gave her some good tips; and offered the help of Clayton and Jackson – her two sons who were good with A/V media. Kensi gladly accepted their assistance.
The presser was scheduled for 2 weeks later, 10 days before the election. It would be held in the HS gym, with overflow seating and viewing in the sports field bleachers.
At meetings end, Kensi asked the Deacon to offer prayer. He did.
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SATURDAY – MIDDLEBURY PRESS CONFERENCE
Seating in the gym was tightly controlled. Deputies Claire Mason & Roger Lonnstrom acted like club bouncers, keeping a sharp eye on the 'rope'. There were 10 seats reserved for the press, a section for family, friends and supporters. The rest for community members – first come, first seated.
All interested press were promised a video recording and a full, complete transcript.
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FORT WAYNE, INDIANA
Early that morning, just as dawn broke, two private jets approached the airport. One from the east, one from the west. The western approach landed first; a large man and a small woman emerged and walked to a stretch limousine. They got in and waited.
The eastern approach landed 10 minutes later. A solitary, large man emerged and made his way to the limo. He got in and took his seat.
"Leon, nice of you to come," the small woman announced. "This is captain Roger Bates, LAPD, who has accompanied me."
The men shake hands, and introduced themselves.
"Leon Vance, NCIS Director."
"Roger Bates, LAPD UC manager."
"Henrietta Lange, NCIS-OSP office manager," Hetty grins at her two companions.
"Well, Hetty. What has our boy gotten himself into now?" Bates smirks.
Hetty smiles. She has told both men the basic facts; now she tells them the complete story. They shake their heads, uttering curses under their breath.
"I am grateful to both of you; thank you for coming and being prepared to speak in support of sheriff Marty Deeks. I consider him one of my own, and always will." Hetty voices. "My former agent, Kensi Blye-Lonnstrom is his campaign manager, and asked for my assistance. I gladly agreed. And I appreciate your responding to my call."
"Marty was among the best detectives I ever had. You owe me big time!" Bates growls.
Leon Vance chuckles, "Roger, you just needed to tighten the reins, or treat him better."
Bates glares. "Nevertheless I'm pleased to put in a good word or two."
"Thank you both," Hetty sits back and folds her hands in her lap.
2 HOURS LATER
The limo pulls up to Susie's Bed & Breakfast. The occupants emerge and walk in to the lobby. They are greeted enthusiastically by Susie Deeks.
"Hetty! I'm so glad to see you again!" Susie hugs the diminutive woman. Hetty returns the greeting.
Both men look puzzled.
"I have you 3 all checked in, follow me to your rooms. After freshening up, please return to the parlor and I will serve breakfast."
Once in her room, Hetty calls Kensi announcing their arrival.
When the 3 get back to the parlor, they see that Kensi and Marty have joined them. After greetings they talk strategy and enjoy their meal.
"Thank you all for coming! I'm flabbergasted, really!"
"Well kid, I couldn't refuse your manager's generous offer!" Bates exclaims.
Marty looks at Kensi, incredulous.
The table breaks out into laughter.
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PRESSER
Kensi opens the event with a welcome and basic introduction; then she turns it over to sheriff Marty Deeks.
"Thank you all for coming." Marty starts. "I learned long ago that honesty is the best policy – that is what today is all about.
"My first memory of my dad is when I was 4 years old, maybe 5. He was drunk, beating my mom and screaming at her. He was almost always drunk. My mom was screaming at him, and shouting at me to go to my room to be safe.
"Life was always like that. Eventually he would start on me, after he got through with my mom. My elementary and middle school years I had injury after injury; many trips to the emergency room. We always lied about the cause of my injuries. I always wore long-sleeved shirts and long pants or jeans to hide the bruises. Nobody ever intervened."
Susie is in the front row, weeping. Marty avoids looking at her. Kensi and Claire are not much better. He wonders why he let them come.
"When I was 11 my best friend gave me a .38 caliber handgun. He was having the same trouble at home as I was. He had a cousin in a gang who had access to guns. He said I should use it to defend myself or my mom, if things got bad."
The crowd started to murmur; Kensi stood and held her hands up, asking for quiet. They quieted down.
"Then things changed. A couple of times dad took his shotgun down from over the fireplace and waved it around. The third time, he pointed it at mom and said 'I'm going to kill you!' I had never seen that look in his eyes, or heard him say that! She ordered me to my room, again. I went upstairs and got the gun from under my bed. I came back down and stood on the bottom step so I could look him in the eye. I pointed my gun at him and he noticed me. He pointed the shotgun at me and shouted, 'you worthless piece of shit, you don't have the balls to shoot your own father!'. I proved him wrong; I shot him in the shoulder."
By now, many in the audience were weeping, especially the ladies.
Kensi got up and ushered Marty to a seat at a table just to the left of the podium. She handed him a glass of water and a cool rag. She took the podium.
"There are some folks here today who have volunteered to speak on behalf of sheriff Deeks. We will hear from them while he takes a little break. Then we will open the floor for questions."
"Captain Roger Bates," she motions for him to take the stage.
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TBC