The thing that most people didn't understand was that Max existed on a spectrum. There was the Max who charmed Nicole and Monica. He wasn't beyond a little cheating, lying, and stealing, but he'd probably be classified as a "bad boy" more than anything. Then there was the version who wasn't beyond beating up a guy over some information or threatening his girl.
This job required the version of Max Deeks hated most. The one who had few boundaries and wasn't afraid to get violent when his intelligence and sly words didn't do the trick. He had a few boundaries and something akin to morals, but he rarely let those get in the way of what he wanted.
It was that Max who sauntered towards an unassuming brick building. He'd gone with a suit for the first meet, wanting to start off on even footing with the leader of the trafficking ring, Tobias Mason.
By all accounts, Mason kept his men in line with the knowledge that if any of them stepped out of line, it was probably the last mistake they'd ever make. Deeks didn't have any doubts about that reputation either. The entire reason he was able to step in was because his predecessor had met an untimely end after some staged photos of him meeting with a rival had made their way to Mason. Deeks would feel worse about being inadvertently responsible for another man's death, if it weren't for the fact that the guy was nearly as bad as Mason.
Shifting his shoulders into the cloak of cockiness that was so key to Max, and tapped twice on the metal door at the back of the building. It was answered by a tall man with a leathery face, dull blue eyes, and a buzz cut.
"I have an appointment with Mr. Mason," Deeks said, when the man said nothing. He patted Deeks down, not taking any of the weapons on his person, before he stepped back and jerked his head for Deeks to come inside.
Deeks followed him through a series of rooms, separated by partial walls. Old machinery littered some of the floors, but it was clear the building hadn't been used for its original purpose for some time. Finally, they stopped in front of a small office, and knocked before swinging the door open.
There were three men inside; one seated at a desk, and the other two flanking either side, and all obviously armed.
"Mr. Gentry, I presume," the man at the desk drawled, standing slowly.
"Max is fine," Deeks answered, casually looking around the room. It was barebones, with just enough to get by for meetings like this.
"So, Mr. Gentry, how did you hear about my little business?" Mason asked, grabbing a bottle of whiskey and two glasses from one of the desk drawers. He poured a small amount of bourbon into each glass.
"A mutual acquaintance, Mr. Henson, mentioned you were down a man," Deeks responded easily. "Though I might be able to help out."
"You look different than the pictures I've seen." Mason gave him a once over, lingering over Deeks' hair, and face, his suit.
"I'm good at adapting to a situation. And staying out of sight of cameras." Deeks nodded significantly at Mason. "Something I think you'd appreciate."
"Mm. Why don't you tell me a little about your prior activities," Mason said, offering Deeks one of the glasses. Deeks considered it for a moment, the shook his head.
"I don't drink unless I open the bottle. And I certainly don't feel the need to brag about my work. If you need that, I'll go somewhere else."
Mason's eyes tightened at Deeks refusal, and Deeks felt a hint of disquiet, hoping that the mission wasn't already going downhill this quickly. He stared back, not giving any sign that he was even slightly intimidated by the other man.
Fingers twitching on the glass, Mason regarded Deeks for another moment, and then let out a burst of sharp laughter.
"You're brave, Max. I like that. For now." Placing both glasses to the side, he gestured to either man beside him. "This is Baker and Torrin," he continued. "Baker, show Max where he'll be staying for the night."
Baker, the larger and taller of the stepped forward. He had thick black hair and neatly trimmed facial hair that might have given a warmth to his face if not for his equally dark and hard eyes.
Mason moved towards the door, gesturing towards Deeks in a clear message that it was time for him to leave.
"I'll expect you back here in the morning at 8."
As Deeks passed through the door, he saw Mason lean in to whisper something to Baker.
"I think I can find my way home," Deeks said once he and Baker were outside. He had no illusion that he'd be making contact with anyone from NCIS or the FBI tonight, but he didn't like the idea of Mason or the others knowing where he stayed. The less they could piece about him, the better.
Out of the corner of his eye, Deeks caught a hint of movement, and reacted instinctually, spinning out of reach of Baker as he pulled a knife on him. He felt the faintest sting of the blade against his wrist.
"That's a hell of a welcome to the office surprise," he breathed.
"This isn't a joke," Baker growled, his eyes glittering at Deeks as he pointed the knife at him. "You do what we say, when we say. You try to be smart and you'll pay the price."
Deeks stilled for a moment, hands in the air. Then he kicked out with one foot, hitting Baker squarely in the abdomen; as the man fell, Deeks caught him around the neck, spinning him so his back was against Deeks' chest. He grasped the man's other hand, applying pressure until he heard the knife fall to the ground with a clatter.
"And if you ever pull a knife on me again, you won't have a chance to say another word," Deeks promised him, squeezing his arm a little tighter to bring the message home. "I don't like threats."
Baker gasped, fingers prying feebly at Deeks' arm.
"Do you understand me?"
Baker gave a weak nod, making a desperate sound. Deeks held him for another few seconds, only letting go when he felt his body start to sag. When he released him, Baker collapsed in an ungainly heap.
Brushing his hands off, Deeks leaned over and grabbed Baker's knife, twirling it a few times before he pocketed it. Baker stared up at him with a glint of fear in his eyes, but mostly loathing.
"Have a good night, Baker."
Deeks walked away, keeping an ear out in case Baker got a second wind.
He certainly hadn't intended to make an enemy so quickly, but he couldn't let Baker get the upper hand. Deeks could only hope that his interactions with Baker remained minimal and the need for revenge didn't outweigh any loyalty to Mason.
A/N: Whelp, Deeks is heading into this operation with lots of friends.
