A/N: Another story written prior to 12x7, "Overdue", airing.
"Agent Blye, you were Detective Deeks' partner before his liaison position was terminated, correct?" DSCA Agent Martinez asked, her expression not reflecting any particular emotion.
"Yes," Kensi confirmed, mirroring her expression. She didn't really appreciate the use of the past. As far as she was concerned, Deeks was still her partner. This was just a short hiatus that would hopefully be over in a few months.
"And you're also his wife." Kensi sighed internally, but gave Agent Martinez a bland smile.
"Yes. We'll be celebrating our second anniversary this March."
"Congratulations," Martinez said. She actually sounded like she meant it. Folding her hands together, she leaned towards Kensi, exuding that calm, overly professional air that was so common with agents in her position. "Now we're here today to discuss Detective Deeks' record and whether or not he belongs in the FLETC program."
"I'm well aware." Martinez nodded, pulling out a couple manila folders. "According to Detective Deeks' NCIS records and various reviews of the past 10 years, he is diligent, intelligent, innovative, and a dedicated team member." She glanced up at Kensi briefly and then added, "His LAPD files, not so much. He's often described as unpredictable, difficult to work with, and a loner. How do you account for this discrepancy?"
Kensi drew in a calming breath, trying to keep her nerves under control. She normally wouldn't be this on edge, but she knew how much Deeks had riding on this set of interviews.
"I'm sure you know that Detective Deeks worked in LAPD's undercover unit for several years. The nature of that work is isolated. He usually worked undercover cases with little to no back up and had to think on his feet. His life and others were at stake if he didn't make quick and often risky decisions," Kensi explained. "And since working with NCIS, he's had minimal contact with LAPD. They don't really have a good picture of his current abilities or how he contributes to this team."
"So according to you, Agent Deeks' performance has always been exemplary?"
"Yes." Martinez's eyes narrowed ever so slightly at Kensi's emphatic response.
"Are you aware that Detective Deeks filed a complaint against his former partner, Detective Francis Boyle? Based on the records, Detective Deeks seemed to dislike his partner," Martinez prompted.
"Disliked him?" Kensi repeated, forgetting her decision to remain calm and cool. "Boyle poured hot coffee on a suspect they were interrogating and then when Deeks confronted him, he put a gun in Deeks' mouth. Do you have that in all your files? Detective Boyle was not only a criminal, but a cruel, violent man who Deeks tried to stop."
Almost immediately, Kensi regretted her words. It was the perfect lead in for Deeks' IA investigation. Martinez didn't react other than to close the file in front of her and look at Kensi knowingly.
"That was a very passionate response, Agent Blye. I have to question the authenticity of your assessment of Detective Deeks' abilities," she said and Kensi balked.
"I would never lie about something this important."
"Maybe not intentionally, but as you've admitted yourself you have a very personal relationship with Detective Deeks. Can you honestly say that your opinion is completely objective?"
Beyond angry that her professionalism was being called into question, Kensi leaned toward her, voice low, but sure.
"Agent Martinez, I would never recommend Detective Deeks for this position if I didn't think he was qualified. I have worked with him for over 10 years, and while we do have a romantic relationship, that does not invalidate my ability to be objective.
"7 years ago, Detective Deeks put his life at risk without even thinking to protect his colleagues and ensure that nuclear weapons did not fall into the wrong hands. In doing so he endured unimaginable torture and yet he never broke, never said a word. Then less than two days later he left his hospital bed to again protect and assist his colleagues. That is just one example of Detective Deeks' skills and integrity."
Kensi jabbed her finger at one of the files, slightly denting the paper.
"These are just the result of superiors who have never been in that position and will never understand what Martin Deeks adds to NCIS and has added to my team," she added. Kensi sat back, straightening her shirt. She'd said more than she'd intended.
Agent Martinez nodded again, straightening her papers, and not looking at all fazed by Kensi's outburst.
"Thank you, Agent Blye," she said, standing. "I'll take the information you provided into consideration."