A/N: This was requested as a follow up to "Wrongfully Accused", but was not actually posted as part of Densimber.
Another ten minutes passed before the Dean's office door opened. He looked mildly surprised at seeing Rosa, Deeks, and Kensi waiting for him, but gathered himself quickly and ushered them inside.
"Mr. Deeks and…Ms. Blye?"
"Mrs. Blye," Kensi corrected.
"Mrs. Blye. Thank you for coming in," he said, gesturing to a row of chairs in front of a large desk. "I'm sure Rosa has told you why she was suspended from class."
"Yes, she did," Kensi said grimly.
"Well, our standard protocol for an infraction like this is an in-school suspension and—"
"I'm just going to stop you there," Deeks interrupted. Mr. Ruddell blinked at the intrusion. "I want to start off by saying we appreciate how much you and all the teachers do for students. I know teaching is an incredibly difficult job."
"I appreciate that, Mr. Deeks. So you'll understand why Rosa's teacher, Miss Kelly, has such a strict no cell phone usage policy," Mr. Ruddell said.
"I do and it would make sense. If Rosa was actually using her phone." Turning to her, he asked. "Rosa, will you share your side of the story?"
"Sure," Rosa said, shooting him a hesitant look. He nodded encouragingly as Kensi squeezed her hand. "Someone's phone was ringing in class but it was not mine." She paused to take a quick breath. "I was going to show Miss Kelly my phone, but the ringing stopped and then, um, she took it. My phone."
"I see." Mr. Ruddell regarded Rosa seriously. "That's much different than Miss Kelly's narrative."
"Which is why we're obviously concerned and hope to see a quick resolution to the matter," Deeks said.
"Mr. Ruddell, do you have our daughter's phone?" Kensi asked. "She hasn't seen it since it was confiscated."
"No, Miss Kelly would have it still."
"Then I suggest you get it." Kensi stared him down with a look that had proved successful during many an interrogation. The Dean cleared his throat nervously, and pulled out a piece of paper with the school logo.
"Usually, when students—"
"Rosa's phone is a key piece of evidence in this case, so it should be present as we discuss the details," Deeks explained.
"Case? Woah, this isn't court," Mr. Ruddell said, holding up his hands in a calming gesture.
"No, but I am a lawyer, and I know Rosa's rights and want to make sure everyone gets to share her side of the story. Don't make me quote case law, because that would probably just be embarrassing for both of us," Deeks finished calmly, sitting back. "I would hate to have to take legal measures."
"I'll have someone retrieve the phone," Mr. Ruddell decided with a resigned sigh. He stepped out for a moment, the murmur of his and the secretary's voice drifting in.
"I don't want to get anyone in trouble," Rosa whispered.
"Do you want to be in trouble for something you didn't do?" Deeks asked.
"No."
"Well, then things will have to be slightly uncomfortable for a few minutes. I won't embarrass you too much though." Deeks patted her shoulder reassuringly as Mr. Ruddell came back in.
An awkward silence descended while they waited for the secretary to return.
"We've been happy to have you here with us, Rosa," the Dean said, then added. "Recent incident aside."
"Thank you?"
Finally, the secretary returned and placed Rosa's phone it its familiar pale blue with a flower pattern case.
"Rosa did you turn your phone on or change anything on it before Miss Kelly took it?" Deeks asked.
"No, I didn't have a chance."
"Alright, please put your passcode in and show us if there are any missed calls from today."
Following Deeks' instructions, Rosa opened her recent messages, keeping the phone on the desk so everyone could see. The only missed calls were one from last night and another from ten minutes ago.
"Ah." Mr. Ruddell grimaced. "I'm sorry for the misunderstanding, Ms. Reyes."
"I accept your apology," Rosa said with impressive grace.
"So, can Rosa go to her next class?" Kensi asked. Her smile seemed pleasant enough, but Deeks could tell how badly she wanted to lay into the Dean. Luckily for him, Rosa didn't want to make a scene. Otherwise, he'd be getting an earful.
"Yes, I'll call Mr. Juarez to let him know she's on her way. I'll also speak with Miss Kelly about removing the suspension from Rosa's record."
"We appreciate that," Deeks said.
"Well, thank you so much for coming in. I'm glad we were able to resolve this issue," the Dean said, offering an insincere smile.
"Me too." Standing, Deeks offered his hand with his most judgmental smile in return. "Maybe next time it would be a good idea to listen to all perspectives before passing judgment." Mr. Ruddell fidgeted uncomfortably.
"Yes, well, I'm afraid I have another meeting." He gestured to the door and Deeks, Kensi, and Rosa stood, leaving the room.
"What an ass," Kensi said as soon as they were out of hearing range. Rosa snorted, covering her mouth.
"He's actually really nice most of the time," she defended the Dean. "Marty, would you have actually sued the school?" She sounded both amazed and a little anxious at the idea.
Deeks scoffed. "Of course not. That would be a waste of resources for something like this. It certainly get things moving though."
Kissing his cheek, Kensi looped her arm through his. "I love it when you intimidate people with your legal knowledge."
"It was very impressive. Thank you for helping me." Rosa smiled shyly, and Deeks wondered for the thousandth time how they'd gotten so lucky.
"We will always help you no matter what," he promised.