Summary: Monty gets sick and that triggers events that no one saw coming. Deeks has a huge secret that he had kept from the team and LAPD. Now his life depends on how well the team knows him. It's a race against the clock to get Deeks back to them before they lose him forever.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Chapter 1

It was just after ten thirty in the morning when Deeks had finally pulled into the parking lot of NCIS. He had been up all night looking after Monty. Finally this morning at eight he took Monty to the animal hospital to get him looked at. He had been fine all day and then when Deeks was going to bed Monty started to throw up. As the night went on he got sicker and sicker so finally when the animal hospital was open Deeks put Monty in his car and drove him there. He had spent the last two and a half hours there with Monty as the doctors looked him over. They decided to keep him and run some tests. They were going to check his blood to see if he had an infection or if something else was wrong. Deeks had had Monty for close to six years. Deeks had trained him as a bomb dog. Monty had gone on operations with him when he went undercover; Monty had saved his life on a few occasions. After everything with Sidorov Monty had been there for him when he needed to spend the night sitting on the beach. Monty had been there when the nightmares got to the extreme and he needed a hug. Monty had been there to keep him company and gave him a reason to keep going each day. Now he was sick and Deeks was terrified that Monty wasn't going to make it.

Deeks let out a sigh. He knew that he was going to hear about being late, but he was hoping they would give him a break. Monty meant a lot to him and he didn't want to lose him now. Deeks got out of his car and headed inside. He was exhausted from being up all night and from being worried. He knew he wouldn't be able to sleep until he knew that Monty was alright and healthy again. Deeks walked into the bullpen and sure enough everyone's head snapped up as they heard someone coming. Deeks was still in the same clothes that he was wearing yesterday and he knew they would get the wrong impression. He really didn't want Kensi to get the wrong impression. Things between them had been a little awkward. After her rescue she had to stay desk bound for a few weeks. She was back to field work, but they have yet to bring up the fact that they had sex before she left. Deeks didn't know where they stood, if they were together, partners, friends or all three. Deeks didn't push, because that was his thing, but that didn't mean he didn't love her. That didn't mean that Deeks wasn't waiting to see where she saw them before he ever thought about someone else.

"Well, well, well, look who finally decided to come in. I hope she was worth it." Sam said with a smirk.

Deeks put his bag down on his desk and headed over to the coffee.

"It's not like that Sam." Deeks said with exhaustion in his voice.

"Whatever you say Deeks." Sam said with a smile.

Deeks walked back with his coffee. He saw that Kensi didn't look happy, she looked hurt and clearly she thought the same thing that Sam did.

"Deeks, you're entitled to a personal life, but you can't let your personal life or relationships interfere with your work." Callen said with a smile.

Deeks sat down in his chair with a sigh.

"Monty is sick. I've been up all night with him. I just spent the last two and a half hours in the animal hospital with him." Deeks said with tiredness and sadness to his voice.

Kensi's expression changed at hearing that Monty was sick and the reason why Deeks was late and looking like hell.

"Is he okay?" Kensi asked with concern.

"I don't know. They admitted him and are taking blood work to see if he has an infection or something."

"Was he sick all day?" Sam asked. He didn't like Monty, but he had grown on him and Sam knew how much Deeks cared about Monty.

"No he was fine all day while I was at work. It wasn't until around eleven that he started to throw up. By the time the animal hospital opened he could barely lift his head."

"How old is Monty?" Callen asked.

"He's eight years old; I've had him for six." Deeks answered.

"You had him? I thought he was a police dog?" Sam asked.

"He is. I was undercover six years ago as a homeless man and I found him. He was on the streets as a stray and when I finished my operation I took him home with me. I trained him to sniff out bombs. He was placed in the bomb squad unit on the occasion when he wasn't doing undercover operations with me. He's been on thirty-three operations with me. He's saved my life five times. He's also been responsible for finding sixty-three bombs. He's had a good career."

"When did he get puppy stress disorder?" Sam asked with a smile.

"Bomb squad is very stressful. Monty is a sensitive dog."

"Is he going to be okay?" Callen asked.

"I hope so. They don't know what's wrong and he won't even drink water. They have him hooked up to an I.V to try and keep him hydrated. They are going to call me when they have the blood work results."

"I'm sure he'll be okay." Kensi said.

"Ya I hope so." Deeks said.

"Well we don't have a case yet. We're just catching up on paperwork. If you want you can take the day off to be with Monty." Callen said.

"No it's fine. I can't be in the room with him. I'd rather be here doing something then sitting in a waiting room counting the floor tiles. Thanks though."

"The offer is there if you need it." Callen said.

Deeks pulled out a file and got started on his paperwork. It wasn't until one in the afternoon, did his phone finally ring. Deeks noticed that it was the animal hospital and he answered the phone.

"Hello"

"Is this Detective Deeks?"

"Yes it is."

"Detective, can you hold for the Veterinarian please?"

"Of course."

Deeks could hear the elevator hold music in the background for a few minutes before the Vet came on the line.

"Detective, are you there?" The female Vet asked.

"Yes I am. Did you find out what is making Monty sick?"

"I have. As you know we took some blood work and I have the results of it back. Detective, Monty has Tetrahydrozline in his system."

"I'm sorry I have no idea what that is."

"It's a chemical that is very dangerous to animals and humans should they ingest it. It's most common use is in eye drops. It's a chemical to help with pink eye and such."

"I don't have eye drops in my house. That doesn't make any sense."

"I'm not sure how Monty ingested it. I can tell you it was a large amount. If you hadn't brought him in when you did he would have been too far gone for us to do anything. I'm only a Vet, I can't tell you how it happened; I can tell you that with that large of amount it wasn't an accident."

"Are you saying he was poisoned?"

That got Sam, Callen and Kensi's attention. They all looked at each other and back to Deeks as he finished his phone call.

"Yes I am."

"That doesn't make any sense he's not around anyone. He's been eating the same food that he's eaten for nine years. It's not even a new bag of food."

"Like I said I can't tell you how it got into his system. I can tell you that it would have taken three to four hours after he ingested it before he started to get sick."

"Um… is he going to be okay?"

"He'll be fine. I have him on a strong medicine right now to clear out his system. He should make a full recovery. I would like to keep him for a few days though to make sure he's fine."

"Okay I'll come by after work and see him. Thank-you."

"You're welcome Detective."

Deeks hung up his phone and he could see everyone watching him waiting for him to explain. Kensi spoke first.

"Monty was poisoned?"

"Apparently with some chemical that is typically found in eye drops. Some long t name."

"Tetrahydrozline" Kensi said.

"Ya that would be the one. This doesn't make any sense. Monty wouldn't have come in contact with that." Deeks stated.

"What did you do yesterday?" Sam asked.

"I got up; we went for a run on the beach like we do every morning and before you ask yes we go a different route each day Sam. We got back and I fed him breakfast while I got ready for work. Then I left and came home after work. I gave him dinner then that was it. At eleven he started to get sick. The Vet said he had to ingest the poison three to four hours before he got sick. So his food or water must have made him sick. Like I said though, it's not a new bag. He's been eating it all week without a problem."

"What about the water?" Callen asked.

"Its' tap water and I drink it two. I would have been sick."

"When you go for a run, you lock your door?" Sam asked.

"Of course."

"Could someone get in?" Kensi asked.

"I lock all my doors and windows when I leave for work. I do it every day."

"If someone picked the lock would Monty bark?" Sam asked.

"Depends on who it is. Monty is a police dog if the person came in wearing a uniform or he knows the person he wouldn't bark. If the person is someone he doesn't know out of a uniform he'll bark and attack."

"So let's go check out your place. See if anyone came in. We can take a sample of the food and water just in case." Kensi said.

"Seems a little extreme for a sick dog; even if you do love him. It's probably something wrong with the food from the factory. If it was the tap water I would be sick and so would my whole area." Deeks said.

"First off, Monty is an honorary member of the team after he found that bomb. Second of all, if someone is targeting you, poisoning Monty could be just the start. You don't know how Monty got poisoned and if it didn't come from some factory mishap you could be in danger." Callen said.

"I think you are blowing this out of proportion. If it will make you feel better I will go and look." Deeks said.

Deeks had already been planning on looking after work. Deeks didn't want anyone to know, mostly because he couldn't talk about much of it, but he was worried that this was an attack on him. Take out Monty and this person could easily come in when Deeks wasn't home or sleeping without Monty being on guard. Deeks got up, but so did Callen, Sam and Kensi.

"Really? We all need to go?" Deeks said lightly. He didn't want the others to make a big deal out of this. For right now he was just hoping something went wrong at the manufacturers.

"Yes we all need to go. If this was intentional we need to make sure everything is fine." Sam said in a serious voice.

"Fine, but for the record you are all over reacting." Deeks said as he grabbed his keys and phone.

"Going somewhere?" Hetty asked as she walked over to them.

"We're going to Deeks' place to check it out." Sam said.

"Why?" Hetty asked.

"Monty was poisoned and these guys are overreacting." Deeks said with a smile.

"He was poisoned by eye drops. Someone put it in his food or on one of his toys." Kensi said.

"It could be a simple manufacturing issue. I would know if someone broke into my house. Plus if they could poison someone why not put the eye drops in my milk or food. Why go through all that trouble to poison a dog?" Deeks said.

"Mr. Deeks does have a point. However, check it out anyways just to be on the safe side. This team has been through enough, I don't want any more surprises to come up." Hetty said.

"We won't be long Hetty." Callen said.

"Be careful." Hetty said.

"We will." Sam said.

The four of them headed out to their cars, Deeks and Kensi in his and Sam and Callen in Sam's. They all drove off to Deeks' apartment to check and make sure that everything was fine. Deeks didn't say much on the way over. His mind was going a mile a minute. It wasn't that he didn't want to tell the team everything; it was that he couldn't tell the team. He couldn't tell Kensi. She was the one that was going to be pissed off the most. Deeks had known that something would happen one day. He had been keeping track of everything over the years. He had set the stage like dominos if something ever did happen. All the team had to do was follow his clues and they would get to the bottom of it. The problem was they could easily not see the clues, they could not go looking for them and then it would all be pointless. Deeks knew he was going to have to step it up again. He was going to have to be on the alert. Whoever it was that had been tracking and stalking him for these last ten years might actually be tired of waiting.

It had been ten years that Deeks was aware of someone following him. Someone was out there watching him and stalking him. Deeks didn't know who it was; he had never seen his or her face. The only reason he even knew he was being watched were the photos that were left in his mailbox whenever he moved. He still to this day gets photos of him a few times a year. No one knew the whole story; no one knew that to this day he still gets photos. Deeks didn't even know when it first started to happen or how it started. He did know that if he ever saw the person he would know them. Deeks was confident it had something to do with his past, whether that is his childhood or his career. Deeks did know that someone had dedicated ten years or more to stalking him. This person wasn't going to sit around forever and Deeks knew this person would have just been buying his or her time until they were ready. Deeks was praying this was just some manufacturing problem and not that his stalker was now ready for more than just pictures. The pictures were disturbing as it was. They started out with simple things, just shots of him being on the beach, walking Monty, going to his car, simple things like that. Then four years ago they started to become more graphic, they were photo shopped with him being covered in blood. Him being killed in different ways; in different places. The pictures became far more violent and they were disturbing. Deeks shook his head to clear his thoughts and the images from his mind. He couldn't be thinking like that right now, he needed to focus and make sure the team doesn't sense that something is off with him.

They pulled up to Deeks' apartment and they got out of the car. Sam and Callen pulled up a few moments later.

"You okay? You were quiet on the drive over." Kensi said.

"Ya just worried about Monty. I know he's just a dog to some people, but he's like my partner. We've been through a lot together."

"I get that. Monty has been there through a lot of horrible operations and days you've had when you weren't with NCIS. I can understand why you're upset over this. I'm upset over it two. Monty has wormed his way into my heart. I hope he's okay."

"Ya me two." Deeks said as Callen and Sam made their way over to them.

"We going in or standing here all day?" Sam asked with a smirk.

"Well if we're gonna stand somewhere all day I suggest we stand a mile down the road. At least we'll be on the beach." Deeks joked.

"You are such a beach bunny." Kensi tried to joke.

"I'm a surfer and I grew up in L.A unlike you people. Beaches make me happy, but if you insist on doing this then let's go." Deeks said as he started to walk towards his apartment.

They walked up the stairs and headed down the outside hallway to his apartment door. They all looked at the door and they could tell it hadn't been tampered with, but that doesn't mean that someone didn't pick the lock. Deeks unlocked the door and they all went in. Deeks went around his apartment checking his windows and patio door to see if there was any damage but there wasn't. Deeks headed into his kitchen where he kept Monty's food. Sam, Callen and Kensi were assessing the windows and patio door on their own as well. Deeks opened the bin and saw Monty's food. It wasn't discolored and Deeks grabbed a handful and smelt it, but there wasn't a chemical smell to it.

"Does this chemical have an odor?" Deeks asked.

Kensi came into the kitchen.

"No it doesn't. That's why it's used in a lot of poisonings. No taste, no odor, you never know it was even in your drink or food. Given to a person it will just make you sick, but if someone puts five or more drops into someone's drink or food that person could die from it. It is a strong chemical that you cannot ingest." Kensi explained.

"But it's in eye drops, anyone has access to it." Deeks said.

"That will be a problem if someone is targeting you." Callen said.

"Let's take a sample of the food back to the lab and then we can call the manufacturing and see if there has been a recall or other reports." Sam said.

"That's all it probably is. No one broke in here." Deeks said.

"No, but someone could have picked your lock and you wouldn't know it." Kensi said.

"Monty would have barked and attacked." Deeks said.

"But you said he wouldn't if it was someone he knew or in a police uniform." Callen said.

"Someone also could have come in when you were out taking Monty for a walk last night. I'm assuming you took Monty before you fed him." Sam said.

"Ya I took him for a walk before I fed him, I do every night." Deeks replied back.

"So it's possible someone picked the lock while you were out walking Monty last night." Kensi said.

"It's also possible that there was something wrong with the manufacturing of the dog food." Deeks said.

"Deeks you need to take this seriously." Sam said in a serious voice.

"I am, but I'm also not going to jump to conclusions yet. Sometimes horses are just horses and not zebras. Let me call the manufacturing first and see if there was a recall or if other reports have come in before everyone jumps to conclusions. If there is fowl play then I will get serious and look into it. For now there is no reason to go to extremes with this." Deeks said.

"Deeks is right; it is very possible that something went wrong at the factory where the dog food was produced. Let's see what they say first before we go any further. Let's get the food tested to even make sure that is where the poison came from." Callen said.

"We should take his toys just in case." Kensi said.

"He doesn't have any new ones, and he wasn't playing with any while I was home last night." Deeks said.

"Did he play with anything that was yours?" Sam asked.

"No. we just sat on the couch watching tv last night."

"Alright, you two take that to the lab and we will meet you back at Ops." Callen said.

"Let's go partner." Deeks said as he grabbed a sample of the dog food and headed towards his door.

They all left Deeks' apartment and got into their cars. Deeks and Kensi headed off in the direction of the lab, while Sam and Callen headed back to Ops.

"I don't like this G. He's not taking this seriously."

"Give him a break Sam. He does have a point we shouldn't be jumping to conclusions. It's very likely that there was just something wrong with the processing of the dog food. Assuming it's even in the dog food."

"A chemical from eye drops? How does that get into bags of dog food that is processed by machines G?"

"The machines are monitored by employees. Maybe someone had a beef with their employer and wanted to do something about it. We don't know, but it does happen. If it wasn't from the manufacturers then we can do something about it. You know just as well as I do though, that the list of enemies Deeks has is long, and that list has only grown in the last two years. If Deeks is being targeted you know he will be on alert and taking this seriously."

"I know the last time it wasn't him that was being targeted, but he left himself open by not changing his routines. I just don't want to see him falling back into that. It's too easy to get comfortable in a routine. If someone did break into his house then they already know where he lives and his schedule. He needs to be careful."

"It's easier for us, because we don't have a pet. Deeks has to keep Monty on some form of a schedule you know that."

"Ya well maybe Monty should be going to stay with someone else for a little while."

"Are you offering?" Callen said with a smile.

"No. I hate dogs." Sam grumbled.

"I don't know, I think he's starting to rub off on you. You seemed a little worried and concerned for him when you found out he was poisoned." Callen said smugly.

"I was concerned for Deeks. If that dog dies we'll have to deal with him mopping around for weeks over it."

"Right." Callen said skeptically.

"Deeks has been through a lot in the last year. Monty clearly means a lot to him. I don't want to see him hurt if Monty dies. That doesn't mean I like the dog, I just don't want Deeks to have to deal with any more pain. There's only so much one person can take before they say enough is enough."

"We'll keep an eye on Deeks. No one on this team wants to see him hurt again. He just got over what happened to him when Kensi left and then we had to rescue her. He never said anything, but I'm willing to bet it brought up bad memories and nightmares for him. They clearly haven't talked about whatever happened before Kensi left. You can see the tension and awkwardness between them. They're trying to go back to how they were, but they aren't there yet. Deeks isn't alone in this. We will be there and if he is being targeted we will make him safe. For now let's just see what the manufacturer says."

"Fine, but if it's not from them, I will be going into full Seal mode on him."

"Just remember that Deeks is a person and is intelligent, despite how he may act at times."

"I know and I know he's a great detective, but still we all make mistakes and if he is being targeted this person obviously means business."

"We will figure it out. For now just relax Sam."

They drove back to Ops and once they walked inside Hetty was on them.

"Did you find anything at Mr. Deeks' apartment?"

"No, everything looked fine. Deeks and Kensi are taking a sample of Monty's food to the lab to see if the poison came from there. Deeks is also going to call the manufacturing to see if it was something on their end." Callen answered.

"So it's possible that this is nothing." Hetty stated.

"Possible." Sam said.

"You don't seem convinced Mr. Hanna." Hetty said.

"The bin was half way empty. If the food was tampered with at the manufacturing he should have already been sick. I just find it hard to believe."

"You could argue though, that if someone was going to go through all the trouble of breaking in to Deeks' apartment. Why poison Monty and not Deeks? Kinda seems pointless to go through all the trouble to kill Monty when he or she could have just killed Deeks as easily." Callen said.

"We see a lot of criminals do a lot of things that don't make sense. That doesn't make it any less realistic. Maybe he has a stalker, maybe this person didn't want Deeks dead, but needed Monty out of the way so he or she could come in the middle of the night to take Deeks. We don't know why Monty was poisoned, but if it was intentional the target is obviously Deeks." Sam said.

"Let's see what Mr. Deeks finds out and then we can go from there. Until then you all have paperwork that is behind. So I suggest you get to it." Hetty said.

"We're on it." Callen said with a smile.

Callen and Sam headed back to their desks and got started on their paperwork while they waited for Kensi and Deeks to get back. It was forty minutes later when Kensi walked into the bullpen.

"Hey, where's Deeks?" Sam asked.

"He's outside on hold with the manufacturer." Kensi said as she sat down.

"So it was in the food?" Callen asked.

"They did a quick test of it and they did find trace amounts of the chemical. We only brought a handful, so there could be more in the remaining food, or Monty ate the worst of it." Kensi said.

"Could they tell if it was intentional or not?" Sam asked.

"No, because they didn't have the whole bag. If they did then they could test all of the food to see if it was concentrated to one area or the whole bag was contaminated."

"Okay, but it stands to reason that if the whole bag was contaminated then Monty would have been sick this whole time from eating it." Sam said.

"We don't know that Sam. Let's see what Deeks has to say." Callen said.

"You don't believe this was an accident at a factory." Kensi stated as she looked at Sam.

"No I don't. I think something fishy is going on here and either Deeks knows something he's not telling us or he truly is this unconcerned over it. There are a lot of things he doesn't take seriously, but he normally always take safety seriously and this time around he isn't."

"He just doesn't want to jump to the worst case scenario without all of the information." Kensi said in Deeks' defense.

They heard the door open and they knew it would be Deeks. Deeks came around the corner and into the bullpen a few moments later. He made his way over to his desk as he spoke.

"Well that settles that. Turns out I am the eighteenth person to call about their dog being sick in the last week."

"So there was a mistake?" Kensi asked.

"Not really a mistake. Apparently, they had a less than happy employee who decided to quit in a less classy style. He apparently, felt that the company owed him money and they refused to pay it. So he went and decided to try and ruin the company by putting eye drops into partly filled bags at night when the factory was shut down. The company lawyers are working on issuing a recall once they figure out just how many bags were poisoned and when they were. They don't even know when they were tampered with because the guy finally left a week ago. Some of the bags that people reported the chemical in had gotten them three weeks ago. I got Monty's bag two weeks ago. They did offer to pay my vet bills though."

"Did they catch the guy on camera?" Callen asked.

"Security is going through them to try and find out just how far back he had been doing it. Once they know they will do a recall of those bags and pay the vet bills of those that get sick as well I'm assuming. He'll be arrested; I'd imagine the company is going to press charges." Deeks said.

"To save face they'll have to." Kensi said.

"So what this guy just put a few drops in each bag?" Sam asked.

"I guess. It's probably the last time they ever leave half-filled bags on the line at the end of the night." Deeks said.

"See Sam it was nothing to panic over." Callen said.

"I'm glad Monty will be okay then. Hopefully he makes a full recovery and this doesn't happen again." Kensi said.

"Ya it might be time to change his food after all of this. I better go tell Hetty so she knows she doesn't have to worry." Deeks said as he got up.

Deeks headed over to Hetty's desk and Sam just shook his head.

"What?" Kensi asked Sam.

"I don't believe him."

"Why not?" Callen asked annoyed.

"He didn't act any differently Sam." Kensi said.

"Something is off about him. I don't know what it is, but I can just sense it." Sam said as he looked at Deeks standing in front of Hetty's desk.

"I think you are being paranoid. Deeks seems fine to me, with all things considering." Kensi said.

"No offense Kens, but while you were away for your mission Deeks and I spent a lot of time together. He's hiding something, I know he is."

"Well even I think you are being a little paranoid, but if it bothers you so much try and get it out of him. You know just as well as I do though, that if he doesn't want to share then he won't. Deeks can keep a secret almost better than all of us." Callen said.

"I'll talk to him, but I don't think he's hiding anything. I might have been gone for a few months, but he's still my partner. He wouldn't lie or hide something like this. He wouldn't put himself or us at risk." Kensi said.

"I just can't shake the feeling like he's got some huge secret he's keeping from us. He was in too much control when he found out about the poison. He didn't even get slightly emotional." Sam said.

"He's a detective. His mind would have been going over possible scenarios right away. Deeks does have control over his emotions Sam." Kensi said.

"I know he does, but I still would expect him to have some emotional response to this." Sam said.

"I think you are reading too much into this, but if it bothers you so much then speak to him and see what he says." Callen said.

"I plan on it." Sam said.

Deeks walked over to Hetty's desk to inform her of his little lie. There was one thing he learned to master in being an undercover it was how to lie. Deeks smiled at Hetty as she looked up.

"Ah Mr. Deeks, did you find out what happened?"

"Ya it was a manufacturing mishap, well more like a disgruntled employee. There have been eighteen calls about it in the last week. The company is working on a recall once they know when the poisoning started. They even offered to pay for my vet bills which was nice of them I guess."

"I'm glad it was nothing serious, like someone targeting you. Have you heard from the vet yet?"

"Not since before we left. I was actually thinking about going down to see how he was doing. I know I have paperwork, but I thought maybe I could take it home with me. If that would be okay?"

"That's fine with me. Go see Monty and make sure he is doing well. I would also advise you to change your dog food brand and even change his toys just in case."

"I plan on it."

"Please let me know how he is doing and when he is better bring him in."

"I will; thank-you Hetty."

"It's no problem. Go get out of here and make sure he is alright."

Deeks gave Hetty a smile and he headed back over to his desk. He grabbed his bag and started to put his paperwork inside.

"Hetty is letting me go early so I can check in on Monty and get him some new food. I did say I would take my paperwork home though." Deeks explained.

"Well text me and let me know how he is." Kensi said.

"I will and text me if a case pops up and I'll come back in." Deeks said.

"I could come over later if you want or to the animal hospital to see him." Kensi said awkwardly.

"Um… ya just text me later and we'll figure it out." Deeks said.

Things between them had been awkward after everything and they truly didn't know how to go back to where they were before Kensi left for her mission. They were trying, but they truly weren't trying that hard. Deeks didn't know what Kensi wanted from him and he was too afraid to ask. So here they were in this awkward stage of their friendship or partnership and Deeks was certain Callen and Sam could tell as well.

"I'll see you guys tomorrow." Deeks said.

"Be safe." Sam said as he looked right at Deeks.

"I'm always safe." Deeks said with a smile as he headed out of the bullpen and out to the parking lot.

Deeks was going to go and see Monty, but first he wanted to take care of a few things. He wanted to get Monty some new food, new toys and even a new bed. After being sick and getting poisoned because of him Deeks was feeling the need to spoil Monty. He also needed to go to a regular store of his and get some security measures taken care of. He was going to make sure that him or Monty never got poisoned again. Deeks decided to head to the pet store first, because shopping for Monty always made him feel better. When he got to his usual pet store he grabbed a cart and headed to the food first. He grabbed a new bag of dog food, same brand, because it was Monty's favorite, but it would be a fresh bag. He then went over to the treats and grabbed a few different ones, making sure he got Monty's favorite ones. He then headed over to the dog beds and picked out one that was big and fluffy so Monty would be comfortable in it. It was twice the size of his current bed, one that needed to be changed after having it for so long. Deeks then headed over to the toys and grabbed ten new toys and bones for Monty before he headed over to the cash. Three hundred dollars later, Monty was certainly successfully spoiled. Deeks headed back to his car and put Monty's new things inside. He then headed off to a spy store that he frequented at. Deeks had been a regular at this store since he was eighteen. The store owner knew him very well and he was always happy to see Deeks come in. The owner had no idea what he did, he thought he was a private investigator and in a way he was. He was a detective so in a way he was a private investigator.

Deeks pulled up to the parking lot and parked out front so he could see his car. He got out of his car and headed inside. The place was empty and Deeks was glad for that. The owner came out from the back when he heard the small bell chime that was attached to the door.

"Martin, long time no see." The owner said with a huge smile on his face.

"It's good to see you two, Bill."

"Is this business or pleasure today Martin?"

"I'm afraid it's business, personal business. You remember my dog?"

"Of course, how could I forget Monty? How is he?"

"He's not good. Someone broke into my home and poisoned his food to get to me. He's going to make it, but he's pretty sick."

"I never understood why humans must hurt animals. I'm glad you are not poisoned, but still to go after a dog. That's just wrong. What can I do for you?" Bill asked seriously.

"I need some high tech equipment. Someone is targeting me and I don't know who it is. I need a way to keep an eye on my place when I'm not there. This person also picked the lock."

"I'm assuming money is no issue as usual?"

"That's correct."

"I have some things for you then. Come with me to the back. I save these things for good loyal customers that can afford it. You won't get any more high tech then what I have." Bill said as they started to walk into the back room.

Bill picked up a small camera barely the size of a nickel.

"Now for cameras, these are wireless and can be programmed to stream live to your cell phone. It comes with a program for your computer; you can actually upload photos of people who are allowed in your house. If the camera picks up a person who isn't allowed in your house an alarm will be sent to your phone, it will also start to take pictures of that person and store it for further investigations. There are ten cameras in the set and they are all connected to each other, so no matter where you put them in your house once one of the cameras detect a threat they will all detect the threat. Plus the cameras have a built in scrambler, so if a threat is in your home the cameras will scramble all cell phone signals. Pretty cool huh?"

"That is awesome. I'll take em. Do you have anything to help prevent my lock from being picked?"

"Not for a front door, however, I do have one with sensors on the inside of the lock. Normally a professional can pick a lock in five seconds at best. This lock is designed to be complicated. It can take a professional no less than two minutes to pick it. The sensors on the inside can be connected to your phone. What happens is once the sensors detect anything besides the key inside the lock it will send a signal to your phone alerting you that someone is trying to break in. It comes with two keys so you can have a spare at least."

"That works. What about for cupboards? I don't want to risk something happening to the food again."

"I have these locks, there is no key, Its a remote button that you would need to use to open the lock. That is the only way to get into the lock. There is no way to pick it. The only way someone could get into the lock is if they break it and if that happens then you know something happened."

"That's great. I really appreciate your help over the years."

"You are my best and loyal customer. I would hate for something to happen to you Martin."

"Thanks Bill. One day someone might come around asking about me."

"I would never tell anyone anything about you, you know that."

"I know, but one day this beautiful woman might come looking for me, asking you questions. She has long brown hair and mixed match eyes. I want you tell her everything you can. If something happens to me, she's going to be the one to come looking for me and she might be with two other men. If they ever come asking about me I need you tell them everything you can. Can you do that for me please?" Deeks asked as he showed Bill the picture of Kensi, Sam and Callen.

"I can do that for you, but for your sake I hope they never come around asking."

"That makes two of us." Deeks said with a smile.

Deeks grabbed what he needed and Bill rang the order through. Once Deeks paid he said goodbye to Bill and headed back out to his car. Deeks drove home and when he got there he grabbed everything out of his car and headed inside. He did a sweep really quick first, but nothing seemed out of place or moved. Deeks went about grabbing Monty's old things and throwing them out in a garbage bag. He then put his new bed where his old one was and he got his new toys and put them in his toy basket. Deeks went into the kitchen and threw out the whole bin of food including the bin. He grabbed the new food and put it in a new bin, then placed it in the cupboard. Deeks decided to do the locks first in the kitchen, because they were the easiest. He made sure each cupboard had a lock on it, plus one on the freezer and fridge. He wasn't going to be blindsided again with poison. Once the locks were setup in the kitchen Deeks went to work on the one for his front door. Deeks had changed locks many times in his life so it didn't take him long to get the old one out and put the new one in. He would keep one key and give the other to Kensi. She was going to be the one to come looking for him. Deeks knew he wouldn't have long to set everything up. He had to make sure the clues were perfect and that Kensi and the team would understand. Deeks knew he was getting ahead of himself, but he wanted to make sure if something did happen he was ready. He didn't even know who was after him, but this person had never come into his home before and Deeks couldn't help, but think that this person was getting tired of watching.

Thirty minutes later the new lock was in and Deeks put the old lock in the garbage. He then went to work on the cameras. There were ten of them; he was going to put one out front of his apartment so he could see if someone was outside. He was going to put one in each room as well and the rest would be in the living room. The cameras were easy to install they had self-adhesive on the back so all Deeks had to do was stick it to the wall, or item. Once all the cameras were in place Deeks grabbed his laptop and sat down at his desk. He installed the program and made sure he put it so that everyone on the team could be in his home. He didn't put their phone numbers down though, so if he did go missing and they came looking then the scrambler would still be in place. Deeks made sure his number was clear of the scrambler and once that was done the cameras were up and running. Deeks checked his phone and sure enough he could see the live feed. Now came the hard part. Deeks wanted to make a video just to explain a few things just in case he was taken. He wanted to be able to say goodbye if nothing else. Deeks didn't want to do this, but he felt like he had to. If he didn't and he was taken, this would be the last chance he got to say goodbye to them. Deeks took a deep breath before he turned on the webcam and began to record his final message to the team. Once he was done he saved the file and loaded it onto a flash drive. He went into his bedroom and put the flash drive in his secret safe.

Deeks looked at the time and saw that it was almost three. He had one more stop to make before he went to see Monty. Deeks grabbed his jacket and went back over to his desk. He wrote down two simple words on a piece of paper before he put it in his pocket and then left. He drove down to the bank that was on the other side of town. Once there he went in and went straight to the back where the safety deposit boxes are. He showed his I.D and his key and with the safety deposit box clerk they both went to his safety deposit box. Once it was open Deeks thanked the clerk and took out his box. He placed the piece of paper inside the box and then put it back. Deeks headed back out and smiled once again to the clerk. Deeks' mind was going a mile a minute. He was going over all of the clues he had made over the years and he was hoping they would hold up. When he started this it was ten years ago and he was doing it with the hopes that one day someone would know him enough to understand what he was leaving behind. Now that he had the team, he was hoping they would be able to crack his clues and understand where he was going with them. The problem was it wasn't like Deeks even knew who was after him. He didn't even have a clue. He had never seen the same person around him. He never noticed anyone following him, or popping up when he was around. Whoever this person was; was talented or dedicated enough to not be seen. Deeks knew that he was up against someone smart enough to not be seen by him. Deeks knew he needed to be smarter; he needed to leave the clues so if he did go missing the team might be able to figure it out, because so far he hadn't been able to.

Deeks headed over to the animal hospital so he could check in on Monty and make sure he was doing better. He didn't know what he was going to do about Kensi. He wanted to spend time with her, but the atmosphere was so awkward between them. Deeks didn't know what to do. He wanted to talk to her and see how she felt, but she just didn't want to have a conversation with him. Even at work when they were stuck in the car for hours watching a store for their suspect they wouldn't talk. Deeks had tried, but she was just constantly shutting him down. Deeks knew she went through something horrible, be knew how it felt. He wanted to help her, but she didn't seem interested in it. After he was tortured all he wanted to do was hide, Kensi was the exact opposite of him. All she wanted to do was work to the point where she didn't want to be around him unless it was for work or about work. Deeks knew that she was talking to Jack whenever she could, or whenever he could. He was still overseas so he couldn't keep in contact frequently or often, but she was talking to him. Deeks didn't know if she wanted to be back with him. Part of Deeks could understand her wanting to be back with Jack. He was her fiancé; she obviously loved him enough to want to get married to him. The other part of Deeks couldn't understand why she would want to be with Jack after what he put her through. It was because of him that Kensi had changed and became more closed off. It had taken Deeks two years to get through her walls. Why she would want to go back to someone that hurt her so strongly Deeks didn't understand, but it wasn't his place to say anything. Deeks felt his phone vibrate and he knew it was a text message. He didn't check it until he parked in the animal hospital parking lot. Deeks pulled out his phone and saw it was a text from Kensi.

Hey, can I come and see Monty?

Sure. It's the animal hospital on Kentucky Ave.

Deeks got out of his car and headed inside. He smiled at the receptionist and she let him go right into the back where Monty would be. Deeks thanked her and headed to where they were keeping Monty. He was in a pen, with enough room to wander around if he wanted. Deeks opened it and went inside. Monty lifted his head up, but didn't come over to Deeks. He was still hooked up to an I.V and Deeks knew he still wasn't feeling any better. Deeks sat down beside him and pulled Monty into his lap. He put the blanket over him and just sat there petting him. He felt his phone buzz and he pulled it out of his pocket, only this time it was Sam.

Hey, how's the mutt?

He's still pretty sick; he didn't even come over to me when I got here. He's hooked up to an I.V still two.

A few minutes later he got another one back.

Sorry to hear that, hopefully he'll be okay. How about a drink later?

Thanks, but I'm just gonna go home later and get some sleep.

Deeks knew what Sam was trying to do. Deeks knew that Sam didn't believe his story. Spending any alone time with Sam would be dangerous. Sam seemed to have a way to make him talk. There was just something about Sam that got him to open up to him. Deeks didn't want to put anyone at risk though; he didn't want to tell them that someone was watching him only for them to get hurt. He also didn't see much point in telling them, because he couldn't tell them everything. They would want answers to questions that he couldn't answer. It would be more of a fight and frustration for them then it would do anyone any good. Deeks wasn't going to put any of them at risk or in danger. Deeks knew that it might cost him his life, but he wasn't going to jeopardize theirs just to save himself. It wasn't who he was. Deeks felt his phone buzz once again.

Some other time then, but just know the offer is there.

Thanks Sam.

Deeks put his head back against the wall and closed his eyes. He was tired, that part was true. He didn't sleep last night so he had been up for over twenty-four hours now. Deeks wanted to spend some time with Monty before he went home to get some sleep. Thirty minutes later Deeks heard someone coming towards the pen. He opened his eyes to see Kensi walking into the pen. She had a sad look on her face at seeing Monty. Deeks gave her a small smile and she could see the exhaustion in his eyes. Kensi went and sat down beside Deeks and started to pet Monty's head.

"Hey boy. Aw you don't look to good."

"He didn't even move when I came in. He's still pretty sick." Deeks said with tiredness to his voice.

"You look horrible two."

"Jeez thanks."

"You know what I mean. You need sleep Deeks."

"I know. I'll go home soon. I just hate leaving him here feeling like this."

"I'll stay with him for a while. I'm in no hurry to go home."

"Do you have my spare key on you?"

"Ya why? Did you forget yours?"

"No I need it back."

"Oh, ok ya sure." Kensi said and Deeks could hear the hurt she was trying to hide. Clearly she got the wrong impression.

Kensi pulled out her keys and handed Deeks' spare key back to him. Deeks took it and placed it in his pocket. He then pulled out his new spare key and handed it to her.

"What's this?"

"It's my new spare key. The building owner decided to change the locks today. I got home and the guy was doing my apartment next. Wouldn't be much of a point in you keeping the old one." Deeks said with a smile.

Kensi smiled back and put the new spare key in her pocket.

"Why the new locks?"

"The other ones were pretty old so he decided it was time to upgrade I guess. I know a few of the apartments the locks were sticking and messing up on people. I guess he figured it was better to change them all at the same time." Deeks said with a shrug.

"Well that makes sense. Plus now you are the only one with a key to that place. You don't have to worry about past tenants that didn't return all of their keys two."

"Ya just don't tell Sam that, he'll be going around hunting down past tenants to see if they have eye drops in their medicine cabinets." Deeks said lightly.

"So you know he doesn't believe you." Kensi stated.

"I've gotten to know Sam pretty well after the whole torture thing. I can tell when he doesn't believe me. He asked me out for a drink tonight not too long ago. I turned him down. I'm sure he's frustrated with that."

"I told him not to worry about it. You would tell us if something was going on. You're not an idiot you know how serious it would be if the poisoning was intentional."

"Thanks, and if it was anything more than just some manufacturing problem then I would be taking it very seriously. I wouldn't put any of you at risk."

"We know you wouldn't. I just think after everything that has happened in the past year and a half everyone is on edge. We don't want anyone else to be hurt in our family."

"Ya I get that. If it had been anyone else I would have reacted the exact same way you guys did."

"You didn't seem that angry though or upset when you found out Monty was poisoned." Kensi said carefully.

She wanted to believe Deeks, but at the same time how could she ignore Sam's instincts. Sam had very good instincts and she had yet to see him wrong.

"I'm pissed off, but I'm also tired as hell. When I found out he was poisoned I was more just relieved that they knew what was wrong and could fix it. I just want him to be healthy again. Plus I stand by what I said it doesn't make sense to go through all of that trouble only to poison Monty when the person could have just poisoned me as easily."

"True. At least it wasn't anything more serious than what happened with the employee at the factory. He'll be good as new soon in a few days." Kensi said with a small smile.

They were silent for a good thirty minutes, before Deeks got the courage to ask what he desperately wanted to know. If something was going to happen, Deeks wanted to know where they stood. He needed the truth.

"So… have you heard from Jack recently?"

"Why are you asking me about Jack?" Kensi asked softly.

"Because I don't know what's going on anymore. I can't tell you how many times in the day I want to kiss you or hug you, but it seems like you barely even want to be partners. I know you loved him, you were engaged to him. It seems like ever since you got back to work you just don't want me around." Deeks said honestly.

"I want you around." Kensi said softly.

"As what? Because you are throwing mixed signals all over the place and I'm trying to keep up here, but one second you're hot the next you are cold. If you want to be with Jack then tell me. If you don't want to be partners anymore then tell me, because I don't know how many more days I can sit in silence with you."

"Jack is my past and ya it hurt a lot to see him. To find out he left to get away from me. He's not the man that I used to know and I'm not the woman he used to know. When it got hard, he left. You've never left. Even when it was hard you stayed. Even when I was screaming at you to leave me alone you stayed. You refused to let me go through it alone. You knew I needed you and you weren't afraid to stick it out. Jack is my past. You are my present and as terrifying as it is for me to say I would like for you to be my future. Jack is a good man, but you are a great man. A lot of men would have left a long time ago, but you didn't. You stayed through it all over the last three years. I know at work I haven't been that great with you. I've been cold and distant, but I didn't know how you felt about everything. Plus I'm afraid that if we go back to how we were that Hetty will split us up. You are my partner and I don't want another partner. I miss my partner."

"I miss my partner two, but I also miss my Fern."

"I miss my Max." Kensi said as she put her head down on Deeks' shoulder.

"I have patience and all the time in the world. Just tell me if I'm walking or waiting."

"Please don't ever walk." Kensi said sadly.

Deeks kissed the top of her head before he spoke.

"I'm not going anywhere."

They sat there curled up with each other for another hour before Kensi looked up and saw that Deeks had fallen asleep. Kensi smiled and went to kiss Deeks softly on the lips to wake him up. Deeks took a deep breath in and opened his eyes as he felt Kensi's lips on his. Deeks looked down and saw Monty was asleep in his lap. He checked his watch and saw what time it was. It was still relatively early, it was only six o'clock.

"Go home Deeks, get some sleep. I'll stay here for a little while longer with him."

Deeks rubbed his hands over his face to try and wake himself up.

"Ya okay. Call me if something happens."

"I will. Go get some sleep."

"I'll see you tomorrow."

"Definitely."

Kensi helped to move Monty off from Deeks' lap and into hers. Monty woke up and saw that Deeks was leaving.

"It's okay boy. I'll come see you tomorrow. You just rest. I got you some new toys and even a new bed for when you can come home."

"Sounds like daddy spoiled you." Kensi said with a smile.

"He did. So hurry up and get better."

Deeks gave Monty one last pet before he went to stand up.

"Hey" Kensi said as she grabbed the front of Deeks shirt and pulled him closer to her.

Deeks gave Kensi a kiss on the lips before he smiled and stood up. He was a little stiff from sitting in the same position for so long. He stretched before he spoke.

"See you tomorrow partner."

"See ya partner."

Deeks headed out of the animal hospital and back to his car. He was worried about Monty, but he was glad that Kensi was still going to be with him for a little while longer. Deeks started to drive home and his thoughts instantly went to Kensi. He was so happy that he had said something, because now at least he knew where they stood, where he stood. They were still going to try and figure it out and he could wait and be patient with Kensi. He knew she was still struggling after everything that happened to her. Deeks could understand what she was going through so he wasn't going to push, just like she hadn't with him. He was going to be there for her and together they would figure this all out. Deeks got home and the first thing he did was get changed and go to his bedroom. He was exhausted so he figured he would get some sleep now and then just set his alarm for five so he could get his paperwork done before work. With the new lock and cameras Deeks knew he was safe so he closed his eyes and let the exhaustion take over his body.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

It had been a week since Monty's poisoning. A week of bouncing back and forth between the animal hospital, home and work. A week of dealing with Sam's looks and questions, but finally Monty was coming home. Deeks had picked him up last night after work and brought him home. Monty immediately ran over to his new bed and he dug out all of his new toys and bones. He was happy to be back home and Deeks was happy that Monty was given a clean bill of health once again. Deeks decided to bring Monty to work today so everyone could see him again. Plus Deeks got the call late last night from Bates that he needed him to go under for him. Deeks didn't want to go, but Bates needed Max Gentry for an operation so Deeks didn't have a choice, but to go. Deeks knew that the team wouldn't be too happy, but he didn't have a choice right now. Deeks made sure he had everything he would need for Monty and he was hoping that Kensi would be able to watch him.

Deeks pulled into the parking lot at Ops and looked in the backseat at Monty. He had his tail wagging like he knew where he was. Deeks just smiled.

"You want to go and see Kensi, boy?"

Monty barked and Deeks smiled at him. It was good to see him back to being healthy and happy. Deeks got out of his seat and opened the back door. He unhooked Monty from his harness and grabbed his bag. He headed inside with Monty happily walking beside him. Deeks walked into Ops and headed straight for his desk. He turned the corner and saw that Sam, Callen and Kensi were there.

"Hey boy." Kensi said with a smile and Monty ran over to her.

"Someone got a clean bill of health." Deeks said with a smile.

"I'm glad he's better." Callen said with a smile.

"Ya now you can stop pouting all day." Sam said with a smirk.

"I don't pout." Deeks said.

"Ah Mr. Deeks, I see Monty is back to normal." Hetty said as she came over to the bullpen.

"He is."

Hetty placed the basket she had in her arms down in front of Monty before she gave him a pet. Monty started to smell the toys and bones in the basket as he wagged his tail.

"Thank-you, you didn't have to do that." Deeks said with a smile.

"We all put some things inside of it. Kensi said he got to go home last night, we figured it was only a matter of time before you brought him in." Callen said.

"Thanks guys. You're really getting spoiled eh Monty."

Monty barked before he grabbed a bone and laid down beside Kensi's desk with it.

"Well he looks comfy." Sam said.

"Ya that's a good thing. I actually have to go undercover this morning." Deeks said awkwardly.

He knew they didn't like it when he went undercover for the LAPD. It had a habit of not ending well, so Deeks could understand where they were coming from. Thankfully this was going to be the last time. Deeks had told Bates last night that he was resigning and he was going to drop it off today before he went on the operation. He was going to take the risk and sign the NCIS papers. He was hoping that Kensi would be alright with it as well as Callen and Sam. Deeks was taking a huge risk, but he knew should he need to get out of NCIS, Bates would always let him come back.

"What?" Kensi asked.

"Bates called me late last night. Something has come up that he needs Max for. I don't know everything or how long it's going to be, but hopefully it won't be too long."

"What's the assignment?" Sam asked.

"Just some drug dealer who has decided it's time to become a big fish. He's not there yet and Bates wants him off the streets before he does get there."

"If you already know he's dealing drugs why not just arrest him then?" Kensi asked clearly annoyed that Deeks has to go undercover.

"Because he's working with some major suppliers that we haven't been able to get. This guy is new enough that he might just be stupid enough to let someone work with the suppliers with him. Max is the perfect alias for it."

"How deep is it?" Callen asked.

"Deep enough that I can't come back here on the slow days. Guys I'll be fine and if something happens I will let you know. If I need help I'm calling you guys long before I call LAPD."

"I don't like you going undercover for LAPD, but you are still one of their men. You have our numbers, if you need anything call. If you need a safe place to be you can always go to the boatshed and we will meet you there. Be careful Mr. Deeks." Hetty said.

"I will. I'll be fine, it's not like I haven't done this before. Do you think you can take Monty for me?" Deeks asked Kensi.

"Like you even have to ask. Do you have his things?" Kensi asked.

"Ya in my car."

"When do you have to leave?" Sam asked.

"I just need to grab my jacket and my I.D. Then I'll go see Bates to get the key to the cover house and to the car."

"Do you want me to hold onto your badge?"

"Normally yes, but you can't now. New protocols, your Lieutenant now has to hold on to your badge and service weapon. Before, you could leave your badge and service weapon at home or with someone, because LAPD gives you an undercover gun, one that is only used for undercover work. So if there is a shootout or someone gets hurt they can trace it back to the same guns. Now though, you have to leave it with Bates, because apparently some idiot thought it would be a good idea to go undercover with his badge and service gun. One night he gets a little too drunk and starts waving both of them around in the air at the bar he's undercover for. Three gunshot wounds later he is now a paper pusher at the front desk until he can prove he's not an idiot."

"Are you kidding right now?" Sam asked.

"No I'm dead serious. What's worse is that the guy has been doing undercover work for like five years. He's not green, he's just stupid. I'm actually amazed that he's still alive after five years." Deeks said with a smile.

"Wow" Callen simply said.

"Some people's children." Sam said as he shook his head.

"Alright, I have to go. Is your car locked?" Deeks asked Kensi.

"Ya it is."

"Okay let me just grab my jacket and I.D and then I'll put his things in your car."

"Ok"

Deeks headed down the hallway and up the stairs to wardrobe so he could grab his Max Gentry jacket. Once he had it he went back downstairs and into the bullpen. He went over to his desk and opened the drawer where all of his were. He grabbed Max's before he closed the drawer.

"Alright, keys." Deeks said to Kensi.

"We'll come out with you so Monty can say goodbye." Kensi said as he stood up.

"Alright. I guess I will see you guys hopefully soon." Deeks said to Sam and Callen.

"Be careful Deeks." Callen said in his leader voice.

"I will. I have ever intentions of coming back."

"I'm going to enjoy the quiet while it lasts." Sam said with a smirk.

"You're going to miss me and you know it." Deeks said with a smile.

Sam got up and pulled Deeks into a hug.

"Just come back alive Deeks." Sam said with sincerity in his voice.

"I'll be back, I just might even surprise you when I do big guy." Deeks said with a smirk.

"You need anything don't hesitate to call." Sam said.

"I won't. I'll be fine guys relax. I know what I'm doing."

"We know. We just got the whole team back Deeks. We'd like to keep it that way." Callen said.

"I promise the first sign of danger I'll call. I really need to go though and meet Bates."

"Alright come on Monty let's go and get your things. You're staying with me for a little while." Kensi said.

Monty barked as he got up. The three of them walked out of the bullpen and out to the parking lot by Deeks' car. Kensi unlocked her trunk and Deeks moved Monty's things into it. Deeks then leaned against the trunk.

"The vet said to make sure he says hydrated and if he starts to get really sluggish and weak again to bring him in." Deeks said.

"I'll keep him with me at work for the next few days just to keep an eye on him and make sure he's okay before I leave him alone. If he starts to get weird I'll take him in. Don't worry I'll keep him safe." Kensi said.

"I know you will. If you are out in the field and you get into a fight he will attack. He's done it before."

"I'll remember that. Though, I wish my partner was going to be there in the field with me instead."

"I know me two. Unfortunately I'm the only one who can be Max, but I don't think it'll take long, I could be wrong though."

"As long as you come back to me then I don't care how long it takes."

"I'll be back. No matter what I'll be back."

"I hate this alias of yours. I know it bothers you more than you let on."

"It does bother me, but you never know one day Max Gentry might be the answer to a very important question that you need."

"I doubt that. I'd rather have Marty Deeks."

"You do have me and you always will. Now give me a kiss, I have to go." Deeks said with a smile.

Kensi smiled back and grabbed Deeks by the front of his shirt and pulled him down to her. Deeks was more than happy to move and to kiss Kensi. He wasn't going to let this be some simple kiss. He put his right hand on the side of her face and deepened the kiss. He put as much emotions and passion as he could in it. If something happened and this was going to be the last kiss he ever got to give her, he was going to make sure she would never forget it. After a few minutes they pulled apart slowly from each other.

"Don't you die on me." Kensi said softly.

"Don't worry Fern, I'll be back." Deeks said with a smirk just as he did the first time he told her that.

Kensi smiled back and took a step back.

"Be safe"

"You two partner." Deeks said before he gave Monty a pet.

Deeks headed over to his car and Kensi and Monty stood off to the side so they wouldn't be in the way. Deeks got into his car and Kensi gave him a wave as he pulled out of the parking lot and headed off down the street. Monty whimpered and Kensi bent down to pet him.

"It's going to be okay boy; he'll be back for us. Until then you can work with me."

Monty barked and Kensi smiled at him. It was clear how much Monty loved Deeks and would miss him while he was away. Kensi got up and headed back inside with Monty behind her. All she could do now was wait for when Deeks would come back to them.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

It has been three weeks since Deeks left for his operation. It was ten o'clock at night when Deeks was finally done being debriefed. Deeks headed up to speak to Bates before he left. Deeks had been in the locker room grabbing his things that he had at LAPD. He put them in his small bag before he left the room and headed up to Bates' office. Deeks saw that the door was open so he went in to see Bates leaning against the front of his desk. Deeks gave him a smile and Bates returned it.

"So I guess this is it." Deeks said.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" Bates asked with concern.

"I think it's time."

"You can always come back here if something happens, or if it doesn't work out. You will always have a spot here, even if it's not in the undercover unit. You will always be welcomed back."

"Thanks Bates. Hopefully they take this well."

"They don't know?" Bates asked surprised.

"No, I was worried that they would say something and I would question it. I'm just hoping that everyone will be fine with it."

"I'm sure they will be. If they didn't want you around they would have removed your position a long time ago. If you ever need anything don't hesitate to call me."

"Thanks. Same goes to you."

"Hold on to your badge and gun. The gun is yours to begin with and you can keep your badge as a little reminder. I'm not worried about you going around letting criminals use it. You've more than earned that badge."

"Good, because I didn't really want to hand it back in. I'll keep it in my gun safe so no one gets their hands on it. Just in case I get drunk in a bar one night." Deeks said with a smile.

Bates shook his head. "Idiot. Never have I ever had that happen. I would have expected it from some rookie, but not a seasoned detective."

"Is he ever going to get off desk duty?" Deeks asked with a smile.

"Maybe, but he's never going undercover again. When I'm done torturing him I'll put him back in the detective unit."

Deeks smiled at Bates, he was going to miss working for him, but Deeks knew this was the right thing to do. It was time he accepted that he was an Agent and it was time to actually put a label on it with NCIS. They were his family and he wanted to be there for them and help keep them safe.

"Thankfully he didn't die. I think that is the biggest wake-up call anyone could have given him. Maybe now he won't drink so much." Deeks said.

"He hasn't had a drop since."

"Good for him. Well I guess I better get going. I have to be at work for nine tomorrow."

"Are you picking up Monty?"

"Ya I am. I'm gonna go surprise my partner at him home; hopefully she's not passed out."

"You take care of yourself alright?" Bates said seriously.

"I will. You do as well."

Bates held his hand out and Deeks shook it.

"You were a great detective and you will be a great Agent. I'm proud of ya kid."

"Thanks Bates. You ever need anything don't hesitate to call."

"I won't and you make sure you do the same."

Bates gave a nod and a smile. Deeks smiled back and then headed out of Bates' office and out of the building. He walked over to his actual car and got inside of it. He looked at the building one last time before he put his car in drive and headed off for Kensi's apartment. Deeks was halfway there when he saw the headlights coming towards him from the driver side door. The next thing Deeks knew pain was exploding all over his left half of his body. Deeks knew that a vehicle had T-boned him, but his mind was screaming at him from the pain to his body. He figured he hit his head, because he could feel the blood coming down the front of it. His mind was a complete blur and he found himself unable to focus and move. His door was opened and the next thing he knew someone was holding him in a choke hold. Deeks tried to fight, but his body was in pain and his mind just didn't have the strength to get his body to listen to him. Deeks' mind was aware of his surroundings just enough to realize that this was the person who had targeted him for the last ten years. The last thought that went through Deeks' mind as the darkness took over, was that he hoped the team would find him before it was too late.