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Golden Shields ( Katy1008 & CrimsonMaster )

A simple touch of Evie's finger would activate the unit in her ear. Then she would be connected to Neal & Eric, back at NCIS HQ, as well as to Tom and the NCIS team. Evie would be able to hear and speak with them. She just needed to speak carefully. T-Bone bought Evie the extra time needed. He really sold the punch. Dropping like a rock, placing his hand on his chin. T-Bone was cursing up a blue storm. Chin Liu's men had there attention off of Evie for the first time since she arrived in this room. T-Bone acted like that punch was the most powerful things he ever felt. Chin's men moved closer, several reached down to help T-Bone up. The men helped T-Bone towards the door. He looked back over his shoulder at Evie. Giving her a wink and flashing her a quick smile. Some of the men left with T-Bone. Those that remained didn't speak a word of English. They remained near the door. Their attention had returned to Evie.

Once the device became active, it showed on Neal's computer screen. The bright girl smiled while telling Eric they got Evie on the link. She announced the news to everyone else over the com. " Evie it's Tom.........Listen honey........I've got Sam.....Callen......Kensi and Deeks ready to get you out.........If you can.......Let us know if you've seen her.......Have they said where she's being kept? " Tom wasn't sure if Evie would be able to answer directly. She may have to answer indirectly. Coming up with a clever way to say "yes" or "no". Moments later the door opened again. The smaller man acting as Chin Liu's second in command entered. " What you did to Mr. Jackson wasn't very kind........But I'm glad to see you're ready for the fight........It's time to go. " The man said while stepping aside, allowing Evie to move out. Several more of Chin Liu's men waited just outside the door. They would escort Evie to where the cage had been placed. One of the open areas of the warehouse. The warlords were there, waiting on the cop to arrive. The men picked to fight Evie was certainly ready to make some pig bleed. It didn't matter that she was a woman. He was looking forward to inflicting pain on her. Chin Liu waited near Evie's side of the cage. He would speak with her one last time, before she entered. Chin still believed Evie could win. She was trained to fight hand to hand. The biker was a brawler at best. Around the cage were several dozen men and women. All powerful people with underworld connections. Even Ron Reed was here, waiting to see what would happen to Evie. He felt it would be a damn shame if something happened to her. Mainly because he hadn't taken Evie yet. Ron had no interest in whatever was dragged out of the cage if she lost. However, if she won. Ron may just have to pay her a visit somewhere. Showing her that there was nothing his cousin could have, that he couldn't take. Whenever and where ever he wanted.
 
Evie tried not to react when she heard the voice in her ear but there was a sudden sense of relief when she realised just how much back up was there. She sniffed. She looked at the men stood near the door and shook her head.

"I don't know where.... where these jerks come from" she put the emphasis on the first half of her comment and waved her arm in the direction of the door. She hoped that if the men at the door understood, they would think she was talking about the man who had just left. "You better not let him anywhere near my friend... I don't know where you have her... The least you could have done was let me see her ... let me see for myself that she's okay, but no... I still don't know if she's alive or where she is... but I promise you... there are plenty of people who are going to be coming after you whatever happens in that ring."

Then the door opened. Evie wondered whether someone outside had understood even if the men inside hadn't but she quickly realised it wasn't the case. She took a breath, hesitated for a moment and then walked to the door... walked out... trying to reassure herself that the team were there. She walked through the warehouse. For only a small audience they still made some noise but it wasn't quite the same as the only other time she had walked out to fight. This time there wasn't a single person she could see who wanted - or expected - her to win. Except Chin Liu. He knew her skills. Evie stepped up. She looked around. Saw mostly unknown faces... Ron in the middle of them... smirking a little... She could feel her heart pounding. She flexed her hands.... stretched her fingers and then balled them into fists... she rolled her shoulders. She wanted to look around more... she wanted to look for a friendly face.... Sam or Callen. Deeks maybe. Or Tom. She knew that they would be well hidden and she knew that even attempting to look might give something away, but it didn't stop her wanting to look. Wanting to confirm with her own eyes. But instead she focused on the biker. He was a big man. More than twice her weight. Over 6 foot. He was heavily tattooed, had a shaved head but a full beard. He did not look at all pleasant. Evie had to be fleet of foot and was going to have to punch and kick hard.
 
Standing near Evie's side of the cage, Chin grabbed her arm before she could enter. He spoke of throwing her a victory celebration if she one. This celebration would be one on one. He planned on using Evie for some fun if she won the fight. Chin even commented that Evie could always lose and get beaten, badly. But, if she did that, then pretty Alyssa would be end up Chin's bed before he sold her off to some rich Arab who wanted a white girl. Chin laughed because he knew as much as Evie hated him. She wouldn't lose this fight on purpose. Evie would do anything to keep Alyssa safe. Even allow Chin to use her body. Chin wished her luck before she entered. The large man standing acrossed the cage laughed at the sight of her. He joked about fucking her in the cage if there was a quick knock down. The man had rape on his mind. Rape in front of all the people watching on the internet. Getting knocked down was the last thing Evie wanted.

Chin Liu's second in command took to the microphone. He introduced both fighters. Evie drew boos from most of the crowd. T-Bone, who remained was clapping for her. Ron Reed was also on Evie's side. Well, he bet on her to win. That was far different then being on her side. The man said this was a fight to the death. No holds barred. Anything goes. Whatever happens, happens. The large biker grinned at Evie while saying he wasn't going to kill her right off. She would live long enough to have made him cum. Then he would do her in. Chin's man stepped outside the cage. The door was closed, then locked. Evie was now trapped inside. The bell rang. It seemed like Evie would be fighting after all. Suddenly there were two shouts. Tom yelled out "MCU!". Sam yelled out "Federal agents!". A wave of panic swept over those watching the fight. Some of the women screamed. Gun shots were heard. One being the sound of Tom's Desert Eagle going off. Chin took off running. Ron Reed and his henchmen didn't follow the panicking people. The bikers ran for their bikes. Leaving their friend trapped inside the cage with Evie. The large man had forgotten about fighting her. He was focused on trying to get out. Deeks appeared near Evie's side of the cage. He pulled a bolt cutter from under his vest. Deeks remarked about how incredible sexy Evie looked in that outfit. He spoke of the stuff wet dreams were made of.
 
Evie looked at Chin. She felt a shiver run down her spine at the thought of a 'one on one celebration'. She looked down at his hand wrapped around her arm and then looked up. She said nothing but she eased her hand out of his grasp. Chin could guess what she was thinking and he laughed as he let her arm slip from his hand. She stepped into the cage. It looked like it was going to happen. She took a deep breath and exhaled slowly... and then another... and then another. She spoke quietly under her breath.

"You know guys. Anytime now would be good." Another breath. She saw the biker opposite her laughing. Telling what he was going to do to her. She heard the microphone come to life. The voice introducing her. As the announcer spoke, the biker kept talking, loud enough for her to hear. The announcer stepped out. The cage was closed up. She looked at the biker. She heard the bell. She took a breath... braced herself... readied herself to move... to let the biker run at her... she wanted to make him run... tire himself out. But then the shout. For a second Evie didn't react. She was too focused on the biker and it was only when his attention moved away from her did she relax a little. She recognised Tom's voice... and Sam's. She was conscious of everyone running. Clearing out. Then she was aware of someone running towards the cage... towards her. She looked round, readying herself once again but then seeing it was Deeks.

"You certainly took your time." She jogged over to the cage, half an eye still on her opponent, half expecting him to come after her, but he was like a deer in headlights... panicked into standing still. She smirked as he commented on how she looked.

"Just cut the damn cage open and get me the hell out of here. We need to find Alyssa and quickly... before Chin gets to her. I don't know where they've been keeping her."
 
While cutting the lock off, Deeks told Evie how Tom spotted Chin. He said Tom went after Chin who was heading upstairs, to the main offices above the warehouse. Deeks then pulled an extra glock from his belt. He handed it over while pointing his AR-15 at the biker. Evie could now split. She was free to track down Tom. Deeks told the biker to get down on his knees and put his hands behind his head. The large man did as he was told. Sam & Callen had caught several of those trying to escape. These were underworld members who came here to witness a fight, but found themselves under arrest. Kensi managed to round up the fleeing bikers. She cut them off before they could reach their bikes. So far, no one had captured Ron Reed, or Chin Liu. Tom didn't even know his cousin had been here. He just spotted Chin running for a flight of stairs. Tom assumed he was running to get Alyssa. Chin would use her to escape. He still planned on keeping her though. Chin knew Alyssa would fetch a handsome price on the slave market. There were always Arab man, or Asians who would pay dearly for an American beauty. Hell, Chin had contacts in Russia who would love to have a real American girl of their own.

Chin reached the office where Alyssa was tied up. Guarding her were four of his men. He ordered his men out, into the hall. Chin knew Tom was following. His men would greet Tom while Chin made his getaway. Chin Freed Alyssa from the chair, but her hands were still tied behind her back. He moved her towards the far side of the office. There was an outside door which led down to the rear parking lot. Chin frozen for a moment. His attention was drawn to the gunfire coming from the hallway. Tom had come around the corner. He made it back just in time before Chin's men opened up on him. Ton returned their fire. He knew this was nothing more then Chin delaying him. " Does anyone copy?..........Chin's trying to escape by those outside stairs! " Tom spoke to anyone who could move to stop Chin. He continued to fire, Dropping two of the four men. Tom pulled back around the corner. Removing his now empty clip. He shoved a full one up inside, then returned to firing again.
 
Evie took the Glock and nodded. She moved away. She wasn't dressed for any kind of chase on foot ... a tight pair of shorts and a tight cropped top, but should could hardly stop and get changed. At least she wasn't in heels. Initially she wasn't sure who to go after... follow Tom or go for Rick. She could hear one by one that most people were being taken down. She knew Tom was after Chin. To follow and provide back up or to go for Rick. She decided to try and follow Tom. There was no way of knowing what he was heading into and whilst she had no doubt that Tom would not let anything happen to Alyssa, an extra pair of hands and an extra gun could do no harm.

She was getting to the bottom of the stairs when she heard the call from Tom. Now it was a question of going to back up Tom upstairs or going outside to the fire escape and cutting off Chin's route of departure. every instinct she had pushed her to go upstairs. But she knew that Tom would not thank her and she had to trust that he would be able to take care of himself. And so she quickly changed direction, avoiding the stairs and heading out of the main warehouse and into a long corridor. Instinct directed her but somehow she managed to find her way out quickly to the back of the building.

"I got the outside." she said quietly as she slowed... still moving quickly but not running; staying close to the wall of the back of the building, looking up... waiting to see additional light or hear voices. What she heard first was the soft 'clang' of someone stepping onto the metal stair case. A few seconds later she saw the frame... saw and heard it judder again. She looked up. Saw to figures. She stepped back and she waited. she needed to let both of them reach the bottom... get a clear shot of Chin Liu without putting Alyssa at risk. In her head she knew exactly what she was going to do. Alyssa was coming down the stairs first, with Chin a step or two behind.

Alyssa half stepped and was half pushed down the last two steps. She fell forward a little and this put some distance between them. She was out of Chin's reach. Evie couldn't have asked for a better break.

"Drop the gun Chin... or I'll drop you." Chin span around and as he did so he raised his weapon... not by much but it was enough. Evie fired twice. She hit low... she aimed low... both knees. The man crumpled in agony.
 
Chin could hear the guns of his men being silenced. This meant Tom was winning and would be coming after his daughter. Chin had plans to be already gone before Tom could make it outside. He never expected Evie would have been freed from the cage by now, or that she would have a weapon. Chin was confident that he would escape and he would celebrate his victory by forcing himself on Alyssa. In fact, Chin was boldly telling her this while moving her down the stairs. His car was parked only a few feet away from the fire escape. Chin was sure he'd gotten away. Alyssa had fallen, this caused Chin to slow down. He was ready to reach out and grab her by the hair, before dragging her to his car. That was until he heard Evie's voice. Chin didn't know how in the hell she had gotten out here. He took the chance that she wouldn't have a weapon. Chin made his turn, to face Evie. He didn't want to killer her, but she left him no choice. Chin had hopes of bedding her at some point. He believed she would provide herself to be a wild fuck. Sadly, that no longer seemed likely to happen. As Chin turned, his hand with the gun moved. He was going to fire once she was in his sights.

Tom kicked the fire door open just as two gunshots rang out. He looked down below, seeing Evie standing there and Chin laying on the ground. The man was screaming in pain. Tom rushed down the stairs. He helped Alyssa to her feet, then they moved over to where Evie stood. Alyssa wrapped her arms around Evie. Hugging her while thanking Evie for saving her life. Alyssa was grateful and spoke of owing Evie. Tom took both of them into his arms. He was damn glad to have Evie & Alyssa back. Both of them safe and sound. Evie did look pretty damn hot in the outfit she had on. He planned on letting her know just how hot later on that evening. Chin remained on the ground, holding his knees and screaming in pain. At the moment, no one seemed very worried about calling for an ambulance. That changed when a black n white arrived. They came because of a report about gunfire. Finding Tom, Evie, Alyssa and Chin. Inside, the NCIS team had several crime bosses and several members of the warlords under arrest. More LAPD units were called to the scene after Eric reported what happened.
 
Evie gave Alyssa a hug in return, relieved to see that she was completely unhurt. She smiled as she hugged Tom.

"Do you think you could have left that any later? Fighting one lunatic a year is enough for me thank you very much." They were all almost oblivious to Chin's groaning and whimpering until the rear of the warehouse was suddenly awash with red and blue lights. The three of them headed back inside, Evie heading over to where she had left Deeks, while Tom made sure that Alyssa really way okay and then checked in with the rest of the NCIS team.

Evie smiled back at a grinning Deeks as she approached him, sitting on the steps up to the cage floor, his dirty blonde hair as unruly as ever. The biker was still in the cage, on his knees but cuffed to the cage itself.

"Busy night huh? Bet you're real tired." Evie said, in truth pointing out the fact that Deeks appeared to have done almost nothing.

"Yeah... might have to claim some danger money." He looked across to the biker. "Your new friend here is not very nice." She looked over to him, shook her head and then looked back at Deeks.

"That was not something I was looking forward to." She took a deep breath and exhaled and then handed the Glock back to him. "This belongs to you I think. Thanks." She gave him a nod and got the same in return as he took the weapon back and tucked it into the back of his pants.

"Im going to get changed." She pointed off towards the back rooms and half turned.

"Im sure the guys at the station house wouldn't mind if you turned up like that." Deeks called after her. Evie smiled to herself but didn't turn around. "Im sure they wouldn't too... but they're gonna have to wait for the Riveria fight to get anything close to it." With that she disappeared. She found the clothes she had been wearing when Chin's men had taken her that morning, and she changed quickly before meeting the team back outside. She exchanged a few words with the rest of the NCIS guys and thanked them for their help and then she headed back to the station with Tom to make the statement which would be needed to keep those arrested in jail until they could be arraigned.
 
Deeks sat there watching as Evie walked away. He remembered a time when they could have been an item. Evie was very pretty, smart, caring and drop dead sexy. Even a good man would be driven to sinful thoughts after seeing her dressed as she was. The outfit highlighting all the right places on her body. There was some amount of regret within Deeks for not sleeping with her when he had the chance. Part of him wished he could go back in time and revisit those days and allow himself take that chance. Those days were gone. Deeks & Kensi were a couple now. A momentary chuckle came over Deeks as he thought of himself and Kensi. They were a couple as well as partners. His chuckle came because Evie & Tom were in the same position. The two couples were different in some ways, yet the same in others. Hearing Evie say the name Rivera, snapped Deeks into what was happening today. That name was a reminder of the specter hunting Deeks. That was one fight which Deeks would enjoy watching. He would be there, along with most of the NCIS LA staff who were backing Evie.

Tom had checked with Sam, Callen and Kensi. They all had made some arrests. None of the people picked up were Ron Reed. He made his escape without Tom even know his cousin had been there. Ron was disappointed that he didn't get to see Evie in action. It would have been to watch her fight. However, Ron knew he would have more fun on the day he takes her. He was looking forward to that day. When he would manipulate Evie into sex. It would happen. It was just a matter of time. Once the scene was secured, those in custody were placed into patrol cars for the long drive downtown. Tom, Evie and Alyssa returned to the station. Besides some bruises, Alyssa was fine. She was a little stiff after being tied up for so long. That was nothing a good soak in a hot tub wouldn't cure. But, statements and reports needed to be taken and written up. It wasn't everyday that two LAPD officers were kidnapped.

Chin Liu was safely under guard at the UCLA Medical Center. Evie did a damn good job in making sure he wouldn't be walking out under his own power. It would be a very long time before Chin Liu would be walking anywhere. He was facing some major jail time on these current charges. There would be no short stay for him after all was said and done. Tom didn't write this in his reports, or speak of it while making his statement. But, he did make sure to tell Evie how hot she looked in that outfit she wore to the ring. A sexy little number he called it. They returned to the boat that evening. Shared a bottle of wine, took a long shower together, then enjoyed some passionate sex. The next morning, Evie was back into her routine. Sam was a demanding taskmaster when it came to her training. Since she wasn't injured, there was no need for time off. Evie had a real fight still ahead of her and she focused on that upcoming fight. When the day came, Evie was ready. Sam was sure she could whip Detective Rivera.

The fight was set for early evening at the LAPD Academy gym. The place was packed. Cadets, officers of all ranks, including the chiefs, all the commanders, station captains and lieutenants were there. McWilliams was there, along with every staff member of the academy. Special guests were there. Most of the NCIS LA team were seated near the cage. The police commissioner and the Major of Los Angeles were there. Those close to Evie were wearing t-shirts showing their support for her. These were "Team Evie" t-shirts. Jack, Steve, James & Kim were wearing theirs. As were others. Even T-Bone was in the crowd wearing his t-shirt. Normally he would be caught dead surrounded by so many cops. But, T-Bone was becoming a more active in his support of the MCU. He was slowly becoming a valuable asset to the task force.

Detective Rivera was led out from her dressing room, to the cage. Few in the crowd really gave her a chance to win this fight. Only the members of IA thought she had a shot. Sam, Callen & Tom walked with Evie from her dressing room. The gym roared as Evie came to the cage. Tom holding her championship belt proudly over his head. To be fair, the referee was one LA's fire chiefs. He called the two fighters into the center of the cage. The rules were explained before they went back and got ready. Everyone else left the cage, leaving only the two fighters and the referee. He then signaled for the bell to ring. With a "ding ding" the fight was on. Evie & Rivera came out into the center, facing each other. Rivera went on the attack first. Landing a few shots and moving Evie back. Rivera was trained like any LAPD office would be. But, she was out of her league in this cage match. Evie landed some very hard shots, staggering Rivera. Evie then landed several more. Rivera tried to make another combination of punches, but it all came to end when Evie spun on her left heal. Her right foot connected with Rivera's head. The detective was on rubber legs quickly. One last well delivered punch from Evie put Rivera down and out. The referee stepped in, telling Evie to step back. She did so while the referee counted. By the 5 count, damn near everyone in the gym was counting along. The bell rang after the count of 10. The referee raised Evie;s hand as Tom, Sam and Callen rushed into the cage. Evie was lifted into the air, her hands raised above her head in victory. The fight lasted a little over one minute. Waiting outside the cage, Evie's family & friends gathered to congratulate her on the victory.
 
No matter what the audience thought or expected, the fight had been a damn site easier than Evie had expected. Rivera hadn't landed a hard shot through the entire thing and Evie was in no doubt that Deeks could have beaten her in maybe only a few second more than she had taken... and Deeks was no MMA fighter. Part of her felt like something of a fraud in respect of the attention she was getting. She was puzzled as to why Rivera would have gotten into the fight in the first place. How did she think she was anywhere near ready for any kind of proper fight. Practically every training session Sam had put her through for the past four weeks had been ten times harder than the actual fight had proved to be. Not that Evie was complaining.

Pizza and beer had been agreed before the fight. Evie had missed pizza more than anything through the height of the training but Sam made her promise... not a slice. As the crowd disappeared, those who knew the intended arrangements headed for Rusty's. That included the MCU and NCIS teams plus a significant number of the brass. Evie had told Tom to go with them... make sure they were kept happy; she would be fine getting changed and she would join them at the bar within the hour.

Evie showered and changed into boots, jeans, a t-shirt and her jacket. Then she drove herself across town and parked up on the lot behind the bar. She expected to be leaving the car there for the night. Pizza and beer were most definitely on her menu. Lots of cheese. Lots of beef and pepperoni and sausage and garlic and anything else that was an offer which had been off the menu recently. She intended to have good night.
 
Everyone had a great time at Malone's. Deeks thanked Evie for whipping Rivera's ass the way she did. Everyone believed Rivera was insane for challenging Evie. It was clearly a case of letting your mouth get you over your head. Rivera put herself into a position that position. She lost any common sense after becoming angry and arguing with Evie. Rivera didn't know about Evie's training. She didn't know who Sam was or that he trained Evie. She just thought Evie had been lucky during the fight against Cahill. Rivera thought they were both evenly matched. She was very wrong. The following day, Rivera was removed from the case against Deeks. She was replaced by Detective Ellen Whiting. A week later, the whole mess exploded when Deeks was arrested for murder. Deeks had been picked up by IA after wrapping up a case with the NCIS team. The arresting detective told Deeks he was being picked up for the murder of Detective Francis Boyle. It was generally believed around the department, Boyle was murdered by a young hooker he had beaten up. That hooker was never found. She just disappeared.

Several years ago, Boyle was partnered with Detective Bruce Steadman. The two had reputations which spoke of abuse and theft. Both detectives had many reports filed against them for excessive force. There were many stories floating around about how crooked these two were. Quite a few stories rolled around the department of certain officers. Tom, Evie, Jack, Steve and James have all been talked about. Some thought they were dirty. A few saw them like some police gang being run by Tom & Jack. Evie had more stories told about her. She was the only one who's stories were more sexual in nature. However, there was a huge gap in believing a tall tale and believing in what was real. The stories of Boyle & Steadman were real, but no one could prove them. Everyone knew they were the dirtiest cops on the streets of LA. The department broke them up, since they had no evidence of their wrong doings. Boyle was partnered with Deeks for a short, after Deeks had worked with Tom. The partnership between Boyle & Deeks didn't go well. It was so bad, Deeks longed to be partnered with Tom once again. During this time, Tom was a Sergeant working Robbery/Homicide. Evie was still in uniform, working the streets in a black n white.

The partnership between Deeks & Boyle came to a head when Boyle stuck his pistol in Deeks mouth. He threatened to kill Deeks that day. Deeks filed a report against Boyle. The report was filed with Tom first. He was the top sergeant in homicide then. Tom passed the report along the chain, then he approved Deeks' transfer to undercover work. Tom confronted Boyle the following day. The two men exchange heated words and almost came to hitting each other. Boyle held himself back. He knew that Tom would have mopped the floor with his ass if they fought. During his time undercover, Deeks met Evie and they became friends. She'd been work patrol in an area where Deeks was also working. One day, Boyle was found dead in motel room. The murder was pinned to an unknown 17 year old hooker. She'd been beaten up by Boyle a short time before his death. The department searched for this girl, but never found her. Evie had been one of the uniformed officers on duty at that crime scene. She was guarding the area, keeping the public away. Tom had also been there during that time.

IA had some new DNA evidence which put Deeks in that same motel room. They believed it was enough to link Deeks to the murder. Deeks was arrested on the street, right in front of Kensi. She was left stunned. Not knowing what to do next. Deeks was taken down to the Central Station for booking. About 30 minutes after Deeks was brought in, Tom's desk phone rang. He answered it, on the other end was a the booking sergeant. Tom was told of Deeks arrest and that he was down in holding. The news was still surprising even though Tom knew IA was doing a witch hunt on Deeks. Tom never really expected this to come this far. Most times, IA just keeps open files on certain officers. Tom & Evie had open files, as did Jack & Steve.

Deeks was taken from holding into one of the interrogation rooms. There Detective Whiting waited for him. Deeks asked about Rivera. Whiting said Rivera had been taken off the case. Deeks knew the reason behind this. Evie gave Rivera a world class ass whooping in the cage. Detective Whiting confront Deeks with the DNA evidence. Deeks didn't seem impressed. He spoke of having used that same motel room while his house was being sprayed for pests. On the same floor, acrossed the building. Tom hung up the phone. " Damn it! " He cursed while shaking his head. Tom yelled out for Evie to come into his office. When she reached the doorway, he asked her to close it. They needed to speak privately. Tom sighed before telling Evie about Deeks. He spoke of IA having new evidence which they believed linked Deeks to the death of Francis Boyle. Tom knew that name would bring a rush of old memories back to Evie. She knew of Boyle & Steadman. She knew the reports against them. She knew what others thought about them. It was even possible she had her own run ins with one of them or even both men.
 
Evie had gone to get fresh drinks when Deeks came up to her and thanked her. She smiled at him. That mop of dirty blonde hair hardly ever looked tidy and when it did... Deeks didn't really look like Deeks.

"It wasn't exactly a tough fight you know. She let her mouth make a promise that her body just couldn't keep. I don't think she had any idea what she was getting herself into." Deeks grinned back. "Still nice to see."

"Yeah." Evie looked at him for a moment as her smile disappeared. "You know she's after you, don't you?" Evie spoke a little more quietly although no-one was really taking any interest in them. "IA have got something. I don't know what it is, but they have got something and they are coming. What happened in that ring isn't gonna change that. You need to take care, my friend. You need to get ready." Deeks looked at her, his smile also disappearing for a moment as he understood what Evie said to him. It wasn't something he didn't already know but hearing someone else say it made it somehow a little more concrete. But as Rusty set out four cold bottles, the smile returned. Deeks gave a few slight nods, picked up the bottles and headed back to the table which was surrounded by the MCU and NCIS members plus a couple of Taylor additions. Evie watched him walk away and silently gave up a prayer.

Meeting Deeks for the first time seemed like a lifetime ago. She had still been on probation. She wasn't a fan of the LAPD's or the City's approach to dealing with the homeless; criminalising them seemed to be the last thing either body should be doing, but as her sergeant had reminded her, she wasn't being paid to make the laws only enforce them and is she wanted to change them, she either needed to head on up to Sacramento or write a letter to her Congressman. She had made the arrest. Taken him back to the station. He never mentioned a word about being undercover. He took the opportunity to get a bath and a hot meal and it was only after Evie had just about finished processing him that a very amused desk sergeant broke the news to her. Over the intervening years, she had never seen Deeks as anything other than a good man and a very very good cop. Deeks had been maybe the only cop - even including Tom - who never seemed to see her as her father's daughter or her brothers' sister. She knew he had been a lawyer before joining the LAPD... and a defence lawyer at that, working for the Public Defender's office. She knew of few more diametrically opposing careers and she could imagine that his early days in the LAPD would have had some additional challenges in light of his previous occupation. She couldn't help feeling now though that it might have been nothing compared to what seemed to be coming in his direction.

And the thing that was coming arrived a week later. The ghost of Frank Boyle had returned to possibly inflect a fatal blow to Martin Deeks. Evie knew about Boyle putting a gun in Deeks' mouth. She had spent that evening with Deeks in a bar convincing him that reporting the incident was the right thing to do. She never doubted the story that Deeks had relayed to her. She had had her own run ins with Boyle and his partner who was as equally disagreeable. In many ways they had been similar to Pierce and Webb but they were more forward... more arrogant and they had no fear of any action being taken against them - certainly not by some fresh-faced probationer whose uniform still had too much starch in it. They were made in the same mould as McCaffrey. Evie had never mentioned it to anyone. Not her training sergeant, not her Dad. Certainly not her brothers. Every time she had the misfortune to bump into them when she was on her own, she was subjected to what they always described as a little fun. They referred to her as their 'fun time girl'. She never fucked either of them but she had felt it would only have been a matter of time... had Boyle not finished up dead. She had been on duty the night the call came in. She had been put on duty keeping the scene secure whilst the detective sand the crime techs had gone over the place. She hadn't really given Boyle or Steadman a thought since then. She knew the murder had been put down to a hooker and she knew that the hooker had never been found, but after a few weeks, people stopped talking about them.

Until now. She sat in the chair listening to Tom telling what had happened to Deeks and the new evidence that IA had. She didn't believe it. She didn't believe any of it.

"We have to get him out." she thought for a moment. "We have to find who really did kill Boyle in order to prove that Deeks didn't."
 
There was much about the friendship between Evie & Deeks that even Tom didn't know about. He knew it ran deep, but never knew how deep. Tom always suspected Evie had a crush on Deeks. There always seemed to be a little sexual tension just beneath the surface whenever Evie was around Deeks. Like they were both hiding some regret for not having taken a chance with each other. They could have easily become friends with benefits, but it never got that far. At least not that anyone was sure about. If Evie & Deeks had shared a tender moment, or even a wild night, neither was admitting to it. Deeks seemed like the stereo type loner. Even when he rode with Tom. It was hard for the two to connect. Tom always thought Deeks was unconventional and could be a huge pain in the ass. Deeks didn't conform to the standard LAPD dress code for detectives. Nor did he conform to the regulations on grooming habits of detectives. Deeks preferred to work alone and undercover. Tom did however, have respect for Deeks. He never showed Tom a lot, but there was a dedication within Deeks for the job. That was easy to see. Deeks had a drive to nail bad guys and put them away. This drive came from very troubled childhood. One which Deeks kept silent about.

Evie's reaction had pretty much been what Tom expected. She wasn't buying the story IA was trying to sell on Deeks. Neither was Tom. He knew one of IA's best tricks was to put on a dog and pony show. Pretend like they had something big on someone. Then hopefully, through hours of interrogations, IA would stumble into some real evidence. Turning their witch hunt into something legitimate. Tom figured this new DNA evidence was just the newest dog and pony act. IA would use it to try and shake Deeks up. Making him admit to who knows what. It certainly could be the murder of Boyle. Tom had been there. He was part of the investigative team which concluded the 17 year hooker killed Boyle. Tom understood Evie's need to help Deeks. He also felt that need. Tom shook his head while sitting there. He told Evie all the evidence pointed to a struggle between Boyle and the girl. Tom said she'd been beaten pretty badly. Her blood was found from the bedroom to the bathroom. Tom said if the girl had been found. She most likely would gotten off with a self defense plea. No one would have doubted her story. Not after seeing her blood all over the room. Tom said Boyle was killed by a single gunshot wound to the head. Shot, by one of his own guns. Boyle carried two pieces on him at all times. It was something he needed to do. With all the dirty dealings he and Steadman were involved in.

" I'll see if I can find out what his bail will be set at...........We could bail him out after the hearing.........At least it would keep him out of county lockup. " Tom said while picking up his desk phone. A cop being sent to the county lockup was like sending a lamb to slaughter. Without protection, that cop wouldn't last 24 hours. Between them, Tom was sure he and Evie could met whatever bail amount was set. Even if they had to mortgage the boat. He knew Deeks was a good risk. While Tom was connecting with the courthouse. He asked Evie to call records and have them send up all the files on the Boyle murder investigation. Evie could now look at the crime scene photographs. Something she couldn't have done eight years ago being in uniform at the time. She could also finally read all the reports written by Tom and her father on the case. Getting these files would be step number one in reopening the case. Tom told Evie to use her MCU jurisdiction as leverage if she was given a hard time. IA wasn't the only ones who could reopen closed cases around here. The MCU had the power to open closed cases and even take over investigations if warranted. This was something they hadn't had to do, but could if needed.
 
There had never been anything other than friendship between Evie and Deeks. But it was a damn good friendship. Deeks had never really tried hitting on her. It wasn't that he didn't find her attractive; when he first met her, he just guessed that as a rookie she would be getting it from every angle. Add into the mix the fact that her Dad and her brothers had all gone before her and that they had made a few enemies on their way... plenty of guys would think she was there because of who she was and those who didn't think that would assume she had slept her way in and was prepared to sleep her way up. Deeks decided he wasn't going to be one of those guys. She had been pretty damn good to him as an arresting officer when she thought he was 'just a bum off the street'. He had an insight into the cop that was Evelyn Taylor and the cop she could become and he wasn't going to be one of the guys who got in the way. If there was something she couldn't speak to her family about, then he would be there. And he finished up opening up to her like he had done with no-one else. He had told her about his dad, about his life growing up and about the physical abuse. He had even told her about shooting his dad defending himself and his mother. Evie had come to understand why Deeks was Deeks and she liked him all the more for it. The idea of anything between them had maybe cross her mind a couple of time - there was a lot about Martin Deeks that she found attractive - but she valued the relationship they had way too much.

And now... now he was in trouble and she needed to help him get out from under the IA machine. The case files might have given her the insight that she didn't have before, but they didn't really tell her anything. Okay... Deeks' DNA was in the apartment but there was a legitimate reason for that. The investigation had been solid. Nothing was missed. She read nothing which made her change her mind about her friend. Nothing that made her even question it.
 
Evie had gone to her desk. Calling down to records for the files on the Boyle case. The files had just returned from IA. They'd kept them for several weeks. Going over each line, making sure the T's were crossed and each I dotted. IA couldn't punch any holes into the investigation done by Tom & Jack all those years ago. But they retested evidence taken from the crime scene. It was during these new tests, the DNA was found. They showed Deeks had been inside that room. However, the evidence couldn't say when he was there. Deeks spoke of having used that room before Boyle. The room itself was rented by the department. They'd been using it in several undercover operations. The explanation Deeks gave wasn't good enough for IA. They were like a pitbull. Once the latched on, they weren't about to let go without a fight. Tom realized how much of a fight IA was ready for. After he spoke with someone at the courthouse.

" What!?..........WHAT!? " Tom's voice jumped several decibels in the span of two seconds. He couldn't believe what he was being told. Evie would hear enough to know the question of bail wasn't going in Deeks' favor. " How can that be!?........Who the hell made that decision!? " Tom asked, then started shaking his head at the answer. " That's a stupid decision!.......Yes!.......You can tell Judge Danza I said it was stupid! " Tom hung his phone up by slamming it down. IA was not making this easy. It looked like a fight could start between the MCU and IA over this case. There were many in IA who were suspicion of the power granted to the MCU. Accountability for the actions of the MCU team had been taken away from the LAPD and placed in the governor's office. This was because they held special powers not often granted to police departments. It was felt only the governor could oversee what they did and how they used their powers. Knowing that Deeks was "friendly" with Evie. IA was ready in case the MCU decided to start poking around this case. And yes, they believed Deeks & Evie were former lovers. They also believed she'd do anything to save her one time lover. While sitting there, Tom knew there would be trouble if the MCU got involved with this case. So, to avoid any trouble. Tom & Evie would have to work behind the scenes. James & Kim would be kept on the outside. Well away from what Tom & Evie would be doing.

Tom waved for Evie to come inside and close the door as she did before. He told her that Deeks had been denied bail by Judge Danza. Better known around the department as dumbass Danza. Milton Hardcastle was the most respected Judge on the bench by the police officers. Judge Danza was the lest respected by those same officers. It was said, Danza would have a hard time winning a popularity contest even if he was the only one running. Tom pushed his chair back, then stood up. He moved around to the front. Joining Evie. Tom said Danza believed Deeks was a flight risk. This decision reeked of IA. Both Tom & Evie could sense that. Later that afternoon, the records on the Boyle case arrived. Tom & Evie spent the remainder of the day and most of their evening at home going back over the case. Neither found anything which had been missed. This led them to believe that someone must have planted evidence to implicate Deeks in the murder. Someone who knew Deeks, someone who was involved with the case and someone who knew Boyle before the murder. Tom felt that was a short list. Going back over the records, Tom & Evie found only one person who fit their theory. Former IA Detective John Quinn. Tom remembered Quinn being around the crime scene. It wasn't odd to have IA snooping around a place where a cop had been murdered. Tom spoke of it being possible. Quinn could have planted evidence back then to implicate Deeks. Just on the chance that someone began digging years later. They would then find DNA pointing at Deeks. The whole idea was so diabolical. As if it had been written for a movie or tv show.
 
Evie was surprised at the decision not to give Deeks bail... until she found out who the judge was. As far as most of her family was concerned she was a little more liberal than they would like and there was a time in her late teens when she used to threaten them with becoming a defence lawyer when one of their round table discussions got a little heated. But compared to Danza, she was right wing. For some reason that no-one ever really understood, Danza hated cops except those in IA. IA could have spoken to Danza but they wouldn't have needed to. She guessed that they had probably made sure they got the case put on Danza's docket - from there they would know what the outcome would be.

At home later, when they were trying to work through the documents from the Boyle case, Evie struggled to concentrate. She kept thinking of Deeks. Of him being processed. Of what might happen once he was put on the bus for the country jail. Of the possible reception that he might expect. If he had any sense the warden would have put Deeks in isolation. For his own benefit if not Deeks'. The death of a cop... and an NCIS agent in a county jail would send a clear signal that he wasn't able to control his own facility. She figured that word would get out quickly - probably before they had even gotten on the bus. It didn't need IA to do that and she thought telling another con that they were travelling with a cop might even be a step too far for IA. She didn't believe that they would want Deeks dead.

Tom kept bringing her back to the task in hand - forcing her to talk through particular points or possible anomalies, but there was nothing in the file. Nothing had been missed. They talked through the options whilst drinking beer and eating pizza. Now Evie wasn't in training and under Sam's watchful glare, pizza was back on the menu. Tom came up with the name of John Quinn as they were finishing their third beer. Evie didn't know him; didn't know the name. Between them there was no reason they knew of why Quinn would want to frame Deeks. Without thinking, Evie commented that she might have more motive for killing Boyle than they could see for Quinn at that moment. For the rest of the bottle, Evie filled Tom in on her experiences with Boyle and Steadman.

The following morning, their theory of Quinn being the man was given a lot more support. As soon as they arrived, they started looking into him and quickly found the reason. NCIS had put Quinn behind bars for selling guns. Deeks was the arresting officer. As they were starting to put a little more meat on the bones of their theory, Tom's phone rang. It was Callen inviting them to breakfast. Evie and Tom headed out to a place down near Venice beach where Callen had said they would be. When they walked in, Sam and Callen were sitting at a window booth, tucking into a breakfast. Tom and Evie ordered their's as soon as the waitress came over with Evie ignoring the look that Sam gave her when she ordered pancakes and bacon. The four friends talk over what they know, although for the most part it was Tom doing the talking. It was clear that Sam and Callen were both just as worried about Deeks. Most of the time, they didn't really seem to care too much about him; he was 'just a cop'. Sam's view had changed a years or so back after Deeks had saved his life... and his wife's. Sam had in the end told Deeks that he shouldn't quit... that he was a good cop. Tom told Callen and Sam about Steadman's last partner... about her getting killed in the line of duty... suggested that maybe she had found out about Steadman and Boyle. Found out they were dirty. By the end of breakfast, they didn't really KNOW that much more for certain, but sitting around talking things through made it feel like they were doing something.

Tom and Evie headed back to the station to see if they could find anything which might give them a little more.
 
Tom & Evie returned to the office where they decided to have a look into the files of Detective John Quinn. The LAPD had all of Quinn's files down in records. They were taken after Quinn's arrest on gun selling charges. Deeks and the NCIS team had busted Quinn for selling guns to a white supremacist group. Evie may not have known Quinn, but she would certainly remember a member of IA getting taken down by federal agents. After making another call, down to records. Tom & Evie received another shipment of files. James & Kim had a court day today. So, the MCU office was empty expect for Tom, Evie and several boxes of files. The pair spent the morning looking over Quinn's passed case. They found Quinn had been investigating Detective Boyle. They also found listed in Quinn's files the name Tiffany Williams. Evie did a background search on the girl. She found the girl had several arrests for prostitution. Being only 17 at the time, Tiffany was able to avoid jail. Tom & Evie had more pieces of the puzzle, but no picture. They couldn't see how these new pieces fit. That was until Evie got a call from Sam. He told Evie that Eric & Neal tracked down a girl named Julie Sanders. This girl was getting money from Deeks every month. $400 dollars in fact. The real surprise came when Sam told Evie who Julie Sanders was. Her real name was Tiffany Williams, the same 17 year old prostitute Tom & Evie just learned about from Quinn's files.

This was certainly good news. However, Sam said Tiffany didn't kill Boyle. He said the girl pointed the finger at someone else. But, instead of telling Evie everything. Sam suggested that Tom & Evie swing by the boat shed and talk with her. That's where she was currently being kept. Tom & Evie could question Tiffany without anyone else getting wind of it. Armed with the new information, Tom & Evie left the station and headed for the boat shed. Tom & Evie were the only outsiders allowed to come to this special NCIS location. Tiffany was found inside the interrogation room. Outside, two NCIS agents watched the door. Tom & Evie entered the room. Tiffany wasn't sure who these two new people were. She'd already answered the questions Agents Callen & Hanna had. " Tiffany........I'm Lieutenant Reed........LAPD/MCU.......This is my partner Sergeant Taylor........We have some questions for you. " After hearing Tom speak. Tiffany became very nervous. She wasn't sure who could be trusted inside the police department. In fact, Tiffany had only trusted one cop in her life. That was Marty Deeks.

Tom & Evie asked their questions and Tiffany gave them the same answers she gave to Sam & Callen. Tiffany spoke working with Quinn. He'd asked her to help set Boyle up for an arrest. All Quinn set Boyle up for, was being ripped off. Tiffany spoke of having sex with Boyle. She then spoke of waiting and waiting and waiting for Quinn to arrive and take Boyle into custody. Quinn never showed. Boyle had left for a time, but returned after he found out his guns, drugs and money were now missing. Tiffany said Boyle beat the shit out of her. He thought she'd been apart of ripping him off. Tiffany spoke of hoping Quinn would arrive, but he never did. She told Tom & Evie of escaping the first chance she got. When Evie asked if Tiffany killed Boyle. She denied do that, but said it must have been Quinn. He'd just ripped Boyle off and killing the man would only serve to protect the IA detective. What Tiffany said about Quinn & Boyle fit the fact that Tom & Evie had so far. It brought those mixed up puzzle pieces together into a picture.

Tom & Evie left Tiffany and went out into the main area of the boat shed. They talked over what they knew. Quinn knew about the report Deeks filed on Boyle sticking the gun in his mouth. Being IA and investigating Boyle, Quinn could have track down where Boyle & Steadman kept their stash of guns, drugs and money. It would have been easy for Quinn to set Boyle up after that. Quinn used Tiffany to trap Boyle while he was ripping the detective off. Quinn the kills Boyle and plants evidence against Deeks. Knowing full well that inside the department, Deeks was an outsider. Having few friends who would back him. Tiffany's fate was left in Tom's hands. It was his decision on what happened to her next. Tom decided to let Tiffany go back to her new life. A life she created with the help of Deeks. He'd helped the girl get off the streets and making something new for herself. Tom couldn't destroy what Deeks helped to make.

Back at the station, Deeks found out from Detective Whiting she had a deal. All he need to do was admit to killing Boyle and she would see he spent his days in isolation. Safely tucked away from any other prisoners. Deeks turned down the offer to confess. He spoke of being let go so he could find the real killer. Whiting turned him down. She also said Deeks would be transferred to county jail. He could no longer stay in the LAPD hold area. Whiting also said Deeks would be in general population and not in protective custody. Deeks had maybe a few hours before they would send him to county jail. After returning to the station. Tom suggested Evie go down to the hold area and see Deeks. She hadn't spoken with him since he was brought in. Tom thought the visit would help Deeks. He would know that the NCIS team and Tom & Evie were working on freeing him. Tom felt they were close, but IA wouldn't just roll over and let Deeks walk. Not without having every "I" dotted and each "T" crossed. Plus, Steadman was still a wildcard in this. He'd already attacked Deeks after he was brought to the station. Tom knew that finding the missing drugs, guns and money would go a long way in proving that Boyle, Quinn and Steadman were all linked.
 
things were making sense; everything was starting to fit together if only they could find the evidence to support the theory. but there was another voice in Evie's head. A voice she was trying to silence. A voice that was pointing out the fact that they should be considering alternative theories for the crime. Consider what the defence counsel - or in this case IA - would say. Consider their interpretation of the evidence they did have. Did Boyle beat the crap out of Tiffany before or after Deeks was helping her out. Did Deeks know her before Boyle and Steadman and Quinn? What was his reaction when he found out that Boyle had assaulted her? Would Deeks have gone out for revenge? Would Deeks have wanted to ensure she was safe in the future? After interviewing Tiffany, it was clear that Deeks had given her a new life, but at what price?

When Tom suggested that she go and see Deeks, Evie headed downstairs to the cells. She found Deeks in a cell on his own sat on the bench, his feet up, knees bent and forearms resting lazily on his knees. He barely moved when he saw her. Just his eyes and perhaps the slightest hint of a smile. She had wanted to see him but now she didn't have any idea what to say to him. She wanted to tell him everything was going to be okay, to tell him that they were making progress but Deeks would know she was lying. she stared at him through the bars.

"What? you couldn't have worn that outfit from the fight last week. A going away present?"Evie stared back him for a moment and then started to smile. She saw the familiar grin starting to appear. She shook her head.

"Will you concentrate on the problem. Is there anything that you know that isn't already in the files; anything that will let us get you out of here?" Deeks' smile disappeared and he shrugged.

"The incredibly efficient Detective Whiting offered me a nice comfortable ride... at a price of course."

"Let me guess. You admit everything. Save them the trouble of having to do any actual work and instead of general population you get a nice private suite paid for by the Government." Deeks gave a nod.

"It might not be a bad idea you know." Deeks looked genuinely surprised by Evie's suggestion.

"I mean just to stay safe. Give them what they want until we can work out what the hell is going on and find out exactly who did this. Tom and I have a pretty good lead going upstairs.... we just have to... join the dots. This guy Quinn... he looks really good for it Marty... we just have to find... "

"Evie.... Stop."

"What? You think we should just roll over... you gotta believe that we're gonna get you out of here. But if she... "

"Evie. I already told Whiting no."

"You can change your mind."

"No. I can't."

Evie stared at Deeks for a long minute. She stepped a little closer to the bars. "We know about... Julie. She's okay. She's safe." Mention of Julie had Deeks getting to his feet and stepping to the bars. He stared at Evie.

"You need to let it go. You don't understand what you are getting in the middle of."

"What? So tell me? Tell me what it is? If you know who did this... you need to tell me. In a couple of hours, you're gonna get put on that bus and Marty... your wise cracks are not gonna save your ass. You're not gonna get out of...."

"I'll be okay."

"NO... You won't!" Evie was suddenly struck by the thought this this could easily be the last time she might see her friend. The last time she might see him alive. At that moment, the Sergeant appeared at the end of the corridor and said that they needed to get ready for the bus ride. Evie looked back a Deeks who said nothing.

"We're not going to let this happen." And with that she turned around and walked out, not looking back afraid that Deeks would see the doubt in her eyes.
 
Before she left the holding cells. Evie would be able to over hear Deeks being told that Detective Whiting had one more meeting with him before his transfer to county. Whiting would give Deeks one more chance to accept her offer and save himself from a stay in general population. This meant Deeks would be taken to interrogation one final time. There he and Whiting would have one last meeting before Deeks was put on the bus for the trip to the county jail. Everyone knew a cop in general population was a target. Anyone with a beef, or looking for revenge would have an easy time getting what they wanted. Deeks was as good as dead once he boarded the bus. It was unlikely that anyone would see Deeks alive again after this evening. Detective Whiting was getting her file ready. The transfer papers were signed. She slipped them into the folder after giving the paperwork one last look. At that moment, in Tom's office, at the MCU squad room. Tom was speaking with Hetty Lang on the telephone. They had been speaking about the trouble Deeks found himself in. Hetty spoke of her concerns for what would happen to Deeks once he left the LAPD Central Station. This was something Tom understood. It hadn't be that long since Tom himself was framed for murder. The current trouble Deeks found himself in sure seemed like a frame up.

Hetty never came right out and asked Tom to help spring Deeks, but she sure hinted that it should happen. She carefully used words in a certain way to make this clear. At the moment, Tom wasn't sure just how this could happen. If he could spring Deeks. It needed to be done carefully and without anyone being wise to what happened. However, there was no real time to plan anything out. Tom knew Deeks didn't have much time left. He was unaware that Whiting planned another meeting with Deeks. This meeting would delay departure for maybe an hour at most. As Tom hung up his phone, he checked his watch. It was after 5pm. The sun was going down fast and night would be falling soon. What Hetty wanted was a lot. She was asking a great deal of Tom. He would be putting his career and his own freedom on the line. Whatever happened, Tom knew he couldn't do it alone. He would need Evie's help. She was very close with Deeks, they were true friends. But, would Evie go along with a plan to break Deeks out? Would she put her own job and freedom on the line to help her friend escape?

Tom & Evie had much to talk over once she returned to the office. There was a report on Tom's desk which came while Evie was visiting Deeks. This report was on an escaped prisoner. 48 hours ago, before Deeks found himself in hot water. Former IA Detective John Quinn had escaped from prison. He was reported missing after Quinn survived getting jumped by several prisoners. This just made everything more complicated and it raised more questions. Would Quinn return to Los Angeles? He had planned Deeks' downfall years ago? The MCU squad room was quiet. James & Kim had left long ago after spending the day in court. Tom sat at his desk brooding over the report on Quinn. Waiting for Evie's return. Both had a lot to tell the other and some tough decisions were ahead.
 
Evie had every intention of heading straight back to the MCU but on a spot of the moment she decided to take the long route back... via the IA offices. She found Whiting standing near her desk. Whiting was blonde with long straight hair; she was thin, and about the same age and height as Evie but probably 20lbs lighter. There were few curves to her but Evie knew plenty of guys over the years who would have happily spent some time off duty with her... except for the fact that she was IA. She had her back to Evie as Evie stood at the door.

"You do realise that whilst your wasting departmental resources on setting up an innocent man, the real killer is slipping away?" Whiting spun around and then recognising Evie, she sneered and gave her a dismissive look.

"We have the right man. And I think its the MCU and NCIS that are wasting departmental funds in this instance and have been for many years."

"NCIS isn't part of the department. Clue is in the name. Department of the Navy covers their bills."

"Whatever." She closed the file in her hand and smiled. "Don't you have some work to do Detective. Seeing as you are so concerned about catching real criminals. This one is caught thanks to IA. What are you doing here? What do you want?" She held the file in one hand and tapped it on the other. Evie took a couple of steps towards her.

"I came to make you a promise. Regardless of whether what you have in that file is true, putting him in general population is murder... culpable homicide at best. You know - WITH CERTAINTY - that he won't make it past the weekend. That might make people wonder why it is you're so keen to see him dead. Means the case dies with him huh? Another victory for IA? Well Im telling that it's not going to go away. If he dies, its YOUR fault and not only will I do everything I can to make sure you lose your badge, I will spend every dime I have to see you prosecuted for his homicide. Believing him to be guilty is one thing. Sending him to his death is another. And maybe while you're waiting for trial, I can have you put in the general population too."

And with that Evie turned around and walked out. She had no desire or need to hear Whiting's response. She headed back up to the MCU office, wishing she could think of a way to help her friend.
 
Detective Whiting wasn't worried about Evie's hollow threats. She was a little surprised it took Evie this long to come to IA and make them. Whiting believed Deeks was guilty. He was a killer, but not just any killer, Deeks was a cop killer. The fact that he was a cop himself was a moot point. Deeks refused to play ball with IA and Detective Whiting. He could make life easier for himself by admitting to Boyle's murder. That would keep Deeks from ever seeing general population. IA had done everything to persuade Deeks to make a deal with them. If he ended up in general population. It was his own fault. Whiting believed that and she scoffed at Evie's threats. There were those in the department who thought Deeks & Evie had been lovers at one time. Back before Evie took her detective test, passed it and moved into robbery/homicide. Some often confused friendship for something more. They couldn't believe that a man and woman could be friends without sex being involved. Whiting waited for Evie to have her say then leave. She wasn't interested in an argument or getting into a fight with Evie. That's how Rivera lost this case. She let her personal feelings get in the way of what was important. But, if Evie wanted to continue this, IA would happily dig into her background and see what secrets she was hiding. Whiting was sure, Evie had a few things she didn't want anyone else to know. After Evie was gone, Whiting picked up her desk phone, dialed down to holding. She asked for Deeks to be brought to interrogation.

Tom remained at his desk, unaware that Evie made a stop on her way back. There was no way they could find the evidence and wrap this case up before Deeks was shipped out. One way or another, Deeks had to be sprung tonight. Before he could be shipped over to the county jail. Tom would do this alone if Evie couldn't bring herself to help. The call was hers to make. It wasn't easy to ask someone to risk their career and freedom for someone else. Even if that other person is a close friend. Tom & Evie had a lot to lose if they were caught or connected to a jail break. If Evie decided not to take part, Tom wouldn't blame her. He would still act. Tom's wait was over. Evie came back into the MCU squad room. She entered his office and sat down. Tom asked about Deeks. How he was feeling and whether he looked okay. Evie spoke of what Deeks said and what she heard. Tom then handed her the report on Quinn. While Evie was going over this, Tom told her he spoke with Hetty. " I have an idea to free Deeks. " Tom said while he slowly rose to his feet. " We can't let Deeks go to county..........He's as good as dead if we do. " Tom spoke while moving out front of his desk. He stood beside Evie while saying they should break Deeks out before he could be transferred. Tom knew how this would sound. Any resealable person would say how insane and foolish this was. One could even question Tom's own sanity based on what he just said. " I've got it all figured out.........If you make a call to interrogation.......Play like you're from the commissioner's office........Draw Whiting away from Deeks.......I can slip in and free him.........That would give us a little more time to wrap this case up........To prove Deeks is innocent and maybe even take Steadman down as well. " Tom stood waiting for what Evie would say. He knew how close she was to Deeks, but that didn't mean Evie would risk everything on a plan as crazy as the one Tom just laid out. Tom just needed her to make one phone call. He would do the rest.
 
Evie sat down in the chair, half reading the new information, half listening to what Tom was saying. And then she was listening fully to what he was saying! She looked up slowly. Expressionless. Trying to process what Tom was saying. She sat back in the chair slowly. Her mind racing.

Deeks was a man she cared about. A genuinely good man. An honourable man. And a damn good cop. She saw him as an extension of her family but there was no family obligation in their relationship. She knew that Deeks was not going to last more than 48 hours in general population. But was what Tom was suggesting the only way. What would Jack say if he knew? Steve? James? A lot of what she did....the hard decision.... She would be guided by what she thought them men in her family would do in the same circumstances. Thus time... Thus time she would be breaking the law and she would be going up against the LAPD. She would be crossing a line. But it was Deeks' life. Did the end justify the means in this case? Was it okay to break the law...to break the oath she took on graduating from the Academy. To save Deeks. To save her friend?

"IA will take great pleasure in busting us if it went wrong." Tom said nothing. She got up and walked over to the window. She stared out but saw nothing. She was taking nothing in. Nothing except the prison bus making its way into the rear garage. If they did nothing... She turned around slowly. Stared at Tom and took a breath. She nodded.

"Where are we gonna put him. He can't stay at the boat or my place... That's gonna be the first place they look. He can't stay at any NCIS facility."
 
Tom knew what the others would say and how they would react. Jack, Steve, James and Kim would be upset that Tom & Evie risked so much for Deeks. Marty Deeks wasn't the type of cop who was popular. His work as a defense attorney made Deeks a target for hatred. Evie's family would be question the sanity of both her and Tom. Helping a suspect escape from the LAPD lockup didn't point towards one being sane. It was something that Tom felt needed done and he was sure Evie would feel the same. What they were about to do, was something neither Tom nor Evie could ever tell anyone about. If they pulled it off. Tom & Evie would have to live with what they did. But, wasn't a friend's life worth loosing some self-respect?

Tom watched as Evie moved to the window. He didn't need to ask what she was looking at. He stood there not long ago. Just staring out the same window at nothing. Tom listened as Evie finally spoke. She wanted to know what they would do with Deeks. Tom said they wouldn't do anything with him. " We can't be seen with Deeks.........I'll free him........Then Deeks has to find his own way.........He'll contact someone........Maybe Tiffany........Maybe Kensi........But that will be Deeks' call to make. " Tom said before moving over to his coat rank. He grabbed his sports coat, slipped it on while telling Evie how this would go down. Tom told Evie to give him 5 minutes, then make that phone call. She needed to draw Detective Whiting away from interrogation long enough to Tom to slip in, free Deeks and then slip out again. No one would be expecting Deeks to escape. So, it was unlikely that anyone would be watching him. Tom said Evie shouldn't use her cell or one of their office phones. Since It was after 5pm. Tom said she could use a phone in one of the offices down the hall. Evie just needed to say she was calling from the commissioner for Detective Whiting. She could then hang up. Tom told Evie to leave the building and meet him at the mustang. He would take care of springing Deeks. After which, they could go back to the boat and crack open a bottle of whiskey. Tom said they would both need a good stiff drink later on.

Tom gave Evie a kiss for luck. He left the MCU squad room, heading towards interrogation. Tom had this timed out. Five minutes would all he needed to get there. He figured Whiting would only wait about three minutes before she returned from her prank phone call. Three minutes is all Tom would have. He waited in a stairwell, not far from the room Deeks was in. Tom watched as Whiting and the officer from holding headed towards the front desk area, beyond the cells. Tom made his move. He slipped out of the stairwell and into the interrogation room where Deeks sat in handcuffs. Deeks was very surprised to see Tom. " Oh hi lieutenant........Come to see me off? " Tom quickly closed the door while pulling out his handcuff keys. " Shut up Deeks........Now isn't the time for your smart ass remarks. " Tom said while removing the cuffs from Deeks' wrists. Deeks was told that he had maybe three minutes. Tom Directed Deeks to use the stariwell just down the hall. He told Deeks to move down stairs quickly and get out of the building. Deeks was writing a note for Detective Whiting while Tom spoke. Deeks then thanked Tom by saying he was such a hard ass and that he loved Tom. Rolling his eyes, Tom told Deeks to move his ass.

Both Tom & Deeks were gone by the time Detective Whiting returned. She scowled after seeing the note left behind by Deeks. The note read. " Don't wait up.......XOXO Deeks". Whiting told the holding area officer to lock down the building until they found Deeks. It was far to late for such a move. Deeks was already leaving by the front doors. Tom reached the mustang where Evie waited for him. He climbed in and she took off for home. No one had seen Tom anywhere around interrogation and there was way of knowing who made the phone call. Leaving the building, Deeks was spotted by Steadman. He yelled at Deeks then gave chase. However, Deeks was faster on foot then Steadman was on a good day. Deeks easily out ran and quickly lost Steadman. Not long after reaching the boat. Tom got a call from dispatch. They reported Deeks had escaped from interrogation. This was standard practice to alert the MCU on any escaping prisoner from LAPD custody. Tom thanked the officer before say he would to be kept in the loop. This was just in case Deeks got picked up again. Tom & Evie settled down, each with a glass of whiskey. Nothing had been said on the way home. There was nothing to say. They nursed their drinks while remaining close to each other. Tom had his arm over Evie's shoulder. They sat there staring at a turned off television set.

The couple ended up sleeping together on the couch. Wrapped in each others arms. By morning, both were up and eating breakfast. It was obvious, Deeks had made it through the night without getting caught. Dispatch would have alerted Tom if that happened. Tom did receive an anonymous tip through dispatch before he and Evie left the boat. The tip came into the LAPD crime buster hot line. The person who left the tip suggested that the famous MCU check out a garage at the address given. Dispatch called Tom with this information. It was unexpected and odd, but Tom & Evie headed for the address supplied by the unknown person. They arrived at the scene. There was a small, unassuming house with a garage at the side. Tom & Evie looked around the house, but found no one inside. They headed for the garage. Tom & Evie couldn't enter, but there was a window on the side. They were able to look inside without opening anything. Tom & Evie saw several packages of what looked like cocaine sitting on a table, along with stacks of wrapped money. There were also boxes on the floor and automatic weapons stacked in the corners. Tom had Evie call dispatch for a check on who lived at the address they were checking out. Evie found out the home was owned by Detective Bruce Steadman.

Tom & Evie had seen enough to get warrants to search the home and for Steadman's arrest. Evie called for backup units to watch the home and garage. She & Tom went to see Judge Hardcastle. After securing the warrants, Tom & Evie headed back to the home own by Steadman. They received a call from Neil at NCIS HQ. She told Evie that Steadman had Deeks & Monica Lee at the boat shed. Granger had requested Tom & Evie be told and respond to the scene. Steadman got his hands on Deeks that morning. However, Deeks was leading Steadman into a trap. He knew the boat shed was monitored and Steadman would be stopped by Eric & Neil. By the time Tom & Evie arrived, the shooting had started. Steadman fired several shots at Sam & Callen. He was running when Kensi cut him off. There was a short stare down, while they pointed weapons at each other. Kensi was soon joined by Tom, Evie and Granger. Tom & Evie moved ahead of Kensi while Granger told her to stand down. Tom told Steadman it was all over and he was under arrest. Evie pulled the gun from Steadman's hand. Tom pushed him against a boat and frisked him before placing cuffs on the detective. Tom read Steadman his rights while Evie called for backup and for IA.

Black n white units arrived as did IA. Detective Whiting was one of the first to arrive on scene. Tom laid everything out once everyone was there. He explained the evidence they had found which linked John Quinn, Francis Boyle and Bruce Steadman. Tom gave Detective Whiting the warrant to search Steadman's garage and house. He said she could see for herself who the dirty cops really were. With the available evidence, Deeks was cleared of the charges against him. It was decided his explanation of why his DNA was inside the room seemed to fit. Plus, it wasn't a stretch to believe that Quinn could have added more DNA evidence against Deeks in case the evidence was ever looked at in the future. Deeks was a free man, but Whiting wasn't happy. Tom remained with her, talking more about the case and what clearly seemed like a classic IA witch hunt. This gave Evie & Deeks time to step aside and talk. He felt a thank you was in order because Evie & Tom believed in him and risked a lot help him.
 
It was a long night and they slept fitfully. At any moment, the phone might have rung only for Tom and Evie to be told that Deeks had been recaptured. Thinking like cops they would both say that the escape reinforced Deek's guilt, although the fact that he was going to be put in general population was more than enough to make an innocent cop try and get out. Tom and Evie were awake with the dawn. Whilst Tom showered, Evie made breakfast and fresh coffee. While Evie was in the shower Tom had a call from dispatch. Neither one of them considered it particularly consequential. Both were more concerned with Deeks and where he might be... whether he was keeping himself out of trouble. They agreed as they finished their coffees that they would check out the garage on their way into the office. The house was out near the airport. Neither of them expected to find anything... and both of them were wrong. A drugs bust before they even got into work was something of a record even for the MCU. Plans for heading into the office disappeared.

When dispatch came back and told them that the house belonged to Bruce Steadman, Evie looked at Tom a little open mouthed. There were coincidences and there were coincidences. This was... Evie said nothing initially but when they were in the car heading to fetch the warrant, Evie asked Tom whether she was the only one thinking this was just a little off. Tom confirmed she wasn't but they said nothing else to each other. Each of them was working through the new facts. Then there was a new call. A quick change of direction, literally and figuratively. Tom left a considerable amount of the rubber from Evie's wheels on the road as he changed direction and headed for the boat shed. When they arrived, everything was over relatively quickly. They;d gone from having nothing when the left the boat after breakfast to having a mountain of evidence, the guilty party and an exonerated Deeks.

When Whiting arriving, Evie could help but give her a smirk and a contemptuous look.

"Another first class IA investigation then... where would the citizens of LA be without you. Officers of the PD would be a damn site safer that's for sure." She didn't stop to hear what Whiting might have to say. She really wasn't interested and in truth she wasn't entirely sure that her statements were entirely accurate. She headed over to where Deeks was standing.

"You okay?" He flashed her a smile in respons.

"Where did you go when you got out of the station?"

"Oh I have a few bolt holes I can run to. Spending time on the streets gives you a few options." Evie looked around. Everyone else was busy; no-one was taking any notice of her and Deeks at that moment. She looked back at Deeks.

"I dont suppose those options took you anywhere near Steadman's place, did they?"

"Now why would I want to go out there... I'm not even sure I know where he lives." Evie stared at him.

"If you don't know where he lives, why describe it as 'out there'."

"Just a turn of phrase." Deeks grinned at her. Evie didn't grin back.

"I hope CSI aren't going to find any of your DNA in Steadman's place too. That might be a little too much." Deeks shook his head but said nothing. Evie took a breath and sighed and then turned away. Deeks moved quickly and reached out for Evie's arm. She turned back to him. He gazed at her for a moment.

"Thank you." Evie looked at him. She was pretty sure she knew what had happened. She wasn't entirely sure she liked what she was thinking but it made sense. She shook her head.

"I... don't know what you're talking about. You were lucky... someone gave Steadman up... or set him up... or both. You might want to thank Tom for doing nothing too though."
 
Evie didn't know it, but she was right about Steadman. Someone had given him up and another person set him up. Former LAPD IA Detective John Quinn had given Steadman up. He made a deal to better his position in prison. A week before his alleged escape, Quinn had been jumped in the prison yard by several inmates. Quinn survived the attack, but the incident made him more agreeable for a deal. In exchange for a new name and placement in a medium security prison in Pennsylvania. Quinn told Hetty Lang of the NCIS Officer in Los Angeles where the cash, weapons and drugs were that he stole from Steadman & Boyle. Hetty used her extensive contacts to make sure Detective Bruce Steadman got back his property. She then made sure the MCU would get the information which would lead to Steadman's arrest. CSI would only find prints, and DNA which matched Steadman, Boyle and Quinn. Deeks was free and clear. The afternoon papers and news reports heralded the MCU for closing this old case. Much to the chagrin of IA and Detective Whiting. Evie's verbal slam of Whiting and IA was echoed by other officers, as well as reporters. Despite how many personally felt about Deeks. This did seem like a clear case of a classic witch hunt. IA would be wearing this black eye for a long time. Much longer than the black eye Evie gave to Detective Rivera during their fight.

Tom & Evie returned to the office. Paperwork needed to be filled out and filed. Tom & Evie's day didn't end there. In fact, it grew more wild as the day wore on. Later that same day, just after lunch. The MCU was alerted of a bank holdup. A silent alarm was triggered by a bank employee while the robbers were still inside the savings and loan. Tom, Evie, James and Kim responded and were set up along with several black n whites before the robbers came out. There was a fierce gun battle out on the street. Three bank robbers shooting it out with the MCU and their backup officers. By the end of the fight, one officer was wounded. Two of the robbers were killed and the third injured. One of the dead robbers was identified as Charles "Cherry" Gains. A sociopath from a family of sociopaths. The Gains family was infamous for their run ins with law enforcement over the years. The patriarch, Albert Gains was currently in Georgia State prison finishing up a term for assaulting several officers with a claw hammer. He learned of his son's death from his daughter. The national news also ran with the story and Albert was able to find out Lieutenant Tom Reed & Sergeant Evie Taylor were the ones who gunned his boy down. Albert had a few more weeks to serve before he was free. Then, Albert would get his revenge against those who took his boy's life. He would gather his family together. They would then made a trip to Los Angles and confront the famous MCU. It would be a showdown, rivaling the most famous old west showdown. The gunfight at the ok corral.

The Deeks case and the shootout were soon replaced with other, more pleasant thoughts. Tom & Evie put a lot into deciding what to do and where to go on their vacations. After some debate, it was finally decided they would take a cruise. Despite Evie's initial reaction to taking a cruise since they lived on a boat. Tom was able to talk her into the trip. He said it was much safer then skiing. Plus, what kind of trouble could they get into in the middle of the ocean? Tom even let Evie decide what cruise line they would take. She would book the trip and make all their plans. Then, they could sit back and enjoy a life of comfort aboard a beautiful cruise ship. Dancing, a little gambling, lots of fun and maybe some extracurricular activity with another couple or two. It was a vacation after all.
 
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