The mole is revealed to be Quinn from Internal Affairs. After the case is closed, Deeks is welcomed back to the team. 📄 The Significance of "The Paper"
In this episode, the team works a joint operation with the LAPD to stop an explosives sale. During the sting, Deeks appears to shoot an unarmed man, leading Hetty to "fire" him and the LAPD to cut ties with NCIS. Ncis Los Angeles 3x10
The shooting was actually faked to get Deeks back into the LAPD undercover to find a mole. The mole is revealed to be Quinn from Internal Affairs
Despite the pressure, Deeks notably leaves the papers unsigned at the end of the episode, choosing to remain a Liaison for several more seasons. During the sting, Deeks appears to shoot an
Kensi is left in the dark and is devastated by Deeks' supposed firing, causing significant tension between them once the truth is revealed.
Throughout the episode, Hetty uses the chaos of the undercover operation to push Deeks toward a permanent commitment to NCIS.