Duplicity


A short story, some chapters only. Dedicated to the writer whose work I love to read and who I really miss around. Perhaps reading is the best medicine right now, Mulderette.


Duplicity /djuːˈplɪsɪti/ ~ double-dealing; the state of being double


It was a short call that Callen made, knowing he was overheard and his company wasn't overall friendly. "I need a lawyer", he told Deeks.


o)o)o)o)o)o)o)o)o)o)o)

Los Angeles || Cotner Avenue || early April 2018

She never really experienced the sheer pleasure of feeling this silk caressing her body. Instead, she was dragged from the bed roughly.

She hardly noticed how she hit her head on the glass night stand. It caused a bleeding headwound which would hurt every living being. No wonder — a nearly one inch long glass splinter got stuck only a scratch from Lynne Mulder's right eye. It made her moan in agony, even though she was out. She never noticed all the other things that happened, in the next few minutes.

And when she finally and slowly became aware of what was happening it was nearly too late. She struggled and fought. In vain. There was no way she could escape from the knife that tore her skin and penetrated the tissue underneath it. And again.

It wasn't meant to kill her on the spot, but she sure could die from it in the time that was left.

o)o)o)o)o)o)o)o)o)o)o)

Los Angeles || early April 2018

The job was a lonely one. Different from what many novels and television shows made you believe. It had been a period of eight full weeks now of making everyone believe he was Chris Brennan.

It wasn't a mission he chose himself. The order came straight from Mosley and for a few minutes he expected she still had a hidden agenda. But then, Callen remembered the vulnerability she'd shown when she told him about her son.

Still, it wasn't a usual case. Far from it, in his opinion. He'd be on his own, without the usual back-up from his team.

'They'll be doing fine without you', Mosley had argued. He agreed to that, although he hated the fact that she appeared to be ignoring his thoughts about working alone himself. He'd be reporting to her once a week and in case things might work out different from what she or he expected, there'd be agent Swan to discuss it with.

But even so, Callen simply hated the fact there wasn't a way to discuss the case with his own team, with his friends.

Again it had to do with the ATF. Somehow there were agents of this agency who were corrupt enough to betray colleagues to local gangs or to Russian or Mexican mobsters. And right now, he was supposed to be Chris Brennan. New at ATF, so called switching position from a CIA position in Europe.

He'd rented an apartment on the first floor in one of the cheaper places in the city and actually it was far too close to the 405 with no place to sit outside. At this very moment on this ordinary Thursday night, he wondered if he could simply drive his car to the Marina and have a beer at Sam's place. He sighed deeply, and decided he'd better resist those feelings. No way Sam Hanna was aware that Chris Brennan even existed...

He sighed deeply and after he finally found a place to park his Chevrolet Impala, he got out, took his go bag and hoped there was something fun to watch on television. One more day to go at the office. Maybe he could visit one of the beaches this weekend. He sure needed some fresh air and fresh thoughts about the position he held at the agency right now.

In this city, it wasn't that strange to hear the wailing of sirens coming closer.

He knew the door of his apartment wasn't able to keep the sounds of traffic outside and again, he heaved a heavy sigh. He dropped the bag and smelled it immediately. The distinct odor of blood…

For a brief second he stood and observed his place until he noticed the woman in his apartment. On the floor of his apartment. There was so much blood—on her face, in her ginger blond hair, on her body and on the grey carpet which covered the white tiles, where smears of blood were everywhere as well.

Then he kneeled and held his breath as he pressed his index and third finger in her neck. Far too weak. He reached for his phone. Then, from behind him, there were shouts and running people. And he recognized it, the sound of guns being drawn. Men simply pushing his door open, since he never closed it behind him.

Orders which were being shouted his way "Stay down!" "Hands on your head".

"Wait." His mind was in a whirl and he repeated "Wait. This woman… she needs immediate care. You… we should call an ambulance." Callen was about to turn around, but stopped when one of the police officers came closer.

"Keep your hands up, sir. And stay down on your knees." Slowly now, one of the officers moved towards the unknown woman who was so close to Callen right now. "Ankles crossed, don't move!"

He tried to stay as calm as possible. Still, he knew that whatever it was that had been going on, it had to do with his job at the ATF. He hoped his backstopping was good and thorough. If it was Nell's job, which he hoped, he should stick to it.
"I'm a federal agent. ID is in the pocket of my jeans. Wanna check?"

More steps coming closer. EMT, he supposed. "This way," a third voice said.

"Adams, Greer, get this guy, read him his rights and take him into custody."

"Wait. I… I'm a federal agent and I—"

He was interrupted "And I am a police officer. You really think I care, mister federal agent? I heard it all, we'll find the prove and there's no way it matters to us that you are in law enforcement. Now, get up, carefully. We won't hesitate to use any violence if any swift or suspicious movements are made."

o)o)o)o)o)o)o)o)o)o)o)

Los Angeles || LAPD office, West Street

The interrogations at the police station had lasted for hours and hours, and Callen was already aware that whoever planned this all, had known what to do. Heck, he'd been on the other side of the table so many times and he anticipated every single question and statement beforehand.
Being in an interrogation room wasn't what bothered him. It was what might happen afterwards.

The detectives who brought him in had changed position with two different men after a couple of hours — fresh and eager to nail him. It wouldn't work and Callen knew it long before they did.

They were disturbed by his questions though "Who was she? Is she still alive?" Yet no-one answered those question.

"Can I have a word with my lawyer?" Callen asked.

"Why? If there's anything to confess, you can tell us. So unless..."

"No," the other detective replied as bluntly as possible. "No sooner than by tomorrow afternoon."

Actually, Callen had lost track of time but he figured it was way past midnight already.
"We're gonna keep doing this?" he wanted to know. "Because I know you want to and I know I can. But there's no way I am going to jail for something I didn't do, just saying. I'm willing to cooperate as much as I can, sure thing. Perhaps you ought to contact my agency."

It caused something of an meaningful glance which was shared between both detectives.
"Why do you think you're in here, mister Brennan? For the time being, we're going to keep you in here. You might just as well enjoy our hospitality. First thing tomorrow morning you'll be heading for jail. Suit yourself to arrange whatever you feel to arrange once you're in there," the detective concluded.

o)o)o)o)o)o)o)o)o)o)o)

Los Angeles || Metropolitan Detention Center

There might always be the possibility there were inmates or officers who'd recognize him. His cover would be blown and perhaps worse, he would be vulnerable as NCIS special agent G. Callen.

Best option to avoid any contact with any of the other inmates was to be assured of time in solitary confinement.

He was led to a room where he knew pictures were going to be taken, even before the usual clothes were handed. "I want to talk to my lawyer first," he said to the officers who were around. "I'm working for a federal agency and hell could break loose once someone recognizes me," he stated.

For a few seconds, the female warden chewed her gum and checked her file, while she obviously let her thoughts go over his statement. Then she answered "You should have thought about that before you committed a crime."

"Who says I did?" Callen retorted.

"Guilty until proven innocent. Now, back against the wall and face the camera. Do not move until I say so," the woman told him.

He shook his head. "Not going to do that."
Callen simply took the chance, although he knew it could work against him. The armed colleague of the woman came another step closer. It was clear he was going to force Callen – or Chris Brennan – to have his pictures taken. This time, Callen was willingly going into a fight he wasn't going to win and although it could work out critically wrong, it was worth the risk.

It was a short fight and he didn't win indeed. Eventually he dropped on the floor after another prison guard hit him on the head pretty severely. There would be bruises and he knew it was bleeding, but Callen knew too that he won some time.

"Solitary," he heard and it was exactly the place he wanted to be right now.

o)o)o)o)o)o)o)o)o)o)o)

Los Angeles || Metropolitan Detention Center, three days later

It was a short call that Callen made, knowing he was overheard and his company wasn't overall friendly. "I need a lawyer", he told Deeks.

"What do you mean?" Deeks asked. It sounded far from the usual and light way Deeks looked upon situations.

"Like I said, I need a lawyer and I hoped you would be the one to be around. You know, since you know me and—"

"What'you mean, I know you? Actually I wonder if I do. If anyone does... I mean, you just took your weeks off, on leave, without even letting Sam know. And then you simply gimme a call saying you need me. Doing what, why?"

He counted to ten, letting Deeks' words sink in. "Nell didn't tell you?"

"Nell? No way man. She helped us doing some research, especially when Sam really was worried. No way she told us something. Why, did you share anything with her?"

The prison guard pointed at the clock. "Time's up", he mouthed.

"Doesn't matter now, Deeks. I need you in here to help me, advise me. You're the only one I trust right now."

There was some humming, then the phone was taken from him and the guard took over. "About the time and place, tomorrow at three in the afternoon. Metropolitan Detention Center. Ask for warden Hermanez Garcia." Then, the call was ended.

"Wait... you mean I will have to wait another 24 hours before I'll see my lawyer?" Callen asked in unbelief.
The only reply he got was a simple nod from the guard called Garcia.

o)o)o)o)o)o)o)o)o)o)o)

Los Angeles || NCIS office

A loud whistle sounded from the platform, something Mosley had more or less forbidden. Kensi, Sam and Hidoko looked up, expecting to see Eric standing there. Instead it was Deeks, summoning the others to come up at the Ops room. As ever, Nell and Eric were waiting in there, eager as ever to work on whatever there was to share.

"I spoke Callen today," Deeks said. "He made a short call."

Before he could go on, Sam interrupted "He called you? Why not me?"
"Why didn't you tell us? Is that why you left in such a hurry?" Kensi asked. Deeks sensed that somehow he upset their feelings.

He nodded and said, although it would feel like a bomb shell to his coworkers "He's in jail. Asked me to come over for legal assistance, which I agreed to."

"Jail?!" Kensi exclaimed. "What— what happened?"

Deeks shrugged. "I honestly don't know. I've checked with LAPD, and Eric and Nell went through whatever system they could too. Nothing."

They hadn't paid attention to the moment the sliding doors opened and closed again, and not until they heard her voice it was obvious that Shay Mosley overheard their discussion.
"Try anything on Chris Brennan," she suggested. "And by the way, detective Deeks, I do remember how you agreed too upon the rule to summon the team up in another way."

"Brennan, Chris?" Nell asked. It was saver to interrupt right now than having a discussion between Deeks and Mosley about rules, she figured. "Why Brennan?"

"That's the cover name he's taken for the job," Mosley said.

Sam shot a glare at the executive assistant director. "Wait... You said he was on leave," he mentioned.

"Why, he is. For the time being, he's not around," Mosley replied. "He agreed to take this, how shall I name it… this temporary job".

Again, Nell interrupted. "Gotcha! Chris Brennan was arrested 3 days ago. The district attorney is to file the attempt of murder. Not good", she added.

Mosley pursed her lips and muttered "That's why he didn't report yesterday."

"You knew what he was doing and didn't care to share anything at all? Who did his backstopping if it wasn't Nell? What kind of crime is he accused of, why and when?" Sam wanted to know as he raised his voice.

"He's been working for me, agent Hanna, and is currently under cover to find a leak at the ATF. And well, of course I wasn't aware of any crime he's committed. So please, do go ahead, Nell, and Eric. Keep digging, and let me know what you find."

"Let US know," Sam said.

Her hand on her hips, Mosley turned and faced the team and repeated "As I mentioned, you do report to me. This is on a need to know basis, agent Hanna. Detective Deeks, please follow me. There are some things we should discuss now."

o)o)o)o)o)o)o)o)o)o)o)

Los Angeles || Metropolitan Detention Center, next day

He heaved a deep sigh once he parked his car in front of the prison. The past day and a half weren't that easy. Deeks had found the eyes of his co-workers burning on his back, as if he couldn't be trusted anymore at all.
Meanwhile, he and Hidoko had visited the hospital where another ATF agent was admitted in a pretty bad state. However she - why did it have to be a female agent, he wondered – was still attached to all those awful machines and on medication, and according to the doctors, this situation would remain like this until it was decided she was fit enough to slowly get her to the land of the living. Until that, it wasn't clear why she had been in Callen's temporary home... And now it was up to him to prove Callen's innocence?

He was early, but his guess was it would be okay. He checked his hair, his face and opened the door of the silver-grey Ford. Once outside he took the suit jacket that fit his neat trousers, put it on, took a briefcase and closed the doors of the car.
A quarter of an hour later Deeks sat in a small, windowless room, waiting for his team-leader Callen.
Or Chris Brennan, ATF special agent. Who was accused of an attempt of murdering another ATF special agent, Lynne Mulder. Deeks was curious about Callen's side of the story. At the same time, he knew that a prison in this city was a dangerous place to be for anyone working in law enforcement.

After another quarter of an hour Deeks saw how the door finally opened and behind a senior guard Callen entered the room in the standard uniform of this detention center - a dark blue kind of jogging trousers with a light grey t-shirt. Another guard followed.

The first man introduced himself as Hermanez Garcia and then he addressed Deeks and Callen "You've got fifteen minutes to discuss your case. I'd advise you to avoid any chit-chat and come to business. Officer Aaron in here will stay outside. He will intervene if anyone lets him know".

He nodded and didn't await any responses but just left the room. The officer called Aaron then asked Deeks "You trust your client well enough to have him uncuffed, mister Deeks?"

He grinned a confirmation "I do."

Seconds later Callen sank down on the uncomfortable chair with a deep sigh, rubbing his wrists. Then he looked up and said "Thanks, Marty."

Deeks let his gaze go over the older man and noticed the bruises and the black eye. "You look like crap, Callen. What the hell happened? Why didn't you call any sooner? I mean, Nell said you must've been in here for what, four days?" He shook his head. "Got into some fight?"

"Thought I'd be best off in solitary, so I challenged a prison guard. And one more, just to make sure my plan would work."

"And?"

Callen huffed and let his hands go through his short hair "It worked. Till yesterday." His clear blue eyes showed some uncertainty. "Now I'm in the usual cell blocks, Deeks. Not good. I mean…"

"I know… I mean, I get it. You never know who you're going to meet in here. I'm gonna try to get you out of here, on bail. Thing is, it won't be today or tomorrow, I suppose. So you gotta hang in there, buddy."

He nodded and again, Callen rubbed his wrists and let his hands go over his face immediately after that. "That... the woman. Is she — did she survive?"

Deeks let his gaze rest on Callen's face, wondering and observing if his colleague showed anything unusual or whether or not he hid something from him. The only thing Deeks noticed that was out of the ordinary was the sense of regret on the other man's face.
"Until now, she's still alive. I… we don't know if she will survive in the end. Which means it will be hard to tell what happened in there. How did you know her?"

"Hell, I don't know anything Deeks and I never saw her before. I was just this close to close this case."

"Her DNA was everywhere in your apartment Callen."

Callen shook his head. "I'll tell you again that I don't know her or saw her before. Deeks, I'm serious about this. I don't know how to prove it, but something tells me that someone in the ATF won't like the outcomes of what I was about to tell."

"Then tell me what you know. Time's nearly up," Deeks said. His mind was in a whirl, should or should he not let Callen know that this woman was another ATF agent?

The other man shrugged "Just one name. Promise me you'll let Mosley know. She'll know what to do."

"You can tell her yourself," Deeks suggested, throwing his head back since his hair was irritating him, or was it the stubbornness of the older team leader sitting opposite of him. Stubbornness or was it perhaps something different, the uncertainty of this situation? "Common, Callen. We'll get you out in no time, trust me."

The blue eyes of Callen showed a hint of doubt, then he shook his head, put his left hand on the table and placed his chin in it. Then he nearly whispered "Carter. Blake Carter. Tell Mosley."
The only thing Deeks did was nodding. No repeating. He realized that Callen spoke in a way which wasn't to be heard, nor had it possible to read lips when he mentioned this name.

Was it seconds later that the door of this too warm room opened? He figured it was indeed. The man whose last name was Aaron entered and only motioned to Callen to get up.

Slowly, Callen got up, back in his alias as Chris Brennan. "Stretch your arms," Aaron ordered, and without any more words, he put on handcuffs again and led Callen out of the room. There was another prison guard waiting on the corridor, Deeks noticed.

"See you soon, Brennan," Deeks muttered as the most lousy greet he could think of at that moment.

o)o)o)o)o)o)o)o)o)o)o)

Los Angeles || NCIS office, next day

"You got to arrange this with the DOD," Sam stated. His stare was colder than Shay Mosley could remember, while it was only what, three months ago that this very same man comforted her when she first told him about her son.

"That won't be necessary, Hanna. There are some things which come with the benefit of being the executive assistant director. However, I needed to negotiate and let director Vance know in advantage."

"He's been there too long if you'd ask me," Sam added.

She stretched her shoulders and said, trying to be as confident as she could "Well, I didn't ask, agent Hanna. If I had doubted Callen's abilities, he'd be around and had been for the past two months. However, he had a job to do, which he performed pretty well, I must say."

"He's a federal agent, damnit, and in a Los Angeles detention center. Have you got any idea what that means? It could be only a matter of minutes before anyone recognizes—"

She held her hand as a sign for him to stop talking and said "Or he may stay in there safe and sound. Now, if you'll excuse me? I have some phone calls to make which do include the Secretary of Defense indeed, to the matter of what is going on in the ATF. And before you're asking, ATF is none of my business, however they did ask to solve a matter within their agency, as a kind of joint operation for which your partner was selected."
She took her phone and started to dial a number. It was clear to Sam that she denied his anger and his demands, like it was clear to him there was nothing he could do right now. So he spun on his feet and paced out of her office, slamming the door shut louder than he should. He headed downstairs to join his co-workers and slid behind his desk just as angrily as he just felt.

"Sam-the-man… whatever it is, don't let it eat you," Deeks remarked.

Kensi agreed "It's not worth the fight with Mosley. She knows what she's doing."

"That's right," Deeks said. "I mean, she even arranged protection for the Mulder… ehm, the Mulderette. That agent, you know?"

Sam looked up "She did?"

"Sure. She's not that coldhearted as you make us believe she is," Kensi said. "Besides, we now have a lead. After all Callen mentioned a name. Which makes me think, maybe the wonder-twins can show us who we're looking for?"

"Thanks. That's a good idea, Kens." Sam got up in the same swift mode as he'd plunked down on his desk chair and hurried up the stairs again, followed by Deeks and Kensi.


Thank you all for reading!

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