Be careful what you ask for, as the saying goes. A few readers have requested a multi-chapter story and here it is; 23 chapters in all. I think this story took longer to proof-read then write as I desperately tried to keep the facts straight from page 1 to 99. I think I succeeded…well mostly.
All five main characters make appearances throughout the story with minor visits by Granger and Michelle Hanna. Sam's daughter also stops by and since I don't know her name, I made one up. When the real writers finally decide, I'll update it.
If you have read anything I have written previously (please feel free to do so), you know this is going to be a Callen-centric story with a lot of Sam and Hetty. Dialogue abounds; action not so much. Of course there is a whumping involved (I seriously doubt I have to tell you whom).
As for the disclaimer, it's a new year and still nothing belongs to me, I'm still playing in someone else's sandbox. Love reviews. Read them all and I have been known to make occasional changes when I goof or get a character too far out of line.
Exhausted and battered, the two NCIS agents slowly walked through the building towards their desks after their latest mission. Sam knew his partner was not doing well; the CIA had botched the joint operation and had allowed innocent people to die. His partner did not suffer fools lightly and the CIA, in Callen's book, was all fools. Though his partner only showed his tough-side to the general populace, Sam knew the man underneath; G was deeply upset because of the needless deaths of the woman and her child. Sam also knew his partner partially blamed himself for what had happened, even though it was not his doing.
In the Challenger on the way back to Ops, Sam had asked Callen if he wanted to talk about what had happened; being Sam, he had to try. When Callen ignored him, Sam went on to add the CIA screw up was not Callen's fault. At that point, G had shut him down quickly and coldly in words that he knew Callen really didn't mean, but hurt Sam anyway. The drive back to Ops had turned decidedly chilly; Callen working to stuff this latest tragedy deep inside his psyche and Sam seething at his partner's stubbornness. So, it really was no surprise what happened when they got back to the building.
"Agent Callen," an abrasive voice rang out as they trudged down the hallway. "I need to talk to you. Now."
Sam glanced in the direction of the voice and saw Assistant Director Granger standing on the steps to Hetty's office. Callen, however, studiously ignored the direct command from his boss's boss and kept on walking.
Faltering a little in his step, Sam debated whether to get involved because in the past, it had never helped. When Granger and Callen got into a conflict and Sam tried to run interference, Granger simply put Sam in his place and still went after Callen. But Sam was Sam and again he had to try.
Quietly, so only Callen could hear him he said, "Maybe we should see what he wants," hoping the 'we' would soften the message. Ignoring Sam too, Callen increased his pace and disappeared around the corner towards the locker room.
Granger moved down the steps towards the retreating man, stridently calling after him. "Agent Callen!" The Assistant Director stopped next to Sam when Callen still refused to respond and disappeared out of sight.
Even though he knew it was futile, Sam had to try to defend his partner. "It was a rough case. He's exhausted."
Granger rounded on Sam, his gravelly voice indicating his anger and that he was not appreciative of Sam's interference. "When I want your analysis of your partner's well-being, I will ask for it, Agent Hanna."
"I'll go get him for you," Sam said still trying to protect his partner.
"Perhaps I did not make myself clear. Let me reiterate. When and if I ever need your help, Agent Hanna I will specifically ask for it," he snarled. "Now I suggest you go do, whatever you were about to do and stop trying to protect your insubordinate partner."
Sam glanced over the Assistant Director's shoulder at Hetty who gave a nearly imperceptible nod indicating he should do what Granger asked. Sam wordlessly shifted his gaze back to Granger, staring directly into his eyes for a moment letting his distaste for this whole situation clearly register, before walking off towards his desk in the bullpen.
Frustrated by the behavior of her people, Granger rounded on Hetty, his displeasure clearly written on his face. "We'll talk about your insubordinate agents later."
Hetty stared neutrally back at her Boss and simply said, "Strong word."
"Accurate," he replied tersely, as he turned and headed in the direction Callen had disappeared.
From his desk over in the bullpen, Sam once again caught his Boss' eye but she still shook her head at him to indicate he was not to interfere. Turning away, she decided she needed a cup of tea to fortify her for the upcoming storm. Sam watched her go then quietly made his way towards the locker room anyway.