Part 2
Callen awoke to bright, golden sunlight streaming into the room through the sliding glass door. Shaking the cobwebs from his head, he realized that this wasn't his room; it was Jordan's. The last thing he remembered was watching 'The Maltese Falcon' on television with her last night. Sometime during the movie he must have fallen asleep on the couch.
He then noticed a pleasant weight on top of him. Looking down he found Jordan, asleep, with her head resting on his chest; her right arm was thrown across his middle while his right hand rested protectively on her back. Callen's eyes roamed over her beautiful face, taking in how her long, thick lashes fanned out against the curve of her cheekbones; the rhythmic rise and fall of her chest with each breath she took; the soft snores escaping her parted lips. A grin formed on his face at the sight; one he found he wouldn't mind seeing every morning.
Jordan began shifting in her sleep for a few seconds, and then her eyes fluttered open. She became instantly aware that she was lying against a rock hard chest, lifting her head she saw Callen smiling down at her.
"Morning," he said.
"Good morning," she said, returning his smile as she moved up to a seating position; hating to leave the comfort of his arms, "Looks like we both passed out last night."
"Think so. Don't even remember the movie."
"What time is it?" she said running her hands over her hair to smooth it down.
"Six o'clock," he said, turning his wrist to check his watch.
"Been up long?"
"No, just got up a few minutes ago," he said smirking.
"What?" she said, her curiosity piqued at that smirk.
"It's nothing…really. You uh… snored a little; heard it just before you work up," he said, his eyes sparkling with mischief.
"I don't snore!" she insisted, giving him a playful push on the arm.
"How do you know, you're asleep?" he said, laughter bubbling inside of him at her indignant expression, "It was kind of cute actually. Sort of like the purr of a kitten."
Jordan's mouth opened and closed a few times before she covered her face with her hands, "I don't snore!"
"Maybe that's what I'll call you 'kitten'," he teased.
"If you value your limbs, you'll never call me 'kitten'," she said, uncovering her face and throwing him a mock warning glare.
"Alright, how about 'J'? I'm 'G' and you could be 'J'."
Jordan considered that for a moment, "Not bad; better than 'kitten'." She said smirking.
"Or, I could continue calling you Jordie," he said leaning closer.
"That would be just fine, Callen," she said gazing into his eyes.
"You know…you can call me 'G'," Callen said.
"G it is then," she smiled, leaning into him as their lips melded for a deep kiss.
"Nice way to start the morning," she said sighing after breaking the kiss. "We better get a move on; Sam will be here soon to take us all to work."
"Right, meet you downstairs," he said grabbing another kiss before rising from the couch to go to his room.
Living room:
"Morning, Kensi. Morning, Deeks." Jordan said going over to the table where they stood.
"Hi Jordan," Kensi said smiling around a mouthful of blueberry muffin.
"Hey Jordan," Deeks said sliding a look at Kensi before turning his attention back to Jordan, "As you can see, my partner has already attacked the bakery box."
Kensi just rolled her eyes while continuing to eat her muffin with gusto.
Said bakery box lay open on the table; peering inside she saw an assortment of scones and muffins.
"How was watch duty last night?" Jordan said, picking up a raspberry scone for herself.
"Morning all," Callen said coming up from behind Jordan and picking up one of the Styrofoam cups of coffee.
"Morning," said Kensi, Deeks and Jordan.
"It went fine until someone stole the pull out couch from their partner and said partner had to sleep on the hard floor in a sleeping bag," Deeks said cutting his eyes to Kensi.
"I didn't steal anything. I won the rock, paper, scissors, lizard, Spock fair and square. Lizard poisons Spock." Kensi said with a smug smile.
"Spock should be invulnerable to the poison of a mere lizard," Deeks pouted.
Throwing up her hands she moved away from the table with Deeks following her still arguing his case.
"Those two," Jordan chuckled, taking a bite of her scone.
"They're like five year olds." Callen said shaking his head.
"Hi guys," Sam said appearing at the table along with Tom, "What's with them?"
"Morning Sam…Hi Tom," Jordan replied.
"Hey," Callen said in greeting, "They were fighting about lizards and Spock or something."
"Oh. We'd better get going Eric said he has info on those two guys," Sam said.
"Let's go," Callen said before following Sam and the others to the van.
OPS:
"What have you got Eric?" Callen said.
Tom, Granger and Fornell stood near the smart screen. The rest of the agents were milled around the room.
"It took some doing but we were finally able to find out that these two came into Los Angeles from Switzerland on Swiss Air flight 704 two days ago." Eric said pulling up the pictures with the names. The names on the tickets were Bernardo Ricciardi for the white haired man and Antonio Marcovicci for the other man. "I ran facial recognition and came up with nothing. It's like they don't exist."
"Those names are aliases most likely," Jordan said eyeing the white haired man's photo.
"I agree," Callen said studying Bernardo's picture. The man's ice colored eyes along with the snow white skin made a macabre image. "Any ideas where they might be staying?"
"Negative, they seem to be keeping a low profile," Nell said looking at her tablet.
"Keep an eye out for them. Ricciardi may show up in the business district again. He was there for a reason yesterday." Callen said.
"One of the two cases that the task force was part of involved Emil Oliver, "Tom said as the picture of Oliver showed up on screen. Oliver, at the time of his arrest in 2002, was thirty eight years old; he was of average height and weight. The picture showed a man with a round face, ruddy complexion and thin lips, hooded sea-green eyes beneath dark brows. His sandy hair was cut businessman short.
"He was a self-made millionaire by the time he was twenty-five by starting an investment firm and turning it into one of the largest money making enterprises in the country. His crimes were investment adviser fraud, money laundering; embezzling money from share-holders to an offshore account in the Cayman Islands. Oliver is currently serving his thirty-five year sentence in San Quentin." Tom said. "I don't think he's the one we should be looking at for the killings."
"Here's the next one," Fornell said as the picture of another man showed up on screen. The photo showed a fair skinned man in his early thirties with a round face, pointed nose, full lips and soft chin. Deep set, sea green eyes peeked out beneath thick, straight dark brows. His short hair was jet black and curly.
"I remember this one," Callen said taking a breath before continuing, "Stephan Galipova was born into money. He received the best education at the finest Ivy League schools; after college he started working for his father at Galipova Global. The old man was already involved in questionable business practices. Stephan Galipova took over as CEO when his dad died and after a number of years turned to other interests…Drug trafficking, attempting to win a contract to sell a variety of military products such as M4 carbine rifles, tear gas grenades, and armored vehicles, by bribing overseas officials and ties with the Russian mob."
"Charming," Kensi said, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
"It took us a year but we finally took him down and his two associates Anton Polzin and Kurtis Collingwood. " Callen said as two more pictures popped up on screen. "Galipova was given 30 years while both Polzin and Collingwood received fifteen."
"Maybe Galipova somehow recruited Ricciardi and Marcovicci to commit the murders." Sam said.
"Afraid not, Galipova was killed by a fellow inmate five years into his sentence. Both Polzin and Collingwood were released about two ago. Collingwood is now working part-time at his cousin's construction company. So far he's been staying out of trouble. Polzin left the country after his probation was over." Nell said looking up from her tablet.
"Sam and I will talk with Collingwood. Kensi and Deeks you check out his home." Callen said. Turning his attention to Nell and Eric, "Find out where Polzin had ended up now."
"No, Mr. Callen. Miss Harris and Mr. Hanna may speak with Mr. Collingwood. Remember, you are also a target of this assassin." Hetty said; her eyes trained on her senior agent.
"Hetty, I'm not running," Callen said, standing firm against Hetty's glare, "I still have a job to do…Jordan can come with us and I'll stay in the car like a good little agent," giving her his best innocent look.
Hetty knew him well enough to not buy that look, "Very well, Mr. Callen. Take the car with the darkened windows, and stay in the car," she said, putting emphasis on the last four words.
Callen gave her a nod before he, Jordan and Sam got the address of the construction company and left Ops. Before leaving headquarters, they stopped at the armory to pick up the ear wigs and mics.
Pierce Construction:
Thirty minutes later they pulled into the parking lot of Pierce Construction. It was a 13,750 square foot two- story brick building surrounded by manicured bushes and a patch of lush green grass.
"Nice," Sam said giving a low whistle as he opened up the driver side door to get out.
"Good luck and if you have any trouble just yell." Callen said to them both as Jordan opened her door from the back seat.
"We will," she said giving his shoulder a gentle squeeze before exiting from the back seat.
Sam and Jordan walked up the stone walkway to the glass door that held the name Pierce Construction. Once inside they strode across the red carpeting to the front desk where a bored looking secretary sat filing her nails. The woman, whose name tag said Trudy, looked to be in her mid-twenties dressed in a low cut green blouse that accentuated her huge boobs. Her two-toned dark blond hair fell to her shoulders.
"Excuse me, NCIS I'm agent Hanna and this is agent Harris," Sam said flashing his badge; Jordan did the same.
Trudy's brown eyes brightened when she looked at Sam, her red lips forming into a huge smile.
"Hi! How can I help you?" Trudy said her voice sounding breathless.
"We were wondering if you could tell us if Kurtis Collingwood was in today." Jordan said holding back her grin at the obvious flirting Trudy was doing with Sam.
Trudy looked at her with disdain for a second before answering in a crisp tone, "Second floor, room two oh seven. Elevators down the hall to your right."
"Thanks miss." Sam said turning to head for the elevators with Jordan.
"You can call me Trudy. Let me know if I can be of more help." Trudy called out waving her fingers.
Sam just gave her a slight smile and moved on down the hall to the elevators. When the door opened they stepped inside; Jordan pressed the button for the second floor.
"Sounds like someone has a crush on you Sam," Callen's teasing voice said in their ear pieces.
"Shut up," Sam said without much bite to his tone.
"Trudy was looking at him like he was the last pork chop on the plate," Jordan replied grinning.
"Et tu Brute." Sam said hiding his own smile.
"I'm sorry, I'll behave," Jordan said pulling an innocent expression.
"G has been a bad influence on you," Sam replied with a teasing grin.
"Hey! I can hear you," G's voice said with obvious humor.
The elevator dinged as it arrived at the second floor. After exiting they took a left; walking down the hallway until they reached room 207. The sign on the door said payments and accounts. Sam knocked on the door. A male voice on the other side said "Come in." Sam and Jordan entered the 10 by 15 square inch room. There were two oak desks, one by a large window that looked out onto the highway. On the opposite wall was another desk that was currently unoccupied. To the right was a wok station that held a copy machine and a water cooler. The left was a door that led to another office.
"Kurtis Collingwood?" Sam said showing his badge, "NCIS I'm agent Hanna and this is agent Harris," he continued as Jordan flashed her badge also.
Kurtis Collingwood was forty-two years old but looked a decade older. His weary blue-grey eyes glanced at their badges and identification, "What's going on?"
"We just wanted to ask you a few questions," Jordan said studying the man closely.
Sam pulled out the photos of the suspected killers Bernardo Ricciardi and Antonio Marcovicci and laid them on the desk in front of Polzin, "Do you recognize these two?"
Collingwood studied the photographs for a moment before looking back up at them, "I've never seen them before in my life. Have they done something?"
"They're suspects in the execution style killings of an FBI agent and two CIA agents. We believe that they were hired guns." Sam said.
"What's that got to do with me?" Collingwood said, looking confused.
"The men killed were the ones who brought down Galipova." Jordan replied.
He looked from Sam to Jordan, "You…you think I had something to do with this!"
"You and Anton Polzin were brought down along with Galipova. Your career and reputation destroyed. After getting out of prison maybe you decided to take revenge…" Sam said.
"Look, whatever happened to these men I had nothing to do with it! I did my time and I'm just trying to get my life back together as best as I can."
"Have you had any contact with Polzin since your release?" Jordan said.
"No, after I got out of prison I just wanted to put the past behind me. My cousin was good enough to get me a job here when everyone else shut the door in my face. I've got a good thing going so far and I'm not going to mess it up." He said pausing briefly to take a breath, "I knew Stephan was into some shady stuff and did nothing to stop him; I got caught up in the money and the power so I just looked the other way. I paid my dues and want to get on with my life so whoever you're looking for it is not me."
"Thank you for your time." Jordan said as both she and Sam turned to leave the office.
Callen sat in the car listening to the exchange, looking up he spotted a black car in the rearview window. Turning around in his seat he could see the car parked across the street near a Laundromat, the windows were darkened so you couldn't see inside. As if the driver knew they had been spotted, the car pulled away from the curb, taking a left and headed down the highway.
Probably nothing he thought before seeing Jordan and Sam exiting the building.
"Get to say good bye to Trudy?" Callen said smirking after Sam opened the door to get into the driver's seat and Jordan in the back.
"Ha. Ha. Very funny," Sam said rolling his eyes as he put the car in drive and pulled out into the street.
"How did Collingwood look to you?" Callen asked.
"Unless he's an expert liar, he seemed to be telling the truth." Jordan said.
"That was my impression too," Sam said making a turn at the exit, "Seemed like he was trying to fly right."
"Wonder if Kensi and Deeks found out anything," Callen said.
OPS:
"Did you get anything at his place?" Callen said to Kensi and Deeks after going over what happened during the meeting with Collingwood.
"We found his laptop in the living room and downloaded the hard drive," said Kensi.
"Talked to the neighbors and they all said that he was a nice guy, quiet and just kept to himself," Deeks said.
"Nothing out of the ordinary was found on the laptop; some hits for job searches and online games. Phone records showed phone calls mostly to his probation officer and family." Nell said.
"Still keep an eye on him; there could still be something there that we're overlooking." Callen said. "Find out anything on Polzin?"
"Actually yes; he settled in London and works at a small consulting firm." Eric said.
"Keep tabs on him too," Callen said.
Later that evening:
Safe House:
Jordan and Callen were on watch duty while Kensi and Deeks got to have the upstairs rooms. Looking around she saw Tom working at the table on his rocket model.
"Has he ever fired off one of those rockets?" Callen whispered, following Jordan's gaze.
"I don't think so. Think he just likes making them" she whispered back, turning her gaze back to him, "Would be sort of cool to see one go up."
"Yeah, it would." He agreed, glancing back at the monitors, "Quiet night."
"Hope it stays that way," she chuckled.
"Me too."
They settled into a comfortable silence for a few minutes. The silence was broken when Jordan gasped, "Look at that!" she said pointing out the window. Across the beach there was a fireworks display.
"I've always loved watching fireworks," Jordan said glancing back at Callen who seemed deep in thought. "You ok?"
"Yeah, just remembering something," he said, his attention going from the window back to her face. "I think I was about nine and this one foster home was better than some of the others. It was run by a single mom, her name was Elizabeth. She had a son named Rick who was my age and was pretty cool. Anyway it was the fourth of July and that night she fixed up a picnic basket filled with sandwiches and soda. We drove out to the park; sat on the hood of the car and ate while watching the fireworks. It was the best night I could remember."
"Sounds like a wonderful memory." Jordan smiled. "I know you don't like talking about your past much but I'm glad you felt you could share that with me."
Callen gazed into her beautiful eyes seeing what his trust and honesty meant to her. Looking to see if Tom was still at the table and noting that the man wasn't there at the moment; he leaned forward to capture her lips in a sweet kiss. "I've wanted to do that all day." He said his voice low and husky.
"Interesting, I've wanted you to do that all day," She chuckled rising up from her seat, "Want anything from the kitchen? I'm going to get something to drink."
"I'm good thanks," he grinned turning his attention back to the screen.
Kitchen:
Jordan entered the kitchen to find Tom already there leaning against the counter with a cup of coffee in hand.
"Hey Tom," Jordan said, moving to the fridge to get a bottled water.
"Hi," he said taking a sip of his drink; his dark eyes watching her.
Jordan unscrewed the top of the water bottle and took a long pull. "Alright, out with it."
"Out with what?"
"I was your partner for eleven years and know when something's on your mind," she smirked.
Tom chuckled in response, "Ok…. Is there something going on between you and Callen?"
"W…what makes you think that?" she said lowering her gaze.
"Come on Jordan, I may be old but I'm not stupid. I've seen the way you two look at each other sometimes."
"Fine; yes we're seeing each other. But, we're keeping it out of the office and taking things one step at a time."
"Dating a coworker? Sometimes that can lead to trouble."
Jordan moved closer to the man who'd been a friend and second father to her, placing her hand on his arm, "What's really troubling you?"
"I don't know a lot about him, but he doesn't know his first name or much of his past and he can be a bit of a lone wolf. I…I just don't want to see you get hurt."
"I appreciate you looking out for me but I'm a big girl and can take care of myself," she said with a smile. "He's a good man. In fact you two are alike in some ways."
Tom's eyebrow rose at that, "How?"
"You're both natural born leaders; will fight for what you believe in; fiercely loyal to those you care about; marches to the beat of your own drummer…don't give me that look 'Mr. joined the Air Force and then the FBI instead of going to work at his father's deli like his two older brothers.'" Jordan said ticking off each quality on her fingers. "Also, underneath that tough guy exterior is a gentle heart and good soul."
Tom set his coffee cup down on the table before pulling Jordan into a hug. "Sorry kid, just looking out for you," he said letting her go.
"Don't worry so much," she smiled.
He studied her face for a moment, "Anyone who can put the light back into your eyes like that must not be all bad," he smiled picking up his cup before leaving the kitchen.
Two days later:
Bull pen: Morning
"You have to go in today?" Callen said.
"Yes, have some paperwork to do and then I'll run by my place to pick up a few things," she said smiling.
"Got some paperwork of my own too, so I'll see you when you get back," he said returning her smile.
"See you later," she replied grabbing her bag off her desk and moving for the exit.
Callen looked up from his finished reports and dropped his pen on the desk. Rolling the kinks out of his neck, he glanced around the bullpen. Sam was going through his e-mails, Deeks was reading the paper and Kensi was doing her own report. With no new developments with the case yet and no other cases, it was a slow day.
He was feeling a little off today, it wasn't something he could pinpoint exactly but it was a feeling he couldn't shake. Maybe it was excess energy that needed letting out; shooting a few rounds might help.
Pushing himself away from his desk he headed to the gun range without a word.
Gun Range:
Callen adjusted his goggles and headset. Raising his gun he fired center shot into the paper target and finished off with the head shots. Taking off the goggles and headset, he pushed the button to bring the paper target forward. Removing the target from the clasps he studied his score. Turning, he moved to the door to step outside heading for the table. Taking the rag he started cleaning the gun until it was gleaming. Rising from his seat he headed back to the bull pen.
Bullpen:
When he walked in he already sensed something was wrong. The team was standing around the television. Tom, Fornell and Granger were there also. Eric and Nell stood next to each other. Nell looked paler than usual.
"What's going on?" Callen said looking at the screen where there was a news reporter standing near a burned out townhouse.
"…explosion at Lakeview terrace. There are reports of one casualty and a few injuries as well as property damage. The injured have been taken to an area hospital…
"That's where Jordan lives," Callen said icy fingers of panic filling him.
"I just got off the phone with Agent Ross of the FBI." Hetty said appearing next to Nell. "Jordan Harris was killed an hour ago by a bomb planted in her apartment."
"Are they sure it's her?" Callen said not recognizing his own voice.
"Yes. Among the ruins, her bag was found containing her badge and identification. As it was told to me, the heat of the blaze was so intense there was nothing left of her body," Hetty continued, her voice steady in spite of the pain evident in her eyes.
Kensi gasped moving to her desk to sit down, her eyes filled with unshed tears. Tom sat down on the couch, his face drained of color. Deeks and Sam looked to be in the same shape as Kensi.
"Do we know who did this?" Sam said.
"No," Eric said taking a shuddering breath, "Security footage was also destroyed."
Callen had to get out of there away from the sorrowful expressions. Stumbling back, he headed down the hall ignoring Sam's voice calling out to him. He stopped at the door of one of the private bathrooms. Opening the door he let himself in.
It had to be a mistake. Grabbing at his cell phone he pushed the number for Jordan. It rang once and went to voicemail, her voice saying 'This is Jordan, leave your name, number and message and I'll get back to you as soon as possible.' He nearly threw the phone across the room.
Jordan was dead. He'd never hear her laugh again, smile again or see her look at him in that special way. The thought of her burning came to him in a rush; the acrid smell of burnt flesh and hair assailed him. Rushing to the toilet he knelt down and heaved up the contents of his stomach. Resting his head on his forearm against the rim of the bowl, he felt tears at the corners of his eyes.
Callen got up from the floor dragging himself to the sink. Turning on the faucet he cupped his hands beneath the cool running water and splashed his face. Grabbing a paper towel from the dispenser he dried his face. Looking at his image in the mirror, Callen saw that his face was pale and his eyes looked haunted. Holding the edge of the sink, he bowed his head as a choked sob ripped itself from his chest.
Let it be yesterday. Please make it yesterday.
That evening:
Safe house:
The drive back to the safe house was somber. Callen only stared straight ahead; vaguely aware of quiet conversations behind him. Pulling the car into the driveway and parking, Sam followed the rest of them inside the house.
Callen felt like everything was moving in slow motion, he just wanted to go to sleep and never wake up again.
Suddenly there was a vibrating of his phone, "What the hell," he said taking his cell out of his pants pocket. Looking at the display he saw a text message that said, 'Hanson Park. There's a cabin, come alone. Jordan.'
"G? What's going on?" Sam said seeing his partner's wide eyes.
"She's… alive. Look," he said showing Sam the display. Tom hearing what Callen said came closer to the younger man.
"G, this could be some sort of trap."
"What if it isn't" Callen argued as hope surged through him.
"You're not going alone, I'm going with you." Sam said.
"I'm going too," Tom said.
"No Tom, you're staying here. Like Sam said it could be a trap." Callen said, his temper flaring.
"The hell I will. I may be retired but I still know a few tricks. Now we can stand here and argue whose is bigger or we can get Jordan," Tom glared.
Callen stared at the man and sighed, "Let's go."
Hanson Park:
Twenty minutes later Sam parked the van against a huge tree that was near the cabin. Callen was next to him and Tom in the back seat. The cabin was small no more than three hundred square feet of white cedar. There was light from the two front windows.
Callen got his gun out and opened the car door. "You and Tom look around back and see if there's another entrance; I'll take the front." He said.
Sam and Tom nodded getting their own guns out and ready. All three exited the van, Callen made his way to the front door while Sam and Tom headed around the back.
Callen felt the surge of adrenaline coursing through his veins. His gun lowered to his side he scurried up the front steps with movements quick and sure as a jungle cat. Hunkering down he maneuvered himself beside the door, peering inside the left window. All he saw was a table with a chair next to it. Turning his body to face the door, he brought his gun in front of him. Lifting his right leg he kicked the door in rushing over the threshold. Out of the corner of his eye he saw another figure. Swinging his gun to the right he saw a man standing against the wall. He was tall with shaggy brown hair, it was Antonio Marcovicci one of the killers they were looking for.
Marcovicci had his hands up, "Wait."
Callen's jaw tightened and his eyes narrowed, white hot rage filled him to the core. Sam was right it was a trap. Rushing toward Marcovicci, Callen had him pinned against the wall with his gun pointing at the center of his chest.
"G don't!" Jordan said, placing her hands on his left arm.
Callen turned his head, looking into her beautiful eyes; relief washed over him like a waterfall it was nearly overwhelming. That feeling soon turned to confusion. He then saw Tom and Sam enter the room.
Placing her hand over his gun she pushed his hand down, "He's one of us."
tbc.
Hope you all liked this chapter. Sorry it took so long to put it up, a combination of work and writers block got hold of me. Please review and more coming soon.
