Author's Note: Thanks for the response for the first chapter! I hope you all continue to enjoy the story; I kind of like where it is going. Reviews are always more than welcome!
NCIS: LA NCIS: LA
As they pulled up to the safehouse, Sam was rolling his eyes as Callen explained the pros of not having a bed.
"You never have to make it." Callen pointed out. "It's a time saver."
"But a back-breaker. How long do you think you can possibly sleep on the floor in a wore out sleeping bag without getting serious problems?"
"If the Indians could do it for hundreds of years, I can manage." Callen said defiantly and looked around cautiously. Sam did the same, fuming on the inside at Callen's stubbornness.
"Whatever you say, Running Mouth." Sam pushed Callen playfully.
"Really? Running Mouth? I set you up for some serious wit there and that's the best you can do?"
"Hush, don't attract attention." Sam said, heading up the steps of the safe house, leaving an amused Callen to follow.
Callen stopped right inside as his cell phone beeped. Eric had found something and had sent a cryptic text that Callen was having trouble deciphering.
Sam nodded to Deeks standing guard by the door and headed into the dining room where the witness sat at the table. Sam observed the man carefully.
He was in his middle sixties, but he had a muscular build that belied his age. He had an almost cruel face and his eyes were mocking and malicious at the same time. He stood and shook Sam's hand, introducing himself in a very friendly manner. His handshake was stronger than many men half his age. Sam instantly disliked him and did not introduce himself back. As Kimball seated himself, Kensi came through the door with an annoyed expression on her face.
"I'm glad you actually stayed here this time." She said to the witness and turned to Sam. "Where's The Lone Ranger?"
Sam feigned offense. "Are you calling me Tonto?"
"Just calling them like I see them." Kensi shot back.
Sam smiled briefly. "He's trying to figure out our brilliant analyst's shorthand typing."
Kensi nodded in understanding. "I see you met our witness." She motioned to the quiet man.
Sam nodded as Callen came into the room. Sam turned to him and frowned at the change that went through his partner's face. Callen's jaw locked and his eyes went hard. Sam had seen Callen angry, but this was a whole new level.
"Well, well, well. Its little G Callen, all grown up." The man grinned sharply. "Look at you, playing lawman like a tragic hero."
Kensi and Sam both looked from Kimball back to Callen. The tension was so thick, they could almost see it.
"You." Callen's voice was rough and angry, actually scaring Kensi a little.
"You remember me?" Kimball stood and took a step toward Callen. Callen stepped back sharply. Sam frowned; Callen never backed down. He felt completely disoriented; what was going on with his partner?
"Kinda hard to forget." Callen answered.
Kimball grinned slowly. "Good." He flicked a glance over Callen. "You got muscles."
"You got grey." Callen shot back, and Sam knew the set of his shoulders. Callen wanted to run; Sam had only seen that in the tensest stare downs, and even then, Callen was usually calm and cool. Kimball was coming closer, and Callen was stepping back again. Sam had had enough and held a hand out to stop the witness from coming closer.
Kimball shot an annoyed glance at Sam. "Who's the boyfriend, GG?"
"Agent Sam Hanna." Callen's partner answered himself. "Ex-SEAL, NCIS Special Agent, and one of the few people between you and whoever used your front door as target practice. Sit back down, or things are going to get unpleasant." He was unsmiling and there was no trace of friendliness in his voice.
Kimball eyed the large man, and Sam realized how big Kimball actually was. He moved with the fluid grace of a man half his age and Sam had no doubt he could put up a fight. The Agent tensed, ready to fight, but Kimball backed down.
The man sat, then looked at Callen, who had remained silent through the exchange. "He's well trained, huh, GG? Or is he just protecting his toy?"
Callen took a step forward and Sam held an arm out to stop him. "Easy, man." He glanced at Kensi and noticed she was taking her hand off of her gun. It comforted Sam to know she had his back. He still had no idea what was going on, but he knew he had to find out before something exploded.
Deeks came through the door, holding his cell phone. "Guys, Eric wants us to call him-" He broke off at the scene before him. "What is going on?"
"Stay with him." Sam growled in the direction of the witness and pulled Callen out of the room.
"You're still running from your problems, GG? Doesn't surprise me!" Kimball yelled as the door closed.
"What was that all about, G?" Sam said, trying to look Callen in the eyes. His partner was looking everywhere but at Sam, and Sam could tell he was shaking. Sam almost hoped it was from anger.
"Well?" He folded his arms.
"Well, you need to call Eric. He found something important." Callen turned on his heel and walked out of the safe house, heading to the beach behind the house. Sam debated chasing him, but decided to let him go for the moment.
He called Eric, punching buttons on his phone with more force than necessary.
"About time! You and Callen need to get back here…now!" Eric sounded frantic.
"What's going on, Eric?"
"Well, two things, both huge. We got a hit on Kaleidoscope on the van, and most importantly." Eric took a deep breath. "You need to keep Callen away from our witness until Hetty can talk to him. Hetty's orders."
"Bit late for that, Eric." Sam said wearily. "Will someone tell me what the hell is going on with my partner?"
Eric paused. "I really, really want to tell you, Sam; believe me I do. But Hetty said I can't say anything until she has talked to Callen. So, please get him back here as soon as possible. And Sam?"
"What, Eric?" Sam noticed the weird tone in the computer tech's voice.
"You said Callen already met with the witness?"
"Yeah. And it didn't go well; I have never seen Callen that unsettled." Sam said anxiously. "What is going on?"
"Get Callen here and I can tell you everything. Hetty just told me to tell you to stick close to Callen. This is…its bad, Sam." Eric sounded almost in tears; something Sam had never heard before or ever wanted to hear again.
"Eric-"
"Just get here, Sam." Eric hung up.
Sam hung up his phone, his concern level heightened to danger levels.
"Sam?" Kensi said from directly behind Sam. He hadn't heard her come up. "Nell just called me and gave me this story on how we needed to keep Callen away from Kimball and for you two to get back to base. What is going on?"
"I don't know, Kens." Sam answered, watching Callen through the back window. He was standing on the isolated beach, staring at the waves and completely motionless. If Sam didn't know any better, he would think Callen was a statue. "But I am going to find out. You and Deeks up to protection detail for a few more hours?"
Kensi nodded. "Whatever it takes. I just want to know what is up with him." She inclined her head to the team leader, who had turned sharply and started walking to where they had parked the car.
Sam snorted. "Me too. Get the description, anything Kimball has to offer us. I'll…get to the bottom of this." He left quickly, leaving Kensi to follow his orders. It only took a few seconds to get in the driver's seat of the Challenger. Callen was already in the passenger's seat, eyes closed and face stony.
"You gonna talk?" Sam asked his backed up and got onto the road. Callen did not respond.
"Okay." Sam said. "Be that way, if you want. I'm here if you change your mind." Silence ruled over the car the rest of the way. As Sam parked, Callen literally bolted from the car, headed at a fast pace to Hetty's office. Sam made to follow him, but Nell intercepted him at the door. She seemed upset and excited at the same time.
"Hetty said for no one to disturb them until she is done." The miniature young woman folded her arms, effectively blocking the large ex-SEAL. "And, we need to show you what we just got on Kaleidoscope. You aren't going to believe this." She waved him toward the upper deck.
Sam looked over at Hetty's office for a moment. "Fine. But this better be good."
"Oh, it is." Nell smiled mysteriously. "All I can say is hold on to your hat. This is going to blow you away. Literally."