Chapter 2
Callen's turn
As Callen walked down the hallway he could see Nell drop something on his desk and rush back upstairs. Damm her why wouldn't she just leave him alone. Couldn't she understand that it was dangerous for her to be with him?
Being with Nell had made him the happiest he had ever been but as soon as the Chameleon had threatened to kill everyone he cared about Callen knew he had to end it with her. Spending time with her would have been signing her death certificate.
So he had done whatever he could to stay away from her; refusing to answer her calls or texts unless they were work related. He only spoke to her in the presence of someone else, not giving her a chance to trap him into a personal conversation. Hell he didn't even go home at night afraid she would come over and wear him down.
It actually caused him physical pain to be near her and not reach out and touch her soft skin; to feel her lips under his, to hear her soft moans whispered in his ear. Callen had seriously considered asking Hetty to transfer Nell to another team; the only thing stopping him had been the knowledge that he could protect her better if he knew where she was. That plus the picture of the fit she would have thrown; that had actually brought a smile to his face.
He walked over to his desk and looked at the envelope like it was a snake. If he was smart he would pick it up and take it straight to the deposal room and incinerate it. As he reached out to pick it up the rest of the team came in; not wanting to answer any questions he shoved it in his bag before starting the day's work.
It wasn't until many hours later as he dropped his tired sore body into the driver's seat of his Jag that he saw the corner peeking out at him. Tiredly he pulled it out and opened the envelope and let the CD case drop into his hand. Staring at the case he rubbed one hand over his face before shoving the disc in the player.
Leaning back against the seat he closed his eyes as the music started to play and the woman's voice flowed thru the speakers.
When the rain is blowing in your face
And the whole world is on your case
I could offer you a warm embrace
To make you feel my love
Each word felt like a raindrop on his battered heart bringing it back to life.
When the evening shadows and the stars appear
And there is no – one there to dry your tears
I could hold you for a million years
To make you feel my love
He wanted to turn off the music, make the words stop before he did something he would regret.
I know you haven't made your mind up yet
But I would never do you wrong
I've known it from the moment that we met
No doubt in my mind where you belong
How could this woman's words reach into his soul like a healing balm?
I'd go hungry I'd go black and blue
I'd go crawling down the avenue
Know there's nothing that I wouldn't do
To make you feel my love
He could almost feel Nell's presence beside him.
The storms are raging on the rolling sea
And on the highway of regret
The winds of change are blowing wild and free
You ain't seen nothing like me yet
Tears were forming in his eyes.
I could make you happy make your dreams come true
Nothing that I wouldn't do
Go to the ends of the Earth for you
To make you feel my love, To make you feel my love
The song came to an end; there was a pause before it started again, the words breaking down all the barriers he had erected against her. Opening his eyes he looked out the window his one thought to find Nell.
Looking up he saw her; tears in her eyes as she watched him, her arms hugging herself.
Getting out of the car he sent her a smile opening his arms to catch her as she flew towards him.
No words were spoken, none were needed.
