Just a short chapter to tide you over, but the next one should be up today or tomorrow, and I promise it will be action packed! Please keep reviewing J

Kensi's heart was pounding, her entire body quivering both from cold and adrenaline. She was exhausted, had never been so desperate to lie down and fall asleep. Her chest ached and black spots swam in front of her eyes, but she still kept walking. She had thought that the climb up the bank was going to be too much for her, but somehow she found the strength. It was the thought of Deeks, unconscious and slowly dying in the car on the riverbank that kept her going. Once she reached the road, the blissfully flat surface felt like cotton to her aching legs. Now she just needed to meet the men chasing them far enough down the road that they would not see the clear skid marks that ran across the road, down the bank and straight to Deek's prone body. The cold metal gun felt so heavy in her hand. She lifted her arm, practicing her aim, and quickly lowered it as her arm shook from the exsertion. Nell's voice in her ear had grown quiet, but she could still hear her friend's gentle breathing. Nell could never know how much her constant presence was comforting Kensi at this time. At least she was not entirely alone.

"Nell" She whispered.

"Yes?" the response was immediate.

"I'm going to distract them ok? I have to keep them away from Deeks for as long as possible. When Callen and Sam get here he has to be the priority. I can look after myself for a bit. Tell them that please." She spoke softly. Sound traveled a long way in this empty land. She probably had a minute or two before the men found her, but the hum of their vehicles was growing louder and louder.

"Don't worry Kensi, they know what they are doing." Nell wasn't going to be making any promises just yet, and she wasn't sure Sam and G would agree to Kensi's plan anyway.

Kensi picked up her pace, breaking into a gentle jog, as fast as she could manage. The road had moved away from the riverbank and now either side of the road went straight into thick forest. In some areas the trees were so densely packed that snow had yet to reach the forest floor.

She stopped just before the road turned to catch her breath, convinced that she would meet her pursuers on the next stretch of road. She just needed them to catch a glimpse of her as she threw herself into the thick forest, and then the hunt would be on.

"Nell, can you patch me through to Callen? I need to know what's happening whilst I do this."

Nell hesitated, reluctant to loose her communication to Kensi. "Okay, doing it now Kensi. Please be careful, Deeks needs you. We all do." Then she cut the connection.

Almost instantly Kensi heard Callen's familiar voice. "Kensi! How are you? We aren't far away, just hang in there."

"Hey Callen." Kensi smiled. "How far exactly? Deeks isn't doing well G. He's dry, but the windows are smashed and he was still unconscious when I left him. He has to be your priority G." Kensi was talking fast, trying not to waste any time but also putting off revealing herself.

"Listen Kensi, we are probably 25 minutes out still. We will assess the situation when we get there and decide who is priority…"

"NO Callen. Deeks is your priority." She interrupted him.

Callen paused before replying. "Kensi, I can't promise that. You are currently in the high risk position."

Kensi took a deep breath, choosing to ignore him. She no longer had the time to argue. "I'm about to move Callen. I'll see you soon, okay." Then she stepped around the bend, straight into the path of her pursuers.

Hope you enjoyed!