I was surprised the gun wasn't pointed at me but also terrified that it was again pointed at Eric.
"Once again, who do you work for?"
I was determined not to answer them, until the man holding Eric started to raise his gun.
"Ok, wait! I'll tell you if you promise not to hurt him anymore."
"As long as you cooperate, I promise not to hurt him."
I didn't like that answer but it would have to do.
"Ok. We work for a government agency called NCIS."
"I have never heard of NCIS before. Explain."
"It stands for Naval Criminal Investigative Service. We solve crimes including the navy."
"Oh, and what do you do? What is you job at this NCIS?"
"Well, I'm an agent."
"I see, and what is he. Clearly not an agent."
"He is basically our techie."
"Fine, and what were you doing in my house?"
He then did some motion with his hand and the man holding Eric lowered his gun from Eric's head, but did not release his grip.
"What are you doing in your house? You are supposed to be on a business trip."
"It was cancelled because of the bad weather in China."
"Really?" I didn't believe him at all.
"Yes, now do you need anything else or are we done here?"
"If you want us to leave, we will leave. Simple as that."
"Thank you. I hope I never see you again. For his safety." Fadhil said to me while his men gave Eric back his laptop and took his picture. That was when I knew we had to stop looking into Fadhil or Eric would never be safe.
"Well, then I also hope we never see each other again. Come on Eric."
Eric walked past the men warily and made his way over to me. I grabbed his arm and hurried him out. On the ride to the office Eric sat in the back of the car, rubbing the bruise already forming on his cheek. I decided then I never wanted to take Eric on another mission. I had to talk to Hetty about that.
Later at the office:
"Goodnight Callen, goodnight Sam. See you guys tomorrow."
"Wait Eric, are you riding your bike home?"
"Yeah Sam, why?"
"Let me give you a ride."
"Oh, ok thanks."
I walked away knowing that Eric was safe for tonight and decided now was the time to talk to Hetty.
"Hetty?"
"Yes, ?"
"Don't ever send Eric on another mission. Please."
"Why , I didn't know you cared."
"Of course I care! Eric is like my little brother and I hate seeing him in danger!"
"Well, since you put it that way I won't send Eric in unless we need him and it's top priority. We will also cease to investigate this case anymore. How does that sound?"
"It's a start Hetty, it's a start."
I began to walk away when Hetty called after me.
" Eric looks up to you like a big brother. Today was truly special for him, even if he was in danger. Oh and goodnight "
I couldn't help but smile, "Good night Hetty."
