Chapter 4

It took no time at all for Callen to make it home. For once, traffic cooperated and since this was his Plan B route which was the most direct, he didn't have stay on the freeways or side streets for long. He pulled up in the drive and drove around to the back. Exiting the vehicle, locking it with his key fob still in his hands, he walked to the back door and opened the door. He closed it after himself and proceeded into the kitchen while turning off the alarm system. He turned on the kitchen lights while he tossed his gear bag and keys on the counter.

Callen's house was very tidy. This was helped out a great deal because Callen didn't have a lot of physical possessions. Yes, he had a kitchen table, but there was not a whole lot more in the room besides a toaster and coffee pot. He had a couple of dishes and a few pots and pans that Michelle and Sam had given him when he moved in. In the dining room, there was no furniture, just a large palm in the corner. Why should there be? He was the only occupant. As for the living room, he had his recliner, a floor lamp, small table for his laptop, a TV tray table and television with stand. There were a few mementos located on the mantle over the fireplace, but no pictures on the walls. There was no need in Callen's opinion. Callen's house came with 3 bedrooms and 2 baths. The master bedroom and bath along with another spare room were void of furniture. Only the bedroom that he had used in his childhood was in use along with the hall bath. This house, but especially this room held special memories for him and this is where he wanted to be. He set up a queen size bed even though a double would have been okay with him with a small side table and lamp. All of his clothes fit nicely in the closet. He had installed blinds in all the rooms for privacy. Nothing else was needed. Callen was a man of very simple tastes and needs.

As he walked through the house to the living room, Callen reflected on his philosophy. That kind of attitude may need to be adjusted if the right woman came along. It was something that he could live with as long as it wasn't flashy or trashy. He liked the idea of simplicity or clean lines in his life. His work was complicated enough.

Callen settled down in his chair and flipped on the television. After skimming through several channels, he turned it off. There wasn't anything on that sparked his interest. About that time, his stomach growled. Rubbing it, he got up and headed back to the kitchen to see if he had anything in the refrigerator or cabinets to eat. After going through both places, he decided on a bowl of cereal with milk and a large cup of coffee. He was still a Captain Crunch guy even after all these years. The Captain and he were buds and that cereal had gotten the long time bachelor and former spy through many a meal in the past. Taking the bowl of cereal back to the living room, he resettled in the chair and picked up one of the many unread books that lay near the chair. Sometime later, he closed the book and went to the kitchen to clean up after himself. Glancing at his watch, it was going on 10:00 pm. He decided it was time for bed since he had gotten up so early that morning. It didn't take long and soon Callen was settled and off to sleep.

Then, it happened again to him! Just as abruptly, he awoke and felt totally wide awake, alert and refreshed. He rolled over and glanced at his watch on his bedside table. It was 3 am. Callen groaned as he rolled back over. That really was too early for him to head into the office he thought. Glancing at the phone and recalling what Nell had mentioned to him last night at work, he looked up Nell's cell number and began to text.

Hey, Nell. R U awake?

He didn't have to wait too long for her response.

Hi Callen. I'm awake. I think I went 2 bed 2 soon. Insomnia. Really 2 soon 2 go in, so I'm reading.

Callen looked at her response and typed back.

Want to meet for breakfast? I know a place that's cheap & 24-7. Food's good too.

Sounds like Norms. Nell replied back.

Yep. Want to? Callen typed back as a smile crossed his face.

Sure. Give me 30. How about the one located off of Pico near Sepulveda?

OK. I know that one. CYA in 30. Callen hit the send button and climbed out of bed. He jumped in the shower and was dressed and ready to go in less than 10 minutes. It only took him about a minute or two to straighten his bed and clean up from the night before. He reset the alarm and locked the kitchen door. He climbed into his car and in about 15 minutes from start to finish, he was on his way. It took him about 10 minutes to get to the restaurant. There was no traffic. Everyone else was pretty much still in bed.

As he pulled up in the parking lot, he spotted Nell's car but it was empty. She must have gone inside already. Sure enough, when he walked into the restaurant, he spotted Nell at the counter looking over the menu. He walked up to her and she glanced up in his direction.

"Hey. Have you been waiting long?" Callen asked as he slipped on to the bar stool beside her.

"No. Only a few minutes. Just long enough to order some juice and hot tea."

About that time, the waiter walked up to the counter and asked for Callen's drink order. He ordered a cup of decaf and water. The waiter nodded and went to the serving bar to fill their drink orders. As Callen sat there, he took note of Nell's attire. For it being so early in the morning, she looked fabulous. She had on one of the cutest dresses with matching sweater, a pair of flat heels and tights. It was comfortable looking and appropriate for the office. She wore her hair down. Callen thought to himself that he liked this look a lot better than when she used to pull it back into a pony tail. That look made her look too young in his opinion. About that time, Callen noticed that Nell had looked up and had noticed him staring at her.

"Is something wrong, Callen?" She asked as she glanced down at herself and her outfit. "Did I get something on my clothes?"

Callen began to fumble around. He was so embarrassed that Nell had caught him so deep in thought and staring at her. "Oh, Nell. I'm sorry. You look fine. Actually, I was thinking that you look great!"

Nell glanced down at her hands, blushed and smiled, but she never had a chance to respond since their waiter showed up with their drink order. After that, both placed their food order and settled back into taking small sips from their beverages. For the next hour, the two of them ate and had an easy-going conversation. They had a really great time getting to know each other better. Callen told Nell about some of the places he had travelled to and she told him about her family, friends and her travels. After they'd finished their last bite, both of them rose and went to the cashier to pay. Callen insisted on picking up Nell's part of the check and so she insisted on leaving the tip. He agreed. Now it was almost 4:30 and they both decided that it would be okay to show up at the office now. Nell remarked on how many new procedures Hetty was training her on and this would be a great time to go over her notes. Eric wouldn't be around to cause any distractions. Callen nodded in agreement as he still had a back log of paperwork waiting on him.

It took them no time at all to reach the office. They entered the mission together and as they walked in, a voice greeted them. It was Hetty!

"How was breakfast, Mr. Callen and Ms. Jones?" She asked with a broad smile on her face as she walked towards them with her hands clasped together.