All characters and all rights at 'NCIS: Los Angeles' belong to CBS and Shane Brennan Productions. The following story does not serve any commercial purposes, but was written only for the pleasure of fans. An injury of Copyright is not intended. All further persons belong to the authoress.

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Chapter 7 - Back

Despite Jason's driving they caught up the other accident-free. In the meantime Sam got in touch with Eric and Nell and informed them about the problems with Renko's contact. After an extensive search Nell had found a poorly guarded border area. They would arrive there about the time of sunset. Given the circumstances Deeks and Joann went well, but they were all worried about Kensi. Twice she had vomited the water that Deeks had given her and looked very wimpishly. Despite the sunburn the traces of the beatings were thrown into sharp relief.

…

Finally the sun went down. When it was completely dark, they stopped.

"Jason, Sam, do you drive on or should anybody else take your places?" They all had got off for a short time. In the torchlight Sam look pretty tired which made Callen asking this question.

"I keep going, no problem." Jason sounded surprisingly fresh.

Sam hesitated. Since the beginning of the rescue operation he was driving non-stop, but he did not want to admit that he was done. After all, his professionalism prevailed over his ego. "It's better if someone else will drive on."

"I'll take over, Callen." Renko reached for the night vision device.

G nodded. "Okay. Let's get rolling."

In the darkness they went on. Ray picked up the phone and called Nell. "What about the section of the border where we want to cross?"

"No problem, everything is still free. You should have no trouble." Nell hesitated for a moment. "Ray, how are they?"

"Joann is already arguing with Callen and Deeks is talking big as always."

"And Kensi?" The silence that followed Nell's question was a dead giveaway.

Callen knocked on Ray's shoulder. "Let me talk to Nell."

Ray nodded and handed him the phone.

"Nell, Callen here. Have you already spoken with Hetty?"

"Yes, Eric has informed her. She wanted to arrange some things. As soon as you've crossed the border, we shall give her notice. Until then, I will keep an eye on the area."

"All right, Nell." He gave Ray back his phone. "How far to the border?"

Ray glanced at the GPS device. "About 15 miles, Callen. The area seems to be not too difficult."

"Thanks, Ray."

Joann had again stretched out in the back seat and yawned heartily now.

"You should try to get some sleep." Tenderly, he stroked a few sweaty strands of hair from Joann's forehead. "I'll wake you when we are over there."

"I love you." Joann whispered those three words so softly that only Callen could hear them.

In response, he squeezed her hand.

…

"Callen." Ray looked at the GPS device. "We have reached the border."

"Thanks, Ray. Jason, how is it going?"

"All seems to be quiet. We should try it."

Callen activated his earwig. "Renko?"

"All right, Callen. I can't see any movements. Let's go."

"Here goes."

The crossing went without any problems. After they reached the highway, Callen picked up the phone.

"Jones."

"We're back. Did Hetty get in touch with you?"

"Yes. She has arranged a meeting place with a helicopter. Thereby Kensi, Deeks and Joann should be brought to the hospital in Los Angeles. You shall come back with the car and report to her after your arrival. Everything else after that."

"Copy that, Nell. Where shall we go?" Callen referred the location to Ray, who calculated the shortest route. "Thanks, Nell, also to Eric. Without your support we couldn't have done that. Now you can strip down everything. We replace the cars, then we come right back."

"Are you sure? Shouldn't we better wait until you're back?" Nell was worried.

"You will certainly get enough trouble with Hetty. Don't push your luck."

Nell swallowed. "You neither. We'll see you then."

…

The men watched the departing helicopter. Now that everything was over, they became aware of their exhaustion. These had been hard, wearing days, filled with worry. Kensi, Deeks and Joann were safe, even if Kensi was not good. She would certainly recover, but they could not stop worrying. The return trip to Los Angeles passed off silent. On their way they stopped twice. Once to changed the cars and a second time to let Renko get off. His undercover assignment was not finished after all.

"Thank you for your support, Mike." Callen shook his hand.

"No problem, Callen, at any time. Let me know how Kensi is doing, yeah?"

"Of course, that goes without saying."

"And tell Kensi, the next time she should look for nicer company."

The men smiled at each other understandingly. "I will. Take care."

…

Tired they entered Scott's house. Eric and Nell had adhered to Callen's instructions and packed up their things. On the table was a message that they had gone to the hospital to look for their friends.

Ray pointed to the message. "We should also go to the hospital as soon as possible."

But Scott shook his head. "Jason, you're going to Carol and the children. They should know that we are all doing fine. Now your family needs you more than Joann." Then he looked at the three NCIS agents. "I know that you want to go to the hospital as quickly as possible. But I think it is better if you first drive home and refresh yourself. Thus you only attract unnecessary attention."

Callen, Sam and Ray looked down at themselves. Scott was right. They were sweaty and dirty, had not changed their clothes for a while.

"Do you have access to Kensi's and Marty's apartment? I think they would also prefer to have their own stuff instead of the hospital gown."

"Kensi has given us a key. But I don't think it would suits her fine, if one of us men would rummage around her things." Callen remembered the time when he had first met Joann. "That should better do a woman."

Scott nodded. "If you think so. Maybe you can ask Nell. Or wait until tomorrow, then Joann can do it. What about Marty?"

All shook their heads.

"I'll care about it." Sam sounded calmly. "Do we meet in the hospital?"

"Yeah, but I will bring back the weapons before. It's not a good idea to leave them in the car." Callen got up. "See you later."

"I come along and help you." Ray got up, too "If Hetty should be there, you don't get the blowup alone."

Callen did not flinch. "If she should be there, she will say nothing except a few pointed comments. We will get the blowup all together. After it is sure that the three are fine. But I don't say no to a helping hand."

"I have to come anyway, G, my car is still at headquarters." Sam joined the two of them.

…

Hetty was not at headquarters. Callen had not really estimated it. Certainly she was in hospital. At home, he took a quick shower, put on fresh clothes and packed a small bag for Joann. Callen had no doubt that she would not have to stay for long. After all she was not injured. Besides, the same was true for Deeks.

…

To break into Deeks' apartment was no problem for Sam. He would even have a serious conversation with Deeks about security locks and other measures against burglary. Sam found a sports bag and packed fresh clothes.

…

Ray arrived first at the hospital and found himself faced with Hetty. He winced inwardly because of her penetrating look, but he held her gaze. "How are they, Hetty?"

"Miss MacKenzie and Mr. Deeks are on a drip to rehydrate them. A specialist has seen at their sunburns, but that is nothing serious. They have been subserved adequately." Hetty sighed softly. "Miss Blye has two broken ribs, severe bruises all over her body and a concussion, in addition to dehydration and sunburn. She is not so good." Hetty looked again over Ray. "How is it with you?"

"All have come back unharmed, they will soon be here." Ray had learned a lot from his colleagues. He would not let himself get worked up by Hetty. "Can I see them?"

"You can go to Miss MacKenzie and Mr. Deeks. Miss Blye should rest and not be disturbed." Hetty gave him the room numbers.

"Thanks, Hetty."

…

Ray first went to Joann; after all she was his partner. "Hey, Jo, how is it going?"

She stared at him with sparkling eyes. "What a stupid question, Ray."

He let out a guffaw. "I see that you are already better. This is good news."

For a moment, Joann glared at her partner, then she grinned weakly. "I should stay her for twenty-four hours, just in case. This sucks. I would prefer to work and find out what Kensi discovered. She doesn't know it."

Now Ray was stunned. "Kensi doesn't know why the cartel has kidnapped her?"

Joann shook her head. "She found nothing during the renewed search. But for some reason the cartel was of the opinion that she must have found something. They wanted to know where Kensi has brought it and when they got no response, they kidnapped Kensi. That she told us on the run. Hetty has sent a forensic team there again, they divide the house into its components."

"Then you can't do anything anyway, until they have finished. So relax." Now Ray had to smirk. "Let yourself be spoiled here: You may spend the whole day in bed, you are served delicious meals and everyone here just wants your best. So, what are you complaining about?"

For a moment Joann looked at him in disbelief. Then she threw peppy her pillow at his head and finally began to laugh. It sounded really croaky and Ray's grin disappeared. But then he saw the merry twinkle in her eyes and he smiled again.

"As you are well, I'll go and check on Deeks."

Joann nodded. "Do it."

…

Even if he had not known in what room Deeks was housed, he would have found him quickly. His rants were heard across the hall. Ray shook his head, grinning. When he opened the door, Deeks got started immediately.

"Do you finally bring me to my partner? If not, I'll go myself! I'm on the second drip it's enough! I...oh, it's you, Ray, I thought it was the nurse."

"Nice to see that you are already good. Joann's mood isn't much better than yours."

"They don't let me go to Kensi! They even don't tell me in what room she is! I..." Deeks was so upset that for once words failed him.

Ray sighed. "If you stop your ranting and raving, I will come up with something. All right?"

For a moment, Deeks looked at him, then nodded. "Okay. Go ahead."

After he had taken a cautious view in the hallway, because Ray did not want to bump into Hetty's arms, he began putting into operation his spontaneously conceived plan. A short time later he reappeared in Deeks' room.

"Make yourself comfortable." Ray grinned at the stunned Deeks. "Do sit down, I just hang up your drip, here we go." Grumbling Deeks sat in the wheelchair. Since he still was clothed with a hospital gown, Ray had also brought him a blanket. "We should avoid an offensive view if we don't want to attract attention." Ray smiled at Deeks' facial expression.

…

"Nell, Eric? What are you doing here?" Ray discovered them first. The two looked a little lost, as they sat on the hospital corridor.

"We didn't want to leave Kensi alone, but weren't allowed stay in her room. So we have been waiting here. Where are the others? Is everyone all right?" Nell jumped up hastily.

"Yeah, everyone is well. Not least thanks to you." Ray smiled at her. "They have to be here any minute." He glanced at Deeks, who was very tense. "Is anyone in there with Kensi?"

This time Eric answered. "No. One of the nurses has changed the drip a couple of minutes ago, that's it."

"Good." Satisfied Ray pushed Deeks into Kensi's room, right next to her bed. She seemed to sleep. Ray quietly left.

"Is this a good idea? Kensi is supposed to have some peace and quiet." Nell looked nervously up and down the hallway.

"Deeks won't do anything that might harm Kensi. You should know that."

For a moment it looked as if she wanted to contradict Ray, but then she just nodded.

…

In the meantime Scott, Sam and Callen also had reached the hospital. Promptly they bumped into Hetty. But except for a very persuaded look she passed no comment. In her own quiet way Hetty informed them about the current state of affairs.

"Oh, Mr. Hanna, by the way I don't believe that you will find Mr. Deeks in his room." Hetty pointed to the bag in his hand. "It looks like as if Mr. Wingate brought him to Miss Blye, against the explicate instructions of the doctor." Sighing, she shook her head. "However, it has become much more calmer on this corridor since then." The smile just sat in her mouth and eye corners, but still was seen.

…

Callen clasped Joann carefully in his arms. "You all right, Little One?" Then he left her to Scott for a moment.

He also hugged her and muttered: "The silly things you do, Little One. Just to walk in the desert..." Shaking his head he unclasped her.

Joann glared at the two and then snapped: "Both of you can stuff it! There's no 'Little One' for you! I want to get out of here! At least I'm doing good! So, kindly do something!"

After a moment of surprise, the two men exchanged a look of understanding.

"I don't care how you feel. The doctor said you have to stay, so you will do." At that moment Scott was nothing but father. His tone admitted no contradiction.

Open-mouthed Joann starred at Scott and then turned to Callen. "G..."

"No, Jo, your dad is right. I'm quite of his opinion." Callen did not flinch. "And as you are good, you can explain to me what you both were thinking of freeing Kensi without us."

Joann gasped, her eyes narrowed into slits. But before she could get started, Callen immediately thwarted her again.

"No discussions, Joann. We had agreed upon it differently and your acting on your own authority had almost cost your lives. Therefore I want an explanation."

Taking a deep breath, Joann tried to calm down. But she needed some time. Finally she was able to answer Callen.

"Marty and I have watched the site and listened to them with the directional microphone. Two guards have talked about the fact that the boss wants to kill the American hostage. I asked Eric, how far away you have been at that time. It has been too far, so we went in. Nevertheless, we were almost too late. It has saved Kensi's life that the guards have discovered our car. The boss first wanted to know what it was all about before he would kill her." Joann swallowed hard. "We even haven't told that Kensi." Joann again needed a break. "Marty and I were aware that it would be very dangerous to go inside without you. But I would do it again. Not only for Kensi, for each of you."

Callen's facial expression did not signify what he was thinking. On the other hand the dismay was clearly to be seen in Scott's face. He grabbed Joann's hand and squeezed it. His daughter and her colleague had made a dangerous decision. It was almost a miracle that all had survived. Added to this the knowledge that it was only by hazard that they could have saved Kensi, instead of finding her body. Scott knew Joann well enough to know that this knowledge burdened her. But he also had seen her determined look as she said that she would make that decision again.

Callen also had seen that look. Not only Scott knew what was going on in Joann. He did not know what to say, because his decision would have been the same. Joann had done nothing what he would not have done, too. He finally made a decision.

"We won't tell Kensi that she had barely survived. But I will let Hetty in, so there won't be nagging questions on this subject." Seriously, he looked at Scott and Joann.

"Won't Sam realize that there is something going on? I mean, G, he always notices when something is up."

"Yeah, I know, Jo. But Sam also knows when he better shouldn't ask questions."

Silently, they exchanged a glance. Then they looked at Scott, who nodded quietly.

"A wise decision." He stood up and gave Joann a kiss on the forehead. "Little One, behave yourself, tomorrow you can leave. I'm going to tell Jason that he can stop worrying about you."

"I'll call you when I'm back home. Thanks, Pops." Joann firmly pressed his hand.

Scott was smiling, but stayed seriously. "Always again, Little One, although I hope it won't be necessary. Callen." The men shook hands. "See you."

"Definitely. Thank you, Scott. For everything."

…

When Ray brought back Deeks to his room, Sam was waiting for them.

"How is Kensi?"

"She will be good. It just takes a while until everything is healed. In six to eight weeks, she can work again." Ray's relief was unmistakable. "She's sleeping now."

Sam nodded. "Good." He threw a piercing look to Ray.

"I'm going to get me some coffee and pop in at Jo's. She certainly wants to know what's up with Kensi." Then he turned to Deeks. "Stop trying to annoy the nurses, Deeks, they are just doing their job. Got it?"

Before Deeks could give a fitting reply, Ray was already gone. Sam grinned.

"The boy is right. At the moment you can do only one thing for Kensi: leave her alone so she can recover. A concussion has got what it takes."

Again Deeks got no opportunity to give an appropriate answer.

"Here, I've brought something for you. We need to talk about security measures and theft protection, Deeks. It was a snap to come in your home."

"You have broken into my apartment? Did you at least thought about watering my flowers, if you were already there?" Deeks looked to see what Sam had brought him.

Sam's mouth twitched. "Since you already feel well again, we do the talking now."

…

"What are you doing, G?" With a frown, Joann looked at Callen who made himself comfortable on two visitors' chairs.

"I'll stay here tonight, what did you expect?" Callen was amazed. It was not the first time that he stayed with Joann when she was in hospital.

Furious, she hissed at him. "I'm not staying here! I don't care what the doctors say. I'm good, I immediately want to go home!"

"I won't lead this discussion every time you end up in hospital. You stay here until at least tomorrow morning. Stop acting like a spoiled brat." Callen got up. "I'll pick you up here tomorrow morning, Jo. All you need is in your bag." Then he left the room, leaving a bewildered and angry Joann.

…

Sam and Callen met each other in the lobby.

"All right, G?" Penetrating Sam looked at his friend.

Callen shrugged his shoulders. "Joann can be very stubborn. Sometimes I seriously wonder how she was able to get this far."

Sam laughed softly to himself. "Then explain to me how Deeks could survive as long, although he is recklessness on two legs."

Callen grinned. "Two more unsolved mysteries, which we have to live with."

"Well, G, the main point is that they are good."

Chuckling, the two went to their cars.

7