Chapter Seven
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Chapter Seven
Callen watched on, keeping any hint of recognition from his face- his mind was whirling as he processed this latest twist in this apparently messed up case. His years of experience as an undercover agent assisted him in masking his reaction as a range of memories came flooding back. His thoughts drifted to 2002 and his second stint of service in the FBI- a time initially filled with positivity that had quickly turned sour, partly due to the man in front of him.
He followed the conversation- knowing that any lapse could cost the op, and completely unwilling to be the reason that happened. His piercing blue gaze made contact with the man stood off to the side- recognition instantly crossing the unchanged features. Callen bit on his lip as a smirk came to the mouth of the man, and a nod of acknowledgement headed his way.
"Listen let's cut to the chase- we have a better offer on the services you can provide" the newcomer finally interrupted- and Callen almost sighed in relief as he was grateful that the investigation could at least move along.
"There may be some give in our pricing- but you are paying for the fact that we can deliver" Kort responded smoothly- his American accent faultless as he spoke.
"You come highly recommended Mr Taylor- but everyone needs to tighten their belts- there just isn't the money at the moment" the man replied with a shrug and a grin.
"How much are we talking?" Kort asked, his face barely changing and his eyes locked on those of the male.
"You have been undercut by 500k" he responded. Kort whistled through his teeth in mock disbelief.
"I can't drop that low gentleman- who is your other source?" he queried, knowing it was unlikely that such information would be forthcoming. The other men laughed at the question, chattering between each other in an eastern European language that Callen followed with ease, realising that Kort would be unable to do so, Callen interjected.
"No the ignorant American will not fall for the fictional other party involved- and we don't do business with liars" he stated in perfect Russian- getting a jolt of satisfaction at the shock that registered on each of the faces in front of him.
"Please we meant no offence" the leader stated- his hands raised in a defensive gesture as he spoke. "We were just joking amongst ourselves" he added.
"Well we are here to do business- not joke around" Callen stated, turning around. "Come on Taylor- these guys are jokers" he commented as he made to leave. Kort followed, trusting the younger man's judgement.
"What now?" Kort whispered to the other agents as the two men walked out of the house and headed towards their car.
"Just trust me- if they think we are easy targets we will lose their respect and any chance of getting information as to the leak- they will come after us" Callen muttered in reply. The truth behind his words confirmed as footsteps came jogging up behind them.
"Hey please- sorry, we are sorry. It was a misguided attempt at lowering the price" the man told them softly, palms open in a defensive nature.
"Misguided? You were trying to rip us off out of half a million" Callen scoffed in disgust. "There will be plenty of buyers out there for what we have to offer- I won't work with someone that I don't trust" he added, his arms hung loosely by his side- the picture of self assurance.
"Please- you have my word, we will pay what you ask"
"And how do we know that you haven't gone elsewhere and branded our names around in an attempt to get a cheaper price elsewhere?" Callen queried, steel blue eyes locked onto the eyes of the man stood opposite him.
"There would be no benefit to us to reveal our partners- why would we inform the competition?"
"How can I trust you? For all we know you have already reported us to the authorities and are working with our competitors to get us out of the market" Callen suggested, gesturing wildly with his hands to emphasise his point- baiting the other man spectacularly.
"You don't need to worry about the authorities my friend- come back with me and we will discuss" the man offered the undercover agent. Callen heaved an exaggerated sigh before exchanging a glance with Kort, who shrugged his shoulders in silent agreement.
"Fine- but there are no guarantees that I will still be willing to work with you" he stated with a straight face.
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"He's good" Eric commented as he listened to the feed coming from the CIA's system.
"He's really good" Nell added in agreement.
"He's the best" Hetty agreed having stepped in just at the end of the conversation.
"You think he'll discover the leak?" Eric asked candidly.
"If anyone is capable of doing so then it is Mr Callen" Hetty stated, hoping to reassure her technician. "Are the others in position?" she asked.
"Yes, they have all checked in and confirmed location- they are all aware of the updates" Nell stated.
"Anything to link Mr Callen with our new player?" Hetty queried with trepidation.
"Unfortunately yes- they were both in the FBI at the same time over ten years ago" Eric explained with a sigh. "There is nothing that I can gain access to that specifically links them, but everything points to the fact that in every likelihood they knew each other" he finished.
"Anything to suggest he is the leak?" the ops manager tentatively asked.
"Only as much as anybody else- average service record, nothing particularly leaps out" Nell responded, narrowly avoiding a shrug of the shoulders as she replied. Hetty couldn't help the sigh that escaped her.
"Keep me updated Miss Jones" she requested softly, turning and leaving- she couldn't hide her displeasure at the current situation. She had an awful feeling in the pit of her stomach- she couldn't help but feel that her agent was at risk, and she wondered if this would be the straw that broke the camel's back for her agent.
LA-LA-LA-LA-LA-LA-LA
"Keep me posted Eric" Sam responded with a sigh as the technician updated him.
"Still waiting?" Kensi asked.
"Yep" Sam replied with a sigh, frustrated at the inactivity they were currently forced into.
"At least it means he hasn't been made" the junior agent commented in what she hoped was a reassuring fashion.
"He hasn't been made yet Kensi- you know Callen he'll push and he will push with no thought for his own safety" Same replied. Any response was interrupted by another voice in their ears.
"Hello- anyone remember me? Truly awesome and gifted detective? Handsome yet also completely modest?" the voice questioned in their ear wigs.
"What is it Deeks?" Kensi acknowledged with a grin.
"Ah so you do remember me young Kenselina! I was beginning to wonder" he stated.
"Have we hurt your iddy biddy feelings Deeks?" Sam asked, pleased for the momentary distraction.
"Well it is nice to know that someone would miss me had I been horrifically murdered" The detective commented. Is there any update?" he asked getting to the point at last.
"Nope- we are still waiting. The guys at Ops are doing some digging into the apparent FBI guy- but so far nothing to suggest either way" Sam explained- his frustration carried in his voice.
"Okie Dokie- I am sure that Callen knows exactly what he is doing" Deeks responded, correctly reading the former seal's train of thought.
"That's what worries me" Sam admitted with a sigh.
"Well try to remember little Marty stuck out here all alone" Deeks requested pitifully.
"All alone? Deeks you have a full team with you" Kensi commented.
"Fine you special secret agents go back to your little secret discussions- let me know if anything changes" Deeks responded before disconnecting. Kensi and Sam exchanged a glance- no words were needed, but they both felt a little bit lighter for the exchange.
End Chapter Seven
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