Note- There will be at least one sequel to this story. I want to know which would interest you more, a crossover with the show White Collar or a crossover with the show Lethal Weapon? Or are either of them even interesting?

"On what charges?" demanded Sam.

"Possession, intent to sell, evading, arson...I'm pretty sure that there's more I can charge her with," said Lucy.

"Arson?" asked Hetty.

"She blew up a building," explained the lawyer.

"But they dropped the murder charges?" asked Callen.

"Yes. The murder charges against Nicole Callen have been dropped. Her mother and stepfather had skin under their fingernails with the DNA pointing to a known mafia hitman," said Lucy.

"They fought?" asked Sam.

"The hitman entered through the youngest daughter's bedroom window. She was shot while asleep. The noise alerted the parents and yes. They both fought. Unfortunately they also lost. These officers are to make sure Nicole does not leave this hospital. She has been labeled a flight risk. Only SDPD and NCIS personnel are allowed in her room. Only her father is allowed to stay with her constantly. Got it?" said Lucy. The NCIS team nodded. Lucy lead the officers away.

"So what now?" asked Sam.

"Now we wait Mister Hanna. Nothing can happen with Nicole unconscious," stated Hetty, looking at Callen.

Callen ast down and covered his face with his hands. Multiple emotions ran through his mind. Anger at the senseless death and his daughter's actions. Relief that there were no murder charges against Nicole. Worry about what next. By her own admission Nicole was guilty of several crimes. Yet she had taken a bullet for Hetty. She had taken another bullet for Callen and almost died. Didn't any of that count in her favor?

"Mister Callen? Your daughter has been moved to Room 418. She should be waking up any minute," said a nurse, startling Callen out of his thoughts. Hetty and Sam excused themselves to the cafeteria in search of food. Sam promised to bring Callen some food up.


Nicole woke up slowly. The first thing she became aware of was the searing pain in her chest. The next thing she became aware of was the cold steel of a handcuff on her wrist.

"Despite your best attempts you are still alive," said her father.

"Great," said Nicole, attempting to sit up. The pain in her shoulder and chest prevented it from happening.

"I wouldn't do that. They did place you under arrest," said Callen.

"Considering how many laws I have broken I figured that," said Nicole.

"Not even going to defend your actions or choices?" interrogated Callen.

"Ah. No. I did it knowingly and willingly. I am guilty," said Nicole looking him in the eyes.

"They dropped the murder charges," blurted Callen.

"That leaves how many others though?" said Nicole.

"I don't know what to do or think where Nicole. And you don't seem to care about any of this or yourself," snapped Callen.

"Why the hell should I? My choices are made and the past can't be undone. Face it. I'm a royal screw up! Why the hell do you care now all of a sudden?" snapped Nicole.

"I have always cared. Screw up or not. Criminal or not. Genius or not. You are my kid no matter what. And if you think I have never cared then I am the one who has royally screwed up," said Callen.

"Nicole Callen. You are quite the entrepreneur, aren't you? I'm Lucy Denton, prosecuting attorney. I have some questions for you," said the lawyer as she entered the room.

"Surely this can wait till she is not strung out on pain killers," reasoned Callen.

"According to her file she is always strung out on something. Detoxing is going to suck by the way. So is prison. That's where you will be spending a lot of time at after you leave here," said the lawyer, smirking. Callen wanted to curse but he never expected Nicole to start laughing.

"No questions until I have a lawyer of my own and when in a court room. And I can have you for false imprisonment, threatening, and harassment. I was not conscious when I was handcuffed so I wasn't read my rights. Therefore I am not formally under arrest. I will be asking the court for a restraining order against you. Now if you would be so kind as to have this removed I won't sue the city for your actions," said Nicole. All the adults were speechless.

"Seems I know the law better than you do," said the teenage genius, smiling.