A/N: Here's another chapter for you. Thanks to all who are still following this story. Your comments mean the world to me. Enjoy.
Chapter 10
Turk left the room and exchanged a glance with Hetty, who smiled at him.
"Hetty! What're you doing here?" asked Callen incredulously, and winced as he had moved too quickly.
Hetty reached out a placed a hand gently on Callen's shoulder, restraining him from any more sudden movements. "You need to be careful. You don't want to injure yourself further" she said. "To answer your question, I am here to check on the wellbeing of my team but especially you, my dear. I must admit I'm pleased you're looking better than when I saw you last. When I witnessed what had happened I truly thought that I had lost you this time but thankfully you have all cheated death yet again."
Even in his diminished state, Callen grasped the meaning of what Hetty had said and asked "What d'you mean when you last saw me? How long have you been here?"
"I arrived at the hospital shortly after you, when you were still unconscious" explained Hetty. Callen looked at her dumbfounded with an expression which she interpreted correctly. "I've known Mr Turk a long time which was why I sent you to him in the first place. When I saw what had happened I reached out to him again to see if he could rescue you should any of you survive the crash. He's an NCIS agent so I'm also well aware of his operation in Mexico and knew where he would take you regardless of the conversation I had with Mr Hanna from the helicopter. Mr Hanna and Mr Turk have both been in contact with me but neither was aware that I was in Mexico."
Callen shook his head slowly as he tried to reconcile Hetty's explanation. Turk's an NCIS Agent? It all makes sense now thought Callen. Looking up at Hetty, he smiled and said "You never cease to amaze me, Hetty."
"That is good to know" answered Hetty, smiling back at him. "I was beginning to think I'd lost my touch, after all I was unable to stop EAD Mosley putting this operation together."
Callen shook his head. "She is your superior after all but I suspect she played dirty" stated Callen.
"When has either of those stopped me?" asked Hetty and was pleased to see her words made Callen chuckle. "Yes, she did play dirty by threatening to tell the authorities all she had discovered about you and the others. I had to protect my team so decided I had no option but to go along with her plan but I tried to minimise the fallout."
"You can't blame yourself Hetty" said Callen. "I was the one who promised to find her son so this in on me. I didn't want the other involved, not because I didn't want them there but because we were walking into the unknown and had little time to plan. I was trying to keep them safe and protect them from the off the books mission."
"I think it's admirable that you're protecting your team, my dear. However if anyone's to blame it is EAD Mosley but let's not cry over spilt milk. We need to formulate a plan that will get us out of this mess and not cause any more ramifications. I have a strong feeling that SecNav and the Director are already aware of what's happened down here and you can imagine they will not be happy" said Hetty looking grim. "However my main concern is getting you well enough to be medevaced out of here" she added.
"I do not think that will be possible just yet" said the Doctor who had entered the room at the end of the conversation causing Hetty to spin round in surprise to face him.
"Why? Have the scans revealed a new problem?" asked Hetty a little concerned by the Doctor's words.
"I was worried that he was still in much pain. The x-rays show that he has several broken rather than cracked or bruised ribs. Luckily they all appear to be aligned so shouldn't cause a problem healing although there is a heightened risk of pneumonia and possibly serious injury to his lungs and internal organs if he falls." The doctor looked between Hetty and Callen making sure they understood his meaning. "The scan revealed that the liver has started to bleed again. I am hopeful it will stop on its own but we may have to consider further surgery. It also revealed other injuries which will need more investigation as to the nature of those injuries and how best to treat them. I would not be doing my duty as his physician if I allowed him to be moved in his condition, even with a trauma team in attendance."
Callen looked disappointed but Hetty said "Thank you for your candour, Doctor. For the time being we will abide by your decision. My main concern is for Mr Callen's well being however I am also worried that his continued presence here endangers you and your staff. I would not be doing my duty if I allowed that to happen."
The Doctor nodded in understanding and said "Thank you for your concern, however we are well used to the dangers that living in Mexico can bring. It is a beautiful country but unfortunately the good people are often overshadowed by those caught up with the Cartels and their corruption. We are a poor nation and sometimes the lure of money that the Cartels offer, often outweigh the risks. I will come back later and check on you and confirm what the other injuries are and how I'll treat them."
"Thank you" said Callen as the Doctor turned to leave the room. Callen and Hetty looked at one another.
"I know you're disappointed" said Hetty "but if your injuries are as serious as the Doctor implies then I'm inclined to agree with him. Hopefully with Mr Hanna and the others safely ensconced in Mr Turk's cabin, it will be easier for you to slip under the radar of Williams and the Cartel by hiding in plain sight."
Outside Turk stopped the Doctor and spoke to him in his native language. "I'm afraid I've taken matters into my own hands, Raul." He had known the doctor for a long time and Raul knew Turk's occupation, having treated him on numerous occasions when he was injured. They had become friends with Raul putting his life on the line for Turk on a number of occasions. "To protect you and your staff I've moved the other three members of my team to a safe location." As the Doctor made to protest, Turk added "I know it could put their health in jeopardy but we're professionals and understand the risks. I couldn't live with myself if anything happened to you or your staff because of our presence here. What I need from you is any medication that Deeks and Mr Hanna may need as well as crutches for Deeks so he can get around a little more easily until his broken ankle heals. If the heat dies down, I promise I'll bring them back to be checked out or get them to a hospital in the States."
Raul considered Turk's words and finally nodded. "The lady with Callen has said much the same. I appreciate your concern but you know what dangers we risk every day here. However I will get what you need Arlo. They will be ready within the hour" he said. "Do you have a means to get the goods to them?"
"I'm not sure who I can trust, not with the bounty on their heads" replied Turk. "I'll probably have to go myself."
Raul pondered a while before saying "Look, I'm off duty in two hours and need to go visit my grandmother who's sick. Your cabin's not far from her house if you go across country. I keep a horse up there. I'll take the medical supplies to them."
"No, I don't want to put you or your family in any more danger" argued Turk.
"There will be no danger my friend" answered Raul. "Whenever I visit my grandmother I always go for a ride and do some hunting so I take a backpack with me. It would be more suspicious if I didn't. I will be quite safe and I won't lead anyone to your cabin. As you said, the danger is likely to be here where they think they can get to your man easily. You need to remain here to protect him."
Seeing that Raul would not be persuaded otherwise, Turk shook his hand and pulled him into a hug. "Thank you my friend. I will not forget what you have done for me and my friends."
"I only ask one thing. Please warn them I'm coming. I don't want to be shot!" asked Raul smiling.
Turk chuckled. It would be a probable likelihood if anyone turned up at the cabin. The team were definitely tense, worried about Callen's condition and not knowing when the Cartel may turn up so they might shot and ask questions later. "I'll do that. After all you've done for them, I won't let them harm you" promised Turk.