Breathing deeply Brian followed Callen this time. The man dictated a high speed and honked over every trifle. Verone's behavior seemed to get to him. Brian mostly liked that. Who wouldn't feel flattered if such an attractive guy like Callen became jealous? But it complicated the operation, too. Feelings were never good and two alpha males in conflict with each other – that would only end in disaster.

Then the cops had appeared and disturbed the interview. Just a little more chaos and the whole thing would take a similar outcome like in L.A. Brian wasn't up to that.

Sighing Brian rubbed his forehead as he followed Callen to the safe house. Yet the morning had started so wonderful!

To take his mind off things Brian sped up, passed Callen and waved at him. In the rearview mirror he saw the man grin. They drove around some blocks, Brian led them through some one-way roads and turned damn sharp right on a junction. Callen managed only just to follow. After that Brian set back again behind Callen who took the lead to their designation.

The safe house was an old factory. Some folding tables and chairs were set up. On the biggest stood a laptop where Callen's boss Lange was seen. She didn't seem amused at all and Brian hoped never incurring her wrath.

Bilkins was there, too, and was seated tense and stiff at the table. He sat in Lange's line of vision.

To Brian's surprise Rome crouched beside Bilkins on a chair and chowed a burger. Any animosity towards Brian seemed to have vanished because he just nodded at him and took a bite.

On the other side stood two men. The older one looked like one would imagine a federal agent: serious expression, neatly combed hair and a glare that would make every criminal go on the run. He was definitely fit enough to pursue them.

The man beside Mr. Agent Brian recognized as Rome's partner. Someone appeared to have had the same idea as the NCIS.

Brian startled when Callen positioned himself between him and the strange men. He didn't deign to look at them, but focused only at the laptop, "Hello Hetty."

"Agent Callen, Mr. O'Conner. I'm pleased to see that you're back safe and sound."

Callen snorted, "That could've easily turned belly-up. There were suddenly cops there."

"I know, Agent Callen. We did see it through Kaleidoscope. The crash site is cleared by this time."

"Very good. And who are our guests? They certainly have something to do with the civvies at the lot."

Lange nodded, "These two gentlemen are from customs: Agent Markham and his assistant Agent Dunn. They will explain to us, why they jeopardized our operation that was transferred to the NCIS by the Commissioner. I can tell you, gentlemen," she impaled the two men with her look, "that Alan[1] was far from amused by my call. You should know that he doesn't want to be disturbed during golf."

The men flinched and Brian grinned satisfied. This little ninja was more than badass.

"I looked at the files of these men," said the older one. His face was red and he threw derogatory looks at Brian and Callen.

"These two are criminal. One has a rap sheet it's a miracle he isn't in jail. And the other one is a traitor cop, who let's criminals go."

"Since you work with undercover operations you'll be familiar with the term legend. We compiled one for Agent Callen so he can investigate Verone undercover with O'Conner. Apparently he's far more successful in it than your agent was."

It dawned on Brian, "Then this second woman, the Latina, was from customs?"

Markham ignored his question and wrinkled his nose, "That doesn't change the fact that you're deploying a traitor cop."

"Well, you did try it, too," Callen chimed in, "or don't you know the file of Pearce?"

"Ey man, these dudes suddenly appeared in Barstow," a salad leave stuck out of Rome's mouths corner, "offered me a deal: I'll get rid of the tag if I help arresting this Verone."

Markham snarled like a watchdog, but Rome simply couldn't keep his trap shut, "Man, Brian. I'd never have thought that you'd quit this club. During the drive down here Bilkins told me what has happened in L.A."

"Let's talk later about this," Brian muttered. If he didn't stop Rome now, only crap would come out of his mouth.

Rome couldn't just talk himself out of shit, he could get others deep into it, too. Of course his friend didn't catch his meaningful gaze. How should he? He was occupied with his next burger and kept talking, "But you attract all kinds of odd guys. I mean, first this freaky Brit in juvie-"

Brian felt Callen's questioning look burn into him. He decided that they weren't far enough into their relationship to talk about this topic .If they even had a relationship, because until now they'd only slept with each other. And they didn't have had the obligatory talk on the morning after.

"And then this Verone," Rome endlessly babbled on, "I mean, his look was really creepy. I'd have thought he had something going on with that black haired chick, but how the guy stared at you."

Brian closed his eyes. It throbbed behind his forehead. The migraine was advancing and took no prisoners.

It was one thing that Rome knew that Brian was gay since beginning of puberty. That Callen knew wasn't of course a problem. Brian even had an inkling that this wasn't really news for Bilkins. For that man had had a too deep insight into the team dynamics of the PD in L.A.

But after such sentences even the agents of Customs had to know what was going on.

"Verone is gay?" Markham blurted out, "And you too, O'Conner?"

Brian kept silent. He stubbornly looked straight ahead and hoped that his cheeks didn't color. At his hand he shortly felt Callen's fingers. He looked to him. Callen smiled encouragingly at him.

"Wait a moment!" shouted Markham. When he didn't get an answer the cogs must have wheeled in his head.

"That's why you let Toretto run? I thought you've betrayed your badge because of the sister. But you probably spread your legs for Toretto!"

Shame and anger filled Brian equally. His whole body shook. He couldn't look the others into their eyes. Not even Rome. He raised his shoulders and cracked his fingers. The wishes to flee or giving Markham a slap to face were competing.

"Agent Markham!" exclaimed Lange angry. Callen clenched his fists and Rome jumped up. Bilkins, too, stood up. But all that Markham ignored. He kept drawing conclusions, "And do you intend to do this here, too? Betray the operation. Are you playing the slut for Verone? He surely pays a nice sum."

Brian lifted his fist and stormed forward, but hit air. Callen had grabbed Markham's collar and pushed him against the wall.

"Agent Callen!" wary Bilkins stepped to the two men, "Let's talk about this."

Callen looked into Markham's eyes when he answered, "I think everything is said. Or do you want to give a greater stage to Markham's unprofessionalism?"

Markham snorted, "Unprofessional? Me? I'm not the one who attacked an agent."

"Oh yes?" Callen leaned forward and whispered something, which Brian and the others didn't understand. It had to have an effect because Markham paled and nodded weakly.

Through Brian's stomach spread a warm feeling. It did him good to know that Callen supported him. Until now he was accustomed to fight his own fights, even if he knew that Rome stood in his corner – despite the differences between them. But that Callen'd jumped so fast to his defense gave him hope. Maybe the one-night-stand wasn't a onetime occurrence.

All at once Brian's anger flew away and the shame forgotten. A smiled sneaked on his lips and as he noticed it he needed a moment to get his cold back. But if he interpreted Rome's grin right his friend got it.

Callen stepped away from Markham and stood beside Brian again.

"Agent Callen, when you're finished with your talk I'd like to hear a short status report."

Brian was surprised, that Lange didn't reprimand Callen for his tantrum. Maybe she wanted to do it later, when there weren't witnesses. Although it was a signal for the Customs agent nevertheless: Hetty condoned Callen's behavior towards Markham. In Brian stirred wistfulness. During his time in L.A. he'd had wished for such a support while facing his colleagues. Maybe he wouldn't have helped Dom. At least – not in this way.

"Well, then let's hear it!" growled Markham. He stood conspicuously near Bilkins. Brian's corner of his mouth twitched.

Callen began, "We have to do a transport. We don't know when and where yet, but we'll meet him tonight in his club. And he wants to buy us a timeframe."

Lange made a derogatory noise, "He seems to have cops on his payroll."

Agent Dunn suggested, "I could talk to some of the guys."

Brian disbelievingly lifted a brow, "You absolutely want this operation to fail, don't you?"

Abashed Dunn looked at Markham and then at the floor.

"Moreover," Callen proceeded, "Verone said that he'll wait at the handover site."

"Sounds good," nodded Bilkins satisfied, "if you deliver the drugs, we'll get him for money laundering."

"Very good, gentlemen," Lange looked very satisfied, "if that's all-"

"Wait a moment!" interjected Rome, "What's with me? What's with my deal?"

"It's off the table of course," said Markham, "after all it was a condition that you get employed by Verone."

"What?" Rome jumped up. Quickly Brian was on him and retained him. It was hard, because there was determination in Rome.

"Don't make it worse!" panted Brian. He grabbed Rome's arm and threw the man over his shoulder. Then he kneed on Rome's chest.

"Shit, man!" cursed Rome, "I hate it when you bring on these moves."

"Then learn manners already," Brian stood up.

"Mr. Pearce!" Lange's voice sounded very serious. She looked very unsatisfied, too. Unfortunately it wasn't visible with whom. Brian gulped and Rome beside him hastily jumped up. He brushed the dust off his clothes and stood as straight as a post. Like that Brian hadn't even seen him before the juvie judge.

"Mr. Pearce, since your deal is based on a misconception between Customs and the NCIS I'll attempt to make it possible for you nevertheless. It certainly requires your good behavior and a possible cooperation, should it be needed."

Rome nodded eagerly, "I won't even get a ticket."

Brian snorted and grinned brightly when Rome looked indignantly at him.

"Very good, Agent Markham, we'll keep you informed about the operation. As soon as we learn about the meeting point, you'll wait with your team and arrest him. That's the agreement I settled on with Alan."

At that Markham appeared to be happier. He looked coldly at Brian.

"Now that that's cleared, Agent Callen and Mr. O'Conner are dismissed for today. Sam will wait at your friend's garage for you. He had to run some errands for me."

Brian sighed with relief. He could hardly wait to get out of here. A gaze to the two DEA agents made it clear that it wasn't over yet.

"We'll report tomorrow morning, before we drive to the meeting point," said Callen to Lange. Both exchanged meaningful looks, Lange nodded and Callen turned to Brian, "Let's go. We have a tight schedule."

The drive to Tej's garage helped Callen to sort his thoughts. The meddling of the DEA gave him headaches and he didn't like it that Markham was involved in the arrest. And the last look he'd thrown at Brian… If the blonde wasn't careful, Markham would certainly find a reason to put him in jail. Callen didn't know how far Hetty was ready to assert her influence for Brian.

That's why Callen decided to keep Markham as far away from Brian as possible. And Verone, too.

Callen parked behind Brian and got out. Sam really waited already. He leant against the rear of his Challenger and stared crossly at everyone who dared to come neat Charlene up to 6 feet.

Tej's dudes and Suki tinkered on some cars and threw frequently nervous looks at Sam. Callen grinned. If they only knew how ridiculous he behaved for his daughter's sake, they'd think of him as a cuddly teddy bear. They'd no longer respect him, too.

Brian didn't seem to want waiting for Callen, because he got out. He waved at Tej and the others. These appeared relieved immediately. Callen grinned. He stood right beside Sam.

"Well, great guy? Are finished intimidating the natives?"

Sam frowned, "I'm just waiting for you. They don't have to fear me."

"Then you should maybe smile a little," Brian stepped up to them, "currently you appear to be a thug and the ones over there rack their brains whether they stepped on your foot."

Sam looked at the gathered crew, which tampered immediately with the cars again.

"You met the Customs agents?"

Callen nodded, "I like Markham not a tiny bit. It doesn't sit well with me that he's still involved in this case."

"Hetty has inquired about this guy. His sister died of drugs, which were sold in Verone's club, so that's a vendetta for him. And he won't let himself be just informed."

"He'll carry on working this case," continued Brian, "he won't withdraw the agent. And he has access to the GPS in our cars. That's what we noticed at the lot."

Sam nodded, "Eric said he could disable Markham's access, but Hetty was against it. She doesn't want the relationship to Customs disturbed."

"I didn't know it was that good," threw Callen in and Brian slapped grinning his arm.

"So we have to expect that Markham not only mucks up our arrest," Sam ignored their silliness, "but he can ruin our operation, if he puts Verone on our tail through his stubbornness. Kensi reported that Fuentes sometimes behaves conspicuously."

"If Verone's on our tail, it'll be our death," muttered Callen, would be good if we could distract Markham during the race, so that we reach the finish line alive."

Sam shrugged his shoulders, "I'm open for all ideas."

Callen sighed. Why did he have to be bothered every time? Of course he liked to control the things, but he had no idea how he should carry this out.

His look slid to Brian, who stared frowning at Sam's car. Brian, who had only his life and his freedom, he could put on stake at the race. Callen wanted to preserve the one for him and give the other to him. And selfishly he wanted to keep him for himself. But that could hardly be if they lay there at the end with bullets in their bodies.

So he improvised like he did so often, "Maybe we could-"

"I have an idea," interrupted Brian, "Hey, Tej! Come here!"

Sam looked doubting at him, "It would maybe be better to clear it with us before you arrange something."

Brian only grinned, "Hey, don't take it the wrong way, but I doubt that you could find a great hall with enough space around it and several exits, at least sixty to eighty drivers and two additional cars for G and me."

Callen lifted a brow and laughed disbelievingly, "For what do you need all this?"

"That will be a show just for Markham."

"Brian, you shouted?" Tej came up to them with a careful look at Sam.

"Hey Tej, could you organize something in a quick way?" Brian grabbed his friend at the shoulder and led him away from Callen's and Sam's ears.

"Do you know what he plans?" asked Sam. Callen shook his head. He had no idea. Even if he combined everything what Brian had mentioned. What should they do with a warehouse?

Sam snorted at Callen's silence, "Well, hopefully he brings us into the loop before you have to drive."

"So that I know where to drive?" asked Callen laughing, "I'll go up to them."

"Do it and call me if you know what'll happen. I'll drive back and keep an eye on Markham. I put the clothes Hetty chose for you on the bed on the house boat."

Callen nodded gratefully at him and went up to Brian and Tej. As he came near them, Tej bid goodbye with a fist bump and got his cell out.

"You know, Brian. Usually Sam and I discuss our plans with each other. And coordinate them."

Brian looked frowning at him. He started to talk, bit his lip and stared at the floor. Then he ran his fingers through his hair, "I'm sorry. I- I don't seem to be accustomed to work with someone together anymore."

"I know that, believe me. You should ask Sam after our beginnings. Or Hetty. Her stories sound funkier every time."

"Okay. So I thought that-"

Callen lifted a hand and looked over Brian's shoulder at the street. There stood a brown Cadillac with two known faces in it.

"We have spectators."

"I know."

Surprised Callen lifted a brow. When did blonde discover them? Why didn't he say anything?

Brian gazed shortly over his shoulder, "The guys seem to have lost us in the maze of streets when we left Verone and drove here."

Brian looked to Callen again, "In Miami everyone knows that I'm mostly to find here."

"It's time that they disappear," thoughtfully Callen gazed around the garage. Then he smiled brightly at Brian and slapped his shoulder. He let his hand rest on it, "I have an idea."

Callen snatched window cleaner and went up to the Cadillac. Verone's henchmen hadn't noticed him yet, as he suddenly appeared at the driver's window.

"Hello gentlemen. It appears you got lost. Or do you need an oil change?"

Both men exchanged annoyed looks. Callen only grinned wider. He produced a rag and went to the windshield.

"As you're here already, I'll clean your window."

Generously he sprayed the remedy all over the glass and spread it with the rag.

"What's that supposed to be, man?" asked the driver. Callen didn't answer. Thereupon both jumped out of the car, "Damn! Stop doing that!"

Hastily Callen departed, but not before throwing a burning lighter at the window. Immediately the polish ignited and fire spread over the whole shield. Swiftly both tried to beat the fire with their jackets. Callen only laughed.

At this moment Brian stopped his car beside him, "Jump in! We have things to do!"

They passed the burning car. Behind them followed Tej with Suki behind the wheel.

"Where are we going?" asked Callen as he put his belt on. In his veins pumped the adrenalin. Preferably he'd like to pull Brian against him, but after a gaze at the speedometer discarded that thought. No heavenly kiss was worth it to crash against a wall at fifty. So he settled laying his hand on Brian's thigh.

The blonde shortly lost control and almost crashed into an approaching bus, but he quickly steered the car back onto the right track. Surprised, but nevertheless smiling he looked at Callen, "Warn me the next time."

"I will. So, what's your ominous plan?"

"So I've thought…"

[1] Alan Bersin, current Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection