Never Going Back Again: Chapter 14

Hetty listened to the latest developments with a worried look on her face. The news that not only Adam Stoddart but also EJ Barrett were also Operation Frankenstein agents was especially troubling, given that it directly contradicted all the official documents relating to the experiment. However, when it came right down to the line, she trusted her agents more that she did the information that had been passed to her from the CIA, via God only knew how many officials, each one censoring just a little more information. The realisation that she'd been played for a fool rankled. "This is gathering pace. Have there been any reports of Ms Barrett's whereabouts?"

"Nothing at all. She's doing a great job of keeping herself out of sight. She could still be here, or she could already be back in California, hoping that we've taken the bait about Max Gentry." Callen looked at Deeks, who was sitting with a stony expression on his face. "Are you ready to go back undercover as Gentry again?"

"I'm ready." For once he had no jokes to make. He'd hoped that Max Gentry had made his final appearance some months ago, but it seemed he was wrong.

"Bu you're not ready to undertake a long-haul flight yet," Hetty interjected. "And neither are you, Mr Callen." She shut off their protests with an emphatic gesture. "Mr Hannah and I will return tomorrow. Once you have been medically cleared, you can follow on with Ms Blye."

"There's no reason I have to stay here. I can get my stitches taken out in California, you know. They do have doctors there."

"You should know. It seems like you've got a season ticket to the emergency room. You just don't want to miss the fireworks for the Fourth of July, do you Deeks? I'll set off a rocket just for you, shall I?" Sam felt the same excitement that he used to feel on Christmas Eve when he was a little boy. He was going home – home to Denise. At last.

"You and Mr Callen will both stay here until I personally see medical confirmation that you are passed as fit to undertake the journey home without suffering any ill effects. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes, ma'am," Deeks said automatically. It was like being back at school again, he thought.

Hetty regarded him gravely, not entirely sure if he was being sincere or sarcastic. After several seconds of careful consideration, she decided to give him the benefit of the doubt and continued. "Our next challenge is how to apprehend the elusive Ms Barrett. I would favour tempting her across "the pond", as our British cousins refer to it. After all, it would be rather embarrassing if she was to indulge her undoubted skills of mutilation and murder again over here. We were very lucky the authorities handed over the case to us with minimal resistance or investigation. But another such occurrence could lead to an international incident. Unless, of course, she discovers we are all going back to the US."

Callen had long experience with the way Hetty's mind worked. Clearly, she already had a plan, no doubt worked out to the last detail. Still, given that she had sat pretty much on the side-lines so far, it was only fair to let her have her moment in the sun. Not that he would ever dare say that to her. In fact, just thinking about it was dangerous enough. "And how do we achieve that?" he asked innocently.

"By representing NCIS at the Consulate's annual party tomorrow, of course," she replied matter of factly. "I already have an invitation from the Consul, so it will be no bother to get your names added onto the guest list." Hetty looked inordinately pleased with herself.

"What a great idea," Callen said flatly. An afternoon mingling with sort of people who got invited to Consular parties was not his idea of how to celebrate Independence Day. Given the choice, Callen would have voted for heaving a crate of beer down to the beach and roasting hot dogs on a bonfire.

Sam didn't envy them this gig at all. It sounded like it was going to be about as much fun as watching paint dry. "Looks like you're going to have buy yourself another suit, Deeks."

"You don't wear suits to an informal afternoon party. Especially one for the Fourth of July." Deeks glanced across at Hetty for confirmation. "The dress code's going to be smart casual – am I right?"

"Exactly."

And my agents wonder why I personally select their outfits? God knows what they would turn up in if I didn't keep my eye on them.

"What does that mean?" Sam wasn't going to give Deeks the satisfaction of asking how he knew suits were not required.

Deeks rolled his eyes. "No suits, like I said. Well, no business suits at any rate. Callen could probably get away with a linen suit, if he really wanted."

"If I really wanted what? To look like Tom Wolfe?"

"How come someone who looks like he gets his clothing inspiration from Neil Young knows so much about dress codes?"

"I'm addicted to Miss Manners. She sounds like a really hot babe."

Kensi had been mulling things over. "We will need to buy some new clothes all the same. Even if I don't get to wear a hat…"

"This isn't the Queen's Garden Party," Hetty cautioned. "And before you ask, I don't have any official credit cards with me."

Everyone turned in unison to look at Deeks.

"I'm going to ask for interest," he warned. "I know what the Government's like when it comes to paying its bills. And I want a tax write-off too."

Sam snorted in derision. "Good luck with that."

Although, knowing Deeks, he'll have a whole team of accountants on to it. Maybe I could get them to help me with my tax returns too? Even if it does mean crawling to him – I'm prepared to do that. If it means I get some help.

"And don't forget the receipts." Hetty folded her hands in her lap.

"I'll need new shoes, as well as an outfit. And a purse. I should really get my hair done too." Kensi was on a roll.

With any luck, Marty'll buy me some new lingerie. What am I saying? Of course he will – as long as he gets to choose it.

"I'll just carry the bags, shall I? Oh – and watch the charges to my card mount up."

"Exactly. You've got to learn your place. Think of it as liaising, if that helps any." Callen was still concerned about the arrangements. "So – we go to this party, dressed in the finest clothes we can persuade Deeks to buy us, we mingle, we sing the praises of NCIS, we even drop all sorts of unsubtle hints about the team – and then what? It's not like EJ's going to be there."

"If my hunch is correct and Ms Barrett is not acting alone, then someone at the party will on the information. She'll be allowed to leave the UK and to enter the US without hindrance."

Callen was impressed at just how many favours Hetty could manage to pull in at such short notice. "It's just a pity we didn't use the Overlock tracker on her. I don't like the idea that she's running around, as free as a bird."

"Sometimes we just have to make do with what we've got." She rose to her feet. "I'll see you at the end of the week. And, Mr Deeks? Don't forget to keep those receipts. I'd hate to see you out of pocket."