I do not own the rights to any of the NCIS or NCIS:LA characters, only my own.
Hetty sat at her desk waiting for the call she knew was coming. When it did all she could do was shake her head and say thank you. She sighed and sat there a few moments before she called Director Vance. The last time they spoke, he told her that he was going to be heading home and to try him there when she got word on Special Agent Cooper. Hetty dialed his house number and listened to it ring.
"Special Agent Cooper passed away about fifteen minutes ago." She told the Director.
He sighed. "Has anyone called his wife yet?"
"No, Mr. and Mrs. Callen were waiting for a call back from me before making that call." Hetty told him.
"Have Amanda make it. I will call Mrs. Cooper as soon as we're done; give me about fifteen minutes before you call Amanda back. Have them escort the body back to LA. Once his family has decided what they'd like to have done, we can make arrangements to have the body delivered."
"John and Amanda both had reservations about Special Agent Jeffson. I've discussed the matter with Mr. Callen and his team agrees."
"Cut him loose, have Callen's team help Amanda pick two new members. Do you think Anderson up to par as Amanda's new partner?"
"Definitely, from what Mr. Callen says they work well together and he's not at all threatened by her age or experience."
"Good. Let me call John's wife and give her the news." The Director sighed.
"Alright Leon."
Amanda and Callen stood calmly talking with the surgeon, while she was upset over the loss of her partner; she knew there were things that had to be done. Getting the bullet and matching it to one of the three weapons was one of them. She excused herself when her phone rang. "Special Agent Rogers." She said.
"Amanda, I just got a call from the Director. Please tell me it's not true." She woman asked, voice quivering.
"Rachel, I wish I could tell you it wasn't. I'm so very sorry." She said trying to keep her composure.
Rachel sobbed while Amanda listened, broken hearted. Finally after a few minutes Rachel was able to speak again. "What happened?"
"All I can tell you right now is that we were clearing the basement. We had the three suspects cornered and we exchanged fire. John let G know that the three were down while Pete, Carson and I cleared them of their weapons. I turned around to see John fall to the floor. G and I both applied pressure to the wound. The bullet nicked an artery. The paramedics were there within five minutes of calling them and they got him to the hospital as quick as they could. When we got here they told us that he'd flat-lined in transit. G and I were just talking with the surgeon. There was no way of stopping the bleeding."
"Oh my God, I can't believe this. The director said you're escorting his body back to LA?"
"Yes, the surgeon is saying we will be able to leave tomorrow morning. Rachel if there's anything you need, please don't hesitate to call."
"There's so much that needs to be done. He was so looking forward to working with you on this new team." She sobbed.
Callen walked over to her as the surgeon walked away.
"Is that Rachel?" he asked softly and Amanda nodded.
"I know you've got a million things to do before you head back. Thank you Amanda."
"You're welcome Rachel and like I said if you need anything call me." There was sobbing again and the line went dead. Amanda closed her eyes and shook her head. Callen wrapped his arms around her and kissed her temple.
"You ready to head back to the base. The surgeon guaranteed he'll be ready for transport by eight in the morning."
Amanda nodded. "Alright."
When they finally got back to LA, the first stop was to the Mission. Hetty sat at her desk and offered Amanda her condolences on the loss of her partner. Then asked her and Callen to sit and talk with her for a while. Amanda didn't take well to the news that the team was now hers and she had to tell Pete that he wasn't going to work out. She asked that someone else be found to take over the team and suggested Carson. Hetty refuse and told her this came directly from the Director. Callen and his team were tasked with helping Amanda and Carson pick new members. Then finally she released them to head to Tustin to get Chrissy.
Amanda ran to the front porch and knocked on the door. Jason pulled the door open and dove at them. Chrissy was sitting in the middle of the living room playing and gave them a huge smile when she saw them. Amanda walked over and started to pick her up when her mother told her to stop.
"What do you mean stop?" She asked irritated.
"Back up and watch." Miranda smiled.
Amanda did as she was told and backed up a few feet. Chrissy smiled up at her and reached for her. Then slowly and shakily maneuvered herself to her tummy and low-crawled over to her. Amanda picked her up instantly and hugged her tightly, kissing her chubby cheeks. "I can't believe you're almost crawling."
Callen beamed and leaned over to kiss her; Chrissy leaned into him and sighed. "Hey baby girl, how are you? We missed you so much."
"How did the case wrap up?" Pat asked walking into the living room.
Amanda walked to the couch and sat down. "Well." Callen looked at Amanda and rubbed her back. "John got shot and passed away yesterday, early evening."
Pat shook his head. "I'm so sorry Amanda, what's going to happen to the team?"
"They won't disband the team will they?" Miranda asked as David and Roxanne walked in.
"No actually, they are continuing with the original plan of giving me the team once John retired. It's mine now." She frowned.
"As much as Amanda doesn't want to admit to it, she's ready." Callen told them with a warm smile as Chrissy reached for him.
"I'm not ready, G." She snapped.
"Yes Honey you are. You had one of the best investigators teach you the art of investigation and you've worked a couple cases with us." He told her with Chrissy pulling at his ear.
"Yes, but I've never led my own team. There's a huge difference between taking part in an investigation and running an investigation."
"You guys are going to be shadowing us for a while longer, especially after you get the new members. Besides you can ask for help if you need it."
"I think this is a good opportunity for you, Amanda." David said and everyone else agreed.
Jason walked over and sat between them. Amanda pulled hem close and kissed him. "I don't know who I missed more you or Chrissy." She laughed when he squirmed as she tickled him.
Too tired to do much of anything except bathe Chrissy and go to bed, they stopped off and picked up dinner. Callen sat Chrissy on the floor in the living room while they sat eating; every now and then one of them would give her a little bit of their dinner. When she grabbed for the whole thing, Amanda ran into the kitchen for a box of Cheerios and poured some in her snack cup. The baby grinned and banged the cup on the floor. Callen and Amanda laughed as Chrissy screamed and babbled.
The weekend flew by all too fast and they were back at work. She'd gotten a call over the weekend that John's memorial was scheduled for Thursday afternoon. So she passed the information on to Hetty. Amanda saw the stack of files on what used to be John's desk and sighed. Carson and Pete walked in after her and sat at their desks. Callen walked up behind Amanda and patted her back.
"Now's as good a time as any." He said.
Amanda took a deep breath. "Pete can I have a word with you?"
"Sure Amanda what's up?" He asked.
"Let's go for a walk." She said and nodded towards the hall.
They walked out of the bullpen and around towards Hetty's desk. "What's going on?"
"The team is mine now. I have to admit when we were originally looking at you John and I had reservations. While you performed well during the investigation, there were several things that bugged me, John and the other team. As a result you're being reassigned."
"Reassigned, just like that after one case?" He scoffed.
"Yes Mr. Jeffson. You knew coming into this that it was a trial basis. The director told you that himself." Hetty added.
"I've got five years behind me and Amanda's got what three and a lot of that was spent sitting behind a desk or recovering from a motorcycle accident. Or having a baby, this is bullshit. Are you canning Carson too?"
"No, Mr. Anderson isn't leaving." Hetty told him.
"This is such bullshit. Remember we work for the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, not the god damned Marine Corps Investigative Service. Yeah well Semper Fuck you." He said getting in Amanda's face.
Callen walked over as Hetty put up her hand to stop him intervening. "I highly suggest you get out of my face before you lose your job entirely." Amanda growled.
"Really what the hell do you think you're going to do if I don't?"
Callen's eyes grew wide and his blood boiled as Director Vance and Deputy Director Granger walked around the corner and stopped, watching the confrontation. Amanda growled. "I'm warning you Special Agent Jeffson, step back."
"Make me you back stabbing bitch."
Amanda looked at Callen and then in the direction of where his eyes were watching. Vance and Granger had their arms crossed over their chests watching with amusement. Sam walked over along with Kensi and Deeks.
"Man, I'd step back if I were you." Sam warned.
"I don't need this shit. Got to hell Amanda." He said and turned towards Granger and Vance.
The Director had the LA Times under his arm; he took it and tossed it at Pete. "Here, this may be helpful in finding a new job."
Pete tossed it in the air and walked away. Grabbed his stuff and disappeared out the door. The director smiled. "I take it he didn't like the news he was being removed from the team?"
"Not one bit Leon." Hetty piped up. "But Mrs. Callen held her own."
The Director smiled. "I knew she would. Until you fill the two remaining spots on the team, work with Callen's team."
With Thanksgiving a week away, no one worried about even looking at the personnel files. They were more interested in getting through the case they were working. As it happened, the case wrapped the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. Hetty gave them Wednesday afternoon off, like years in the past Callen and Amanda were headed down to Sam and Michelle's for dinner. Amanda made her signature Sweet Potato Casserole. This year Chrissy would be able to partake in dinner.
No sooner had they arrive and the kids had Chrissy on the floor in the middle of a ton of toys. She didn't know which to play with first. Amanda and Michelle were in the kitchen when Kensi and her Mom arrived. Deeks, Nell and Eric arrived fifteen minutes later. While the women gathered in the kitchen, the men sat in the living room watching football. Callen called Amanda into the living room in enough time to see Chrissy up on her knees rocking then moved one hand and the other followed by her knees.
"Oh you two are in trouble now." Michelle laughed. "She's mobile now, nothing will stop her."
"Oh believe me, we've already found that out. Since there's hardwood throughout the house, she scoots along on her tummy without a problem. She made it to the hallway and to our room last night. I was on the phone with my Mom and making dinner, while G was supposed to be watching her. I heard knocking on the door and looked up the hallway and there she is banging her head on the door."
"I'm sorry; I was looking at some Christmas gifts on my phone." Callen said defending himself as he came into the kitchen to grab another round of beer.
"Its fine Honey, I'm not worried about it. All the doors in the hallway were closed so she couldn't get into anything. I guess we're going to have to start investing in baby gates, especially when she's tall enough to reach the door knobs."
"I hope we've got a few months to a year before that happens." He laughed and stole a kiss.
"So are you two going to take advantage of the trip to the snow Martha gave you last year?" Kensi asked.
"Yeah, I think we will. I can't wait to see Chrissy's reaction to the snow or the Christmas lights. I'm so excited."
"Christmas with little ones is magical and hectic." Michelle admitted.
"I'm sure it is." Amanda agreed.
Once everything was ready, dinner was served. Chrissy sat between Callen and Amanda in a high chair gnawing on small pieces of turkey, green bean casserole and biscuits. Amanda would spoon feed her the sweet potato casserole and mashed potatoes. Chrissy would have such a fit when Amanda wouldn't give her the spoon that she started throwing the food on the floor. Michelle got a small bowl and put a little bit of the sweet potato casserole in it and gave her a baby spoon. No one could tell how much she actually ate and how much she wore. Callen and Amanda bathed her and put her in her pajamas while Michelle, Kensi and Nell cleaned up. When they walked out with a clean baby, she was passed around the room.
After taking a bottle, she settled in with Callen on the couch watching football and they both fell asleep. Amanda took lots of picture and sent a few off to her parents and Abbey so she could show them off at Ducky's. Kensi made a pot of coffee while Amanda and Michelle got the pies out and set them on the table. Callen laid Chrissy in the pack and play before he joined everyone at the table for dessert. About an hour later, they headed back up to LA. Chrissy slept the entire drive. Amanda anticipated needing to give her another bottle when they got home, but they were able to get her in the house, out of the car seat, diaper changed and in bed without having her fuss too much.
Callen and Amanda were shocked when they woke at six the next morning and realized the baby hadn't gotten up over night. They rushed to her room to find her playing in her crib. She smiled up at them and reached to be picked up. Callen made a bottle while Amanda changed her diaper and brought her out to the living room. The three sat watching the morning news. When Chrissy finished her bottle, she climbed all over Callen and Amanda playing. Amanda loved mornings like this, so relaxing and carefree.
"Do you want to go look for a tree today?" Callen asked at nine.
"Don't you think it's a little too soon to be looking at a live tree?"
"Actually, I was thinking about getting a pre-lit artificial tree. I think it'd be safer with Chrissy around." He said looking down at her playing under the coffee table.
"Sure, we should probably pick up a couple baby gates while we're at it." Amanda suggested.
"Sounds like a plan. I'll keep an eye on the munchkin if you want to go shower."
"Actually, it's almost nap time; I was thinking we could shower while she was down." She said giving him a lurid smile.
Callen pulled her closer to him. "I love how you think. I'll lay her down if you want to go get the water started."
Amanda smiled. "Alright, don't take too long."
Amanda wished they'd reconsidered shopping for a tree the day after Thanksgiving. The stores were insane. Chrissy's stroller was nearly toppled over twice, so Amanda carried her through the store after Callen took the stroller back out to the car. There were too many people and Amanda was about to punch someone in the head if she got bumped into again. Fortunately most everyone who bumped into her apologized when they realized she had Chrissy in her arms. Once they found the tree they wanted, Callen put it in the cart and they headed to the checkout lines. On the way, they stopped to look at the ornaments knowing they didn't have enough for the bigger tree.
With four packages of multi-colored glass ornaments and a few other odds and ends added their purchase; they finally made it to the line. An hour and a half later, they walked out to the parking lot. Once they got Chrissy in her car seat, Callen and Amanda stood at the trunk trying to figure out how the tree was going to fit.
"We can put the seat down on the right and push the tree through so we can close the trunk?" Amanda suggested.
"Yeah, but then Chrissy will be playing with the box and it's not the cleanest thing in the world." Callen said showing her his hands.
"We wrap the box or move Chrissy to the left." She reasoned.
Callen smiled and rummaged through the trunk. "That's right; you've got those blankets in here."
Amanda smiled and smacked Callen's rear and he bent over trying to pull the blankets from the back of the trunk. "If we push the stroller all the way over, it should still fit."
"I'm going to get you for that." Callen said looking back at her under his arm.
"Crap, we forgot the baby gate." Amanda huffed.
Callen stood straight with the blanket in his hand. "I'm not going back in there, we'll get it later."
Amanda nodded and helped Callen wrap the tree box. Once the tree was pushed through the opening into the car, they headed home. Callen made a detour and stopped at the grocery store. They picked up a rotisserie chicken and sides from the deli before they hit the cookie isle. Callen asked what Amanda needed to start the cookie baking and she smiled telling him she's already gotten everything. From there, they picked up a half-gallon of egg nog and headed to the check out.
Chrissy was asleep by the time they got home, so Amanda got her out of the car seat and laid her in the crib while Callen brought in the tree and started getting it out of the box. Amanda laughed when she walked out and Callen was trying to put the pole together but it slipped out of the socket and banged against his head. He looked back and glared at her before he smiled. Amanda walked over and pulled the base of the tree over so he could see exactly where to place the pole. Within fifteen minutes, they had the tree put together and were separating the individual branches. Callen plugged the tree in to make sure the lights were working right. They stood back looking at the tree as the doorbell rang.
With a smile, Callen opened the door. "Hey Kens, come on in."
"Hey Kensi, how are you?" Amanda asked opening the boxes of ornaments.
"Not much, I just wanted to come hang out for a while." She said taking off her jacket.
"I figured you'd be with your mom today." Amanda said.
"No, Mom's got to go out of town for a few days with work so she's packing and cleaning the house today."
"Well, grab an ornament and help decorate the tree." Amanda told her. Kensi smiled and pulled three or four globes from the trays.
Twenty minutes later, Callen went to the spare room for the tub of ornaments he and Amanda had collected over the last few years in addition to the ones she already had when they'd gotten together. He sat it on the coffee table and took off the top. Kensi's eyes lit up when she saw the old antique globes and asked about them. Amanda smiled and told her they were her grandparent's. Kensi then saw the bows. Callen told her about those. Chrissy let out a whale like she always did letting them know she was awake and hungry. Callen was about to get her when Kensi offered.
He shrugged and let her get the baby. Kensi changed her diaper and brought her out to the living room while Amanda made a bottle. It was only two, so it was too soon for a full fledged meal. Kensi sat on the couch with Chrissy who was in awe of the lights on the tree. She shrieked and reached for them but stopped when Amanda held out the bottle for her. Chrissy took it and sat back against Kensi's chest watching Callen and Amanda put the rest of the ornaments and bows on the tree. When they were finished, Callen put all of the empty boxes back in the container and put them in the spare room.
Chrissy was finished with her bottle and on the floor making her way towards the tree. "Babe, I think we need to get those gates and tie the tree to the ceiling so she can't pull it over on herself."
Callen walked out and watched Chrissy pulling at the fake needles on the tree. "Yeah, I think you're right."
"The sooner the better." Kensi laughed as Chrissy grabbed one of the globes.
"Want to come with us?" Amanda asked.
"Sure." Kensi grinned. "I'd love to."
The four headed out and instead of eating at home, they stopped off and ate out. Chrissy sat in one of the high chairs from the restaurant and ate from Callen and Amanda's plates. Kensi loved seeing them together as a family and wished she had it too. Both Callen and Amanda had noticed her mood over the course of the afternoon.
"Kens, is something wrong?" Callen finally asked.
Kensi sat back and looked at them. "I just wish I had what you two have."
"So nothing ever happened between you and Deeks again?" Amanda asked Callen looked at the two of them with great curiosity.
Kensi glared at Amanda. "I told you not to say anything about that in front of Callen." She snapped.
"Something happened between the two of you?" Callen asked with a smile.
Kensi huffed and looked at him. "He kissed me during the Sidorov case, but nothing ever happened after that."
"I thought..?" he started to say something.
"No, absolutely nothing. He changed after he came back to work. We're just now getting back to where we were."
"Misletoe." Amanda told her with a sly smile.
"Like Nell and Eric." Callen told her.
"I don't want to push him." Kensi told them.
"I'll talk to him if you want?" Amanda asked.
Kensi shook her head. "No, I think the opportunity is gone."
"You never know, Kens." Callen assured her.
The weekend passed and Madison arrived bright and early Monday morning to help get Chrissy up and ready for the day. She and Chrissy were sitting at the table eating breakfast when Callen and Amanda left for work. They each kissed Chrissy and headed out. Sam, Kensi and Carson were sitting in the bullpen talking when they walked in. Callen and Amanda got themselves a cup of coffee before they sat at their desks and joined the conversation. Amanda smiled at Deeks when he walked in. Before anyone could even greet him, Eric called them up to Ops.
Once they were standing in Ops, Nell and Eric began the briefing. "We received a call from CID at Pendleton regarding a Marine who went missing last month."
"Last month and we're just getting this?" Amanda scoffed.
"The office on base was working it as well, but they've hit a dead end and wanted to see if we could get any further on it than they could." Nell told her. "His name is Sergeant Ron Gonzales, twenty eight, single. He's assigned to the white house as a clerk to the base commander."
"Enlarge the picture, please." Amanda asked as she walked closer to the screen.
"Do you know him?" Callen asked.
"I sure do, he was a Lance when I was with First Intel. Good kid. Do his parents still live in the area?" She asked.
"Yes, they own a house in Escondido. They haven't heard from him at all over the past month. We've already looked at their phone records."
"Alvina must be going out of her mind." Amanda said to herself.
"You know his parents?" Sam asked.
"Yeah, I met them when he got promoted to Corporal. He's an only child, so they wouldn't have missed his promotion for anything." Amanda said turning to the others.
"You want point on this case?" Callen asked.
"Would you mind?" She asked hesitantly.
"No, I think it would be a good idea." Hetty said. "Mr. Callen will help you with anything you need."
Amanda smiled appreciatively. "Thank you. Nell what do we have about his last known whereabouts?"
"He was last seen October twenty-eighth at the barracks. He was the duty NCO, when he was relieved that morning, he checked in at work and was sent home for duty recovery. He never reported for work on the twenty-ninth. CID, PMO and our office on base checked his apartment and with local LEOs to see if he'd been brought in. They checked the borders to see if he crossed into Mexico, but there was no sign of him. We've checked with all of the airports and there was nothing there either."
"What about his car?" Amanda asked.
Nell shook her head. "There's been no sign of it nationwide."
"This is going to be fun." Amanda said sarcastically.
"What do you want to do first?" Callen asked.
"Let's have a look at everything CID, PMO and the NCIS office has. Then we'll go talk to the command and his parents." She said and waited for his approval.
"Who do you want to do what?" He asked with a smile.
"Kensi, Deeks can you go talk to the command. G, you and Sam can talk to the apartment complex and Carson and I will go see his parents." She said.
Callen nodded his approval. "Sounds like a plan."
"Nell send us everything you've gotten about the case, everyone look it over and see if they aren't missing something. We'll meet back her after we've paid out visits."
Everyone headed out of Ops. Callen stopped and put his hand on the small of her back. "Call me if you need anything." He said.
Amanda nodded and grabbed her coat and bag. "I'll drive Carson."
Within an hour and a half, they pulled up outside the Gonzales residence and rang the bell. A woman answered. "Can I help you?" She asked with a smile, she recognized Amanda immediately.
"I'm Special Agent Rogers and this is Special Agent Anderson. We'd like to ask you a few questions about your son Sergeant Gonzales." She smiled.
"Amanda?" She asked and lunged at her with tears in her eyes. We haven't heard from Ronnie in a month. We're beginning to think the worst."
"Alvina, don't jump to conclusions until we know for sure." Amanda said hugging the woman.
"I'm sorry," Alvina said wiping her brown eyes. "Please come in. I've got coffee."
"Thank you." Amanda and Carson said as they stepped into the tiled entry and removed their jackets.
"Ronnie said you got transferred to Virginia." Alvina said as she led them to the eat-in kitchen.
"I was and retired. I joined NCIS a couple years ago." Amanda smiled as she and Carson sat at the table.
"Joe, there are a couple NCIS agents here to talk to us about Ronnie." She yelled into the living room.
"I'll be right there." He said and refolded the paper.
"When was the last time you spoke to Ron?" Amanda asked.
"The twenty-seventh, it was Joe's birthday and Ronnie had come out for dinner." Alvina said pouring coffee into four mugs.
"Gunny Rogers?" Joe asked when he walked in. He was greyer, but still had the gentle smile and full cheeks she remembered.
"Special Agent Rogers now." Alvina told him.
"Good to see you again." He said shaking her hand.
"This is my partner Special Agent Carson Anderson." She said as the two men shook hands.
"Have you received any odd calls of ransom requests?" Amanda asked once the four of them were seated around the table.
Joe and Alvina looked at one another. "No, you think he was kidnapped or something?" Joe asked.
"Right now we're taking everything into consideration. Was Ron seeing anyone?"
Alvina shook her head. "If he was dating, he never said anything about it, but we only talked once every couple of weeks. He was busy, about to pick up Staff Sergeant."
Amanda smiled. "He was a good Marine."
"Over the last few months had Ron mentioned anyone he was having a problem with?" She asked.
Both Joe and Alvina thought about it. "No one that we can recall."
Carson and Amanda sat and talked with them for another hour and it seemed Joe and Alvina didn't know anything about his whereabouts. Besides, Nell and Eric already checked the phone records and there was no communication between them. Amanda gave then her and Carson's cards and asked that they call them if they think of anything or happen to hear from Ron. As soon as they got in the car, her phone started ringing.
"Hey G, what did you guys find?" She asked.
"Nothing, the place was clean. Just some dirty dishes and laundry. Eric's looking at the security footage to see if we can pinpoint when he got home and left again."
Amanda sighed. "Alright, there was nothing from his parents either. Have you heard from Kensi and Deeks?"
"Not yet. Do you want to meet at the restaurant for lunch?" He asked.
Amanda smiled. "Sure, let Kensi and Deeks know and we'll meet you there."
Amanda started the car and wound her way through the city streets until they got back on the seventy-eight headed towards El Camino Real. Kensi, Deeks, Callen and Sam were all standing out front waiting for them when they pulled into a parking space. Carson and Amanda got out of the Nissan and joined them. Maria smiled when they walked in and walked them into the dining room seating them at one of the long tables. Once she passed out the menus and took their drink order, she asked how Chrissy was doing. Callen and Amanda both pulled their phones out and showed her pictures.
Once Maria walked away and they were alone, Amanda asked what Kensi and Deeks had found. Judging by the smile on Kensi's face, they got something new. "Well, we got nothing from the command, but we were stopped by another Marine on our way out. It seems Sergeant Gonzales met a woman on the internet. At the time when he disappeared, they hadn't met yet. But the kid is almost sure that's where the sergeant is."
"Did he give you a name?" Amanda asked.
"No, but said we could at his social media pages and find her." Kensi smiled.
"Did he say where she lived? It would be easier in narrowing down the search."
"He could remember exactly where she lived, but knows it wasn't local."
Amanda smiled, "That's the best lead we've got yet. Did anyone find anything out of place or missing from the reports from CID, PMO and our office on base?"
"No everything seems to be consistent." Callen told her and everyone agreed.
Amanda sat back and thought about it. "We've got to be missing something." She said and pulled her phone out to call Nell.
When they got back to the office, Nell was waiting for them with a smile on her face. "It took a while to find it, but we did. Her name is Claudia Castro, she lives in upstate New York; Flackville. They have met because her social media pages are full of pictures of them together. Neither has posted to their pages since the twenty-eighth of October. I did a little bit of digging and found medical records from an OB/GYN. It seems Claudia is six months pregnant."
Amanda smiled. "Have you checked the Canadian borders or just the Mexican?"
"After finding out she was from New York, we did check the Canadian border and found them crossing on November third." Nell told her.
"Why would they go to Canada?" Kensi asked.
"Sanctuary or asylum." Amanda told her. "Sergeant Gonzales knows he's going to be brought up on charges when he returns to the states. He thinks he can seek refuge in Canada."
"Desertion or UA?" Deeks asked.
Amanda shook her head. "Desertion now, especially since he left the country. He's facing brig time."
"Do we have an address for where they're staying in Canada?" Amanda asked.
"That's where things get complicated. Once they crossed the border, we lost them. Their accounts haven't been touched and neither made withdrawals before they left the US."
"So what are they using for money?" Carson asked.
"Did he have an allotment going to another account?" Amanda asked.
"Not that we've been able to find, but I'm still looking." Eric told them.
Amanda sighed. "At least we know they aren't in the US anymore, but Canada is a big country. They could be anywhere. If they entered Canada in Ontario, they could be in Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, even Greenland by now."
"We'll keep looking." Nell assured her.
"Thanks." Amanda said with a sigh feeling a headache coming on.
The six agents walked back down to the bullpen. Amanda sat at her desk thinking. Callen saw the serious look on her face and threw a crumpled piece of paper at her. She smiled at him and tossed it back at him.
"Nell and Eric will find them." He assured her.
"I know they will I'm just worried about how far they've gotten. I hate to be the one to bring him back to the states." She told him.
"I know, but he's got to be brought back to face the music." Sam told her.
Amanda nodded. "I know the kid, that's what makes it so hard." Amanda shot out of her seat and ran up the stairs to Ops. "Nell check the parent's bank records, they may be sending them money. Look for international wire transfers."
Within minutes, Eric turned around with a smile on his face. "Got them. His parent's have been sending money via electronic funds transfers to a bank in Sudbury for the last six months."
Callen and the others walked into Ops just as Amanda asked. "How much money have they sent total?"
"Almost a hundred thousand American dollars." He told her.
"His parent's took out a loan using the house as collateral at the same time the EFTs started." Nell told them.
"How much was the loan for?" Callen asked.
"Two hundred fifty thousand." Nell said as she typed. "Ha, I found a real estate record for the purchase of a house near Ramsey Lake in Sudbury, right next door to Claudia's parents."
"So his parent's knew the entire time and sat there lying to us this morning?" Amanda asked gruffly.
Nell nodded. "Looks like it."
Amanda turned and began to walk out of Ops until Callen stopped her. "Where are you going?"
"Nell send me everything you've got, we're going to pay Mr. and Mrs. Gonzales another visit. I'm going to need a search warrant as well." She smiled.
"Who all is going with you?" Callen asked.
"The more the merrier as far as I'm concerned." She said and crossed her arms over her chest. "I'm pissed and the thought of having to sit in traffic to get to Escondido just makes me even madder."
"Then let's get going before it gets any later." Callen said and followed her out.
After sitting in traffic for three hours, Amanda was livid. Sam and Kensi pulled up behind her and got out. Kensi handed her the warrant and they headed to the door. Amanda rang the bell and Alvina answered the same way she had that morning, but her smile faded when she saw the hard look on Amanda's face. "Amanda I can explain." She said backing away from the door.
Amanda handed her the search warrant and began barking orders at the others. "I guess you'd better start explaining then. I don't take kindly to being lied to." She said closing the door once everyone was inside. Callen and Sam walked past and into the hall leading to the bedrooms and smiled. Amanda and Carson followed Alvina into the kitchen and leaned against the counter waiting for the explanation. "I also thought I'd inform you that Escondido Police officers are on their way you and your husband are being arrested as accomplices, aiding and abetting."
"But?" Alvina started to say and thought better of it. "We were just trying to help Ronnie and Claudia."
"By helping him leave the country and abandon his commitment to the military?" Amanda snapped.
"Ronnie said Claudia's visa was about to expire. He was just going to get her situated before she had the baby. He has every intention of coming back and serving out the rest of his contract." Alvina told her.
"Well, he's going to be serving the rest of his contract and then some in the Brig." Amanda told her.
"Amanda, you have to help him. You know he's a good boy." Alvina pleaded.
"I knew he was a good Marine, but I have an obligation to bring him in. He has to face his punishment like a man. Just as you and your husband do."
"But you're a Marine." Alvina begged.
"I'm a retired Marine, now I'm an agent for the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. I have rules and regulations I must follow. The moment you lied to me, you effectively became the enemy. I'm sorry; there isn't anything I can do for you." Amanda told her.
Alvina dropped her head and began to cry. "Joe, it's over they know and we're being arrested." She called.
Amanda heard noise in the garage and was poised, ready when Joe appeared in the kitchen with an assault rifle. "The hell we are." He spat, aiming the rifle at Amanda and Carson.
"Put the gun down, there are four other agents in the house all armed." Amanda told him.
"Joe, what are you doing?" Alvina gasped.
"Getting us the hell out of here." Joe told her, pulling her by the collar of the shirt towards the garage door.
"Joe you're going to end up dead. Put the gun down." Amanda warned him again.
"Shut up you ungrateful bitch." He yelled.
Callen and Sam heard the word gun and were instantly making their way up the hallway. Kensi and Deeks snuck out the front door and in through the open garage door. With pistols raised and ready, they moved. Callen and Sam appeared in the doorways to the living and dining rooms while Kensi and Deeks had him from behind. When Joe looked away from Amanda and Carson, they too grabbed their pistols and set sights on Joe.
"You're trapped Joe, put the gun down." Amanda told him.
Amanda saw the panic in Joe's eyes and his finger moving nervously over the trigger. In a split second, Amanda and Carson ducked as Joe unloaded half the magazine in their direction and panned towards Callen and then Sam. From the cover of the island, Amanda took her shot just as the others did. When the house was filled with an eerie silence, Joe was cleared of his weapon. Alvina was slumped over Joe's lifeless body sobbing.
"Nell we need an ambulance." Amanda said into her phone and hung up.
"How could you do that to him?" Alvina cried with rage in her eyes.
Had the rifle not been kicked away, Amanda was sure she would've grabbed it and started shooting. Amanda hauled her up and tightened a set of flex cuffs around her wrists. "I'm sorry, that's the risk he took when he walked in here with that thing." Amanda told her leading her out to the police cruiser that had just screeched to a halt out front.
"Ronnie will never forgive you for this." Alvina screamed as she was placed in the back of the car.
Amanda walked back into the house and went to Joe, feeling the artery at his neck for a pulse. Without so much as a flinch or afterthought, she brought her index and middle finger to his eyes and closed them. She stood and walked through the living room to where the others were talking with a couple of the Escondido police officers. Callen looked at her and saw no emotion in her face, no sadness and no anger.
After talking to the police briefly and getting the evidence they needed, Callen pulled her aside. "Are you okay?" He asked.
"I'm fine G." She smiled.
"Are you sure?"
"I'm not the only one who shot at him. We won't find out who actually made the kill shot until the ME does the autopsy. It was us or him. I'm fine." She told him.
"You handled yourself well. What are you going to tell the Sergeant?" He asked.
"That his father fired at us and we were protecting ourselves." She told him with a nod.
"Let's get back up to LA let Hetty know what happened and then go home. I've already called Madison to let her know it will be a while longer. She's already given Chrissy dinner." He told her.
Amanda nodded and walked out of the house and under the police tape. The neighborhood was abuzz with activity and nosey neighbors. Several news crews had gathered, they all carefully avoided the cameras and got in their cars. Amanda exhaled and smiled when they were off the street and on their way to the freeway. When they walked into the mission, Hetty stood waiting for them.
"I've already been apprised of the situation, is everyone alright?" She asked.
"We're all fine." Amanda told her with a smile.
Hetty looked to Callen for confirmation and when he nodded, she smiled. "Very well. Ms. Jones is monitoring Sergeant Gonzales' accounts and we should have travel arrangements ready for you all to head up to Ontario in the morning. Mr. and Mrs. Callen make arrangements for Chrissy, two or three days should give you ample time to get there, make the arrest and bring him back."
Everyone nodded and headed for the bullpen. Sam smiled and looked over at Amanda. "Remind me not to ever piss you off." He joked.
"Yeah, I don't take kindly to being lied to. Had the woman not had a soft spot in my heart, I would've loved to rip her head off." Amanda smiled.
"You did well out there today. Handled everything the way you should've." Callen told her. "Still feel like you're not ready for your own team?"
Amanda sighed. "It's just one case and for the most part we figured it out quickly." Nell and Eric walked down the stairs and into the bullpen. "Hey thanks for your help this afternoon. We couldn't have figured it out without your help."
"You're welcome Amanda, just doing our jobs." Nell smiled.
"You ready, I'll drive and you can call your parents?" Callen asked.
"Sounds like a plan. See you guys tomorrow." Amanda said as she and Callen walked out or the bullpen.
Amanda's parents arrived to pick Chrissy up by ten to take her back to their house. Amanda kissed Chrissy one last time as her mom made sure she was securely strapped into the car seat and took her bag. "She'll be fine as always." Miranda told her.
"I know Mom." She smiled. "I'm just going to miss her, even if it is for a day or two."
"Good night you two." Pat said through the open passenger window.
Callen and Amanda stood at the curb waving as her parents drove away. "Come on, let's start a fire and open a bottle of wine, you've earned it." Callen said turning her towards the house.
"Babe, it's almost ten thirty." Amanda said leaning her head on his shoulder with her hand on his stomach.
"Small fire and one glass of wine isn't going to hurt." He told her and kissed the top of her head.