DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT own any of the NCIS/NCIS LA team. I do, however, own a whole host of other characters... most of them are bad guys, I admit... but they are mine. Any resemblance to people living or other... purely coincidental.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: Hi there! Well, I've had my turkey dinner... gotta love those homemade noodles just like Grandma made. YUM! Had pie that would make you cry it is so good... and I've read all the updates on some wonderful stories here and now I'm ready to post my next chapter here. I tried to think of a way to work Thanksgiving dinner into one of the chapter but I decided to just wait and perhaps we will see one come Christmas... we shall see. In the meantime, THANK YOU SOOOOOO MUCH for all the wonderful reviews. You have no idea how it makes my day to look and see that you have not only taken the time to read my story but also took the time to leave me a note. You are all awesome! I truly appreciate you! saying that, here it is. Let me know what you think!

He closed the door, "Hello Emilio… bet you didn't expect to see me again. Funny how that keeps happening," Callen smirked.

"Just means Iosif hasn't gotten to you yet," Emilio returned unthreatened.

"Oh, but he tried… and ultimately failed. Just as you have." Callen shot back.

"You got nothing on me. I'll be out before you know it." Emilio leaned forward, "and when I do… you'll be sorry."

"About that. I have what is needed to put you away for a very long time and for your sake, you had better hope I'm right", Callen said as he walked the perimeter of the room until he reached the camera and turned it off before continuing. "because if you so much as blink wrong… step out of line in anyway… If need be… we will have another little chat, just the two of us… and it won't be quite so cordial. I might find it necessary to use force." He said as he walked by giving a harsh slap to the side of the head. "I believe you and Iosif are familiar with some of these tactics… broken fingers," he mentioned as he grabbed his hand and proceeded to dislocate several fingers. "If that didn't work then you would on occasion sport a knife…" Callen pulled one out and held the blade in front of his face, noticing the sweat on the man's brow. Putting the knife back he got real close to his face as his hand came to the back of his neck… then in one swift motion he slammed his head down on the table and held it there, "Let me just be clear, here… you count yourself lucky to have a jail cell in your future. I could just as easily kill you right now at the bidding of our government. I could use any number of techniques that would make it look natural. However, if I hear you've managed to weasel your way out of this? I will find you and when I do, let's just say your freedom will be painfully short lived… emphasis on painful. Don't think I can't reach you in prison, if I so desire."

Emilio struggled against his hand, which continued to tighten around his neck. Callen just moved closer as he growled directly into his ear. "A lot has changed in the past 20 years, Emilio… A lot. Do not doubt me when I say I can squash you like the worm you are and don't think for a moment I won't. Just one tiny screw up and I will come for you… you won't see me until it's too late." With that he gave a final squeeze to his throat causing him to lose consciousness.

Callen released a breath and with it, attempted to put away the hate that burned beneath his skin. Kamran was home where she belonged. The two agents were heading home to their families with their daughter and niece. Fifteen kids were back with their families safe and sound. All was as it should be and he hoped that Sam could move forward with a fresh resolve.

Leaving the interrogation room, he turned left to head out the back door and leave the others to their reunion and celebration.

NCIS LA NCIS LA NCIS LA NCIS LA NCIS LA NCIS LA NCIS LA

"Oh baby girl! You had me so scared" Sam said as the Dr. looked her over and listened to her lungs, heart and airways.

"Daddy, I'm fine. Thanks to Uncle Callen." Kamran said.

"Did you lose consciousness at any point?" the doctor asked.

"Yes, Uncle Callen had to climb and break a window and it was so smoky and hard to breathe. I got sleepy." Kamran explained, "Then I woke up and we were outside. Uncle Callen had to use CPR and then he carried me to the car and gave me water to drink."

"Well, you are a very lucky girl." The doctor said patting her knee, "She sounds clear for the most part. Nothing concerning right now. The oxygen seems to have helped with soothing the airways. Just keep a close eye on her through the night. Sometimes airways can become inflamed and swell. If she has any breathing trouble, get her to the hospital, otherwise plenty of water and take it easy… work on taking slow, deep breaths."

"That's what Uncle Callen said," Kamran replied while looking around. "You need to check Uncle Callen. He got loads more smoke than me and he burned his arm… Where'd he go, daddy?"

Everyone began looking around.

"His car's still here." Deeks said, "But he's not out there."

"Not on the deck" Paris said.

"He's been in the interrogation room but I figure he left out the back when he finished." Ziva said nonchalantly.

Ziva had caught Callen as he'd walked out of the interrogation room. Knowing he'd need his space now that it was all over, she'd handed him her phone, "You call me when you've figured it out" she'd told him. "You call my office number or Gibbs. He's gonna be angry if you disappear, you know." He took the phone but said nothing, just turned and walked away.

"Is he…" Hetty began.

"He was unconscious briefly, I'd guess and a couple dislocated fingers I'm sure the good doctor can fix here. Otherwise, I think he's ready to be tucked into jail for the night." Ziva smiled, well aware of Callen's tactics.

"Well then doctor, if you'd be so kind… but not too kind." Hetty encouraged.

"Eric?" Hetty opened the link to ops.

"Yeah, Hetty?"

"Bring up the cameras around the boatshed. Find out which way Mr. Callen went, won't you? Also, Nell, I'd like to see the footage of the warehouse camera… anything showing how and where Callen and Miss Hanna escaped.

"On it Hetty."

"Looks like Callen came out the back door approximately 15 minutes ago but it didn't take long for him to hide from the cameras. Sorry."

"Keep an eye open, Mr. Beale" Hetty said.

"Kaleidoscope is on the job" Nell assured.

"Daddy, Uncle Callen is coming back, right?" Kamran asked.

"I don't know, baby, but don't you worry. G is able to take care of himself… we need to take care of you, right now." Sam replied.

Aiden got up and went out onto the deck and stared out across the water.

"It is peaceful…" Ziva stated as she walked up and leaned on the railing. She knew that Callen had regrets about leaving Sam's kids behind. He had mentioned it briefly after they'd done a night of drinking. He had said it was what Sam wanted and it was hard knowing he'd disappointed Aiden and Kamran… and Michelle.

"You're a friend of G's." Aiden said more than asked.

"Yes, I am" Ziva answered simply.

"So do you know where he is?" Aiden asked her.

"I do not." Ziva replied.

"Great" he mumbled.

Ziva watched him from her periphery, "He cares deeply about you and your sister."

"He has a funny way of showing it." Aiden stated ruefully.

"Did he not just save your sister's life?" Ziva asked.

Aiden stood quietly thinking of what could have happened, "Why did he leave?"

"I think he needs some time to work through the day's events just like all of you."

"No, why did he leave in the first place? My dad and sister needed him. I needed him." Aiden's voice had a chill to it.

"You need to ask Callen. It's a bit more difficult than you make it seem." Ziva explained.

"Fat chance of that happening" Aiden replied sourly.

Ziva debated briefly, "Do you have your phone?"

Searching his jacket he pulled out his phone and held it up.

Ziva took the phone and went to his contact list and typed an additional phone number under Callen's old one. "This number is for your eyes and your eyes only. You do not give it to anyone else or he will throw the phone away. You may need to text a message so he will know whose calling. Talk to him. Listen to him." Ziva handed the phone back to him. "He is an honorable man. He never meant to hurt you or your sister."

Aiden glanced at the phone as Ziva re-entered the building. Waiting a moment, he then followed her in.

"It's been a long few days. I think it's time everyone go home and get some rest." Hetty advised. "Mr. and Mrs. Deeks, feel free to take the rest of the week off. Miss Kolchek has been sent out on a case. For now, we are in stand down. Monday is soon enough for reports."

"Thank you, Hetty" Deeks replied absently.

"Mr. Beale, Miss Jones, please keep the program running in order to alert us should Mr. Callen pop up. Beyond that, you are free to go." Hetty continued, "and you, Miss David. What are your plans, may I ask?"

"I have spoken with Director Vance to update him. Since the case is closed, as of now I am to return to DC. I will be heading to the hotel to get my things and then to the airport upon leaving here." Ziva answered.

"I see. Well it was lovely meeting you." Hetty offered.

"Take care, Hetty Lange. Should Callen choose to come back, take heed. Your team has been cruel in their judgements. You have much to make up for. He is a good man and deserves better than he has been dealt." Ziva replied as she turned to leave.

Hetty watched her walk away. She liked the girl's tenacity. She could see why Gibbs chose her for his team. She was his "Callen". She couldn't argue with what she had to say either. She was right. They had been very unfair. She prayed that they would be given the opportunity to attempt to make things right.

"Now. Mr. Hanna, take your family home. Please call should you need anything. Sam, when you are ready, call me and we will figure this out."

"Thank you, Hetty." Sam replied softly.

"Hey Dad, I have a stop to make and then I'll be home. You two be okay?" Aiden asked.

"Be careful." Sam said, "We've had enough excitement for one day."

"Yes, sir, I'll see you in a bit, sis. You behave for dad." Aiden leaned down and gave her a hug.

Once in his car, he took his phone out and called the recently added number. When no one answered, he remembered Ziva's suggestion and sent a text, "Uncle G. Need to talk. Please call, Aiden."