A/N: Thanks to those, especially Guest, who have left a review; your comments are much appreciated. I hope you enjoy this chapter and I apologise in advance for the cliff-hanger.

Chapter 23

Callen was brought back to his room after the scan and settled into bed. Hetty and Sam entered the room, sitting in the chairs they had not long vacated.

"How did it go?" asked Sam, searching his partner's face for signs of pain or distress.

"Okay. And I'm fine" replied Callen, well aware of what Sam was doing.

"Did they say anything about whether they found anything?" asked Hetty.

"No, but they said the doctor asked for the results to be rushed through" replied Callen.

"That's not good" stated Sam and immediately gave Callen an apologetic look. "Sorry, but I thought it's about a week until the results are shared."

"Indeed" agreed Hetty, clearly worried as well.

"I think he's being cautious" said Callen, shrugging. "I wouldn't see anything sinister in his request to rush it through." He was as worried as the others but didn't want to show it. He'd experienced the pain twice since the last episode and although it wasn't intensifying, it was becoming more frequent.

"Yes, you're correct. Of course, there's no need for concern" said Hetty, trying to alleviate Callen's barely hidden worry as well as her own anxiety of what could be the cause of his pain. Changing the subject, Hetty said "Mr Getz has told me that Alex will bring Jake to see you tomorrow morning."

Callen smiled. "That's great. It'll be good to see him. How's he doing?"

"I understand he's had some bad dreams but he's working them out with Mr Getz's help" replied Hetty, not wishing to elaborate on the content of those nightmares. There would be time enough for that should Jake decide to confide in his uncle.

Callen nodded. He was well aware of the psychological kickback from a traumatic incident and was glad someone like Nate was there to help the boy. "He's a tough kid" he commented.

The rest of the afternoon passed without further incident and Sam reluctantly went to get some proper rest, promising to return in the evening to allow Hetty to do the same. Callen and Hetty chatted until she noticed him tiring, so she read to him until he slipped into a peaceful sleep. Sam returned and, after relating to him all that had happened in his absence, Hetty rose to leave. Against her will, Callen had persuaded Hetty to spend the night at home and she agreed, on the condition that she would be contacted should anything untoward happen, otherwise she would return early the next morning as she wanted to be in attendance when Nate arrived with Alex and Jake. Smiling at Callen's sleeping form, Hetty reached out and gently stroked his hair before planting a kiss on his forehead.

"Call me immediately, should anything happen, Mr Hanna" instructed Hetty.

"Don't worry Hetty, I will" promised Sam. Hetty nodded, took another look at Callen and turned to leave. Sam glanced at Callen and, seeing he was sleeping peacefully, settled back in his chair to spend what he hoped would be a quiet night.

It was shortly after midnight when Sam became aware of Callen's groans. Immediately on alert, he sat forward and reached out and touched Callen's arm, looking into his partner's pain-filled eyes. "D'you want me to call anyone?" asked Sam, wanting to give his friend the chance to make the decision himself.

Callen shook his head. When the pain subsided, he said "I'm okay, Sam. It's passed. I'll tell the nurse when they come in."

"Well, you'd better or I will." He paused before adding "And you don't want me to tell Hetty!" Callen shot Sam a look which made his partner chuckle. Sam knew Hetty had taken Callen in as a troubled teenager and had provided a stable home for him to complete his education before he had entered into the employ of the alphabet agencies. That stability and her influence had helped shape Callen into the man he was and he knew they were extremely close despite a complex relationship. It also amazed Sam how much power the diminutive woman held over everyone she met. No one wanted to endure her wrath.

"Is the pain getting worse?" asked Sam, concerned.

Callen shook his head again. "Nope, perhaps more regularly" he added.

The two friends, who had such different childhoods and backgrounds, chatted amicably until they fell into a comfortable silence. Callen soon drifted off to sleep and stayed that way until the early morning when a male nurse came to check on him, by which time he had awoken.

"Good morning" said the nurse. "Did you have a good night?"

"I managed to get some sleep" said Callen "but pain woke me up."

The nurse, who was aware of the previous incident, asked "Okay. Was it in the same place?" stepping forward to examine him. Callen nodded as the nurse lifted the gown and started to palpate the area, causing him to wince. "Is the pain any worse?" he asked.

"No but I'm getting it more than before" admitted Callen.

The nurse lowered the gown and made a note on the chart at the bottom of the bed. "I'll let the doctor know but if it gets worse or comes more often, let someone know immediately."

"Okay" agreed Callen, glancing at Sam.

When the nurse had left, Sam said "I'm sure it's nothing to worry about, G. If it was, then they'd do something right way."

"Yeah" muttered Callen, but he wasn't convinced.

Hetty arrived as the nurse left and noticed the tension in the room. "What's wrong?" she asked, searching their faces as a silent message passed between the two men.

"Callen was woken up by the pain last night" explained and, before Hetty could ask, added "He didn't tell anyone until this morning."

Hetty glared at her boy. "It wasn't that bad, Hetty" said Callen. "When the nurse came in this morning, I told him the pain was coming more often but it's not getting any worse. He's gonna let the doctor know."

Hetty scrutinized Callen's face for signs that he was holding back the truth but nodded as she decided he was being honest. "Well, we'll have to wait to see what the doctor says about. Are you feeling up to having visitors? If not, I can always call Mr Getz to stop them coming."

"No, I'm fine, Hetty, really. I need to see Jake as much as I think he needs to see me" replied Callen.

Hetty smiled. "Alright, but the moment I see you're in pain or getting tired, then I'm telling them to leave" she said with conviction. Callen nodded as he knew better than to argue with her once she'd made up her mind. He laid his head back on the pillow and closed his eyes.

A tap on the door stopped the muted conversation between Hetty and Sam and caused Callen to open his eyes. The doctor entered and said "I hear you've experienced the pain again."

"Yeah" admitted Callen. "It woke me up. It took a while to subside but I didn't get it again."

"How long is a 'while'?" asked the doctor.

"A couple of minutes, I guess" said Callen.

"He was groaning and writhing for a minute before he woke up", added Sam.

The doctor nodded. "It's getting more frequent but not getting any worse." It was a statement rather than a question but Callen nodded as the doctor started to examine him. When he'd finished he said "There doesn't appear to be any change but I'll go and chase the scan results. In the meantime…."

"I know….let someone know," said Callen, finishing the doctor's sentence. "Can I get up and sit by the window?" asked Callen.

"I should think so but as soon as you feel tired you'll need to get back into bed, with help of course. More importantly, if you experience more pain, you'll must call someone immediately" instructed the doctor. "Do you want me to help you move?"

"Thanks but no, Sam'll do it" said Callen.

"Alright but don't forget to hold a pillow against your stitches when you move" replied the doctor and turning to Sam and Hetty. "I'm sure I can trust you to ensure that he complies with the conditions."

"Hey, doc, I'm right here" said Callen.

"We will" confirmed Hetty, ignoring Callen's protest.

"I'll leave you to it then" said the doctor as he left.

Callen shot Hetty a glare and received one in return. Sam came to Callen's side and asked "You ready to move?"

"I need to put sweat pants on first" replied Callen. "I don't think anyone wants to see my butt!"

"Mr Callen, I assure you that it's nothing that I haven't seen before." This comment caused the hardened agent to blush, bringing a snigger from Sam, which caused Callen to shift his attention, giving him a withering scowl, which made Sam laugh out loud. Hetty shook her head at the antics of the two men. "Nevertheless, I agree. It's not something we should impose on anyone else. I will leave you in Sam's capable hands and will return shortly when you're settled in the chair."

Sam retrieved a pair of sweatpants from the locker and helped Callen into them. When Callen was ready, Sam helped him from the bed, ensuring the IV delivering fluids, and nasal cannula, connected to the oxygen, came with him. Sam supported him until they were by the chair and gently lowered his friend into it. "Comfortable?" Sam asked.

Callen nodded. "Yeah. Gee, it's good to be out of bed" he said.

Seeing Callen was settled in the chair, Hetty came back in as Sam went to get another chair. "What time they coming?" asked Callen.

"They should be here after breakfast," replied Hetty as Callen's breakfast was delivered to him. The tray was placed on a table on wheels which was positioned across his lap and Callen looked at the clear broth and juice without enthusiasm, although he looked forward to the jello.

Callen knew he'd been fed via a nasal tube when he'd been unconscious and that it had been removed at the same time as he'd been taken off the ventilator. He was also aware he had to follow a strict diet for a few days following surgery. He would need to drink plenty of water or juice and only eat clear liquids to begin with. Only if his stomach could tolerate them and not causing him to burp and if his intestines were making rumbling sounds would he be allowed to progress to soft, bland foods, before finally being able to eat whatever he wanted. Well, not everything he'd want to eat would be permitted because he had a propensity for liking junk food and knew from bitter experience that neither the medical staff, Hetty nor Sam would indulge him in that particular desire. Glancing at the expectant faces of his diminutive boss and his partner, Callen sighed and picked up the spoon and started to sip the broth. To his surprise, it was good and he soon finished it. Callen waited a bit before picking up another spoon and ate the jello.

When he'd finished, Sam wheeled the table out of the way. "Do you want anything else?" he asked.

Callen shook his head. "No, thanks. I'm full."

"You're not feeling nauseous, are you?" asked Hetty.

"I'm fine, Hetty. I'd let you know if I was" replied Callen. Both Hetty and Sam had a tendency to be mother hens when it concerned his health. Callen allowed himself a small smile. He thought of Hetty and his team as family and, whilst he often found it annoying, he was grateful he had people who genuinely cared for him.

Hetty's phone vibrated and, taking it out of her pocket, walked out of the room. She listened to the caller, spoke a few words before disconnecting and re-entered. "That was Mr Getz. He has just parked and will be here with Alex and Jake shortly. There is still time to stop them if you're …"

"Hetty, I'm fine" interrupted Callen. "I want to see them but I promise I'll let them know if I'm getting tired." Satisfied, Hetty nodded and sat down. The trio chatted quietly waiting for the arrival of the others.

Callen spotted the group first. Nate stood by the glass door with Alex by his side, her hands on Jake's shoulders as he stood in front of her looking nervous. Kensi and Deeks brought up the rear. They had secured the safe house before following Nate's car ensuring no-one was following him. Hetty, seeing where Callen's attention was, rose and went outside to greet them.

"Mr Getz, Alex, Jake. I'm glad you decided to come, Mr Callen is looking forward to seeing you" Hetty said. At her words, Jake's demeanor changed and he smiled. "He's especially pleased to see you, Jake."

"He is?" answered Jake. "I thought he'd be mad at me."

"Why on earth would you think that, Jake?" asked Hetty. "You're his nephew and he's very fond of you. However, he's also worried about you after what you experienced."

"I guess" admitted Jake. "Can I see my uncle now? Please?"

Hetty smiled and ruffled his hair. "I'll check to see if he's ready" she said, before turning and stepping inside Callen's room. Exchanging a few words with her boy, she turned and opened the door, beckoning Jake and his mother into the room.

Sam rose and greeted Jake warmly but gave a curt nod to Alex as he left the room. Deeks stepped closer to the window and gave a salute of hello to Callen as Kensi blew him a kiss. Callen smiled and waved back as Sam joined. Kensi hugged him and Deeks gave him a shoulder hug.

Jake watched his uncle closely but didn't venture forward until Callen opened his arms. Beaming Jake rushed and flung himself into Callen's arms, causing him to wince.

"Jake, be more careful. Callen's not long had surgery" chastised his mother. Jake looked worried.

"It's okay" said Callen. "He didn't hurt me. I just got a twinge that's all." There was an awkward silence before Callen said "Thank you Alex, for coming here and allowing Jake to see me."

"I didn't really have a choice" grumbled Alex. "But I can see how much you mean to Jake and I'll do anything for him" she added in a softer voice. The exchange was watched in silence by Jake. He'd never understand adults, he thought, but was grateful for once his mom and uncle weren't fighting. "How are you, Callen" asked Alex.

"I've been better" he admitted "it's early days but I'm getting there."

"Good" said Alex. She paused, her eyes lowered not meeting those of her half-brother. Quietly she continued "Whatever you may think, Callen, I've never wished you harm. I was only doing what I thought best for Jake." She raised her eyes and looked into Callen's blue eyes.

Callen looked solemn but his features softened when he said "I know, Alex and I understand. In your shoes, I'd probably have done the same. Perhaps we could try again, to be a family….." his voice tailed off.

Alex's features hardened a little and she remained silent. "Mom?" said Jake, who'd been watching the exchange with interest. "Mom? Please say Uncle Callen can come and visit again."

Alex looked at her son and said quietly "We'll see. Now I'm going to leave you two alone. I'm glad you're okay, Callen." Alex stepped towards the door and slid it open. She paused and looked back at her son, "Jake, don't tire your uncle" she said before leaving the room.

When Alex and Jake went into the room, Hetty, Nate and the others had watched the meeting anxiously, ready to intervene should they feel the need. Seeing everything was okay, Hetty turned to Nate and, pulling him away from the others, said "He looks alright but how is Jake really?"

Nate sighed and looked thoughtful before answering. "He's a tough kid with a mature head on his shoulders but whatever issues he had before regarding Garrison, pale into insignificance when he comes to what he's trying to deal with following his abduction and Callen's injury."

"Can you help him?" asked Hetty, clearly concerned.

"I think so" replied Nate. "I seem to have earned his trust and I believe I've made progress but it seems Alex undoes everything I've done." Nate moved to stand beside the others and Hetty joined him. "I'm hoping this visit will go a long way to helping him heal. He seems happy to see Callen. How's Callen doing?"

"As well as can be expected but he's experiencing some pain, which is causing concern" answered Hetty. Nate looked at her quizzically and Hetty continued "He's had a scan but we've not had the results yet."

"Well, this hospital has a good reputation so he's in good hands. Hopefully it'll be nothing serious" replied Hetty.

"Indeed" said Hetty as she turned her head to see Alex was leaving the room and saw Jake was talking animatedly to Callen. "Why don't you go in? He'll be pleased to see you." Nate looked unsure but Hetty continued. "Mr Callen may need rescuing from his enthusiastic nephew, who I believe is becoming a little overwhelmed. He may need your help to ground him, Mr Getz."

Nate nodded and stepped forward to tap on the glass door as he slid it open. "Hey Callen, is it okay to join you both?"

"Join the party" said Callen, looking relieved although he hid it well. Callen was happy to see Jake, looking none the worse for his ordeal, but the boy's nervous chatter was beginning to grate on him. I guess I'm not as well as I thought I was he thought.

Nate read the notes at the bottom of Callen's bed before joining his colleague and Jake. "What's the prognosis, doc?" asked Callen smirking

Looking serious, Nate answered "Well considering your injuries I'm pleased to say, you'll make a full recovery."

"Really? Is that true?" asked Jake.

"Yes, all his stats are near to normal so there's no reason to believe anything else" replied Nate.

The three chatted for a while until Nate noticed that Callen was quiet. "Are you tired? Do you want us to leave?" asked Nate.

Callen shook his head but Nate noticed that he had beads of sweat forming on his brow. Nate glanced over at the monitors and was alarmed to see Callen's temperature and blood pressure had arisen.

Callen suddenly gasped and clutched his abdomen, turning pale. "Call…the….nurse ….." stuttered Callen as he rode a wave of pain. Nate leaned forward and pushed the call button, summoning help.

Jake looked scared and started to cry. "What's happening? Uncle Callen, are you okay?" he sobbed.

A couple of nurses rushed into the room as Callen fell off the chair and Nate quickly ushered Jake outside to join the others who were watching in horror at the scene unfolding before them.