1
From the distance, Callen heard Anna's phone ring. She picked it up, emerging from the bathroom with a very grumpy look on her face.
"What's wrong, baby?" he asked, meeting her half way.
She stood in front of him. "It's the DOJ."
Callen frowned. "What? I thought we were done with them."
Anna backed away from him so she could turn around, and then she sat down at the table. She looked up at him earnestly.
"I thought so, too," she replied, laying her phone on the table. "I don't want to go."
He stood behind her and put his arms around her, holding her close.
"I know you don't, baby, but I do think you should meet with Agent Carlson."
Anna leaned against him. "Why?" she whined.
"Maybe she wants to close the case permanently," Callen suggested.
"Callen, it's already closed," Anna argued. "I don't want to go back to talk to her."
"Oh, boy," Callen sighed. "Let me call Hetty, and see what she can arrange." He walked around the table and sat on the on the other chair, and then poked a few buttons on his phone. "Good morning, Hetty," he greeted his boss. "Why does Anna have to talk to Agent Carlson again? I thought we were finished with all that."
2
Both Callen and Anna grumbled through their breakfast, and then cleaned up together. While Anna freshened up, Callen scurried around, grabbing extra clothing for her, and jammed it into her go-bag. He tossed a few items into his own bag, too.
When she emerged from the bathroom, Anna noticed the funny expression on his face.
"What did you do, Callen?" she asked.
"Nothing. Not a single thing," he said, making no attempt to hide the smile on his face.
She hefted her bag, but felt no weight discrepancy. "Well, okay," she said, not believing him one whit. "Please go get ready."
"Will do," he replied graciously, meandering slowly to the bathroom.
Behind him, Anna made a face, and then she focused on her task at hand. She rifled through both bags, and laughed when she found the haphazard outfit he had packed for her. Then, from her bag, she pulled out both pairs of dark panties and swapped them for two pairs of light pastels. In the next minute, she added two pairs of boxers, a handful of socks, some sturdy sweatpants, and a pair of jeans to his bag, since he had packed only a shirt for himself, along with a couple of dry snacks. Smiling broadly, and shaking her head in disbelief, Anna sat down on the arm of the couch to wait for him.
Her expression wasn't lost on him.
"What?"
"What what?" Anna said.
Callen laughed. "What what what? Anna, what are you talking about?"
"Not anything," she replied, getting off the couch. She crossed to him and put her arms around him. She looked up at him. "Callen, I really don't want to do this."
"I know, baby, but it's necessary. I did manage to have your meeting occur at the boat shed, so that should help." He hugged her tightly. "Don't worry so much."
"Will you come with me?"
"I can't, baby. We have a case. Do you want me to call Arkady?"
She rubbed her face on him. "No. No way, please. He'll get all crazy, and I want to get done as quickly as possible."
Callen tilted her head back slightly so he could kiss her. Then he hugged her tightly.
"It will all work out, Anna. You'll see."
"I hope so." She reached up and kissed him. "Are you ready, moya lyubov?"
3
With an intense hug and kiss, Callen dropped Anna off at the boat shed, and went on his way.
Anna sat at the table and waited for Agent Carlson. After a short wait, the DOJ agent arrived.
The Russian girl wasted no time. "Why am I here? I thought the case was closed."
"It is," responded Agent Carlson. "I need your input on something else."
Surprise showed on Anna's face.
"Such as what?" she asked gruffly.
"We're thinking of starting a training academy here—"
Anna frowned. "The United States has plenty of training academies for spies, and I don't want any part of a new one," she growled. "Why me?"
"Why not?" Agent Carlson countered. "Your skills are top notch."
A fake smile crossed Anna's face. "Thank you, but no, as in not happening. I want nothing to do with it," she repeated.
"I see," said Agent Carlson, "but what would your boss say?"
Anna smiled sweetly. "Not anything, as I do not have a job at the moment."
Agent Carlson studied the Russian girl for a minute. "I understand that," she said. "It's why I am offering you this job."
Anna was uncomfortable because of the other agent's insistence. She shook her head. Narrowing her eyes and looking directly at the DOJ agent, she said, "What's your ulterior motive, Miss Carlson?"
Effie Carlson's eyes opened wide. "I beg your pardon?"
4
Callen went to Hetty's office, but only Nell was there.
"Where'd she go, Nell?" he demanded.
Nell's expression changed. "I don't know, Callen, but what I do know is that you need to back off!"
He sagged into the big easy chair and put his head in his hands. "I'm sorry, Nell. I am so worried about Anna. Agent Carlson contacted her this morning—"
Shock registered on Nell's face. "What? I thought we were finished with them."
Callen looked up. "We were...or, are. I did speak to Hetty about it this morning—"
"How could you?! She's been unreachable for months."
"What?"
"Callen, I don't know what is happening, but I know for a fact that Hetty hasn't been here in a while. What is going on?"
"I don't know, Nell, and I am not getting a good feeling about this. I don't want anything to happen to Anna!"
Nell nodded. "I get it, Callen. Where is Anna at the moment?"
Callen stood up. "I left her at the boat shed."
"Okay. Why don't you go pick her up and take her home, and I will let the team know what's going on."
Callen nodded. "Thanks, Nell."
Nell sat back in her chair and closed her eyes for a few minutes. The speed with which situations occurred continued to surprise her, and she found it amazing how Hetty handled it all without losing her cool. Then she shook herself to refocus, and began poking buttons on her computer.
5
"But why me?" Anna insisted. "There are so many other people more qualified than I am."
"I don't know," answered Agent Carlson. "I can only go by what I was told."
Anna began to pace. She stopped directly in front of the DOJ agent. "Ms. Carlson, please hear me. I am not interested in the position, and I do not want the job in any manner. Please take my name off your roster."
A shocked look crossed Agent Carlson's face. "I beg your pardon. This has already been cleared by your boss—"
"Ms. Carlson, I have already told you that I do not have a job. Therefore, I do not have a boss!"
The door opened with a clatter, and Callen entered, followed by Nell.
"What's going on here?" Callen demanded, taking hold of Anna's hand, and grounding her.
She wiggled a little, and he tightened his grip.
"Stop," he hissed. Anna subsided and he continued, "Let Nell handle this."
Anna looked at him questioningly, but he shook his head. Reacting by instinct, she lapsed into silence.
Nell put on her most cordial face. "What seems to be the trouble, Ms. Carlson?" she asked, putting her paraphernalia on the table, and then sitting down. She gestured for the agent to join her. "Can I get you a cup of tea?"
Agent Carlson's eyes opened very wide. "Sure," she gasped, not quite falling into a chair.
Nell turned to Callen and Anna. "I got this. Mr. Callen, please take Ms. Kolcheck home." She shot him a glance, and he kept his reactions to himself.
"Will do," he agreed, hustling Anna out the door before she could think straight.
6
"Now, how can I help you?" he heard Nell say to the confused DOJ agent. He bundled Anna into his car, and then gunned the engine.
"Whoa, Callen!" Anna squeaked. "What's going on?"
He slowed the car down to the legal speed. At a red light, he took her hand in his, and glanced at her.
"I'm not sure, baby, but something unsavory is underfoot. Hetty had nothing to do with that phone call you got this morning."
"What?!"
He focused on the road in front of him, using two hands on the steering wheel.
"Nope. I spoke to Nell about it and she was quite shocked by your phone call. Hetty is not stateside. Nobody knows where she is."
Anna reached for his hand and held onto to him very tightly.
"I don't want to go through this again. I'll lose my mind."
"It's okay, Anna. We are going home to relax for now, and then maybe go on an outing in the afternoon."
"But you said you had a case," she objected.
"I know, baby, but Nell told me to take you home, and that's what I am doing. Anna, moya lyubov, I don't want anything to happen to you."
"I understand that, Callen, but won't you get docked or something?"
He guided the sleek car into a parking space and turned off the engine. Then he turned toward her and leaned over to give her a kiss.
"Nope," he replied a few moments later. "The boss lady asked me to take you home, so she knows I won't be going back to OSP today."
A happy smile crossed Anna's face.
"Thank you, Callen," she said softly. Then she leaned over to give him a hug.
Callen patted her back.
"Not a problem," he said with his trademark crooked smile filling his face. "Let's go." He opened his door and climbed out of the car. Then he walked around to her door, and handed her out. "Do you want any snacks while we're down here?"
Anna hugged him closely while she thought about his question. A huge grin crossed her face, and her eyes twinkled.
"Yes, please," she replied. "Can we get some ice cream and cones and chocolate syrup and other toppings, please?"
Callen laughed out loud, and shook his head. She never ceased to amaze him. Wordlessly, he took her by the hand and accompanied her into the deli. They took their time choosing just the right treats, and then had a pair of turkey sandwiches made as well. Laughing, they made their way down the block to their apartment, fully anticipating their feast.
7
They put their foods away, and then collapsed on the couch. Anna snuggled into him, with her head on his shoulder.
"Are you okay?" Callen asked, concerned.
She didn't move. "I'm fine. Just comfortable."
"Okay, baby." He pulled the afghan down and covered her with it. "We'll sleep for a little while before we eat, okay?"
"Yes, please," she murmured. A quiet smile crossed her face as she burrowed into his neck.
Callen laid his head against the back of the couch and closed his eyes. He suddenly realized that he was as tired from the morning's events as she was, so he was happy to close his eyes as well.
Several hours passed before they woke up, and that happened because Anna had to get up. She fled to the bathroom.
Callen sat up abruptly, confused. He stared in her direction before he joined her in the bathroom. He tilted her face up so he could see her eyes.
"Are you okay, baby? What's going on?" He felt her forehead, and then kissed it. He frowned. "Do you need me to get some clothes for you?"
Her expression turned growly, and she shook her head.
"Nyet!"
Callen sat down on the edge of the tub, and waited patiently. He knew there was something wrong with her, but he couldn't figure out what it was. While he waited, she peed heavily.
"Anna, talk to me," he said gently. "I know peeing like that isn't normal for any woman. What's going on?"
She hid her face in her hands. "It won't stop."
"Oh, boy," he sympathized. "Look at me." He raised her face again so he could see her. "I think you have a UTI."
"A what?"
"A urinary tract infection, and you need to see a doctor for some antibiotics."
"Oh, no, Callen! No!" She pulled herself together.
"To the contrary. It isn't a choice, Anna. You can get very sick from this."
"But I don't want to spoil our lunch," she moaned.
Callen dragged his arm down his face in frustration.
"You're not spoiling our lunch. No way in hell." He hugged her. "You'll be okay, but we do have a couple of things to do in the next few minutes."
"Like what?" She washed her hands and face.
Unsuccessfully hiding his smirk, Callen replied, "Well, for starters, one of us is going to call either Kensi or Nell and ask for her doctor's name, and then I am going back to the deli to get you some protection."
Anna grumbled and groused and shot off sparks, but she could not convince him to do otherwise. In the end, she wrapped her arms around him, and just stood there. She was still unused to having someone fuss over her when she wasn't feeling well.
8
After a few minutes, they separated. Anna made the phone calls, and Callen returned to the deli to get what they needed. When he got back, he set the table and served their lunch. Anna joined him momentarily, and they enjoyed the huge sandwiches. Both ate quickly, and with gusto because they wanted their fancy ice cream cones.
They had fun slathering each cone with every topping within reach: colored sprinkles, chocolate sprinkles, chocolate sauce, strawberry sauce, marshmallow fluff, and whipped cream. Anna minced cherries, quartered raspberries, and sliced bananas to add an extra twist to their treats. They took turns decorating each other's cones, and each cone tasted better than the previous one.
After the third cone, Anna called a halt to their silliness. As she gathered up the box of ice cream, Callen couldn't resist dragging his finger through the melted ice cream one last time.
"Yummm..." he quipped.
She yanked it out of his reach.
"Stop! I want some for after dinner tonight!"
Callen laughed, and agreed. He wiped down the table while she fled to the bathroom. As soon as she was ready, he drove her over to the nearest Urgent Care office, where she was seen almost immediately.
She emerged with a sheepish look on her face because Callen's prediction was correct. He chuckled, and gave her a comforting hug.
"It's okay, baby. We'll get your scrip filled, and then go for a walk. How's that?"
"It's great except for the walk part. I want to go home and lie down."
"Not a problem," he said. He felt bad for her.
Anna buried her face in his shirt. "I'm still such a golem," she mourned.
He shook his head in disbelief. "No, you're not," Callen contradicted firmly. "A princess maybe, but not a golem."
In spite of herself, Anna laughed. She climbed into the car, and let him close her seatbelt. Then he followed suit, and they drove home. He had to park a little bit farther down the street than usual, so they wound up taking a leisurely walk home anyway.
Once inside, Anna ripped open the little bag and dumped out her pill bottle. She shrieked loudly when she saw the size of the pink pills, and Callen laughed at her.
"It's not funny!" she groused, studying the offensive little bullet. "I can't swallow this! It's too big!"
Callen continued to snicker, but he took the thick caplet from her and broke it in half. He laid the two halves on his palm and presented them to her.
"Thank you," she said with a calm she wasn't feeling.
Callen snatched a few slices of cold cuts and rolled them up into cigars before he handed them to her.
Letting her fingers latch onto his hand for a moment calmed her down enough so that she was able to take her medicine without choking. Then she threw her arms around him and hugged him tightly. She said nothing.
Callen was desperately trying to find a way to comfort her, unaware that just holding her was enough. After a little while, he spoke.
"Would you like to watch a movie?"
Anna nodded. "I want to lie down, too." She gave him a hasty kiss and ran to the bathroom.
Callen could only imagine how miserable she was feeling. While he was waiting, he made sure the TV was suitable for viewing from their bed because he knew she wouldn't want to sit up on the couch.
When she returned, she ripped off the remainder of her clothes and grabbed one of Callen's shirts from his dresser. Then she slid it on over her head. She pirouetted, amusing him greatly. Then she gently pushed him onto the bed, and climbed up after him. Before he could get settled, Anna had ensconced herself on his lap.
Callen shook his head in amusement.
"What are you doing?" he asked, genuinely perplexed.
Smiling broadly, Anna said, "I am getting comfortable. What are you doing?"
Callen laughed, and shook his head in disbelief. He couldn't imagine what she was going to surprise him with next.
He nuzzled her for a moment, and then settled down on a pile of the big pillows.
"You good?" he asked.
Anna nodded, trying very hard to ignore her body. In the end, she flew off him and ran pell-mell to the bathroom.
"Oh, boy," he muttered, grabbing his phone as it rang. "What's up, buddy?" he asked Sam. He sat up very straight as he listened to his partner. "I'll be right there!"
"Right where?" Anna asked, returning to the bed. She stood in front of him. "Do you have to leave?"
He looked at her with sad eyes. "Yes, but only for a little while. Sam needs my help with something."
Anna sat on the bed with her feet dangling over the edge.
"I thought Nell said you could stay home."
He got up. "I thought so, too." He held her face in his hands for a moment before he kissed her. "Will you be okay?"
She wrapped her arms around his middle. "Yes. I'll be fine, Callen. Don't worry about me."
Callen ruffled her hair, and then helped her into the bed, and covered her up to her chin. Then he leaned over and gave her a sweet kiss.
"I'll be back in a little while," he said, kissing her again.
Anna smiled at him, and then snuggled into her pillow.
9
She was still sleeping when her phone rang a few hours later. She sat up when she heard Sam's voice.
"What's wrong, Sam? Is he okay?" She slid off the bed and made her way to the bathroom.
Sam grimaced. He hated having to tell her that Callen had been hurt.
"Pretty much," Sam said. "He's mostly okay, but they took him over to St. Anne's to be sure."
"Sam!" Anna yelped, bringing him up short. "Please tell me what's really going on."
"How about I come and get you, and take you to him?"
Anna nodded, but Sam didn't see. "Okay. Do you have your key with you?"
"I do," the big man replied.
"That's good. Just let yourself in when you get here, okay?"
Sam pulled his phone off his ear and looked at it funny. "What's up, Anna?"
"Nothing," she evaded.
"Right," Sam muttered. "I'll be there shortly."
"Thanks, Sam."
10
Anna was disgruntled and upset by Sam's phone call. She was not happy about the chance that he might catch her in the bathroom. Suddenly, she was glad of the supplies that Callen had gone to get for her. She pulled herself together, and then went to sit at the table, where she encountered her pill bottle.
Grumbling, she noticed that it was past the time she needed to take another dose. She held the persnickety pink choking hazard in her hand, trying to figure a way to break it in half. No amount of strength could get the pill to crack. She pounded the table in frustration.
Just then, the door opened, and Sam walked in. He arrived in time to see her bang the table.
"Anna…what's wrong?" he asked gently, walking over to the table. He sat on the edge of the other chair.
Glaring at him with a growly expression on her face, she told him about the pills, and why she had them.
He hid a smirk. "Okay, okay," he said, patting her hand. "Calm down, and we'll figure something out."
She put the pill back into the bottle and handed it to him.
"They are horse pills!"
He glanced at the pink pests. "So I see. What's wrong with them?"
"Nothing. They're too big for me to swallow. Callen broke one for me."
"All right. Let me at this for a minute, but then we need to leave."
She stood up abruptly. "Not quite," she muttered as she fled to the bathroom.
Sam stared at her. He was not used to seeing her so upset. He took a deep breath to calm himself down, and then decided to break all of the pills in half because he knew that Callen wouldn't be able to when he got home. He put the halves back into the little bottle, but left two pieces on a napkin for her.
Anna stopped short in her tracks when she saw the broken pill on the table.
"What did you do, Sam?" she asked, opening the little bottle. She stared at him, slack-jawed.
Sam grinned. "Let's just say that I am helping my brother."
Anna gave him the eye. "Sam, what's going on?" She fished a few more slices of the cold cuts from the packet, and rolled them up like Callen had. With the food, she was able to swallow both halves easily. Then, making a face, she stuffed the bottle into the makeup pouch that she kept in her go-bag.
Sam took the bag from her, and then followed her out the door, taking care to lock both locks. He held the car door for her, and Anna slid into the Challenger.
"Please tell me what happened to him, Sam."
He patted her hand. "He got banged up more than anything, although he got shot, too. He's okay."
With a huge effort, Anna kept her emotions in check. All kinds of scenarios passed through her thoughts, and all were equally upsetting.
Sam parked near the ER.
"Can we see him?" Anna asked.
"I hope so," Sam replied. "Hospitals are pretty stiff when it comes to non-family visiting patients."
Anna growled. "So? As long as he isn't near any COVID patients, what's the problem?" She was in a foul mood, and Sam felt bad for her.
"Oh, God," Sam mumbled.
She blocked his path. "Sam, I am the only family he has—"
Sam put his arm around her. "I know that, Anna. Let's go find out what we can do."
At the Reception Desk, Anna let Sam do most of the talking. In the end, they had to call Nell to get them okayed for visiting Callen.
11
Callen had been moved to a private room, and he was attached to all kinds of machines.
Anna stood outside the door, and pressed her nose against the glass. She scrunched her eyes closed as she felt hot tears course their way down her cheeks. She whimpered.
Sam felt horrible. He put his hand on her shoulder, and squeezed it. Out of instinct, she leaned into him, and Sam wrapped her in his arms and let her cry. He gave her a few minutes, and then gently reminded her that she still had to see Callen.
Anna reached into her bag and pulled out a hand towel, and wiped her face with it. Then she balled it up, and jammed it into the bag.
"I'm sorry, Sam," she mumbled.
"Oh, please," he contradicted. "It happens to the best of us."
She opened the door slowly, and made her way over to the bed. She looked up at Sam.
"He's so still," she commented. "Is he really okay?"
Sam peered at the monitors. "Yeah. As long as that machine keeps blipping, we're good."
Anna spun around suddenly, and Sam knew what was happening. He took hold of her, and pointed her in the direction of the bathroom. Then he sat in the clunky chair.
She face-palmed herself, and he chuckled. He was very glad that she was feeling better.
A few minutes later, she returned from the bathroom, looking like her normal self. Sam noticed that she had brushed her hair out, too. Then she rummaged around in her makeup pouch for some lipstick, and put on a soft coating.
Sam's eyes twinkled, but he stayed quiet.
"Let me go find out where the doctor is," he said, standing up.
Anna nodded. "Okay. Thanks, Sam."
12
She put the makeup pouch into her go-bag, and then dropped it onto the chair. She leaned on the railing for a moment before she reached out and stroked Callen's bristles.
"Grisha, moya lyubov," she whispered. Then she leaned over and kissed him softly. When Callen stirred slightly, she kissed him again.
He opened his eyes slowly, thinking that he was dreaming.
Anna kissed him a third time, and he realized that he was experiencing real life. A happy smile crossed his face.
"Hey, baby," he croaked.
Anna smiled at his hoarseness. She offered him some water, and he accepted it gratefully. Then she picked up the pitcher, wanting to know if he'd like more water. Callen shook his head.
Instead, he studied her face, and he could see the tear tracks on her cheeks. Then he reached his hand out, and very softly traced his fingers down each track, causing Anna's eyes to overflow again.
Callen pulled on her gently, and she leaned across the railing. He shook his head, and Anna stared at him. She did not miss his meaning. Glancing quickly at the door, she then found the release catch for the railing, and clicked it. It shot down quietly, and Callen signaled for her to climb onto the bed. He sensed that she was about to object, and he shook his head. More than anything, he really wanted and needed the close contact, not just the visual comfort. She couldn't resist the pleading in his eyes.
Throwing caution to the wind, Anna climbed up onto the bed and stretched out fully, with her knee propped up on his legs. She laid her head in its customary place, and he wrapped his arm around her.
"Moya lyubov," he murmured. "Moya Anna." He stroked her back, wanting to soothe her as he could feel the tenseness in her body.
Anna was grateful to be in her happy place, and she made every effort to relax. She snuggled into his neck and closed her eyes, forgetting that they were on his hospital bed.
They both dozed for a little while.
13
A short time later, the door opened silently, and both Sam and the doctor walked in. They stood quietly for a moment, staring at the lovers on the bed.
"Oh, my!" gasped the doctor, feeling a little envious.
"Hey, G!" Sam hissed.
Sam's voice startled them both, and red-faced, Anna bolted off Callen and ran right into the bathroom.
"You okay, G?"
Callen smirked. "I couldn't be better. Why?"
Sam's eyes twinkled. "You sure you're not addlepated?"
"Nope."
"Not even a little?"
"Sam," warned Callen.
"Okay! Okay! I'll go get her."
Callen looked right at Sam. "Thanks, buddy."
Sam waved his hand at Callen. "No problem." Then he knocked on the bathroom door.
"No!" came the response.
She was loud enough for Callen to hear.
"I'm coming to get you!" he shouted.
Sam whirled around. "You better not even think about it!"
Callen laughed. "I'm good, but she better come out of there."
"Maybe she can't, G," Sam offered.
Callen looked contrite. "Oh, damn. She told you?"
The big man nodded. "All of it, and some of it was real funny, too."
"Sam Hanna, you better stop, if you know what's good for you!" Callen challenged.
Grinning broadly, Sam sat on the clunky chair. "G, I also fixed her medicine for her."
"Thanks, Sam. She okay with it?"
"Absolutely. She even packed it in her bag." He got up to knock on the bathroom door again. "Anna? You okay?"
She opened the door, and came out slowly. Both of her friends could tell that she had been crying again, but neither man said a word. She stood by the bed, and held Callen's hand.
The doctor consulted her computer.
"The break is a clean one, so all you have is the stiff cast. We did not need to use any pins to hold you together."
"Thank God!" gasped Anna, remembering her own Monteggia fracture, and its repair. She clutched her arm protectively. "Doctor, what about his head?"
"Mr. Callen has a hard head," the doctor quipped. "He—"
"He sure does!" Sam agreed, jokingly.
"Sam, stop, please," Callen said, smiling at his friend.
In response, Sam nodded, and stayed quiet while the doctor was speaking.
"We want to keep him for overnight observation. His skull is intact, but he hit the ground hard enough to concuss, and he does have a huge bump. We'll know more in the morning. He may or may not have a concussion."
"Sam, who shot him?" Anna asked.
"One of the perps. We got him, though."
"Good!" Anna growled. "I hope you throw the book at him!"
Callen shook her arm. "Are you okay, baby?"
"I'm fine. I just want you home with me." She turned and looked at the doctor. "Is his shot arm bad?"
The doctor shook her head. "No. It's a messy flesh wound, with the bullet going through his arm. It missed the bone completely. After he gets home, the dressing should be changed twice a day." She checked her watch. "Please say your good-byes, as Mr. Callen needs his rest."
"Thanks, doc," Sam said, covering for all three agents. The doctor took her leave, and then Sam turned to Callen. "Is there anything you need me to bring for you?"
Callen shook his head. "No, thanks, Sam. I'm good. But there is one thing you can do for me."
"What's that?" Sam asked skeptically.
"Please give Anna the keys to my car."
"I don't think Hetty—"
"Never mind Hetty!" Callen retorted. "I don't think Nell will mind anyway. Of course, you know what the other choice is, don't you?"
Sam frowned, feeling fairly certain that he was about to be had. "What's that?" he grumped.
Callen laughed at his friend's frustration. "You can personally drive Anna to visit me twice a day, if you're so inclined."
Sam glared at Callen. He bit back a smile, too. "Not funny." Then a huge grin crossed his face as he laughed. "Anna, I'll meet you down by the vending machines."
"Okay, Sam. Thank you for everything," she said, giving her big friend a hug. "I'll be down in a minute."
Sam nodded. "Sure you will…"
14
Callen sat up stiffly, and he swung his legs over the edge of the bed. He opened his arms, and Anna went right to him. She hugged him tightly, putting her head on his shoulder. He rubbed her back.
"You okay, baby?" He kissed her cheek.
"Mostly. I really do want you to come home with me."
He tightened his grip on her. "I know you do, Anna, but not tonight, or even tomorrow, I think. We will be fine." He kissed her. "How are you really feeling?"
She smiled briefly. "A little better. I think the pee is lessening."
"That's a good thing, isn't it?"
"Oh, yes," she agreed. "A very good thing."
Callen held her close, and wrapped his legs around her. Then he kissed her within an inch of her life. And he kissed her again and again.
By the time he stopped, she was giggling and he was out of breath.
He kissed her one more time. "Ya tebya lyublyu, moya Anna," he whispered. "I'll see you tomorrow, baby."
"Okay," she replied, very aware that there was another set of visiting hours for this day. "Good night, my love," she crooned, kissing him deeply. Then, with a hasty peck on his cheek, she took her leave.
Callen sat up for a little while, and then rang for the nurse to tuck him in. He had thought about having Anna do it, but he didn't want to chance them spending the night together in his hospital bed. After he was comfortable, he settled down and dreamed about Anna, until he woke up feeling refreshed.