Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters.

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Chapter 10

Callen paid the taxi driver and managed to heave his battered body out of the car. The precautionary changing of rides had been painful and exhausting. „Thank you," he said, aching all over he struggled to walk up his driveway and let himself in.

But this was worth it. He was home and safe in his house, the last place his team would come looking for him, and the best place for him to get some quiet and rest. He went straight for his bedroll and let himself drop down – he was asleep before he hit the pillow.

Sam and Kensi systematically searched the hospital for any suspicious signs but came out empty handed. On one hand they were glad that they hadn't found any evidence for a crime on the other hand they were desperate for a hint to Callen's whereabouts. Frustrated they made their way to OSP.

When Sam and Kensi came into the bullpen they were greeted by Deeks, "Did you find anything?" he asked.

"Not a single clue," Kensi sighed when they heard Eric's familiar whistle from above. They all headed straight for Nell and Eric in OPS where there where not surprised to find Hetty waiting for them, greeting them with a light shake of her head.

"We didn't find anything suspicious in the hospital, no trace of him being abducted," Sam informed them.

"I fear he made the slip on us, Mr Hanna. Please, Miss Jones," Hetty turned towards Nell who put the security footage of the hospital on the large screen.

Somehow Sam felt odd, having to find out about his partners doings via video footage for the second time in a row. This felt definitely wrong.

"The security cameras show the hallways only, but it helps putting the pieces together of what happened. Here you can see Callen sneaking out of his room, fully dressed in his dirty clothes and sneaking into another patients room," Nell explained. "He comes out a couple of minutes later with a long overcoat, hiding his bloodied clothing."

Sam could hardly believe what he was seeing. His partner was trying to hide his unsteady gait when he went into the room and came out seemingly completely changed. It was not just the coat but his whole demeanour. Callen had gone into deception mode, his ability to become anyone he wanted to. He smoothly fit into the bulk of hospital visitors walking about and easily strolled towards the nearest exit. Outside he got into a taxi and was gone.

"What the hell, Hetty?" Sam burst out. "What is wrong with him? Why is he doing that to us? That is reckless! He has to know that he needs medical attention and that we are worried sick!" Sam got quite worked up "Where did he get off the taxi, Nell?"

Eric answered in her stead, "He got off at Venice beach and walked from there. From then on he successfully avoided all security cams, so we lost him."

"What about his cell, can you trace it?" Sam was frustrated with his partner.

"He turned it off and must have taken out the battery, so that is a no," Nell answered, "I have put him on facial recognition, though".

"We will only find him if he wants to be found, I am afraid," Hetty stated, knowing her boy. Kensi had been silent during the footage but now expressed her thoughts: „I can't help thinking he feels abandoned. He had those nightmares about Sam not trusting him and he woke up all alone." Deeks gave her a questioning look but stayed silent.

Sam immediately felt guilty, again. "He has probably booked into one of those grubby motels he likes to hide in, I need to talk to him, find out what is going on in this thick skull of his!"

Hetty sighed: "Mr Hanna, we need to stay calm, I am sure Mr Callen will turn up whenever he is ready."

"No Hetty, I have to do something, look for him, get through to him. I will drive down there and see if I can find out anything." Sam had made up his mind. There was no way he could let his partner do that to himself and the team. "Let me know as soon as he turns up on facial recognition," Sam walked from the room.