As soon as Sam yelled bomb everyone dove for cover. The bomb exploded fast however and they were flown through the air a bit.

"Argh," Callen grunted when he tried to get up after a few minutes. "Sam, you good?"

"Yeah I'm good."

Slowly both partners got up.

"Kens, Deeks?" Sam called. "You good?"

"We're good," Kensi called.

A little later there were paramedics and firemen on the scene. The paramedics checked the agents out but they were all okay, just some cuts and bruises. After they were cleared and the scene was cleared they went to search the van.

"Someone probably left this van here for us, knowing that we would find it and they probably thought they could get rid of us by putting a bomb in here," Sam spoke.

"Yeah but who and why?" Callen questioned.

"The van is torched so there probably won't be any finger prints."

Since the car was burned they couldn't get anything off of it so they went back to the office.

"You all okay?" Hetty asked as the team walked in.

"We're fine," Callen replied.

"So this was a trap for you?"

"It looks that way, but we still don't know who did this."

"We may can help with that," Eric spoke as he and Nell came down the stairs. "'We looked at some more footage of where the van was spotted and we got lucky. One camera caught the driver and passenger on camera." Eric put a picture on the screen. "Our man on the right is listed under an alias here but his real name is Abdul Khan, he's Afghani. He moved here about six months ago. He's on the list we got from the commanding officer."

"He and his brother were both a target of a SEAL team. They killed his brother on site but Abdul escaped. They were never able to find him again," Nell continued.

"How did he get to America?" Kensi asked. "He should probably be on a watch list, so how did he get in?"

"Well for so far we can determine he came over her via Mexico. How he got from Mexico to US is not clear at the moment. He's been living here in LA under his alias name for the past five months."

"So he survives the attack in Afghanistan and comes here under an alias," Sam summed up. "He lives here for about five months and then the SEAL team that killed his brother ends up dead. How did he find out who the SEALs were that killed his brother?"

"He could still have contacts with someone back in Afghanistan and they helped him ID the members of the team and somehow he found out that they're back here in LA," Callen said.

"And the dressing up in the Navy costumes? A message to the members in the service coming for them? To send a message what will happen if they come for them?" Deeks reasoned.

"Do you know where he is now?"

"I can't find a current living address but according to his files his alias is working at convenient store down on Pico. Address is on your phones, according to his schedule he should be there right now."

"Great thanks. Let's go guys."

They all got in their cars and drove to the store. They parked a little down the street. Kensi and Deeks went into the alley in case Abdul would try to escape through the back. Sam and Callen walked into the store. They walked up to the register.

"Federal agents," Callen spoke as he showed his badge. "We're here to see Ahmed."

"Ah yes, he's over there. Ahmed, there are some people here to talk to you."

Abdul looked their way, as soon as he spotted Callen and Sam he dropped the box he was holding and made a run for the back door.

"Going somewhere Abdul?" Kensi asked once Abdul came out the back. She and Deeks had their weapons on him.

"Trying to run from us Abdul?" Callen questioned as he and Sam walked outside as well.

"I didn't do anything! And my name is not Abdul, it's Ahmed."

"Then why did you run?"

"I thought you guys were cops man."

"You wish we were just cops, you see we're federal agents and you're under arrest for murder," Callen smirked at him.

Callen and Sam took Abdul to the boatshed as Kensi and Deeks questioned his co-workers.

"You can't keep me here!" Abdul yelled when Callen put him in interrogation.

"Yes we can. You see we found several dead SEALs this morning and they all have your name on them," Callen said as he sat down opposite from Abdul.

"SEALs? What SEALs? I didn't kill no one and my name is Ahmed not Abdul."

"Give it up, we know who you really are and that the SEAL team that was found dead was the same SEAL team that killed your brother and tried to kill you," Sam told him. "We all know about it so just drop the act."

"If you come clean it might help you. Tell us who you're working with," Callen added.

"I'm not giving you anything."

"If you cooperate with us this will go a lot more smoothly."

"I want a lawyer."

"Terrorists don't get a lawyer. We've got all the time in the world. You're not going anywhere unless you tell us what we wanna know."

"Those men deserved to die in the name of Allah."

"They were American SEALs who had families, people that cared about them," Sam reasoned.

"They killed my family, my people that I care about. They deserved to die, I just did what was coming to them."

"Who are you working with? How did you find them?"

"I'm not telling you guys anything else."

Callen's phone rang, it was Kensi. He and Sam stepped out and Callen answered the phone and put it on speaker.

"Yeah Kens?"

"We talked to some of his co-workers. They said he lives in a house a few blocks from here with some other family members. Eric and Nell checked the house and who it's listed to. The people living there were on the list as well. We're gonna check it out now."

"Send the address to my phone, we'll meet you there."

"Will do."

Callen hung up the phone. There was an agent to keep an eye on Abdul as the partners went to the house. Kensi and Deeks were already there when Callen and Sam pulled up.

"What did you see?" Callen asked.

"Counted at least five people inside and they seemed to be packing."

"Alright, Kensi, Deeks, go to the front see if you can flush them out. Sam and I will go around back."

The team moved into position. Kensi got low and knocked on the door. Deeks stood just around the corner of the wall with his gun pointed at the door. Once she had knocked Kensi moved back a bit as well and got behind the other wall.

"Nobody coming out here," Kensi spoke over the com.

"Alright, announce yourself," Callen replied back.

"Federal agents! Come out with her hands up!"

They heard some rumbling inside but no one showed up through the front door. Callen and Sam saw the back door opening.

"Federal agents! Stay where you are!" Callen yelled.

The one that was out the door first pulled his gun and shot and Callen and Sam. Callen and Sam were covered so they put their heads down as well. Kensi busted the door window and threw a smoke bomb inside. More people came out now coughing, both through the front and back door.

"Federal agents! Down on the ground!" They yelled.

The ones at the back pulled their guns, since they were already half outside and started firing at Callen and Sam. Callen and Sam fired back at them, hitting a few in the chest. The ones at the front didn't fire and got down on the ground. Kensi and Deeks zip tied them. After a while the gunfire stopped. The ones that were still alive Callen and Sam zip tied as well. They brought them to the front where Kensi and Deeks kept them company as Callen and Sam searched through the house. They found a laptop and some papers. They bagged everything up and took it back to the office. Kensi and Deeks stayed behind at the scene to clear it.

Once back at the office Callen took the laptop and the documents upstairs for Eric and Nell. Two hours later the wonder twins came down the stairs, Kensi and Deeks had returned in the meantime already.

"Well we looked through everything you guys brought back," Nell started. "And these are definitely the guys that killed the SEALs. We found a lot of evidence. They all came to the US together with Abdul and they were all targeted in the attack."

"We looked through the emails on the laptop," Eric continued. "We found out how they knew it was this unit that was responsible for the attack. They had contact with someone at the base, an intelligence officer there. We sent the information over to the MP's and they've already arrested this person."

"Great work guys," Callen spoke.

The agents finished up their paperwork before going home.

"Hey honey," Callen called into the house as he stepped in.

"Hey G, I'm in the kitchen," Joelle called back.

Callen dropped his bag by the door and walked to the kitchen.

"There's my beautiful mommy to be," Callen spoke as he walked up to Joelle.

Callen wrapped his arms around her from behind and gave her a kiss on her cheek. Joelle put down the knife and turned around in his arms.

"Oh god G, what happened to you?" Joelle exclaimed when she saw the cuts and bruises on Callen's face.

"It's nothing honey, it's not as bad as it looks. It'll heal."

"What happened?"

"We were checking out a van that was used for a kidnapping. It was abandoned and when we wanted to open the back door we noticed there was a bomb. We got out of the way as fast as possible but we still got hurt a bit. But don't worry honey, it's nothing. Just some cuts and small bruises. It's nothing, trust me. I'm fine honey, don't worry."

"Okay good."

"How was your day? How's our little boy doing?" Callen asked as he rubbed his hand over Joelle's stomach.

"Our little boy is doing just fine. He's been quiet today apart from the occasional kick."

"Kicking the outside yet?"

"No sorry honey, not yet."

"Too bad."

"Don't worry honey, I'm sure he'll kick the outside one of these days."

"I hope so."

"I bought some new things for the baby today."

Joelle showed Callen the things she bought for him.

"Aww these are too cute. I can't wait for him to be here."

"Me neither. It's gonna be so cute to see you with a little baby in your arms."

Callen wrapped his arms around Joelle again. "It's gonna be very cute to see you with him too." Callen gave Joelle a kiss.

"Can you go set the table honey, dinner is almost ready?"

"Of course baby."

Callen gave Joelle one more kiss before he went to set the table.

….

Joelle was now thirty one weeks pregnant and it was time for another doctor's appointment. Joelle had one more week off from school after this week, but it was Friday so this week was almost over. Joelle had planned the appointment at the end of the afternoon so Callen would be able to come as well. Joelle was sitting in the waiting room. It was just five minutes till her appointment and Callen wasn't here yet. Joelle pulled her phone out and called Callen but it went to voicemail. She called Sam as well but it went to voicemail as well. She hated when she couldn't reach either one of them. She just hoped everything was still alright. She knew Callen was very good at his job and that he had Sam to watch his back but she couldn't help but worry about him. She just hoped she would be able to reach him when she went into labor. She knew he promised her that he would be there but she knew what his job was like and that he could be called in at any minute or that he would have to go away.

When the doctor called her in Callen wasn't here yet so Joelle went in alone.

"Good afternoon Joelle. Greg not joining us today?"

"No, he's still stuck at work. He had a meeting and that probably run late."

"Ah okay. I'll give you a picture and a DVD of the ultrasound."

"Thank you."

"Why don't you lie down so we can get started."

Joelle lay down on the bed and the doctor examined her and the baby. They were both doing very well. The doctor handed Joelle a picture and DVD and Joelle made an appointment for two weeks from now on her way out. Pissed that Callen didn't make it she got in her car and drove home.

Callen pulled into the parking lot, hoping he wasn't too late for the doctor's appointment and he spotted Joelle's car just leaving the parking lot.

"Damn it," Callen cursed.

Callen pulled out of the parking lot and drove home.

"Hey Jo," Callen called into the house as he walked in but there was no response. "Jo? Where are you?"

Callen dropped his bag by the door and went to look for Joelle. He couldn't find her downstairs so he went upstairs. He found her upstairs in the nursery.

"Hey, here you are."

Joelle just stood there in front of the changing table, looking out of the window. She didn't turn towards Callen when he walked in.

"Jo, honey. You okay?"

"You said you'd be there."

"I know honey but I got hung up at work. I'm sorry."

"You said you'd be there," Joelle said again and she turned to face Callen.

Callen could see that Joelle was crying. He stepped closer to her and pulled her in for a hug. Joelle rested her head on his shoulder. "I'm so sorry honey. I went to the doctor's but I got there too late. I just saw you pull out of the parking lot. I'm really sorry honey. I wanted to be there but I couldn't leave work."

"I called you and Sam before the appointment but I couldn't reach you."

"I know, I saw. I was busy with the case. I couldn't answer my phone and neither could Sam. I'm really sorry I missed the appointment honey. I really wanted to be there." Callen lifted her head up and cupped her face. "I'm really sorry honey. I love you and our little boy so much, I really wanted to be there."

"I know honey and it's not your fault. I just hope you won't be gone while I give birth."

"That's not gonna happen, I promise. That is not gonna happen. I'll be there, no matter what. Screw my job then, I'll be there with you. I promise honey." Callen wiped the tears from her eyes and face. "Was everything okay with you two?"

"Yeah, yeah, everything was okay with both of us."

"Okay, that's good. I'm really sorry that I missed it."

"It's okay honey. I know you love us and it's not your fault. I'm just glad you're okay."

"I'm fine honey, don't worry about me."

"I know but I do. I just want you to come home to me and our little boy."

"I promise you I will, always."

"Good." Joelle pulled Callen to her and kissed him deeply.

Callen wrapped his arms around her and kissed her even deeper. Callen felt that Joelle was walking him backwards so Callen picked her up. Joelle automatically wrapped her legs around his waist. It wasn't easy to kiss like this, her stomach was in the way a bit but Callen managed to walked them towards their bedroom. Callen gently placed Joelle on the bed and got in next to her. Clothes flew everywhere before they made love. Joelle couldn't help herself, she just needed to feel Callen close to her right now. This was what she needed right now. It was quick but still oh-so-good. Joelle had come three times already when Callen joined her on her fourth. She just couldn't help it, what Callen was doing was just too good.

"How about we order in dinner for tonight?" Joelle suggested.

"Sounds fine by me."

They both freshened up a bit and Callen ordered them both a pizza. They sat on the couch together watching some TV while eating.

"Oh yes that reminds me, I got a picture and a DVD today."

"Oh, I wanna see those. Where are they?"

"In my purse."

"I'll get them."

Callen got up from the couch and retrieve the items out of Joelle's purse.

"Aww Jo, this is too cute. It's so cute to see our little baby like this."

"Yeah it is."

Callen put the DVD in the DVD player and together with Joelle he watched it.

"Aww look at that, he's kicking."

"Yeah he is."

Callen bent over to Joelle's stomach. "Hey buddy, do you think you can maybe kick the outside too? Daddy wants to feel you kicking too, not just mommy."

"I love it when you talk to our little boy like that," Joelle spoke with a smile.

"You carry him around, I want him to know who is daddy is too."

"Oh trust me honey, he knows. He always reacts to your touch or voice."

"That's good to know."

…..

Today was Joelle's last day of work before he maternity leave. She was now almost thirty-six weeks. She was ready to go on maternity leave and to have this little baby. Both she and Callen couldn't wait to meet the little guy. Everything at the house was ready for his arrival.

When Joelle pulled up to the house Callen just pulled up beside her.

"Hey beautiful," Callen spoke as he exited his car.

"Hey honey."

Callen walked over to Joelle and gave her a kiss. "How was your last day?"

"It was just fine. I am gonna miss the kids but I'm happy to be home now and in a few weeks with our little boy."

"Yeah, it's not long now."

"Could you grab the basket from the trunk please?"

"Of course." Callen grabbed the basket from the trunk. It were some baby presents. "Your colleagues gave this to you?"

"Yeah, we always do that when someone goes on maternity leave. Everyone puts a little present for me or the baby in it."

"Ah that's nice. Can you open them all at once?"

"Yes I can."

"Ah great."

They sat down on the couch and opened the presents together. Joelle got some nice things for herself like some books or some nice bath products to relax. They got a pack with ten koala baby ivory cozy forest bunny socks, four garden squirtees for in bath, a splash n catch bath time fishing set, an elephant hang toy for on the car seat or bouncy chair, a panda and monkey wrist rattle, a Mickey on the go musical toy, an abc board book, an apple toothy teether, a little first look and find book, a pack with two Winnie the pooh waterproof bibs, a pack with five koala baby jungle bibs, a tiny footprint square dinner set with elephants, a towel and washcloth set with elephants and foam sea animal bath toys.

"These are all so cute. I can't wait for our little boy to be here," Joelle spoke.

"Me neither honey, I'm really excited to meet him."

"I know me too."

Callen placed his hand on Joelle's stomach and he felt something against his hand. "Was that a kick?"

"Yeah it was. He kicked the outside."

"That felt amazing. I can't believe he finally kicked the outside."

"Happy now?"

"Yeah, sorry honey. I know the kicks to the bladder and kidneys are not so nice."

"It's okay, I can deal with it. Just a few more weeks."

"Yeah just a few more weeks."

After dinner they sat on the couch for a while before going to bed. Joelle lay snuggled up to her pregnancy pillow and Callen lay behind her. In the middle of the night Callen woke up and he noticed Joelle wasn't in the bed anymore.