The Fight. It's a hard fight, being the good guy always is. But sometimes things aren't always as they seem.
Two months of hard undercover work was starting to pay off. We were literally one night away from getting inside a ring of Navy SEAL's who were planning on kidnapping an Admirals daughter. I pulled up to the warehouse and spotted Renko stood by his car, his pot covered by the jacket he was wearing. As soon as he noticed me he walked over with a big grin on his face. The same stupid grin he always had.
"You ready to do this?" Renko asked as I locked up my bike.
"Sure." I said with a soft smile. "How's the arm?" I asked motioning to the small amount of white plaster that was sticking out.
"Not bad. I mean, could be worse." Renko shrugged and we walked into the warehouse. I spotted Tank and Pitbull talking at the side of the area. I wondered over to them as Renko headed towards a small crowd of people who were making bets.
"Reed, you ready for tonight?" Tank asked as I reached them. Tank, also known as Mark Scott, was an ex SEAL with a dishonourably discharge for actions unbecoming. He was Pitbull's right arm and second in command. He looked like your typical SEAL, tall, shaven head, dark eyes and muscles everywhere you looked. Over the mission I had become closest to him out the group, for a bad guy, he wasn't too bad.
"As ready as ever." I said plainly. I turned to Pitbull. "Does the deal still stand?" I asked firmly.
"You win, your in." Pitbull said before walking off. Pitbull a k a, Doug Williams was an active SEAL. He was the leader of his SEAL's and a bad ass mother. He took no crap from no one and it was proving to take a lot of effort to win him over. Pitbull was equally as tall as Tank with crop black hair and dark eyes. Again he was built with muscles everywhere.
"You know, I really don't think he likes me." I said turning back to Tank. "You think I got a chance tonight Tank?" I asked shaking my head.
"Sure you do!" Tank smirked and then lent forward. "You remember Robson?" Tank asked and I nodded. Robson was another of Pitbull's SEAL team, another active member. "Well he was arrested last night for drugs. Pitbull's taken him out of the mission. Means we got two empty spots."
"Well, good news for me." I said with a small smirk. "Got any idea who the other person will be?" I asked plainly.
"I think York said he was bringing someone." Tank answered and nodded his head to Renko. "See you brought your mascot with you." I turned and saw Renko making a couple of bets.
"Hey, until you guys let me in, it's the only way I can make any money." I shrugged. Tank laughed.
"You mean him!" He joked.
"Ok, so Kyle does make a few hundred every time. It's not my fault all the guys you bring round are so soft." I admitted with a chuckle.
"Soft? Girl not just anyone gets invited to these special parties. Pitbull hand picks them..." Tank said shaking his head. We had gotten an invite by spreading the word that Reed was a kick ass fighter, one not to be messed with, one who would do anything if the price was right.
"Sure Tank..." I joked. Tank was about to say something when I noticed Pitbull climb on a couple of crates.
"Hey everyone shut up!" Pitbull barked and everyone went quiet. "Tonight is our final night. As you all know the winners will go on to do great things. We got two spots open for tonight so remember to place your bets. Fighters step forward!" Pitbull barked and I made my way through the crowd. As I made it to the front my mind went into overdrive. I glanced to my left and saw York with Callen and Deeks. The pair thankfully were used to undercover work and didn't blow my cover, and I didn't blow theirs.
"Who the hell are these guys?" I asked Pitbull as I pointed to Deeks and Callen.
"I brought them Reed! These guys can fight better then you!" York said getting in my face. Ever since I bet York and knocked him out cold, the guy never really liked me. What confused me was the fact he was here with G and Deeks. York, a k a, Simon York SEAL, was a slimy guy. The same height as me, short crop blonde hair, green eyes, but there was just something about him that made my skin crawl.
"Well, let's hope they're better then you York, how long was our match, two minutes?" I asked with a smirk. York was fit to burst.
"Keep pushing Tabby." York hissed at me.
"I will." I smirked and G stepped forward to stop a fight breaking out.
"Hey, I'm Adam Jensen, and this is my buddy Sean Lock, look we're not trying to step on anyone's toes. Simon just said there was a chance to earn easy money." G said looking at me. I turned to Pitbull, completely ignoring G. I herd Deeks chuckle a little to himself.
"You gonna let these two fight? Even after I had to go through everyone else?" I asked getting more pissed by the second. York let out a small grunt.
"Enough!" Pitbull barked. "Look, Tank will fight Lock and Reed will fight Jensen. The winner's join the team. Happy Reed?" Pitbull barked at me.
"Ecstatic." I said sarcastically and looked at York. "Best warn your guy to look out for my right hook." I said and pushed my way through the crowd. My mind started to race.
"First match will be Tank vs Lock in ten minutes. Fighters get ready!" Pitbull yelled as I found Renko and grabbed his jacket. He was talking to a few people, placing bets.
"Kyle, a word. Now!" I snapped dragging him away from people.
"If this is about the money Tabby, I swear, I was just holding it for you!" Renko protested as we got away from everyone.
"We've got a problem." I stated shaking my head.
"I know I saw. What do we do? They took our phone when we walked in," Renko said looking around. I glanced around and Pitbull's other two SEAL buddies, Steve 'Moonlight' Franks and Tony 'Mario' Capone were at the door stopping anyone from leaving until the fights were over. "And there is no way of getting out." Renko added sighing.
"I know. Deeks is going to get eaten alive by Tank. No way he wins." I stated rubbing my eyes. This was quickly going from a simple mission to complicated. I could feel a headache starting.
"I know, least you'll get on the team." Renko said trying to stay positive.
"Yeah with G." I groaned. "Come on, I need to get ready. Just... try to keep an eye on them." I sighed as I glanced at Pitbull and Tank talking to some of the crowd.
"You know me." Renko smirked and we headed back to the crowd.
The fighters always had to get ready in the corner of the venue and stay under watch during the fights. I walked over to Deeks, Tank and G and threw my jacket to a spare chair to show how frustrated I was with the whole situation.
"Hey Reed, come on, one more fight and then we are going to party!" Tank said wrapping his arms round my shoulders. I sighed and shook my head looking at Deeks and Callen. The pair were busy getting ready for the fight.
"This is stupid! They shouldn't just be allowed to walk into this!" I huffed, glaring at the guys. Deeks was wrapping his hands in tape and Callen was stretching out.
"York said he worked with them, vouched for them with Pitbull. His choice Reed." Tank said stretching.
"York. Yeah that's my point." I huffed as I tied my hair up. I didn't trust York, not since the moment I met him.
"You got a problem with our buddy?" Callen asked looking at me. He wasn't being pushy or rude.
"Yeah I do." I replied firmly not holding back a single amount of frustration.
"Well get over it lady. We're here, we're gonna fight. Even if my mother told me never to hit girls." Callen said walking over to me, grinning slightly as he towered over me.
"Don't worry your safe sweetheart, I don't hit girls either." I smirked as Pitbull walked over to us. He was watching all of us closely.
"Jensen! Reed! Back it up!" Pitbull barked and Callen walked over to Deeks helping him finish taping. "Tank, Lock, you ready to fight?" Pitbull asked looking at the guys.
"Always boss!" Tank smirked slapping the sides of his head.
"I'm ready, let's go!" Deeks said bouncing on the spot. Pitbull nodded as York walked over to us. I glared at York before loosening up a little.
"Make sure they don't fight each other until the match!" Pitbull ordered York and then led Deeks and Tank to the area where they were going to fight. The crowd had made a semi-circle and was waiting for the fight to start. Both me and Callen took seat's near enough each other that we could talk without being over herd.
"He's gonna get hurt tonight." I said watching as Pitbull pointed them to opposite sides of the circle.
"You'd be surprised Lock is a scrappy fighter." Callen said watching the guys as well.
"Our first fight is, Tank vs Lock! All bets are now finished! Gentlemen and Ladies welcome to the Fire Fox beat down!" Pitbull said to the small crowd who all cheered.
"You know I bet this match lasts three minutes, you'll be carrying Lock home." I said with a quick glance to Callen.
"Great! So I'll need to explain it to Hetty!" Callen replied, meaning Hetty didn't know we were there. It wasn't so much of a surprise, we didn't know they were coming either.
"His girl is going to be pretty pissed I take it?" I asked as Pitbull explained the fight rules.
"Oh yeah, he really needs the money." Callen replied.
"Oh well, I guess you could always share. If you win." I said and watched as the guys faced each other.
"Clean fight guys!" Pitbull ordered. Tank smirked at Deeks and cracked his neck.
"Come on pretty boy!" Tank joked, blowing Deeks a kiss.
"Fight!" Pitbull yelled and the crowd roared.
The pair circled each other before locking up. I was surprised I actually thought that Deeks would be out after the first punch but he wasn't. The pair locked up a couple of times. Each time it would appear that Deeks had gotten the upper hand but really it was Tank just playing with the kid. Tank was in total control of the fight.
"You guy doesn't look so good out there." I commented glancing at G.
"He's been in worse." Callen shrugged. I watched as somehow Deeks had managed to get the upper hand on Tank and had him in a sleeper. The only problem was Tank's muscles were bigger than Deeks arms. It was a good move, just one Tank countered with ease. The match lasted another five minutes before Tank knocked Deeks to the floor and he couldn't get up again. The crowd went crazy. I was in no doubt that Renko would have placed a bet and would be collecting the winnings.
"The winner, Tank!" Pitbull said raising Tank's arm. York walked over and checked on Deeks. Pitbull started to talk to York, glancing in our direction. I still didn't trust York but I wasn't about to blow all my hard undercover work for G and his team.
"Looks like we're next." I said looking at G.
"This should be fun Coup." G smirked back at me.
"Don't even think of taking it easy out there G. These guys can spot it a mile off if they think your going easy, they'll want a reason." I said seriously. I noticed Pitbull nodding as York explained something to him. Tank helped Deeks up and walked him back over to us.
"Lock's a good fighter Jensen. York say's your even better." Tank said dropping Deeks in a chair, his lip was bust, and he had a swollen eye, but didn't look that bad. Callen got off his chair and checked on Deeks. I sat back in my chair and folded my arms over my chest.
"You ok buddy?" Callen asked as he checked Deeks.
"Sure Jensen! Just Hetty is gonna be pissed I lost!" Deeks said and glanced at me. I got up and took a good look at Deeks. He was going to be sore in the morning.
"I'll explain it. She'll listen to me." Callen sighed.
"Was a good fight Lock, don't be ashamed." Tank said walking over to me. "Just ask Tabby how many people I've put down within the first two minutes." Tank asked tapping my shoulder and laughing. Tank laughed a little more and walked off to cool down. Pitbull walked over to us, quickly fallowed by York. I walked towards Callen.
"Jensen, Reed, you know we got two spots right?" Pitbull said firmly.
"Yeah." Callen nodded. I just nodded as I waited to see what was about to happen.
"Do you know what they're for?" Pitbull asked Callen. In turn Callen glanced from me to York then looked at Pitbull.
"Simon said there was easy money if I fallowed orders." Callen shrugged. "I don't need to know. I just need to know I'm going to get paid."
"I like that." Pitbull nodded. "But what if our job involved killing people?" Pitbull asked G.
"Do I get extra for killing people?" G asked plainly.
"You could do." Pitbull explained.
"I got no problem in doing that." G said looking Pitbull dead in the eye.
"Fine. The fights off. You and Reed are in." Pitbull reached into his pocket and pulled out two scraps of paper. "Take this, it's my home in the hills. We're going to have a party tomorrow night to introduce you to the team. Starts at 9." Pitbull said passing us both the bits of paper.
"Thanks." Callen said and tucked the paper in his pocket.
"Thanks Pitbull." I said and tucked the paper down my cleavage. Pitbull nodded to the pair of us.
"You earned it. Take Lock home, make sure he's ok." Pitbull nodded and walked off with York. I turned to the guys and shook my head.
"Hetty is going to love this!" I sighed pulling my hair loose.
"Boat shed in twenty?" Callen asked. I just nodded and watched the pair walk away.
Twenty minutes later, after I was sure Renko was the only one fallowing me, I pulled into the boat shed. I walked in and took my helmet off to find Hetty, Kensi, Eric and Sam talking to G and Deeks. Renko fallowed me in and gave the group a nervous smile.
"Good evening." Hetty said as she looked straight at me and Renko.
"Hetty." I said with a small nod. Kensi was cleaning up Deeks cuts and he was looking worse in the light of the boat shed.
"Will you just sit still?" Kensi asked as she cleaned his cuts.
"You are a terrible nurse!" Deeks whined and I smirked shaking my head as I watched the pair.
"Would one of you like to explain how you ended up in the middle of our op?" Hetty asked in a firm voice. I glanced at Sam and G who shook their heads and then turned to Renko.
"Well Hetty..." Renko said nervously. "Coup will explain." Renko said with a quick smile. I rolled my eyes and glared Renko.
"I hate you." I muttered to Renko.
"Ms Cooper?" Hetty asked walking over to me.
"Yes Hetty?" I asked nervously.
"Why are you in the middle of my op?" She asked firmly. I always felt like I was being told off when Hetty was firm with me. Like when your little and a teacher tells you off.
"Well, technically you're on our op." I said quickly and she didn't look impressed. Kensi and Deeks turned to me with their mouths wide open. Sam hid a snigger in a sneeze.
"Is that so Ms Cooper?" Hetty asked putting her hands on her hips.
"Yes Ma'am. We caught the rumour that William's and his SEAL team plus a few others were going to kidnap Admiral White's daughter Jessica and hold her to ransom. Two months ago we put feelers out when we herd William's was looking for mercenaries who could fight and had other skills." I explained and Hetty just stood there and thought about it.
"I see." Hetty said softly. "And William's answered your feelers?" She asked with a raise eyebrow.
"Yeah, that's how we got in." I said plainly and glanced at Renko who nodded.
"No offence Coup, but I know William's, severed with him, how did you get him to trust you? He doesn't play well with women." Sam said leaning on a table.
"That would be my fault." Renko said raising his arm. He slipped his jacket off and showed off his pot. "I broke my arm a week before I was meant to enter the first fight round. Coup decided to take my place. We didn't give Pitbull a gender. We just told him a surname and a reputation." Renko explained looking slightly embarrassed.
"I see." Hetty said with a small nod.
"So I showed up, with Renko as back up and started to fight." I explained plainly.
"You fought Tank?" Deeks asked, his eye had really swollen up.
"No, I fought York and Mario. Plus a bunch of other guys looking to get in on the action." I explained. "At first they saw me as a joke, until I proven myself a fighter."
"That explains why York loves you so much." Callen joked from Sam's side. I nodded a little.
"How'd you catch onto it anyway?" Renko asked pouring himself a cup of coffee.
"Eric intercepted some chatter. It panned out." Sam answered as he folded his arms over his chest.
"How'd you get in? I mean I've been fighting twice a week for two months to get my spot." I said slightly confused. It been a long undercover mission and at times I wasn't sure I was going to make it this far.
"York. We rolled him. Then we took out Robson so we could have two men inside." Callen explained.
"Pitbull is a nasty piece of work. Back in the day, he killed people without any orders, just for fun." Sam said shaking his head. "But nothing stuck." It was clear that Sam had some kind of history with Pitbull and his SEAL team. It explained why Deeks had shown with Callen.
"Well where do we go from here?" I asked looking at Hetty who had been stood listening to the whole explanation. She paused for a moment and thought about it.
"Well since we are both NCIS there is no conflict. The most logical step would be to have you and Mr Renko join our team in the op." Hetty said. I nodded and looked over to Callen.
"Looks like we get to party tomorrow then." I smirked. Callen smiled back.
"I remember how you like to party." Callen teased.
I walked out to my bike and watched as most of the cars left with everyone in. I was zipping up my jacket when I noticed Callen walk over to me.
"Hey stranger." I smirked as I sat on my bike.
"Hey." Callen smiled. He walked over and lent against my bike. "Undercover again."
"Looks like it." I admitted softly.
"You know, the men your tangled up with. Sam wasn't lying when he said they don't trust women." Callen explained and actually looked worried about me. I smirked and shook my head.
"Most people don't trust me." I joked. "It's the whole British thing, knocks them for six."
"I'm serious Coup. This is dangerous. You could get hurt." Callen said frowning slightly.
"Dangerous? Really, cos you know fighting for my life every week, I thought that was a breeze." I said slightly sarcastically.
"You know I didn't mean it like that Coup." Callen explained frowning a little more.
"No, you meant, I'm a girl and should leave the rough playing to the guys." I said shaking my head. "I knew what you meant Callen."
"Coup. I'm just worried-" Callen sighed.
"You think I can't handle this? You think I'm not as good an agent as you? Or Sam? Or Deeks?" I asked bitterly.
"No." Callen said firmly.
"Then trust me, I know what I'm doing." I said firmly and pulled my helmet on.
"Coup, come on. You know-" Callen said desperate to make me see what he was trying to say.
"I'll see you tomorrow Callen." I said staring up my bike and driving off.
The next day Renko picked me up and drove us both to The Mission. I was sat in the passenger side not really listening to Renko. I was still annoyed that Callen didn't think enough of me to think I could handle the case.
"So, I thought, hey why not? And she gave me her number. I think she dug the cast." Renko rambled as he drove.
"Yeah." I said softly as we pulled to a red light.
"Ok Coup, what is it?" Mike asked lowering his sunglasses as he looked me dead in the eye. I shook my head.
"It's nothing." I lied and looked forward.
"Yeah, because this really looks like nothing." Renko sighed as he started the car again. Me and Renko had been partners too long, we knew how each other worked, thought, and in our business it was how we stayed alive. The best thing though is that Renko knew when to leave something as well.
"It's me... So, you taking this girl for drinks on my winnings?" I asked pushing away my frustrations.
"Yeah... about that." Renko joked as we pulled into the Mission. I climbed out of the car laughing a little. Renko could always make me laugh, he was a great partner, if a little obsessed with the opposite sex at times. As we walked towards the door my phone rang.
"Cooper." I said fallowing Renko into the building.
"Alex, it's Thomas Keller." The British male voice came down the end of my phone. Thomas Keller was my boss back when I was a liaison between The MOD and NCIS. I glanced at my watch, it was about 9 pm back in the UK.
"Sir. It's good to hear your voice." I said plainly as I walked off down an empty corridor. "It's late to be in the office isn't it?" I asked confused leaning on a wall.
"Yes. I'd much rather be down the pub." Thomas joked and I laughed a little. "But I wanted to catch you while you were fully awake."
"Ok..." I said still confused.
"You see. We, the MOD, need you back." Thomas admitted softly.
"You need me back?" I asked confused.
"Yes. Look, we have a mission starting in Afghanistan and we really could use your skill set on the team." Thomas admitted.
"What's the mission?" I asked confused.
"Part snatch and grab, part Intel gathering." Thomas sighed. "Obviously can't go into more detail. But we really need you in on this Coup."
"But I'm NCIS now." I stated. I had moved completely to America, I left the MOD because I wanted to focus on NCIS after Callen was shot. That and Comescu was so important.
"I know. But if you accept I will take care of all the paper work." Thomas said plainly. I could hear how desperate he was to have me on the team. Thomas wasn't the kind of man who usually requested a person. He usually suggested names to the group leader and gave gentle hints until the right person was picked. The fact that he had asked me to join the team told me that it was something really important.
"When does the mission start?" I asked being fully aware that I had just started an undercover mission.
"As soon as you land. Honestly, we are still gathering information on the land, the people involved. But we will be ready to move as soon as you get here. So what do you say?" Thomas asked plainly. I rubbed a hand over my face and sighed.
"I need time to think about it. I... there's things here..." I glanced as I noticed Callen and Sam walk down the far end of the corridor.
"I understand Coup. I can give you a week, then I really need an answer." Thomas said firmly.
"Will do Sir." I said nodding slightly.
"Bye Coup, be safe." Thomas said before handing up. I stuffed my phone into my pocket as Sam and Callen reached me.
"You come for the briefing?" Sam asked as they reached me.
"Yeah, Renko is already in. I just had to take a call." I admitted as we started to make our way upstairs.
"Anything interesting?" Callen asked as he glanced at me. I shrugged as I walked side by side with Sam.
"Not really." I muttered as we walked into the Op's room. I was still annoyed at him.
It was show and tell time for both sides and it appeared we all knew the score. Pitbull was the leader of the SEAL's team. He for some unknown reason, wanted to teach Admiral White a lesson by kidnapping his daughter Jessica and holding her to ransom. Pitbull and his whole team had a reputation. They were killers, not just SEAL's. Rumours and gossip was spread all over the navy yard about the team killing innocent people to get the mission done. The slightly more troubling news in my opinion was that Pitbull had an interesting rap sheet, all offences towards women. It was clear he didn't play well if the fair sex, and it raised an interesting question.
"Why Coup?" Sam asked shaking his head as he paced around the room.
"I'm just that good." I joked shaking my head a little. Deeks sniggered a little then regretted it as he held his side.
"No, Sam has a point though." Kensi said from leaning on the desk. "If Pitbull really doesn't like working with women, why has he allowed Coup on the team at all?"
"Maybe he needs a fall guy, and sees her as an easy target?" Renko suggested. I glanced at Renko with a very unimpressed look on my face.
"I don't get that vibe from him." Callen admitted with a thoughtful expression on his face.
"Maybe your expendable?" Deeks suggested, from the chair he was resting in.
"Gee thanks." I joked pretending to be hurt. Deeks smirked at me and I just rolled my eyes.
"Guys! I think we know why Coup was picked." Eric spoke up from the computer.
"Well you gonna share or leave us all in suspense?" I smirked at Eric who was smiling. He typed a few keys and brought up my fake ID onto the screen.
"It's Tabby Reed." Deeks stated plainly.
"Yeah but look." Eric said as he scanned through a few pages.
"What are we looking at Eric?" Sam asked confused. It was just all the back stopping information on me.
"Someone else has been looking into her past." Nell stated from her computer. "Pitbull's been looking into her past. Into her skills."
"Wait, he's let me on the team because-" I started to say when Eric nodded.
"Exactly." Eric smirked back.
"Nice." I smiled.
"What?" Callen asked confused.
"In Ms Reeds background, she was arrested for burglary, by passing major alarm systems in seconds." Hetty stated as she walked in. It never stopped amazing how she could just walk in and know exactly what we were talking about.
"Now it makes sense." Sam nodded. "Pitbull needs to get in and out of a highly guarded, high security building to kidnap Jessica. If they can do it without tripping any alarms the better for them."
"Wait, can't any of the SEAL team do that already?" Callen asked confused. Kensi scanned over some notes.
"No, we have weapons, interrogation, and muscle. No computer wizards." Kensi confirmed.
"Awesome. Now we know why I'm in." I sighed running a hand over my face.
"Pitbull is a dangerous man, there is no doubt about it. His hatred towards women, is clear for all to see. That being said, as long as Ms Cooper is useful to him, she should be fine. The issue will arise once they kidnap Jessica." Hetty explained as she walked around to the front of us all.
"Then I'm dead." I muttered oddly not the first time I'd said that about an op. Callen caught my eye for a second and we shared a concerned look.
"We need to tread lightly here. Pitbull gets the first sniff of a trap and he'll run." Sam explained shaking his head. "I've experienced first hand how viscous Pitbull can be for vengeance."
"I repeat – Awesome." I said sarcastically shaking my head. This mission really wasn't appealing to me. Not that ever kidnapping some 17 year old ever sounded like fun.
"We just need to be careful." Callen spoke up and I glanced at him.
"Except what about York?" Renko asked plainly.
"What do you mean?" Kensi asked confused.
"The guy is a slime ball. Not to be trusted. I mean it." Renko admitted firmly.
"Agreed." I added glancing at Renko.
"We could pick him up?" Deeks suggested.
"No, it'll spook Pitbull. If he thinks his team are being picked off one by one..." Sam shook his head.
"Then we keep him on a short leash." Callen said firmly. "Watch him closely and remind him of what we can do to him."
"Agreed." Hetty said nodding. "Now Mr Callen, Ms Cooper, you need to go dress for this party."
I walked down to the dressing area with Kensi. We were just catching up on general gossip and TV shows we both watched. Kensi was a strong women, and could handle herself. I had seen her evolve from a probie to a fully fledged agent. I knew she was just starting a long and great career.
"So you and Callen working undercover." Kensi said with a sly grin on her face.
"Yes." I said raising an eye brow.
"I remember your undercover cases." Kensi said with a knowing look.
"I don't know what you mean Miss Blye." I smirked shaking my head. Kensi laughed at me as we walked.
"Sure... you don't remember the long nights together, having to completely trust your partner. The danger of your life in their hands. The adrenaline of nearly being caught." Kensi stated as we walked.
"Nope." I smirked plainly. Kensi rose her eye brow at me.
"I know he cares about you." Kensi stated.
"He cares about all of us. We're his family." I stated plainly as we stopped just outside.
"You're different." Kensi admitted.
"No I'm not." I argued, but if I was honest I had felt it. The way we shared a look, the smile he gave me that would send my heart racing. I knew I had fallen for G Callen a long time ago. But I had work, life and secrets to keep. I wasn't going to mess up any friendship we shared. Ever. And this feeling I had towards G was another reason to leave NCIS and go back to The MOD. The further away I was from G, the harder for us to be together.
"But Coup, I've seen the way he looks at you." Kensi said softly.
"Kens-" I sighed as Callen walked over to us with a smile on his face.
"Ladies." He nodded to us.
"Callen." I sighed.
"G." Kensi smirked at me.
"What's wrong?" Callen asked me slightly confused. I glanced at Kensi and shook my head as his smile widened.
"Nothing, just discussing the merits of wearing a dress over trousers tonight. I'm praying Hetty doesn't make me wear another short dress." I sighed lying straight to his face. I caught a glint in G's eyes which from experience I knew meant he didn't believe me but was going to play along.
"I don't know. I always thought you looked good in a dress." Callen shrugged. Kensi smirked at me before making a quick exit.
"See you guys later!" Kensi laughed as she walked away. I scowled at her until she was out of sight.
"So what was she really saying?" Callen asked as I turned to him.
"You don't want to know." I sighed and went to push the door open when he grabbed my arm. "It's nothing serious G, honest." I added with a warm smile.
"I wanted to apologise for last night." Callen said as he let go of my arm. He looked into my eyes and I smiled nodding. "I just... I don't want you to get hurt."
"I know, I just over reacted." I sighed pushing some hair behind my ear.
"It's just your like family to me." Callen said looking deep into my eyes. He cleared his throat. "I mean you all are."
"That's what I said!" I said throwing my arm in the direction Kensi had left.
"She grilling you about us?" Callen asked sighing.
"You too?" I asked smiling.
"All the time. Ever since you left. For someone who act's more male then most round here, she is determined to get us together." Callen sighed as he opened the door for me.
"She needs a love life." I joked as we walked in.
An hour later, hair, make-up and clothes done I was ready for this party. I was wearing a short red dress, it was a corset style top with a flowing short skirt. I couldn't bend over in it without showing off the thong Hetty had made me wear. I had red heels on and looked hot. I also had a red and black clutch. I walked out of the changing room and saw Callen messing with his black shirt. It looked like he couldn't get to sit right on his body.
"Nice look G." I smiled as he turned to face me. His face fell and his mouth opened as he looked at what I was wearing.
"Wow." Callen stated looking at me.
"Yeah, that doesn't make me feel awkward at all." I joked as I walked over to him and unbuttoned the top button on his shirt. "Much better." I commented as his hands covered my own.
"You look amazing." Callen whispered as he looked into my eyes. I felt my heart race as I stood so close to him, looking deep into his icy blue eyes. I felt myself melt into his arms and that's when I realised I needed to move.
"Thanks... Hetty picked it." I muttered taking a couple of steps back. On queue Hetty walked in and smiled at the pair of us.
"Exquisite." She commented looking at us. "You will both look amazing tonight."
"Thanks Hetty, but this is kinda short." I admitted looking down at the skirt.
"I like it." Callen whispered to me and I swore my cheeks turned red.
"Now Ms Cooper, you need to make sure Pitbull sees you checking out his internal security tonight." Hetty reminded me.
"I know." I sighed knowing that it wasn't going to be a party for us tonight. This whole mission was getting more complicated by the second and I had to admit, I wasn't enjoying it.
"And Mr Callen, keep an eye on our friend Mr York." Hetty nodded before smiling at the pair off us. "Now, your cab is waiting for you Mr Callen."
"Right." Callen nodded and took one last glance at me before walking out of the room. I let out a heavy sigh as soon as the door closed.
"Is something wrong Coup?" Hetty asked as I sat down on a chair.
"I can't keep doing this Hetty." I sighed shaking my head.
"What my dear?" Hetty asked innocently. I turned to her and shook my head.
"You know." I muttered.
"Mr Callen." Hetty said softly. "He cares deeply about you."
"I know and that is the problem." I said getting to my feet. "He... he treats me like I'm his family. He's taken me close. And here I am... writing secret reports about him! Analysing his actions and keeping secrets from him! I'm betraying his trust." I said pacing up and down. I hated going behind his back. "You said this mission was for him. To keep him safe. I just don't see how lying to him, making him distrust those closest to him, how its going to make him safe." I sighed getting worked up over it all.
"And you care about him." Hetty stated and I paused turning to him.
"Of course I care." I said plainly. "We work together." I added sighing.
"You love him?" Hetty asked looking me straight in the eyes. I looked away, the question was a little too close to the bone for me at that moment in time. "Ms Cooper, in our business, even our closets friends will one day turn on us."
"I don't want to turn on him." I said shaking my head. "I know this is all for his good in the long run... but Hetty, how can you look him in the eye, knowing what you do?" I asked firmly.
"It's our job Ms Cooper." Hetty stated. "Now, you have a party to attend."
"It might be your job..." I sighed checking my dress.
"What is that meant to mean?" Hetty asked me plainly.
"Nothing. I just need to get this party over with." I sighed and walked out of the room. The job offer was sounding better and better by the second.
The party was in full swing when I got there. The SEAL's team and a few friends were chatting and joking around. There were many pretty women dancing with the men and helping them have a good time. As soon as I walked in I noticed Pitbull clock me and watch me. So did York and Callen. I walked over to the table where all the drinks were. Midnight and Tank were stood chatting and smiled as I reached them.
"Damn Reed, you got legs!" Tank teased pulling me into a quick hug before checking me out.
"If I'd of known I would have asked Pitbull to make you fight in shorts." Midnight added laughing a little.
"No chance. Pass me a beer Tank!" I shouted over the music.
"Beer! Did you hear that Midnight? Beer! Marry me Tabby?" Tank joked as he passed me a beer. I opened it and took a quick drink.
"But then who will dance with the blonde over there who keeps looking this way?" I asked nodding to a busty blonde woman who had been checking Tank out since I walked over.
"Nice call!" Tank joked glancing at the woman before turning back to me. "Sharp eyes, just what we need."
"Thanks." I nodded and shook my head as Tank went to dance with the woman. As the night went on I talked with everyone except Pitbull, G and York. I did notice Callen was watching me when I talked to people and Pitbull was watching Callen watch me. As the party got later I found the house security system and stood there studying it. I knew Pitbull had spotted me and it didn't take long for him to walk over.
"Reed. You interested in home security?" Pitbull asked, a beer in his hand.
"Me? No. But you should get the updated model." I admitted as I glanced at him. "This thing is too easy to break into." I admitted and walked off. I headed back to the bar to get a fresh beer when I spotted York and Callen stood there.
"York, Jensen." I muttered with a nod.
"Reed. I'd say it was a pleasure but..." York spat out before walking away.
"Lovely guy." I muttered to Callen.
"Isn't he just." Callen joked drinking a little beer. "So how's it going?"
"Great. Did what I had to. You?" I asked plainly as we stood near a wall.
"Great. But York knows what'll happen if he messes this up." Callen admitted. "Pitbull hasn't talked to me yet." G added looking out to the party.
"Me either." I admitted. "Well we'd best keep mingling." I said and walked away. Mario walked over to me smiling.
"You wanna dance?" He asked, his eyes ranking over my skin. I forced myself not to hit him in the face, after all it was meant to be a party.
"Sure!" I smiled and we started to dance. The first couple of dances were fine, but I found him starting to get a little grabby. "Hey Mario, hands." I stated as we dance.
"Aww come on." Mario slurred slightly as he wrapped his arms around my waist. Before I could say anything else Callen was stood at my side.
"Hey Mario, mind if I cut in?" Callen asked with a friendly expression, but his voice wasn't so friendly.
"Sure Jensen, she's a firecracker though." Mario joked as he latched onto the next woman he found.
"Thanks." I sighed as Callen wrapped his arms, softly around my waist.
"Hey, I just wanted a dance." He shrugged and I laughed.
"Then why didn't you ask Tank?" I joked and his shook his head.
"He didn't look as hot in a dress." Callen replied, whispering in my ear. Shivers went down my spine and I was in no doubt that he knew the affect he had on me.
"So," I said clearing my throat as he looked into my eyes. "What's wrong?"
"I need to get a bug in his office." Callen said looking like he was talking sweet nothings to me.
"And you thought." I stated knowing full well what he thought.
"Well you are the best looking woman here." Callen said with a genuine smile. I bit my lip and shook my head.
"Nice try." I joked as I moved closer to him. "You know Pitbull has been watching us all night."
"I know." Callen whispered as he brushed the hair away from my neck. "This is why I thought you would be the best person to come to." He added, from the outside it would look like he was kissing my neck. He was so close his warm breath on my skin sent me insane. But we were working and I needed to keep that in mind.
"So you wanna go now?" I asked looking at his chest. He placed his hand under my chin and brought my eye line to meet his. A small smirk crossed his lips as he lowered his face to mine and he kissed me softly on the lips. My heart raced as our lips met, shivers ran down my spine and for a second I didn't care where we were. I wanted to be with Callen. Only him and no one else. I wrapped my arms around the back of his neck and stroked his skin as he pulled me closer to him. A few seconds later we pulled apart and I saw it. The look in his eyes. The look wasn't him pretending to be Adam Jensen. The look wasn't even him being G Callen super spy. The look in his eyes was love. Pure love. In that look we both knew that kiss was more then just acting. It was more then just for the mission. It was real. He didn't say another word. Callen took my head and we snook off away from the party.
We reached Pitbull's office and walked in. I stood by the door keeping my ears and eyes open for anyone heading our way while Callen planted the bug.
"Eric?" Callen whispered into his ear piece. "Where do I need to put this?" He asked and headed over to Pitbull's computer. He ducked under the desk as I herd Tank and Pitbull's voices.
"Hurry it up, we have company." I whispered to Callen.
"Almost got it." Callen replied. The voices were getting louder.
"Any time now." I muttered as my heart raced.
"Just a second." Callen replied from behind the desk.
"Dude!" I whispered/shouted as the voices were nearly outside the door.
"So, I was thinking-" Pitbull said as he opened the door. I was wrapped in Callen's arms, his hand slid under the skirt, stroking my thigh. My hands under his shirt. "What the hell?" Pitbull asked as saw us.
"Oh shit!" Callen said jumping back slightly. I pulled my skirt down and pushed my hair behind my ear.
"Nice one Jensen!" Tank joked hitting Callen on the back. I pretended to blush and looked at the floor.
"This is my office." Pitbull growled and we glanced at him. "I've got spare rooms for this kinda stuff." He sighed shaking his head.
"Far right, down the hall should be free." Tank said to Callen.
"Thanks." Callen said taking my hand and we rushed out of the room.
"That was close." I sighed as we headed out.
"But we got the bug in place." Callen smirked laughing a little. Callen led me into the spare bed rooms and closed the door behind us. My heart was still racing from nearly getting caught and I couldn't help but laugh as we sat on the edge of the bed.
"Man, one day..." I sighed as I turned to look at Callen. He was smiling at me with that half crooked smile he always had. He pulled the ear piece out and put it back into his pocket.
"You know, you really do look amazing." G said looking at me dead in my eyes. I sniggered, pushing him softly.
"You got to be drunk G." I sighed and stood up to walk out the room. G got up and grabbed my wrist spinning me around to face him.
"I'm not drunk Alex." G said before leaning down and kissing me on the lips. My mind went blank, I had no idea what the hell was happening. It took me a good few seconds to react, but I did react. I wrapped my arms around his neck and pulled him closer to me as held me close to him. I opened my mouth a little as the kiss got even more intense. It was one of those damn near perfect kisses that you wished would last forever. G pulled away a little and looked into my eyes, my heart was racing so loud I thought he could hear it.
"You just kissed me." I stated looking into his icy blue eyes. That great crooked smile appeared on his face as he tucked some hair behind my ear.
"Yeah Alex, I did." He smirked as he looked down at me.
"We're in the middle of a mission..." I said knowing how dangerous it could be to let emotions get in the way of a mission. Again partly why I ended up with Renko as a partner, we generally treated each other like siblings. G frowned at me a little and nodded. "G-" I started to say when he let go of me and took a step back.
"No, your right. Gibbs would kick my ass for this." G said wiping his face before looking back at me. I grabbed his hand and held it in my own.
"Come on, we don't do this. You know why." I said with a sad smile. It was killing me and I really didn't want to say it to Callen. I just wanted to jump on him and let it all happen. G nodded and pulled his hand back before walking out of the room without another word. I let out a deep breath I didn't know I was holding and cursed under my breath before walking back out to the party.
The next day I was in my flat, Tabby Reed's flat recovering from the night of drinking. I was sat nursing a hangover when someone knocked on my door. I dragged myself over and found Pitbull and Tank stood there.
"How did you find out where I lived?" I asked confused as I stepped aside to let them in.
"My security system, do you know a lot about them?" Pitbull asked completely ignoring my question. I really wasn't in the mood for some arse, but I had to be Tabby Reed, and so she put up with the shit.
"Yeah I do." I admitted as I sat back down. Tank stood behind Pitbull as he sat on the couch. Tank gave me a quick reassuring smile before looking to Pitbull.
"How?" He asked his eyes drilling holes into the back of my head. I drank some water and looked to the floor. This was the break I was waiting for, at least I knew the little stunt at the party had worked. I grabbed Pitbull's attention.
"I... may, have a past with security systems." I said sheepishly, before drinking some water.
"In what sense?" Pitbull asked firmly. I looked over at him and took a deep breath.
"Back home, I broke into houses." I admitted. "I by passed systems like the one in your house for fun. I rarely took anything. I just wanted to prove to myself that I could get in and out without anyone knowing."
"So you broke into places with high security?" Pitbull asked processing the information I gave him. I nodded a little, but it hurt my head.
"Yeah." I sighed. "I mean it was a long time ago now, and I-" I started to say when Pitbull cut me off again.
"Could you still do it now?" He asked leaning forward.
"What break into systems?" I asked confused.
"Yeah." He asked with a nod.
"Depends." I said sitting back.
"On?" Pitbull asked firmly.
"Do I get paid extra?" I smirked, and saw Tank grin, that alone was a good sign.
"If you do it right, yeah." He replied.
"Great, so you gonna tell me what we're doing now?" I asked folding my arms over my chest.
"Tomorrow. I need to finish gathering some Intel." Pitbull said standing. "But if you are as good as you think you are."
"I am." I said getting to my feet.
"Excellent." Pitbull said and the pair headed to the front door. I thought they were about to walk out but Pitbull paused and turned to me.
"What now?" I asked plainly.
"You and Jensen." Pitbull said and I groaned remembering what happened at the party.
"Yeah?" I asked blushing slightly, if only the blush was part of the act. I was blushing remembering how heated things got with G.
"You two got together." Pitbull stated.
"No, you're surprise arrival scared us too much." I admitted, acting like the coy girly girl. "Plus, I was way too drunk." I added with a shrug.
"So nothing is going on between you two?" Pitbull asked seriously. The man's voice his, attitude was so damn intense. Even as a seasoned spy, the guy set my alarm bells off.
"No chance. Especially if it's going to mess with me getting paid." I said plainly, Pitbull nodded and the pair walked out. I let out a loud sigh and shook my head. Being around Pitbull always made me feel awkward, like I was always fighting for the respect he gave everyone else. But after reading his report I knew why. I was glad he was out of the flat.
Later Renko came over and we headed to the boat shed to fill Hetty in with our latest Intel. I was sat at the table drinking a coffee while we waited for Callen and Deeks to show up.
"Hey Mike." I said tapping my coffee cup.
"Yeah?" Renko asked looking up at me.
"I've been thinking." I said looking up to meet his gaze.
"Ouch!" Renko teased and I just rolled my eyes.
"Smart arse, look I'm trying to be serious here." I sighed taking another sip of the coffee.
"Something wrong?" Mike asked sitting up in his seat. We rarely had serious conversation, even when we were working a case.
"Kinda," I admitted, and sighed. "I've been thinking of returning to the MOD, there's this mission in Afghanistan, and well, they could use my help." I shrugged looking at him for a reaction. Mike sat there for a second, studying me and my body language.
"What about us?" Mike asked seriously. I took a deep breath and let it out slowly. I expected this question but the sad expression on his face, the guilt I felt in my stomach. I hadn't planned for that.
"You guys, all of you, could manage without me." I admitted looking down at the table.
"But I need my wing man!" Renko joked and I looked up at him smirking. "What's made you want to go back to the MOD?" Renko asked seriously. Before I could answer Callen and Deeks walked in, I glanced at G and Renko clocked it.
"Been waiting long?" Deeks asked as he sat down next to Mike.
"Hours..." I said dryly and Deeks smirked at me. As Callen sat down next to me as Hetty, Nell and Eric appeared on the screen.
"Afternoon team, now, how did the party go last night?" Hetty asked looking at me and Callen.
"Pitbull's taken the bate." I said with a nod.
"Plus he's paid me a visit this morning." Callen added.
"Excellent. Mr Beale, how is our bug working?" Hetty asked glancing at Eric. In turn Eric nodded tapping a few keys on his tablet.
"We have full access to all of Pitbull's computers. I've found high grade specks for Admiral White's home, routes planned and schedules for Jessica. He's got everything down to the minute. The guys a little scary." Eric admitted looking up at us.
"Any idea on where he's planning to hold her?" G asked as we sat around. It was like nothing had happened between me and him. Just two agents working together. I wasn't sure if I was happy or not about it.
"There are a couple of idea's, he's listed interest in a few locations round town. I think he's planning to leave that until the last minute." Nell said with a quick nervous smile.
"Awesome." Renko sighed before taking a sip of his coffee.
"Well, are we even going to let it get that far?" I asked looking around the table.
"That is an excellent question Ms Cooper. It will depend on who is going to be in the car with Ms White. We already have Kensi ready to take her place if needs be." Hetty explained.
"Pitbull said he needed the rest of the day to gather the last bits of information, so this could be going down as early as tomorrow." Callen explained. That really didn't give us much time and I hated doing such a rush job when a civilian could be involved.
"Ok, well I'll hit the streets, see if any ones talked to Pitbull's crew about any hits he's planning." Renko said with a nod to Hetty.
"Excellent Mr Renko. Mr Deeks, drop Mr Callen back at the flat and stay with him tonight. Ms Cooper, return to your flat and we shall wait for Pitbull to make his move." Hetty explained before the screen went black. I sighed looking at the guys.
"Fun night in... yay." I said sarcastically as I stood up.
"Could be worse." Renko smirked at me.
"How?" I asked plainly.
"Could be my wing man." Renko joked and I laughed shaking my head. He left leaving me, Deeks and Callen. Deeks wondered over to the coffee and poured himself a cup.
"Have fun last night?" Callen whispered softly. There was a glint in his eyes something that was more then just friendly conversation.
"Dancing, drinks, danger, What's there not to love?" I joked leaning on the table in front of Callen. He smirked and my heart raced again.
"Well, after the op, we could... do it for real?" Callen asked looking dead into my eyes. My heart stopped for a second and my brain didn't register the fact he was asking me out on a date. Things were escalating way too fast for me, I couldn't let myself get that close to G. I couldn't hurt him that bad when I knew one day, sooner or later, Comescu was going to come to light and Callen, he'd never look at me the same again. I was about to answer when Deeks walked back over to us. Perfect timing as always.
I was playing Xbox in Tabby Reed's flat and although I was having fun, it was still boring being stuck waiting for the action. I decided to call Hetty and talk to her about leaving. I sat playing on COD MW2, while talking to her on hands free.
"Ms Cooper?" Hetty asked as she answered her phone.
"Sorry to call Hetty, but I get the feeling, now is the only spare time I'll get." I said as I cleared the level.
"Very well, are you calling about the MOD offer?" Hetty asked and I sat there with my mouth open for a few seconds. It never cease to amaze me how Hetty knew literally everything before you told her. I smirked to myself and shook my head, hiding a soft laugh.
"Well, yeah," I smirked to myself. "I, I wanted to know what you thought?" I asked softly.
"It's not my choice, but yours dear." Hetty replied in a rather unhelpful manner.
"I mean, I could still work Comescu. It's just..." I trailed off and decided I wanted to shoot people over focusing on the damn issue of having feelings for G. I started up the game and did two head shots right after one another.
"I'm sure he will understand." Hetty said as if she read my mind.
"Things are getting a little um, heated between us. Especially since we're working this case together." I admitted shooting more people.
"My dear, I have learnt that if the feelings are there, and they are true. Time has no matter in it." Hetty said and I had to pause my game. It really made me think. The feelings were there, no doubt from either side. But time? Space? Lies... that was the issue we'd have to overcome.
"What about back stabbing and lying? They big issues in true feelings?" I asked sighing. I wanted to go back, just be team mates, have the simple life again. Back when I was in blissful ignorance about my feelings for G.
"They are if you let them." Hetty replied and I sighed again.
"I'm going to take the job. Maybe some time away is what I need." I said starting the game again.
"Very well, I shall make the arrangements with Mr Keller for after this mission." Hetty said softly. "We will all miss you around Coup." Hetty added.
"Change is good for the soul, you told me that once." I smirked as I cleared the level.
"It is." Hetty replied before she hung up on me. I sat there and took a deep breath. I knew I couldn't really start anything with Callen, not with the investigation into him. Not with Comescu. Once he found out, it would mean nothing. Why start something, it would only hurt him more in the long run.
The next day I received a call from Pitbull to meet him at his house at 8 in the morning. I got on my bike and raced to the location. As I got there I noticed Mario, Midnight, Tank and York stood there. I locked up my bike and walked over to them. York gave me his usual disgusted look and in return I gave him a warm smile.
"Morning gentlemen." I said with a nod to Pitbull. Callen pulled up seconds after me and soon Pitbull was leading us to his living room to explain everything.
"We are pulling a kidnapping." Pitbull said folding his arms over his chest and looking at me and Callen.
"Should we have a problem with this?" Callen asked plainly, Pitbull smirked and continued.
"She's a wealthy daughter. Her daddy's gonna pay a lot to get her back." Pitbull said pulling up a picture of Jessica White. "We are going to break into their family home at one tomorrow afternoon. Reed, your going to knock out their alarm system. Mario is on point clearing the rooms. Midnight is being up the rear watching our backs. Me and Tank are going to grab the girl while Jensen trashes the place. York will be driving. We will be in and out in twenty minutes tops." Pitbull explained as he pointed to maps on a screen. They were all very detailed and what we expected from Pitbull.
"Do we know what alarm system?" I asked plainly.
"We do, Tank." Pitbull nodded to Tank. Tank pulled out a file and passed it to me.
"Made it myself, should cover everything you need to know." Tank smirked at me. I smiled and nodded, opening it and looking at the alarm system. It was high tech, but actually I could crack it alone. I'd rather not say where I learnt to crack alarm systems...
"What are we doing with the girl after we taker her? Bringing her back here?" Callen asked as I looked up from my folder.
"No. York is driving us to a warehouse East of Sunset. No one will hear us there, if you know what I mean." Pitbull said and he had a look in his eyes. Something that made me want to shiver, but thankfully I repressed it. Part of being a good undercover operative. "Any more questions?" Pitbull asked looking at all of us. No one answered. "Tank take over." Pitbull said walking back to his office. Tank stood up and pulled out a bag.
"I need all your phones, pages, wallets, keys." Tank said holding his bag out to us.
"Why?" I asked as Midnight and Mario dropped their things in.
"Pitbull doesn't want anyone to leave anything behind at the scene genius." York almost spat at me and it took every ounce of self control not to smack him in his mouth.
"Really?" I asked rolling my eyes. Tank chuckled and shook his head as York and Callen emptied their pockets.
"Plus you guys aren't leaving here till we do this." Tank added as he held the bag open for me. I didn't like it. No keys, no ID, no gun. Hell I had just my good looks and I wasn't sure I was in the right crowd to have them let me get far. I pulled out everything from my pockets and dropped them into the bag sighing as I watched Tank lock them in a safe.
"Awesome..." I sighed under my breath. Everyone went their own ways and I sat by the pool in the back going over the folder Tank made up. I had a pin camera in my ear, with a tiny microphone. But Callen had just a camera. I brushed some hair behind my ear and pretended to sing to myself softly. "I wonder, did the man is the sky hear the cries? No more lies, just locks and doors." I sang to myself as I flipped through the pages. "One just one chance we got, and I gotta wonder is it enough?"
"We hear you Coup. We caught everything. Kensi is going in as decoy as we speak." Eric said over my ear piece.
"And I say thank you, thank you man in the sky!" I sang to myself as I looked at the alarm system. It was simple enough for me, but I just hoped we could do this without anyone getting harmed. Pitbull scared the crap out of me with reason.
"Deeks, Renko and Sam are going to be there as back up." Eric added as I noticed Callen walk over to me. "Nice singing by the way Coup." Eric chuckled.
"Ready for this Jensen?" I asked looking up at G. He sat down next to me, taking the folder out of my hands and reading it himself.
"It's going to be interesting, going in this blind." He replied tapping the paper. To anyone else it would have looked like we were talking about the alarm.
"Yeah, but where's the fun if we go in knowing everything?" I joked and G rolled his eyes at me, passing me the folder back.
"Just be careful, I get a bad feeling Pitbull's gonna try something." G sighed standing up and walking away.
That night, I couldn't sleep, I never could the night before a big mission. This was my last mission which made it the biggest I'd been on so far. I walked into the living room and saw Tank sat flicking through the adult channels.
"Tell me you got better things to watch." I said flopping down on the sofa next to him. Tank smirked at me changing the channels to some Bollywood channel.
"You can't sleep huh Reed?" Tank asked softly.
"Nope. It's a little bit different to just breaking in for fun." I sighed pushing my hair off my face. I turned to Tank and raised an eyebrow. "Why this girl? I mean how'd you pick her?" I asked seriously. Tank sighed rubbing his short hair.
"It's Pitbull," Tank sighed out shaking his head. "A guy who used to be in our team, Sam Hannah, he accused us of some pretty nasty things. Some, I'll admit we did, some I'm not sure of." Tank explained softly. "Sam told Admiral White, and White did his best to break us all up. Pitbull doesn't like someone messing with him, so we went looking for Hannah." Tank shrugged.
"You find him?" I asked slightly worried that the guys were out for Sam.
"No. Guy died in a car accident before we got the chance. So Pit changed his mind, decided to go after White, and the best way, taking his baby girl." Tank explained.
"Ok... well that makes thing personal." I sighed softly.
"You gonna be able to take out the alarm right?" Tank asked watching me.
"Sure man, just personal makes it more complicated. I just want the money." I admitted standing up and stretching a little.
"Don't worry, you'll get it when the jobs done." Tank smirked up at me.
"Awesome..." I sighed walking back to my room to go over the alarm system one more time. Maybe more like fifty more times, but being prepared is half the battle.
We were piled into an SUV with tinted windows, York at the wheel driving us to the house. I was sat in the middle with Mario and Pitbull up front, Tank and Callen next to me and Midnight sat behind us. Mario and the other SEAL's were checking their guns. Me and Callen didn't have any weapons, something I wasn't that pleased about.
"Do I get a gun?" Callen asked as Tank smirked at him. Pitbull turned around to face Callen and had a stone face.
"No need, your trashing the place. We'll take care of any issues..." Pitbull explained coldly before turning back up front. Even though I knew we had eyes and ears on everything I was still worried something was going to go wrong.
"Ms Cooper everyone is in place, we will move as soon as the last man enters the building." As always Hetty's reassuring voice came through in time. A few minutes later the SUV pulled up outside the house. A nice three story building, high fences, secure and private.
"She should be in solo, so Mario, Reed, out." Pitbull said climbing out of the car. I took a quick glance at G and climbed out of the car. Mario almost marched me up to the front of the building. "Break in, disable the camera's too." Pitbull barked at me.
"Sure thing boss." I sighed puling out a set of wire cutters out of my back pocket. I opened up the alarm system and tinkered with it for a few seconds before cutting the last couple of wires. I watched the lights carefully and smirked as I disabled all the security in the building. "We're golden to go." I said hoping the guys were ready. Pitbull looked back at the SUV and nodded. Seconds later G, Tank and Midnight were all heading this way. Pitbull opened the door for Mario as we all filed in.
"Start trashing down here." Pitbull said to G. He nodded and started knocking things over, heading towards the kitchen, hopefully to get a weapon and let the others in. I stood there waiting to know just what I was meant to do when Pitbull nodded for me to go onto the first floor. I went up and saw Mario heading to the second floor where, if things were going right, Kensi and Sam would be with guns ready. Tank went down clearing some rooms when Pitbull grabbed my arm and threw me into a bedroom.
"We are a go! Sam, Kensi take Mario down silently. Deeks, Renko, Callen start at the bottom and clear the rooms. Coup, they should be with you in a second." Eric said over my ear piece but I got the feeling a second wasn't going to be quick enough.
"You want me to stay in here?" I asked plainly as Pitbull's face gave me nothing. Just stone cold killer.
"There's been a change." Pitbull said locking the door behind him and putting his pistol on the side. "And you're not leaving, Reed." He said taking a step closer to me. I pulled the wire cutters out of my back pocket and held them in my hand. It wasn't a great weapon, but I just needed to get to the gun.
"I really hate people who change things up mid game." I admitted glancing at the gun.
"Oh, you wont get to it." Pitbull said jumping forward a little, I took a step back and felt the bed behind me. Pitbull gave me a sick smile and shook his head. "Why are you all so stupid? As if I would share any of this with something so weak and pathetic." Pitbull said mocking me.
"Weak, and pathetic? Right." I said confidently as he glanced at my hand.
"G, Coup needs help. Pitbull's turned! Sam, second bedroom first floor. Guys, he's-" I herd Eric explain my situation as I watched Pitbull carefully. He lunged at me, knocking us both back onto the bed. He smashed my hand into the wooden frame making me drop the wire cutters before back handing my face. I gasped as the pain hit me.
"Stupid, weak, little things..." Pitbull joked as I brought my knee up to hit him in his balls. Pitbull clamped my leg in his and shook his head. "Oh no, nice try though." Pitbull smirked as he wrapped his hands around my throat. I grabbed at his hands, clawing at them as I tried to break free.
"Guys! Come on!" I herd Eric yell in my ear as spots started to form in my eyes. Pitbull was enjoying this way too much for my liking. I'd had enough of this, so I brought my arms up and hit him in his elbows, instantly knocking his hands away from my throat. I gasped for air, as I rolled to the left slightly.
"I forgot, you can fight." Pitbull said getting up and grabbing me by my hair. He dragged me off the bed and punched me in the guts, knocking what little air I had out in one blow. I doubled over on the floor and just managed to block his kicks to my ribs. There was pounding on the door and seconds later it burst open fallowed by two quick shots and Pitbull was laid on the floor next to me. They had shot him in the arm and I smirked as Sam and G raced over to me.
"Remember me Pitbull?" Sam asked with his gun aimed at the guy.
"You're dead." Pitbull said in utter confusion as G rushed down to my side to check me out.
"You ok?" He asked checking me out, I had a bust lip, red cheek, but I was going to be ok. I nodded as he helped me sit on the edge of the bed while I caught my breath.
"Better now." I smirked as I looked into the icy blues and saw the worry in them. The love in them.
"You know this classes as a cheap shot, right Coup?" Renko asked as he drove me to the airport. It had been three days, just three days since we caught Pitbull and his crew. They were going to be spending a long time in jail. But I knew I had to leave before Callen could get me alone again. I wasn't sure I was strong enough to leave if he asked me to stay.
"Why, cos you don't get to go out and get wasted?" I smirked as I pulled my aviators on. My lips was still a little swollen but I didn't look too bad.
"Exactly! We should have gone out and got wasted! As a team!" Renko added glancing at me. "You know, a few drinks, dances, you and G could-"
"Renko." I almost growled his name before I saw the smirk on his face.
"So it is because of him. I thought as much." Renko said seriously. He really didn't look impressed. In fact Renko looked damn right pissed off, and I rarely saw him mad. "I'm loosing my partner, my friend to the MOD, because of him." He spat out.
"Mike, it's not like that." I sighed turning to him. Renko had his hands tight on the wheel and wouldn't look at me.
"What'd he do?" Renko asked firmly, his eyes glued on the road.
"Nothing." I replied and Renko glanced at me looking unimpressed. "Look, I just... I can't stay round here. Things have got complicated." I sighed looking away.
"You love him." Renko said softly and I turned back to him with a questioning look. "Hey, we're partners, we know each other Coup. I saw the way he looks at you, the way you looked at him."
"I'll visit after The Stan, I promise." I said changing the subject as we pulled into the airport.
"You'd better, I need my wing man back soon." Renko smirked at me as we climbed out. Renko stayed with me while I booked in and sat around waiting for my flight back to the UK. We were laughing when they called my flight. I stood up and smirked at Renko as he stood there looking at me.
"So drinks in six months?" I asked clipping my aviators to my shirt.
"Hell to the yes!" Renko joked before pulling me into a hug. "Just stay safe out there." He whispered as we hugged.
"Always man. So, I'll try to get messages to you, so you know, you don't forget about how awesome I am." I joked. I hated goodbyes, I always had to make them into jokes otherwise I balled like a baby.
"Yeah, right." Renko laughed and then looked serious. "What do I tell the others?" He asked softly. I rubbed his arm and gave him a sad smile.
"Just let Hetty do it, I talked to her about it." I said with a small nod. I'd asked Hetty to let the team know after I left so that I could chicken out of the questions.
"Ok, well. Six months, don't forget!" Renko smirked as I took a deep breath. I smirked and walked to the gate alone.
I was stood in the queue to get on the plane. I was flying back to the UK to be briefed and then twenty hours after landing flying out to Afghanistan. I really wasn't looking forward to it because I could never sleep on planes, fear of dying did that to you. I sighed as I moved one more person to the gate.
"Coup! Cooper! Coup!" I herd someone shout my name. I turned around and saw Callen running over to me. My mind panicked I had no idea how he found out where I was, or that I was leaving. He raced over to me and grabbed my arm. "You can't leave." He said, his icy blue eyes locking on mine. I looked around, everyone was looking at me, and I spotted Renko and Sam stood. It looked like the pair had argued. I turned back to Callen and shook my head.
"I need to get this flight." I said pulling my arm free. Callen shook his head and grabbed hold of my waist, pulling me closer to him. He put one hand on my cheek as our lips crashed together again. My heart jumped out of my throat as I kissed him back. This was the one guy I loved and he was asking me to stay. But there was so many different secrets and I knew I'd hurt him if I got close. He stroked my cheek and the touch sent shivers down my spine. I wanted to be with him so much. We pulled apart and it was only then I realised I was crying. Only when G wiped the tear away from my cheek. The saddest of smiles crossing his lips as he rested his head on mine.
"Answer me one thing." He whispered as we stood there. For all I cared we were totally alone. Just me and him and the world faded away.
"G, don't... please." I begged as the emotion cracked my voice.
"Do you love me Alex?" He whispered and I felt the second tear fall. I looked into his icy blue eyes and smirked.
"I love you G Callen." I said softly and pressed my lips against him one last time. I wanted to remember it forever. The way his lips felt on mine, the way he sent shivers down my spine, his scent. Everything. Forever. "I gotta go..." I said taking a deep breath as we held each other.
"I know. Be safe Coup, and come back to me alive." Callen said kissing my forehead before taking a step back from me. Instantly I missed his warmth and his touch. I turned and waved to Sam and Renko, before taking one last look at Callen. I nodded to him and turned walking onto the plane without looking back.
Please review and let me know what you think =)