Chapter 4

Hetty took a deep breath and entered the room just ahead of Sam. When she saw Callen lying motionless on the bed amongst all the wires and tubes, she gasped and grabbed for Sam's arm to steady herself, for what she was confronted with was not at all what she imagined. His face was almost unrecognisable with his eyes swollen shut and his face distorted by the bruising and swelling, together with a shaved head and gauze covering the area of the skull where they had operated. The only sound was the bleeping of the heart monitor and the steady rise and fall of the ventilator helping him breathe.

Sam helped her to a chair and they sat down. "I've seen some terrible things in my life but I'll never get over what men can do to each other" said Hetty.

"Me too" said Sam. "Hetty, tell me to mind my own business, but what is Dr Grant to you? He's not Navy so I'm wondering why he's being so accommodating."

"I'm his godmother. He's the son of a close friend of mine, now dead I'm afraid. My friend made me one of the executors of the trust that he put aside for Michael's education. We've kept in touch over the years and when he decided to train as a doctor, I put him in touch with some friends who could help him."

"He's not one of your orphans then?" enquired Sam.

"No, Sam, he's not. I know you want to stay with Mr Callen and believe me when I say I'm not trying to get rid of you, but shouldn't you go home to your family?"

"I'll stay a little while before I go home and let Michelle know. We'll have to decide what to tell Kamran – she expects to see her Uncle Callen most days and will wonder where he is. But I'll be back tomorrow morning to spell you."

"Thanks, Sam. Before you go, I'll contact Granger and the others to let them know how he is. I'll update Director Vance as well as Granger will have told him the news. Not sure about Granger, but I know the others will want to come and visit as well so we will need to set up a rota of sorts. Unfortunately, we will have to keep working as well".

Hetty stood up and left the room, leaving Sam sitting in the chair by Callen's bed. Hetty glanced back and noticed Sam was holding Callen's hand and talking to him quietly. She went to an area where she could phone the Ops Centre and spoke to Granger, who put the call on speaker at Hetty's request so that Kensi, Deeks, Nell and Eric could all hear about the Callen's condition.

"Dr Grant and the hospital staff have been very good. We can come and go as we please but only 2 can be in the room at any one time. I will stay at Callen's side for most of the time as I'm sure will Sam – I can be contacted easily enough if I'm needed desperately but I'm sure Assistant Director Granger will be happy to take the lead for the time being. Obviously you will all wish to visit at same stage so we can work that out so that any cases we're working on aren't compromised. After I speak to Director Vance, I'll go back to the room to let Sam go home to speak to Michelle."

Kensi spoke, "Is it OK if I call in on my way home, Hetty?"

"Of course, my dear. I'll see you later."

Once Hetty hung up, there was chatter amongst the team until they all went their separate ways.

Hetty phoned Director Vance "Hello Leon, have you been briefed?"

"Yes, Henrietta, Owen has given me a run down, but I don't know all the details. But first, how is Agent Callen?"

"Critical but stable at the moment. He suffered tremendous and traumatic injuries from beatings and stabbings. It's a wonder he's alive from what the Dr has said and what I've seen. " She went on to catalogue some of the injuries.

"I'm sorry Henrietta. Callen is a good man and a great agent. You can be proud that because of his work the group was taken down."

"Yes, I'm very proud, not just of Mr Callen but the whole team. But sometimes I think the price is too high" concluded Hetty.

"I agree but unfortunately this scenario is part of the job description. He's fit and strong and I'm sure he'll pull through. Keep me posted on his condition, Henrietta."

"I will, Leon" as they ended the call.

Hetty went back to the room where Sam was still sitting with his partner. "Did you speak to the team and the Director?"asked Sam.

"Yes, they've been fully updated; Kensi, and no doubt Mr Deeks, will call in on their way home. Director Vance sends his congratulations on a job well done as well as wishing Mr Callen well."

"I'll wait till Kensi and Deeks come before I leave but I'll be back before work tomorrow."

"That's fine" said Hetty as Sam moved to the other chair so she could be next to Callen.

It wasn't long before Sam noticed Kensi & Deeks outside the room. He went out to see them, hugging Kensi and shaking hands with Deeks.

"How's he doing?" asked Deeks.

"Critical but hanging in there" answered Sam, "Go on in, Kens" as she slipped past him, patting his arm, to go sit next to Hetty. They exchanged a few words before Hetty got up & came out.

"Mr Deeks, give her a few moments & then go in. I think she'll need your support. This is likely to bring back unwanted memories of Afghanistan" said Hetty.

They chatted amongst themselves about Callen, how the others were taking it until Sam noticed that Kensi had turned her head away from Callen, looking out the window. He nudged Deeks, who nodded his understanding and quietly entered the room, sat down next to her and put his arm round her shoulders. Still clutching Callen's hand, she turned and buried her face into Deeks's shoulder, sobbing.

Hetty turned back to Sam "Oh dear and she was doing so well."

"She is, Hetty. She's tough, much stronger than she thinks but as you know it was quite an ordeal for her and this" indicating Callen "has brought it all back as you thought it would. We're close as team and this has hit her every bit as hard as it's hit me – and you. We may think of you as the invincible ninja, the legend that is Henrietta Lang but we know you have a soft side" Seeing Hetty's disapproving look "OK, softer side" he smiled and Hetty smiled back. "And given your history with G. Give her time, she'll be strong for him and the team"

"Yes, you're right Sam. I know she'll be fine. You get off now. Yes, of course I'll let you know immediately if there's any change" she said to his unasked question.

Hetty turned to watch her other agent and the LAPD liaison officer with Callen. Kensi stood to kiss Callen gently on the cheek before placing her hand on Deeks's shoulder and left the room leaving Deeks alone with Callen.

Hetty held out her hands to Kensi which she took. "Are you OK my dear?"

"I'm fine. It just hit me seeing him lying there like that … so still .. he's like a brother to me and I hate to think of him hurt like that. It brought it all back .. what happened to me" Kensi was obviously very emotional and had difficulty getting the words out.

"There, there," said Hetty hugging her. "It's alright to feel this way – it's only natural. And that experience is still raw. Mr Callen will pull through, I'm sure. It is difficult for us all. We must help each other."

"Thank you. I'll be fine. And I will be strong for Callen and the team," said Kensi wiping her eyes as Deeks left the room, his normally smiling face shrouded with concern.

"Mr Deeks? Asked Hetty

"Yes, Hetty? Oh," he said as he realised why she'd spoken "Everything's fine. I know what we do can be dangerous but this is just unreal" nodding his head at the scene behind him. "When can we come back & sit with him?"

"Give it a couple of days in case the others want to come. But of course we can work something out."

When they left Hetty returned to continue her vigil with her lead agent.