A/N: Apologies for the long delay in updating this story. I'm struggling somewhat with it and as I want to do it justice, I've left it alone and concentrated on I Should Have Waited. Hopefully my mojo is back and for that reason this chapter is extra long. Anyway you have my continued thanks for your patience and support. PS I hope I've got the information about the journey from LAX to Dovecote correct. I don't live in America so I just used Google maps.
Chapter 21
The next few days followed much the same routine with Callen getting up and swimming a few lengths before breakfast. After breakfast, he would do some gentle exercises in the gym before resting. Later on, after a light lunch, prepared in advance by Hetty, he would relax in the sun and stroll around the garden before swimming again. When Hetty arrived home, they would spend time together talking about each other's day over a pot of tea, choosing a specific blend to match their mood. Callen was feeling better day by day but still knew his limitations.
Sunday arrived and Hetty went to the airport to collect Gibbs, leaving Callen at home. Whilst he would have liked to accompany her, Callen sensed that she wanted to speak with Gibbs in private so he did not even bother to ask her. I'll have plenty of time to spend with Gibbs he decided.
Gibbs had managed to book a seat on an early commercial flight to LA, leaving at 6.20 am and landing at LAX at 10.15am. Gibbs travelled light with only hand luggage so there was no delay waiting for baggage from the plane's hold. Hetty was waiting at arrivals when he walked through customs.
"Good morning, Jethro" she said, as Gibbs bent to hug her. "How was your flight?"
"I slept all the way so I guess it was fine" Gibbs answered.
"Good" she said. "I'm so pleased you're able to come. Mr Callen is looking forward to seeing you."
"Speaking of Callen how is he?" asked Gibbs. "I thought he might be here to meet me."
"Mr Callen's doing rather well, I'm pleased to say" said Hetty as they walked to where her car was parked. "He's very perceptive, you know. He sensed I wanted a quiet word with you alone so didn't ask to come with me" added Hetty.
They reached Hetty's car and Gibbs let out a low whistle of appreciation as he eyed the Jaguar.
"Nice car, Hetty" he said. "It's a 1974 Jaguar E-Type XKE isn't it?"
"Thank you. You certainly know your cars, Jethro. Yes it is although my particular favourite is a 1955 Porsche Spyder, which unfortunately was crashed on a highway in Monte Carlo. My bad!" she said. "A story for another day I'm afraid. Please get in and we'll talk as I drive."
Gibbs listened to the purr of the engine as Hetty manoeuvred out of the parking space and on the exit road of the airport. He waited until Hetty accessed Interstate 405 north before he started talking.
"Is anything wrong with Callen?" he asked.
"Oh no, Jethro, everything's fine" she answered wanting to dispel his fears. "It's as I said on the phone, I'm worried that he'll try and rush things as soon as he feels better."
"I may have my work cut out for me but I'll ensure that he doesn't" assured Gibbs.
"Thank you. It means a lot to me knowing he's got you to watch over him" she said, momentarily taking her hand off the wheel and patting his arm.
The Sunday traffic in LA was light and Hetty soon turned off the Interstate and take the California State Route 2 which would lead them towards West Hollywood.
"You said Sam and his family are coming over today" said Gibbs. "How are they doing?"
"They're fine. I believe Kamran has gotten over the upset at the hospital and is anxious to see Mr Callen again. It'll be good for him to see her as well. He adores Sam's kids and they him. Sam has been very supportive and has spent a lot of time with him since he came out of hospital. He does try to mother him, much to Callen's annoyance" said Hetty.
Gibbs laughed. "I wouldn't expect anything else of either of them. I can see that Sam cares very much for Callen but knowing G as I do, after a while he'll get fed up with being mollycoddled. I'm surprised he agreed to me coming" added Gibbs.
"Ah, well" muttered Hetty. "Let's put it this way, he didn't get a choice" she added.
Gibbs glanced at Hetty who was concentrating on the road ahead and did not look at him but she looked a little uncomfortable under his glare.
"Hetty? What have you let me in for?" he asked.
"Whilst he's delighted that you're here, Mr Callen believes you're too busy to spend a lot of time with him despite being told it was your idea and it's been sanctioned by Leon. He also has an objection to having a 'babysitter' as he puts it" explained Hetty. She risked a quick look at Gibb's face and noticed he was rolling his eyes skyward. You look just like Mr Callen she thought. Hetty went on "Don't worry, Jethro, I'm sure everything will be fine."
They arrived at Dovecote and Hetty stopped in front of the steps to the front door. "I'll show you your room first and you can freshen up if you want" said Hetty and Gibbs followed her inside.
"Nice place you have, Hetty" Gibbs said as he looked around him
"Thank you. It's my favourite and Mr Callen feels comfortable here" she said. Gibbs made a mental note to ask Callen about Hetty's remark but did not push the issue with her. He knew that she would not divulge any personal information about him without Callen's knowledge or consent.
Hetty led Gibbs upstairs to his room and showed him where everything was. "Come down when you're ready and we can find Mr Callen. He's probably in the garden or the pool. We'll have time for some refreshments before I have to start lunch" said Hetty.
Gibbs came downstairs and found Hetty in the kitchen getting drinks prepared. "Go out to the garden and find Mr Callen" said Hetty, pointing towards the large French doors. "I'll bring the drinks. What do you want, Jethro? A cold drink or coffee?" she asked.
"A strong black coffee would be great" answered Gibbs as he wandered into the garden.
He soon espied the pool and made his way towards it. As he got closer he heard the telltale signs of someone swimming. Gibbs stood and watched Callen as he swam lengths with strong but smooth athletic strokes. Callen stopped and got out of pool grabbing his towel to dry himself. Looking up Callen spotted his old friend.
"Hey! I didn't hear you arrive" Callen said as he approached him. "Have a good flight?"
As Callen walked towards him, Gibbs noticed that his old scars had faded somewhat but were still in evidence. Gibbs eyes were then drawn to the new scars left by Dallas. The bruising had long since disappeared as had the long, shallow cuts. However the stab wounds and the scar from the surgery mending his broken arm were still very much in evidence.
"Yeah, slept all the way" Gibbs answered.
"Didn't have anyone to babble non-stop about boats, eh?" said Callen grinning. "Didn't they even get you a Sniper magazine?"
Gibbs laughed at Callen's comment as the two friends greeted each other warmly, hugging each other for longer than normal. Neither man was known for openly displaying their feelings but the hug spoke volumes.
Gibbs pulled away and choked back his emotion as Callen spoke with a hitch in his voice. "Let me go and change. Make yourself comfortable" said Callen indicating the loungers. "I'll come and join you shortly."
As Callen went indoors, he met Hetty. "Do you need a hand with that?" he asked indicating the tray of drinks she was carrying.
"Thank you but no, I can manage" she replied. "Will you be joining us?"
"Yeah, I'm just going up to change" he answered. "I'll be right back."
As she watched Callen take the stairs two at a time, Hetty shouted after him "Slow down, Mr Callen. Jethro isn't going anywhere soon!" Callen absently waved his hand at her in acknowledgement but did not slow down.
"He'll be the death of me" muttered Hetty as she joined Gibbs.
Gibbs leapt up and took the tray from her and placed it on the table under the parasol. He looked at her questioningly, tilting his head to one side.
"Mr Callen, he's just gone running up the stairs two at a time!" she explained exasperated.
Gibbs laughed. Hetty glared at him for a moment before laughing herself. Callen joined them shortly and when he sat down and looked at him, they started laughing again.
"What's so funny?" he asked, a little bemused by their behaviour.
"Nothing, G" said Gibbs trying to keep a straight face but not succeeding.
"I don't know what you're laughing about but it's good to hear Hetty laugh again. It's been a long time" he said.
Hetty reached out and took his hand and squeezed it. "Until recently, I've had no reason to laugh, not until I knew you were going to be alright" she said. Callen squeezed her hand in return. "Now who's ready for a drink?" she asked, handing Gibbs a cup of coffee and pouring tea for Callen and herself.
They sat chatting about Gibbs's work, Hetty's house and garden and anything else that came into their minds. Hearing voices, Callen said "I think Sam and his family have arrived. I'll go and get them."
Kamran saw Callen and ran to greet him, jumping into his arms, nearly knocking him off his feet.
"Uncle Callen!" she yelled at the same time as Sam yelled "Kamran! Take it easy".
"Sorry" Kamran mumbled. "Did I hurt you?"
"It's okay, princess, I'm fine. How are you?" he asked, catching her and swinging her round.
"I'm good. Where's the pool?" she asked excitedly.
"Kamran!" said her mother, sternly. "Don't be rude."
"Sorry" she said dejectedly.
Callen put her down and hugged Sam and Michelle in turn and then gave Aiden, who was lagging behind, a shoulder hug.
"It's good to see you all" said Callen. "Come this way; Hetty and Gibbs are over here" continued Callen, taking Kamran's hand and walking towards where Hetty and Gibbs were sitting.
Hetty and Gibbs stood up when they saw Callen and the Hanna family approaching and went to greet them. Hetty hugged Michelle.
"Hello, my dear. How are you? I'm so pleased you could come" she said.
"Thank you, Hetty. It's very kind of you to have us all over" answered Michelle.
"You remember Agent Gibbs?" said Hetty.
"Of course" said Michelle as you turned to greet Gibbs. "It's good to see you again, Agent Gibbs."
"Please, just Gibbs is fine. You too and under happier circumstances this time" he said, pulling her into a quick hug.
He had already greeted Sam and Michelle and had been introduced to Aiden. Now he turned his attention to Sam's daughter, who was holding onto Callen's hand and leg tightly, looking up at Gibbs bashfully from under her eyelashes.
"Now who is this pretty little lady?" he said crouching down to her level. "Have I met you before?" he asked.
Kamran smiled at him and said "Yes! Don't you remember? I was at the hospital seeing Uncle Callen and you were there too."
"Naw! That wasn't you" said Gibbs. "She was such a little girl. You're a lady" he said smiling.
Callen, Sam and Michelle exchanged glances and smiled at how well Gibbs was coaxing Kamran out of her shell.
Kamran released Callen's hand and took a couple of steps towards Gibbs. She looked up at him and said "No, silly, that was me but I'm a bit older and bigger now."
"Kamran! Watch your manners" warned Sam.
"I'm sorry Mr Gibbs" said Kamran.
"You can call me Uncle Gibbs, if you'd like" said Gibbs.
Kamran looked around and caught Callen's eye and he nodded, smiling. She then looked over at her parents who also gave their consent. Gibbs held out his arms to her and she went to him and he swept her up into his arms, stood up and gave her a big hug. Walking back over to the chairs he sat down with Kamran on his lap. The others found seats and joined him. Hetty handed out drinks and they all chatted.
After a little while, Kamran started to fidget. "What's up Banana Hanna?" asked Callen who had noticed.
"When can I go in the pool?" she asked.
Callen turned to Hetty and asked "Do we have time before lunch?"
Hetty glanced at her watch. "Yes. I haven't started it yet so you've got about two hours."
"Do you want me to help you with lunch?" he asked.
"No, thank you Mr Callen" she said. "I think your talents best lie with entertaining our guests."
"Oh Hetty, that hurts! Are you saying that I'm of no use in the kitchen?" he asked with mock indignation.
"Not at all, my boy, you're extremely helpful, as long as you're not actually cooking!" she said smiling.
Gibbs smiled at the carefree banter between the pair. He knew Callen and Hetty had history and that they were close. He knew that Hetty had hardly left his bedside when Callen was in hospital and he was pleased to witness the exchange.
"Do you have your swimming costume with you, Kam?" Callen asked.
"I'm wearing it already" Kamran answered. "I just need to take off my top and skirt" she added.
"Okay, I've just got to change into my swim shorts and I'll be back" said Callen. "Did you bring yours, Big Guy?" asked Callen of Sam. Sam nodded. "Aiden?" asked Callen and he confirmed that he had as well. "What about you, Gibbs? You coming in? I've got a spare pair if you didn't bring yours with you?"
"I did bring them but I'll take a rain check this time" said Gibbs. "I'll chat with Hetty and Michelle and watch you guys."
"Okay. Won't be long" said Callen as he rushed off to change.
"G! Slow down" said Sam, being the mother hen "we're not going anywhere soon!"
"Leave him be, Sam" said Michelle. "He's obviously feeling better and is pleased we're all here."
"I know, babe" answered Sam "but I can't help worrying. We almost lost him and I don't want him to overdo it and put his recovery back" added Sam.
"That's the reason Jethro is here, Sam" said Hetty gently. "He'll make sure Mr Callen follows a sensible regime for his continued recovery. In the meantime, let him enjoy his time playing with your kids. If you're going in the pool as well then you can keep an eye on him too. The serious work of rehabilitation starts tomorrow. He needs today to relax."
Callen reappeared shortly wearing his swim shorts and carrying several towels, which he laid on a vacant lounger. "In case you didn't bring towels" he said. "C'mon, who's ready to get wet?" he said laughing.
Sam and the kids had stripped down to their swim wear already and were waiting for Callen before getting in the pool.
"I am, Uncle Callen!" shouted Kamran, jumping up and down in excitement.
"Okay, last one in is it!" said Callen as he watched Sam, Aiden and Kamran all rush towards the pool and jump in. They all surfaced, laughing and looking around for each other.
"Hey, G" called Sam, seeing his friend still standing by the side of the pool. "I guess you're it!"
"Guess I am" said Callen as he went towards the steps. As he stood on the top step, he turned and faced Hetty and said "See, I'm being good."
"Thank you, Mr Callen. I appreciated it" she answered smiling. "Now go and be with our guests."
She watched him go down the steps into the pool pretending that the water was too cold. In reality it was heated to a pleasant temperature and she knew he was messing about to entertain Sam's kids, who had now taken to splash him. Sam started to join in as well. Callen was now in the pool but still pretending it was too cold. Kamran came too close to him and he grabbed her, lifting her out of the water. She shrieked with joy as he gently threw her back into the water. She surfaced and laughing came back to him to do it again. Sam and Aiden had found a beach ball and were throwing it to each other and soon Kamran and Callen joined in the game.
Hetty, Michelle and Gibbs were watching the action from their vantage point and were laughing at the antics. Gibbs could see the undisguised look of affection on Hetty's face as she watched Callen play with Sam's daughter.
"He's really good with the kids" said Gibbs, a little surprised. He had not seen this side to his friend.
"Yes, he is although he says he's only good with Aiden and Kamran" agreed Hetty continuing to watch the pool. "He's got an affinity with all children. I've witnessed it on several occasions when children have been used as tools by others in a case" she added.
"My kids adore him" said Michelle. "They think the world of him and it's not because he spoils them rotten especially Kamran! He's funny, really thoughtful and enjoys their company. They were both really upset when he was hurt. Aiden was especially sorry that he couldn't come to see him in hospital because of his academy obligations. That's why he insisted on coming today; he's got to go back tonight."
"It's got to be good for him to relax and enjoy himself in their company" said Gibbs. "Sam's good for him too. It's obvious he cares for him."
"Yes he does" agreed Michelle. "G's like a brother to him and Sam worries about him but he has a tendency to go overboard with it."
Hetty laughed "Indeed, he does. He does tend to be a mother hen around the team but especially towards Mr Callen." She paused and watched the pool before glancing at her watch. "Oh my, is that the time? If I don't start cooking, we won't be having lunch until dinner time! Excuse me, won't you."
"Can I help you at all?" asked Michelle.
"Not at the moment, thank you my dear. Perhaps a little later I can call on you for assistance?" Hetty answered.
"Of course, just shout when you need me" said Michelle and watched as Hetty went back into the house leaving her and Gibbs to while away the time.
After a while Callen got out of the pool leaving Sam and his kids to play.
"Are you okay G?" asked Michelle a little worried.
"I'm fine. I'm a bit tired as I've already been swimming this morning. I don't want to overdo it" he answered, wrapping himself in a towel and sitting down with Michelle and Gibbs. After a while Callen got up and went inside. Sam and the kids got out of the pool and dried themselves off before sitting with Gibbs and Michelle.
Michelle got up and said "I'm going to see if Hetty needs a hand. I'll leave you two to chat. Aiden, Kamran behave yourselves and don't pester Gibbs or your Dad."
Inside Michelle found her way to the kitchen by following the joyous sound of easy banter. There she found Hetty and Callen working together getting lunch together.
"Hi, Mich" said Callen smiling. "Getting bored out there?"
"Not at all. I just thought I'd leave Sam chat to Gibbs. Do you need a hand" she asked.
"Oh, you could lay the table please" said Hetty. "G, please show Michelle where everything is."
Callen took Michelle to the cupboard where the dinner service and cutlery was kept and together they took everything into the dining room.
Callen put the plates on the warmer and went back to kitchen whilst Michelle laid the table for seven people. Soon everything was ready and Hetty asked Callen to call the others in from the garden.
When they all came in, Hetty indicated where they should sit and Callen and Michelle helped bring in the meat loaf, mashed potatoes and vegetables. Hetty carved the meat loaf and put it on the warmed plates and Callen handed out the plates to Michelle, then Kamran, Gibbs, Sam and finally Aiden. He then took the plates for Hetty and himself and put them down on table where they were sitting.
On seeing that lunch was comprised of meatloaf Kamran said joyously "Oh goody! My favourite! I'm sooo hungry after being in the pool."
Everyone laughed and Hetty said "Well it's a good thing I made so much. Come on, eat up everyone or it'll get cold!" she said and she watched happily as everyone especially her boy tucked into their food.