A/N: as Idon't live in the US & it's been a long time since I was last in LA, I had to rely heavily on internet research for tourist options in LA so please forgive me if I've made any mistakes. This chapter is a little longer than normal and I'm afraid there's not much action so please forgive me. However, please read and review as your comments mean a lot to me. Thanks for your continued support
Chapter 30
When Abby phoned Callen the next day to let him know her flight details and time of arrival, she was bubbling with excitement at the prospect of visiting her friends in LA. On Sunday, the day of Abby's arrival, Gibbs and Callen went to the airport to meet her. Gibbs drove as Callen had not been cleared to drive because of the injury to his hand. They parked up, entered the arrivals hall and looked at the board to see that her flight had landed and that the luggage was in the baggage hall. They waited patiently searching the crowd for their friend. As soon as Abby caught sight of Callen she ran, as much as her platform boots would allow, and wrapped her arms around Callen with such force that she nearly knocked him over. He hugged her back, warmed by her exuberance.
"Hey be careful with him Abs" warned Gibbs. "He's not 100% yet."
"I'm fine Gibbs" said Callen grinning. "I'm pleased to see you too Abs. Glad you could make it." Releasing Callen she then went to Gibbs and fiercely hugged him as well. Callen smiled as he noticed that Gibbs gave her a kiss on the top of her head. Abby was a special person to encourage that reaction from people especially someone as stoic as Gibbs.
"Oh I wasn't going to take 'No' for an answer" said Abby releasing Gibbs from her embrace. "Anyway Vance didn't need much persuading."
"He had a word with Hetty and she put him straight I think" said Callen his eyes twinkling with mirth at the thought. "C'mon let's get you and your bags to the car. How long are you staying?" laughed Callen when he saw the size of her suitcase she had with her.
"Just a week if that's okay with Hetty and if I don't get called back for a case" answered Abby.
"I don't think it'll be a problem and if DC gets a case you should be able to work from OPS rather than going home" replied Callen.
They drove straight back to Dovecote. Gibbs stopped outside the front door and got out to get the luggage out of the trunk. He helped Callen take them inside before getting back in the car and driving to the garage to park it. On hearing the front door open, Hetty came from the kitchen to greet them.
"Miss Sciuto, so pleased you could come" said Hetty taking both of Abby's hands in hers. "Did you have a pleasant flight?"
Abby bent down and hugged Hetty. "Yes thanks. I'm so glad to be here. Thank you so much for letting me stay."
"Anytime my dear" replied Hetty. "You had no problems getting the time off?"
"No and I believe I have you to thank for that as well" said Abby. "Callen said you had a word with Director Vance."
Hetty smiled. "Let's just say I alleviated all Leon's concerns. Come, let me show you your room before we have some tea." Turning to Callen, Hetty said "Mr Callen, are you able to bring up the luggage without hurting your hand further?"
"Sure" said Callen picking up the bags.
At that moment, Gibbs came in and said "Hey G, let me take the suitcase." The two men proceeded to transport Abby's luggage upstairs to her room.
"I'll leave you to get settled. When you're ready, come down and we'll have drinks in the lounge" said Hetty as she turned to go back downstairs. As soon as Callen and Gibbs had deposited Abby's luggage in the room, they left her and went downstairs too.
After a while Abby came to join the others downstairs in the lounge. "Hetty you have a beautiful home" she said.
"Thank you my dear" said Hetty. "I must admit it's my favourite although I do love my yacht."
"You have a yacht?" asked Abby in disbelief.
"Yes although I rarely have the time to do any sailing nowadays" answered Hetty, her voice tinged with a little sadness.
"She also has at least two other houses to my knowledge" added Callen with a grin. "Apart from this one, my particular favourite is her beach house at Venice."
Hetty smiled and said "Mr Callen has always loved the beach and the ocean."
Abby knew that Henrietta Lange was an enigma and only a few people knew some of her background. However there was so much about Callen that people did not know, even his closest friends and some of which even Callen was unaware of. Abby had no idea that Hetty had all these properties or that Callen was aware of them. Abby just stared at Callen and Hetty in disbelief and for once she was lost for words. Gibbs grinned at Abby's predicament and said "Now that's a first." Abby gave him a glare but then broke into a smile.
"What would you like to drink my dear?" asked Hetty. "I have coffee and a range of teas but I've got in some Caf-Pow especially for you as I've been reliably informed that it's your preferred beverage."
"Oh Hetty, you didn't have to go to such lengths but thank you, I'll have some Caf-Pow" replied Abby.
Callen went with Hetty to the kitchen to get the drinks, leaving Abby and Gibbs chatting in the lounge. They returned shortly with the drinks and Callen gave Abby a glass of Caf-Pow, Gibbs his coffee whilst Hetty and he had tea. The quartet chatted about Abby's flight and what was going on in DC. Callen asked about members of the team and how they were faring.
When there was a lull in conversation, Hetty announced "Miss Sciuto, I have a surprise for you. As it's been some time since you've been out here and the visit was memorable for all the wrong reasons, I thought it would be nice if you met up with the team again and of course meet those members who weren't with us at the time. They'll be over this evening for a meal."
"Oh Hetty you shouldn't have gone to so much trouble but I must admit it would be wonderful to see everyone again" replied Abby leaping up and giving Hetty an enthusiastic hug which Hetty returned. Releasing Hetty from her embrace, Abby added "It'll be good to see Eric again although we keep in touch regularly. I think I'll stay away from Steampunk this time just in case …."
"The Phantom is dead Abby" said Gibbs. "Callen killed him when he rescued you."
"And for that I'll be forever grateful, G Callen" said Abby as she went over and gave him a hug.
"Pff" grunted Callen as the air was knocked out of his lungs. When he got his breath back he said "You're welcome Abby Sciuto. I'll do anything for you."
"Everyone is bringing something so you see I'm not doing all the work but I think it'll be an enjoyable evening" said Hetty. "They haven't had much of a chance to see Callen although he popped into the office to see them after his hospital visit and only Sam has seen Jethro since his arrival."
"Can I do anything to help?" asked Abby.
"Thank you my dear but no. You're a guest so just sit back and enjoy yourself" answered Hetty. "They're coming over about 6.30 pm so if you need a rest then don't hesitate to go upstairs."
"I'm fine but I'd like to see more of your home and the gardens if that's okay" asked Abby.
"Of course my dear" answered Hetty. "I'm sure Mr Callen would be pleased to show you around."
"Sure, whenever you're ready Abs" replied Callen.
When Abby was ready, Callen showed her around the house. He showed her the bedrooms, including his own but not Hetty's. Abby was intrigued by Callen's room as it had all the attributes of a young boy's room and not that of an adult. When Abby commented on this, Callen explained.
"Hetty took me out of the foster system as an unruly fifteen year old and took me in. I came to live with her here at Dovecote and this was my room. You can see that Hetty instilled in me a love of books. She eventually set me on the right path although I think I fought her every inch of the way at first. When I went away to college and finally left home, Hetty kept the room as I had left it, reassuring me that it would always be mine and I could come back anytime" he said.
"I had no idea" said Abby, genuinely touched by her friend's story. She knew he was a private man with only a few knowing some of his past and she felt privileged to be told a little of his background. "I realised you and Hetty were close but I never dreamed that you'd lived with her."
"It's not something I advertise" Callen said. "Between us, Hetty and I have a large number of enemies. Neither of us would want the other, or any of our friends, to be put in danger because of our 'relationship'. Our work is dangerous enough as it is."
"I understand and of course I would never say anything" replied Abby.
"Hey I'm not suggesting that you would" answered Callen. "I was just explaining one of the reasons why it's not common knowledge. Shall we go downstairs and see the library?"
Abby nodded and with a final look around her friend's boyhood room, she followed Callen downstairs. He showed her the formal dining room as they passed it and then into the library. "This was one of my favourite rooms as a kid" announced Callen and Abby saw that he was smiling at the early memories. "Still is."
"Wow!" said Abby as she entered and walked around the room, taking time to look at the titles of some of the books on the bookcase that filled one whole wall. "How many languages can Hetty speak?" asked Abby when she noticed that at least half of the books were not in English.
"Oh I've lost track" replied Callen. "Let's see. She's fluent in Russian, French, German, Spanish, Romanian, Czech and Arabic." Callen grinned when he saw the look on Abby's face. "Oh I forgot she can also speak Mandarin, Hebrew, Hungarian, Pashto and Welsh. I think she can speak, or at least make herself understood, in Vietnamese."
"How did you get on with reading the books if they're in a foreign language?" asked Abby intrigued by how Callen learnt to speak so many languages as she knew he could.
"Well Hetty taught me some and would read to me from them. That's when I discovered I had a natural ability for languages and was able to pick them up quickly" he explained. "You ready to see the garden?" asked Callen.
Abby nodded and Callen reached for her hand and had to pull her away from the books. He took her out through the kitchen to the garden and showed her the pool area first of all. "You can use it anytime you want" said Callen. "If you haven't got a bathing suit then we can buy one or you may find that Hetty has some that she keeps specifically for guests. I swim every morning to try and get my fitness back. I can't do more physical stuff until my hand heals."
"It's got to be so hard for you" said Abby sympathising.
Callen shrugged. "I'll admit I get frustrated and angry but it only spurs me on to get better. I've been there before and managed to come back so I've just got to be patient." Callen's broke into a grin and Abby looked at him quizzically. "I'm not renowned for my patience" he explained and Abby smiled at him. "Come and see the rest of the garden" Callen said as he took her by the hand and lead her in the direction of the main garden.
As they passed through a gap in a hedge interspersed with honeysuckle they entered a wonderland of a hidden garden. A breath of wonder escaped Abby. "This is beautiful. I had no idea it was here" she exclaimed.
"I know" agreed Callen. "This is my favourite part of the garden. I would escape here to think, or sulk, when I was younger. I still find it very peaceful and therapeutic. I'll let you explore it by yourself" said Callen and when Abby looked at him with concern he added "No, I'm fine, really. I'm just a little tired. I'm going for a lie down before everyone arrives." He gave her a peck on the cheek and left her alone in the garden.
Inside he sought out Hetty. "I've left Abby to explore the garden and I'm going upstairs to rest before the meal tonight."
"Are you alright my dear?" asked Hetty, placing her hand on Callen's arm.
"Yeah, just a little tired. I'll be okay after a nap" he assured her bending down a giving her a kiss on the cheek. Hetty smiled and watched him go upstairs to his room. When she heard the door close she turned away and went into the lounge.
After exploring the garden Abby came back into the house and went to her room to freshen up and change for the evening. When she was ready she went downstairs and found Gibbs and Hetty in the lounge. Joining them she asked "When is everybody due?"
"About 6.30" replied Hetty. "I plan to eat about 7. I appreciate it's been a long day for you and you must be tired so I didn't want it to be a very late affair."
"Oh I'm fine" said Abby. "As long as there's Caf-Pow!" Gibbs laughed and Hetty smiled. "Is Callen alright?" asked Abby. "He went in to rest some time ago and I haven't seen him since."
"He says he's fine" answered Hetty "but he tends to say that even when he's not. I know he gets tired quickly although he tries to hide it from me. Still I shouldn't worry as it hasn't been all that long since he came out of hospital." Glancing at her watch Hetty said "Look at the time. The others will be here soon. Why don't you go up and see if he's awake" Hetty suggested to Abby.
As she rose to go, Gibbs warned "Abs, if he's still asleep, don't try and wake him by shaking him. He has a tendency to over react. Just shout at him till he stirs."
Abby nodded her head in acknowledgement and went upstairs to Callen's room. She tapped lightly on the door but got no response. She knocked louder and called out his name but still got no answer. Tentatively she opened the door and peered inside. The room was gloomy as Callen had pulled the curtains to block out the bright California sun so he could sleep. Abby could see the shape of his body on the bed and walked over to it. She was just about to place her hand on his shoulder when she remembered Gibbs' warning. Bringing her hand back to her side Abby said "Callen, you awake?" Saying his name louder, Abby jumped back in surprise as Callen sat bolt upright in bed ready to attack.
Callen looked up into Abby's face. Her hands were up around her face and she wore an expression of uncertainty tinged with fright. With genuine concern evident in his voice, Callen said gently "Abs, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to frighten you!"
"Gibbs warned me but I still didn't think you'd react like that!" she answered, quickly composing herself, lowering her hands and taking a step towards Callen.
Callen swung his legs out of bed and reached for her hand. He stood up and hugged her. "I'm truly sorry. Y'know I'd never hurt you" he said. "Well, not knowingly anyway."
"It's okay, Callen, really. I'm fine" she said. Abby was intrigued to know why he reacted as he did so she asked. "What makes you do it?"
Callen shrugged. "I guess it's years of trying to stay one step ahead of my enemies." Abby knew Callen was not telling the truth, at least not the whole truth but she let the subject go as she thought he was uncomfortable about admitting the real reason.
"I'm sorry I had to wake you but Hetty said the others would be here soon. She thought you'd like to be ready when they arrived" Abby explained.
"Is that the time?" said Callen. "I didn't think I'd slept so long. Yeah I'd like to be there when they arrive so I guess I'd better get ready." As Abby turned to leave, Callen said "Abs, are you really okay?"
Turning back to Callen she wrapped her arms around him and gave him a big hug as she said "Yes, I'm fine. I just wasn't prepared for your reaction to being woken that's all. Now I know it won't be a problem if I have to wake you again" she added with a big smile. She kissed him on the cheek and left the room to go downstairs. Callen shook his head in disbelief at Abby's positive nature and began to get ready for the arrival of his friends.
When Abby entered the lounge, Gibbs looked at her quizzically recognising her slightly unsettled demeanour. "Abs, what happened?" he asked.
"Nothing" answered Abby. Gibbs looked at her with a slight tilt of his head as if he was not convinced. "Really Gibbs, nothing happened. I just wasn't prepared for his reaction at being woken."
"You didn't touch him did you my dear?" asked Hetty evidently concerned.
"No, I remembered Gibbs's warning just in time" Abby replied. "I just spoke his name loudly. He did startle me though but I'm fine and he was very apologetic."
Hetty and Gibbs breathed a sigh of relief. They had both been on the receiving end of Callen's reaction to be awoken or touched when he was not expecting it in the early days before they had learnt how to handle him. They knew how painful it could be and how guilty Callen always felt afterwards.
"As long as you're okay" said Gibbs. Abby nodded in the affirmative.
"Is Mr Callen getting ready?" asked Hetty.
"Yes" answered Abby. "He said he'll be down shortly and well before anyone arrives."
"Good. Now excuse me. I've some things to do myself before they arrive" said Hetty leaving Gibbs and Abby together.
"Don't say anything Gibbs" said Abby when she noticed the tell tale look in his eyes. "I'm fine. He didn't touch me and he's extremely sorry he frightened me. Now just leave it at that."
"Okay" said Gibbs.
Callen joined them and Gibbs could tell that his friend was still feeling guilty regarding his reaction to Abby waking him. To try to allay his concerns Gibbs said "Don't beat yourself up Callen. You didn't hurt her. You just startled her that's all."
"I know but …" said Callen, his words tailing off.
"No buts G Callen" interrupted Abby. "I'm fine." She looked into his face seeing the guilt evident there. "We good?" she asked.
Callen looked at Gibbs and Abby before answering. "Yeah but…"
"I'm won't hear any more about it" Abby said sharply. "Now are we good?"
There was a knock on the front door as Callen was deliberating. Callen smiled weakly and said "Yeah, we're good Abs."
"Good I'm glad that's settled. Now let's go and see who's arrived" she replied grabbing Callen by the hand and dragging him to the front door, her excitement clearing showing.
Opening the front door Callen and Abby saw Deeks and Kensi. Kensi stepped inside and gave Callen a big hug. "Abs, you remember Kensi?" said Callen as Kensi released him.
"Of course I do. How are you?" Abby said as Kensi turned to Abby and hugged her too.
"I'm fine. It's good to see you again Abby" said Kensi warmly. "This is Deeks" indicating Deeks who stood behind them.
"Hi, I'd hug you but my hands are full" said Deeks giving Abby one of his goofy smiles as he nodded to the tray of lasagne that he was carrying.
Callen stepped forward and said "Let me take that. I'll get it to Hetty and you can be introduced properly."
"Thanks man" said Deeks. "Careful, it's still hot" as he handed over the dish to his team leader who turned and went to the kitchen.
Kensi introduced Deeks formally to Abby. "This Detective Martin Deeks, our LAPD Liaison Officer and my partner."
"Pleased to meet you Martin" said Abby, reaching out to hug him.
"Only my mama calls me Martin. Call me Deeks, everyone else does" he said grinning warmly at Abby as she hugged him. "I've heard so much about you from the guys. You're a true legend to them and everyone's so excited you're here" he babbled.
"Well they're my heroes too and I'm really glad to be here" said Abby. "My last visit didn't go so well and I was only out here a short while when Callen was in hospital. When he invited me out, I just had to come."
"Yeah, I'm glad he's on the mend. It was pretty touch and go for a while but he proved he's a fighter" said Deeks. "I heard about your run-in with the Phantom. That must've been terrifying."
"Yeah it was but I had faith in the team that they'd rescue me and kill that sicko" said Abby. Her voice was laced with pride remembering how the team rescued her but there was more than a touch of anger and digest at what the Phantom had done to her and what he had planned to do.
At that moment there was a knock at the door and Kensi turned round to open it. Sam stood on the doorstep carrying a bowl of salad. He stepped inside and hugged Kensi, shoulder hugged Deeks and stepped towards Abby.
"Abby Sciuto, it's good to see you again" he said warmly, hugging her.
"You too Sam. How are you?" she asked.
"Good" he replied. "Pleased Callen is on the mend and that you and Gibbs are here to keep an eye on him. Speaking of Callen, where is he?"
"He went to the kitchen to give Hetty the lasagne Deeks bought" answered Abby.
"Okay. I best get this to Hetty too" Sam said nodding down at the bowl he carried. "I'll catch you later."
Kensi, Deeks and Abby went into the lounge where Gibbs was sitting and after greeting him, introduced Deeks to him. Hetty, Callen and Sam came out of the kitchen to join the throng and they all chatted easily until they heard another knock on the door. Hetty began to rise from her seat but Callen laid a hand on her arm. "I'll go" he said getting up.
Nell and Eric stood on the doorstep and she beamed widely at Callen, pleased to see him looking so well. Eric however was a little distracted looking behind Callen and not interacting with him.
"Eric, what's up?" asked Callen.
"Where is she?" asked Eric excitedly.
"Where's who?" teased Callen keeping a straight face
.
"Abby of course" said Eric. "I thought she was here."
"She was but she had to leave unexpectedly" announced Callen.
Eric's facial expression immediately dropped into one of disappointment and disbelief. "What? She's gone back already? Without saying goodbye? Or even hello?" he moaned.
Nell was trying hard to stop herself from laughing. Eric had been driving her mad all day about seeing Abby and bestowing stories about her genius. Nell was well aware of Abby's exploits and respected and admired her greatly. Nell was not really a jealous person however Eric's constant chatter was wearing thin and she secretly enjoyed Callen's teasing. Just then Abby walked into the hall and espied Eric. Tottering towards him in her platforms she hugged him. As soon as he saw Abby, Eric's face burst into a wide grin as he hugged her in return.
"Callen said you'd left" complained Eric glaring at Callen.
Abby shot Callen one of her icy glares but he just grinned and shrugged. "It never fails to amuse me how easy it is to wind him up. Sorry Eric" said Callen.
"Abby, you've not met Nell Jones, our Intelligence Analyst and newest field recruit" said Callen.
"No but I've heard all about you from Eric" said Abby directing her attention to Nell. "He doesn't stop talking about you" she added.
Nell blushed and said "I'm sorry. I had no idea" answered Nell a little bewildered and embarrassed.
"Hey it's not a problem Nell. In fact it's great to know there's another intelligent woman around to give these men a run for their money" replied Abby talking Nell by the arm and leading her into the lounge. Callen and Eric were left opened mouthed, watching their retreating backs.
"I guess we deserved that. C'mon Eric" mused Callen as he slapped a deflated Eric on the back and lead the way to the lounge.
In the lounge Hetty was waiting with Gibbs, Sam, Kensi, Deeks, Nell and Abby when Callen and Eric walked in.
"Are we all here now?" asked Callen who was decidedly hungry.
"We're waiting for one more guest" said Hetty. Callen frowned at her as he did not know to whom she was referring. Seeing the look on his face Hetty said "Oh how soon we forget." Her comment made Callen frown more. Just then the door bell rang. "That should be our final guest. Would you please do the honours Mr Callen?" said Hetty.
Callen went to the front door and opened it. He stared at the person in total surprise. "Nate, when did you get back?" he asked as Nate Getz stepped into the house.
"Just now. I've come straight from the airport" replied Nate shaking Callen's proffered hand in greeting. "Hetty called when she knew Abby was coming and arranged a special flight for me" he added in explanation. Callen grinned as he thought of what Hetty had arranged.
"Everyone's here and we're about ready to eat but do you wanna go freshen up first?" asked Callen.
"Thanks but I did that on the plane. I can't wait to see everyone especially Gibbs and Abby. But how are you doing Callen? You're looking pretty good since last I saw you" said Nate.
Callen sent Nate a sideways glance. "You were at the hospital?" asked Callen.
"Yeah why wouldn't I be?" asked Nate genuinely surprised that Callen had doubts about his presence at the hospital when he was in a coma. "After all I'm still a member of Hetty's team even if I'm abroad most of the time now." Callen shrugged. Nate stopped and turned towards Callen and looked down into his blue eyes. "Hetty called me as soon as they rescued you from Dallas' gang. I wanted to come to you as soon as I heard but Hetty said it wasn't necessary and my mission was more important. I tried to argue with her but you know what she's like." Callen nodded and smirked. "It was only when you didn't come out of the coma when expected that she asked me to fly home."
"Why did she relent and let you come back then and not before?" asked Callen.
"I think she thought I could help you come back to us. As it turned out it was Sam's little girl who seemed to get through to you" said Nate smiling at the memory. Seeing that the conversation was making Callen a little uncomfortable, Nate continued. "Hey I'm not here to analyse you in any way. I'm just here as a friend so why don't we go in and get this party started."
Callen broke into his lop sided smile and the pair walked into the room. The team were all glad to see Nate but Nell was especially pleased. After greeting the team, Nate greeted Abby warmly and turned his attention to Gibbs. "It's good to see you again Gibbs" said Nate, shaking his hand.
"You too" replied Gibbs who recalled Nate from when the joint mission in LA which ended in the drive by shooting of Callen.
"I know it's some time ago now but I'm sorry to hear about Macey" said Nate, referring to the LA team's former Operations Manager who had been murdered. At the time of the joint mission between LA and DC offices, there was friction between Macey and Gibbs following her investigation into him years before. Nate had told Gibbs on his departure that she had buried the information and had been protecting him ever since which seemed to allow a truce between them.
"Yeah" said Gibbs sadly "but we got her killer" he added.
Hetty announced that the food was ready and everyone followed her into the dining room where the table was laden with the offerings that everyone had brought. They all sat down and helped themselves to the fare and chatted nosily to one another over other conversations. Hetty was pleased to have everyone here. Her team and her family were safe. She watched Callen closely and was pleased to see that he was joining in the conversations and had eaten well. Hetty hoped that this evening would help him see that there were a number of people who cared for him and he was not alone in his struggle to regain his fitness. Hetty was well aware of Callen's penchant for doing things on his own and was pleased that he had accepted Gibbs' help. She was also pleased but somewhat surprised of his request for Abby to come and stay. She knew that Abby had a big heart and cared for her NCIS family in which Callen was included since he had saved her live. Hetty knew that he was frustrated at not being able to train properly because of the injury to his hand so hoped that Abby's visit would be the distraction he needed to allow his hand to heal sufficiently for him to start more rigorous exercises.
Looking round at the faces she noticed that both Callen and Abby looked a little tired. Taking a spoon and tapping it lightly on a bottle, Hetty was able to cut through the noise of the conversation to make herself heard. "Whilst I'm delighted to have you all here and I'm pleased that you're evidently enjoying yourself, Miss Sciuto only arrived this morning and I'm sure she's exhausted."
Abby was about to disagree with Hetty when Gibbs nudged her and with a slight shake of his head which only she saw, followed his gaze towards Callen. Abby noticed, as had Hetty and Gibbs, that Callen was looking jaded. Without wanting to call undue attention to him, Abby smiled at Hetty and said "I don't want to break up the party but I am a little tired and could do with a good night's sleep. Hetty, I want to thank you for arranging this wonderful evening. I was so good to see everyone again."
"It was my pleasure my dear" said Hetty. "It's good to see everyone enjoying themselves. In our line of work, we seldom have the luxury."
There were echoes of 'Too right', 'Amen to that' from the table and they all began to get up and clear the table although Hetty had indicated that it was not necessary. Everyone said their goodbyes and finally Hetty, Callen, Gibbs and Abby were left alone. Gibbs and Abby went to their respective rooms leaving Hetty and Callen remaining.
"Thanks Hetty" said Callen.
"For what my dear?" she asked.
"For arranging this dinner for Abby. It was good for her to have everyone come here" he said.
"I didn't do it just for Miss Sciuto, I did it for you too" she said. "You've been through a lot and I thought you could do with the distraction of having your friends here."
"Thank you Hetty. You never cease to amaze me" he said kissing her lightly on the cheek. "Now I'm tired so I guess I'd better go get some sleep if I'm to show Gibbs and Abby something of LA tomorrow."
Hetty smiled tenderly at Callen as she watched him climb the stairs to his room. She too was tired and soon followed his example and retired to her room falling into a deep sleep.
The next day, after they had eaten breakfast, Callen took Gibbs and Abby to show them around Los Angeles. Gibbs had to drive again and they parked up. They went into the Madame Tussauds Hollywood wax museum and the Chinese Theater. On the way back to the car, they spent time looking at the stars of the old Hollywood motion picture celebrities as well as more modern ones on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. They were especially excited to see those for Mark Harmon, Chris O'Donnell and LL Cool J, all located within a few blocks of another on the north side of Hollywood Boulevard, whilst the stars for Donald and Kiefer Sutherland, Johnny Depp, Sylvester Stallone and Marilyn Monroe were on the south side of the same street. On their way back to Dovecote they took the opportunity to drive around seeing other tourist sights like Sunset Boulevard, the Griffith Observatory, Rodeo Drive, some of the celebrity houses in Bel Air and Beverly Hills and Venice Beach, where they stopped and strolled along the beach front and sat on the beach watching the ocean. On the way home back to Hetty's house they stopped off at The Original Farmers' Market to pick up some supplies.
When they were driving home a sign caught Callen's eye and he was transported back to Abby's last visit. "Hey Abs, do you still want to see the Museum of Jurassic Technology? I don't think you got to go last time" Callen asked.
"Oh yes, I'd love to go if there's time and the car museum. Hey, can we go to Disneyland too while I'm here? I think it'll be fun."
"Sure there should be time for everything" agreed Callen. "As for Disneyland, a weekday is a quieter day so perhaps Thursday would be good. When we get back home, I'll check with Hetty to see if she'll let the rest of the team join us."
Abby clapped her hands in glee. "Oh that would be so cool. I hope she'll agree."
"I'm sure she will. I've heard it's quiet at work at the moment" said Callen. "I'm not so sure Granger will approve but Hetty can handle him."
A/N: location of Stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame:
Mark Harmon: north side of the 6200 block of Hollywood Boulevard
Chris O'Donnell: north side of the 6600 block of Hollywood Boulevard
LL Cool J: north side of the 6900 block of Hollywood Boulevard
Sylvester Stallone: south side of the 6700 block of Hollywood Boulevard
Johnny Depp: south side of the 7000 block of Hollywood Boulevard
Marilyn Monroe: south side of the 6700 block of Hollywood Boulevard
Donald Sutherland: south side of the 7000 block of Hollywood Boulevard
Kiefer Sutherland: south side of the 7000 block of Hollywood Boulevard
John Wayne: west side of the 1500 block of Vine Street
A/N 2: please remember that this story is set a few years ago and before Nate betrayed Callen whilst undercover so their relationship is a little friendlier.