A/N: Here's the next chapter and I hope you enjoy it. I apologise for the mini-cliff hanger. I'll try not to make you wait too long for an update. Thanks for your continued support. Please read and review as I love to hear what you think and your comments mean a lot to me.

Chapter 32

After breakfast, Gibbs took Abby out to the Museum of Jurassic Technology as it was a place she had wanted to visit during her last visit to LA but circumstances in the guise of the Phantom had prevented it. After they left the museum they had lunch before deciding whether there was anything else Abby or indeed Gibbs wanted to see.

As they had indicated that they would be away for most of the day Hetty decided to stay with Callen, although he insisted it was not necessary. Hetty had no intention of listening to her senior agent and kept a watchful eye on him. As the morning wore on, Hetty became more than a little worried about him as he seemed listless and not his usual self. She hoped that it was just a case that he had overdone it the day before but decided to check with her godson Michael, who was treating Callen, to ask his advice.

"Hello Hetty, what's up?" asks Michael.

"Good morning Michael. I'm worried about Callen. You're aware that Gibbs is staying with us? Well a colleague and friend flew out from DC to visit Callen and he spent the day at Disneyland with her and the team. They watched him carefully and ensured he didn't over exert himself and had plenty of fluids and nourishment as well as taking short rests. However he's very quiet this morning and hasn't done any of his exercises. More worryingly he hasn't wanted to swim. He's just lounging around and keeps falling asleep."

"Hmmm. How's his appetite?" asked Michael.

"He ate a good breakfast and said he slept well last night" she replied.

"Does he appear anxious or depressed?" asked Michael.

"No more than is normal for him" replied Hetty. "I know he's frustrated that everything's taking so long and of course he's had the set back with his hand. But no, I wouldn't say he was particularly anxious or depressed."

"From what you're describing, I'd say Callen's being sensible and taking it easy after a long and tiring day" said Michael and he heard Hetty breathe a sigh of relief.

"Thank you Michael, you've put my mind at rest" Hetty said. "I suppose I'm just being over protective."

"Considering what he's been through, it's understandable" Michael said. "Look, I could arrange another blood test to rule out anaemia or B12 deficiency but the last one didn't show anything untoward. Also I'm reluctant because I know how much he hates them."

"I agree with you. I really don't want to cause him any further duress unless it's absolutely necessary" replied Hetty.

"Keep an eye on him and if this continues beyond tomorrow, let me know. We may have to investigate further but I'm pretty sure he's just resting up" said Michael. "Make sure he eats and drinks properly. Don't stop him if he wants to sleep for now. His body is telling him what it needs and for once he's listening."

Hetty chuckled at the thought that Callen was doing what was expected of him in regard to his health. "Thank you Michael."

"You know you can ring any time Hetty if you're still worried. Give him my best wishes" Michael said before he disconnected.

Hetty put the phone back in her pocket and went to the kitchen to make a pot of tea. When it was ready she placed it on a tray with two cups and saucers and took it out to garden where Callen was still sitting. She found him by the pool on a lounger under a parasol. The book he had been reading was now in his lap and he was fast asleep. Hetty sighed for she still could not help but worry despite Michael's reassurances. Placing the tray on the ground, Hetty moved a chair so that she could sit under the parasol next to him and placed a small table between them. She bent down to retrieve the tray, placing it on the table and began to pour two cups of tea.

Callen woke, feeling a little groggy from sleep and looked over at Hetty. She smiled at him and pushed a cup towards him. "I thought you might like a cup of tea" she stated.

"Thanks" answered Callen, smiling back at her. "Been there long?" he asked.

"Just a few minutes" she replied. "The tea should still be quite hot." Callen touched the side of the cup to test the heat and nodded. "How long were you asleep?" she asked.

Callen glanced at his watch and said "Not quite ninety minutes. Why? Are you worried about me? You don't have to be y'know. I'm fine."

Hetty smiled. "I'll never stop worrying about you my dear, especially after what you've been through" she said. Callen smiled at her but she could tell he was a little uncomfortable at her show of affection even after all these years. "You've been sleeping a lot lately but especially today and that's totally out of character so of course I'm worried. I'm concerned there's an underlying reason for it."

"Please don't tell me you've bothered Mike with this" Callen said exasperated.

Hetty coughed to hide her embarrassment and replied "Hmm, yes, I did speak to him."

"Well, what did he say?" asked Callen a little curious to hear the answer.

"He told me that for once you were being sensible and were listening to your body telling you to rest" she said and saw Callen roll his eyes. "Yes, well he thinks you probably over exerted yourself at Disneyland yesterday despite taking plenty of breaks." Hetty paused before adding "He told me not worry." Callen smirked. "You don't have to look so smug, it's most unbecoming. However he did tell me to let him know if you were still exhibiting signs of exhaustion after tomorrow" she added as if to justify her reason for contacting Michael.

Callen shook his head and smiled tenderly at Hetty. He knew she would never stop worrying about him just as he would always worry about her. He reached for his tea and sipped it. "Mmmm, this is good Hetty. One of my favourites" he said appreciatively.

"I know and it's got beneficial qualities too" she replied as she reached for her cup and sipped it.

The pair sat and chatted for another hour and Hetty could see Callen was tiring. Hetty glanced at her watch. "Goodness is that the time?" she exclaimed. "We've missed lunch but I can make some sandwiches. You should certainly have something to eat and not wait until dinner time" she added. "One thing Michael did say was that you should eat and drink properly."

Callen rolled his eyes but replied "I am hungry so if it's no trouble, I'd love a sandwich or whatever you want to do. Thanks Hetty."

"It's no trouble whatsoever my dear and I'm a little peckish too" answered Hetty. "Are you happy with chicken and a little salad on rye?" she asked, determined that he would at least eat healthfully whilst he was staying with her.

"That sounds great" replied Callen. "Some more tea would be good too" he added. "Do you need any help?"

"No, thank you dear. You stay where you are and relax. I'll join you as soon as it's ready" said Hetty. Callen smiled at her and watched as she picked up the tray with the teapot and cups and head back to the house.

The day had been hot but a light breeze made it pleasant and bearable and Callen soon dozed off again, content in the knowledge that Hetty would wake him as soon as the late lunch was ready.

As Hetty was preparing the food and drink, Gibbs and Abby returned from their excursion. Abby went straight upstairs, feeling the need to freshen up, after traipsing around the city. Hetty told Gibbs that Callen was in the garden by the pool and suggested that he join him. Gibbs declined food, having had a substantial lunch with Abby, but he accepted a strong cup of black coffee which Hetty would bring out when she brought their late lunch.

Gibbs strolled out into the garden and made his way round to the pool area. He could see Callen on the lounger and it looked like he was asleep. Gibbs smiled to himself, pleased that his friend was resting. Suddenly he became aware of a presence in the shadows standing over Callen, looking down at him. Reaching for his gun, Gibbs started to sprint towards Callen's position. Pointing his weapon at the stranger, Gibbs announced "Federal Agent, step away from him!" The figure did not move. "Step. Away. From. Him. I won't say it again! Now!" Gibbs said emphasising every word.

Callen began to stir at the sound of Gibbs' words and the figure took a few steps backwards as instructed. "I mean him no harm" said the figure. "If I did he'd be dead already."