Brotherhood

Chapter 3

...

He was completely drained of energy, his arms heavy, and his feet practically numb. He could feel each breath that left his body and his eyelids drooped in the still darkness of the bedroom. The faint, lilting sound of the lullaby Diane was singing to little Christopher was luring him toward sleep, and he struggled with the urge to succumb. He didn't notice when the sound stopped, feeling only the touch of her warm hand on his arm when she woke him.

"Sorry, but we need to call George," she said, sitting down beside him on the small love seat in the baby's room. "Slater wouldn't let me call until I answered all his questions. The prick."

"You're being nice," Deeks said, yawning as he tousled his hair and sat up.

"Do you think Joe's still alive?" Her voice sounded small and wavered as her tears started.

"I want to believe he is. I can't picture my life without him in it," Deeks said sadly. "But honestly...I don't know."

He reached for her hand, gripping it tightly as he wrapped an arm around her shoulder and pulled her close. She was trembling and he gave her the comfort she needed, holding her as she let go and simply cried for the man they both loved.

"Did Slater give you any idea where they sent him on this assignment?" He asked quietly as she wiped her tears with a crumpled tissue.

"I kept asking him that, but he never answered me," she said. "Just kept asking over and over if Joe had been in contact with me, and what he'd told me about the case and the people involved. When I told him we never discussed his cases, he didn't believe me. Marty, he laughed and threatened to take Chris away from me. Can he do that?"

"We're not gonna let that happen, Di," Deeks promised, his temper rising at the thought of it. "What else did he ask about?"

"The idiot wanted to know if we have any off-shore bank accounts," she said quietly. "I thought he was joking and told him so. Then he said I could be prosecuted for lying to a Federal Agent and that I would lose my parental rights. That's when I finally lost it."

"I'm sorry he threatened you like that," Deeks said. "He has no evidence that you lied or he would have already arrested you."

"I'm scared, Marty," she whispered.

"I know you are. I'm here for you, Sissy," he promised. "I'll do everything I can to help you. All of us will."

"You can help me by finding Joe," she said angrily. "He's alive, Marty. I can feel it. You have to believe he's out there somewhere fighting to get back to us."

"You're right. He is one tough cowboy," Deeks smiled at her stubborn faith in her husband. "Now, what else did Slater ask about?"

"He wanted to know if Joe had any dealings with people who weren't military when he was in Afghanistan," she said slowly. "And if he was still in contact with them."

"That was a long time ago," confused and worried by the odd question. "Did he say why they believe Joe's a traitor?"

"He told me they have evidence from an impeccable source within the FBI that proves Joe is working with terrorists," she choked on the last chilling word, her eyes brimming with tears. "This is Joe...the most honest, most loyal man I've ever known. He's a decorated agent and soldier. He's bled for this country. How can they believe he would turn against it?"

Deeks' phone buzzed before he could offer any words of comfort. It was George, and he sensed his world spinning out of control.

"Marty? What's happened to Joe?" His voice was deep and heavy with worry. "I've got FBI agents searching the ranch for him. What's going on? They won't tell me."

"They won't tell me either," he said, his stomach churning with anxiety and fresh fear.

"Can you get to Diane? She'll need you," George sounded shaken, his voice rough as if he'd been shouting.

"I'm with her right now. The FBI is here at the house," he answered, cording his fingers down through his hair as he spoke. "They're questioning her, and..."

"Is she all right? How's my grandson?" George asked sharply.

"For now they're both fine, but the FBI is claiming Diane's a person of interest in an ongoing investigation."

"Into Joe?"

"Promise me you won't go all wild west on the FBI agents in your living room. It will only hurt Joe if you do," Deeks pleaded.

"Tell me what you can, son."

"Joe was on assignment somewhere out of state and has been out of contact for a week," Deeks replied solemnly. "Nobody knows where he is, and..."

"I kinda figured that, son," George said gently as Deeks hesitated. "But, that doesn't explain why they're tearing up my barn and questioning Diane. What's really going on? How much trouble is Joe in?"

"Joe is being accused of treason."

The returning silence scared him. George always knew what to say. He could calm an emotional situation with simple words that cut to the heart of any problem, but not this time and it was gut wrenching when he didn't respond.

"George?"

"I'm coming to you, son. I'll be there as soon as I can," his strangled voice tearing at the thin fabric of Deeks' remaining strength.

When the phone went dead, Deeks leaned back and stared at the ceiling, his emotions mixed.

"How'd he take it?" Di asked softly.

"Real quiet, which means he's really pissed. He's coming to LA," Deeks replied. "Federal agents are searching for Joe at the ranch."

"They're hunting him like he's a criminal," her voice full of anguish.

"If they're searching the ranch, then they think he's still alive," Deeks said in a rush and pushed himself up off the couch. "Slater was just trying to scare you when he told you Joe was probably dead. If you believed him, then you might give up the information he thinks you have."

"But if they find him they might shoot him," she said, looking panicked.

"Not if I find him first," he said, pulling her into a hug. "Don't say anything else to Slater, no matter what he threatens you with. Remember what he asks about and cull every bit of information you can from him about Joe's assignment, especially a location. Michelle will look after Chris until George gets here. Let her know whatever you find out. She'll get it to me."

"You want me to interrogate an FBI agent?"

"He's arrogant," Deeks replied. "Just get him to brag about what he knows. Remember the time you got Joe to let slip what he got you for your anniversary? He was so proud of himself he couldn't shut up."

"You make it sound like a game," she said, smiling sadly with tears in her eyes.

"Kinda is. Ever play Clue? The more clues we get the faster I find Joe," he said, kissing her lightly on the forehead before turning toward the door.

"Joe always said you were the best partner he ever had," she said. "I know you'll find him."

"That's the plan."

"Marty? Please don't let him get killed..."

He got to her as she broke down and wrapped her in a tight hug, trying to give her the comfort she so desperately needed. They had become quite close after the events in Santa Fe the past year, insisting he stay with them when he got home so she could take care of him, offering the same to Kensi. She had badgered him till he'd agreed, nursing them both, scolding him especially when he overdid a workout trying to get back in shape. Her expertise as a massage therapist helped when he did. She took none of his bullshit or his attempts to get his way by flirting just a little or appealing to her motherly instincts. She would laugh at his weak attempts to sway her and tell him she already had a baby and that she had grown up with brothers, and warned him she knew all the tricks brothers could pull. He began calling her Sissy after that, teasing her endlessly with assorted variations of that name until he realized she really was the sister he never had. He often sought her opinion and they'd had long talks about his relationship with Kensi. Her advice wasn't always what he wanted to hear, but he appreciated her perspective and her honesty. Now he felt nothing but anger that she had been subjected to such terrible threats in a rough interrogation by the bastard in the other room. He knew it's what you did with suspects to get them to talk. He had done it himself. But Diane was family and he knew it probably wasn't going to get any easier for her until they could prove the allegations against Joe were wrong.

A soft knock at the door made them pull apart and he turned to see Callen poke his head in, his eyes flashing with irritation. When he stepped inside and closed the door, Deeks felt his gut twist as he tried to prepare himself for bad news.

"Did they find him?" Diane asked nervously.

"No...And Director Stinson is allowing the investigation to continue."

"Dammit! He knows Joe," Deeks said vehemently. "Did he say why?"

"No, but he's been on the phone with somebody, and apparently the man convinced him Joe has gone over to the dark side."

"Bullshit! What evidence does he have?" Deeks asked angrily.

"Supposedly reliable intel from somebody in the field," Callen said with resignation.

"He's lying..." Diane cried out. "You believe that don't you Callen?"

"Of course I do," Callen replied softly. "But, they want to take you downtown for more questioning and there was nothing either Hetty or I could do to stop it. I'm sorry."

"Remember what I said," Deeks said. "Remember everything they ask about. You're our inside man...woman. You can do this, Sis."

"They're taking your computer and searching for additional phones," Callen told her. "When they let you come back here, don't use the land line. It'll be bugged. The house too, so watch what you say. Use Michelle's phone if you need to call your family or check in with us."

"Is Michelle staying?" Deeks asked.

"Yeah. Slater tried to order her to leave, and you can probably guess how that went. She gave him the death glare and told him to make her if he thought he was man enough," Callen smiled. "He left her alone after that."

"So he's not as stupid as he looks," Deeks said with a weary grin.

"Is Christopher safe? Are they letting my little boy stay home?" Di asked.

"Hetty was very insistent about that, and Stinson agreed," Callen replied.

"George called. They're at the ranch G," Deeks said softly.

"So they must think he's alive and on the run," Callen said. "Running will only make him look guilty."

"If he's running he has a reason."

"Maybe he doesn't trust them anymore," Di said, making both men smile and look over at her.

"You're starting to sound like an agent," Callen smirked.

"She's right. Someone turned on him, maybe blew his cover, and now he's not sure who he can trust. That's why he's running," Deeks was getting increasingly anxious and angry. "I'm going out to talk to Roger Stinson. See if he'll tell me Joe's last location."

"Well, you better get him alone when you do it," Callen urged. "I don't trust Slater, and Hetty doesn't either."

Deeks took a deep breath and smiled briefly at Diane before opening the door to the living room. The three of them were greeted by Slater, who looked a little too smug as he motioned two tactical agents forward and told them to take Diane downtown. Deeks stole a look at Hetty, trying to read her response to the actions taking place, and she gave him a small enigmatic smile he wasn't sure how to take. Roger Stinson looked sadly at Diane as she passed him and Deeks hoped he was sorry enough that he would share some needed information. He felt empty and completely helpless, his anger dissipating as exhaustion slowly drained his remaining energy.

Before each case that would take him away from his family, Joe would call and ask him to watch over his wife and son. He knew he didn't have to, but it became routine for them, a way to touch base before being separated by the assignment, to solidify their closeness and faith in one another. This time there had been no call, because he'd been away on his own undercover assignment. As he watched Diane being taken away, he felt he had let Joe down and his head dropped as he searched for the strength to deal with Stinson. Callen's gentle squeeze of his shoulder made him turn and look into those intelligent blue eyes, seeing understanding and the support he needed, and his heart surged with the knowledge that he wasn't alone.

"Mr. Callen, please drive Mr. Deeks to the boat shed," Hetty ordered in a clipped tone as she headed for the door. "I need to debrief him on his current case."

"Can it wait, Hetty? I was hoping to speak with Director Stinson," Deeks asked, somewhat confused by her tone.

"That was an order, Mr. Deeks," she said sharply. "I'm sure the FBI will keep us apprised of Joe Atwood's situation."

"But Hetty..." He was bewildered by her coldness and turned to face Stinson as he prepared to leave as well. "Director, please...I just need to talk to you for a minute. You have to know this is a false accusation. You know Joe. He almost died taking down that Chinese spy. He told me you were there when he came out of surgery. How can you believe these charges?"

"This is not the time, Deeks. Right now, I have other pressing matters to attend to," Stinson said and turned to follow Hetty out.

"Come on Deeks," Callen said softly. "We can talk in the car."

"Listen to your superiors, Agent Deeks. They actually understand protocol," Slater said, his condescension obvious. "Your so-called brother will be caught and arrested for the traitor that he is and anyone getting in the way of that happening will be prosecuted right along with him."

"Is that a threat?"

"If you get between me and Joe Atwood, it's a promise," the agent said.

"If you get anywhere near him, he'll kick your ass," Deeks snapped. "He's ten times the man you are."

"And a coward who betrayed his country."

Deeks lunged for the agent, but Callen anticipated the move and wrapped his arms around him to stop him. He resisted briefly, but the warning look on Callen's face made him think better of it and he backed down.

"Attacking a Federal Agent won't look too good on your resume when you're looking for a new job," Slater laughed. "Keep him on a tight leash Agent Callen, or you'll have two so-called brothers in a world of hurt."

"Walk away, Slater," Callen turned to face him. "You might intimidate the mother of a two-year-old, but your posturing is getting a little old, so go do your job instead of trying to play the big, bad FBI agent. You're not scaring anyone."

"You heard the man...go," Michelle said loudly as she stepped up next to Callen. "You're no longer welcome here. Not that you ever were."

"Looks like you've been taking too many steroids, lady. And I'm being generous with the description," Slater snarled.

"What did you just say to my wife?" Sam thundered as he walked in the open front door.

Slater actually turned slightly pale as he took a step back, nervously adjusting his ugly blue tie and trying to maintain his composure.

"Meet Sam Hanna, ex-Navy SEAL," Deeks said, finally able to smile. "Looks like Agent Slater is as dumb as he looks, G."

"This might be a good time to leave, Slater," Callen smirked. "Putting a leash on Sam gets a little tricky when he's this mad."

The man glared at them all, but hurried past them, slamming the door behind him.

"Who the hell was that?" Sam demanded.

"The man trying to track down Joe," Deeks said.

"Don't think he likes us much," Callen stated.

"Did he tell you anything?" Sam asked.

"They're saying Joe's a traitor," Deeks' voice broke at the end and he sank wearily into the nearest chair.

"What?" Sam looked stunned.

"Claim he's working with terrorists," Michelle confirmed.

"Joe Atwood?"

"Even Director Stinson believes it," Deeks said, and ran a hand down his face as he tried to make sense of it all. "What did you tell Kensi?"

"Only that he had missed his last couple of check-ins," he told him. "She wants you to come by tonight and give her the details."

"I would if I had any," he replied. "How is she?"

"Worried about you," he said. "She's on heavy meds so sleeping right now. But you better go see her tonight if you can. She made me promise."

Callen's phone rang and he looked annoyed as he listened to whoever had called. He stared at Deeks, his face closed off and distant, and Deeks knew he wasn't happy.

"Hetty wants you in the boat shed, and said not to keep her waiting," Callen said as he pocketed his phone.

"She's not gonna let me look for Joe is she?" Deeks said, finding it hard to control his temper at what he considered a betrayal.

"She didn't say that," Callen said as he reached out a hand to help him up from the chair. "But something's going on she wasn't willing to share earlier."

"Big ears, Callen," Michelle whispered.

No one said another word, taking in her warning about bugs. Sam picked up a notepad by the phone and wrote that he would find all the listening devices while they were gone, then pulled Deeks in for a quick hug. The big man could have no idea how much it meant to have his support, especially now that he was uncertain about Hetty's. He headed out the door behind Callen, surprised by the glowing orange sky as the sun settled into the sea. He had been on his feet for three days now, and he rubbed at his eyes, groaning as he sunk uncomfortably into the shotgun seat.

"I'll quit if I have to," he said softly after they'd been driving for a while.

"I know."

"He's all alone out there, G," Deeks said. "I know what that feels like."

"So do I," Callen replied. "But you're not alone in this, kid, so don't even think about going off on your own."

"You mean go rogue, like you like to do?"

"Smart ass."

"Pushy old guy."

"Annoying, cocky knucklehead."

"He's in deep trouble isn't he?" Deeks sighed, feeling heartsick at the reality of it.

"Yeah, he is."

"Gonna give me a pep talk?"

"That's Sam's job."

"Might need one after I talk to Hetty."

"Me too."

It was almost dark when they pulled up in front of the boat shed, the air still warm, but offering no solace from the cold emptiness he was feeling. He'd expected her to help, but now he wasn't sure what game she was playing. Callen rested a firm hand at the base of his neck as he pushed through the door, stopping abruptly when he saw who sat with her at the table.

"Sorry for the deception," Roger Stinson said calmly. "But, what I'm about to tell you is highly classified, and above Agent Slater's pay grade. Yours too, for that matter, but I've been authorized to bring you both in on what is a major national security issue."

"Please sit down, Mr. Deeks," Hetty said kindly. "You really do look exhausted."

"Is Joe dead?" He gripped the edge of the table, knowing he wouldn't be able to stay standing if it were true.

"We don't think so," Stinson said.

"That why you sent men to search his father's ranch in Wyoming?" Callen asked, somewhat surly.

"We're letting that part of the investigation continue for reasons I'll get to eventually," Stinson replied.

"Do you know where he is?" Callen asked as Deeks lowered himself into one of the chairs.

"Somewhere in Louisiana," he replied, opening a file folder in front of him.

"What the hell is he doing in Louisiana?" Deeks asked.

"His assignment came out of Washington and directly from the head of the National Joint Terrorism Task Force," Stinson continued. "As you know, we have over a hundred Terrorism Task Forces across the United States utilizing local, state and federal agencies..."

"Agent Hanna served locally a few years ago, so we are quite familiar with their regional function," Hetty interrupted. "So why was Agent Atwood sent cross country to serve on one in Louisiana?"

"He wasn't," he replied tightly. "We have reason to believe that particular task force has been compromised and that someone high up in the organization is aiding a terrorist sleeper cell that is being supported by a local militia group."

"You sent him in to infiltrate the militia group," Callen breathed out. "And you needed someone no one on the task force would know and with no local ties."

"Joe has garnered quite a reputation for undercover work since he and Deeks took down Lee Chao and discovered that Chinese spy ship," Stinson looked rather proud as he spoke. "We needed someone beyond reproach and his name came up."

"So now you've labeled him a traitor?" Deeks lashed out, standing suddenly and knocking his chair over.

"Control yourself, Mr. Deeks," Hetty demanded as Callen tried to restrain him.

"Who knew he was FBI?" Callen asked with his hand planted firmly on Deeks' chest. "He had to have a contact within the task force. Who was his handler?"

"You don't need to know that," Stinson replied.

"Well we damn well need to know a lot more than what you've given us, if you're asking for our help," Hetty said forcefully, getting everyone's attention.

"What kind of help are you asking for?" Callen asked curiously, looking quickly at Deeks.

"We want you to find him."

"You mean before that asshole, Slater finds him and has him shot?" Deeks raged.

"I understand your frustration Deeks, but you and I both know Slater doesn't have a chance in hell of finding Joe," Stinson said with a slight smile.

"He's got a point, brother," Callen smirked.

"What he has to do is explain why he put Joe's family through hell," Deeks shot back at Stinson. "You let that happen and now you expect me to just forget about it? Diane was crying in my arms because your agent threatened to take her little boy away from her. His father is scared to death he's lost another son...a son you've branded as a traitor to his country. Why would you do that to a man like Joe?"

"Actually, we thought it would keep him alive," Stinson replied softly.

"He discovered the real traitor," Hetty said.

"Yes," he replied simply. "The task force was told he was an FBI agent working with the terrorists hoping the real mole might contact him. Which he did."

"Then why is Joe the one running for his life?" Deeks asked, collapsing back into the righted chair.

"Because before we could move on his information, someone blew his cover to the militiamen," Stinson told them sadly. "And we have no idea who that was."

"Was it the mole?" Deeks asked.

"We don't think so," Stinson said, shaking his head sadly. "It's somebody else."

"And you have no clue who that is," Deeks stated, trembling with barely held anger.

"Mr. Deeks...right now you don't have to know who it is," Hetty told him quietly. "You only have to find Joe and bring him home. But first, you need to sleep."

"How can I when Joe is being hunted?"

"Because you need to be sharp, and right now you're edgy and dead on your feet," Callen said. "So no arguments. I'm taking you home. We'll get the details we need in the morning."

"What about Diane? And George? He'll be coming in tonight," Deeks questioned wearily as he stood up.

"I've already ordered Agent Slater to release Mrs. Atwood and get her home," Stinson informed him. "But you can't tell her or Joe's father about this operation."

"We already told her we're going after Joe," Deeks said.

"They can't know it's an official op," Hetty said. "We'll have to make it look as if you're going rogue."

"That won't surprise anybody," Deeks grinned.

"But it might piss off Kensi," Callen said with a knowing tilt of his head.

"Can you take me by the hospital first?" Deeks asked. "I need to let her know what's going on."

"Sure, brother," he replied, throwing an arm across his shoulder and pulling him toward the door.

...

Weariness made it seem as if he were floating, wishing for a gust of wind to push him forward down the dimly lit hall towards her room. He stopped and pressed his hand against the smooth wall, savoring the moment of being alone. There was a hush, a quietness after visiting hours were long over, giving him time to order his thoughts, thoughts that flittered through his mind and filled the emptiness the day had showered down on him.

She lay just beyond the door. The woman he loved. The woman who filled his life with meaning, the one who had frightened him so badly early in a day filled with uncontrollable happenings. He closed his eyes tightly, trying to shut it all out, trying not to hear her whimpering as they'd dug her free, trying not to think about a beloved brother so desperately alone, hunted by the people he had always trusted and by those he never had.

"God, I'm tired."

The whispered words sounded like an excuse he wasn't worthy of. Two people he loved had suffered while he'd been left standing. How was that fair? How had this life they'd all chosen ever been fair? It wasn't about fairness; it was about going on in spite of the lack of it. He was familiar with that. No matter how tired, no matter how rough the road ahead would be, he was grateful for the wisp of hope he'd been given. The woman he loved had survived. The brother he loved was out there somewhere trying to.

He pushed the heavy door open, allowing a sliver of dull light into the darkened room, highlighting the soft curves of her body. He followed it in, holding his breath as he took in the swirl of her hair covering the white pillow, and searching her face for signs of pain. Her arm lay across her body, her hand resting between her breasts and it made him smile as he reached out to touch her fingers, waiting for her to stir.

"I was sleeping," she whispered.

"Wish I was."

"You can sleep here next to me."

"Can't."

"Why?"

"You'd be a distraction," he said gently.

"You're too tired to do anything about it."

"You're probably right."

"Tell me about Joe."

He lifted her hand and pressed his lips against the back of her fingers, breathing in the scent that hovered there in spite of the hospital smells. He held the back of her hand against his cheek as he told her everything, drawing strength from her closeness and from her survival. When he finished, she pulled his hand down and opened it, brushing her lips across his palm, kissing it so softly it brought tears to his eyes.

"You'll save him."

Her faith was the anchor he needed. As it always had been.

...

...