Callen stepped out of the Challenger and nodded a thanks to Lyneham. He stood outside the Rusty Anchor and took a deep breath. This was one of the bars he avoided in Venice. It was small yet in the evenings it was packed full of twenty somethings who were keen to avoid the tourist trap of the stylistic dive bars. The music was loud, the floor sticky and the only food sold were large bags of pre-packed chips. During the day it was fairly quiet although the ambience was pretty much the same. He sincerely hoped Anna had found a seat in an area where he wouldn't have to spend the entire time shouting. Callen glanced around and not seeing her, ordered a beer and turned so he was leaning against the bar. He took a small sip and allowed himself a moment to relax. He surveyed his surroundings. For a lunchtime the place was busy. It was a hot day outside and indoors the women were wearing high cut shorts and revealing tops; some in bikini tops. The men too were in shorts and in line with the only rule the bar seemed to have, they were all wearing t-shirts or muscle tops. A peel of laughter pierced the grinding base beat of some tune with which Callen was unfamiliar and he instantly recognised the laugh as Anna's. He looked in the direction of the sound and saw a group of men hovering around the pool table. Hoping he would not have to get in to a fight he pushed himself off the bar and strode with purpose to where Anna was standing, pool cue in hand, watching her opponent take a shot.

'Anna.' Callen pushed past two men with a smile on his face. There was nothing in his alias to say he couldn't express his true feelings during this meet.

'Oh my God, Rob.' Anna met his smile with a genuine jaw dropping smile. She quickly handed her cue to the nearest man and jumped up at her real life boyfriend, wrapping her legs around his waist causing Callen to stumble back. She planted a series of kisses on his lips, each one lasting longer than the previous until the two were temporarily lost in their emotions.

'This was not the reaction I was expecting. I should go on long term undercover missions more,' Callen breathed into Anna's ear as he buried his head in her neck and hair.

Anna unwrapped herself from Callen and stood close to him. Callen was now feeling very self-conscious about their little display of affection and he moved back a little, giving himself more space.

'Don't you dare. Do you have any idea how many of those men think it's ok to try and grope me and how much I just want to whack them in the balls with my pool cue?'

'Do you want me to take them out?' Violence was something he could handle without too many emotions getting in his way. But then again there were other options... 'I have two hours until Lyneham joins us. I know a great rooming house just a five minute walk from here.'

'Uh ah.' Anna wagged her finger at Callen and turned back around to face her audience of men. 'Kieran you take my shots. I've got some catching up to do.'

Anna reached towards the window ledge and took her bottle of beer. Turning to Callen she grabbed his arm and led him towards a booth near the entrance.

'I'm serious y'know.' Callen said as they sat down. 'Five minutes from here. Complete privacy and we can debrief.'

Anna smiled coyly. 'I'm sure we could but there are eyes and ears everywhere.' Anna discretely tapped her ear and pursed her lips when Callen rolled his eyes. 'I hear voices in my head and they're telling me to stay put.'

'Hmm,' Callen shook his head and kept his thoughts to himself. 'Seriously though I probably have at least an hour before Lyneham returns after finding his girlfriend isn't home. I take it Lizzie and her son are still safe at Hetty's beach house?'

'Yes they are. Tyler is having an awesome time with the sea front on his doorstep.'

'Good. How's Sam and Kensi?'

'Both doing great although both pissed they can't be on the ground helping you and Deeks.'

'Has Deeks checked in yet?'

'Sort of. He managed to contact ops en route to Ventura. He is due to meet Kensi later this afternoon. I think he wants to get in some surfing first. You know Hetty is starting to wonder how much work you two are actually doing.'

'It's a long term undercover mission. You know what that means. We have to be patient and build up relationships to earn their trust. It's not your typical wham bam one day job.'

'Wham bam?' Anna smiled at Callen. 'I think you've spent too much time with Deeks.'

Callen ignored the comment and continued.

'What have you found out about Lyneham. I told Nell he was in the system and changed his name before signing up for the marines and she's never come back with an update. There's also at least one person with serious computer skills. They've dived in to my alias and this morning I was asked some questions which could have become very awkward.'

'Do you think they're on to you?'

'I think they're being cautious. Tomorrow they're going to reveal the second stage of attacks and Deeks and I are being invited to their inner circle. They need to trust us. To trust me. And Josh is my ticket in, same as Raider is for Deeks.'

'Josh hey?' Anna tilted her head to one side. 'And yes Nell did find out his real name. She passed it on to Hetty so she could do some more background checks, cross reference them to yours.'

She looked at Callen who had now leaned back in his chair and was carefully and deliberately placing his beer on the table in front on him. He glanced up and met Anna's stare.

'She thinks we met before? In another life? I'd remember if we had...'

When Anna failed to answer, he continued. 'And?'

'His real name is Daniel Joshua Miller.'

This time Callen remained silent. He continued to look at Anna, waiting for more information as she in turn waited for any kind of reaction from him.

'You know him?'

'No. What did Hetty say?'

'She didn't. Does the name ring any bells?'

'No.'

'Callen, are you sure?'

'Yes.'

'I'm sorry to have to say this Callen. Everything we've heard so far suggests that you've genuinely connected with Joshua Lyneham on a personal level. Hetty is worried about you. And she still thinks you and Joshua might have met in another life, as you put it.'

'Why?'

Anna shook her head and smiled. 'I'd almost forgotten how much hard work you could be. Trust, Callen. Trust. Only too much of it this time. Hetty thinks you trust Lyneham, that there is some bond between you and that means she's worried you're losing your focus'

'Hetty doesn't trust me.' Callen stated. He drained the rest of his bottle and signalled to the barman for another.

'Hetty does trust you Callen, stop being so sensitive.'

'I'm not being sensitive Anna. Either she trusts me on this case or she pulls me out. And I'm not going anywhere. I'm in this to the end. These people are using kids to do their dirty work. Look, tomorrow morning Deeks and I are sitting at the big boys table - we become part of their planning process which means we can start to gain control of their operations, plant seeds of doubt and alternative thoughts in their minds. This morning I found evidence they have access to decommissioned military weapons. They haven't been used in the field for a few years so get the wonder twins to check inventories for old stock - missing M249s. DuValle is the man behind this, assisted by Ariel. Josh and the others just seem to be swept up in the excitement. Oh and there's no sign of the militia yet but I reckon they'll be arriving in the next few days.'

Anna took a sip from her own bottle of beer, conscious of not drinking too much. She could hold her liquor well, not quite as well as Callen though and she was closely observing his actions. Hetty had gently advised her to check on Callen's health and physically she could tell he was great. His hair was longer and already lightened by the sun. His stubble was slightly unruly but he looked trim. An outdoor lifestyle and presumably healthy eating seemed to suit him. His talk of Hetty and his stubbornness to remain on the case had ignited a spark in his eyes. The passion and determination of his words seemed a little at odds with how he spoke - or rather avoided - the conversation about Daniel Joshua Miller, AKA Josh Lyneham and that was certainly cause for concern.

'You went in believing that Lyneham was behind this. Don't let your judgement sway your emotions just because he had a similar childhood to yours. Hetty and Nate-'

'I need some fresh air.' Hearing Nate's name jarred Callen in to action and he slid out of the booth, walking quickly to the exit.

'Wait...'

Anna followed Callen outside and saw him leaning with his back against the grimy wall. His eyes were closed and he was breathing deeply. It was obvious he was conflicted and she was unsure whether it was the case or the thought that Hetty didn't trust him. She walked up to him and pressed her hips to his.

'I don't want us to fight. I want to help.'

Callen moved his arms to Anna's waist and opened his eyes, gently bringing his forehead to hers. There was so much he wanted to tell Anna but couldn't. Starting with Nate. The last thing he needed was Nate manoeuvring around inside his head. The second to last thing he needed was Hetty telling him how to do his job and arguing with Anna really wasn't helping him. Maybe he should have just stayed on the ranch and enjoyed the solitude.

'I know.' The couple remained in the same position for a few moments longer when a loud cough caused them to abruptly separate.

'Geez you are just full of surprises. No wonder you wanted to come to this bar.'

A slow smile spread across Callen's face as he looked to his left. He took Anna's hand and spoke.

'Josh, this is Anna.'

'Hey Anna. Don't suppose you have a sister? It looks like my girlfriend has skipped town.'

Anna laughed a no, which Callen spoke over.

'Really? No sign of her?'

'Couple of pothead kids reckon she went off with some men in a black Mercedes. Dumb-ass kids could describe the car but not the men.'

'So what next?' Callen cringed inwardly that the kids had been able to recall anything of use from a few weeks ago.

'Next? I just move on. Should be used to it by now. I would say you can help me drown my sorrows but you've already had a head start so I guess I'm driving. Again.'

'But there is a pool table and a lot of men for the taking.' Anna said persuasively, with a wink and a sly smile.

'I'll pretend to be a smart-ass drunk and we have some fun.' Callen nodded his head as the idea took shape. It'd been a while since he'd played this game.

'Pretend?' Anna said, pointedly ignoring the look Callen gave her. 'We can make some easy money, especially when I start playing.'

The two men shared a knowing look. Pool tables, packed bars and alcohol meant a lot of fun could be had and a lot of money could be made.

'I can see why Rob likes you, Anna.' Lyneham nodded approvingly.

'Hands off,' smiled Callen. 'Now let's go hustling.'