DOUBLE TAKE

Chapter 24

The flight in the rear of a KC-130J SUPER HERCULES to Prague had been a quiet one for three of the five men. Sam watched his partner's almost silent behaviour for the twelve and a half hours flight, while John had given him looks back with concern to his son. Jackson on the other hand had been entertained by Deeks. Deeks was trying hard to distract Jackson and himself from the fact they were going a long way from Charlie and Kensi.

Callen on the other hand carried the burden of his team with him on this journey. He needed to ensure Sam returned safe to Michelle, Aiden and Kamran. He had promised Charlie he would keep Jackson safe and he knew he needed to ensure Deeks made it home for Kensi. Because she needed him more than ever. That left him with himself and his father. But he couldn't bare never to see or hold Nell again, nor the thought of never having the chance hold their baby in his arms, when he or she arrived into their world. He was touched his father had said he would come with them, and hoped between his own and his father's old contacts in the ancient city of Prague, they would have support to infiltrate and take down the Jankovic family. Out of the five of them, only three of them could speak the local language, which put himself, his father and Jackson in the front line of this operation. Director Vance had given them the green light, as well as the Director of the CIA, after Hetty had given him a piece of her mind. He knew she would hold this operation over the Director's head, until they needed the favour returned. It was after, all their mess they were cleaning up after. The CIA and NCIS Federal Agencies already had people within the city, who were waiting for their arrival, with more provisions, accommodation and support with surveillance and backup. He went over their plan in his head, ensuring he knew every aspect of it by memory. They were to get inside the underage prostitute organisation first, to rescue the girls. Then they were to pull apart the illegal drug ring, bit by bit, until the last section of the Jankovic organisation was left to destroy—-the illegal weapons trade. It was there, their intel told them that the head of the family were based, but time was of the essence. All of them were desperate for this trip to be quick, but he knew in his heart, this was going to be harder than rescuing Hetty from the Comescu Beach House. If they were home by the end of a month, they were lucky.

The plane landed, and the five men exited the plane with their one bag of personal belongings, and six bags of weapons. Special Agent Bradley Silverton greeted his fellow NCIS counterparts and led them into two vehicles he had waiting for them. The drive was short, which after the long flight, they were relieved to be able to stretch their legs and eat some proper food.

The apartment building they were staying in was old, but clean. It had character, with old wallpaper on the top half of the walls, and white wooden panels on the lower half. It wasn't too noisy outside, which they appreciated due to how tired they were.

Agent Silverton unlocked the two doors next to each other in the corridor, before throwing Callen the keys. "There are only four beds, sorry, one of you will have to sleep on the couch," he told them. "We were only expecting four of you. We will talk in the morning. You need your rest."

Callen nodded. "Thanks." He looked at his team, to see who was going to sleep in which apartment.

"I'll sleep on the couch. I was the one who wasn't expected," John told his son.

"No, it's alright. I'm used to sleeping on the couch, and I don't sleep very well. I'll wake you throughout the night." He stepped over the threshold of the first apartment and dropped his bag beside the couch. He scanned the room and saw two bedrooms off to the side of the living room, and a bathroom. He needed to refresh himself after the long flight. He left the others to sort out who slept where, but was not surprised when he found his father and Sam sitting by the table when he came back out.

He was relieved that Jackson had gone with Deeks, so he could spend some alone time with his father and partner. He joined them at the table and unscrewed the top off the beer Sam had waiting for him. He swallowed it down hard as he took in the Czech beer he remembered from a long time ago. "Good choice. It's one of their best." He was giving them idle chit chat, but knew they wanted more.