DOUBLE TAKE

Chapter 41

The next few weeks were a blur for Special Agent G .Callen. There was the getting to know his sister again, after being apart for thirty-eight years, her husband Stefan and their three children: Alyssa, Kira and Georgy. Being able to introduce Nell to them, had been overwhelming. He told Amy about Pierre and all the problems they had regarding their half brother Kevin. But Callen was not prepared for his father's admission, of why he was spending so much time away from Beth, in Dallas.

"I have nothing left for me in Dallas now," John admitted to his two older children. "When we were in Prague, I received a call from Elise. She had found Beth's body on the bedroom floor. She had taken an overdose of sleeping pills. The paramedics told Elise, she had been dead for two days, before she had found her." John broke down in tears. He had kept his grief locked away since he had returned from her funeral, six months prior. He had decided to focus his energy on making amends with his son.

It had explained to Callen, why his father had done what he had, with bringing Pierre over for the four weeks holiday, for them to bond. And also, why he seemed to have settled in Los Angeles so much. He still flew down to Dallas once a month for his business, and to see Elise and his grandchildren. But other than that, he had moved to be closer to his son. The fact that Amy was alive and living there also, had been so overwhelming for the older man.

Then Kensi went into labour, and gave birth to a fair head, blue eyed boy. They all respected her wish, that they did not visit, and allowed Kensi to get over the whole Kevin experience, her own way. Although Deeks persisted in staying with Kensi throughout the labour, and was an amazing support for her; he also respected her wish to be left alone, once she was released from hospital.

Brett and Nicole Wilkins took their new son home, two days after he was born, and doted on him. Piper loved her new brother, and would tell him stories of their real mother.

***

The day came, when Nell's waters broke. They were in the middle of a case, when Eric called Callen, to get back to the mission immediately.

"Nell's gone in to labor, G. Get back here ASAP." Eric had panicked over the whole situation, unaware of what to do.

"Thanks, Eric. Tell Nell to do her breathing and to time how long between her contractions. We'll be back in ten," Callen responded.

Sam had to turn around from their chasing a suspect, to get the expectant father back to take Nell to the hospital. Fortunately, Rogers and Harris were still working with them, and could take over the chase.

Granger partnered off with Sam to interview their suspect. But really, no one wanted to be there. Everyone wanted to be at the hospital, once the news came through of the newest member to their now rather large family. It kept growing, which they were all thrilled about. Especially Hetty.

Jackson and Charlie moved to Los Angeles as well, where they could have a fresh start, after all that had happened. Both had their transfer requests accepted, with Jackson now filling in for Nell, since she would be on maternity leave for the next twelve months. Charlie filled in for Kensi, until she was ready to return, and would stay on as a member of the L.A. team, even after Rogers and Harris were to move on. Seven months of hiccups to this team, had everyone counting down the days to Kensi's return and for everything to get back to normal.

***

Callen held onto his precious daughter, Macey, as she cried from the shock of the cold. After being kept warm for so long inside of her mother's tummy, the outside world had been a shock. The midwife wrapped her up warm in a blanket, before she passed her over to her daddy. "Congratulations. You have a beautiful girl."