35A/N: I don't own NCIS: Los Angeles, CBS, or any other known entity. This is the story I alluded to within the note of "Forget The Wrong that I've Done", and deals with Callen's arrest. The two stories, however, are not related. NCIS is mentioned in passing, and the titles are from the song "As If We Never Said Goodbye". I hope you guys enjoy the first chapter, and please review. :)
Whispered Conversations in Over-Crowded Hallways
It wasn't a suit and tie ensemble, but it was as effective as the badge on his hip. He had a briefcase in his hand, one Hetty had managed to dig up from somewhere. The other officers looked on in amusement as he walked by, heading for the interrogation rooms.
He entered one without knocking, finding two men sitting there. One facing the glass mirror, the other one standing across the table from him. The one facing the mirror was handcuffed to the table in front of him, and looked at the entrance with well veiled curiosity. The other man, however, was more annoyed than anything.
"Get out of here, Deeks," the other man said.
Deeks snorted. "You're questioning my client without representation, Carter," he replied.
Carter shook his head. "He didn't ask for his lawyer."
"And let me guess. He also hasn't been very forthcoming."
Carter's look was Deeks's confirmation. "You're not his lawyer."
Deeks set the briefcase down on the table, opening it and retrieving a paper, which he slid over to Carter. "I have been retained by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service to represent Mr. G. Callen," Deeks said, gesturing toward the handcuffed man at the table. "And, as of right now, I need some time alone with my client, so if you don't mind…"
Carter groaned, but turned to pick up the case file.
"Leave that, please. As counsel for the defense, I have a right to see the evidence against my client."
Carter rolled his eyes. "You were there, Deeks. You saw your 'client' shoot that guy. You're an idiot as a cop, but you're even dumber as a lawyer."
Callen's eyes widened minimally, but Deeks just smirked. "How's your wife, Carter?" he asked.
Carter looked confused. "She's fine," he replied.
Deeks nodded. "And Amanda? You still sleeping with her too? Isn't she your partner's wife?"
Carter glowered at Deeks. "You son of a bitch."
Deeks smiled. "Make sure Hanlin shuts off all video and audio recording before you all leave. I want both rooms cleared of anyone and everyone. Privileged conversation with my client."
Carter groaned, glancing at the mirror before leaving. Deeks watched the light go out on the camera before turning off the light in the interrogation room. Callen arched his eyebrows.
"Impressive," he commented lightly.
Deeks shrugged. "Even if they are still in there, can't read nothin' in the dark."
"And you're supposed to take notes and read a case file?"
Deeks produced a mini flashlight. "For when I need it. But I don't need notes on this case right now. I just need to hear it from you. What the hell were you thinking, Callen?"
Callen stiffened slightly. "Deeks," he warned.
Deeks shook his head. "No, G. Don't even try that. What the hell were you thinking?"
Callen narrowed his eyes. "You were there. You should understand. And if you don't…"
Deeks exhaled slowly. "Okay, here's our plan. Man you murdered, codename Chameleon, killed your friends, sending you into a temporary frenzy of insanity with the situation going down as it did."
"Really? You're going with the 'temporary insanity' defense?"
"What do you think we should do? You executed a guy on national television! Director Vance would want you to be arrested and charged, too, if he didn't have bigger issues at the moment. You jeopardized the whole unit here, G. Think about that for the moment."
Callen said nothing for a moment, and Deeks leaned back in the chair. Finally, Callen said, "what do you mean?"
Deeks rolled his eyes. "You need me to explain the thinking?" he asked.
"No. You said Director Vance had bigger issues at the moment. What did you mean?"
Deeks sighed. "NCIS Headquarters was bombed."
Callen flinched. "What do we do?"
Deeks shook his head. "First, we have to get you out of this mess. Then, we have to attempt to pick up the pieces for the entirety of the agency."
Callen sighed. "How bad is it?"
Deeks shrugged. "Not sure yet," he said softly. "Details are sketchy right now."
Callen grimaced, but didn't say anything.
"I'm thinking with the deaths of Hunter and Renko, we could logically argue that you weren't sure what you were doing," Deeks said. "That you were just reacting. We can probably get you out today at arraignment, but arguing this before a court might be difficult. We'd have to get a good psychiatrist or psychologist to talk to you, and Nate doesn't count. As your friend, anything he'd say could be compromised. Same goes for Kensi."
"Would you tell me if you did know something?" Callen asked.
Deeks furrowed his brow. "What?"
"About the NCIS bombing."
"Yes, I would. But I-" Deeks's phone chimed, and he fished it out of his pocket. He glanced down at it, reading the message.
"What is it?" Callen asked.
"Hetty. Asking about progress here."
"You're lying."
Deeks rolled his eyes. "I'm not lying. Hetty wants to know how close we are to getting you out of here, because we need you back at NCIS. But, it's not like you're gonna be able to travel to D.C. to help out like you want to. Not until after the trial. We can try to rush it, but there's a decent chance they will convict you. And I really don't know how much I can help you out of this, G. You killed him on television."
Callen furrowed his eyebrows. "How come you keep calling me G?"
Deeks shrugged. "What am I supposed to call you? It's a little awkward to call you Callen in this circumstance. But, if it makes you feel better, I certainly could."
Callen shook his head. "It's okay."
Deeks nodded as his phone chimed again. He checked the message before standing up. "I'm gonna see what I can do to get you out of here for the moment. In the meantime, try not to kill anyone else."
Callen narrowed his eyes.
"And, don't say anything to them," Deeks continued, ignoring the look from his client. "Don't give any explanation, say nothing. Don't make this harder than it needs to be. Once you're out of here, we'll worry about everything else."
Callen nodded.
"I'll be back later, hopefully with some news from D.C. for you."
"Alright," Callen said.
Deeks nodded, turning on the light of the interrogation room. He grabbed the briefcase, giving Callen a short wave before walking out the door. He winked at Carter a little further down the hall before leaving the precinct for the courthouse.
