BETRAYAL:

Chapter 1

The day started as any other. The team trickled in one by one. Chatting about this or that; getting their coffee, checking emails. Sam was relaying Michelle's first day of Haley's Spring Break, thankful he wasn't home, yet wishing he was. Callen was returning to his desk with a fresh cup of coffee when Eric whistled from the stairway landing.

"We've got a good one, guys." he said turning and heading back up the stairs.

Once Kensi, Deeks, Sam and Callen were standing in Ops, Nell began, "Staff Sergeant Kevin Mason was killed in a motorcycle accident in November. It was originally thought to be your average run of the mill accident. However, after the NCIS office at Camp Pendleton started their investigation, they suspect it was murder. Staff Sergeant Mason was an instructor at S.O.I. He transferred from Camp Lejeune in June and had just put in his package for early retirement. The investigation discovered that Mason may have found that a few of the other instructor were moonlighting at a shooting range as instructors. It would seem like much of a problem, but several of the students who frequented the course popped up on the Homeland Security's watch list."

"Why are we just getting this case now if he died in November?" Callen asked.

"The police department, who handled the initial accident investigation, was dragging their feet. It took the widow and her Casualty Assistance Officer to bring NCIS into it to light a fire under the department." Nell said, looking at her tablet.

"So far we've only been able to identify three of the students; Abida Mohamedzai, Malik Raisini and Tofeeq Awan. All three are known to associate with several Al Qaeda groups recruiting here in the Intel chatter says they're planning a possible attack locally, most likely a military target or someplace associated with the military. We suspect they are going after soft targets around military installations. Bases that have been mentioned are Pendleton, 29 Palms and Miramar. Pendleton has the most heavily populated surrounding area. Oceanside, Carlsbad, Fallbrook, Vista, etc. Miramar and 29 Palms are somewhat isolated." Nell said looking up as Hetty walked in.

"What do we know about the Marines who are supposed to be teaching these classes?" Sam asked.

"So far we only have two; a Gunnery Sergeant Michael Calke and Staff Sergeant David Willis. Both are former infantry Marines. Gunnery Sergeant Calke did a tour with First Recon Battalion from two thousand eight to two thousand eleven, then he received orders to S.O.I. Prior to his time with First Recon, Calke was a sniper with 1/2 at Lejeune. He is fully vested; having gone to Sere, Sniper, Advanced Sniper, Jump, Dive and Hrst schools. Staff Sergeant Willis has also gone to Sere, Sniper and Advanced Sniper. Most of Willis' career has been spend with Infantry units in California, Japan and North Carolina. Both had some disciplinary problems as non-NCO's, but their records have been clean ever since. Calke is divorced with two children. His x-wife lives in San Diego. Willis has been married for two years and had a one-year-old daughter; they live off base in Vista." She said.

"What do we know about the man involved in the motorcycle accident" Callen added.

"All we know at this point is that he's a Staff NCO. The Marine Corps is being very tight-lipped about any information. Hetty said she's working with Director Vance and the Sec. Nav. to get more information about him." she said.

"We've also received information that Staff Sergeant Mason's widow and children could be in danger. There is the possibility that he told her what he'd found out and the powers that be wants her silenced before she can tell. Regardless of what she knows, we need to protect them." Hetty said. "Callen, Sam I'd like the two of your to go to Pendleton to speak with the widow. Try to talk to some neighbors as well, see if she's said anything to anyone."

"Alright." Callen said as he and Sam left.

"Ms. Blye, Mr. Deeks. Go see what you can find out about Calke and Willis, talk to them if you can."

"Yes Hetty," they said as she walked out of Ops.

As Sam pulled the Challenger onto the Mason's street, Callen commented about the houses. "Nice places, too close together."

"Yeah and they're poorly constructed and the walls are paper thin. There's the house. Looks like no one's home. No cars in the driveway." Sam said driving to the end of the cul-de-sac, turning around and parking in front of the house next door. "Not a lot of guest parking on this street. The whole damn street is painted red."

"Let's see if she's home. If not, we'll start with the neighbors." Callen said opening the car door.

The two walked across the grass and up to the front door, ringing the bell. There was no answer, except for the dogs barking inside. They headed back across the grass to the neighboring house and rang the bell. Another dog barked and they heard a woman telling it to be quiet as she opened the door. She was older, sandy blonde hair.

"Can I help you?" she said pulling the dog away from the door.

"Yes, my name is Special Agent Callen and this is Special Agent Hanna. We were hoping to ask you a few questions about your neighbor, Kathleen Mason." Callen said, both men showing their badges and credentials.

"I don't know her very well. I've only talked to her once or twice since they moved in back in June." she said before yelling over her shoulder. "Lauren, can you take Buck out back, please."

"Yes, Mom," they heard as a young girl came up behind her and took the dog to the back door and let him out.

"Do you know anything about her husband's death?" Callen asked.

"Um, I know my husband has talked to her since Kevin's death, but what she told him, I don't know." she said.

"Is your husband here by any chance?" Sam asked.

"No, he's at a job interview." she said looking annoyed.

"Job interview?" Sam asked.

"Aaron retired last month, he's looking for a job." she said. "Look, I really don't have time for this. Do you have a card? I'll give it to my husband and have him call you."

"Yes ma'am," Callen said handing her his card through the open screen door.

"You might want to talk to Amy, I think her name is. She lives across the street at the house with the black mini-van. I've seen her talk to Kathy a few times." she said.

"Thank you, do you by chance know her last name?" Callen asked.

"I know the kid's last name is Russell, so I assume hers would be the same." she said.

"Thank you, sorry for the interruption. Have a good day." Sam said before she slammed the door in their face.

As they walked towards the house with the mini-van, Callen pulled his phone from his pocket and called Nell. "Nell, can you run a background check on one of Mrs. Mason's neighbors. An Amy Russell."

"Sure I'll see what I can do. Do you have any more information on her? Date of birth, full name?" she asked.

"No, we're walking up to the house now. The neighbor we just spoke to suggested we speak to her because she's seen her talking to Mrs. Mason." Callen explained.

"Ok, I'll see what I can find and I'll send it to you phone." she said and disconnected the call.

As Callen and Sam walked up to the front door, they could hear yelling and laughing. "Sounds like someone's having fun." Callen rang the doorbell and heard yet another dog barking and kids yelling.

Amy had just taken a load upstairs to fold when the doorbell rang.

"I'll get it," Kristi yelled from the bottom of the stairs.

"No, I'll get it, I'm coming." Amy said heading down the stairs to find all three kids already at the door.

"It's probably Lauren asking if I can go out and play," Kristi said.

"No, it's probably Chris," Ricky said

"Good lord, you guys are like vultures swooping in for the kill. Back off. Ricky, go put some clothes on." Amy said opening the door. Before her stood two strangers. "Um, no it's not for either of you."

She was a shorter, a little on the heavy side, but pretty. Her hair was almost shoulder length and an odd combination of brown, blonde and almost purple. It looked good on her, Callen thought. "Good morning ma'am, my name is Special Agent Callen and this is Special Agent Hanna, we're with NCIS."

Amy noticed his blue eyes immediately, "Can I help you?" she asked holding the little dog back with her foot and wondering what Rick had done this time.

"Mommy, Sissy won't get me dressed." Jenny whined.

"You're already dressed," Amy said looking down at her.

"But I don't want to wear this anymore." she began to cry.

"Please Jenny, let me find out what these men need and I'll change you, Ok?" Amy said, patting her on the head and returning her attention to the men at the door. "Sorry"

"Not a problem, Spring Break up here too? My daughter's off and driving my wife insane too." Sam said, laughing.

"We'd like to ask you a few questions about one of your neighbors if you don't mind?" Callen said.

"Um ok, come on in. Please excuse the mess." Amy said letting them in trying to keep the dog from jumping up on them.

"Mommy, you said you'd get me dressed." Jenny said trying to pull Amy's arm out of the socket.

"Ok, just hold on a second. Do either of you want a cup of coffee?" she asked.

"Sure, thank you," they both said.

"He's cute, what kind of dog is he?" Sam asked.

"He's a pain... French Bull dog and Chihuahua. I don't know which parent was which. Kristi, since you won't change your sister's clothes, would you please make these men a cup of coffee?" Amy called showing the men to the dining room, then headed through the kitchen to the laundry room.

"Yes, Mom" Kristi said before she asked the men how they liked their coffee.

"Black with three sugars," Sam answered.

"Ah, just like my Dad." Kristi smiled.

"I'll take mine with two sugars and cream, please." Callen said.

"We've got milk, Irish cream and Vanilla Caramel creamers." Kristi told Callen.

"I'll try the Vanilla Caramel, thank you." he said.

"That's my Mom's favorite." Kristi said turning to the Keureg coffee maker.

"You can make coffee?" Sam asked. "How old are you?"

"Yes, I can make coffee and eggs. I'm eleven." she said.

"Damn, I wish Haley could make coffee and eggs. It would make the weekends nicer. Instead of Michelle or I having to get up and make her breakfast, she could do it herself." Sam said.

"We should get one of those machines for the office. I hate drinking the thick sludge in the bottom of the pot after it's set there a few hours." Callen laughed.

"Hey, I like that stuff, it reminds me of Navy coffee." Sam said, elbowing Callen in the arm.

"There is absolutely nothing wrong with Navy coffee, it's some of the best coffee I've ever had." said Amy as she walked into the kitchen from the laundry room. "Kristi, want me to take over?"

"No, I'm good. Do you want another cup of coffee, Mom?"

"Sure Honey, that would be great." Amy said carrying two cups of coffee to the table. "Whose is whose?"

"The one with the creamer is um, the shorter one's." Kristi said as she brought Amy's coffee to the table.

"Ah, here you go." she said handing them their respective cups. "Please sit down."

"Thank you," they said taking a seat at the large maple table.

"How do you know about Navy coffee?" Sam asked.

"Oh, Special Agent Hanna, I grew up near a Navy base. Spent a few summers on there." Amy said before taking a sip of her coffee.

"Please, call me Sam. Really? What base?" he asked.

"Up in Northern California." she said

"Alameda?" he asked.

"No, Moffett Field. It was decommissioned in the nineties. It's a federal air field now. The only thing there now is an Air National Guard squadron and NASA Ames Research Center."

"I've heard of it. They used to run anti-submarine warfare operations with the P-3 Orion." He said sipping his coffee.

"Yes," Amy smiled. "My grandfather was stationed there after they came back from Japan. He got stationed in Alameda for a while, but they like the area and bought a house. My parents bought it a few years after they got married. The house is almost the three-mile-final marker."

"So, how did you spend your summer's there?" Callen asked.

"Once my grandfather retired, he would take us on base. Then the base offered Aviation Summer School in the late eighties with the maintenance training group. My brother and I both took the course. Plus, the highlight of the summer was the air show. Best week and a half of the summer." Amy said with a huge smile.

"Since you have such a love of the Navy, why didn't you join?" Sam asked.

"My parent's said it wasn't a good life for a woman. I've always regretted not joining. So now, I live vicariously through my husband." Amy said looking at her coffee and once again wondering what her life would've been like had she actually joined the Navy.

"What did you want to do in the Navy?" Sam asked.

"Ah," Amy said with a smile. "I'm part of the Top Gun generation, I wanted to fly. No cargo crap. I wanted to be a fighter pilot."

"Really?" Sam smiled. "What was your aircraft of choice?"

"The F-14. I cried when they took her out of the inventory. Such bad-ass jet." Amy smiled

"Yeah, it was." Sam said.

"Mommy, I go out and play?" Kristi asked.

"Yes, take your sister with you, please." Amy said

"Come on, Jenny. Let's see if Lauren can play." Kristi said to her younger sister.

"Ricky, are you dressed?" Amy called up the stairs.

"Yes, can I go out too?" he called back down.

"Yes please. Let me talk to these men in peace and quiet." she said as Ricky bounded down the stairs with his Nerf guns in his arms.

"We're going to play Black Ops again," he told his mother before heading out the door.

Sam smiled as Callen's phone went off; Nell had sent him Amy's background check. He skimmed it quickly and noticed nothing out of sorts. Amy headed into the family room to turn off the television, "Sorry, you guys had questions?" Amy said.

"Yes," Callen began. "What do you know about your neighbor across the street, Kathleen Mason?"

"Um, not too much. Nice woman, been through hell the last four or five months. Why?" Amy said.

"Can you elaborate on that?" Callen asked.

"Look, Agent Callen, Agent Hanna. I don't know what kind of information you're looking for, but it's not my place to tell you what's going on. Besides, most of what I know is second or third hand. I haven't really talked to Kathy in about a month."

"Ok, what do you know about her husband's death." Callen said.

Amy took a deep breath, not really wanting to relive the events of the past few months. "Kevin was killed in a motorcycle accident the beginning of November. All I know is that he was riding next to someone and I guess they got a little too close, forcing him into a pothole. He went head-first into a tree."

"Do you know anything more about the case?" Sam asked.

"When I talked to Kathy the last time, she mentioned that his death was suspicious. That NCIS had gotten involved and the guy he was riding with was being held and she was going to file a wrongful death suit. Why aren't you talking to Kathy directly about this?" Amy said, curious.

"We would, but it appears she's not home at the moment. We spoke to another neighbor who said you and Mrs. Mason spoke on a fairly regular basis." Callen said.

"We've talked, but not very much. What kind of information are you looking for specifically, Agent Callen?"

"Everything you know about the situation, we need to know." he said leaning forward on his forearms.

"Can I ask why? Is she in some kind of trouble?" she said.

"Not necessarily trouble." Sam said.

Amy looked towards the TV in the family room. "Ok, I know Kevin was part of a Harley club. From what Kathy said most of the members are law enforcement, military or lawyers. Some of them were stationed at S.O.I. with Kevin, others were scattered throughout the various units on base. I'm sure some were stationed out of Miramar and 29 Palms, too. She said it was a nationwide club. They just came here from Camp Lejeune right before we did."

"How long have you been here?" Callen asked.

"We got here in June, but didn't get the house until after the July forth ninety-six." She said.

"I know the turnover rate in housing is pretty fast. How many of your neighbors were here when Kevin Mason died?" Callen asked.

"Yeah, I think there are only four of us left, everyone else in the immediate area is new. I don't know that she associated with anyone either up the street or in the cul-de-sac. The only ones left are Aaron right next door to her; he just retired. Jackie, a.k.a. Navy Wife Barbie lives two houses down on my side. She started a home daycare either at the end of last year or beginning of this year. Mary, three houses down on Kathy's side, I believe her husband is deployed right now." she said pointing in the different directions.

"Why do you call her Navy Wife Barbie?" Sam asked.

"You'll see. Platinum blonde, boob job. If it rained, I honestly think she'd drown." Amy said.

"Do you think she's told them anything more than she's told you?" Callen asked.

"Probably, they hang out and talk all the time." Amy said.

"Has she told you anything else about the case?" Callen asked.

"Well, she did mention that she was very well represented. She has a Military and civilian lawyer here in California, New York, Pennsylvania, North Carolina and one other place, but I can't recall where she said it was."

"Why so many lawyers?" Sam asked.

"I don't know. Most are club members. I have a feeling there's more going on that she's letting onto. She told me she didn't get the police report until a month or so ago. The autopsy report came in a couple weeks after that." Amy explained drinking the last of her coffee.

"Did she say why it took them so long to get the reports back?" Callen asked.

"No, but I know she was pissed. The Vista police department isn't known for their promptness. My husband was in an accident off of Vista Way back in 2007. It took forever to get the police report." Amy said.

"Do you know where Mrs. Mason might have gone this week?" Callen asked looking at the bottom of his empty coffee cup.

"I know she mentioned going to New York the week before Easter, but I expected she'd be back this week. Kathy bought a house in Pennsylvania. She's been busy going through stuff in storage getting ready to move in June." Amy said, looking at Callen. "Do you want another cup of coffee?"

"Oh no, I think I've had enough for now. I will take some water if you don't mind." he said.

"Sure. Sam you want another cup of coffee or water? Agent Callen, ice?" she said taking the two cups to the kitchen.

"Please, just Callen is fine. Yes, I'll take ice." Callen said with a smile. He thought there was something about Amy, but couldn't put his finger on it.

"I'll take some ice water, too," Sam said standing. "May I use your restroom?"

"Sure, it's right over there," she said pointing to the hallway. "I can't guarantee what it looks like, I asked the kids to clean it yesterday and they didn't."

"Not a problem." Sam said.

"Kathy brought a couple bags of cloths over here. I think it was Wednesday, week before last." Amy said reaching up to the top shelf of the cabinet for the big plastic cups.

"Need some help with that?" Callen asked walking into the kitchen.

"Nope, I've got it. I do this all the time." she said nearly walking into him as she turned around.

"Sorry." Callen said backing away.

"What kind of clothes did she bring over?" Sam asked.

"A huge bag of stuff for Jenny. Lots of dresses, ten to fifteen pairs of pants and a bunch of shirts." Amy said standing in front of the refrigerator waiting for the ice machine to fill the cup.

"What was in the other bag she brought over?" Callen asked.

"It was clothes for me. Two purses, a swim suit, pants and shirts." Amy said filling another cup with ice.

"Do you think Mrs. Mason went to Pennsylvania?" Callen asked.

"Maybe, like I said we don't really talk that much and I try to keep out of everyone else's business. I've got enough drama going on in my own life; I sure as hell don't need theirs too. I don't even have Kathy's number."

Once the glasses we filled with water, the three returned to the table and finished the conversation. Unfortunately, Amy didn't have much more information to offer. They left their cards with her in the event she heard or thought of something else. They both thanked Amy for her time and headed out to talk to the other two women Amy mentioned.

Amy's description of Jackie was almost dead on, she offered very little information. Sam and Callen agreed that it was more because she had three extra children running around. She did, however, agree to call them after the children went down for their naps or after they went home. Mary was very generous with the information, but knew no more than Amy. Sam and Callen thanked her for her time, left their cards and headed back to the office.

On the way back to L.A. Sam and Callen talked about what Amy had told them. They agreed that Amy didn't know more than she was telling them. Callen read Sam the information Nell had sent him about Amy. "Ok, Amy Russell; born Amelia Josephina Vincent, April fifth, nineteen seventy-seven."

"Hmm, her birthday is Friday," Sam said looking at his watch.

"Born and raised in Northern California. Married now-Staff Sergeant Richard Russell in May of two thousand one. Three children ages eleven, ten and five. Divorced a David Wilson in 2000 after being legally married for only six months. She still has an active restraining order against him. Um, let's see no criminal record. Except a jay-walking ticket in nineteen ninety-three, which she went to traffic school for. Graduated in ninety-five. Went to two local community colleges and never finished, but she did take extensive writing classes and photography."

"Wow, good kid." Sam said. "Clean as a whistle."

Upon their return to the office, they headed up to Ops to see if Nell and Eric or Kensi and Deeks found out anything more about the five suspects.

"Can you run Background checks on two other women? A Jackie Moreno and Mary Garcia?" Sam asked.

"Sure," Nell said turning back to her computer. She told them about the other two women, nothing out of the ordinary and nothing important.

Kensi and Deeks returned to the office and relayed the information they got from several members of Calke and Willis's command and what the men themselves said. "They claim that they both work at the range on night and weekends, but deny knowing or having any of the three suspects in any of their classes." Kensi said.

"We went by the range and asked for their surveillance tapes. They were more than happy to hand them over to us." Deeks said handing the thumb drive to Eric.

"How far back do the videos go?" Eric asked loading the files.

"It should go back about nine months. Covering the parking lot, indoor and outdoor ranges, shop and lobby." Deeks said.

"Good, a few months before Gunnery Sergeant Mason's death. We should be able to find something." Eric smiled and began working his magic.

Almost immediately, Eric and Nell had footage of the two Marines in question and the three suspects. "Ok, we've got the three suspects arriving. I've put the vehicle information in Kaleidoscope and we will see what we can come up with." He said spinning in his chair.

By Friday, they were no further in the case than they had been two

days before. They had no leads and there was no sign of their suspects anywhere. As the team packed up to head home for the weekend, they walked about their plans for the days ahead. Callen's mind drifted to Amy. There was something about her that pulled at him. He knew Sam had noticed his mind was elsewhere when they weren't working on leads.

"You're still thinking about her, aren't you?" Sam asked him, pulling him from his thoughts.

"Yeah, I don't know what it is about her." Callen said pushing his hand through his hair.

"Who are you guys talking about?" Kensi asked.

"Amy Russell, One of Kathleen Mason's neighbors." Callen said.

"What's her deal?" Kensi said.

"I don't know what it is, I just have a feeling something's wrong. Something not related to the case." Callen said.

"Hey Callen, didn't you say her birthday was April fifth?" Sam asked looking at Callen.

"What was that Sam? Callen asked

"When did you say Amy's birthday was?" Sam asked

"Um, I think it was the fifth, today." he said looking at the calendar on his desk.

"Damn, wish we'd known more about her when we were talking to her. I'm sure she could use a few more birthday wishes." Sam said.

"I'm sure she would appreciate that," Callen said thinking maybe this could be his excuse to go see her, talk to her.

"Hey G, you still coming down this weekend? Maybe you could stop by and see Amy, wish her a happy birthday. I think I'm going to stop by tonight on my way home." Sam said with a smile.

"Yeah, I'm still coming down. What's Michelle cooking?" Callen said hearing his stomach growl.

"I don't know what she's got planned." Sam said with a laugh.

"Mr. Callen may I have a word with you?" Hetty said from her desk.

"What's up Hetty?" Callen asked as he walked up.

"This Amy Russell, what can you tell me about her?" Hetty asked

"She's married to a Marine, three kids. Clean criminal record except for a jay-walking ticket when she was in high school." He told her. "Why do you ask?"

"What's your impression of her? Does she seem happy?" Hetty asked.

"I think she's got a good head on her shoulders, seems smart. As for happy, I don't know. On the surface for everyone to see, I think she's got a good front going. On the inside, there's something in her eyes. A sadness almost, I can't get it out of my head. I'm worried that she's in some kind of trouble or something. Why do you ask?" he said.

"Oh just wondering." She said.

"Why do I get the feeling you know more about Amy than you're letting on?" Callen said, giving Hetty his typical curious look.

"Now, Mr. Callen. Whatever would make you think that?" She smiled slyly.

"You do know Amy, don't you?" Sam said, walking up behind Callen.

"How do you know Amy?" Callen asked.

"I knew Amy's great grandmother. I met Amy as a child only a handful of times and she asked me to look after Amy before she passed away in nineteen ninety-four. So, I've kept tabs on her." Hetty explained.

"Then why are you asking me about her if you've been keeping tabs on her over the last nineteen years?" Callen asked.

"I haven't spoken to her in a few years to know for sure, but there is definitely a change in her personality over the last five or six years. I don't know what it is. Like you, Mr. Callen I'm worried about her." Hetty explained.

"I would like the two of you to, how should I say this..." Hetty stopped to think.

"Keep an eye on her?" Callen asked.

"Yes, befriend her is more what I was looking for. See if she will tell you what's going on at home. She's dropped off the social networking sites almost completely and when she post, it's very non-descript." She said.

"We will see what we can do?" they agreed.

Satisfied with their answer, "Amy's great grandmother left me with detailed instructions of how to handle her final wishes once Amy turned a certain age. With today being her Birthday, I need to get everything together for her." Hetty said.

"Not a problem, Hetty." Sam and Callen said,

"Are you going by the base tonight, Sam?" She asked as they turned to walk away.

"I had planned on it. I figured I'd stop by and get her some flowers or something." He said.

"Very nice of you, Mr. Hanna. I believe she likes lilies." Hetty smiled.

"Easy enough," Callen said looking at Sam.

"Oh Mr. Callen, Mr. Hanna" she called after them. "Please don't tell her we know each other. I'll pay her a visit in a few weeks when I have everything together." Callen and Sam nodded and walked away.

The drive to Pendleton wasn't bad until Sam hit the San Onofre Nuclear Power plant; the Northern most tip of the base. It took him forty-five minutes just to get to the main gate of the base and another fifteen minutes just to get on base. At that point, he was thankful his military days were over.

Amy's street was full of kids playing. Slowly he made his way to the end of the cul-de-sac and turned around to park across the street. Her black Chevy Venture was parked in the driveway and the garage door was open. As he got out of the car, Amy's youngest daughter; Jenny; met him.

"Hi, how are you?" he said looking down at her.

"I'm good. Those are pretty flowers. Who are they for?" Jenny asked.

"They're for your Mommy. Her birthday is today, right?" Sam told her as he watched her run away.

"Mommy, Mommy that big man from the other day brought you flowers." she yelled all the way across the street and up the driveway into the garage.

Amy set the ash tray on the couch and got to her feet, looking to see if any of the neighbors heard Jenny. "Agent Hanna, I mean Sam, what are you doing here?"

"Well, I found out it was your birthday and thought I'd bring you a little something." he said handing the bouquet of Easter Lilies to her.

"Oh my gosh, you didn't have to do that. I'm shocked you'd even think about it. Thank you." she said tears filling her eyes. "Wait, how did you know when my birthday was?"

"We ran a background check. Standard procedure." Sam said.

"Really?" she asked feeling her stomach knot.

"You've got a very clean record. You should be proud of it."Sam said,

"Ha, I lead a very boring life. Kind of hard to get into trouble when you don't do anything." she laughed.

"It also said you took a lot of writing classes and photography." Sam said sitting on the couch, facing her. "This looks familiar, barracks special?"

"Of course, they were going to Dermo, so we got two couches and two chairs. The rest are out back." she said lighting a cigarette.

"Do you do much writing?" he asked.

"As much as I can do with a house to keep up with, three children and a husband who tends to act like a child." she laughed.

"What do you write about?" he asked.

"Fiction." she said taking a drag of her cigarette.

"Ok, have you played shutterbug lately?" He asked looking around the garage.

"No, I haven't, not in a long while. My brother and I tried to start out own photography business about thirteen years ago, but I got married and moved down here." She told him.

"So do you have any special plans for tonight?" he asked, hopeful.

"You're looking at it. I'll go in and make dinner in a while. I don't know when Rick's getting home. He claims to be working late."

"I take it you don't believe him?" Sam said with a smile.

Amy smiled, "No, I really don't?"

Sam laughed. " I've got to head home, but Callen said he'd stop by tomorrow on his way down to my house."

"No, he really doesn't need to go out of his way like that." She said.

"Really it's no trouble, he wants to talk to you more."

"Well, okay. Thank you for stopping by. The flowers are a wonderful surprise." she said standing.

Sam leaned in giving Amy a pat on the shoulder before he walked down the driveway and out to his car. Amy waved as he drove away.