A CIA physician instructed Callen to rest over the next few days as he recovered from mild hypothermia and exhaustion. Ed came to visit him several times, and each time Callen told him he quit, and wanted out on the first available flight.

Buddy, his ever faithful friend remained by Callen's side, and he now felt a double heartbreak. The crushing realisation that Tracy never loved him and was only using him to her own ends, and gut-wrenching knowledge that he could not take Buddy with him. He tried everything to persuade Ed to get Buddy on a flight out of the country; he pleaded, begged, reasoned and even attempted blackmail. Nothing was going to work unless he drove himself through some of the world's most dangerous, terrorist filled countries. As a white man and an American he would quickly be captured and accused of spying. Which would of course, be correct. He would then be subjected to the types of torture he had frequently employed during his time with the Agency, and the Bureau before that, namely sleep deprivation and water-boarding. The former was his favourite and he could usually outlast those he subjected to it. Coupled with the silent treatment and negative re-enforcement, success had been guaranteed for the softer suspects. Callen could certainly survive for a while, but sense prevailed in this dangerous and highly volatile region. He would have to let Buddy go.

Sooner than expected, a space became available on a flight bound for Berlin. Callen was alerted to the flight plan four hours before departure. His belongings had been collected for him from the home he had once shared with Tracy, and were now packed neatly into a rucksack and sports bag. Since that night, Callen had not been allowed out for fear of discovery. He heard rumours that their cover was intact and that Tracy had returned back to their home and was resuming the mission without him. David Keller had flown back to New York and would not be returning.

Buddy had patiently stayed by Callen's side for days. He was let out to roam around the garden but no one had taken him for walks. The only solution Ed had eventually offered Callen, was that Tracy would keep Buddy. The thought made him furious but there was little he could do. Buddy was a stray Callen had adopted and he was being forced to abandon him. He reckoned Buddy would last a few days and then take-off to live rough again until another kindred spirit linked up with him or he died alone. He shook his head and smiled at the fact he and Buddy shared so many characteristics, and had been dealt the same hand by life and fate.

Buddy knew the end was coming; his body language was full of dejection, his head was lowered and ears down as he constantly looked up at Callen, waiting for the words of reassurance. None came. Callen hated goodbyes and many years ago had locked away the emotions associated with being wrenched away from people he cared about. Buddy was different. He didn't have the words to comfort Buddy so instead he stroked and petted Buddy in silence.

Soon he was advised the car had arrived to transport him to the airbase. He gave Buddy one last hug, kissed the top of his head and stood, gathering his two bags. Buddy gave out a short whine.

"I'm so sorry, Buddy," Callen whispered, his voice cracking ever so slightly. "I'm so sorry."

Without looking back, Callen left the safe house, stashed his meagre belongings in the boot of the car and was driven to the airbase. Berlin awaited, followed by another military flight to an as yet unknown destination back in the States. There, he would be taken to the CIA Headquarters at Fairfax County to be fully debriefed on his part of the mission, and on his leaving the CIA. In less than a week he had lost everything. Callen resolved to not let anyone or anything get that close again. Moving forward, he would return to working on his own without any exceptions.