Chapter 66: Grant Shawn Arrives
The sun was shining brightly on the NCIS base at Pearl Harbor, and Jane Tennant's team was gathered in the operations room. Jane walked in with a slight smile on her face, something her team noticed immediately.
"Guys, I have an update," Jane began, crossing her arms. "Grant Shawn has received clearance from the FBI and will be arriving today to help us with the Rourke case."
Jesse Boone raised his eyebrows. "Wow, so the legend really is coming. It's not every day you get to work with someone of his caliber."
Kai Holman nodded. "I'm already looking forward to seeing how he operates. I hear he's straightforward and effective."
Lucy Tara smiled. "No pressure, right? It's good to know we have someone with so much experience."
Kate Whistler remained silent, but her face betrayed her excitement. Jane noticed and gave her a knowing look before continuing.
"When he arrives, I want everyone ready to support him. Grant has a way of working that demands the best from everyone, so let's show him what we're capable of."
A short while later, a black car pulled up to the entrance of the NCIS base. Grant Shawn stepped out, dressed in dark jeans and a light blue dress shirt, with his typical confident bearing.
He walked into the building, his steady footsteps echoing down the hallway. When he reached the operations room, his eyes immediately met Jane's, and a playful smile spread across his face.
"Jane Tennant," he said, his tone warm. "You've managed to get even prettier since we last saw each other."
Jane laughed and put her hands on her hips. "And you've got more gray hair, Grant. I bet your girlfriend loves it."
Grant chuckled deeply. "She definitely does. She says it makes me look wiser."
The two of them walked over and hugged each other warmly, like old friends. Jane's team watched the interaction, surprised to see their boss so relaxed and playful.
"So, how's life?" Jane asked as they parted ways.
"Hectic, as always," Grant replied. "But it's good to be back in Hawaii, even if it's for work."
Grant turned his attention to the rest of the team, taking each one in with a shrewd eye. Jane began to introduce them.
"This is my team. Jesse Boone, my second in command."
Grant shook Jesse's hand. "Nice to meet you. Jane speaks highly of you."
"I hope I live up to my reputation," Jesse replied with a smile.
Jane continued. "Kai Holman."
"Kai," Grant said, greeting him. "I hope you're as good as your boss says."
Kai laughed. "She says that to keep morale up, I'm sure."
"Lucy Tara."
Lucy shook Grant's hand with a smile. "I've heard so much about you. I'm looking forward to learning from one of the best."
"You're already part of an amazing team, so I'm sure you're on the right track," Grant said.
"Ernie Malik, our tech genius," Jane introduced.
Grant shook Ernie's hand. "Always good to have someone with top-notch technical skills. I'm counting on you to keep me informed."
Finally, Jane pointed to Kate Whistler, who was trying to maintain her composure. "And this is Kate Whistler. She's our liaison with the FBI."
Grant smiled warmly. "Kate. We crossed paths in a few classes at Quantico, didn't we? I remember you. You were always one of the best."
Kate blushed visibly, a shy smile breaking across her face. "Yes, sir. It's an honor to see you again."
Grant inclined his head in satisfaction. "I've heard great things about you from the top brass. It sounds like you're doing a great job."
Kate could barely contain her happiness, and Lucy gave her a gentle shove with her shoulder, smiling knowingly.
After the introductions, Jane led Grant into the operating room, where Ernie showed off the latest data on the case.
Meanwhile, the team chatted.
"He really is impressive," Jesse commented quietly. "And he seems pretty calm for someone with his track record,"
Lucy added. Kai looked at Kate. "Are you okay? It looks like you just met your hero."
Kate laughed, still a little embarrassed. "He's... everything I expected and more. But let's get down to business."
Jane reentered the room, accompanied by Grant, and everyone braced themselves for instructions.
"Okay, guys," Grant began, his voice firm and authoritative. "I'm here to help, but you're the local experts. Let's work together and make sure we catch Rourke before he causes any more trouble. Jane, where do we start?"
Chapter 67: Farewell in Paradise
The golden light of the Honolulu sunset lit the horizon when the case was finally concluded. The NCIS team was exhausted but satisfied. Under the leadership of Jane, with the support of Grant, they had captured Rourke and dismantled the criminal operation that threatened local security.
Grant was in the operations room, closing his laptop and preparing to leave, when Jane walked in, a smile on her face.
"Mission accomplished, Shawn," she said. "I have to admit, it was good to have you here. You brought a unique perspective to the case."
Grant smiled slightly. "It was great working with you guys too. You have an exceptional team, Jane."
Before he could say more, Jesse entered the room with a mischievous smile.
"I hope you don't have plans tonight, Grant," he said. "Because we're taking you out to celebrate the Hawaiian way."
Grant raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Celebrate the Hawaiian way? Does that involve dancing the hula or surfing?"
"Nothing too exotic," Kai replied, appearing behind Jesse. "Just a good local bar, a few drinks, and maybe a friendly pool game."
Jane laughed. "You don't have a choice, Grant. Let's all go."
Grant sighed, but his smile indicated that he was willing to participate. "Fine, but only because you guys asked so insistently."
The bar the team had chosen was a cozy beachfront spot with a stunning view of the ocean. The cool evening breeze mingled with the sound of the waves gently crashing on the sand. The group sat at a large table in the center of the bar, laughing and chatting as they ordered their first rounds of drinks.
Lucy, always the liveliest, raised her glass. "Here's to Mr. Grant Shawn, who showed us all why he's a legend!"
Everyone clinked glasses, and Grant laughed, a little embarrassed. "You guys really know how to make someone feel important."
Ernie, sitting next to him, leaned in. "Well, it's not every day we get to work with someone with your experience, so we're taking advantage of this moment."
Grant gave a slight smile. "You guys did an amazing job. I only made a few suggestions, but you executed them perfectly."
"Modest, huh?" Jesse joked. "But we know you're the kind of guy who likes to stay in the shadows."
As the evening wore on, the conversation turned to lighter topics. Jane, sitting next to Grant, watched the team interact with him. It was rare to see his team so relaxed and laid back, especially after an intense case.
"So, Grant," Jane asked, "any plans to go back to Hawaii? Or is it just work, work, work?"
Grant took a sip of his beer before answering. "I'm actually thinking about going back. My girlfriend, Isobel, has always wanted to visit Hawaii, and I think it would be the perfect place for a vacation."
Lucy, sitting across the table, smiled. "You really should bring her. This place is paradise."
Grant nodded. "Absolutely. And who knows, maybe one day we might even consider living here. It's hard not to fall in love with this place."
Jane laughed. "It's good to know you're already planning your retirement here. But honestly, Grant, you deserve some peace after everything you've been through."
"I still have work to do," he said, looking out over the horizon. "But it's good to know there are places like this to escape to when the time is right."
Around midnight, the team began to say their goodbyes. Grant, though initially hesitant to join in, seemed genuinely happy to have spent time with them.
"It was an honor to work with all of you," he said, shaking Jesse's hand.
"It was our honor," Jesse replied. "If you need anything, you know where to find us."
Kai patted Grant on the shoulder. "Next time I come, I'll take you surfing. No excuses."
Grant laughed. "I promise I'll consider that offer."
Lucy and Kate said their goodbyes as well, Kate still looking a little nervous in his presence.
Jane followed Grant out, the two of them walking side by side in the moonlight.
"It was good working with you again, Jane," he said. "You've put together an amazing team here."
"And it was good to have you here, Grant," Jane replied. "I hope it won't be too long before we meet again."
Grant smiled, extending his hand to her. "Sure thing, Jane. Until next time."
As he walked away, Jane watched, knowing that Grant's brief stint in Hawaii had left a lasting impression on her team.
Chapter 68: Dreams of a Future in Paradise
Grant walked into the apartment he shared with Isobel after a long drive back from Hawaii. It was late, but the lights in the living room were still on. He saw Isobel sitting on the couch, wearing a cozy robe and holding a glass of wine. When she noticed him, she smiled warmly.
"Finally home," she said, standing up to hug him. "How was Hawaii?"
Grant smiled, holding her around the waist and kissing her forehead. "It was everything they say and more. A true paradise."
"I can imagine," Isobel replied, as they walked together to the couch. "What about work? Did you manage to solve the case?"
"Yeah, it's all sorts of solved," he said, sitting down next to her. "The NCIS team is amazing, and it was great working with Jane again. But I have to admit, the place itself stole my attention."
Isobel smiled as she took a sip of her wine. "And what exactly caught your attention?"
"The atmosphere, the weather, the beaches… it seems like a perfect place to start a new phase of life," he said, looking at her with a twinkle in his eye.
Isobel raised an eyebrow curiously. "New phase? Are you thinking of moving to Hawaii now?"
Grant laughed softly. "Not right now. But maybe one day, when things calm down. I was thinking it would be an amazing place to… build something. Something bigger."
The tone in Grant's voice made Isobel straighten up. She looked directly at him, trying to understand what he meant. "Something bigger, like what?" she asked, her voice slightly hesitant.
Grant took a deep breath, taking her hand in his. "Like a family," he said firmly, his eyes fixed on hers.
Grant's words took her by surprise. Isobel's eyes welled up, and she placed her hand on his cheek. "Do… do you want to have a family with me?"
Grant smiled, pulling her closer. "Of course I do, Isobel. I never thought about it until I was with you. But now, I can picture it perfectly. A house in Hawaii, a little girl running around in the sand with black hair and your beautiful eyes."
Isobel let out a soft sob, her emotions overflowing. "Are you serious? Someday… a family?"
"I've never been more serious," he said, hugging her tightly. "You've changed me, Isobel. I want this. With you."
They held each other for a few minutes, letting the moment settle. Isobel finally pulled away enough to look at him again.
"I don't even know what to say," she admitted, wiping away a tear. "I've always been so focused on work, with no time to think about anything like this. But you… you make me want this too."
Grant ran his hand through her hair, smiling. "We don't have to rush. I just want you to know that when we're ready, I'll be here. And I don't think there's a better place for that than Hawaii. Peace, beauty, simplicity. It seems like the perfect place to start something new."
"Do you think I'd make a good mother?" Isobel asked, her voice full of vulnerability.
"I know I would," Grant replied immediately. "You're strong, smart, caring. Any child would be lucky to have you as a mother."
Isobel smiled, touched by his words. "And you'd be the most devoted father in the world. A father who knows how to clean guns and teach self-defense," she joked, laughing.
Grant laughed too. "Well, someone's got to teach the important things."
They spent the night talking about the future, sharing their dreams and fears. It wasn't something they had to decide on right then, but just talking about it brought them closer together.
Later, as they got ready for bed, Isobel glanced at Grant, who was lying next to her. "You know I love you, right?"
"I know," he replied, taking her hand in his. "And I love you, Isobel. More than anything."
She smiled, feeling incredibly lucky to have someone like him in her life.
As she fell asleep in his arms, Grant stared at the ceiling, already imagining the life they could build together. A future filled with love, adventure, and maybe a little girl running around in the sand in Hawaii.
Chapter 69: Tense in the Boardroom
The atmosphere in the conference room of the FBI's New York office was tense. Deputy Director Tom Higgins sat at the bedside table, with FBI Director Clarence Michaels at his side, watching with a measured gaze. Ahead of them sat Isobel and her team: Jubal, OA, Nina, Scola, Tiffany, and Grant. Higgins's reprimand was starting to get out of hand.
"This way of leading, Isobel," Higgins began, his voice sharp, "is concerning. You're giving your team too much freedom. It's turning the office into something disorganized, almost like a bunch of out-of-control cowboys!"
Isobel, with a firm posture and a professional look, calmly responded, "With all due respect, Deputy Director, my team is efficient. We have proven results, and we operate within FBI guidelines."
"Guidelines?" Higgins almost laughed. "What I see are missions being conducted with little oversight and a lot of improvisation. You're taking chances, and it's going to cost you dearly, not just you, but the entire agency."
Grant, who was leaning back in the chair next to Isobel with his arms crossed, narrowed his eyes. He could feel the tension rising in the room, especially since Higgins was taking aim directly at Isobel, dismissing her competence and leadership.
When Higgins made another veiled accusation about the lack of control in the office, Grant could no longer keep quiet. He sat up straighter in his chair and, in a firm voice, said, "Maybe the problem here isn't her leadership, but the fact that you've been sitting behind a desk for so long that you've forgotten what it's like to lead in the field."
The room fell silent. Everyone present, including Director Michaels, stared at Grant in disbelief. Higgins stood there for a moment, but then he stood up abruptly from his chair, pointing his finger at Grant.
"You're another cowboy! Always have been," Higgins shouted, visibly irritated. "You think you can do whatever you want just because you have a reputation, don't you? Well, let me tell you something, Shawn..."
Grant stood up too, his height and physical presence dwarfing Higgins. He didn't raise his voice, but the tone of his words cut like a knife. "The difference between us, Higgins, is that I do what it takes to protect this country, while you sit there giving orders that don't always make sense."
Higgins stepped closer, now almost face to face with Grant. "You think you're better than me, Shawn? You think you can challenge my authority?"
Grant smirked, with the confidence of someone who knew exactly what he was doing. "I don't think I'm better, Vice Principal. I know. I'm better, better looking, and I'm definitely a hell of a lot more badass."
The shock in the room was palpable. Jubal, Scola, and OA all lowered their heads, coughing to cover their laughter. Nina blinked several times, trying to process what she had just heard. Even the normally serious Tiffany had to press her lips together to keep from laughing.
Before Higgins could respond, Director Michaels stood up and raised his hand, signaling for them both to stop. "Enough!" His voice rang with authority. "This is not productive, and this is not how we do things at the FBI."
Grant sat back down, still looking defiant, while Higgins, visibly frustrated, huffed and sat back down as well.
"Deputy Director," Michaels continued, looking directly at Higgins, "I understand your concerns, but Isobel and her team have an impeccable track record. Just because they do things differently doesn't mean they're wrong."
He then turned to Grant. "And you, Grant, need to remember that you're here as a consultant, not as someone to cause trouble. Watch your tongue."
Grant nodded, but couldn't help but smile a little, pleased.
When the meeting finally ended, Higgins left without another word, visibly irritated. Michaels stayed to exchange a few quick words with Isobel, assuring her that he trusted her leadership.
Once the room was down to the staff, the silence was broken by Jubal, who let out a muffled laugh. "Grant, I don't think I've ever seen anyone shut Higgins down like that before."
"Me either," OA added, shaking her head in disbelief. "That was quite a spectacle."
Nina chuckled softly. "Grant, you are officially the bravest or craziest person I've ever met."
Grant shrugged, smiling confidently. "I was just telling the truth."
Isobel, who had remained silent, finally spoke, looking at Grant with a mixture of disapproval and admiration. "You know you didn't have to do that, right? I could stand up for myself."
"I know," Grant replied, softening his tone. "But I'm not going to sit by and watch someone disrespect you, Isobel. No matter who it is."
Isobel sighed, but couldn't help but smile a little. "Well, thanks. Just try not to do that again, okay?"
Grant winked at her. "No promises."
As they left the room, the team was still exchanging comments and laughter about the confrontation. Grant, however, was calm and composed. He knew he had crossed the line, but he also knew he was standing up for something he believed in.
For him, protecting Isobel and her team was more than a matter of duty. It was personal. And from the way Isobel looked at him at the end of the meeting, she knew it too.
Chapter 70: FBI Rumors
The halls of the FBI seemed like a breeding ground for rumors, especially when they involved someone as notorious as Grant Shawn. The story of the heated confrontation between him and Deputy Director Higgins spread quickly, taking on almost mythical overtones as it passed from mouth to mouth. By the end of the day, nearly every division knew Grant's iconic line: "I'm better, I'm better looking, and I'm definitely a lot more badass."
In the Fly Team office in Budapest, the agents were taking a rare break between missions. Scott Forrester, the team leader, was reviewing reports, while agents Jamie Kellett, Andre Raines, and Cameron Vo chatted casually. The team's dog, Tank, was napping at Scott's feet.
Jamie was the first to mention the rumors. "Did you hear what happened in the New York office? Grant Shawn went after Higgins in front of the director."
Raines raised an eyebrow in interest. "Grant Shawn? The guy people say is like the Batman of the FBI? What did he say?"
Jamie cracked a smile. "He basically called Higgins incompetent and then said he's better, better looking, and way more badass."
Cameron Vo started laughing, nearly spilling his coffee. "I can't believe it! Did he really just say that?!"
Scott looked up from his report, stifling a smile. "Honestly, I'm not surprised. That's Grant. Always straight to the point."
Jamie leaned forward, still laughing. "Seriously, the guy's got some balls. Higgins is known for holding a grudge."
"And Grant is known for not caring," Raines said, laughing too.
Meanwhile, back at the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) headquarters in Quantico, the criminal profilers were also discussing the incident.
Emily Prentiss, the team leader, walked into the conference room with an enigmatic smile. "Guys, guess what I just heard?"
David Rossi, ever curious, raised an eyebrow. "Something to make us laugh?"
"Definitely," Emily replied. "Grant Shawn basically destroyed Higgins' ego in a meeting in the New York office. He said and I quote that he's better, better looking, and way more badass."
Derek Morgan laughed out loud. "This guy! I've always heard he was fearless, but this is on another level."
Spencer Reid, the team's genius, tilted his head in intrigue. "Technically, he's not wrong. Shawn's reputation is impeccable, and his looks are consistently mentioned in internal reports."
Penelope Garcia, who was standing next to Reid, placed a hand on her chest dramatically. "Oh, Dr. Reid, that was almost poetic. But seriously, Grant Shawn seems like...the dream agent, doesn't he?"
"Except for his impulsive behavior," Reid corrected, though he was smiling.
"Impulsive or not," Rossi said, "the guy has style. I bet Higgins is still trying to recover."
Back at the New York office, Isobel knew the rumors were out of control. During lunch, even the most reserved agents were talking about the meeting. When Isobel walked through the common room, she heard whispers that quickly died down as she entered.
Jubal, who was standing next to her, sighed. "Grant really knows how to make a mark, doesn't he?"
Isobel massaged her temples. "This is turning into a soap opera. Is the whole agency seriously talking about this?"
Jubal laughed. "You know how agents are. Something like that is pure gold to them. Plus, Grant is... well, Grant. He attracts attention without even trying."
Meanwhile, Grant was at the shooting range, testing out a new gun when OA walked up, laughing. "Man, you've become a legend. You knew that, right?"
Grant raised an eyebrow, adjusting his aim. "What are you talking about?"
"What am I talking about? Half the FBI is talking about what you said to Higgins. And honestly, man, it was epic."
Grant gave him a slight smile. "It was no big deal. You were just telling the truth."
OA patted him on the shoulder. "Well, next time you want to tell the truth, let us know first. We want to be there to see it."
Later that day, Isobel was called into a call with Director Michaels. She was a little nervous, but when the call started, he was smiling.
"Isobel, I have to say that your boyfriend has... a unique approach."
Isobel took a deep breath. "Yes, sir. I've already spoken to him about that. It won't happen again."
Michaels shook his head. "Actually, Isobel, sometimes we need someone to say what everyone else is thinking. Higgins needed to hear that, even if it was... well, a little too direct."
Isobel hid a smile. "Thank you, sir."
"Oh, and tell Grant he is, in fact, quite the badass," the director added with a smile.
Isobel laughed. I will, sir."
When Isobel got home that night, she found Grant cooking dinner. She couldn't help but smile at the sight of him looking so relaxed, as if nothing had happened.
"So," she began, setting her bag on the couch, "you've become the star of the FBI today."
Grant glanced at her over his shoulder, a smile playing on his lips. "Star or target?"
"A little of both," Isobel replied, laughing. "You know everyone's talking about what you said, right?"
Grant shrugged. "If they're talking, it means I made an impact. I don't see a problem with that."
Isobel crossed her arms, leaning against the counter. "You really don't care, do you?"
Grant smiled and moved closer to her, placing his hands on her waist. "I care about you, Isobel. And I will always defend you, no matter who is in the room."
She sighed, resting her head against his chest. "You give me headaches, you know that?"
"But I also give you reasons to smile," he replied, kissing the top of her head. Isobel smiled.
"Yes, you do."
As dinner was being prepared, they both laughed at the rumors and stories that were circulating around the FBI, and Isobel knew that despite all the confusion, she wouldn't trade Grant for anything.
Chapter 71: Hospital Laughter
Maggie Bell lay in her hospital room, feeling significantly better after her recent exposure to sarin gas during a high-risk operation. Her recovery was slow but steady, and visits from her colleagues helped keep her spirits up.
That day, OA, Tiffany, and Scola had decided to show up together to cheer her up. They arrived with coffee, a bag of fresh cookies, and recent stories from the office. The trio knew Maggie hated feeling disconnected, so they were ready to catch up.
"Hero of the day," OA said, entering the room first with a warm smile and a bag of coffee in her hands. "We brought your favorite fuel."
Maggie, who had been sitting reading a book, closed it and smiled at them. "You guys know how to win a person's heart."
Tiffany walked in next, holding the bag of cookies. "In addition to coffee, we get the best cookies from the bakery around the corner. This is literally a bribe to make you forget how annoying we are."
"You don't have to bribe, but I'll take it," Maggie replied, laughing.
Scola was the last to enter, hands in his pockets and a nonchalant expression. "Well, it's not like we have a choice. What else are we going to do without you in the office? OA is getting emotionally needy, and Tiffany has lost her temper with me more times than I can count."
OA rolled his eyes, but Maggie laughed. "Good to know I'm still indispensable."
As Tiffany arranged the coffee and cookies on the small table next to the bed, OA sat in a nearby chair and began to tell her the news.
"So, Maggie," he began, with a conspiratorial smile. "You missed a big scene at the office the other day."
Maggie arched an eyebrow in interest. "What happened? Anything interesting or just another ordinary day of chaos?"
Tiffany, smirking, interrupted. "Grant Shawn and Vice Principal Higgins. It was epic."
"Grant and Higgins?" Maggie leaned forward in surprise. "What happened?"
Scola crossed her arms, laughing before answering. "Basically, Higgins came to the office to give Isobel a dressing down, saying she was being too 'cowboyish' with the team. Grant didn't like that. He basically verbally destroyed him in front of everyone."
"What did he say?" Maggie asked, clearly intrigued.
OA tried to hold back her laughter, but failed. "Grant looked at Higgins and said that maybe he'd been in the office so long that he'd forgotten how to lead on the field. Higgins got mad and started yelling, but Grant stood up and calmly said, 'I'm better, better looking, and way more badass.'
Maggie laughed so loudly that she nearly spilled the coffee she was holding. She had to put the cup aside as she tried to catch her breath.
"Did he really say that?!" she asked, still laughing.
Tiffany nodded with a smile. "Word for word. The director had to step in to calm things down. And of course, everyone in the office pretended not to laugh. But you can imagine that, can't you?"
"I can imagine it perfectly," Maggie replied, wiping away tears from her laughter. "That's Grant Shawn. He's not afraid of anything, and apparently not even Higgins."
OA leaned back in her chair, watching Maggie still laughing as she spoke. "The funny thing is, now everyone is talking about it. Not just in New York, but in almost every division. Even the BAU and Fly Team are talking."
"Oh, of course they are," Maggie said, a smile still on her face. "Grant has this aura of a living legend. Anything he does or says becomes history."
Scola laughed. "And he still had the nerve to walk away afterward, like nothing happened. The guy is a force of nature."
"But that's what makes him unique," Tiffany commented. "He may be impulsive, but he has a sense of justice that no one can deny. He was defending Isobel, and that's admirable."
Maggie nodded in agreement. "Yes, he would do anything for Isobel. And that also explains why she puts up with his outbursts."
OA looked at Maggie with a smile. "Well, you missed the live show, but at least you're up to date. And honestly, I don't think Higgins will ever get over it."
The visit continued with the team sharing more funny stories from the office, keeping Maggie laughing and relaxed. They knew how important these moments were to helping her get through the stress of the mission and the hospital.
When it was time to leave, Maggie thanked them with a sincere smile. "Thanks for coming, guys. I really needed it today."
Tiffany held her hand briefly. "We're always here for you, Maggie. And we can't wait to have you back in the field."
OA waved goodbye. "Take care. And if you need anything, let me know."
As they left the room, Maggie stared at the door for a moment, still smiling. Even in difficult situations, she knew she could count on her team and on the absurd stories that only the FBI could provide.
Chapter 72: Called to Los Angeles
It was a quiet morning at the NCIS Office of Special Operations (OSP) in Los Angeles. Hetty Lange, the team's mysterious and iconic chief, was in her office, studying the details of a critical case that had come in. The team was gathered in the main office, awaiting briefing. G. Callen, Sam Hanna, Kensi Blye, Marty Deeks, Eric Beale, and Nell Jones were all present, speculating about the urgency of the case.
Hetty finally entered the room with firm steps, carrying a bulky file in her hands.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Hetty began, looking at each of them in turn. "We have received information that a terrorist group with possible ties to special operations operators is planning a large-scale attack."
"Special operations forces?" Sam asked, frowning. "This is serious, Hetty."
"Serious enough that we need outside help," Hetty replied, placing the file on the table. "And I already know exactly who to call."
Hetty paused before continuing. "We're going to need someone with counterterrorism experience and a deep understanding of the world of special operations. I've already contacted Grant Shawn to help us."
Sam's eyebrows immediately rose in recognition. "Grant Shawn? I haven't heard that name in years. We were in different squads at DEVGRU, but he was a legend."
Callen nodded. "I knew Grant during my time at the CIA. He was always... efficient, to say the least."
Hetty smiled slightly. "Efficiency is one of his many qualities. He's also a reliable man and an excellent operative."
Kensi looked puzzled. "Okay, who exactly is this guy? It seems like everyone has worked with him but us."
Nell and Eric, who were sitting near the computer table, began typing. Nell pulled up a file on the main screen, revealing information about Grant Shawn.
"Grant Shawn," Nell began, reading the file on the screen. "Former member of DEVGRU, specifically Red Squadron. He later joined the FBI's Hostage Rescue Team (HRT), followed by a senior position in counterterrorism. He's currently based in the New York office, but is frequently called upon for critical missions."
Eric stared at the screen, impressed. "But look at this. Half of the file is in black ink. It's impossible to know the details of most of the operations he's been involved in."
Kensi crossed her arms. "Well, that explains the mysterious tone."
Deeks, ever the sarcastic one, commented, "Oh, sure, the guy's basically the James Bond of the FBI. I bet he shows up in a suit and sunglasses."
Nell continued, ignoring Deeks's joke. "It also says here that his girlfriend is Isobel Castille, the SAC from the New York office. Sounds like he has some pretty high-level connections."
Callen smiled. "Connections or not, he's the kind of person you want on your side on a case like this."
Hetty interrupted. "Which is exactly why he's coming to L.A. He'll be here tomorrow morning."
The next morning, the atmosphere at OSP was buzzing. Everyone was curious to meet the man Hetty, Sam, and Callen had all raved about. Grant arrived on time, walking through the door with a confident smile and a posture that exuded authority. He was dressed in dark jeans, a simple black t-shirt, and a leather jacket, but he still looked impressive.
"January in L.A.," he said, spreading his arms wide and looking around. "Much better than New York."
Hetty was the first to greet him. "Grant, it's a pleasure to have you here again."
"Hetty," he replied with a smile, leaning in slightly to hug her. "You don't age, you know?"
Hetty laughed softly. "And you're still as charming as ever. But we're not here to trade compliments."
Grant turned to the others, recognizing familiar faces. "Sam Hanna," he said, extending his hand. "It's been a long time."
Sam shook his hand tightly. "Good to see you, Grant. I hear you keep making history wherever you go."
"I try," Grant joked.
Callen was next. "Grant."
"Callen," Grant replied, shaking his hand. "Still working in the shadows, I see."
"Always," Callen replied with a slight smile.
Grant turned to Kensi, Deeks, Nell, and Eric, realizing he didn't recognize them. "You must be the new members of the team," he said, reaching out to Kensi first.
"Kensi Blye," she said, shaking his hand.
"Grant Shawn," he replied with a smile. "It's a pleasure."
Deeks was next. "Marty Deeks. Detective, lawyer, and sometimes the guy who holds the coffee."
Grant laughed. "Deeks, I like you already."
Finally, he nodded to Nell and Eric, who were standing by their computers.
"You must be the brains behind the team," he said.
"Nell Jones," Nell introduced herself, smiling. "And this is Eric Beale."
"Eric Beale," Grant repeated. "Well, I hear you two are brilliant. It's good to have you on board."
Nell blushed slightly, while Eric just smiled nervously.
Hetty led Grant into the briefing room, where the entire team was already assembled. She laid out the details of the case: a terrorist group was recruiting former special forces operators to carry out a coordinated attack in Los Angeles.
Grant analyzed the information carefully, asking detailed questions and offering suggestions based on his experience.
"These guys aren't amateurs," he said, pointing to a map on the table. "They know how to avoid detection, but nobody's perfect. We need to find the weak link."
Callen and Sam nodded, while Kensi and Deeks prepared to investigate the clues on the ground. Nell and Eric began tracing digital connections, while Hetty watched everything with her watchful eye.
As the team worked, it became clear that Grant was more than just a legend. His ability to lead, think strategically, and work as a team impressed even the most skeptical, like Deeks.
"Okay, I'll admit it," Deeks said to Kensi as they watched Grant from afar. "The guy's good."
Kensi smiled. "I told you. Hetty doesn't just call in."
Grant, for his part, felt at ease with the team. He respected everyone's competence and was determined to help solve the case before he returned to New York and to Isobel.
As the day drew to a close, Hetty watched Grant interact with the team and knew she had made the right choice in calling him in. "He really is a man of many talents," she thought with satisfaction.
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