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Well...
First, good job on calling the balk. So many umpires are scared of ever calling a balk, it's news when it happens.
Second, the general rule of thumb is: "See a balk, call a Balk" no matter where you are. If the PU had time, then it is up to him to come and tell you he has time and say there is no balk. If he doesn't, then you are right to call it. You should be able to see the plate area when you are in B or C, so not knowing you partner had time is not a good thing, I'm not sure how you missed it. That is what you missed on the play.
But, your mentor is mistaken with his comment. Your partner: A, should not have been looking for lightning with the pitcher on the rubber. B, if he's looking at the sky then, he not keeping his mind on business. That's not your problem.
C, like I said, your partner needs to tell you if time was out. You might look stupid for calling a balk during a dead ball, but at least you two get the call right. If he didn't then the balk call is correct. D, just because PU comes out of his crouch it does not allow the pitcher to do what he wants. Your mentor, and no doubt a good umpire, is reading stuff into the play that isn't there.
Good umpires will "go down with their partner" on a balk, unless they have something immediately that negates it. It is then your job to "own the balk", and explain to anyone why it was a balk. If your partner did nothing or said nothing, that's as much support as you will get from him that day. Good call, and I hope you work with a better partner soon.
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