Kathleen
06-12-2007, 09:11 PM
Title: M is for Minute by Minute
Rated – T or PG - 13
Characters: Alan, Don, Charlie, and the rest of the Numb3rs gang.
Disclaimer: Wish I could own them, but sadly I don’t.
Thanks: Thank you Jels for helping me by being my beta!
Summary: Well won’t give it away yet, cause I want the first chapter to be a surprise, but prepared for an equal opportunity whumping fest.
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Chapter 1
Minute by minute. Moment by moment. Sometimes that is all you get and sometimes you take it all for granted. Brothers fight after all. Nothing new in that. But finding the humor in a situation that isn’t funny takes something doesn’t it?
Don cackled. He just couldn’t help himself. Not a small chuckle, no a full blown laughing fit that really popped out of nowhere. I’m losing it. Collapsing until he rolled on to his side and curled into a ball. The more that Charlie demanded that he stop, the louder the chuckles and the funny part it felt good. It shouldn’t, but it did. Charlie sat in the middle kitchen floor with flour and eggs covering him. It was suppose to be a cake - a surprise birthday cake for Don.
“Oh, stop already. It isn’t that funny. If you hadn’t scared me, I wouldn’t have jumped and spilled the bag of flour…never mind the bit about the eggs…Oh Dad is gonna to be so thrilled. Just stop laughing and get off your butt and help me clean this mess up!” Charlie fumed as he tried to figure out some way to salvage what little dignity he had left. “See if I try to do something nice for you again.” He muttered under his breath.
Instead of Don shutting up he howled even louder. “Charlie, stop…you’re killing me. I’m sorry…I didn’t know you were still up.” He managed to gasp out the words although tears were forming in his eyes from giggling so hard.
Finally, Charlie giggled. Payback would be so sweet. He threw the left over bag of flour on top of his brother’s face.
Don sputtered and finally stopped laughing. “I surrender, stop, please.” It worked for a moment and then he collapsed again into another fit. Charlie, your face…Man I must be exhausted…I can’t stop…Oh God, it hurts.” A hiccup escaped and then the impossible seemed to take place. A mixture of laughter and hiccups filled the air.
Charlie started to get concerned. He didn’t think Don could die from hiccups, but his brother had been working really long hours and he was exhausted and kind of giddy. “Look, go to bed. I’ll get this mess cleaned up and much faster if you just leave.”
Don finally got everything under control. Shaking off the flour, he managed to roll over and sort of crawl to the chair. He pushed himself off the floor and sat for a bit. No, I’ll help. I’m sorry…I don’t know what got into me.” He smirked.
Charlie knew that it was hopeless and he didn’t have much time before Don would collapse again. “Please, leave. It is okay. I’ll get it done faster if you do. Please.”
Don nodded not trusting himself and walked out of the kitchen. Realizing that his clothes would be a hopeless cause, he decided he better get the spare outfit out of his SUV, and then take a shower and get some much needed sleep. He would make it up to Charlie in the morning, somehow. He wasn’t sure how, but he would. He stepped outside to get his change of clothes he had stored in the back.
It must have been the combination, of being exhausted and just not paying attention, but he couldn’t react in time as a cloth covered his mouth. Don made the mistake of inhaling and too late he figured out he was being drugged. In a feeble attempt, he pushed his elbow into his attacker, but all it did was aggravate the mystery man. He felt an arm snake around his neck and now he was being choked as well as the drug. He sank into oblivion worried about his family. Some protector he turned out to be.
Charlie finally got the kitchen under control. He was surprised when he found the front door wide open. Don always gets on me for being forgetful. I’ll give him an earful later, doubt it would mean anything now. Looking outside, he didn’t see anything amiss. Tired as well, he wearily locked up and took a shower. Once his head touched the pillow he was sound asleep.
**-----------------------------------------------------------**
Don coughed and shivered. It felt really cold on the floor. Floor? How did I get on the floor? Slowly the fog lifted and the events came flooding into his memory. Charlie and Dad…please let them be all right. Opening his eyes took a Herculean effort. Please with himself for accomplishing that much, he surveyed his surroundings.
A sparse room with a dim light hanging from the center of the room. Only one way in from his view on the floor. Pushing himself into a sitting position, he finally registered why he was shivering. Someone had stripped him of his clothes and left him in a loose pair of blue elastic shorts. Guess you have to count your blessings, it could be worse. The image of him running around in his birthday suit or tight fitting g-string popped into his mind. Get a hold of yourself Eppes, you’re an agent…act like one.
He shakily stood and took a few steps before he felt a strong tug at his left ankle. Recognition took a few seconds as he finally figured out; he had a metal chain secured to a metal cuff that fit snuggly against his ankle. Still groggy, he decided to see how much freedom he had. He could go to the bathroom, but the door had been removed ending any thoughts of privacy. The only window was on the far left side and of course the chain didn’t allow him access. In fact the only room he could enter was the bathroom and it contained no windows. Otherwise, he was trapped more in the center of the room unable to reach any walls and the only exit was far beyond his reach as well. Is this the way a poor dog feels when he is on a leash in the yard? Where is my water bowl? At least a blanket to lie on? This is the pits.
“About time you woke up, Professor.” Sorry, the accommodations are so lousy, but it wouldn’t do to have you escape. I’m afraid the conditioning will take a bit and be a little unpleasant, but in the end…you’ll do what we want. I suggest you get some sleep while you can.”
Professor? He thinks I’m Charlie…what idiot would think I’m Charlie? Then it hit him like a freight truck, if he hadn’t made an unplanned visit, it just might be Charlie who was stuck in this situation. Finally after another search, he spotted the cameras and didn’t like the feelings it was stirring up. Somehow, I’ve got to convince them I’m Charlie, but how can I keep it up when I’m not the genius and it won’t take long for them to figure it out?
“Professor, I suggest you follow directions unless you are ready for a really painful lesson. Lie down and don’t move till I tell you can.”
“Yeah, you and what army?” The door creaked open and a large
man about 7 feet entered the room. Right behind the first goon was another with a gun pointed at his skull and then it lowered a bit as he fired. He didn’t have time to flinch as the bullet grazed his shoulder. I really need to learn to keep my mouth shut. Good news he’s not a great shot.
"Before you think I can’t aim, the next one goes into your thigh. Painful, but not deadly yet. You’re worth more alive right now, unless you prove that you’re more trouble than your worth. So don’t do anything stupid and lie down on your stomach face down."
Charlie would do what they asked…wouldn’t he? Probably best to keep up appearances. This idiot doesn't appear to have a sense of humor. So Don obeyed. He winced as his arms were pulled firmly behind his back. The sound of handcuffs did nothing to make him feel better. Why can’t it be a rope? What’s with all this metal?
“Say night, night professor.”
With a bit of force a hood covered his head and he felt totally helpless when a cord was pulled tight around his neck. He struggled now in vain against the man holding him down. Although he had planned on staying awake, his body betrayed him when a syringe was pushed into his arm. All he could think was that they were going to dump the body and he had failed to find out anything to help keep his brother alive. Charlie…and his world faded into the darkness.
Chapter 2
Charlie stretched and realized he had overslept. Throwing the covers off, he forced himself out of his bed and gathered what he needed. His brother’s room was still quiet and Charlie smiled. Must of beat Don to the shower, oh well, you snooze you lose. Quickly stripping, he stepped into the tub and turned on the shower. For a moment he allowed the hot water to cascade over his neck, shoulders and his backside enjoying the pleasant sensation. Then he finished his shower and got out. Drying himself off didn’t take that much time, but dealing with his curly hair that was another story. Finally presentable, he slipped downstairs.
Alan sipped his coffee and was reading an article in the newspaper. “Guess we need to work on soundproofing my room if you two are going to carry on so late at night. Hey, tell Don to come by for dinner…I’ll even bribe him with some rib eye.”
“Okay, sounds good…running late, so I’ll call him later. Kind of surprised that he hadn’t left already. But he was really out of it last night.” Charlie got slightly embarrassed, “Sorry about being so loud last night, Don started it”
“Oh that sounds like the mature Charlie, I’ve come to know and love, what age is that conversation. I’m glad you acknowledge the racket you two created about 3:00am, not that I’m keeping track or anything.” He smirked and then continued in that father’s voice which use to strike terror and guilt so well when Charlie was growing up. “I thought you had grown past that. Just tone it down a little.” Alan looked toward the kitchen and then glanced back at Charlie. “By the way, your cleaning the kitchen tonight to make up for the mess you two created. Care to explain how the flour is covering almost everything?”
“What?” Charlie’s jaw dropped and he turns around sputtering. “But I did…what are you talking about?”
Alan chuckled and treasured the expression on his son’s face. “Just that you missed a few spots…next time turn on the lights. I thought you two had outgrown food fights.”
“I’ll take care of it when I come home. The white glove police.” he muttered. “Fine, I got to go…meeting can’t wait.”
Alan nodded. “Perhaps I need to call son, number one, a little later just in case you get distracted by something.”
“Sure, what ever makes you happy.” He noticed that Don had left his cell phone, badge and gun on the table near the door. He pointed to the items, “I think that proves just how out of it Don was last night. When have you known him to store his stuff there for the night. Okay, now I’m really going to be late, gotta run.”
Opening the front door Charlie got another surprise. Don’s SUV was still in the driveway, effectively blocking his car in. Sweet, payback. Spying Don’s cell phone, he borrowed it to make an important phone call. “Hey Megan, Don is going to be in late today.”
“How did you manage that? I mean all of us have been trying to get him to take some time off and take care of himself and he has ignored all of our sound advice. Not that it surprises anyone.” Responded Megan.
“Simple, He finally collapsed. Anyway, I’ve got his cell phone and I’m turning it off. So he’ll be in when…well later.”
“Charlie, he’s going to kill you. But I love it. I suggest you make sure no one is home to incur his wrath.”
“Nothing I can’t handle and I’ll give a peace offering…Rib eye. Besides if you had seen him last night…He was laughing at anything and it wasn’t that funny. I should be worried, but I know that being sleep deprived can do funny things to your psyche. Okay, I got to run…got about 20 minutes before my first class today.”
“Okay, talk to you later and I hope you are still alive after Don gets a hold of you.” Megan chuckled as she hung up.
Charlie looked at his Dad. “Um, maybe you want to be gone when he gets up?”
“Actually, I’ve got to run. So I guess he can fend for himself.” He winked as walked out the door with a cup of coffee and drove off to his meeting. Charlie followed stopping to lock up. Nice day for a bike ride, what the heck, I can make it. If I woke Don up to get the keys, well that would defeat the purpose.
Quickly he got his bike and made sure the house was secure. Then climbing on his bike, he headed off to CalSci. In a hurry, Charlie didn’t notice that the driver’s door was slightly a jarred.
Arriving at CalSci, he quickly chained his bike and grabbed his backpack started the walk to his office. When two men dressed in dark suits stepped in front of him and blocked his path.
“Excused me, we seem to be lost. We’re searching for the math building, can you point us in the right direction?” The older man was slightly bald and wore glasses. The other gentleman was younger and had a red curly hair.
“Not a problem, I happen to be going in that direction. It can be confusing for first time visitors or if you want you could follow me…I’ll take you part of the way. It can be tricky.” His hand automatically slapped the side of his neck when he felt a slight prick. “Hey, no fair…” was about all he manage to get out when he collapsed into the waiting men’s arms. Before anyone was any wiser, the professor was shoved into an open back seat of the car. No one followed when they drove off.
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Charlie groaned and managed to sit up. He was laying on top of a bed. Checking out his surroundings, he noticed that it was a pretty bare room. A video camera had a pretty good view of his movements. Looking around the room he spotted at least two more. Why am I being watched so carefully? Standing cautiously, he explored his space. He discovered the door allowing him to leave this space was locked, which didn’t surprise him too much. The only other door led to a bathroom. The stove was electric and the refrigerator was stocked with 4 apples and six pack of water. So they might not be planning on starving him. No phone, microwave or even TV. Why did he feel trapped in a cage, but with no windows, it might as well be one.
Knowing he was being watched, he got a little brave and yelled. “You made a really bad mistake and kidnapped the wrong person. I don’t want to be in your shoes when my brother shows up.” He waited but no one answered. “What is this the dark ages, no laptop? Where is my laptop? You could of at least have left me with some paper and pencils.” For a moment he gives up and sits on the bed with his hands holding his head. “I don’t know what this is about, but you’ve got the wrong person.”
A voice from a speaker answered his pleas. “Sorry, you’re not pleased with your accommodations. I suggest you make yourself comfortable, because you’re not going anywhere. I’ll see if paper or pencils pose any threats. We don’t intend to harm you if you follow directions. For the time being, I suggest you calm down…the room is soundproof, so you can yell all you want…if that helps any.”
Silence reigned. Charlie paced for a bit and tried to calculate how much time between the kidnapping and now had passed, but he needed more variables, like being able to see outside. But what leads did anyone have to go on? He hadn’t followed his normal pattern. Don, please find me. Why would someone do this? Worry and boredom tugged at his mind, so rested on the bed on his back with his legs bent. Before he knew it, he slept.
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“How’s he doing?”
Glancing at the monitors that allowed him to survey the captive’s movements during the day, he replied. “Bored out his mind. He demanded some paper and pencils…but of course we ignored him till further orders.”
“Afraid, that’s not possible right now. I need him unbalanced. Are you up to the next task…I can’t let him see me right now. We don’t have much time.”
“Are you sure it was necessary? I mean he is just a math professor.”
“Oh, he is much more than that. In time…I’ll let him go, and he’ll never know who brought him here today to save his life. Normal channels and following orders would get him killed.” Colby let a small grin cover his mouth. “I like the whiz kid, and I’m kind of fond of his brother. We’ve been lucky, they just reported him missing. Good thing our Intel was off, otherwise he would already be in their hands and having a very miserable and painful experience. If you had to choose between torture and boredom…which would you pick?”
“You’re the boss. Don’t you get tired of the cloak and dagger. Never being able to let anyone know the whole truth, just on a need to know?”
“The war taught me a lot of things, things I wished I had never experienced. But duty and trust are still important to me. And if I can get out of this with Whiz Kid’s respect and his brother’s trust, well that will be good enough. I’ll lose it all soon enough. But not today if I can help it.” Colby looked at both the gentlemen in the room. “For now, he will think you kidnapped him…and you’re not to give him any information. If he asks, just say it’s on a need to know. I don’t think he will pose any threat, but if you give him an inch he will be out of here, and that will make our job a lot harder.”
For a moment everyone watched the young man with the curly brown hair slept For once, I’m glad our Intel was wrong. According to the information Charlie was kidnapped in the wee early hours.” He smiled, “Don’s going to be one mad bull, I imagine spitting nails when he discovers his brother is missing. His little brother has some guts...don’t forget that. I’ve got to get back to work. I just hope this is an easy case, and he’ll be released without ever knowing why he was here. Luckily, without any technology, he’ll be harder to trace. Should make Charlie appreciate all the luxuries he has taken for granted. Just make sure it isn’t possible for him to escape. He’s not as helpless as he looks, remember that.” He waved and left the room.
“Why do we always get stuck with the babysitting details.” The young man with the red curly hair asked.
“It could be worse, we could have to kill him after it was all over. I hate those assignments. Don’t worry Kirk, I have a feeling this one won’t be as easy as we hope it will.”
“Stan, it never is…is it?”
Tbc… Scroll down to next post
A/N:
Time Line: This story takes place after “The Mole but before Janus List.” There may be a few spoilers. I know that the season finale is influencing this story and I must have been guilty of reading too many of Miz Em’s stories. I am also trying to mix in angst and humor.
I plan to post all the chapters in this thread. I’m trying something new and writing the parts that come to me as the muse strikes. I have already started Chap. 2 and 3 so I have reserved two posts and I’ll try to link it so that you can find the next part pretty easy.
Rated – T or PG - 13
Characters: Alan, Don, Charlie, and the rest of the Numb3rs gang.
Disclaimer: Wish I could own them, but sadly I don’t.
Thanks: Thank you Jels for helping me by being my beta!
Summary: Well won’t give it away yet, cause I want the first chapter to be a surprise, but prepared for an equal opportunity whumping fest.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chapter 1
Minute by minute. Moment by moment. Sometimes that is all you get and sometimes you take it all for granted. Brothers fight after all. Nothing new in that. But finding the humor in a situation that isn’t funny takes something doesn’t it?
Don cackled. He just couldn’t help himself. Not a small chuckle, no a full blown laughing fit that really popped out of nowhere. I’m losing it. Collapsing until he rolled on to his side and curled into a ball. The more that Charlie demanded that he stop, the louder the chuckles and the funny part it felt good. It shouldn’t, but it did. Charlie sat in the middle kitchen floor with flour and eggs covering him. It was suppose to be a cake - a surprise birthday cake for Don.
“Oh, stop already. It isn’t that funny. If you hadn’t scared me, I wouldn’t have jumped and spilled the bag of flour…never mind the bit about the eggs…Oh Dad is gonna to be so thrilled. Just stop laughing and get off your butt and help me clean this mess up!” Charlie fumed as he tried to figure out some way to salvage what little dignity he had left. “See if I try to do something nice for you again.” He muttered under his breath.
Instead of Don shutting up he howled even louder. “Charlie, stop…you’re killing me. I’m sorry…I didn’t know you were still up.” He managed to gasp out the words although tears were forming in his eyes from giggling so hard.
Finally, Charlie giggled. Payback would be so sweet. He threw the left over bag of flour on top of his brother’s face.
Don sputtered and finally stopped laughing. “I surrender, stop, please.” It worked for a moment and then he collapsed again into another fit. Charlie, your face…Man I must be exhausted…I can’t stop…Oh God, it hurts.” A hiccup escaped and then the impossible seemed to take place. A mixture of laughter and hiccups filled the air.
Charlie started to get concerned. He didn’t think Don could die from hiccups, but his brother had been working really long hours and he was exhausted and kind of giddy. “Look, go to bed. I’ll get this mess cleaned up and much faster if you just leave.”
Don finally got everything under control. Shaking off the flour, he managed to roll over and sort of crawl to the chair. He pushed himself off the floor and sat for a bit. No, I’ll help. I’m sorry…I don’t know what got into me.” He smirked.
Charlie knew that it was hopeless and he didn’t have much time before Don would collapse again. “Please, leave. It is okay. I’ll get it done faster if you do. Please.”
Don nodded not trusting himself and walked out of the kitchen. Realizing that his clothes would be a hopeless cause, he decided he better get the spare outfit out of his SUV, and then take a shower and get some much needed sleep. He would make it up to Charlie in the morning, somehow. He wasn’t sure how, but he would. He stepped outside to get his change of clothes he had stored in the back.
It must have been the combination, of being exhausted and just not paying attention, but he couldn’t react in time as a cloth covered his mouth. Don made the mistake of inhaling and too late he figured out he was being drugged. In a feeble attempt, he pushed his elbow into his attacker, but all it did was aggravate the mystery man. He felt an arm snake around his neck and now he was being choked as well as the drug. He sank into oblivion worried about his family. Some protector he turned out to be.
Charlie finally got the kitchen under control. He was surprised when he found the front door wide open. Don always gets on me for being forgetful. I’ll give him an earful later, doubt it would mean anything now. Looking outside, he didn’t see anything amiss. Tired as well, he wearily locked up and took a shower. Once his head touched the pillow he was sound asleep.
**-----------------------------------------------------------**
Don coughed and shivered. It felt really cold on the floor. Floor? How did I get on the floor? Slowly the fog lifted and the events came flooding into his memory. Charlie and Dad…please let them be all right. Opening his eyes took a Herculean effort. Please with himself for accomplishing that much, he surveyed his surroundings.
A sparse room with a dim light hanging from the center of the room. Only one way in from his view on the floor. Pushing himself into a sitting position, he finally registered why he was shivering. Someone had stripped him of his clothes and left him in a loose pair of blue elastic shorts. Guess you have to count your blessings, it could be worse. The image of him running around in his birthday suit or tight fitting g-string popped into his mind. Get a hold of yourself Eppes, you’re an agent…act like one.
He shakily stood and took a few steps before he felt a strong tug at his left ankle. Recognition took a few seconds as he finally figured out; he had a metal chain secured to a metal cuff that fit snuggly against his ankle. Still groggy, he decided to see how much freedom he had. He could go to the bathroom, but the door had been removed ending any thoughts of privacy. The only window was on the far left side and of course the chain didn’t allow him access. In fact the only room he could enter was the bathroom and it contained no windows. Otherwise, he was trapped more in the center of the room unable to reach any walls and the only exit was far beyond his reach as well. Is this the way a poor dog feels when he is on a leash in the yard? Where is my water bowl? At least a blanket to lie on? This is the pits.
“About time you woke up, Professor.” Sorry, the accommodations are so lousy, but it wouldn’t do to have you escape. I’m afraid the conditioning will take a bit and be a little unpleasant, but in the end…you’ll do what we want. I suggest you get some sleep while you can.”
Professor? He thinks I’m Charlie…what idiot would think I’m Charlie? Then it hit him like a freight truck, if he hadn’t made an unplanned visit, it just might be Charlie who was stuck in this situation. Finally after another search, he spotted the cameras and didn’t like the feelings it was stirring up. Somehow, I’ve got to convince them I’m Charlie, but how can I keep it up when I’m not the genius and it won’t take long for them to figure it out?
“Professor, I suggest you follow directions unless you are ready for a really painful lesson. Lie down and don’t move till I tell you can.”
“Yeah, you and what army?” The door creaked open and a large
man about 7 feet entered the room. Right behind the first goon was another with a gun pointed at his skull and then it lowered a bit as he fired. He didn’t have time to flinch as the bullet grazed his shoulder. I really need to learn to keep my mouth shut. Good news he’s not a great shot.
"Before you think I can’t aim, the next one goes into your thigh. Painful, but not deadly yet. You’re worth more alive right now, unless you prove that you’re more trouble than your worth. So don’t do anything stupid and lie down on your stomach face down."
Charlie would do what they asked…wouldn’t he? Probably best to keep up appearances. This idiot doesn't appear to have a sense of humor. So Don obeyed. He winced as his arms were pulled firmly behind his back. The sound of handcuffs did nothing to make him feel better. Why can’t it be a rope? What’s with all this metal?
“Say night, night professor.”
With a bit of force a hood covered his head and he felt totally helpless when a cord was pulled tight around his neck. He struggled now in vain against the man holding him down. Although he had planned on staying awake, his body betrayed him when a syringe was pushed into his arm. All he could think was that they were going to dump the body and he had failed to find out anything to help keep his brother alive. Charlie…and his world faded into the darkness.
Chapter 2
Charlie stretched and realized he had overslept. Throwing the covers off, he forced himself out of his bed and gathered what he needed. His brother’s room was still quiet and Charlie smiled. Must of beat Don to the shower, oh well, you snooze you lose. Quickly stripping, he stepped into the tub and turned on the shower. For a moment he allowed the hot water to cascade over his neck, shoulders and his backside enjoying the pleasant sensation. Then he finished his shower and got out. Drying himself off didn’t take that much time, but dealing with his curly hair that was another story. Finally presentable, he slipped downstairs.
Alan sipped his coffee and was reading an article in the newspaper. “Guess we need to work on soundproofing my room if you two are going to carry on so late at night. Hey, tell Don to come by for dinner…I’ll even bribe him with some rib eye.”
“Okay, sounds good…running late, so I’ll call him later. Kind of surprised that he hadn’t left already. But he was really out of it last night.” Charlie got slightly embarrassed, “Sorry about being so loud last night, Don started it”
“Oh that sounds like the mature Charlie, I’ve come to know and love, what age is that conversation. I’m glad you acknowledge the racket you two created about 3:00am, not that I’m keeping track or anything.” He smirked and then continued in that father’s voice which use to strike terror and guilt so well when Charlie was growing up. “I thought you had grown past that. Just tone it down a little.” Alan looked toward the kitchen and then glanced back at Charlie. “By the way, your cleaning the kitchen tonight to make up for the mess you two created. Care to explain how the flour is covering almost everything?”
“What?” Charlie’s jaw dropped and he turns around sputtering. “But I did…what are you talking about?”
Alan chuckled and treasured the expression on his son’s face. “Just that you missed a few spots…next time turn on the lights. I thought you two had outgrown food fights.”
“I’ll take care of it when I come home. The white glove police.” he muttered. “Fine, I got to go…meeting can’t wait.”
Alan nodded. “Perhaps I need to call son, number one, a little later just in case you get distracted by something.”
“Sure, what ever makes you happy.” He noticed that Don had left his cell phone, badge and gun on the table near the door. He pointed to the items, “I think that proves just how out of it Don was last night. When have you known him to store his stuff there for the night. Okay, now I’m really going to be late, gotta run.”
Opening the front door Charlie got another surprise. Don’s SUV was still in the driveway, effectively blocking his car in. Sweet, payback. Spying Don’s cell phone, he borrowed it to make an important phone call. “Hey Megan, Don is going to be in late today.”
“How did you manage that? I mean all of us have been trying to get him to take some time off and take care of himself and he has ignored all of our sound advice. Not that it surprises anyone.” Responded Megan.
“Simple, He finally collapsed. Anyway, I’ve got his cell phone and I’m turning it off. So he’ll be in when…well later.”
“Charlie, he’s going to kill you. But I love it. I suggest you make sure no one is home to incur his wrath.”
“Nothing I can’t handle and I’ll give a peace offering…Rib eye. Besides if you had seen him last night…He was laughing at anything and it wasn’t that funny. I should be worried, but I know that being sleep deprived can do funny things to your psyche. Okay, I got to run…got about 20 minutes before my first class today.”
“Okay, talk to you later and I hope you are still alive after Don gets a hold of you.” Megan chuckled as she hung up.
Charlie looked at his Dad. “Um, maybe you want to be gone when he gets up?”
“Actually, I’ve got to run. So I guess he can fend for himself.” He winked as walked out the door with a cup of coffee and drove off to his meeting. Charlie followed stopping to lock up. Nice day for a bike ride, what the heck, I can make it. If I woke Don up to get the keys, well that would defeat the purpose.
Quickly he got his bike and made sure the house was secure. Then climbing on his bike, he headed off to CalSci. In a hurry, Charlie didn’t notice that the driver’s door was slightly a jarred.
Arriving at CalSci, he quickly chained his bike and grabbed his backpack started the walk to his office. When two men dressed in dark suits stepped in front of him and blocked his path.
“Excused me, we seem to be lost. We’re searching for the math building, can you point us in the right direction?” The older man was slightly bald and wore glasses. The other gentleman was younger and had a red curly hair.
“Not a problem, I happen to be going in that direction. It can be confusing for first time visitors or if you want you could follow me…I’ll take you part of the way. It can be tricky.” His hand automatically slapped the side of his neck when he felt a slight prick. “Hey, no fair…” was about all he manage to get out when he collapsed into the waiting men’s arms. Before anyone was any wiser, the professor was shoved into an open back seat of the car. No one followed when they drove off.
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Charlie groaned and managed to sit up. He was laying on top of a bed. Checking out his surroundings, he noticed that it was a pretty bare room. A video camera had a pretty good view of his movements. Looking around the room he spotted at least two more. Why am I being watched so carefully? Standing cautiously, he explored his space. He discovered the door allowing him to leave this space was locked, which didn’t surprise him too much. The only other door led to a bathroom. The stove was electric and the refrigerator was stocked with 4 apples and six pack of water. So they might not be planning on starving him. No phone, microwave or even TV. Why did he feel trapped in a cage, but with no windows, it might as well be one.
Knowing he was being watched, he got a little brave and yelled. “You made a really bad mistake and kidnapped the wrong person. I don’t want to be in your shoes when my brother shows up.” He waited but no one answered. “What is this the dark ages, no laptop? Where is my laptop? You could of at least have left me with some paper and pencils.” For a moment he gives up and sits on the bed with his hands holding his head. “I don’t know what this is about, but you’ve got the wrong person.”
A voice from a speaker answered his pleas. “Sorry, you’re not pleased with your accommodations. I suggest you make yourself comfortable, because you’re not going anywhere. I’ll see if paper or pencils pose any threats. We don’t intend to harm you if you follow directions. For the time being, I suggest you calm down…the room is soundproof, so you can yell all you want…if that helps any.”
Silence reigned. Charlie paced for a bit and tried to calculate how much time between the kidnapping and now had passed, but he needed more variables, like being able to see outside. But what leads did anyone have to go on? He hadn’t followed his normal pattern. Don, please find me. Why would someone do this? Worry and boredom tugged at his mind, so rested on the bed on his back with his legs bent. Before he knew it, he slept.
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“How’s he doing?”
Glancing at the monitors that allowed him to survey the captive’s movements during the day, he replied. “Bored out his mind. He demanded some paper and pencils…but of course we ignored him till further orders.”
“Afraid, that’s not possible right now. I need him unbalanced. Are you up to the next task…I can’t let him see me right now. We don’t have much time.”
“Are you sure it was necessary? I mean he is just a math professor.”
“Oh, he is much more than that. In time…I’ll let him go, and he’ll never know who brought him here today to save his life. Normal channels and following orders would get him killed.” Colby let a small grin cover his mouth. “I like the whiz kid, and I’m kind of fond of his brother. We’ve been lucky, they just reported him missing. Good thing our Intel was off, otherwise he would already be in their hands and having a very miserable and painful experience. If you had to choose between torture and boredom…which would you pick?”
“You’re the boss. Don’t you get tired of the cloak and dagger. Never being able to let anyone know the whole truth, just on a need to know?”
“The war taught me a lot of things, things I wished I had never experienced. But duty and trust are still important to me. And if I can get out of this with Whiz Kid’s respect and his brother’s trust, well that will be good enough. I’ll lose it all soon enough. But not today if I can help it.” Colby looked at both the gentlemen in the room. “For now, he will think you kidnapped him…and you’re not to give him any information. If he asks, just say it’s on a need to know. I don’t think he will pose any threat, but if you give him an inch he will be out of here, and that will make our job a lot harder.”
For a moment everyone watched the young man with the curly brown hair slept For once, I’m glad our Intel was wrong. According to the information Charlie was kidnapped in the wee early hours.” He smiled, “Don’s going to be one mad bull, I imagine spitting nails when he discovers his brother is missing. His little brother has some guts...don’t forget that. I’ve got to get back to work. I just hope this is an easy case, and he’ll be released without ever knowing why he was here. Luckily, without any technology, he’ll be harder to trace. Should make Charlie appreciate all the luxuries he has taken for granted. Just make sure it isn’t possible for him to escape. He’s not as helpless as he looks, remember that.” He waved and left the room.
“Why do we always get stuck with the babysitting details.” The young man with the red curly hair asked.
“It could be worse, we could have to kill him after it was all over. I hate those assignments. Don’t worry Kirk, I have a feeling this one won’t be as easy as we hope it will.”
“Stan, it never is…is it?”
Tbc… Scroll down to next post
A/N:
Time Line: This story takes place after “The Mole but before Janus List.” There may be a few spoilers. I know that the season finale is influencing this story and I must have been guilty of reading too many of Miz Em’s stories. I am also trying to mix in angst and humor.
I plan to post all the chapters in this thread. I’m trying something new and writing the parts that come to me as the muse strikes. I have already started Chap. 2 and 3 so I have reserved two posts and I’ll try to link it so that you can find the next part pretty easy.