NUMB3RS
Chapter 1
"Gone"
A/N: Okay, I've had writer's block forever on "Flowers in a Jar," so it's going to be on hiatus for a while (much like Aaron McGruder's "Boondocks"). But, ideas keep coming to me for various stories. Like this one. Once again, I don't own CBS. But I am looking to take Jerry Bruckheimer's position. Ha ha ha… I wish. Carly is my own original character, however. Read on!
17 Years Ago
The girl had been in Charlie's life.
Don's, too.
Even Alan and Margaret's lives.
But she had never entered the life of Larry and Megan, David, Colby, or Amita.
Still 17 Years Ago Charlie's Point of View
"Who's ready for the helicopter ride?" That was a question I'd asked my 3-year-old sister, Carly, at least twelve times that day. Mom, Dad, Don, Carly, and I were playing in the backyard. About 3 hours earlier, Don and I had graduated from high school. Now, we were at home, relaxing. Don and Dad were pitching a baseball back and forth; Mom was making grilled chicken and pineapple; and I was playing with Carly.
Even though she was only three, Carly was already reading on a second grade level, doing the math I was able to do at her age, and like me, is a horrible speller. According to Dad, though, she has ADD. Mom and Dad noticed it at first, and the doctor confirmed it a few days ago.
Carly and I fell to the ground, laughing. We always had so much fun together. Unfortunately, the fun couldn't last forever. Mom and I were traveling to New Jersey – Princeton, to be exact, and leaving in a little over a week, so I cherished the moments that Carly, Don, Dad, and I had.
Don and I had a joint graduation party a few days later. During the party, though, Mom had to call 911. Carly, my blue-eyed, curly-blonde haired sister, was no where to be found.
Present Day Charlie's CalSci Office No direct point of view
"…and she hasn't been seen or heard from since," Charlie finished.
Amita put her arm around Charlie's neck. "I'm so sorry, Charlie. I had no idea."
"Thanks, Amita," Charlie said, wiping his eyes. "I never told anybody else about this. Not Larry, not Colby…nobody. I thought that you should be the first to know…"
"It's okay," Amita said, noticing Charlie's teary eyes. She got him another Kleenex from the box on his desk.
"I just thought that the police wo-would find her. Carly never got to say good-bye to Mom, and…"
"Charlie," Amita began, but was interrupted by Charlie's ringing cell phone.
"Hey, Charlie, it's Don."
"He-hey, Don."
"What's wrong, buddy?"
"Nothing," Charlie lied quickly. "Why'd you call?"
"We've got a new case. Can you come down?"
"Sure," Charlie replied. "See you soon."
"You okay?" Amita asked him.
"Yeah…Don's got a new case. Will you come down to the bureau with me? Lunch. My treat. I'll finish the story then."
"Okay," Amita said.
The two walked out of CalSci, hand-in-hand. Charlie got in the driver's seat of his Toyota Prius and Amita got in the passenger seat.