Betrayal Chapter 2

In the evening everyone met at the craftsman for dinner. Alan, Don and Robin, Colby, Liz, Nikki and Larry - they all had come to celebrate the return of their family. Amita had cooked something and the atmosphere was great. Charlie and Amita talked about England and everyone listened intently. Then Robin and Don finally revealed the date of their wedding. The two of them had wanted to wait with the wedding until Charlie and Amita were back and now they could marry. They were all laughing, had fun and hours flew by. It was about quarter past eleven when someone knocked at the door.

"Who visits so late?", Charlie asked confused and Alan just shrugged. It was indeed uncommon.

Charlie stood up, walked to the door and opened it. In front of him stood Darrel. He seemed hesitant and immediately apologized for disturbing so late. But Charlie was relaxed and simply answered:

"No problem. You want to... come in? My wife has cooked and there's still some food left."

The openness of the professor surprised Darrel but he accepted the offer thankfully and Charlie let him come in.

When Darrel entered the dining room everyone greeted him friendly. Amita introduced herself and quickly got another plate out of the kitchen while Charlie brought another chair with him.

"And... It is really okay if I stay? I mean... I don't want to cause you any trouble.", Darrel asked when he sat down and Don patted his back.

"Come on. It's a pleasure to have you here.", he laughed and Charlie replied ironically:

"Interesting. Now you decide who's welcome in my house?"

"Of course, brother mine. You've been gone for so long. Now you don't get to say anything anymore, sorry."

Everyone laughed. But then Don turned serious again.

"Seriously, you've been gone for too long. We've missed you."

"And we have missed you.", Amita answered smiling as she sat back down.

Darrel felt out of place. This was a family meeting and he had interrupted it. But it could be a great opportunity. His brother would be thankful if he found out more about Don and his family. He would take it to his advantage. So Darrel listened to everyone and tried to remember every useful information he got.

His eyes fell on Larry who was sitting next to him, on the right. He looked so happy. Of course... his best friend was back and there was a lot to talk about. Unfortunately that meant that the professor wouldn't have time for him anymore. It made the agent sad. He had grown fond of Larry and his explanations. He would even call the man a good friend. But to find friends wasn't Darrel's mission. He was part of the team to get to know everything about the members.

Liz interrupted his thoughts.

"By the way, what did you want, Darrel?", she asked and everyone looked at him questioningly.

"I just wanted to talk to Don about the case but it can wait until tomorrow. Maybe I should leave now, it's really late.", he explained and then turned to face Amita.

"The food was delicious, thank you very much."

Darrel stood up but suddenly felt Larry's hand grabbing his arm and holding him back. The professor knew that Darrel felt uncomfortable.

"You want to leave? I'm sure that you are allowed to stay a bit longer.", he said and looked at Charlie.

"Am I right, Charles?"

Charlie shrugged and answered: "You don't have to leave, Darrel. We would love you to stay."

But Darrel lifted his hands and shook his head, saying: "Thanks for the offer, it was a wonderful evening but I really have to go home now. I have to get up early."

Darrel said his goodbyes and Charlie brought him to the door. Outside, in the light of the house's lamps, Charlie really eyed Darrel for the first time. His hair was a bit darker than Don's and his green eyes shimmered in the light. His face seemed to look naturally friendly. He wore a blue shirt, jeans and sneakers. All in all, he looked like the typical nice neighbour living next to you in every small town. It was strange somehow. He looked nearly too normal. But Charlie didn't want to think about it. His family seemed to like Darrel and that was everything that counted.

"I guess we'll see each other more often now, right?", Charlie asked and Darrel nodded.

"Yeah... I guess. It was nice to finally meet the popular Charles Eppes. Well... Goodnight."

"Goodnight."

Charlie looked after Darrel until he had reached his car and then closed the door. He returned to the others.

Darrel - as soon as he sat in his car - got his phone out of his pocket and dialed the only number he knew by heart. Like every evening or night. It took some time until the call was answered.

("What is it, Darrel?)

"I've found something out."