5 more minutes…okay, I'm getting up…uh… cold…Head hurts...something's off. Hey, I heard that……Don't talk about me like I'm not here…what? You, think I'm no good…a waste of time…Why, what did I do to you? Alcoholic? If this is a nightmare will someone please wake me up! …Somebody pinch me. Charlie, is that you?
Thanks, Charlie…thanks for getting her out of here. I'm tired…tired just going to take a short nap, then I'll wake up…just 5 minutes, okay?
Push, jabHuh? … can't move…man this feels weird. Charlie…wasn't he just here? Dad…Dad can you hear me?
Charlie, Dad? …Cold. Hey, can I get a blanket? …Ouch!
Did I tell you I hate needles! Oh, great, just throw me around next time. Does anybody know what time it is? Man, this is so bizarre…
Okay, you're an FBI agent, think like one. Okay, the last thing I remember…At a crime scene…someone shot…was I shot? Hey, a little help here, would be nice. Okay, try moving right hand. Nope, okay how about a finger, just lift a finger…What on earth? Hey, do I look like a pin cushion to you? What is this, a bad experiment gone wrong. How long have I been here…Answer me… please. Is this an episode of the Twilight Zone or what? Don't panic, there is a perfectly logical reason to why I can't move…what that is seems to be escaping me for the moment… must be a prank. When I find out who did this, they are going to pay!
Observation. David scrutinized Charlie's demeanor and felt relieved to monitor a few changes: calmer yet still, silent. Obtaining data through surveillance was something he was very comfortable with.
So watching Charlie staring out into space – so to speak – said volumes about his emotional state. On the whole he admired Charlie Eppes' composure. Oh, there was no doubt in David's mind that Don's brother was stressed and a little frazzled, but he was coping the best he could in a situation where uncertainty was playing a huge role in deciding a certain FBI agent's fate. Luck. Charlie had needed to get outdoors to get centered and next to the UCLA Med Center was an incredible botanical gardens. So taking his cue from Charlie, he hadn't said anything either, just sat silently watching the birds and butterflies, soaking in the nature. You can breathe here. Hopefully, it is helping, Charlie…when you're ready, I'll be here to listen.
Ring, RingCharlie hesitated for a bit and then quickly flipped open his phone. "Dad? Dad…there's been an accident…It's bad…Don…He needs you." For a moment he didn't speak, just nodded his head to a one-sided conversation. "Yes, we're at the UCLA…You already called for a flight home… The first available flight doesn't leave for another hour? Dad… Don't fret, it's okay. I can handle it, I promise…You just be careful, get here safe… I need…I love you." Whispering the last part into the mouthpiece.
"Charlie, does he need someone to pick him up at the airport?" inquired David. "If we know the flight number, I might be able to arrange it."
"Dad - when do you get in, do you want me to pick you up? …Okay, I'll stay with Don…No, I'm not alone, David is here right now…can you speak with him? Sure…just a sec…"
The phone slipped from his hand, but David caught it in nick of time. Charlie stared at his traitorous fingers. David smiled to reassure him and then listened to Alan on the cell phone.
Charlie tuned them out. For a moment, he just tuned them both out. Heavy, the air felt heavy.
Don, is this what you felt like when near the end when Mom was dying and I just left you to deal with it alone? No wonder, you got so furious with me…I just couldn't see her like that…It was selfish, I know, but I just didn't want to remember her that way…I needed…I just wanted the last image of her to remain strong and vibrant…Mom, I sure could use your help, now…You would know how to make everything better.
A voice breaks his concentration.
"Charlie, it's all arranged. Megan will pick up your Dad and bring him by. She's called Larry and he's making the arrangements to cover your classes for a few days. Told you not to worry…Larry's swinging by later. Amita is going out of town for a few days, but she'll help when she gets back. …Charlie did you hear me…Charlie?" David lightly shook his shoulder, trying to get his attention.
Charlie stammered, uncertain how to proceed. "Sorry, I just zone out …David, do you …how do you…man, you must think I am some kind of nutcase." A slight grin appeared on his face, but it didn't reach his eyes. "I can't even collect my own thoughts to ask a simple question. No wonder, Don feels he always has to protect me." In despair, he hung his head, waiting for the answer he knew he deserves.
David watched Charlie berate himself for his imagined weaknesses. Slowly inhaling, he assembles his own ragged thoughts. "Charlie, when Don hit his head, what did you do? Tell me what action you took when it was critical to save your brother's life."
"I…I froze for a moment, then I looked for a towel to stop the bleeding. By the time I got the towel, Don had quit breathing… A person only has 4 to 6 minutes before they suffer some kind of brain damage. I couldn't allow that to happen, so I made a choice and concentrated on mouth to mouth. I thought I was successful, because for a moment he took a couple of breaths on his own… but then he stopped breathing just before the paramedics arrived. He stopped breathing twice. If the paramedics hadn't gotten there, Don would have died…and it would have been my fault." Charlie hung his head as though he was ashamed of his actions.
"No, Charlie, David replied gently. "That's where you are very wrong. Your brother did a stupid thing. He drank alcohol while having a concussion. You stayed focus, assessed the situation, examined your possible solutions, and then began immediate treatment to save your brother's life. You're not a nutcase. Sounds like someone I could depend on during a dicey situation."
Charlie smiled for the first time since David showed up on the scene. "David, sometimes it's difficult being the little brother. Don and Dad don't realize that the FBI, isn't the only organization I consult for. I just wish Don had felt he could count on me and trust me to be there for him" He paused. "This whole nightmare could have been avoided if he had just followed through with his promises. He's always breaking his promises to me…why?"
David didn't answer, but instead awkwardly places his hand on Charlie's shoulder. "Don't beat yourself over this. Brothers make mistakes…sometimes very stupid ones. Even FBI agents. It's not about you…it's Don's baggage. Stuff from his past and this last case. His reactions seemed off to me and still I left him. So part of the blame could be pointed in my direction, but what that accomplish? Will it help heal, Don?" Checking out his watch, he added, "Why don't we head back. It almost time for you to visit your brother again. Don't beat yourself up Charlie. Instead, focus on the job – what you can do right now. Considering everything that happened, you've handled yourself very well…so let yourself off the hook and know that whatever happens, Charles Eppes is a pretty amazing guy. I think you're up it."
The air felt lighter. Taking a nice deep breath, Charlie smiled and together they headed back into the hospital – he still wasn't sure what he'd find out, but felt more confident that he'd be able to deal with whatever challenge that showed up.