Dear friends, we've come to the end of the story – the final chapter and then the epilogue. Thank you so much for reading, and I do hope that you've enjoyed it. Until next time…
–H.
CHAPTER NINE: Family
When everyone began to drift into the living room after the food was gone, Charlie and Colby found themselves alone at the table.
Colby wasn't sure what to make of the look Charlie was giving him. "How ya doin', Charlie? Everything okay?"
Charlie blushed. "Yeah, I was just… I didn't realize. I mean, Don told me, but... it's different."
"Different? What's different?" He paused. "Wait, Charlie, were you – did Don actually let you...?"
Charlie nodded. "Yeah."
Colby shook his head. "I'm sorry, man – you shouldn't've had to see that."
"Don't be. I mean, it was my choice – Don gave me a choice, and I chose to stay. I wanted to understand. And I think..." He paused. "I think I'd like to put you in my book, Colby. I'll change the details, of course, for national security, but..."
Colby tilted his head. "You wanna put me in your book? I guess – I mean, sure, why not? I'd be honored, Charlie."
"Good – I'm glad." And Charlie smiled.
~~~~~9~~~~~
He was in the kitchen getting more lemonade when Liz walked in. "So – you found Don."
"Yeah."
"Look, Colby –"
Not you too. Do we really have to do this right now?
"It means a lot that you guys treat me like part of the family, even though I haven't been around as long. So – thanks. And I want you to know that I got your back just as much as everyone else here."
That's – not what I expected you to say, Liz.
"Uh, thanks." Thanks for being the one who treats me just like any other agent.
She was turning to go.
"Hey, Liz – we got your back, too. Don't forget that."
She smiled. "Thanks, Granger."
~~~~~9~~~~~
At one point, Colby found himself on the couch with Megan while the rest of them took bets on who would win Larry and Alan's chess game.
"Hey Megan, you doin' all right with this?" He was a little concerned at how quiet she was.
"Yeah, Colby, I'm doin' okay – now." But I can't take many more days like this.
He looked over at her, and his voice was heavy. "I know this had to be hard for you. I know this whole thing was hard for you, and with your DOJ assignment, and then the case... I'm sorry you had to go through everything. If I could've – if there was any way to keep you away from this, Megan, you gotta believe –"
"Colby." She looked at him, saw just how concerned he was. "Please don't apologize. You didn't do anything wrong – and I wish you would believe that. I'm just glad that you're here, and you're okay, and nothing else matters right now." She smiled at him. "Okay?"
"Okay." He nodded. "Nothin' else matters."
She smiled again. "Exactly. Now, twenty bucks says Larry wins."
This time Colby smiled. "You're on."
~~~~~9~~~~~
It was late. Everyone else was gone, including Don, and Colby was in the kitchen drying dishes for Alan while Charlie drove Amita back to her apartment. He was just finishing the last bowl, leaning up against the counter, and Alan turned to him.
"So. You've had quite a day, son."
Colby laughed. "Yeah, you could say that. Definitely wasn't what I expected wakin' up this morning."
"Still, I think overall we've made progress today. Just look at tonight."
Colby looked over at him – and nodded. "Yeah. It's not how I would've picked to get here, but –" he shrugged, almost in disbelief. "Things are better. They shouldn't be – but they are." He gave Alan a shy smile. "And a lotta that is thanks to you, Mr. Eppes."
"Nonsense. You all just needed a push in the right direction. Everything else will work itself out."
A smile. "Yeah, I think you're right."
"Of course I'm right. Now, son, you need to get some rest. Unless Don gave you the day off tomorrow?"
"Nah, I'm back at it tomorrow." Thankfully. He put the bowl down. Well, you can't just not sleep, Granger. Who knows? Maybe it'll be better tonight. Nothin' else about this day has been normal. "But you're right – I should probably go. Tell Charlie I said g'night."
"I will."
"And thanks, again, for everything."
"Don't mention it, Colby. That's what family's for. Now go on – get outta here."
"Yes, sir." Colby smiled as he left. "That's what family's for." Guess my family must be a little bigger than I thought.
