Epilogue
Two weeks later…
Charlie was still thinking about everything that had happened, which involved his now former boss at the NSA and his rival Marshall Penfield. Penfield said the reason the forensics expert was killed along with the two agents was due to being in contact with one of them, who was a high school friend. It turned out they didn't exchange information about any particular case, they were talking about meeting up at a museum in Washington state and do some catching up to do.
'Those two were just friends who just wanted to hang out and Thompkins and Penfield took them out due to the probability that they might find out something.'
He was pulled out of his thoughts when Don entered the room, who was doing much better since he and their father were taken hostage.
"Hey, how are you doing?" Charlie asked, as he was still concerned about his brother's well-being.
"I am feeling better every day, thanks." Don said smiling, though he was concerned about his brother.
"What about you, Charlie, are you okay?"
"I will be, I just can't believe that Penfield would be capable of something like this." Charlie admitted
"Hey, I never figured him out as the kidnapping type, and I am a trained federal investigator, we all make mistakes." Don said, trying to make him feel better
"I know that, it was also just a shock to the system that he would team up with Thompkins for the whole thing, that was truly the shocking thing for me."
"Is everything okay at the NSA?" Don asked
"Eventually, though, it is going to take a while for morale to get back up, as he was popular over there."
"Any idea on when he will be replaced or has he already been?" Don asked, hoping he wasn't going into classified territory
"Well, the assistant director is in charge now, so that helps," Charlie said, relieved
"Is the intel that he gave out for money damaging in any way?" Don asked, remembering the bits and pieces of what Thompkins had said to him in that warehouse.
"Thankfully no, but it still means that the government will still have to do damage control and make sure no one got hurt in the process."
"So, what do you plan to do now with everything that has happened?" Don asked out of curiosity, "I mean, are you still going to consult with the NSA?"
"I am on leave right now, and I haven't done as much consulting there as I used to in the past, and I have no idea when I will go back." Charlie answered truthfully
"Really, I mean I thought you enjoyed doing work there." Don said, a little surprised at the answer
"I enjoy working with the FBI and other agencies, I haven't enjoyed working at the NSA for some time now and I feel like this is some kind of wake up call for me, somehow." Charlie said, before saying, "I think it will do me some good to take a break and think about what to do next with them, and I will continue to consult the FBI and other federal agencies."
"Whatever you decide, I will be there for you." Don said, with a smile
"Thanks, right back at you." Charlie said, smiling back when Alan came in with some groceries.
"Hey, do you guys mind helping your old man here?" He asked, "I am preparing a meal for everyone coming, and Don, Merrick will be coming, so behave yourself," He said teasingly.
"Be right there, Dad." Don said smiling, "Want to help out buddy?"
"Sure, I wouldn't miss it for the world." Charlie said, as he followed his brother to the kitchen, happy he still gets to do this with his family.
'We are a lucky family indeed.'