TOO CLOSE TO HOME

Chapter 16

After leaving the police station, Don drove directly to a small restaurant he was familiar with. With lunch time now long past, the place was all but deserted. Within minutes they were seated in a booth in the non smoking section while a smiling waitress handed out menus and took drink orders.

Don chose coffee and Terry iced tea. After a moment's decision, Charlie said, "I'll have an ice water. No lemon."

"Order anything you want, it's going on my expense account," Don told him.

Charlie looked through the menu finding nothing that appealed to him. He simply closed it and said, "I'm not really hungry."

"You need to eat something, okay. Did you eat breakfast?" Charlie looked down at the table which Don took that a negative answer. "You're not doing yourself any good when you do this."

Charlie nodded and opened the menu, finally settling on a bowl of cottage cheese and fruit. "Okay, I'll have this. Now are you satisfied?"

Terry had already picked out her own meal and so she was watching the exchange between the brothers. It was clear to her that Charlie was reaching the point of exhaustion.

The waitress brought their drinks and quickly took the food orders. Terry stirred her tea and asked, "Now what?"

"I really need to get back to the campus," Charlie said.

"After lunch," Don promised.

"As soon as I get back to the office I'm going to see what forensics has come up with," Terry told her partner.

Please let me know if you find out anything about the killer," Charlie requested.

"We'll do that," she promised.

The waitress soon arrived with their meals and they began eating. Charlie was halfway through his when he realized that eating had been a big mistake. All of a sudden he was beginning to feel very sick to his stomach. "Excuse me," he said, getting to his feet and starting to head for a restroom, any restroom. Don gave him a questioning glance but remained seated.

Inside the empty restroom Charlie stared in the mirror at his reflection and frowned at what he saw. His eyes were bloodshot from lack of sleep, making him look older than he normally appeared. He splashed cold water on his face, hoping that his stomach would settle down on its own. It didn't and a minute later he found himself leaning over a toilet while his stomach attempted to rid itself of what little he'd eaten.

Don looked at his watch at realized that it had been at least five minutes since Charlie had left the table. He had a concerned look on his face as he looked over at Terry. "It's not like Charlie to be gone this long. I'm going to go see if he's okay. Youwait right here."

"All right," Terry said. She watched Don hurry away and then looked around for their waitress. Somehow she doubted that either of the brothers would be returning to finish their lunch.

Don tapped on the restroom door and asked, "Charlie, you okay in there?" Receiving no answer, he pushed open the door, hoping he wouldn't be walking in on some stranger. He found his younger brother seated on the floor, a hand on his stomach. "Charlie?"

Charlie looked up at him. "Don, I'm sorry I ruined your lunch."

"It's okay. Terry understands," Don assured him. He got a wet paper towel and knelt beside the younger man, wiping off his face. "Feeling any better?"

"Yeah, I am. A little bit." He managed the ghost of a smile. "I don't think I have anything else left I can throw up."

"That's good," Don said. "Come on, I'll help you up." He put an arm around Charlie's shoulders.

"It's been a hell of a day," Charlie said as he stood unsteadily.

"Yeah, it has. And I think it's just gotten to you. Why don't you go sit on the bench outside while I go talk to Terry? We'll take you to Calsci to get your stuff. And then you're going home."

"What about my classes?"

"I really don't think you feel up to teaching. And I think you know it too. Besides by now, either the classes are canceled or someone's covering for you." He held the door open for Charlie.

Once they were outside, Charlie sat down on the bench, hoping the fresh air would clear his head. Although his stomach no longer seemed to be giving him trouble, he still felt worn out.

Don quickly returned to the table and spoke to Terry. "Charlie's sick. I'm going to bring the car around. Could you pay the bill and come on?"

"It's already done." She handed Don the receipt. "I thought he wasn't feeling well when he left the table so quickly."

Don dropped a couple of bills on the table. "I think this whole damned day just caught up with him. As soon as he gets his stuff at the campus, I'm going to take him on home."

"That's probably a good idea."

"Ready to go, Buddy?" Don asked when they stepped out side. Charlie nodded and got to his feet.

"Wait right here while I go get the car. "He strode off across the parking lot.

"Feeling any better?" Terry asked while they stood waiting.

"Some. I'm sorry I ended up ruining your lunch "

"It's okay. I had enough to eat anyway."

"Don pulled up and Terry got in the front seat while Charlie climbed in the back. Don glanced back over his shoulder. "If you need us to stop for you, be sure and tell me."

"I think I'll be all right," Charlie said as they headed for Calsci.