TOO CLOSE TO HOME
Chapter 17
"I told you that classes would probably be canceled," Don said, pulling in front of the Math & Science building.
Charlie looked at the notice taped to the door, 'All classes canceled until Monday am'. "I'll just be a few minutes," he said, reaching in his pocket for his keys.
"Take your time," Don told him, pulling out his cell phone.
"Who are you calling?" Terry asked.
Don waited until Charlie was inside the building before replying. "Dad. I don't know if he's seen the news yet. But I'm going to let him know what kind of day Charlie has had."
"That's probably a good idea."
Alan quickly picked up the phone when it rang. "Hello?"
"Dad."
"Donny. What's been going on?"
"I don't know if you heard the news yet. The Campus Killer struck again. We neglected to stake out Charlie's shortcut by the campus. The victim was one of his students."
"How'd he take the news?" Alan asked concern for his youngest evident.
"Pretty hard. Then the police questioned him about her since she'd frequently meet with him after class hours. Classes are canceled so Terry and I are bringing him home as soon as he gets his stuff together," Don explained.
"Thanks for letting me know," Alan replied. "Sounds like he's had a pretty rough day."
"Yeah. He's had a hell of a day. I'll talk to you when we get to the house."
Charlie locked the building and approached the car, carrying his book bag. "I just need a couple of things out of my office and that will be it"
"Okay," Don said.
Larry was finishing up some paperwork in his office when he saw Charlie walk past the door. He quickly stuck his head out and said, "What a distressing day this has been, Charles."
Charlie stopped and agreed, "Yes, it's been that."
"Mind if I ask where you've been all afternoon? You were conspicuously absent when we met to discuss canceling class."
"I was at the police station. They had some questions to ask and it took awhile. Right now I'm on my way home. Don's giving me a lift."
"It was a shock to hear about Lorelei Harris. She was such a dedicated student," Larry continued.
"Yes, she was. Hey, look, I need to get my stuff. I'll see you on Monday," Charlie said, hurrying onto his office.
"Monday then. Have a good weekend, Charles."
"Yeah."
Charlie returned to the car carrying a couple of books and his lesson plans. "That's it," he said, getting in back.
Fifteen minutes later Don pulled into the driveway. "I need to talk to dad for a few minutes," he told Charlie.
Charlie wearily got out of the car and headed for the house. All he wanted to do was go up to his room and try to pretend the whole day had been a bad dream. "Hi, Dad," he briefly greeted Alan.
"Everything all right, Charlie?" Alan asked.
"Not really. I'll be in my room. Please don't bother fixing me any supper," he replied, heading up the stairs.
Alan looked at Don who explained. "I tried to get him to eat some lunch. But he just ended up getting sick. Give him a few hours to himself and then trying taking up a bowl of soup. I've gotta go. Terry's waiting in the car and we need to get back to the office. I'll stop by this evening."
"You want me to save you supper?" Alan asked.
You might as well. See you later," Don said and headed for the door.
Alan watched his oldest son leave and resisted the urge to go upstairs to his youngest.
