TOO CLOSE TO HOME

Chapter 28

Charlie awakened to the sound of his alarm going off. He yawned and stretched a slight headache and bruises being the only lingering reminders of the night before. For the first time in what seemed like weeks, he was more than ready for life to get back to what passed for normal for him. Nothing more to think about than teaching his classes, his presentation for a conference he was attending come summer and Larry's calculations.

"Morning, Dad."

"Morning, Charlie," Alan said setting a platter of pancakes on the table and going to get the syrup. "I see that the police and FBI are planning on holding a press conference later today."

"Yeah. They probably need to wait for the San Francisco to get here. If it's on between classes, I'll try and watch it. Not that I did much good on the case," Charlie replied.

"I'm just glad that this is over and we can get back to what passes for normal around here," Alan said, sitting down across from him.

By the time Charlie reached Calsci, the news had already spread all over the campus. When class time arrived, the students were still talking about it when they filed in. After giving them a few minutes to settle down, he said, "All right, let's just review what you've learned so far. We'll move onto the next chapter come Monday."

He was cleaning off the chalkboard in preparation for his next class when Larry tapped on the door. "Charles, is it okay if I come in?"

"Sure, Larry," Charlie replied. He turned away from the chalkboard and motioned for the older man to enter.

"I heard that the killer who was stalking the campus was captured," Larry said, taking the desk chair.

"Yeah. The police and FBI are supposed to make an announcement later today," Charlie answered, perching himself on a corner of the desk. "Larry, if you still want me to, I can get started on the calculations for you."

"Of course I do, Charles," Larry said.

"Good. I'll be sure and get to them on Monday afternoon."

"I will be sure to remind you just in case. No offense, Charles, but there is times when you can be easily distracted.

"No offense taken, Larry. I'll make a note to have Amita remind me as well," Charlie replied.

"I take it that whatever project you couldn't tell me about is completed."

"It is," Charlie said briefly.

"So, do you want to join me for lunch," Larry invited.

"Maybe later. There's something I need to do first," Charlie said. He slid off the desk and resumed cleaning off the chalkboard.