Chapter 25

"What do you mean?" Charlie started haltingly. All that remained of his bravado was gone now.

O'Brien smiled broadly. "Oh just a little message I left behind. You see, I think your brother deserves a little pay back after all the times he nearly ruined my plans. He's just too good you know? You must know he's your brother. Doesn't anybody THAT GOOD get on your nerves?"

"I'm sorry… I happen to like good… it sure beats EVIL anytime."

"Not today it doesn't. We'll just have to see what you think of that heroic brother of yours when he gets finished."

"What difference does it make now? Why not just tell me? Then you can have the pleasure of seeing my reaction."

"Oh Charlie, I wish I could hold back and let your brother tell you himself, but you are right I do so enjoy watching you squirm…"

O'Brien slowly settled himself on a stack of boxes. He set his handgun on a small table next to his computer. "he's going to kill my boss for me."

Charlie shook his head violently. "No, Don would never kill anybody in cold blood."

O'Brien chuckled, "You might just be surprised," he turned the lap top and Charlie could see what looked like a feed from a surveillance camera. He watched for just a moment, just long enough to see Don inside his car. He was putting bullets in his gun. O'Brien turned the computer away.

Alan pounded his fist into the table. He couldn't get Terry's question out of his head. He knew as soon as she asked it what Don had been so afraid to say.

How could I have let him just leave like that?

He didn't know who to be more afraid for Charlie or Don.

He practically asked me whose life I cared more about. I didn't even stop to think what Don was really asking me.

Alan had to make a decision. He pulled the tape from his pocket. He held it in his hands for a moment. He had to know. He had promised Don that he would not play it unless something happened… but he had to know. He pushed the promise to the back of his mind. All this time he had put Charlie first and now it was time to give Don a chance. He took out his phone and dialed Terry's cell.

Don swung the heavy door back and slipped silently inside. He wasn't sure what he expected but the inside of the warehouse was empty. Not only was there nothing in there, it was obvious someone had purposely made it empty. The floor was spotless not so much as an empty box or an old tool in sight. The building was a wreck on the outside and perfect on the inside.

He pulled off his sun glasses and slipped them into his pocket. In the same motion he pulled his gun from the shoulder holster. A strange tickle went down his spine. He had to fight back his instincts to call for backup. There was no backup now.

Don had a strange feeling he wasn't alone. He heard a click to his right and Don had no sooner turned in the direction of the noise when a deep voice stopped him.

"You can hold it right there."

Please send comments! I love feedback... good feedback :) I hope to post more this weekend but I can at least promise soon. -Fishgirl