Disclaimer: Not my people; i just write about them.

Chapter 14

Charlie was struggling against the arm wrapped around his neck. When Jim had started to dial Don's number his crony had come up from behind Charlie and gripped him in a headlock. He was holding on tight enough to make it hard to breath, but not enough to make Charlie pass out. Charlie knew this was on purpose.

You sick son-of-a-bitch, bastard! How dare you! Leave Don and Dad out of this!

Then Jim started talking; Charlie stopped struggling as hard against his capture and listened.

"Agent Eppes. So glad I could reach you, your assistant is needed."

"Your brother has decided that he is not going to cooperate with me."

SON OF A BITCH!

Charlie had never wished harder in his life that the term, "if looks could kill," could be true.

That is it. I'm done being scared of this guy, of the situation, do what you will to me. You can't keep doing what you are doing forever, I won't let you.

But you need to explain the situation to him. Can you do that?"

Jim smiled, "That is great Agent Eppes. Really great. Hold on for a moment."

Jim put the phone up to Charlie's ear, "Go ahead Agent Eppes."

"Charlie?"

Jim nodded at the guy holding Charlie and he let go just enough to allow Charlie to grunt back at Don.

Sitting on the other end Don could hear Charlie gasping for his breath and heard the strangled response to him.

Bastard what are you doing to him?

Charlie heard Don's voice continued, "Charlie, look you are going to be ok. Just don't piss this guy off."

I can't do that Don.

"I know that isn't what you want to hear," Don answered back as if reading Charlie's thoughts. "But Charlie you have to trust us in this situation. Just do what you have to do to stay safe…don't try anything heroic. We WILL find you. Can you just stay safe until then?"

Don waited for what seemed like an eternity waiting for Charlie's response. All of the sudden he heard Charlie take a full, but ragged breath, and knew that whatever had been keeping him from breathing was released.

Charlie almost didn't realize that he could breath for a moment. All he was aware of was the rushing of air into his lungs. He took a couple of ragged breaths and coughed. He looked up at Jim.

"I believe your brother is waiting for an answer Charlie."

Charlie made up his mind.

Don was straining to hear what was being said on the other end of the line. All of the sudden Charlie's strained voice filled the phone.

"James Nat…"