Disclaimer: I don't own the show or the characters of numbers

Chapter 18

Don walked around the corner and saw Larry sitting in the office. It appeared that everyone else was out of the room.

Don's stomach clenched. Larry was there when he had his little blow up.

It's bad enough that I blew up, but that I had to do it in front of Charlie and Larry.

Don rubbed his forehead. The thought that he could find out how Charlie was feeling after Don left had not passed him. Especially since he left them with such pleasant parting words.

Oh shut up! It's not like those papers held any answers Charlie. All they did is tell me what I already know about this guy. Hell what good are you to me if you can't stop this guy!

Don shook his head determined to stop hearing the words over and over again. He was embarrassed, embarrassed that he had lost control, embarrassed to ask the question, embarrassed that they were in this situation.

He had to be honest with himself that he was surprised that Miller had not taken him off the case already.

Don sucked it up and headed into the room. At first Larry didn't look up but finished what he was writing at the moment. He finished and put down his pen and then looked up. He was not expecting Don and at first he was not sure what to say.

Don spoke first, "How are you doing Larry?"

"Um I…I'm…" Larry stopped and got that "Larry" look on his face. "I'm frustrated…and worried."

Don gave a tired smile to Larry's answer. "Yeah, I know what you mean." He looked around the office, "Where is everyone?"

"Uh, well," Larry glanced around, "Mark, one of your agents, was called out for some reason. And then Doctor Wilkins went to the men's room."

Larry looked up at Don, "Don, how are you doing?"

Don just sat there trying to figure out a way to explain how stressed out, tired, worried, scared, and angry he was. Finally he decided to just shrug his shoulders. They sat in silence for a moment.

"Larry," Don's voice broke the silence, "I'm sorry you got pulled into all of this."

Larry shook his head, "Don't worry about it." He hesitated for a moment and then, "Is Charlie alright?"

Don seemed startled by the question. He stopped for a moment, "I can't give you details." He looked over his shoulder, "He did something…that he probably should not have done…" He looked down and saw the stricken look on Larry's face. He clapped a hand on Larry's shoulder, "Don't let yourself get sick with worry, he is alive."

"But he is injuried?"

Don nodded, "Maybe a little. Yeah, most likely."

The door opened scaring both of them. An older man with white hair walked in. He was the spitting image of what is seen as the stereotypical older professor.

He was wearing brown loafers, brown slacks, a tweed jackets and Don would bet that there was a pipe in his briefcase.

"Don," Larry spoke, "This is Doctor Darrell Wilkens, he help another agent of yours I believe."

Doctor Wilkins nodded his head, "Doctor Wilkins, this is Agent Eppes."

Doctor Wilkins shook Don's hand. He made the connection between the Eppes but decided not to comment on it.

Miller opened the door, "Eppes." Don turned to face him, "Come with me."

Don's stomach dropped.

He is taking me off the case.

Don didn't let his thoughts or emotions show but got up and followed Miller.

Miller didn't say anything until they had gotten to the elevators.

He turned and looked at Don, "Go home."

Don opened his mouth but Miller cut him off, "You have been here since early this morning. The last couple of days were trying not counting the stress of today. You already had one blow up. Go home. David is going to be here until two or three. Then Terry will take over. I don't want to see you until 8:00. Go home, eat something, make sure you dad eats, and then SLEEP."

Don knew that there was no point in arguing. Not that he didn't want to but it would do no good. He did need to check on his dad.

The elevator door opened. Miller motioned for Don to go ahead. Heaving a sigh Don stepped onto the elevator.