Disclaimer: I have no affiliation with Numb3rs. I do not profit from this work.

Chapter 1

"Charlie, are you in here?" Don Eppes called as he entered the garage. His brother was writing furiously on a chalkboard at the far end of the room. "There you are," he sighed as he came over. "Didn't you hear me calling you?"

"What?" Charlie glanced up before resuming his work. "Oh… no. Sorry, Don. I'm right in the middle of a significant train of thought."

Don raised his eyebrows. It seemed – to him – as though Charlie was always in the middle of a 'significant train of thought'. "Geez, man," he replied, "I've only called you three times. Dad wanted me to come get you."

Charlie stood and stretched. "What for?" he asked.

Smiling, Don answered, "Supper. You know, food?"

"Okay," Charlie bent down to make another notation. "I'll be right there."

Don reached down and took the chalk from Charlie's fingers. "Oh no you don't. I've heard that before. You're going to come and eat now."

Heaving an exasperated sigh, Charlie gave in. Following his brother to the door, he said, "If I lose my line of thinking because of you, and some fantastic new mathematical theory is lost to mankind, you're going to feel really guilty."

"I'll take my chances."

-x-x-x-x-x-

"So, Don," Alan said, spooning salad onto his plate. "How's work?"

Don shrugged and popped a french fry in his mouth. "Same old same old," he replied. "How's the consulting business?"

"It's going really well. Stan and I have a couple of things we're working on, and our first urban renewal project client is coming in for a meeting on Monday." He passed the salad bowl to Charlie.

Both Eppes brothers spoke at once, offering their congratulations. Don said, "We should go out to dinner Monday night. You know, to celebrate."

"Great idea," Charlie said. Looking at his father, he added, "We could go to that new Korean place… the one with the braziers right at the tables." He looked to Don for support.

"Sounds good," Don agreed. "What do you think, Dad?"

The older man grinned. "It sounds like a great idea to me."

"It's settled, then," Charlie said. "Monday night." He pointed an accusing finger at his brother. "And you better not be working."

"Me?" Don asked innocently. "You never know, I might get caught up in an important idea and forget about it." He grinned devilishly.

"You…!" Charlie began.

"Now, now," Alan cut in. "No fighting. You're both too old for that nonsense."

Don cast another rakish grin at Charlie, who stuck his tongue out. Alan looked from one to the other and then lifted his gaze to the ceiling. "Why me?" he asked.

All three burst out laughing. Don's cell phone rang as he was reaching for the platter. Unclipping it from his belt, he stood and walked into the living room.

"Eppes."

"Don," Megan said. One word was all it took to tell him she was upset.

"What happened?" Don asked. In the next room, Alan and Charlie fell silent.

"It's not… you need to come. Now."

Don glanced at his father and brother. They had both gone still and were watching him. "Where?" he asked.

"UCLA Medical Center," she answered. "Don…"

"Hang in there," he interrupted. "I'm on my way." Snapping the phone shut, he mentally composed himself before addressing his family. "I have to go," he said, sliding the phone back onto its clip and grabbing his jacket off of the couch.

"What's up?" Alan asked. Charlie added, "Anything I can help with?"

Don shook his head. "Work," he evaded. "I'll talk to you two later, okay? Don't forget," he pointed at them both. "Dinner. Monday. Seven o'clock."

His father and brother both grinned, easily accepting Don's confident response. "We'll be there," said Alan. "Just make sure you are."

Charlie added, "Write it down somewhere."

Don looked at him. "I'll write it on your forehead," he teased. Lifting his hand in a vague wave, he went out the door. As the door closed behind him, Charlie turned to his father and said, "So, tell me about your urban renewal project."

About to take a bite of steak, Alan lowered his fork as he started on his favorite subject. "Well…" He was interrupted by the sound of a motor revving. It was quickly replaced by one of squealing tires. He looked at his youngest son, who had also paused to listen. After the noise had faded, Charlie returned the gaze.

"Must have been more than just work," Alan ventured.

Charlie replied, "Must have."