Chapter 2

As soon as Don had pulled into his space in the office parking lot, David got out of the car muttering something about getting back to work and walked off without so much as a backward glance. It was clear that Don's earlier taunt about doing his own work had stung.

Don and Charlie continued to sit in silence long after David had disappeared into the parking garage elevator. Finally, when he couldn't take the stillness anymore, Charlie said, "Don't do this."

Don immediately let out a heaving sigh and let his head fall back on the headrest. Charlie was relieved to see Don let down his guard, but knew it was only a small victory. "Ever heard the expression 'Don't cut off your nose to spite your face'?" he asked gently.

There was a slight smile in his voice as Don replied, 'Yeah. And I never understood what it meant." He must have sensed that Charlie was about to explain because he held up a hand and quickly continued, "I mean, I know what it means. I just meant I don't know where that expression came from. I can't think that actual problem came up a lot."

"Well, perhaps 'Don't toss your math consultant brother off cases to spite a leak you may or may not have' was too wordy."

Don sighed. "No maybe about it. We have a leak. And I know it's not you and I know it's not Larry or Amita. Or Dad. But, how can I read my team the riot act about discussing the case outside of work when I do it too?"

Charlie was stumped. After all, his brother had a point. Of course, Don did it for a different reason. He did it to get information to help solve the case. Not to impress anyone or get some stress relief by talking things out. As Charlie began thinking about it, he realized that last part might not be entirely true. Sure, Don tended to broach the subject of his work in terms of how to solve a case, but he did seem to walk away feeling a little cheered whether Charlie was able to provide any help or not.

Don must have misinterpreted the cause of Charlie's silence because he grudgingly said, "Don't…just, don't, alright? I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be so hard on you and David before. I'm just… pissed off."

Charlie shook his head. Only Don could make an apology sound so petulant. "About the leak," he finished, to indicate he understood that he wasn't the one Don was mad at.

"Yeah. No. I…" Don slapped the steering wheel in frustration. "I'm mad because I like working with you. And now, because of this leak, I can't."

Charlie was genuinely touched by the admission. That's why, even though it pained him, he offered, "We could… you wouldn't have to tell anybody."

Don twisted around in his seat to look at him and adamantly declared, "No. No way. I'm not that guy, Charlie. I never was. I don't ask you to do my homework for me and then ignore you in the hallway. Not ever."

Charlie glanced down and nodded quickly, fighting back old memories of failed attempts to make friends in high school. Don's pride had never allowed him to ask Charlie to do his homework for him. Others had felt differently on the subject, and the results had never been good.

"Besides," Don added gently, "I doubt anybody would believe me if I claimed I'd developed an overnight proficiency in applied mathematics."

At that, Charlie glanced up and smiled in agreement.

"Look, I'm going to start a quiet internal investigation. Look into new hires, new transfers, that sort of thing. Maybe I can find the leak quickly and this will all blow over soon."

"Well, if I can't help with the case, maybe I can help you find the leak." Charlie held up his hands when Don tried to interrupt and continued, "Look, the media has their secret weapon, right? Why can't you have yours?" In a joking tone he added, "You can give me all the credit after I find the culprit."

Don stared at him in surprise. "You'd really do that? Help me out like that? Even after I was, you know, less than nice?"

Charlie grinned. "What can I say? I like working with you too."