Chapter Sixteen

Later in the evening…

Phoenix…

Charlie headed to the local FBI building, as he was growing curious about the case, as well as trying to convince Don to try talking to their Mom before he and Margaret left for LA the next day. He just wasn't sure if he would be able to, considering how awkward it was at the cafe with their Mom but one would never know.

After getting through security, he spotted Don with another familiar looking man and quickly went up to them, to let him know he was there.

"Hey, Don, can I talk to you for a few minutes?" Charlie asked his brother, as he had just realized Don was talking to Billy, who he was surprised to see there.

"Sure, Charlie, I'll talk to you in the breakroom in a couple minutes." Don said, secretly happy to see his brother there.

Charlie nodded, as he knew that it would have to be quick, as Don was busy with the case and he and Margaret had a flight in four hours.

He didn't have to wait too long in the small room when Don came in only a couple minutes later, looking concerned about what Charlie needed to say.

"Hey, Charlie, what do you need to talk about?" Don asked, not sure what else he could even say.

"I just wanted to talk about… yesterday…I mean the..awkwardness of it all, though it was slightly better than I thought it was going to be." Charlie started, knowing he was going to have to ask his brother a lot.

"Yeah, it was but that's to be expected…right?" Don answered

"Anyway, um…I was wondering if you could do a quick goodbye, since we might not have a chance to talk much until the case is almost done." Charlie said, not sure if this was a good idea but he knew it needed to be done to move things forward.

"Are you sure that's a good idea? I mean, me and Mom didn't have much to say to each other yesterday and I'm not sure what will happen if I come along to the airport."

"Don… I know things haven't been easy for you but I just want to ask you guys to give it a shot, and I need to tell you about the last few years involving Mom and Dad, if you want to hear about it?" Charlie asked, not sure how Don would take it.

"Sure, what's been going on?" Don asked, knowing it was better to hear details related to his family, especially with the case going on.

"They really regret how things have gone with you those last few months, as I once overheard Dad talking once about how much he regretted his words with you and with Mom, it's the same thing, along with some of the things I have told you about some of the issues they have been dealing with."

Don knew what Charlie was talking about, as his younger brother had told him about some fairly serious arguments with several neighbors related to the FBI, though Charlie never got the full context and Don didn't want to know.

"What I'm trying to say is that they really want to make right with you and honestly, I just want to see if that would even be possible, if you want to, that is." Charlie said, as he knew it would be up to Don to begin the process of breaking the ice.

Don was silent for a few moments, thinking about seeing both of his parents again after all this time and the awkwardness with Margaret the previous day, and if he could really talk to them again and give them another chance.

"All right, Charlie, I'll meet you at the airport before you two depart, but it will have to be quick." Don finally said, as he was still concerned both about developments in the case and if it would go okay.

"Sure, Don, that's all I ask." Charlie said, relieved that Don was willing to give it another go before they exchanged their goodbyes.

On his way out, Charlie walked up to Billy, who was still amazed that the younger Eppes was there.

"I hope things are going well for you." Billy said, as he wondered if the brothers' parents would follow through on making amends.

"Things have been better, but I hope that will change." Charlie said, as he was feeling cautiously optimistic.

"Well, good luck." Billy said

"Thanks." Charlie said.

He was going to need it.