Chapter Four

Day 3

Alan had called Don that morning and informed him that if he wanted rib eye for dinner that he'd have to arrive early as Alan had another date with the caterer.

Don, not being one to turn down rib eye, promised to be at the house by 6. In all honesty he had missed staying there. As much as his fathers over attention had begun to wear him down, he'd enjoyed hanging out with them both. Dropping by in the evenings was great but it wasn't the same as being looked after. Not that Don would want to be looked after. He was always a reluctant patient. Although sometimes he couldn't help but appreciate the attention from his father. He'd missed out for so long that the child in him still craved it. The adult however had other ideas.

It had been a quiet week in the office, almost unheard of. There were cases to work on but they weren't anything that they couldn't take some time with. Old cases with dried up leads. Even Charlie was beginning to miss having something to get his teeth into. He'd dropped by for lunch the past couple of days. Don suspected that his brother missed working with the agents. It had been a few weeks since they'd needed his help and Don could tell Charlie was feeling a little left out and unused. It was funny how quickly his brother had taken to his role in the FBI. He consulted on so many cases now that it wouldn't surprise Don if Charlie relocated his office to the FBI.

Today was the bug test.

Charlie had called to say he could get his hands on real bugs but Don had discouraged him from that line of action. The thought of having to explain an infestation to his superiors didn't sit well with Don. How the hell had Charlie managed to get his hands on real bugs? Don knew he had ants, but Charlie was talking about quite a mixture of bugs to attack Megan with. Don laughed to himself when he thought how involved in this Charlie had become. They both had become. It seemed like such a welcomed relief to be doing something ….stupid. Neither of them relaxed all that often. When they did it usually involved Alan winning money from them during a golf game.

Don had placed the plastic ants, cockroaches and beetles in Megan's jacket pockets. He doubted she was scared of bugs but it was worth a try. It was really getting to him that he couldn't scare her. He'd managed to get Colby back though. Without even trying. Don laughed again. Now that was sweet revenge.

They spent the day brainstorming and chasing up leads on an old case involving fake passports. David and Colby made a run to a witness's house to see if they remembered anything more but came back with nothing. Megan's profile, although specific, didn't help with their lack of suspects. They were about to try a different lead when Don's phone rang.

"Eppes"

"Donnie, this is a polite reminder for you to relocate that butt of yours to this house for dinner."

"I'm on my way Dad" Don hung up and grabbed his jacket.

"Sorry guys, dinner calls. We'll try that other lead tomorrow, not that I think it's going anywhere though."

"Always worth a try" said David.

"I'll walk out with you Don"

"Date Megan?"

"No, not that it's any of your business but I have theatre tickets with a friend"

"Just a friend Megan?"

"Yes David, a friend "

"Ok Ok, have a good night guys"

"See you both tomorrow" Don led Megan out of the building toward the car park. As they walked outside Megan gasped as her hands went into her pockets.

"What the….Oh you have to be kidding me"

"Nothing?" frowned Don.

"No, I used to collect bugs"

"For Christ's sake can't you just tell me what it is you're scared of?"

Megan collected the bugs from her pocket and placed them in Don's hand. She closed his fingers and held his hand in both of hers. Smiling at him she winked and said "You. Will. Never. Know. But I can tell it's bugging you"

With that Megan got into her car and waved as she drove away. Leaving Agent Eppes looking exasperated in the car park.