Chapter 4

Don relived the rest of the argument on his drive to Cal Sci. It was inexcusable. It didn't matter how bad his day had been, he never should have said those things. Fighting with Charlie was just something he did. It was in his blood — literally. But the last two years, they had been trying to change their relationship, and it was working — until Don had a bad day, threw alcohol into the mix and went too far. He just hoped his brother would forgive him.

He parked the SUV and decided to wait on the bench outside the math and sciences building. He was afraid Charlie might not let him in his office, and he might have a better shot in a public environment. Soon foot traffic picked up, and he knew from the days he had met Charlie here before that his brother's last class was over. He saw him exit the building. No backpack. That was strange. Looking down, watching his feet. That probably wasn't good. He was almost even with the bench when Don heard someone calling after him.

"Dr. Eppes! Dr. Eppes!" Charlie finally heard and turned around to see a small group of students facing him. "That was so cool," a young blonde gushed. "How you made that Plexiglas house blow up." "Right, seconded another student. "And the theory made absolute sense after it was presented that way." "We just wanted to thank you," the third added. "This course is required for most of us, so we have to be here. But you make math so interesting, I'm actually checking the schedule to see what I can fit in next semester!"

Charlie smiled. "Thanks, guys, I appreciate it." The students turned to leave and Charlie called after them. "The paper is still due on Friday!" The group gave a collective groan even as they turned to wave at him one last time.

Charlie was still smiling when he turned to continue down the sidewalk, but when he heard Don's voice, the smile faded.

"Charlie." His brother stood in front of him. "Look, I came to say that I'm sorry, I didn't handle last night very well. I had a really bad day, and I took it out on you. I thought I could give you a ride home?" Don tried for a joke. "I won't go in, if you don't want me to."

Charlie shifted. His eyes darted around to the throngs of students and faculty still passing by. Finally he looked at Don, said quietly, "We're not kids anymore. We don't get 'do-overs'."

Don actually took a step back. "That was one of the things I was wrong about," he started, but Charlie began walking again, brushing past him.

"I have an appointment in Administration right now, anyway, Don. I don't know how long it will last. You should go."

Don couldn't tell whether or not his brother was angry. "I can wait," he offered, but Charlie just kept walking away from him. "No. You should go."

Don decided that he owed his brother some space. He would try again tomorrow.

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His brother had talked to him yesterday, so hopefully he wouldn't thrown him out of his office today. Especially when he saw the bag Don was carrying from Charlie's favorite deli. He couldn't refuse to eat lunch with him, could he?

Don rounded the corner, stopped in confusion at Charlie's office door. Several people in maintenance jackets were inside, boxing up all the books. Did Charlie get a new office?

"Don! I was going to call you, but I've had miserable students in my office all day." It was Larry, at his shoulder. "Where has Charles gone?"

Don looked at him. "Gone? What?"

Realization dawned on Larry's face, and he saw the deli bag in Don's hand. "You don't know."

"Don't know what, Larry? What's going on, here?"

The people in Charlie's office were looking at them now, and Larry took Don's arm and led him down the hall to his own office. Once inside, Larry closed the door, looked up at Don.

"Charles went to Administration yesterday, arranged an emergency leave of absence for the rest of the year, through the summer. He also requested a sabbatical for the next school year, although that request must be processed through the proper channels. When I arrived this morning, someone else was teaching his class. I phoned both his cell and home, and got no answer. Before I could investigate further, it was time for my own class. And as I say, Charlie's students are arriving in droves, very upset."

Don shoved the bag at Larry. "Here. Have lunch. Throw it away, I don't care. I'm driving over to the house."

He heard Larry calling after him. "Call me when you know where Charles is!"

On his way, Don phoned his father.

"Dad, are you at home?"

"No, Donnie, not since 8:30 this morning. I'm volunteering at the Senior Center today."

Don squealed stop at a red light. "Right, I'm sorry. I forgot it was Thursday. Listen, I don't want to keep you on the phone, but did you see Charlie before you left?"

"I hope you're looking for him so you can apologize," said Alan. "He was already gone when I got up today — yesterday, too. I didn't hear him come home until very late last night; I was already in bed, half asleep."

The signal changed, and Don started forward again. "Okay. Listen, don't worry, I already apologized."

"I'm glad to hear that, son. What did you need at home?"

"Never mind, Dad, I'm here now. I think I left something here the other night."

"Oh. Well, all right, then. Come for dinner again tonight, if you can. Not sure what it will be…any requests?"

"No, Dad, anything's fine." Don pushed his key in the lock of the kitchen door. "Get back to work. I've distracted you long enough."

Alan laughed. "Anytime, son. See you tonight."

Don flipped his cell shut. "Charlie?" he called, walking into the kitchen. His attention was immediately drawn to a large sheet of graph paper anchored to the table with a glass. He almost felt like taking his gun out of its holster as he approached it. It just felt dangerous. He reached out, moved the glass, read the note:

Dad, Don't worry. Not kidnapped. Just gone. Love you, Charlie