Summery: Don finds out that Charlie found out his secret... But Don lets Charlie in on another secret...
"Director Merrick." Charlie held his hand out. "Thank you for meeting me on such short notice."
"Dr. Eppes." Merrick greeted. "I assume that you've heard about the investigation of your brother."
"Investigation?" Charlie exclaimed. "I thought it was just an inquiry."
Merrick frowned. "Dr. Eppes…"
"Please." Charlie interrupted. "Call me Charlie."
Merrick nodded. "Charlie, there isn't much that I can actually tell you aside from what one of Don's coworkers told you."
"I have higher security clearance than Don does." Charlie said point blank. "I think I could keep a secret."
"I'm sure you can." Merrick agreed. "However this isn't about you, so you don't need to worry about it."
"I'm worrying because Don's being investigated!" Charlie replied hotly.
"Charlie." Merrick held out a calming hand. "You obviously know about Don's team getting a commendation from the President correct?"
"Correct." Charlie answered.
"Now if you put two and two together…" Merrick smiled. "You might understand that the only reason why Don is being investigated is because his team has one of the highest success rates in the states. I'm actually surprised that it's taken so long for this to actually come about."
"So you mean you were expecting this?" Charlie asked confused.
"When someone is as good at their job as Don is, there are others who are not so good who wonder why. And those people start asking questions and those questions get heard which means those questions need to be answered." Merrick explained. "Now we both know how much Don pours into each case of his. Often times I have to order him home when I get to work in the morning because he spent the night on files. I've watched that man drink coffee and it acts as actually food because Don won't take the time to eat."
"Don is a very dedicated man and he is good at what he does. Not all FBI agents are as good, and they wonder why they aren't being moved up in the totem pole." Merrick smiled. "This is a basic standard procedure Charlie. You've nothing to worry about."
"Even though the complaint is outside help?" Charlie asked.
Merrick shook his head. "Charlie you happen to have higher government security clearance than Don does. That means you're on the same team."
Charlie sat back. He had honestly never thought it that way.
"This will all blow over in a few days." Merrick encouraged the younger man. "In the mean while Don will be busy getting everything together so I would suggest not to bother him alright?"
Charlie nodded. "Thanks for you time." He stood holding out his hand.
"I wouldn't worry about Don, Charlie." Merrick replied. "He knows how to take care of himself."
-/--/--/-
"Dad?" Don called out as he pulled open the door. "Charlie?" He pulled his tie loose. "Anyone here?"
"In the kitchen Donnie." Alan called out.
"Again?" Don shook his head. "What are you making this time Dad? I'm starving."
"Fried chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy, corn and blueberry cheesecake." Charlie supplied.
"What's the occasion?" Don asked entering the kitchen area.
"Oh just that my two boys have received some special awards and one of them missed out on the celebration dinner." Alan replied.
Don stopped looking at his brother and father. "How did you hear about that?"
Alan reached into his back pocket and pulled out a paper and tossed it down on the table. "I got that yesterday."
Don frowned and opened the paper.
"Dear Mr. Eppes,
I just wanted to write you a note and tell you of how proud we are here at the White House for all of your son's efforts. He is a good man and one to be proud of. I hope this letter finds you in good health as I was expecting the rest of the Eppes family to join Don on his meeting the president."
Don skimmed over the rest of the letter then settled his gaze on the bottom of the page.
"President George W. Bush."
He let out a breath.
"Why didn't you tell us Donnie?" Alan asked looking for all the world like Charlie when mom had taken his math book away. Don hid a grin… "So that's where Charlie had gotten that look." He thought.
"Well you and Charlie were off to UCLA to get that award and I didn't want to bother you…" Don trailed off.
"Don I've received several awards, one more doesn't make as much noise as meeting the President." Charlie put in. "You met the president. You got to shake his hand. I could have gotten to shake his hand, I mean at least Dad got a letter from him."
"Charlie." Don protested.
"I know that most of your life has been about me." Charlie interrupted. "And I want that to stop. You are as much a part of this family than even I know. A three base tower is stronger than a two base tower."
Don sighed, running a hand through his hair. Not only was he getting the lost puppy look from his dad he was also getting it from his little brother.
"Look Dad, Charlie… The reason why I kept it a secret is because when the President heard that my team couldn't make it out he decided to try and come out here for the official award." Don explained. "He's coming in tomorrow and I already promised him supper here made by the famous chef Dad." He grinned.
Alan blinked.
Charlie coughed.
"You might want to get your catering friend to help too Dad, since my team will probably be joining us as well as Mrs. Bush." Don continued. "Not to mention security and all that."
The corn bubbled dangerously close to the edge as it boiled away.
"And Charlie. The next time you want to snoop don't do it in broad daylight." Don shook his head.
"The President." Alan found his voice.
"The President of the Untied States is coming here?" Charlie asked incredulously.
"Yeah and he wants to meet the Dr. Charles Eppes, math freak." Don teased, laughing.
"But what about the investigation?" Charlie asked.
"Charlie." Don grew serious. "Investigations happen. I'm surprised there hasn't been one sooner. It's a part of life. We deal and move on."
"Wait…" Charlie's brain finally caught up with him. "The President wants to meet me?"
Don laughed.