It was in the middle of the breakfast when the phone rang. Jean had just poured herself a glass of juice after the morning tea. Matthew was focused on his bacon, while Lucien was trying to innocuously read an article in the morning paper. It was something about an art exhibition in Melbourne, borrowing several paintings from the local art gallery. Jean was about to shoot him a glare for not leaving the paper alone during breakfast, when the blasted phone rang.

With a sigh, she put down her glass of juice.

"I'll take it, don't get up," she said a bit snarkily when neither of the men even pretended to do so. Lucien at least looked up a bit startled.

"Hm?"

Jean shook her head with a small smile. Of course, he was so focused he didn't even notice the phone.

"Dr. Blake's residence," Jean said the familiar spiel, feeling warmth course through her. She was Mrs. Blake as well now, the golden ring on her finger reminded her.

"This is a collect call from Charlie Davis. Will you accept it?" an operator's voice droned out mechanically.

Jean blinked, surprised. She was excited to hear from Charlie after the last two weeks of silence, but she was also hit by worry. Why would Charlie call collect?

"Yes, I accept," she said and her tone must've conveyed her surprise, as both Lucien and Matthew looked at her with raised eyebrows. She mouthed 'Charlie' at them.

"Doc?" came the voice that sounded familiar yet strange at the same time. Jean instantly frowned.

"No, this is Jean. Charlie, is that you?" she had to ask to make sure. She heard the chair behind her move and felt Lucien's presence next to her.

"Yeah, it's me," Charlie said and some of the usual warmth was back in his voice. "Thanks for taking the call. I ran out of change."

"Of course. Is everything alright? We haven't heard from you for ages. Even Matthew was getting worried."

"I was not!" Lawson called out, though it was only half-hearted. Charlie chuckled.

"I bet he was. I'm sorry... I was a bit... held up."

Something about the sentence felt wrong, but Jean didn't have time to ponder it. Blake was looking at her questioningly, most likely reading her expression as worried.

"Is everything alright, Charlie?"

There was a short pause and Jean clutched the receiver a bit harder.

"Charlie?"

"Yeah, don't worry. It's fine. I just... is the Doc there? I need to talk to him."

"Yes, of course. I'll pass you to him right away. Are you coming home soon?" she added the question, even as Lucien was reaching towards the phone.

"I hope so," Charlie said and it sounded so weary that Jean actually wanted to ask more. But Lucien was looking at her expectantly now, so with a sigh, she bid her farewell to Charlie and handed over the phone.

"Charlie? We were starting to think you found love in Sydney and absconded with her for a secret honeymoon," Blake joked, hoping to ease the sudden tension in the room. He heard a snort on the other side.

"I wish," Charlie said and the smile left Blake's face as he turned serious. He could hear the crack in Charlie's voice.

"What's going on?" he decided to cut to the chase. "Are you in some trouble, Charlie?"

There was a momentary pause. Blake could hear traffic in the background, the rustle of the wind and Charlie's careful breathing. It sounded like he was outside.

"Sort of. Doc... I need to ask you a favour," Charlie said, slowly, as if afraid he would be denied on the spot.

"Of course. What do you need?"

"I... I know you might be busy, but..."

"Charlie," Blake rebuked him. "If you need help, I'm pretty sure I can clear up my schedule."

"No dead bodies lying around?" Charlie joked slightly, clearly trying to get the courage to ask.

"Not one. Now speak."

"Could you maybe... pick me up in Wagga Wagga?"

"Wagga Wagga?" Blake's eyes widened. "That's quite a distance. What are you doing there?"

"I'm not there yet," Charlie said and the tone of his voice changed. "Sorry. I know it's a long drive, but I don't have the money for the ticket home. But if it's a problem, I think I might try and catch a ride with-" Charlie was rambling.

"Don't be ridiculous," Blake stopped him right then and there. "Of course I will come. But it will take me maybe six hours to get there."

"That's alright. it will take me almost as long to get there too," Charlie said and the relief was clear in his voice. Blake however only felt his worry deepen.

"Where are you now, Charlie?"

"I don't have a clue. One town over from Leighton I suppose."

Blake frowned, taken aback.

"That's pretty far. How are you going to get to Wagga Wagga?"

"Bus. If you can meet me at the bus station?"

"Of course," Blake waved it off. "Are you in trouble, Charlie?"

There was a sigh on the other end.

"I'm not sure anymore, Doc. It's a long story."

Blake wanted to say he had time, but he was getting more and more worried and thought he would prefer to do so in person. He had more pressing questions on his mind.

"Are you in any danger right now?"

He felt Jean tense next to him and Lawson's chair had creaked as well as the man got up.

"I don't think so. I'll be on the bus shortly. Should be safe," Charlie said wearily.

"Are you hurt?"

"I'm fine, Doc," Charlie dismissed the question.

"That wasn't a no," Blake noted duly.

"Nothing you can't fix," Charlie admitted.

"That's hardly making me feel better," Blake grumbled.

"I'm alright," Charlie said reassuringly. "Will be better once I get home though."

Blake nodded.

"Do you want me to bring Matthew along?" Blake wasn't sure what kind of trouble Charlie managed to get himself in, but he had a feeling having a cop along might be beneficial. However, Charlie quickly vetoed that idea.

"No, that's okay. It would be suspicious if you both left town."

"Suspicious?" Blake's brows rose.

"I can't explain now, just..." Charlie paused. "Is the boss still there?" he asked, somewhat dejectedly.

"Yes, he most definitely is."

Charlie sighed.

"Can you just tell him to... act normal? If anyone calls... and I mean anyone, asking about me... tell them you haven't heard from me for the last few weeks. Please?"

Now Blake knew for sure Charlie got himself into something deep. Which meant, discretion was the better part of valour indeed.

"Alright, I will make sure no one says anything."

"Thanks Doc. Uh... I gotta go. I think my bus is leaving soon."

"I'm heading out as well. Take care, Charlie. See you soon."

"Thanks, Doc," Charlie repeated. "See you soon."

The phone clicked and the line went dead.

"What the hell is going on?" Lawson asked the glaring question.

"I don't have a clue. Charlie got into some trouble and needs a ride."

"What trouble? Is he alright? He didn't sound good," Jean asked, worried. Blake raised a hand.

"I don't know what happened or what state he is in. The sooner I leave though the sooner we will have some answers. Matthew..." Blake turned to face the man. "Charlie asked that if anyone calls or asks about his whereabouts, we play dumb. Do you have any idea what that's about?"

Lawson shook his head, thoughtful.

"Not an idea. Last thing I heard about Davis was that he was sent on some special training to an undisclosed location and that he will be returning within the month. His mother had called yesterday, complaining that she haven't heard from Charlie in a while. She said he called her few weeks back warning her about being unable to call regularly, but she felt it was getting too long. I had to reassure her he was just off somewhere in the wild without access to a phone."

Blake grimaced. It seemed like the 'special training' went a bit haywire... or it was all a rouse.

"Well, I suppose we will learn soon enough what's going on. For now, let's trust Charlie knows what he's doing and follow his lead."

"I would have preferred to have a chance to talk to him," Lawson grumbled.

"Sorry, Matthew. He was heading for the bus. And I should get ready and head out as well. Sooner I leave, sooner we get home."

Lawson nodded grimly, shooting one look at his half-eaten breakfast. His appetite seemed to have gone all of a sudden.

"I suppose I better head out as well. If you encounter some trouble, call!" Matthew added strongly. Blake nodded only half heartedly. He doubted there was much Matthew could do if trouble got them such a long way from Ballarat but he wasn't about to voice it. His mind was already running ahead, thinking about whether he had enough gas or how badly was Charlie hurt. Because it was clear to Blake that whatever trouble Charlie encountered, it didn't leave him unscathed. He should probably take his medical bag... and add a few items. Just in case.

"Jean dear, could you please put some tea into a thermos for me?" he turned to his wife, who nodded.

"I'll pack some snacks too, so you and Charlie don't go hungry," she said promptly and Blake saw her brow furrow a bit, a clear sign she was worried. Blake was pretty sure that while he will be driving, Jean would bustle around the house nervously and cook up a feast, to make sure Charlie had a warm welcome.

"Thank you dear," he said with a smile and pulled her close for a moment to plant a kiss on her cheek.

Lawson behind them let out a long suffering sigh.

"Alright, I'm heading out. You," he waited until Blake broke away from Jean and gave him a look. "Bring the kid back home."

Blake nodded.

That was exactly what he was planning to do.

The shock absorbers on the bus must've been broken. Charlie couldn't otherwise explain why he felt every damn pebble on the road. Surely, it wasn't common for the bus to jump around like on a rally?

"Everything alright, young man?"

Charlie turned his head slightly to the right, plastering on a fake smile. The older lady had settled next to him before they even pulled out of the station. The bus was fairly filled, so Charlie couldn't very well protest, even though he would have preferred to have the seat next to him empty.

"Yes, everything's fine," he said, holding back a wince as the bus must've ran over a whole cow. Or maybe not, seeing as the old lady didn't even twitch at the motion. She just kept giving him a dubious look, while putting down her crossword.

"Well, your fine looks like it went five rounds with a bulldozer," she said with a raised brow. Charlie didn't know what to say. He felt like he was being scolded by his long dead grandmother.

"Uh... it wasn't a bulldozer," he mumbled. And it felt more like ten rounds, but he wasn't going to say that.

The old lady chuckled then reached into her pocket pulling out a bag.

"Peanuts?" she offered.

Charlie softly shook his head.

"No, but thank you."

She didn't take no for an answer obviously as she kept crinkling the small paper bag in front of him until he relented and took a few pieces.

Satisfied, she put the bag into her lap and focused back on her crossword.

Charlie let out a sigh of relief. Maybe if he closed his eyes, just for a moment, the time would pass by faster. He leaned his head against the window but quickly pulled it back. The vibrations of the engine did nothing for his headache. Grimacing, he leaned his head against the backrest and hunkered down a bit. It wasn't the most comfortable position, but the only one he could have without leaning against the old woman's shoulder.

Blake was coming.

Charlie knew it was selfish of him, to make the man drive such a distance when he could have just as well gone to Sydney, got in touch with O'Leary and then headed home with clear conscience. Problem was, he was already feeling on the verge of collapse, and that was only the first half hour of the ride. There was no saying what state he would be in the ten hours it would take to reach Sydney... not in these uncomfortable seats and without meds. He dreaded the thought he wouldn't even make it there and would collapse somewhere midway, without his ID, without any kind of protection. A stranger in a strange land.

No... Charlie would much rather be in Blake's debt than risk that.

He dreaded the moment they would meet. All the questions he would undoubtedly be subjected to. He also couldn't wait... for it would mean he could finally rest, knowing there will be someone guarding his back.

Charlie wasn't sure how much time had passed. Maybe an hour or two. He was almost becoming accustomed to the rattling of the bus when the tires screeched and it came to a sudden stop. Charlie's body slammed against the window, his side smacking against the casted hand.

Charlie felt something rip, white hot pain shooting through his abdomen. He hissed and leaned over, trying to catch his breath.

The driver cursed loudly and Charlie thought he caught sight of a kangaroo hopping away. The passengers around grumbled a bit, but none of them seemed to be hurt.

Charlie shut his eyes tight, trying to control his breathing even as the bus started up again.

"Here here, are you alright?" the woman was rubbing at his back soothingly. Charlie wanted to ask her to stop, but it was actually helping to divert his attention from the discomfort. He was pretty sure he might've just torn a stitch or two, but he definitely wasn't about to check. After a minute the initial pain had eased up as well. With gritted teeth and feeling slightly faint, Charlie slowly leaned back against the seat.

"Do you need some help?" the woman asked and Charlie shook his head.

"No, I'll be okay," he said, hoping his voice wasn't shaking.

"You're white as a ghost," she argued.

"It'll pass," Charlie argued. "I just need to rest a bit."

"Of course. Some sleep might help you."

Charlie would've liked to do just that, but he was vary. He wasn't going all the way after all.

"Uh... I don't want to miss my stop," he said with a grimace.

"Well, where is it? I am getting off in Sydney, so I can wake you up."

Charlie shot her a look.

"What if you'll want to rest?"

The woman rolled her eyes.

"Please. I can barely sleep during the night, do you think I will fall asleep now that I have such interesting company?"

Charlie raised an eyebrow.

She raised her book of crosswords and winked.

He couldn't stop the chuckle, followed by a wince. But it was worth it.

"Wagga Wagga. If you could... wake me up before that."

She nodded.

"Of course. That's only a few hours now anyway."

Few hours, but for Charlie it seemed an eternity. He looked out of the window, watching the road for a short while, hoping no one was following. As he watched the occasional mulga and gum trees flash by his window, his eyes closed.

Someone was shaking his shoulder. The movement sent spikes of pain through his whole body and Charlie's first instinct was to lash out. But a smell of peanuts stopped him. His brain made the connection and he blinked, staring at the thoughtful face of an old woman.

"Whazza?" he asked, his mouth taking a second to catch up with his brain.

"Your stop is coming," the woman said gently. "I thought you might need a few minutes to wake up properly."

"Oh. Yeah. Thanks," Charlie muttered, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes. He felt... strange. Half asleep still and a bit woozy. He would have closed his eyes and went back to sleep, but then he realized what the woman said.

He was almost there. And if everything went okay, Blake should be there too. Charlie looked at his watch. Almost six hours had passed since the phone call. Which meant he might have to wait for the Doc at the station... Charlie grimaced at the thought. Last thing he wanted was to stand around in an unfamiliar bus station, waiting. But if that was what it took to be on his way home, so be it.

"I surely hope there is someone waiting for you there," the woman noted, as if reading Charlie's own thoughts.

"Yeah... there should be. Don't worry," he said with a small smile.

He took the few minutes to try and get a handle over his body. He could feel a strange pull at the stab wound and a dampness that made him run a hand under his shirt. The bandage did feel damp, but Charlie's fingers didn't come off sticky with blood yet. He counted that as success and decided to leave the whole thing be for the time.

His leg felt stiff too, the bandage just a bit too tight, but in order to slacken it Charlie would have to lean over. He wasn't planning to do that anytime soon.

A shiver ran over his body and he zipped up the jacket, as much to keep warm as to hide any possible evidence.

It was enough that Blake would see his bruised face right away and the messed up hands. Anything else Charlie could most likely hide until they arrived home. That should give him plenty of time to convince Blake to let him hide in the house for a day or two.

Finally, the bus was pulling into the station. The old lady had gotten up to make way for Charlie. It was bit of a struggle to pull past her and the other passengers, and Charlie grunted when he had to push past a large guy. His shoulder brushed against Charlie' s tender side. It was only with gritted teeth that he half stepped half stumbled out of the bus.

He stepped aside to let two more people get out and leaned against the bus for a moment. He heard knocking above his head. A bit surprised, he looked up to see the old lady' s face against the window, giving him a smile and a wave. Charlie waved back then found the strength to push away from the bus. He looked around, eyes searching, heart fluttering when he didn't see the familiar car.

'Relax. You just arrived earlier,' Charlie thought, trying to calm down. He just needed to find a spot, preferably somewhere where he could sit down and wait. Blake would come.

The bus pulled away from the curb, continuing on its destination to Sydney. There were several people around, waiting for other busses. Charlie was trying to find the parking lot. All he saw was the building of the bus station. His sight landed on the benches in front of it. That would have to do. As long as no one called the police on him, thinking he was a bum.

He was almost there when he saw a shadow that wasn't his own catch up to him. Feeling paranoid, Charlie decided he didn't like anyone coming up from behind. He turned around.

The movement was too fast. His head spun and instead of glaring at his follower, he swayed dizzily.

A hand grabbed his shoulder, either for support or restrain, he didn't know.

The drive seemed to take forever, especially not knowing what was waiting for him on the other end. He kept looking at his watch and with every look his foot pressed harder against the gas pedal.

He should've known that something was wrong. Hell, even Matthew seemed to be worried after the first week of silence. But every time the man inquired, he was given the same answer. Charlie would return shortly, not to worry.

Blake wondered why a simple training would stop the young sergeant from calling them, but then he figured he was just being too used to the lad's company. Things were bound to change, especially after he and Jean finally married.

Even though he knew Charlie was happy for them, Blake felt that the man was becoming restless. His relationship with Rose seemed to be on hold and Blake knew Charlie craved a family, a purpose. That must've been the reason why he went off for the detective training.

Blake didn't fault him for that. He actually understood. Maybe that was why he was less concerned about Charlie's sudden silence. Blake thought it might've been Charlie trying to give them some space after the honeymoon, or perhaps even Charlie trying to find his own place outside of Ballarat. While that thought sent a shiver of apprehension through Blake' s stomach, he knew there would be a moment when Charlie would leave them. Just like Mattie did. To pursue career, get a wife and kids of his own. Leaving the nest, like every other kid.

Blake shook his head. Charlie wasn't his kid, just like Mattie wasn't his daughter, but that didn't mean he didn't think fondly of them. That they weren't part of the Blake family.

The thought made him feel warmth but also worry. Because it seemed that Charlie did manage to get himself into some sort of trouble... and Blake was still at least an hour away from reaching him.

With a sigh, Blake looked at a passing sign. Wagga Wagga... 89 kilometres. Well. Maybe if he drove just a bit faster, he could make it under an hour.