Chapter 27

The next morning, Alan, Don, Amita and Larry returned to find Charlie sitting up in bed, eating scrambled eggs and drinking tea. "Hi," he said, grinning. "Notice anything different?"

"Yeah," Don said, "your no longer have your own personal NSA agent. When'd that happen?"

"After you guys left for dinner, Agent Reid returned and told Agent O'Connell they were leaving. They said goodbye and that was it."

"Well, that's good," Alan said. "Even though I had nothing to hide, it felt weird having someone listening to everything we said. So, have the doctors been back to see you?"

"Oh, yeah, they took blood a few more times, then they let me sleep. I'm still hoping to get out of here today, but nobody's told me anything. They did bring me real food for breakfast." He grinned and took another bite of eggs. "Well, it's more real than anything I've eaten since I've been in here."

Amita held up a paper bag. "We brought you a change of clothes just in case they do kick you out of here."

"Yeah," Alan said, "Your suit was a mess. Ms. Lindsay recommended a cleaner, but it won't be ready until this afternoon. I gave Amita the claim ticket so you can pick it up."

Charlie grimaced at the thought of what his suit must look like. "I don't think I'll need it before then. I only wore it for my presentation. So, how was your dinner?"

"It was excellent, Charles," Larry said. "We ate at the restaurant at the Peacock Inn."

"And we put it on your tab, as you requested," Don said. "The lobster was a little pricey, but it was very good. What did you have for dinner?"

Charlie glared at Don. "Poached chicken breast, mashed potatoes, and milk. Larry would have loved it. But they did let me have chocolate pudding for dessert. And, knowing the cost of medical care these days, I'd be willing to bet that my meal was more expensive than yours."

"Good morning," Dr. Chase entered the room, carrying a file folder. "I assume you're anxious to get out of here, Charlie."

"I am. And I assume you have good news for me."

"Yes, I do. The bacteriophage are doing their work. Your temperature, blood pressure and blood counts are all in the normal range. Dr. Cameron says you'll be in the area until Sunday, right?"

"Right."

"Well, then, I'll get the nurse in here and we'll get you unhooked from the rest of the tubes, have you sign a ream of papers, and send you on your way." Chase left the file folder on Charlie's table and left to get a nurse.

"The rest of the tubes?" Alan asked Charlie.

"Yeah, they took out the catheter last night. I forgot to include that when I told you about my exciting evening. And the most exciting part is that I actually peed on my own this morning"

"That is thrilling," Don said wryly.

"Hey, it may not sound thrilling to you, Bro. But if it means I can get out of here, it's very thrilling to me."

Don checked his watch, "Dad, we'll need to leave in about an hour."

Alan looked from Don to Charlie, "If you want me to stay,..."

"Nah," Charlie said. "You and Don need to get back." He took his father's hand and gave it a squeeze. "Thank you for coming. It really helped, having you here. Have you packed?"

"Yeah, yeah. We're all set. Our bags are even in the car already. We can stay with you until the last minute."

"Good." Charlie finished the last of his tea and pushed the table aside. "Hey, Don, I don't want to be a nag, but have you heard anything more about the investigation?"

Don shook his head. "Colby's been busy."

"Busy?" Charlie raised his eyebrows in feigned shock. "Too busy to investigate MY case? Don, have you totally lost control of your team?"

Don's comeback was interrupted when a nurse came to get Charlie ready to be released. She removed his tubes, handed him a prescription. "You need to take the antibiotics until they're gone. You should avoid strenuous activity for a few days until you get your strength back. And avoid spicy, acidic or greasy food. The lesions in your digestive tract are healing, but they may still cause you some discomfort. You'll probably be tired for a few days."

"Tired? I've been doing nothing but sleeping since I've been here," Charlie objected.

"Well, you'll find that you're going to want to do more sleeping after you leave. Remember, your body has had to dedicate a lot of its resources to fighting that infection. Even though you're young and healthy, it's going to take you some time to get over this. Just don't be surprised if you're weak, tired, achy. If you develop a fever, or have a significant amount of pain, get back in here immediately. Don't play the tough guy, Dr. Eppes."

"I don't think you have to worry about that," Charlie grinned.

"Good. Why don't you get dressed now? I'll have a wheelchair here for you in a few minutes. Do you have transportation back to where you're staying?"

"What? I can't walk?" Charlie asked as the nurse left the room. "I'm kidding. Don, did you and Dad drive over here this morning?"

"Yeah, we did. You want a ride back to the inn?"

"Actually, I was thinking of going to the conference..."

"No," Alan said firmly. "Not until you've taken a shower and washed your hair."

"All right. To the inn first and then we'll walk to the conference."

"I'd rather you drive. Why don't you see how you feel?"

"Okay, that's a good compromise, Dad." Amita handed Charlie the bag of clothes, and he opened it and pulled out sweats, an old tee shirt, underwear, socks, and his favorite sneakers. He grinned up at her, "Perfect, thank you!"

"Your dad picked them out. I think I'll wait in the hall while you get dressed."

Once Charlie was dressed and settled in a wheelchair, Don went to retrieve his car. The pink smocked volunteer took Charlie to the door, accompanied by Amita, Larry and Alan. Amita carried the blue and white "patient's belongings" plastic bag full of Charlie's dirty clothes.

When they arrived at the inn, Don looked at his watch. "Dad, it's time to get going," he said softly.

"I know," Alan said. "Charlie," he hugged his younger son, "you take care of yourself, now. Keep us posted, okay?"

"I will, Dad." Charlie reached his arm out to include Don in the hug. "I love you both, and thank you again for coming. Have a safe trip home."

"You too, Son. See you Sunday?"

"Yeah, we're sticking with our itinerary. I'll call you if anything changes."

Don and Alan climbed into the rental car and pulled away. Charlie waved until he could no longer see them, then turned toward the inn, wiping his eyes.