A/N I wanted to have a longer chapter, with more back story and more development about what was going on with Don, Charlie, and Megan…But I decided that since I won't be able to update until Monday, I wouldn't leave you with a cliffie. I figured this chapter was the best I could do without leaving you guys hanging.
Also, I know nothing about computers or actual FBI junk. Just making things up as I go. It's how I roll.
Disclaimer: I just got paid…So perhaps I will buy me some Eppes.
Summary: A case threatening to tear our beloved brothers apart may end up tearing the whole team apart.
Quantifiable Love:
Chapter 4: It's Always in Essence
"You mean that these files were copies from another computer, and that they had been put onto this computer, deleted, then put on again with more data?" Colby was getting frustrated. Charlie was better at explaining techie stuff quickly, and giving the significance. This tech guy was just dancing around and it was pissing him off!
"In essence. More importantly, this computer was the backup computer, and we know for a fact that the data was repeatedly removed, copied and added to. We are trying to trace how many different computers the data came from, and so far all we've got is at least 2 other computers. One computer seems to have belonged to a man mentioned in the e-mails from the original data Professor Eppes analyzed, and the other is the guy you guys nabbed. Judging by the new, 'older,' set of e-mails that we've just come across, there are at least 2 other men mentioned. We're thinking that, as in with the case with the other e-mails, the computers used come from these two men."
"So we just find these two guys, and then we get the two other computers." It sounded simple enough for David. Get the guys, get the computers, go home, get some sleep.
"Correct."
"Well then what are we waiting for? Let's get their last known addresses and see if we can get us some computers." David was already heading for the door before Colby's reply stopped him.
"But the second guy in the original e-mails wasn't involved. We have absolutely no evidence against him. We got the guy responsible. Why the hell are we going after these two men?" He didn't want to make any snap decisions without Don's approval, and with Don there to back them up. Besides, he didn't really trust this tech guy. Maybe Charlie would give them a second opinion.
"Actually, these new e-mails seem to be a bit more incriminating. We've got photos and detailed accounts of how deeply they were involved – all four men." That seemed convincing enough for Colby, though he still wished Charlie was analyzing the computer.
"Four?" David had caught that little bit of the tech's statement.
"The guy you caught, the two new guys, and they guy you guys let go," the technician explained, as if everyone should have caught onto that fact by now.
"I'll call Don." David was once again heading for the door, only to be stopped by Colby, once again.
"He's already on his way to Charlie's. Guess he figured Charlie would be able to help," Colby shrugged. They had all been witness to at least half of Don and Charlie's disagreement, and could only suspect that it got much worse after they stepped out of the offices. They were all pretty shocked too. While they all knew Don and Charlie had their fair share of disagreements over the years, no one expected Charlie to actually tell Don that he wasn't doing his job, nor for him to actually yell at Don, or for Don to yell back. Don was nothing but professional. It wasn't like him to loose his temper, at least not in the office. They could only guess as to what followed in the parking lot. He sort of felt sorry for whoever happened to be in the parking lot.
"Surprising considering what happened last night," said David, putting voice behind Colby's thoughts.
"Don's not one to let something personal interfere with a case." Colby really wanted to believe that. Don was, after all, a great FBI agent. He had done some tough cases over the years, and had kept his wits about him.
"Even when it's Charlie?" Once again, David spoke Colby's thoughts.
"I hope so," sighed Colby. They really needed Don and Charlie working together on this case.
A/N Again I apologize for the short chapter. The next will be longer. Also, I managed to write the last two lines of the story…Now I just need the junk in the middle. :P
Have a great weekend! Thanks for reading and or reviewing. (Though if you review without reading, there is probably something messed up with you. Please don't operate heavy machinery or handle small animals.)