-1Title: Obsession
Author: 1st endeavor
Disclaimer: See Prologue
A/N: I really appreciate your reviews.
Sun-Tzu The Art of War
You must seek enemy spies.
Bribe them and instruct and retain them.
Chapter 5:
Early the next morning Professor Larry Fleinhardt felt like he was running a race on an obstacle course. He threaded his way between students who were desperately trying to wake up and frantic teachers rushing to their classrooms. All along the crowded hallways of the Math building , Larry was doing his best to dodge students and teachers alike, while searching for his target; said target being one curly-haired mathematician.
The familiar clacking of chalk against blackboard could be heard coming from Charlie's office. The door stood half open and Larry peeked in to see what his young friend was doing . Wearing headphones and alternating between an open book and his chalkboard, Charlie was totally immersed in an equation which appeared to be taking up most of his chalkboard. Larry paused to knock on the half open door to give his friend a little warning of his presence. Ordinarily, he would have knocked and walked right in but considering how nervous the young man had been at lunch yesterday, he didn't want to take the chance of surprising him.
The first knock didn't get a response. "Charles?"
He gave it a much harder knock this time. Charlie turned around, his face breaking into a grin as he removed the headphones.
"Hey, Larry."
The older professor strolled over to the blackboard and perused the equation before him.
"Impressive, Charles, impressive, I can see a paper coming from this." Hefting his bag to his shoulder he added. "I thought I would walk with you to class and I wanted to ask you if you had talked to Don last night about your feelings of being watched."
Charlie grabbed his own bag and they walked out into the busy hallway, pausing just long enough to close and lock his door.
"I'm pretty sure we've taken care of that Larry." he said as he pocketed his keys. As they joined the throng of students and teachers he explained the events of the previous evening and how Fitzgerald had been following him.
"So, you see, there's nothing to worry about."
Just as he finished speaking, the voice of a news broadcaster caught their attention and they scanned the hallway for the source. The door to the professor's lounge was halfway open so they took a quick peek inside. There was a breaking news story about a bank robbery in Ventura but a glance at the clock over the TV had them racing back out into the hallway to join the mad rush to the classrooms.
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"This is Jamie Martin coming to you live from the Ventura National Bank where only moments ago, three men robbed it at gunpoint. The suspects reportedly fled south in a gray sedan. FBI agents have just arrived on the scene and are now officially taking over the investigation."
The cameraman focused on the entrance to the bank as two men in suits and several LAPD officers entered the structure before panning back to the newscaster.
"According to LAPD officers, no shots were fired and no injuries have been reported. An undisclosed amount out of cash was taken from the ….."
A deafening noise suddenly reverberated all around them, mingled with screams and shouts . The camera's video picture was suddenly swaying from side to side as the cameraman was pushed around from frightened spectators.
"Oh my God!….quick turn the camera around!"
The cameraman finally found a secure place away from the jostling crowd and focused back on the bank . Large dark plumes of smoke could be seen pouring out of the broken windows and the shattered glass doors.
"This is Jamie Martin reporting live from the Ventura National Bank where a bomb has just exploded." The camera picture stayed on the bank and people were seen rushing out of the now burning building.
"There were FBI agents and police officers still inside when an explosion ripped through the bank building and it is not known at this time how many of them have been able to escape from the burning building."
The TV news anchor cut in and began a live video feed from a news helicopter giving the viewer a birds eye view of the approaching fire engines and the bank building, now engulfed in flames.
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It was late afternoon and Don's team had just returned from the Ventura National Bank. They were now officially handling the investigation. The two agents that had originally been assigned the task, were both now residing at Ventura General Hospital, recovering from broken bones and burns. One LAPD officer was in satisfactory condition but most of the people just had cuts and bruises to show for their traumatic experience. All in all, the people inside the bank had been very lucky.
The worst of the blast had been centered in an office on the second floor and all personnel at the time of the explosion were downstairs in the main lobby where the robbery had taken place. Most of the forensic evidence was still being gathered but they had been given a few of the bomb fragments to work with.
Photos of the damaged building and the surrounding area were already up on the board but the security video had been destroyed in the blast. The gunmen had given the teller two notes and fortunately they had survived with only a few smudges on the corners. Forensics still had the notes looking for fingerprints but they had managed to get copies of them.
O'Connell's mood had reverted back to the affable man he had appeared to be in the beginning. Having spent the first few days immersed in their old cases he was now whole-heartedly committed to the bank bombing case; it appeared that bombings were his specialty.
Don wasn't surprised at this considering where the man was from. The Irishman was becoming more relaxed around them now and had given them new insights into the world of explosives, specifically bombs.
"I can tell you right now that this particular bomb was rigged with a remote detonated device." he said as he held up a piece of the bomb fragment.
"How can you be so sure?" Megan asked as she put her glasses on and took a closer look at the bomb fragment.
The detective pointed at a spot on the fragment as he explained.
"This type of armature is only used on a remote activated device. Believe me, I've been around the IRA long enough to know the difference. Someone probably left a bomb in a briefcase. Something like that wouldn't appear suspicious in an office so he had a pretty good chance of success. Then all he had to do was leave and hang around outside until it was time to detonate." He paused momentarily looking at his gloved hands before raising his head and making eye contact with them.
"I almost lost my hands in a bombing similar to this one, scarred them up pretty badly." he added quietly.
"That's why you wear the gloves." David commented softly.
As the Irishman shook his head it seemed to give him more of a human quality. "That's why I am so passionate about learning your methods. If we can predict a pattern then we may be able to save someone else from this."
This soft side took Don by surprise. Maybe the guy wasn't so bad after all, was it possible that beneath that hard exterior there was actually a nice person. The man had been with them for a long three days and since their initial confrontation he had kept pretty much to himself. This was the first time that he had opened up to any of them.
Don could see from the expressions on the faces of his team that O'Connell was having the same effect on them. He cleared his throat and walked around the room.
"Okay, what about motive. They already had the money so why bomb the bank?"
Megan pulled her off her glasses and leaned back in her chair before answering. "I've been thinking about that. Maybe the bomb was left to provide a diversion."
Don tilted his head thoughtfully. "All attention is focused on the bank, giving them a better chance of making a clean getaway." He brought his hand up and rubbed it across his mouth while he thought about her suggestion. "I don't know, what about the two notes? Why leave two, one with instructions for the teller and one addressed to us with only numbers. Any thoughts on that?"
With a shake of her head, the pretty agent handed him the copies of the notes. "Until we get those numbers deciphered I can't even begin to guess but the fact that it was addressed to us tells me that it's someone we've had contact with before."
Colby snorted. "Yeah, I'm not a profiler Megan, but even I figured that one out."
She ignored him. "We're running the hand-writing through FISH, but it's early, nothing has shown up yet."
Patrick looked puzzled. "I'm sorry, what's FISH?"
Colby picked up the explanation. "Forencs Information System for Handwriting, it was developed by the secret service for handwriting analysis."
Don moved them along. " What do we know about the office where the bomb was planted?"
David pulled out his notebook and flipped to a page. "A company called the M & K Technical company. I'm still compiling information on them."
Don picked up the teller's note and read it aloud. "Hand over the money or I'll kill everyone here, not exactly original is it?" he squinted at the second note. "What do you suppose these numbers mean?"
8 5 20 16 1 12 4 4 14 1 9 6 2
"They could mean anything." David shrugged. "The techs aren't sure, they're still running them through some of Charlie's algorithms."
"Perhaps it's time to consult Dr. Eppes on this case? O'Connell eagerly suggested.
Colby crossed his arms and sat back on the edge of his desk. "You know, Charlie would probably already have those numbers deciphered for us."
Don shook his head. "We can consult with one of the bureau's mathematicians."
Quickly raising a hand to stop the objections from his team members he went into further detail to explain.
"I know…I know…they're not as fast as Charlie, but this is finals week at Calsci, and you know how he is during this time of the year; he's already exhausted. I don't want to ask him unless we really have to."
"Finals….finals?" O'Connell repeated, disbelief etched on his features. "Maybe the Professor should get his priorities straight, after all, bombings are more important than finals!"
Don did an immediate about face. "Let's get one thing straight Detective." The agent's angry stare and cold voice silenced the Irishman immediately. " Dr. Eppes is a full-time Professor at one of the most prestigious universities in this country and that is his priority…… as it should be. He is a part-time consultant for the F.B.I and we are dam lucky that we have him!"
The agent paused to give the man time to absorb his words as he closed the gap between them. They stood eye to eye now and Don was just getting started.
"I would think twice, if I were you, before you form an opinion about someone that you have never even met and start putting them down. I've lost count of how many times my brother has worked all day at Calsci and then spent the entire night on a case for us. He has more than earned his place on this team, and I'll be dammed, if I'm going to stand around and listen to someone put him down."
"This is hardly the professional attitude that I expected from you, Agent Eppes." the Irishman retorted defensively, refusing to back down.
" Look, I'm tired of this, your attitude since you have been here could hardly be called professional., you have a chip on your shoulder that you should have left in Ireland."
Don drew himself up and added. "If you find my attitude less than professional, feel free to speak with the assistant director and have yourself assigned to another team." He started to walk away but turned back and added.
"Oh, and one more thing, all professionalism aside, you might want to remember that Charlie is my brother!"
Megan suddenly stepped forward. "And my friend."
"And mine." David added quietly
"Mine too." Colby nodded in agreement.
O'Connell stared from face to face and swallowed. "Look, I meant no disrespect to Dr. Eppes. It's just that where I'm from we just wouldn't have the luxury to wait….that's all."
He took a deep breath and then looked the lead agent right in the eye. "I'm sorry, I was out of line. I would really like to stay with your team, Agent Eppes."
Don inclined his head and studied the man closely.
"All right, let's get back to work. We've got a case to solve and for the record, we aren't going to just wait, we'll find a mathematician that is available."
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Later that night, Don opened the door to the Craftsman hoping to unwind with his family.
"Hello." he called out as he shrugged out of his jacket . The agent pulled a folded piece of paper from his jacket pocket and jammed it into a pocket of his jeans. Apparently all of the mathematician's on the bureau's payroll were busy with other cases. It had taken them most of the day but they had finally found another mathematician . Problem was, he needed time to figure out the note and it was obvious to Don that it wasn't going be anytime soon. So with that in mind he had made a copy of the numbers just in case Charlie had time to look at them. He removed his gun and cuffs and left them on the round table in the foyer.
"Dad….Charlie?" Both of their cars were parked outside but a quick look around downstairs failed to materialize his missing family members. Strolling to the kitchen he grabbed a beer from the refrigerator and headed for the garage. He could hear voices and as he got closer the door swung outward and Alan and Charlie emerged.
Charlie's eyes widened in surprise and his lips lifted in a smile. "Hey, Don, when did you get here?"
"Long enough to grab a beer." he said lifting it up to show him. "What are you guys up too?"
Charlie rolled his eyes. "What else? I'm still preparing my tests for tomorrow's finals and Dad's busy studying."
"Donnie, follow me to the kitchen and I'll re-heat the leftovers for you." Alan was already at the kitchen door before Don could answer.
Charlie nudged him with his elbow. "You might as well eat it, it'll be on the table by the time we get in there anyway."
"Actually, I am a little hungry."
Charlie was right, by the time they got inside, Alan was placing the leftover lasagna in the microwave and handed Don a place setting for the table. He carried the dinnerware in and set it on the table with Charlie only a step behind him.
"Hey, are you guys working on that bank bombing case?"
"Yeah, actually Charlie there was……." Don was interrupted by a knock at the door.
"Sorry, bro…be right back." Charlie called over his shoulder.
Don started to turn back to the kitchen when he suddenly realized how silent the room had become. Charlie had answered the door but Don couldn't hear his voice or any other voice for that matter. Puzzled, he walked around the table so he could see the front door just as Alan came out carrying the warmed up lasagna.
"Here you go Donnie, eat up." The elder man sat the plate on the table and looked around. "What's the front door doing open?"
Don looked at him sideways as headed for the door, picking up his gun along the way and automatically attaching it to his belt.
"Charlie went to answer it." he answered absently, his attention focused on what might be going on outside of the house. He hurried outside with Alan right on his heels. They were on the porch in a matter of seconds but it was empty just like the front yard and the street in front of them.
Alan's eyes widened as he turned to his oldest. "Where did he go? Did you hear what they were saying?"
Don shook his head as he continued to scan the area. "That's just it Dad, there weren't any voices, he just opened the door and when I didn't hear anything, I got up to look and he was gone.."
Alan ran down the front steps calling for his youngest son. "Charlie!" "Charlie!" He turned and started around the house. "I'm going to check the backyard."
Don didn't answer but jogged to the edge of the sidewalk and checked the street in both directions. Nothing, not even a neighbor in sight. He called out his brother's name several times as he paced anxiously along the walkway.
"Donnie!" Alan breathlessly joined him. "He's not in the backyard, the garage or the house. What happened to him?'
Don shrugged helplessly and answered. "I don't know Dad….there's no sign of him."
"Hey….what's going on?'
They both whirled around, worry turning instantly to relief, as Charlie came jogging up to them.
Don's anxiety turned suddenly to anger as he grabbed his brother's arm. "How could you just run off like that? We didn't know what happened to you."
Startled, the younger man stepped back and jerked his arm away. "Your hurting me Don." he said with a defensive tone in his voice. "I didn't mean to worry you."
Recognizing the beginning signs of an argument between his sons, Alan quickly intervened.
"Look, Charlie, we were worried about you….you just disappeared."
Raising a placating hand to forestall any further comments Charlie tried to explain. "Look, when I opened the door, no one was there but I thought I saw someone running away…so I gave chase."
Don gaped at him in astonishment his anger resurfacing. "What….how could you do something so stupid. Suppose it had been a trap or someone trying to get you alone. Have you already forgotten about Bashere?"
Charlie paled a little at the mention of the name but clenched his jaw in anger at his brother's reaction. "No, Don, I haven't forgotten. You didn't let me finish. I recognized the person, it was one of my students. He probably wanted to ask about an equation that he is having difficulty with and chickened out after he knocked on the door." he turned away and angrily walked back toward the house. Alan spared Don an irritated glare before he rushed to catch up with Charlie.
Regret crossed Don's features and he hurried to catch up with them, desperately trying to think of something that he could say to make amends. He hadn't meant to say that but Charlie's casual regard for his own safety had hit a nerve and the dreaded name had burst forth. It was a name that sparked fear in all three of them and one that they avoided most of the time. Don was still checking with fugitive recovery on a regular basis regarding the man, but all of their leads had failed to find him. It was as if the man no longer existed.
They were almost to the front door when a voice called out to Charlie stopping him in his tracks.
"Professor , Professor Eppes…..could you spare a moment?"
Already annoyed with Don, Charlie was not in the mood to deal with Angus Fitzgerald but he turned around as the man hurried up the sidewalk carrying a gift-wrapped box in his arms.
"Yes, Mr. Fitzgerald." he answered in his most professional tone. He didn't want to deal with this right now and Alan and Don's over protectiveness was really getting on his nerves tonight, especially since they both took up protective stances on either side of him.
Sensing that he was interrupting something, the Scottsman quickly shoved the box into the young man's hands.
"I….ah…I'm so happy to see that you have suffered no permanent effects from last night and I wanted to apologize for my behavior." he managed to stammer out after a glance at Don and Alan's angry scowls..
Puzzled Charlie asked. "What's this?"
"Ah…just a little token . Please forgive my intrusion last night." He pleaded, rubbing his hands together nervously.
Charlie tried to hand the package back. "This isn't necessary."
"No….please…I insist. Ah, I have to go now." and without another word he turned and fled to the safety of the house across the street.
Alan's voice broke the silence. "That is one strange man."
"Your not kidding." Don said thoughtfully as the man disappeared into the house. "His story checked out though."
Charlie's eyes widened in disbelief. "You checked him out?"
Don shrugged in surprise. "Of course. "
Shaking his head, the younger man entered the house muttering under his breath and placed the box on the table. There was a note of apology inside from Fitzgerald begging for forgiveness and a replacement for the broken bowl.
"Check this out." the young man said as he pulled it out of the box. It was almost an exact copy of the green fluted bowl, but it was much heavier. "I think he paid a lot more for this one than you and Mom did for the other one Dad; this is made of crystal." He scooped up the paper and the empty box and walked away.
"Hey, where are you going?" Alan asked.
Charlie stopped with his hand on the swinging door to the kitchen. "Back to the garage, I still have a lot of work to do and I promised a few students that I would hold early office hours tomorrow." He pushed on through the door and moments later they heard the door to the garage open and close.
Alan sighed and tapped Don on the shoulder to get his attention. "Come on, you should eat, I'll re-heat it for you if it's cold."
Don nodded silently and followed Alan to the table. He sat down and took a bite, it wasn't hot but it was still warm.
"I'll get us some water."
Alan returned moments later with the water and sat down across from him.
Scowling, Don viciously stabbed the lasagna as he ate. He knew that look, his dad wanted to talk but he was still angry with his brother and wasn't in any mood for talking.
"I'm glad that I'm sitting over here. I wouldn't want to be mistaken for a piece of lasagna and accidentally get impaled on your fork."
"Sorry." his son mumbled. "Charlie makes me so angry, Dad., he just doesn't take his safety seriously enough." he paused and took a drink of water. "Bashere is still out there, he's got to be more careful."
"Listen to me Donnie." Alan reached over and patted his forearm. "Your brother is trying to get on with his life and put what happened behind him. He is careful, you heard him, he recognized the person as a student. He wouldn't run off and chase a stranger, you know that, right?'
Don continued to eat in silence but much slower now, his anger fading with his father's words.
"Charlie thinks differently than you or your agents. He saw a student that needed his help and that was all that mattered. He's got a big heart, you know that too."
Don raised his head and with sad eyes whispered. "I don't want his big heart to get him killed ."
Stricken by the sadness in Don's eyes, Alan was suddenly at a loss for words.