A/N: Apologies for the delay. I hope the chapter will make up for it...

Thanks to everyone who has taken the time to read and review the story. I really appreciate all your kind words.

Thanks to starfishyeti for betaing my text.

The stalker

by elessar73

*** 18. chapter: Love letters ***

Don's mood had reached rock bottom. His happy feeling when he´d first heard about the possible witness and the resulting break in the case had vanished.

Megan and Don had returned from the interrogation and all they´d got was the positive identification of their victim. Peter Finch had identified the victim from a photo. He´d confirmed that it was Edward Williams, the friend and colleague he´d spent the holiday with. But Finch still had the hardest part in front of him; he had to go to the morgue to corroborate it. More than that, they´d also got a description of the woman Williams had disappeared with. To be honest, Don had to admit that the description was extremely good and the resulting identikit picture was something they could work with. All in all though, Don was disappointed. Against all odds the agent had hoped for the ultimate lead to catch the murderer. 'Stop that wishful thinking Eppes. ' He dragged his fingers through his hair leaving it spiky. The agent had checked several databases for information of their victim, but every request came back blank. Edward Williams must have been an angel-, not even a speeding ticket. And more importantly he had no connection to the first, still unknown, victim. From the corner of his eyes he saw Megan stretching her arms over her head bending them from left to right.

"Everything okay?"

Megan swung around on her chair looking her SAC in the eyes taking in Don's exhausted state. She smiled wearily. "Yeah, I'm fine. Maybe a little stiff." The female agent shrugged. "The identification isn't a hit so far." Megan hands dropped defensively on her desk.

Don nodded. "Absolutely," he agreed," but at least we have something to check."

Megan pulled back her blond hair. "But no results," she whispered more to herself. But Don had heard it and knew exactly how Megan felt.

A beep from the computer startled Don out of his thoughts. He fixed his eyes on the screen waiting for another request to come back. The 'no match' title flashed up. Don's hand slammed on the desk. "Damn it," the agent muttered.

Megan squeezed her eyes considering if her next question was appropriate. She had difficulty in assessing Don and his behavior. Since Charlie's life seemed to be in danger somehow, Don was bubbling like a volcano always on the edge of eruption. Her idea was risky, so she braced herself and fixed her eyes onto Don's. "What about Charlie? Maybe he can help." Megan sighed; it was out.

But all her psychology experience hadn't prepared her for Don's reaction. Her boss looked like he was going to explode. Don shot to his feet in light speed and his brown eyes flashed. The agent's voice was dangerously low when he stepped closer to her. "No way Megan. I don't want him on this one."

Megan dropped her eyes unable to stand his look. 'One more try,` she told herself. Raising her head up again she found herself face to face with Don. "Even if you believe Charlie is in danger wouldn't it be safer for him to be around us?" Megan recognized the glimmer of doubt in the brown eyes across from her. Don couldn't argue with logic.

A feeling of victory spread through her and she was eager to go on, but Don cut her off. " No Charlie's safe where he is." Don pointed with his index finger. "You got it agent?"

Suddenly Megan felt like a child again. How many times had she heard that question? She lowered her shoulders and just like then she nodded slightly. Wordless, she returned to her work. Don watched her stunned. He rubbed his left hand across his face noticing a little tremble. "Megan," Don's voice was hoarse. He cleared his throat before continuing, "I'm sorry, but you have to understand."

When she heard Don calling her name the agent had frozen in order to listen. "What ever you say boss." That was all Megan could manage. She felt Don's eyes on her back when she started typing again. She prayed that Don would leave her alone. If it came up again she wouldn't give in, she couldn't. Charlie was their last and only hope. Don finally returned to his desk. Megan sighed in relief when she heard him picking up the phone.

They had worked in silence until David and Colby stormed into the cube farm. So Don was still on the phone so the two agents went to Megan's station first. David leaned his hands over the partition wall and looked down on her. "It looks like hard work," David stated nonchalantly taking in the files and computer prints all over her desk.

"Yeah, it looks like it, but it's all worthless."

David raised his eyebrow catching a knowing look from Colby. "We haven't been successful either," the black agent explained. "The bar tender remembered a man who drank champagne with a blond woman. And his description fits with Williams. But he can't remember the woman very well. Good looking and hot were the words he used."

Megan looked up grinning. "So he must be talking about me, huh?"

Colby nodded. "Absolutely, Beautiful." A small laugh was heard. Colby turned and faced Don.

"I agree." Don felt like he had to lighten the mood. He repressed his frustration and looked confidently at his agents. "I understand you got nothing and we got nothing." Hands on hips Don stepped to Megan's desk and sat on the edge. Megan observed him. She was amazed about the change in mood, but knew that Don was just playing. She smiled inwardly. Don was a good SAC. Even though he was having a hard time himself he tried to comfort his team; his family. Their argument was forgotten. Don winked her way and they were good again.

"I guess we´re done for today." Don checked his watch. After he had called the agents from the observation detail he had called the house. Alan had confirmed that everything had gone well. Charlie was taking a nap on the couch, recovering from the day. Alan expected Don to arrive at the Craftman in less than two hours. "Let's go home." He got to his feet and turned to David and Colby. "You two have to go to the morgue with Peter Finch tomorrow."

The agents nodded. It wasn't their favorite work but it had to be done. "Megan, you keep checking the data. There had to be something. And I'm up for a little door-to-door interrogation." The three agents stared at their boss with their mouths dropped open. "What?" Don asked irritated. "I have to have some movement. I'm sick of sitting here and waiting for results or clues that won't show up." Don shrugged and walked to his desk. His team grinned at each other in silent understanding.

Don was the last to leave the office. On his way out he grabbed his jacket and a pile of the identikit pictures.

...

As Don was climbing out of his SUV at Charlie's house Larry drove up behind him. "Hey Larry! Dad told me you were back. Weren't you supposed to stay till Wednesday?" Don leaned on his car waiting for him.

"Yes, yes. But I decided it was time for me to leave."

Don grinned and laid an arm around the older man's shoulder. "Well that means one more to hover over Charlie. He'll like that."

Larry looked a little puzzled at him. "You sure? I already saw him and he seems to be handling his situation very well."

Don swallowed. " I'm just kiddin' Larry." Both men smiled when Don finally unlocked the front door. Don entered and dropped his car keys and the file with the pictures on a nearby table. He recognized the hunched figure on the couch. "I guess this morning´s energy has left our little genius." Don approached the couch and pulled the blanket back up over his brother. He looked at the pale and exhausted looking face and brushed a curl off the forehead. "He pushed himself too far."

Larry had dropped into the recliner. "As always," the physicist admitted leaning back in the chair. "So is there any news about Charlie's accident?"

Don startled, but didn't say a word.

"The accident Don- any progress?"

Don shook his head in resignation. "No. Even a second interrogation at CalSci was fruitless. It seems these days I just hit dead ends."

Larry frowned. He had no idea what the agent was referring to. "Maybe Charles can figure something out."

Don waved his hands to stop Larry from talking. "No!" His tone of voice was stern and left no room for discussion. Larry was taken by surprise. In his eyes Don was the cool and tough FBI-agent who never lost his temper, but obviously he was wrong. Just when the professor was about to reply Don disappeared into the kitchen. Larry only caught a glimpse of Don's back. In disbelief he stared at the floor. His hands rubbed circles on his forehead. He tried to find sense in the incident but couldn't. So he returned to watch over Charlie.

After a while the young man stirred. Charlie felt like he was being watched. Slowly he opened his eyes expecting his father to be sitting beside him. Surprised he recognized his friend Larry. "Hey Larry. You're here." Charlie's voice was faint and a little hoarse. Larry grabbed the glass of water standing on the couch end table and handed it over to Charlie. The young man took it gratefully and took a sip. "That's better. Thanks."

Replacing the glass on the table Larry smiled. "You're welcome. And to answer your initial question, I have a dinner invitation, remember?" Charlie's sleepy mind took some time to remember, but then he nodded. "Yeah, of course." He reached out his left arm. "Come on give me a hand."

...

Don stormed into the kitchen. He ignored his father who stared surprised at him and went straight to the fridge to grab a beer. " Hey Donnie, what's up?" After the first swig of beer Don calmed down.

"Everything is just fine Dad."

"Really?" Alan couldn't hide the hint of a smile. He shook his head. "By now you should know better than lie to me Donnie."

The agent sighed - busted once again. "Okay Dad. It's just Larry. He just suggested Charlie help on the cases."

Alan leaned against the counter and watched his son take another sip. "And you haven't change your mind and..."

"No Dad," Don interrupted harshly. "And I won't." Leaving the empty bottle on the table Don stepped up to his father. "I can't Dad."

Alan just nodded and laid a comforting hand on his elder son's shoulder. "Ok, dinner´s almost ready." Alan turned towards the stove. "Go and set the table please."

Plates in one hand Don returned to the living room. He glanced at the couch and saw his brother sitting up and talking to Larry. "Hey Charlie, you're awake."

Charlie smiled genuinely in his direction. The smile banished Don's uneasy feelings and nervousness. "Yeah and I'm starving."

"Dinner´s almost ready. I guess you should start moving since you´re a little slow these days." Don grinned when a cushion hit him on the back. Surprised he turned around looking at two sheepishly grinning professors. "Don't push your luck, Bro."

Charlie's eyes were sparkling. "I won't."

...

The dinner passed by uneventfully. Most of the time Larry talked about the conference and its outcome. Remembering Don's reaction to his suggestion very well the physicist avoid talking about Charlie's accident. From time to time Alan looked from son to son; they both seemed to be out in space. He seemed to be the only one who really listened to Larry's talk. Charlie appeared to be exhausted and over the edge. He had his chin propped up on his hand. Every now and then his eyes closed but he opened them immediately and tried hard to focus on the talk. But it was unsuccessful, the scene repeated itself every few minutes. 'Best send him to bed,' Alan thought. He looked at his elder son to check if Don had noticed the state Charlie was in, but Don wasn't being much of a help. Though he seemed to be awake his eyes drifted unfocused through the room and Alan could tell that he was everywhere but here. Alan took in a deep breath when he sensed a change of mood. Don's body tensed and the older man wondered what he had missed.

Don locked eyes with Larry looking inquiring. "What do you mean, Larry?" The professor became nervous scratching a spot on his right arm.

"A-a-h-h!" The professor stammered glancing at Charlie in the hope of help. But Charlie looked nonplussed, as he had no idea of what was going on. "The letter Charlie received a few weeks ago," Larry explained again. "Maybe the secret admirer had something to do with all that."

Don slammed his hands on the table. The sound made Charlie jump waking him up again. "What letter Charlie? Why haven't you mentioned it?" Don stared furiously at his little brother. Charlie slumped back in his seat and winced in pain. "Charlie!" Don was up on his feet and at his brother´s side. " You're okay?" Charlie breathed heavily and nodded. The two elder men witnessed the scene frozen in shock.

"Oh my, oh my," Larry muttered, but Alan remained silent.

"The letter Charlie, tell me about the letter."

Charlie tried to remember but somehow he couldn't recall the memory. He shrugged his shoulders. "I have no idea." Charlie's voice was only a whisper. Don tighten his grip around Charlie's arm when his brother was in danger of sliding from his seat.

"Charlie please, maybe it's important."

Charlie was stunned. In just a few minutes everything had changed again, it was more than he could take. His brother was mad at him, his father was sitting stiffly on his seat and Larry was a mess. The young man closed his eyes. 'Focus,' he told himself.

"Okay," Charlie said trying to remember. "Someone wrote that he appreciated my work and loved my hair."

Don's hands dropped to the ground, his face lost all color. "What?" He couldn't believe it. The connection he had searched for was there; someone loved Charlie's curls. He felt rage boiling up in him. He bowed his head and waited for the moment to pass.

Charlie was taken aback. He had no explanation for Don's reaction. "Don," he whispered a little anxiously. "Don what's wrong?" Charlie touched Don's shoulder slightly. Don couldn't stand the touch he pushed his brother's hand away, rose to his feet and dashed out into the kitchen. Charlie flinched shaking his head. 'What the hell is going on?' Slowly the young man got on his feet and followed his brother. Before he left he shared a look with his father. Alan finally had woken out of his stiffness and just nodded his head in agreement.

Larry shifted uncomfortably on his seat. This was family business. He saw his chance to leave when Charlie walked out. He got up to say good-bye to Alan. "It's best I leave now."

"Yeah, I guess so." Alan had to agree. " Sorry for the unfortunate ending of the evening."

"Oh, forget about it Alan. I'm sure everything will turn out fine."

Alan accompanied Larry to his car. His sons could use a little privacy.

...

Charlie leaned on the door frame and observed his brother. Don stood with his two hands propped on the counter and his head bent. "Don. What's wrong?" Charlie stepped closer but suddenly his vision started to spin and he stumbled against the kitchen table. "Aauuh," he moaned grabbing the table to help him keep upright.

Alarmed by the sound Don whirled around to see his brother swaying alarmingly. He reached him with three large steps and laid supporting arms around Charlie's shoulders. "Charlie." Don was acting the protector again. He guided his brother to a chair and helped him settle down. He watched him with concern when he kneeled down in front of him. "I´ll call the doctor," he announced in his best FBI- voice.

Charlie shook his head. "No, it's not necessary. I just stood up too fast."

Don waited until Charlie locked eyes with him. "I'm sorry Buddy. I really didn't mean to upset you, but you know how important all kind of data are?"

Charlie couldn't help but grin. "Yeah I know. It's just that I hadn't made the connection. You know it's not the first time I got a love letter." Charlie flushed a little when he felt Don's inquiring look on him.

"It's okay." Don helped him out of his misery. He came to his feet. "Just give me the letter and I'll take care of the rest." Don reached out his hand and helped Charlie stand up.

"It's somewhere in my office. I´ll look for it tomorrow." Charlie offered.

"Yeah, that's good. Come on Buddy. I guess it's past bed time for you." The fact that Charlie didn't argue was confirmation enough. Together they made it to Charlie's bedroom. Alan kept his distance acknowledging the brothers´need to be together.

Don waited until Charlie was in bed then pulled the blanket over his brother's thin figure. "I'm sorry for ruining the evening. I guess I scared Larry away. It's just..." Don struggled for words, "I want you to be safe."

But Charlie wasn't that alert anymore to take notice of his brother's real concern. As soon as his body had hit the mattress all his tension had vanished. His eyes were already closed but he managed a small smile. "Don't worry. Larry is tough. He always comes back."

Don touched Charlie's shoulder slightly. "Good night." He turned out the light and left the room.

When Don descended the stairs Alan was sitting on the couch. The dinner table was straightened up already. "Charlie's alright then?" Alan asked.

"Yeah Dad. Already sleeping."

"That's good. Come over and sit by your old man." Alan slumped onto the spot beside him. "Maybe there's a game." Don was grateful that his father wasn´t bothering him for answers. The older Eppes just sat there watching TV. For a moment, everything was fine again.

TBC