5

Doesn't take place in any particular time in the series…

Charlie was working on an equation in the war room as Don discussed the case with Colby, both just relieved that the mathematician was helping on this case.

What they all thought was going to be a routine case soon exploded into an international embezzlement scheme, where they keep finding powerful people involved, including several senators and American businessmen, making it more complicated.

"Think any of these people will be willing to sell out the others?" Colby asked quietly

"Don't know, but I can think of a couple who are willing to." Don answered, hoping that he was right, otherwise this case will just drag on.

As they continued talking, they nearly missed Charlie finding himself getting dizzy and nearly falling down as he worked and Don quickly caught his little brother.

"You okay, Chuck?" Don asked, worried as he put Charlie in the chair while Colby checked the professor's eyes.

"I think so, I just…didn't sleep really well last night." Charlie said, shaking his head sheepishly before saying adding, "And don't call me Chuck"

Don was somewhat relieved, but also not happy that his brother wasn't getting his sleep.

"Okay, I'm taking you home so that you can get some sleep."

"Wait, don't you need my help?" Charlie exclaimed

"Yes, but we can manage a few hours, your health is also very important." Don said in a gentle voice.

"Okay, but I also need to work on some grading too." Charlie protested

"Is that why you had trouble sleeping last night?" Don asked concerned

"Yeah, things were crazy yesterday due to computer issues, so I started grading on paper to make sure I didn't lose anything and I lost track of time and didn't sleep until 2 in the morning." Charlie admitted

"Sorry, Chuck, I should have realized." Don apologized as they walked to the elevator, mentally kicking himself for not asking right away.

"Don't worry, I should have told you." Charlie said

When they got home, Charlie got a call from one of the CalSci professors, asking for help on their own grading, but Don managed to convince them to wait for a day before Charlie could get to them.

"Thanks, Donnie." Charlie said as his brother put him to bed.

"Anytime, Buddy." Don said with a smile.