Chapter Seven
Present…
Outside of Colby's room…
Megan was still talking with the doctor as a frustrated and angry Charlie walked away from the still distraught David, which Alan took notice of.
While Alan was still trying to process the situation, he knew that he needed to have a talk with David, try to help him get back to his senses, for his, and Don's, sake.
"David, can I talk to you?" Alan whispered to the younger man
David reluctantly agreed, mentally preparing himself for a dress down by the older man, though he knew that he probably deserved it.
He was surprised when they went into a different waiting room when Alan turned with a gentle look on his face and asked.
"Are you alright?" Alan asked quietly
"No." David answered honestly after a few moments, "I'm the reason that we are in this mess to begin with."
"David…" Alan began
"Really, I am, my refusal to even consider trusting Colby led to him getting hurt and Don missing and I can never forgive myself for that."
Alan sighed before speaking.
"David, while I have found your behavior quite… troubling, you are not responsible for this, as these… men… were already at that house, so it would have been the same if you and Colby were partnered."
"That's the thing, we would have been on the same page and been able to fend off these people, maybe…"
"David." Alan interrupted the young man, "Whatever the scenario, it is not your fault for what had happened."
"Charlie probably would disagree with you." David said sadly as he looked on as the younger Eppes paced the hall
"He's upset right now, he needs to focus on finding his brother, as you and Megan, I'll talk to him when I can."
"I know, he is right to be." David said, knowing he still needed to talk with the younger man.
Megan had walked up as the two men were talking and had to cough to interrupt them.
"Sorry, I need David, as the witness that Don and Colby were talking to is ready to talk to us." She said apologetically
"That's ok, I need to be with Charlie right now." Alan said, patting David's shoulder before leaving the room.
"What room is the witness in?" David asked
"She is on the above floor, room 310." Megan answered as they walked down to the elevator before continuing.
"And David, Alan's right, this isn't your fault, we'll find Don and get the bad guys and you and Colby will make things right." She said with a strength in her voice that David hadn't heard in a while.
"I hope you're right." David said as they entered the elevator.