Fic: Replacement (Numb3rs, David / Ian, Charlie / Colby, Don / Martin)
Title: Replacement
Fandom: Numb3rs
Pair: Charlie Eppes / Colby Granger,
David Sinclair / Ian Edgerton,
Don Eppes / Martin Fridegord
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: Not mine, etc.
Feedback: Always Welcome
NUMB3RS Main List
Follows:
Like Old Times (NC-17)
Starting From The Basics
and
Reduced Sentence
“Have you been a good girl? A really goo-goo-goo-good girl?” Colby cooed to Helen.
“She was.” Martin grinned. “Don was pretty grouchy, but that’s mainly because of his sleep. It’s usually me who keeps him awake.”
“We better get going.” Colby started packing the baby’s things. “Charlie’s cooking, so I need to go and make sure the fire alarm is working.”
“That was from the office.” Don came back and snapped his cell phone shut. “They got news.”
“New case?”
“No, they wanted to let me know about Megan. She…. she’s extended her leave of absence.”
“For how long?”
“I don’t know. She checked into a rehab facility in Washington.”
“Is she gonna come back?” Colby asked.
“No idea. They’re not going to replace her. At least not yet. I think they’re waiting to see how well she’ll recuperate. For now we’ll work normally and if we get case that needs more manpower we’ll get some temporary help.”
“But are they going to let her come back?”
“I don’t know. That kinda problem can cut a good career no matter how you handle it.”
----------------------------------------------
“Excuse me.”
Charlie lifted his gaze from his notebook. A man was leaning against the doorframe and looking quite nervous. Charlie had met pretty much all agents who worked in the same floor as Don’s team. This one was probably a newcomer.
“Can I help you?”
“Yeah, I’m looking for agent Eppes. Am I even in the right floor?”
“You are. I got lost here too in the beginning.”
“Charlie, have you seen David?” Ian marched in. He gave the new guy a glance. “And didn’t Don tell you not to talk to strangers?”
“I have and he didn’t.” Charlie chuckled. “They got a lead on that middleman and they went to check it.”
“I tried to call him but his phone’s off. Who’s that?” He gestured to the man who was still watching them.
“I have no idea, he was looking for Don.”
“Name and errand.” Ian demanded and gave the guy a menacing look. “Now.”
“Agent Carson, I’ve been assigned to work in the Peterson case.”
“Great, you can wait here. I’m working on that too.” Charlie interrupted.
“Really?” He look embarrassed. “Sorry, I didn’t mean…. I mean…. You don’t look like a fed.”
“I’m not, I’m a consultant.” He offered his hand to the man. “Charlie.”
“Taylor Carson.”
Ian had lost the small amount of interest he had had in the new face and he turned to leave. “Tell him to call me when they get back.” He walked out.
“That was Ian Edgerton.“ Taylor stated.
“I know.”
“Is he working with Eppes`s team too?”
“Sometimes. He kinda comes and goes.”
“Wow….”
“Wow?”
“That guy’s a legend. I took one of his training courses couple years ago.” He went silent for a minute. “Who’s David?”
“Sinclair. One of the team members.”
“I see.” Another long pause. “Can I ask you something?”
“Sure.”
“I don’t mean anything, I’ve just heard rumours about Edgerton and….well… Is it true?”
“I have no idea what you mean?”
“Are Edgerton and that Sinclair guy…..?”
“Together?”
“Yeah.”
“Officially no-one ever asks. Unofficially yes. You got a problem with that?”
“No, I’m just curious.”
“Good, because both Ian and I know people who can block your career for decades. Don’t take that the wrong way, that wasn’t a threat. Just a warning.”
“Exactly what kind of a consultant are you?”
“I’m a mathematician.”
“And what are you working on for this case?”
“I’m tracking Peterson’s organisations foreign accounts and the transactions.” Charlie was interrupted by the ring of his cell phone. “Hello. Yeah, I’m still here. I can leave him a note.” He tore a piece of paper from his pad and scribbled few lines on it. Six thirty? Okay. Bye.” He hung up. “Listen, I gotta get going, my babysitters probably waiting. Can you give this to David when they get back?”
“Sure.” Taylor took the note.
“Great, thanks.” Charlie collected his notepads and left.
Taylor unfolded the note and read it.
Ian had to leave to the gun range, table is reserved for six thirty. He’ll meet you there. Charlie.
He folded it again and dumped it to the bin.
TBC