Title: Behind Locked Doors
Author: Settiai
Disclaimer: "The Sentinel" and other related characters are all properties of Pet Fly Productions and Paramount. No infringement is intended. This story, such as it is, was written as a sign of respect and love for the characters, the show, and their creator. I claim no ownership of the aforementioned show and characters.
Rating: PG
Summary: Sometimes locked doors can be a good thing. But they usually aren't.
Feedback: Comments and helpful criticisms are always appreciated.
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Jim's voice was calm as he spoke, but the smile he wore was rather forced. "Sandburg," he repeated as his hand gripped the doorknob even tighter, "unlock the door."
There was an incredulous tone in Blair's voice when he answered his friend through the firmly closed door. "Do you think I'm stupid?"
The older man rolled his eyes slightly as he rattled the doorknob once more. "Sandburg, just open the damn door."
There was a moment or two of silence before Blair's voice once more spoke on the other side of the door. "Do you have your gun on you?" he asked nervously.
Jim's hand automatically flew down to where his gun hung, and a puzzled -- yet slightly worried -- expression appeared on his face. "Yeah," he answered, flinching as a click from inside the loft told him that another lock had been put in place.
"Then I'm definitely not opening this door," Blair shot back.
Jim opened him mouth to reply, but he was cut off as his cell phone suddenly started ringing. Shooting a disgruntled look at the still-locked door, he slowly brought the phone up to his ear. "Ellison. What… Simon?"
Inside the loft, another lock was slammed into place.
"Simon, calm down," Jim said soothingly, his eyes moving suspiciously toward the door. "I have no idea what you're talking about. Really. I haven't driven my truck today, so there's no way that it could have… gone… off… a bridge…"
His voice trailed off as comprehension suddenly dawned in his eyes. "Simon, I'll get back to you in a little while. I need to break down a door."
A murderous glint appeared in his eyes as another click suddenly came from inside the loft. "It's nothing," he said as he started to pull the phone away from his face, "I just need to kill Sandburg."
As he turned off the phone, the sound of someone clearing his throat suddenly came from the other side of the door. "Do you still have your gun?" Blair called out nervously.
"Sandburg," Jim said irritably, "just open the door. Now."