Blaze Of Glory

Blair Sandburg sat by, waiting for word that Jim Ellison had been found. Blair himself had tried going back inside the building, but had been blocked by the police officers and firemen who reiterated that it wasn't safe to be inside the collapsing building and that they would do the search for Ellison. Blair didn't want to accept the news, but he knew the truth of the words. There had been a short period of time when he thought he was going to be trapped in the building, unable to get out. Jim had sent him on out, as he was looking for the last survivor, whom Jim still heard. Blair wanted to stay with Jim, to help with the survivor, but Jim had also heard the building collapsing more and wanted Blair safely outside. Blair had reluctantly left Jim's side, pausing just a moment to squeeze Jim's arm.

"Don't take very long, Jim."

"Just get out of here, Chief. I don't want to have to rescue you, too."

Even though Jim had been brusque and short with him, Blair knew Jim was worried about him. Blair did as Jim told him and stumbled from the building to the waiting arms of rescue personnel. He had to dodge debris and had to make a detour to avoid a collapsing wall. He allowed himself to be checked out and then got as close to the building as he could. Waiting.

It had seemed like forever. In reality, it had only been about half an hour. Blair picked at the bandage that had been placed on the cut he had received on his left hand. Everyone had tried to get him to relax, but he couldn't. Not until he heard word. Not until he saw Jim walk out. Or being brought out. Alive.

Suddenly, a shout went up and Blair's head shot up. He saw a figure staggering from the destruction of the building. It was Jim. He was suddenly surrounded by rescue personnel and he accepted the help offered. Jim pointed back behind him and then moved forward. Several of the firemen went to where Jim had pointed and pulled another person from the debris. Blair got to his feet and made his way over to where Jim was being examined. As he got closer, Blair could see the blood flowing freely from Jim's right leg. As Blair reached Jim's side, he noticed Jim's eyes were clinched shut and the pain was evident on his face. Blair knelt down by the gurney Jim was on and patted Jim lightly on the chest.

"I'm here, Jim. You're safe and you rescued that guy."

Jim cautiously opened his eyes and looked into Blair's face.

"You safe?"

"Hey, I do listen to you at times. Especially when a building's about to fall on me. But you had me scared. It seemed to take forever. And you didn't have to stay in there."

"Yeah I did, Chief. I knew where the guy was. How is he anyway?"

"They're working on him still. I was more worried about you."

"You okay?" Jim reached out and took Blair's left hand into his.

"I'm fine." Blair pulled his hand out of Jim's grasp, although it felt good that Jim was worried about him too. "It's just a cut, nothing serious. And I only have bumps and bruises. Nothing serious."

One of the paramedics helped Jim to sit up. Blair put his arm behind Jim's back and helped him to sit up. Blair turned to the paramedic.

"Is he okay?"

"It's a miracle he wasn't hurt more. He must have a guardian angel looking out for him. Both of you must."

Jim and Blair just looked at each other and smiled.