AND THEN ALL WAS DARK.
The Sentinel
PG- PG13for now Rlater chaptersNot Betad
More about relationships and Blairs origins than about Jim's gifts.
Also mentions of Child abuse, prostitution and pornography but not explicitly.
M+M pairing Jim and Blair of course.If this is not for you STOP READING NOW.
First try at a Sentinel Fanfic so be gentle.R & R
The Sentinel belongs to Pet fly productions—Yadda yadda ya ya
Everyone knows the words, I am not wasting ink.
Denotes thoughts sentinel hearing
"All I am saying Chief is that maybe she still might feel a bit uncomfortable talking to you after all the chaos of the past month. After all that was why she decided to visit friends in California, so that she could process everything that occurred with the dissertation." Jim patiently explained to his anxious friend sitting next to him on the couch. This discussion had been going on for nearly an hour, ever since the phonecall Blair had received.
Come on chief, its Saturday afternoon I don't want to talk about the flaky Naomi. We have the whole weekend off I just want to relaxand to be alone with you
Blairs normally smiling face was still pulled in a deep frown. He couldn't deny that Jim's comments made complete sense, but his intuition was screaming that his mum was up to something. Something that he no doubt would end up paying for in the end.
"Okay that may explain Ann phoning to let us know that Naomi wasn't coming back here when planned. But what the hell is so urgent she had to go to Great Britain for gods sake?"
Jim thanked whatever deities above that caused phones to ring at just the right time.
For it gave him an excuse not to even try to answer Blairs question.
"Ellison…Hi Simon…What?…Yeah okay…about thirty minutes…Yeah okay, Bye."
"Okay translation is really needed here," Blair prodded in the face of Jim's stony silence.
"Uh!..Oh! Sorry Blair."
Oh crap he called me Blair. That is so not good.
Jim seemed to shake himself awake. "It seems that Simon has two visitors from Washington D.C. who want to see us."
Emphasis on the us. Simon sounded well brassed off, and worried too
"Feds…Oh man there goes our Saturday off. That really bites." Blair's disgust was clearly displayed over his normally angelic face.
Damnit I was looking forward to some downtime …just the two of us.
"What do they want with us…Hey Jim you still here?"
"Yeah Chief. Just thinking..don't say it," he warned with a dry chuckle seeing the infamous twinkle appear in those incomparable blue eyes.
"Who me?" Blair grinned as he stood to retrieve their respective jackets from the wall-hooks. "I like breathing to much man."
Jim couldn't help but return the grin as he took his jacket. "You are a pain in the ass Sandburg. You all ready?"
At Blair's nod they left.
"Hey Jim, thought you and Hairboy were off this weekend?" Detective Henri Brown questioned cheerfully upon their entrance into the Major Crimes Bullpen.
"Hi there H, so did we," Jim quickly answered before Sandburg and Brown got into their normal insulting banter about the Hairboy comment.
Everyone in the department, if not the precinct knew that Blairs curly auburn mane had been his pride and joy, and Jim admitted to himself that he really missed the long tresses.
For at present his roommate's hair sat in short random curls round his handsome face.
Blair had got his hair cut a week ago in preparation for his entry into the Academy in two weeks. It looked real good on him, but Jim really hoped that when he graduated he would grow it back to his normal length.
Jim's musings were cut short when the door to Captain Simon Banks office was thrown open and one very angry man exited. One look at his Captain's face told Jim that this was not the day too fool around. He looked at Blair who had obviously come to the same conclusion . They moved as one toward the imposing man.
"Sir?"
"In my office," came the cold and furious reply to Jim's quiet inquiry.
The partners entered together, both wondering what the hell was going on. It had to be very nasty going by Simons mood.
In front of Simons large desk sat two men in suits, the Feds.
Simon shut the door firmly, then returned to his chair before speaking.
"These are the Special agents from Washington DC…Special Agent Munro," he introduced the large, balding man on the left, "and Special Agent Selznick."
This man was of a sparser frame than his colleague was, which wouldn't be difficult as the other man was huge. But it was the tired blue eyes that caught your attention first. They may be tired but they gave the impression that they missed nothing.
"This is Detective James Ellison and Blair Sandburg. Soon to be Cadet Sandburg at our Police Academy." He continued as if to warn the men not to mess with Blair.
The statement surprised Blair, but he said nothing. Normally he would have shaken hands with the men, but today it didn't feel right.
The agents acknowledged Jim's presence but it was obvious their focus was completely on Blair.
Jim could hear his guide's heartbeat increase substantially under their silent scrutiny, and his Blessed Protector mode automatically kicked in on full.
"Alright polite necessities covered. Now what do you want?"
Simon managed to stifle a chuckle, if these guys thought Ellison would play easy, they were about to be educated. Diplomacy was just not in Elision's arsenal when dealing with Feds, and the fact that their interest was in Blair would just make him worse than normal.
He had tried to find out what their interest in the kid was, but they just wouldn't say. But his spidey sense was telling him it wasn't good.
That feeling grew worse when Agent Munro stood up. He was a large imposing figure, even in Simons's eyes, and he was no midget. It was obvious that he sought to intimidate the others in the room by his size. He stopped in front of Ellison. Jim didn't even blink, Sandburg however looked ready to faint.
"Detective Ellison our questions are for Mr Sandburg," the agent's low voice rumbled. "So if you and Captain Banks would excuse us."
He obviously expected Ellison to move out of his way and allow them to leave. Jim's expression didn't alter, it was totally blank. This Simon knew was not a good sign, by any means.
Then without any warning Jim simply turned opened the door and shepherded Blair out of the room before anyone could react.
The looks of utter disbelief and confusion on the agent's faces had Simon coughing to cover up his laughter. Thank God Ellison didn't deck him in here. It would have made a right mess.
"Detective Ellison what do you think you are doing?" Agent Selznick yelled from the doorway at the two men crossing the quiet bullpen. He hadn't been prepared for this reaction, and wasn't sure the best plan of action to pursue.
Jim turned to face the agent and replied in a quiet voice. "We are going home to enjoy the rest of our weekend off; probably catch a JAGs game, drink a couple of beers. Oh and then we will contact Mr Sandburgs lawyer to make an appointment. Then you and man-mountain there can deal with HIM…sir."
"That really isn't necessary, Mr Sandburg is not being accused of anything. We just need to ask him some questions." Selznick replied hurriedly hoping to salvage something out of this unexpected mess.
"Alone. I don't think so."
"Detective this doesn't concern you at all," Simon cringed at Munros statement.
Even Brown groaned, especially when he spotted that smileappearing on Elision's face. It wasn't a nice smile. Really it was basically a warning to all concerned to take cover cause Armageddon was about to hit Cascade.
Simon tensed wondering what the unpredictable Sentinel would do.
Then he released his breath upon seeing Blairs hand appear on Jim's tense shoulder.
Jim automatically focused his hearing on his Guides low voice. It was so low only he would pick it up.
"Easy big guy. Its okay…they are no threat. Come on man, calm down. Its okay, Ill deal with them."
Jim could sense the confidence rolling off his guide. Blair would face any situation for his Sentinel, even those that would normally knock ten years off his lifespan.
Blair walked calmly over to the agents, who now wore slightly smug expressions. Simon however was just waiting to see what this extraordinary man did next.
"Agents, I am willing to waive my right to have my lawyer present, in the hope of moving this process along…But only with the presence of Captain Banks and my partner. Take it or leave it?" he then about turned and walked back to his partner, his eyes alight with merriment and mischief.
Look at them they thought he'd caved in. My god they can't believe him, they saw this small bouncy weird character and thought they'd walk all over him- that he'd be a soft touch. My Blair will only bend so much, then you hit that core of pure steel. And when you do hit it you end up on your butt wondering what the hell just happened. Christ! He's done it to Simon and me. These Bozos don't stand a chance now he's on his game. Hope he doesn't mind the protective bit—I can't help it I like protecting him.
God I am so lucky. Look at him MY friend, MY blessed protector, MY sentinel—MY love.
"Very well Mr Sandburg if that is the only way in which we can move forward then we will agree to your stipulations," Selznick finally conceded after squabbling quietly with his partner about something.
"But before we begin I feel I must warn you that a lot of this is…personal."he announced as if this would change Sandburgs mind about the matter.
"Oh goody," Blair exclaimed with a bright smile as he moved toward Simons office once more. "Are you ready for some of my deep dark secrets Jim?"
"Thought I knew them all Chief." Jim quipped, even though he knew that it was a lie. Blair was very closed mouthed about his childhood and his time travelling with Naomi, but all the recent stuff the sentinel knew by heart.
Maybe I should protect the Feds…Nah! They can run home to DC. After the wolf plays with them
Jim entered the office at Blair's back, with a decidedly evil grin on his face.
"Firstly gentlemen I must stress that nothing that is discussed here today can leave this office," Munro stated once the door was shut tight.
"I think Ill take that under advisement," Jim replied coldly, and Simon nodded in agreement.
Blair just watched the two suits silently.
Something has them real worried. But what's that got to do with me?
Jim had shepherded him into a chair beside Simon, and had taken up sentry duty beside the filing cabinets. Effectively keeping the Feds physically away from Blair.
Selznick grimaced at Jim's reply, then took a deep breath.
"Have any of you ever heard of a man called Stuart Dean Clelland?" he asked the room in general.
Jim and Simon looked at each other blankly.
Blair squirmed in his chair before replying, "I have."
Selznick moved toward him in surprise, only to find his way blocked by Ellisons bulk. He moved quickly back noting the cold blue eyes full of …nothing.
"Where? Where did you hear it?"He demanded
Blair wished he hadn't spoken for some reason, but he had so now he had to reply.
"It was in one of the books the guys got me for going to the academy. He was this total sicko. He raped these women in the UK…there was never a definitive number, but they think about 20." He paused not because he didn't know the rest, but because he was hoping the agents would tell the others. It was just so sick
But no reprieve came as the agents stayed silent, so he continued in a quieter voice his tone strained.
"If he found out a child had been born … he would steal it… and torture it."
He stopped again shaking his head, after all he'd seen with Jim it still shook him how sick humans could be to each other.
Jim moved closer to his guide hearing his heartbeat rise rapidly. Blair looked up at him and smiled slightly knowing that Jim knew how this was affecting him, but he had to finish it.
"Anyway the UK police were closing in on him—breaking down his bought alibis and the victims fears for their future safety. But in the end he was killed by one of his own children."
Jim checked his instinctive move to touch his guide. He somehow didn't think the agents would react very well.
"It sounds to me like he deserved everything he got. But why'd the kid do it? If the police where moving in on him"he asked instead.
"I can't answer that, it didn't say." Blair replied as puzzled as Jim.
"She couldn't wait," Selznick announced, "He had taken another child…a baby boy just five months old. But this time he had taken the child from here."
"WAIT A MINITE!" Jim roared in total disbelief. "You are telling me he took a child out of the US and into the UK and noone challenge him?"
"Detective this was 1969, it couldn't happen now. This man was big money, he had the looks, intelligence and charm, and at that time noone was going to believe he was capable of this horror." Munro put in loudly, Jim just glared at the man.
"So what happened?" Simon asked both out of curiosity and the need to calm things down a bit.
"The baby's nine year old half sister was his guardian angel, sound sappy I know but it's the only way I can describe it. She killed Clelland, then phoned the police. When they arrived she was bathing the baby and was warming a bottle for him. She told the detective in charge of the case… a DCI Wateland, that her brother was special and that He meaning Clelland wasn't going to harm him or anyone ever again."
Selznick looked up from the file he was reading from, to find Ellison and Banks totally focused on him. But Sandburg had his head down, his face obscured.
He continued, "When a Woman Police officer tried to remove the child from her arms, the sister calmly broke her wrist and told the assembled officers that she would care for her brother until his mother arrived…noone else. She allowed Wateland to personally take them to the local hospital where she consented to having the baby checked out by the doctors there, but that was it. Arrangements were made for them to stay in the baby unit with a police escort until the mother came. In the file from the hospital the sister in charge states that she could not have done anymore for that child than the sister did."
Selznick took a sip of water from the glass he had on the desk, noone in the room moved or said anything.
"When the mother arrived she calmly handed the baby to her without a word. She kissed them both, then walked over to Wateland. In his report Wateland writes..she took my hand and said I'm ready now..He doesn't need me just now."
He stopped once again and looked at the two officers and Sandburg.
He couldn't read any of them, Ellison and Banks faces were indecipherable, and Sandburg's head was still down.
Jim had monitored the steady climb in Blairs heartbeat during the tale, but then again so had Simons. But for Sandburg to be silent and so still worried him.
Suddenly Sandburg spoke, clearly but with his head still down.
"Where is she now?"
"We don't know?" Munro replied coldly
"Don't play with me on this? I need to know." Blair insisted now glaring at the large agent.
Jim felt his heart stop at the sight of the unshed tears filling his partners beautiful eyes.
"Blair why do you need to know?" Simon asked gently sensing that the other man was vulnerable and in pain.
Blair answered Simons's question but his gaze never left his Sentinels.
"Because that baby was me Simon. Wasn't it Agent Selznick?"
"Yes Mr Sandburg, it was you," the agent confirmed quietly.
Jim knew that he needed to have time with Sandburg alone. Blair needed space to talk about this. Hell how am I going to get these two out of here?
He looked at Simon silently asking for his help and received it immediately.
Simon simply stood up and walked to the door. As he held it open, he glared at the two agents as if daring them to object to his next words.
"Agents Mr Sandburg needs some time."
The agents looked at each other and reluctantly complied.
When the door was once more shut and locked by Jim, he turned to find his guide shaking uncontrollably as the sobs he had been surpressing ripped through his body.
Ellison didn't have to consider anything, his guide needed him. He lifted the smaller man out of his chair and sat down with Blair now on his lap. Once there Blair burrowed into Jim's strong chest looking for a safe haven from his pain. He felt his Sentinels muscular arms surrounding him, holding him securely, and knew it was safe for him to let go his misery.
Jim always the quiet, reserved one had no idea what to say to Blair in the face of this horror. But for once his heart and soul were not consulting his head and the words flowed uncensored to soothe his guides pain.
"It's alright baby…that's it. Let it go…your safe now…I've got you…your safe in my arms…We'll get through this together…Its going to be okay…I've got you…I've got you…"
Slowly Blair's sobs subsided enough for him to actually listen to the words that his partner was saying, and more importantly how he was saying them,
Does he realise what he's saying? Could it be true? Maybe he just feels sorry for me. But …Jim doesn't say what he doesn't mean. We had our lesson in miscommunication, thanks to Alex. So he must mean it. Oh! God…
"Jim?" Blair finally croaked through his sniffles.
"Yeah babe I'm here."
"Jim,I…I love you too." Blair whispered the words, not because he was ashamed of them , but because he didn't think the commissioner would be too happy about tannoys on the rooftop.
Then Jim's continued silence started to unnerve him.
Oh God he's not saying anything, maybe I got it wrong…maybe I got it WAY wrong. Hearing what I wanted to hear.
"Jim, I'm sorry…I shouldn't have…"
Blair will you please shut up and look at me." Jim interrupted his stuttering apology in a husky tone.
Blair reluctantly lifted his head, then after several deep breaths lifted his gaze to Jim's.
To his surprise he found not an angry Sentinel, but Jim with happy tears running silently down from sparkling pale blue eyes. Blair couldn't believe it, Jim loved him.
"Do you mean it Chief? Really mean it? Please be honest cause this changes everything. Because if you do it means forever." Jim's husky voice stated, his eyes totally focused on his beloved's face.
Blair felt a smile breakthrough, "Forever…is that all? I wanted more and yes, I do really mean it."
Jim returned the smile, then softly kissed the lips that had tempted him for years.
"How about for this lifetime and the ones to come?" he whispered in a break between kisses.
Blair cuddled back into Jim's warm body and answered contentedly, " Sound good to me."
After a few quiet moments Blair sat up again troubled.
"Jim I am so mixed up. I'm deliriously happy about us, don't ever think I'm not. But I'm sad too, and really angry. I think I'm going nuts, and I don't have enough hair to pull either."
"You are not going nuts, sweetheart. You have had one hell of a morning, your reactions are normal. But I told you WE will work through this together, so I want you to rest for a little while longer." Jim assured him, removing Blair's hands from his now short hair.
Blair smiled at his love and for once did as he was told.
"Okay…Jim I could really get used to this."
"Good, that makes two of us…now try and relax and rest that brain of yours. I've got you."
"Jim I really cant understand any of this. Why are the Feds bringing up all this ancient history now? I mean, why not when the checks were done before I was accepted to the academy?" Blair questioned after a short but peaceful interlude.
"I just don't get where the Feds fit into this. Can you hear what they're up to?"
Jim smiled down at his partner then focused his hearing looking for the two agents. He moved his sense through the bullpen discarding all the everyday noises one-by-one, until he found what he wanted.
"Ellison is not going to let us walk out of here with Sandburg without a fight," Selznick was saying while munching on some thing crunchy.
"A vague threat of suspension will soon make him back off,"sneered Munro. "All these locals are the same."
"I don't know…have you read his record. That could backfire on us bigtime."
"Jim…Jim come back to me."
"Its okay Blair…I'm back," Jim answered surprised to find his partner standing beside him now.
Blair replied to his silent question, "I think Simon is at the door and I didn't…" his voice trailed away as he realised he wasn't really sure of what he wanted to say.
"Its okay babe," Jim reassured him as he stood up and reopened the office door.
Simon was very pleased to see the kid more in control, though he knew that it would be a long time before he would process everything to his satisfaction.
"So have we decided what these bastards are really here for?" he enquired softly as he once again sat down behind his desk.
"Obviously something has occurred that makes Blair having this information necessary. But apart from that I got zip." Jim replied not at all happy with his own answer.
"Okay Sandburg this is your call, how do you want to deal with this? Do you want to call it quits until tomorrow or continue," Simon asked the dishevelled young man, putting Sandburgs wishes above his own curiosity.
Blair shook his head and grimaced, "I think I need to continue with this Simon. You know what I'm like…the not knowing will just drive me crazy. I need to know the facts…not that the Feds will give me 100 of the true facts anyway." He said with a lopsided grin.
Simon had to smile back at the comment. Simon and Blair had had to deal with the Feds penchant for secrets when Jim had been kidnapped, so he knew the kid wasn't to impressed by them or their actions.
"Too true Blair. Too true."
"But before anything else happens I need to go visit the men's room," he stated as he stood up from his chair. Ellison made a move to follow him.
"Jim Ill be fine really. Back in a minute."
Jim nodded silently and watched him cross the bullpen. But as soon as he was out of sight he turned to Henri Brown.
"Hey H! Baby-sit the kid will ya. I don't want those suits near him."
"Sure man. No worries." H answered as he made to follow Blair.
Jim closed the office door and threw himself into the vacant chair.
"Was that really necessary? You know the kid will spit teeth."Simon stated with a smirk.
"Simon they want to take him somewhere on his own. And that hulk, Munro seems to think that a threat of suspension will make me back off. So yeah I think its worth Blair being irritated." Jim replied in a tired voice.
At Simons raised eyebrow he owned up.
"I listened in on their conversation in the break room."
Simon was not at all happy with what he was hearing, and obviously neither was Jim.
But there was something else here.
Yes, Jim was protective of Sandburg; afterall the kid had saved his life and his sanity. But he had never heard that particular tone in Ellisons voice or seen that tightly held look in those pale eyes.
Jim Ellison, ex-ranger, macho/badass cop, Sentinel was panicking. Badly.
"Jim is there something else I should be aware of?" he asked softly. Maybe Blair had given him some more information that had freaked him out. But somehow he didn't think so.
Jim stared at his captain. His captain who was also his friend and took a very deep breath. There was no way he could lie to him; they had been through too much for him to do that.
"Should know, Probably. Want to know, I doubt it." He finally stated warily watching his friend. "I love him Simon."
Simon took a deep deep breath and quietly asked, "Does he know?"
Jim nodded his head and smiled the brightest smile that his friend had ever seen. Not even the JAGs winning the championship had brought this light to Jim Ellison's normally stoic face.
"He does now. And the incredible thing about it is, he loves me back."
Simons's face was sombre as he stood and walked slowly toward his friend, until he was standing right infront of a now standing Ellison.
"Well I guess there are only two things that I have to say to that…One…What the hell took you so bloody long?" Simon let loose a loud chuckle at the astonishment on Ellison's face before he continued. "And two…Don't screw this up Jim, or you'll answer to Joel and me. Seriously my friend this is right. Congratulations." He declared happily shaking his dumbfounded friend's hand.
"Thanks Simon, but did you have to freak me out completely?"
"Payback my friend," the tall captain smirked in reply.
Jim nodded realising that he probably did have some payback waiting.
"Don't freak out the kid though, I don't think he's up to it today."
Simons face grew thoughtful, "How is he really?"
Jim noted the word really glad that Simon knew Blair well enough to know that what you saw, wasn't always the complete truth. Blair was an expert at hiding his demons beneath a smile or grin.
"Confused, hurt and blisteringly angry. Simon if he blows at those chumps they are on their own. I am not getting in his way."
Jim cocked his head slightly, "He's back, and so are they."
A sharp knock preceded Sandburg's entry into the office with two sullen agents trailing behind. He stared straight at his partner as he quipped, "Thanks for the babysitter Dad."
Ellison tried to look innocent, but knew the kid wasn't having it.
Simon was having trouble stifling the grin at the frustrated countenances of the agents, who obviously hadn't been able to shake Brown
Oh well, here comes round two. Ding Ding.
"So why are you bringing up all this ancient history now? What has occurred to make Blair knowing necessary?" Simon fired at the two agents as soon as their butts hit the seats once more.
Jim and Blair just sat back and watched Simon take point, they both knew that behind the three-piece suit façade lay one hard-assed cop. Not someone you wanted to piss off.
The agents looked slightly put off their game; probably believing Ellison would be the one firing questions. Selznick looked at his partner who reluctantly nodded.
Agent Selznick removed another folder from the beat up case at his feet, then began to pace as he continued with his twisted tale.
"On the night that Clelland…died. Three other children were found on the premises in different rooms."
"Oh my God!" Blair exclaimed feeling as if some one had just sucker punched him in the gut. His head swam as he tried to get a breath
my chest hurts, I can't breathe. Calm down Blair, just breathe. Oh help.
Jim turned in his seat as he registered his guide's problems. He laid his hands firmly on his shoulders as he softly instructed, "Breathe chief, breathe deep…use the mantra…that's it…again."
Simon smile to himself.
so Ellison does listen to the kid
Munro looked on in total amazement and disgust, then turned to his partner. But neither made a comment.
Blairs colour slowly returned to near normal. He was for now in control of his breathing…and his turbulent emotions. He opened his eyes, knowing that his sentinel would be there. He looked into those ice-blue eyes hiding nothing from him. There would be no point Jim read him too well.
At his slight nod, Jim reluctantly removed his grip from his shoulders, and turned back round.
Blair felt the loss of contact.
"Sorry, you caught me unawares with that. Please continue," he muttered in Selznick's general direction.
Special Agent Wally Selznick really looked at this young man who sat before him. This young man whose whole world he had just ripped apart. He had to admit if only to himself, that the kid had surprised him. Not something that was easy to do.
Obviously having Ellison and Banks present was helping him stay calm, but the kid was strong in his own right. But would he be strong enough for the rest.
He felt compelled to ask, "Are you sure you want to continue Mr Sandburg?"
He saw the dirty look Munro threw at him, but the kid deserved respect.
Blair locked eyes with the federal agent and slowly nodded his head as he quietly replied, "Yeah, I would like to get this over with Agent Selznick. Thank you though."
Selznick nodded then continued once more.
"When the house was searched they found a five-year old male and twin eighteen month old twins; one male one female. Nobody claimed any of them. Eventually the twins were adopted, but the boy…" Selznick stopped once again. His face frozen in disgust as he once again remembered the horror the small child had suffered.
"What happened to the boy?" Jim asked.
Selznick shook his head, took a deep breath then began again.
"Medical examinations found that due to the severity of the injuries inflicted on the child that…that he would be confined to a wheelchair all his life. Basically he was brought up in institutions. The babies didn't escape untouched either. Both children were found to have acid-burns and puncture marks all over their bodies." He concluded trying to remain objective, and failing miserably.
Jim turned slightly in his seat and took in his partner's face as he tried to process the vile information they had just received.
Shit! This type of thing makes me sick and I'm trained, supposed to be, to deal with this. But Blair isn't. Okay try to remain objective here Ellison. Blair has siblings…from a deranged sick bad. But that still doesn't explain the Feds involvement and Why now?
Blair read the silent question in Jim's eyes and answered it with a nod. He was too confused and angry to ask any logical questions right now.
Let Jim handle it. His way.
"So why are you here now?" Jim demanded in a tone that clearly stated Bullshit me and you die, slowly and painfully.
Munro took over, with a nasty glare at Jim.
"Two months ago the other children started to receive phonecalls, text messages and e-mails with photographs attached. The calls were distorted voices chanting Clelland name, the texts and e-mails gave graphic information about the case that had never been in the public domain. They all made reports about these incidents to various police divisions in and around the London area. Where they all live and/or work.
These reports were made separately of course because they don't know each other."
Munro halted and drank some water, while trying to figure out what the locals were thinking. They had not reacted at all in the way he had supposed they would. But it didn't matter if they didn't play ball they'd just go over their heads.
"Then photographs of them as children started to arrive by post. But , we are assuming, the breaking point must have come when the picture of them all with Clelland arrived. They must have freaked!" the large man concluded emotionlessly.
Selznick intervened quickly seeing the fire of anger starting to catch in Sandburg's expressive eyes.
"The police had by this time found the link between the reports. When detectives visited the various residences they found them empty, no people no clothes. They then checked with their Businesses and found that all appointments had been totally cancelled for the next month. Following that, interviews were conducted with friends, colleagues and lovers. Everyone told the same story, the group had left for Seattle.Together. They entered into the US on the same day on the same flight.
The airport CCTV showed them being picked up as a group, but we couldn't get a picture of the man picking them up. He seemed to be aware of the cameras and avoided being identified." He concluded.
Simon sat up straight in his chair and bristled with dislike as he stated , "Well Blair has certainly not received any of this crap. If he had our unit would most definitely be aware of it…and dealt with it."
Blair felt the warmth from Simons declaration settle in his heart. One little word made all the difference,OUR.
Jim smiled at Simon's words knowing how they would affect his guide. They had come along way since Simon considered Blair to be some hippie wastrel. Now he was nearly as protective of Blair as he was of Darryl.
Hell! With Simon and Joel as substitute Dads I better get my act together. Cause if I don't treat Blair good they are liable to disembowel me…slowly.
Jim tuned back into the conversation in the office, just as Munro stood up and angrily declared, "…cant do that Captain."
Simon stood up slowly and answered the blustering agent.
"WATCH ME! Blair is part of this unit and WE look out for our own," he sneered.
"So unless I start to hear and see some relevant information sharing about why you're here and how it relates to Blair, you can just assume this meeting is over. But before you leave this office know that I will personally have him out of this building and hidden within seconds and I will make damn sure NO ONE finds him. Are we clear on this Agents?"
Simon in all his fiery glory didn't happen to often. But boy when the volcano blew only an idiot would oppose him.
"Captain please try to be reasonable…" Selznick implored.
"Reasonable…you sail in here flashing your little federal id's, pussyfoot about, and all the time you knew that there was a danger to one of my people. I think I'm being very reasonable in not kicking your asses."
"We don't know that Mr Sandburg is in any danger," Munro Insisted.
"Bullshit. Why make the journey from DC then?" Jim calmly asked.
Or at least he sounded calm, on the inside he was fighting the primal urge to pummel this pair of idiots into the ground. He needed all the available information to protect his mate, but he was nearing his limits of restraint
While Jim had been restraining his Jaguar side, Blair had been observing the agents. He watched the silent conversation that ran between them and had come to a conclusion. Something else was about to explode at their feet.
The more he watched them and thought about possible scenarios, the more he started to fidget.
Simon and Jim exchanged relieved smiles at this, a still Sandburg was not a normal Sandburg. They both sat silent waiting to see what was bubbling with Blair. They didn't have to wait long.
"Look man; you dragged us into this,"he finally exploded. "You don't want to share your information with us, FINE. Go back to DC. We will investigate this on our own, and make no mistake we are damn good at what we do." Sandburg snapped at the two agents
Jim had to stop himself from cheering out loud his Blair was on his way back.
The two federal agents sat stunned by this outburst. Munro continued to scowl at Jim as if he were to blame for Blair's comments. They had expected this hippie child/ cop-wannabe to do as they instructed- without question. Now they had two hard-assed cops and one pissed off gonna-be cop to deal with.
Finally Munro stood up and walked over to the large windows overlooking the street below.
"Six days ago a package was couriered to our boss, the director himself. We haven't been told the full contents of it, but what ever it contained had some big people running about like headless chickens," he reluctantly spoke each word.
"We were brought in, given a file and a letter, instructed not to discuss this with anyone in the bureau and that any resources we wanted, were ours."
"Sounds like your Director is scared of something," Jim mused.
"That's what we thought originally," Munro continued turning away from the sights outside. "Then four days ago we were escorted up to the top floor. The director told us that he had a debt to someone, a debt that could never be repaid, but that doing as the letter instructed would be a fair downpayment. While he was talking he was unconsciously fingering a family portrait on his desk."
"So this debt has something to do with his family, not the FBI," Simon announced.
"Yeah, that's the conclusion we came to. So we did some background research," answered Selznick. "The director's father is some industrial big shot, major money. His father in law isn't short of a buck either. Anyhow, five years ago the directors two daughters were forcibly removed from a mall. No ransom was ever received, no contact whatsoever was made. Everyone was brought in on this, but nothing was found. After three days of nothing it looks like kidnapping without motive, political or financial and hope is running out fast. At 2000hours the directors younger brother receives a call on his cellphone in LA telling him were to pick the girls up. Hell he even gets to talk to them. Within fifteen minutes of his call to his brother that area was saturated, there is a tight cordon around the area and the girls are safe in a local hospital."
"Wait a minute are you saying they were just set free?" Jim's tone reflected the disbelief of all.
"The file originally ended there. But at a later date one entry was added. It states that on the date the girls were found, three people were charged and later convicted for the kidnapping. On information coming from the director."
"That makes no sense…"
"Yes it does Simon," interrupted Blair. His eyes were now bright again, as normal. His hands were gesturing madly, as normal. Sandburg was back.
"Enlighten us Chief," Jim said with an almighty grin, so pleased to see the energy once more whizzing around his partner.
Blair stood and immediately began to bounce around the room as he declared to the world his thoughts.
"Right the girls are taken…transported somewhere…The official agencies don't find them, but someone does…that someone then rescues them…phones the brother…leaves information on the kidnappers that the girls have only to give to their father…and disappears. Wshk!gone."
Jim really smiled seeing the FBI trying to keep up with his guide thoughts.
"OK so far chief. But why? Why would any one go to that kind of trouble for a stranger?
Blair stopped pacing as the proverbial lightbulb went off, and shone so brightly.
"Five years ago your director would have been on the fast track. Yes?"
Munro mearly grunted confirmation, but Selznick smiled as he replied, "Oh yeah definitely one of the Golden boys."
"So even if he never reached the directors chair it was a safe bet that he was destined to have clout…and resources at his disposal. But resources to do what with?" Jim reasoned out loud beginning to see where Blair was leading them.
God I love him so much, please don't let anything happen to him. We've just found each other, I don't think I could bare to loose him now.
Blair beautiful smile flashed again as he answered his partner confidently.
"Resources and power to protect the family. I'm willing to bet that the director isn't the only one to owe a debt."
He paused and walked back to stand right in front of his sentinel before he said quietly, "Remember what she said Jim."
"What who said?" Simon queried a little lost.
Definitely the Sandburg Zone.
But no one answered him, as Jim answered his guide.
"He doesn't need me JUST NOW." His face shone as he came to the same answer Blair had.
"She's been preparing all this time…Just in case we needed her. And now the others have already found out that she will do whatever she deems necessary for us all to survive. It all fits Jim. The others are with her…the others are with my sister."Blairs tone changed on his last phrase, divulging to those that knew him that having the right to call anyone sister was a very big deal to him.
Selznick's attitude toward Sandburg had been slowly altering as the meeting had proceeded. Munro however hadn't cottoned on to the type of man Sandburg really was and the best way to deal with him. He still saw a young man with hippie beads,an earring and ripped jeans.
He stood up and announced, "Whoever is behind their disappearances doesn't really have any relevance to you. You wanted the information, we have provided it, now we need to get Mr Sandburg out of Cascade and into Federal protection."
Before anyone else could react to the agent's words, Sandburg turned to face the giant agent, smiled and walked calmly out of the office.
With a wildly grinning Sentinel close on his heels.
WooHoo my Blair is back.
"Captain Banks I insist that you get them back in here now," Munro yelled knowing that shouting at Ellison would be a waste of time and energy.
Simon opened his desk drawer and removed a cigar, one of his favourite brands, and lit it before answering the agents with huge grin.
"Well gentlemen…one- they are off duty, they can do as they please.
Two- they aren't fugitives, so you can't touch them.
Three- there is no way in hell Sandburg will leave Cascade if he d doesn't want to. Believe me its been tried before."
Well it was true if you inserted Jim for Cascade. the absolute truth.
"But how are we supposed to protect Sandburg if he wont cooperate. I would have thought that as a future cadet he would…"
"What fit in with your ideas on his safety Agent Munro?" Simo0n interrupted snidely.
"Well yes…we do have his best interest at heart." The agent blustered.
"I seriously doubt that, and more to the point I would have to say so does Blair. You see he has knowledge of how you work—Ben Chavez—Yuri, ring a bell agents." Simon happily puffed as he watched the dismay and anger on Munros face grow with each word.
"Now Gentlemen if you will excuse me, I have a unit to run," he dismissed them as he looked down at the papers in front of him.
"But what about Sandburg?"
Simon didn't even look up as he answered, "Well Agent Selznick I would guess that by now he is as safe as he could possibly get."
Selznick and Munro continued to stare at the bent head of the Captain, but on being completely ignored they stomped out of the office and through the bullpen, all the while muttering to themselves.
Simon raised his head as soon as they were gone, his handsome features betrayed the concern he felt for Blair…and for Jim. There was no doubt in his mind that if anything untoward happen to that kid his friend wouldn't last the day. But then again neither would the one who had hurt Blair.
This thought had him reaching for the phone and quickly dialling a familiar number.
"Joel Simon…no I don't need you to come in, but I do need to talk to you urgently…no ,not on the phone…okay Ill be at your place in about…35minites..okay see you then."
Sod the Feds they only ever gave out half-truths, if you were lucky.
He wasn't having those bds putting Blair in danger to serve their own aims. For all he knew they could be setting Blair up as bait…but for who the sister or the photo sender?
He quickly closed the files and locked them away. He stood and retrieved his overcoat and exited his office.
"Brown…I can be found in an emergency at Joel's….or if it's really bad call me on my cell," he barked as he strode through the bullpen into the corridor outside.
"YesSir," H replied to thin air.
He sat back in his chair not even thinking about his mountains of paperwork.
What the hell is going on in here today? Blair looked like hell, even though he tried to put on a smiley face. Jim looked like he was ready to kill someone….very painfully. The Feds stomp out of here. Now Simon disappears to Joel's . Something nasty is brewing…something that triggers Jim's kill protocol normally means some kind of threat to Blair.
An image of Hairboys lifeless body lying on the grass beside the fountain sent chills running through his whole body and had his hand reaching for the phone.
After a few rings a familiar voice reluctantly answered.
"Hey Rafe its H…Yeah I know its your day off…Rafe will you shut up a minute…Okay man I'm sorry for yelling, but something is definitely bubbling here…I don't know yet…Rafe!..RAFE!..you know that certain look one of our colleagues gets, you know the one that makes tough guys weep, vomit or run like hell…Exactly…okay Ill see you in a bit."
Simon thought over everything that he had learned today as he drove to Joel's. There were gaps in their information, and lack of information could get you killed.
Why did the siblings come to Seattle? How and Where were they staying that was so hidden that the Feds couldn't find them? What were there names, where they still using them? Was Blair right about his half-sister being behind the Feds involvement and why?
His turbulent thoughts were called to a halt as his cell rang.
"Banks."
"Captain Banks there are files and computer discs under your passenger seat that will answer the many questions that I'm sure you have. Do not try to trace this call, you won't be successful and your time could be much better spent."
"Wait please," Simon implored sensing that the female voice had said what it had planned to.
"What is it?" the clear, cultured voice asked reluctantly after a moment's silence.
"Are Blair and the others in danger?"
"The others , plus Blairs mum are safe. I couldn't get to Blair with out Ellison being hurt. He would never have forgiven me for that."she explained.
Simon had to agree.
"Is this about you or them?"
"Read the files…Is he okay?"
Simon heard the surpressed emotion and answered truthfully, "it's been one hell of a day, but Jim will watch out for him. Why did you bring the Feds in?"
"I didn't think you or Ellison would believe me if I just turned up in Major Crimes. Although I didn't count on the Feds being used by the Company to find me." Her voice conveying her anger at this lapse.
"Are you in trouble?" That all the kid needs
He heard a soft laugh before she said, "Permanently, but I'm not a criminal. I'm not wanted for any crime anywhere.
Simon relaxed a little, "I'm glad I don't think the kid could have handled anymore today."
"Thank you for caring about him. May…may I ask a favour?"
Simon could tell from her tone that this woman didn't ask for favours lightly. That meant for her to ask it must be important to her.
"Sure no harm in asking"
"Would you …could you tell Blair that I'm sorry it came to this. And for what its worth …he has my blessing. I hope that he will be very happy with his Sentinel."
Simon felt as if some one had just sucker punched him.
"How do…?"
"Goodbye for now, Captain Banks." She interrupted.
"Wait!" only silence greeted his plea.
curiouser and curiouser said Alice.
Joel opened the door to his home just as Simon shut down the engine to his car. He watched as his captain and good friend lifted something off the car-floor before clambering out.
"What's going on Simon? You look like crap," Joel stated ushering his guest into the casy living room.
Simon sank into the inviting sofa, his body sighing in relief and pleasure.
"After you hear what I have to tell you I doubt you'll be lookin any better than me." He informed the still standing man.
"In that case Ill go get some coffee for us. Its sounds like Ill need it," the big man said moving toward the kitchen.
"Too true my friend. I need to phone Jim."
"You know where it is…Simon is this about Blair?" Joel questioned not knowing why.
Simon looked at his friend and slowly nodded, "Yeah it is." Then began dialling yet another familiar number.
"Ellison…Hi Simon…Simon I don't think that a very good idea…what do you mean?…wait a sec."
Jim looked down at his partner, guide, best friend, and now his forever love and found Blairs eternally curious eyes already asking questions.
"Simon has some new information and wants us to go to Joel's. But it's up to you?"
Blair nodded once, and then lay his head back down on his Sentinel's strong chest. Jim returned to Simon on the phone, while slowly caressing Blairs tense neck with his free hand.
"Simon, we will be over shortly…okay…bye."
He switched off the phone and threw it onto the adjacent sofa.
It had been oneof a day and it seemed it wasn't over yet.
When they had left the bullpen they had only gone down to the floor below and put in a request for any and every file on Clelland to be sent to Captain Simon Banks Urgently. The3n they returned back up the stairs in time for Jim to hear the tail end of Simons dismissal of the Feds. He then focused in on their low mutterings as they waited for the elevator to arrive.
Well we've got two of our men watching Ellisons truck in the garage and two out front off 852 Prospect Avenue." Munro stated.
"You are on very thin ice Joe. If Ellison finds out he'll create such a stink. After he slowly kills you." Selznick said trying to make his bull-headed colleague change his mind.
"Look Wally, if Banks wont play ball. We will just have to go over his head. I'm not having some hippie wild-child screw this up for me. This could be a major feather in our cap." Munro hissed back.
"Just tell me you didn't tap his phone or bug his house?"
"Didn't have time…" Muro said sounding disappointed about that as they entered the elevator car.
Jim smiled and Blair cringed, there was such malicious intent in that smile, he was truly glad it wasn't aimed at him.
They sat on the stairs as Jim brought Blair up to speed on the machinations of the Federal agents. Then they calmly walked out of the main door of the precinct and caught a taxi, which dropped them off at the corner before their home. They entered the building through the back entrance and where soon ensconced in their own place.
As soon as their door was closed and locked Blairs hold on his emotions began to falter.
