New
Arrivals
Author-Suzie
Titles
Making the Grade
by Suzie
Summary: Simon asks Blair to go undercover.
Disclaimer: Some of the characters in this story belong to the UPN Network and Pet Fly Productions as part of the television show The Sentinel. I do not claim these characters as my own. No money has changed hands.
Notes: Thanks, as always, to my Beta Beast, *Jen*!
"True friendship is a plant of slow growth and must undergo adversity before it is entitles to the appellation."
~~ author unknown ~~
######
Community Colleges, Universities, Technical Schools, they all require a certain amount of work to pass with a decent grade. But what if you're having problems in a class, or you didn't get an essay done, or didn't get around to studying for that big test? Cheating had become a big business all over the country.
Blair Sandburg, Anthropologist, teacher, student, Guide, and police observer had discovered the problem at Rainier University when two of his students in two different classes handed in identical essays. Then the same two aced a test with textbook answers. After reporting his suspicions to the University Administration, Blair discussed the problem with Captain Simon Banks and Detective Jim Ellison of the Major Crimes Department or the Cascade PD.
**********
"We need to have someone make a buy," Simon said, looking at Blair with a wry smile.
Blair's mouth dropped open with surprise. "Me ... me? You *want* me to do it?"
Jim couldn't believe it was happening and he definitely didn't like it.
Simon nodded. "We need someone who can pass as a student. Someone who knows what's going on and what to ask for," He explained. "It's all yours Sandburg ... If you want it."
"Well, sure ... of course! You want me to pose as a student trying to buy answers to the big physics exam that's coming up?" Blair asked.
Simon nodded again, "Okay, that sounds ..."
"Not a good idea," Jim interrupted, looking at Simon with barely concealed anger. Then turned to Blair, "It's more than just the test answers Chief. These people deal in loan sharking too. The kids that can't obtain a loan for whatever reason go to these people for money, and you've seen what happens when they can't pay up on time."
"We can't ignore this Jim!"
"I agree, but I don't want you going undercover."
"Please Simon, I want to help on this one," Blair pleaded with Captain Banks.
"It's up to you Blair, but I think ...," Simon started.
"No way Sandburg!" Jim said adamantly. "You've gone undercover twice now, and both times something's gone wrong!"
Blair turned to his partner, "But Jim ..."
"I know that neither incident was your fault Chief, but you could've gotten killed either time! I don't want you to try it again!"
Blair turned back to the Captain, "I can do this Simon! I *want* to do this!"
"Blair, I think ...," Simon tried again.
"Sandburg ... dammit!" Jim roared. "You're not a cop!"
Whirling around to face the Detective again Blair said angrily, "Don't you think *I* know I'm not a cop Ellison! You guys remind me almost daily so how the hell could I forget!" Then Blair saw the look in Jim's eyes and softened, "I know you're concerned, but I want in on this one because it involves the University and that involves *me* Jim. Don't you understand that?"
"I do understand that, but that doesn't change my mind about this. It's just too dangerous Chief." Jim looked at the Captain, "Simon, talk to him."
I've been trying to! Simon thought, then said, "I think it's a good idea Sandburg."
"WHAT!!" Jim bellowed.
Blair smiled, "You do?"
"Yes I do," Simon replied.
"Shit Simon, what are you saying here?! Do you realize ..." Jim started angrily.
"I *do* realize what I'm doing Ellison," Simon quickly interrupted. "Do you know of anyone in this station that can pass him or herself off as a desperate student?"
"Yeah ... Hasskle!"
"He's working on the Minors case."
"Taylor?"
"Out of town."
"Michaelson?"
"Jim, she's way too pregnant to do this," Blair said.
Jim glared at his young partner, "Okay ... how about ..."
"Forget it Jim," Simon said patiently. "You've both had to talk *me* into letting Sandburg do things like this before. This time I'm offering, but it's entirely up to him."
"Captain ... you can't be serious?!"
"I *want* to do this man!" Blair said resolutely. "Please Jim?" he asked, chewing his lip as he looked for the approval he needed from his Sentinel.
Jim stared into pleading blue eyes and sighed in resignation, "You're sure about this?"
Blair nodded, sending brown curls bouncing.
"I don't like it, but I seem to be outvoted here, so ...," Jim said with a look that sent daggers at Simon. "Alright ... but you're wearing a kevlar vest and a wire."
"No problem Jim," Blair smiled.
Jim held up one finger to make his point clear, "And you *will* do as you're told ... no more, no less. No heroics ... got that?"
"Yes Jim ... I promise."
**********
Jim was helping Blair get ready in the break room in Major Crimes. He taped a small microphone to the front of the kevlar that Blair was wearing. He could hear the fast beat of his Guide's heart and the nervous, ragged breathing. "You know it's not too late Chief," Jim said in a matter of fact tone. "You can still back out of this."
"Yeah I know I can," Blair said quietly. "But I don't want to Jim."
Jim handed Blair an oversized button-front shirt, "This should hide the bulk." He watched as Blair slipped into the shirt and began to button it. "I don't want you to do this," Jim admitted quietly.
Blair finished with the buttons and decided to leave the shirt loose around his waist. "I'll be okay big guy, don't worry. All I have to do is make the buy ... you guys get to have all the fun," he smiled nervously.
"Yeah ... well if *anything* starts happening you get your ass out of the way, understand?"
"No problem there."
Detective Brown stepped into the break room, "Ready to go you two?"
Jim and Blair glanced at each other one last time.
"Ready as we're gonna get I suppose," Blair sighed.
**********
Jim rode with Simon, following Blair in his Volvo as they headed towards the park.
Blair parked and, sparing a quick glance at Simon's car to reassure himself, walked to the assigned meeting place where he was met and led a short distance to a public men's room. Blair went inside while his escort waited outside next to the door.
"Good thing that restroom is still within our sights from here. Can you tell how many are in there Jim?" Simon asked, as he sat watching from behind the steering wheel through binoculars.
Jim rolled the window down and cocked his head slightly, as he listened with sentinel hearing, finding two normal heartbeats, and one slightly accelerated one. That would be Blair, he thought. "There's three inside counting Sandburg," Jim told the Captain.
Though Jim didn't need it, he and Simon were listening to the conversation inside the men's room by way of a small receiver and the mic taped to Blair's chest.
"Okay ... um, you got the answers to the upcoming physics exam for me," Blair asked.
There was a rustling of paper, then a voice said, "Right here, take a look."
The paper was passed between hands.
"Yeah ... yeah this looks like the one I need man," Blair said. "You guys are real life savers with this. I mean I'd never get through this exam without this answer sheet."
"Okay ... great kid, glad to be of service. Now what about the fee," the voice demanded.
"Oh ... yeah," Blair said quickly, folding the paper up and tucking it in his backpack. He then reached into a small zippered pouch in the pack and pulled out three one hundred-dollar bills which he handed over to the man who had given him the test answers. "Here ya go, and thanks again."
"Good Chief," Jim whispered to himself. "Now get out of there."
"Wait a minute ... who's this?" Simon asked, seeing a younger man walk up to the guard at the door.
Jim shifted his focus and groaned as he recognized the young man.
"Jim ... talk to me," Simon said with concern, still watching through the binoculars.
"Colin Richards," Jim replied from the passenger seat. "Sandburg introduced us in his office one day."
"Shit, if he sees the kid ..."
"Yeah I know."
At that moment Blair stepped out of the restroom followed by the two men.
"Mr. Sandburg?" Colin asked. "Is that you?"
Blair looked up, startled. "Oh ... ah, Hey Colin."
"*Mr.* Sandburg?" came a voice from behind Blair.
Colin looked momentarily confused. "Ah ... yeah. He's one of my teachers man."
The man behind Blair grabbed him and hauled him around, bringing them face to face. "Why does a *teacher* need answers to a test?"
"I'm a student too," Blair answered truthfully.
"He works with a cop," Colin said.
"Dammit!" Jim said under his breath as he got out of the car. I knew it!
Simon was already on the radio to the rest of the team.
"We've been set up!" one of the men blurted, looking around suspiciously.
Blair made an attempt to pull away from the man standing in front of him, but was held firmly.
"Cascade PD!" Jim called with gun raised. "Release Sandburg and ... "
Gunshots rang out, forcing Jim to drop to the ground. He couldn't return fire for fear of hitting his Guide. When he looked up again, Blair was being dragged along with a gun in his ribs towards a van parked nearby.
Jim bolted back to Simon's car. The Captain was already backing it out of the parking space as he barked orders into the radio. Cops and Detectives scattered to either get back to their cars or grab Colin and the other man still at the restroom.
Blair was pushed onto the metal floor of the van as two others stepped inside right behind him. He tried to sit up, but was tossed against the side of the van as the driver floored the accelerator.
"I *told* you this wasn't a good idea!" Jim yelled over the blaring siren, pulling the seatbelt around him.
Simon ignored the comment as he concentrated on driving. The van sped out of the park and onto Cascade's city streets.
Jim grabbed up the radio's microphone, "Get some units to the intersection of Fifth and Osborn ... block that intersection!"
"Jim!" Blair's frightened voice came over the small receiver. "Jim, I'm okay man!"
"Hang on buddy," Jim said to the little black box on the dash. "I'm coming for you!"
"What's that?" Jim heard a voice say. "Who you talkin' to?"
"Nothing ... I'm just talkin' to myself!" Blair answered nervously.
Jim heard the front of Blair's shirt being torn open.
"Dammit! Kyle, he's wired!" the voice called out.
"Oh great!" cried a voice that had to belong to the driver. "He's wired and you're announcing my name! Thank you very much *Doug*!"
They were coming up on Fifth and Osborn, but there were no police units in sight.
"WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU GUYS!" Jim yelled into the microphone.
It was too late. As the van careened through the intersection on a red light, missing a Ford Bronco by mere inches, two police cars pulled into the intersection.
"Shit!" Simon cried, as he swerved to miss one of the units and barely kept control of the car.
The chase led them further into the downtown area, and there were a lot of people on the street.
"I'm going to call it off!" Simon said.
"NO!" Jim yelled.
"Jim, there's too many people!"
"Dammit Simon ..."
"Get rid of him!" Doug's voice interrupted over the receiver.
Both Simon and Jim heard the words.
Jim's heart skipped a beat. Oh God! his mind screamed when he heard metal slide against metal
Blair looked up from his position on the floor of the van as the door slid open. It didn't register what was happening until it was too late. In one swift movement he was pulled to his feet and thrown out of the speeding vehicle.
The last thing Jim and Simon heard over the wire was Blair's helpless, terrified scream.
"Nooo!" Jim cried out, as he watched Blair fly, then bounce, tumble, and slide across the concrete, hitting the curbing hard before landing on the sidewalk.
Simon brought his car to a screeching halt, grabbing the radio to tell the others to continue the chase and to get medical aid. He watched Jim leap from the car's passenger seat even before the car was completely stopped to run to his fallen partner.
**********
Blair lay on his back as Jim knelt beside him. Carefully brushing the hair from the younger man's face Jim listened for a heartbeat at the same time he felt for a pulse in Blair's neck.
"Thank God," Jim whispered, when a slow rhythm of life was both felt and heard.
Checking gently, Jim found that both of Blair's arms from elbows to the palms of his hands were scraped raw and bloody. As was the section running hip to knee on his right side where the material of his jeans had been quickly dissolved as Blair skidded across the pavement, leaving the entire area skinless.
Blair came awake with a low moan followed with a cry of pain as he tried to shift.
"No Blair, lay still!" Jim said, trying to hold his partner still.
Blair's pain filled eyes locked on his Sentinel. "Jim ... hurts," he pushed out in a whisper.
"I know Chief, I know. Help's on the way, just lay still and breathe."
Jim carefully ran his large hands over Blair's body looking for further injuries, being alert for any sign of additional pain. Blair groaned as Jim pressed his fingers over his right wrist.
"Easy buddy," Jim whispered, feeling for broken bones. Finding nothing out of place he said, "I think it's just a sprain."
Jim quickly pulled open Blair's torn shirt and began to unfasten the kevlar vest. As the Detective pulled the velcro loose from his right shoulder Blair screamed and tried to roll away from the hands, only to find that the movement caused more pain.
Jim had felt the dislocation at the same moment Blair cried out. "Okay Chief! It's okay," Jim tried to sooth, as he held the smaller man still. "I won't do any more ... I promise."
"Jim ... make it stop hurting!" Blair pleaded hoarsely. "Please!"
"Oh God Blair, I wish I could! You know I would if I could!"
"Jim ... please," Blair whimpered incoherently, shivering under Jim's hands.
"How's he doing Jim?" Simon asked, kneeling across from the Detective. "Ambulance is on the way."
Jim's head snapped up at the sound of the Captain's voice and he growled angrily "Look at him! You just wouldn't listen!"
"What?!"
Jim's eyes had gone black with fury. "If you'd have listened to me this wouldn't have happened ... sir," he choked out, shaking with emotion as he continued to try and hold his writhing partner still. "Look at him and tell me how he's doing! Look at him and tell me this is *not* your fault!"
Simon looked more hurt than angry, he just stood and walked a few feet away to put some space between them. People were starting to gather on the sidewalk, and the Captain barked orders to the uniformed officers to back them away. Looking over at Blair crying out with pain and shock he thought, My fault?
**********
Blair was incoherent from shock and the pain even though the paramedics had administered a painkiller at the scene. The ER doctor finally had to administer a shot of Valium to calm his struggles. Once Blair had relaxed into semi-consciousness the doctors and nurses were able to pop his shoulder back into place, as well as clean and dress his raw, skinned arms, hip, and leg.
Blair's injuries weren't severe, but extremely painful. The dislocated right shoulder being the worst of his injuries, a sprained right wrist and left ankle, the road rash, and an ugly scrape on the right side of Blair's chin. Miraculously there were no broken bones, the kevlar vest proved enough protection against internal injury, he had a very slight concussion, and countless bruises.
Jim sat next to the hospital bed occupied by his partner. Blair was still asleep from the drugs he'd been given in the emergency room.
"I wish you'd wake up Chief. I need to hear your voice." Jim whispered, gently moved a stray curl off Blair's face. "At least you're not hurting now, and that's the important thing."
"Jim?" Simon said from the door.
Jim tensed at the sound of the Captain's voice.
"How is he?" Simon asked, stepping closer to the bed.
"He's pretty doped up right now, because of the pain," Jim said brusquely. "The doctor said the injuries look worse than they are and he can go home in twenty-four hours."
"Good ... that's good," Simon replied, feeling the tension. "Jim ... I ..."
Jim stood and faced the Captain. If the muscles of his body grew any tighter they would surely explode. "This is not a good time to talk sir. I need to take care of Blair."
Simon nodded, "I understand ... but we *will* talk about this."
"Yes sir, we will."
With that, Captain Simon Banks left the hospital.
**********
It was early morning when Jim was alerted by the slight change in Blair's heartrate that his Guide was waking up.
Blair opened blurry eyes and slowly looked around.
"Hey Chief, welcome back," Jim smiled.
"Jim," Blair croaked out. "What happened?" He tried to move, but felt stiff and incredibly sore. "Ssst ... aw man!"
"Easy there," Jim said, placing a gently restraining hand on Blair's chest. "You want to sit up?"
"Um ... yeah ... please," Blair answered, still a little groggy.
"Okay, let the bed do the work." Jim pushed the button and the head of the bed whirred as it began to rise. "Let me know when to stop Chief," he said, watching Blair wince as his abused body bent into a sitting position.
Blair was only slightly reclining when he asked to stop. He looked at his bandaged arms, his right arm in a sling secured to his side. "Geez Jim! What the hell happened?"
"You're going to be fine," Jim said, holding a cup of water so Blair could sip from the straw. "Do you remember anything?"
"Um ... I remember being in a van."
"Do you remember anything before that?"
"Yeah ... um ... I was in the park buying answers to the physics exam. Everything was going fine 'til Colin showed up." Blair shifted painfully, trying to get comfortable. "Jim, why can't I move my right leg," he asked with a touch of fear in his voice.
Jim immediately picked up on it and he said, "They had to strap that foot down because of the IV Chief."
"An IV? In my foot?" Blair said, seeing the IV pump and bag of fluid at the end of the bed for the first time.
Jim smiled softly at the bewildered look on his friend's face. "That foot is the only part of you that *wasn't* scraped, sprained, or bruised."
Blair sighed, relieved that it was something so simple, "Oh, okay." He tried to move again, but sharp pain stabbed through right hip and thigh. "Ah shit!" he gasped.
"Easy Chief." Jim grabbed the two pillows off the chair he'd been using. "Roll to the left a little bit." He carefully placed one under Blair's hip, and the other under his thigh and knee. "There how's that?" Jim asked as he helped Blair move back.
It was enough cushion to take the pressure off. "Better ... thanks man." Blair looked at his bandaged arms again and said, "So what's the verdict here?"
Jim sighed, "A dislocated right shoulder, sprained right wrist, and left ankle. You left a lot of skin on the street, and you've got more bruises in more places then I thought possible."
"Guess that would explain why I hurt all over," Blair yawned. "When can I go home?"
"Probably later today, you want me to call for your pain meds?"
"No ... it's not that bad. Just a lot of throbbing. What time is it?" Blair asked, yawning again.
"3am Chief, you get some more sleep now." Jim replied. "I'm gonna head home for a little while, then I'll be back ... okay?"
"Yeah ... you go home. Get some ... rest." Blair eyes drifted shut. "I'll be ... fine."
Jim watched the young man's face relax.
Moments later Blair's eyes opened half way and he whispered, "Did we ... get 'em Jim?"
"Yeah buddy, we got 'em," Jim replied quietly, pulling the blanket up around the young man. "Now go to sleep Chief."
"Cool," Blair sighed as sleep finally took him.
Jim stayed a few minutes longer, just watching his Guide sleep, then quietly slipped out of the room.
**********
"The essence of true friendship is to make allowances for another's little lapses."
**********
Jim walked into Major Crimes around 10am. He'd slept a little, showered, and was on his way back to the hospital when he was paged to report to Captain Banks. Jim knocked once on the office door.
"Come in," Simon called from his desk. He looked up as the Detective entered and closed the door. "How's Sandburg?"
"Hurting ... I'm on my way back to the hospital now," Jim replied stiffly.
"Jim, we need to talk."
Jim's jaw clenched tight, his eyes blazed, but he said nothing.
"Sit down."
"I'd rather stand sir."
Simon sighed wearily, "Suit yourself." He sat down behind the desk and said, "What's going on here Jim?"
"What do you mean sir?"
"I'm talking about you ... what you said at the accident scene. I thought you were just upset and angry out there yesterday, so I didn't put much stock into your blaming me for what happened." Though the words hurt like hell!
"I *was* angry and upset sir," Jim said, not really making eye contact with his Captain. "And I *do* hold you responsible for Blair's injuries."
"Jim, I ... I don't understand."
Jim's eyes moved down slowly to meet Simon's. "You don't understand what? You're the one who encouraged him to do it ... knowing full well he'd jump at the chance!"
Simon saw something in Jim's eyes that had never been directed at him before ... loathing. "It was a simple operation Jim! I honestly ..."
"Come on Captain, you of all people *know* there's no such thing as a *simple* operation where Sandburg is concerned! Anything can happen ... and it did ... to my *friend*, my *Guide*, my *partner*!"
Simon felt anger surge up and he said, "Why is it that you've agreed to and have encouraged *me* to let Sandburg go undercover before?! Are you saying it's alright if it's *your* idea, but it's not if it's *mine*?!"
Jim's eyes darkened further. "I shouldn't have let him do the other assignments. Zeller *shot* him for Christ's sake! And after Conover I decided he shouldn't do anymore undercover work."
"*You* decided!? Sandburg *is* an adult Ellison! He can make his own decisions!"
"Yes sir, he *is* an adult, but he's *not* a cop! I still can't believe you actually *offered* the assignment to him! You know he doesn't think before he accepts these things! You knew he wouldn't refuse your asking! If you'd have listened when I said 'no' none of this would have happened! I could've talked him out of it!"
Simon stared up at the Detective, "Jim, I didn't think ..."
"That's right sir, you *didn't think*!" Jim bellowed. "If I ..."
Simon stood up and yelled back, "THAT IS ENOUGH DETECTIVE! I am *still* your superior here and you *will* show me respect!" I'm still your friend too.
Jim and Simon glared with deadly intensity at one another for what felt like an eternity. Both trying to calm down and regain composure.
"I need some time off," Jim finally said, his voice low. "Blair will need help getting around for a few days."
"Of course," Simon replied. "Take all the time you need."
"Thank you sir, am I dismissed?"
Simon simply nodded, then watched Jim storm out of the office and through the bullpen without so much as a glance at anyone. Sitting down heavily in the chair, Simon sighed with all the despair he felt. Why do I feel like he just walked out of *MORE* than my office.
**********
When Jim walked into Blair's hospital room, he was glad to see his partner awake and alert. "Hey Chief, how are you feeling?"
Blair turned his head, smiling at his Sentinel, "Hey Jim, not too bad ... as long as I don't move around too much."
Jim notice the missing IV and asked, "The doctor been in already?"
"Yeah, you just missed him. He said I can go home."
"Great!" Jim grinned, setting the gym bag he'd carried in on the nearest chair. "Brought you some sweats. Figured they'd be the most comfortable for ya."
"Thanks man." Blair smiled, slowly moving his legs over the side of the bed. A soft moan escaped as he sat up, feet not quite touching the floor.
Jim moved the bag to the bed next to Blair. As much as he wanted to help, Jim knew the young man would insist on trying to dress himself before asking for help.
Blair carefully unbuckled the strap from around his chest that held the sling to his side, then gritted his teeth as he slowly slid his arm free of the sling. Reaching up with his left hand and pulled the tie of the gown loose from the back of his neck, letting it fall to his waist. Blair had to stop to rest then, panting and sweating as he waited for the pain to subside.
Jim watched, grimacing at the pained look on Blair's face with every movement. It was now, with the young man sitting there with nothing more than the gown lying across his lap that he could see the ugliness of the injuries he'd sustained. Black and purple bruises covered Blair's right shoulder, down his arm to disappear under the bandages, and across his upper chest. Both arms were bandaged, the right one sporting a wrist brace. Bandages covered Blair's right hip and thigh to his knee, and his left ankle was in a brace. A bandage covered the scrape on his chin. Jim swore he looked like one big bruise with all the black, purple, and red splotches that covered Blair's body. Son of a Bitch! Jim traced the patterns the bruises made on his Guide's body with his eyes and slowly the world faded away, until all that remained were the bruises and the quiet gasps of pain.
**********
Oh shit! How long's he been like that! Blair thought when he realized the Detective hadn't responded to him. "Jim ... Jim, c'mon man," he said from his perch on the bed. "Come back Jim."
Jim had zoned.
"Aw man Jim, don't make me try to walk over there. Follow my voice ..."
Jim gave a soft gasp and shook his head. He looked up to see Blair's frightened eyes watching him.
"Jim, you with me now?" Blair asked shakily.
"God Chief, I'm sorry," Jim said, moving to Blair's side..
"S'okay ... what'd you zone on?"
"You."
Blair raised his eyebrows questioningly.
"It's the first I've really seen the bruises and all. I knew they were bad, but ..." Jim noticed that Blair had pulled the clothes out of the bag, and had managed to get the zip-front sweatshirt on, but hadn't gotten any further. "How long was I out?" Jim frowned, seeing the pain and exhaustion.
"I'm not sure. I don't think it was very long though. I didn't notice 'til I'd asked you for help and you didn't respond."
Jim became angry with himself, feeling as though he were neglecting his friend's needs, "I'm sorry."
Blair laid a comforting hand on Jim's arm, "Don't worry about it."
Jim looked at his pale friend and asked, "What can I do to help?"
"I just can't seem to bend enough to get my clothes on."
**********
Blair looked at the wheelchair with disgust. "Where'd you get that?"
"Rented it," Jim said, helping Blair out of the truck and into the chair. "Since the doctor said you should stay off your ankle and you obviously can't use crutches ...," Jim shrugged. "I picked it up on my way to the hospital."
Though he hated the thought of needing a wheelchair, Blair was too tired and sore to argue.
Jim noted the tremors that ran through the smaller man's compact frame. "How you holdin' up Chief?"
"Hurts," Blair whispered.
"We'll be upstairs in a minute, then you can take a pill and go to bed."
"'Sounds like a plan."
Jim wheeled his partner into the building. The ride up in the elevator was silent and Jim monitored Blair's heartbeat until he realized his Guide had fallen asleep in the chair.
Inside the loft, Jim easily pushed the wheelchair to Blair's bedroom.
"C'mon Chief," Jim said, pushing the hair off Blair's face. "Wake up for me here."
Blair mumbled and opened groggy eyes, "I dozed off?"
"Yep ... now let's get you into bed." Jim gently and patiently helped Blair maneuver from the chair to the bed.
Blair tried unsuccessfully to bite back his groans, as every movement caused pain. As he stretched out on the bed he cried out. "Damn ... Jim!"
"Easy buddy, I'm sorry."
"Not ... your ... fault," Blair gasped out.
"What can I do?" Jim asked urgently.
"Pillows ... like you did in the hospital."
Jim hurried out, and returned with several pillows. He gently placed one each under Blair's hip and leg, and added the third to the pile behind his back and head. "There ... better?" Jim asked hopefully.
"Yeah," Blair smiled through gritted teeth. "That helps. Um ... can I get one of those pain pills now?"
"Sure, I'll get it," Jim replied, pushing the wheelchair out of the bedroom. He left it just outside the door and went to the kitchen. He must really be hurting if he actually *asked* for pain meds, Jim thought, as he poured a glass of juice and dug the bottle of pills out of his jacket. He heard a muffled groan and whimper come from the bedroom, and clenched his jaw tight, Damn Simon to Hell for causing this "What the Hell are you doing?!" Jim growled as he returned with pill and juice in hand.
Blair was trying to pull the phone on the night table within reach using the cord. "Ow!" Blair cried, jumping at Jim's words, as he hadn't heard the Sentinel return. "Oh God!"
Jim quickly set the juice and pill on the table, and sat down on the edge of the bed. "Shit Blair, I'm sorry! Didn't mean to scare ya like that!" he said, helping the smaller man readjust himself on the bed.
Blair groaned, "That's all right big guy, I know ya didn't mean it." He smiled a little then, "Just make a little noise when you walk in a room, okay?"
Jim handed the pain pill to Blair, who popped it in his mouth and let Jim help hold the glass in one shaky hand.
"So who were you thinking of calling?" Jim asked.
"Simon," Blair answered, settling back into the pillows again. "He called this morning before you got to the hospital. He made me promise to call when we got home."
Jim's anger flared and he spat out, "Why?! Doesn't he *trust* me to get you home okay?!"
Blair eyes widen in surprise at his friend's venomous tone, "Whoa there Jim. What's wrong man?"
Jim immediately calmed at the concern in his Guide's voice. "Nothing, sorry Chief ... I guess I'm just a little tired and edgy," he lied.
Blair thought that made sense, "Okay ... yeah, you look exhausted. Why don't you go catch some z's?"
Jim started to form a protest, "No ..."
"Look," Blair cut in. "That pill is gonna knock me out for awhile, so go upstairs and get some sleep."
Jim hesitated, then said, "Okay ... but you call out if you need *anything* okay?"
"I promise," Blair yawned. "I'm just going to call Simon real quick."
Reaching over quickly, Jim unplugged the cord from the back of the phone. "I'll do it, you just go to sleep now."
"Okay ... thanks Jim," Blair said, stifling another yawn.
Jim stood and pulled the cover over Blair before taking the phone and leaving the room. He put the phone on top of the refrigerator so it would be out of the way, then pulled a beer out and headed toward the stairs to his room. He had no intentions of calling Simon, but at the bottom of the stairs Jim stopped. I told Blair I'd make the call ... and none of this is his fault. With a weary sigh, he grabbed the cordless and headed upstairs.
**********
"JIM!" Blair called louder than necessary. "Jim, please!"
Jim jerked awake at the urgent sound his Guide's voice.
"Jim man ... this is like an *emergency* here!"
Jim grabbed his robe and took the stairs down two at a time. "I'm comin' Chief!"
"Thank God!" came Blair's relieved sigh.
"What? What is it?" Jim asked worriedly, as he entered the bedroom in his boxers and still struggling into his robe.
"I can't get up ... and I have to go really bad!" Blair said, plainly in distress.
Jim raised his eyebrows and burst out laughing.
"JIM!!!"
"I'm sorry Chief," Jim snickered, trying to control himself. "But I came down those stairs thinkin' you were in some kind of trouble. I'm just relieved that's all."
"I *AM* in trouble man! I'm about to wet the bed here!!"
Still ginning, Jim helped Blair up and to the bathroom.
Leaving Blair to take care of business, Jim went out to the kitchen. Looking at the clock on the stove, and feeling a distinct rumble in his belly, he thought, 7pm ... no wonder I'm starved. Then he called out to his roommate, "We slept all day, Chief. I'm going to start some dinner."
The toilet flushed, and Jim heard Blair say, "Great ... I'm starved, but I want to take a shower first."
"Hang on a second," Jim told him. He went to the coat rack near the door and picked up a box that leaned against the wall beneath it.
"What's up?" Blair asked, sitting on the now closed toilet lid. "What's that?" He indicated the box Jim held when he stepped into the bathroom.
Jim opened the box, "Picked it up when I got the wheelchair." He quickly put the parts together and laid it across the bathtub.
Blair's eyebrows arched with amusement, "A bench?!"
"Well, the doctor said you wouldn't be able to stand in the shower with the sprained ankle, and you aren't suppose to soak in the tub ... so I got this."
Blair felt a surge of warmth in his chest at Jim's thoughtful concern, "Thanks big guy."
"No problem," Jim smiled. "You need some help?"
"Ah ... yeah," Blair replied, a blush rising in his face.
Jim couldn't help but smile, "That's the most color I've seen in your face in a while."
"Well, it's been a long time since I've needed help takin' a bath, man. I can't believe how stiff I am."
Jim sighed, the smile leaving his face, "Well, I do. You haven't looked at yourself in the mirror lately." He turned the shower on to let the water warm up while helping Blair undress. "Other than stiff how are you feeling?"
"I've been better man," Blair replied, removing the sling carefully. "Hey, did you call Simon for me?"
Jim stiffened visibly, "Yeah, he was out. I left a message with Rafe."
Blair picked up on it and asked, "Jim, is there something I should know?" He slipped his right wrist out of the brace.
"No ... why?" Jim removed the brace from Blair's left ankle.
Blair slowly stood, letting Jim help him into the tub and sit on the bench. "That's the second time you've reacted ... well ... like you're angry when Simon's mentioned."
I am angry, Jim thought, as he turned the gentle shower spray on Blair.
Blair gasped softly as the warm water hit his sore body.
"You okay?" Jim asked.
"Yeah ... just stings a little."
Jim managed to sidestep the issue of Simon as he washed Blair's hair, then gently scrubbed his back, being careful to avoid the bruising over the right shoulder.
Blair hated feeling so helpless and dependent, but couldn't help melting into the big man's ministrations, as he slowly pushed a bar of soap over his body.
Jim carefully washed Blair's legs and feet, removing the wet bandages as the tape loosened. By the time Jim had his Guide washed, dried, bandaged, and dressed in boxers and a robe, Blair had forgotten about Simon.
**********
After a dinner of leftover chicken and pasta, with a little salad, Jim helped Blair to the sofa and made sure he was comfortable before clearing the table to do the dishes.
The phone rang on the table at the opposite end of the sofa from wear Blair sat. "I got it," he said, trying to move close enough to snag the receiver.
"No you don't," Jim said, plucking the cordless up before Blair had moved very far.
Blair watched as Jim answered the phone and saw the Sentinel's face darken.
"Yes Captain, he's doing fine," Jim said with an icy cold tone.
Blair waved to get Jim's attention. "I wanna talk to him," he whispered.
"No sir, I don't think that would be a good idea. He needs to rest," Jim said into the receiver, ignoring Blair.
Blair managed to scoot across the sofa to get closer to Jim and reached up for the arm that held the phone.
"No Captain, don't need anything right ..." Jim instinctively slapped the hand away, and instantly regretted the move as he heard Blair's yelp of pain. Without another word Jim clicked off the phone and circled the sofa to sit beside his Guide. "Damn Chief, I'm so sorry!"
"It's okay ... I shouldn't have been playing around like that," Blair said through gritted teeth.
Jim gently took the smaller hand in his to examine it, "No it's not okay, I just wasn't thinking."
Blair looked at Jim, concern edging out the pain in his eyes, "What's going on with you and Simon?"
Jim looked up, his eyes like two black marbles.
"And don't you dare tell me 'nothing'! I'm not stupid Jim, I can see it on your face and hear it in your voice."
"You are far from stupid Chief," Jim said with an exasperated sigh. "I'm having trouble dealing with the fact that it's the Captain's fault that you got hurt."
"WHAT?!" Blair bellowed, then wished he hadn't as pain knifed through his shoulder. "Dammit!"
"Jesus Blair, calm down!" Jim admonished. He stood and went quickly to the kitchen for a pain pill and water.
Blair took them without complaint.
"Let's get you to bed now."
"No Jim," Blair said. "We need to talk about this."
"We'll talk in the morning," Jim said, reaching to bring Blair to his feet.
Blair resisted, trying to pull out of the bigger man's grip. "No ... now Jim! We talk now!" he insisted. "Please?"
Jim took a deep breath, held it for several seconds, then let it go. He released Blair and sat on the sofa next to him. "Okay ... so talk."
"Why Jim?" Blair asked plaintively. "Why is what happened Simon's fault?"
Jim bolted to his feet, anger surging as he stepped over to the closed balcony doors. The darkness outside was not a barrier to the Sentinel, as he stared out at the bay and the city. When he finally spoke, the words were controlled and bitter, "You're not a cop Blair. He had no business offering you an undercover assignment without discussing it with me first."
"Jim, I know you didn't want me to do it, but ...," Blair began.
"No I didn't want you to it," Jim said, turning back to face his partner. "The Captain knew I didn't want you to do it, but he actually *encouraged* you to take the assignment. If you had died, I think ..." Jim stopped, unable to get the words past the lump that had formed in his throat. He turned and again stared out the balcony doors as if lost in his thoughts for a minute. When he finally looked back at Blair, he said, "Chief ... if you had died I would have turned in my badge, walked out, and never gone back. Not to the job and certainly not to Simon. I don't think I could stay here."
Blair gasped quietly, "Jim ... no!" He didn't want to believe what he was hearing.
"I can't forgive him for this Chief," Jim said sadly. "Not for this."
"Jim, please come sit down."
Jim sat and noticed that the pain medication was starting to work, making Blair fight droopy eyes. He handed Blair a pillow and said, "If you won't go to bed ... at least get yourself comfortable here." He fully expected to have Blair's feet stretched across his lap, so Jim was surprised when the pillow was taken and dropped onto his lap.
Blair groaned as he lowered himself down to rest his head on the pillow in Jim's lap. When he was settled as comfortably as possible, Blair said, "Okay Jim, I want you to hear me out. I want you to *listen* to what I'm saying here ... without interruption."
"Okay Chief, I promise. I'm all ears," Jim said.
"I know you don't want to hear this, but what happened is *not* Simon's fault. He didn't *FORCE* me to take the assignment."
"Blair, I ..."
"Ah ... you promised man," Blair said sharply.
Jim held up a hand, "Sorry, go on."
"There hasn't been a lot of things that I've *really* cared about in my life ... there's only three things actually. Number one of course is Mom, then school ... then you." Blair looked up, but Jim only stared straight ahead. "Mom will always love me no matter what," he smiled. "I've always been able to handle school. That's never been a problem. But with you Jim, it's been hard."
Jim moved to look down into Blair's face then.
"Part of what you are is the detective work ... the investigating. It's more than what you do man, it's who you *are*." Blair sounded a bit frustrated as he searched for the words to express himself, and the fact that his injuries weren't letting him move much wasn't helping. "Maybe it's a Sentinel thing ... maybe it's a Jim thing, I don't know. But I do know that I have had to work harder to do the *cop* thing than anything else in my life!"
Jim's face softened.
"And sometimes," Blair sighed. "Sometimes I just don't feel like I'm making the grade, ya know? I feel like you have to carry me along."
"That's not true Chief," Jim whispered.
"Whether it's talkin' your cop buddies down to stick up for me, or just rescuing me from some psycho. You are *always* there for me and this assignment was my chance to do it for you."
"Oh Blair."
"This was *MY* chance to 'make the grade' all on my own man! To really help *YOU* do your job!"
Jim gently pressed a hand to Blair's forehead as a single tear made its way slowly down Jim's cheek.
"I just ... I just *had* to do it, okay? Simon didn't have to force me into anything, it was *my* decision and I'd do it again ... even with what happened. 'Cause whatever happened we got the bad guys ... and I helped do that."
Jim didn't say anything, as he lightly and absently moved his fingers over Blair's forehead. What had he done? How could he have been so stupid? How can I make it right again?
Blair found himself not fighting the fuzziness as sleep began overtaking him. He knew Jim was processing what he'd said, and he *really* didn't want to interrupt what the big guy was doing to his head. It was like *sooo* relaxing!
After a while Jim noticed the change in Blair's breathing and looked down to see the younger man had fallen asleep. Smiling at the trusting, relaxed face that suddenly looked younger and more vulnerable than ever, Jim now knew what he had to do. Slowly, being careful not to wake Blair, he scooted himself off the sofa, and lowered the pillowed head to the cushion. Then, picking up the phone, Jim began to pace the loft as he dialed.
"Banks," Simon said on the other end of the line.
"Hey Captain," Jim said tentatively.
"Jim? Is everything alright?"
"Yes sir, everything's fine ... um ... Cap ... Simon, can we talk?"
"Well sure ... of course Jim," Simon replied, surprise and excitement evident in his voice. "When and where?"
The worried lines in Jim's face eased slightly into a small smile. "Well, Blair and I would like it if you'd come here ... for dinner ... tomorrow night."
"Sounds great! 6:00 okay?"
"Perfect ... and thanks Simon."
Simon sounded a bit perplexed, "For what?"
"I'll explain when you get here."
When Jim hung up the phone he heard Blair soft sleepy voice say, "Thanks Jim."
Jim reached down and gently brushed the younger man's forehead, "No Chief ... thank *you*."
**********
"Life's truest happiness is found in friendships we make along the way."
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end