New
Arrivals
Author-Suzie
Titles
A Blessed Protector’s Work is Never Done
by Suzie
Summary: Written for the 1998 TS General Fiction Auction.
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: This story is dedicated to and written for Nicole, who had the desire to make the bid count! Thank you, FireCat, for your knowledge of plants, herbs, etc. Big *Thanks* to Jen, my Beta Beast, who is always there when I need her. <G>
There are good ships and there are wood ships, the ships that sail the
sea.
But the best ships are friendships, and may they always be.
~~ A traditional Irish toast ~~
######
Jim had worked his fair share of weekends in the past and never cared one way or the other ... but that was before Blair Sandburg bounced into his life. His Guide and best friend had managed to make changes in him without Jim even realizing it. Now if he had to work a weekend, Blair was usually there with him to help and keep him company. But not this weekend. Blair had left Thursday evening for Tacoma for a three-day ancient civilizations seminar. The kid had been looking forward to it for two months and had tried to talk Jim into joining him. But it was the Detective's turn to work the weekend and after trading with Rafe, Henri, and Joel the last few times, Jim thought it best not to push his luck.
So Jim had sprung for the round trip airfare for a commuter hop to SeaTac so Blair wouldn't have to drive the four or so hours to Tacoma. Or was it so Jim wouldn't have to worry about Blair driving his old Volvo that far ... alone? Jim took him to the airport and made sure he boarded the plane, then thought about how peaceful the next three days were going to be.
Peaceful? Why did Jim think it would be peaceful? Peaceful is enjoying calm silence without interruption. Peaceful is enjoying time alone, without his whirlwind partner's chatter. Jim found the loft too quiet to be *peaceful*. He missed the sound of Blair's fingers tapping quickly on the computer keyboard late into the night, the sound of pen on paper ... the sound of his Guide's heartbeat.
So Jim Ellison, Detective with the Cascade PD and The Sentinel of the *Great* City, unhappily went to work wishing he'd tried to trade weekends with Megan, and counted the hours until he'd pick Blair up on Sunday
**********
Sunday afternoon
Captain Simon Banks opened the door to his office, "Jim, I need to talk to you."
Jim stood up at his desk and stretched for a moment, before going into Simon's office. "Yes, sir?" he asked, closing the door behind him. "I need to leave soon to pick up Sandburg at the airport."
There was no easy way to say it. No way to soften the news. "Jim, I just spoke to St. Joseph's Hospital in Tacoma," Simon said. "They have Sandburg there."
Jim's eyes immediately darkened with concern for his friend. "Is he okay? What happened?" He could feel his heart skip a beat.
"They don't know yet what happened. The doctors think he was drugged, but they don't know with what. He showed up in the ER with no shirt, no shoes, and not knowing is own name."
Jim pushed his hands through his short hair as he tried to remain calm. "I'll go home and pack a few things, then catch the next hop into SeaTac airport."
Simon nodded, "Keep me informed."
**********
Sunday evening ~ St. Joseph's Hospital
"Mr. Sandburg was dropped off in the ER wearing only a pair of jeans," Dr. Marshall explained. "He was extremely exhausted, confused and frightened, and couldn't tell us his name or what had happened. We found no identification on him."
"Is he all right?" Jim asked, concern etched on his face.
"He was suffering from dehydration, and is running a fever. His blood work indicates that he was drugged and the toxicology lab is still trying to identify it."
"Do you know how the drug was administered?"
"We think it was ingested ... or possibly inhaled. There were no signs of needle marks anywhere on him."
Jim nodded, "How long has he been here?"
Dr. Marshall looked at his watch and said, "It's been about 26-hours now. It was twelve hours before he even remembered his own name. Things are slowly coming back to him and we don't believe the drug will have any permanent effects. Though I'd feel better if we could identify it. We administered IV fluids to rehydrate him and his fever is now low-grade."
Jim nodded his agreement. "Can I see him?"
"Of course," Dr. Marshall smiled, as he led the way to the elevators. "In fact, if you're willing to keep an eye on Mr. Sandburg, I see no reason to keep him any longer. But I would prefer you stay in town until we can identify the toxin."
"I think I can manage that," Jim said. "You said he was frightened?" He waited for the doctor's nod before continuing. "What was he frightened of?"
"We don't know. No one got a good look at the young men who brought Mr. Sandburg in and he's not been able to tell us anything of what happened. Memory loss can be very frightening all by itself." The elevator door opened. "Third floor ... room 306. I'll take care of the paperwork. Make sure you leave a number where you can be reached ... I'll call as soon as I hear from toxicology."
"Thank you, doctor," Jim said, quickly shaking Dr. Marshall's hand before stepping onto the elevator.
**********
Jim pushed the door open to room 306 and saw his Guide sitting up against the raised head of the bed. There was no IV, no monitors, and the Sentinel gave a sigh of relief. The only sound in the room was Blair's quiet, even breathing as he slept. Stepping silently over to the bed, Jim stood looking at Blair for a moment, still convincing himself that his friend was all right. "Hey, Chief," Jim called softly, brushing his hand lightly against Blair's forehead.
Blair opened his eyes slowly and stared up at the Detective groggily.
"It's me ... Jim."
Blair reached up and took the hand, holding it with both of his own. "Jim?" Are you real?
"Yeah, Blair, it's me," Jim smiled gently.
Blair squeezed the hand he held and swallowed hard against the lump in his throat. "I kept dreaming about you ... could see your face, but I couldn't remember your name for the longest time." Blair began to tremble slightly as tears welled in his tired blue eyes. "I'm sorry, Jim."
Jim sat on the edge of the bed and pulled his friend into an embrace. "Aw, Blair, there's nothing to be sorry about."
Blair wrapped his arms around his Sentinel and laid his head on one strong shoulder. "But I forgot *you*!"
Jim tightened his hold on the smaller man, smoothing the long curls on the back of his head. He could feel Blair's slightly elevated temperature and the warm tears soaking into his shirt. "It's not your fault, Chief. You were drugged." Jim gently pushed Blair away enough to look into his eyes. "You remember me now, right?"
Blair nodded, wiping the wetness off his cheeks.
"Well, *that's* what's important," Jim smiled.
"Yeah, but it's just *sooo* ..." Blair shrugged, unable to find the word he wanted. "I can't remember what happened," he sighed, frustrated.
Jim let Blair settle back into against the bed. "I know, but the doctor says your memory is coming back. Just give it some time."
"Yeah ... okay."
A nurse walked in pushing a wheelchair with a clean set of scrubs for Blair to wear and the release forms.
"Now how 'bout we get out of here. We'll go back to your hotel and get some rest before we eat."
"Um ... Jim?" Blair stared at his lap. "I ... ah ... don't remember where I was staying."
Jim patted the younger man's shoulder fondly, "You told me where you were going to be staying before you left Thursday."
**********
Still running a low-grade fever and feeling exhausted, Blair leaned into Jim's side as the Detective asked the desk clerk at the hotel about a key to Blair's room. The clerk had given the duo an odd look, as Blair was dressed in a set of hospital scrubs, a pair of Jim's heavy woolen socks with no shoes, and Jim's leather coat that was too big on him.
"I don't remember this place, Jim," Blair said shakily, still drawing a blank as he and Jim rode the elevator up to the third floor of the hotel.
"Don't worry about it right now, buddy. Just give it a little more time. The doctor said that toxin is still in your system," Jim said reassuringly.
Blair nodded silently, pulling the coat tighter around his body as he followed Jim off the elevator.
Jim opened the room's door and ushered Blair in ahead of him and flipped on the light.
"Oh!" Blair exclaimed as he took in the surroundings.
"What is it?" Jim asked, concern grabbing at him. "Are you okay?"
Blair hurried over to one of the two beds in the room. A well-worn suitcase lay open and he grabbed the Cascade PD sweatshirt that Jim had given him. "This is my stuff, Jim!" he said excitedly, turning to face his friend and holding the sweatshirt to his chest. "This is my favorite sweatshirt ... and I remember this room."
Jim couldn't help but grin at the wide-eyed, almost child-like statement on Blair's face.
"I'm going to take a shower," Blair said, holding onto the sweatshirt and digging a pair of clean boxers out of the suitcase.
"All right, but then it's into bed with you," Jim said pointedly. "You're suppose to be resting."
Blair smiled for the first time since Jim's arrival, "Yes, mom."
**********
Jim called Simon while Blair showered, filling in what details he could to the Captain. Then rested while Blair slept.
Several hours later, Jim's cell phone rang and he caught it before it could ring a second time. "Ellison," he said quietly as he moved into the bathroom and closed the door, not wanting to wake his partner.
"Detective Ellison, this is Dr. Marshall at St. Joseph's Hospital. I'm sorry to be calling so late, but we've identified the drug found in Mr. Sandburg's system. It's not a chemical compound as was first thought, but a mixture mostly comprised of seeds and bark."
Jim frowned, "Seeds and bark?"
"Yes, we have an aspiring homeopathy student working with us." There was a note of pride in the doctor's voice that made Jim smile. "She discovered that what is in Mr. Sandburg's system is a mixture of seeds from the Cohoba and bark from the Ayahuasca. These plants are subspecies of two now extinct plants and were mixed with a common form of tobacco, which would enhance their effects. We don't have the facilities to do extensive testing," Dr. Marshall explained. "But, we do know the quantity ingested was not poisonous and that the effects will wear off completely in time. It may take several days and he may spike a fever as the toxins run their course."
"But, Blair's in no danger?"
"As long as any fever he may develop does not get too high ... say above 102 degrees, he should be in no danger. He just needs to rest and let his body do the work. He should drink lots of liquids and I'm having a prescription sent over for Mr. Sandburg. It's an antibiotic ... just a precaution. Oh, I'm also sending a thermometer that you can use to check his temperature."
I don't need a thermometer. Jim took a deep breath and sighed in relief, "Thank you, Doctor. We'll be here for a day or two so he can rest."
As Jim spoke quietly to the doctor, he monitored his friend's sleep with his senses and knew he would soon wake. He had left the small lamp between the beds turned on low, because he didn't want Blair to wake up in a dark room. Jim wanted his Guide to see and know he was safe with his Sentinel.
Blair groaned and curled himself into a tight ball as Jim clicked off the phone and left the bathroom. Immediately Jim knew Blair was dreaming and hoped to end it before it turned into a full-blown nightmare. He sat down carefully on the bed and pulled the blanket off the tense, huddled figure. Jim's Sentinel hearing picked up the words that Blair was barely saying aloud. Words that no one else would have heard as they came on small breaths of air.
"Unus ... Medius ... Auctor ...," Blair whispered.
Puzzling over the unfamiliar language, Jim moved Blair onto his back, gently straightening the taught limbs. "Blair, wake up now," he called quietly.
Blair was damp with sweat and his hair clung to his face. He groaned again, still asleep and dreaming, as he tried to pull away from his friend. "Noooo!" Blair cried, lashing out at something unseen by Jim.
Jim caught the flailing arms and leaned across Blair's legs to hold him down. "C'mon, Chief, it's all right!"
Blair's eyes opened and he stared up at Jim without recognition. He went still for a moment. Then, with a wild scream, Blair began to fight against Jim's hold.
"Dammit, Sandburg!" Jim said loudly, frantically grasping the thrashing figure beneath him. "Wake up!"
Blair screamed and fought, arching his body in an effort to get away.
"God, Blair, what is it?!" Jim cried, fear for his Guide reaching deep inside his gut. Desperate to wake his partner from whatever nightmare held him, Jim grabbed Blair's arms and shook him ... hard. "This is it, Chief! Time to wake up!"
With one last agonizing scream, Blair went completely still. His breathing was ragged as he gulped in breath after breath, hair obscuring his face after Jim's shaking.
Jim released one arm and gently pushed the brown curls off the young man's sweat slicked face with a shaky palm. "Blair? Chief, are you with me now?" His voice was now soft, scared for his friend.
"J-Jim?" Blair whispered, looking around the room with wide frightened eyes. "What ..." But he couldn't finish the sentence when tears began coursing down his face as he began to sob.
Jim pulled the trembling man into an embrace and felt Blair's arms go around him. "Shh ... it's all right. You're safe."
After several minutes, Blair slowly pulled back from Jim. "Sorry," he sniffled softly.
"Don't be, Chief," Jim replied, quickly going to the bathroom for the box of tissues. "Want to talk about it?"
Blair took several tissues from the box and blew his nose. "Wish I could, man."
Jim sat on the bed again placing a big hand on Blair's shoulder, "Hey, buddy, you really need to talk about it."
Blair gave a shaky smile at the concern in Jim's voice. "No, it's not that." He sighed, the look on his face was confused and still frightened. "I can't remember anything. I just feel empty and afraid and I don't know why."
The phone next to the bed rang, making both men jump.
"Yes?" Jim said into the receiver. He listened for a moment, then replied, "No, we're fine. My friend just had a nightmare."
Blair wished he had Jim's Sentinel sense of hearing as he watched the grimace on the Detective's face.
"Yes, I'm sure everything is fine and I'm sorry about the disturbance."
Blair grimaced. Oops, must've woke the neighbors.
"Is room service still open?" Jim asked. "We could use a snack up here."
**********
A loud knocking startled Jim awake. He glanced over at Blair, who still slept peacefully in his warm cocoon of blankets and pillows. Jim was glad he'd asked for the extras to be sent up. The bedside clock said 9am. Groaning softly as he got out of bed, Jim rubbed a hand through his sleep-mussed hair as he went to the door. A familiar scent filtered through just before he opened the door. Cigars?
"Simon?" Jim gaped at the tall, dark Captain. "What are you doing here?"
"Good to see you too, Jim," Simon said as he stepped past the Detective into the room.
"Well, sir, it's just we weren't expecting you."
"I thought you may need a little help on this one."
"Help?" Jim questioned, confused. "I'm sorry, but I'm not quite awake here. What's going on?"
"Jim?" came Blair's groggy voice. He sounded confused and fearful.
Jim moved quickly to sit next to Blair on the bed. "It's all right, Chief. It's just Simon."
Blair relaxed and pushed himself up, blinking sleepily, "Hey, Captain."
"Hey, Sandburg," Simon greeted with a concerned smile. "How're you doing?"
"Okay I guess ... tired." Blair yawned, then looked at his partner and smiled with realization, "I know *who* he is, Jim."
Jim's smile was soft, "Told you things would start coming back, Chief." Jim felt Blair's flushed face. "Your temperature is up a little. Why don't you try to sleep some more."
"Need to use the bathroom," Blair mumbled as he pushed the covers off his legs. He scooted to the edge of the bed, then stood slowly as his legs felt a bit wobbly.
Jim steadied him with a hand on his back until Blair felt he could take a step without falling on his face, then he shuffled quietly into the bathroom and shut the door.
Simon sat down in the only chair in the room, teeth clenched around his unlit cigar.
"So, Simon, what *are* you doing here?" Jim asked.
"After I talked to you yesterday I contacted the Tacoma PD. As far as they're concerned, if Sandburg can't remember what happened, no crime was committed." Simon sounded disgusted. "They took a report to add to the one made by Blair at the hospital and that was it. They're writing the incident as a drug related hallucination."
"We need to find out what happened here," Jim said angrily.
"And *that*, my friend, is why I am here," Simon grinned.
Jim smiled, "Thanks, sir."
"He's my friend too, Ellison."
"So, where do we start?" Blair said, making his way back to sit on the bed next to Jim.
"We start with you going back to bed," Jim stated.
"I'm hungry."
"Okay, I'll order some breakfast ... then you can sleep while Simon and I ..."
"NO!!" Blair cried unexpectedly, his eyes wide and full of sudden fear he couldn't explain.
Jim looked at his young Guide, eyebrows raised in surprise.
"Don't ... leave." Blair began to tremble, his eyes pleading.
"Easy, buddy." Jim automatically wrapped his arms around the smaller man and pulled him close. "What's wrong? Talk to me."
Simon moved silently to kneel in front of the two men, offering whatever comfort he could with his presence.
"I ... I don't know," Blair said in a shaky voice, his hands clinging to the arms that encircled him. "I just don't ... want to be ... alone." Blair looked from Jim to Simon, "I don't know what I'm so afraid of."
"It's going to be okay, Blair," Simon said, patting Blair's bare knee. "We'll figure out what happened."
**********
"So, what can you tell us?" Simon questioned as they ate breakfast in the hotel restaurant.
Blair chewed and swallowed his toast as he thought. "I couldn't remember anything yesterday ... absolutely nothing. Now ... I remember landing at SeaTac airport and taking one of those shuttle vans here. Um ... I don't think I went out." He thought for a moment, sipping on his orange juice. "No ... no, I didn't leave my room until morning when I came down for the lecture by Professor ... Professor ... um ..." Blair looked worriedly at his two friends.
"Don't worry about the name now, Chief," Jim said. "Just tell us what you do remember."
"Um ... it was a lecture on ancient Taino culture ... I think. I don't remember any of it though," Blair sighed.
"Anything else?" Simon asked.
Blair leaned back in the chair and thought hard. "No ... everything's a complete blank until the hospital."
"No idea how you got there or who dropped you off?"
Blair shook his head, looking defeated. "So now what?"
"Let's start with the people that were at the lecture with you," Jim said. "Was there a sign-up sheet or a list of some kind?"
"Yeah, I remember signing in at the door. If I contact the coordinators they might fax us a copy of it."
"Good idea," Simon said. "Do you have the number to contact the coordinators?"
A worried look settled onto Blair's face, "I don't know." He looked at Jim hopefully. "Do I?"
"You received a packet in the mail a week before the seminar. I remember putting it in your suitcase so you wouldn't forget it. There's probably something among that paperwork that will help." Jim retrieved a prescription bottle of antibiotics from his shirt pocket, opened it, and set it on the table in front of Blair.
"Oh ... thanks, Jim," Blair smiled, carefully shaking one of the pills into his hand.
Jim watched as Blair swallowed the pill with juice. "No problem, Chief."
**********
Blair hung up the phone with a heavy sigh.
"No luck?" Jim asked as he leafed through the little guide the hotel provided for shopping, restaurants, etc.
"Mr. Darrow said that 'any and all information from the seminar concerning the attendees and participants is considered confidential' and we'd need a search warrant to even look at them let alone obtain a copy," Blair replied, lying back on the bed.
Jim watched as Blair rubbed his eyes and yawned. "Why don't you take a nap, Chief?"
Blair mumbled something that resembled an 'okay' as he turned on his side, and was sound asleep in less than a second. Jim smiled affectionately as he moved to cover his Guide with a blanket. Then went across the hall to Simon's room, leaving his hearing open to any sound from the sleeping young man.
**********
"How's it going, Simon?" Jim asked as he entered the room.
The Captain was seated in a chair. He was using the bed as a table with a phone book open in front of him and the phone next to the phone book.
"I may have found one ... a Dr. Matson. She's supposed to call back," Simon said around the cigar he held in his teeth. "How about that list."
Jim shook his head as he sat on the second bed facing Simon. "They want a search warrant before they'll even let us look at anything."
Simon had suggested that hypnotism might help Blair regain his lost memories. Blair was willing to give it a try, but Jim was, of course, skeptical, though he didn't say anything against it. Simon had called a half-dozen doctors, all were claiming to specialize in medical hypnosis. Each doctor recommended the next. All refused to help saying that Blair's problem was probably more drug related and hypnotism would prove nothing. All, that is, but one. Dr. Matson returned Simon's call and agreed to help the desperate trio, and made an after hour's appointment.
After Blair had slept a while, the three men headed for Tacoma Mall.
"Why are we going to a mall, Jim?" Blair asked from the back seat of Simon's car.
"Chief, look at your feet," Jim grinned.
Blair looked down and chuckled at the heavy woolen socks of Jim's he was wearing. "Oh, right ... shoes."
**********
Dr. Matson was a sturdy woman in her late fifties with short silver-gray hair and warm hazel eyes. She succeeded in making them all feel comfortable with her gentle smile and soothing, concerned voice. She asked Blair questions and he was able to give the doctor what information he could, which wasn't very much. Jim explained what was needed from the session.
Finally, Dr. Matson said, "We're ready to start now." She looked at Jim and Simon, "Will you please wait in the other room? I'll record the session so ..."
"No!" Blair gasped. "Jim stays!"
"Blair, the presence of another person is often distracting."
"Jim stays ... or I don't do this!"
Seeing the fear in the young man's eyes, Dr. Matson agreed to let the Detective stay. Captain Banks reluctantly agreed to wait in the other room.
"All right, Blair," Dr. Matson said. "I want you to get comfortable."
Blair shifted a little in the big chair and took a deep breath, letting it out slowly.
"Good ... very good," Dr. Matson smiled, moving a chair to sit in front of Blair.
Blair looked nervously past the doctor to where Jim was sitting. Jim nodded reassuringly.
"Now relax and listen to my voice." Dr. Matson held a shiny silver plated pen up in front of Blair's face. She began to rotate it between his fingers. "You will feel more relaxed as you listen to my voice."
The light reflected into Blair's eyes, making him blink.
"Watch the pen, Blair."
Jim watched as Blair relaxed with the words Dr. Matson spoke.
"Watch the way the light reflects and feel it bounce off your skin."
The light made Blair's eyes feel heavy.
"Do you feel the light, Blair?"
"Yes," Blair replied.
"It's massaging your cheeks ... around your eyes. It's helping you to relax." Dr. Matson smiled as she noticed Blair fighting to keep his eyes open. "It's all right, Blair. Close your eyes now and rest, but continue to hear my voice."
"'Kay," Blair whispered as he let his eyes fall shut.
Jim was amazed. He'd never witnessed actual hypnotism before.
Dr. Matson dropped the pen into the pocket of her blazer. "Blair, can you still hear me?"
"Yes."
"I want you to go back to Friday morning. You've had a good night's sleep, some breakfast, and are now going to a lecture by Professor ..."
"No breakfast ... I was running late ... overslept," Blair corrected.
Jim stifled a chuckle with his hand as Dr. Matson smiled.
"All right ... so you're entering the room where the lecture will be held. Tell me what you're doing there."
Blair thought for a moment, then said, "I thought I was late, but Professor Eagleston was later and wasn't there yet. I signed the registration sheet next to my name and went to get a cup of coffee and a muffin from the table near the door.
"Were there many people there?" Dr. Matson asked casually.
"Oh ... maybe twenty or twenty-five. A few came in after me," Blair answered. "I went and sat down. Professor Eagleston had planned a slide show of his South American expedition and I wanted a good seat. He arrived ten minutes later and went right into his lecture. It was pretty fascinating ..."
Dr. Matson interrupted gently, "Let's skip the lecture, Blair. At any time did you speak to anyone?"
"Yeah ... Marti and Sam."
Jim's attention had him leaning forward slightly. Who are they?
"Who are Marti and Sam?" Dr. Matson asked, as if reading Jim's mind.
"The lecture was scheduled for four hours and we got a break after two. I went to the restroom and came back to get more coffee and another muffin ... I was starving ... and happened to hear them talking about a Taino ritual text that had been discovered at a site in Brazil. I introduced myself and asked about the text that had been found. Finding a ritual actually written out in the native language of an ancient culture is like *sooo* unusual. Marti told me she had a copy of the text and wanted to recreate the ritual for her dissertation. I asked if I could be involved. She said yes and Sam gave me the address to his house ... that's where they were going to do it. Marti said they would start at 7pm."
"All right, Blair, the lecture is over. Tell me what's happening now."
"Lunch ... then another lecture until 4:30. This one was about the Aztec's and how they ..."
"Blair, let's discuss the lecture later."
Blair shrugged, "Oh ... okay. I went back up to my room, showered and got ready to leave. I didn't know how far Sam's house was so I wanted to give myself plenty of time."
"Tell me how you're feeling at this point," Dr. Matson inquired.
"Excited! The thought of actually being involved in an ancient Taino ritual ... I mean Marti said she had a copy of the *actual* text, man. I felt lucky to have this opportunity! It was going to be like *sooo* ... real!"
Jim smiled at the *bounce* he heard in Blair's voice. He liked that sound and wanted it back to stay.
"Blair, you're at the house now. What's happening? What do you see?" Dr. Matson asked.
"I got there a few minutes early. Sam let me in. Marti was there along with another man and woman. Um ... Keri and John. I guess I was the last to arrive because we didn't wait for anyone else. Sam led the way down some stairs off the living room into a basement. It was dark at first ... couldn't see a thing and I was wishing Jim was there. Marti and Sam started lighting candles all around." Blair shivered at the remembered sights. "It was a bit spooky. There was an altar of sorts ... about five feet wide and maybe six feet long. It was raised about four feet off the floor and covered with a dark sheet. Marti told us to stand in a circle around the altar, then she passed around small wooden bowls that had a little dark liquid in the bottom. The bowls were nothing special ... just the kind of thing you'd buy at a flea market."
"What was the liquid, Blair?" Dr. Matson questioned.
"I asked and Marti said it was just an herbal tea. It was just for effect she said, because she wanted as much authenticity as she could get," Blair answered. "Marti started the ritual with a prayer. She was speaking Latin, which I thought was a little strange ... it was suppose to be a Taino ritual. I wish I could remember what she said. She must have practiced the pronunciations well in advance because there was absolutely no hesitation in the words as she spoke. Then we all repeated the word 'Auctor' and sipped the tea." Blair wrinkled his nose with distaste, "It was bitter ... nasty tasting."
Blair fell silent then and Jim watched as his statement began to change. His breath quickened and his fingers tightened on the arms of the chair. Jim's muscles tensed in sympathy as his Guide entered what was obviously a memory.
**********
Less than a minute after sipping the dark, bitter liquid from the bowl, Blair started feeling *funny*. Starting in his stomach, an uncomfortable burning sensation spread through him and he was becoming light headed. He staggered back a step as he tried to look around. His ears were ringing. The floor was moving. Blair felt himself being moved, lifted. He felt hands pulling at his clothes. The ritual had begun.
Blair screamed as his mind succumbed to the mixture he'd drunk. The brew he'd been told was tea. Distorted images and bright colors were beginning to invade his vision. He wanted to cover his face to block it all out, but he couldn't. He was bound, spread eagle and naked on the makeshift altar. He closed his eyes tightly, but that only seemed to intensify what he was trying not to see. He screamed again.
Four figures walked slowly around the altar, chanting in Latin.
Blair watched the people shape shift. Their gestures inverting, movements reversing as he groaned with the nausea the tea was causing. Men became women and women became men. Colors kaleidoscoped and exploded. Sounds distorted, constantly changing in volume. Blair groaned again, pulling weakly at the restraints around his wrists and ankles, feeling totally out of control. Fear welled in his chest with the fire in his stomach as he screamed again.
**********
Using his senses to monitor his Guide, Jim clenched his jaw painfully as he listened to Blair's heartbeat and respiration speed up dramatically. Blair began to writhe and moan in the chair, begging to be set free. When the first terrified scream burst from the young man, Jim didn't hesitate to leap forward to restrain him before he could hurt himself or anyone else.
Jim struggled with Blair as he screamed and fought. Simon appeared from the waiting room and added his weight to Jim's to pin the younger man where they'd fallen to the floor.
"Blair!" Dr. Matson called, her voice loud enough to heard, but calm. "Blair, listen to me! There's no more pain ... no more fear! It's over ... passed ... be calm now."
Blair slowly stopped struggling and lay still with every part of him as tight as an over-wound clockspring. Jim was afraid Blair was going to hyperventilate soon.
"Listen to my voice, Blair," Dr. Matson instructed. "I'm going to wake you up. When you awaken you will be able to remember what happened." She took a breath. "When I get to the number three you will awaken. 1 ... 2 ... 3."
Blair's eyes popped open and he stared up at his Sentinel. "OhmyGod, Jim!"
Jim gathered his Guide up into strong arms and rocked slowly as Blair cried.
"I remember now!" Blair sobbed, clinging to Jim and pushing in closer. "I remember ... everything."
"Shh ... it's over. You're safe and we'll find the people who did this," Jim whispered soothingly.
"I was some kind of sacrifice! OhGodOhGodOhGod!" Blair choked out, close to hyperventilating.
"Shhh ... it's all right. You're going to be fine. Try to relax a little."
Dr. Matson retrieved a blanket from a cabinet and wrapped it around Blair's shoulders as he tried to control his breathing. "Can you tell us what you remember now, Blair?" she asked.
Blair looked at the doctor, then at Jim and Simon.
"You don't have to, Chief, but the sooner we know what happened the sooner we can find them," Jim said quietly.
Blair reached up with the ends of the blanket in his fists, wiping the tears and sweat off his face. He nodded slowly, but didn't know where to start and looked pleadingly up at Jim.
"You told us about meeting Marti and Sam at the lecture, and how you ended up at Sam's house. What happened down in the basement."
Blair tensed against Jim and closed his eyes. Colored lights burst behind Blair's eyelids and he opened his eyes with a gasp.
Jim rubbed slow circles over Blair's back in an effort to get him to relax a little. "Easy, Chief. Take it slow."
Blair took a deep, shuddering breath, "Marti had us stand around this kind of altar setup and gave everyone a bowl with some stuff in it. She said it was tea." He looked puzzled at Dr. Matson. "Did I mention the other two people ... Keri and John?"
Dr. Matson handed Blair a glass of water. "Yes you did."
Blair managed a weak smile as he took the glass. "Well, Marti started talking in Latin ... which was weird since it was suppose to be a Taino ritual. My Latin is really bad, but I think it was a prayer. At the end of it she raised her bowl and said, 'Auctor'. We all did the same and repeated the word Auctor, then we drank from the bowls."
"What does Auctor mean?" Simon asked.
"Um, I think it means something like ... creator," Blair answered. He glanced at Dr. Matson, who nodded her agreement. Blair took a long drink of water before continuing. "I started feeling a burning in my stomach that sort of ... radiated through me. Then my head started to buzz and the floor started to move." Blair swallowed hard and stared at the floor, not wanting to meet anyone's eyes. "They stripped me ... and tied me to the altar. I tried to fight, but my body wouldn't cooperate."
Jim hugged Blair against his chest for a moment, fighting the anger that burned inside him. "None of this was your fault, Blair."
Simon, still sitting on the floor with the others, leaned back against the chair. His emotions were so near the surface, he had begun to shake.
"They were chanting the whole time and morphing and changing and colors exploding in my head and sounds were loud then soft," Blair rambled, nearly hysterical.
"Slow down, Chief," Jim encouraged.
Tears were streaming down Blair's face as he sobbed. "I was on fire and I was screaming and I couldn't get away ..."
"Shh ... it's all right."
"Marti had this big goblet and she held it up over me and she poured ..." Blair's eyes widened in horror. "She poured *blood* on me!" He looked up to see horror, anger, and sympathy on Jim's face. "There was so much ... I could smell it!" Blair shuddered as he took a breath, feeling again the cold stickiness as the blood spread over his nude body. "I must have passed out, because the next thing I remember is being alone ... and it was dark except for one candle. God, I don't know for how long ... things were still spinning and changing. Then Marti and Sam came in and washed the dried blood off of me and pulled my jeans on me ... and Marti kept chanting the whole time. I tried to struggle, I didn't want them touching me, but I couldn't. It was like my mind and body was out of sync. It was Sam and John who took me to the hospital. They led me inside then left."
"Blair, stop now." The Sentinel held his Guide and began to slowly rock again. "It's over." Jim looked over at Simon and Dr. Matson. Both had tears in their eyes to match his own.
**********
The ride back to the hotel in Simon's car was silent. Blair sat between Simon and Jim in the front seat, huddled against Jim's side in an exhausted, fevered sleep. Jim's arm was snugly around his partner, massaging his shoulder gently, giving whatever comfort he could and wishing it could be more.
Blair let the two bigger men lead him through the hotel lobby to the elevator. His eyes barely slits as he leaned first against Jim, then shifted over to lean on Simon as he was unable to walk a straight line. "When I couldn't remember what happened ... I wanted to know what happened." Blair mumbled through a yawn. "Now that I know ... I just want to forget."
Jim and Simon looked at each other sadly, both wondering if bringing back Blair's memories of the incident had been the right thing to do.
Back up in their room, Jim gently pulled Blair's shoes and jeans off and tucked him into bed. As Blair slipped into sleep once again, Jim leaned down and whispered in his ear, "I'm going across the hall to Simon's room for a little bit. If you need me just call. You know I'll hear you."
"'Kay, Jim," Blair breathed, his eyes shut. "Thanks."
Jim smiled fondly and gently brushed his fingers against Blair's warm cheek, "No problem, buddy."
**********
Jim sat on one of the beds in Simon's room. He looked at the cassette tape he was holding in his hand and said quietly, "So do we take this to TPD, Simon?"
"Yes," came Simon's reply, his voice tight.
"And if they don't believe it? They could easily write it off as a drug induced hallucination."
"We won't let that happen," Simon stated flatly. "Sandburg was violated, Jim. This is going to effect him for a long time and I want to see the people who did it put away!"
" No one wants them more than I do!" Jim said adamantly. "But I just hate to see Blair have to go over it again and again. He's probably not going to want to sleep alone for weeks."
"A Blessed Protector's work is never done, Jim," Simon said with a wry smile.
"Yeah ... thanks for reminding me," Jim chuckled. Like I'd complain.
"With that tape the kid should never have to repeat what happened again. I'm going to have a few copies made before I hand it over to TPD ... just to be on the safe side."
"What if it goes to court?" Jim said. "The thought of him having to answer questions about what happened ..."
"Easy, Jim," Simon said quickly. "Let's not jump the gun here. We'll deal with it when ... *if* it happens. The tape will help alot. We'll get it admitted as evidence. Under the circumstances, Sanburg wouldn't even have to be in the courtroom unless he has to take the stand ... which isn't likely."
Jim nodded silently, letting the contents of the tape run through his mind.
**********
The next morning, Simon let himself into Jim and Blair's room with the key Jim had left him. He grinned at the sight that met him. Jim was sitting up against the headboard of one bed with pillows stuffed behind him. Blair lay tightly against Jim's side, blankets wrapped around him, and only the top of his curly head showing.
Jim opened his eyes and yawned. "Mornin', Simon," Jim said quietly.
"Bad night?" Simon asked.
Jim looked down at his Guide, partner, and best friend. "Yeah ... nightmares most of the night." He reached under the blanket and pushed Blair's hair back, feeling his cheek and forehead, "Fever's up again too."
"Well, he needs to rest and there's no reason to drag him in to the police station," Simon stated, stepping over to the bed. He carefully moved the blanket away and gently brushed the back of one hand against the hot skin of Blair's face.
"I can't leave him here alone, Simon."
"I know and I don't expect you to," Simon said. "I called the police station a few minutes ago and Captain Lax is waiting for me. I'll let you know how it goes."
"Thanks, Simon," Jim smiled.
**********
The meeting with Tacoma Police Captain Alan Lax was not going well.
"Sounds like a hallucination caused be the overindulgence of one or more controlled substances," Captain Lax snorted, clicking the tape off after listening to only several minutes of it. "We have some great rehab programs here."
"I *know* Blair Sandburg!" Simon said with angry disgust. "He came here for an anthropological seminar! He was drugged, which he is *still* suffering the effects of, and was subjected to some sort of ... of ritual! If you'd listen to the tape ..."
"I don't need to listen to the damn tape!" Captain Lax ground out angrily. "I've heard it all before!!"
"What?!" Simon blurted.
"Her name is Marti Kline, isn't it? And her friend is Sam Thomas?"
"I don't know the last names, but Marti and Sam were mentioned. Who are they?"
"They go to seminars and conventions. Find something of interest to let be overheard ... then one way or another manage to get the person to where they hold there little ... rituals."
"You've never arrested them?" Simon asked, knowing the answer.
"We've picked her and her friends up on more than one occasion, but they've never been charged. The victims are taken and left at one of Tacoma's hospitals, and most don't remember enough of what happened to even attempt charges. Others are just too embarrassed by the incident and just want to forget it," Captain Lax stated, shuffling papers around his desk. "After all they went to these little *meetings* of their own free will."
"But they went expecting something completely different!" Simon insisted. "I'm sure that not a single one of them went thinking they would be drugged, stripped, and tied to an altar!"
"What do you suggest I do, Captain?!"
"I *suggest* that you and your people get out there and arrest them!!" Simon said. His growing rage was barely under control.
Captain Lax glared at the tall, black man sitting across from him.
"Or shall I contact my boss, who will contact your boss, and ..." Simon growled.
Captain Lax brought both fists down hard on his desktop. "DON'T you DARE threaten me!!!"
"I am *NOT* threatening you! I am stating fact ... I will contact Cascade's Chief of Police if you do not do something! If that's what it takes to get results here, then, dammit, that's what I'll do!"
Captain Lax stared down at his desk in silence.
"Well, what's it going to be?" Simon asked flatly.
"You don't understand," Captain Lax said softly, not raising his head.
Simon reached for the phone on the desk.
Captain Lax laid his hand over Simon's on the receiver. "Her father works for the City."
Simon slowly pulled his hand back. "And that makes it all right for her to break the law?"
"We have arrested Marti in the past. Her father posted bail every time and sent her away. By the time she shows up again, all charges have been dropped like they never existed to begin with."
"And the other three?"
"It's the same. They disappear until Marti returns. We finally quit wasting our time arresting them."
Simon stood and began pacing the office, trying to control his anger. "*Wasting* your time?!"
"Well, they've never done any serious damage to anyone."
"I don't believe what I'm hearing!" Simon stopped in front of Captain Lax's desk and took a deep breath. "Fine ... just tell me where they can be located and I'll take care of it."
Captain Lax looked up then, his eyes dark and angry. "You just don't give up do you?"
"No ... I don't!"
With a heavy sigh, Captain Lax said, "Okay, I'll send a patrol over to the house to see if there's anyone around and get the warrant."
**********
"All right, Simon," Jim said into the cell phone. "I'll be waiting downstairs." He clicked off the phone and looked across the room at his partner.
Blair's temperature was still higher than Jim liked and though he'd been sleeping off and on, Blair hadn't been able to keep anything in his stomach.
"Blair?" Jim began, sitting on the bed next to his partner.
Blair lay against the pile of pillows, shivering slightly. He opened reddened, tired looking eyes. "I heard you on the phone. You have to leave ... don't you?"
Jim nodded, "Simon's not getting a great deal of support from the police. He's picking me up and were going over to the house. Will you be all right for a little while?"
Blair managed a slight smile. "I'll be okay, Jim. Don't worry."
"Are you sure?" Jim asked, concern reflected in his face.
"Now that I know what happened, I don't feel afraid like I did. I just wish I could go with you ... but I don't think ..."
"You stay put." Jim felt Blair's forehead, "Your temperature is still a bit high ... about 102. I'm going to tell them at the desk to check on you once in a while, okay?"
"That's not necessary, Jim. I'll be all right."
Jim patted Blair's knee through the blanket, "Humor me, Chief. Call me if you need anything."
"I will," Blair sighed wearily. "Just be careful, man."
**********
There had been no one home when police arrived at the house and when Jim and Simon got there, they were not allowed to participate in the investigation. They had entered the house only to identify Blair's clothing and wallet, then were again ushered outside. Two hours passed slowly and Jim and Simon seethed with silent anger, Jim using his enhanced sense of hearing to follow the happenings inside the house.
Jim looked up as the police squad car pulled into the driveway. Anger welled in his chest as he saw a pale and shaky Sandburg exit the passenger side of the car. "What the hell ..." Jim growled, drawing Simon's attention. He hurried to meet his partner, who was wearing the sweatpants and the T-shirt he'd been sleeping in, and no jacket.
Blair wrapped his arms around himself against the chill and breathed a sigh of relief when he caught sight of his Sentinel headed his way.
"What are you doing here, Chief?" Jim asked as he stopped in front of his Guide. "I didn't want you to see this place." He shrugged out of his jacket and helped Blair into it.
"Thanks, man," Blair said, gratefully taking the garment. "The police came and insisted I had to be here. I didn't know what to do. They barely gave me time to put my shoes on. At first I thought they were arresting me!" He pushed some tangled curls away from his face.
Captain Lax stepped over and Jim turned an angry glare on him. "Why is Sandburg here?" Jim snarled. "He doesn't ..."
Blair put a hand on the Detective's arm, "Jim ... please don't ..."
"We need him to tell us if this where the alleged incident took place," Captain Lax sneered.
"His clothes and wallet were found inside! That's proof enough!"
Blair tugged slightly on Jim's arm, trying to get his attention.
"Maybe in Cascade it would be ... but not here! I want Mr. Sandburg to identify the scene!"
Captain Banks stepped in to separate the two men before the exchange came to blows. "All right, gentlemen, let's take a breath here." He then turned concerned eyes to Blair, who was looked ready to drop from exhausttion. Simon thought he looked very small and vulnerable as he shivered inside Jim's oversized jacket. "How do you feel, Blair? Do you think you can look at the scene?"
"Simon ...," Jim barked.
The Captain gave him a warning look, then turned back to Blair. "It's your decision."
"If he can't tell me that ...," Captain Lax began to snap.
"I'm okay, Captain," Blair said to Simon, effectively cutting off Lax's tirade. He looked up at Jim, "Come with me?"
"You know it, buddy," Jim said quietly.
Inside the living room, Blair looked around nervously. This is the place, he thought.
Jim stayed close behind his partner as they moved to the stairs that led down to the basement. Blair swallowed hard and glanced up at Jim.
"Say the word and we're out of here, Chief," Jim said so only Blair could hear.
Blair gave the big man a wane smile and slowly started down the stairs.
There were no candles lit, but the basement wasn't dark. Blair looked up at the single, low wattage bulb that dangled by thinly covered wire from the ceiling. He swallowed hard against the dryness in his throat as he looked around the basement from the doorway.
Jim was monitoring his Guide, alert for any sign or signal that he should take Blair outside.
Blair's heart thundered in chest as he moved slowly into the room. Wooden bowls were stacked neatly on a small card table against the wall. The altar was there, still draped in its dark sheet. Blair thought absently that it was a satin sheet ... something he hadn't noticed before. A large brass goblet sat on a high stool next to the altar. He stopped next to the stool and peered apprehensively into the goblet. It was empty, but there was a telltale reddish-brown stain on the inside.
Jim touched Blair's shoulder lightly and the young man jumped convulsively. "You doing okay, Chief?" He asked, feeling the heat from his raising temperature.
Blair nodded silently, taking a deep breath.
"Well, is this where the alleged incident occurred?" Captain Lax asked, his voice booming.
"Ah ... yeah it is," Blair replied nervously, wincing at the Captain's tone.
"You don't sound very sure."
Blair looked at the Captain with angry eyes that masked the rush of fear that coursed through him. "Oh, I'm sure."
Captain Lax pointed to a pile of clothing in one corner, "That your stuff?"
Blair walked over and looked down at his coat, shoes, shirt, underwear, and socks. He nodded, "Yes, they're mine."
Captain Lax walked to another corner and pulled back a white sheet that had gone unnoticed.
Blair gasped, taking two quick steps back into Jim.
"Damn you, Lax!" Jim growled furiously between clenched teeth.
"Why didn't you tell us there was a body?!" Simon asked, his body shaking with anger.
"Wanted to see the kid's reaction." Captain Lax chuckled humorlessly as he watched Blair lean heavily into Jim. "Guess you didn't do it, huh? Do you know who she is?"
"Her name's Keri," Blair answered quietly, staring at the lifeless body and trying to will himself to look away. He kept looking at Keri's sightless eyes as they stared up at the ceiling. "She was here when they ... she was one of them." Blair felt his stomach turn over. "How'd she die?"
"Looks like a drug overdose, but we won't know for sure until after the autopsy," Captain Lax replied, dropping the sheet back over the young woman.
Jim turned Blair away from the grotesque sight and led him towards the stairs. "Let's go, Chief." Jim could feel Blair's raising fever. Damn "You shouldn't be here."
Blair gripped the sleeve of Jim's sweater and let Jim usher him up the stairs. His head was pounding and he *really* wanted to lie down. As they stepped out the front door, Blair's head began to spin and colors appeared to splatter in front of his face. He felt like he wasn't getting any air. "Jim?!" he managed to squeak out just before the lights went out in his world.
**********
Jim noticed the change in Blair's respiration and turned as his partner said his name. Jim saw Blair's eye's roll back in his head and caught him easily on the way down. "Someone call an ambulance!!" he shouted to the police officers standing nearby.
Blair groaned.
"Easy, Chief," Jim said quietly. "It's all right."
Blair's eyes fluttered open. "Jim, I don't feel too good."
"I know, but an ambulance is coming," Jim said, looking up to see one officer nod to indicate it had been done. Jim mouthed a silent "Thank you" to the officer and turned back to Blair.
Simon appeared at the door and knelt beside Jim. "What happened?!"
"He passed out," Jim replied. He pressed a gentle hand to Blair's hot forehead and his Sentinel touch didn't like what it felt, "His fever is up to about 103."
"Anyone call an ambulance?"
Jim simply nodded, pulling Blair closer.
Blair gasped, still feeling as if he was getting no air. "No hospital, Jim," he begged.
"Blair, your fever is too high. The doctor needs to check you out."
"Just take me home. I'll be okay," Blair mumbled, his eyes slightly unfocused.
He doesn't realize we're not in Cascade, Jim thought worriedly. "Not this time, buddy. I promise they won't keep you unless it's *absolutely* necessary."
Blair sighed, he had no energy left to argue. He closed his tired eyes, wishing sleep would take him, but colored lights began to explode and he felt as if he were floating. Groaning, Blair opened his eyes and looked around.
"Hang in there, Chief," Jim whispered.
Blair squinted in an effort to focus on the small crowd of people that was gathering on the sidewalk. His eyes kept going back to three people standing together. They were familiar, but he couldn't place them. Blair forced himself to think. It could be important. He stared at them until the pounding in his head increased until he thought for sure that it would burst.
Then Marti looked at Blair and smiled.
"Jim!" Blair called quietly as he turned to look up at his Sentinel.
"Shh ... I'm right here," Jim replied.
"Marti's here."
"What?!" Simon said, looking out at the crowd.
"She's on the sidewalk with Sam and John."
"Where is she?" Jim asked. "Point her out."
"They'll run," Blair whispered, feeling himself fading towards unconsciousness.
"We'll catch them ... don't worry," Simon said. "Just point them out, Sandburg."
Blair turned his head back to see that Marti and the others hadn't moved. Sam and John watched nervously as Marti continued to stare at Blair, smiling. Blair brought his arm up and pointed at them with a shaky finger.
Immediately Simon launched himself off the porch, calling to the nearest officers to follow. Sam and John panicked and ran, but Marti stayed put and didn't struggle as several officers apprehended her.
Blair watched as long as he could, then let his eyes slip shut. As much as Jim wanted to, he wasn't going to leave his partner. Simon *would* catch them.
Captain Lax appeared at the door. "What the hell's going on out here?!"
"We're doing your job for you," Jim growled.
Captain Lax looked up to see Simon reading Marti her rights.
**********
Dr. Marshall agreed to let Blair go back to the hotel, but only if Jim promised to give Blair his medicine and to watch his temperature closely. "Get liquids into him so he doesn't dehydrate," the doctor told Jim. He handed the Detectove a bottle, "This will help settle his stomach."
Jim was grateful that Dr. Marshall was letting Blair leave. His Guide always did better once he was out of the hospital.
Back at the hotel, Jim and Simon struggled to keep an exhausted Blair awake long enough to get him into the room. Of course the medication he'd received at the hospital wasn't helping and the two men barely managed to get Blair into bed before he was sound asleep. Jim sighed as he pulled the blankets up around his Guide's shoulders, It's going to be a long night.
Several hours later Jim sat on the edge of Blair's bed. "Hey, Sandburg, wake up," Jim said quietly.
The figure huddled beneath the mound of blankets didn't move, but Jim could hear his friend's every breath.
Jim moved the blankets down to reveal a fever-flushed face. He patted Blair's shoulder, "C'mon, buddy, I need you to wake up." He could feel the heat radiating off of the younger man's body.
Blair groaned. "Goway ... sleeping," he mumbled hoarsely and tried to burrow back under the blankets.
Jim grasped Blair's wrist and gently pulled his limp Guide up to lean against his chest.
"Awww .... Jiiimm," Blair whined, too weak to fight his Sentinel off. "Goway."
"The only reason you're not in the hospital is because I promised the doctor I'd make sure you took your meds every four hours," Jim said patiently as he turned on the electronic ear thermometer. He placed the coned shaped end into Blair's ear.
Blair batted at Jim's hand. "Stopit! Goway!"
Jim caught the errant hand and trapped it against Blair's chest. "I also agreed to take your temperature with this thing. Dr. Marshall wasn't too happy with me when I told him I didn't use it before. So behave yourself and we'll get it over with."
Blair whimpered and laid his head against Jim's shoulder. "I'm sorry I'm being such a pain, Jim. I just don't feel too good."
Jim chuckled softly, "That's okay, Chief. You're allowed to be cranky when you're sick. Dr. Marshall said your body is fighting the last of drug and you're experiencing slight withdrawal." The thermometer beeped softly and Jim removed it.
"What'sit say?" Blair mumbled sleepily into Jim's neck.
"102.3 ... it's finally coming down," Jim replied, relieved.
"That's good ... huh?"
Jim couldn't help but smile as he set the thermometer aside. "Yeah, Chief, that's very good. Now ..." He reached for the small plastic cup that was filled with liquid antibiotics. "I want you to swallow this down and you can go back to sleep."
"'Kay," Blair sighed, pulling his head off Jim's shoulder.
Jim held the cup to Blair's lips and let the liquid drain into his mouth.
Blair swallowed and coughed, scrunching up his face at the awful taste. "OhGod ... water ..."
"Right here," Jim said, setting the cup down to pick up a glass of water. He held the glass as Blair sipped.
"Thanks, Jim," Blair sighed as he was already dozing off.
"No problem," Jim said, maneuvering Blair back down into the nest of pillows and blankets. "Sleep now and we'll do it all over again in a few hours."
Blair shivered as Jim tucked the blankets around him. He missed the warmth his friend had provided him as he leaned against him.
Jim pushed sweat-dampened curls off Blair's face and gently pressed his hand against his forehead. He still felt too warm from the fever, but his temperature *was* coming down. Jim sat and watched his Guide sleep for several minutes with Simon's words ringing in his head ... A Blessed Protector's work is never done. Jim gently placed one hand on Blair's chest and felt his heart beating through the bedclothes. "I wouldn't have it any other way," he whispered.
<>~~<>~~<>
end