New
Arrivals
Author-Suzie
Titles
Custody
by Suzie
Summary: Blair has a son. Will he be able to hang on to him?
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: // = translation
"The child endures all things." ~ Maria Montessori
"When the first baby laughed for the first time, the laugh broke into a thousand pieces and they all went skipping about, and that was the beginning of the fairies." ~ James M. Barrie
######
Blair opened the door and a grin immediately spread across his face at the sight of his son, Jeff, and the boy's mother, Abby.
"Hey," Blair said brightly, standing aside so Abby could enter the loft. "I wasn't expecting you until Saturday." He took the 3-month-old from his mother. "Not that I'm complaining here."
Abby bit her bottom lip and said, "Blair, I need your help."
Blair's face turned to concern as he looked at her, "What's wrong?"
Abby smiled, then laughed a bit nervously. "I'm sorry… there's nothing wrong. I just have an appointment and the sitter cancelled at the last minute. I was hoping…"
"Say no more," Blair said, noting the nervousness in the woman's voice. "Are you sure there's nothing wrong?"
Abby nodded, not meeting Blair's eyes. "You're sure it's not a problem to watch him?"
"I'm just grading papers this afternoon. I'd be at the university, but they're replacing some flooring…" Blair waved a hand "or something and it's too noisy to think. Don't worry, Jeff is never a problem."
Abby's smile trembled slightly as she leaned forward to first kiss Jeff, then Blair. "Thank you so much, Blair."
"Are you sure everything is all right, Abby? You seem upset."
"No… everything is fine. I'm... I'm just nervous about this appointment." Abby set the diaper bag on floor. "I'll be back later this afternoon."
That was last time Blair saw Abby. A missing person's report was filed, but nothing of her whereabouts ever turned up. It was as if Abby Tate dropped off the face of the earth.
The police went to Abby's apartment and found that all of her clothes and personal items were gone, but Jeff's clothes, diapers, toys, etc. were neatly packed and set in the middle of the living room. With no reason to think that Abby was returning, Blair petitioned the courts and received sole custody of Jeffery Michael Sandburg.
The loft soon became very crowded and hectic… and a lot noisier. Not that either Blair or Jim really minded the baby noises and all that came with it. But, after discussing it at great length, it was decided that it was time Jeff had a room of his own if Blair was ever going to get any sleep at all. As Blair and Jim searched for an apartment that satisfied both Blair's budget and the Sentinel's protectiveness, the apartment next door to the loft became available. It was slightly smaller than the loft and all on one level, but there were two bedrooms and Blair could afford the lease. Jim insisted on paying the first and last months rent so Blair wouldn't have to wait for two paydays to have the money and risk losing it to someone who had the money in hand. Blair was able to move in and stay close at the same time, making both Sentinel and Guide happy.
**********
Jim strode into the playroom at the Learning World Daycare Center. He immediately gained the attention of one curly headed 4-year-old that had been helping the other children straighten up and put toys away for the day in preparation for their parents arrivals.
"Unca Jim! Unca Jim!" Jeff cried gleefully as he ran full speed across the room into Jim's arms.
Jim laughed, easily lifting the bundle of energy above his head before settling the boy on one arm. "How was your day?"
"It was *great*!" Jeff answered enthusiastically. "We did letters… I made words today… and numbers and we did drawing and played outside until it started raining and then had lunch and Diane read us a story and…"
"Whoa there, buddy! Take a breath," Jim grinned. He's just like his father!
"Where's my Daddy?"
Jim was just about to answer when a voice came from behind him.
"Detective Ellison."
Jim turned to see Kelly Morris, the owner, walking towards him. "Hi, Kelly. Just here to pick up my partner."
"I see that," the young woman said with a smile. "Blair called and said that you'd be here. He said something about car trouble."
"Uh oh," Jeff said, shaking his head. "Vovo sick again."
"Yep, looks that way." Jim put the boy down. "Why don't you go get your stuff and we'll go pick up your Dad. We'll have pizza for dinner."
"Cool!" Jeff said and scurried off to the coatroom.
“Don’t forget your mittens and hat or your father will have my hide!” Jim called after the little boy. "So, he made *words* today?" he questioned, turning to Kelly.
"He sure did," Kelly grinned. "Granted, they were only two and three letters long… but words none the less. We pasted the letters onto a sheet of construction paper so he can take them home."
"More refrigerator art," Jim said with a proud smile.
**********
Jim unbuckled Jeff from his carseat and pulled him up into his arms.
“High!” Jeff cried, pointing upwards with tiny fingers. “More high!”
Jim didn’t hesitate to hoist the boy over his head and settle him on his shoulders, making Jeff squeal happily. Jim closed and locked the truck. “Ready to go find your Dad?”
“Yep, he prolly in his…” Jeff tried to think of the name of the place he was sure his Daddy was and finally settled on, “his room.”
Jim chuckled. “Yeah, that’s probably where he is. Hang on up there. Here we go.”
Jeff wrapped his hands around Jim’s forehead and they were off.
A minute later, Jim pulled open the outside door that led into Hardgrove Hall. “Okay, do you remember where your Dad’s ‘room’ is?”
Jeff looked first to his right then to his left. “That way, Unca Jim,” he finally answered, pointing down the hallway to their left.
“Are you sure?”
“Yep, my Daddy’s room is down that way.” Jeff patted Jim’s head. “You can hear him, Unca Jim. You *know* him is there,” he said adamantly.
Jim listened for moment, head slightly cocked, then said, “He’s there all right.”
“Put me down, Unca Jim… please.”
“What’s up, partner?” Jim asked, sliding the little boy off around to the floor in front of him.
“Shhhhh!” Jeff hissed with a short finger over his mouth.
“Oh… right,” Jim whispered.
**********
Jim knocked once then opened the door and walked into Blair’s office. “Hey, Chief. Ready to go home?”
“Hey, Jim,” Blair said, looking up from the book he was reading. His eyebrows raised as he noticed the pair of tiny hands grasping the front of Jim’s zipped up jacket. “Where’s Jeff?”
“Jeff? Isn’t he here with you?” Jim replied innocently.
“Uh… nooo… you said you’d pick him up on your way here.”
Blair smiled and stood up, sauntering over to where Jim stood with hands in his pockets. “How could you forget my son, Jim? I trusted you, man.”
Jim swung around, keeping Blair in front of him. A set of short legs appeared briefly from behind Jim with the movement and a muffled giggle was heard.
“I don’t know what to say, Chief,” Jim pleaded. “I’m sorry, okay? We’ll just pick him up on the way home.”
“Well, okay, but since it is Friday I thought we could stop by Chuck E Cheeze for pizza. Now I don’t know if there’ll be time if we have to go *all* the way *back* to…”
“Daddy!” Jeff cried from behind Jim. He dropped to the floor and landed on his butt. “I here!”
Blair gasped and acted surprised, scooping his son up into his arms. “You were hiding from me? You’re getting to be pretty darn sneaky… do you know that?”
“Uh huh, Unca Jim teaching me,” Jeff answered brightly.
“Yeah, well, Uncle Jim *is* one of the biggest *sneaks* around these parts.”
“Hey…” Jim said indignantly. “I resemble that remark!”
“Yes you do,” Blair said with a grin and Jeff giggled into his father’s shoulder. “And because you’re such a sneak, you can spring for dinner.”
Jim sighed and looked properly chastised. “I guess it’s the least I can do.”
Jeff turned at looked at Jim. “But, Unca Jim, you awways pay for pizza on Fidays.”
“Man, I can’t pull anything over on you Sandburg’s, can I?”
“All for one and one for all,” Blair said, giving Jeff a high five.
Blair set his son down so he was sitting cross-legged on the desk while he gathered his things and put on his coat.
"Daddy… guess what?"
"Hmm… you're going to have to tell me, squirt," Blair said, handing his backpack to Jim and picking the boy up.
"*I* made *words* today!" Jeff said proudly.
Blair looked up at Jim, "*My* son made words today."
"I know," Jim smiled, ushering his friend out the door.
Blair looked back at the boy in his arms. "What words did you make?"
"Can… and… was…" Jeff thought hard, trying to remember them all, then said, "Just bunches! I did my name too! Kelly let me bring them home to show."
"I can hardly wait to see," Blair said enthusiastically.
**********
Winter melted and spring arrived. May nineteenth was Jeff’s fifth birthday and since it was on a Saturday this year, Blair had promised that Jeff could have a birthday party. Eight children, ages four to six , were going to Cascade Zoo under the supervision of Jim, Blair, and Inspector Megan Conner, a friend from Major Crimes.
Jim slipped the key into the lock of the apartment next to his own and pushed open the door. “Hello? Anyone home?”
“Unca Jim!” Jeff squealed excitedly as he ran from his bedroom to meet the big detective. “Unca Jim, guess what?!”
Jim hoisted the small body into his arms. “Let’s see… you had fruit loops for breakfast?”
“Yeah I did, but that isn’t the guess what!”
“Well then you’d better tell me what guess what.”
“Can’t you guess what today is?”
“Ooooh… that’s easy. It’s Saturday.”
Blair came out of his own room and watched the two with fond smile. “Jeffery Michael… I thought I told you to get your shoes. We have to leave in a few minutes.”
Jeff wriggled until Jim set him down, then he ran to his father. “Daddy, Unca Jim don’t know what today is!” he pouted.
“Uncle Jim *doesn’t* know what today is,” Blair corrected gently.
“I know…”
Blair sighed and shook his head. “Well then… why don’t you tell him. He’s probably just forgotten. Uncle Jim is a busy man you know.”
Jeff nodded and ran back to Jim, making himself slide across the bare wood floor into Jim’s legs. “Unca Jim…”
Jim knelt down so he was more on Jeff’s level. “Yeah?”
“Today is my birfday.”
Jim’s eyes widened and he snapped his fingers. “That’s right! I just plain forgot about it. I’ve been so busy you know.”
Jeff nodded knowingly, “That’s what my Daddy said.”
“And how old are you today?”
Jeff held up four fingers and said, “I’m five today.”
“One more finger, sweetheart,” Blair said.
The fifth finger on the tiny hand popped up as he stared earnestly at Jim.
“Well, I’ll be. Five years old, huh?”
Jeff nodded.
“I guess that’s why I have this package sitting outside the door here.” Jim opened the door to reveal a large brightly wrapped box with a huge bow. “I knew I bought it for a reason, but I just couldn’t remember. Good thing I brought it along just in case.”
Jeff’s eyes widened as he stared at the package with its Blue’s Clues wrapping paper and matching blue bow. “Oooooooh WOW!” He hurried to the box, it was as tall as he was, and touched it. “Is it for me?”
“All yours, partner. Why don’t we bring it inside.”
Jeff nodded vigorously. “Inside now, okay?”
“Jeff…” Blair said quietly.
“Please?”
Jim brought the large box inside and closed the door.
“Daddy, can I open it now?”
“Nope, we’ll take it along and you can open it with the others.”
Jeff’s bottom lip jutted out in a pout, but Blair would have none of it.
“If you’re going to act like that, we’ll just cancel the trip to the zoo and the party,” Blair told his son.
Jeff sighed and pulled his lip in.
“That’s better… now go get your shoes.”
Jeff shuffled off to his room.
“As for you,” Blair said, looking pointedly at Jim. “You just couldn’t wait could you?”
Jim grinned innocently.
"Sentinels and children..." Blair sighed and gave an exasperated shake of his head. “Take your gift down to the car.”
“Daddy…”
“Please,” Blair said, rolling his eyes and grinning.
Jim laughed, “Gotcha, Chief.” He picked up the package and reached for the doorknob. “Anything else need to go down?”
“Nope, the zoo is handling the party so we just have to show up with the kids.”
“All eight of them?”
“Yep.”
Jim groaned as he left the apartment and closed the door, leaving Blair chuckling in his wake.
**********
An exhausted five-year-old boy slept draped over his father’s shoulder. Jim unlocked the door and let Blair in, following him with bags of gifts, party favors, and left over cake.
Blair disappeared into Jeff’s room to put the boy to bed.
Jim followed and watched from the doorway as Blair undressed the limp little figure and slid on a pair of worn green pajamas. With practiced ease, Blair tucked his son in under the covers and the entire time the boy never stirred to wake. As Blair bent to kiss Jeff good night and mutter something about bedbugs, Jim turned and wandered back to the living room.
“Oh, man, what a day,” Blair said as he joined Jim in the living room. "Remind me to send Megan some flowers." He surveyed the gifts and smiled when his eyes spotted the Tonka police car/fire engine combination with lights and sirens. “Thanks, Jim, he loves your present best of all.”
Jim smiled with satisfaction from his place on the small sofa. “I talked Tom down in dispatch into repainting everything and doing the Cascade logos.”
Blair plopped down next to Jim. “You spoil that kid way too much.”
“I know,” Jim said with a satisfied sigh. “It’s my job.”
“There’s a game on in a half-hour. You want to watch it?”
“Sure. Just let me go check my messages and I’ll be right back.”
“Waiting on something?”
“Forensics promised to call with the ballistic results on the Ryan case.”
Blair nodded, familiar with the case since he’d been working with Jim on it. “Okay… see you back here before the game starts?”
“You can count on it.”
Jim hurried out the door and went to the loft. He didn’t notice the envelope on the floor until he was listening to his messages. Picking it up, Jim saw Blair’s name written on it in a definite female hand. Without too much thought about it, he set the envelope in the basket with his keys so he wouldn’t forget it and went to change his clothes.
When Jim returned to Blair’s apartment, dressed in comfortable sweats, he brought four bottles of beer along. His contribution to watching the game. After Jim placed two of the bottles in the refrigerator, he opened the second two.
“Hey, Jim,” Blair said when he came out of the bedroom wearing his own sweats.
Jim handed one of the opened bottles to the younger man. “Hey, yourself. Ready for the game?”
“Ready as I’m gonna get, man,” Blair grinned. “Did ballistics call?”
“Yeah, we’ll be able to formally charge Daniel Ryan with the murder of his brother.”
“Good, but I still don’t think he did it alone.”
Jim followed Blair into the living room. “I think you’re right there, Chief, but hopefully with the formal charges, Ryan will be a bit more willing to talk to us.”
Jim and Blair sat down on the sofa and Jim felt something crinkle inside the pocket of his sweats.
“Oh yeah,” Jim said, reaching into his pocket. “Someone slipped this under the door while we were out today.” He retrieved the envelope and handed it over to Blair. “They apparently weren’t aware that you’d moved.”
Blair took the envelope and looked at the writing on it. He recognized it, but couldn’t place it. “Huh, wonder who it is?”
“Unless you’ve developed some ability you haven’t owned up to, why don’t you open it and see?” Jim said, reaching for the TV remote.
“Smartass.”
“Uh huh.”
Blair carefully opened the envelope and extracted the note within. He went right to the end to see whom it was from and let out a gasp at the name he saw written there.
Jim turned and saw that all the color had drained from Blair’s face. “Hey, buddy, what’s wrong?”
Blair took and deep breath in an effort to calm himself a little and said, “It’s… it’s from Abby.”
Jim frowned, “Abby as in…”
“Jeff’s mother? Yeah, that’s the one.”
“Um… what’s she say?”
Blair skimmed the note quickly, then began to read, “Dear Blair, I’m sorry to have missed you. I so wanted to see Jeffery and talk to you about what has happened in the past five years. I understand that you are probably angry with me and will most likely never forgive me for leaving as I did, but I beg for the chance to see my child again and perhaps explain. Please call me at the Cascade Plaza, room 1206. Love, Abby.”
The two men remained silent for a minute, the game on the television played unwatched. Jim listened to Blair’s accelerated heart rate.
“What should I do, Jim?” Blair finally whispered.
“I think you should at least call her,” Jim replied quietly.
Blair nodded.
“I know you’ve always been afraid that Abby would show up again and try to take Jeff away from you. That’s why you went to court and got sole custody of him. She won’t be able to take him to the bathroom without your permission, Chief.”
“And if I don’t want to talk to her or let her see Jeff?”
“Well, that’s your choice… but then you risk having her harassing you, or even trying to kidnap Jeff.”
Blair’s head snapped up and he stared at Jim with wide frightened eyes. “She wouldn’t…”
“Blair, you haven’t seen Abby in five years. You don’t know what her mental or emotional state is right now. I suggest, before you decide to send her packing, that you talk to her.”
Blair nodded slowly, seeing the sense in what Jim was saying.
“Besides… aren’t you even the least bit curious about *why* she left to begin with?”
Blair sighed, “Yeah, I guess I still wonder about that… but I suppose I just don’t care so much anymore. She left Jeff without so much as a word and there’s just no explanation good enough for that.” He thought for another moment, then decided, “Okay, I’ll call her… tomorrow from the station."
**********
Blair dialed the Cascade Plaza from the phone on his desk. Jim set next to him at his own desk, keeping an ear open, but not enough to eavesdrop.
"Room 1206 please," Blair said when the call was answered. He looked over at Jim and caught him stealing a glance at him. Smiling, Blair mouthed a *thank you* at his partner. He was only strong enough to do this because Jim was there at his side… 'just in case', as Blair's Blessed Protector had said just before making the call.
"Hello?" a female voice answered the phone.
Blair jumped nervously. "Um… Abby?"
"Blair? Is that you?"
"Yeah… yeah, it's me."
"I was afraid you wouldn't get my message… or wouldn't call. I tried calling the university, but you weren't there. They said you only work there part-time now. I wasn't sure if you were still living with Jim or not."
"Jeff and I have our own place now," Blair said cautiously. "I'm only teaching a couple of classes a week now. I'm working full time at the Cascade Police Department now… as a consultant."
"Blair, I would like to meet you somewhere for lunch and talk," Abby suddenly blurted out. "I want to see Jeffery."
Blair swallowed, his nervousness increasing. "Um… okay… I suppose we could do lunch."
"That would be fine. How about here at the hotel? About one o'clock?"
Blair quickly looked at his watch. "Yeah… okay… It's a little short notice. I'll call if something comes up and I can't make it."
"All right."
Blair hung up the receiver and fell back in his chair, hands covering his face as he groaned.
"Are you okay, Chief?" Jim asked softly.
"No, Jim… I don't think I am," Blair said through his fingers. "I have a bad feeling about all this."
"Are you going to meet her?"
"Yeah." Blair lowered his hands. "Lunch at the Cascade Plaza." He looked at his partner. "She wants to see Jeff."
Jim nodded. "You want me to come along. I can stay outside… maybe."
Blair smiled, "Thanks, Jim, but no. It's just lunch and we're going to talk a little."
"Okay, but I'll be here if you need me."
"I know."
**********
Blair spotted Abby at the far side of the restaurant and made his way to her.
Abby looked up and smiled at him when she saw him. "Blair, I'm so glad you were able to make it." She leaned forward and Blair kissed her lightly on the cheek. "Please, have a seat."
"It's been a long time, Abby," Blair said with a tight smile.
Abby nodded, "Five years *is* a long time. I guess it was too much to hope that you'd bring Jeffery along."
"I thought we'd better talk first."
The waitress came by the table.
"I'll have a margarita and the crab stuffed halibut," Abby ordered.
Blair glanced at the menu quickly. "I'll have an iced tea with lemon and the Chinese chicken salad."
The waitress left and the two stared at each other in silence for a long minute.
Finally, Abby spoke. "Well, I asked you here to give you an explanation. I suppose I'd better get to it." She smiled sadly.
Blair didn't return the smile, only waited for her to continue.
"Okay… When I left five years ago I had been out of work for a while. I lived off my savings until the baby was born. When that ran out we were living off the money you gave us."
"You weren't working?" Blair said quietly. "Why didn't you say something?"
"Because I didn't want you to give me any more money. You were already strapped after giving us most of each of your paychecks. I'm sure you were barely making ends meet as it was. Believe me, Blair, I started looking for a job right away, but the bigger I got fewer employers would even see me. No one wants to hire a pregnant woman."
"Abby…"
Holding up a hand to stop Blair's words, Abby continued, " I started looking for a job again as soon as I got Jeffery home, but I found that finding a job when I wasn't pregnant was no easier than finding one while I was. Things got to a point where I couldn't deal with life anymore. A three-month-old baby, no job, no money… no future. I decided that Jeffery would be better off with you. I wanted to get away, get my life back together."
"Why didn't you just say something? You didn't have to run away."
The waitress returned with their drinks.
Abby sipped her margarita before going on. "I didn't intend to run away. I was going to my sister's in Seattle, look for a job and hopefully get back on my feet. I was going to call you as soon as I got to my sister's place, but half way there… I just couldn't do it. I got on I-5 and headed south. I was in Mexico before I stopped."
"You still could have called," Blair stated flatly.
"I know… and I started to countless times…"
"But you didn't."
Abby shook her head, tears glistening in her eyes. "Maybe I should have married you when you asked me."
"But you didn't."
"Blair, I'm sorry. What more can I say?"
Blair shook his head slightly, then asked, "Did you get your life together?"
Abby smiled then and nodded. "I married Luis Marquez a year and a half ago. We are very happy."
"Then why come back to Cascade?"
Abby took a deep breath and said, "I want to take Jeffery back to Mexico with me."
Blair's heart seemed to stop for several beats and his chest constricted painfully. "You what?"
Their meals arrived and the waitress refilled Blair's iced tea before she left.
"I'm sorry," Abby said quickly. "I didn't mean for it to come out that way, but…"
"But?" Blair's voice squeaked slightly.
"I found out that I can't have any more children… and I want my son."
Blair took a deep breath, looked Abby straight in the eye, and said in a low dangerous voice, "No."
"I'm his mother, Blair. I can take care of him now. Luis is an independent businessman… we have money…"
"After you disappeared I went to court and got sole custody of Jeff."
Abby stared at Blair in shock.
"I didn't know if you were dead or alive, Abby. Not a call, a card… nothing. I filed a missing person's report and the police searched. When they went to your apartment and found that all of your things were missing, I petitioned the court and received custody. You can't just waltz in now and proclaim that you want your son back after five years."
Abby's eyes darkened with rage. "I want *my* son!"
"He's my son too!" Blair shot back, trying to keep his voice down. "He won't even know who you are for crying out loud."
"I promised Luis that I would produce an heir. He was devastated when we found out that I couldn't conceive. Luis is willing to adopt Jeffery…"
"And I'd never see him again. I can't believe you're trying to do this." Blair stood up, anger flashing in his blue eyes. "This meeting is over, Abby. Don't try to contact me again and stay away from Jeff."
**********
Blair went back to the police department and related what had happened to Jim and Simon Banks, their Captain and friend.
"I can't believe she came back just so she could *produce an heir*!" Blair ranted as he paced Simon's office.
Jim watched his Guide patiently, letting him blow off steam.
Simon hung up his phone and said, "Okay, Blair, that was Millie Sherman in Social Services. She's verified that you have sole and legal custody of Jeff. Abby doesn't even have visitation rights. Millie says that the court isn't likely to change that ruling in light of her present situation because she was the one that disappeared without a trace and left you with the child. Even if she were to receive visitation, it would have to be supervised."
Blair nodded gratefully, "Thanks, Simon, I really appreciate you making that call."
"No problem, Sandburg."
"Abby must know that the courts won't look favorably on her running off, and just saying that you can afford to keep him sounds more like she's talking about a pet than a child," Jim said solemnly. "I doubt that Abby would even bother with the legal route to get Jeff."
Blair stopped his pacing and stared at his partner, his eyes wide in horror at the thought. "You don't think that she'd try to kidnap Jeff… do you?"
Jim didn't answer, which was an answer in itself.
"OhmyGod!" Blair grabbed for the phone on Simon's desk and jumped as it rang under his hand.
Jim moved forward to try to calm his partner. "Easy, Blair. Take a deep breath and try to relax."
Simon eased the phone out of Blair's grasp and answered it, "Banks." He held the receiver out to Blair. "It's Learning World Daycare Center."
Blair took one last deep breath and took the phone. "Hello? Kelly, what happened? Is Jeff okay?"
Jim dialed up his enhanced hearing to catch the conversation.
Blair paled as he listened. "All right, Kelly. Jim and I are on our way. Keep the doors locked and don't let *anyone* in until we get there." He hung up the phone and felt his knees tremble. "Oh God."
Jim put an arm around Blair's shoulders as he leaned heavily against the desk in front of him.
"Sandburg?" Simon questioned, rising quickly. "Are you all right?"
"Two men came into the Center asking questions about Jeff…" Blair said shakily.
"They wanted to take Jeff. They made some threats when Kelly told them she couldn't release Jeff to them without parental consent, but left when she told them that she was calling the police," Jim supplied, having overheard the conversation. "Kelly said they were both Hispanic, so chances are they're involved with Abby's being here."
"Kelly did see the license plate," Blair said, writing down what Kelly had told him. "She said the car was dark red and looked like a Monte Carlo."
Simon took the note. "I'll see what I can come up with."
"C'mon, Jim, let's go," Blair said. Fear for Jeff and anger towards the woman calling herself his mother threatening to cloud his judgement. "First I'm going to pick up my son… and then I want to have another talk with Abby."
Jim actually had to scramble to catch up with his partner.
**********
Blair knocked on the glass door of the daycare center until Kelly came to let him and Jim inside.
"Hey, Kelly, everything okay?" Blair asked as he and Jim followed her in.
"Yes, there's been no sign of the men or the car since they left," Kelly said.
"We checked the area for a block around, but didn't see anything unusual," Jim said.
Blair disappeared through the doorway that led to the playroom.
"What's going on, Jim?" Kelly asked.
"Jeff's mother has shown up out of nowhere and wants Jeff back."
"Oh Lord…"
A child's happy voice could be heard over the sounds of playing children in the other room.
"Daddy!!" Jeffery Michael Sandburg cried at the sight of his father.
"Hey there, squirt!" Blair smiled as he pulled his son up into his arms. He hugged the boy close and Jeff wrapped his arms around Blair's neck. "Love you, Jeff," Blair whispered, surprised when he heard his voice crack.
"Love you too, daddy." Jeff pushed back and looked into Blair's eyes, his small hands on either side of his father's face. "What the matter, daddy?"
Blair gently pushed a hand through Jeff's soft curly brown hair. "Everything's fine, sweetheart." He hoped he sounded more convincing then he felt. "Are you ready to head for home?"
"Hey, what about me?" Jim called from the doorway with outstretched arms.
Jeff giggled and Blair set him down. Small legs pumped across the room and he slammed into the big man's chest as he knelt for his hug. "How's it going, partner?"
"Not bad, parner!" Jeff laughed.
Blair stepped over and joined the two and told Jeff, "Go get your jacket… okay?"
"'Kay, daddy," Jeff said and scampered off.
Jim straightened up and patted Blair on the shoulder. "It's going to be all right, Chief."
Blair took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "Yeah… I know."
"Blair, what do you want to do about Jeff's daycare?" Kelly asked.
They watched as Jeff made his way across the room, saying good-bye to his friends, as well as Sandy and Diane, the two women that worked there with Kelly.
"I'll keep him with me until this is over," Blair answered, watching his son. "I don't want to endanger the kids or workers here."
Kelly nodded, "That would probably be best, but I'm here if you need me."
Blair smiled, "Thanks."
Jeff finally joined his father and announced, "I am ready to go."
"I'll give you a call when I know when he'll be back," Blair told Kelly.
"Bye, Kelly," Jeff said brightly, waving with his free hand as he held his father's hand with the other.
"See you later, Jeff," Kelly said.
"Don't hesitate to call if you're the least bit suspicious about anything," Jim said before following Blair and Jeff out the door.
"No Vovo yet?" Jeff asked, seeing the blue and white truck in the parking lot.
"Not yet, it'll be in the shop for another day or so," Blair answered.
"Dats okay 'cause I like Unca Jim's truck."
"You do?"
"Yeah, I can see more up there," Jeff explained, indicating with his free hand that he meant that the truck sat higher.
Jim unlocked the passenger side first, and then went around to other side. His senses were on full alert for any possible threat.
Blair opened the door and lifted Jeff up onto the seat. "Into your carseat."
Jeff slid into the seat that was securely fastened to the center of the trucks bench seat. "When do I get to sit on the big seat, daddy?"
Blair smiled as he pulled himself into the truck and sat beside the carseat to buckle Jeff in. "Well, you're not quite big enough for the *big seat* yet. Before long you'll be using that car booster seat we bought, and then it won't be that long and you'll be sitting on the *big seat*."
Jeff sighed, "Okay."
Jim snapped his seatbelt on. "Everyone ready to go?"
Blair buckled his own belt and said, "All ready."
"Ready, Unca Jim," Jeff announced.
**********
A man, obviously Hispanic, with a set of binoculars watched from a window in the building across the street as Jim, Blair, and Jeff went into their building. He quickly pulled out a cell phone and dialed.
"Mrs. Marquez, this is Carlos. Sandburg and your son have just arrived at Ellison's apartment."
"All right, I sent Tino to the university in case they went there. Call him and have him meet you. Watch them and do nothing until it gets dark," Abby said.
"Sí, ma' soy, but what if they leave again before in gets dark?" Carlos questioned.
"Follow them if you have to... just get my son. Call me here at the hotel as soon as you are on your way with him," Abby said quickly.
"What about Sandburg and Ellison? They will no doubt try to stop us."
"If they get in the way… kill them," Abby said calmly and hung up the phone.
"Sí, ma' soy," Carlos replied into the dead receiver.
**********
Jim made sure that both of their apartments were clear before letting Blair and Jeff inside. "I'll be back as soon as I see if Simon called," he told Blair. "Shouldn't be too long."
Inside their apartment, Blair helped Jeff out of his coat and hung it on the wooden coat rack by the door.
"Daddy, can I have sombin to eat?" Jeff asked.
"Is that the way you ask?" Blair said gently.
Jeff thought for a moment, then said, "*May* I have sombin to eat?"
Blair smiled, "Yes, you may. How about graham crackers and milk?"
"Yes, please."
"Okay, take your shoes off and go wash your hands."
"Okay." Jeff went off to his room. "Daddy, is Unca Jim coming over?" he called from the floor in the middle of his room. Jeff untied one shoe and then the other.
"Yes, he said he'd be here in a few minutes," Blair replied from the kitchen.
Jeff pulled off his sneakers and padded out of his room in stocking feet. "Will he play with me?"
"Probably not this time, squirt. He and I will be discussing work stuff."
"Oh… 'kay." Jeff went into the bathroom.
Five minutes later, Jeff exited the bathroom and walked out into the kitchen where his father was.
"Daddy, hands clean," Jeff said, holding both up for inspection.
Blair set his peanut butter and jelly sandwich on a napkin on the counter and took the small hands in his. He looked with a critical eye at each, then turned them over and looked some more. "Good job," Blair finally smiled.
Jeff grinned happily and held onto one of Blair's hands as they crossed to the table. Blair lifted the little boy up onto the permanently placed phone books and scooted the chair in.
Blair leaned forward and kissed the top of Jeff's curly head. "Try not to make too much mess."
"'Kay," Jeff replied, reaching for a graham cracker.
As Blair straightened and started back to the kitchen, he heard keys in the door and Jim walked into the apartment.
"Hi, Unca Jim!" Jeff called from the table.
"Hey there," Jim smiled. "What have you got?" he asked, moving into the kitchen to join Blair.
"Ga'ham cackers and milk!" Jeff beamed, holding up a cracker as proof.
"Mmmm yummy!"
Jeff's head bobbed up and down a couple of times in agreement.
Blair picked up his sandwich. "Hungry?" he asked Jim before taking a bite.
"No thanks," Jim answered. He set a tablet down on the counter that he'd written notes. "Simon called. The car Kelly saw is a rental and apparently the Marquez *party* rented three cars total for their stay in Cascade. Simon also has a call in to find whatever information on Luis Marquez that's available. We'll find out what kind of *independent businessman* he is. That may answer a few questions too."
"You think he's into drugs?"
"Could be that or possibly weapons…" Jim shrugged noncommittally, "or he could be an honest businessman."
"Can you stay with Jeff while I go talk to Abby?" Blair asked.
"No…" Jim said.
"But, Jim…"
"You are *not* going to talk to Abby… I am. Because they tried to take Jeff today, this has turned into a police matter."
Blair opened his mouth to protest.
Jim interrupted before the younger man could utter a word, "I want you to stay here with your son, Chief."
Blair looked over at the small boy dunking graham crackers in his milk and getting as much on his face as in his mouth.
"Has he ever asked about his mother?" Jim asked quietly.
Blair shook his head, not looking away from Jeff. "No he hasn't. He doesn't seem to give it any thought, but I imagine he will… someday."
Jim nodded and followed his friend's gaze to the table. Then, picking up the tablet with makes, models, and licenses written on it, he said, "I'm going to head over to the Cascade Plaza. I'll call as soon as I'm done talking to Abby, okay? If there's an emergency, call Simon and page me."
Blair nodded, then pulled his eyes away and looked up at Jim. "Thanks, Jim."
"Not a problem, buddy," Jim replied, patting Blair on the back. "Never a problem where you and Jeff are concerned." He walked over and kissed Jeff above his right ear then whispered, "Take care of your dad while I'm gone, partner."
"I *awways* take care of my Daddy," Jeff said.
"And you do a darn fine job too," Jim smiled. "I'll see you later."
"Bye, Unca Jim."
Blair walked to the door. "Be careful, man."
Jim nodded and stepped out into the hallway with a wry smile. "I'm always careful, Chief."
"Uh huh." Blair smiled, closing the door after Jim started down the hallway and turned his attention to his son. He shook his head and walked to the table. "I only gave you two crackers, but I swear you smeared at least a half dozen on your face."
"Ga'ham cackers good, Daddy," Jeff grinned, setting his empty milk cup on the table.
Blair chuckled, "Yes, I guess they are." He picked up Jeff and took him into the kitchen where he set the boy on the counter next to the sink. "Let's clean you up and then you can play until dinner. How's that sound?"
"Cool!"
**********
Jim arrived at the Cascade Plaza and took and elevator up to the twelfth floor. He stood for a moment outside suite 1206 and listened. Jim's Sentinel hearing could hear three heartbeats, and his enhanced sense of smell picked up perfume, which told him that one of the people inside was a woman. There was a distinct odor of nervousness coming from the room that threatened to overpower the scent of perfume he could smell.
Jim knocked and waited, and soon heard footsteps crossing the room inside to the door.
"Qué quiere usted?" a Hispanic man asked when the door opened.
//"What do you want?"//
"Is Abby Marquez in?" Jim said calmly and showed his badge. "I'm Detective Ellison with the Cascade Police."
" Quién es, Petro?" Abby called from another room.
//"Who is it, Petro?"//
"Un detective con la Policía de Cascada. El lo pide," Petro said.
//"A detective with the Cascade Police. He asks for you.//
Abby walked into the main room and Petro stepped aside. "Oh..." Surprise was evident on her face when she recognized Jim.
"Hello, Abby," Jim said coolly.
"What do you want, Jim? I'm expecting someone and don't have time for chit chat."
"It's Detective Ellison." Jim produced his badge and showed it to her. "I'm here on official business."
"Official... what's going on?"
"May I come in, Mrs. Marquez?"
"Oh, you've spoken to Blair, didn't you? He told you I wanted Jeffery back."
"Can we talk inside?" Jim asked quietly.
"I really don't have time for this," Abby pressed. "I'm waiting for..."
"We either talk here and now, or we talk down at the station."
"Me quiere que usted me deshaga de él, Sra. Marquez?" Petro asked.
//"Do you want me get rid of him, Mrs. Marquez?"
Another man in the room rose from a chair to stand behind Abby.
Abby's lips pressed into a thin line and her eyebrows knitted closely together as she frowned. "Am I being charged with a crime?"
"Not yet."
Abby gave an exasperated sigh, "Let him in, Petro."
Jim entered and Petro closed the door. Abby told the two men to leave so that she and Jim could talk.
**********
The phone on Captain Banks desk rang insistently as he hurried through the empty bullpen to answer it.
"Banks," Simon said when he finally answered it.
"Hola, el Capitán."
Simon managed a smile. "Hola, Captain Fernando. I was hoping it was you."
"Capitán, I have the information that you requested," Captain Fernando said.
Simon circled his desk and sat down, picking up pen and paper as he went. "Okay, tell me what you know."
**********
Blair peeked into Jeff's bedroom and saw that the boy was busily playing with the police cruiser and fire engine Jim had given him. A Batman action figure was riding on the cruiser and Superman was riding on the ladder of the engine. Jeff spoke softly as he was first Batman and then Superman joining forces to save the world.
With a contented smile, Blair was able to set aside the possible threat to his family… if only for a minute. He busied himself in the kitchen putting the chicken in the oven for dinner. Jim had been gone for a little over an hour and he was wondering why it was taking so long.
He said he would call and he will, Blair reminded himself.
Going into his bedroom, Blair sat down at the small desk and organized things so he could grade some essay papers. He would need to post the grades before his Friday class in two days.
**********
Jim left the hotel suite feeling rather disgusted. Abby had told him the same thing she'd told Blair. She swore she was in Cascade alone and there must have been a mix up in the paperwork when she picked up her rental car. When Jim related the incident at the daycare center, Abby acted concerned, though her heart rate never changed, and berated Blair for not taking better precautions with her son.
"What right do you have to find fault with Blair as a father?" Jim finally said, unable to stand the woman's comments any longer.
"He clearly endangered Jeffery by having at a daycare center without proper security," Abby ranted. "What if something had happened to my son?! What if those men had taken him?!"
"You weren't here to see what he went through checking into every center that was within a reasonable distance of both the university and the police station. He met and spoke with every employee. Even now, he makes a point to meet any new employee that center hires." Jim's face was a mask hiding the anger, his voice barely able contain his calm. "You forced him into single parenthood with absolutely no warning at all. Blair was worried sick about you when you didn't return the day you left Jeff. He was afraid that you'd been in an accident… or even murdered!"
Abby's face turned red. With anger or the embarrassment of knowing what Jim said was true. "Get out, Detective. I've told you what I know and if you have anything else to say, I will contact my lawyer. I believe I have that right."
"Yes, ma'am, Mrs. Marquez, but I guarantee you that if anything happens to Blair or to Jeff, I will be back."
**********
"Es casi oscuro," Carlos said, watching the building across the street.
//"It is nearly dark."//
"Sí y Ellison tiene no vuelto," Tino commented. "Esto hace la marca más fácil,"
//"Yes and Ellison has not returned. This will make it easier."//
"Recuerde no a la herida el chico. Sra. Marquez hace nos tiene ejecutamos si hay tanto un rasguño diminuto."
//"Remember not to hurt the boy. Mrs. Marquez will have us executed if there is so much a tiny scratch."//
" Usted reúne al chico." Tino grinned wickedly as he drew his gun from its holster. "Hago cuida del uno él llama *papá*."
//"You collect the boy. I will take care of the one he calls *daddy*."//
"Es tiempo. Vayamos."
//"It is time. Let's go."//
**********
The phone on the night table rang and Blair nearly tripped over himself getting to it. "Jim?" he said into the receiver.
"Sorry, Blair, it's Simon," the Captain.
"Oh, hi, Simon. What's up?" Blair sat down heavily on his bed.
"Well, you answered my first question. I take it you haven't heard from Jim yet?"
"No and I'm starting to worry a little. I didn't think he'd be gone this long. I was thinking about calling him, but he said that he'd call when he finished talking to Abby."
"I'm sure he's fine, Blair," Simon assured. "Listen, I have some information on Luis Marquez."
"And?" Blair asked nervously. He wasn't sure he wanted to hear this.
Jeff got bored with playing in his room and went to ask his father if he could take his big wheel out to ride in the hallway.
Blair had his back to the door and didn't see the little boy standing in the doorway.
Jeff knew better than to interrupt his father while he was on the phone and tried to wait patiently for the conversation to end. But Jeffery Sandburg was very much like his father when it came to waiting. First he stood in the doorway, then he sat cross-legged on the floor. Finally, with a tiny sigh, Jeff rose and crossed the apartment to the corner of the living room where his big wheel was *parked*. He carefully pushed it over to the door and sat down on the seat to wait.
Soon Jeff became bored with that, but remained determined to ride his big wheel. Hearing his father still on the phone, he chewed his bottom lip thoughtfully. Daddy awways lets me ride in the hall, Jeff told himself, not remembering even one time when that request had been denied. With this in mind the five-year-old pushed a stool from the kitchen to the door. With a grunt, Jeff was able to reach the deadbolt and turn it, then small fingers turned the lock in the doorknob until it popped out like he'd seen his father do. With a satisfied grin the door opened easily when he used both hands to turn the knob.
Blair never heard his son's movements as he quietly pushed his big wheel out into the hall and began to pedal it from one end to the other.
"So Luis Marquez isn't into marketing drugs or weapons?" Blair asked.
"Apparently not," Simon replied. "His family owns and operates several clothing manufacturing companies in Mexico and. Mr. Marquez inherited everything when his father died in 1992. If he doesn't have a son or daughter to take it all over eventually, it will go a cousin."
"So it's important to Marquez to have an heir to his fortune… and with Abby he has a ready made heir in Jeff."
"It would seem that way."
Jeff saw the two men get off the elevator and stopped to look at them.
"Are you Jeffery Sandburg?" Carlos asked, a friendly smile on his face.
Jeff frowned. "I not s'pose to talk to strangers."
"We are friends of your mama."
"Mama?"
The men began slowly moving closer.
"Si and she wants to see you?" Tino said.
"I not s'pose to talk to strangers," Jeff repeated, getting off the big wheel. "Daddy?!" he called, turning towards the open door of the Sandburg residence.
Blair heard the anxiety in Jeff's voice. "Hang on just a sec, Simon." He stood and started out of the bedroom. "Jeff?" Quickly looking in his son's bedroom and not finding the boy there, Blair's eyes swept through the apartment and stopped at the sight of the opened door. "Jeff?!"
Carlos lunged forward, grabbing the boy by one arm.
Jeff screamed as he was lifted off the ground and a hand clamped around his mouth.
Blair's stomach dropped as his son's frightened scream tore straight through him. "Jeff!!!" he cried as he flew through the apartment to the door. "Oh, God, no," he murmured. Blair could hear voices as he bolted into the hallway.
Terrified eyes stared at Blair from around the large hand that still covered his small mouth. Jeff frantically reached out to his father as he squirmed in the arms that held him.
"Put him down!!" Blair yelled.
Tino drew his gun from the shoulder holster as Carlos hung on to the boy.
"Mrs. Marquez wants her son," Carlos said. "He will be well taken care of."
Eyes blazing, heart pounding, fists clenching and unclenching, Blair's mind raced as to what to do without hurting Jeff. "Put him down… NOW!"
"Tome el niño. Manejaré esto uno," Tino said to his companion, the gun leveled at Blair's chest.
//"Take the kid. I will handle this one."//
Carlos nodded and turned towards the stairs, not waiting for the elevator.
"No!" Blair screamed, rushing forward. "Jeff!!"
Tino's fist connected with Blair's midsection and sent him to his knees.
Blair gasped for breath, listening to Jeff's high-pitched cries for help fade. "Jeff," Blair whispered hoarsely, unshed tears beginning to sting his eyes. He looked up and stared at the man before him. Something inside of him snapped. "You bastards!" Blair got to his feet. "You… took… my…" His entire body tensed. "*son*!" Blair surged forward and in one fluid movement hit Tino hard enough to send them both to the floor.
Tino lost his grip on the gun and it skittered across the floor.
Fueled by a rage that only a parent fighting for a child could possess, Blair fought as he had never fought before.
**********
When Simon had heard Blair cry out for Jeff through the phone, he immediately called for backup and contacted Jim.
Jim had been on his way home and had tried to call Blair, but the line was busy. When the call came over the radio, he flipped on lights and siren, praying it wasn't too late. His cell phone rang seconds later. "Sandburg?" Jim said hopefully when he answered it.
"No, Jim, it's Simon," the Captain said.
"I was on my way home and I heard the call. Any idea what's happened?"
"I was on the phone with Blair when Jeff called out. Blair went to check on him and I could hear the boy scream and there was some shouting. Blair never came back to the phone, so I called for backup. I'm on my way."
"Thanks, Simon. I'm nearly home so I'll meet you there."
Jim was the first to arrive, followed within seconds by Simon and several police units.
"Can you hear anything, Jim," Simon asked as they stood outside the main door.
"I can make out two people upstairs, but…" Jim began, but was interrupted when his cell phone rang. "Ellison," he said into the receiver.
"Jim… I need you, man!" Blair said shakily. "Where are you?"
"I'm downstairs, Chief. Are you all right?" Jim signaled for Simon to follow and they went into the building and started up the stairs.
"He took Jeff, Jim!" Blair cried into the phone.
"We're on our way up. Just hang tight for a minute."
Blair set the phone down on the floor next to him and leaned his head back against the wall never taking his eyes off the man on the floor.
Jim and Simon cautiously opened the stairwell door and stepped into the hallway. They saw Blair sitting on the floor in the hallway, leaning against the wall with a gun in one hand resting on his thigh. An unconscious man was lying face down in front of him.
"Sandburg?" Jim called, keeping his voice low enough so as not to startle the young man.
Blair opened his eyes and let his head roll towards the familiar voice. "I think I killed him, Jim."
Simon radioed down that it was clear and to send up the medics.
Jim hurried forward and checked the man lying on the floor.
"I didn't mean to kill him, Jim," Blair said softly. "I just wanted to know where they were going to take Jeff."
"He's alive, Chief." Jim moved to his friend's side and carefully took the gun from Blair's limp hand, noting the scraped and bruised knuckles. "Are you all right?" Jim started to look over the bruises and cuts on Blair's face.
"There were two of them and one got away with Jeff," Blair said in an anguished whispered. "I couldn't stop him."
Jim's hands ran smoothly and gently over Blair's chest, sides, and stomach, feeling the heat of bruising, but nothing appeared to be broken. "We'll find Jeff, Chief."
"I tried to stop him, Jim." Tears spilled down Blair's battered face. "I really tried, but…"
"Shhh," Jim soothed, pulling his friend forward into an embrace. "I know you tried." He felt tremors run through Blair's body. "I know you did."
A groan came from the prone body on the floor.
Blair pulled back from Jim at the sound and glared at Tino, then began to push around him. "I want to know where my son is, you bastard!" Blair yelled.
"Whoa there, Chief," Jim said, pulling his friend back and holding him against the wall.
Blair struggled as Tino began to rise. "Where's my son?!" He looked beseechingly at Jim, "Make him tell me where Jeff is!"
"Don't worry, he'll tell us where Jeff is," Jim said, stealing a dangerous glance at Tino. "Just calm down here, Chief."
Simon moved in and quickly handcuffed the suspect before he was able fully regain his senses. He set Tino back against the wall and looked at Tino's face. He definitely looks worse than Sandburg does, Simon thought with satisfaction.
Blair settled down a little beneath Jim's strong grip, but still watched Tino with dark, ice cold eyes.
"They've got Jeff, Simon," Jim stated
"I heard. I've sent Brown, Rafe, and Connor over to the Cascade Plaza and put out an APB on all three of the rental vehicles."
"Thanks, sir."
"Jim, Abby's going to try to take Jeff back to Mexico," Blair said frantically. "We have to stop her!"
Simon keyed up the radio again and said, "Taggart, I want APB's out to every airport and train station between Cascade and Portland, Oregon! Give them the name and description of Jeffery Sandburg. He may be accompanied by one or more Hispanic men or a woman by the name of Abby Marquez or Abby Tate."
"Yes, sir, consider it done," came Joel Taggart's reply.
Simon reached a hand down and rubbed Blair's shoulder. "We'll find Jeff." He didn't have to imagine how Blair must have been feeling. Simon *knew* how he'd be feeling if someone had taken his son, Darryl.
Jim eased Blair to his feet. "Let's get you inside. The medics will be here any second."
"I don't need the medics, Jim," Blair tried to stifle a groan as he straightened. "I need to find Jeff."
"And we'll find him, but just let them take a look at you, okay? As soon as we've got you cleaned up, maybe we'll have a clue as to where to start looking."
**********
When Carlos heard the sirens, he decided not to wait for Tino. He drove normally as he left the parking lot, not wanting to draw attention to himself. A blue and white pickup truck pulled into the lot from another entrance and as Carlos made his left turn onto the main street, he saw several cars with lights and sirens rounding the corner behind him. He'd gotten away cleanly, but Tino was still inside the building.
A small boy huddled in the backseat. Jeff was frightened and wanted his daddy. Large tears wet his cheeks as he sat with his feet on the seat and knees pulled up to his chin, sniffling quietly.
Carlos picked up the car phone and quickly dialed a number, glancing in the rearview mirror at the small shadowed figure on the backseat.
"You will be all right," Carlos told Jeff. "Your mama will take good care of you."
"I want my Daddy," Jeff said quietly.
Carlos began to say something, but was interrupted when the phone was answered.
"Hello," a female voice said on the other end.
"I have the boy, Mrs. Marquez."
"Excellent!" Abby said, the smile on her face was evident in her voice. "You and Tino are on your way here with him?"
"I am on my now, but I think Tino was captured by the police."
"What happened?!" Abby asked impatiently.
"The boy's father tried to stop us." Carlos explained. "I left with the boy while Tino stayed to take care of the father. I waited as long as I dared for him, but he did not come out of the building. I drove away as the police were arriving."
"Damn! Okay, don't come back to the hotel. Go on to the airport and I will meet you there." Abby slammed down the telephone and hurried into the bedroom shouting, "Petro! Debemos apurar y deber salir! Dónde está Ricardo?"
//"Petro! We must hurry and leave! Where is Ricardo?"//
"El obtiene abajo un periódico. Qué ha acontecido?" Petro asked, walking into the room as Abby left it.
//"He is downstairs getting a newspaper. What has happened?"//
"La policía tiene Tino. Debemos salir del país tan pronto como sea posible."
//"The police have Tino. We must get out of the country as soon as possible."//
Petro nodded.
"Carlos tiene a mi hijo y nos reunirá en el aeropuerto," Abby said as she quickly stuffed clothes into a suitcase.
//"Carlos has my son and will meet us at the airport."//
Ricardo rushed into the suite and slammed the door shut. He was obviously agitated.
"Qué está equivocado, Ricardo?" Petro asked.
//"What is wrong, Ricardo?"//
"Los seres de la policía en el vestíbulo! Ellos preguntan por Sra. Marquez."
//"The police are in the lobby! They are asking about Mrs. Marquez."//
"What?!" Abby yelled. She came out of the bedroom and looked at the two men frantically.
"Ellos estarán aquí cualquier momento!" Ricardo said.
//"They will be here any moment!"//
As Detectives Rafe and Brown, and Inspector Connor stepped off the elevator on the twelfth floor, Abby Marquez and two men got onto another.
**********
With Jim's help, Blair managed to get the cuts on his face cleaned up and small butterfly bandages applied where necessary. As Jim bandaged Blair's bruised and scraped knuckles, Jim listened as their prisoner was questioned.
"What are they saying?" Blair asked impatiently.
After his fight with an enraged Blair, Tino was more than willing to talk… as long as they kept the "el hombre loco" away from him.
Jim smiled faintly, and with a touch of pride, and held a finger up to quiet his partner.
Listening with enhanced hearing through the closed door, Jim heard Tino rattle on as a Spanish speaking officer asked questioned.
"Jim?" Blair whispered. "Don't zone on me, man."
"I'm not zoning, Chief," Jim said. "My Spanish is a bit rusty and I'm trying to figure out what they're saying."
"Open the door. I know some Spanish, maybe I can help."
"I'm afraid that if our perp sees you, he'll panic," Jim teased.
"Huh?" Blair's questioning look was priceless. He really had no clue as to the effect that he'd had on the man he'd fought with.
Jim caught enough of the conversation to know that Tino and his accomplice were to get the boy and return to Cascade Plaza where they would pick up Mrs. Marquez before going to the airport.
"Looks like we may head them off at the hotel," Jim told Blair as he taped down the gauze.
"Good, let's go," Blair began to stand up and immediately swayed on his feet.
Jim grabbed Blair before he could fall and sat him back in the chair. "You just sit tight there for a few minutes."
"But, Jim…"
"We should hear from Rafe, Brown, and Conner soon. Then we'll head out to meet them."
Simon opened the door and stepped inside. "How are you doing, Sandburg?"
Blair sighed, "I'm okay, sir, thanks."
Simon gave a nod and turned to Jim to say something when his cell phone rang. "Banks," he barked into the little receiver. After a minute of listening the frown lines in the Captain's face deepened dramatically. "All right, Rafe, head over to the airport and we'll meet you there."
"What happened?" Blair asked.
Simon dropped the phone into a pocket of his overcoat. "Rafe said that the suite was empty when they arrived. They probably just missed them."
"Okay, so we go to the airport and catch them there," Blair said, carefully standing up.
"I want you to wait here."
"No way, Simon! That's my son we're talking about and I can not just sit here and wait for the phone to ring!"
"What would you be doing if it was Darryl instead of Jeff?" Jim asked.
Simon's face softened as he nodded his understanding. "I'd be doing the same thing."
"Okay, Chief, grab your jacket and let's go."
**********
During the high-speed drive with lights and sirens to the Cascade Airport, a report came in over the radio that two or the rental cars had been found in the no parking area in front of the terminal.
"Hurry, Jim!" Blair cried.
"Foot's through the floor, Chief," Jim replied in a voice that was calmer than he felt. "We'll get there in time."
Simon was on the radio in his car giving orders as he followed the blue and white pickup.
Pulling up in front of the terminal where the rental cars had been found, all available police and airport security quickly began to search the airport and ask questions.
Jim was at a counter asking questions when Blair just happened to turn and look out the big window overlooking the tarmac.
Blair blinked in disbelief as he saw Abby and three other men, one of who was carrying Jeff, walking across the tarmac towards a Lear Jet. "JIM!" Blair cried as he ran in the direction of the nearest stairs.
Jim turned at the sound of his partner's voice. "Blair?!" he called as he saw the younger man running across the terminal. Trying to see what Blair was chasing, Jim caught sight of the people on the tarmac. "Blair, wait!"
Blair didn't hear Jim as he hoped over a "Authorized Personal Only" sign to barrel down the stairs. At the bottom of the stairs, he burst through the door, setting off the security alarm.
"Damn!" Jim muttered as he ran to follow.
"Daddy!" Jeff cried when he saw his father racing across the tarmac.
Abby jerked to a stop and turned around. "No!" she whispered urgently. "I'm too close to lose him now!" Abby turned back, taking Jeff from Carlos and said to her men, "Kill them."
Jeff began to cry and struggle in Abby's arms as she began to walk away.
"It's going to be all right, Jeffery," Abby said. "Mama is taking you to a wonderful place."
"No! I want my Daddy!"
"Abby!" Blair called out.
Carlos, Petro, and Ricardo pulled their guns.
"Please, Abby, don't do this!"
Jim already had his gun drawn as he caught up with Blair and quickly squeezed off a shot, hitting Petro in the shoulder. With a grunt of pain, Petro went down and the gun was knocked from his hand.
"Who's next?!" Jim shouted angrily at the last two men.
Carlos and Ricardo hesitated a moment then began to lay their gun aside.
"Daddy!" Jeff cried again.
Blair ran past them in pursuit of Abby and his son. "Jeff!"
Abby turned at the bottom of the stairs leading up into the aircraft.
"Blair… wait!" Jim called after his partner.
Ricardo saw an opportunity and took it. He straightened and swung around, firing a shot at Blair. Jim fired at the same moment, hitting Ricardo between the shoulder blades. Carlos quickly dropped his gun and raised his hands.
Jim glanced beyond the three men in front of him for Blair. "Oh God," he whispered when he saw his friend lying in a heap on the tarmac.
Jim couldn't seem to move fast enough. He checked Ricardo, but found no pulse. Quickly he handcuffed Carlos and the injured Petro to the back of a luggage transport vehicle. Running out to where Blair lay motionless, Jim looked towards the aircraft as Abby disappeared inside with Jeff.
Police vehicles were converging on the scene and surrounded the small jet. Jim watched as Captain Simon Banks exited his maroon sedan and led the team to the plane.
Jim knelt next to Blair, who was lying unconscious on his side. Blood flowed dark and red from his head onto the tarmac. Jim's hand shook as he felt for a pulse in Blair's neck and he nearly collapsed with relief when he felt it beating slow, but strong. He carefully moved Blair onto his back and checked for injuries.
"Oh God… no," Jim whispered, feeling his stomach twist as his hand passed through bloody curls, finding two bullet holes in Blair's head.
Two paramedics appeared behind Jim and one placed a hand on the detective's back. "We'll take it from here."
Jim gently ran his knuckles over Blair's pale cheek, then looked up and nodded. "Take care of him." Then he was up and running for the aircraft. Sentinel hearing heard voices inside the plane and a little boy crying.
"Mrs. Marquez, please be reasonable," Simon said.
"He's my son. I want what's best for him," Abby said tearfully, clinging tightly to the boy she held. "I want to give him the home I couldn't give him before. I want to give my husband an heir. I want…"
"What about Blair?" Jim said, stepping inside the cabin. "Does he enter into this arrangement at all? He is Jeff's father after all. Can you honestly separate a father and child like this?"
"Is Blair all right?" Abby asked cautiously.
Jim shook his head. "I don't know, Abby. Your man shot him in the head." He heard Simon gasp. "The paramedics are doing everything they can."
"If he dies, it won't matter that I have Jeffery, does it? I'll be in Mexico and you won't be able to touch me."
"No, it won't be that easy." Jim's tone turned dark and threatening. "You see… if Blair dies, I won't be a cop anymore. I will follow you wherever you go… and when I find you I will take you out without a second thought or look back. If you leave here with Jeff, I *will* bring him back. I won't let you destroy another life."
"But I'm his mother!" Abby wailed. "You can't deny me my son!"
"Look at him, Abby," Jim said. "Look at your son. Does he even know you?"
Abby's frown deepened.
"You haven't seen him since he was three-months-old. There's no way he could remember who you are after five years."
Abby gently pulled Jeff off her shoulder and looked at his tear streaked face.
"I want my Daddy," Jeff sobbed.
Abby's fingers slid through the rumpled curls and her face saddened. "Shh," she began to croon. "Everything will be all right."
Jim moved forward very slowly.
"Unca Jim," Jeff said quietly and reached for the big man.
Abby let the boy slip from her arms into Jim's, then slumped to the floor and began to cry in earnest.
Without another word Jim left with Jeff held snuggly in his arms.
"I really didn't want anyone to get hurt," Abby sobbed. "I didn't think Blair would care if I took Jeffery back."
"You thought wrong," Simon said, signaling an officer to take her into custody. "You could not have been more wrong."
**********
The doctor walked into the waiting room and found Jim and Simon. "Captain… Detective," he said as he shook both their hands.
"How's Blair doing?" Jim asked anxiously.
"He's awake and aware," the doctor smiled gently. "The bullet entered his head on the left side near the back, but did not penetrate his skull. It exited after approximately four inches after only creasing the bone under the scalp."
"So… so he's all right?"
"He's going to have a hell of a headache for a while, but he's going to be just fine."
"Thank God!" Simon exclaimed, letting out a relieved sigh.
"Can I see him?" Jim asked.
"Of course," the doctor replied. "Second floor. Ask at the nurses desk which room."
"Thank you," Jim said, shaking the doctor's hand again.
"No problem, detective. I'm just glad everything turned out all right," the doctor said before he left.
"Go ahead, Jim," Simon said. "I'll take Jeff home with me."
"Thanks, Simon," Jim said with a small smile.
**********
Jim walked into the room on the second floor. He could tell that Blair wasn't sleeping even though his eyes were closed. Quietly moving a chair next to the bed, Jim sat down. He really didn't care if Blair opened his eyes, since the nurse had reassured him that Blair was going to be all right. Jim was content to just sit there for a while and listen to his friend, partner, and Guide breathe.
After several minutes Blair groaned and opened his eyes slowly.
"Hey, Chief," Jim whispered.
"Hi, Jim," Blair managed, wincing at the pain his own voice caused. "Where's Jeff?"
"He's safe. Not a scratch on him, I promise. He's with Simon right now."
"Abby?"
"She's been arrested," Jim stated plainly.
Blair groaned again and reached a shaky hand towards his throbbing head. "When can I go home?"
"Probably tomorrow."
"Oh, man!" Blair grimaced and lowered his voice. "I want to see Jeff."
"And he wants to see you too. He's pretty worried about his old man."
"There must have been a lot of blood. Head wounds bleed a lot you know. Jeff didn't see…"
"Don't worry, Chief. I made sure Jeff didn't see you, but I had to explain to him why you couldn't be with him."
"Poor guy. I wish I could see him… it would set both our minds at ease," Blair said.
"I know, but for now you just rest up so you can come home tomorrow," Jim said, rubbing his friend's arm lightly.
"You going to take Jeff home with you tonight?"
"Yeah, I'll pick him up on my way home."
**********
That evening at the loft Jim made macaroni and cheese with hotdogs for dinner. Jeff had been quiet and subdued since learning of his father being injured. He had no interest in the toys Jim had picked up when they stopped to pick up Jeff's pajamas and toothbrush. All the boy wanted to do was sit and cuddle with 'Unca Jim' in front of the television in his favorite green jammies.
At eight o'clock, it was Jeff's bedtime.
"Okay, partner," Jim said softly to the dozing little boy on his lap. "Time for you to hit the sack."
"Don' wanna seep," Jeff murmured. "Not seepy."
Jim smiled. You are so much like your father. "Well, can you at least try to sleep a little bit… for me?"
Jeff sighed and a huge yawn escaped. "'Kay… but I not seepy."
Jim picked the exhausted bundle up as he stood and went to the small downstairs room that had once been Blair's. He received a goodnight kiss on the cheek, tucked the blankets up around the small body, and watched as Jeff fell asleep before he was finished.
Jim tried to watch television for a while longer, but his own exhaustion was quickly winning out. He made a quick call to the hospital to check on Blair and was informed by the nurse that he was sleeping restlessly, but his condition was good. Knowing how Blair hated hospitals and how he must be concerned about Jeff, Jim was satisfied that all was as well as could be expected. He checked the doors and turned out the lights, except for the one over the stove in case Jeff needed to get up. Then Jim went upstairs to his bedroom, undressed to his boxers, and crawled wearily into bed.
**********
Jim awoke when he detected the slight squeak of the door downstairs. He listened as a small set of feet shuffled across the floor, then began the climb up the stairs. Taking a quick look at the bedside clock, Jim saw that it was barely midnight.
"Unca Jim?" Jeff whispered from the top of the stairs.
"Yeah?" Jim whispered back.
"You awake?"
"Uh huh."
Jeff bounded across the room and flew onto the bed and into Jim's arms.
Jim tucked Jeff under the blankets as the boy squirmed as close as possible.
"I had a bad dream and woke up, Unca Jim," Jeff said in a quiet voice.
"Oh, why don't you tell me about it," Jim said, wrapping his arms around the boy.
"I had to go away with that lady and I never saw my daddy or you again."
Jim hugged Jeff and kissed the top of the curly head under his chin. "It was just a dream, partner. Your dad will be home tomorrow."
The small head nodded. "I wish my Daddy was here now. I seep better when my Daddy is home."
"So do I," Jim sighed and ran his warm hands over Jeff's back. "Try to sleep now, okay?"
"'Kay," Jeff replied softly.
Thirty minutes later, as Jim lay there with a restless child tossing and turning and wanting his father, he thought of a way to let them all sleep better.
**********
"We have to be real quiet, partner," Jim whispered to Jeff just before he opened the stairwell door. "If we get caught, we're gonna be in a world of hurt."
Jeff nodded and held a tiny finger to his lips.
Jim couldn't help but smile as he held out his hand. "Ready to do it?"
Jeff gave a thumbs-up and grasped Jim's hand.
Jim pulled open the heavy door and peered out into the dimly lit corridor. There was no one in sight and he ushered his charge down the corridor and into one of the rooms.
Blair sighed as he heard the door open. "It can't possibly be time to wake me up again."
"Daddy?" came a small voice from across the room.
Blair opened his eyes and turned his head. "Oh my God."
"Hey, Chief," Jim said rather sheepishly. "We couldn't sleep."
An hour later Nurse Hudson walked into the room to see a five-year-old boy in green pajamas sleeping soundly curled up in her patient's arms and a Detective of the Cascade Police Department sleeping in a chair next to the bed.
**********
The arraignment took place the day Blair was released from the hospital. Abby would be tried for kidnapping, assault, and attempting it instigate murder. Carlos, Petro, and Tino were would face charges for kidnapping, assault, and attempted murder. There would be no bail set for any of them. There was no bail set and they would await their trials in prison.
As everyone filed out of the courtroom, Blair turned to Jim. "I'll meet you outside in a few minutes."
"Are you sure you want to do this, Chief?" Jim asked. "You've only just gotten out of the hospital. I shouldn't have even let you talk me into bringing you here."
"I needed to be here for this, Jim. I'm all right." Blair sighed and looked up at his partner. "I really need to do this, man. I won't be long."
Jim looked into his friend's sad blue eyes and relented. He patted Blair on the shoulder, "Okay. I'll be out by the truck."
Blair made his way to the small conference room where Abby was waiting. He had requested to see her one last time before she was taken away to prison.
Abby had dressed conservatively for the trial instead of in prison issue orange. She looked up and smiled at Blair when he walked into the room. "Hi, Blair."
"Um… Hi, Abby," Blair said, sitting across from her at the table.
"Luis is going to appeal the verdict. I'll probably be out of here in a few months."
Blair simply nodded.
"I still want to see Jeffery… and be his mother," Abby said quietly.
"Jeff no more has a mother than I do a father," Blair stated with quiet anger.
"Wait, Blair… please…" Abby began to plead.
"No, *you* wait! Were you there when he was colicky for a week at five-months and I was up every night walking the floor with him? Were you around when he had a cold or the flu? How about last August when he had the chicken pox? Where the hell were you, Abby?! My father was never around when I was growing up and I turned out fine. You've never been here for Jeff. Let's just keep it that way."
"Blair… he's my son!" Abby cried, tears streaming down her cheeks.
"No, he's *my* son. Jeff will no doubt start to ask questions about his mother now. I'll tell him the truth… hopefully in terms he'll understand. I promise not to portray you as a bad person… confused and stupid definitely… but I won't lie to him." Blair stood, getting ready to take his leave. "Eventually Jeff will be old enough to make his own decision about meeting you, and I won't stop him from doing so if that's what he wants. If or until that time comes, I don't ever want to hear from you again unless it's through my lawyer… and don't even think about trying to go near Jeff." Blair handed a restraining order to Abby, which she took with a trembling hand. "If you get out of prison and even breathe in our direction, I won't hesitate to have you arrested." He turned and walked to the door, then stopped and turned back to see that Abby hadn't moved. Hadn't even lowered her handcuffed arms after taking the restraining order from him. For a moment Blair pitied the woman, but in that moment he also became stronger in his convictions and said, "George Bernard Shaw once said 'Perhaps the greatest social service that can be rendered by anybody to the country and to mankind is to bring up a family.' You lost that opportunity five years ago, and even if you were to have a child now, you would still never know its meaning."
**********
It was late in the evening when Blair finally got Jeff off to sleep.
"Jeff's afraid *that lady* will come back to take him away again. He thinks I might not be here when he wakes up," Blair sighed, walking out of Jeff's bedroom to join Jim in the kitchen.
Jim gave the counter a final wipe and folded the towel before setting it aside. "Do you want me to stay tonight?" he asked. "It's your first night out of the hospital. I can sleep on the sofa."
Blair smiled knowingly, "No, man, we'll be okay."
"I know you will… but I can still stay."
Blair chuckled, hooked the other man's arm with his own and started for the door. "No, Jim, you've been here all day watching over us. I know you, man. If you stay, you won't sleep and your back will be killing you in the morning. Go home and get some sleep. I promise to holler if we need you, okay?"
"Okay, Chief," Jim said reluctantly. "I'll be back in the morning to check on you two."
"Thanks, Jim," Blair said sincerely. He opened the door and Jim stepped out into the hall. "Night." Blair knew Jim would stand out there until he heard the lock click into place.
Feeling exhausted, Blair turned out the lights, brushed his teeth, looked in on Jeff one last time, then went to his own room. He changed into a pair of flannel pajama bottoms and a T-shirt. Blair was looking forward to sleeping in his own bed and groaned as he lay down, pulling the covers up at the same time.
A half-hour later, Blair was still laying there staring at the ceiling and listening to all the sounds the apartment made at night. He was so tired, but every time he closed his eyes he saw Abby walking away with Jeff and Jeff calling out to him. What if Luis Marquez sends someone else for Jeff? Blair thought. What if they were to get away with him? Would I be able to find him and bring him home again? He sat up in bed.
Blair sat there for another minute before he gave up and got out of bed. Without turning on any lights, he quietly left his room and went to check on Jeff again. Standing in the open doorway, staring at his son in the soft glow of the nightlight, a single tear coursed down his cheek. Of course I would! I wouldn't stop until I'd gotten you back!
Silently, Blair crossed the room and sat on the edge of Jeff's bed. Pure innocence on the sleeping little boy's face made Blair smile warmly as he gently touched the soft curls and brush them off his son's forehead. He moved one uncovered arm back under the covers and felt small fingers curl around his hand as Jeff slept on. Suddenly feeling uncomfortable leaving Jeff for his own room, Blair carefully crawled under the blankets with his son.
Without waking, Jeff snuggled into his father's arms as Blair curled protectively around the small body he held. Sleep came quickly to Blair now.
<>~~<>~~<>
end
All translations come from <http://www.freetranslation.com/>