New
Arrivals
Author-Vision
Titles
Graceful
by Vision
Summary: At the same moment a crazed bomber threatens Jim's friends and family, Grace Ellison appears in Cascade. Could there be a connection?
Disclaimer: Canon characters do not belong to me. They are the property of Pet Fly and Paramount. I don't make any money etc. etc. Vision sends Becky a big thank you for all of her work.
Steven cupped his frozen hands against his mouth and exhaled deeply. The warmth of his breath bathed his hands with moist heat. Closing his eyes, he listened to the wind howling through the ice covered trees. Shifting his feet nervously he listened intently as distant footsteps slowly approached him. Without turning around to face the intruder, he raised his voice loudly. "What do you want?"
The footsteps stopped just shy of his back. The woman pulled her scarf closer around her head and placed a gloved hand on Steven's shoulder. "Won't you even look at me, Steven? Please."
Whirling around to face the woman, Steven grabbed her by the shoulders. "What do you expect? A brass band? Tears? You destroyed my life. You destroyed Jim's life. I'm sorry. I feel nothing for you. What do you want from us? I won't let you hurt this family again. I finally got my brother back. I will not let you take that away from me. What is it, money? Are you in trouble? Tell me!"
Breaking free of Steven's grasp, the woman swiped a hand across her tear-stained face. "Please, Steven. All I want is a chance to get to know my sons. I don't want anything else. Please believe me. You're my son. I made some terrible mistakes. I know that. Give me another chance."
Dropping his eyes to the ground, Steven stared at her footprints in the snow. "You chose your path. You chose to leave us. Go back where you came from. Leave us alone. You died a long time ago, 'mom'; just stay buried."
Pressing a hand to her mouth, Grace Ellison watched as Steven walked away. Bending down, she traced her hand over one of his footprints left in the snow. "I'm sorry Steven. I can't do that. I have a 'new' path now."
****************
The man smiled as he focused the camera on the two figures in the park. Mumbling to himself, the man proceeded to take numerous pictures. "Isn't that sweet. Poor Gracie, stupid woman. What do they say? A picture is worth a thousand words. Sleep well, Steven. It could be your last."
****************
Jim slowly closed the file and threw the pen on his desk. Leaning back in his chair, he placed his hands behind his head. Closing his eyes, a slight smile twitched on the edge of his mouth. Approaching his desk, Simon cleared his throat. "Daydreaming again, Ellison? Just because you have the next forty eight hours off does not give you the right to taunt the rest of us with that silly 'smirk' of yours."
Smiling broadly, Jim opened his eyes and leaned to rest his arms on the desk. "Sorry. I'll remember to 'frown' next time. Here's the Turcell file. In triplicate just like you asked."
Handing Simon the file, Jim reached behind him for his coat. Simon glanced at the file and took a long puff of his cigar. "So, Detective, what are you going to do with your days off?"
"Think I'll head up to that cabin Blair found last summer. Peace and tranquility. Not a soul for miles. Blair's got some kind of meeting at the University, so I'll be on my own this time."
Shaking his head, Simon laughed. "Sounds perfect. You have fun. I'll see you bright and early Monday morning. Get some rest Jim. You look tired."
Rubbing his temples, Jim winced as he put on his jacket. "Haven't been sleeping too well lately. I'm sure a few days off will fix that."
"Anything I should know about?"
Forcing his hands into his gloves, Jim shook his head. "I'm fine. Just need some 'down' time."
"I hear you. Take as much time as you need. Give me a call on Sunday if things aren't any better. Now get out of here."
"Thanks. I'll call you Sunday."
Simon watched as Jim crossed the bullpen. Jim's usual confident stride seemed to have been replaced by a slow, weary shuffle. Making a mental note to talk to Blair, Simon returned to his office.
****************
Grace Ellison stared at the list of phone numbers beside the bedside table. Shifting nervously on the bed, she reached for the phone for a second time. Scanning the list of names, her hands shook as she punched in the seven digits connecting her to the "Major Crimes" division. Before the line could connect, she again replaced the receiver.
A man sank down on the bed beside her, and gave her trembling hands a gently caress. "Grace, I'm so sorry that things didn't work out between you and Steven, but you can't give up hope. At least give Jim a chance. I honestly believe that this is the right thing to do. I think it's important for you to get some 'closure' to this part of your life. When I slip that wedding ring on your finger I want you to be the happiest woman in the world."
Smiling, Grace brushed a hand across her fiance's young face. "Lee, you're too good to me. I have no idea what such a handsome young man sees in an old woman like me. My sons are almost the same age as you."
Lowering himself to kneel in front of Grace, Lee clutched her hands close to his heart. "I love everything about you Grace. The day you become 'Mrs. Lee Brackett' will be the happiest day of my life." Reaching in the bedside table, Brackett produced his camera.
"Oh, Lee. You know how much I hate photos. My hair's a mess."
Holding the camera to his face, he snapped a few shots of Grace on the bed. "You're beautiful my love, just beautiful."
****************
Yanking open the door to his office, Simon yelled. "What is it?"
Visibly shaken by the outburst, Grace took a step backwards. "I'm sorry. I was looking for Captain Banks."
"Please forgive me Things are a little crazy around here. How can I be of assistance?"
Glancing around the bullpen, Grace lowered her voice. "Could we speak in private?"
"Of course."
Gesturing Grace into his office, Simon offered her a chair. "Please sit. Can I get you a coffee?"
Smoothing a crease in her pant suit, Grace smiled. "No, thank you. I'm actually here to see my son."
Raising his eyebrows, Simon smiled. "And who might that be?"
"Detective Ellison. James Ellison. He does work here?"
Seating himself behind his desk, Simon found himself staring at the woman before him. Ice blue eyes met his gaze. "You're Jim's mother?"
"Yes, I am. Could you let him know I'm here?"
Smiling, Simon shook his head. "I'm afraid your son just left on a well-deserved vacation. I probably won't be hearing from him for the next few days. I'm actually hoping he'll take a week or so off. I'm afraid I've been pushing him pretty hard lately."
"I see. Do you know where I can reach him?"
Fumbling nervously with some papers on his desk, Simon dropped his eyes. "I'm really not at liberty to give out my detectives' home phone numbers. I hope you understand."
Rising from the chair, Grace extended her hand. "I appreciate your loyalty to my son. That won't be necessary -- his father has already given me the number."
Moving to stand, Simon gripped her hand in a handshake. "Jim's a good man. You should be very proud."
"Thank you."
Simon reached for the phone as Grace exited the office. "Rhonda get me Blair Sandburg on the phone. Check the loft and the university. I want him found now."
Returning the receiver to its original spot, Simon muttered to himself. "So much for that 'vacation.'"
****************
Lee removed the zoom lens from his camera and moved away from the edge of the building. "You take a wonderful picture, Captain Banks. I wonder what our friend Jim will have to say about it. Let's see... William, Steven, Simon, who have I forgotten? Oh yes. My final subject...Blair. Can't forget our 'guide' now can we? Have a nice relaxing drive, Jimmy. You'll wish you'd never left Cascade."
Smiling to himself, Lee kissed the side of the camera and then dropped it in his bag.
****************
Blair juggled the bag of groceries and wrestled with his keys at the same time. Just as he was opening the door, the phone began to ring. Placing the bag on the floor, Blair kicked the door closed and reached for the phone. "Sandburg... You're kidding me... Can't you get somebody else to cover the class?... I understand... Just give me an hour."
Hanging up the phone, Blair sighed. A slight movement from the couch caught his attention. Moving to stand beside Jim's sleeping form, Blair laid a hand on his partner's shoulder. A hint of urgency in his voice, Blair gave Jim a vigorous shake. "Jim. Jim. Wake up."
Waking with a gasp, Jim bolted to a sitting position. "Damn it, Sandburg. Don't do that to me."
Moving to sit beside his partner, Blair stared deeply into Jim's eyes. "You didn't even hear me come in, did you? What's going on Jim? That's the third time that's happened this week. Don't give me that 'I'm just tired' stuff either. For a minute there I thought you stopped breathing."
"I'm fine. I just need to get out of here for a little while. I'm gonna go up to the cabin for a few days."
Shaking his head, Blair raised his eyebrows. "I don't think so. Not until we figure out what's going on here. This is serious stuff, Jim. Maybe you should see a doctor."
"I don't need a doctor. I've just been preoccupied. That's all."
A little voice inside of Blair whispered a warning. Don't push it, Sandburg. Don't blow it now. Nice and slow.... "Work? Is that it? You know I could help you out a few more hours a week. No problem."
Smiling, Jim stood and moved towards the book shelf. Taking a photo album off the shelf, he handed it to Blair. "My Dad gave this to me. He's been collecting newspaper clippings and stuff over the years. Look at my wedding picture."
Quickly rifling through the pages, Blair stopped at the appropriate page. "Nice picture. Am I missing something?"
Moving towards the balcony doors, Jim turned his back to Blair. "There's a letter tucked in behind the picture."
Retrieving the letter, Blair began scanning its contents. Color draining from his face, Blair murmured. "Oh god, Jim. Your mother knew. She left you and Steven because you were a Sentinel? Oh man! You were never supposed to read this. I'm sure your Dad forgot about it. Jim you can't blame yourself for this. She was young. She had no idea about the 'gift' you have. It wasn't your fault..."
"Sure, Chief."
Slamming the book closed, Blair moved to stand beside Jim. Placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder, Blair whispered. "Stay, Jim. Don't let her do this to you. Don't run away."
Bowing his head, Jim swallowed hard. "I need to get away Just give me a few days."
"Then let me go with you. I'll cancel the classes and the meeting. Just let me be there for you. Please."
Shrugging off Blair's hand, Jim moved towards the stairs. "I'm sorry, Chief. You're my best friend, but I just can't have you around me right now."
Blair watched as Jim climbed the stairs to his bedroom as if the weight of the world resting on his slumped shoulders.
****************
Closing his eyes, Blair inhaled deeply and steadied himself against the kitchen counter. Simon's words still echoed in his ears...
"No joke, Sandburg. She was in my office not ten minutes ago. I thought I'd better warn you. I have a feeling she'll be heading over there any time now. Where's Jim?"
A sudden knock at the door roused Blair from his thoughts. Moving slowly towards the door, Blair took another cleansing breath. Swinging it open, he found himself staring into the ocean blue eyes of Jim's mother.
"You must be Mr. Sandburg. I'm Grace, Grace Ellison. I'm looking for my son."
Nodding, Blair gestured for her to enter the loft. "I'm sorry, Jim just left about ten minutes ago. He won't be back for a few days."
"Oh. I guess I'll be on my way then. Thank you. I'll try to get in touch with him next week."
Attempting to hide the anxiety in his voice, Blair smiled. "Wait. Don't go. I think we need to talk. Please, have a seat."
Seating themselves across from one another in the living room, Blair began searching for the right words. "Ms. Ellison I'm not quite sure where I should begin."
Folding her slender hands in her lap, Grace smiled. "Grace. Please call me Grace. I think I have an idea where this is going. You're not quite sure how my son is going to react to seeing me."
Chuckling nervously, Blair swiped a hand through his hair. "Right. Um... It has been a long time since you've seen him. You may not get quite the reaction that you hoped for. He's a bit...distracted right now."
"Are you saying that this might not be a good time to approach my son? Frankly, I don't think there is a good time. Just how close are you and Jim?"
Blair felt the muscles in his neck and shoulders tightening. "We're partners. Jim's my best friend. I think you can understand my concern for his well being. I'm not trying to interfere, I just want you to understand his frame of mind."
Rising from the couch, Grace took a moment to compose her thoughts. "Mr. Sandburg. My son is indeed a lucky man. Friends such as yourself are hard to come by. Whatever it is my son is dealing with I want to be a part of it. I think I've done enough 'running' away from my problems, don't you?"
****************
Brackett focused the camera on the two figures inside the loft. Glancing at his watch, Lee smiled. "Another hour you should be at the cabin, Jimmy. Daddy, Mother, brother, friend, and Guide. Five bombs, five people. Who you gonna save, Jimmy?"
****************
The warmth and crackle of the fireplace soothed Jim's senses. The soft glow was a welcome sight to his tired eyes. Staring at the dancing patterns of light on the wood ceiling, Jim burrowed himself deeper into the cocoon of blankets. For a fleeting moment, the world seemed to disappear into the solitude of the cabin's walls; the pain and betrayal lost within the flames. As quickly as the feeling of peace descended upon him, it began to fade. Closing his eyes to the now hideous dancing spirits, Jim tried to block out the black hole that had swallowed his universe. The demons of the day followed him into the night...
The dreams of the past week again filtered their way into his subconscious.
Sweat streaming from his brow, Jim dropped the shovel and stared at the six makeshift graves before him. Simple wooden crosses adorned five of the finished graves. The last grave lay open, as if waiting to devour its prey. Staring at the names etched on the five crosses, tears and sweat formed a pool on Jim's face.
A presence behind Jim brought him to his feet. Turning around, Jim faced his destiny. Incacha gently laid a hand about Jim's shoulder. "This is not your fate, Sentinel. Change what is to come. You have the power. The evil among you has no heart. Use your own heart to defeat the demon."
Gasping for air, Jim awoke to Lee Brackett's smiling face. "Wakey, wakey, Jimmy boy. Hope you had a good sleep, cause the nightmare's just beginning."
****************
Straining against the handcuffs, Jim tried desperately to free his hands. Lee smiled at Jim's vain attempts, and perched himself on the arm of the couch Jim was seated on. "So Jimmy. How've you been? You don't look so good right now. And here I thought you'd be happy to see me. After all, we are almost family."
"Just quit the small talk, Brackett. What do you want?"
Smiling, Lee produced a picture from behind his back. "Recognize her? Look closely. You've got her eyes. Even the same little smile. That's right, Jimmy. Meet the 'love of my life', Grace Margaret Ellison. Or should I say Brackett."
Jim felt the color draining from his face, a shard of fragmented memories stabbing into his heart. "You're bluffing."
Reaching in his pocket, Lee produced a handful of photos. Turning them in Jim's direction, he slowly flashed the photos in Jim's face. "Am I now? Let's see... Here's a great one with Simon. Got to love those cigars. Oh! And here's baby brother. Wasn't very pleased to see 'mommy dearest', was he? And dear old Dad. Oh...and the best for last. Our one and only 'Guide.' Still think I'm 'bluffing'?"
Swallowing hard, Jim tried to erase all traces of the panic that had begin to fill his body. "You've got 'me.' What else do you want?"
Leaning within inches of Jim's face, Lee whispered. "Revenge, Jim. I want revenge. Despite what you think, I am a reasonable man. You like games, Jimmy?"
"I don't play 'games'."
Grabbing Jim's cuffed hands, Brackett's smile widened. "This game's called 'Boom.' Very simple really. There are five people, five car bombs. Four of the bombs are fake, one is real. Figure out which car has the 'real' bomb, you win. If you're wrong, I guess that means I win."
Focusing on Brackett's heartbeat, Jim detected a regular rhythm. "You're sick, Brackett. So help me god, you hurt one of those people I'll kill you with my bare hands."
Tightening his grip on Jim's hands, Lee smiled. "I don't think you're in any position to be threatening me, do you? Think about it, Jimmy. One in five chances. Pretty good 'odds', I'd say."
Dropping Jim's hands, Brackett moved towards the kitchen table. Reaching for his duffle bag, an evil grin adorned his face. "Tick, tick, tick..."
Biting his lip, Jim watched as Lee produced a detonator from the bag. Returning to sit beside him, Brackett shifted the device from one hand to the other. "Who's it gonna be, Jimmy? You get one phone call. Oh. I almost forgot. Read any good 'letters' lately?"
Clenching his jaw, Jim hissed. "You. You wrote it, didn't you?"
"Did I hurt your feelings, Jimmy? So sorry. Had to figure out a way to get you to leave town, keep you distracted while I laid out the 'game board.' Wouldn't want you getting ahead of the 'game,' would I?"
Glancing at the detonator, Jim took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. "How much time?"
"One hour. That puts Blair just coming home from that night class; Steven on his way home from the track; your Dad driving home from his poker game; Simon just finishing his shift; and dear old Mom heading back to the hotel to meet me. Isn't this fun?"
Feeling as though his insides had been torn from his body, Jim sent a simple prayer to the wind. God be with me.
****************
His back turned towards Jim, Brackett walked to the table and placed the detonator back in the bag. Seizing the opportunity, Jim lunged towards Lee's unsuspecting form. Delivering a solid blow to Brackett's jaw, Jim thrust his cuffed hands into Lee's stomach. Reeling from the attack, Brackett fell to his knees. Groping for the bag, Jim grasped the handles firmly and stumbled towards the door. Freedom was but a heartbeat away...
Wrestling with the doorknob, Jim watched in horror as Brackett's shadow loomed towards him. "Not this time, Jimmy. I write the rules in this game."
Jim's last coherent thought as the chair leg connected with his skull was the safety of his friends and family...
****************
The throbbing in his head intensified as strong arms shook him back to consciousness. "Try anything stupid like that again and they'll be no 'phone call,' understand?"
Slowly nodding his head, Jim opened his eyes.
Brackett wiped the blood from his chin, then smiled. "Time's almost up, Jimmy. You've got three minutes to make a decision. Use them wisely."
The physical pain from the struggle was more than he could handle. Laying his head against the cool wood floor, Jim searched for the pain dial. If only the emotional agony could be relieved as easily...
Countless ideas swirled through Jim's head. File upon file of 'psychotic' scenarios slammed into his brain. Incacha's voice trickled in his ears. The answer lay in his heart, not in his head. Closing off his mind, Jim tried to listen to the voice that only his heart could hear. Blair's voice found its way through the darkness...
Rough hands gripped his shirt collar and pulled him from the floor. After pushing him into the confines of the couch, Lee snatched the cell phone from the table. "Time's up. Who's it gonna be?"
His voice catching in his throat, Jim rasped. "Simon. Call Simon."
****************
Slamming the car door closed, Blair glanced at the vehicles in the driveway. Three cars stood watch over William Ellison's home. Immediately recognizing Steven and William's car, Blair looked in the direction of the unidentified automobile. Noticing the rental sticker, Blair concluded that Grace had decided to join in the meeting. Sighing, his eyes fixed skyward, Blair muttered, "Jim. I know you told me not to 'meddle' in this thing. But I just got to find out what's really going on here. As you would say, 'something just doesn't add up'."
As Blair ascended the stairs, the sound of loud voices filled his ears. Pressing the doorbell, he impatiently began rocking on his heels. Within moments, a red-faced William Ellison opened the door. "Blair. Come on in. I hope you brought your boxing gloves."
"Thank you, sir. I hope that won't be necessary."
Closing the door, William ushered Blair into the living room. Steven stood, arms folded across his chest, one foot turned slightly towards the door. Grace Ellison remained seated, her silver tinged hair, just slightly mussed. An eery silence descended on the room as Blair entered. Clearing his throat, Blair hesitantly began to speak. "I'm sorry for calling you all here. I know you had other plans this evening. I just feel as though we should try to clear the air before Jim gets back. I know things are a little tense
right now and I understand perfectly why each of you feels the way you do. I just think that it would be in Jim's best interest if we all try to at least co-exist in the same room. I'm really going out on a limb here. Jim would kill me if he knew I did something like this. My point is Jim needs us right now, all of us, and I for one intend to be there for him. How about the rest of you?"
****************
Lee snapped the cell phone closed and laid it back on the table. Brackett's words echoed in Jim's ears. "Captain Banks, there's a 'bomb' in your car. You have eight minutes to disarm it."
Jim rested his head on the back of the couch and stared towards the heavens. I know I told you not to 'meddle,' Chief. I hope to God you didn't listen to me...
****************
"Three...two...one....BOOM!"
"Go to hell, Brackett." Jim regretted the words before they left his mouth.
A strong set of arms hauled Jim from the couch and slammed him against a nearby wall. "I've been to hell, Jimmy. You put me there, remember? I should kill you right now."
Staring deeply into Lee's eyes, Jim whispered, "Do it. What's stopping you?"
A slight blip in Lee's heartrate registered in Jim's ears. "Shut up, Ellison. The game's not over yet."
"And what if I refuse to play?'
Brackett's mocking laughter filled the room. "Then I'll kill every one of them."
Swallowing hard, Jim closed his eyes to the wave of nausea that descended upon his weary body. "Unless you want me throwing up all over you, you better let me use the bathroom."
Releasing Jim from his grasp, Lee moved aside. "You've got two minutes."
Jim moved slowly towards the bathroom and quietly closed the door. Frantically searching through the drawers and cupboards, he kept his hearing focused on Lee's position in the cabin. Finally giving up the search, Jim slumped to the floor beside the sink. A bottle of liquid soap resting beside the sink caught his eye. Bolting to a standing position, Jim snatched the bottle and emptied the entire bottle into his hands. Holding his breath, Jim bit his tongue as he forced the soap-covered cuffs from his hands.
****************
Sweat pouring from his brow, Joel plucked the wire from the bomb. Visibly shaken, he watched as the timer stopped with only three seconds to spare. "Thank you, God."
Simon's hand squeezed Joel's shoulder. "Remind me to give you a raise."
Moving to a standing position, Joel shook his head. "It's Brackett, Simon. I'd know his handiwork anywhere. We gotta do something. We gotta find Jim. Who knows what this guy's capable of?"
Nodding, Simon reached in his pocket for the phone. Punching in a phone number, Simon walked towards the door. "Sandburg?...Listen up...I need you to get in touch with Jim right now. This is an emergency..."
****************
Emptying the garbage can, Jim filled the container with scalding water. Placing it on the counter, Jim flushed the toilet to announce his next move. Painfully gripping the edges of the can, Jim awaited his prey.
****************
He was afraid...
For the first time in his life, Jim could honestly say he was terrified. Everyone that had ever loved him was in danger, and he was only one who could stop it. As the can full of water made contact with Brackett's face, Jim's mind shifted into high gear. Nothing mattered, not Brackett, not his own self preservation, not even the almighty "police procedures" that had been drummed into his head. Instead there was this...fury. Anger like he had never felt before. Fear and anger twisted into a raging fire inside him. Dials, senses, sanity pushed aside by sheer emotion. The primal need to "protect the tribe" his only focus.
Straddling Lee's fallen body, Jim grasped his hands tightly. Snapping the cuffs on him, Jim manhandled him towards the living room. Lee's screams of pain, doused by Jim's anger ridden words. "Shut up!"
Pressing Lee's body into a kitchen chair, Jim searched the room for something to use as a rope. Dumping a kitchen drawer on the floor, Jim retrieved a ball of twine from its contents. Brackett flinched as Jim began fastening the string snugly around Lee's legs. "It's not over Jimmy."
His hands raw from the exertion, Jim kept his eyes on his task. " It is for you. If I killed you right now. Who do you think they'd believe? You or me. It's over..."
Breathing heavily Jim straightened his body. Keeping one eye fixed on Lee, Jim opened the duffle bag and reached for the cell phone. With practiced ease, he punched in the numbers without so much as a glance at the phone. The next sound he heard doused the flames of fury that raged through his heart.
"Sandburg."
Blinking back tears, Jim smiled. "Blair? Oh god. You're okay!"
"Jim! Oh man am I glad to hear your voice. I've been trying to get you on your phone for the past fifteen minutes. Brackett's loose. He put a bomb in Simon's car. I'm at your Dad's place with Steven and Simon. They're checking out our cars just as a precaution. There's someone else here too Jim..."
Swiping a hand across his face, Jim sighed. "Is everyone okay?"
"We're fine. Stay where you are. I'll come up and get you."
Shaking his head, Jim replied. "No. I'm on my way back now. I'll meet you at my Dad's."
"No way, Jim. There could be a bomb in your car."
Chuckling, Jim threw a glance towards Brackett. "I've got my own little 'bomb detector' with me. I'll see you soon. And Chief...?"
"Yeah, Jim?"
"Thanks for meddling."
****************
Blair stared out the window into the moonless night. Eyes fixed on the slush-covered streets, he was oblivious to the woman who had joined him at his side. "Blair?"
Startled, Blair quickly flashed a gaze at the woman, and then turned his attention back to the road. "I'm worried about him. He sounded...afraid. I've never heard him sound like that before."
Gently running her hand along Blair's back, Grace smiled. "I'm scared too, Blair. Part of me wants to run before he gets here, and the other part...the other part wants to hold my son in my arms. God, Blair, I had no idea who Lee was. I've done nothing but hurt Jim his entire life. What should I do?"
Fixing his eyes on a single raindrop, Blair traced the path of the droplet as it slowly rolled down the window pane. "You see this raindrop? Watch it... See how it rolls down the glass ever so slowly. Look... Did you see it? It joined another raindrop, and another. Now watch. Eventually all the drops end up in the same place. Together in a pool of water at the edge of the sill."
"You think I should stay? Don't you?"
Turning to face Grace, Blair reached for her hand. Clasping it in his own, Blair softened his voice. "I think your son needs you. I think he needs all of us."
A flash of headlights reflected off the window. Stealing a quick glance outside Blair headed for the door. "It's Jim!"
Grace watched from the window as Blair ran out into the rain. A moment later the younger man was pulled into a warm embrace. The glow from a nearby streetlight illuminating her son's face. To a passerby, the "hug" might have seemed a quick gesture of friendship, but to Grace it was an affirmation of a "bond." The very binding that held Jim's autobiography in place. She watched as Jim's eyes closed and his head pressed firmly against Blair's shoulder. She swore she could hear a sigh of contentment escape Jim's lips. She imagined his arm muscles quivering at the force with which he held Blair in his arms. He had found the one thing that she had never given him...unconditional love...
****************
Our eyes met, and at that moment the years melded into a ball of misshapen clay. Swooping her body with my senses, I drank in her beauty as if sipping from some forbidden nectar. The seconds passed as I stood frozen in time, rooted by her presence. I felt myself falling, unable to control the inevitable tumble towards the zone. Four sets of arms reached out to support me as the earth suddenly spun wildly on its axis...
****************
Shaking his head, Simon closed his notebook and leaned back in the chair. "How's he doing?"
Placing the cool cloth on Jim's head, Blair whispered. "I'm not sure. I can't believe I let him go up there by himself. Look at him. Promise me you'll throw away the key this time. If I never hear the name Brackett again, it'll be too soon. Oh man! Look at his hands."
"You think he zoned?"
"Wouldn't you zone if you saw your mother after thirty years? I'm sorry, Simon. I'm just so damn angry. I have no idea how to bring him back."
"I have faith in you, Sandburg. More importantly, Jim has faith in you." Rising from the chair, Simon approached the still form on the couch. "Thanks, Jim. You saved my life. Now get yourself back here. Lord knows I can't handle Sandburg alone."
Patting Blair's shoulder, Simon turned and left the room. Settling himself on the edge of the couch, Blair reached for the gauze on the coffee table and began gently wrapping Jim's hands. "You know, Jim. I'd really love to hear how Lee Brackett ended up in your truck and why you didn't even flinch when I told you your mother was inside the house. And how you knew there was a bomb in Simon's car. Any time you want to jump in here. I'd appreciate your input..."
A gentle knocking sound caused Blair to turn his head. "Blair, can I come in?"
"Grace. I'm not so sure this is a good idea"
Moving in beside him, Grace gently removed the gauze from Blair's hands. "Please, Blair. Let me do this for him. You said yourself that he needed me."
Smiling, Blair shifted to the floor beside Jim's head and allowed Grace to sit in his place. "He was such a strong-willed child. His way or the highway, his dad used to say."
Chuckling, Blair whispered close to Jim's ear. "Some things never change, huh, Jim?"
Carefully wrapping the gauze around Jim's hand, Grace's eyes danced with memories. "You should have seen him, Blair. Always up to something. Never a dull moment. I remember when he brought the neighborhood bully home for lunch one day. Told me he was going to reform him."
"Did he?"
"Well let's just say half of Jim's Hot Wheels collection went missing the next day."
"He stole them?"
Caressing the side of Jim's face, Grace shook her head. "Steven was constantly terrorized by this child. Jim traded his cars for Steven's safety."
Shifting his feet nervously, Blair mused. "Why did you leave them?"
"I think you know why."
****************
Laying in the open grave, Jim stared up at the sun. Incacha's shadow loomed over the rectangular shaped opening. "Sentinel. Do not give in to the darkness. Trust your heart, let it guide you to the light."
"I'm so tired."
"Your heart is not at peace. Drive the demons from your heart and peace you shall find."
****************
Jim's hand tightened around her fingers. Hazy blue eyes slit open, slowly focusing on her smiling face. "Mom?"
****************
Mixed emotions raged through his mind. Happiness, anger, fear and love all competing for their place in his heart...
Smiling, Blair patted Jim's shoulder. "You okay?"
Sweeping the room with his eyes, Jim nodded. "Okay. Thanks, Chief. I could use something to eat."
Chuckling, Blair stood up. "That's Jim Ellison's way of telling me to get lost. I can take a hint. I'll go make you one of those artery clogging sandwiches you like. Call me if you need me." Pausing at the door, Blair whispered, "I'm right here," and then continued on his way.
Stiffly moving to a sitting position, Jim took a deep breath and closed his eyes. "Are you still gonna be here when I open my eyes?"
"I never left you, Jim."
His eyes remaining closed, Jim shook his head. "Right. I'll remember to rewrite my childhood and give you a starring role. No problem."
The betrayal in Jim's voice hurt her deeply. She had so much hoped for a different type of reunion. Nothing could have prepared her for the look she received as Jim opened his eyes...
"Do you hate me, Jim?"
It took a moment for her words to sink into his heart. So much time had passed, so many tears shed on her behalf. And yet, as he gazed into the eyes that mirrored his own, he was not capable of such hatred.
"I want to hate you. I hate what you did to us, all of us. I'm sorry. I'm just not ready to forget everything you put us through. Am I glad you're here? Let's just say I wish it had been under different circumstances."
"I understand. Can we at least...try?"
Jim looked at his hands. "Did you do this?"
"Blair and I did it together."
Gently squeezing his hands into fists, Jim smiled. "You did a good job. Thank you."
Poking his head into the room, Blair saluted. "One sandwich guaranteed to burst arteries ready for consumption. You want me to bring it in?"
"No thanks. I think I'd rather join the group."
Catching Jim's "I-need-help" glare, Blair moved in beside him. "Okay partner, let's get you to the table. I believe that was a 'party of six' you made reservations for. Am I correct?"
Jim's heart trip-hammered in his chest. "What did you say?"
"I said that there were six of us at the table. What's wrong, Jim?"
Brackett's words seethed through his brain. "It's not over yet, Jimmy."
Gripping Blair's arm with brutal force, Jim's words fell from his mouth with panicked fear. "Oh my god! Blair. It's the house! He's gonna blow up the house!"
****************
Jim's terrified voice reverberated through the house. In a matter of seconds, William, Steven and Simon joined the others in the living room. Jim's voice shook as he spoke. "We got to get out of here. Right now. Simon, call Joel; tell him to get the bomb squad over here. Let's go."
Moments later, six people exited the house...
Huddling together across the road from the house, the group listened as Simon relayed the information to Joel. "Just be quick about it, Joel. There's no telling when this thing is set to blow." Hanging up the phone, Simon placed a hand on Jim's shoulder. "Ten minutes, Jim."
"That's too long. Who knows what he's got in there. For all we know there could be enough C4 in that house to blow up half of Cascade. I'm going in."
Reaching for Jim's hand, Blair smiled. "Not without me."
William shook his head violently. "NO! I will not let the two of you risk your lives to save some stupid old house."
"I wish that were all it was, Dad. I know this guy, he won't be happy until he's blown up half the area. Please just let me do my job. Just give me five minutes."
Grace and Steven's eyes met as Steven moved to let Jim pass. "Be careful, big brother. You've got a family out here that needs you. Don't forget that."
Grinning, Jim slapped Steven on the back. "I know."
The four onlookers watched as Blair and Jim jogged across the rain-covered street and disappeared into the house. Closing the door behind them, Jim quickly surveyed the area. "What do you think, Chief? White noise generator?"
"No doubt, Jim. Um.... How about your vision?"
Rubbing his eyes, Jim sighed. "I don't know if I can. I'm so tired, Chief."
"I know you are. It's okay, Jim. We'll think of something else."
A breeze from a door opening caused Jim to turn around. "Mom? What are you doing here? I told you to wait outside."
"I came to help"
"You can help by going back outside."
Blinking back tears, Grace tried to steady her voice. "Smell. Use your sense of smell."
Mouth gaping, Jim studied her face. "What?"
"You heard me. You try to smell the C4. I'll back you up with my vision. Now let's get to work."
Shaking his head, Blair's eyes widened with surprise. "She's a Sentinel. Your mom's a Sentinel. This is incredible. Just think of what this means, Jim."
"Sandburg, right now I'm a little more concerned with ending up as some unidentified body at the morgue. You think you could help me here?"
"Sure, Jim. Close your eyes, and take a deep breath... Good... Try again... That's it. Got anything?"
Moving slowly towards the living room, Jim stopped in front of the couch. Laying down on the ground, Jim peered beneath it. "Oh man. There's enough explosives under here to take out the whole block. I don't believe this guy. He knew exactly what I was gonna do. He had this entire thing planned."
"How long do we have?"
Grimacing, Jim focused his eyes on the timer. "Two minutes."
Scooting to the floor beside her son, Grace stared at the explosives. "Do you think you can disarm it?"
"I'm not sure. My vision's acting up. Can't seem to get a clear image."
"If I use my sight and you use your sense of touch. Do you think we can do it?
"It's worth a try."
Taking a deep breath, Jim carefully felt the three exposed wires. "Three wires."
"Red, yellow, and blue."
Nodding, Jim traced his fingers along the edge of one of the wires. "Feels cold, smooth."
"That's the red one."
Gently running his hand along the next wire, Jim closed his eyes. "Feels a bit rougher"
"Blue."
Taking the last wire in his hand, Jim opened his eyes and stared at his mother. "Your favorite color used to be yellow. Is that still true.?"
Meeting his eyes, Grace smiled. "Yes."
Leaning close to her face, Jim brushed a kiss along her cheek. "Yellow it is."
Gently pulling the wire from the bomb, Jim held his breath. A broad smile appeared on Grace's face as the timer stopped. "You did it, Jim. It stopped."
Swiping a hand through his hair, Blair smiled. "Now that's teamwork."
****************
Crawling out from beneath the couch, Joel handed Jim the remnants of the disarmed bomb. "Ever think of changing careers, Jim?"
"No thanks. Think I'll stick to chasing bad guys. Thanks for your help, Joel."
Holding the bomb out to Joel, Jim sighed. "Do me a favor and check out the loft just in case."
"Already done. I'll be on my way now. See you later."
"Bye."
Jim watched as Joel disappeared outside. Turning his attention back to the two other occupants of the room, he gestured towards the door. "Is it still raining out, Chief?"
"I don't think so. Why?"
Taking his mother's hand, Jim led her towards the door. "Let's take a walk, Mom. I think we have some catching up to do."
Giving Blair a reassuring wink, Jim and his mother stepped out into the night...
The night air felt good on his face. Tilting his head towards the sky, Jim listened to the sound of their footsteps on the sidewalk. The steady beat of his shoes keeping time with the lighter gait of his mothers'. Her voice swallowed his world, enveloping him in a blanket of warmth and security. Long forgotten lullabies crooned in his head. A mother's protective arms encircled his dreams, forcing the demons from his heart...
"I was scared, Jim. I thought I was going crazy. I saw doctors, psychiatrists, you name it. Nobody could help me. I didn't know what to do. And then one day Steven ran out in front of a car. I couldn't move. All I could see was the face of the driver. It was as if nothing else existed. If it weren't for your father he would have been killed. And then there was you..."
Wiping a tear from her eyes, Jim laid his hand against her cheek. "How did you know?"
"We were out at the park one day and you saw a bird. I couldn't believe it. My worst nightmare had come true. The bird was sitting on top of our roof, over a block away. You even knew what color it was. You told me it had a worm in its mouth. I was devastated. That's when I knew I had to leave. Your father decided that he would do his best to try to hide your abilities. We honestly thought we were doing the right thing. I know now that we were wrong."
Cradling her face in his hands, Jim nodded. "I know. I'm sorry. You think maybe we could start over?"
"I'd love that."
Smiling, Jim smoothed one of his fingers across her cheek. "I always liked that 'Hush Little Baby' song."
"Just don't sit on my lap"
Laughing, Jim pulled her into a warm embrace. "I'll settle for a hug."
Closing his eyes, Jim leaned his head against that of his mother's. Grace smiled as a sigh of contentment passed from his lips. Maybe there was still a chance to give him the 'unconditional' love that she had never given him. A few stray raindrops began to fall, forming a small puddle beneath their feet.
THE END