Revelations
- Chapter One
By
Charley
Category: Discipline, no slash
Disclaimer: The characters belong to UPN, Pet Fly Productions and
Sci-fi. No profit is being made. I am just writing for fun.
There are several warnings:
First: This is the first story I have ever written. Please be gentle.
All feedback is welcome at [email protected] Please…please (now giving
puppy dog eyes that I learned from Blair) give me some feedback.
Second: I am taking the liberty of messing with the time line. The
story is supposed to take place six months after Jim and Blair meet, but
I may borrow from later episodes. I do not follow canon, but most changes
I will explain, just be patient.
Third: I do not have anything against the character William Ellison,
but for this story I am not very nice to him.
I want to thank my Beta reader Skye for all of her help and encouragement.
All mistakes are my own. I also want to thank Evie for giving my story
a home.
I hope you enjoy!
Chapter One
Cascade General
Jim!!! What happened?” Simon bellowed as he came down the hallway.
He found his best detective sitting there like a statue. He knew Jim was
trying to listen to the doctors and he didn’t want his friend to zone. Jim
looked like hell and he knew that his friend tended to zone when he was
exhausted. Jim Ellison wasn’t just your typical detective. He was a Sentinel.
All five senses were heightened. If he focused too much on one sense he
would get lost in the sensory input.
“Sneaks informed me that Hatcher was staying at the old abandoned
warehouse at the marina.” Jim responded as he started pacing. Hatcher
was suspected of distributing a new designer drug and they had been trying
to prove it for a while now. Hatcher wasn’t bright enough to set up the
whole organization himself and Jim just knew there had to be someone else
backing him. He was hoping that if he went to the warehouse for a little
surveillance he could find the missing link. “Sandburg and I went
down there hoping to find out who his backer is. I heard something
I couldn’t identify and I went to check it out. I told Sandburg to stay
in the truck, but he must have followed me inside. I zoned on the
sound and Hatcher was just about to shoot me when Blair threw himself on
me. He was shot in the back.” Jim realized now that it had been a
bad idea to go in alone. He knew that since he hadn’t eaten or slept well
in the past two days that he could be prone to a zone out.
“Is he all right?” Anyone could hear the concern that tinged the captain’s
voice. Sure he put on an act that he didn’t care much for Sandburg, but
in all actuality the kid had somehow slipped into his heart while he wasn’t
paying attention. If he were completely honest with himself he would have
to admit that he cared for Sandburg like he did his own son Darryl. He was
shocked to realize that somehow he felt the same about Jim. When Ellison
had first come to Major Crimes he was a hard ass that didn’t get along
with anyone. Simon saw through his defenses and knew that Jim was just
protecting himself. Simon had known Jim when he was a little boy, although
for some reason Jim did not remember him. He knew that William, Jim’s father,
had been a tough man to live with. He had not given Jim or his other son
Stephen any love or attention after their mother left. He thought he could
toughen the boys up by getting them to compete against each other. Funny
everyone thought that Sandburg and Ellison were completely different and
had nothing in common. They were more alike than most realized. Blair was
raised by a mother who roamed the world and never had any roots. She would
drag Blair along with her, often times leaving him with “aunts” and “uncles”.
He spent more time with strangers then he did with his mother. He knew
the kid loved Naomi but Simon didn’t care for the flighty, self-centered
woman. He guessed by the things Blair had told him, that even the times
she was around she was stoned most of the time. When Blair was sixteen,
he was sent off to start college and only heard from his mother occasionally.
Blair needed a sense of permanence, discipline, and a strong male role model.
Jim has permanence and was disciplined because of being in the army, but
was in need of someone to care and to show him that it was OK to feel. He
needed to be taught to care about himself. Because of his time in the army
and then from being a cop, Jim knew how to follow rules and be orderly but
he also had the misconception that his safety and well-being was not important.
Both Blair and Jim were desperate to love and be loved, but neither one knew
how to accept it.
“I’m not sure. The doctors haven’t been out to tell me yet Simon.
It looked bad. I was a medic in the army and have some experience with
serious injuries and it didn’t look good to me” Jim answered with just
a hint of desperation in his voice. “What am I going to do if he doesn’t
make it?” He knew he couldn’t do this alone. Blair had become a little
brother, best friend, and guide all rolled up into one. He never let Sandburg
know how much he did for him, and not just with his senses. Before Blair,
he was a loner. He had built a wall around his heart and hadn’t let anybody
in. Even Carolyn, his ex-wife, complained that he didn’t open up to her.
And then comes along a “Neo hippie witch doctor punk” that barreled right
through his defenses and left a warm, caring person in place of that loner.
Sure he could still level an ice-cold glare that would have criminals shaking,
and at times he still had a short fuse, but he was softer around the edges
now. He had friends in major crimes that he cared about and who cared about
him. He wasn’t the loner anymore, and if he was honest, that felt really good.
“Jim, he’s a fighter he’ll pull through” Simon responded putting his
hand on Jim’s shoulder reminding him he was not alone in this. “Do you
need me to call Naomi?” Simon asked although he wasn’t sure how to go about
doing that. Naomi was not the easiest person to reach.
“I’m not sure. I should probably wait and see what the doctor says.
Blair doesn’t want his mother to know about when he is injured unless
it is absolutely necessary. She has already been giving him a hard time
about spending time with cops and he doesn’t want to give her anymore
ammunition.” Jim answered, only half way paying attention to his captain
now. His mind kept going over how many times Blair had been injured due
to working with him. He should be safe as a professor. His most serious
injury should have been a paper cut at the university, but ever since riding
along with Jim he had been drugged, kidnapped, and shot. Although Jim needed
Blair, he wondered for not the first time, if this arrangement was the best
thing for Blair.
Simon recognized the guilt written across Ellison’s face. “Stop it
right now Jim! Sandburg is right where he wants to be. He chooses to stay
by your side and help you with your senses. He could have walked away and
just stayed with academics but he didn’t. He cares about you and I think
he enjoys the police work. So don’t start wallowing in guilt. That kid needs
you as much as you need him. And even though we all call him kid, he is
an adult and capable of deciding where he wants to be. He understands the
risks and chooses to stay. All you can do is support his decision and try
to protect him the best you can” Simon could understand the guilt Jim was
feeling. He at times felt it himself. He was always telling Sandburg “you’re
not a cop” but then would allow him to follow Jim into dangerous situations.
Jim was a great cop but he was an even better one with Blair by his side
and not just because of the sentinel thing. Blair had his own way of looking
at things. He was an anthropologist, a trained observer. He was able to
apply the things he learned about people to some of the cases. Blair was
a brilliant young man and Simon was often amazed at the things Blair knew.
Simon noticed Jim’s head tilt to the side. He knew from experience
that Jim was listening to something. He walked up and put his hand at the
small of Jim’s back like he witnessed Sandburg doing so many times to keep
Jim from zoning. “What is it Jim?” Simon asked softly not wanting to interfere
with whatever Jim was listening to.
“Somehow Naomi must have found out Blair was here. She wasn’t supposed
to visit for another week.” Jim wasn’t sure why Naomi was here, but as
much as he knew Blair didn’t want her to find out about his injuries, it
was probably for the best. After all she was his mother, and in his heart
he knew Blair’s condition was serious and he would have had to contact her
later anyway.
“Where is he?” Naomi demanded. “I came by the loft and when you weren’t
in I called the station and they informed me my son was at the hospital.
They won’t tell me what is going on!” She was frantic, she knew that it
was not a good idea for her son to be riding along with Jim. She liked Jim
fine but her son did not need to be putting himself into dangerous situations.
Before Jim had a chance to respond he heard Blair’s doctor coming
down the hallway.
“Hi! I’m Doctor Fellman. Are you here about Mr. Sandburg?”
Simon’s long strides brought him to the doctor’s side before the other
two, “Yes, I’m Captain Simon Banks and this is Detective Ellison, Mr. Sandburg’s
partner, and Naomi, his mother.” Simon answered shaking the elderly doctor's
hand.
“How is he?” Ellison and Naomi questioned at the same time.
“Let’s go somewhere a little more private okay.” Dr. Fellman answered
while herding the two men and Naomi down the hall into a family room.
“The bullet went through Mr. Sandburg’s back. Unfortunately it damaged
his kidney, and nicked his liver” the doctor answered solemnly.
“But he’ll be OK? I mean you only need one kidney to survive right?”
Jim questioned.
“Yes, but the problem is, Blair only has one kidney. It says in his
medical file that when he was younger he donated his left kidney.
I take it he didn’t tell you this?” The doctor was curious as to why the
young man had not told his friend about this before. Jim Ellison was listed
as his next of kin and power of attorney should anything happen to him.
“His kidney is functioning for now, although not very well. He needs to
have a kidney transplant as soon as possible or else he will have to be
put on dialysis.” The doctor sat back and waited for the question he knew
was coming.
“I would like to be tested as a possible donor” Naomi stated. She
was not surprised that Blair had not told Jim about donating his kidney
as a child. It was a really painful time in his life that he did not like
to talk about. She was worried though. She was not a match for Charlie,
would she be a match for Blair? God she missed Charlie. She knew it devastated
Blair when little Charlie died, this situation was going to be a painful
reminder to him.
“Well, we will have to test and see if you are a match. Usually siblings
have a better chance at matching, but I see he is an only child. It would
be helpful if you could also get his father to be tested. Come with me
and we will get started right away.”
“Thank you doctor.” Naomi was panicked. What was she going to do if
she wasn't a match? She didn’t think his father would be willing to help.
Blair doesn’t even know who his father is. What was she going to do? /relax
Naomi/ she chided herself. /you can worry about that if or when the time
comes/. With that thought she got up to follow the doctor.
Jim called out to the doctor before he had a chance to leave the room.
“Dr. Fellman, can I see Blair now?”
The doctor hesitated at the door, “Just for a few minutes Detective.
Blair needs his rest. Since he is in ICU he will be on the standard ten
minutes every hour. I have heard about the two of you and I will not be
bullied into more time, do you understand me.” The doctor gave Jim his sternest
look. He heard about this man. He understood that Jim cared a lot about
Blair, but in this case, Blair did not need to be worried or stressed by
Jim’s concern.
“But..” Jim began but was interrupted by Dr. Fellman “No buts young
man, you will have ten minutes and no longer! I tell you what, if you
behave and do not give the nurses any trouble, then when Blair gets transferred
to a regular room I will put a cot in the room and you can stay as long
as you like. Deal?”
“Fine, I don’t like it but I promise to behave” Jim sulked. “I want
what is best for him too.” Jim found it difficult to argue with the kindly
doctor. Dr. Fellman reminded Jim of a stereotypical grandfather and felt
he could trust the man. He liked him better then any doctor Blair had
here before.
“Fine, then I will take this young lady down to be tested. I will
let you know what we find OK?” Dr. Fellman said with a little wave of
his hand and headed out the door with Naomi in tow.
“Jim, I’m going to go down to the station and see if Rafe and Henry
have found Hatcher. Tell the kid we are thinking of him. I will check
in with you a little later” Simon gave Jim a reassuring squeeze to his
shoulder and headed out the door.
As Simon headed down the hall, he pulled out his cell phone. “Joel,
it’s Simon. Can you come down to the hospital and stay with Jim until
I can come back here. I want to check on the progress being made with
Hatcher. OK, thanks Joel. Yeah he is doing OK for now. They are looking
for a match for a kidney transplant but so far he is hanging in there.”
**********************************************************************
“Chief, how are you buddy?” Jim was amazed at how fragile and young
Blair looked.
“Jim?” Blair responded as his eyes fluttered open.
“Yeah, it’s me.” Jim couldn’t resist pushing the stray curls from
Blair’s face. He took his hand and sat in the chair next to the bed. “The
doctor is only allowing me to stay ten minutes OK?”
“Kay” Blair muttered as his eyes drifted close again.
“You get some rest.” Jim stroked the back of Blair’s hand to help
him relax. Ellison let out a soft sigh “Oh chief, why didn’t you wait
in the truck? That should be me laying there not you.”
Blair let out a small whimper and then drifted back to sleep. Jim
was not sure how long he sat there just watching him, but after what only
felt like seconds, he heard the nurse come up behind him.
“I’m sorry sir, but your ten minutes are up” the nurse informed him
in a soft kind voice.
Jim knew it would do no good to argue with her so he leaned over and
whispered into Blair’s ear “Okay buddy, I have to go for now but I will
check in on you soon.” Jim gave Sandburg’s hand one last squeeze and then
walked out the door. As he was walking down the hallway he found Taggert
waiting for him.
Taggert looked ten years older. Ever since Blair helped save him during
Kincaid’s invasion of the precinct he felt close to the kid. It broke
his heart to think of him hurting and in the hospital. “Hey Jim, how is
he?”
“I don’t know Joel. He is hanging in there for now but I don’t know
for how much longer.” Jim responded looking for all the world like a lost
little boy.
Joel pulled Jim in for a quick hug “He’ll be OK, he’s tough. He bounces
back from things better then any person I know. Don’t give up on him yet.”
“Thanks Joel” Jim appreciated the support from the man standing before
him. After Sandburg helped his heart thaw and he started letting a few
people close to him, he discovered he really liked the bomb squad captain.
Joel seemed like a kind uncle, although he would not admit that out loud to
him.
Joel had been a close friend with Simon for many years, ever since
they served in the same unit in Vietnam. Simon had confided in Joel a little
about Jim. He told him how he had known the younger man when he was a small
child. He gave him a few insights into Jim’s past so now he was able to
see past Jim’s mask that hid his emotions, past the clenched jaw and he
saw the pain hidden behind the icy blue eyes. Ever since an energetic, intelligent,
compassionate young man walked into their lives he watched some of the
ice in Jim’s eyes melt and some of the pain dull. He knew that Simon cared
a lot about the two younger men and he also watched how Simon acted paternal
towards them. Joel decided that if Simon was becoming a father figure to
the two young men and since he and Simon were as close as brothers then that
made him Blair and Jim’s honorary “Uncle”. A smile lit Joel’s face as he
wondered what Ellison and Sandburg would think if they realized that they
had been informally adopted into Taggert’s and Bank’s family. If any person
needed love, these two needed it the most.
“How about we go down to the cafeteria and get a bite to eat?” Not
waiting for a reply, Joel slowly guided Jim toward the elevator.
“I don’t think I could...” Before Jim could finish, Joel interrupted
“You need to eat Jim! Before Taggert could launch into lecture mode, Jim
interrupted. “Simon already made me eat. It’s OK, why don’t you go downstairs
and grab yourself a quick bite to eat. I’ll be alright.” Jim hated to lie
to Joel, but he honestly didn’t think he could eat and didn’t want Taggert
to force the issue.
**********************************************************************
Dr. Fellman guided Naomi into his office. Even after being a doctor
for forty years he still hated this part of his job “I’m sorry Ms. Sandburg,
you are not a match, is there any way you can get Blair’s father down here
to be tested?”
“I don’t know. Blair’s father wanted nothing to do with me or the
baby after he found out I was pregnant” Naomi explained while dabbing
the tears from her eyes “I will call him right away. I tried earlier but
was unable to reach him.” Naomi was becoming even more agitated.
“Calm down Ms. Sandburg” Dr. Fellman came around his desk and sat
in the chair directly across from Naomi and took her hands into his. “Often
times young men panic when they learn they are to be fathers and do things
they later regret. Maybe when he finds out about the circumstances, he
will be willing to help” Dr. Fellman gave Naomi a reassuring smile “Why
don’t you use my office and make that phone call. I will be back after rounds
to find out what he had to say.” Dr. Fellman left the office and closed
the door behind him.
Naomi appreciated the kind words that the doctor said but knew that
was not the case with Blair’s father, Bill. But out of desperation she
would try that call anyway. /it couldn’t hurt matters to try/ with that
thought she picked up the phone and dialed a number she had not had to use
in a long time. She said a little prayer that the number would not be disconnected.
“Yes” the voice snapped on the other end of the line. “I’m in an important
meeting, this better be good”.
“Bill, this is Naomi Goldman” she blurted before she could loose her
nerve.
“What do you want? I thought I told you never to contact me again!”
The voice shouted. “Damn, I knew I should have changed the number” a sigh
was audible and then “What do you want Naomi?”
“I called to ask for your help. I wouldn’t ask if it wasn’t important.
Our son was injured and needs a kidney transplant. I’m not a match and
if one isn’t found, then our son will have to be put on dialysis. I’m sure
we could find a way to do this and still keep your identity a secret. I
could speak with the doctor..” before she could continue, the voice on the
other line coldly interrupted.
“We have no son Naomi. He is your son. You accepted the terms of the
agreement when you kept the money. Don’t ever call here again!” with that
the line went dead.
Naomi began to cry inconsolably. She couldn’t believe that at one
time she loved such a heartless man. She was afraid to turn to the other
options available. Bill was a very wealthy man and could make her son's
life very difficult. She would have to meditate on it and make a decision
by morning. With that decision she got up to go check on her son and then
she would find a hotel for some privacy.
************************************************************************
Cascade General
Early morning, Day two
Jim visited Blair faithfully every hour. The staff had tried to convince
him to go home but he didn’t want to leave Blair all alone. During the
night, Sandburg’s kidney had failed and he was placed on dialysis. He was
praying they would be able to find him a donor soon. He didn’t want his
friend to have to live his life around dialysis treatments.
Simon’s voice interrupted his thoughts “Jim, why don’t I take you
back to the loft. You could get something to eat, a shower, and some sleep”
Simon was worried. His friend looked terrible.
“I’m fine Simon. Joel talked me into getting a bite to eat before
you got here. I’ll go home when things look better” Jim said with a pleading
look in his eyes. He prayed Simon would understand his need to stay near
Blair. He also felt guilty for lying to Simon. That made two lies he told
to two different friends. He didn’t like the pattern he was getting into
but didn’t see anyway around it. He knew that if Simon realized he hadn’t
eaten in several days he would not take no for an answer. Jim’s stomach
just didn’t feel up to food. If he were honest with himself, he would have
to admit that part of the reason was out of guilt. He didn’t want the comfort
of food and sleep while his friend was suffering.
Jim heard Blair’s doctor coming around the corner. He tried to stand
up and felt himself slide to the floor. Exhaustion and lack of food had
caught up with the detective and he passed out.
As Jim regained consciousness he became aware of two things. He was
laying in a hospital bed hooked up to an IV, and he had an angry captain
and doctor looking down at him. Ellison looked sheepishly up at Simon,
knowing that he had every right to be angry with him.
“Young man” the doctor began “I told you that you needed to behave
yourself!” The doctor sputtered. He was highly upset with the detective.
“Your body is exhausted. When was the last time you slept, or for that matter
when was the last time you had anything to eat? The doctor stood by tapping
his foot waiting for a response. “You passed out from severe exhaustion,
stress, lack of food, and dehydration.”
Jim was upset and embarrassed. He didn’t like being spoken to like
a misbehaving child. “I’m fine!” Jim yelled back as he slowly tried to
sit up. He knew the doctor was only trying to take care of him, but he was
worried about Blair and plus he didn’t need looking after. He was a former
Ranger for crying out loud. He could take care of himself.
Simon halted Jim’s attempt to sit up and pushed him back down on the
bed. “Where do you think your going mister? You are going to lie back in
that bed and answer Dr. Fellman’s question. For that matter, I would like
to hear the answer myself and I want the truth this time.”
Jim didn’t really want to answer that question. He didn’t want to
admit that not only did he lie to Simon but Taggert as well. He decided
to ignore the question all together, he was an adult, he didn’t answer
to anyone, and with that thought he pushed himself up again “I want to
go see Blair!”
“Detective, you really need your rest. You can see Blair after you
have had some sleep and something to eat” with that said the doctor tried
to gently push Ellison back into a supine position.
Jim was having none of it “NO!! I want to see Blair now. You can’t
make me stay here. I’ll sign out AMA if I have to” Jim shouted, clearly
beyond all reason now.
“Doctor, would you mind stepping out and giving me a few minutes alone
with Ellison please” Simon politely asked the doctor. He had enough of
Jim’s attitude, he realized that Jim was tired and worried and was quickly
loosing control. That was OK because he was about to take control for him.
The doctor looked at the captain and saw the resolve in his eyes.
He knew that the young man in the bed was about to regret his attitude,
and he had to agree with the decision he was sure the captain had reached.
“Well, I’ll just step out the door, just holler for me when you’re ready
for me to come back in.” With that the doctor left the room, hiding his
smile, and gently closed the door behind him.
Simon sat on the bed next to Jim “Jim, I know you are worried about
Sandburg, but you need to calm down and lay back down in this bed. This
is the last warning I am going to give. Do I make myself clear?” If Jim
were paying attention he would have heard the warning in Simon’s tone.
“No sir, with all due respect, I don’t want to lie down. I want to
SEE BLAIR!!” his voice rose in volume by the end of his statement.
“That’s it. I have had it. I gave you plenty of chances” and with
that he carefully flipped Jim over his knee. Jim was a big man but Simon
was even bigger. Simon pushed the flimsy hospital gown out of his way,
leaving Jim’s bottom bare and unprotected.
SMACK!! SMACK!! I told you SMACK! SMACK!! to calm down SMACK!! SMACK!!
SMACK!! SMACK!! SMACK!! SMACK!!
By the third swat, Jim’s bottom stung. By the seventh he had to bite
his lips to keep from crying out. By the tenth Jim had tears leaking out
of his eyes.
Simon didn’t want to push this too far. His main goal was to get Jim
to listen to reason. There would be plenty of time to address the lying
and the incident at the warehouse later. Right now he just wanted Jim to be
able to get some rest and to eat. He carefully flipped Jim back over and pulled
him to his chest. “Are you willing to listen and answer our questions now
or do I continue our little discussion?”
“nnnnoooo..sniffle..I’ll listen” Jim was confused more then he was
in pain. He never had anyone spank him before. If his dad was angry he would
just give him the silent treatment and in other cases he would slap or hit
him, but never had he spanked him.
“OK doctor. You can come back in now.” Simon yelled out.
As the doctor came in he noticed the tear tracks down Ellison’s face.
The detective looked thoroughly chastised. He also noticed when the captain
was helping Jim to lie down how rosy his bottom was. Of course, he already
knew from the sounds filtering out the door what had taken place.
Jim’s cheeks reddened when he saw the doctor. He knew that Dr. Fellman
must have heard what happened. He couldn’t look the doctor in the eye.
“Sorry about my attitude earlier Dr. Fellman” Jim whispered while looking
down at his lap.
“It’s OK son, you don’t have to be embarrassed. I know you were just
worried about your friend. Sometimes when we are young we need somebody
else to pull us in when we get a little out of control. You are lucky you
have someone that cares enough to do that for you.” The doctor patted Jim
on the shoulder. Taking a more firm voice, “Now young man, are you ready
to answer my questions.”
Even though he was still embarrassed he looked up at the doctor and
saw understanding shining in his eyes. With a sigh, Jim answered “Yes
sir. I have been on a case that has been driving me nuts. I know there
is more to it then we are seeing. I haven’t eaten or slept well in the
last two days.” Jim looked nervously over at Simon, he knew the captain
would lose it with his next admission “I didn’t eat at all yesterday. I
lied to Joel when he tried to get me to eat and then again to Simon. I guess
I haven’t had more then a candy bar in three days”
“WHAT!! Three days..Jim you know better then that. You have been stressed
with the case and then more so due to Blair’s injuries.” Simon needed to
calm himself down. He wanted nothing more then to pull Jim over his knee
and finish that well deserved spanking. Instead he forced himself to calm
down. “I knew you must have lied about eating with Joel but I didn’t realize
you had gone three days without eating. You are going to stay in that bed
and get some sleep and eat whatever the doctor gives you. Do you understand
me? And Jim, when this is all over, we will finish our little discussion”
Simon leveled his sternest glare at his detective.
“Yes sir” Jim knew it was pointless to argue. He had a sore butt to
remind him of that. He also knew that if he wanted to see Blair anytime
in the near future he better concentrate on getting his strength back.
Jim looked so miserable and confused that Simon softened his tone.
“It’s going to be OK Jim. Blair will get better and when this is all over
we’ll talk about what happened a few minutes ago unless you feel up to
talking about it before then.” With that he leaned over and gave a brief
kiss to Ellison’s forehead “For now, you just concentrate on getting yourself
some rest OK?”
Jim turned red again as he realized what Simon was referring too.
He also felt a little frightened at the thought of finishing their little
discussion. The reality that Simon planned to spank him again hit him. He
wasn’t sure what he thought about that. Jim felt he was too old for that
kind of punishment and plus Simon was not his father. He hated being spanked
and his butt stung after only ten swats, he couldn’t imagine a longer session
over Simon’s knee. But at the same time he felt relieved. He did feel guilty
about lying to Simon and for worrying him. It also felt nice that Simon cared
enough. He decided to push all the confusing thoughts from his mind and close
his eyes, he really was tired. Within seconds Jim was fast asleep.
Simon was relieved to see Jim finally fall asleep. He decided
to wait around awhile and make sure he stayed that way. Banks sat down
in the chair that was next to Ellison's bed. He rubbed a hand over tired
eyes and let out a sigh. He was really surprised with himself that he finally
crossed the line of boss and friend. His hand had itched on several occasions
to impart a message on the backside of the man lying on the bed but he had
always held back. Simon valued his friendship with Jim and didn't want to
mess that up. Ellison was usually a very responsible person but he was stubborn
and had a quick temper. He also had the habit of ignoring his own safety
for the sake of catching a criminal. Simon appreciated Jim's determination
and passion for his work, he just wished he placed more value on his own life
and not take so many risks. Banks decided that he was just the man to help
Jim. He had already promised to punish Ellison for lying and for the incident
at the warehouse and he was going to follow through with his threat. He was
also going to use that opportunity to have a long talk with Jim about what
he would expect from him in the future. He was not going to tolerate this
reckless behavior anymore. With that decided, his thoughts switched to Blair.
He realized that Sandburg needed more guidance and discipline then Jim did.
For such a bright kid he had a habit of jumping into things without any thought
to consequences. He was also too trusting and naive at times. Simon loved
Blair just as much as he did Jim but he admitted to himself that it was not
his place to help with these things. Sandburg looked up to Jim for guidance.
Ellison was a friend, big brother, and when needed substitute father for
Blair. They also had a Sentinel/Guide bond that Simon didn't even pretend
to understand. He would just have to let them work it out for themselves.
He just prayed that Jim would reign in his impulsive friend before the kid
got himself killed. Simon's stomach began rumbling rather loudly startling
him out of his thoughts. He knew that Jim would sleep for awhile so he decided
to go find himself something to eat.
**************************************************************************
Naomi was tired. She had tried to meditate last night but could not
center herself. She had given up after an hour and decided to go to bed.
She spent most of the night tossing and turning. She knew that most of
her restless night was due to the decision she had reached. There really
was no other option available and she was afraid of how her son was going
to react. Naomi was standing in the hallway outside her son's hospital room
trying to pull herself together. She did not want her son to sense her
nervousness. She was not ready to discuss things with him, she had other
things to do first. Before she could open the door she saw Simon walking
towards her. "Captain Banks, I was wondering if I could talk to you?" Naomi
asked while wringing her hands.
"Call me Simon. I was just going to check on Blair and then go get
something to eat, would you like to join me?" Simon was curious,
he had never seen Ms. Sandburg nervous before.
"Yes Ca..um I mean Simon, I would like to join you." She really wanted
to see her son first but it was also important that she speak to the man
standing before her as soon as possible. As much as she distrusted the
cops, she knew that Banks was the only person she could ask for help right
now.
"I'll wait out here for you if you want to say hello to Blair first.
Just tell the kid hello for me." Simon had sensed Naomi's hesitation and
figured she was torn between wanting to check on her son and the need to
talk to him. He realized that whatever she wanted to talk about must be
important. If he was betting man he would bet that he was not going to like
whatever she was going to tell him. As Naomi walked into the room he half
considered calling Rhonda, his assistant at the office, to bring the bottle
of Aspirin he kept in his second drawer at his desk. He had a feeling he
was going to need it.
Naomi walked into the room and noticed that Blair's eyes were closed.
She really didn't want to wake him and turned to quietly leave the room
when she heard him call out to her.
"Naomi?" Blair was surprised to see his mom standing there. He didn't
know that his mom knew what had happened to him. The last he knew she
was with some friends in San Francisco.
Naomi realized that her son probably didn't remember seeing her last
night since he was pretty out of it from the medicine he was being given
for the pain. "Hi sweetie" She responded while gently taking his hand into
hers. "How are you feeling?"
"I'm ok." Blair responded hesitantly. Although he was more alert than
last night he was still feeling a little groggy from all the pain medication
being fed to him through his IV. "Where's Jim?" He was happy to see his
mother but had been surprised upon waking to not find his friend by his side.
Any time he had been injured before Jim had always been there for him when
he woke up. His memory of the incident suddenly came to mind clearing some
of the fog from his brain. "Is Jim ok?" The panic could easily be heard in
his voice. Blair began to panic even more when he found he was too weak to
sit up.
"Breathe baby. Shhh..it's ok. Jim's ok." Naomi murmured in her son's
ear trying to calm him down. "He's fine baby. He is only getting some rest.
He will be in to see you soon." Naomi continued the stream of comforting
words until Blair's breathing started to return to normal. Naomi understood
her son's concern for his friend but could not help feeling a little hurt
that he seemed more anxious to see Jim then happy to see her.
"I really want to see Jim." Blair tried to keep the quiver from his
voice but was not entirely successful. He felt bad, he wanted Jim to get
his rest but he also really wanted to see him. He couldn't totally convince
himself he was fine until he saw for himself. Plus the fact that Jim's
presence always made him feel better. He felt safe, protected, and loved
when the detective was around.
"I know you do sweetie. I tell you what. You relax and get more sleep
and I will see if I can get Jim to be here when you wake up again ok?"
Naomi could tell that Blair was still tired. She kept up the litany of soothing
words and calming strokes down her son's arm until he fell back asleep.
She quietly tiptoed across the floor and gently eased the door open trying
to not wake her sleeping son. She started to mentally prepare herself for
the upcoming discussion with Banks. She squared her shoulders and brought
herself to her full height. "Let's go talk." with that she put her arm through
Simon's and steered them toward the elevator.
**************************************************************************
Jim remembered where he was the minute his eyes opened. He immediately
pushed the events that occurred before falling asleep to the back of his
mind. He was determined to go see Blair as soon as possible. As if Jim's
thoughts summoned him, the doctor walked through the door.
"Oh, you’re awake!" The doctor was startled to see two light blue
eyes on him when he walked in the door. "I was just coming to check on
you. How are you feeling?"
"Ok." Jim answered hesitantly. He wanted to see his friend as soon
as possible and knew that would not occur without the permission of the
man standing before him. "When can I see Blair?"
After the doctor was done examining the detective he finally answered
the young man's question. "Well, you seem to be doing better. You can
go see your friend after you eat. I expect you to eat everything brought
to you, are we clear on this?" The doctor asked.
Jim was just about to come back with a smart remark when he noticed
the doctor’s eyebrows rise daring him to get mouthy. "Yes sir." Jim responded
respectfully, willing to do anything to see Blair as soon as possible.
"Good, I will go tell the nurse to bring you something to eat. I will
also leave instructions with the desk that if you eat all of your lunch
you can go." He gave Jim a reassuring smile and a pat on his shoulder and
then headed out the door. Before he walked out he called over his shoulder
"Don't let me see you in this condition again." Before Jim could respond
the doctor was gone.
A few minutes later a nurse came bustling in with a tray laden with
food. Jim tried to suppress a small groan at the amount of food on the
tray. It looked as if they expected to feed a small army. "I will come
back in a half hour to check on you and bring the papers for you to sign
where you can leave Ok?" She gave Jim a cheery smile and not waiting for
a response left the room.
Jim didn't realize how hungry he was until he started eating. It was
as if the first bite woke his stomach and he found himself ravenous, and
had little trouble cleaning his plate. After the last bite he got out of
bed and began getting dressed. He didn't want to waste any time, as soon
as they brought in the paperwork he would be able to go.
After he tied his shoes the door opened to let in the same cheerful
nurse from before. "Well." She said approvingly "Seems you had no trouble
with lunch" She said looking down at the empty plate. "Here are the papers
Dr. Fellman left for you at the desk. All I need is your signature and
then you are free to go Detective Ellison."
Ellison quickly thanked her, signed the paperwork, and headed out
the door. It didn't take him long to get to Blair's room and push open
the door. He settled himself into the chair next to Blair's bed determined
to stay with him and take full advantage of the ten minutes allowed. He
couldn't wait until Blair was transferred out of ICU to a regular room where
he could stay as long as he wanted.
The ten minutes seemed to be more like ten seconds. His time was up
and Blair did not stir the entire time he was there. Jim knew that
Blair needed the rest but would have felt better to see him awake. He
just wanted to hear his voice and feel more reassured that he would be
okay. Jim bent down and placed a gentle kiss on the top of the kid’s head
and quietly left the room. He needed to find the doctor and get an update
on Sandburg’s condition. As he was walking down the hallway he saw his
younger brother Stephen.
“Stevie?” Jim was surprised. He hadn’t talked to his brother in years
and was rather shocked to see him here. Their father had always made them
compete for his attention and eventually it had caused tension in their
relationship. After Jim turned eighteen he left his father’s home, joined
the army and didn’t look back. “What are you doing here?”
“Umm…ummm…” Stephen stammered. He was a little nervous and unsure
of himself. He had mixed feelings upon seeing his older brother. It had
been a long time since they had seen each other. He felt excited to see
him and angry at the same time. He understood why Jim left but still couldn’t
help feeling abandoned by his big brother. “Um, your Captain called, and
umm, he told me I needed to come, he didn’t say why, just that he needed
to talk to me.” Stephen responded in a rush of words.
“Relax kid, take a deep breath.” Jim couldn’t help the smile that
was trying to turn up the corners of his mouth. Stephen had sounded just
like Blair. The smile left Jim’s face with his next thought. He felt a
little guilty about all of the years he missed out on in his little brother’s
life. He had figured out years ago that most of the problems between Stephen
and himself were because of their father. But he had been too afraid to
do anything about it. It was easier to stay angry at him then to try and
work things out. Until this day, Jim thought that the only family he had
was Blair. True Blair was not blood but he was closer than a friend. He
was a little brother at times, and sometimes was like a son to the older
man. On top of that was the Sentinel/Guide bond. But he was becoming aware
that he had more family than just Blair. Simon was quickly becoming more
than just a friend. Joel also cared about him. Jim realized that he also
wanted a better relationship with Stephen. He wanted them to be close again
like they were before their mom left. He was not going to let this opportunity
slip away. He reached out and pulled Steven into a hug. At first Stephen
stiffened up and then he finally relaxed into the embrace and tentatively
put his arms around Jim’s waist.
“I missed you” the younger Ellison whispered to his brother.
“I have missed you too Stevie” Jim responded as he let go. “I am glad
you’re here. Speaking of which, we need to find Simon and find out why
he called you.” That last part was making Jim curious. Jim, Blair, and
Simon had gone camping last month and Jim had confided in them about some
of his past with his father and about how he hadn’t spoken to his brother
in many years. He admitted to wanting to reach out to Stephen and try to
repair their relationship but that he was too afraid. They both had tried
to talk him into contacting Stephen when they returned but he explained
that he wasn’t ready yet. They had decided not to push and to give it a
little more time. Jim didn’t think that Simon would chose today of
all days to try again, so he was a little curious and a little concerned
as to the motivation that led Simon to call.
Before he could get too lost in thought his cell phone rang. “Ellison”
he barked into the phone. “Yes sir he is” Jim replied looking over to his
younger brother. “We will be over there in a few minutes” and with that
he hung up. Jim answered the questioning look Stephen gave him. “Simon wants
us to meet him in the family room.” Without any further explanation he
strode down the hall heading for the little room that Simon, Jim,
and Naomi had first talked to the doctor in the day before. Jim was slightly
shocked to realize only a day had gone by since the shooting in the warehouse.
It had seemed like an eternity to him.
Jim was surprised upon entering the room to find that Simon was not
alone. Naomi was seated on the couch and looked upset but determined.
Stephen let himself into the room and shut the door behind him. Jim was
still a little nonplussed to find Simon and Naomi together and didn’t
make any move at all to introduce everyone.
Simon stepped forward and shook Stephen’s hand. “Hi. I am Captain
Simon Banks and this is Blair’s mother Naomi.”
Stephen recognized the name and voice as belonging to the person who
called him asking him to come to the hospital. “Hi. It’s nice to meet you
Captain Banks, Naomi”, he responded, shyly looking at the two. He was
normally very self assured and confident when dealing with business associates
but he felt a little out of his element. He was thoroughly confused as
to why he was asked to come to the hospital in the first place.
Simon took pity on the two younger men who both appeared a little
lost and confused. “Jim, Stephen, sit down. Naomi has something she needs
to tell you, and Jim..” he called and waited until he had his full attention,
“I want you to listen to everything she has to say before you react, O.K.?”
Naomi took a deep calming breath to prepare herself for what she was
about to tell the two young men. She remembered back to the painful experience
twenty two years ago.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Flashback 1973~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sixteen year old Naomi was a basket case. “What am I going to do?”
She silently asked herself. Naomi was Sylvia and Malachi Goldman’s only
child. They were accountants who did very well for themselves working for
Ellison Enterprises. Malachi had decided that his only daughter was old
enough to work part time and got her a job at Ellison Enterprises also.
Although his family had plenty of money, he had a strong work ethic and
wanted to pass that along to his daughter. He did not want Naomi to grow
up to be a spoiled little rich girl who expected everything to be handed
to her. So Naomi had begun working as a secretary for William Ellison about
six months ago.
Mr. Ellison, or Bill, as he insisted that she call him, was a charming
and handsome man who had no trouble at all sweeping a young and impressionable
girl off her feet. She quickly fell in love with Bill and they had been
having an affair for the past four months. He would take Naomi to a little
hotel on the outskirts of town where no one would recognize him. She understood
that until she was a little older they had to keep quiet about their relationship.
But she had dreams about what it would be like when she was old enough
to announce to the world that she loved Bill and they could finally marry.
Bill had divorced two years ago so she knew the only thing standing in their
way was her age. Everything had been going well until today. She didn’t
know how to tell Bill that she was pregnant. She knew she had to tell her
parents but knew that she couldn’t reveal who the father was. She would have
to ask Bill how he wanted to handle the situation. Maybe he would take her
to a state that would legally marry a sixteen year old.
Sylvia heard the quiet sobs of her daughter and decided to find out
what was wrong. She softly tapped on Naomi’s door and entered the room
and found her daughter lying across her bed sobbing. She quickly crossed
the room and sat on the edge of the bed and began to make small comforting
circles on her daughter’s back. “What is wrong my little one?” She asked
softly. Naomi sat up and flung herself into her mother’s open arms. “Oh,
mama, what am I going to do?” she asked crying even harder. Sylvia stroked
the tears from her daughter’s face. “Tell me what is troubling you.” She
had her suspicions but prayed she was wrong. She knew her daughter well
enough to have recognized that she was in love for the last couple of months.
She just didn’t know whom her daughter loved so much. If her suspicion was
right she feared how here husband would react. He was a good man, but he
was very conservative and terribly stubborn. He would not take the news well.
“I..I..I’m pregnant” Naomi stuttered and then buried her face into her neck
seeking the comfort only a mother could provide.
Just then a bellow came from the doorway “WHAT!!!” Malachi had heard
his daughter’s confession to her mother. “WHO IS THE FATHER?” Malachi was
furious. He taught his daughter better than this. He raised her right.
They went to the synagogue and read from the old testament. She knew that
it was wrong to bed a man before marriage.
Naomi jumped to her feet in surprise by the sudden outburst. “Daddy,
please…” she cried begging for understanding. “I’m sorry..I” but her father
interrupted her before she could finish.
“I asked you who Naomi, and I want an answer now!” Malachi demanded.
He would go to the father of the baby and demand that he make an honest
woman of his little girl.
Naomi walked up to her father and stood a few feet in front of him.
She could not bring her self to look him in the eye. She was ashamed.
She knew that by being with Bill she had dishonored her family and everything
she had been taught. “I can’t tell you yet, I have to talk to him first.
He doesn’t know about the baby yet.” She answered her father quietly.
“Nonsense, you can tell me. We will go tell him and his parents together”
Malachi responded. Walking up to his daughter, he reached up and cupped
her chin, gently forcing her to look him in the eye “I am sure that with
our consent and the permission of the boy’s father, we could find someone
to legally marry the two of you.
“No daddy, you don’t understand. He’s not a boy, he is a grown man.
He made me promise not to tell anyone about us until I was a little older
but I am sure once I explain about the baby he’ll change his mind.” Naomi
looked at her father with imploring eyes, silently begging him to understand
and to let her talk to Bill alone.
“What!!” Malachi shouted, quickly losing his temper. “A grown man
took advantage of my little girl” he ranted out loud. “I want a name Naomi,
and then he and I are going to have a talk” he yelled striding toward the
door.
“Malachi, please calm down” Sylvia pleaded grabbing a hold of her
husband’s arm. She could see the situation progressively getting worse.
She saw the look of defiance and determination cross her daughter’s face.
Her husband and daughter were a lot alike. Both were stubborn and quick
tempered.
Naomi ran to the door and blocked her father’s way “No daddy. I will
handle this on my own, and you’re not going to confront him. He’s a good
man and I love him.”
Before thinking, Malachi reached out and slapped his daughter across
the face, leaving a bright red hand print on her right cheek. Everyone
in the room froze for a moment in shock. Malachi was horrified that he struck
his daughter. Never before had he struck her in anger. He was just angry
at the situation and frustrated with Naomi’s refusal to tell him who the
father was. He wanted to confront the man that took advantage of his daughter.
For the first time in his life he wanted to hurt another human being.
Naomi turned hurt and confused eyes toward her father and then toward
her mother. Seconds later, anger replaced all other emotions she felt.
With a final loving look to her mother and a blazing glare at her father
she turned and fled form the room. She didn’t stop to bring anything with
her but kept running. She went out the front door, vowing to herself to
never return.
__________________________End Flashback________________________________
Naomi folded into herself, crying with the remembered pain of the
last time she saw her parents.
Simon, who already heard an abridged version of the story earlier,
was not as shocked as the other two young men and was able to offer comfort
to the hurting woman. He sat next to Naomi and gently pulled her to him,
wrapping comforting arms around her. He didn’t say a word but gently rocked
her giving her time to collect herself.
Jim and Stephen stood rooted to the floor, exchanging shocked glances.
Stephen was the first to break the silence “Y..y..you were with our father?”
he asked in a trembling voice.
Naomi, who had managed to pull herself together, looked Stephen in
the eye and slowly nodded her head yes.
Jim faced Naomi, the only outward sign of his emotions was the clenching
of his jaw, and stated “Blair is our brother.” It wasn’t a question but
Naomi nodded her head yes once again. Jim looked at Naomi, then Stephen,
and finally at Simon. Simon’s eyes were filled with compassion. Jim couldn’t
handle anymore and abruptly turned and walked out of the room.
Fifteen minutes later, after convincing Naomi and Stephen to go and
get some rest, Simon headed to the roof knowing that was where he would
find Jim. Anytime the young man was upset, looking out at his city calmed
him. Simon quietly approached the man he thought of as a son and put a
comforting hand on his shoulder.
Nothing was said for a few moments and then Jim finally whispered
“why?” Simon knew exactly what Jim wanted to know. Why hadn’t his father
or Naomi told him that Blair was his brother. Simon knew that Jim would
not be only thinking of his own pain but would also want to know why Naomi
let Blair grow up not knowing who his father was or that he had brothers.
Simon also knew that somewhere in the back of Jim’s mind, the sentinel
wanted to know why he had to grow up without his guide. The captain didn’t
have any answers for his friend. Jim would have to wait until Naomi returned
in a few hours for his answers. Simon just gave Jim’s shoulder a squeeze
and quietly stood next to his friend, sharing his strength and support while
Jim processed his thoughts and emotions.
TBC
On to the next Chapter.
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