Title: A class of her own

Author: Kay De'Vil

Archive: Yes

Warnings: DEATH STORY, non-cannon character. MAJOR Angst warning. Plus this is written from experience of losing a young child so it's pretty deep and dark. If it reflects even half of what I felt then it might upset some people, if it does then I apologise in advance.

Summary: After Jim is injured during a hostage situation at a local school he discovers he has a daughter...

Disclaimer: All cannon characters are the property of Pet Fly Productions, no copyright infringement is intended by this story. The characters of Katharine Ellis and Sarah Kenner are mine however. The lyrics from Eric Clapton's 'Tears in Heaven' are copyrighted, no copyright infringement is intended.

Authors Note: This wasn't exactly how the story originally went in my mind, I have an idea why it suddenly turning in this direction, but I won't bore you with details. (I guess Crewella my evil muse reared her ugly head).

/..../ = Radio or telephone conversations

{....} = Overheard conversations

I hope you enjoy it and feedback is most welcome. Good or bad, I don't mind.

By Kay De'Vil.

Blair Sandburg entered the bullpen and stood for a moment searching the room for his friend. He was surprised when he didn't see Jim. Moving over to sit at his unofficial partner's desk he glanced into Simon's office, but he wasn't there either.

Glancing at his watch to check the time he dropped his backpack onto the floor beside the desk. This was the time Jim had asked him to meet him at the station. Figuring Jim must have been delayed he sat down and used the time to begin marking his student's midterms.

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

He could see them up ahead; their car had only just made the right turn, closely followed by the police cruisers. He reduced his speed and coasted around the corner, accelerating out he quickly closed the distance between himself and last police cruiser.

With lights blazing and sirens blaring he listened to the uniformed officers in the cruisers report on the chase. His speed increased as he heard the report of shots fired; just ahead he could see the two police cruisers now blocking the road ahead. Bringing the truck to a tyre-burning stop he exited the truck in a low crouch, joining the uniformed officers behind the cars. "What do we have?" He questioned as he looked across the street.

The Sergeant glanced at him but quickly returned his attention to the building across the street. "They went into the school"

"How many?"

"Four, all armed" stated the sergeant. Using his heightened sense of sight Jim looked into the front classroom. He couldn't see the gun men and suspected they were somewhere towards the rear of the building "I'm going in" he stated as he turned away and ran in a low crouch along the length of the police cars. The sergeant turned to call him back but he was already working his way across the street, only to vanish into the building a few moments later via an emergency exit at the side of the school.

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

Simon received the word from dispatch and quickly left his office "Gunmen have taken over the 5th Street school. Uniformed have the place surrounded, Jim is already on scene." Even before he finished speaking the detectives of Major Crimes were on their feet, grabbing their jackets and checking their guns.

Blair quickly joined Simon as the entire department left the bullpen. Simon glanced at him as they entered the elevator that would take them down to the underground car park "Stay close and keep low" he instructed "Jim's a good officer, I'm sure he's playing it smart and keeping a low profile." Blair looked at him in disbelief but didn't say anything.

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

Moving from classroom to classroom, Jim found himself confront by class after class of special needs children, these were one of the most vulnerable groups within his city. He had the teachers take the children from the classes and outside to safety where the officers were waiting.

Knelt on one knee he covered the hallway as another classroom was emptied. Suddenly as the last of the children started to come out of the class two of the gunmen appeared. They spotted Jim and the children and opened fire.

The children screamed several ran for the exit while others vanished back into the relative safety of the classroom. Edging back into the classroom, Jim slammed the door closed and looked around for a way to get the last of the children to safety. The only option open to him was through the window.

After checking the hallway he hurried across the classroom, the window was sealed closed which meant he had no choice, he would have to smash it.

Pushing the children and their teacher into a corner he grabbed one of the chairs and used it to smash the glass. Using the legs of the chair he cleared away all the broken shards, then gathered one of the children into his arms, carrying her over to the window he gently lowered her to the ground and instructed her to find the police officers.

With no way to cover himself and get the children out, he could only hope he would be able to get all the children to safety before the gunmen made their next move.

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

With S.W.A.T. already setting up Simon hurried over to the sergeant in charge. "What's the situation?"

"Ellison's inside, he's managed to get four out of the five classrooms emptied. We heard gun fire coming from inside a few minutes ago but didn't want to risk storming the building with children still inside"

"You did the right thing; I'll take over now"

"Right Captain. Let us know what you want us to do" as the sergeant spoke a small group of children appeared at the side of the building and ran towards them.

Officers wearing bullet proof vests rushed forward grabbing the children, carrying them to safety "That leaves ten children, one teacher and Detective Ellison unaccounted for" stated the sergeant

"OK but Jims obviously all right otherwise whose sending out the kids?" Commented Blair as he joined Simon behind the cruiser. Simon could see that Blair was chomping at the bit, he wanted to be inside the school at his Sentinels side, but it wasn't possible "Just stay calm Sandburg" he cautioned

"I'm calm, I'm calm!" Exclaimed Blair. Simon raised an eyebrow "Sure Sandburg; you're the epitome of calm"

"I'll keep and eye on hair boy"

"Thanks H" replied Simon with a grin as Henri Brown joined them and stood beside Blair.

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

Jim winced as his hands were tied. He tried to get comfortable but it wasn't an easy task for a man well over 6' who was sat on a school chair with his hands and ankles tied to the back legs, as the top of the chair dug painfully into the small of his back.

In the corner across from him he watched as the teacher tried to calm the remaining children. "What's your name?" He questioned

"Alice, Alice Summers" she replied nervously, her eyes darting from the children, to him, then to the four gun men stood around the room. "It's going to be OK Alice" he kept an eye on the gunmen himself as he spoke, he had to come up with a plan "Just relax and stay calm." She nodded and tightened her grip on the group of children. "My names Kelly, what's yours?" Questioned one of the girls. Jim smiled at her as he answered "Detective Jim Ellison, but you can call me Jim"

"You're a police officer?" Questioned Alice a ray of hope finally entering her scared eyes. He nodded and again tried to shift into a more comfortable position, but there wasn't one. "Yep, that's how I know everything is going to be alright"

"Shut up over there!" Shouted the youngest of the gunmen as he paced anxiously in front of the door. "Just calm down Eddie, it's gonna be OK" stated one of the gunmen.

"How's it gonna be OK, we got one cop in here and a whole squad outside. Tommy the fucking S.W.A.T. is probably out there!" The children gasped and looked from Jim to their teacher "Miss Summers, that man said a bad word" the little boy who had spoken appeared to be the youngest of the group, probably no more than 6 years old and blind. Jim couldn't help but smile "He's a bad man, bad men use bad words" he explained with a slight shrug.

Before Jim knew what was happening pain erupted in the back of his head sending him tumbling onto his side, trying desperately to blink away the fog that wavered on the edge of his vision. He tried to hide his pain from the children; they were already scared they didn't need to see his pain.

He could hear the children screaming and crying as Alice desperately tried to reassure them. "I'm OK kid's" he slowly lifted his head as if to prove what he was saying, it worked and the children began to calm down, only faint sniffles and whimpers could be heard from them now. "I told you to shut up; you should have shut up when I told you to!" Eddie continued to pace beside Jim, his feet repeatedly appearing on the edge of his sight.

Resting his head back down on the floor he was able to enjoy the smallest amount of relief from the pain, being on his side brought.

The pain his current situation brought him was enough to rival any his instructors had inflicted during his Special Forces training. He was glad that they had not known about this method of torture during his training, for if they had, he wasn't sure he would have ever passed the course and become a Ranger.

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

Simon stood outside the mobile command unit, a phone pressed to his ear as he listened to the police commissioner.

Movement at the main doors of the school caught everyone by surprise. A young woman appeared in the doorway a shadowy figure with a gun stood behind her "HELLO?" She called looking at the row of guns aimed at her.

Simon grabbed a loud speaker as he hung up the phone and ran over to where Blair and Henri still stood behind the police cruiser "I'm Captain Simon Banks, are you and the others alright Ma'am?"

"Yes, yes we're fine. They haven't hurt either the children or myself" she stated.

Simon noticed Blair shift uneasily at his side when the woman failed to include Jim. He put his hand on the observer's shoulder. "What do they want?" He questioned into the loud speaker. "They want you to move back, they don't want to see any police or Detective Ellison is going to pay for it" she called, clearly distressed at being forced to relay such a message.

Simons grip on Blair's shoulder increased "Very well, we will move back, but we need them to release the children first as a sign on good faith" there was silence as the woman looked over her shoulder at the gun man.

Everyone waited with baited breath; they knew that if they could get the children to safety their chances of a rescue and apprehending the gunmen increased. Finally the teacher turned back to them. "They say you can have the six girls, but the four boys are staying"

"But what possible use could the boys..."

"They say just the girls"

"Very well" with that said the teacher was pulled back inside.

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

Jim groaned as he was lifted upright again, his short reprieve from the torture over. As soon as he was upright and the gunmen had moved away the children swarmed around him, desperately seeking out the security of an adult's presence. "Are you all right Mr Officer, sir?" Questioned one of the older boys. Jim nodded trying to hide his pain from the frightened children.

The gunman who had been identified as Tommy returned with the teacher "Get those kids away from the cop!" He hissed as he pushed Alice into the room.

She hurried over to them, ushering them back into the corner, as she did so she shot Jim an apologetic glance.

Tommy walked over to one of the silent gunmen "Alan, separate the boys from the girls" he instructed, clearly he was the leader as the third gun man nodded and did as he was told without question. "Why don't you let all the kids go? There no use to you" began Jim "If you let the kids go the judge will take that into consideration at your trial and go easier on you"

"I told you to shut up!" Growled Eddie as he paced in front of the broken window. "If you keep the kids, even just a few of them your sooner or later going to have to start taking them to the bathroom, which is going to divide your men. Make it easier for you to get picked off, one by one." Jim saw Eddie coming towards him and so was ready for the blow.

Even thought he was ready for it, the force with which Eddies gun barrel slammed into his cheek still knocked him off balance, dazing him but this time he didn't topple over. "You just don't know when to shut up do you cop?" Hissed Eddie as he towered over Jim. "You know I'm right Tommy" stated Jim spitting out blood.

Tommy, who had remained by the door now turned and walked towards Jim, he shot a glance at Eddie that had the young man hurrying back to his post by the window.

Tommy suddenly kicked out as he came level with Jim, catching him in the ribs and sending both Jim and the chair crashing to the floor. This time however Jim didn't land on his side, he landed on his back, his hands painfully trapped beneath the full weight of his own body.

Pressing his foot down on Jim's throat, cutting off his air supply Tommy glared down at him. "Don't tell me how to run my operation Ellison. You may not remember me but I remember you" he hissed as he continued to apply pressure.

It was only when Jim started to loose consciousness did he finally lift his foot, allowing Jim a few gasping breaths before he kicked out again, catching him across the temple, knocking him out cold.

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

S.W.A.T. had taken up their concealed positions around the building and were now reporting in. / "Unit one in position. No shot" /

/ "Unit two in position. No shot" /

/ "Unit three in position. Targets acquired. We have one hostile by window. Two are covering the children and teacher. One by main door" /

"Roger that unit three, do you have the hostages in sight?" Questioned Simon as he and Blair sat in the command unit. There was a moments static before the S.W.A.T. officer reported in / "Roger. The children and teacher are in the bottom corner of the East wall. Ellison is in the centre of the room" /

"What are the conditions of the hostages?"

/ "Children and teacher, are OK... Ellison is tied up and appears to be unconscious... No visible serious injuries" /

"Hold positions and await my order"

/ "10-4" /. Blair shifted nervously in his chair at Simon's side, the news that Jim didn't appear to have any visible serious injuries was good but he was worried none the less.

Blair was so lost in his thoughts he hadn't heard Simon talking to him, so he was startled when Simon touched his shoulder "Huh, what?"

"He's OK Sandburg"

"For the moment" adding the words he knew Simon was thinking, Blair rubbed at his face.

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

Jim listened to Tommy as he talked with the two silent gun men, he had come round a few minutes ago but had kept his eyes closed and remained motionless so as not to alert them to his current conscious state.

{ "What are we gonna do Tommy, it's all gone to hell in a hand basket"

"First thing we're gonna do is stay calm. This isn't over yet. I still have a few aces up my sleeve"

"So what's the plan?"

"We're gonna stall releasing the kids, let them go one at a time. Ellison's right about them, their gonna be more trouble than their worth."

"But once the kids are all free they'll storm the building"

"Exactly, that's when we use these babies"

"Grenades... How the hell are they gonna get us out of this?"

"I didn't lead us in here by blind chance when the cops got on our tail. I planned for just this situation. You see in the basement of this school is an access tunnel to the main storm drain, no way are the cops gonna be covering that"

"But how do we get down there before the cops come in?"

"After the kids and the teacher are released Ellison is gonna be the only one in here right, well we pull the pins and run. After they go off it should give us enough time to be outta here and into the drain. The door to the basement is right across the hall" }

Jim groaned as if he was just returning to consciousness, he had to find some way of getting a message to Simon and the others, he couldn't allow these men to escape. His only hope was to get one of the children to pass the message on.

As he looked up he saw a little girl watching him, her smoky grey eyes held a curious expression almost as if she had known he was awake before he had opened his eyes.

Blinked away the haze from his eyes he saw surprised to see what looked to be a fox cub sat at her side, it stood, its hackles raised "Pussy cat won't hurt you" whispered the little girl.

Suddenly from behind him he heard the purring of his Black Panther spirit guide. It circled around him until it was sat beside the girl on the opposite side to the fox cub. Shaking his head the creatures vanished. "What's your name sweetie?" He whispered. She smiled "Katherine. You can play my game! No one has ever been able to play my game with me before" she whispered. He couldn't help but smile, he could imagine what Blair's reaction was going to be when he told him that she was a Sentinel as well.

{ "Get the kids ready, its time we got out of here"

"What about Eddie?"

"Eddie is expendable... Go with the kids out into the hall, I'll take care of Ellison and make sure Eddie doesn't become suspicious." }

He was shaken from his thoughts as Tommy towered over him "Ah nice of you to join us again Detective Ellison"

"I wish I could say it was a pleasure" replied Jim sarcastically. Tommy crouched at his side and glared at him "I'd learn to keep my mouth shut if I were you" he cautioned. Jim didn't say anything he was watching the little girl as she studied the men across the room. "they're doing something" she whispered to him. He nodded finally looking at Tommy "So what's your next move?"

"Well Detective you'll be pleased to hear I'm taking your advice I'm going to release the children and the teacher, but we've become rather attached to you"

"How nice." As Jim spoke the two silent men began to gather the children together. "Get the kids over by the door" instructed Tommy as he stood up right again.

Realising that this was his only chance to pass on a message to Simon and the others he again looked at the little girls "I need you to do something for me sweetie, do you think you can do it?" She nodded "Did you hear what the bad men where talking about earlier?" Again she nodded. He smiled "When you get outside, find a tall black man, his name is Captain Banks..." the rest of his message was cut off as Tommy grabbed him by his arm and pulled him painfully back upright.

Tommy slipped his arm around Jim's neck cutting off his air, preventing him from moving he desperately needed to tell the Katharine what to say to Simon. Helplessly he watched as Katharine and the other children were lead from the classroom with Miss Summers.

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

The police officers outside were caught of guard when the main door to the school opened and the children came running out. Quickly the uniformed officers in the bullet proof jackets ran out, gathering the children into their arms and carrying them back to the cover of the police cruisers.

As the police officers ran back towards the police cruises the school was shaken by an explosion. Before Simon could stop him Blair broke away from the cover of the cars and ran towards the door from which the children had just left, following close behind Simon silently prayed not to find the scene he feared they would.

Pulling open the main door Blair was stopped by Simon's hand on his arm. "Let me go first" instructed the police Captain. Reluctantly Blair nodded and moved to stand behind Simon. Pulling open the door Simon glanced inside, he couldn't see the gun men anywhere in sight, the hall before them was showering in water from the sprinkler system that had been activated by the explosion, with limited vision Simon wanted to ensure Blair remained as safe as possible. So with Blair behind him and his gun drawn, they carefully entered the building. Struggling to see through the smoke and rain of the water they carefully edged their way down the corridor towards the classroom that the S.W.A.T. team member had reported Jim the gunmen to have been in.

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

He had seen the grenades sailing into the room in slow motion just after Tommy had left, he had only had a moment to shout a warning to Eddie, but the young gunman had ignored it remaining beside the smashed window. With no where to go Jim had tried to rock the chair so he was again laid upon the floor, but the grenades went off one after the other. The first grenade was only a smoke grenade; the second however had been the real thing. Only the small protection of one of the children's desks had stopped him from being cut to shreds, the force of the explosion sent him crashing to the floor, his head connected hard with the carpeted floor, dazing him. As the third grenade exploded he saw Eddies body riddled with shrapnel thrown threw the already broken window. The concussion from the explosion robbed him of consciousness.

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

Crouched low, Simon glanced around the corner of the classroom, the sight that greeted them made him gasp. Very little of the rooms interior remained, chairs, desks and other items that had made this room a classroom now lay as burning timbers which were quickly being extinguished by the sprinkler system.

Seeing no signs of the gun men there was nothing left to hold Blair back, the young observer ran around him into the room desperately calling for his friend "Jim? Jim where are you?" As he called out to him, he threw aside the rubble of the classroom.

They had known the general location in which Jim had been held and so they both began their search there. Other members of Major Crimes quickly joined them, aiding in the search for their missing colleague.

Rafe, H, Joel and Simon stopped for a moment to watch in helpless silence as Blair tore at the rubble. As they looked at the room they found it harder and harder to believe that Jim could have possibly have survived an explosion like this one. But they weren't ready to give up on their friend yet, Jim Ellison was a survivor, if anyone could pull off a miracle it would be him. Tossing aside their doubts they returned to searching the room.

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

Again and again Katherine tried to get the police officers to listen to her, she had tried to find the man Officer Jim had mentioned but she couldn't see him and the other police men didn't appear to hear her when she asked for him.

Growing frustrated she turned back to the school, she had to tell Officer Jim they wouldn't listen to her, he could make them listen to her. Slipping away from the police officers she ran back into the school and back to the classroom she had left Officer Jim.

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

The sound of a child's voice from within the classroom stopped the searchers "Officer Jim, officer Jim they won't listen to me" the little girl who was speaking ran straight past them over to a pile of rubble in the far corner. She began to pull away some of the debris until she found Jim's head, his face blood covered and pale. She pressed her hand against his cheek, gently trying to rouse him "Officer Jim; I can't find Captain Banks... They won't listen to me" she was crying but they couldn't tell if it was because of Jim's condition or that fact that no one was listening to her.

Simon quickly moved to her side, kneeling beside her he looked down at Jim, bruises and cuts covered his face and what wasn't covered in blood was deathly pale. Taking the girl by the shoulder she turned her to face him "I'm Captain Banks"

"Captain Banks... Captain Banks... Officer Jim wanted me to tell you something"

"What is it honey?"

"The bad men, they escaped through the storm drain under the school... Officer Jim heard them talking"

"Rafe, go tell S.W.A.T. and have them get down into those storm drains... We're not letting those bastards get away with this!" The little girl gasped and pulled away from Simon edging closer to Jim "You used a bad word, Officer Jim said bad men use bad words!"

"It's... OK Katharine" came Jims pain filled voice. Simon and Blair were instantly at Jims side "Jim, dear god Jim I thought we'd lost you" whispered Simon as he looked down at his trapped officer. "Get the paramedics in here!" He shouted to H who was already on his way out of the room.

As the paramedics arrived, Simon, Blair and Joel were already working to clear away some of the debris that covered Jim. They had managed to clear most of his upper body, but his lower limbs were still trapped. One of the paramedics joined them at Jims side "Stop working for a moment guys, I have to check him over" Simon and Joel stepped back allowing the paramedic easier access, but Blair didn't move, he and Katharine remained where they were. The paramedic knew what Blair was like and so didn't even bother to ask him to move "Hey Blair, I see Jim's gotten himself into another fine mess"

"Hey Greg, yeah the guys a regular trouble magnet" replied Blair with a smile. Simon shook his head and watched the interplay between Blair and the paramedics.

Shifting so he could see Jim better Greg reached down and pressed his fingers to Jim's neck. "What no sarcastic comments Jim?" Questioned Greg as he looked at the little girl sat at Jim's side. "Who's your young friend?"

"Katharine Gibson, sir" she replied. Sometime during the rescue operation she had taken a firm grasp of Jim's shirt and showed no sign of releasing it.

Greg glanced at Blair with a questioning expression, but the young observer just shrugged, he had no idea what the deal was with the little girl anymore than Greg did.

Jims coughing brought Greg's attention back to his patient. "You with us Jim?" He questioned as he leaned closer, gently prising Jim's eyelids open and shining a torch into them to check for a concussion.

Katharine grabbed his arm and pulled it away. "You're hurting him, its too bright" she objected. Greg looked at her for a moment. "Could you get her out of here"?

"No... I'm staying; I'm staying with Officer Jim!"

"Let her, stay" gasped Jim relieved that the pain he had been experiencing from the torch had stopped.

Katharine stuck her tongue out at the paramedic then smiled down at Jim. Who smiled back at her, trying to hide the pain from her "She's staying" he reiterated. Knowing that there was no point in arguing Greg just got back to his job, and continued to assess Jim's condition.

As soon as he had finished Greg carefully got back off the rubble and indicated for Simon and Blair to join him. As they did they could see the concerned glances Greg was shooting in Jims direction. "What is it?" Questioned Blair

"He's got numerous broken ribs, a serious concussion with his arms pinned under him I can't tell what condition they are in, and his legs well I have no idea. I suspect there are some lower abdominal injuries but I can't be sure until he's freed from all that rubble."

"Is one of you called Blair?" Called Katharine as she looked at them, her expression concerned the adults, if they didn't know better they would have sworn that she had heard them. Blair hurried over to her "I'm Blair"

"He wants to talk to you" she replied. He smiled and moved so that he could look at Jim, he wouldn't have believed it possible but Jim was paler than he had been before. Placing his hand on Jim's shoulder he waited for him to open his eyes before he spoke "Hey big guy, how you doing?"

"Hey Chief... If this doesn't..."

"Hey none of that!"

"Listen... Katharine... like me" gasped Jim, clearly the pain was becoming too much for him, his eyes had glazed over and he was struggling to keep them open. It took a moment for Blair to realise what Jim was saying "Jim, Jim come on buddy stay with me, did you just say Katharine is ...." Jim nodded no longer having the energy to talk. Blair looked from Jim to Katharine, then back at Jim again but he had passed out.

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

It took well over an hour before they had enough of the rubble off of Jim so that Greg could carry out a full examination.

The word had come down from S.W.A.T. that they had captured Thomas Koffrin and two men as they exited the storm drain 1 mile down the street from the school.

As the firemen removed the last of the rubble Greg moved up again, he had been concerned by Jim's lack of movement for the last twenty minutes. Even while they had been moving the rubble Jim had shown signs of awareness, but as they had removed the last of the rubble all signs of consciousness had vanished. As he pressed his fingers to Jim's neck he was disheartened to find that his pulse had become weak and thready. Examining his patient's lower body he could see the blood that had gathered beneath him. "We need to get him released" he called looking to the firemen.

One of them stepped forward with a pair of scissors "We need to do this carefully, has been trapped like this for a long time and I have no idea how much damage he's suffered." Explained Greg, the fireman nodded and carefully cut through the ropes. Greg stopped him as the fireman began to straighten out Jims legs "Hold it, I want to check them before we move him to much" stepping back the fireman watched as Greg checked Jims legs for any breaks.

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

Slowly they cleared away the last of the debris and carefully moved Jim from the rubble onto a backboard. "Blair I'm guessing your going to want to come with him in the ambulance" commented Greg as Jim was carefully lifted onto a stretcher. Blair nodded and was able to follow the stretcher when he felt Katharine's hand slip into his "Can I come?" She questioned. He looked to Greg; the paramedic appeared about to say no but changed his mind "Ok". Taking Katharine's hand within his own Blair remained at Jim's side as they left the building heading for the waiting ambulance.

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

Simon sat opposite Blair who had Katharine sat on his knee, he had tried to contact the girl's family but had been informed that she was an orphan with no family to call her own. Sighing and rubbing his face he watched as Blair and the little girl talked, he wanted to know what Jim had said to him, whatever it had been it had stimulated a strong paternal instinct within the young observer.

Rafe, H and Joel appeared at the door, silently entering the room they too glanced at Blair. The little girl was a blessing; she was managing to keep Blair calm, stopping him from worrying himself to death about Jim. "How's he doing?" Questioned Joel glancing at Blair

"Katharine appears to be keeping him occupied" replied Simon

"Any word on Jim?" Questioned H as he sat down beside Simon, he too watched as Katharine whispered something to Blair. The young observer smiled and hugged her tightly.

Wrapping her arms around Blair's neck, Katharine whispered into his ear. "The doctor is coming, she's mumbling about Officer Jim being stubborn." Blair grinned "That sounds like good news" he replied "As soon as the doctor says its alright, we'll go see Jim" she smiled and nodded at him, slipping from his knee so that he could stand up as the doctor arrived.

When Blair and Katharine both stood the others found themselves looking towards the door to see the doctor stood watching them. "Blair, I'd like to say its a pleasure to see you again, but I'm seeing you both as a patient and as a anxious relative far to often of late" as Doctor Sarah Kenner entered and shook his hand.

She looked down at the little girl at Blair's side and raised an eyebrow "Well who's this; I've never seen you here before"

"Sarah, this is Katharine... She and Jim became quiet close in the school" explained Blair. Sarah nodded as she pulled up a chair in front of the group "Ok well; Jim's condition is serious but stable. He suffered some serious injuries during the explosion, we're prepping him for surgery to deal with some mild internal bleeding right now but he's conscious and wants to see you Blair, and our young friend here. He said he has something important to tell you before he goes into surgery."

"What is his prognosis doctor?" Questioned Simon

"As long as the surgery goes fine he should recover fully, but he is going to require extensive physiotherapy. His arms, legs and lower back suffered serious damage as a result of the position he was in for several hours." She explained "I must warn you before you see him, it looks a lot worse than it actually is, plus he's extremely cranky." Blair grinned as he and Katharine once again stood "when can we see him?" Standing as well Sarah smiled "Right now; he'll probably be feeling the effects of the pre-op we gave him so I wouldn't expect him to make to much sense. But when does he ever make sense" she joked as she put her hand on the small of Blair's back and watched as he took the little girls hand in his own.

Simon and others watched as they left the waiting room, none of them could hide the relief from their faces "I'll call the station and let the others know what's happening" stated Joel as he stood, slapping Simon on the back as he headed out of the waiting. H and Rafe sat back in the hospital waiting chairs each grinning like a Cheshire cat.

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

Stood outside of Jims room Blair looked down at Katharine, she smiled up at him "He's awake and waiting for you" she said as she tightened her grip on his hand and began to pull him into the room. As she had said Jim was awake, but only just, he was desperately fighting to keep his eyes open so he could talk to Blair.

As he saw Blair and Katharine a smile spread over his face and he weakly raised a hand to wave them over but the movement shot pain throughout his entire body and he gasped, closing his eyes as he fought back the pain. Katharine rushed over to his side, closely followed by Blair. Grabbing a chair she pulled it over to Jim's bedside and climbed up taking his hand in hers she held it against her cheek "Officer Jim, I brought him just like you asked" he smiled at her his finger gently stroking her cheek "So, I... See"

"Hey big guy, how are you feeling?" Questioned Blair as he stood at Jims other side his hand gently encircling Jims "I must say you look like..."

"Chief!" Cautioned Jim his eyes shifting to look at Katharine. Blair blushed and nodded "Sorry. Sarah said you needed to talk to me?"

"Katharine... you need to find someone to... take care of her"

"Jim, Katharine is an orphan, she doesn't have any family" Jim nodded "Foster family" as he spoke his eyes began to slowly close "This can wait Jim, after you're feeling better we can sort something out for Katharine"

"Stay... with.. her" muttered Jim as the medication finally took effect. Blair felt Katharine's hand slip into his and looked down at her. "They're coming for him" she stated moments before the nurses entered with a gurney. "I'm sorry, it's time to take him down for surgery" apologised one of the male nurses as they moved to Jim's side. Blair nodded and led Katharine from the room, back down to the waiting room.

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

It was late when Sarah joined them again in the waiting room, she stood at the doorway for a moment watched as Simon and Blair talked with Katharine asleep on Blair's lap.

Removing the surgical scrub hat she had been wearing she entered and pulled up a chair opposite them. They looked up at her questioningly "Jim came through the surgery fine; we also took the opportunity to repair some of the damaged ligaments in his left leg"

"So he's going to be OK?" Questioned Blair only the sleeping form of Katharine on his lap kept him from bouncing in excitement. Sarah smiled and nodded "He's going to be just fine Blair. He'll have to stay in hospital for a week to ten days, but after that as long as he behaves and does exactly what I tell him he should be able to go back to work, light duties only of course, in about 3 weeks"

"That's great!" Stated Simon his relief evident. The sight of Jim deathly pale and covered in blood was something that would haunt his nightmares for a long time to come.

A cough from over by the door caught everyone's attention, a middle aged woman with jet black hair and dark auburn eyes stood watching them "Excuse me, I'm Rachel Sanders, I'm from the Winslow Institute, we are her legal guardians... I'm here to take Katharine Ellis home" she stated as she moved towards Blair. She didn't even give him time to say anything; she immediately took the sleeping child from him and turned to leave the waiting room. Seeing the concern and distress upon Blair's face both Sarah and Simon stood "Excuse me Ms. Sanders what exactly does the Winslow Institute want with a little girl? Isn't it highly unusual for a cooperation the size of your company to adopt a child?" questioned Sarah

"Not necessarily, Katharine is rather an unusual case"

"Unusual?" Questioned Blair, he feared that they knew about Katharine's abilities, that they were running tests on the little girl. "That information is none of your business" she snapped. Simon moved in to cut of any arguments that might have been forthcoming "Katharine is a key witness in an on going investigation"

"I am aware of that Mr..."

"Banks, Captain Simon Banks"

"Well Captain Banks, I have custody of this child and so when I say she is returning to the Institute that is exactly what is going to happen. Now if you'll excuse me, its late and way past her bed time." Before they could voice further objections she had already left the waiting room and was headed towards the exit.

Simon looked from the doorway to Blair, he could see the distress on the young observer's face and wondered what exactly was the cause, after all despite Ms Sanders lack of diplomacy she was right, Katharine was in her charge and it was very late. "Well she was certainly a ray of sunshine" commented Sarah sarcastically. Simon nodded. "I don't like that woman!" Stated Blair as he dropped down into the seat and rubbed his face "She treated Katharine like a sack of potatoes"

"We saw Sandburg, but she is Katharine's legal guardian" replied Simon sympathetically. Sarah placed her hand on Blair's shoulder "She'll be OK Blair, right now your going to have your hands full making sure Jim does as he's told." Nodding to himself Blair sat back and sighed "I know, but Jim told me to stay with her"

"Look we can go check on her in the morning" suggested Simon. Blair looked up and grinned "Yeah that's right we can" his sombre mood quickly vanished at this news. "Well if you'll excuse me gentlemen, I have other patients to see" Sarah smiled and hugged Blair, then shook Simon's hand before leaving the waiting room.

Sitting down beside Blair, Simon watched him for a moment. "What is it between Jim and that girl?" He questioned finally having the opportunity to voice the question that had been bothering him since the school. Blair turned a huge smile on his face "She's a Sentinel Simon, can you believe it. She's a seven-year-old Sentinel" he was virtually bouncing in his seat as he spoke "I don't know what triggered her abilities yet, but can you imagine the possibilities. Plus she appears to have triggered some kind of paternal nature within Jim, you saw how he behaved around her, he's as protective of her as he is of me"

"That's understandably Blair, she's not only a Sentinel, but she's also a young member of his tribe, he's naturally going to be protective of her"

"Your right, but there is something more to it, something I haven't been able to put my finger on" he added as he stood and began to pace the confines of the small waiting room.

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

After Jim was settled into his room, Blair and Simon were allowed to visit. As they stood at the end of Jim's bed they watched him for a moment, then Blair moved to stand at his friend and partners side. Gently he took his friends hand within his own while Simon got them some chairs, he knew from experience that Blair wouldn't be leaving until Jim woke and he knew for certain that he was fine.

For well over an hour they sat in silence at Jim's side, Blair had on several occasions tried to persuade Simon to go home. However the big Captain had made it clear he had no intentions of leaving until Blair did, after all as he put it, Blair would need a ride back to the loft.

Slowly he began to come round, somewhere through the cotton wool of the anaesthetic he could hear the faint but familiar sound of Blair's heartbeat, there was another as well which took him a few moments to identify. The faint smell of cigar smoke hung in the air, Simon, good Simon was here. Groaning he turned his head towards the sound of Blair's heartbeat, then he felt the warmth of a hand wrapped tightly around his own, closely followed by a whispered voice calling to him. Already he could feel the pain of his injuries, and for a moment he wondered what had happened, but it wasn't long before his ordeal flashed across his mind. Reminding him of the hostages within the school, the torture of being tied to that small chair, the explosion as the grenades went off and finally and more importantly the little girl, Katharine a young Sentinel within his tribe.

Blair stood at Jims bedside, his hand gently caressing his friends face as he quietly called him back to consciousness "Hey big guy, time to wake up now" he smiled when Jim opened his eyes and looked up at him "How are you feeling, are you in any pain?" Jim looked at him for a moment and Blair smiled "OK one at a time then. How are you feeling?"

"Soar" whispered Jim through cracked lips, which were instantly relieved by a cool damp cloth being pressed against them "Sarah said not to let you have a drink until she's examined you so I'm afraid this is going to have to do for the moment" explained Blair

"I'll go get her" stated Simon as he stood. Jim watched as his Captain left the room, then his eyes returned to Blair "Katharine?"

"Her legal guardian came and took her. Simon and I are going to check up on her tomorrow." With very little strength Jim just nodded, but winced as the movement sent shooting pains through his shoulders.

Blair's hand was instantly on his forehead offering what little support and relief he could "Sarah shouldn't be too long, she's been popping in every ten minutes to see if you're awake yet" his fingers lightly brushed over the Sentinels brow easing some of the pain. Closing his eyes Jim relaxed into the soothing touch of his guide.

Sarah quickly arrived, she had expected Jim to wake up sooner rather than later so hadn't been to far away. As she came to stand at his bedside she gently placed her hand on his forearm. His eyes were closed but she was certain he was a wake "Hey Jim, can I get a look at those baby blues?" she questioned with a smile. Blair grinned and looked down at Jim who cracked open first one eye and then the other "Hi Sarah"

"Hi yourself, how are you feeling?"

"Soar"

"That's understandable, are you in much pain?" He started to shake his head no, but winced as his entire body came to life in pain. Her thumb stroked his forearm as she watched him struggle to get the pain back under control "OK, I'll take that as a yes" opening up a clipboard she scribbled down some notes then pressed the call button for a nurse. Glancing at Blair and Simon she hesitated. "If you'll excuse us gentlemen" both nodded and slipped out before Jim could lodge any objections.

They had both seen the condition he had been in when they had freed him from the rubble, and nether wanted a second viewing, this time however without the dirt, rubble and clothing to conceal the full extend of the bruising.

Stood leaning against the door to Jim's room Blair looked at Simon, his own exhaustion quickly catching up with him. "Thanks for staying Simon"

"No problem Blair, as soon as Sarah is finished in there we can say our goodbyes to Jim and you are going home for a good nights sleep"

"No arguments here Simon, I'm done in"

"And don't about Katharine, I'm going to personally check into her situation in the morning" as he spoke Simon slipped his arm around Blair's shoulders and started to lead him down the corridor towards the waiting room.

As they entered they were both surprised to find H and Rafe still sat waiting for them. "Everything OK?" Questioned H as he sat up straight in the hard plastic waiting room chair. Simon and Blair nodded before Simon filled them in "He woke up about ten minutes ago, Sarah is in examining him at the moment. Sandburg and I didn't fancy sticking around for that." Rafe nodded with understanding, he too had caught sight of some of Ellison's injuries, they hadn't looked good then so he was certain they looked even worse now as there had been enough time for the full extent of the bruises to become evident.

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

As Sarah pulled back the sheet covering Jim she couldn't help but wince at the mass of bruises covering his chest, arms and shoulders. "That bad huh?"

"Lets just say you won't be winning any beauty pageants for a few weeks" she replied with a smile. He smiled back but she could see he was in pain, her hand returned to its previous position on his forearm, her thumb once again stroking his skin "I'll give you something for the pain in a minute"

"Thanks"

"So what's the story with the girl?"

"Hostage"

"Ah. Guess that makes you her hero" she smiled when he raised an eyebrow at her "She certainly seems to have become attacked to you, and if what I saw earlier is anything to go by the feeling is clearly mutual." Jim was clearly trying to gather the strength to respond but the nurse came in with the medication. "Here we go Jim, this should help" commented Sarah as she injected the painkillers directly into the IV which was securely taped to his left hand. "And don't worry, I checked the list Blair gave me" Jim nodded as his eyes began to drift closed. Smiling Sarah patted his forearm "I'll go get Simon and Blair, they would never forgive me if I didn't let them see you one last time before you fell asleep"

"Thanks" muttered Jim as she left his room, taking the nurse with her.

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

Simon and Blair only staid with Jim a few minutes the pain medication was quickly taking effect and it was virtually impossible for the Sentinel to keep his eyes open. When his eyes closed and his breathing became shallow, Simon and Blair silently slipped out of his private hospital room. They had sent H and Rafe home after their short stop at the waiting room so after a quick word with Sarah they left the hospital.

Simon drove Blair back to the loft, he could see the exhaustion on the younger mans face, he was also tired. As they pulled up outside the loft Simon had to smile when he glanced over at Blair, the young observer was fast asleep in the passenger seat, his curls tussled and hanging lose over his face. As he looked at him Simon suddenly realised why Sandburg instilled such a protectiveness in both Jim and himself, the kid had an innocence that was precious, something they wanted to protect for all eternity, baring that, for as long as they possibly could.

Reaching over he gently shook Blair's shoulder "Come on Sandburg, this isn't your bed, and your bed is up there waiting for you"

"Huh?"

"Time to wake up Sandburg, your home"

"Oh, thanks for the lift Simon"

"I'll pick you up in the morning, your cars still back at the station"

"Yeah right, I'll see you in the morning" slowly Blair got out of the car, he stood for a moment leaning into the car as though he wanted to say something, but he was clearly to tired to think straight so he was forced to give up. "Cya in the morning" with that he closed the car door and started across the street and into 852 Prospect. Simon sat watching him for a moment, ensuring he got into the building safely, then he put the car in gear and drove across town to his own home, and his long awaited bed.

Blair was relieved to find that the elevator was working, he hadn't fancied the idea of having to climb three flights of stairs when he was this tired, he suspected he would have fallen asleep somewhere between the first and second floors.

Slipping his key into the door he sighed and pushed the door open, the loft was quiet and empty. Deciding to head straight to bed he didn't bother to turn on the lights, after all Jim ensured that the loft remained clutter free so there was no chance of him tripping over anything. Only when he reached his room did he put the light on, as he stood there in the door way to his room he found himself studying the room, it was the only room in the apartment that had any kind of clutter in it. Jim didn't clean in here after all it was Blair's personal space, which as far as Jim was concerned made it off limits unless invited, or there was a problem. Shaking his head he decided it was time for a bit of spring cleaning, but it would wait until morning. Removing the papers and blue books that covered most of his bed, he carefully placed them onto the bedside table, stripped down to his boxers and t-shirt he eased his weary body into bed and was quickly asleep.

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

For the last two days Simon had sent his days driving between the station and the hospital, he had been investigating the Winslow Institutes involvement with little Katharine Ellis. So far he hadn't been able to find out much, just that the little girl had been orphaned at 18 months, she hadn't been adopted by the Winslow Institute until she was four. Her mother had apparently died in childbirth, her father was unknown but according to the reports he had been able to get a hold of he had been a soldier. He had Rhonda checking through county records checking for a copy of the girl's birth certificate in the hopes that her father was named upon it.

As he pulled up outside the hospital he glanced up at the building towards the general direction of Jim's hospital window. He had hoped to have more information by now, but most of the documents about Katharine appeared to have been sealed by the institute. Gathering the few papers he had together he exited his car and started towards the building to visit Jim. As he moved through the car park towards the main entrance he could see Blair's car already parked in a space just down from his own car.

Riding the elevator to the sixth floor, he read through the information he had been able to gather, it wasn't much considering the child was almost eight years old. The elevator pinged announcing his arrival on the sixth floor, stepping out of the elevator he waved to the nurses as he passed by their duty station. "Captain Banks" called one of the nurses as he passed, stopping he turned to face her, after a quick glance at her staff identity badge he addressed her "Yes Nurse Collins?"

"I think I should warn you Detective Ellison is in a bad mood"

"How bad is bad?"

"Even Mr. Sandburg has fled his room once or twice since he arrived." Simon winced, it took a lot to drive Blair from Jim's bedside. "Well thanks for the warning, I'm sorry if he's been any trouble to you or any of the nursing staff"

"We quickly learned not to take anything Detective Ellison says to heart, he's generally a nice polite man but when your in pain... Well you often say things you don't mean." Nurse Collins smiled at him before she returned her attention to her duties. Simon smiled at the forgiving nurse then turned and headed up the hall towards Jim's room.

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

Blair cringed as Jim glared at him, he hadn't meant to upset his friend, but the news that he hadn't been able to see Katharine the day before had enraged the Detective. Sat at his bedside Blair tried to calm Jim down before one of the nurses came in and ended up catching the sharp end of Jim's tongue.

The door to Jim's hospital room opened and Blair shot a desperate look from Jim to the door, he had feared that it was one of the poor nurses or even Sarah, but Sarah had been earlier and had given as good as she got. When he looked to the door, he wasn't sure if he was relieved or scared that it was Simon stood in the doorway watching them. "Hey Simon"

"Sandburg." Simon nodded as he closed the door behind himself, his eyes never leaving Jim's stony face as he pulled up a chair and sat down beside Blair.

Jim didn't greet his friend and Captain, he just glared at him for a moment before looking out the window. Blair watched him, he resisted the urge to look at the window and see what had captured the Sentinels attention, and after all he probably wouldn't be able to see it anyway. Turning to face Simon, Blair noticed the files within his hand "Did you manage to find anything on Katharine?" he questioned. Simon handed him the files as he began to run down the information he and Rhonda had been able to gather together "Katharine Ellis, aged 8. Her mother die during childbirth, what little we have been able to find out about her father is that he was a soldier who was died during a mission. She became an orphan at aged 18 months after her grandmother passed away, the Winslow institute adopted her when she was four and has been under their charge since."

"Poor kid, have you been able to find out who her father was?"

"Not yet, I've got Rhonda searching county records for her birth certificate in the hopes that her father is named there, otherwise we'll have to contact the military"

"What else do you have?" questioned Jim finally addressing Simon. Sitting forward in the hard plastic chair Simon just looked at Jim, he could see the lines of pain that marred the detective's face and he could see the vivid bruises that covered his upper body. "There isn't very much information on her Jim, its as though someone didn't bother to make records on her, I can't even access any orphanage records for her"

"Didn't make them, or didn't want anyone reading them" commented Blair as he quickly read the barest of information within the files. Simon and Jim both nodded their agreement with his comment. It was highly unusual in this modern age of technology for there to be so little information on her. Blair placed some of the files onto Jim's bed within his reach but the detective ignored them, returning his attention to the window and whatever had captured his attention out there. Simon and Blair exchanged concerned glanced but neither said anything, Jim had been through a traumatic experience and so it wasn't surprising he had withdrawn from them.

Laid in the hospital bed, Jim tuned out the conversation going on around him, he tuned everything except the steady rhythm of his guides heartbeat out as he stretched his hearing, searching for the voice that had guided him back to consciousness. The voice that belonged to the little girl who had so quickly captured his heart.

{"Ms Sanders when can I see Officer Jim?"

"I'm sorry Katharine but I don't think it's a good idea for you to see Detective Ellison again"

"But why?" the girl's voice was filled with emotion. "Why can't I see Officer Jim again?"

"Detective Ellison is a busy man, he doesn't need you following him around"

"I wouldn't Ms. Sanders, honest. I just want to see him!" he could hear her sniffling and could imagine the tears tracing down her cheeks. "Enough Katharine!" the woman's voice was sharp and loud and despite the distance Jim winced, he could only imagine what that level of volume would have been doing to Katharine's hearing if she had hers turned up as well.}

Someone was shaking him, tuning his surroundings back in he turned his head to see who had disturbed him and found Blair looking down at him with concerned eyes "Jim are you all right?"

"I'm fine Blair, will you stop asking me that!" he snapped, still angry at the tone of voice he had heard Ms. Sanders using with Katharine. Sighing at the begotten expression on Blair's face he placed his hand upon Blair's which still rested on his shoulder "I'm sorry Blair, I didn't mean to snap at you. I guess I'm getting grouchy in my old age." Blair smiled at his attempt at a joke and nodded his agreement, which caused Jim to scowl at him. "You weren't meant to agree with the Chief"

"Well, I can't argue with the truth" replied Blair, his eyes twinkling with laughter. Simon chuckled as he read the file in his hands. Jim looked at him and smiled "Don't know what your laughing about Simon, your older than me"

"Older but wiser" replied Simon as he looked up at them and smiled. Blair grinned as he positioned himself on the mattress at Jim's side "So what where you just doing?" he questioned. He had known that Jim was listening or watching something. That the older man hadn't zoned by the brightness in his eyes. Jim glanced out the window for a minute before he answered "I was listening"

"To what?"

"Katharine and Ms. Sanders" the last two words were spoken with such contempt that even Simon was surprised. Setting down the file on the chair Blair had vacated he moved to stand beside the observer "You could hear her, but the Winslow institute has to be clear on the other side of the city?"

"Ten blocks over" replied Jim distractedly. Simon and Blair exchanged glances clearly Jim had heard something that had upset him, but they were still reeling from the realisation that Jim had heard that far away unassisted.

{"Ms. Sanders I don't want to do this, it hurts"

"Katharine, we go through this everyday, you know you have to do this. It's important!"

"Please Ms. Sanders I don't want to do this" sobbed the little girl still upset at not being allowed to see Jim. }

Blair's gentle voice penetrated his thoughts and he tuned out the distressed voice of Katharine to look at his two friends with sad eyes. "What is it Jim?" Questioned Blair, his hand gently stroking Jim's bicep. Sighing Jim rubbed wearily at his eyes, trying to rub away the pain and sadness they held "I'm just tired Chief"

"Come off it Jim, what did you hear?"

"Ms. Sanders wants Katharine to do something but Katharine doesn't want to, she says it hurts whatever it is they want her to do" he explained his voice low unable to hide the sadness and anger at not being able to help his newest friend. Blair glanced at Simon whose face clearly showed the anger the police Captain, and father was feeling. "What was it Ms. Sanders wanted her to do?"

"I don't know"

"Have you tried piggybacking your eyesight on your hearing?" Jim shook his head, it hadn't even occurred to him to try. Staring up at the ceiling he quietly chastised himself for his mistake. Blair however didn't seem concerned, his hand continued to gently stroke his bicep as he lowered his voice, into what Simon and Jim called his Guide's voice "OK Jim, we've done this before. Focus on Katharine's voice... do you have it?" Jim nodded and turned his head towards the window "OK, now filter out everything but my voice, Katharine's voice and the sound of my heartbeat... Now piggyback for sight onto your hearing."

//Jim did as instructed, images flashed passed his eyes as his sight followed his hearing to the Winslow Institute ten blocks over, into a small yet homely room in which Katharine sat at a small desk. "Can you see Katharine?" came Blair's distant voice, nodding he focused in on the little girl who sat at the desk a scrapbook lay open in front of her.

Closing in on Katharine he could see the traces of tears down her cheeks, he so longed to hug her to assure her that everything would be all right, that she would find someone special who would help her, teach her about being a Sentinel but he couldn't. His sense's allowed him to do many things but to reach out to her and hugged her from the confines of his hospital bed was not one of them.

The door opened and a woman entered carrying a small tray covered by a cloth, Katharine looked up at her with sad eyes but didn't say anything. "Come on Katharine the sooner we get this over with, the sooner you can go out and play" the little girl nodded as she removed her cardigan and rolled up her sleeve. The woman placed the tray down on the bed, removing the cloth Jim could see a hypodermic needle, a small bottle and a rubber cuff. He watched as the needle was filled and the woman secured the cuff around Katharine's upper arm. Not willing to watch as the fluid was injected Jim zoned out on the sound of the little girl's quiet sobs.

"Jim, come on Jim, come back to us" Blair's voice drew him back from the zone out and back to the hospital room. As he blinked he could see the concern on Blair and Simon's faces, and he could feel the heat of a tear running down his cheek. Brushing it away he closed his eyes for a moment, but was haunted by the sight of Katharine sat within that room, the needle coming closer and closer to him. Blair's warm hand came to rest on his cheek where the tear had been moments before "Jim, you OK?" his voice low and gentle just in case he was listening to Katharine again. Jim sighed and opened his eyes "No Chief" he replied honestly, what he had just witnessed was what could have happened to him if he hadn't met Blair. He could have been the one locked up in an institute being given injections to control his senses trying to make him normal.

Simon stood at Blair' side the haunted expression on Jim's face worried him, he had seen something, something that disturbed him to his very core. Placing a hand on Jim's leg to silently offer support he waited for the Sentinel to tell them what he had seen. "I saw Katharine, she was in what I assume was her room at the institute. A woman came in with a tray, they injected her with something..."

"Did you see what they injected her with?" questioned Simon concerned that Ms. Sanders and the Winslow Institute might have been using Katharine for experiments of some kind. If they were he was going to make damned sure he got her away from them and into a real family. His mind wondered to Joel, the former bomb squad Captain had fostered many children and he was certain it wouldn't take much to persuade Joel and his wife to take on one more child.

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

Continued in Chapter 2...