A Binding Agreement
\nBy Patt<\/p>\n
Summary: Jim is charged with involuntary manslaughter, sent to prison and has to do the time. What will happen to Blair while he\u2019s gone? What will happen to Jim?
\nWarnings: h\/c, slash, angst and bad language.
\nEmail: PattRose1@aol.com
\nBeta: Bluewolf. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. <\/p>\n
Jim couldn\u2019t wait for the table to be ready at Claim Jumper. He had asked Blair out for dinner and had a surprise to ask him when they were finished eating. Blair smiled over at his nervous lover and wondered what was up. Something was on Jim\u2019s mind, Blair could tell. He could only hope it wasn\u2019t something bad. <\/p>\n
\nThe waiter came and took the two men to their table and Jim kept smiling and gazing into Blair\u2019s eyes. <\/p>\n
\nFinally Blair couldn\u2019t take it any more. \u201cAll right, what\u2019s going on? Tell me what\u2019s wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nJim smiled but also almost growled at his love. \u201cIt\u2019s a surprise.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cWell, we\u2019re past the surprise part now, Jim. Tell me what it is,\u201d Blair ordered. <\/p>\n
\nJim looked around and said softly, \u201cWould you marry me? I would like to take you to Hawaii and make it legal.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nBlair leaned across the table, kissed Jim very happily and said, \u201cYes, I will marry you. I would love to go to Hawaii.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nThe waiter came and took their orders and as soon as he left Jim said, \u201cWe\u2019re going dancing tonight. I want to show you off. There is that new gay bar in town and I\u2019d like to take you there after dinner.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cWow, dinner and dancing? You do know that there is a Jags game playing, right?\u201d Blair teased. <\/p>\n
\nJim laughed. \u201cYou\u2019re the most important person in my world, so you always come first.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cOkay, now I have a dinner date, dancing date and sweet talk. I couldn\u2019t ask for more then that. I love you, man.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cI love you, Blair.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n
\nWalking into the bar, later on that night, Jim was almost sorry that he suggested this. There was a lot of smoke, noise and too many people. Jim had hoped for something a little less crowded. They sat at the bar to have one drink each and then they decided they would leave. Jim ordered them both a beer. <\/p>\n
\nA very stupid man walked up to Blair and touched his leg and said, \u201cHow about a dance, pretty boy?\u201d<\/p>\n
\nBlair shoved his hand off of his leg and said, \u201cI\u2019m with someone.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cI didn\u2019t ask you to fuck, I asked you to dance, now come on-play nice,\u201d the stupid man continued. He was about 6 feet tall, had red hair, and was dressed in a way Blair would make fun of later. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cI said, I\u2019m here with someone, now get lost and don\u2019t touch me again,\u201d Blair said loudly this time. <\/p>\n
\nJim just sat back knowing that Blair could handle this himself and didn\u2019t want to piss his love off on their special night. <\/p>\n
\nThe man shoved Blair hard into the bar and walked off. Jim stood up as if to grab him, but Blair stopped him. \u201cCome on, man. This is supposed to be a fun night. I say we forget the beer and just take off.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nJim smiled at Blair and said, \u201cThank you. The smoke is getting to me, big time.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cMe too, I hate bars, what were we thinking?\u201d Blair asked, laughing. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cI was thinking how nice it would be to dance with you but I can do that at home. In fact there are a lot of things we can do at home. I can\u2019t wait to get there and show you what I mean,\u201d Jim said. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cOh goody, I have a horny old man on my hands. It\u2019s just the way I like you, babe.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cWho you calling old?\u201d Jim asked as he led Blair to the front door and out into the parking lot. It was full, so they had parked clear in the back and over in a dark corner. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cI don\u2019t want to freak you out, but your friend is following us and he might have brought reinforcements,\u201d Jim stated as calmly as he could. <\/p>\n
\nBlair turned around and saw the stupid red head following them. \u201cLet\u2019s hurry, I really don\u2019t feel like a bar fight tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nJim went to unlock the door of the truck, and three men jumped him. They were all as big if not bigger then Jim and were holding on to him. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cWhat the fuck? Who do you think you are?\u201d Blair shouted as the red head grabbed him and pulled him up close to his body that reeked of alcohol and tobacco. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cYou\u2019re not so tough now, are you?\u201d The red head asked. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cWhat do you want? And you three had better let go of my friend or we\u2019ll arrest you,\u201d Blair shouted. <\/p>\n
\nOne of the three men said, \u201cYou never said they were cops, damn it.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nThe red head said, \u201cWho gives a shit. It\u2019s our word against theirs. Now just hold on to him.\u201d He then leaned down and took Blair\u2019s mouth and pushed his tongue in. Blair bit the red head\u2019s tongue and hoped that would be the end of it. But he should have known better.<\/p>\n
\nThe red head then began to rub Blair\u2019s cock through his jeans with Blair fighting him every step of the way. Jim began to fight his bonds and was starting to get loose. He punched one of them and he was down for the count. He slugged the second one in the stomach and he fell to the ground. The third one let go of him, before Jim had to do anything to him. He was a smart man. <\/p>\n
\nAs soon as Jim started towards the red head moron, the three men rushed from the parking lot. They didn\u2019t want to be near Jim or Blair. <\/p>\n
\nBlair was fighting the red head like crazy. Kicking, biting and slugging every chance he got. The red head was far too big for Blair to overcome by himself, but that was all right because Jim was now there to help him. <\/p>\n
\nJim pulled Blair away from the idiot and said, \u201cGet lost and get lost right now.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nThe red head then pulled out a switchblade knife and stabbed Blair with it. It barely broke the skin, but Jim didn\u2019t care. In his eyes, this man was going to pay. He started for him and he was quicker then Jim was and he stabbed Jim twice in the stomach. Then Jim was pissed. It wasn\u2019t a matter of being quick then, it was a matter of just being pissed off. He grabbed the dude and tried to subdue him, but it wasn\u2019t working. He started stabbing Jim in the arms with the knife. Blair was kicking the guy trying to help Jim. The red head once again went for Blair and Jim had taken as much as he could. He grabbed him, and twisted his neck, breaking it easily. No one tried to get Sandburg more than once. This guy had tried more than once that night. <\/p>\n
\nJim slid down to the ground, because he was losing a lot of blood. Blair called 911 and got the paramedics on their way and then called Simon. Simon said to not say anything to anyone and he would be there soon. <\/p>\n
\n
\nThe paramedics got Jim on a gurney and started stopping the blood flow from his stomach and the ones on his arms. <\/p>\n
\nThe cops arrived and asked if Blair needed to be seen. Blair looked at the scratch on his arm and said, \u201cNo, I\u2019m fine. It\u2019s my partner, Detective Ellison that needs help.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cI\u2019m Officer Malloy and I\u2019ll be taking your statement.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cWell, Captain Banks said not to say anything until he got here. So we better wait,\u201d Blair said. <\/p>\n
\nJim looked as white as a sheet lying on the gurney and Blair walked over to him and said, \u201cPartner, you all right?\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Chief.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cDon\u2019t be sorry, just be fine, okay?\u201d Blair asked. <\/p>\n
\nSimon Banks walked up at that moment with Joel Taggart. \u201cSimon, I need to go to the hospital with Jim.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cSandburg, you\u2019re going to stay here and answer my questions. The paramedics can take Jim to the hospital.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nThe paramedics loaded Jim in the back and shut the door. \u201cWe\u2019ll meet you at Cascade General,\u201d one of the medics said. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cThank you for everything,\u201d Blair called out as Simon pulled him over towards Joel. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cNow tell me in as few words as you can, what happened here tonight,\u201d Simon barked. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cI don\u2019t like your fucking attitude, man. Jim has been stabbed numerous times and you\u2019re yelling at me?\u201d Blair asked. <\/p>\n
\nSimon got close to Blair and quietly said, \u201cThere is a man dead lying on the ground that one of you has to tell me about. Do you want to tell me or not?\u201d<\/p>\n
\nBlair was a bit confused. Why was Simon so irritated at him? It wasn\u2019t like they asked for it. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cSimon, is this because we\u2019re gay?\u201d Blair asked. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cJust tell me what happened, Sandburg,\u201d Simon growled. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cIt is because we\u2019re gay. Jesus, I thought you would be more understanding.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nTaggart walked over and said, \u201cBlair, this is because Jim is trained in self-defense and he snapped someone\u2019s neck tonight. They\u2019re not going to let him walk away from that. They might throw the book at him.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cThey\u2019re going to charge Jim with something?\u201d Blair asked, totally thrown off. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cI would guess, involuntary manslaughter would be the charge. We need to get all of the questions answered and now,\u201d Simon said. <\/p>\n
\nOfficer Malloy walked up and said, \u201cI need to question Detective Sandburg about the death of this man.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cHe\u2019ll be with you in just a moment,\u201d Simon snarled. <\/p>\n
\nMalloy walked back over to his car and seemed to be taking notes. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cSandburg you\u2019re going to have to come up with a really good reason that Jim did this,\u201d Simon stated. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cSimon, there is a really good reason for this. The man was going to rape me and his friends were holding Jim down so he couldn\u2019t help me at first. But Jim got loose and the guy went nuts. He started stabbing Jim right and left. Jim had like six puncture wounds. Is that a good enough reason, sir?\u201d <\/p>\n
\nJoel and Simon could tell that Blair was really pissed off. <\/p>\n
\nOfficer Malloy said, \u201cDetective Sandburg, you have to answer my questions, now.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nBlair walked away from Joel and Simon, not saying a word to either of them and went and gave his report to Officer Malloy. Two hours later he was finally told he could leave. <\/p>\n
\nBlair was tired of telling everyone that he couldn\u2019t remember what the three men looked like that had a hold of Jim. It was too dark and Blair was much too busy. He doubted that Jim would remember anymore than he did. <\/p>\n
\nBlair didn\u2019t even say goodbye to Simon or Joel. Instead he dug Jim\u2019s keys out of his pocket and started Jim\u2019s truck up. He was so pissed off he couldn\u2019t see straight. As he was backing up, he almost hit Simon. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cGoing somewhere, Sandburg?\u201d Simon yelled through the closed window. <\/p>\n
\nBlair rolled down the window and said, \u201cI\u2019m going to the hospital to see how Jim is doing.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cYou have to come to the station first,\u201d Simon added. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cFor what? I already gave my report to Malloy. I don\u2019t need to go to the station,\u201d Blair said. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cThis isn\u2019t a request, \u201cSimon growled again, \u201cthey arrested Jim up at the hospital for involuntary manslaughter.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cYou\u2019re kidding? Simon, is he going to have to do prison time?\u201d Blair asked, scared for the tenth time that night. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cThat\u2019s up to a jury, Sandburg. It all depends on how they make it look. What were you doing here anyhow?\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cWe were here to celebrate. Jim asked me to go to Hawaii and marry him. We should be able to celebrate like other people, right?\u201d Blair asked pitifully. <\/p>\n
\nJoel said, \u201cOf course, Blair. Come back to the station, talk to IA and get that out of the way. Then you can go to the hospital. We\u2019re not mad at you, we\u2019re just mad that this had to happen.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cI\u2019ll follow you down to the station,\u201d Blair said. <\/p>\n
\n
\nJim was lying in a bed, stitches all over his body when a cop came walking in with handcuffs. \u201cDetective James Ellison? You\u2019re under arrest for the murder of Ben King.\u201d <\/p>\n
\n\u201cI\u2019d like to see an attorney,\u201d Jim said quickly. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cLet me read you your rights and then you can have your phone call.\u201d <\/p>\n
\nJim listened as the cop read off the card. Jim rolled his eyes at the cop still using the card, instead of knowing it by heart. Once he was done, he handed his cell phone and told Jim to make it count.<\/p>\n
\nJim dialed his dad\u2019s number and woke the poor man from a deep sleep. He told him exactly what had happened and asked him to get him a lawyer as quickly as possible. Once he was off, he handed the phone back to the cop and said, \u201cThank you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cNo need to thank me, it\u2019s my job. Now I have to cuff you to the bedrail.\u201d The cop cuffed him quickly and didn\u2019t look Jim in the eye once. Jim knew he probably either hated gay cops, or he hated that Jim was being charged. Either way, it was pissing Jim off to no end. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cThe doctors said you\u2019ll be released in about six or seven hours. So I\u2019ll wait out in the hall. If you need me, yell.\u201d He walked out the door and Jim said, \u201cWhat is your name?\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cOfficer Morgan. If you need anything, just yell.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cThank you, Officer Morgan,\u201d Jim said. <\/p>\n
\nThe man walked out of the room and shut the door. <\/p>\n
\nJim reached across the bed and got the phone off the night stand. He dialed the bullpen and got Rafe. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cDetective Rafe, may I help you?\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cRafe, its Ellison. I just got charged with murder and I need to know what the fuck is going on. I was defending myself. I can\u2019t help it if the fucker had a weak neck.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cJim, just a minute, let me get Simon.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nJim heard a lot of talking, but couldn\u2019t make out what anyone was saying. Finally he heard, \u201cEllison, what are you doing calling after you\u2019ve been arrested?\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cThe cop went out into the hall and left me with the phone. He didn\u2019t say I couldn\u2019t use it,\u201d Jim explained, \u201cwhat\u2019s going on, sir?\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cJim, you killed a man. You were a soldier trained in Special Forces, so they\u2019re going to charge you with involuntary manslaughter.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cSo basically, it would have been fine if I\u2019d have shot him, but not had a fight with him and won?\u201d Jim asked. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cYes, you know better then to break someone\u2019s neck. You\u2019ve never done that before, why would you start now?\u201d Simon wondered. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cBecause I was losing a lot of blood, I was growing weaker by the moment and knew he would start on Blair when he got done with me. I didn\u2019t think I did anything wrong, Simon.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cWell, you did. You were at a gay bar, which will be brought up at the trial. They\u2019ll hold it against you that you were defending Blair as your lover, not just a partner.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cSir, fuck you. I would have done the same thing for you.\u201d Jim slammed the phone down and took deep breaths trying to get the pain under control. <\/p>\n
\nOfficer Morgan walked into the room and said, \u201cNo using the phone, Ellison. Your partner is being questioned by Internal Affairs right now, so there is no need to try and get a hold of him.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nJim lay back on his bed and just tried to think of something good that reminded him of Blair. He needed Blair right now. Blair would know how to get the pain down to nothing. Jim realized if he went to prison, Blair wouldn\u2019t be there for him. He would have to deal with everything himself. \u201cFuck.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cYou need something, Ellison?\u201d Morgan asked. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cNo, I just want to sleep. Could you shut the door and shut the lights out please?\u201d Jim asked. <\/p>\n
\nMorgan walked over and shut the blinds first, then he shut the lights out and walked out into the hall. \u201cJust yell if you need anything.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nAgain, Jim noticed he left the phone within Jim\u2019s reach if he really needed it. But he was going to have to wait for Blair to get here. <\/p>\n
\n
\nInternal Affairs was questioning Blair and raking him over the coals. They weren\u2019t happy with Jim breaking a civilian\u2019s neck. They tried to blame it on Blair numerous times, but Blair wasn\u2019t falling for their tricks. He answered just what he needed to and finally they let him go. <\/p>\n
\nBlair couldn\u2019t wait to get up to the hospital and see Jim. He knew that was going to be a fiasco. Blair was still in shock over the charges being made against Jim. And he wasn\u2019t sure how Simon felt about him and Jim being a couple and was certain it might make a difference. <\/p>\n
\nBlair didn\u2019t tell Simon he was leaving. After all, he was off the clock. This was his time and he could do whatever he wanted to. Blair got into Jim\u2019s truck and drove as quickly as he could to the hospital. <\/p>\n
\n
\n\u201cWhat do you mean, he\u2019s gone? Where in the fuck did he go?\u201d Simon bellowed. <\/p>\n
\nJoel tried to calm him with a soothing tone, but it wasn\u2019t working. \u201cSimon, he\u2019s probably up at the hospital. He\u2019s not on the clock; he can go and check on Jim if he wanted to.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cLet\u2019s get up there now before more damage is done,\u201d Simon shouted as he walked out of the office. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cWhat do you mean by that, Simon?\u201d Joel asked. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cI don\u2019t want them hanging around together-that will make things worse. The papers are going to be all over this as it is. If Blair is hanging around Jim too much, they\u2019re going to say he planned it because someone touched Sandburg.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cBut Simon, someone did touch Sandburg. That\u2019s exactly what happened,\u201d Joel said. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cLet\u2019s get up to the hospital and get them separated as soon as possible. In fact, call the officer that\u2019s on Ellison and don\u2019t let Sandburg in.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cSir, I think that\u2019s taking it too far. Jim is going to be pissed off enough as it is,\u201d Joel reminded him. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cWhat\u2019s he going to do, break our necks?\u201d Simon asked very sarcastically. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cLet\u2019s just head up there and try and talk some sense into both of them,\u201d Joel suggested. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cYou drive,\u201d Simon ordered. <\/p>\n
\nJoel took his keys and started out of the parking lot. Simon dialed the hospital and asked to talk to the policeman that was guarding Jim Ellison. In a matter of minutes, Officer Morgan came on the line. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cThis is Officer Morgan, can I help you?\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cThis is Captain Simon Banks from Major Crimes. Detective Blair Sandburg is on his way up to see Detective Jim Ellison, I want you to be sure that he isn\u2019t allowed entrance into the room. I want no one to talk to Ellison but myself and Captain Joel Taggart. We\u2019ll both be there in twenty minutes or so.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cYes, sir. I won\u2019t let Sandburg in. Although this might get ugly,\u201d Morgan said. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cYou trained for ugly, officer, so do<\/b> it.\u201d Simon closed his cell and looked at Joel. \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cI think that\u2019s crazy. Blair is going to go nuts wanting to see Jim. I think you went too far, Simon.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cKeep the thinking to yourself, Joel. We have a man being charged with murder. Now, drive.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nJoel did indeed drive as quickly as he could, but that didn\u2019t mean he agreed with Simon Banks. He in fact, disagreed a great deal with what Simon was thinking and saying. <\/p>\n
\n
\nBlair got out of the truck, in the hospital parking lot and walked into the lobby. He asked where Jim Ellison was and showed his badge. Sometimes they came in handy. The girl told him right off where Jim was. <\/p>\n
\nBlair walked down the hallway and saw Officer Morgan and said, \u201cHello, Dave, how is Jim doing?\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cYou have to stop right there, Blair. I\u2019m sorry I can\u2019t let you in. Banks called and said no one sees Ellison but him or Joel Taggart.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cWhat the fuck is going on? He\u2019s my partner! I can see if he\u2019s all right can\u2019t I?\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cBlair, Captain Banks made it very clear that you weren\u2019t to see Ellison at all.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nBlair sat down in the chair opposite Dave\u2019s and started talking to himself. Morgan couldn\u2019t hear what he was saying, but he knew that Blair was pissed. <\/p>\n
\nBlair whispered, \u201cJim, Simon won\u2019t let me see you, so we have to talk through the door. I don\u2019t know why Simon would be doing this, but I\u2019m going to find out as soon as they get here. Just hang in there, babe and I\u2019ll see you soon.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nJim yelled from his bed, \u201cMorgan!\u201d<\/p>\n
\nMorgan walked in and said, \u201cYes?\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cIs my partner out there?\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cYes, Ellison, he is.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cDoes he seem okay? We were in a knife fight earlier and I just want to be sure he\u2019s all right.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cI\u2019ll go check,\u201d Morgan said. <\/p>\n
\nHe walked out into the hallway and said, \u201cBlair, he doesn\u2019t know how you\u2019re doing after the knife fight and wants to be sure you\u2019re all right. Are you okay?\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cI\u2019m good. Tell him I got no stitches and I feel great. Thank you for asking, Dave,\u201d Blair said. <\/p>\n
\nMorgan walked back into the room, closed the door and said, \u201cI\u2019ll let him in for a minute. But that\u2019s it. If Banks comes, you\u2019re on your own.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cThank you, Morgan,\u201d Jim said, happily. <\/p>\n
\nMorgan walked out and said, \u201cI\u2019m going to the bathroom and I hope you don\u2019t get in there while I\u2019m out of the hall.\u201d Morgan walked into the bathroom and shut the door. <\/p>\n
\nBlair rushed into the room and hugged Jim immediately. \u201cGod, you\u2019re so pale. You must have lost a lot of blood to be hooked up to two bags now. Are you all right?\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cGive me a kiss before they all get here.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nBlair leaned in and kissed Jim gently. Jim pulled him back down for more. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cChief, I\u2019m scared to death. I don\u2019t want to go to prison. You know what happens to cops in prison, right?\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cYeah, I know. We\u2019ll get a good lawyer and get you off, Jim. Don\u2019t worry okay? Just rest and let the blood go back into your body.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nBlair kissed his forehead and sat in the chair next to him. Jim was sleeping within moments. Blair always calmed him right down. <\/p>\n
\n
\nThe door opened and Morgan said, \u201cBlair, Banks is on the way up. I just saw him parking in the lot. Come sit out in the hallway. It\u2019ll make for less trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cOkay,\u201d Blair answered and followed Dave Morgan back out of the room. <\/p>\n
\nThey both sat down on the chairs and waited for Simon to get there. Within a few minutes, Simon walked up and said, \u201cGood job, Morgan. I wanted to talk to Sandburg alone first.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cHe\u2019s all yours. I\u2019ll wait in the waiting room. Just call me when you need me to guard the room again,\u201d Officer Morgan said with a smile. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cI can\u2019t believe you weren\u2019t fighting him on this,\u201d Joel said. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cI did fight him, he won. I knew I had to wait for the two of you to get here. Now what\u2019s the problem?\u201d Blair asked. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cI think you need to get as far away from Jim as you can, so that they won\u2019t focus on the gay part and will only focus on the part where he was defending you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cSimon, he wasn\u2019t defending me, he was defending himself. That asshole stabbed him numerous times. Have you even talked to Jim yet?\u201d Blair asked. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cNo, we haven\u2019t had a chance to talk to him since he has seen the doctor. I don\u2019t know what happened to him or anything,\u201d Simon stated. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cI bet he was hurt, Simon. Go in and talk to him. But don\u2019t be an ass,\u201d Blair snarled. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cDon\u2019t call me an ass, Sandburg. You\u2019re being an ass,\u201d Simon grumbled. <\/p>\n
\nJoel stood between them and said, \u201cLet\u2019s focus here, gentlemen.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cSorry, Joel,\u201d Blair said, looking embarrassed. <\/p>\n
\n \u201cSit out here and we\u2019ll call you if we need you,\u201d Simon suggested as he walked into the room. <\/p>\n
\n
\nOfficer Morgan walked up and sat down on his chair. \u201cDid they give you much grief?\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cNot really, they don\u2019t know I was in there.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nBoth men laughed. Blair leaned back against the wall and closed his eyes, wishing he could sleep and make this entire night go away. <\/p>\n
\n
\n\u201cEllison,\u201d Simon whispered, shaking Jim as he spoke. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cI\u2019m right here Simon. You don\u2019t have to shout,\u201d Jim said. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cJim, we need you to stay as far away from Blair as you can until after the trial. We don\u2019t want them focusing on you being lovers, but instead just partners. Am I understood?\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cSimon, I\u2019m not staying away from Blair. Fuck understanding. I want him here in the room for this discussion. I\u2019ll tell my lawyer that you refused to let him in here. It won\u2019t look good to anyone.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cFine, Joel, will you get Sandburg and bring him in?\u201d<\/p>\n
\nJoel went to the door and said, \u201cBlair, Simon wants you to be in on this.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nBlair jumped up and rushed into the room. He went to the side that Simon wasn\u2019t on and said, \u201cHow are you doing, partner?\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cWell, I\u2019ve got 120 stitches, a lump on my head and bruises to prove I put up quite a fight. Although, then to be charged with murder, I gotta tell ya, that took me off guard. I called my dad about a lawyer, so he should be here soon.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nJoel was the first to speak. \u201cThat guy really did a number on you. I think you were within your rights to defend yourself. Don\u2019t you, Simon?\u201d<\/p>\n
\nSimon glared at Joel. \u201cOf course he was within his rights, but he\u2019s also a trained Black Ops Officer, so that makes things different. He snapped that guy\u2019s neck awfully easily.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cSo basically you\u2019re saying I\u2019m going to go on trial for the murder of a man that stabbed me seven times? \u201c Jim asked. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cI think that\u2019s what Simon is saying,\u201d Blair answered. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cIt\u2019s the law, Jim. You know the law more then anyone else. So, are you going to cop a plea and hope for fewer years?\u201d Simon asked. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cNo, I\u2019m not copping a plea bargain. I want this to go to trial and I think I have a chance.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cJim, you\u2019re going to lose,\u201d Simon insisted. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cThen I\u2019ll lose knowing that I at least put up a fight.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nOfficer Morgan stuck his head in the door and said, \u201cDetective Ellison\u2019s lawyer is here along with his dad. They wish to see him alone.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nSimon, Joel and Blair walked out of the room and William and Mr. Sean Spenser walked into Jim\u2019s room. No one said a word to each other as they passed one another. <\/p>\n
\n
\n\u201cIs that Sean Spenser? He\u2019s the most expensive lawyer in town,\u201d Simon asked. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cThat\u2019s who it was,\u201d Blair replied. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cHoly shit, maybe he\u2019ll have a chance,\u201d Joel said. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cI sure hope so,\u201d Blair agreed. <\/p>\n
\nSimon just frowned and still didn\u2019t express much of an opinion. <\/p>\n
\n
\n\u201cHi Jimmy, this is Sean Spenser. He\u2019s going to be taking care of you from now on. You talk to him before you talk to anyone and that includes Blair. You have to be careful of what you say and do, so as of now, he\u2019s in charge,\u201d William stated. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cHello Mr. Spenser. I wish we were meeting under different circumstances,\u201d Jim said. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cCall me Sean and let\u2019s get started. I want you to start at the beginning of the evening and walk me through it all the way to the end. Don\u2019t leave anything out.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nJim started talking and told him everything from the time they were at Claim Jumper to the time he killed that man. When he was done, he asked, \u201cSo what do you think?\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cTruthfully, you might have to do a year or two. They\u2019re not going to like it that you were in the Special Forces and used that to kill the man. If you had stabbed him, it would have been easier to get you off. But breaking his neck is never easy to walk away from. Do you think you can do a year in prison?\u201d Sean asked. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cI could do a year, yes. As long as I knew I wouldn\u2019t be in general population. Would that be stipulated?\u201d Jim asked. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cThey would never put a cop in general population. Well, if they offer us a plea, I think you should take it. We have no idea what the jury would think of it or if they might feel sorry for Ben King\u2019s family. Put all of your assets into your partner\u2019s name, because they might come after you for a personal law suit. I just want you to be prepared. I can get everything put into his name, if you want me to do it. All you have to do is sign this paper,\u201d Sean said, as he handed the paper to Jim. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cI can\u2019t believe I\u2019m going to prison for defending myself.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cIf you want to go the long haul, that\u2019s fine. But if the jury finds you guilty they might give you ten years. I would hate to think about you locked away for that long,\u201d Sean said. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cNo, if they offer us a deal, I\u2019ll consider it. I can\u2019t do that long in prison, I know that much, so hopefully the deal they offer will be shorter then ten years,\u201d Jim guessed. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cI\u2019ll get working on the DA and see what we can come up with. In the mean time, we\u2019ll try to get you out on bail.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cThank you so much Sean and thank you, dad for hiring him for me. Here is that paper all signed for you. I want my bank account, savings account and the deed to the loft put in Blair\u2019s name.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cJust try and relax if you can, Jim. There is nothing to do now but wait. I think the judge will let you out on bail. Your father already set up the money for any amount the judge sets. We\u2019ll talk soon,\u201d Sean started getting his things ready to go. <\/p>\n
\nWilliam walked over to Jim and said, \u201cJimmy, I\u2019ll see to it that someone is taking care of you in prison. Sean thinks it will be easy to find one or two men to handle things. I don\u2019t want you hurt. Here is something you might want to think about and let me know.\u201d William handed a piece of paper to Jim. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cThanks, dad, for everything.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nWilliam and Sean said their goodbyes and walked out the door leaving an exhausted, but nervous patient in the room. <\/p>\n
\nAs soon as they walked out, Jim opened up the letter and read. <\/p>\n
\nJimmy, <\/p>\n
\nIf you want to leave the country, all you have to say is the word. I\u2019ll set it up, so that you and Blair can both leave. You won\u2019t have to worry about going to prison or anything. It\u2019s up to you, what you want to do. I love you either way. If you do go to prison, you will have a Private Investigation and Security Management Company when you get out. You won\u2019t have to worry about money at all. Just let me know what you want to do. I love you, son. <\/p>\n
\nDad<\/i><\/p>\n
\nJim never wanted to cry so much in his life. He had a lot of thinking to do. He would definitely have to talk to Blair about all of this. This would be something that they both needed to decide on. <\/p>\n
\n
\nJudge Harrison held the hearing for Jim\u2019s bail. He let him out on his own recognizance because Jim Ellison was such a fine upstanding policeman. Jim couldn\u2019t wait to go home-but then he had to wait for the nightmare to begin. <\/p>\n
\n
\nBlair drove them home from court. Neither of them talked all the way. Blair knew that Jim had a lot on his mind and didn\u2019t need his blabbering in his ear. <\/p>\n
\nOnce they got into the loft, Jim said, \u201cDid Sean set up everything in your name?\u201d<\/p>\n
\nBlair walked up to Jim and slid his arms around Jim\u2019s waist. He needed to be as close to Jim as possible. \u201cYes, he put everything in my account and the deed is in my name. So is the truck. The only thing they could go after is your pension from the department. I\u2019m so sorry this is happening, Jim.\u201d <\/p>\n
\nJim hugged Blair very tight and said, \u201cMe too, Chief. I\u2019m not sure I can make it in there for however long they decide to send me away. I went in undercover that time for Simon and I never thought I would get out and that was only a week.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cThe time will go fast, Jim. I\u2019ll come and see you as often as I can. I don\u2019t know how many times you can visit in a week. We\u2019ve never ever had to deal with this before. You\u2019ll make it, babe, because I can\u2019t make it out here without you by my side.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cMy dad is going to open up a Private Investigation and Security Company for us, for when I get out. It\u2019s not like I\u2019ll ever be a cop again. He also offered to send us away, so I wouldn\u2019t have to do the whole prison thing. What do you think of that?\u201d Jim asked. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cI think that it wouldn\u2019t be a good idea. You don\u2019t run well. You\u2019re more of an in-your-face kind of guy. So I think you\u2019re strong enough to handle anything. But ultimately, it\u2019s up to you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cI don\u2019t want to run and look over my shoulder all of the time. So I\u2019ll stay and see what happens. Thank you,\u201d Jim said quietly. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cThank me for what? I\u2019ve been of no help what-so-ever,\u201d Blair ranted. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cBeing by my side helps me with everything. So thank you for sticking by me.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nThey began to kiss although Blair felt like his life was shattering into a million little pieces. But instead of sharing that feeling with Jim, he let Jim lead him upstairs to have Jim make love to him. They both needed it. <\/p>\n
\n
\nWilliam didn\u2019t receive a call from Jimmy, so he knew that he had decided to stay and fight the battle. William somehow knew that he would, but he would liked it better if he had chosen to leave. He would be safe that way. But Jimmy never did anything the easy way. That was for sure. Now William had to get busy finding the protectors for prison. Sean was telling him that even out of the general population, he could be hurt easily. Sean was looking into the biggest, meanest and poorest men in the prison system. Then William would make his decision on who to offer the jobs to and how much to pay them. His son would not be hurt, it was as simple as that. And as a little extra insurance, he was going to have food brought in every single day while Jim was there. <\/p>\n
\n
\nBlair went to work every day like nothing was happening. They were still waiting to see if the DA would make Jim an offer. But so far, there was nothing on the table. Blair was getting frustrated and a little depressed thinking that Jim might have to go through the entire trial and get more than what they had talked about. <\/p>\n
\nSimon opened up his door and said, \u201cSandburg, my office.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nBlair got up and walked in, knocking on his way through the doorway. \u201cDid you need to see me, sir?\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cShut the door and sit down,\u201d Simon said as calmly as he could. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cThey made Jim an offer?\u201d Blair asked. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cYes, they offered him a plea bargain for one year and to pay Ben King\u2019s mother three hundred thousand dollars. With good behavior he could out in eight months. What do you think?\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cI think this is the saddest day of my life. I still think we should have taken it to court. I think he could have won. If they saw his scars from Ben King\u2019s knife, I think it would have helped,\u201d Blair said. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cWhat if the jury sympathized with the mother of the victim and given him 10 years, if not more?\u201d Simon asked. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cCan I go home for the day, Simon?\u201d <\/p>\n
\n\u201cGo home for the rest of the week. He goes into custody in four days. Spend as much time with him as you can. Make it count, Sandburg.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cThank you, Simon. I\u2019ll tell him you send your best, even if I know you\u2019re still disappointed in him.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cHe didn\u2019t have to kill him, Blair. And he knows that too. That\u2019s why he\u2019s taking the plea bargain. Now go and spend the next four days with him,\u201d Simon ordered as he opened up the door and watched a sad Blair Sandburg walk out of the bullpen. <\/p>\n
\nJoel saw what was happening and went to Simon and asked what was going on. Simon decided to fill everyone in, in the bullpen. He explained every little detail. They were all saddened. There was nothing else to do, but finish their work and hope Jim Ellison did okay in prison. <\/p>\n
\n
\nConnor walked into the break room for a cup of sludge and Brown followed her in. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cConnor, are you going to visit Jim in prison?\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cHenri, I can\u2019t believe you\u2019re even asking that. Of course I am. I\u2019m off on Saturdays, so that will be my day for visiting Jimbo.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cI think we\u2019re all going to go and visit him on our days off. He\u2019s going to need all the morale boosting he can get to make it each day, don\u2019t you think?\u201d Brown asked. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cYes, I agree. But we\u2019ll help in our own little way. I wish we could see him before he has to go away, but I know he wants to be alone for now. We\u2019ll see him starting next week,\u201d Connor said. <\/p>\n
\nBrown gave Megan Connor a hug, because she looked on the verge of tears. Connor accepted that hug gratefully and then they both took their coffee and went back to work. <\/p>\n
\n
\nWilliam had the report in front of him and decided on one man from the protected population. He got everything ready and took a long drive to the prison to see this man. He was going to offer him ten thousand dollars, plus he would put funds in his prison account for the next ten years. He had everything written up and ready for him to sign. Not that it did any good. It only made William feel better about his son\u2019s fate. <\/p>\n
\nOnce he got to the prison, he met the man and was happy with him. He signed the paper and asked when the money would go on his books. He didn\u2019t care about Jim Ellison, but he did care about having spending money on his books. William took care of it right then. When Jimmy got to this prison, he was going to be safe. <\/p>\n
\nWilliam talked to the Prison Warden and asked about sending special food into the entire wing with the cop cons. Along with this, William would be willing to give a generous amount of money to the Prison and its upkeep. When he was done with this, he felt somewhat better about the food anyway. <\/p>\n
\nThen William asked to see one of the guards of the specialized section where cops went. His name was Charles Manning. William had a check for him, if he made sure and kept William apprised of what was going on in the prison with his son. Charles Manning gladly took it and told William that he needed someone on the evening shift. William asked if he knew of anyone and of course he did. His brother, Chad, was going to be in charge of Jim at night. William felt like things might work out all right. But when he left the prison he looked like an old, beaten and defeated man. No father should have to plan his son\u2019s life in prison. William wondered for the millionth time if Jimmy shouldn\u2019t have taken it to trial. It would always be a-what-if scenario. <\/p>\n
\n
\nBlair arrived home and called out, \u201cHoney, I\u2019m home.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nJim came out of the bathroom with red rimmed eyes and went right into Blair\u2019s arms. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cI don\u2019t know what I\u2019m going to do without you for a year,\u201d Jim said unhappily. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cJim, we have four days to make up for the next year. Let\u2019s make it count. We\u2019re going to order food to be delivered to the house every day and night. We\u2019re not going out at all and we\u2019re not having anyone over. This is just time for you and me.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cBlair, I love you so much. What are we going to do?\u201d<\/p>\n
\nBlair kissed Jim softly and said, \u201cWe\u2019re going to make the best of a horrible situation. I will be coming to the prison twice a week on my days off to see you and I\u2019ll write you every single night. Does that sound fair? I\u2019ll be sure to put plenty of money in your account so you\u2019ll have money to buy stamps with, because I expect to get some letters from you too.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cMy dad said that I\u2019m going to be taken care of at the prison, so I shouldn\u2019t have to worry at all, but yet, I am. Prison is not a fun place to be.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cI have to remember to have your dad over for a thank you dinner. The reason I\u2019m going to do all right at all, is because he\u2019s taken care of the inside men. Your dad wasn\u2019t always there for you when you were young, Jim, but he\u2019s making up for it now. Did I tell you that we\u2019re going to get the business going in the next few months?\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cNo, you failed to mention that. Are you going to give up being a cop?\u201d Jim asked, somewhat stunned. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cNot right away, but as soon as I can manage. I don\u2019t believe in the system anymore, Jim. I think you were wronged and I intend to stay away from the police from now on.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cBlair, would you make love to me?\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cI thought you would never ask,\u201d Blair said as he pulled Jim up the stairs to their bedroom. <\/p>\n
\nBlair knew that every time they made love, was going to have to be the best, because it was going to have to last a year. Never to fall down on the job, Blair made love to Jim like it was the last time he would ever see him. Both men were so moved they were on the verge of tears by the time they\u2019d finished. Blair cleaned Jim up, lovingly, and said, \u201cHow about we just lie in each others arms and not think or talk?\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cIt sounds perfect, babe,\u201d Jim replied and moved into Blair\u2019s loving arms. They slept for two hours and then dressed and went downstairs to order something for dinner and watch some television.<\/p>\n
\n
\nSean Spenser was at William\u2019s house having dinner and said, \u201cYou think we should have gone to court, don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cYes, I think so,\u201d William answered. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cWhat if he lost and had to serve eight to ten years for it instead?\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cSean, what if something happens to him in prison? It would kill me to have to tell my son-in-law anything bad. Jimmy is such a good man and was such a good cop-it\u2019s a shame that he\u2019ll never get to be that again. Blair is giving up his badge soon and we\u2019re opening up the new Security Company. Blair is good with the books, so he\u2019ll take care of that, then we just need to find some clients and some help.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cWilliam, I hope nothing happens to Jim while he\u2019s away. I pray that things will go quickly and smoothly for him. I think it\u2019s great that you and Blair will have a business all set up for when he gets out of prison. Eight months will go by rather quickly. You wait and see.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cI hope you\u2019re right, Sean. Thank you for everything. You\u2019ve helped Jimmy a great deal. Thank you once again for coming to dinner and filling me in on what\u2019s happening next,\u201d William said. <\/p>\n
\nThe two men talked about prison life and Jim for another couple of hours and then Sean left the tired older Ellison to rest. <\/p>\n
\n
\nOn Sunday, Simon called. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cEllison,\u201d Jim answered. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cJim, it\u2019s me. I wanted to let you know that Brown and Rafe are going to be picking you up in two hours. Just giving you a heads up,\u201d Simon warned. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cThanks, Simon. I\u2019ll be ready. Thank you for giving Blair the time off, so he could spend it with me.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cNo problem, Jim. I\u2019ll see you up at the prison, once a week. You\u2019re not going to get rid of any of us that easily,\u201d Simon teased. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cJust promise me that you\u2019ll all look out for Blair,\u201d Jim pleaded. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cConsider it done,\u201d Simon replied. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cThanks for everything, Simon,\u201d Jim said quietly. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cI\u2019ll see you in a week, Jim. Take care,\u201d Simon said quickly before he closed the line. <\/p>\n
\nBlair saw Jim standing there looking lost and went into his arms. They just stood there quietly soaking up love from the other one. Finally Jim said, \u201cThey\u2019re coming in two hours for me, babe.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cJesus Christ, this is going to be like being in hell,\u201d Blair said, holding Jim even tighter. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cWe\u2019ll write to each other every day, correct?\u201d Jim asked hopefully. He was trying to make the best out of the situation. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cYeah, we\u2019re going to write every single day and I\u2019ll be up to see your sweet ass twice a week. So don\u2019t think you\u2019re rid of me,\u201d Blair teased. <\/p>\n
\nThey walked over to the sofa and just sat together, holding on for dear life. Jim knew he was going to miss this more then anything in the world. He had never loved anyone like he loved Blair. And he knew that Blair loved him right back. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cI left some money for you, with my dad, if anything happens to me in prison. Just something to help you get by. It\u2019s my money from the service. I never did spend it. I love you more than anyone and I\u2019m going to miss you like you wouldn\u2019t believe,\u201d Jim said. <\/p>\n
\nBlair hugged Jim as tight as he could and said, \u201cJim, we\u2019ll be fine. Stop with the if-anything-happen stories. I refuse to believe that anything bad will happen. We belong together. Sentinel and Guide forever. Remember that, okay?\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cI\u2019ll remember, Chief. I\u2019m sorry this is all coming down on you. God, I love you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cI love you too, Jim. Now just hold me until you can\u2019t any longer.\u201d <\/p>\n
\n
\n\u201cWhy is Simon making us pick Jim up?\u201d Brown asked, nervously. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cIt\u2019s not like he\u2019s going to blame us, Henri,\u201d Rafe answered. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cHow do you know? He might hate our guts for turning him in on this horrible day. I really like Jim and I hate to think about him being in prison all by himself with no backup.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cHenri, he\u2019s going to be all right. Just you wait and see. With any luck, he\u2019ll be out in eight months and we\u2019ll be picking him up to take him home to Sandburg,\u201d Rafe said, smiling. <\/p>\n
\nHenri parked in the lot and the two men just sat there. \u201cLet\u2019s wait until the very last moment before we have to go up and get him, okay?\u201d<\/p>\n
\nRafe patted Browns arm and said, \u201cThat\u2019s fine. We\u2019ll wait about 40 minutes, but then we have to go up and get him.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nThe two of them sat there in silence feeling helpless. <\/p>\n
\n
\nJim stood looking out the balcony door out to the parking lot and said, \u201cBrown and Rafe are here. They\u2019re worried about what I\u2019m going to think of them if they pick me up.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nBlair looked over at his lover and said, \u201cWhat do you think of them?\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cThey\u2019re great guys and they are only doing their jobs. It\u2019s not like they have any choice in this. I\u2019ve got to go, Chief.\u201d Jim pulled Blair into his arms once again and held on tight. \u201cI love you so much. Never forget that, okay?\u201d<\/p>\n
\nBlair was starting to lose it. \u201cI\u2019ll walk you downstairs, Jim.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cNo, Blair. I don\u2019t want to lose it in front of them. Kiss me goodbye, my love.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nBlair did just that about three times and had tears rolling down his face as he watched Jim walk out the door. Blair just leaned into the closed door and began to sob. Blair missed him already and Jim was only in the elevator. <\/p>\n
\n
\nRafe and Brown were still sitting in silence when there was a knock on Rafe\u2019s window, making both guys almost jump out of their skin. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cHey Jim,\u201d Rafe said as he opened the back door for Jim. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cHey Rafe, hey Henri. Thanks for picking me up down here. It would have been bad upstairs. Blair was really upset.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cWe didn\u2019t know what to do, Jim,\u201d Henri said. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cThis is a hard time for all of us, Henri. I\u2019m not the only one upset and confused. But I want you two to promise me that you\u2019ll watch out for Blair. If he seems down, ask him to dinner or something. Would you do that for me?\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cIt\u2019s the least we could do, Jim,\u201d Rafe answered. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cThank you both, now we better get to the station. I have to be there in twenty minutes,\u201d Jim said as casually as he could. <\/p>\n
\nThere was no more talk. None of the men said a word to each other. Rafe felt like his heart was breaking. Brown kept cracking his knuckles to help ease his stress. <\/p>\n
\nWhen they arrived, they took Jim right to holding and they had him change his clothing and they got him ready to go. Rafe and Brown hated leaving him like that, but they knew if they stayed it might make Jim weaker and they didn\u2019t want to worry about making him cry. <\/p>\n
\n
\nSimon saw a sad looking Rafe and Brown come into the bullpen and knew that their job was done. Simon sat down at his desk and wondered what would become of Jim Ellison. He hoped and prayed that everything would be all right and he knew that the entire bullpen was thinking the very same thing. <\/p>\n
\nRhonda and Megan Connor were both blowing their noses off and on all afternoon long. These women couldn\u2019t stand what was happening to Jim Ellison. <\/p>\n
\n
\nThe bus ride to the prison was fairly quick and painless. There was a young black guy sitting next to Jim trying to make conversation. Finally he whispered, \u201cI\u2019ll do anything for you, if you watch out for me.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nJim felt so bad for him. He looked to be about 21 years old at the most and he was scared to death. Jim leaned into him and whispered back, \u201cI\u2019m in a special holding cell for cops, so I won\u2019t be going to general population. See that man right there?\u201d Jim pointed to a big black dude that looked very mean and rough. But Jim knew him and knew he was a gentle soul to the young and stupid. \u201cAsk him the same thing you asked me. He might go for it. He\u2019s a nice guy.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nSo the young dude moved over and quietly asked the black man the same question and the black dude said that the young guy could clean his cell and do his wash in exchange for being taken care of. Jim felt instantly better about the young man. Jim could tell he was going to hate this life. But the big man taking care of him might just save his life. <\/p>\n
\nJim leaned his head back and tried not to picture what his new life was going to be like, but it didn\u2019t matter how hard he tried, he couldn\u2019t get Blair out of his head. This was going to be the longest year of his life. He knew that Blair would be just as devastated as Jim was. <\/p>\n
\n
\nBlair was very upset, but wanted to call William and let him know that Jim was on his way to the prison. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cEllison,\u201d William answered. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cWilliam, I wanted to let you know that Jim is on his way to the prison. His new life has started,\u201d Blair said dejectedly.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cBlair, how would you like to go out to dinner with me tonight? It might make us both feel better.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cSounds good to me. The idea of staying home alone is going to kill me,\u201d Blair admitted. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cWhy don\u2019t you move into Jimmy\u2019s room while he\u2019s gone? That way we\u2019ll both have company and be there for each other,\u201d William asked. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cI\u2019m sure I would be in your way and I would upset you unnecessarily,\u201d Blair decided. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cI would love to have you there. That way we could go up and see Jimmy whenever you want to. I insist that you move into Jimmy\u2019s room. How about tonight?\u201d William asked. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cIf you insist, then I\u2019m going to agree to it. I think we might be able to help each other get through this, William.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cGood, start packing now and when you come over bring a truck load of your things.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cThank you, William. I really appreciate this. I was going to go nuts in the loft by myself. You\u2019re a life saver.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cI\u2019ll see you in a few hours, Blair.\u201d William said his goodbyes and hung up the phone. He had to get busy and get Jimmy\u2019s room ready for Blair. William walked with a new bounce in his step. This was going to be good for both of them. <\/p>\n
\n
\nAt six that night, Blair showed up at William\u2019s house with five boxes and a lot of clothing to hang up in the closet. William helped him get it all moved upstairs and before long the two of them had it all unpacked and everything hung up where it was supposed to be. Blair realized that William was a lot like Jim, so this was going to be easier then he realized. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cThe room looks great, William. I love it that you have pictures of Jim in all stages of his life. It\u2019s like being surrounded by him. This is terrific. Thank you again for asking me to move in.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cI\u2019m glad I didn\u2019t take the pictures down then. I almost did. I was afraid they would make you sad.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cI\u2019m going to be sad anyhow, so that makes no difference, but I love the idea of having pictures of him surrounding me at all time. I love him so much, William.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cI know you do, Blair. I couldn\u2019t ask for a better son-in-law. Now where are we going to dinner?\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cI love Claim Jumper, if you don\u2019t mind that,\u201d Blair suggested. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cI like Claim Jumper too. That\u2019s where we\u2019ll go,\u201d William agreed and they got ready to go. <\/p>\n
\n
\nJim got assigned to a cell after they checked to be sure he had no drugs on him. Jim wasn\u2019t happy with the procedure, but knew they had to do it. He was going to be in a cell all by himself. He would have meals delivered to him in his cell three times a day and he would be taken out for fresh air three times a day to the main yard. It would be during times that no one in the general population should be out. Jim didn\u2019t realize he was going to be so isolated. He wasn\u2019t as worried about things as he was before. <\/p>\n
\nA huge guy walked up to Jim\u2019s cell and said, \u201cBetter watch your back, Ellison. Not everyone is happy to have you in this area, either. You aren\u2019t wanted in either place.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cWho are you and why would you hate me so much? I don\u2019t even know you.\u201d <\/p>\n
\n\u201cMy name is Mark Nelson and you were in charge of a bust that went down and took me with it. No one gave me any type of break, so don\u2019t think you\u2019re safe here, little man. I\u2019m going to be watching for a slip up every single day,\u201d Nelson said. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cI didn\u2019t have anything to do with your arrest,\u201d Jim pointed out. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cYou had to go and be a goody two shoes and took some really good cops down at the same time,\u201d Nelson said angrily. <\/p>\n
\n \u201cWell, if you were doing something illegal then you had it coming,\u201d Jim said quickly. <\/p>\n
\n \u201cWhat\u2019s the harm in turning a blind eye to minor offenses that don\u2019t hurt anyone?\u201d<\/p>\n
\nNelson moved fast and very quietly. He punched Jim\u2019s face, knocking Jim\u2019s head back into the wall. Just as quickly as he did it, Nelson called the guard, \u201cManning, this new guy just hit his head on the wall.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nNelson walked away as Manning walked up to the doorway. He looked at Jim and saw the busted lip, bloody nose and black eye. \u201cEllison, what happened?\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cNothing, I fell and then hit my head on the wall. I got dizzy,\u201d Jim said. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cProtecting them isn\u2019t going to help a thing. You think they\u2019re going to leave you alone because you kept your mouth shut? Think again. They\u2019re going to be on your ass day and night. I can\u2019t watch them all of the time,\u201d Charles Manning said. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cI\u2019ll be fine, stop worrying,\u201d Jim said quickly. <\/p>\n
\nManning walked away and Jim lay down on his bunk. He used a pillow case to wipe the blood off of his face. Fuck, this is going to be the longest year of my life.<\/i><\/p>\n
\nAt that moment another big dude came walking into Jim\u2019s cell, bold as you please and said, \u201cMy name is Marshall Tibbs and I\u2019m your protector. So from now on, you don\u2019t even talk to anyone without me. Understood?\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cWho are you?\u201d Jim asked sitting up on his bunk, wearily. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cYour dad is paying me quite well to take care of you. I\u2019m as guilty as the next man, but I want to make some money on this deal. You\u2019ll be taken care of as long as you learn the rules. Don\u2019t sit in your cell alone. Stay out in the hallway where the guards can see you at all times. Don\u2019t take a shower without me in the room. I\u2019m telling you, they will<\/b> gang bang you like you have never dreamed of. Wait until I come into your room for meals. We will become best friends, whether you like it or not. If for some reason I\u2019m not around, you don\u2019t go anywhere. They want to hurt you, Ellison, so keep that in mind. We will have our retreats outside in the yard together. We\u2019ll play basketball with a couple of my friends. You will not talk to them. They hate you too. And whatever you do, stay away from the workout room, because they will have the general population in there at the same time. Do you think you can follow these rules?\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cI would guess I have no choice. Dinner is almost here, so do you want to eat with me tonight?\u201d Jim asked. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cHow do you know the food is almost here?\u201d Tibbs asked. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cI have a really keen sense of smell,\u201d Jim told him. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cI\u2019ll just sit here and wait since it\u2019s almost time to eat anyhow.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nAs soon as Tibbs sat down, Manning walked in carrying a tray of food. He set everything down on Jim\u2019s small table. Then he brought in the other tray of food. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cDo you need anything else, Ellison?\u201d Manning asked. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cNo thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nAs both men started to eat, Jim realized that this was going to be the hardest year of his life. He hoped Blair was all right. He didn\u2019t want Blair to suffer because of him. <\/p>\n
\nAs they ate, Jim said, \u201cCan we go to the workout room together? I think I need to keep in shape.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nTibbs glared at Jim and said, \u201cDidn\u2019t I just tell you that the general population is in the workout room? You don\u2019t want to be in with the GP. In fact, sometimes when they take us outside to the yard, the GP are still out there and we are not popular with them at all. One of the cops here died last month playing basketball. Now, do you understand the rules yet?\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cYes, I\u2019ll do sit ups and push ups in my cell every morning,\u201d Jim answered. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cYou\u2019ll do them in the hallway, where Manning can see you. Don\u2019t stay in your cell alone, unless you have to. Are you getting it yet?\u201d Tibbs was losing patience with Jim. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cYou know what? I can take care of myself, don\u2019t worry about me,\u201d Jim said angrily. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cOh yeah, your dad is going to be really happy with the new look you\u2019re sporting, Ellison. You\u2019ll look like that all the time. Is that what you really want?\u201d Tibbs asked. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cI\u2019m sorry. This is all new to me and I don\u2019t like losing control to someone else,\u201d Jim explained. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cThings will get easier as time goes on. Each month will become better and they will lose interest in you, hopefully,\u201d Tibbs said. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cWhat do we do after dinner?\u201d Jim wondered. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cWe\u2019re going to play cards with the guards. We do it almost every night. It\u2019s 5000 Rummy, have you ever played?\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cI play it every week end with my roommate,\u201d Jim admitted. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cDon\u2019t win all the time. The guards don\u2019t lose well,\u201d Tibbs said wearing his first smile. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cThank you for watching out for my ass,\u201d Jim said. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cDon\u2019t thank me until you\u2019re done with your stretch. Then send me money. Now follow me and I\u2019ll show you where you put your dishes and tray and then we\u2019ll play cards.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nJim did just that and thought maybe his life could be bearable, as long as he knew the rules and followed them. <\/p>\n
\n
\nBlair and William were eating dinner and both men were quiet. Finally William said, \u201cAre you wondering how he\u2019s doing his first night there?\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cWilliam, I\u2019m wondering how he\u2019s going to do the entire stay there. He\u2019s not one to be cooped up inside. He\u2019s not going to take it well. He\u2019ll probably be in trouble all of the time and have to stay his full year. Jim always has to do things the hard way.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cYes, that\u2019s our Jim. But I think he\u2019s going to learn quickly how he has to adapt, or he won\u2019t make it there. I\u2019m thinking he\u2019s going to be just fine.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cI hope you\u2019re right, William. I really do. Thank you again for letting me move into Jim\u2019s room. It\u2019s going to make my life bearable. You\u2019re a good man.\u201d <\/p>\n
\n\u201cWhen are we going up to the prison?\u201d William asked. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cIn two days. I\u2019m off on Tuesdays and Sundays. I\u2019m going to write to Jim when I get home. I can\u2019t wait to tell him where I\u2019m living now,\u201d Blair teased. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cI think I\u2019ll try and write to him once a week, whether I want to or not. Sally said she\u2019s writing to him weekly, too. If nothing else, he\u2019s going to get a lot of mail. That will help the time go by more quickly. We don\u2019t have his address and number yet, so we can\u2019t write to him until we see him and get it,\u201d William said. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cShit, I didn\u2019t even think of that. Well, I\u2019ll take some mail up for him when we go,\u201d Blair said. <\/p>\n
\nSeeing the way Blair was playing with his food, hardly eating anything, William said, \u201cIsn\u2019t your dinner good, Blair?\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cIt\u2019s excellent, William. I\u2019m just not really hungry tonight. I noticed you\u2019re not eating your food either.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cI\u2019m worried about my son. Jimmy is tough, but he\u2019s not prison tough. It\u2019s a whole different type of life, I\u2019ve heard and seen on the television. I hope he\u2019s all right tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cI hope so too. Let\u2019s talk about some happy things and make this night less dreary,\u201d Blair suggested. <\/p>\n
\nWilliam smiled. \u201cGood thinking.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nWilliam decided to tell some young Jim stories that Blair had never heard. It was making Blair smile, even if it was a sad smile. Blair loved the one where Jim started William\u2019s car, backed it up and into a tree and then tried to get out of it. His door was stuck, or he would have been long gone. There was no way he could get out of that trouble. The two men laughed at the Jim stories and William felt like they might be helping both of them. <\/p>\n
\n
\nThe following morning, Jim woke up after sleeping all of two hours and got dressed. He wasn\u2019t sure how it worked yet. Did he eat breakfast first and then shower? He was going to have to see Tibbs and take it from there. Jim walked out of his cell and leaned against the wall, not looking at anything in particular.<\/p>\n
\nTibbs walked up and said, \u201cBreakfast in your cell first and then shower.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cOkay,\u201d Jim answered. <\/p>\n
\nThey walked into Jim\u2019s cell and Jim said, \u201cSmells like we\u2019re having scrambled eggs and bacon this morning. Do you have that very often?\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cWe never have that. Your sniffer must be off duty today,\u201d Tibbs said laughing. <\/p>\n
\nJim just shut up-he didn\u2019t want to make a big deal about it. They brought their breakfast to the two men and Tibbs was shocked. It was indeed eggs and bacon. He hadn\u2019t had that since he had been there. How did Ellison\u2019s dad work that out? Tibbs stood up and said, \u201cI\u2019ll be right back.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nTibbs looked into the other cells and saw they were all having eggs and bacon. What the fuck? Tibbs walked back and sat down and started eating. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cI don\u2019t know how your dad did this, but we all have eggs and bacon. They might warm up to you yet,\u201d Tibbs joked. <\/p>\n
\nThey finished their breakfast and then he showed Jim where they would go to take their showers. <\/p>\n
\nIn the shower four cons, one of them Nelson, walked in and Nelson said, \u201cHow did your family arrange to have good meals brought in for all of us? And how long will they keep coming?\u201d<\/p>\n
\nJim continued showering while he talked. \u201cI have no idea how they did it. I\u2019m as surprised as you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cWell, if this continues, you will become the most popular man in our lock-up. I mean that, seriously,\u201d Nelson said. <\/p>\n
\nJim finished his shower, dried off and got dressed while the others were still showering. \u201cI\u2019ll ask them when I see them this week.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nA small dude walked up to Jim and said, \u201cAsk if we can suggest things that we need to have.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nJim almost smiled, keyword, being almost and said, \u201cI will ask them.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nJim and Tibbs walked out of the shower room and both men were wearing smiles on their faces. <\/p>\n
\nTibbs looked at Jim and said, \u201cIt isn\u2019t going to be like this everyday. But this was a nice way to start the week. Now you can go and ask if you can make a call. You get to call once a day. It has to be somewhere that they can accept charges for the call.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nJim was suddenly thrilled. He had no idea he could make calls every day. That was so great. He headed for the guards\u2019 desk and asked, \u201cCan I make a call to my father?\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cYes, the phone is right there. Just remember to sign in and sign out when you\u2019re finished with your call. Tell your dad thank you for breakfast. That was a very nice change of pace,\u201d Manning said. <\/p>\n
\nJim went over and signed the sheet with his name and time. Then he dialed his dad\u2019s number and the prison saw if William would accept charges for the call. Once he okayed that, Jim said, \u201cDad?\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cJimmy, I can\u2019t believe you\u2019re calling me already. How did you do last night?\u201d <\/p>\n
\n\u201cI did just fine dad. Don\u2019t worry, okay? Everyone here told me to thank you for breakfast. How did you do that?\u201d Jim asked. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cI donated a little money to the prison and hired some cooking company. It\u2019s cooked somewhere else, so it\u2019s probably not hot by the time you get it. But it should work for awhile. You will have three good meals a day and I couldn\u2019t do it without giving it to everyone else.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cIt was a big hit dad. Things are going to be a little easier, I think. So thank you, again. When are you and Blair coming?\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cSpeaking of Blair, guess who moved into your old room while you\u2019re gone?\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cBlair moved into your house?\u201d Jim asked, somewhat surprised. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cHe was lonely already and jumped on my suggestion.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cThanks, dad.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cWe\u2019re going to be there tomorrow to see you. We need your booking number for sending mail to you. Do you happen to know it?\u201d William inquired. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cIt\u2019s 100426073 and my unit number is A-28. I hope that\u2019s all you need, because I don\u2019t know anything else,\u201d Jim said. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cSo everything is going well?\u201d William was hoping to hear good things. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cTell Blair, I have a black eye, because I opened my big mouth to the wrong person. But I now know who to talk with and who not to. I wasn\u2019t sure of the rules then, I know them now. So don\u2019t worry. I\u2019m doing fine.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cGood. Blair misses you so much. This morning before work he looked lost. I just gave him a big hug and that seemed to help him somewhat.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cThank you, dad. I\u2019ll never be able to pay you back for all of this. I better go, there is a line waiting for the phone. Talk to you tomorrow,\u201d Jim said before he hung up. <\/p>\n
\nJim went over to the desk and signed out and then looked to see where Tibbs was. He found him doing jumping jacks in front of Jim\u2019s cell. Jim almost smiled at that, but stopped himself. He was in prison after all; there was nothing to smile about. <\/p>\n
\n
\nBlair decided to eat at his desk at work and that way he could write to Jim. <\/p>\n
\nDear Jim,<\/p>\n
\nI miss you so much already and you\u2019ve only been gone one day. I don\u2019t know how I\u2019m going to do this, but I promise I\u2019ll try really hard. I moved into your old room at your dad\u2019s house. We decided that we could keep each other company and also drive to the prison twice a week. Your dad doesn\u2019t like to drive that much anymore, so he can ride with me. I hope you don\u2019t mind having him there when I\u2019m there. <\/p>\n
\nI hope you made it through the night all right. I can only hope and pray that things will go well. <\/p>\n
\nEveryone is asking for your address and Henri asked for your phone number. Yes, he really asked that. We all had a good laugh about that and Simon even smiled. I don\u2019t think he would care to admit it, but he misses you already. I will get your address when I see you and then you\u2019ll get mail all the time. <\/p>\n
\nI\u2019m going to get back to work because everyone is looking over my shoulder. I\u2019ll do these at home from now on. See you tomorrow. <\/p>\n
\nI love you, <\/p>\n
\nBlair<\/i><\/p>\n
\nThe phone rang and Blair picked it up, \u201cSandburg.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cBlair, I have Jimmy\u2019s address if you want it for anyone,\u201d William said. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cYeah, let me get this written down. Everyone is asking about it today, so they\u2019ll be glad to see that we have it already. Shoot\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\nWilliam gave him the address and Blair wrote everything down. \u201cThank you, William. I had better get back to work before they start telling me I\u2019m slacking off.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cGoodbye, Blair. See you tonight,\u201d William said before hanging up the phone. <\/p>\n
\nBlair typed the address on the word document and put Jim\u2019s name and everything on it, then printed out twenty copies for the people that had asked for it in the bullpen and other places in the station. Then Blair took his copies and started passing them out. Everyone was thrilled to death that they could write to Jim as of now. Blair was happy to see so many people interested. <\/p>\n
\n
\nThat night at the prison, Tibbs and Jim were sitting in his cell waiting for dinner when Jim said, \u201cHow do you feel about pork chops with mashed potatoes and gravy? And I swear I smell tapioca for dessert.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nTibbs said, \u201cShit, I hope you\u2019re right. That sounds so good. I\u2019m starving. I did a lot of working out today. It\u2019s hard keeping up with you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cI need to stay in shape just in case I\u2019m alone sometimes,\u201d Jim reminded him. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cWell, I think jogging two miles out in the yard today was a little much. I hate running,\u201d Tibbs grumbled. <\/p>\n
\nJim smiled at his cell mate and then dinner arrived. It was everything Jim had said. Down the hallway, he could hear everyone calling out, \u201cThanks, Ellison.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cI\u2019m in actual heaven. I could die happy now. This is my favorite meal,\u201d Tibbs said. <\/p>\n
\nThey ate dinner in silence, as everyone else did too. No one wanted to waste any time talking when there was all of this good food to eat. <\/p>\n
\nJim was just happy knowing that tomorrow, he would see Blair. He didn\u2019t care if he ever ate again, as long as he had Blair in his life, that\u2019s all that mattered. Jim realized he was getting sappy in his old age, but he didn\u2019t even mind that. He was a man in love and he was going to make this prison stay work, so that he could get out and be in Blair\u2019s life again. <\/p>\n
\n
\nTuesday morning, Blair was up at 5:00. He was so excited about seeing Jim, he couldn\u2019t think straight. Then he heard William getting up and felt bad for waking the poor man up. He needed his sleep. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cBlair let\u2019s go out to breakfast, and then we\u2019ll get on the road to see Jimmy. Visiting hours start at 8:00, so we have plenty of time to get there.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cI\u2019ll just jump in the shower and get ready to go. We\u2019ll leave here around 6:00 and then have plenty of time for breakfast and the drive there.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nWilliam walked back into his room to get ready to go, also. Both men were excited. They both didn\u2019t know what to expect, but hoped for the best. <\/p>\n
\n
\nJim got up and waited for Tibbs to head in for his shower. While they were in there, everyone talked to everyone else about how good dinner had been. They said they wanted to keep Ellison in for the next ten years. They all laughed, but Jim got the feeling they weren\u2019t kidding. <\/p>\n
\nJim was a little nervous about seeing Blair. He had never had to see Blair while in prison before, at least when he was really in prison. It didn\u2019t make him feel good. But Jim knew that Blair would calm him down first thing and they would be fine. <\/p>\n
\n
\nJim had written a letter for Blair and his dad and took them to the visiting room when they called his name. Jim couldn\u2019t believe how great Blair looked, but he knew immediately that his dad hadn\u2019t told him about the black eye. Jim sat down across from them and Blair looked quite upset. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cHi Chief. Hi dad.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cHi Jimmy. I forgot to tell Blair about the black eye. I\u2019m sorry. I\u2019ll tell him all about it on the way home, all right? Blair don\u2019t be upset. Jimmy is just fine.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nHi Jim,\u201d Blair said softly. <\/p>\n
\nJim pulled his letter out and handed it to Blair. \u201cThey\u2019re keeping me pretty busy, Chief, so you only got one letter from me. I\u2019m sorry. I wanted to write more, but the time goes by really fast.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cWell, that\u2019s good, Jim. I\u2019m glad it\u2019s going by quickly for you. Let\u2019s hope the entire year goes by that fast.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nJim pulled out another envelope and handed it to his dad. \u201cI wrote to you too. Thank you for taking Blair in and making him feel at home. I thanked you for many things, but if I forgot anything, I\u2019m sorry. You\u2019re great, dad.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cThank you, Jimmy. I didn\u2019t expect a letter too. Now tell us about how it\u2019s going,\u201d William said. <\/p>\n
\nJim filled them in on how things were going and both men ended up smiling by the end of the story. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cSo you\u2019re popular, now?\u201d Blair asked. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cFor the time being anyhow,\u201d Jim answered. \u201cNow tell me what\u2019s going on in the outside world.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nWilliam told him everything that was going on at the Senior Meal Site where he worked three days a week and told him how Sally was doing. Then Blair told him how everyone was going in Major Crimes and anything and everything that was new. <\/p>\n
\nBefore long, Jim\u2019s time was up. Blair couldn\u2019t believe they had already used up the hour for visiting. Blair wanted to kiss him so badly, but the signs said to stay clear of them. Blair knew he had to follow rules, too. <\/p>\n
\nThey said goodbye and Jim looked like he wanted to cry. Blair said, \u201cSee you on Sunday, big guy.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nJim smiled and walked off with the guard. Blair and William went out to the truck and got in. <\/p>\n
\nWilliam hugged Blair and said, \u201cIt\u2019ll get easier as time goes on.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cI\u2019m not sure this is a good thing, William.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cI know what you mean,\u201d William replied. <\/p>\n
\nThey talked about all things that weren\u2019t important going home, but neither of them talked of Jim. Blair didn\u2019t feel that he was strong enough to mention him yet. His heart felt too broken. Little did he know, William felt the same way. <\/p>\n
\n
\nEach week the visits got easier to handle, but Blair still found himself lonely and depressed after he saw Jim. Jim was doing well, so Blair should have been happy, but he didn\u2019t think Jim missed him as much as he missed Jim. He knew that was an infantile feeling, but he still felt it. <\/p>\n
\nJim was in the best shape he\u2019d ever been in his life. He might be eating well, but he was getting exercise somewhere. Blair on the other hand, has lost ten pounds and wasn\u2019t in good shape at all. Everyone at the station house was worried about Blair and how much different he looked without his partner being by his side. Each of them hoped the year would go by really quickly. <\/p>\n
\nBlair sometimes hated how well Jim was doing. It bothered him to a point that Jim was able to cope with his senses inside without any help from Blair. Blair actually was quite proud of how well Jim was handling everything but he just missed Jim needing his help from time to time. He would have given anything to have Jim ask for some help in coping with something. But Jim was doing fine, so there was nothing to ask for. <\/p>\n
\nBlair had decided to stay at the Cascade Police Department until Jim got out. But in the meantime, Blair and William got an office and got the business all set up. Henri and Rafe were going to join the crew once things got started. Megan had even talked about joining them. Simon told Blair he felt like everyone was jumping ship but Blair didn\u2019t feel that way at all. Simon had not backed Jim when he needed him to, so Blair didn\u2019t want to hear about it. Blair had a lot of mixed feelings about Simon. In fact a lot of people had mixed feelings about Simon. <\/p>\n
\nAt the loft, Blair had gotten many new things to spruce it up. He got a new bedspread, sheets and toss pillows for the bed and when he was done, the room looked marvelous. Downstairs, he invested in some new (used) furniture and got the living room looking like a million bucks, and all of it had been bought on \u2018Craig\u2019s List\u2019. The place was looking wonderful. Now all Blair needed was Jim. When Jim finally walked through the front door, Blair\u2019s heart would once again be whole. <\/p>\n
\n
\nSimon ate lunch alone almost every day. No one seemed to want to include him in their plans. He knew it was because they felt he had treated Jim unfairly, and he was sorry about that \u2013 but what choice had he had? Jim had acted, not like a cop, but like a street hooligan. Granted, attacked the way he had been, knifed the way he had been, he hadn\u2019t had the opportunity to draw his gun and try to arrest the man \u2013 but he should have been able to knock him out, rather than break his neck!<\/p>\n
\nIt wasn\u2019t like he didn\u2019t go see him at the prison. Simon never missed a week. He hoped someday Jim would be able to forgive him. Time would tell. <\/p>\n
\n
\nAs the months went on, Jim fell into a routine, as did everyone around him. They got used to good food in exchange for treating Jim as nicely as they could and not making his life miserable. What was sort of funny was they realized they liked Jim Ellison. <\/p>\n
\nHe didn\u2019t have a lot to use his senses on, so he focused on guessing the meals every single day. It had gotten to be a joke around there and they were all betting on him being right or not. Tibbs never bet against Jim, because he knew Jim was that good. He also knew that Jim was special. He had noticed that Jim could hear things no one else did and he could smell things no one else did, so Tibbs wondered if he could use all of his senses like that. Tibbs was a very smart man. The other inmates decided that Jim was getting outside help in knowing what was coming in every day, but Jim showed them his mail almost every day. All of the other men were at a complete loss. Tibbs was the only one that figured out what was up with Jim and he wasn\u2019t sharing the news with anyone else. <\/p>\n
\nJim never zoned anymore, he had learned to focus and keep focused, making him very happy but, at the same time, he missed the closeness he and Blair used to have working on the Sentinel issues. When he thought of the tests that Blair used to run on his senses, he would be saddened and blue. He missed Blair more then he ever imagined he would. <\/p>\n
\nEvery day he played basketball in the yard with all of the cop cons. He was in the best shape of his life, because he worked out four times a day and it showed. He had become good friends with Tibbs, which Jim didn\u2019t ever believe he would do, but they had a lot in common. Jim would actually have to admit that Tibbs was a good friend by this time and wasn\u2019t at all embarrassed to admit to it. And Tibbs liked Jim a lot too. They liked a lot of the same things. They both liked brunettes with curly hair. No, Tibbs didn\u2019t have a thing for Blair; he had his eyes on someone else. <\/p>\n
\nThe rest of the guys weren\u2019t that close to Jim, but they did like him and respect him a great deal. Whoever said that you can\u2019t buy happiness is wrong. William bought these guys and Jim was happy as he could be, separated from Blair. <\/p>\n
\nAlmost every day Jim had a visitor. Megan Connor came twice a week and stayed and visited Tibbs when she was done seeing Jim. Tibbs loved the attention. Tibbs was falling for her big time and she was falling for Tibbs. They didn\u2019t discuss when he would be out, because Connor was afraid it would be a long time. <\/p>\n
\nSimon, Joel, Henri and Rafe all came once a week and of course Blair and his dad came twice a week too. Jim stayed busy, between working out and visiting with everyone and writing to Blair almost every day. Some days he found too little time to get everything done, but Blair seemed to understand. Jim noticed that Blair was looking lonelier and sadder each time he came to visit. Jim thought this might be the hardest on him. Not even Jim was suffering like Blair seemed to be. Jim was hoping for his review board soon, so he could find out how much longer he would have to be inside. Then Blair would have a date to plan on and something to look forward to. <\/p>\n
\nManning walked up to Jim while he was doing sit-ups and said, \u201cYour review hearing is tomorrow. Good luck, Jim.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cThank you very much. It\u2019s been a long eight months, but I have a good feeling about this review,\u201d Jim answered. <\/p>\n
\nTibbs walked up and said, \u201cYou have your review?\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cTomorrow. Let\u2019s keep our fingers crossed that you\u2019ll be rid of me soon,\u201d Jim answered. <\/p>\n
\nTibbs laughed and said, \u201cHow funny, my review is tomorrow also.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cYou didn\u2019t even tell me yours was coming up,\u201d Jim said. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cWell, I\u2019ve been waiting a long, long while for this and I hated to jinx it by talking about it. But now I have an actual date, so I can mention it.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nTibbs bent down, put his hand out and helped Jim off the floor. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cThanks, man,\u201d Jim said, smiling. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cNo problem. Do you know what you\u2019re going to say at your hearing?\u201d Tibbs asked. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cI haven\u2019t a clue. I think I\u2019m just going to go in there and play it by ear,\u201d Jim stated. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cI am too. It\u2019s the best we can do, eh?\u201d Tibbs teased. \u201cCould you do me a favor Jim? Could you listen to the room before I have to go in and see if they say anything about me?\u201d<\/p>\n
\nJim smiled. \u201cSure, I can listen-although I doubt that we\u2019ll be on the same floor, outside the same room. That would be too much of a coincidence.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cAll the reviews are in the same room and they take us all down to the waiting room. So will you listen for me?\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cYes, I will. But it has to be something important and something legal.\u201d <\/p>\n
\n\u201cI\u2019ve been here a long while. I want to get out in the worst way,\u201d Tibbs said. <\/p>\n
\nJim spoke softly as he asked him, \u201cWhat did you do anyhow?\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cI shot my partner when I found him in bed with my wife. He pulled his gun on me, that asshole, and I shot him. I was always a good shot. I know it was wrong and stupid, but I couldn\u2019t think straight. And if that wasn\u2019t bad enough, my wife took his gun and shot me. I almost didn\u2019t make it.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cWell, if you do get out, you could always come and work for us. We\u2019re opening up a PI Service and a Security Company. The pay wouldn\u2019t be great to start with, but it wouldn\u2019t be bad either. Think about it.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cDon\u2019t you think you should ask Pretty Man about it first?\u201d Tibbs teased. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cHe hates that you call him that. It\u2019s my company too. I do have some say in it. Besides I\u2019ll sweet talk him into it,\u201d Jim teased. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cWhat\u2019s the name of the company?\u201d <\/p>\n
\n\u201cThe first place is Guardian Private Investigation and the other is Guide Security. He came up with the names. I sort of like them. I think the cards say G&G.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cI\u2019d like to be included in this company when I get out. But like I said, we\u2019re going to ask Pretty Man, first,\u201d Tibbs laughed as he slapped Jim on the back. <\/p>\n
\nJim decided at the last minute to not tell Blair about the review, in case something didn\u2019t go as planned. There would be nothing worse to Blair, than to find out something went wrong and Jim had to stay longer in prison. <\/p>\n
\n
\nThe following day, both Tibbs and Jim were ready and waiting for their review. Both men were very nervous, with good reason. <\/p>\n
\nThey were led to the hallway with a bench sitting along the wall. Manning said, \u201cSit right here, they will come out these doors and call your name when they are ready for you. These two guards will stay with you at all times.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cThanks for everything, Manning,\u201d Jim said nicely. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cGood luck to both of you,\u201d Manning said as he turned and walked down the same hallway they had just entered. <\/p>\n
\nJim turned to Tibbs and said, \u201cThey\u2019re talking about you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nTibbs sat down on the bench and pulled Jim down beside him. \u201cWhat are they saying?\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cThey\u2019re saying that if you don\u2019t show remorse, they\u2019ll keep you here for another three years,\u201d Jim whispered. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cI\u2019ll show them remorse. No, seriously, I will. I\u2019ll win them over Jim, you wait and see and if I get out, I\u2019d like that job at G&G.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cYou\u2019re hired,\u201d Jim said smiling. <\/p>\n
\nA man opened up the door and said, \u201cTibbs, we\u2019re ready for you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nTibbs stood up and walked into the room, head hanging looking somewhat remorseful. Jim almost laughed about that. Tibbs was a good actor. <\/p>\n
\nJim listened to the entire proceedings and found out that Tibbs was going to get out in a week. Jim was very happy for him. Tibbs came walking out wearing a huge smile and whispered, \u201cIt worked-I get out.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nJim shook his hand and then hugged him hard. \u201cCongratulations, Tibbs. I knew you could do it.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nTibbs sat back down and the man said, \u201cEllison, we\u2019re ready for you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nJim walked in the same way, looking like he knew who was in charge. He was going to say just the right things and show just the right amount of respect to get out of this place. Jim knew he could do more time, but he wanted to be out. Who wouldn\u2019t?<\/p>\n
\nJim walked in and Tibbs watched the door shut. The guard came over and said, \u201cSo you get out, next week?\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cYes,\u201d Tibbs said. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cI hope nothing happens to you in the mean time. You and that Ellison are sure chummy and we don\u2019t like that kind of stuff going on in this prison,\u201d the guard named Madison said. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cThere is nothing going on between me and Ellison. Believe me, I don\u2019t get into that type of thing at all,\u201d Tibbs answered without looking at them. <\/p>\n
\nJust like that, Madison hit Tibbs in the face with his baton, making Tibbs\u2019 face bleed like crazy. Tibbs just sat there-he wasn\u2019t going to cause any trouble. He could easily kill both of the guards, but then he would still be in there. Now he was getting out, he had a job already and he wasn\u2019t falling for this shit. <\/p>\n
\nJim came walking out of the review room smiling until he saw the blood on Tibbs\u2019 face. \u201cWhat the hell happened?\u201d Jim asked. <\/p>\n
\nTibbs smiled. \u201cI\u2019m fine Jim, I tripped on my shoelace and hit my face. No biggy.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nJim glared at the guards and said, \u201cAre we heading back now?\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cWe\u2019ll tell you when it\u2019s time to go back or not. Sit down and shut your face,\u201d Madison said. <\/p>\n
\nJim sat down next to Tibbs and didn\u2019t say a word to anyone. He just looked at the wall ahead of him and minded his own business. <\/p>\n
\nAbout ten minutes later, Madison said, \u201cCome on jerk-offs, it\u2019s time to go back to your baby cells.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nJim knew that Tibbs wanted to hit him, because he could feel Tibbs\u2019 blood pressure rising, just as Jim\u2019s was too. Jim hated this guard. He was such an asshole. <\/p>\n
\nOnce they were back safely, Jim felt better. Tibbs pushed Jim into his cell and said, \u201cSo what happened?\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cI leave in a week. I have a feeling Madison is going to make our life miserable. Can you handle it, Tibbs?\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cDo you leave on Monday, also?\u201d Tibbs asked. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cYup.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cCool\u2026 We\u2019ll be on the same bus. I have heard that Madison takes us, so this isn\u2019t going to be enjoyable at all,\u201d Tibbs said. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cWe won\u2019t care. I have a place for you to stay when you get out. Not very big, but it\u2019s cheap.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cEllison, I don\u2019t think they\u2019ll let us live in the same apartment. They frown on cons hanging out with cons.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cWe\u2019ll figure out something, don\u2019t worry about it. The drive is only an hour and a half from Cascade, so we can put up with Madison for that short of time,\u201d Jim said. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cI\u2019m looking forward to hearing how Pretty Man takes the news,\u201d Tibbs teased. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cPretty Man won\u2019t even mind that you called him that now. Are you anxious to tell Megan you\u2019re getting out? I\u2019m not going to tell him, it\u2019s a surprise.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cYeah, I\u2019m hoping that she wasn\u2019t just being nice to me because of you. I hope she really does like me and we\u2019ll start dating. I haven\u2019t dated in a long, long while. I could really use a good date, if you know what I mean. I\u2019m not going to tell her either,\u201d Tibbs admitted. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cJust be good to her. She\u2019s a good friend of ours and we don\u2019t want to see her hurt in any way,\u201d Jim warned. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cSmell any meals coming our way?\u201d Tibbs wondered. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cAs a matter of fact, we have turkey sandwiches coming. And if I got my nose working right, we have bread pudding for dessert,\u201d Jim said happily. <\/p>\n
\nThey sat and waited for their lunch and talked about life on the outside. It was the best day in a long while for both of them. <\/p>\n
\nThey knew that life wasn\u2019t always going to be great. They would have to meet with their parole officers each month and check in. They would be making them both jump through hoops trying to get them to make a mistake. Some parole officers were good guys, but most of them were the scum of the earth. They didn\u2019t care about any of the cons. They only cared if they could catch them doing something illegal. <\/p>\n
\n
\nBlair went to the prison on Tuesday and couldn\u2019t wait to see Jim by himself for a change. William was busy on a project for the Meal Site, so he had to beg off. Blair tried to act disappointed, but he really was thrilled. This would be the first time in eight months that Blair would see Jim alone. <\/p>\n
\nBlair had four letters to give to Jim and couldn\u2019t wait to see him. Supposedly he was going to have a meeting with the review board. Simon had told him that much. Blair was so looking forward to Jim getting out. He couldn\u2019t wait. <\/p>\n
\nWhen he walked in and sat down at their usual table, he was antsy waiting for Jim to get there. Finally the guard walked up to him and said, \u201cJim Ellison is no longer with us.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cWhat do you mean? Where is he?\u201d Blair stood up and showed the guard his badge. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cDetective Sandburg, I hate to be the one that tells you this, but he escaped from the prison yesterday and we haven\u2019t found him yet.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nBlair\u2019s mouth went agape and he found it hard to breathe right. \u201cHow did he get out?\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cHe was let out by the review board, but for some reason, he and another prisoner killed four people on the bus that they were in and are holding two guards hostage,\u201d The man tried to stay calm, so he didn\u2019t have a panicked partner on his hands. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cBut if he was being released, why try to escape? There was no need! So where were they last seen?\u201d Blair asked, thinking like a cop. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cHere, and then we found four bodies on the highway and one of the guards was able to put a note in the pocket of one of the dead men. Madison said that Ellison and Tibbs went crazy and were on drugs or something.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cI would like to be in on the detail that is looking for them. Do you need the help?\u201d Blair asked. <\/p>\n
\nMission sighed. \u201cWe need you to go home and see if he calls you or something like that. Try and keep him calm and talk him into turning himself in.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cI\u2019ll do exactly that. Thank you for filling me in on what\u2019s going on,\u201d Blair said as he walked out of the building. <\/p>\n
\nBlair was finding it harder and harder to breathe. He knew that Jim and Tibbs didn\u2019t have anything to do with this. What was going on?<\/p>\n
\nBlair drove like a bat out of hell to get back to Cascade. When he arrived there he stopped at the station so he could fill everyone in on what was going on. As for their friends, they all knew it wasn\u2019t Jim that was behind it. Megan swore that Tibbs wouldn\u2019t do it either. Simon decided since they were all off in two hours, they would begin looking for the men. Simon hoped Jim was still alive. <\/p>\n
\n
\nJim and Tibbs were sitting in the back of the bus, locked up like animals, and the guards were high on something. <\/p>\n
\nTibbs whispered, \u201cJim, I think they\u2019re going to kill us next and say we did it all.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nJim whispered back, \u201cI know that\u2019s the plan. They\u2019re up there talking about it. They have no idea that I can hear them. We\u2019ve got to come up with a plan.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cDo you think they would go for the ransom demand idea?\u201d Tibbs asked. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cIt might have to do. When they find out how rich my dad is, they might consider it before they kill us.\u201d Jim stood up and said, \u201cMadison, I have a plan for all of us.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cWhy would I be interested in anything you have to say?\u201d Madison spat out and his friend Booth laughed. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cI don\u2019t know if you know about it, but my dad is a millionaire. He would pay gladly to have his son back. Think how far you could run with that money,\u201d Jim suggested. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cHe\u2019ll never pay it without the cops being involved,\u201d Madison said. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cYou could at least try and then we could both win,\u201d Jim reminded him. <\/p>\n
\nThey pulled up into a wooded area with a big garage and cabin on the lot. Jim knew right then that this is where he and Tibbs would die. <\/p>\n
\nBooth and Madison went back to get Jim and Tibbs after they parked the bus in the garage. Booth said, \u201cDon\u2019t do anything stupid or you\u2019ll die right this moment.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nBoth men stayed calm knowing that Madison would go for the money trail. Jim could see it in his eyes. <\/p>\n
\nThey pushed both men into the cabin and shoved them onto the sofa. Jim hated that his hands were bound and so were his feet. So even if they had a chance to make a break for it, they couldn\u2019t. They couldn\u2019t run with ankle chains on. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cWhat is your dad\u2019s number?\u201d Madison asked. <\/p>\n
\nJim rattled off William\u2019s number and waited as the phone rang. Finally the phone was picked up. \u201cEllison.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cMr. Ellison, we have your son. If you call the police, he will die today. If you deal with us without the police, you will get them back in one piece. We have to set up a meeting place. Can I count on you to deal with us without the police?\u201d <\/p>\n
\nWilliam said, \u201cOf course, I will do anything to get my son back.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cWe want one million dollars for each of them. If you don\u2019t pay for Tibbs, also, I\u2019ll kill them both anyhow,\u201d Madison said. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cSet up the meeting place and I\u2019ll have the money for you tomorrow,\u201d William said anxiously. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cGood, your son said you would be easy to deal with. He was right. Did you know that he\u2019s a pansy?\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cDoes it make a difference?\u201d William asked. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cNot as long as I get my two million dollars,\u201d Madison answered. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cCall me back in an hour and tell me where you want me to meet you,\u201d William said. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cI will and you\u2019d better not call the police or he\u2019s as good as dead.\u201d Madison slammed his phone shut and cursed into the air. He seemed to be mad at someone for whatever reason. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cWho is going to pick up the ransom money?\u201d Booth asked, Madison. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cTibbs. If he takes off, Jimmy boy dies,\u201d Madison answered. <\/p>\n
\nThey ate dinner and didn\u2019t offer a thing to Tibbs or Jim. Both men were very hungry and thirsty. <\/p>\n
\nJim finally gave in and asked, \u201cDo you think we could have a glass of water. We\u2019re both dry as a bone.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cDo I look like I care?\u201d Madison shouted. <\/p>\n
\nThe two men sat on the sofa, waiting for their death sentence. There was nothing they could do. <\/p>\n
\nBooth walked up with two bottles of water and said, \u201cIt\u2019s not going to kill us to give them a drink. Besides we have to have them in good shape for the pick-up.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nMadison laughed and said, \u201cYou\u2019re a pansy too, Booth. I\u2019d let them rot in hell before I would give them anything.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cI want my two million dollars, Madison and we won\u2019t get it if they\u2019re dead,\u201d Booth said as he handed the drinks to Tibbs. <\/p>\n
\nTibbs grabbed Booth and put him in front of his own body and Madison shot Booth trying to get Tibbs. Then using Booth as his shield, Tibbs got off the sofa and was in pursuit of Madison. Madison knew he was in deep shit. He kept shooting at Booth, missing Tibbs the entire time and ran out the front door. Jim jumped up and locked the front door and went through Booth\u2019s pockets looking for a cell phone. He found one and called Simon. Simon put a lock on the position right away and they said they would be there soon to pick them up. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cI don\u2019t understand why they didn\u2019t kill us along with everyone else,\u201d Jim said. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cI think Madison had money in mind the entire time. He was just glad when you brought it up. Speaking of that, maybe you should call your dad and tell him you\u2019re all right. And Pretty Man will want to know too,\u201d Tibbs teased. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cWe can\u2019t call anyone, because they are using the signal for finding us. Just sit back and try and relax as much as you can. They should be here in about an hour. I just hope Madison doesn\u2019t come back with more ammo and kill us quickly.\u201c<\/p>\n
\n\u201cJim, we\u2019ve got a gun now, so we\u2019ll be able to hold him off if he comes back. I know how to shoot a gun. I know you know how to shoot a gun, so we\u2019re set. Now I don\u2019t know about you, but I have to get something to eat.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cI\u2019m starving too. How about this bag over here? They were guarding it with their lives-maybe there is some good food in it.\u201d Jim hobbled over to the bag and opened it up and saw it was filled with money. \u201cTibbs, come and look at this.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nTibbs looked into the bag and said, \u201cWhat in the hell are they doing with that much money? Did someone pay them for this?\u201d<\/p>\n
\nJim started looking for the keys to their chains and found them in the bag. He opened the chains on both of their ankles and then did the cuffs on their wrists. \u201cLooks like someone didn\u2019t like us and wanted to get rid of us, I would say, but Madison got greedy when I mentioned my dad and wanted more.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cDid you make any enemies while you were in there, Jim?\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cNot that I know of. Really, the time went quickly and without any bad things happening. How about you? Did you make any enemies while you were inside?\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cI only had the family of the man I killed on my back all the time. That\u2019s why it took me so long to get out. They said I planned it all along and meant to kill him that night. I just ignored them, but they are rich enough to pay someone money to kill me\u2026 and anyone else with me.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cWe\u2019ll have the money traced when we finally get out of this,\u201d Jim said. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cThat\u2019s if it\u2019s traceable. We might never be able to charge them with anything.\u201d <\/p>\n
\nJim listened closely and said, \u201cHe\u2019s coming back and he\u2019s really angry. I hear him pumping a shot gun. Get behind the refrigerator and sit on the floor. We won\u2019t shoot back unless he gets in the house.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nJim and Tibbs went over and sat down on the floor on the other side of the refrigerator and waited for the bullets to start flying. They didn\u2019t have long to wait. <\/p>\n
\nMadison shot the door and blew a big hole in it. Then he just kept shooting and shooting and before long, he was able to get in the front door. Jim had the gun and had it pointed right at Madison\u2019s head, but then decided to not kill him. He pulled the trigger, shot Madison in the leg and waited for Madison to get back at him again. All they heard was the sound of a wounded animal. Madison acted like he was dying. Then Madison started loading his shot gun again and shooting towards the refrigerator. Jim waited for him to reload and shot Madison in the other leg. Again, the howl of anguish was heard in the cabin by both of the men. Madison then cried out, \u201cI\u2019m going to kill you two if it takes me all day.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cIt might take a little longer then that,\u201d Simon Banks said, gun drawn on Madison and ready to shoot. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cThese are the cons wanted from the prison. They killed four other cons and then they killed my partner. I\u2019m not putting the gun down until you do,\u201d Madison said. <\/p>\n
\nIn walked Brown, Rafe, Connor, Taggart and Sandburg all with guns drawn. Blair said, \u201cGive me a reason, Madison.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cI can\u2019t believe they let fags work at the station house. Your boyfriend is a lousy shot. He missed me both times and hit me in the legs,\u201d Madison growled. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cHe didn\u2019t miss you idiot. He was just making sure you couldn\u2019t run anywhere. He\u2019s always been a smart man. You on the other hand are really dumb,\u201d Blair said as he walked over and jerked the shotgun away from Madison. <\/p>\n
\nRafe and Brown kept their guns aimed at him at all times as Taggart and Connor got him cuffed and dragged him out to the car. <\/p>\n
\nSimon dialed his phone and asked for a paramedic to meet them a half-hour from there. <\/p>\n
\nBlair walked over to Jim and hugged him like crazy. \u201cHey, Chief. Thanks for bringing the Calvary.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cHey Pretty Man, don\u2019t I get a hug too?\u201d Tibbs said laughing softly. <\/p>\n
\nBlair went and hugged him and said, \u201cThank you for keeping him safe.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cIf it wasn\u2019t for his super hearing, we\u2019d be dead long ago,\u201d Tibbs admitted. <\/p>\n
\nSimon walked over to the two men and said, \u201cWhile they take Madison to the ambulance, I\u2019ll go ahead and take your statement and get that taken care of.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nThe two men sat down at the table and began to give their statement, one at a time and Simon and Joel were taking everything down as fast as they could. Connor on the other hand was recording the statement, so it would be easier to type up for her. Before long, they were all set to go. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cSimon, do we have to go to the station house?\u201d Jim asked. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cNo, we\u2019re done. You get to go home and be with Blair. As for Tibbs, I can get you a hotel for a couple of nights until you find somewhere to stay,\u201d Simon stated. <\/p>\n
\n Blair\u2019s phone went off and it was William. Blair filled William in on what was going on and when they were coming home. He mentioned that Tibbs had no where to go and William said, \u201cI got him one of the condos in your building. It\u2019s furnished, so it\u2019s all set for him. It\u2019s across the hall from yours. His is 306 and I have the key for him when I see you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cI\u2019ll tell him,\u201d Blair answered. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cTalk to you soon, Blair. I\u2019ll be waiting at the loft for you,\u201d William said. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cBye, William.\u201d Blair closed his cell and smiled at Tibbs and Jim. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cWhat?\u201d Tibbs asked. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cTibbs you won\u2019t need a place to stay tonight. My dad bought you one of the condos in our building. It\u2019s furnished and ready to go. If I know my dad, he probably even stocked the place with groceries,\u201d Jim said. <\/p>\n
\nTibbs looked shocked, but happy as he said, \u201cI can\u2019t believe he did that for me. He didn\u2019t have to do anything for me.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cWe\u2019re all grateful that you took good care of Jim in prison. We\u2019ll never be able to pay you back for that. So just consider this a thank you gift,\u201d Blair said. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cIn that case, you are most welcome,\u201d Tibbs replied. <\/p>\n
\nSimon looked over at Connor and said, \u201cWould you like to take Tibbs to his new home?\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cYes, that would be good sir. I think we should stop somewhere, get him some clothes and take him out to dinner, too,\u201d Connor said. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cYeah, I don\u2019t want to go anywhere in my prison garb. Maybe I could borrow something from Ellison,\u201d Tibbs said. <\/p>\n
\nBlair burst out laughing and said, \u201cOh yeah, that would be perfect. You could wear Capris. You\u2019re so tall; his would come up to your knees.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nThen Jim started laughing too. \u201cI\u2019m sure that someone could pick us up something before we get back. Let me call my dad,\u201d Jim said. <\/p>\n
\nJim called his dad and heard, \u201cEllison.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cHi dad. I wonder if you could do Tibbs a favor?\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cI would do anything for him,\u201d William said. <\/p>\n
\nJim asked Tibbs, \u201cWhat size do you wear?\u201d<\/p>\n
\nTibbs said, \u201c36 waist and 38 inseam.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cDad, he takes a 36 waist and a 38 inseam. Just one pair would be good, we\u2019ll get him some more jeans tomorrow. Tee shirts, extra tall, would be good and boxers in a 36 also. I really appreciate this, dad.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cNo problem, I\u2019ll go and get it done right now. What size shoe does he wear?\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cWhat size shoe do you wear?\u201d Jim asked. <\/p>\n
\nTibbs said, \u201cSize 14 and the socks have to be the extra large ones.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nJim repeated all of that to William and William got off the phone to go shopping. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cI can\u2019t believe you\u2019re dad is going to go shopping for me. He\u2019s a really nice dude,\u201d Tibbs said. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cLet\u2019s all meet at Tibbs\u2019 new place and we\u2019ll order pizza,\u201d Jim suggested. <\/p>\n
\nConnor smiled and said, \u201cThat sounds good. We just have to make a quick run to my house for sleepover wear.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nSimon glared and her and said, \u201cTMI, Connor.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nThey all laughed as they started to leave. The state patrol was outside getting everything taken care of for the picture shots. They would be in charge of the crime scene. They all looked serious for a moment, because after all, someone was dead in that cabin. They had almost all forgotten about the bad guy. <\/p>\n
\n
\n Connor and Tibbs drove slowly to Cascade so they could talk about her spending the night. Tibbs said, \u201cMegan, I\u2019m a little nervous about spending time with you since it\u2019s been so long.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cRelax Marshall, things are going to work out just fine. I\u2019ve fallen in love with you over the last eight months. If you need more time, we don\u2019t have to rush into anything. I\u2019m not leaving you for any reason. Do you think it\u2019s too soon to tell you that I love you?\u201d Megan Connor asked, hopefully. <\/p>\n
\nMarshall Tibbs had the biggest grin on his face as he answered, \u201cI love you too. I thought you felt the same way, but it\u2019s been a while and I wasn\u2019t sure.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cSo do I get to sleep over at your new condo tonight?\u201d Megan asked. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cYes, let\u2019s stop by your place and get your sleepwear-unless of course you\u2019d like to sleep in the nude. That works for me, too,\u201d Tibbs said, grinning from ear to ear. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cI can\u2019t wait to tell Ellison about this. He told me I have to treat you just right, so I have to do this correctly. Megan, would you like to get married?\u201d Tibbs asked, blushing somewhat. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cYou are divorced, right?\u201d Megan asked. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cYes, my wife couldn\u2019t get rid of me fast enough. I\u2019m a free man.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cYou and Jimbo became good friends while you served time together, didn\u2019t you?\u201d Megan wondered. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cYes, I was paid to take care of him, but found out I really liked him and his Pretty Man. Sandburg hates when I call him that, but he is a Pretty Man, isn\u2019t he?\u201d<\/p>\n
\nMegan smiled over at Tibbs and said, \u201cEveryone thinks Sandy is a Pretty Man.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nMegan continued the drive home and talked until Tibbs fell asleep. Then she just turned on the radio and let the \u2018music continue to lull\u2019. <\/p>\n
\n
\nJim was holding on to Blair\u2019s hand the entire drive home. \u201cChief, I\u2019m so glad that I lived through this. You were the only thing that helped me get by.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cI\u2019m glad you lived through it too, because I would have had to hunt you down and bring you back,\u201d Blair joked. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cYou still look sad, are you?\u201d Jim asked. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cYes, that was a long eight months and I didn\u2019t like that no one talked you into fighting for what you believed in. It was only you and me that believed that the jury might have gone your way,\u201d Blair said softly. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cAre you still mad at Simon?\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cYou betcha. I\u2019m so pissed off at him most of the time that I never talk to him unless it has to do with work. He\u2019s asked me numerous times to go out for a beer or for dinner and I\u2019ve turned him down every single time. He wasn\u2019t a good enough friend to you, Jim. And he was disappointed in the two of us that we were an item. Some day I might get over it, but not today,\u201d Blair explained. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cI don\u2019t blame you, Chief. I agree with everything you said. He held it against us for sleeping together and being at that gay bar. He made it clear how he felt about us at that time. I don\u2019t think he\u2019s changed his mind any since then. So I\u2019m glad you and I won\u2019t be working for him anymore.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cSpeaking of that, I\u2019m giving my two weeks notice tomorrow. You\u2019ll have to miss me until I get done doing that,\u201d Blair kidded. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cHow was it living with my dad for the last eight months?\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cJim, sometimes he was the only person that kept me sane. He was the strongest person I ever could have asked to have around me. I felt like it was unfair, because I wasn\u2019t as strong and he needed some comforting too. But he never complained about anything. He loves you totally, man. I\u2019ve seen few fathers that would do all he did for you. He\u2019s a good man and I\u2019m proud to know him and be part of his life.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nJim held Blair\u2019s hand harder. Jim was very moved by what Blair had said and didn\u2019t even know how to respond. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cDo you love your dad, Jim?\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cYeah, Chief, I do. And one of these days I\u2019m going to tell him as much,\u201d Jim promised. <\/p>\n
\n
\nThe State Patrol took the money into the station to see if it could be traced. Sure enough, it was from a bank in Cascade. It was from the family of the man that Tibbs killed. The men all got busy calling Cascade to put a watch out for Tibbs. He would need protection until they got the family in question, in custody. <\/p>\n
\nCaptain Mitchell called Simon Banks. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cBanks,\u201d Simon answered his phone. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cCaptain Banks, this is Captain Mitchell of the State Patrol. We need to find out where Marshall Tibbs is staying and put a guard on him. The money we found on the Guards was from the Samson family. That\u2019s the parents of the man Tibbs killed. We\u2019ve alerted all of the stations in Cascade to be on the look-out for these people, but until we find them, we need to make sure he\u2019s safe.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cHe\u2019s staying at 852 Prospect, number 306 as of tonight. You\u2019ll be able to find him there. I\u2019ll send some men over right now to start the watch,\u201d Simon stated. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cThank you, Captain Banks. I\u2019ll see you in a short while,\u201d Mitchell said as he hung up and ordered everyone to head for Cascade. <\/p>\n
\n
\nWhen Tibbs and Connor got to the loft at 306 they knocked and William opened up the door. William didn\u2019t hold back at all. He hugged the man that might have saved his son\u2019s life. \u201cThank you for everything you did for my son.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cYou are most welcome, Mr. Ellison,\u201d Tibbs answered and then realized he wasn\u2019t alone and asked, \u201cHave you met Megan Connor before?\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cOh yes, many times. She was at the last Thanksgiving dinner Jim and Blair had. How are you, Megan?\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cI\u2019m fine, thank you,\u201d Connor answered. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cUp in your bedroom, is some clothing for you. Make yourself at home and relax. Jim and Blair said they\u2019ll be over to eat pizza in a little while,\u201d William said. <\/p>\n
\nThere was a knock at the door about that time and Rafe and Brown walked in. Rafe said, \u201cTibbs, we\u2019re here to protect you. Supposedly there is a hit out on you and that\u2019s where all the money came from. The family won\u2019t like it that you lived and they\u2019re going to have to go to trial for this now. So we\u2019re your new best friends.\u201d <\/p>\n
\n\u201cDo you mind if I take a shower?\u201d Tibbs asked. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cDo what you would, normally,\u201d Brown replied. <\/p>\n
\nTibbs kissed Megan Connor and said, \u201cI won\u2019t be long.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nHe then went upstairs and picked out what he was going to wear. He noticed that William had bought things from the Big and Tall shop that he could never afford to shop in before. He grabbed everything and walked down to the bathroom. <\/p>\n
\nAs soon as the door shut, Brown said, \u201cSo he\u2019s the man you were talking about at poker last week?\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cYeah, you have a problem with that?\u201d she asked. <\/p>\n
\nBrown smiled. \u201cNot at all. We like Tibbs and we\u2019re grateful he was there for Ellison, too.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nWilliam said, \u201cWell, I better get home.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cOh no you\u2019re not. You\u2019re staying for pizza with the rest of us. That\u2019s settled,\u201d Connor ordered. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cAre you sure I won\u2019t be in the way?\u201d William wondered. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cYou will never be in the way, William. Now go sit down and watch some CNN until it\u2019s time for Jim and Blair to get here,\u201d Connor bossed. <\/p>\n
\nWilliam kissed her cheek and walked into the living room and sat down and watched the TV that was already going. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cConnor, could you call Ellison and Sandburg? They should have been here a long time ago,\u201d Rafe asked nicely. <\/p>\n
\nConnor took her phone out and called Sandy\u2019s number. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cSandburg.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cSandy, we\u2019re waiting for you over here. Rafe and Brown are over here guarding Tibbs and they would feel better if you were here too. Could you come now?\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cConnor we\u2019re sort of in the middle of something, if you catch my drift,\u201d Blair said. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cGet out of it and get over here as soon as possible. Now, get off the phone and get ready,\u201d Connor almost shouted. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cWe\u2019re coming. Geeze, what a grump,\u201d Blair teased. <\/p>\n
\nConnor got off the phone and waited for her man to come walking out of the bathroom. He finally walked out and she couldn\u2019t believe how great he looked in civilian clothes. She walked over to him and kissed him gently. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cDon\u2019t go and get my motor running, missy,\u201d Tibbs joked. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cMissy?\u201d Connor laughed. <\/p>\n
\nThere was a knock at the door and both Rafe and Brown pushed everyone away from the door so Rafe could see who it was. When they saw it was Jim and Blair they opened the door and let them in. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cWow, you guys got to pull your guns out and everything?\u201d Blair kidded. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cYou\u2019re not the only good shot, you know?\u201d Brown answered. <\/p>\n
\nJim walked in to see his dad and they started talking until another knock was at the door. Again, Rafe and Brown got everyone away from the door. This time it was Simon. They let him in after asking for a code word and Simon saying he would shove that code word up their asses. <\/p>\n
\nSimon looked around and said, \u201cYou can all go home. They got the Samson\u2019s and they are all under lock and key. They\u2019ve been charged and put in holding. So you can all relax now.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cThis is the best news I\u2019ve ever heard,\u201d Jim said. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cSee ya,\u201d Blair said as he grabbed Jim\u2019s hand and pulled him out the door. <\/p>\n
\nWilliam started laughing and said, \u201cYou would think they hadn\u2019t seen each other in eight months or something. Now I think I\u2019m going to take my leave, I\u2019m tired.
\nThis has been a long day.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cAre you sure you won\u2019t stay for dinner?\u201d Tibbs asked. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cI\u2019m sure, besides Megan has some other things in mind,\u201d William said laughing, as he walked out the door. <\/p>\n
\nThen Rafe, Brown and Simon left and Tibbs was alone with Connor.<\/p>\n
\nThey began kissing and before long they walked up the stairs together. Tibbs hadn\u2019t had sex in a long while, and even though he was nervous, he still wanted to be with Megan in every possible way. And he was going to do just that. <\/p>\n
\n
\nJim and Blair were naked on the bed, with Jim\u2019s breathing sounding like a freight train. Jim had indeed forgotten how good it was to fuck one Blair Sandburg. But he quickly remembered as he did it. Then he remembered how great it was to be fucked by Blair. Now that both of their memories were sharp and clear, they would be able to sleep. <\/p>\n
\nIt had been a long eight months, but things would get better. Business would be good and Jim and Blair both knew that Tibbs would be an excellent worker. <\/p>\n
\nJim was almost asleep when he heard Blair whisper, \u201cSo are we still going to Hawaii?\u201d<\/p>\n
\nJim pulled him even closer and said, \u201cYou make the plans, I\u2019ll be on the plane.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cI love you, Jim.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cI love you, Blair.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nThen all that could be heard in the loft were soft snores coming from the bedroom. Life was once again back to normal. <\/p>\n
The end.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
A Binding Agreement By Patt Summary: Jim is charged with involuntary manslaughter, sent to prison and has to do the time. What will happen to Blair while he\u2019s gone? What will happen to Jim? Warnings: h\/c, slash, angst and bad … Continue reading