#02 in the Construction Series

caillech2000@yahoo.com

http://www.arkwolf.com/caillechsite/index.html

The line of pilgrims moved down the mountain, snaking their way over the well-worn path. For hundreds of years those seeking the spiritual guidance of the monks had made the trek to the remote retreat.

He watched anxiously from his perch, trying to discern which of the travelers below was the one he waited for. From this distance it was hard to distinguish any familiar features, each figure seemingly blending into the next.

Closing his eyes, he began silently chanting the calming mantra that she had taught him so long ago. After a short time he began to feel its soothing effect and once he felt that he had achieved a measure of calm, he again opened his eyes.

Now he was able to see her red hair…there…the third from the end. She looked up at him, smiling, just as he was about to call her name. Shading her eyes against the sun with one hand, she raised the other, waving a greeting. It looked as if she was saying something but she was still too far for her voice to carry to him.

Just as he decided to leave his vantage point and make his way down to meet her, a low rumbling started and quickly built to a thundering crescendo as several large boulders dislodged themselves from the side of the sacred mountain and rolled down across the path and over the side, taking the last four enlightened souls over the edge.

"Noooooooooo!"

Blair woke from the familiar dream shaking and covered in sweat. It had been weeks since the dream had haunted his sleep. It varied slightly each time…once he had heard her voice…another time she was toward the front of the line. In another she had tripped over a root, falling over the edge. But each time it ended the same, with Blair staring helplessly from afar as his mother plunged to her death. Leaving him alone.

Until…

"Shit!"

Blair jumped up off the couch as he came more fully awake, the pain in his backside awakening along with him. He rubbed at his butt furiously, trying to lessen the sting.

All of the events of the previous day came rushing back to him. The explosion at the warehouse…the witnessed murder…the trip to the hospital and then to the police station. So much had happened in such a short amount of time that it almost overwhelmed him. But it had ended better than Blair could ever have hoped.

He had a home now…with Jim.

Which was also why his butt was in such bad shape. Jim had spanked him…twice. Three times…if the swats at the ambulance counted.

"Ouch, ouch, ouch. Damn. Man, I can’t believe how much this still hurts."

Looking up through sleep-tousled curls, Blair noticed Jim casually leaning up against the kitchen island, arms crossed, studying his movements, chuckling softly and trying unsuccessfully to stifle an amused grin.

"Oh, yeah, right…real funny, man. I’m not gonna be able to sit all day. Maybe longer."

Jim was relieved to see that Blair was able to joke a little about being spanked, not seeming to hold a grudge over it.

"Well then we’ll have to see what we can do today that won’t involve much sitting. Go grab a shower." Making shooing motions with his hands he directed Blair toward the bathroom. "I’ve got breakfast started. We’ve got stuff to do so I took the day off work."

%%%

They spent the morning cleaning out the room that was to become Blair’s. Jim hauled most of the contents down to the storage area in the basement…the rest was consigned to Goodwill or the trash. Jim kept an eye on Blair, making sure that the kid didn’t over exert himself. The injuries from the explosion were minor but the doctor at the ER had wanted Blair to take it easy for a few days.

A list was compiled detailing items that would be needed in order to make the room suitable for a teenager. Blair was hesitant about placing any requests, allowing Jim to make most of the decisions. He didn’t know how much of a burden it was going to be for Jim to have him living here. He shrugged his shoulders noncommittally when suggestions were tossed at him.

Jim decided not to push it. Blair needed time to feel comfortable about asking for things. For now they would make due with the basics and add items as the need arose.

Satisfied that the room was clean enough to pass his rigid inspection, Jim steered his charge into the kitchen and on to the next order of business.

Without being asked, Blair pitched in to help as Jim began assembling lunch. Before sitting down to eat, Blair scooted over to the couch and retrieved one of the soft throw pillows. After placing it on one of the chairs he gingerly lowered himself down, hissing softly as his butt settled into place.

Speaking around mouthfuls of sandwich and gulps of milk, Blair launched into conversation.

"I need to go to the campus today and confirm my tutoring schedules. I just need to get there before four, so I can catch the bus after we pick up the stuff for my room. I have some books I have to return to the library too, and some research I’d like to do, so I’ll probably just stay at the uni for a while. Then I can…"

"Whoa, kiddo…let’s take this from the top." Jim needed to set Blair straight on a few things. "First of all…why do you need to be tutored? Are you having problems with some of your classes?"

Blair laughed and rolled his eyes. "No, big guy, I’m the one doing the tutoring. It’s one of the jobs I lined up for the summer to, you know, pay the rent and stuff."

"One of the jobs?" Jim arched his eyebrows. "Just how many jobs do you have?"

"Well…I’ll be tutoring three students. Then I got a few shifts at Wonderburger. I can’t believe I took that one. But it’s not like I have to eat all that greasy stuff, I just have to serve it." Blair chanced a quick, hesitant look at Jim making small dismissive hand gestures as he summed up his employment schedule. "And then there’s a night job at a movie theater over on Baker cleaning up after the last show…so I have to talk to you about that whole 11pm curfew thing."

"The whole 11pm curfew thing won’t be a problem because you’re not going to be working that job." Jim pinned Blair with an icy stare. "That’s not exactly a safe area to be in late at night. Not to mention the fact that the only theater I know of over on Baker only shows porn. And aren’t there regulations about how late kids your age can work?"

Fidgeting a little, Blair only answered the last question. "Technically, yeah, there are rules about that, I guess. But there are ways around it." Blair looked sheepishly at Jim. He couldn’t be held to the no lying rule for things that happened before last night, could he?

Now it was Jim’s turn to roll his eyes. "Technically, huh? Well it doesn’t matter. Cross that job off your list, understood?"

A protest to Jim’s unilateral decision popped into Blair’s head but was immediately dismissed. "Yes...understood." He hadn’t been too crazy about that job anyway. Jim was right…the area wasn’t very safe. And it wasn’t like he needed rent money now.

Jim clarified a few more things. "As for the rest of your day…you seem to forget that I said you won’t be going anywhere without either me or another officer. And you’re supposed to be taking it easy, like the doctor said. We’ll get the things for your room and then if you feel up to it we’ll go to Ranier together."

Blair didn’t know if he should be happy at being able to spend the whole day with Jim, or pissed because he needed a babysitter. The first option would certainly make for a much more pleasant day. So maybe it was due to a subconscious insecurity on his part to know that Jim wanted to spend the day with him rather than feeling obligated, that made Blair choose the second option.

He threw an annoyed look at Jim as he got up from the table. "I’m not a little kid, man. I can cross the street by myself and everything. You don’t have to spend the day holding my hand."

Jim shook his head and idly thought that maybe he should print out a copy of his imaginary instruction manual.

Simon, as helpful as he was in arranging everything with social services, had forgotten to mention to Jim that there might be ‘some assembly required’ in building a guardian-type relationship with Blair.

Although intelligent and independent, Blair was a kid who had been without any adult to oversee his actions for way too long. Constant supervision was in the upkeep portion of the ‘manual’ and would be absolutely necessary until Eddie Wilkins was tucked away behind bars.

Trying to remain calm, Jim assumed his best no-nonsense look and cut-the-crap tone of voice. "I know you’re not a little kid, Chief. That’s not the issue here. You’re a witness to a high-profile murder. It’s my job to keep you safe."

"Is that what this is all about?" Blair waved his arms wildly, encompassing the whole concept of moving in with Jim. His voice rose and cracked slightly as his eyes met Jim’s.

"This is just part of your job?"

Blair knew deep in his heart that it wasn’t true. He was reacting to a feeling that was closer to the surface… the ingrained fear of betrayal if he allowed himself to become too attached.

The phrases ‘lots of understanding’ and ‘plenty of love’ from the ‘manual’ popped into his head as Jim got up without hesitation and pulled Blair into a tight embrace. Blair stood limply, neither returning the embrace nor making an attempt to pull away. Jim just held him for a few minutes, trying to make sense of Blair’s reaction. The sentinel insisted that the guide be reassured.

Relaxing his hold, Jim gently ran his hands to Blair’s upper arms, never letting go. He pushed Blair back to arms length and looked into distraught tear filled blue eyes.

"Think about it Blair." Jim paused, making sure that he had Blair’s attention. "Don’t think about it here." Jim gently tapped Blair’s right temple. "Think here." Jim laid his palm on Blair’s chest, the sentinel memorizing the heartbeat that was now part of him.

"You are not and never could be…just a job to me."

Trying to put Blair’s fears to rest, Jim continued. "I can’t really explain it, kiddo. Since the day that you showed up at the park, I felt a…I’m not sure what to call it. A connection, I guess. I had no idea that this is where it’d end up, but I know it’s right."

Blair looked down at the hand resting over his heart and did as Jim requested. He closed his eyes for a moment, listening to his heart…searching for what he needed to know. And he felt it too…the connection. Taking a deep breath, he shook off the doubts that he had allowed to creep into his subconscious.

"I’m sorry, Jim. I shouldn’t have said those things." He opened his eyes and looked at Jim for forgiveness. "I didn’t mean them. I guess I’m still a little unsure, insecure...whatever…about all this."

Jim chuckled softly and pulled Blair into a quick hug. "It’s okay…we’ll get through this, kiddo." He reached up and tousled the wild curls. "Let’s get going…we have a lot to do yet today." His tone altered to a more serious level. "I expect you to stick with me and do as I say…got it?"

"Or what?" Blair inquired mischievously. "I suppose you’re gonna tell me that you’ll spank me again?"

Blair’s giggles faded and his eyes grew wide in disbelief as Jim pinned him with a look that clearly stated that this was exactly what would happen.

"Oh…maaaan." Blair groaned loudly as he reached for his backpack.

His next comments were made in a low whisper, meant only for his own ears. "Well what did you expect, Sandburg…living with a cop? Don’t do the crime if you can’t do the time."

Jim laughed to himself, clearly hearing the youngster’s muttering.

As he ushered his young charge toward the door, Jim stopped for a moment and shook his head in mock disbelief at the comment casually tossed back at him, this time in an amused voice meant for him to hear.

"If only Naomi could see me now. I bet she’d have been a lot more careful coming down that mountainside if she thought I’d end up living with a pig!"

%%%

Henry Brown rapped anxiously on Simon Banks’ door. Hearing his boss’s invitation of "Come!" he opened the door and strode quickly up to the desk.

"Rafe and I were going over the Sandburg kid’s statement from yesterday. I think we need to get him down here to go over a few things." H emphasized his request by pointing to the paper in the open folder that he placed in front of Simon. "He ID’d Eddie Wilkins but everyone knows that Eddie is small potatoes. The kid says that all he saw or heard was the explosion, the shots and Eddie running away. The word on the street is that Eddie is working for Nick San Dretto." H looked expectantly at his boss. "We need to know if the kid knows anything else."

"Blair…the kid’s name is Blair." Simon pointed out as he looked up from the statement H had given him. "Nick San Dretto, huh? Damn. I’ll get hold of Jim and have him bring Blair in." The ‘kid’ wasn’t just a witness anymore…he was family. And Simon wasn’t going to let anyone mess with Jim’s family. "Find out what else is being said on the street." Simon popped a cigar into his mouth and growled his next command. "I want Eddie Wilkins found and brought in. Now."

H scrambled out of Simon’s office and into the bullpen, snagging Rafe on his way out to the hall.

Chomping furiously on his cigar Simon picked up his phone and dialed Jim’s number.

%%%

The trip to the mall had been an interesting experience. Jim assumed that, being a teenager, Blair would have been eager to check out all the arcades, music stores and clothing shops. He had envisioned one battle after another of trying to keep Blair from taking off on his own. Instead, Blair had simply followed Jim as they went to the few stores that would enable them to purchase the items on the short list compiled that morning. The normally enthusiastic youngster was noticeably quiet and subdued.

Okay…on the one hand, Jim was grateful that Blair had been cooperative. But on the other hand it was a little strange that a teenager seemed so uncomfortable at a mall. Assuming it was just the present circumstances, Jim asked Blair about it on the ride to Ranier.

"I never much cared for being seen at the mall with my dad when I was a teenager. Every now and then he would insist on coming along for certain purchases…like a suit or whatever. It was always kind of embarrassing, you know? I was always worried that my friends would see me. I guess being with me was kind of the same experience, huh?"

He kicked himself mentally after hearing Blair’s explanation.

Blair slumped down, trying for a moment to ignore the question. This was going to be tough. Jim had said no lying. "No. It’s not that. It’s…I don’t go to the mall. I mean…I used to go, every once in awhile…to watch people, mostly. It’s interesting that even at a mall there’s a definite acceptable social structure. I don’t exactly fit in and I can’t afford to buy anything there."

Jim winced at Blair’s casual remark.

Blair took a deep breath, glanced quickly at Jim and then away again before continuing. "I, um, I got kicked out for loitering. People complained about a weird looking kid just hanging around, watching. I guess they thought I was going to start asking for hand-outs or something." He shrugged and offered Jim a weak smile.

Jim reached over and gave Blair’s shoulder a squeeze. "Who needs the stinking mall, anyway? Personally, I hate the mall. Too crowded, too noisy. The hell with ‘em. There are plenty of other perfectly good places to shop in Cascade." He moved his hand up to the back of Blair’s neck and rubbed it reassuringly. Jim’s measured gaze told Blair that he had nothing to be embarrassed about.

Choking back tears that had pooled in the deep blue eyes at hearing Jim’s response, Blair’s smile broadened into an appreciative grin. "Thanks, Jim."

%%%

The visit to the campus was a whole different story. This was Blair’s territory. The minute his feet hit the pavement, he was off like a shot, whipping his backpack up and onto his shoulder as he went. Ignoring Jim’s warning of ‘wait for me’ and never looking back to see if Jim was with him, Blair began a hustling pace that took him across the open commons area.

Seeing his charge hurrying away from him, oblivious to the danger presented by being alone in such an exposed area, sent the sentinel running to catch up.

Overtaking the impetuous youth, Jim grabbed the back of Blair’s collar and whirled him around, bringing him into Jim’s personal space and face to face with an irate protector. He tightened his hold slightly, pulling Blair upwards at the same time, so that Blair was almost on tiptoes.

"Is there some part of ‘wait for me’ that you don’t understand? Did I not make it clear this morning that I expect you to stick with me and do as you’re told?" The cool hard stare boring into him told Blair that Jim’s question was purely rhetorical.

Blair gulped and his right hand involuntarily moved behind him to protect his still tender butt.

"S-sorry, Jim." Blair’s eyes darted around nervously, surveying the surrounding area. "I just didn’t think." He tried, unsuccessfully, to extricate himself from Jim’s hold. "How could anyone even know that there’s a witness…that the witness is me? What could happen here?"

Jim released the crumpled collar, immediately wrapping a protective arm around Blair, shielding him as best he could from any unseen threat. Pushing aside the urge, for now, to turn Blair over his knee, Jim calmly explained the danger to the youngster.

"Well, let’s see…there were dozens of people at the crime scene yesterday…police, fire, ambulance, reporters, onlookers. Then there was the hospital and the station. There was plenty of opportunity for the information to slip out." He steered Blair to a bench and they both sat, Jim never releasing his hold. "It wouldn’t be hard to find out that you spend most of your time at the campus. And a wide open area like this…" Jim nodded his head, indicating the wide-open grassy area surrounding them. "Would present a perfect opportunity if someone wanted to eliminate a witness."

Blair blanched slightly at Jim’s statement and once again nervously glanced around. He hadn’t had time to face the reality of being the possible target of a killer. Bringing his gaze back to Jim’s he began worrying his lower lip with his teeth.

Concern, affection and anger played across Jim’s face as he once again pinned Blair with a no nonsense look. "Which is why you will do things my way…understood?"

Blair sighed and nodded his head in agreement. "Okay, big guy, okay. Your way…we’ll do things your way." He fidgeted in place, emphasizing his discomfort.

"Consider this your last warning, kiddo." Jim stood, pulling Blair to his feet and landing a light swat to the now unprotected butt.

"Ouch!" Blair rubbed distractedly at the new sting as he hitched his backpack up to his shoulder once again. He was about to ask Jim if it would be okay to continue on to his destination when the detective’s cell phone rang.

"Ellison…yeah, Simon, he’s right here with me." Jim looked at Blair as if needing confirmation and at the same time letting Blair know that ‘right here’ is where he’d better stay. "We’re at the campus…no, no problems…what…okay, we’ll be right there."

Closing the phone, Jim took hold of Blair’s elbow and steered him back toward the truck. "That was Simon. He wants us to get down to the station right away. There’s new development in the case. He said he’d explain when we get there."

Blair resisted, trying to twist out of Jim’s hold and turn himself back toward his original goal, ignoring the vow made just minutes ago to do things Jim’s way. "But we’re already here. It’ll only take a few minutes." With his free hand he pointed out a building on the far side of the commons as he tried to make his point. "Look…it’s right over there. Why the hell can’t we just go there first?"

Blair dug in his heels, literally and figuratively. In the past 24 hours his life had been completely turned around. He felt an irrational need to retain control over some small part of his life. Defiantly, he faced Jim. "I’m not leaving until I do what I came here to do."

Total disbelief at the change in Blair’s attitude quickly changed to decisive action as Jim abruptly brought Blair’s rebellion to an end. Before any further protests could be uttered, Jim bent slightly and hefted the small figure up and over his shoulder.

Momentarily disoriented by his change in position, Blair recovered quickly enough to grab his backpack before it hit the ground. He felt himself transported hastily to Jim’s truck, squirming and wriggling the whole way in an unsuccessful attempt to be put down.

Arriving at the truck, Jim opened the door and unceremoniously deposited Blair in the passenger’s seat. He brought one finger up into Blair’s line of sight to emphasize his next statements. "No more arguments…not one word out of you. Understood?" At Blair’s silent, hasty nod, he continued. "We are going to the station where you will be on your best behavior. You’ve just earned yourself a spanking, young man. I can deliver it just as easily at the station as back at home. Got it?"

Blair gulped and nodded again.

Jim closed the door, moved around to the driver’s side and climbed in. He looked at Blair, trying to gauge the youngster’s reaction to the promised punishment. Blair sat slumped in his seat staring dejectedly out the window, refusing to look at Jim.

The ride to the station was made in uncomfortable silence.

%%%

Eddie Wilkins watched, frustrated, as his target and the cop played their game of tug of war. Like many perpetrators, Eddie had returned to the scene of his crime the previous day to gloat over his success. He was shocked and not a little pissed off to learn that he had left a witness. Knowing that the boss would find out about this little oversight, he decided to take care of it himself before reporting in.

The cops hadn’t been too careful about hiding the witness’s identity. But then, most witnesses didn’t end up in the permanent protective custody of the city’s best detective.

At the mall the kid had stuck to Ellison like glue. So Eddie had been off guard when the kid took off without the cop when they arrived at the campus. By the time Eddie got in position to try and take a shot, Ellison had caught up and Eddie was left to watch as the battle of wills played out.

He raced back to his car and followed the cop’s truck until it pulled into the parking garage of the Cascade PD.

Slamming his fist against the steering wheel, Eddie sighed in frustration and decided he’d better take his chances with the boss and hope that he could talk his way out of the mess he’d made.

%%%

Blair had remained silent on the ride to the PD, giving Jim the cold shoulder every time the detective tried to attract his attention. He was having an increasingly hard time coming to terms with all that had happened to him recently. Up until yesterday he had been able to take care of himself without anyone else’s help.

He really liked Jim and was still amazed that the big guy had been willing to take him in and give him a home. He had been shocked and pleased when the lady from social services had given him the news.

But he never expected Jim to go all ‘paternal’ on him… issuing orders and laying out rules and treating him like some little kid who wasn’t capable of making decisions on his own. For once in his young life, Naomi’s child was having difficulty ‘going with the flow’. He had assumed that he would be living his life as he had been living it…the only change being his address.

It sure seemed like the big guy had different ideas about the whole arrangement.

When they arrived at the PD, Jim escorted Blair through the garage and into the main lobby…signing him in and pinning his visitor’s badge to the front of his coat.

Blair allowed himself to be towed along, petulantly shrugging off all of Jim’s attempts to place a protective arm around his shoulders or interest him in the activities of the busy precinct.

Jim placed a guiding hand at the small of Blair’s back, steering the quietly simmering youth into the elevator. As he punched the button for the seventh floor the sentinel became aware of the changes in the youngster’s heartbeat and breathing rate a split second before Blair’s conflicting emotions finally overflowed.

Blair placed himself just outside of Jim’s personal space and began venting his displeasure at the current state of his personal independence.

"Who the hell do you think you are? You think that fuckin’ piece of paper from social services gives you the right to dictate to me? Go here…do this…do that? We were right at the goddamn campus…it would’ve taken, like, a whole fuckin’ five minutes to do what I needed to do. But…no…you say we’re leaving and that’s it?" Once let loose, Blair’s bottled up emotions flowed freely, the small body vibrating with pent up anger and confusion.

Jim smiled to himself in relief. The quiet, sulking kid that had left the campus with him was not the Blair he knew. He reached out and pushed the elevator’s stop button, allowing time for the tirade to play itself out. Blair continued on, intent on disparaging Jim’s lineage and intelligence in several different languages.

Wanting to allow Blair to finish his tantrum, but not wanting it to get too out of hand, Jim began to subconsciously monitor the frantic heartbeat and distraught voice. The sentinel focused on his guide’s distress to the exclusion of any other input to his senses. Zeroing in, the staccato sound gradually enveloped him, sending him into a dark gray haze.

Knowing that he had probably stepped way out of line, but not able to stop himself, Blair raged on. His wild ranting soon began to slow of its own accord and he became aware of Jim standing motionless, staring off into space.

"Jim? Jim, man…are you all right?" Blair stepped closer and laid one hand on Jim’s forearm, beginning a gentle rubbing motion. "Come on, man…you’re scaring me here. Look at me, Jim. Please?"

Jim became aware of the soothing voice and soft touch as he felt himself returning to a coherent state. Shaking his head in an attempt to rid himself of the odd sensation, he became aware of Blair’s concerned face studying him.

"Christ!"

Jim jumped at Blair’s sudden exclamation.

"What was that? I thought you had a heart attack or something, man. You really freaked me out…you were, like, just sorta zoned out." Blair emphasized his observations with several short jerky hand movements and a bug-eyed expression.

Quickly bringing himself back to the matter at hand, Jim brushed off Blair’s question. "I’m all right. It’s nothing." Jim’s gaze locked onto Blair as he reached out and grabbed hold of Blair’s upper arm with one hand, at the same time releasing the stopped elevator with the other. "As for you…"

Blair spent the rest of the short ride to the seventh floor in Jim’s iron grip. He could feel the displeasure radiating off Jim but made no attempt to apologize for his unruly behavior.

Jim burst off the elevator, Blair still firmly in hand, and made his way directly to Simon’s office, ignoring everyone in his path.

Not bothering to knock, Jim turned the knob, shouldered the door open and brought his little entourage to a halt in front of the captain’s desk.

"I need your office for a few minutes."

Looking up from the report he had been studying, Simon’s face grimaced in annoyance at the sudden interruption. Recognizing the determined look on Jim’s face and noting Blair’s agitated fidgeting, it only took a moment for Simon to assess the situation. As he stood to leave he gave Jim a look of silent support.

"Take all the time you need. I’ll go see if I can round up H and Rafe."

"But…but…but…Simon!" Blair’s voice pleaded as he tried to wiggle out of Jim’s hold.

"Sorry, kid."

Shaking his head sympathetically at Blair, Simon closed the door as he went out to the bullpen.

Not wasting any time, Jim quickly divested Blair of his backpack and coat and hauled him over to the conference table. Pulling out one of the chairs, he sat down and deposited Blair over his knees in one fluid motion.

Jim took only a few moments to recap the reasons for Blair’s current position.

"This is for disobeying me at the campus and for the little tantrums that I’ve put up with today. I won’t tolerate this kind of behavior."

Jim wrapped a firm arm around Blair’s torso, pinning him in place with a solid hold as began to spank the wriggling bottom. Hard swift slaps landed in methodical repetition, covering the entire surface of Blair’s backside.

The spankings he had received the previous day were nothing compared to the punishment Jim was doling out now. Blair tried to squirm out of Jim’s hold but his efforts were met with a repositioning of his butt to a more advantageous angle for Jim’s ministrations.

"Ow, ow, ow…ouch! Stop! Please stop!" Blair’s pleas were ignored as Jim continued the spanking. "It hurts…owww…aughhh! Please!"

Smack…smack…smack…smack…smack.

"I thought I’d made it clear that I expect you to obey me, especially where your safety is concerned." Jim intensified the steady rhythm of smacks and slaps landing on the defenseless butt. "You’re in protective custody for a good reason, young man. I don’t intend to have to constantly remind you of it."

"Ouch!"…smack… "Owwww!"…smack "Enough…please!" …smack.

Jim could feel the heat that was now radiating off the small wiggling bottom.

"And the tantrums that you seem so intent on throwing every time things don’t go your way will land you in exactly the same position you’re in now." Jim emphasized his point by landing ten hard swats to the underside of Blair’s butt.

Blair increased his struggles and pleading. His butt felt as if it was on fire. He didn’t think Jim would ever stop spanking him. He burst into tears and buried his face in the fabric of Jim’s leg.

Jim landed six more extremely hard swats and stopped. He stood, pulling the softly sobbing boy up off his lap and into a hug. Running his hand up and down Blair’s trembling back, he allowed the kid to cry out his misery securely tucked up against Jim’s chest.

"Shhhh… kiddo. It’s over." Jim held tight to the precious bundle that had been entrusted to him, rocking slightly, as he felt the sobs and shivers begin to ebb.

Mumbled, sentinel-soft apologies reached his ears. "I’m sorry, big guy. I don’t know what’s wrong with me. You know I’m not usually like this. I…I just… please…don’t send me away when this is all over." The bottled up fear spilled out in one quick breath.

Now it was Blair’s turn to hold tight…to the only person besides his mother that he had ever felt he could belong with.

"Not gonna happen, Chief." Jim did his best to dispel the fear that had prompted Blair’s impetuous defiant actions. "This is a long-term arrangement as far as I’m concerned. You’re stuck with me, I’m afraid. I’m not going anywhere and neither are you."

"I promise."

Tearful blue eyes pried themselves from the front of Jim’s shirt and stared up into steel blue eyes that confirmed the spoken promise.

Reluctantly, Jim released his hold and looked down into the young face.

"Now…I’m going to go find Simon so he can explain what new development came up that couldn’t wait. Will you be okay for a few minutes?" Blair shrugged his shoulders sullenly then gave a quick nod. Jim pulled a handkerchief from his back pocket and handed it to Blair. Placing a gentle kiss on top of the curly head, he turned to leave, issuing a soft-spoken yet no-nonsense command. "I’ll be back in a few minutes. Stay put."

%%%

"Honest, boss. I checked out the area. I did. I don’t know where that kid came from." Eddie Wilkins was pacing nervously. This was supposed to have been an easy hit…a chance to prove himself to Nick San Dretto.

"I’ll take care of it, boss. I will. I just didn’t get the chance today. But you’ll see…you don’t hafta worry bout nuthin’."

"Oh…I’m not worried, Eddie."

Eddie smiled in relief as he thought, mistakenly, that the boss was going to forgive him for this latest fuck up.

The smile died on his face as Eddie hit the floor, the bullet from the silenced gun leaving a small neat hole right between his eyes.

Returning the gun to the top drawer of his desk, Nick San Dretto turned to the man that he should have entrusted with this job in the first place.

"I don’t want any loose ends. Eddie was too damn sloppy. The kid might have seen or heard more than we know. I want to know what he knows and if he’s talked to anyone."

The boss peered over his desk top at the crumpled heap on the floor.

"Drop Eddie where the cops will find him. I’d like them to think they can let up on protecting the kid. Do you think you can take care of it?"

"Not a problem, boss."

%%%

Closing the door behind him, Jim stopped a few feet into the bullpen, running a hand over his close-cropped hair and letting out a small sigh. He glanced up to find Simon Banks watching him, a look of fond concern on his face. Beyond his boss Jim could see members of the major crimes unit hastily returning to their desks, trying to pretend that they hadn’t heard the distinctive sounds of an old fashioned spanking being meted out in their captain’s office.

Jim arched his eyebrows and shrugged his shoulders. "You heard?"

Shaking his head, Simon walked over to his friend and placed a supportive arm around Jim’s shoulder, chuckling softly. "Oh…we heard all right." He steered the detective over toward his desk, unsuccessfully trying to curtail his amusement. "You really laid into him, Jim. For someone who thought he needed an instruction manual, you seem to be catching on quickly to the whole parenting thing." More snorts and chuckles underscored Simon’s observation.

Jim didn’t seem amused as he allowed his boss to steer him across the bullpen. Lowering himself into his chair, he looked back at the closed office door before turning a serious face to his boss. "I was scared today, Simon…really scared. He just ignored me completely and took off across the campus. It would have been so easy for someone to…" Jim trailed off, not wanting to contemplate the possible outcome of Blair’s impetuous act of defiance.

He shook off the sick feeling that had settled in the pit of his stomach as the earlier scene replayed itself in his mind.

"And then he pulls this whole devil-child, spoiled brat routine on me. You wouldn’t believe some of the creative things he suggested that I could do with some very delicate parts of my anatomy."

Now replaying Blair’s tantrum in the elevator in his mind, Jim couldn’t help himself…he began laughing. "Oh, man, Simon…what am I going to do?"

Simon gave Jim an amused, sympathetic look. "Well for starters…don’t let him hear you laughing when he pulls stunts like that. Then hug him when he needs it and…" Simon glanced back at his office, smirking. "Paddle his behind when he needs it."

"I think I can handle that." Jim stated dryly as he noticed H and Rafe cautiously approaching.

"Hey, babe…everything all right, man?" H took a turn to hesitantly peer over at the closed office door, his partner’s gaze following his own. "You need a little more time? We could come back in a few." Both detectives waited expectantly, wanting to give Jim and Blair some time, if needed.

"Thanks, guys, but Blair’s a little unsettled by everything that’s happened. I’d like to get him home as soon as possible, so why don’t you just bring me up to speed on what this new development is that couldn’t wait?" Jim looked from one detective to the other, trying to gauge how serious the situation was.

H summed it up quickly. "Nick San Dretto." The two junior detectives waited for the expected reaction at the mention of the crime boss’s name.

Jim stiffened and pulled himself up straighter in his chair, all senses instantly on alert. Jaw muscles twitched as he spit out the name. "Nick San Dretto? You’re telling me that San Dretto is involved in this?" Jim’s gaze immediately darted toward Simon’s office. His hearing pinpointed Blair’s heartbeat, reassuring himself that his young charge was safe. "What exactly is going on?"

"Supposedly Eddie is working for Nick…if you can believe that. We need to talk to Blair again. What if he can tie San Dretto to De La Rosa’s murder?" Rafe raised his eyebrows inquiringly at the three other men.

The implication of the young detective’s question registered in Jim’s mind. Nick San Dretto was bad news.

Pleased at himself for correctly assessing this new threat, Rafe opened his mouth, eager to add another comment, but before a sound could escape his mouth, the senior detectives were already headed to Simon’s office…leaving the younger man hurrying to catch up.

%%%

Blair stared at the closed door for a few moments as he allowed Jim’s words to sink in and take hold. A small smile crept across his face as he began wiping tears from his eyes and cheeks with the handkerchief Jim had given him. The smile faded quickly, to be replaced by a grimace as Jim’s actions also began to sink in and take hold.

His butt seriously hurt…a deep stinging feeling that left no doubt that sitting comfortably would be out of the question for the foreseeable future. He chanced bringing one hand back to his tender rump to try rubbing some of the discomfort away. This only served to further ignite the burning sensation. He quickly dropped the hand and opted instead to bounce gently on the balls of his feet, hissing quietly, in an unsuccessful attempt to lessen the pain.

He began to explore his surroundings, hoping to divert attention from his butt and focus it on something else. He wandered around to the far side of Simon’s desk to examine the pictures and citations displayed on the walls and shelves. He made a mental note to ask Simon to explain the significance of some of them as well as to confirm his suspicion that the good-looking boy in several of the pictures was the big captain’s son.

His eyes played across Simon’s desk and came to rest on a file, still open, on top of a stack of manila colored folders. His curiosity got the better of him as he began to read the notes in front of him. It only took a moment for him to realize that this was the file on the De La Rosa murder. He read the information, idly taking note of the writer’s style…finding passages that he would have worded differently… assessing ways to list the facts more efficiently. Coming to the description of De La Rosa’s lifeless body, Blair closed his eyes, willing away the mental image that immediately came to mind. He slowly backed away from the desk just as Jim, Simon, H and Rafe entered the office.

A warm blush crept up his neck and onto his cheeks as he became aware of the way the two younger detectives were looking at him. He realized, with growing embarrassment, that the spanking Jim had just delivered must have been clearly heard in the nearby bullpen.

Jim came immediately to his side, bringing Blair protectively into his own personal space by encircling the youngster’s shoulders with his right arm…beginning a light rubbing motion on Blair’s upper arm. He allowed Blair to lean into him and began whispering reassurances. "It’s okay, Blair. It’s just Simon and the guys…I’m sure they understand…" Jim shot a look at the three other men, clearly indicating that no smart-ass remarks or innuendos concerning Blair’s current state would be tolerated. "We just need to ask you a few more questions about yesterday."

Blair looked hesitantly over at Jim’s friends and co-workers, feeling the rosy hue in his cheeks grow. Finding no censure…only acceptance and concern…on the faces of the three men, he took a deep breath, stood up straight and faced them.

"Um…. hi guys…H and Rafe, right? …from yesterday? Jim says you have some more questions for me? What do you need to know?"

Jim squeezed Blair’s arm, hugging the boy a little closer…wordlessly conveying his pride in the way the kid was handling himself.

Simon nodded at H, giving him the go-ahead to start his questions.

"Blair…you said you’d only been living at the warehouse for a couple of days, right?" At Blair’s quick nod he continued. "Think carefully…we need to know if you saw or heard anything, anything at all, that might help give us a clue as to what was going on down there."

"Well, there was lots of activity, man. I mean…it is the warehouse district. There were trucks coming and going all the time. But now that I think about it…the trucks that came to the warehouse that blew up…they only came at night…at least the two nights that I was there. Which I did think was kinda weird, because…well, who would wanna pay all that overtime? And you know what else? The guys giving orders didn’t exactly look like your average teamsters. I hate to sound like I’m stereotyping anyone, but they did sorta look like ‘gangsters’ if you know what I mean?" Blair hesitated, nervously looking from Jim to H and Rafe and back at Jim. Being the natural observer that he was, Blair didn’t miss the significant silent looks being passed around the room. "Does that mean something? What aren’t you telling me?"

Jim decided to take over from this point. "Have you ever heard of someone by the name of Nick San Dretto?" Blair mulled the name over in his mind, wordlessly shaking his head in a negative response when it didn’t register. "He’s what we call… for lack of a better word… a crime boss. About six months ago he moved his operation to Cascade and has been trying to establish a territory. He’s been pretty successful at keeping his activities quiet." He took a moment to let Blair absorb this information. "Johnny De La Rosa has been under surveillance for the past two months, suspected of being on the take." He waited several more moments then continued. "Information gathered today by our detectives…" He indicated H and Rafe by a nod in their direction. "Says that Eddie Wilkins is working for San Dretto. Having a witness to a murder that could possibly be tied to San Dretto ups the ante here."

Blair wordlessly slumped back into Jim’s embrace as Simon took over the questioning. "Blair? We’d like you to take a look at a photo of San Dretto…to see if he might be one of the men you saw at the warehouse on either of those nights before the murder. Do you think you can do that for us?" Simon waited, allowing Blair to take in all that had been thrown at him.

Blair looked up into the expectant face of Captain Simon Banks. "Sure, Simon…I can do that." He waited silently, grateful for Jim’s supportive embrace, as Rafe approached with a file.

Pulling an 8x10 photograph from the file, Rafe held it up at arm’s length in front of Blair.

As Blair studied the photo, Jim felt him stiffen and his heartbeat pick up. Blair continued to stare at the photo for a few more moments before finally stating what Jim already knew. "Yeah, Simon…I’ve seen this guy before…at the warehouse."

Before anyone could say anything regarding this latest development, Joel Taggart entered Simon’s office with a quick rap on the glass panel. "Sorry to interrupt…but I thought you’d want to know…Eddie Wilkins was just brought in…to the morgue."

%%%

This time he stood on the path, bouncing happily as his mother approached. The surrounding mountains offered a breathtaking view, their snow-capped peaks touching the sky in natural harmony. His heart lightened as she moved closer, the unexplained dread that had been pulling at him melting away as her smile reached out to him.

Once again her mouth opened as if to say something to him. But before any words were spoken, Eddie Wilkins stepped onto the path behind her. Her smiled faded as she noticed the look that slapped itself on her son’s face. He tried to warn her, but no words escaped his mouth. She turned to determine the cause of her son’s fear as a gunshot rang out. She turned back to him, a small red stain blossoming among the delicate white flowers that adorned the shirt she was wearing.

He stared helplessly as her lifeless body crumpled to the ground and slid over the edge.

"Noooooooooo!"

Jim woke with a start as the restless thrashing sounds from the room below encroached upon his senses. He listened closely for a few minutes, registering the rapid drumming of Blair’s heart as the nightmare intensified.

He jumped from his bed and hurried down the stairs, entering Blair’s room just as the heart-wrenching scream let loose.

Jim sat on the edge of the bed, gently shaking Blair, coaxing him out of the horror filled slumber.

"Come on, kiddo…wake up. It’ll be okay. Wake up, Blair." Jim drew Blair up into a warm embrace, rocking him slowly. "That’s it…awake now? It was just a dream. It’ll be all right."

Becoming aware of Jim’s voice and soothing motions, Blair slowly came awake…trembling with fear as Eddie Wilkins’ face remained etched on his mind in the last second before sleep receded. Small sobs and ragged breaths accompanied his return to awareness.

"J-jim? Is that you, man? Gods…it was awful, Jim. My mom was trying to tell me something…and I was almost able to hear her this time…and then Eddie Wilkins is there…and he, he…" Blair trailed off, not wanting to recount the events that had played out in his dream.

"It’s okay, Chief. It was just a dream. I’m here. Shhh…it’ll be all right." Jim continued rocking the shaking boy, tracing circular patterns on the sweat drenched back. "Hang on. Let me get you a fresh tee shirt." Jim eased Blair back onto the bed, got up and rummaged through drawers for the needed item. Returning to Blair’s side, he helped the youngster into the dry shirt. Straightening the disarrayed bedding, Jim settled more comfortably on the bed, bringing Blair’s head to rest on his lap.

For the second night in a row, Jim lulled the small bundle of energy to sleep. He wondered how many nights Blair had had to console himself after one of these nightmares and he sent a prayer of thanks to whatever deity had seen fit to appoint him guardian of the this special soul.

%%%

Over the next several days, Jim had severely curtailed his young charge’s activities. After Eddie Wilkins’ body had turned up, things had quieted on the streets of Cascade. Wilkins had been a known threat. Now…there were too many uncertainties. With no new information regarding a possible connection between San Dretto, Wilkins and De La Rosa coming to light, Jim found himself perpetually on alert.

Jim allowed Blair to keep the tutoring jobs, as long as he was along as chaperone. The rest of Blair’s time was spent with Jim or one of the other detectives from major crimes. Blair was starting to grow fond of the detectives in the bullpen and looked forward to the time he spent there helping out with odd jobs.

The job flipping burgers was given the boot. Jim’s thoughts were that Blair didn’t need the money and it would be a waste of major crimes’ resources to have to hover over the kid for the few shifts that were scheduled. Upon hearing that Jim expected him to quit the job at Wonderburger, Blair had launched a small protest that was quickly squashed with several quick hard swats to his still-tender butt.

Normally able to come and go as he pleased…at least until a few days ago…Blair was beginning to grow restless. He was starting to resent the constant monitoring of his life and Jim’s insistence that his every activity be cleared through Jim first. He understood the reasons; it was just becoming bothersome. Especially since everyone in the bullpen was beginning to think that the threat was over.

"Jim?" Blair stood at the kitchen island, preparing lunch for the two of them. He glanced over at Jim who was watching an old western.

"Um…Jim? I was thinking…the last game for the ‘Sorry Excuses’ is today. And I know you had someone else take over as coach…with all this other stuff going on…but, I’d really like to see the guys…and it would do us both some good to get out, get some fresh air…and, well…I think we should go." Blair chanced a look at Jim who clearly did not seem impressed with the idea.

Jim raised his eyebrow and pinned Blair with ‘that’ look. "No. Not a good idea. I know H and Rafe have been letting you think that the danger is over. But my instincts tell me otherwise. Things got too quiet, too fast. It’s best to wait awhile yet and see what turns up on the street."

Blair’s shoulders slumped in defeat. He really had wanted to go to the game. His appetite now gone, Blair abandoned the half-made sandwiches on the counter and trudged to his room. He grabbed a book and flopped down on his bed.

Feeling bad about having to veto yet another of Blair’s activities, Jim vowed he would somehow make it up to the kid once he was sure all danger was really over.

The afternoon wore on, Jim engrossed in a Bonanza marathon and Blair busy reading a book he had picked up on his last visit to the campus library…something by Sir Richard Burton…the explorer, not the actor.

As game time approached, Blair once again became restless. Jim was being unreasonable. What made Jim’s instincts any better than anyone else’s? He had been cooped up here or at the station for days now. He didn’t really mind being at the station…it was just the principle of the thing. He wanted to go the game…badly. So when the opportunity to sneak out presented itself, Blair just couldn’t pass it up.

Getting up from the couch, Jim stretched tired muscles and headed to the bathroom. He called to Blair as he passed the open door. "I’m going to grab a shower. How does Chinese sound for supper?"

As he closed the bathroom door he heard Blair’s casual reply. "Whatever…Chinese is fine."

As soon as he heard the shower start up, Blair was off his bed and heading to the front door, snagging his mitt from its nearby spot. Quietly pulling the door shut, he raced down the three flights and out onto Prospect. Once on the street, he picked up his pace and raced toward the park, not wanting to miss the start of the game.

Several minutes later Jim emerged from the bathroom in a cloud of steam. Stopping at Blair’s room to ask the kid if he wanted egg rolls, he became aware of the absence of Blair’s heartbeat. Looking frantically around the loft, not wanting to believe his senses, he quickly confirmed that Blair was indeed gone.

Moving rapidly up the stairs to dress, Jim uttered a new vow to the absent youngster. "You little shit! Wait till I get my hands on you…"

%%%

Vic Ryder had bided his time. He had spent the last three days patiently following the kid and his keeper on their rounds. The apartment…the campus…the police station…they had the kid on a short leash. This was not exactly according to plan. Nick had thought the cops would let up a little after finding Eddie’s body. No matter. Vic could be patient.

Today…Saturday…offered the first break in the routine.

Vic had spent the entire day sitting in the coffee shop across from the cop’s apartment, watching the lack of activity through calculating gray eyes. No one had come or gone all day. He was just about to pack it in and start fresh in the morning when the kid came bursting out onto the street…alone…and took off down Prospect.

A predatory smile settled on his face as he hastily threw a few bills on the table and hurried off in pursuit.

Less than five minutes later a very pissed off sentinel emerged. He stood still for half a second listening for the fleeing heartbeat, confirming what he already knew…that his impetuous, defiant, disobedient charge was headed toward Bayside Park. He broke into a steady trot, following the reckless youth while trying to shake the uneasy feeling that had immediately settled on his senses as he hit the street.

Blair came running up to the ball diamond, breathless. He stopped long enough to gulp in a deep lungful of air before saying his hellos to the team. Surprised and pleased to see Blair, the boys returned the greeting enthusiastically…pelting him with questions regarding the recent absences of both Blair and Coach Ellison.

Hazarding a quick glance at the approaching fill-in coach…Detective Freund from Homicide…Blair dismissed the inquiries by doing what he did best. He obfuscated.

"I had to visit my great aunt down in Seattle. And Jim…well, Jim’s been pretty busy down at the station, I hear. Some big case or something." Blair made a point to look at the obviously impatient ump. "Aren’t we ready to start?" Not waiting for an answer, or for the coach to corner him…expecting real answers, he raced out to his position in right field, intent on relishing his freedom, oblivious to the danger that was fast approaching.

Vic couldn’t believe his luck. The kid was making it too easy. He sauntered up to the playing field, casually pretending to be just another interested spectator. He stopped just past first base and nonchalantly pulled the gun from the pocket of his leather jacket.

Glancing first at the gun to be sure the silencer was screwed on securely, then at the surrounding sparse crowd of onlookers, Vic brought the gun up, taking aim at the curly head just as a the first batter hit a nice pitch sending the ball directly into right field.

Arriving next at the park, Jim came to a halt behind the batter’s box. Finding Blair exactly where he’d expected, he instantly became aware of the gun now being pointed at the unsuspecting right fielder.

Blair had assumed a typical outfielder’s stance. Knees bent, torso slightly hunched forward, butt swaying, hands on his thighs…intently watching the first pitch. As the ball was hit, he shot straight up, bringing his mitt into the air, bouncing on the balls of his feet. "I’ve got it! I’ve got it!"

As the ball landed in his glove, Blair noticed Jim running along the first base line while pulling his gun from its resting place at the small of his back. His gaze followed the direction Jim’s gun was pointed and Blair became aware of the gun pointed at him just as he heard Jim’s shouted warning.

"Blair! Get down! Now!"

Vic Ryder turned, facing the man who threatened to interfere with him accomplishing his task, swinging his gun away from the original target and re-positioning his aim at the rapidly approaching cop.

Ignoring Jim’s warning, Blair reacted to what was now a threat to his family. Taking aim, he threw the ball with all his might and watched in satisfaction as it hit its mark, taking Vic Ryder down like a rock.

Quickly disarming and cuffing the unconscious man at his feet, Jim threw Blair a look warning him to stay away from where he half knelt over the downed gunman. One which the energized sixteen-year-old completely ignored, trotting over with an expectant look on his face as Jim pulled out his cell phone and called for back up.

Adrenaline pumping, whooping a victorious yell, Blair launched into an animated recap of the extraordinary first play of the game. "Whewwww-hooo! What a rush! That was, like, so fuckin’ amazing! Did you see it Jim? I wasn’t sure if I should have run or dropped to the ground…or what! But when I saw him point that gun at you! Man, I just reacted, you know?

Hanging up, Jim turned his attention to Blair.

He grabbed Blair into a fierce hug, assuring himself that his foolish young guide was all right. Blair leaned into the embrace, mistakenly assuming that his actions had been appreciated. Pulling back a little, Blair looked up at Jim expectantly…hoping to see a measure of approval for his quick thinking and heroic effort.

Instead, Blair found himself staring into the steely blue eyes of one very, very pissed off guardian.

%%%

Vic Ryder had no intention of taking the fall alone for this mess. Nick should have entrusted everything to him in the first place, instead of that punk Eddie. He had no problem cutting a deal…giving the cops all the evidence they needed to put Nick San Dretto away for a long time.

Nick had been giving De La Rosa a cut of the drug operation in exchange for Johnny making sure permits and licenses were granted for the ‘legitimate’ operations that Nick was using as a front for his dealings. Johnny got greedy…threatening to go to the cops if Nick didn’t give him a bigger share. Nick hired Eddie to kill Johnny…and the rest fell into place.

%%%

This time, the hard sharp smacks were landing on Blair’s bare backside. Not caring that the small pink-blushed cheeks across his lap still bore the evidence of the spanking given in Simon’s office, Jim delivered a sound paddling.

Ignoring Blair’s sobbing and pleading, Jim continued his methodical cadence, landing blow after blow on the defenseless butt.

Each swat emphasized Jim’s extreme displeasure at Blair’s blatant disregard for Jim’s directives…which had been given out of love and concern for the youngster’s well-being.

Blair’s squirming and pleading began to slow as the sorry young man hung limply across the big guy’s knees, finally succumbing to the fact that he wasn’t going anywhere until Jim decided that the punishment was over.

Six hard fast slaps directly to the center of Blair’s butt brought the spanking to an end.

Jim eased the crying boy off his lap, pulling boxers back up over the warm bottom and discarding the jeans that had pooled around Blair’s ankles.

He led Blair into his room and over to his bed, helping him to settle on his stomach, offering comfort by way of rubbing lazy patterns on the boy’s back and uttering soft heartfelt words.

"Shh…it’s over. It’s okay. I know I was really hard on you. I love you, Blair. I can’t tell you haw scared I was today when I saw that gun pointed at you…knowing that if you had just obeyed me, listened to me…it wouldn’t have happened. What you did was brave, I’ll give you that…but it shouldn’t have been necessary."

Blair looked up at Jim through disheveled curls and offered his sincere regret between hitched breaths and hiccupping sobs. "I-I’m so-sorry, J-Jim. Really. N-not just be-because you-you sp-spanked me, either. I-I love you, to-too, big guy."

The sentinel and guide came one step closer to an awareness of their special bond as Jim once again helped ease Blair into sleep.

%%%

He stood on the path alone, watching forlornly as the last of the weary pilgrims disappeared around the bend and down the well-worn path. Naomi hadn’t been with them. He was confused and hurt. Why hadn’t she come to him?

He turned to retrace his steps, not sure now where the path he was on would lead.

Naomi was walking toward him, her red hair shimmering in the sunlight, her beautiful smile drawing him to her. She reached out and cupped his face in her soft warm hands.

"Hi baby."

Resting his head on her shoulder, Blair began to cry and whispered to her. "I’ve missed you mom."

Rocking her son in her arms Naomi silently showered her son with all her love…enough to last the rest of his life.

"I know, baby. I miss you too. But I have to go now. You have to let me go. It’ll be all right, though. You know that don’t you?"

Reluctantly Blair pulled from her embrace and gazed into her serene face. "I know, mom. I love you."

She slowly spun her son around placing him back on his destined path and gave him a gentle push toward the man who was now waiting for him, ready to walk this path with him.

He turned for one last look but she was gone. He felt a large warm hand on his shoulder.

"Come on, Chief…time to go."

End.