The Sentinel's Guide to Hitchhiking
by Caillech

"Ellison."

"…J-jim? …it's Blair…I, um, that is…I,uh…."

The sound of his guide's voice immediately drew Jim's focus from the work scattered across his desk. The sound of his son's voice settled in his heart and a small smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. Assuming he knew the reason for the hesitant rambling, he interrupted.

"Chief? Hey, I'm glad you called. Looks like I'll be able to get out of here earlier than I thought and join you. You haven't started eating yet, have you? Where'd dad finally decide to take you?"

William had called earlier in the week, wanting to take his 'boys' out for Sunday brunch and spend some much needed family time catching up with his grandson's life. Jim thought it was a great idea. Blair wasn't quite so sure. He was still adjusting to his new family situation and didn't know how William would accept everything about his past. But, as always, Jim provided the comfort and assurance that all would be fine. Blair finally agreed and was looking forward to the 'bonding' time that the three of them would share. Until this morning, that is. It was supposed to be the three of them….

The successful bust of a major smuggling ring had taken place in the wee hours of the morning. All available detectives were needed to help with the processing of several dozen suspects, crates of evidence and mounds of paperwork. Since it was a major case and all of MC had been involved at one point or another in the operation, Jim felt it was his duty to go in to the PD and help out. He assured Blair he would finish up as soon as possible and join them.

He assumed that this was the call letting him know where William and Blair were and that Blair's less than eloquent mutterings were due to his being alone with William.

"Come on, Junior…it can't be that bad. You and dad can't have run out of 'safe' topics to discuss yet. Let me talk to him."

Jim had advised Blair to keep the conversation with William to everyday things such as Blair's studies or William's hobbies until he could join them. Jim wanted, needed, to be there when the more serious matters concerning Blair were discussed. He knew Blair would need the emotional support that only Jim could provide.

"…Well, um, see… that's not…that is, I'm not with William."

"What? Why not? I thought he was going to pick you up around 11:00. It's after noon. Did he call? Is he all right?"

"He did pick me up at 11:00. Everything was going great, man. We were really having a nice time. It's just…I wish he had told me where he was taking me."

When William arrived Blair explained the situation. William was secretly delighted. Here was a chance to spend a little time alone with his grandson. A little 'normal' time - no kidnappers, no hospital, no police work.

At first, things were pretty quiet in the car, neither person knowing quite what to say. Then William broke the ice.

"Blair…Jim tells me you've traveled quite extensively. I'd really love to hear about one of your anthropological study trips. Maybe I've been to some of the same places. Maybe we could compare notes. Although…the hotels I stay in are probably a little more off the beaten path from what you are used to." William made no attempt to hide the humor in his voice or eyes.

Blair laughed. This wasn't going to be so bad after all. He launched himself into professor mode and was off.

Blair was so focused on his story telling that he never noticed where they were headed. He never noticed when they left Cascade, traveling north along the coast. He paid no attention to the scenery or the road signs. He only looked up when the car slowed to make a turn onto a long side road. And then he froze. Not here. No. No, no, no. Damn.

The sign read "Cascade Hills Country Club. Private"

"What are we doing here?" Blair tried not to let the lump he felt in his throat come through in his voice.

William chuckled. "Well, I thought we'd eat here. That is the purpose of this little outing after all. The club serves the best brunch anywhere. And there are some nice trails, with spectacular views. After we eat, we can walk and talk…." William stopped when he noticed Blair's nervous fidgeting.

William's voice softened. "It's all right, Blair. Really. I'm a member; I'm on the board of directors. You're my guest, my grandson; it'll be fine."

"No, it's not that…you don't understand, William. I can't go in there. I'm not… I can't…"

By this time they had reached the front entrance to the club and the valet arrived to take the keys from William. Before he could register any further protest, Blair's door was opened and William was coaxing him gently to his feet and propelling him toward the club.
 

%%%

"So, Chief…if dad picked you up and you went to the Club, then why aren't you with him?"

"Well…I'm not exactly at the Club anymore…."

Jim took a deep breath and tried to calm himself.

"O-kaaay…if you aren't exactly at the Club, then where are you, 'exactly'?"

It was Blair's turn to take a deep breath….

"Williamgotcalledaway..andIgotkickedoutoftheClub…andIdon'thavemycellphoneonme…andidon'thavemoneyforacabcauseitwasgonnabeWilliam'streat…soIhitchedaridetothatbigtruckstopontheinterstate….and, um, then I called you," Blair's explanation sputtered to a stop.

"You want to repeat that, Junior? Because I hope I didn't hear what I think I just heard."

Blair sighed and tried not to choke on his next words. It didn't matter how fast he tried to spit out the words… his Blessed Protector, his Sentinel, his DAD was so not going to be a happy camper about this.

"I hitched a ride to the big truck stop on the interstate. I didn't know what else to do, man! I couldn't stay there! They wouldn't let me! And they wouldn't let me talk to William and he doesn't even know where I am!"

"Please, Jim, please don't be mad at me right now…save it for later, okay big guy? Please call the Club…let William know I'm okay. He's probably worried." At least I hope he's worried. Although, I wouldn't blame him if he's not; I'm sure he didn't get what he bargained for when he got stuck with me for a grandson.

Okay, Sandburg, get with the program. Save the self-pity for later.

"Just please call the Club, okay Jim? I'll see what I can do about getting a ride back to the loft…."

Staying calm was becoming more difficult by the minute for Jim. Jaw muscles twitching, his next words were ground out slowly between gritted teeth.

"Stay. Right. Where. You. Are. Do Not. I repeat…Do. Not. So. Much. As. Move. An. Inch. From. Where. You. Are."

"I'll talk to dad and we'll be there to get you as soon as we can."

"Jim, uh, Dad…that's really not necessary…I'm sure I can find a way to…."

"DO. NOT. MOVE."

Blair's frantic pacing came to an abrupt halt. Shit! One word sentences!

"Okay, okay…I'm not moving, see you soon."

Blair hung up the phone, slowly blew out a long breath, leaned his back against the wall and gradually slid down till his backside hit the pavement. He brought his knees up to his chest, wrapped his arms around them and lowered his forehead onto his arms.

"My butt is toast."
 

%%%

"William? William…is that you? I'm glad you're here today. There's something I need to talk to you about."

William looked over to see Fred O'Neill motioning for him to come over. Frederick John O'Neill III. Rats. Just great. What does he want now?

"Can't it wait, Fred? I'm here with my grands….."

"It'll only take a few minutes. I've been trying to get hold of you all week."

"All right, all right." A comforting hand was placed on Blair's shoulder. "Blair, why don't you wait over by the little fountain over there? Order a drink, have some hor d'orves. This should only take a few minutes. I don't know why it can't wait. Fred O'Neill is one of the biggest horses as…all right, Fred. I'm coming."

Blair looked nervously around and wandered slowly over to the spot William suggested. He took a seat on a bench and tried to make himself as inconspicuous as possible. I'll just keep a low profile and when William comes back I'll tell him something and we'll get out of here before I'm noticed.

Right.

"Blair Sandburg?! Just what the hell do you think you're doing here? I thought I'd made it perfectly clear after that fiasco seven years ago that you were never to set foot on the club grounds again. This is a private club. As in you are not welcome here. Not after what you cost this club in revenue and poor public relations after that little 'protest' you organized."

Shit. Bad karma. Really bad karma. Just what did I do in a previous life to deserve this?

Blair hesitantly looked up to see the enraged features of Robert Gaylord staring down at him.

"Mr. Gaylord? You still work here, huh? After all these years? And you remember me?"

"Remember you? Of course I remember you! You almost cost me my job!" Gaylord pulled a small radio from his belt and spoke firmly but softly into it. "Security? Get over to the fountain by the main entrance immediately."

"Wait…Mr. Gaylord…that's not necessary. I'll leave. I'm here with someone. Just let me wait until he gets back and then we'll leave. Please. I don't want to cause any trouble."

"You're going to tell me that you're here as a guest? Nice try. I can't think of any member of this club who would have anything to do with the likes of you. I don't know what you're up to, but I am not going to wait for a repeat of the last time."

By this time two security guards had arrived. Blair worriedly glanced from them, to Gaylord, to the entrance of the club… hoping William would appear and a discreet exit could be made.

"I want you two to escort Mr. Sandburg to the end of the main drive and see to it that he leaves the grounds immediately."

Blair was unceremoniously pulled from the bench and marched away down the drive leading into the club. At the end of the drive the guards released their hold on Blair's upper arms and instructed him to start walking.

"What? You're kidding, right? Where do you expect me to go? We're miles from Cascade!"

"Not our problem, kid. Mr. Gaylord said you were to leave the grounds. So start walking. This is just the end of the main drive."

With a heavy sigh Blair turned and began his trek. After about a half mile the road met up with the busy interstate leading to Cascade. Having been in similar situations before, not knowing what else to do, and certainly not considering the consequences of his next actions, Blair looked down the highway at the approaching traffic and stuck out his thumb.
 

%%%

As Jim hung up the phone he allowed his head to drop slightly and drew his hands across his forehead and over his eyes trying to rub away some of the tenseness that had settled. He sensed subtle changes in the atmosphere of the bullpen. He looked up to find the concerned faces of Blair's extended family turned his way.

"Was that hairboy? Is he okay?" H stared intently at Jim.

"You seem a little tense there, Jim. Is there something we can do to help?" Joel and Rafe spoke almost in unison.

"Jim, that boy has been out of your sight for less that half a day…and he's supposed to be with your dad. What could possibly have happened to get you so worked up?" Simon couldn't believe he'd said it even as the words left his mouth. "Forget I said that."

Jim stood up to leave and gave his friends a smile. He was touched by the love and concern so evident around him. He and Blair were really lucky.

"I'm not exactly sure how or why, but Blair managed to get himself kicked out of Cascade Hills without my dad even knowing it and then hitchhiked his way to a truck stop. With your permission, Simon, I'm headed out there now to collect my little trouble magnet and see if I can get to the bottom of this."

At this choice of words, Jim was bombarded with an assortment of snorts and chuckles.

Simon allowed his amusement at Jim's latest predicament to show. "Permission granted detective…from all of us."

As he headed toward the outskirts of Cascade, Jim picked up his cell phone and dialed the country club.

"This is detective Jim Ellison, Cascade PD. I need to speak with William Ellison immediately."

"Jimmy? How did you know I was here? Never mind…. I'm glad you called. Blair was here with me but some idiot had him kicked out! I only left him for a few minutes, son. I've been trying to get someone here to explain to me why my guest, my grandson for god's sake, was thrown out!"

"Dad, stop. I spoke with Blair a few minutes ago. He's all right. He's worried about you. I'm not sure what happened or why, but they wouldn't let him talk to you before he left."

"Thank god he's all right. Where is he now?"

"He hitched a ride to the interstate truck stop. I'm on my way there now. Can you meet us? Good. And, Dad? Prepare yourself for your first trip to the Sandburg zone."
 

%%%

William hung up the phone and turned to find a very agitated Robert Gaylord pacing in front of him.

"Mr. Ellison? I was told there is a problem. That you seem to have misplaced your guest. If you could please describe your guest I'm sure we'll locate him in no time. Or, if you'll just tell me his name we could try having him paged." Please don't let it be who I think it is.

William was incredulous.

Who would have thought that jaw clenching, muscle twitching, steely voice through gritted teeth was a genetic trait?

"Misplaced? You think I misplaced my guest?!" Just what kind of an imbecile does this jerk think I am? "He's a young man, early twenties. Long brown curly hair. Two earrings…I don't remember which ear right now. Wearing faded denim jeans and a red Henley. His name is Blair Ellison. And he's my grandson." The sheer amount of pride in the last statement surprised even William.

"But...but…his name is Sandburg. I didn't know…he's your…?" Gaylord paled. "You don't understand, Mr. Ellison. Do you remember that incident seven years ago? The club was almost forced to close. Blair Sandburg was responsible for that whole fiasco. When I saw him today I couldn't believe it. Of course I had him removed."

"So…you're the idiot!!! Did you ask what he was doing here? Did you even bother to try and find out? Is this how you treat all members' guests? Or just those for whom you have some personal dislike?" William didn't bother to let Gaylord answer." I do remember the incident that you're referring to. And as I recall, in the end the result was most favorable for the club. I can assure you, Gaylord, there will be a discussion at the next board meeting of the proper way to treat guests at this club. Now if you'll excuse me I need to go meet my grandson."
 

%%%

Blair's butt was starting to go numb. Probably just as well. Might help to dull the effect of the discussion Jim and he were most likely going to be having. Who'd have thought I could sit still in one spot for so long? Gods, Sandburg…Ellison…how could you be such an idiot? I mean… I know Jim has accepted you for who you are, past baggage and everything. But did you really think you'd be able to just slip into William Ellison's world that easily? It's your own fault. You're supposed to be smart, a genius even. How many brains would it have taken to just ask William where we were going? At least the security guards didn't make too much of a scene. If Jim got hold of William right away I'm sure he would have had the chance to just leave the club and not have to go through the embarrassment of trying to explain me to anyone. Blair's self recriminations came to a halt as he felt a familiar presence looming over him. A single tear slid down his cheek as he looked up into the face of the one person he knew would help make everything right again.

"Dad."
 

%%%

Jim closed his cell phone and concentrated on his driving. Okay, Ellison just try to stay calm. There has got to be a perfectly logical explanation for all this. Right! For hitchhiking! Does he think this is still the sixties for christ's sake? Not that hitchhiking was particularly safe in the sixties either. Okay… we're going for calm here. And his cell phone?! I do not believe he left the loft without his cell phone! Let's cut him some slack here…I mean, he was with dad after all. But on the other hand why should that matter? If he'd had his cell phone with him then he wouldn't have had to hitchhike! And what caused it all in the first place? What on earth could the little shit have done to get himself kicked out of the club….in under five minutes by the sounds of it! But… he did call…he didn't try to lie his way out of anything, at least not yet…he didn't run off. Maybe we're making some progress after all, Chief. Jim turned into the huge truck stop, immediately focusing his hearing to filter out all the non-essential sounds so he could find….there it was. His son's heartbeat. Steering sweetheart unerringly toward the reassuring sound, he pulled to a stop in front of the huddled figure by the pay phone. He calmly walked up to stand protectively over Blair. His child looked up at him and uttered the one word that, at least for the moment, made his steely resolve falter.

"Son."
 

%%%

Jim helped Blair to his feet and pulled him into a warm hug, gently running his hand up and down Blair's back in a soothing manner. Blair returned the hug whole-heartedly and relaxed into the comforting embrace. They remained this way for several minutes, allowing the bond between them to strengthen them for the upcoming discussion. Reluctantly, Jim pulled himself out of the embrace.

Turning Blair slightly to the side, Jim landed six rapid heavy swats to Blair's backside. Time to 'discuss' things.

"Are you all right? What were you thinking, Chief? You must know how dangerous hitchhiking is! People end up assaulted…missing…dead! When you told me what you did…god, Blair….I swear my heart stopped. Please tell me you will never do something that foolish again. Promise me, Blair." He gave his chastised son a gentle shake and squeeze of his shoulders.

Shit! I guess my butt wasn't numb enough from sitting that long! Those swats really hurt! And my jeans aren't even down. And this 'discussion' is probably far from over.

"I just wasn't thinking clearly, man. Everything happened so fast and I just needed to get somewhere and call you. I've done it in the past, which I know is no excuse, but it just seemed like the natural thing to do. I know if I'd had my cell phone with me like I'm supposed to this never would have happened."

"Blair…"

"All right…all right….you're right Jim. You're absolutely right. I promise, man, I will never ever hitchhike again."

Just then William's car pulled up next to Jim's truck. A worried looking William exited the car quickly and joined his family. William's eyes narrowed to slits and pinned Blair with the 'Ellison' stare.

"I don't know whether I should hug you or tan your backside young man."

Blair's eyes darted to his grandfather's hands and he gulped audibly. Great… just great…another father figure with big hands.

"If it's my choice….I'll take the hug, Poppa."

Jim smiled warmly as he watched the same man who rarely had hugged him pull his grandson into a rib-crushing hug. In public. How do you do it, Chief? What's the magic, secret ingredient that makes everyone you meet a better person for the experience?

"Since none of us have eaten, why don't we go inside and see just what kind of greasy, non healthy food we can manage to consume?"

"Jim! No way, man! Just because it's a truck stop doesn't mean they don't have anything healthy on the menu! Unh-uh…no way…not gonna happen. I'm not letting you get away with bad eating just cuz I'm in trouble!"

Jim reached over and gently tugged a strand of Blair's hair, chuckling softly.

"Whatever you say, Chief." And he ushered his family into the restaurant.
 

%%%

Jim and William couldn't stop laughing. Blair's animated recital of the events at the club seven years ago was drawing the attention of many of the other patrons.

"I didn't know there was this big mucky-muck type event going on at the club that day, I swear! I had gotten a job there for the summer. You know…bussing tables, kitchen work. And the club employed quite a number of the local Chinese population. And most of them spoke little or no English. Well…Gaylord was in charge of that part of the staff at the time and, well, he was cheating them! Paying them less than the wage they had been told they would receive…not giving them their rightful break times. You know…just not treating them fairly. And, well, I speak a little Chinese….so I explained the situation to them. And they decided right then and there to walk out. During the middle of whatever was going on that day."

William nearly choked. "It was the governor's nephew's wedding. His favorite nephew…his godson. It was a huge affair. Lots of press coverage…both local and statewide."

"Oh, well…then I guess that's why it caused such a stir when 25-30 very irate staff members came charging through the club, waving cleavers and shouting in several different dialects which no one could understand. Anyway, I was in the thick of things and Gaylord assumed I was to blame. So I was fired and escorted off the grounds, much less nicely than today I might add, and told never to set foot on the club grounds again."

"It wasn't your fault, Blair. The club didn't suffer as badly as Gaylord led you to believe. As I recall he made it sound like the 'organizer' was some political activist or union agitator. He should have been fired. He was the one mistreating the staff. It is true that several other prominent events cancelled when the news aired. But in the end it led the club to adopt better hiring practices and better treatment of the staff. We also reviewed our membership policies and now even though still a private club, we are not as restricted in our rules. It was a good thing, Blair."

"So…you don't think I was just some silly hippie-type sticking his nose in where it doesn't belong? You're not embarrassed by me….my looks, my beliefs, my…"

"No, Blair…I'm glad you stand up for what you believe. I am proud of you."

A silly grin spread across Blair's face.

"Thanks, Poppa."
 

%%%

"Get the list, Chief."

"I don't need to get the list. I know which rules I broke. I needlessly endangered my life by hitchhiking and I didn't have my cell phone with me."

Pleased that Blair wasn't going to try to talk his way out of what was coming, Jim decided to go easy. There were extenuating circumstances after all. And William had asked Jim not to be too hard on Blair. You're getting soft Ellison.

"I'm going to let you off with just one spanking Junior. Come over here and let's get it over with."

"Getting soft in your old age, Dad?" Blair sensed that Jim was somewhat reluctant to administer this punishment. The sooner it was over with, the better. For both of them.

As Blair lowered himself over Jim's thighs and felt his jeans and boxers tugged down, Jim replied, "I'll show you soft, Junior."

And Blair realized, too late, that Jim wasn't that reluctant, after all.


End.

Feedback Appreciated: caillech2000@yahoo.com