Disclaimer: Well, here it is ... the sequel to Full Circle. I wasn't too kind to Blair in this story, and once again - I issue a Cassie warning, she's in it, although I don't know to what extent yet. I hope you enjoy the sequel and I'd love to hear your comments, good I hope. Oh, yeah - the Sentinel and its characters are copyrighted by Pet Fly Productions, yadda, yadda, yadda, I make no money from this - and I'm only borrowing the characters. I promise to put them back when I'm done - maybe!

SHADOW PLAY

Tara

Exhausted, Blair paused briefly at the door to the loft. It had been a long day, even for him. All he wanted now was a hot shower and some sleep. Fumbling with his keys, he grasped the door knob, only to have the door swing open. "Jim must be home already." he muttered to himself as he stepped inside, closing the door behind him.

"Wrong, very wrong." the voice said from behind him, then Blair felt something heavy collide with the back of his skull. Moaning, Blair crumpled to the ground, craving release from the pain as he slid into unconsciousness.

It was dark as Blair opened his eyes, he was still in the loft, and vaguely aware of someone else being with him. "Micheal?" he said, his throat so dry that it hurt to speak. "What ..."

Micheal kicked him viciously in his side, then again in the groin. "Did you think that I was just going to let you have her?" he yelled.

"Cassie." Blair thought to himself, as more blows were delivered to his body.

"Get up." Micheal sneered, watching the smaller man shiver on the floor. Blair didn't respond, soon regretting that choice of action. Grabbing the younger man's hair, Micheal yanked him to his feet. "I told you to do something," he growled, then he pulled out a gun, "if you even have a possibility of surviving the night, Blair, you better start listening to me."

"What do you want?" Blair whimpered, wincing at the sound of his own voice.

Micheal laughed dryly, "You and I are just going to have a little fun, Blair." he taunted. Roughly he shoved Blair into the kitchen, pressing him up against the stove. The anthropologist gazed into icy blue eyes, "Turn on the stove."

"Why?" Blair asked shakily. Another blow to his abdomen.

"I'm the one with the gun, remember." Micheal teased.

"Yeah, like I could forget." Blair thought to himself as he switched on the gas, his hand shaking.

"Cassie's fire, man," Micheal sneered at him, "you play with her, and you're going to get burned." He grabbed the anthropologist's hand and moved it toward the stove.

"Jim, oh, God, no," Blair whimpered to himself, "please don't let this happen." All coherent thought left him as his hand was pressed firmly against the stove, and held there. Blair screamed in pain. Micheal released his hand, now swollen and extremely sore.

Laughing, Micheal glared at the anthropologist, "Only the beginning, Blair, only the beginning." he taunted. Pushing Blair back into the living room, he fished a baseball bat out of a bag on the floor. "Now, where to start?"

Blair closed his eyes tightly as the bat was pulled back. First his shoulder, then his chest. Finally the bat collided with his leg, shattering the bone. Blair crumpled to the floor, screaming in agony.

"Oh, what's the matter? Don't you want to play anymore?" Micheal laughed, enjoying the fear in the anthropologist's eyes. Blair only shivered, holding onto his injured hand. He stalked towards him, a sickening grin plastered across his face. Blair glanced towards the door. "Don't even consider it," he warned, "because if you do, I won't hesitate, I'll just kill you." He was close now, just when Blair thought things couldn't get much worse he pulled back his foot and sent it flying into Blair's chest, and again into his face. Blood trickled down his face as Blair curled himself into a fetal position, crying softly to himself from the pain. "Now, we finish this," Micheal taunted, levelling the gun at Blair's chest, "it's been fun, Blair. Let's do it again sometime." Blair closed his eyes tightly as his finger moved on the trigger, praying for some kind of release from his pain. Darkness enveloped him as the bullet reached its destination.

The smell of blood, Sandburg's blood, assaulted Jim's nose as he drew nearer to the door of the loft. He searched for his guide's heartbeat. It was there, but it was much slower than it should have been. Jim moved cautiously into the loft. Blair lay in a large pool of blood, his body covered with bruises. "Chief!" Jim gasped, fear in his voice. Terrified, Jim bolted over to the phone, calling paramedics and Simon. Then in an instant he was kneeling by his guide's side. Taking extreme care, he gently touched his friend's face. Blair moaned softly, and jerked away from the touch. "Shh, Chief," Jim soothed, "it's me, you're safe now, I'm here."

Blair let that sink in, Jim's touch felt good, he stopped struggling. "Jim..." Blair whimpered, his throat raspy.

"I'll get you some water." Jim said, his voice low. He started to get up, but Blair grabbed his hand.

"Don't leave ... please don't leave, please." Jim swallowed deeply, relying on everything he had inside of him to not lose it. Gently he squeezed his guide's hand, using the other hand to softly brush away tangled hair from the man's face. Blair closed his eyes, groaning softly.

Jim froze, "Am I hurting you?" A frown of concern was etched into his face. The frown grew deeper as Blair didn't respond. "Sandburg," Jim pleaded, "Blair, I need you. Hold on, please."

A single tear rolled down Blair's face, "Hurts so much." he breathed, tightening his grip on Jim's hand.

"God, no, I can't lose him." Jim thought to himself. As an answer to prayer, Jim heard the faint sirens of the ambulance in the distance. "The paramedics are coming, Chief," he said, his voice trembling, "fight, please."

Blair's breath came in gasps, "...Trying to..." his voice trailed off.

"Chief, who did this to you?"

Blair shivered slightly, "Mich ... Micheal." he finally managed to get out.

Jim looked at him incredulously, "That son of a bitch." he muttered.

Jim was still holding onto his friend's hand as the paramedics burst into the loft. They shot him vile looks as he refused to let go. Jim felt a strong hand on his shoulder. He looked up into Simon's eyes. "Let them do their job, Jim." his voice was low.

"I'll meet you at the hospital, okay, Chief." Blair nodded weakly. Reluctantly, Jim slowly let go of his guide's hand. The paramedics descended on him to prepare him for transport to the hospital as Simon pulled Jim out of the way. It hurt him to see the torture in the sentinel's eye's. Jim punched the wall viciously, then turned his icy expression on Simon. "He's going to pay for this."

Simon grabbed the man's arm, "Who?"

"Micheal," Jim hissed, "that son of a bitch tried to kill him, Simon. That's exactly what I'm going to do to him." Simon grabbed Jim's arm.

"I can't let you do that, Jim," he said, trying to reason with the sentinel, "I'll have Joel pick him up." Enraged, Jim suddenly pinned Simon up against the wall. "Control yourself detective!" Simon barked.

Blinking, Jim released his captain. He was shaking. "He's my friend, Simon, my best friend."

Simon pulled the sentinel into his arms, Jim remained motionless for an instant and then returned the embrace. "Sandburg needs you to be there for him, Jim," he soothed, "just concentrate on him. Let me worry about this creep." Jim sighed, defeated. Fishing around in his pocket he dug out the keys to his truck, which Simon promptly took away from him. "Not going to happen, Jim. I'll drive - let's go." Unwilling to argue, Jim let his captain pull him out of the loft and down to his car.

Simon picked up his cell phone as he drove, punching in Joel's desk number. "Hello." was the short response.

"Joel, it's Simon," Banks began, glancing over at the sentinel, "I need you to get over to Micheal Seguin's place and take him into custody, and I do mean now, detective."

"Tell him to shoot him right between his rat like little eyes." Jim growled from the passenger seat.

"I didn't catch that last ..."

"It's not important, detective," Simon muttered, "just take him into custody."

"Right, sir. I'm on it." Joel hung up the phone and headed out of the station. No need to check the computer for an address - he and Jim had both been through this before.

Jim paced back and forth as he waited for news about his guide. Suddenly a nurse came up to them. "Excuse me, but you're the people who came here with Mr. Sandburg, aren't you?"

"Yeah, is he alright?" Jim asked, hopeful.

The nurse shook her head, "We're trying to assess his injuries now, but he's not being very cooperative."

Simon stood up, "He's been through a lot."

The nurse sighed, "He won't let the doctor touch him, he's quite combative. We're afraid he may injure himself further. We'd like permission to restrain him."

"Forget it!" Jim growled, he took a step towards the nurse. Simon immediately grabbed him.

"Is there any other way?" Simon asked, clutching tightly at the sentinel's arm.

"I'm afraid not, the doctor doesn't want to give him any drugs until he's had a thorough examination." she said nervously, watching Jim.

Simon thought for a moment, "Do what you have to do." his voice was low. He felt Jim's muscles tense as the nurse walked away. Jim starred incredulously at his captain. "Oh boy, here it comes." Simon groaned to himself.

"What the hell is the matter with you, Simon?" Jim was seething with anger, "That's our friend in there, how can you let them do this to him?"

Simon wasn't backing down, "I'm not crazy about the idea either, Jim." he soothed.

"Simon, please," Jim pleaded, "don't let this happen. Sandburg's going to be terrified, he's been through enough already."

Sliding his arm around the sentinel's shoulder, Simon sighed lightly, "They only want to help, Blair." his voice was low. The sentinel was shaking.

"NO! GET AWAY FROM ME!" Blair cried out in vain as four orderlies held him down on the bed. His wrists were secured first, then his legs. Desperately he clamped his teeth down on a hand resting near his shoulder. Startled, the orderly yelped in pain. Shooting Blair a vile look, he walked away, rubbing his hand gently. His control, now completely gone, Jim jumped up from his chair as Blair started to scream at the top of his lungs. Disregarding Simon, he ran towards the sound of his guide's voice, bursting through the door. The fear in Blair's eye's was unmistakable. "Jim..." he whimpered, "help me, please."

Then in an instant, everything went to hell. Jim was confronted by a large, pissed off doctor in front of him, and Simon from behind. Both were yelling, but he stood transfixed, unable to look away from his partner. His guide's heartbeat was going off the scale, Jim reached out and took the pale hand. "Let me stay with him, please."

The doctor opened his mouth to object, still, he couldn't help but notice a calmness in his patient that had not been there before. Watching in awe, he saw the older man whispering quietly to the anthropologist, relaxing him ... his anger began to dissipate, "Alright." he sighed, defeated. Blair let out a pent up breath, and smiled slightly at his partner.

"Thanks, Jim." he whispered.

Ellison squeezed his hand, "Blessed Protector, remember, Chief?" he whispered back. Blair giggled softly, grimacing from the pain. Quickly, Jim removed the restraints from his friend's limbs.

Simon shook his head, muttering under his breath as he left the room. Damn that man, whenever the kid was hurt he took it so personally. "I know how you feel, Jim," he said softly, "I care about him too." He took a deep breath and headed out to the parking lot, "I can't keep putting it off." he muttered.

Cassie looked up from her desk to see Joel leading her ex-boyfriend into the station. Curious, she got up and walked over, being careful to keep her distance from Micheal. "Joel, what's going on?" her voice was soft.

"Don't know, Banks just gave an order to pick him up."

Cassie felt her stomach begin to tie up in knots, and a little dizzy. "What did you do, Micheal?" she asked.

He laughed dryly, "Just protecting my turf, baby." he taunted. He smiled as Cassie's eye's widened, suddenly realizing the meaning of his words.

"You son of a bitch!" she screamed. Pulling her hand back, she slapped him across the face, hard, with enough force to cause him to stumble backwards.

"Cassie, what the hell are you doing?" Joel yelled, angry.

The forensic chief was shaking, "Just get him out of my sight!" she screamed.

Micheal donned a sickening smile, "He wasn't right for you anyways, cupcake." Cassie lunged at him again, but Joel grabbed her.

"Get a hold of yourself, girl," he whispered, fiercely, "can I let you go?" Cassie nodded weakly. Joel hesitantly released his grip and turned back to Micheal. "Let's go." he said flatly, and then pulled him out of the room.

Cassie's knees felt weak. Sheer determination kept her standing until she reached her desk. Collapsing into the chair, she began to sob quietly. Then she felt strong arms slid around her. "Blair." she exclaimed, hopeful. But instead, she looked up into Simon's face.

"I just came to tell you," his voice was soft, pulling off his glasses he rubbed at his pressure points, trying to massage away the tension he was feeling, "I wanted you to hear it from me."

"What did he do to him?" Cassie struggled to say, fearing the answer. "Simon!"

Banks sighed, there was no point in lying to her, "He's in bad shape, Cassie. Jim's with him now at the hospital." Cassie smiled at that. She envied the two men, how they took care of each other.

Blair groggily opened his eyes, "Jim."

Ellison squeezed his hand to reassure him, "I'm here, how are you feeling?"

Blair groaned softly, the memories flooding back to him all over again. "I think my hair hurts." he mumbled. Jim chuckled softly, Blair sat up painfully, pulling the sentinel into a hug, Jim returned his embrace.

Jim gently rubbed his friend's back. Suddenly he felt extremely guilty. Sandburg had been shot, beaten, and tortured since he had started working with him. "I'm so sorry, Chief." he whispered, biting his lower lip to keep from crying. "Blessed Protector, my ass." he thought.

Blair snuggled against his chest, "Why?" he murmured.

Jim looked at the fragile life in his arms, "You needed me, and I wasn't there for you. I ... I let you down."

That got a response. Blair looked up and grabbed the sentinel's chin, forcing their eye's to meet. "Don't ever say that again, Jim. You've never let me down, never."

Jim blinked, "Chief..." his voice trailed off lamely.

"Never." Blair repeated. He held the older man's gaze a bit longer, then snuggled back against his chest.

The doctor coughed slightly, as he entered the room. He smiled, "It's a wonder you weren't hurt any worse." Both men looked at him, listening. "... three bruised ribs, broken leg, second degree burns..." he paused for a minute, "you're a very lucky man," he said quietly, "that bullet stopped centimetres away from your spine."

Blair shivered slightly, "I want to go home." he whispered.

Jim smiled, so did the doctor, "Let's not rush things," he said, "I'm keeping you here for at least a week." Blair groaned loudly, as the door to the room opened again to reveal Cassie.

Jim stood up, "I'll be outside, Chief, okay?" Blair nodded as Jim followed the doctor out of the room.

Cassie slowly approached the bed, sitting down carefully. Gently she caressed his face, it seemed to be the only place not covered in bruises. Blair revelled in the warmth of the touch, enjoying it. "This is all my fault, if I'd only pressed charges before ..." her voice trembled, and trailed off.

Blair gently rubbed her hand, kissing it tenderly. "Cass, this wasn't your fault."

Cassie smiled, her puffy, red eyes began to sparkle again. "How are you feeling, can I do something?"

Blair grinned sheepishly, "You mean, like, kiss it and make it better?" Without hesitation, she leaned down, kissing him softly. Blair sighed happily, "Not so gentle, please." he murmured against her. She kissed him again, this time, more passionately. "Better, definitely, better." he grinned.

"How long do you have to stay in here?" Cassie asked, gently twirling a strand of Blair's hair around her fingers.

"Doctor Reddam said a week, after that, I don't know."

A nurse scurried into the room, "I'm sorry, but visiting hours are over, ma'am." she said softly. "He needs some rest."

Cassie laid a soft kiss on Blair's forehead, then on his lips. "I'll be back tomorrow, okay." she smiled.

Blair grinned, "Can't wait." She kissed him again, as the nurse cleared her throat, "You'd better go." he said sheepishly.

Cassie was about to leave as Jim came back into the room. Now the nurse was glaring. "I won't stay long, I promise." he chuckled, heading over to his friend's bedside. "Get some rest, Chief," he grinned, "I'll come see you tomorrow." Then they were being ushered out of the room while Blair laughed softly to himself. Resting his head on the pillow, he was asleep within seconds.

Jim was surprised to see Simon waiting for him at the loft. "Simon, look," he stammered, "I'm sorry about losing it today."

Banks nodded, "You were under a lot of stress," he said quietly, "I understand." He followed Jim inside the loft. "I had everything cleaned up." Simon told him, as Jim looked around, gratefully. He could still smell the blood, but at least he couldn't see it.

Jim rubbed the back of his head, "I appreciate it," his voice low, "geez, I'm starving. You want something, Simon?" He walked over to the fridge and took out a tupperware container.

"Please." Banks said, plunking himself down on the couch. Prying the lid off of the container, Jim sniffed it ... chicken stir fry. He pulled out a frying pan and let it heat up on the stove. "Smells good."

Jim smiled as he stirred the mixture. "It's one of Sandburg's favourite dishes, he makes it all the time." Grabbing two plates from the cupboard, he laid them out on the counter. Pulling two beers out of the fridge, he brought them over to the table, along with the food. Simon joined him.

"Mmm, tastes good too." Simon said happily as he devoured the meal. "This place seems kind of lonely without Sandburg, you want to stay with me tonight?"

Jim smiled, his captain was perceptive, he'd give him that. "Thanks, Simon, but I'll be okay." he took another bite of food, chewing thoughtfully.

"I could stay here."

Jim smiled in spite of himself, "You don't have to hover, Simon." he chuckled. Banks grinned sheepishly, and reached for his beer.

In one fluid movement, Micheal grabbed him and threw him up against the wall. Blair flailed around helplessly, finding his muscles weren't much use to him. Cold metal was pressed into his chest. Micheal's finger moved on the trigger ... "NO!" Blair's eyes shot open, his body, drenched with sweat, was shaking out of control. "He's not here, man." he told himself, his voice barely a whisper. Trembling, he wrapped his arms around himself.

He had picked the worst time to come into the station. Coming around the corner he almost slammed into Joel and ... his eyes narrowed, "You." he hissed, stalking forward.

Simon practically ran out of his office, "Taggert, get him out of here!" he yelled, grabbing the sentinel. Jim tried to squirm around Simon, but the captain managed to hold onto the wriggling bundle. As Joel left, Simon whirled around to face Jim. "My office, NOW!" Jim was silent as he followed his captain, Simon slammed the door behind them. "What are you trying to do, Jim, get us hit with a police brutality suit?" Jim's eyes burned with anger, as Banks continued his assault, "You were out of control, detective." He placed both hands on his desk, he sighed. "You've got to let this one go, Jim. It's Taggert's case."

Jim's eyes were daggers, "Let it go, Simon?" he spat. No he couldn't do that, he wouldn't, Blair was his best friend.

Simon returned the steely gaze, "Either let it go, or I'll have to suspend you, Jim." he said softly. "I won't let you ruin your reputation, or the reputation of this department."

"You can't do that!" Jim was livid.

Simon closed his eyes briefly, then stepped around his desk to put a hand on Jim's shoulder. "I don't want to, Jim." his voice was soft. "Look, why don't you take a few days off. Go be with Sandburg, he needs you right now." Blair was Jim's weakness, Simon pressed his advantage.

Slipping quietly into his friend's room, Jim was alarmed. Sandburg's heart rate was going off the scale. "No ... please ..." Blair whimpered softly, repeatedly. Jim walked up to the bed and gently touched his guide's arm. The touch was electric, Blair lashed out, clipping Jim in the face. The sentinel recognized the warm stickiness of blood coming from his nose. "Jim?" Blair said wearily, "Oh, man, I am so sorry."

Pressing a kleenex against his nose, Jim smiled. "S'okay, Chief," he muttered, "how long have you been having nightmares?" concerned.

Blair's eye's grew distant, "God, Jim," he whimpered, "everytime I close my eyes, I see his face." he was shaking, Jim drew him into a hug. "I'm going crazy, aren't I?" he murmured.

"Don't say that, Chief." Jim said forcefully.

Blair tightened his hold around the sentinel's waist, "Then why can't I make it stop?"

Jim cradled the life in his arms, "You went through hell, Chief," he soothed, "it's going to take some time to get over that." Gently he stroked the top of the man's head, "Blair, would you consider ... talking to someone about this?"

Blair pulled back, "You mean a shrink?" he closed his eyes, "God, you do think I'm crazy."

"You are not crazy," Jim assured him, "I just want you to be okay, and if a psychiatrist can help ... it's up to you, Chief."

Blair thought a moment, "Will ... will you go with me?" the sentinel cringed at how fragile the voice sounded.

"This is kind of personal, Sandburg. Are you sure you don't want some privacy?"

Blair laughed softly, "There's no one I trust more than you, man. Jim I need you to be there, please."

Jim smiled, "Try and keep me away." Blair relaxed back into Jim's arms.

"Mr. Ellison, of course you're aware of doctor/patient confidentiality. Perhaps now you should leave the room."

"You still want me here, Chief?" Blair nodded, Jim turned to the doctor, "I'm staying." he said flatly.

Sighing, Doctor Tomie sat down next to Blair's bed, "Very well." his voice was gentle. His full attention was on Blair, "I've read over what happened to you, I must say you look better than I expected you would." he smiled, pausing.

"I don't know where to start." Blair said nervously.

"Why don't you start by telling me how you met the man who attacked you." Jim listened as Blair started to talk. Several times, the anthropologist glanced over at his friend, a smile giving him the confidence to open up a little more. Blair was shaking slightly as the session ended. "You're making excellent progress, Blair." Doctor Tomie smiled warmly.

"I just want the nightmares to stop." he said weakly.

"They will," the doctor assured, "but first, you have to stop being afraid."

"I don't know if I can do that." Blair groaned, he felt Jim's hand on his shoulder.

"I know you can, Chief." his eyes radiated sincerity.

Doctor Tomie smiled, "You should listen to him," he chuckled, "just take things one day at a time, Blair. Don't push yourself." Handing Blair his card, "If you need to talk again, day or night, just call." Taking the card, Blair shook the outstretched hand.

"Thanks, doc," his voice was soft, "I might just do that." Jim hugged his friend as the doctor left the room.

"I'm proud of you, Chief." he said quietly. "That took guts."

"I do feel a little better." Blair admitted. "And hungry." he added with a quirky smile.

"Glad to hear it," Cassie said from the doorway, she held up a bag, "because I'm all over lunch." Blair chuckled softly. "I didn't think you'd be alone, so I made enough for three." she said softly, setting the contents of the bag out on Blair's bed.

Jim laughed gently, "So you're a psychic now." Cassie smiled.

Later that afternoon

"He wants me to do what?" Blair said quietly, almost fearfully.

Jim sat down beside his bed, "You're the eye-witness, Chief. We need you to testify against him." Gently he rubbed the younger man's arm.

Blair shivered, "I already gave you an ID." he whined.

"It'll be okay, Chief," Jim soothed, "I'll be right there with you, we'll do this together." Reassuringly he squeezed his guide's hand. Blair squeezed back, hard. Shaking, Blair sat up, grimacing from his bruised ribs, and hugged his sentinel.

"Okay." he murmured, so softly Jim almost missed it. "And ... thanks, man."

"Mr. Sandburg," the young attorney was saying, "the man who assaulted you, do you see him in this courtroom today?"

Blair swallowed deeply, "Yes."

"Could you identify him, for the court please?"

"The defendant, Micheal Seguin." A loud scream erupted from the courtroom as Seguin vaulted over the table. With the quickness of a cat, Jim was suddenly a whirlwind of motion. Pulling his fist back he sent it flying into the man's chest, and again into his face. Stumbling backwards, Seguin wasn't backing down. He lept at Jim again. The bailiff pulled out his gun, firing one shot. He struck the man in the chest. Micheal crumpled to the ground.

Ignoring the screams of pain, Jim whirled around. Blair was so pale, he couldn't stand to see the fear in the man's eyes. "Chief, you okay?" he whispered, gently.

"God, Jim." Blair stammered, terrified.

The famous Ellison reserve gone, Jim let the tears come as he pulled his partner into a hug. "It's over, Chief." he whispered soothingly. The hug felt good, secure, safe - Blair abandoned himself to it, sobbing into Jim's shoulder.

Blair ran through the shadows as the footsteps echoed in his ears. Spent, he whirled around to face his pursuer. "No more games!" he yelled. Strong arms grabbed him from behind. Blair looked into the crystal blue eyes of his sentinel.

"Don't be afraid." he whispered, cradling the life in his arms.

Blair's body quieted down, his trembling stopped. Unconsciously a smile spread across his face as he slept.

"... Micheal Seguin was shot as he attempted to attack his victim, Blair Sandburg, once again. He remains in stable condition at a local hospital, and is under armed guard. Seguin has been convicted of aggravated assault, and attempted murder. He now faces a 30 year prison sentence..."

The End

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