Thanks to all my friends at SA for all your support... :-D I love ya! Thanks also to wolfpup, Steph, and Linda... you all know why. I wish I could say that this is the first chapter of the Chronicles, but you all know my predilection for prequel-type stories.
Audrey Lynne
April 23
"So, it turns out he was a missing person... but nobody really missed him at all." Blair Sandburg chuckled. "Gotta love the mob."
Megan Connor, perched on the edge of his desk at the moment, just shook her head. "You mean the Mafia took care of him?" They were discussing a recent case that Blair and his partner had been investigating.
"Yeah, pretty much," Blair answered.
From his desk nearby, Jim Ellison just chuckled. "'Pretty much'? They REALLY took care of him. I mean, a hit and run is one thing, but running the guy over ten times? That's overkill."
"You know," Megan mused, "we have such charming conversations around here."
Jim shrugged. He was used to this. "Goes with the territory, Connor. This is tame compared to some of the stuff the guys used to talk about when I was still in the Army."
"I can well imagine."
"Blair!" Rhonda, the division secretary, looked up from her work, cupping her hand over her phone's receiver. "Pick up line three; you've got a call."
Blair frowned. "It's not even nine a.m. yet. Tell me it's not the mayor. I'm not in the mood to deal with him."
"What, considering you've found every way in the book to use your gun without actually firing it? I'm sure he's impressed, Chief." Jim grinned, reaching out to shove Blair's shoulder playfully.
Rhonda shook her head. "No, it's your wife."
Blair raised an eyebrow. "Okay. She probably found an apartment she likes. Wonder why she didn't just use my cell phone?" He picked up the phone, and dialed in the extension. "Maggie?" He frowned, listening. "Are you sure? When?... Oh, man. Megs, Megs... you're sure?" He sighed, heavily. "Oh, okay... I AM calm! Yeah, I'm gonna come right home, okay? I'll be there in just a minute. You're sure you're really... yes, of course, you're sure. Okay, okay. I love you... fine, I won't touch you ever again... Maggie... Who? Jim? Oh, yeah, that Jim." Looking thoroughly rattled and about to take flight any moment, Blair held out the phone to his partner. "Jim, it's Maggie. She wants to talk to you."
Jim's eyebrows knit together in confusion. He and Maggie Sandburg got along well enough, but she rarely called him at work. He hadn't listened in on her end of the conversation with Blair, wanting to allow them some privacy. Considering that all three of them were living together, privacy could be hard to come by sometimes. He accepted the phone, and put it to his ear. "Hello, Margaret." Jim liked to use her full first name when teasing her -- or when they were arguing, but that was different. "What's up? Hormones raging again?" Maggie was nearly nine months pregnant, and he had been growing used to almost any kind of behavior from her recently.
"Don't screw with me, Ellison," Maggie snapped. "I am NOT in the mood."
"Then what's up?" Jim asked.
"I'm--" She paused, and took a shuddering breath.
Her voice was pained, and Jim frowned. "Maggie? You okay?"
"Just dandy. The baby's coming, Jim. I think I'm in labor."
"Oh." That would certainly have explained Blair's current condition. "Okay, we'll be right over."
"We?"
Jim tried not to laugh; she wouldn't have appreciated it. "There's no way in hell I'm letting Blair drive with the state he's worked himself into now."
"Is he totally freaking out? Please tell me he's not..."
"I'm not going to lie to you!"
"Great." Maggie groaned softly. "Okay, fine... I'll get ready... you just try to calm him down and get him here in one piece."
"Oh, sure," Jim teased. "Give ME the hard job."
"You just remember who actually has to give birth to this kid!" Maggie warned. "I'll see you both soon."
Jim nodded, though it was a pointless gesture, and hung up. "C'mon, Chief. I'm driving."
Blair nodded slowly. "Yeah... okay. Jim... Maggie... she's having the baby. The... Jim, my kid is... wow, this is... I'm not ready!"
Jim smiled. "You'll do fine, Blair. Come on." Gently, he took Blair by the arm and led him toward the door, but stopped near Simon Banks' office. "Just wait here; I'll be right back."
"What about the cases?"
"Forget the cases. I'll handle what we've got; Connor can help me if I need it." Jim patted Blair's shoulder. "You just worry about your family, okay?" Somehow, all the times he'd seen Blair interacting with children, Jim had known this day would come. It seemed unreal now that it had, though. "I'll be back. I'm just gonna let Simon know where we're going." He stepped away from his partner, and into the captain's office. "Simon?"
Banks looked up from the report he was reviewing. "Yeah, Jim?"
Jim couldn't hide his smile. "Maggie just called..."
"THE call?" Simon asked, knowingly. He'd been in Blair's position before, and was able to relate somewhat (though Jim was sure that Simon had never been nearly as high-strung as Blair tended to be).
Jim nodded. "That's the one. I don't trust him to drive; you know how Sandburg can get when he's..."
"I know," Simon said, nodding in return. "Go, do what you have to. And make sure he keeps us updated. But don't tell him I said that."
Jim grinned. "Sure." He stepped back out into the bullpen. Miraculously, Blair was standing in the same spot Jim had left him, that same look of what Jim could only describe as wondrous shock on his face. "C'mon, Sandburg. Let's go."
"Can't you go any FASTER?" Blair asked, tossing an impatient glare in Jim's direction.
Jim tried not to smirk; he'd never thought he'd hear those words from Blair. "I do intend to get us there in one piece... I'm hurrying, believe me." He turned onto the 600 block of Prospect Avenue. "Look, we're almost there. Just a couple blocks now."
Due to financial issues, Blair and Maggie had ended up moving in with her parents after their marriage the year before. However, Maggie and her parents didn't always get along... especially considering that they had no use for Blair whatsoever. Bryce and Monica O'Brien had taken one look at Blair's long curls, and his Jewish background, and immediately declared that he certainly wasn't good enough for their daughter. The living arrangement had lasted about four days, until Maggie had insisted that if they didn't get out of there, Cascade PD's Homicide division would have a new case to investigate.
Jim had offered the loft, with all parties involved thinking that it would be a temporary fix, just until the couple found a cheap apartment. They should have thought about the LAST time the offer had been for a week. Though the downstairs bedroom had been a little crowded for two, Blair and Maggie found themselves comfortable there (after all, it was bigger than what they'd have had at one apartment they'd looked at)... and Jim had to admit, he liked having his Guide so close, even if he did have to share Blair with Maggie. It got a little awkward now and then, but overall the situation had worked out well. Jim smiled to himself as he thought that it was probably for the best that Maggie didn't know about his Sentinel abilities. Who knew what she might have thought about that?
They knew the living situation was odd, but they'd come to accept it, and Jim found himself somewhat grateful for it as they pulled up in front of 852 Prospect. It certainly was convenient.
Blair was out of the truck and running up the stairs to the third floor almost before Jim had unbuckled his seat belt. Jim shook his head in amusement as he hit the button for the elevator.
Jim smiled as the elevator doors opened, and he headed for number 307. "You guys doing okay?"
"I'm fine," Maggie insisted, trying to pull out of Blair's grasp. "I'm having a baby! What could be more natural?" A hint of sarcasm crept into her words. "Blair, you REALLY owe me BIG for this one."
"Sure, Megs..." Blair replied, using his pet name for her. "Come on, let's just get to the hospital... wow, this is... I didn't expect... today..."
Maggie gave him a pointed stare, one hand resting on her swollen waistline. "Well, your child had other plans."
"Did your water break yet?" Jim asked calmly, trying to maintain some sense of order in the midst of what was about to become chaos. He grabbed the nearby overnight bag.
Maggie nodded. "Yeah, a few minutes ago." She gripped Blair's hand tightly as her body tensed; it must have been another contraction. Maggie wasn't a screamer, but Jim usually pitied the person who ended up in her grasp. She might have only been 5 feet tall, and quite petite, but she was a lot stronger than she looked.
Blair winced, and Jim gave him a sympathetic look. "Come on, let's get this show on the road. You okay to walk, Maggie?"
"Yeah," she said, running her free hand through her blonde hair. "That one's over. They're getting close, though."
"How close?" Jim asked, gently guiding her and Blair toward the elevator.
"Ten minutes or so. I haven't counted since you guys showed up."
"Geez, that's close." Blair shook his head.
Jim punched the elevator button for the ground floor. "But it's enough time to make it to the hospital. Don't worry."
The Sentinel considered his words as the elevator started its downward descent. 'Don't worry?' Yeah, like THAT was going to happen. This was Blair Sandburg they were talking about, after all.
Jim dropped Blair and his wife off at Cascade General, and then headed back to the station. He had work to do, and Blair had promised to call as soon as there was word. Jim couldn't hide his smile as he walked back into the bullpen. The couple's financial situation had improved somewhat; although they (at Blair's insistence) were paying rent while at the loft, it hadn't been nearly as much as they'd have paid elsewhere. Though it wasn't as widely publicized as the dissertation disaster (since referred to as The Great Sentinel Fiasco), Blair's name had been cleared in the academic circles, and he'd managed to publish a few articles in some anthropological journals in his spare time, mostly on closed societies and the interactions within them. They were well enough off to be able to support a baby, and once they'd gotten over their shock at the news (only a few months after they'd gotten married), they were truly excited about it. Their excitement had been contagious, Jim found himself really looking forward to meeting his unofficial niece or nephew. The baby, in typical Sandburg fashion, hadn't cooperated during the ultrasound enough for them to find out the sex. Nearly everyone was sure it was a boy, though, and Maggie and Blair had decided to call him J.R No one (likely including the parents-to-be) knew what it stood for, but almost everyone had caught themselves affectionately referring to the baby by the initials.
It was just after two in the afternoon when Jim's cell phone rang. He snatched it up, sighing resignedly as he realized he'd been jumping at the sound of the phone ever since he'd returned to the station. Simon noticed, and they shared a small smile. "Hello?"
"Jim?"
"Blair!" Jim broke into a grin, especially when everyone turned with an expectant expression upon realizing who had called. "Well?"
"It's a girl. A little girl, Jim. She's... she's so beautiful..." Blair sounded exhausted, but happier than Jim had ever heard him, and Jim felt his smile widen.
"Congratulations... Daddy. I'm so happy for you; I really am." Jim fished in his desk drawer for a pen or pencil. "So... you know everyone's going to want details... spill it."
After the phone call was completed, Jim allowed for a dramatic pause as he carefully watched the detectives (plus secretary and captain) who had gathered near and around his desk, wanting to know more.
Finally, Megan tossed up her arms in exasperation. "All right, already, Jim! Details! Boy? Girl? Name?"
"It's a girl," Jim told them, standing up and crossing around to sit on the front corner of his desk. "She was born at 1:46. Six pounds, thirteen ounces, nineteen inches -- no name yet. Perfectly healthy. And, apparently, she has dark hair just like her father."
"Oh, how precious." Rhonda smiled.
"And," Jim added, anticipating the next question, "you're more than welcome to drop by the hospital to see them should you so desire. Room number is 327."
Satisfied, most of the crowd began to disperse, discussing among themselves. Megan and Simon stayed, though. Megan joined Jim on the desk; Simon stood on the detective's opposite side.
"I assume you'll want to be going as soon as you can?" Simon asked.
"Might be a safe assumption." Jim shook his head, feeling almost awed. "It's hard to believe... Sandburg, a father. I always knew he should have kids one day..."
"And one day is today," Simon finished. "Yeah, I know the feeling. From both ends."
Megan hadn't stopped smiling since they'd gotten the news. "I bet she looks exactly like him. Blue eyes and all."
"Well, Maggie's eyes are blue, too, so that in itself doesn't say much," Jim said.
Megan shook her head. "Well, yes, but Sandy's are a much more intense shade... haven't you noticed?"
"I haven't been gazing into his eyes lately, Connor," Simon replied dryly. "Go on, Jim. There's not much else to do here today but paperwork. I'll call you if we need you."
Megan nodded. "Send our love... I'll stop by tomorrow. I don't want to overwhelm them."
"Love?" Jim teased.
"It's just an expression! Honestly, Jim."
Jim just chuckled to himself, shaking his head as he walked away. This was one hospital visit he was actually going to enjoy.
As Jim approached, Blair was slouched in a chair in the maternity ward's waiting room, his head leaning against the wall. His eyes were closed, and for a minute, Jim thought he might be asleep. But the breathing pattern was too quick for Blair to be sleeping. Jim approached quietly, not wanting to startle him, and spoke before actually touching Blair's shoulder. "Chief?"
Blair opened his eyes, raising his head. "Jim!" He stood up, grinning like a jack-o-lantern on Halloween. "It's so amazing... have you seen her yet?"
"No." Jim shook his head -- and after a moment, pulled Blair into a hug. "Congratulations... I always knew you'd make a great dad."
Blair returned the hug, his eyes watering slightly. Jim could see the tear tracks on his cheeks from earlier. "Thanks, Jim."
Jim followed as Blair turned to lead him to the room. "How's Maggie?"
"Tired, but she's all right. I think she's asleep now... they both are."
"It's been a long day," Jim contributed.
"Yeah, you can say that again." Blair laughed softly, and opened the door to the hospital room. Inside, Jim could see that Maggie was indeed sleeping, as was the tiny bundle in the bassinette beside her bed. Blair picked up the newborn, and soothed her as she began to fuss. She quickly settled down, and Blair whispered something to her, then carried her out into the hallway. There were a couple of chairs at the end of the hall, and he sat down in one, motioning with his head for Jim to take the other.
Jim pulled back a corner of the blanket, and looked down at the sleeping infant. Her hair WAS dark like Blair's... and it even had a bit of curl in it. Looking at her face, Jim saw that Megan had been right. This kid looked just like Blair. "You'd certainly have a hard time denying her, buddy. She looks exactly like you."
Blair chuckled. "Guess those Sandburg genes are pretty strong." He shifted the baby slightly in his arms. "Did you want to hold her?"
If it had been anyone else's baby, Jim would have politely deferred. He didn't like handling newborns; their size made him anxious... he was always worried he'd accidentally hurt them. But, this time, that anxiety was totally gone. This was Blair's little girl, and he wanted nothing more than to hold her in his arms for a few moments. "Of course."
Blair nodded, and tenderly stroked his daughter's hair. "Hey, Precious. It's time to meet your Uncle Jim." Supporting the baby's head, he transferred her into Jim's waiting embrace.
Jim cradled the infant gently, smiling as two tiny blue eyes opened for a moment, looked up at him, then closed as she went back to sleep. "Hi, there." He looked back over at Blair. "Did you two decide what you were going to call her yet? I assume you're not going with J.R..."
Blair shook his head. "Nah... we didn't think she'd appreciate it too much." He reached out, and stroked the baby's cheek, then met Jim's gaze. "Her name's Jamie. Jamie Margaret."
"That's cute... it fits her, too..." Jim trailed off as it hit him. Jamie. "Blair... I... I don't know what to say."
"You don't have to say anything." Blair put a hand on Jim's arm.
Jim looked into Blair's eyes -- and though he'd never have admitted it aloud, Megan had been right there too... Blair's eyes were a much more intense shade of blue than Maggie's. "Thank you."
"No... thank you." Blair sighed. "Jim, my life was falling apart before I met you. The committee was always on my back about giving them proof of my theories... you saw that warehouse I lived in... I didn't have any real friends. I mean, there were people I bopped around town with, but... none of them would have stuck by me if things got really tough. We were acquaintances, really. And then one day... I found my Holy Grail. And you gave me... everything I'd wanted. A research subject, a home... a best friend..."
"Don't glorify me, Chief," Jim insisted. "I thought I was going crazy -- and as I recall, I threw you up against a wall... about 5 minutes before you saved my life. You've saved me more times than I can count -- if not my life, then my sanity. I couldn't do this without you."
"We need each other," Blair said softly. "I guess that's always the way it was supposed to work." He shrugged. "Things are just a little more complicated now, balancing our work... and a family. But I'll figure it out. Somehow."
Jim looked at him seriously. "We'll figure it out. Together." He laughed in surprise as he stroked baby Jamie's cheek... and she turned her head to start sucking on his finger, her eyes opening again.
Blair was grinning as well. "Newborn reflexes. I think she's getting hungry." He accepted his daughter as Jim handed her back, and took her in to Maggie to be fed. After a moment, Blair returned and sat down beside Jim again. "You know... the loft isn't big enough for all of us and a baby, too. I know that... but I'm still gonna miss it."
"I'll miss having you there."
"But we found some apartments nearby, about two blocks," Blair explained. "The price is really reasonable. "We think it might work out." He laughed, then sobered. "This gets harder to leave every time. I can just see it -- one day, I'll end up moving back in... and I won't move out again."
"I could live with that." Jim slung his Guide close in a friendly embrace.
Blair was sitting alone later that evening... well, except for his sleeping daughter, cradled in his arms. He was just outside of the room -- he liked the light better out here, plus the chair was more comfortable. As long as the baby didn't leave the ward, the nurses didn't mind (once they'd actually confirmed that he was really the child's father and not some random baby-snatching nut).
He stared down at Jamie, feeling a total sense of awe. This was his child. He'd had a part in the creation of this tiny, and -- to his admittedly prejudiced eyes -- perfect human being. That knowledge was just incredible.
Blair felt a hand lightly rest on his shoulder from behind. He turned to see Simon Banks standing just behind him. The captain offered a warm smile. "Hell of a feeling, isn't it, Blair?"
"I'll say." Blair bit his lip nervously. "I never thought I could love anyone so much."
"Surprises every new father, I think," Simon mused, an almost nostalgic look on his face. "And I know you're probably scared to death, because heaven knows I was. But you'll learn. You'll screw up now and then, too -- you're only human. But look at it this way. You've never been a father before... but she's never been a baby before, either. She doesn't have any more of a clue than you do, and Maggie's going to be learning how to be a mother. So just learn together."
Blair nodded. He was beginning to see a new dimension to the captain, one he'd known about before, but never understood... the experienced father, ready to offer advice when needed. "Yeah... never thought of it that way. Thanks, Simon."
"Don't mention it." Simon glanced in to the hospital room, to Maggie as she slept, then his expression grew serious. He looked back at Blair. "Words were always your strong point. Don't forget that. My marriage fell apart because Joan and I stopped talking when things got tough. They're gonna get tough, no matter what you do. Don't make the same mistake."
"I'll remember that." Blair looked up as Jim came back down the hall; he'd promised to be back a little before visiting hours ended to see the baby again, and to take Blair home. "Hi, Jim."
"Hey." Jim crouched on the floor, peeking into Jamie's blankets again. "Hey, Shortcake."
"Shortcake?" Blair asked.
"Well, come on, look at her parents! Maggie's, what, five-nothing? You're only 5'8" or so..."
"Nine," Blair corrected.
"Whatever. This kid's going to have vertical issues when she grows up." Jim flashed a smile. "Besides, I think it just fits her."
Blair shrugged. "Okay, have it your way."
Jim tickled the baby lightly, and looked at her again, an affectionate expression on his face. "Now... you gotta remember the important stuff. You're little, but you're probably very smart, too. I know they teach you this in school, but with your daddy around, you'll need to know a very important number, and probably before then. It's easy, though. Just call 911..."
"Jim!" Blair protested, nudging Simon as Simon began to laugh.
"Because Daddy is what we like to call a 'trouble magnet'..." Jim continued, as though he hadn't heard.
"Oh, he has you down, Sandburg," Simon teased.
Blair just rolled his eyes, feigning frustration... but it was to keep from laughing. Yes, some things never changed. All was right in their little corner of the world.
The End