When Blair finally did hear the door slam, the shouts, the footsteps, he was ready for Brackett to return and finish it. He was ready for it to be over. He'd had enough.

  * * *

  "Simon! Over here!" Jim saw Blair from the doorway, saw through the haze of steam and fine water spraying across the basement's boiler room. He didn't wait for Simon, but ran to his partner who lay doubled over on the wet floor. "Blair! Hang on partner, we're here." Jim fell to the ground, beside his partner. "Simon, over here!" Jim was holding Blair, trying to get him to open his eyes, but he wouldn't. He checked his pulse, it was weak and thready. "Come on Chief, hang on. Stay with me." Blair was covered in sweat, and even semiconscious, he was shaking. His legs were pulled up, and he was trying to roll over onto his side.

  "Jim, God, is he alive?" Simon had finally made his way through the dark room to where Jim was trying to get Blair farther off the wet floor.

  "Barely."

  "I'll call an ambulance." Simon turned to go and Jim reached out, grabbing his sleeve.

  "No, Simon. There's no time. Help me get him up, we'll take the truck." Jim took both of Blair's bleeding wrists in his hands and worked his arms under his partner's shoulders, lifting him up as Simon took his legs. They made it to the truck and Jim opened the passenger door, easing Blair inside.

  "I'll drive, just get in." Simon pushed Jim into the truck, then hurried around to the driver's side. The keys were still in the ignition and he started it up, then helped Jim get in the seat with Blair, who was now completely unconscious.

  "Hang on, partner." Jim held him, checking his pulse again. "Damn him. What the hell was this for anyway?"

  Simon understood Jim was talking about Brackett, and he didn't try to answer. Jim held Blair, feeling the pulse beat slowly through his neck. His own heart was still racing, and his jaw was getting tired from all the clenching. What was he doing? What game was this? All he had done was kidnap Blair, take him downstairs to their apartment's boiler room, and torture him. For what? Why? He hadn't even tried to hide, or make Jim search the city for his partner. It had taken only minutes to realize the yellow pipes Blair was tied to were the same yellow pipes that ran through the loft from the basement below.

  "Hurry, Simon."

  "I'm driving as fast as I can. Just hang on, we'll be there in a minute."

  Blair was beginning to breathe heavily, struggling against Jim's hold. "Easy, easy Chief. It's okay, it's okay." He held him down, feeling the sweat begin to build on his forehead. He could feel the muscles in Blair's abdomen tense up violently. What the hell kind of drug was it? Did they have to worry about an antidote, or would it just wear off? Brackett said something about a coma. "Simon.."

  "We're here."

  Jim looked up and recognized the emergency entrance to the hospital. Simon drove the truck right up to the doors and jumped out, helping Jim ease Blair out and onto a stretcher that someone had brought out to meet them.

  "What have we got here?" A doctor hurried over to the truck as they settled Blair on the stretcher.

  "This man has been drugged." Simon said, stepping forward and producing his badge. "We don't know what with."

  "When?"

  "Twenty five, thirty minutes." Jim replied, following the doctor as they all hurried down the hallway. Blair was beginning to stir, clutching at his abdomen. "He's in pain."

  "I need a complete blood work up, stat." The doctor pushed the gurney into a room that suddenly filled with nurses and turned to Jim and Simon. "Officers, you'll need to wait out here. And if you can identify the drug, that would be helpful."

  Jim tried to protest but the doctor had turned and closed the door behind him. Simon reached out and took him by the arm. "Come on Jim, sit down. There's nothing we can do right now." Jim allowed Simon to lead him to the chairs in the waiting area and push him down into one. Two uniformed officers stepped forward then and pulled Simon away. Jim didn't even try to listen, he was focused on the room his partner was in. They were trying to get samples of blood, checking vitals, trying to get Blair to answer them. It seemed so confused, but he knew they knew what they were doing.

  "Jim...Jim." Simon was standing beside him, trying to get his attention. "Jim, they got Delaney."

  "What?" Jim was suddenly alert and stood up, looking at Simon. "Who did?"

  "We don't know. It happened right after we pulled out. By the time backup got there, Delaney was dead, and so was his dealer."

  "Brackett."

  "What? Jim, what would Brackett have to do with this case?"

  "Think about it Simon. Kostov was from Russia, and moved his protection scheme here three years ago. Brackett was in the CIA, and had access to all the files. Hell, he may have even worked for Kostov when he started playing both sides." Jim knew then the answer to Blair's kidnaping. "He needed us out of the way, to make the hit on Delaney when he came in for his buy. He knew when, and he knew how."

  Simon sighed, pushing his glasses up so he could rub his eyes. "So, this whole thing with Sandburg, was just to get you away from Delaney long enough to kill him? So he couldn't testify against Kostov?"

  "That has to be it, Simon." It had to be. No one else knew they were waiting for Delaney to make his cocaine buy. No one else knew about the dealer they had been staking out for the past three days. No one else would know to use Blair in order to get to Jim. Brackett was well known internationally as a rogue CIA agent for hire, and had probably gotten the word out as soon as he escaped that he was on the market again.

  "So we're back to square one. I'd better tell the DA we lost our chance for Kostov." Simon patted Jim on the arm and moved across the room to use the phone at the nurses station.

  Jim sat back down, still shaking his head. How had Brackett survived the waterfall? And how had the CIA missed him? Or had they? There was always a rumor that the CIA had a group that actually funded organized crime, for reasons that still remained a mystery. But even if that were true, Brackett was too dangerous a man even for them to keep. And if they couldn't catch him, and put an end to these games, then Jim could.

  "Officer?"

  Jim stood and turned, facing the doctor as Simon approached them both. "How is he?"

  "Well, we still haven't determined the makeup of that drug, but it seems to be wearing off." He looked from Jim to Simon. "It seemed to affect mainly the muscles of the abdomen, causing extreme spasming and pain, with no lasting effects, although it was touch and go for a few minutes." He looked back at Jim. "His heart seems to be settling back into a normal rhythm now, but he's going to be very weak for a few days. The spasms are diminishing, and at this rate, should be gone within another 12 hours."

  Jim let out the breath he had been holding and tried to force the tension from his neck. "He'll be all right then?"

  The doctor nodded. "As long as there are no complications, he should recover. They'll take him upstairs in a few minutes, you can see him then if you like."

  "Thank you doctor." Simon reached out and shook his hand, then put a hand on Jim's back and walked him back towards the far wall. "Listen, you stay here with Sandburg. I've got Jenkins and Clark on their way over to keep an eye on you both."

  "Simon, I..."

  "Don't argue with me." Simon held up a hand, stopping Jim's protest. "Right now both you and Sandburg are under protective custody. Brackett may come back, and if he does, he'll be after you both."

  Jim reluctantly nodded. "Okay Simon. I'll lay low for now."

  "You'll lay low for as long as I tell you, got that?"

  "Yes sir."

  Simon patted Jim on the arm then and smiled slightly. "Jim, I know it's not easy. But after what this madman has done in the past, as well as tonight, I'm not willing to take any chances, with either of you."

  Jim smiled a little inside at Simon's inclusion of Blair in his concerns. "Okay. But something tells me he's done for now."

  "I won't be happy until he's done for good."

  * * *

  Blair stirred and tried to resist waking up. He could feel a dampness on the back of his neck and across his forehead. There was a steady beeping coming from somewhere behind him, and he could feel wires rubbing on his chest each time he inhaled. Other than the beeping, there was no sound that he could hear. No more hissing of steam, or dripping as water slid down to the cold floor. His arms and wrists no longer ached. He stirred again and took a deeper breath, then heard the moan escape his lips as the muscles across his abdomen complained bitterly against the movement.

  "Hey, Chief."

  Blair opened his eyes at the touch of a hand on his forehead. "Jim?" He glanced around, realizing where he was. "Where...where's...Brackett?" Blair had to take a new breath for each word, trying to force them out without using too many muscles. His stomach was reminding him of the recent ordeal with each breath. God, he was sore! He swallowed, and felt the bruising on his neck where the needle had gone in.

  "He's gone for now, just take it easy."

  Gone for now? What did that mean? Wasn't he gone for good after the river? "Jim..."

  "Don't talk Blair, just rest. I'm right here. There's nothing to worry about, okay?"

  Blair nodded weakly, more to calm his friend than himself. Jim looked as though he had been awake for weeks. How long had he been there? He had a hundred questions, but no strength to ask them. Jim was sitting beside the bed, a hand on his arm, so he closed his eyes. Breathing hurt his abused stomach muscles, and he could feel bandages around each wrist. What had Brackett wanted? He left before Jim came, and now Jim was here with him, and safe. What was the game? Blair heard the door and his eyes shot open.

  "Jim, some coffee?" Mike Jenkins stepped in quietly, handing a cup to Jim. "Hey kid, didn't mean to wake you." Mike was whispering, even seeing that Blair was wide awake.

  "He's been in and out." Jim replied. Blair had tried to speak, but his mouth wasn't moving. It was too tired. He was too tired. In and out? For how long? Jim... He watched as Jim stepped over to the door to talk privately with Mike out of earshot. After a minute or two, he returned to the chair beside Blair's bed and Mike stepped back into the hallway.

  Someone touched him and Blair tried to pull away. Lash was holding his face, pinning him with his hands against the chair. He struggled, but he was too weak to move. He tried to cry out, but his mouth wouldn't form the words. Lash stepped away, and walked behind him. Oh God! Oh God what now! Someone was behind him, moving around. A face. A hand. Brackett. It was Brackett again. But he was dead! Jim told him Brackett was dead! Now he was here, holding Blair down, tying his hands. Something pricked his arm, something sharp. Blair pulled away, tried to get away. No, not again, I can't take it again!

  "Blair! Sandburg, take it easy!"

  Hands were on him again, holding his arms, shaking him. Blair tried to fight, tried to move away, but he was so weak and sore.

  "Blair! Wake up."

  Suddenly Blair opened his eyes, trying to pull away from the face he saw there.

  "Easy Chief, it's me."

  Blair focused and saw Jim, not Lash, not Brackett. "Jim?" It was a dream. A nightmare. He was in the hospital room, with Jim beside him, holding both of his arms in an attempt to wake him out of the nightmare. A nurse was there too, holding a vial filled with blood. Blair sighed and closed his eyes again for a moment, trying to calm his racing heart. The EKG was no longer beeping in the background, and his chest was now free of tape and wires, but he knew Jim could hear the racing beat in his chest, his rapid, if shallow, breathing. It was so real! Could Jim hear his thoughts? He had felt such panic, he was sure half the hospital could have heard what he was thinking.

  "It's okay. Just a nightmare." Jim sat back down, but kept one hand on Blair's right arm. "Okay?"

  Blair nodded weakly, trying to smile. "Okay." It was okay, for now. But he would be back. There was one thing Blair was certain of. Brackett would be back. He opened his eyes again and tried to clear his throat. "Jim...he'll come...back." His voice was more than just a whisper now, but it cracked with the dryness in his throat.

  Jim was shaking his head, "No, Chief. Not here. And we've got Mike Jenkins and Jeff Clark right outside, keeping an eye on us."

  "Us?"

  Jim nodded. "That's right, us. Simon's idea. You and I both are under guard for awhile."

  Blair could tell the idea upset Jim, being guarded like someone who couldn't take care of himself. But he was glad. Glad that while he was lying there, too weak to get up or even raise his head, someone was keeping an eye on his partner. Brackett would be back. And he wanted to kill Jim more than anything. "Listen...Jim.."

  "No, you listen. Get some sleep. The doctors say that drug Brackett used is still running through your veins." Jim paused, looking away for a moment. "When they let you out of here, we'll be on the offensive again. But until then, we sit and wait. Okay?"

  Blair nodded. He was relieved to know Simon was in charge, making sure Jim didn't go out there alone, against this madman. Brackett's plans always involved them both, and he had already done...what he had done, to Blair. He knew Jim would be next. He also knew how hard it must be for his friend to just sit there, watching over him, and not charge out there after Brackett. Slowly, that relief turned to sleep, and he willingly drifted into it.

  Part 3

  * * *

  When Blair woke the next morning, he was alone. For a second, he didn't know where he was, or why, but he seemed to know Jim should be there. When he glanced around the room, and remembered, he panicked and sat bolt upright in the bed.

  "Jim? Oh God!" Immediately he knew his mistake. Pain shot through his abdomen, doubling him over in the bed as black spots danced in front of his eyes. Pain as piercing as the first time. It hadn't stopped. The same instant he uttered his curse, the door swung wide and Jim came rushing inside.

  "Sandburg!" Jim was beside him in an instant, grabbing his shoulders. "Nurse! I need help in here!"

  Blair shook his head, too breathless from the pain to speak, and tried to raise his hand to stop the urgency. Finally the spasm stopped and he was able to inhale again. "I'm fine. I'm fine." He waved Jim off, trying to lean back, but his friend wouldn't move. Blair opened his mouth to speak again when a doctor and two nurses rushed into the room.

  "What's happened?" The doctor came beside the bed, trying to force Blair back down into the pillows. "Easy now. Take it easy. You need to lie still."

  No shit. "I'm okay." Blair insisted, able to speak now through the pain that was slowly fading to a more manageable level. "I just panicked, I'm okay." He was embarrassed, but God that had hurt!

  He was finally back down against the pillows and had to lie still while the doctor examined him thoroughly, then explained to him that the drug Brackett had used was taking longer than expected to leave his system.

  "You're going to have these attacks for a few more days, I'm afraid. It's just not moving out quickly, whatever it was." The doctor then turned to Jim, who had been hovering next to the bed for the past fifteen minutes, ever since the doctor came in. "You can take him home, only because your Captain says it would be safer for everyone concerned, and there isn't much we can do for him here. This drug just has to wear itself out. But he's going to have to rest, and not be left alone." He turned back to Blair. "These spasms are going to be infrequent, and fade with time, but you'll need plenty of rest. And I recommend no sudden movements. The more you try to use those muscles, the longer they'll take to recover. Understand?"

  Blair nodded, looking sheepishly from the doctor, to Jim, then back. After both he and Jim reassured the man that Blair would rest, he agreed that they could leave within the hour. Blair hadn't realized what time of day, or even what day it was. The pain was nearly gone now, and he let Jim help him get dressed, anxious to leave, but fearful of what they would find out there, or who would find them.

  "Jenkins and Clark are coming to the loft. Simon's had a team there keeping an eye on things." Jim tossed Blair his shirt then searched for his shoes. "Once we get you settled, we've got some Detective work to do."

  Blair was grateful Jim had been turned away, looking for his other shoe, when he put on the shirt. A sudden spasm had gripped him just as he pulled in his arms and he had to grit his teeth hard to keep from crying out with the pain. He wasn't going to embarrass himself again, and he wanted to go home. By the time Jim did look up, the spasm had stopped and Blair was able to fuss with his buttons long enough to recover.

  "Detective work?" Was his voice steady?

  "Yep. Simon and I have a theory about Brackett and Kostov."

  "What? Have I missed something?" Blair reached down and pulled on his socks, praying another spasm wouldn't hit as he did. "Kostov, isn't that the Russian mob guy?"

  Jim helped him with the shoes. "Oh, that's right, you've been asleep for a while." He unlaced the second shoe and held it out. "The way we figure it, Brackett was working for Kostov, and used...you, to get Simon and me away from Delaney's dealer. He knew when Delaney would be in for more cocaine and killed both him and the dealer, as soon as Simon and I were gone."

  Blair was stunned. Not so much about having been used by Brackett, but that Jim was taking such a casual approach to having lost a man he was staking out, just to save him. Obviously, Brackett knew Jim would come running if he had Blair. God, that made him feel...That made him feel guilty. He was dressed then, and Jim stepped outside the door to let Jenkins and Clark know they were ready to leave, and to bring the car around to the back. Blair was sitting on the edge of the bed, confused and embarrassed. Jim never made a mistake, not at work. But he had left his stakeout, and lost a man, because of him. Brackett had said the drug wasn't lethal, although while he was there, on the floor, writhing in agony, he had thought differently. But Jim didn't know that. In fact, he didn't know anything that was happening at the time. Why would he...Why would Simon let him...This is all my fault. What was it Brackett sent across the phone to Jim that would get him to leave his post and come running? He'd have to ask, sometime. But he was almost afraid of the answer. He was more afraid of what he was beginning to feel.

 

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