Jim was made aware of Simon's arrival by the scent of his cigars. He quickly went and opened the door before Simon could knock, holding his finger to his lips in a shushing motion.

Simon raised an eyebrow at the other man's antics.

"Sleeping, huh?" he asked.

"Yeah," Jim answered.

Simon chuckled and walked past Jim and into the kitchen. "This coffee fresh?"

"Pretty fresh."

The captain grabbed a cup and proceeded to pour himself a cup. "So how did it go last night? You get any rest?"

"Yeah, about six hours," Jim walked to the table and sat down.

"And the kid?" Simon walked over and joined him.

"More interested in regaining his memory all at once," Jim told his friend.

Simon snorted with laughter, causing Jim to make the shushing motion again.

"Is it working?" Simon lowered his voice.

"He's remembered a couple of things," Jim paused for a moment. "And had one intense dream."

"Dream?" Simon frowned. "About what?"

"Kincaid."

"Damn."

"It's alright, Simon," Jim reassured him. "In fact, I don't think it will be long before he remembers everything. We just have to be careful."

"Careful?" Simon asked in concern. "What happened?"

"Nothing really," Jim soothed. "He just started getting a little upset at one point."

"Why?"

"He wants to remember everything at once," Jim explained. "And being home has helped, Simon, it really has. But Dr. Bryce said to take it easy. And..."

"AND Blair has other ideas," Simon chuckled.

"Yeah," Jim gave a little laugh. "Oh, yeah."

"So," Simon leaned back in his chair. "What do you want me to do?"

"He's asleep right now," Jim stood up and stretched, still a bit stiff from earlier. "Just let him sleep. I already gave him his morning medicines. He hasn't had anything for pain since last night, so if he needs something, go ahead and give him something. Oh, and he gets thirsty a lot. There's plenty of juice and water in the fridge. And he has teas in the cabinet. See if you can get him to eat something," Jim stopped when Simon started to laugh. "What?"

"Nothing......nothing," Simon held up his hands.

"You got something to say, Captain?" the Sentinel glared at the seated man.

"Nope," was the response but a big grin resided on the man's face.

"Humph," Jim continued to scowl, but moved toward his partner's room, intent on checking on the young man once more.

Simon shook his head in amusement and took a sip of his coffee. He had not been able to spend much time with Sandburg while he was in the hospital and was anxious to visit with him.

He had agreed to come and stay with the young man while Jim attempted to catch up on pending cases. And then there was the person or persons that had attacked Blair. They were at a stalemate, no evidence forthcoming at all. The only chance they had to catch the assailant was Blair's testimony and eyewitness account. And Blair Sandburg could not remember.

"How is he?" Simon asked when Jim returned.

"Still asleep," the detective informed. "Listen, Simon…Blair's kind of nervous.....I mean, he doesn't remember....oh, hell," Jim ran his hand over his head. "I..."

"And he's scared of me. It's okay, Jim," Simon took pity on the man. "I'll go easy on the kid."

"Thanks, Sir. It's just......"

"I know, Jim," Simon nodded in understanding. "Why don't you go on. The sooner you go..."

"The sooner I can get back," Jim finished. "Thanks, Simon."

"No problem."

Simon sat at the table a few minutes more after Jim left, then arose and went to the small bedroom located under the stairs. He wanted to check on the young man himself.

Blair was lying on his right side, one hand curled under his chin. Dark eyelashes fanned on pink tinged cheeks and the look of innocence that resided on the youthful face caused Simon's breath to clinch in his chest.

Blair looked at the world through rose-colored glasses, intent on finding the good in anything or anybody.

But the people who had brutalized this young man had not been good and Simon agreed with Jim when the Sentinel said he would not rest until the perpetrators had been caught.

Simon's thoughts were interrupted when Blair gave a soft gasp. He quickly sat on the side of the bed and reached out and rubbed his observer's back.

"Easy, Sandburg," he whispered. "Just take it easy, kid."

The big captain smiled as a soft sigh escaped and Blair relaxed into sleep once more. Making sure that the other man would continue to sleep, Simon arose and exited the room, leaving the door ajar so he could hear any signs of distress. After all, he thought to himself, 'he' was not a Sentinel.

Blair stood in the doorway of his room and stared at the large man that was sprawled on the sofa. He cleared his throat nervously, causing dark brown eyes to swing his way.

"Sandburg!" Simon bounded to his feet. "I didn't hear you."

"Sorry," Blair stepped back as the big man came near.

"Hey, kid," Simon stopped at the look of fear that crossed the youthful face. "It's okay."

"Umm, sorry....I mean....."Blair hung his head.

Simon stepped closer, slowly reaching out a calming hand. "Do you think I'm going to hurt you?"

"No, no......" Blair shook his head. "It's just....I get....."

"Confused. I know, Jim told me."

"When's Jim coming back?" Blair eased past Simon and headed for the kitchen.

"He'll be back soon," Simon said, following Blair into the kitchen. "You hungry? Jim said to make sure you ate something."

"I'm thirsty."

"Yeah, he said that you needed a lot of fluids, too," the Captain stated. "Let me get you some juice and then I'll fix you some eggs. You want some eggs?"

"I guess," Blair shrugged. "I guess I'm a little hungry."

"Okey dokey," Simon smiled and moved to the refrigerator. "Go ahead and sit down."

Blair moved over to the table and sat. He watched Simon's every move.

When Simon put a full glass of juice in front of him, he gave the older man a tentative smile.

"Thank you," he said shyly.

"Welcome," Simon returned. "I'll have your eggs in a few minutes. How do you want them?"

"I don't know," Blair shrugged.

"Umm," Simon bent to look into the fridge. "How about an omelet?"

"That'd be okay, I guess."

"One omelet coming right up," the older man said as he gathered the necessary items and returned to the stove.

"Captain Banks?"

"Simon.....you call me Simon."

"Simon.....how did....I mean...Jim told me how he and I met....How did we....." Blair faltered, not sure how to continue.

"How did you and I meet?" Simon asked as he broke several eggs into a mixing bowl.

"Yeah."

"Well, Jim..umm,,,he brought you...."

Captain Simon Banks stared at the longhaired you man standing in front of him with total fascination.

"The central hypothesis to my dissertation is how the quality of evidence gathering at a crime scene can affect the capture of a perpetrator and ultimately the outcome of the trial," the young man verbalized.

"And you're requesting full access credentials to observe Detective Ellison on the job?" Simon asked.

Blair sent a quick glance at the detective standing beside the window.

"Yeah," he nodded. "He is the best on the force, isn't he?"

Jim glared at the young man in disbelief.

"Did you tell him that?" Simon asked Jim.

"No," Jim mouthed with a negative shake of his head.

Simon turned back to the young man.

"Look, Mr.," he started. "Sandburg, is it? You don't seem like the law enforcement type. What got you interested in this field?"

"Well…" Blair straightened. "I've always been fascinated with the concept of the thin blue line."

"The thin blue line?" Simon repeated.

"It's the slender thread that separates the lawful and the criminal elements of our society. It's a concept that dates back..."

"I'm familiar with the concept," Simon held up his hand. "Could you excuse us a moment..."

"You didn't like me at first either, did you?" Blair gazed up at Simon as he put a plate down in front of him.

"I didn't quite know how to take you at first," Simon said, walking back into the kitchen to pour Blair some more juice.

"That's what Jim said, too," Blair gave a short laugh.

"He did?" Simon returned to the table.

"Umm hmm," Blair mumbled around a mouthful of eggs.

"You took everyone by surprise, Sandburg," Simon chuckled as he sat down across from the anthropologist. "I think we were all a little intimidated."

"Intimidated?" Blair sent Simon a startled look. "By me?"

"That's right, kid. I haven't met many people as intelligent as you are."

"Me?"

"Yeah, you," Simon smiled "Now, you better eat." Simon pointed at the plate. "That was a direct order from Ellison."

"He won't know....." Blair began, but spooned another bite of eggs into his mouth.

"Oh yes," Simon held up his hand. "He'll know, Sandburg."

Blair froze for a moment and stared at the big man. "You know?" he whispered.

"Know what?" Simon asked cautiously.

"The secret...."

"Secret?"

"Umm....he told me how and why we met," Blair continued to search the captain's face.

"You know....Jim told you about his," Simon took a deep breath, anger at Jim Ellison suddenly flaring. "Sentinel....

"Yes," Blair nodded solemnly. "He told me...."

"Well, I wish he'd have mentioned that he had told......." the captain's voice was tinged with anger.

"Don't be mad at Jim!" Blair dropped his spoon in sudden agitation. "I made him tell me. I'm his Guide!"

Simon became concerned at the flushed face that scowled at him.

"Take it easy, Blair," Simon held up both hands in an attempt to calm the young man. Blair lowered his head and took a steadying breath.

"I'm sorry," he said quietly. "I don't know why....."

"It's okay, Sandburg," Simon reassured. "I should know by now how protective you two are of each other."

Blair raised his head and sent a questioning look toward the Captain.

"What do you mean?"

"Why don't you finish eating and I'll tell you about it?"

Simon strolled into the room with the newspaper in his hand.

"Hey, have you seen this?" he held up the paper, a look of annoyance on his face. "I have every news wire in the world wanting a statement. We got a leak here somewhere Jim, and we got to plug it." He handed the paper to Caroline. "Now, who else knows all the details besides us?"

"Just Sandburg," Jim shrugged.

"Well, could it be him?" Caroline Plummer asked. "I mean, he is new at this. Maybe he doesn't understand. It...

Jim bristled, sending a glaring look toward his ex-wife, he stated. "He understands fine."

Caroline was not intimidated however and held up the newspaper, annoyance on her face also.

Simon quickly interrupted, afraid that a quarrel would break out between the two of them.

"Well," he said. "Just have a talk with him, just in case. All right........"

"You thought I..." Blair paused. "That I..."

"Maybe for a while, Sandburg," Simon quickly stated. "But Jim quickly put the record straight. That's when I realized how special you were to Jim. He practically jumped down my throat defending you." Simon added with a laugh.

"How?" Blue eyes widened, happiness filling them at the simple statement.

"Yes sir," the truth in Jim's voice was evident to the Captain. "I do."

"He said that?" the smile on Blair's face warmed Simon's soul.

"He said that," Simon nodded.

"Man," Blair whispered, gazing down at his now empty plate in astonishment, not aware that he had finished his eggs.

"You did good, Blair," Simon pointed at his plate. "You want anything else?"

"Mm, maybe some more juice," Blair nodded, handing Simon his plate and glass.

"Coming right up," Simon took the plate to the sink and then refilled Blair's glass.

"Sir?" Blair looked up at Simon when he brought him the juice.

"Yeah?"

"Who...who was giving information to the press?"

"It turned out the killer was giving the information."

"How?"

Simon hesitated, not wanting to tell Blair about David Lash. There were some things that needed to be forgotten and what happened with Lash was one of them. Especially to the young man sitting in front of him.

"Oh," Simon waved the comment aside. "It doesn't matter. Jim took care of it."

"He's very good, isn't he?" Blair stood up and moved into the living room. "When is he going to get back?"

Simon gave a sigh of relief when the young man didn't pursue the conversation.

"Should be soon. He said he had some things to wrap up at the station."

"Is it about me?" Blair sat down on the sofa and looked back at Simon.

"What do you mean, son?" Simon asked, walking over to sit on the short sofa.
"I know he wants to find out," Blair paused for a moment and then placed his hand on the back of his head. "You know....who hit me."

"Do you remember anything, Blair?" Simon leaned forward and gazed at the young man. "Anything at all?"

Blair shook his head. "I'm sorry," he said. "I try, but I get....I mean, my head."

Simon reached out and patted Blair's knee.

"It's okay," Simon reassured him. "You'll get your memory back."

"How can you be so sure?"

"Well, Jim said you already had a couple of memories return."

Blair sat back for a moment before smiling. "Yeah, yeah I did."

"See there," Simon gave one more pat before sitting back. "What do you say about a little TV."

"Umm," Blair seemed unsure.

"You okay, kid?" The captain looked over in concern.

"I'd rather.....you know," Blair gestured, then cleared his throat in sudden nervousness. "You tell me a story."

Simon scowled at the anthropologist. "I am not Mother Goose, Sandburg. I am the Captain of Major Crimes and I DO NOT tell stories."

Simon's countenance softened when Blair broke out in delighted laughter.

"No, no," he giggled. "I mean about....you know..... tell me something about....me."

"Oh," Simon snorted and then shook his head. "Umm, let's see....anything in particular?"

"No, just anything," Blair said as he pulled his legs under him and moved about in an attempt to get comfortable.

"Okay," Simon sighed and then closed his eyes for a moment, searching for a memory that would not upset the young man. "Hey, there was the time Jim got hung up on a jewel thief and no one but you could figure out what was going on with him."

Simon pushed into the crowded room, a scowl on his face. He noticed his best detective team standing by the bar and strolled purposely toward them.

"You got something?" Blair's tone was soft.

"You know how many perfumes are in the air here, not to mention colognes, aftershaves?" Jim said in frustration.

"So what, did you lose the trail or what?" Blair asked.

"I don't know," Jim sighed and looked around. "I'm just kind of confused right now." He paused when he saw Laura. "What's she doing here?"

Blair looked at the pretty redhead in astonishment and then laughed. "Jim! There are no accidents, man. This is a sign from God." He pushed his friend forward. "You must go. Go forward, man."

Simon looked as Jim walked away from him.

"Jim," he called after him.

Jim turned briefly and then gave a little wave. "Oh, hi, Simon," he said before heading forward again.

"Ellison!" Simon could hardly believe as his detective continued to walk away from his.

The detective stopped briefly in front of a very attractive woman and then the two of them moved off together.

Simon walked over to Blair and sent him a glaring look, as if the whole thing was his fault.

"What the hell's going on with Ellison? First, he calls me down here, telling me he's got the place locked up. Then he walks away from me like I'm trying to sell him a time-share."

"I don't know, Simon," Blair attempted to explain. "He met this girl…"

Simon straightened as he caught sight of two men trying to leave. Another man attempted to stop them, telling them that the police wanted everyone to stay inside. Something about the two men that were trying to leave had Simon moving forward.

"Get Ellison," he barked at Blair.

A quick tussle ensued and Simon was able to subdue one of the men.

"Go ahead," Simon pushed the man toward an uniformed officer. "Get him out of here." He turned and noticed Jim and Blair hurrying toward him. "Well, nice of you to join us." His voice dripped with sarcasm.

"I'm sorry, Sir. I...."

"Drop it!" Simon held up a hand only to motion toward the counter. "Take a look at this."

"What about all these watches and stuff?" Blair gazed at the stash that rested on the bar.

"High priced pickpockets," Simon explained. "You guys must have spooked them when you came in. Several of the guests have already identified many of the missing items."

"So these aren't the thieves we're looking for?" Blair asked, disappointment coloring his tone.

"Think about it. If you had just stolen a million dollars worth of jewelry from across the street, would you hang around to snag a couple extra watches?" Jim asked Blair.

"It's been well over an hour since the fire," Simon noted. "The real thieves must be long gone by now."

Jim shook his head. "They're in the building, Simon. Don't ask me how I know. I just do."

"I can't explain our presence to the deputy mayor and six members of the damn city council by saying you had a 'feeling'," The captain said in exasperation.

"Simon....." Jim started.

"Wrap it up!" Simon snapped. "That's an order!"

Jim nodded but his eyes were glued on the girl that had wandered back into the room. He watched as a man approached her and they had an apparently heated exchange, causing Laura to throw her drink in the man's face.

"Excuse me," Jim muttered and walked toward Laura.

"What the hell's with him tonight?" Simon fumed.

Blair watched as Jim stepped up to the girl, the expression that was on the detective's face had Blair's hackles rising.

"You see that girl over there?" he asked Simon.

"The one he's going after like he just got out of jail?" Simon asked sarcastically.

"It's the strangest thing, Simon," Blair's tone held perplexity. "He just met her the other night and he's gotten totally infatuated with her."

"And now he's acting like some teenager?"

"No, no, no, it's different from that. It's like," Blair paused for a moment. "He can't even reason. He's working on pure instinct."

"Like a dog," Simon snorted.

"Yeah," Blair frowned. "If you want to be crude about it. Yeah."

"Works for me," Simon shrugged.

Blair gazed after Jim, contemplation written on his face. "Pure instinct," he whispered to himself.

"Was the girl the jewel thief?" Blair asked.

"One of them," Simon nodded.

"Did Jim really love her?"

"No. You figured out what was wrong," Simon stated.

"I did?" Blair looked amazed. "How?"

"Pheromones."

"Pheromones? What has that got to do with it?"

"Jim's sentinel abilities..his sense of smell..." Simon waved his hand in the air, searching for the right words. "It enhanced the..uh..." Simon fell silent as the grin grew on Blair's face.

"Jim...he...oh, man...."Blair started to laugh. "Oh man....poor Jim..."

The laughter that bubbled out of the young man was infectious and soon Simon was laughing too.

"Do I even want to know what is going on here?" Jim Ellison asked.

"Jim!" Blair grinned at Jim over the back of the sofa. "You're home!"

"Looks like," Jim chuckled as he hung up his coat and then walked into the living room. "What's up?"

"The captain...I mean, Simon was telling me some stuff about....about," Blair shrugged. "You know, me and you."

"Ah huh," Jim sent a wary look toward his captain. "What stuff, Chief?"

"Privileged information, Ellison. Privileged information," Banks interrupted, causing Blair to laugh again.

Jim smiled at his partner, glad to see the young man so relaxed.

"How you felling, Chief?" he asked as he sat down beside his partner.

"Okay," was the response.

"Having any pain or dizziness or anything?"

"Just a little headache, but then its not that bad. I mean," Blair explained. "It's almost always there, you know?"

"Umm," Jim nodded, putting his arm around the other man's shoulders. "Dr. Bryce said it will eventually go away."

"I know."

"Well, what have you two been doing?" Jim looked at Simon and then back at Blair. "Did you eat?"

"Yes, mommy," Simon grunted. "I feed him and burped him and told his a story."

Blair giggled once more, then peeked up at Jim to see how his partner reacted to the comment. His grin widened when he saw Jim glaring at the Captain.

Simon was not intimidated, however, and was returning Jim's glare with one of his own.

"Umm, Jim?" Blair decided to intervene, suspecting that the glaring could be an all day thing. "Did you find out anything?"

"What?" Jim glanced down at the upturned face beside him.

"Did you find out anything?"

"About what, Chief?" Jim frowned.

"You know," Blair gestured at his head. "Who attacked me?"

"No," Jim shook his head and sighed. "Brown didn't have anything new and neither did Sid."

"Sid Eldon?" Blair nodded at Jim's questioning look. "You told me he was the one who found my car."

"You remember that, do you? I didn't know if you would," Jim patted Blair's shoulder. "You were so out of it when I told you."

"Yeah, I remember," Blair returned.

"Sandburg, do you remember anything about that day… anything at all?" Simon leaned forward.

"Captain, I don't think it is a good idea...." Jim began.

"No, it's okay, Jim," Blair stopped him and then looked over at the captain. "I'm sorry, Sir. I can't. And, like I said before, when I try....it hurts so bad...I'm sorry."

"No, I'm sorry, kid," Simon held up a hand. "I shouldn't have said anything. It's just..."

"Just what?" Blair asked suddenly apprehensive.

"It's just when....seeing you like that..in so much pain," Simon cleared his throat. "And now...not remembering."

"Yeah?"

"I get so damned mad, Sandburg!" Simon said through gritted teeth. "I want the bastard that did this."

Silence followed, making Simon wish that he had curbed his anger. The kid was a bundle of nerves as it was and Ellison was in over protectiveness mode.

"Thank you," the whisper was so soft that Simon had to strain to hear. The blue eyes that turned his way were bright with unshed tears. Jim pulled the young man closer and sent his captain a look of gratitude.

"Thank you, Sir," he said.

"Yeah, well," Simon's eyes were suspiciously damp also. "No one attacks one of my men and gets away with it."

The smile that resulted from Simon's gruff statement blinded both of the older men

"I'm one of your men?"

"Of course you are, Chief. I told you that you were my partner."

"I know you did, but I guess I really didn't...you know...make the connection," Blair sighed. "I remember you telling me I was an observer...but..."

"That's just the official title. You're my partner in every way that matters."

"I'm there because of your Sentinel abilities, aren't I?' Blair looked up at Jim.

"That's the way it started, Sandburg," Simon cut in. "But you're much more that that."

Blair gasped and straightened up. He looked at Simon in astonishment.

"My mother," he stuttered. "I remember....I remember you saying that to my mother..."

Naomi Sandburg paced back and forth in front of Simon's desk. Blair gazed at his mother's agitation with decisive nervousness. He glanced over at Jim for a moment, gauging the Sentinel's mood. He had been afraid of this sort of thing happening since his mother's arrival.

"I can't believe you actually followed us," he said to his mother.

"Just let me have my say and then I'll go," Naomi snapped at her son. "Captain Banks has already had a earful, but he refused to come to his senses and see the situation for what it really is."

"What situation?"

"I saw a woman kidnap you at gunpoint. I mean, clearly there's a lot more going on here than simply observing," she stopped in front of her son. "I mean, the next thing I know you're gonna be parading around here in a blue uniform and jack boots.

"Well, you know what, Mom?" Blair spoke over her protests. "If I do, that's my choice."

"Well, make another choice!" Naomi demanded.

"Mrs. Sandburg…" Simon cut in when he saw the look of devastation on his observer's face.

"Ms." Naomi waved a tense hand at the Captain.

"Ms." Simon amended. "Technically Blair is still an observer, but he's become much more that that. Your son has helped us solve some very difficult cases and I consider him part of the team."

"Yeah," Blair said. "And they need my help on this case."

"Oh sweetie," Naomi shook her head at the young man. "I'm sorry, but you're not cut out for this kind of work."

"Mom," he breathed, tears welling up as he sent a desperate look toward Simon.

Simon sighed when he intercepted the pleading gaze and then stood and walked around the desk.

"Well technically," he began. "That's not entirely true. I've gotten to know Blair over the past few months and though we don't always see eye to eye, his enthusiasm is kind of refreshing." Simon paused and sent a comforting look toward the young man. "And I trust him. Whether he decides to stay or go. I back him up 100 percent."

"I stayed," it was a statement rather than a question.

"Yeah, you stayed," Jim confirmed.

"My mom!" Blair looked up at his Sentinel with delight. "I remember my mom."

"How about that," Jim chuckled.

" It'll all come back, Sandburg," Simon reassured.

"How you doing, Chief?" Jim asked, using his senses to monitor his partner.

"I'm thirsty, but other than that..." Blair shrugged.

"I'll get you something," Simon volunteered, as he stood up and moved toward the kitchen.

"What are you doing?" Blair whispered to Jim when he noticed the intense focus that was on the other man's face.

"Just checking you out," Jim returned.

"What do you mean?"

"Your heart, blood pressure..you know..." Jim waved his hand.

"You can do that?" A smile slowly covered the young man's face.

"With you I can."

"That is totally cool, man."

"If you say so, Darwin," Jim reached out to tousle his hair.

"Darwin?"

"Another nickname."

"Another one?" Blair sent an amusing gaze his way. "How many do I have?"

"Don't ask, Sandburg," Simon said as he came back in the room carrying a glass of juice for Blair and a beer for Jim.

"Right, right, right," Blair said as he took the glass.

"Hmm," Simon smiled and then turned his attention to his detective. "Jim I'm going to take off. I'll call later and see how everything is going."

"Thank you, Sir," Jim stood up. "I appreciate...."

"Yeah, thank you Simon," Blair spoke up. "I enjoyed our visit."

"I did too, kid," Simon returned. "I'll see you later, okay?"

"Yes sir," Blair waved at the big man as he walked toward the door.

"Be right back, Chief," Jim patted Blair's cheek. "I'm going to walk Simon down to his car."

"Kay," Blair nodded as he sipped his juice. He grabbed the remote and flipped on the television, already dismissing both men.

Jim shook his head in fond amusement and followed Simon out of the front door.

"He looks good, Jim," Simon said as they walked down the stairs. "Being home has helped, huh?"

"A lot," Jim agreed. "I guess being around familiar things...for a while I was a little concerned."

"How so?"

"He was so tense while he was in the hospital," Jim explained. "And it seemed like....you know....no memories at all. But now, they are coming faster than I can keep up with and he seems so much more relaxed."

"Well as relaxed as Sandburg can get," Simon chuckled.

"Yeah," The Sentinel smiled. "Anyway, thanks Simon."

"Really, Jim," The Captain's features turned serious. "Did you come up with anything?"

"Sid had the molds of the tire tracks at the scene. They matched the ones found by Blair's car," Jim told the Captain. "You probably know that already. No other leads."

"You couldn't tell anything?"

"I'll know those tires when I see them, Simon," the detective informed. "But whether it was random or deliberate....I just don't know."

"Well, until Blair can give us something...." Simon's voice trailed off.

"I know, Sir," Jim sighed. "I guess I'd better get back upstairs. Thanks again, Simon."

"No problem. I enjoyed it."

"Chief?" Jim called when he entered the loft and found the sofa empty. "Where are you?"

"In the bathroom."

"What are you doing?"

"Jeez, Jim!" The voice was tinged with sarcasm. "What do you usually do in the bathroom?"

Jim chuckled and walked back into the kitchen, intent on making a fresh pot of coffee. He stopped at the refrigerator, realizing that he was hungry.

"Hey, Chief. You hungry?"

"Nah, not really," Blair replied as he came out of the bathroom. "The captain fixed me some eggs."

"Well, I'm starved," Jim took out the leftover stew and placed it on the counter. "You sure you don't want some?"

"Maybe a little," Blair nodded.

"Great," Jim smiled at his he reached into the cabinet and grabbed two glasses and handed them to Blair. "Here, could you get us some ice, man?"

Blair gasped and stepped back. The glasses slipped from his grasp and fell to the floor with a crash. One hand grabbed his head, the other his chest.

"Blair!" Jim was at his side immediately. "Chief...Chief, what's wrong?"

"Iceman...Iceman.."Blair panted, looking up at Jim with tragic eyes. "Shot..."

"Easy, Blair, easy," Jim supported the young man, leading him to the table and easing him into a chair as he knelt in front of him. "You're just remembering something."

"Shot me..."

"Yeah, he did," Jim soothed. "Had a couple of ribs that were bruised pretty badly, but you were okay."

"But...my chest..." Blair rubbed at his chest as if he could feel the wounds that he envisioned.

"You were wearing a bulletproof vest."

"A girl...a girl.....what was her name," Blair rubbed at a wrinkled brow, pain beginning to fill the expressive eyes.

"Amber," Jim reached out and moved his hand. He gently took up a gentle massage. "Headache?"

"Amber," Blair said softly, leaning forward into Jim's touch. "Amber."

"That's right," Jim said, letting the young man lean against him.

"Head hurts," He whimpered.

"I'm sorry, Chief," Jim laid his head against Blair's "I didn't think."

"Jim!" the tone was getting desperate. "My head....God.....it's really beginning.....

"Okay.....okay," Jim eased the young man into a standing position. "Come on, let's get you in bed. It's going to be okay."

"Why did he shoot me, Jim?"

"Don't think about it right now, Chief," The Sentinel ordered as he helped his Guide into bed, positioning the pillows to support his head. "I'll be right back."

"Don't leave me!" a desperate hand clutched his arm.

"I'm not leaving, Chief," he reassured. "I'm going to get you something for pain."

"Jim......"

The pain was beginning to build. He could not decide if there was a vice around his head or if there was something inside his head trying to come out. Hot tears leaked out beneath clinched eyelids. He had hoped that the pain was going away, but the sudden burst of memories had brought it back with a vengeance.

"Here, Chief," Jim gently eased him up, supporting his head with one hand, while holding pills with the other.

Blair opened his mouth and let Jim drop the pills in, then sipped at the water that Jim offered.

"I'm going to be sick," he muttered as nausea rolled over him.

"No, you're not," Jim stated, gently placing Blair back against the pillows. "Now, just relax. The pills will kick in soon."

"Jim.....my head......"

"I know, buddy, I know," Jim resumed the soft caress to both temples. "Just try to relax. If you stay tense like this, Chief, it will only make the pain worse."

"He shot me.....the Iceman shot me..."

"Yes, but he's not here now," the older man said in a soothing voice. "No one's going to hurt you."

"He hit me, Jim....why did he hurt me?"

Jim pause for a moment, instinctively knowing that Blair was no longer talking about the incident that happened in the hotel room with Amber Larkin.

"Who, Chief....who hit you?"

"My head....my head...." the sobbing continued.

"Shh....it's okay," Jim scooted closer, one hand continuing the gentle massage to his Guide's forehead, the other started to rub Blair's left arm in an hypnotic gesture. "Just relax, Chief."

The Sentinel continued to watch over his Guide as the young man relaxed into sleep, an occasional hiccup the only evidence of his earlier distress.

When he was sure that Blair would remain in the healing sleep, Jim arose from the bed and returned to the kitchen.

He warmed the leftover stew and sat at the table to eat, keeping his hearing tuned to the small bedroom. Though he was glad that Blair was remembering, he could not stand to see his friend in pain. A frown marred his face when he thought about the Zeller case. He wondered why that particular memory disturbed Blair so much.

Jim made a quick decision and stood up. Grabbing the portable phone, he quickly punched in Simon's cell phone number.

"Hello," Simon picked up on the third ring. "Simon Banks speaking."

"Simon, its Jim."

"Jim what's wrong?"

"Blair just had a pretty bad episode," Jim informed the other man.

"Is he okay?" the captain's voice was filled with concern.

"I finally got him settled down, he's sleeping now," Jim said. "Listen, Simon. Could you do me a favor?"

"If I can."

"Could you check on Klaus Zeller for me?"

"The Iceman? Why?"

"Blair had a flashback or...something," Jim explained.

"About what?" Simon asked, confused. "About Zeller?"

"I don't know, Sir," Jim sighed. "The memory was about Zeller, I know, but then...then...."

"Then what Jim," Simon interrupted. "Did he remember? Do you think it was Zeller?"

"I don't know. Could you check on the whereabouts of Zeller?"

"I'll get right on it Jim," Simon promised. "I'll let you know." He pause a moment before continuing. "Jim, if it was Zeller, Blair could still be in danger."

"I know, Sir. He's not leaving my sight until I find out."

"I'll let you know," Simon repeated.

"Thanks."

Jim disconnected and then returned to the table to finish his meal. He had a little while before he had to give Blair his medicine and decided to take a quick shower. After checking to see if his partner was okay, Jim hurriedly obtained himself some clean clothes and retired to the bathroom.

The hot water was ecstasy and Jim almost zoned on the watery massage. He denied himself a long shower, however, worried that Blair might wake up and need. him.

He stepped from the shower refreshed. After dressing in clean sweats, he padded into Blair's room. The young man was sleeping soundly, with no further evidence of the distress that he had endured earlier.

Jim knew that Blair would be asleep for awhile, so he decided to watch TV until it was time for the young man's medications and then he would retire for the night also. He had a feeling that until Blair was fully recovered; a full night's sleep would be few and far between.