Disclaimer: The characters and concepts of The Sentinel do NoT belong to me. This is for entertainment purposes only. No money is being made from this.
Author's Notes: This is a holiday story taking place after "My Brother's Keeper."
Comments welcome at: testhom@netzero.net
SANTA'S LITTLE HELPER
by Michelle Furnas
Simon Banks, Captain of Major Crimes, looked out his office window into the bullpen and shook his head. What the heck is Sandburg doing here on Christmas Eve? Maybe he and Jim had a fight? If they did, I don’t even want to know about it. Being in the middle of their domestic troubles is the last thing I need. Here comes Sandburg. I’ll give him my best ‘I’m busy’ look.
“Come in,” Simon responded to the knock on his door.
“Hey Simon, here are the reports on the Henderson case.”
“You came in on Christmas Eve to fill out reports?” Simon asked in surprise forgetting his vow that he didn’t want know.
“I didn’t want Jim to use them as an excuse to come in tomorrow to avoid Christmas.”
“He has been a bit of a grump about the holidays lately, hasn’t he?”
“A bit of grump? Look up Scrooge in the dictionary and you’d probably find Jim’s picture. He couldn’t get a hold of Stephen so he’s determined to be miserable, but not to worry, I have a plan. The only thing is I need him to be home tomorrow.”
“You should probably stop there-anything you say can and will be held against you in a court of law and all.”
“Very funny. I didn’t do anything illegal. His present is arriving tomorrow. It’s being delivered.”
“You know Jim hates surprises.”
“He’ll like this one.”
“Uh huh, sure he will. So are you guys doing the whole turkey thing?”
“Nope, Scrooge decided to act like tomorrow is just another ordinary day. He’s being a big baby. I volunteered to serve Christmas dinner at the 7th Street Mission. It will give him quality time with his present.”
“You make it sound like you got him a woman.”
Blair laughed. “Yeah, I guess phrased that way it does. Is Darryl spending Christmas with you?”
“No, he’s with his Mom this year.”
“Oh sorry. You’re more than welcome to come serve dinner with me. They always need volunteers.”
“Yeah, I’ll give it some thought.”
“Sure, well I’m going to get home. I also wanted to drop this off,” Blair said taking a small wrapped box from his pocket setting on the edge of Simon’s desk. “Merry Christmas, Simon.”
“Merry Christmas, Blair.”
Simon watched the anthropologist get on the elevator. He picked up the package. After pulling off the bow, he ripped open the paper to reveal a white box. Taking the lid off and moving the stuffing around, the gift was revealed. Simon caught his breath. It was beautiful-a sterling silver cigar snipper. Turning it over he saw the inscription: To Captain S. Banks, With Gratitude.
*************************************************************
Blair entered the loft noticing that Jim hadn’t even bothered to plug in the tree lights. This is getting ridiculous. I understand he’s disappointed, but you’d think the guy could at least fake it. I went to a lot of damn trouble. Take deep cleansing breaths. If I let myself get all worked up, we’ll end up fighting. I just have to keep acting like it doesn’t bother me. Tomorrow will be better.
“So, did you get all your errands done?”
Blair turned toward the balcony doors as Jim entered. “Yeah actually I did. I even finished early so I dropped by the station and did the paperwork on the Henderson case. I figured it would be one less thing for you to worry about. Besides I had to drop off Simon’s gift.”
“Oh, I was planning on going in tomorrow and doing that paperwork.”
“Really?” Blair asked. Silently he muttered, I know. “Well now you don’t have to. I’m really tired. I think I’m going to turn in early.”
“It’s only 9:00.”
“I know, but I’m beat.” And if I have to watch you mope around here anymore, I’ll probably have to kill you. “Goodnight, Jim.”
“Goodnight, Sandburg.”
*************************************************************
Jim awoke on Christmas morning to find the loft empty and quiet. Pulling on his robe he padded downstairs glancing in Sandburg’s room to confirm that he was indeed alone. He found a note on the kitchen counter. It simply said, “Merry Christmas. Be back later.” Now where on Earth would Blair run off to on Christmas? Nothing’s open on a holiday, and what exactly does ‘be back later’ mean? An hour? Three hours? Midnight? He was the one all excited about Christmas anyway, and then he pulls a disappearing act. What’s up with that? He’d just put on the coffee when there was a knock at the door.
“Hey Simon,” Jim said opening the door.
“I swear, Jim, I don’t think I’ll ever get used to that.”
“Your cigars give you away every time. Come on in. I just made some coffee.”
“Thanks. I just wanted to drop off your guys’ gifts. Is Sandburg still asleep?”
“Actually he’s up and gone.”
“Have you exchanged gifts yet?”
“Not yet.”
“I can’t wait to see what he got you. This was my gift,” Simon said pulling the cigar snipper from his pocket and handing it to Jim.
“Wow, this is really nice-engraved and everything. It looks expensive. I haven’t even looked under the tree for my gift.”
“Wouldn’t do you any good. Sandburg said it’s being delivered so it’s not under the tree. Speaking of trees, yours is nice, but don’t you think it would be nicer if you plugged in the lights?” Simon asked walking over and doing it himself.
“Oh, yeah I guess. I didn’t think about it.”
“Jim, did you have anything to do with getting the tree or decorating it?”
“Not a thing actually, I came home from the station and there it was.”
“So Sandburg’s basically done everything. I’m going to say something, and if I’m overstepping my bounds, I apologize.”
Jim set down his coffee mug and looked at Simon. “Okay, go ahead.”
“Jim, you’re being selfish. You have to snap out of this mood you’re in. I understand that Stephen’s your brother by blood. I know you had a lot of hopes pinned on spending your first Christmas together after being apart for so long, but, and I think I’m right in saying this, you and Sandburg are as close as brothers. He’s with you every day. Christmas is about family. I’m sorry that Stephen won’t be here, but you’ve been treating Blair as though your stuck with him, like he’s second choice, and that’s not fair. I’m sure he understands why you’re upset, but the kid’s feelings are probably hurt nonetheless. He seems to have gone to a lot of trouble. Why else do you think he came into the station last night to finish your paperwork? He knew you’d try to work today.”
Jim sighed. “I can’t help it. I didn’t realize how much I wanted Stephen to come until I couldn’t get a hold of him. It hit me harder than I expected, but you’re right. I shouldn’t have taken my disappointment out on Blair. I…”
A knock on the door interrupted him. Jim opened the door to find a young man standing there holding a wrapped package and a framed photograph.
“Can I help you?”
“I’m looking for Blair Sandburg.”
“He’s not home right now.”
“Oh, well I just wanted to drop this off for him,” the young man said handing Jim the package. “Just tell him it’s from everyone in Professor Johnson’s Anthro 132 class sort of a thank you for taking over the class after the Professor’s accident. This is for him too,” the student said handing Jim the photograph, “Tell him it’s just a copy we’re saving the negatives for blackmail material for next semester.”
Puzzled, Jim looked down at the picture. His mouth dropped open. He couldn’t help himself. He almost didn’t recognize Blair, but it was definitely his roommate, pointy ears, pointy hat, green tights and all. Jim looked up at the man standing in his doorway who was now wearing the biggest grin.
“Pretty wild, huh?”
“Where did you get this?”
“Theresa, one of the girls in the class, took her brother Tim to the mall to see Santa Claus. Imagine her surprise and delight to see who Santa’s little helper was. She found a store that sold those disposable cameras and got a picture. Listen, I gotta go. Tell him we all agree he makes an adorable elf, but we hope he doesn’t give up his day job.”
Jobs, Jim thought standing in the open doorway looking at the picture. This sure explains a lot-like where the extra money came from, and why he never seemed to have enough time to get his University work done, staying up late every night for the last two weeks of the semester, but still managing to drag himself into the station every single day. Simon’s right. I’ve been the biggest jerk in the world. I can still make it up to him though. Christmas isn’t over yet, and I’m going to make sure that this is the best damn Christmas he’s ever had. Jim shut the door realizing Blair’s student was gone and turned to find Simon coming down the hall from the direction of the bathroom. He glanced down at the photo one more time smiling at the sight Blair made in his elf costume. When he looked back up at Simon, the smile reached from ear to ear.
“Whoa, who was at the door, Jim? Someone giving away good cheer. You’re mood seems to have improved.”
“Let’s just say, I found my Christmas spirit. Merry Christmas, Simon.”
Simon raised his eyebrows. “Yeah, Merry Christmas, Jim. Is that your present from Sandburg?” he asked nodding at the package Jim was still holding.
“Uh, no. One of Blair’s students dropped it off,” he answered putting it under the tree along with the photograph.
There was another knock at the door.
“That must be your present,” Simon said refilling his coffee mug.
Jim pulled open the door expecting to see a delivery person on the other side. Instead he found himself face to face with the last person he expected.
“Oh my God, Stephen! What are you doing here?”
“What do you mean what am I doing here? I got your invitation and plane ticket.” At Jim’s blank look Stephen continued, “The invitation for Christmas, and the plane ticket you insured and sent registered mail that I had to sign for. Smart move by the way. If I hadn’t had to sign for it, it probably would have ended up on the bottom of the mail pile, and I wouldn’t have gotten it until New Year’s. Why are you looking at me like that? You don’t have any idea what I’m talking about do you? You didn’t send an invitation or a plane ticket, did you?”
“I wish I could take the credit, but I think it all belongs to Blair. I can’t believe he did this. I’m so glad you’re here. I’ve been trying to reach you for two weeks.”
“We were in the middle to trying to close a big deal. I won’t bore you with the details, but negotiations were delicate. I’ve been practically living in the office ignoring the outside world. So, do I get to come in?”
“Yeah, sorry,” Jim said moving out of the way. “You remember my boss, Captain Simon Banks.”
“Of course, hello Captain Banks. It’s good to see you again, especially under different circumstances.”
“Same here and call me Simon.”
Jim had no sooner shut the door when there was another knock. Pulling open the door he found a tall, attractive brunette standing on the other side.
“Hi, can I help you?”
“Is this the Ellison residence?”
“Yes it is. What can I do for you?”
“Okay, this way guys,” she said turning toward the elevator. Two men exited the elevator pushing a cart laden with covered metal trays. Jim stepped aside to let them enter the loft, the smell of turkey reaching him.
“What is all this?”
“Christmas dinner.”
“I didn’t order Christmas dinner,” Jim said watching the two men unload the cart.
“The order was placed by Blair Sandburg. Just give us a call tomorrow anytime between nine and five to let us know when we can pick up the pans,” she said handing him a business card which read: Delaney’s Catering.
“Uh, thanks,” Jim said pulling out his wallet.
“Not necessary, Mr. Ellison. Everything’s been taken care of. Merry Christmas.”
Jim looked at the kitchen counter which now was covered in food. There was turkey, stuffing, green bean casserole, cranberries, rolls, pumpkin pie, apple pie, and pecan pie. A complete Christmas dinner. I don’t understand how he managed to pull this off, but it’s the most generous thing anyone’s ever done for me. Just when I think I’ve pretty much figured Blair out, he finds a way to surprise me.
“Wow,” Simon said, “look at all that food. I think I’m going to get out of here so you two can enjoy the holiday and catch up.”
“Are you going to pick up Darryl?”
“Darryl’s with his Mom this year.”
“Why don’t you stay and have dinner with us. I’m sure there’s enough for four.”
“Actually, I think Sandburg planned for you and your brother to have the loft to yourself. I think I’ll just go take him up on his offer.”
“What offer? Do you know where he went?”
“Yeah, he volunteered at the 7th street mission. He’s serving Christmas dinner.”
Jim looked at Stephen torn. As much as he’d wanted to spend Christmas with his brother, and he was glad that he was there, he really wanted to be with Blair. It was Blair who had made this holiday special.
“You know, Jim, I’m sure all this food will keep. Why don’t we see if Blair needs any help. We can all come back here later and see if that turkey looks as good as it smells,” Stephen said walking over to cover the pans.
“Thanks. I really appreciate this.”
“No problem. It will give me a chance to say thank you.”
“Why don’t we take my car? I can’t wait to see the look on the kid’s face when you two show up. He’s probably going to think I talked you into going, and then I’m going to be in trouble.”
Jim laughed at the notion of Simon worried about being in trouble with Blair. “Don’t worry, Simon. I’ll make sure he knows it was all Stephen’s idea.”
The three men piled into Simon’s car joking all the way. When they entered the mission, Jim headed straight for his roommate while Simon and Stephen went to find someone they could talk to about volunteering.
“Blair,” Jim said as he approached.
“Jim! What are you doing here. You have to go home or you’ll miss your delivery.”
“Stephen and Simon are with me. We came down to see if you could use some extra pairs of hands.”
“We can always use help, but I thought you’d want to spend the day with Stephen.”
“That’s what I thought too, but I realized something was missing.”
“Didn’t the dinner get delivered? I’ve got their card here somewhere…”
“The dinner came. You, you were what was missing, Chief. I’ve been the biggest jerk lately, and I’m sorry. I’m happy to see Stephen, but you’re the one who’s made this the best Christmas I’ve ever had. What you did for me was the most generous thing anyone’s ever done.”
“Don’t worry about it, Jim,” Blair said waving it off.
“Don’t do that, Blair. Don’t act like it was nothing. It wasn’t, and I won’t ever forget it. You and I are family. I forgot that for a while, but it won’t ever happen again.”
Jim reached over and pulled him into a hug not caring who was watching or what anybody thought. After a slight pause, Blair returned the hug.
“Merry Christmas, Jim.”
“Merry Christmas, Chief,” Jim said as he released him, “Now, hand me an apron and let’s get to work.”
The End
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