A Sentinel Takes a Guide by Alyjude (NC-17)

[tatkreiswok.livejournal.com]

Out of courtesy, I'm posting a rape warning for this story. Please keep in mind that the rape that occurs is not the point of the story, nor even a major focus of it; it’s more a character point than anything.

Fandom: THE SENTINEL
Pairing: Jim/Blair
Author on LJ: alyburns
Author Website: The Kennel, or look her up at 852 Prospect
Why this must be read:

Lee Brackett, from the episode “Rogue,” shows up a lot in TS stories. And why not? Canonically, he knew more about Jim’s past than we do; he certainly intimated that he knew a little more about Sentinels and Guides than Blair; and Brackett’s the one who elevated Blair’s role in the partnership to one of equality with its own set of special skills and abilities.

As its title suggests, a Guide could certainly be a commodity in demand; we’ve met a couple of Sentinels in the course of the series, but the only Guide we’ve come across is Blair. This story – like so many others – proposes that Brackett’s developed some interesting heightened senses during his time in prison, and is now in need of a Guide. Do you wonder where he’s going to look for one? And do you even question what Jim and the gang at Major Crimes will do to bring Blair back?

This is one of the best stories I've come across that explores Brackett as Sentinel, and the impermeable bond that exists between Jim and Blair. Nobody handles twists and turns like Alyjude. She writes beautifully, knows Jim and Blair like the back of her hand, and even though you know everything’s going to turn out fine for our boys in the end, your heart still pounds with excitement and worry as you thrill to the story she lays out before you.


Jim climbed the stairs to the third floor, concentrating hard on each step. He was tired, they'd failed tonight and amid curses aimed at the Mayor, he fumbled in his pocket for his keys. As he hit the third floor landing, he paused....

Something - wrong. He focused and immediately discovered what was off kilter - no heartbeat. No Sandburg.

But that was impossible. The Volvo was downstairs and....

He hurried forward, got the door open and his gun out. Entering carefully, he found nothing amiss but he also found - nothing.

Putting his gun away and smirking at his caution, he began to investigate. All the signs said that Blair had been here and less than three hours ago. Warmth still hovered over the couch and from the way it was spread out, Blair had been asleep. A beer bottle sat on the coffee table, half empty. The set was off, but the remote and TV Guide were next to each other.

Jim could smell Indian food, knew without a doubt that Blair had eaten it. But he walked to the kitchen and checked under the sink just to be sure. Yep, the empty carton sat in the trash. Jim opened the cupboard and was able to identify the bowl Blair had used, cleaned and put away. Worry gnawing at his gut, he moved to the French doors.

Inside Blair's room, all seemed normal ... except... walking quickly to the door, he opened it. His hand connected with the door frame and he froze.

Small, nearly invisible splinters of wood held a few strands of Blair's hair. His hair had brushed past this point....

But not standing up. That would have been impossible. Jim closed his eyes and tried to envision the circumstances that would have allowed Blair's hair to connect and catch....

Dangling. Fireman's carry.

Blair had been carried out of his home.



A Sentinel Takes a Guide