Title: The Case of
the
Author: Angelee
Fandoms: Perry Mason/The Sentinel
Pairing: Jim/Blair
Rating: Adult
Summary: Who did it? Surely not Blair.
Beta: By my sister Anna-all remaining errors are mine.
Note: A challenge given by Lady Q. Write a Perry Mason/The Sentinel crossover where Blair is arrested for the murder of Chancellor Edwards.
The Case of the
“No.”
“But Jim…”
“No Dad. I don’t need your help. I can get Blair out on my own.”
William sighed as he looked over at his stubborn son. Jim’s chin was protruding slightly, like it did when he was going to be extremely difficult.
“And how the hell do you plan on getting him out of jail? Bail has been set at one million dollars? On your cop’s salary?”
The chin came out even more. “I’ll sell everything I have, if I have to. Blair won’t be spending any more time than necessary in jail. I don’t need your help. Not even on my cop’s salary.”
William sighed again. “I’m sorry, Jim. I didn’t mean to be sarcastic. There’s nothing wrong with being a cop. I’m sorry I implied there was.”
The chin came down just a little. “Okay. He didn’t do it. Blair didn’t kill Chancellor Edwards. He doesn’t have it in him. He’s the gentlest person I know. He does have his days when he’s grumpy or people who push his buttons the wrong way get to him. The way Edwards did. But Blair would never kill her or anyone else. He doesn’t have it in him. You have to believe me.” Jim’s voice held a note of desperation.
William touched his son’s arm. Noticing the fine trembling. “Why then won’t he tell them where he was the night Chancellor Edward was killed. He doesn’t have an alibi.”
Jim pulled his arm free. “Blair has his reasons.”
“Good enough to get the death penalty for?”
The chin can back up. “He seems to think so.”
William’s eyes narrowed. “But you don’t? Do you?’
“I won’t go against the wishes of my Guid…Blair. I won’t.”
“Jim, it’s not just his future we’re talking about. We’re talking about his very life.”
“I know,” Jim whispered so softly, William almost didn’t hear him.
“Let me help. I can help. I want to help,” William pleaded. He’d been out of the country on business, barely finding out about the murder when he picked up a newspaper at the airport. He’d driven from there, straight the police station.
“Why?” Jim asked suspiciously. “You’ve never cared before.”
William flinched. That hurt, but even though it hurt it was nevertheless true. “Because you are my son and Blair is an important part of your life.”
“He’s my Guide. My sanity.”
“Have you been having trouble with your senses? Since Blair’s been in jail?”
Jim blinked his eyes tiredly. “Some,” he answered reluctantly.
“When was the last time you slept? Had something to eat?”
“The day before they arrested Blair.”
William frowned. “That was three days ago.”
“I know. I can’t sleep. I can’t eat. Not without Blair being close by. I need to hear his…”
“What? What, do you need to hear, Jim?”
“His heartbeat. It’s my lifeline. What keeps me from going insane.”
“What are you saying?”
William watched Jim’s blue eyes fill with tears. His heart broke. He had never seen his son look so vulnerable.
“I need Blair. Without Blair… Dad…
William ran his hand over his arm tentatively. Noticing the trembling had increased.
“Alright. You don’t have to tell me anymore. Stay here.”
“Where are you going?”
William smiled at him from the door to the interrogation room. Where he’d found Jim pacing. “To get you your Guide and a lawyer. I know someone. I need to get a hold of him, see if he’ll take Blair’s case. If I send in some food will you try and eat?”
Jim shook his head. “I can’t.”
“Alright. Will you at least lay down and rest for a little while?”
Jim nodded. “I’ll try.”
***
Less than an hour William watched with some satisfaction as Jim sat in a chair head resting against Blair’s chest. An empty plate that had at one time held sandwiches nearby.
The curly haired man’s arms were wrapped protectively around Jim’s head, humming softly to the still trembling Sentinel.
William smiled when he noticed that his son was quietly purring.
After a moment Blair looked up. “Thank you, Mr. Ellison.”
“Call me William. And you have nothing to thank me for, son.”
“I do. Willingness to pay a million dollar bail is not nothing.”
“I haven’t used it yet. We have to wait for the lawyer to set everything in motion. Son, I need to ask you something.”
“Alright.”
“Did you do it? Did you kill Chancellor Edward?”
Jim made a small grumbling noise. “Shh, it’s alright,” Blair soothed softly. “he has the right to know. No, William. I didn’t.”
William looked deep into the eyes of the man holding his son, protectively close. Seeing only honesty in their blue depths.
William touched his shoulder gently. “I believe you,” he replied, feeling the vibrations of Jim’s purring clearly.
Just then there was a knock on the door. Looking over he saw clearly who it was through the interrogation window.
“Your lawyer is here.” Going to the door, William opened it. “Blair I’d like you to met your lawyer. I’d like you to met Perry Mason.”
TBC