Operation Sandburg
Ramblin Rose
Jim jumped out of bed that morning and thought, Ellison, you’re going
to go for it today. You’re going to try to get Sandburg’s attention.
You’re going to wine and dine him until he’s impressed. You’re not letting
up until you can see that Blair wants you back.
He walked down the stairs and got into the shower. He took a nice
long hot shower thinking of the things he could do and say to make Blair
notice him. What if he really isn’t into guys? Shut up, Ellison!
Neither were you until six months ago. Suddenly, you could be used for
their poster boy, you’re so into the man. What are you thinking? You’re
not into him, that’s the problem.
He went to wake Blair up and realized Blair wasn’t in there. Where
in the hell was his guide? He knew that he heard him come home last
night. Why was he gone? Jim walked into Blair’s room and could smell
a female. Not just a female, but sex with a female. It was a fresh
scent, too. Jim was getting angrier by the moment. This means
that Blair had a woman sleep through the night in their loft. Something
Blair had never done. Jim was so hurt he couldn’t even see straight.
Hell no, Ellison, it’s cuz you’re fucking gay. Jim presumed
he must be near hysterical to be laughing at that stupid joke. Fuck…
Jim got ready for work and drove to the station. Getting off the elevator,
Brown walked up to him and said, “Ellison, you’re partner needs to write a
book. He’s something, isn’t he?”
“What are you talking about, Brown?” Jim asked tensely.
“You know that new cop over in Vice. The woman with legs up to here?”
Brown asked pointing to his neck.
“What about her?” Jim answered.
“Well, she was in this morning and said that she spent the night with our
Officer Sandburg. What do you think of that?” Brown asked.
“I think that you're spending way too much time on worrying about someone’s
sex life and not enough on finding the bad guys.” Jim said angrily.
Simon was watching and saw Jim getting pissed off and said, “Ellison, could
I talk to you please?”
“I’ll be right there, sir.” Jim said as he stopped by his desk to put the
files down on it. He was so pissed off he was about to spit nails.
Wonder if someone really would spit nails, could it actually hit someone?
I mean, what are the chances of them coming out of your mouth at a speed that
could do any harm to anyone? Jim started that stupid hysterical
laughing again and Joel walked up to him and said, “Hey, Jim. You okay?”
“Thanks for worrying about me, Joel, but I’m fine. I’m just tense
today.”
“Okay, well you know where I am if you need someone to talk to.” Joel said
as he walked off.
Jim figured that things couldn’t get much worse. St. Joel was now
offering to listen to Jim’s problems. Conner walked up to him and squeezed
his arm and said, “How you doing, Ellison?”
“Why?” Jim asked shocked that everyone was worried about him suddenly.
“Well, I heard about Sandy’s date and I was just wondering how you’re taking
it.” Megan said calmly.
“What the fuck does Sandburg’s date have to do with me? More importantly,
why would you think I cared?” Ellison almost growled at her.
“Ellison, you might have everyone else fooled but I know what’s going on.”
Megan said as she walked off.
Jim walked into Simon’s office and shut the door, then proceeded to start
smacking his forehead into the door jam. “Jesus, Jim, what are you doing?”
Simon asked pulling Jim away from there and pushing him into a chair.
“Nothing, I just felt like getting some frustration out, that's all. Sorry,
sir.” Jim said putting his face in his hands and hoping that Simon wouldn’t
expect him to look at him.
“Jim, have you seen your partner this morning?”
“Why? What’s wrong?”
“Nothing's wrong. He seemed upset about something and said he wanted
to talk to me about something later. I was hoping it wasn’t anything
to do with your senses.”
“Do I look like his fucking keeper, Simon?”
“Do I need to remind you of where you’re standing and who you’re talking
to?” Simon growled back at him.
“Sorry, sir. I didn’t sleep well and I’m taking it out on you.
I don’t know what he wants to talk to you about. Maybe he’s getting
married or something.” Jim said sarcastically.
“Who’s he dating? Jim, I honestly thought the two of you were an item.”
“Well, we aren’t. He doesn’t even know I exist, Simon.”
“Okay, I see what the problem is now. You wish he did know you existed.
Right?”
“Simon, he’s not into guys. Why even talk about it?”
“Jim, since when have you been into guys?”
“Since about six months ago. I can’t get it up unless I have a picture
of him in my mind. That’s how long.”
“Whoa, that’s way more than I really wanted to know, Jim. Why don’t
you talk to him? I’m sure he has something he could tell you. He’s your
guide, for god's sake.”
“Simon, he brought a woman to the loft last night. He’s never brought
someone to spend the night.”
“Do you want to talk to me about it?” Simon asked in his friend voice, not
his boss voice.
“I don’t know what to do. I just need to get over him and move on.”
Jim said as he stood up.
Simon pushed him back into the chair and said, “What a wuss you are today.
Giving up already? You candy ass.”
Jim couldn’t help it; he started laughing at Simon’s little jabs. “Okay,
hot shot, so what ideas do you have for me to try?” Jim asked.
“Well, I think you’re going to have to sweet talk him, Ellison. And
since we all know you aren’t good with sweet talk, then I’d say, you better
get busy buying things and having them delivered.” Simon said trying not to
laugh.
“Hey, I can sweet talk as well as the next. I’ll start with flowers
and poetry. Thanks, Simon.” Jim stood up and said, “Oh, can I take off for
a short while and take care of some business?”
“Yeah, get out of here, Ellison. I want results with this.” Simon
said smiling.
Jim got into the elevator with big plans. He knew that he’d have to
do it anonymously. At least until Blair could see who was really the most
important person in his life?
Jim went to the corner flower shop and ordered a gorgeous arrangement of
carnations, roses and baby's breath. The manager asked, “Do you want
us to make up a card for you?”
“No, I was going to write a poem but I need to have you write it on the
card for me. It’s not going to have my name on it.” Jim said.
The manager handed Jim a tablet and said, “Have at it, Detective.
We’ll do whatever you want.”
“Thanks, John.” Jim said sitting down to think up something good.
When he was done reading what Jim had written, he looked at him and said,
“Jim, this is going to do the trick. He’ll come around. Just you
wait and see.”
Jim’s face turned red when he was found out but John didn’t seem to be making
fun of him at all. “Could I be sure that there's no way he’ll find out
how it was paid for and so on?” Jim asked.
“Jim, don’t you want him to know?” John asked perplexed.
“Yeah, but not yet.” Jim answered.
Jim got back to the bullpen and Blair still wasn’t there. He knocked
on Simon’s door and said, “Have you heard from my partner, sir?”
“Yeah, he said he’s running late and to tell you that he’d be here soon.”
Simon said. “Did you take care of some business?”
“Hey, mum’s the word, Captain.” Jim said as he walked off smiling.
When Blair finally got there Jim couldn’t help but notice that Blair looked
like shit. What in the hell was going on? Did this woman keep
him up all night long or something? Dumb question, Ellison. Well,
they wouldn’t have to worry about that too much longer.
Blair sat down at his desk and said, “Sorry, Jim. I’m really sorry.
I won’t be late like this again.”
“See that you don’t. It’s embarrassing when I don’t have a clue as
to the where-a-bouts of my partner.” Jim grumbled.
Jim handed the stack of files to Blair and said, “Hey, Partner, here’s your
half. We need to get these finished.”
“Okay, I won’t take any lunch.” Blair said as he immediately started working
on the files.
“I think we can take off a short time for lunch, Chief. You’re not
that late. It gave me a chance to think about this latest case.”
About two hours later, a delivery guy walked in and asked Megan where Blair
Sandburg was. Megan pointed him out and the guy walked up to Blair and
said, “Blair Sandburg?”
“Yeah?” Blair said surprised and a little scared of the idea of the woman
he had been with sending flowers to his work.
He gave a tip to the deliveryman and took the flowers. He was smelling
them when Jim asked, “So who sent flowers, Chief?”
“I don’t know man. This is like ‘so’ cool.” Blair said opening up
the large card.
Blair,
Your eyes make the world brighter no matter how awful it is.
Your smile makes me want to melt into your arms and wish I
never had to leave.
Your laugh warms everyone’s heart.
Your touch would make anyone tremble.
You are walking personification of love.
Everyone you come in contact with is for the better.
Brighten up our lives forever.
Touch us and make us feel alive.
Show your love to each and every person you know.
You’re the best man I know.
You’re the only man I could love.
Your Secret Admirer
Jim sat and watched his partner reading it and saw him swallowing hard and
trying not to lose it. John had been right; he’d done a good job.
Blair picked up the phone and asked for Corbin Connelly. When she came on
the line, he said, “Thank you so much for the flowers; they're just beautiful.
The poem was so romantic, I couldn’t believe it when I read it.”
What was Corbin going to do? Deny that she was the one that made Blair
happy. Hell, no. She did the next best thing. “I’m so glad you
liked them, Blair. I thought of you when I ordered them. The poem was
just something I had rattling around.”
Jim sat there with his mouth hanging open. He couldn’t believe that
she was taking credit for something that Jim had done. Fuck…
“Corbin, want to go out tonight and we’ll stay at your place if that’s all
right.” Blair whispered.
“Yeah, that’ll be fine, Blair. I have to go now. I’ll see you
tonight. Come on over and we’ll order take out.” She said.
After hanging up the phone, he handed the card over to Jim and said, “Do
you believe this? Man, this is the most romantic thing I’ve ever read
in my life. I didn’t even know she had it in her.”
Jim glanced at it and said, “Chief, I have to go take care of some personal
stuff with my dad this afternoon so can you finish this paperwork?”
“Oh yeah, Jim. I don’t mind at all. Blair grabbed the files
and started humming. Jim wanted to strangle him.
Jim left for the day and wasn’t even missed by his fucking partner.
Damn it, this isn’t supposed to be the way it happens.
Arriving at the flower shop, Jim said, “John, he thinks his flavor of the
month sent it. Do you believe it? What do you suggest now?”
“Something a little more personal. Something only you might know,
he’d love. We have some gorgeous necklaces that we put in the flower
arrangements. A lot of them are quite manly.” John said.
“Could I look at them?” Jim asked.
John brought out the manly ones and let Jim looked them over. Jim
saw one that jumped out and screamed Sandburg. “This one looks Peruvian,
is it?”
“What a good eye you have, Jim. It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” John asked.
“Yes. It’s perfect. The trees will be symbolic of what we are.” Jim
said as he sat down to write the next poem.
When he was done, he handed it to John and the florist said, “Jesus, Jim.
I never took you for a romantic. You know if it doesn’t work out with
Blair, I’d love to have dinner with you sometime.”
Jim smiled and said, “I might take you up on that, John. Thanks for
making me feel good.” Jim paid for his things and went to go and pick his
dad up at the doctors. He had his eyes dilated and Jim didn’t want him
driving afterwards. Once he picked him up, he said, “Dad, do you want to
go to the bullpen with me so I can pick up some paperwork really fast?”
“Sure, Jimmy, that would be fine.” William said.
When they got there, Jim sat his dad down at his desk and said, “Hang on,
Dad, while I get some things together.”
“Sure thing, Jimmy. Don’t worry about me.”
“Mr. Ellison, good to see you, sir.” Blair said as he walked into the room.
Jim was in Simon’s office when the second delivery came for Blair.
Blair saw the gorgeous flowers and the necklace and just melted. It
was so romantic he couldn’t believe it.
“Well, it looks like someone must really love you, Blair.” William said.
“I think that someone does. What’s really funny is she didn’t even
seem that wild about me. But it seems like I judged her wrongly.” Blair
replied.
Blair opened up the card and started reading,
Blair,
We are like the trees in the jungle.
So close together, you don’t know where one ends and one begins.
It wouldn’t matter anyway.
We are as one.
Together.
Our roots are strong.
Our love shall be, too.
Like all trees, I can bend.
All you have to do is ask.
Our branches need to join.
We’ll be one forever.
Love,
Your Secret Admirer
William looked at Blair’s face and said, “Something really nice?”
“Yeah, would you like to read it, sir?” Blair asked wanting to share it
with someone.
William read it and looked at Blair strangely and said, “You do know who
this admirer is, right?”
“I just started seeing her last night. It’s so weird. She’s
not the type to do this kind of thing. The note this morning was like
this one. Sweet and loving. Two words I wouldn’t put with her.”
Blair said laughing.
“Can I see the one from this morning?” William asked.
“Sure, here it is.” Blair said as he handed the card over to William.
William read it and frowned and said, “Blair, I don’t know how to tell you
this but I don’t think it’s from a woman.”
“What do you mean? Of course, it’s from a woman. I called her
and she said you’re welcome.”
“Well, it’s not like she’d say ‘oh no, it wasn’t me that sent it to you,’”
William said.
“You think it’s from a man? Why would you say that William?” Blair
asked.
“Because I recognize the way he writes.” William said looking at his son
and knew he was still safe from being found out.
“You’re saying that Jim sent this to me?” Blair asked incredulously.
“Yes, that exactly what I’m saying. Now what do you plan on doing?” William
asked.
“I don’t have a clue. I’m at a total loss. I’m going to have to think
this through.” Blair said trying not to hyperventilate. “William, why aren’t
you mad about this?”
“Because I would love to see my son happy for a change. However, don’t give
in too fast. Let him treat you like this for awhile yet.” William advised.
Simon’s door opened up and Jim came walking out and said, “Dad, you ready
to go home?”
“Yeah, Jimmy, I am. It was good seeing you again, Blair. How
about dinner next week?” William asked. Jim stood by wondering what
in the hell he had missed while in Simon’s office.
“Excuse me but don’t I get invited, Dad?” Jim asked laughing.
“Jimmy, I don’t have to invite you, you’re my son. You’re a given.”
“Why are we having dinner, Dad?” Jim asked. “When's this dinner, anyhow?
Maybe you could make it on a night when I have to cook.” Jim laughed as he
started walking with his dad to the elevator.
On the way to his dad’s house, Jim asked, “So what were you and Sandburg
talking about for so long?”
“Well, he was telling me all about this new woman in his life. He
thinks she might be it. He said she’s very romantic.” William said
as he looked out the window with an evil smile on his face.
“He thinks he’s in love with this woman?” Jim asked.
“I’m not sure, Jimmy. But he said that he was so taken with the love
notes that he wasn’t able to think straight.”
“So he liked the love notes, eh?” Jim asked trying not to sound too interested.
“Oh yeah! He told me that this was the most romantic woman in the
world and he was smitten. I think you might not have a roommate for much
longer.”
“What? What are you talking about Dad?”
“Well, if things work as well as Blair thinks they will, he’ll probably
be getting married or at least moving in with her.”
Jim didn’t say anything but William could see the tenseness in his big hands
around the steering wheel. When they drove up to the house William said,
“Thanks, son. I’ll give you a call and let you know about dinner next
week. Do you know this girlfriend of Blair’s?”
“No. Why?”
“Well, I was just going to say if she’s smart she’ll hit him hard with some
more things this afternoon and tonight and then sweep him off his feet.”
“I’m sure she’ll do just fine by herself. She won’t need helpful hints
from me.”
“Thanks again, Jimmy. I’ll talk to you later.”
“Bye, Dad. Be careful until you can see 100% again.”
“I will, son. See you later.” William said as he walked up to his
front door. Once he was in the house, Jim drove off and drove right
back to the florist shop by the station.
Walking in, he was like a man on a mission. Seeing John, he said, “Well,
I’m going to have to step this up. He thinks it’s his damn girlfriend.”
John started laughing and said, “Well, why not just sign it and then he’ll
know.”
“Just keep laughing, John, but I’m going to win this one if it kills me.”
“Jim, I think that you’re making it entirely too difficult for yourself.
Sandburg seems like a nice guy; just tell him how you feel.”
“Oh, easy for you to say. Look at me, why would he choose me over
that woman? No reason at all.” Jim said and looked very depressed.
“See there you go again, Jim. You’re putting yourself down.
Making this way too hard. Anyone with eyes knows your partner's wild
about you.” John said trying to boost Jim’s ego.
“Ya think?” Jim asked hopefully.
“I think another couple of things and you’ll have him eating out of your
hands.” John said.
All right. What do you suggest this time?”
“Why don’t we go for a plant for his desk and another little love note?
But make it perfectly clear that it’s someone in the bullpen.” John said.
“I don’t know if I can do that because then he’d be asking around about
everyone and what if he ended up with someone from the bullpen?”
“Jesus Christ. Give it a rest, Ellison. Send the plant, write
the note and get out of here.”
“Fine, John. Let's figure out something to send to the loft, too.
I want him to get something at home tonight.” Jim said planning in his head
on how to get his roommate to stay home for the evening.
John helped Jim pick out a beautiful plant for Blair’s desk and another
plant for the loft, along with another necklace to be delivered to the loft
that evening. Jim sat down and wrote the notes and gave them to John.
After paying for things, he left with a smile on his face.
When he got back to his desk, Blair asked, “How’s your dad doing, Jim?”
“He’s fine, Chief. Thanks for asking. His eye appointment went
well. They were a little worried about cataracts but his eyes were clear.”
Blair could tell that Jim was nervous and making small talk. Therefore,
he decided to take this up a step. “I’m going out tonight. I know it’s
my night for making dinner but I couldn’t stand waiting. I called Corbin
to thank her for the second note and gift and she was so happy that I was
happy. She’s warm for my form, Jim.”
“Spare me, Chief. I don’t want to know that.” Jim said getting angry.
Blair had to bite the inside of his cheek to keep from laughing seeing the
frustrated look on Jim’s face.
Just then, a deliveryman walked in with the plant for Blair. Sitting
it on his desk, he said, “Wow. You’re really popular today, Detective
Sandburg.”
Blair gave the young man a tip and then sat down and admired the plant.
It was a beautiful plant. One thing for sure, Jim spared no expense
on this little endeavor.
He opened up the card and began to read,
Dearest Blair,
Smile at me and I’ll follow you anywhere.
Like I’ve done in the past.
Kiss me and I’ll belong to you forever.
Like I’ve dreamed of.
Touch me and I’ll be in my own private heaven.
Like you do every day.
Love me and I’ll promise to be here for you, forever.
Like I already do.
You’ll be in my heart forever.
YSA
Blair got up and walked into the restroom. Jim looked at the retreating
figure and wondered what he’d done wrong. Blair looked sad while reading
that.
About ten minutes later Blair came out and said, “Jim, I’m going to head
home. I’ll go ahead and cook dinner tonight, okay?”
“I thought you said Corbin was coming over?” Jim inquired.
“Well, I changed my mind. I have a feeling she didn’t send those notes.
Someone else did. I need to think on it for a while. See you at home,
Jim.”
Once home Blair made a great dinner and had things about ready when someone
knocked at the door. The deliveryman said, “Man, you’re one popular
dude.”
“Yeah, I guess so. Thanks.” Blair said as he handed him a tip. Opening
up the card, Blair read,
Please let me into your life.
You’ll see that we can be as one.
Two hearts beating as one forever.
I’ll teach you to understand my love.
You’ll teach me to understand yours.
Together we’ll be perfection.
I want you so badly.
I dream of making love to you.
I dream of you making love to me.
I dream of our life together.
Dreams can become reality.
Please allow me into your heart and life.
I love you.
Forever yours,
YSA
Blair got misty eyed when he read this and called the florist that it came
from. “Hey, John. This is Blair Sandburg. I know that Jim’s
the one that has been sending me the flowers, plants and notes. I need
to send something back to him. I'd like it delivered tonight.
Could you do that?”
“That would be great, Blair. I’m glad you know what’s going on because
Jim was clueless in how to handle this.” John said laughing. “Got anything
you want put on the card?”
Blair rattled off what he wanted put on the card and John started laughing
hard. “Jim's going to be sorry that he tried to trick you, isn’t he?”
“Oh yeah, very sorry. But luckily, I want to make him pay my way.” Blair
said laughing again.
Jim got home and found the loft empty. No guide, no dinner nothing.
He was instantly depressed.
He saw a note on the fridge saying, “Dinner's in the micro, just hit the
start button, it's ready.” Jim hit the button and the loft smelled of
delicious food. His heart warmed instantly thinking of Blair.
When the food was done, he sat at the table and ate in lonely silence.
There was a knock at the door and he got up to answer it. Looking out
to see who it was, he saw the deliveryman for the floral place.
They must not have made it in time for Blair to get his last delivery.
Resigned to being just sad, lonely and blue, he opened the door.
The man said, “Jim Ellison?”
“Yes.” Jim said surprised.
“Sign here for these, please.” The man said. Jim signed and gave him
a tip and took them into the loft and set the flowers down. The arrangement
was gorgeous. Picking up the card he read,
Jim,
If you want to fuck me, let me guide you.
If you want to have me, let me guide you.
If you want to love me, let me guide you.
If you want a naked guide, come upstairs.
One's waiting for you.
He wants to fuck.
What’s taking you so long?
Love,
Blair
Jim got a huge grin on his face and started taking his clothes off as he
rushed up the stairs. There laying on his bed was a naked Blair.
Jim couldn’t get his clothes off fast enough.
He crawled onto the bed and Blair said, “From now on, you tell me if you
have something to say. Don’t sneak around behind my back.”
“I promise, Chief. I promise.” Jim said softly as he climbed closer
to Blair’s body. His guide was beautiful indeed. Jim was getting
very nervous now. Blair could see it and said, “Jim, let me guide you.”
Instantly, Jim calmed himself and put himself into Blair’s hands. Moreover,
what wonderful hands he had.
“I love you, Chief.”
“I love you, Jim.”
End
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