Back to part 7

Who Says Timing Isn't Everything
by Sammi M.

Simon watched the other man go back and forth and when he felt the shine on the linoleum had sufficiently been worn away, he responded, "Jim, are you sure you're not letting the picture of the girl last night cloud your objectivity. Granted, she did come off a poor soul and after Sandburg's brief history I felt for her, but I realized we have enough evidence to back our investigation up."

"It's all circumstantial and hearsay."

"People have been convicted on less." Frustration practically oozed off the seated man. "Look, I know this is hard, especially with what it's putting Blair through, but we can't focus on that. It is our duty to protect the people to the best of our ability and right now, Schuyler Sandburg is a threat to those people. Whether we like it or not and no matter what she's been through in the past, she's here and she has plans to do some damage. We owe it to everyone to make sure she doesn't get that chance." It was evident his best man wasn't really buying into the rhetoric, so Simon, being an intelligent man, decided to try a different tack. "Jim, Lloyd has spent a great part of his time following her. He's come so close to nabbing her, but she's always a step ahead. We owe it to him, as a fellow cop, to do our best with this."

"That's another thing about this case that doesn't work. All of our suspicions originated with Lloyd; all of our so-called evidence also came from him; every single lead or piece of information came from *him*. I know we did a background check, but something about him just …" The Sentinel stopped and stared out at his city from Banks' window. "Something about this whole case hasn't set well with me from the beginning. My gut tried to warn me, but I followed the badge. Now, I'm wondering if I made a mistake."

"Does this sudden soul-searching have anything to do with Blair's possible involvement in this case?"

Jim turned ice-cold blue eyes on his superior, "Sandburg's not involved in any of this!"

"Oh, really? And what about last night? How do you explain the conversation between him and Dr. Ryan?"

"I don't know, but I do know Blair wouldn't be involved in anything illegal. He knows better." Even though he refused to let Simon see, Ellison closed his eyes and asked any of the deities that watched out for his young friend for that to be true. Slowly, his mind slipped back to what had caused his doubts.

% @---`---> %

After the shock of hearing the story and realizing what the small family had gone through – were still going through – no one felt much like talking. Jim stayed as close to Blair as he could for fear the bad memories would shatter the young man. *They certainly shattered me … or at least my beliefs about this case.*

A knock at the study door followed by the entrance of the doctor startled the men. "Sorry about that. I didn't realize things were that intense in here." Telly looked around the room and whistled, "Nice to know some people still believe in the pride of a thorough job. Is there a room in the whole apartment he missed?"

Blair stood and walked to her nearly stumbling on the debris. "Not that I can tell. I think he wanted her to know he could touch everything in her life. What I want to know is how he was able to get past the security. You know how Schuy is about that."

"Yeah, well, we can get Paulie's guys on that later, right now we have more pressing matters to deal with." She handed Blair a card. "First thing we need to do is get this place fixed up. Kate Thompson's people are pretty good and they can undo damage like you wouldn't believe; we back it with enough money and the fact she owes Schuyler for a few things, the place should be okay in a couple of days. I've called them and they'll start at 1200 hours. Schuy's fighting the sedative enough she won't be getting any sleep tonight, but it should keep her calm. I called Vic and he's going to fax over the ID codes and product numbers for all of her stuff so that Kate can get as close to the stuff she lost as possible, so I need you to hook up your laptop and I'll grab my printer. The carpet's not a complete loss; it's only ruined in a couple of places and that can be replaced easily." A deep sigh was dragged from the petite woman, "The bear's a different story. She's not going to accept a substitute and I doubt we could find one similar anyway. This guy," she nodded at the card, "can work wonders with this kind of thing. He might be able to re-stuff it and sew it back together. He only takes on special cases because his work is just that good he can be exclusive, so, I thought you could call and give him the sob story behind the bear and what happened and how you're just terrified of what this will do to your poor little sister's psyche. Lay it on as thick as you can or else he won't do it. Tell him we'll fly him in and put him up for the duration of his stay. Anything, as long as he does this."

"You really think that'll be enough."

"Please. With the way you embellish, I bet he'll only ask for room, board, materials and travel."

For the first time that night, Blair actually smiled one of his beautiful smiles, "And you got all of that from just meeting me a couple of times?"

"Sweetie, I got all of that from just hearing you introduce yourself." Telly squeezed his hand. "You're good, and where Schuy's concerned, you're great. You'll get him here." A serious air overtook her as she dropped her voice to a whisper and turned Blair away from the others. Of course, she had no idea she was in the same room with someone like Jim. "Speaking of getting here, I really think you should call Richard. I don't think she's up for the job and our window is gonna start closing awfully fast. With him down here, we can look at other options – maybe even scrap this one for an easier one. I know it'll mean a lower yield, but I'd rather that than loosing any chance we might …"

"Why don't we take this discussion elsewhere. I think Schuy would appreciate her business staying private," Blair interrupted as he ushered the woman out of the room.

Simon was just about to ask Jim what was up when the detective raised his hand in a quieting motion. He quirked his head for a moment then jerked back and scowled. "Damn! He must have found a room with a some white noise." He turned a chagrined face to his superior and co-worker, "Sorry."

Banks nodded to let him know it was okay, but his curiosity was getting the best of him, "So, what were they whispering about? Was it something about what happened here or was it something we can use?"

Reluctantly, Ellison told them what he heard, trying to ignore the puzzled looks Joel kept sending him. When he was finished, Taggert jumped in, "And, you got all of that from where you were sitting? I couldn't here a thing and I was closer."

The Captain realized his mistake and tried to cover, "Well, I picked up on some of it. I guess Jim was just in a better position than us. You know, sound carries a lot better when you're lower and all that." It was time to get out of there before Joel started asking more questions. "Uhhh, Jim, why don't you see things are taken care of here? Make sure the team finishes *before* Miss Sandburg's group comes in and 'cleans up' the site. Joel and I'll get to work on things back in the department and we'll see you in the morning." He grabbed the staring Taggert and dragged him out the room. "Call us if anything else develops."

Jim couldn't help but hope that nothing else would, but after the conversation he had overheard, he wasn't too optimistic.

% @---`--> %

The other man snapped out of his memories at the mention of his Guide, "No, sir, I was only remembering a few things. Nothing to worry about."

"Yeah, well. What I was saying while you were 'remembering' was we need to locate Lloyd. No one's seen him since early yesterday and after last night, I want to see if he has any ideas on what they might do now that there's been a shake-up."

"He didn't show for last night's surveillance which in some ways I'm grateful. I don't think I would have wanted him on the scene with us; I don't think he would have been able to control his antagonism or suspicions." Jim quirked his head in that way of his and Simon knew he was listening to something outside of his walls. "Speak of the devil. Lloyd just showed up and Joel's bringing him up to speed on what went down last night." He glanced at his superior. "I don't know about you, but I'm very interested in what he has to say for himself. Care to join me?"

Both men entered the bullpen and drifted over to Taggert's desk where the outside detective was propped on the edge. "Nice to see you could deem to join us, Detective Lloyd," Simon intoned. "Tell me, do your superiors in San Fran condone the shirking of assigned duties or is this only something you reserve for me."

"I'm sorry, Captain Banks, but something personal came up and I had to handle it as quickly as possible." He smirked at Ellison. "Taggert was just telling me about what went down last night. Figures I'd have to bug-out the one night I could have gotten a chance to see this giant bear. Life just isn't fair."

Jim wasn't happy and he wasn't trying to hide it, "What was so personal and important you felt it didn't warrant letting us know? We were lucky Joel had hung around or else we could have missed something vital. You blew it, man."

Lloyd's fiery eyes collided with Ellison's ice and Simon took a careful step between the men. "My bitch of an ex-wife decided she wanted to wait until I was out of the state to try and pull something. I had to make a few calls and spend a few hours talking to my lawyer to make sure she didn't. Is that good enough for you?" Lloyd dropped his eyes first, but decided to stick one to the detective. "Joel was telling me something of the conversation you overheard. If you still think your little roommate isn't involved, you're heading for a bigger fall than the building they have targeted." While Simon held on to his man, Lloyd hopped off of Joel's desk and headed for the door. "If anyone needs me, I'll be checking in with my source to see if any of the plans have hit the streets yet. You have my number."

Joel, Simon and Jim watched as the other man sauntered out like he hadn't a care in the world. As soon as Simon was sure Lloyd had enough of a head-start, he released the Sentinel, "Ignore him. He's been trying to get a rise out of you since he got here. Why else would he have brought the case to us; he knew your tie to Sandburg.

Detective Rafe stopped to talk to Joel and the Captain pulled Ellison aside. "I know you don't like him, but the higher ups want us to work with him. That means, we have to swallow our pride and just go with what we have."

Something had been bothering Jim about the conversation with Lloyd. As he quickly reviewed what was said, he hit on it. "Sir, when I was listening to Joel tell him about the trashing of Schuyler's place, he never mentioned anything about the bear and yet, Lloyd specifically mentioned it."

"Are you sure Taggert didn't mention it? He is a details man and that would be something he'd bring up. If not, then he probably remembered it from something you'd said after the tour or from something he's heard since he's been following her." He shrugged as he headed back to his office. "Besides, I don't blame him for wanting to see it. An eight-foot stuffed teddy bear is not something you see or hear about everyday and I know I'm curious."

Jim stood there for a few minutes again reviewing what he'd heard between the two men and then his own report. The more he thought about it, the more he was sure he hadn't heard or said a word about that bear. "Something's just not right," he mumbled to no one in particular.

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Unfortunately, something told him that was about to change. He should have known things were just going too smoothly. As he flashed his badge and watched the security guard sign him in, Jim's mind was going a mile a minute. *Blair's going to think I was trying to pull something on Schuy last night. He won't believe I was really enjoying myself. This is going to really push him away.* Before he knew it, the elevator ride was over and the little ping was announcing his arrival on the girl's floor. When the doors opened, the first thing he saw was his friend struggling to get the door opened with his arms full of books and papers. He rushed to Blair's side and started relieving him of some of his burdens. "Whoa there, Chief. Did you bring the entire library home with you?"

The younger man was startled to see his friend but he quickly recovered. "Not the entire thing, but it feels pretty darn close." The door finally opened and the two men pushed their way in. "So, what brings you back here? Wanted another fun night with the kids?"

*I wish that was it.* "Umm, no, Blair. This isn't a pleasure visit."

"Then what kind of visit is it, Jim?"

"I'd like to know that myself," a pleasant voice called from the stairs. Schuyler continued down the stairway dressed in a thick white robe and with a towel wrapped around her hair. "Sorry to greet you like this, Jim, but I had a little accident at work and I ended up a little messy. I decided to grab a shower before fixing dinner." She smiled at her friend. "So, what kind of visit is this?"

Jim ignored the question and shot back with one of his own, "Where are the clothes you were wearing earlier?"

Blair's heart started racing as he watched the smile fade from his sister's face. "Why? What do her clothes have to do with anything."

"Because we're probably going to have to use them for evidence." The Sentinel's eyes begged his Guide to understand – even though he himself didn't. He turned back to the young woman. "We'll need to take them with us."

"Yo-you can't. I dropped them down the laundry chute right before I got in the shower. They're probably halfway through the wash cycle by now."

"Damn!" Jim rubbed at his temples as he berated himself for not getting there sooner. "Okay, since we can't do anything about those now, I need for you to go upstairs and put on some clothes – preferably something comfortable because we might be there for a while."

Schuyler really hated being commanded."I'm not going anywhere and putting on anything until you tell me exactly what the hell is going on here! You can't just demand that I jump without me knowing what I'm supposed to be jumping about! You have five minutes to tell me what this is about or I'm going to throw you out of here – cop or not."

Blair decided it was time to intervene as he saw his usually placid sister about to kick ass. "Schuy, I didn't tell you about this before, but there have been some suspicions thrown out about you and what you do. The cops started an investigation when you first arrived and my gut's telling me something went down tonight and Jim needs to take you to the station."

Stunned, the girl could only stare at the men. "What? An investigation? Suspicions? What kind of suspicions? What in the world do you think I do?"

"We've been investigating you as the leader of robbery ring that's hit several major corporations and buildings in a seven-city spree. The takes have totaled over half a billion dollars."

"A common thief! You think I'm a common THIEF!" Her laughter held no humour. "I have been called a lot of things in my short lifetime, but a thief has never been one of them – I guess until now. On what did you base your suspicions on?"

Jim sighed. He hadn't wanted to get into all of this here. "A San Francisco police detective brought us what he had and we've compiled more evidence while you've been here. A warrant to view your bank records showed that after each of the robberies, you deposited a substantial amount of money into your accounts."

Almost as quickly as it had risen, the anger left Schuy's voice, "And that automatically put the nails in my coffin." She took several deep breaths and focused on the detective. "Did it ever occur to you that I might have a valid reason totally unrelated to the robberies for making those deposits? Did any *legal* means ever pop into your close-minded little heads?"

"Look, I'm not here for you to insult me. My captain told me to bring you in for questioning and that's what I'm going to do. So, either you can go upstairs and put some clothes on or I can take you out like this. It doesn't matter, but you will be going."

Storm grey eyes cut through Jim and the temperature in the room dropped about ten degrees. "Of course, Detective. I'll just be a minute." She stopped halfway up the stairs and turned, "Lemme ask you one question. All the times you were around me … when you seemed like you were enjoying my company … was it just an act so you could find out what the little thief's plans were?" Silence. "I guess it was."

As Schuyler continued upstairs, Jim turned pain-filled eyes towards his partner, "Blair, you have to believe I wouldn't be doing this if Simon and the Chief hadn't demanded she be brought in."

"I know, Jim. Once I sat down and thought about your reactions when we've all been together, I realized you may be a good actor, but not that good. Contrary to what you just let her believe, you like Schuy and you don't really want to do this." To reassure his friend, he moved closer to him. "So, what happened? I know something happened or else you'd just be continuing your surveillance."

Jim's shoulders lifted a little with the knowledge his partner believed him. With renewed energy, he answered, "They hit the Tyler building. What they didn't count on was an off-duty guard looking for something he lost someplace he wasn't supposed to be." He dragged his fingers through his hair. "It looks like there was a struggle and a gun went off. He was killed instantly. Judging from the blood spray, it was a petite person and she was probably covered in it."

"That's why you wanted her clothes. You came here hoping to find her in the same outfit the surveillance noted earlier looking none the worse for wear. Instead, you find a newly showered and squeaky-clean suspect. Man! Talk about bad timing!"

"Yeah, I was hoping against hope what I'd find here would let her off the hook. I just …"

"I'm ready, Detective," Schuyler casually floated down the stairs fully dressed. "I hope you don't mind, but I took a few minutes to contact a friend. He should be joining us at the station." Pure ice flowed from the girl as she continued, "He was most intrigued by this so-called evidence and he finds this whole thing ludicrous. But, he suggested that I go along with you without any fuss. For my brother's sake, I've decided to concur."

Jim was very grateful as he motioned for her to proceed. "Thank you for that. I appreciate your making this as easy as possible."

The girl shrugged and in all seriousness replied, "It's the least I can do … before my people make your life a living Hell."

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Sammi