Tolerance Book I (Chicago PD/Med FF) by Frances51163

Chapter One Hundred and Eighty-Three: A Kind Act

The Briefing went on for over two hours during which time confirmation had been received that Dawes had in fact been the driver of the SUV. Johnson had returned from his interview with the shaken, newly widowed Mrs. Dawes and imparted information which had quietened the large room.  Dawes was terminally ill.  He had received the grim diagnosis of Stage 4 brain cancer a few weeks prior.  When Johnson had enquired why Dawes was still working the pale woman had stated her husband was in denial about the situation and insisted on going to work every day.

"So Wells finds out about Carlisles' wife and Dawes?" Kevin looked at his companions.
"Too much of a coincidence," Al understood what his friend was alluding to, "there must be a connection between Carlisles' wife and Dawes."
"I agree," Voight looked over at Mouse, "find out everything about their medical treatments and if they had the same Oncologist."
"On it Boss," the IT Specialist assured as his fingers danced across the keyboard as if of their volition.
"We need to check if Dawes had a Life Insurance Policy," Jay pointed out.
"You figure he agreed to carry the bomb so his wife would be looked after financially?" Adam looked at his friend.
"Can't think of any other reason he'd agree to do it," Jay admitted as his cell vibrated and he retrieved it from his pocket.
"What's up?" Antonio checked as a stricken look passed over his friends' features momentarily before being replaced with a blank look.
"Nothing," Jay brushed off the question, he knew it had been a longshot that Harry the dog had escaped the carnage but he had still hoped.
"So where are we on the bomb?" Al asked to give his friend a reprieve, he would not appreciate the concerned looks being sent his way.
"According to Forensics it was an IED but like Burke stated the device had different components to the previous IEDs."
"Would Wells have been able to access the various components as easily as the other ones?" Kevin checked.
"Definitely," Burke replied after Murphy indicated he should deal with the query, "everything used is available in any hardware store."
"So are we going with the theory of two Bombers now? ATFE Agent Jefferson wanted to know.
"It seems they're working together but Wells is calling the shots," Voight answered after sharing a look with the Assistant Director, they were aware bringing Burke into the investigation might not sit well with the three ATFE Agents assigned to the case but so far no one had made it an issue.
"Makes sense given the change in IED character."
"Anymore on Dawes?" Al checked from his seat by the window.
"Not yet," Murphy noted seriously, "hell of a way to go ....,"
"No arguments there," Voight stated succinctly, "let's go over everything we have again from the top .....,"

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Two hours later after the Briefing ended Jay stood in the quiet corridor outside the offices as he put away his cell.  A hand on his shoulder startled him and he turned to find Adam and Kevin.

"What's up?"
"That's what we want to know," Adam pointed out, "who was that text from earlier?"
"It .....," Jay sighed, why the hell was he so upset over a dog?
"Tell us," Kevin prompted gently.
"Forensics found the puppy. He was under one of the burning cars."
"Hell!" Adam cursed.
"Guess we knew he couldn't have survived," Kevin eyed the younger Detective carefully, "I can talk to the boy. Explain things."
"Thanks Kev but he asked for my help," Jay would never understand how he got so lucky with the men he worked with, "it's my job to tell him."
"Who were you talking to just now?" Adam frowned, he doubted his friend would impart the sad news over the phone.
"What's this twenty questions?"
"You gonna tell us?"
"If ye must know I spoke to the boys' mother. I asked if it would be alright to get another puppy for him."
"What did she say?"
"She said it was a nice thought but she didn't think Marcus would go for the idea."
"But you have a plan," Adam said knowingly.
"Got the names of a few Dog Shelters. Mouse did some checking."
"Not sure Voight will agree to you going there," Kevin cautioned.
"Who said I had to get his permission?"
"Me," a gravelly voice joined the conversation causing Jay to send a death glare at his companions, they could have warned him the Sergeant was approaching!

                     -----------------------

To everyones' surprise Voight had agreed to Jay visiting the Dog Shelters. The Sergeant didn't explain his acquiescence but he decided doing something for the boy might help Jay alleviate some of the unnecessary guilt he had placed on his shoulders.  One proviso with the permission however was that Adam and Kevin accompany him. This stipulation had been greeted with disgust by Jay but relief by his two friends. Knowing better than to argue with the older man Jay led the way to the elevators with Adam and Kevin happily in tow.

The second Dog Shelter provided the puppy Jay had been looking for. A four month old mixed terrier with shaggy hair and dark brown eyes that screamed for attention was the perfect choice. He wouldn't get too big and as a puppy he would grow up with Marcus.
Adam and Kevin had immediately recognised the resemblance to the bludgeoned Max but didn't comment on it. Although he hadn't said anything when his friends had entered the Dog Shelters with him he put his foot down when Adam pulled the rental up outside the Gilberts' small white bungalow.

"I got this," Jay insisted as he held his precious bundle protectively and opened the door, "ye stay here."
"But ...,"
"Stay!" Jay ordered before getting out.
"Maybe we should go with him," Kevin suggested as they watched their friend ring the doorbell.
"Yeah you do that," Adam nodded agreeably, "and I'll send some flowers to your funeral."
"You afraid of him?" Kevin taunted as he took his hand away from the door handle.
"You better believe I am," Adam admitted easily as they saw the door open and then became serious, "I reckon he doesn't want an audience when he talks to the boy."
"Guess you're right," Kevin agreed sadly.

Mrs. Gilbert let Jay go down to her sons' bedroom hoping she had made the right decision.

"Mind if I come in?' Jay stood in the open doorway and eyed the young boys' reddened eyes.
"Okay," Marcus shrugged.
"I'm really sorry about Harry," Jay offered as he walked over to crouch down in front of the boy, "listen I was hoping that you could help me."
"Me?" Marcus gave the Detective his full attention for the first time and noticed movement in his jacket.
"Well my little buddy here needs someone to look after him," Jay gently explained as he unzipped his jacket and a shaggy head appeared, "now I know you loved Harry and this guy can't replace him but I figure you're experienced enough to look after him."
"Mom won't ...,"
"Your Mom said you can have him," Jay quickly assured as he carefully handed the squirming bundle of fur over to small, eager hands.
"Don't you want him?" Marcus eyed his companion worriedly.
"Well I'd love to keep him but I'm out at work all day so he'd be lonely. I figure he'll have lots of fun playing with you."
"So I can keep him forever?"
"Forever," Jay agreed solemnly before standing up, "now how about we introduce him to your Mom."
"What's his name?"
"That's up to you."
"Well how about Buddy? You called him your little buddy."
"Now see that's why I knew you'd be the perfect Little Man for him to live with. Buddy is a strong name. The other dogs won't laugh at him."
"Don't be silly," Marcus giggled as they headed out to the kitchen, "dogs don't laugh!"
"Oh I don't know about that," Jay argued as he fibbed, "he went to the toilet on my friends' lap earlier and I could swear he was laughing."
"Was your friend cross?" Marcus asked worriedly.
"Nah, it was his own fault. I told him he should have taken him for a walk," Jay winked.

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Much to Jays' chagrin the boys' father had returned as he was saying his fatewells and the older man insisted he stay for lunch. Trying to get out of the invitation by explaining his friends were waiting outside only resulted in the invitation being extended. Over an hour later with Adam and Kevin complaining of being stuffed the trio said their goodbyes as Marcus hugged his new best friend to his chest and promised he would look after him.

"They're a nice family," Kevin commented as they drove back to Headquarters.
"They were lucky today," Adam noted, "Mrs. Gilbert and Marcus had a close call."
"Hell of a world we live in," Jay stated as he looked out the front passenger seat window, "you go out shopping and it turns into a life and death situation."
"Yeah," Kevin concurred and changed gears as they approached a set of red traffic lights.
"Guys ye don't ....," Jay got a sick feeling in the pit of his stomach.
"What?" Adam demanded from the back seat.
"What if Wells was there?"
"At the Gilberts?" Kevin frowned as he caught Adams' eye in the rear view mirror.
"We didn't see any cars following us," Adam pointed out.
"He knew I was going to the Morgue."
"That was different," Adam argued.
"We're nearly at Headquarters," Kevin noted, "we'll talk to Voight. See if he thinks the Gilberts need protection."
"Hell I'm probably being paranoid."
"Jay there's nothing wrong with being cautious," Adam quickly reassured, praying no harm came to the family because his friend would never forgive himself.

tbc