Linstead- Love Me Until The End

Chapter 1

Erin's POV

It was 7am and I had snoozed my alarm for the tenth time, "I need coffee" was my first thought. I came out to the kitchen only to find that I was out of coffee and forgot to pick some up. I was late, which meant no coffee for me or Voight would have my ass. I got ready, grabbed my badge and gun, and headed to the district to see what kind of low life's would keep me busy today. I guess I shouldn't complain, I mean it's job security, right? I have to admit that I was a little on edge lately due to that fact that I hadn't had a partner in months. They either didn't fit in or weren't tough enough and Voight had no tolerance for weakness. I have been partnered up with my dad since my last partner left, which explains my mood. He has always been too protective. Since Nadia died he has spent most of his time hovering over me which is really getting old and I try to use every opportunity to tell him so. I mean I can't really blame him after the shit I pulled, but pain is pain. 

I got to the district with a minute to spare and decided to enter the back way to avoid any possible situation that may delay me. "Morning!" Antonio said, I smiled and started venting about my lack of caffeine situation but then I quickly realized that no one cared so I asked if we had a case. "No, work on paperwork from yesterday until something pops up." Hank stated from his office doorway. "Lindsay, my office!" He lightly shouted. "Yes?" I said walking into Hank's office. "Listen, I just wanted to check in and see how you are doing?" He looked at me wanting to start a conversation. "I'm fine, have you found me a partner yet?" I looked down playing with my fingers, avoiding eye contact. "Erin, I'm working on it. But you're not fine, does your mood have anything to do with your mothers death anniversary next week?" My head shot up and my teary eyes met with my dad's, I had forgotten how well he could read me. "You seem surprised that I picked up on that, but never forget how well I can read you kiddo. I may also know because I'm missing her too." Hank didn't show his emotional side very often. I just nodded because I couldn't find the words to answer him. I finally managed to whisper "I miss her so much." Hank came over from the other side of his desk to wrap me in a hug. He then told me he would make a coffee run to my favorite cafe, then released me from his arms and grabbed his coat. 

Hank's POV

I was standing in the cafe waiting for the large coffee order I had just placed when I turned and saw a familiar face across the room. He looked much more mature than when I had seen him last plus he was taller, more muscular, and actually had some facial hair. I walked his way when I placed my hand on his shoulder and said, "Jay?" He looked at me as if he had just walked into a surprise party. "Hank?! Wow, how long has it been?" Jay asked. "A long time. You look good." I responded. Jay went on to tell me he was just getting back from Afghanistan after completing  2 tours, and took the police exam. He wasn't sure where he was headed next but it seemed like he came back to Chicago to figure that out. I told him all was well with the family when he asked, and that I was still in Intelligence. There was so much to be talked about, but neither one of us wanted to talk about it. The barista called my name, "that's my coffee order, but you should swing by the district sometime. I'm actually looking for another member if you're interested." Jay looked at me with curious eyes and nodded.

Voight arrived back to the district with the team hot on his heels, "What took you so long?" the caffeine addicts exclaimed. He remained silent and smirked towards Erin, who was clueless. "We caught a case, lets roll." They arrived to the scene, "2 male DOA dead less than 6 hours ago per the M.E, no signs of break in or robbery." Dawson stated. "Traces of cocaine found in the house, no stash of drugs or money." Ruzek said. "Alright, Atwater and Ruzek go canvas the neighborhood and find someone who saw something! Antonio and Burgess go talk to the families. Lindsay work the bodies. Al and I will look for more evidence in the house."

Erin's POV

After several hours, we were no where on this case. Back at the district we set up the board and the only lead we had was that this was gang affiliated. We ran patterns and connections to narrow down which gang these kids either pissed off, owed money too, or tried to get out of. It's usually one of those. "Vice Lords." Atwater said looking up from his computer. "Looks like one of the DOA's Michael Quinton was hooking up with a girl connected to the Vice Lords- Bobby Canter's ex-girlfriend, he's a shot caller for the gang." It was starting to all make sense to us, "So now we have to prove it" I said. Burgess and I left to look for a murder weapon but didn't have any luck. We ran into a little boy who asked if it was safe out here yet? He lived next door to the murder scene. Burgess and I looked at each other and questioned him further in a friendly way. He seemed to have witnessed something, so we asked for his mother to bring him down to the district. "Ok buddy, do you recognize any of these men from that day?" I said, placing my hand on his back to comfort him. He looked at me and I nodded, "It's ok, you don't have to be scared. This is going to help us find him." I said. The boy took a deep breath and pointed at our suspect. I got an arrest warrant and we grabbed our vests. We waiting for Voight to give us the word to move in. "Ruzek, Burgess, and Al take the back. Lindsay, Atwater, and Antonio up front with me. CHICAGO PD!" The front door caves in from Kevin kicking it and we move in with guns up. We found Quinton inside but he ran out the back. Lucky for him, Ruzek was waiting at the back door for him with cuffs ready. Burgess found the gun used under his mattress and he was booked within minutes of being back at the district. We were all exhausted, so Voight sent us home and said we could start the paperwork in the morning. "Molly's anyone?" Ruzek asked. We all nodded and left.

Same shit, different day? Isn't that what they say? I was actually in a better mood today, nothing had changed but I felt different. I showered, curled my hair a little, and put on a basic t-shirt and jeans with my black boots. I walked into the district to the lovely Trudy Platt yelling cruel comments at patrol officers who were lurking at the desk. I laughed as I walked up, "She strikes again." Clapping my hands. "Shut up Lindsay. I think Voight's waiting for you." I buzzed myself up to the bullpen only to see Kim and Tony there with Hank's door closed. I put my stuff down and set up my paperwork from yesterdays case, I hate paperwork. Adam and Kevin came strolling in and we all got into conversation, fooling around like we do from time to time. Suddenly, Hank's door opened and I heard him same my name in his raspy tone. "Erin, I want you to meet your new partner." I was ready for this. I heard his footsteps approaching the doorway as I turned my head and took a glance. Correction, I was not ready for this. For once I had nothing to say, no facial expression, no sarcastic remark. Reality hit me as I realized I wasn't dreaming, I put my hand over my mouth as I gasped. I had no control over my emotions, I could feel the tears in my eyes threatening to fall. 

"Jay..."