Chicago Love ✔️

Chapter 49: Thank You, Hailey

Hailey takes a deep breath as she leans back against the wall in one of the few buildings that were on the property. 

She had just finished sharing her statement with one of security guards on the property. She detailed what she heard, as well as her actions that were taken. They then cross-checked the databases to ensure she was actually a detective as she stated she was to the individual. 

She was informed the individual would be arrested for sexual harassment, as well as public intoxication which had ultimately became a factor in how he had approached the situation.

She made her way over to where Katelyn sat, taking a seat beside her as the blond looked over at her with a smile.

"Thank you, Hailey," Katelyn said as she took a deep breath. "I appreciate you stepping in when you did and taking care of him." Hailey nods her head, accepting, as she debated what the next words should be. This was not a case being solved. This was stepping into intervene in a public situation involving her boyfriend's teammate's wife.

"Just doing my job in what I was trained to do in serving and protecting," Hailey comments, as that was actually why she had entered. She heard the argument and knew the signs of when to step in. However, trained or not, she knew in her heart she would have tried to do something. "I could hear the argument while I was in the line for a hot dog. Did you know the guy?" Katelyn shakes her head no. 

"I hadn't ever seen him in my lif-"

"So we just have a random fan that decided he would pick on you because you're married to a driver? Does that happen often?" Hailey could not help but ask the question. She had accepted Alex's request just weeks before. She thought it was simply entering into a relationship with someone she loved who happened to be a racecar driver. Was there something else that she should have been warned about? 

"Go online, go on social media, go on the message chat boards. There are jealous sick fans on there who pick on driver's wives. They make fun of their appearance, saying they don't belong with their driver. They slander the fact they think we're just all out here to get every driver's pocketbook - some are, most aren't. It is not new to hear a fan make a slanderous comment about a driver's wife or girlfriend. But to actually approach that female, make a comment like that, and essentially threaten sexual assault? No, this is not something that happens regularly. It happens once in a blue moon." Hailey nods her head, accepting, as she was not surprised by the comments. It sounded like the life of anyone who was on cameras and in the public eye. She just now had to think if she could be used to that as her image got out there more with Alex. 

"I can tell how much Kyle and you care about each other, and how whatever they are saying is not true. I saw that when I met you." Katelyn just smiles back in return as she finally allows her eyes to look over at Hailey.

"I can honestly say that I am surprised you and Alex are dating. I didn't expect that to happen after I met you." Hailey could not help but chuckle as honestly, it was crazy how much things had changed just in the past six months. She never thought she'd be signing divorced, and entering a new relationship this year.

"It was not on my bingo card for 2023." Katelyn could tell, in having seen how Hailey and Jay were together that night at 34 Raceway. However, she could also see the glances that Jay had been trading with Erin at the same time.

"I am happy for you, though. Alex is not like a lot of the other guys around here. Total sweetheart, adorable, one of the best hearts that I've seen around racing." Hailey smiles in hearing the admiration for her boyfriend.

"He's been pretty amazing so far..." Hailey takes a deep breath, not believing she was going to say the words out loud. She also did not believe the words were being said for the first time to a total stranger, instead of Kim. "I never thought I would leave Chicago and move elsewhere. But the other day, I was looking up job opportunities in North Carolina. I want to be able to spend every single moment of the day with him." 

"You should look into NASCAR's security detail team. They set up where to have checkpoints, and are keeping a closer eye on things than the fans probably realize. They are ensuring certain points where those without credentials could enter, and then also keeping an eye on people to assure they don't abuse those privileges. I know it's not high profile or big case chasing like being a detective, but it could be something to look into. You could travel with Alex everywhere and get paid to do so." Hailey nods her head, as she was not about to ignore the thought from Katelyn. It was certainly an option. She did not know if it fit what she wanted to be doing, but being paid to spend time with her boyfriend and look out for people did have a nice ring to it. "Once again, thank you... Maybe Kyle won't pick on you as much. Actually, if he does, just remind him it was you that saved my ass. He won't stop saying thank you for that." 

"You're welcome, even though I know you could have probably handled the guy...." Katelyn nods her head, doing a muscle arm motion as she stands up and gets ready to head out.