~Abuse~

Chapter 68

Trigger warning!
In the bullpen, Jay was arguing with his computer because it kept rejecting his printout request for the CI files. Frustrated, Jay slapped the screen and ended up breaking it

"Damn!" he cursed.

Erin looked up, curious about what had upset her husband so much.

"Babe? What's making you so upset?" she inquired.

Jay sighed and looked up.

"The darn computer is rejecting my request for printouts again," Jay explained with a sigh.

Erin came over and took control of the mouse.

"You had it locked, babe," Erin said with a soft laugh.

Jay was not in the mood for laughter; he was frustrated.

"Do I look like I'm in the mood to laugh?" Jay retorted sharply.

Erin was surprised by her husband's sudden mood shift.

"Alright, no need to snap at me!" Erin responded.

Jay exhaled deeply and resumed his paperwork.

"Damn things..." Jay murmured under his breath.

Erin kept a vigilant watch over her husband, anticipating his next move.

"Halstead? Want some pizza?" Adam inquired.

Jay glanced over and shook his head.

"Why? I managed to save you a sli—" Kim began.

Jay exhaled deeply and faced his sister.

"Read my lips. 'I DON'T WANT A SLICE OF PIZZA!'" Jay yelled.

The entire unit was taken aback by Jay's abrupt outburst, and Erin stood up.

"Jay? Breakroom. Now!" Erin commanded.

Jay threw his folders down and strode into the breakroom.

"What the hell is going on with you today?" Erin inquired.

Jay folded his arms and faced his wife.

"What do you mean?" he questioned.

Erin glanced downward and responded.

"You've been snapping at the guys, getting frustrated with a computer because it wouldn't print something out..." she elaborated.

Jay scoffed and looked down.

"Have you forgotten what happened yesterday? My dad died, Erin!" Jay exclaimed.

Erin nodded and gently rubbed Jay's shoulder.

"I know, babe. Maybe you should go home and get some sleep," Erin suggested.

Jay shook his head and wiped away his tears.

As Jay wiped his tears, Erin could see just how exhausted her husband truly was.

"You're exhausted, babe. Go home. I'll be back by lunchtime," Erin reassured him with a nod.

Jay sniffled and gave a nod.

A few minutes later, Jay exited the breakroom.

"Are you alright, Jay?" inquired Adam.

Without responding to anyone, Jay proceeded to walk downstairs.

The entire unit turned their attention to Erin, anticipating an explanation.

"I sent him home... His tears, the dark circles, and the evident exhaustion in his eyes spoke volumes," Erin explained.

Feeling sympathy for their best friend, the unit proceeded with their paperwork.