~Abuse~

Chapter 75

Erin had stayed up all night to catch up on paperwork she had missed while on holiday. Meanwhile, Jay was taking care of the kids and finding it quite challenging.

Jay sat on the couch, intently examining a contact on his phone labelled.

Barry ~ Dealer

He glanced towards Cassie in the kitchen and raised his voice.

"Cassie, I need to step out for a bit! Can you make breakfast? Charlie's yogurt is in the fridge," Jay shouted.

Cassie nodded, acknowledging with a quick look.

"When will you be..." Cassie started to ask.

The door slammed shut, interrupting her, and Cassie sighed.

"Back," she finished to herself.

Jay headed to his truck and climbed in.

"Yeah, it's Jay. Listen, I need a pick-me-up. I'm struggling here," Jay exhaled heavily into the phone.

Jay drove off towards the small alley where Will had found him earlier the other day.

AAt the apartment, Erin walked in and kicked off her shoes.

"I'm home!" she called out.

Cassie sighed and made her way to the hall.

"I thought you were Dad! He's been gone for hours!" Cassie exclaimed.

Worried, Erin dialed her husband's number.

"This is Halstead. Leave a message."

Erin moved to the kitchen and saw Ashlyn asleep, clutching her Tigger toy.

"Stay here! I'll find him!" Erin assured her.

She ran out of the apartment and hopped into her truck.

"Hank? It's Jay. He's gone missing," Erin said with a sigh.

She left the parking lot to pick up Hank.

Minutes later, as they drove down the street, Hank finally spoke.

"Did you try Jay's cell?" Hank asked.

Erin sighed and nodded.

"Yes, he's either ignoring my calls or his phone is dead," Erin replied.

Hank nodded and raised his radio.

"This is 5021 Adam: We have an off-duty officer missing, call code 5021 George. Last seen at his residence, light brown hair, green eyes, wearing dark blue joggers and a black hoodie. I need an amber BOLO," Hank commanded.

Erin scanned multiple alleys and spotted a group of men.

"That's Barry. Dammit!" Erin exclaimed.

She turned on her lights and approached.

"This is 5021 Adam: Stand down. We've found our missing officer. I'll radio if we need an ambulance," Hank communicated.

Erin drew her gun and aimed.

"CHICAGO PD!" she announced.

Barry and the men scattered, leaving Jay on the ground.

"Jay? Jay? Wake up!" Erin commanded.

Jay opened his eyes and groaned.

"What do you two want?" Jay grumbled.

Erin sniffled and tossed a baggie aside.

"You're high out of your mind! What happened to going straight?" she questioned.

Jay sighed and looked away.