~Abuse~

Chapter 140

Morning had arrived, and with it, a new officer entered the 21st District.

Hailey approached the desk, her smile bright.

"Hi!" She greeted, still smiling.

Trudy glanced up, her hands clasped together.

"Can I help you?" Platt inquired.

Hailey responded with a nod and a smile.

"My name is Hailey Upton, and I've been transferred to this district," she introduced herself.

Platt acknowledged with a nod and stepped away from her desk.

"Follow me," Platt directed.

Without hesitation, Hailey ascended the stairs.

Platt and Hailey reached the top of the stairs, and Platt announced, "Alright! This is Officer Hailey Upton. She's been transferred here! Make her feel welcome!" Platt commanded.

The team nodded and offered smiles of welcome.

Hailey took a seat at the desk just as Hank emerged.

"You must be Officer Upton!" Hank inquired.

Hailey stood and confirmed with a nod.

"Alright! You're going to be partnered with Halstead. Lindsay, you're with Dawson," Hank directed.

Erin and Jay exchanged glances, and Erin collected her belongings.

"You'll be sitting here, Upton!" Hank indicated.

Hailey acknowledged with a nod and moved to Erin's former desk.

"Hi, I'm Hailey," She introduced herself with a smile.

Jay looked up and returned the smile.

"Yeah, welcome!" Jay greeted.

Hailey smiled again and surveyed her new desk.

"Let's all go pick up our son of a bitch!" Hank rallied.

The team nodded in agreement, but Hailey appeared puzzled.

"Should I stay here?" Hailey queried.

Hank, heading towards the stairs, clarified, "The suspect isn't up here..."

Understanding, Hailey nodded and followed the team downstairs.

Hailey and Jay climbed into Jay's truck and left the district.

 While Jay was driving, Hailey spotted his wedding ring. "Are you married?" She inquired.

Jay nodded. "Yes, I am," he confirmed with another nod.

Hailey sighed, realizing her hopes of a chance with her new partner were dashed.

"Here we are!" Jay exclaimed.

Hailey prepared herself and stepped out of the truck.

Gunshots rang out; Jay ducked while Hailey returned fire.

Jay grabbed his radio and transmitted urgently.

"Shots fired! I repeat, shots fired at police! Need backup!" Jay communicated.

He rose and began to fire back.

Bullets ricocheted, striking a young child.

"JAYDEN!" Kelsey screamed.

Jay glanced over and then at Hailey.

"Cover me!" he commanded.

Hailey acknowledged with a nod and laid down covering fire at the assailant.