~Abuse~

Chapter 177

Erin and Jay were in the apartment with the team when Hailey's dad knocked on the door.

"I'll get it!" Adam called out.

Adam approached the door and swung it open.

"Can I help you?" he inquired.

Tom pushed past him and halted in the lounge.

"Hey! You can't just barge in here!" Adam protested.

Tom glanced around, his eyes settling on Jay.

Without warning, Tom marched over and struck Jay across the face. "DADDY!" Ashlyn cried out in alarm.

Tom grabbed Jay from the couch and hit him again, sending him tumbling to the floor.

Jay lay there, shaking, consumed by flashbacks of his father's abuse.

"Hank! Jay's scared. He's about to have a panic attack..." Erin murmured.

Hank stepped forward and pulled Tom away from his detective.

"ENOUGH! THAT'S ENOUGH!" Hank shouted.

Tom sneered, and Jay quivered.

"GET OUT OF HERE NOW!" Kevin commanded.

Tom trod on Jay's hand and proceeded towards the apartment.

"O-Ouch..." Jay winced.

The door banged closed, and the team hurried to Jay's side.

Tears streamed down Jay's face as his hand pulsed with pain.

"Daddy?" Ashlyn's soft voice broke through.

Kim gently restrained Ashlyn, murmuring softly.

"Let's give Daddy a moment, sweetheart," Kim soothed.

Erin attempted to raise Jay's hand, but he yelped in pain.

"Alright, I'm sorry, love," Erin murmured apologetically.

Jay cried, and Erin tenderly raised him onto her lap.

"No..." Jay's voice was a faint whisper.

Erin pressed a gentle kiss to Jay's forehead.

"Shh, I'm just bringing you closer, baby. It's alright, lay your head down..." Erin's voice was a soothing murmur.

Jay sniffled, resting his head on Erin's chest.

"Perhaps we should take him to Med...?" Hank suggested softly.

But Jay just shook his head, clinging tighter to Erin.

"Darling, your hand might be fractured. Let Will take a look, at least..." Erin murmured.

Jay's sobs grew as he burrowed deeper into Erin's embrace.

"Let's go, pal! We're right here with you," Antonio encouraged, with a smile.

Meeting Jay's gaze, Erin saw him give a slow nod of agreement.

"Thank you, guys..." Erin's whisper was heartfelt.

With a collective nod, the team rallied, and Ashlyn eagerly put on her tiny boots.

Erin and Jay quickly reached Med and entered.

"Hello, I need to schedule an appointment for my husband with Dr. Halstead," Erin said.

Leah nodded, passing a clipboard to Erin.

"Fill this in, and Dr. Halstead will be with you shortly," Leah said with a smile.