Tolerance Book III

Chapter Sixty-Seven: A Calculated Risk

Diner - Fifth Avenue

After leaving Burke with his precious package Jay had made his way back to Fifth Avenue. With time to spare he made a stop at an all night diner to make a call out of sight in the restroom. He was aware his friends and colleagues were able to follow his actions thanks to the miniature camera attached to his baseball cap so they knew he had possession of the proof Billings required. He needed to update Voight however on his suspicion that the man was not going to accept he actually killed someone at his behest and advise him it was highly likely there would be more tasks given to him. Although Jays' instincts were telling him he was reading the situation right he was hoping against hope that he was in fact wrong. He did not relish the outcome if the false trail set up by Mouse was not instrumental in convincing Billings a man had indeed been shot. Acutely aware a Hostage could lose his or her life he knew that ultimately the choice to kill another innocent civilian would be Billings' decision and the harsh reality was Jay knew his words would not sway the man if he was determined to carry out his dire threat. The added worry of having Will and Conor enconsed in the besieged building created even more stress for the Detective. If anything happened to either he shuddered to contemplate the consequences. He wasn't sure his usual stoic calm would remain intact.

Just before Jay exited the restroom Antonio strolled in and without exchanging any words they quickly swapped caps to ensure the camera was not discovered on the green eyed mans' return to the bank. The Italian-American stayed in the restroom for a couple of minutes after his friends' departure then returned to the table Adam was sitting at.

"How is he?"
"Didn't talk," Antonio reigned in his impatience, his companion knew full well precautionary measures had to be taken on the off chance Jay was being observed.
"I meant how does he look?"
"Like hell," Antonio sighed heavily as he added, "pretty much the way he's looked for a while now."
"Voight should pull him out!"
"We've been over this. That's not going to happen."
"I don't know how he keeps going."
"I don't either."

The two men rose and headed out of the diner knowing Kevin was shadowing their friend from a closer distance as he headed back to the bank.

Command Post

After Jays' hurried phone call Voight had wasted no time in appraising the others of the young Detectives' belief that Billings was not in fact going to believe he had killed someone. The response was varied.

"But the finger will prove it," Murphy argued, he felt having the so called proof of death was a game changer in their favour.
"The Kid is pretty good at assessing situations," Al stated succinctly, as far as he was concerned if his fellow former Sniper felt the Killer was not going to fall for their ruse then he wouldn't.
"You're being awfully quiet Doc," Voight looked at Parker questioningly.
"Just considering what it means for the Hostages if Jay is correct," the Psychologist responded "we considered the possibility Billings was setting him up to fail but there may be something else going on."
"Such as?"
"Did Jay say anything else?" Parker asked his own question instead of answering.
"He said Billings may have more tasks for him to carry out."
"Hell!" Als' curse although quietly uttered held a vehemence which showed his true concern.
"I don't understand," Murphy admitted in confusion, "where is this coming from? Halstead isn't even with Billings now and he's after coming up with this conclusion?"
"The Kid tends to think things through," Al explained with a shrug, "he doesn't waste words."
"Must be your twin then!" the Assistant Director chided.
"I'll take that as a compliment," the moustached Detective tossed back with a grin before becoming serious, "he's obviously after weighing all the information we have. You have to admit it's plausible."
"Hell it's plausible alright," Voight interrupted glumly, "but where does that leave the Hostages? Maybe it's time to get proactive."
"At the risk of sounding like a broken record," Murphy eyed the Sergeant, "we have to be careful over the bomb."
"We can't just let him kill any more Hostages," Parker insisted.
"You know how this works Doc," Voight reminded calmly, "end of the day Billings is the one responsible for taking any lives."
"You going to tell yourself that if Jays' brother or friend gets killed?"
"Hell no."