Case by Case Love ✔️

Chapter 75: An Update

It had been a couple days since he was originally placed on suspension with them looking into what happened. He had hoped to hear something, but instead, was left in the pondering position of what if for the past 48 hours.

Then, things changed. The sound of his phone going off on the table caught his attention as he grabbed it, noticing the number immediately. It was a number that every cop had saved in their phone, but hoped to never cross paths with. It was certainly bad when you were involved in circumstances like the ones he was.

He takes a deep breath, knowing he could not let it go to voicemail as the curiousity would kill him, and not being attentive about the issue did not appear proper. No matter how nervous he was about the circumstances of what could be, he had to hear what they had to share. 

He slides the ball over to the answer button as he takes another deep breath, bringing the phone to his ear. He wanted to be calm. He wanted to have the same assurance that it would be fine and there was no problem as he had just those days before. But yet, he could not help but wonder after the discussions with both Hank and Erin.

"This is Detective Jay Halstead," he states clearly on the phone, hoping it was a title he would be able to carry for many years ahead. Well, perhaps he could upgrade the title to Sergeant one day - but that was certainly not in the near future. He wanted to work with Hank as long as he could.

"Good morning Mr. Halstead," he gets in response in a gentleman voice. He could tell it was an older gentleman, one of the more senior ranked officials. "This is Sergeant Matt Spade from Internal Affairs. I am calling in regards to an incident that took place between you and Kenny Reynolds." 

"Okay, that's not a problem. How may I help you today?" Jay knew he should ask if it was important to have his FOP representative here for the conversation. He should ask if things were going further enough to warrant concern. Truthfully, part of him wondered if that was the case as he tried to get a read on the situation by the tone of this officer's voice. "I am sure as you are aware, I gave my full statement to your officers the day it happened, as well as handing over my badge and firearm. I also stated at the time that I would be fully willing to comply and answer any questions as necessary. So if there's something you would like to ask me, feel free to ask me. I am open book about what happened." The concern then flashed through his mind as the silence from the officer in response was startling. If things were cleared up, would he not have stopped the rambling by now. "Or should I be calling my FOP rep?" 

"You are probably going to want to speak to your FOP representative, and possibly a lawyer if you feel necessary. We have determined there may be true intent behind what happened and unnecessary force causing Mr. Reynold's fall from the roof. If you were a regular citizen, this would be considered manslaughter charges right now. Our board, as well as the Judge overlooking your case as the next level, may see that you are guilty of our initial findings. If they do, you could be stripped of your duties, suspended, or sent to jail on a manslaughter charge, or a combination of the above." Jay sits back on the couch, taking a series of deep breathes, trying to not let the panic and anger he was feeling in the words being spoken get under his skin. He did not need to act out as that would cause more issues, even if he was innocent. He needed to just go with the flow as things would work out. He would be found innocent as he did nothing wrong, right? "The next step for you will be to step before the board, and the judge and tell them what happened. They may have additional questions, to which you will be asked to answer those. The investigative team will also present what they found to determine why they feel you are guilty, and you will be given the chance to question that." 

"Okay...." Jay takes a deep breath, as he debates his next set of words. Normally if you were someone arrested, at this time you would ask for your lawyer and not say another word. But yet that found so wrong as it seemed it was only guilty people that followed that motto. He had nothing to hide. He was innocent. He was being found in question due to working for the most notorious Sergeant in the police service. It was the price you paid for working for Hank Voight - but yet so worth it when you realised how much good you did. "Thank you for calling me and letting me know what is happening. Do you have a date for when you want me before the board? Am I required to bring anything? Is there anything else I should know?" 

"You will be expected before the board tomorrow at 8am. I suggest you be on time as keeping them waiting is not a good look. As I stated, you are allowed to bring your FOP representative and a lawyer if you want. They may speak for you, as long as you state that they have been given that permission to the board. You may also come alone if you wish. I wish you the best of luck." Jay makes a note of the time on the piece of paper, just in case, as he hoped he would not forget it in everything else going through his mind.

"Thank you for clarifying that....."