Tolerance Book III

Chapter Eighty: Confrontation

Central Park

The Unit plus Parker descended on Central Park with one goal. Find their friend before anything happened to him. Although Voight had given permission for Jay to go to the park he had done so on the proviso the younger man provide the general location he would be at in the huge park. As a result of this the men now converged on Gapstow Bridge. With no sign of the Detective Antonio was just about to offer a possible feasible explanation for his absence when something caught his eye under the nearest park bench, a cell phone. Not just any cell phone, its' cover identified it as their missing friends. Reaching down he retrieved the item and held it up.

"We're too late."
"Damn!" Kevin cursed for them all as they eyed the surrounding area looking in vain for some clue to guide them to their friends' whereabouts.
"I'll check the surveillance footage," Mouse muttered as he opened his laptop, relieved that at least the cameras in the area had been fixed expeditiously after Jay and Billings' visit there.
"What now Boss?" Adam asked despondently, he had a sick feeling his best friend was in a world of trouble.
"Let's get back to Headquarters," Voight spoke after a moment, "I want a word with Manetti."

Brooklyn

Sitting in a plush living area decorated in gold and cream hues of an orange brick house in Woodhaven Jay eyed his companion silently. The arrival at the up market residence did not surprise him. It was similar in style to the once wealthy mans' posh residence in Chicago. What did surprise him however was the other mans' seemingly nervous disposition. That was new and not something the Detective was willing to accept no matter how genuine it appeared. When Billings had approached him Jay had in truth been half expecting it. He had known the Killer would not go quietly into the night never to be seen again. The others suspected it also but he had been certain. He had however decided not to share his belief with his friends. The main reason for his reticence had been his request to go out unaccompanied would never have been granted. It had taken some persuading as it was to get some alone time. If he had shared his thoughts on Billings he'd never have been given some freedom. He could imagine how well the gruff Sergeant and the others were now taking his disappearance. Unwilling to instigate a conversation he decided to wait the older man out. His insistence upon Jay accompanying him had been reinforced with a handgun. Unwilling to risk innocent Bystanders Jay had foregone a struggle for the weapon. Looking around the opulent dwelling he wondered if it had been in the Killers' property portfolio at some stage. His familiarity with the house was obvious. The For Sale sign outside had identified the property as a repossessed one. His curiosity however did not compel him to speak. Instead he kept a surreptitious eye on his fidgety companion. The source of the mans' apparent unease was a definite puzzlement considering he still had the upper hand holding the weapon in his hand. Although the handgun was not trained on him Jay knew the distance between the pair was too far to cover before the gun could be fired. Billings wasn't about to make such a novice mistake. For now he had to bide his time.

Homeland Security Headquarters

Once they had arrived back at the offices Voight had made a b line for the internal Affairs Agents who were occupying a small office a few doors down from the Assistant Director. As usual the Sergeant did not waste time on niceties. Flinging the door wide open he startled the two men within. Al signalled for the others to go about their business as Murphy came out to see what the commotion was. Mouse had already retreated to the IT office. Antonio, Kevin and Adam decided to grab a coffee knowing their Superior would not appreciate an audience. A stern glare from the moustached Detective had the other Agents in the open plan area wisely returning their attention to their files. Murphy looked from Al to Parker then motioned the pair in after Voight and closed the door firmly. Folding his arms across his chest the AD leaned back against the door willing to let Voight have free reign for now. The Psychologist had phoned him to bring him up to date. It seemed Manetti was about to learn a harsh lesson where the Chicago Unit was concerned. Murphy found he could rouse little sympathy for the man.