Tolerance Book III

Chapter Eighty-Six: Concerns

Homeland Security Headquarters

In Parkers' small office Murphy had requested a quiet word with his friend in light of the new development in the case.  Both men were now even more concerned for the missing Detective.

"So what's got you so rattled?" the younger man asked, it was clear  there was something else worrying the Assistant Director.
"So far I've been able to call in favours and give Voight and his team some leeway ....,"
"I know," Parker was well aware his companion had not been operating strictly by protocol since the Unit arrived from Chicago, "you wouldn't normally attend a possible crime scene."
"Voight needed the back up," Murphy sighed heavily referring to his decision to attend the Woodhaven residence.
"No arguments from me.  I know you're trying to keep out of Thompsons' firing line while also helping Voight and the others," the Psychologist acknowledged the difficult position the older man was in, "but what's changed that has you more concerned now?"
"Voight is getting to the end of his fuse.  Not that I blame him but ....,"
"..... if he goes off half cocked there will be more of a mess for you to clean up?" Parker finished, seeking clarification he understood the problem correctly.
"Well yes and .... no.  You know me Pete, office politics was never my thing.  I'm not worried about my job or pension ....,"
"Do yourself a favour and don't tell that to Janet!"
"Hey I'm not that crazy," Murphy defended with a wry chuckle appreciating the attempt to lighten the atmosphere before becoming serious again, "I'm worried about Halstead.  If he gets seriously hurt or, God forbid, we lose him there won't be any holding Voight back.  So far we've seen glimpses of his fiery side but I gotta tell ya I don't want to see it in full swing in my city!"
"He's under a lot of pressure," the Psychologist assessed unnecessarily, "he's taking it personally that his 'man' is at risk."
"Hell I can understand that but if he goes rogue I won't be able to protect him from Thompson and his cronies."
"You're assuming two things."
"Enlighten me."
"Firstly that he would go rogue and secondly that Thompson would have people backing him."
"You really think all hell won't break loose if Halstead doesn't make it?" Murphy challenged.
"No I don't."
"Why not?"
"Voight and the others have too much respect for you.  This is your city after all.  Oh they'd be more determined than ever to take Billings down and it would not be pretty but they wouldn't cross the line."
"What about Thompson?" the older man didn't agree or disagree with the younger mans' assessment.
"I doubt if Thompson has more friends than you do."
"Well I really hope you're right, on both counts."

Parker truly believed what he had said.  He only hoped they would never have to find out what would happen.  Getting Halstead back safely was vital for a plethora of reasons.

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Fifth Avenue Hotel

Having ordered beef fillet, watercress and potato in the old world elegance that embued Cafe Carmellini the weary Detective swallowed some painkillers and forced himself to eat a good portion of the meal.  He needed to knock back the various aches and pains he had while at the same time formulating a plan as he took note of the comings and goings of the busy restaurant.  As Rigby had not obliged and appeared Jay had decided his best option to get to the Author would be by posing as a Waiter.  He had seen glimpses of the busy kitchen as he went to the washroom before taking his seat at a centrally located table which afforded a view of the whole restaurant.  The Waiters were all attired in black trousers and pristine white shirts with black ties.  He figured his present new suit trousers would suffice but a new shirt was a necessity.  Knowing time was of the essence he still approached his task as he would a Sniper assignment.  Rushing led to mistakes which could prove fatal.  He was keenly aware however that taking too much time could also prove fatal.  He had no reason to doubt Billings' bomb threat, after  all the man had shown time and time again he had no qualms about using such a grisly form of death.   He had also been keeping a surreptitious eye out for the Killer but had not seen him.  That in itself was no certainty however that he wasn't in the hotel.  In fact the auburn haired man would have been relieved in one sense if the older man was present because it would indicate the explosive device was not set to destroy the entire hotel.  Placing his cutlery on the left side of his plate to indictate he was finished he was glad when a Waiter promptly appeared to remove the ware.