Tolerance Book III

Chapter Ninety-Two: Acceptance

Homeland Security Headquarters

A few hours later Jay found himself alone with Al in the Break Room.  Curious as to why his fellow Veteran Sniper had sought him out the younger man spoke quietly.

"So what's going on?"
"Just wanted to check in  with you.  You're still having nightmares," the experienced man stated rather than asked.
"Adam been talking?"
"Nope.  I dropped by and you were in the middle of one."
"Hell Al it's nothing to be concerned about," Jay insisted, hiding his discomfiture that his companion had witnessed the event and angry Adam hadn't  warned him.
"You promised to keep me in the loop  .....,"
".... about flashbacks or bad nightmares."
"Are there good nightmares?" the moustached man questioned sardonically.
"I'm dealing with things Al. If it affects my ability to do my job I'll tell Sarge myself."
"Kid I'm on your side.  Billings needs to be stopped but not at your expense."
"Our job is literally stopping  bad guys!" the younger man scoffed.
"I know that but comes a time a man has to step back for his own sake.  You're dealing with a lot and  ...,"
"I have a job to do.  No one is making me do it," the younger man stated sincerely before continuing with a hardened tone, "and no one is stopping me doing it."
"Hey Kid like I said  I'm on your side.  Just want to make sure you know you have options.  You're not locked into this."
"Something tells me Murphy and Voight wouldn't agree."
"They're concerned about you," Al noted, "but they have a responsibility to get Billings brought in."
"Not like you to go behind Sarges' back."
"Reckon he knows me well enough," the moustached man shrugged unconcernedly.

Jay eyed his friend.  He had essentially admitted Voight was aware of this conversation.  It was an out if he wanted it and he had to admit he did. His wants however had to take a backseat to closing the investigation.  For too long they had been chasing the Serial Killer.  It was time to turn the tables.

McGraths' Bar & Grill, Off Broadway

Despite the decision to take a different stance with their quarry three days later found the Unit having lunch with Murphy and Parker bemoaning their lack of progress.  What few leads they had proved to be deadends. The Serial  Killer was proving as elusive as ever and the men had to accept they were going to have to wait for the man to reach out to Jay again.

"Is there any chance he's  after stopping?" Antonio suggested with a raised brow as he pushed his empty plate away.
"Not likely," Parker responded, "he's acting on his own time frame."
"We could  be waiting forever for him to contact me," Jay stated quietly as he placed his cutlery on his plate beside the barely eaten chicken salad, "since I'm meant to be pushing back why don't I force his hand and let him have access to me again?"
"I'd say that would be asking for trouble," Al stated bluntly before giving his fellow Sniper a wink, "but then you always were a trouble magnet."
"Gee thanks," the green eyed Detective grinned back even though the mirth was not reflected  in his eyes then added seriously, "it's our best option."
"I don't like it," Kevin spoke up shaking his head, "you're offering yourself up as bait even though there's a chance, however slight, he has decided to stop."
"You suggesting we let him get away with all the killings to date?" Antonio asked.
"Not at all but he'll surface sooner or later if he stops. He can be arrested then."
"In an ideal world maybe!" Murphy chided without rancour, he understood the Detectives' reasoning.
"This investigation needs to be closed sooner rather than later," Voight finally entered the conversation, they weren't heading back to Chicago unless it was over.
"Sarge it's the only way," Jay pressed.
"Ultimately it's Murphys' call."

Jay looked from the Sergeant to the Assistant Director and back again.  What Voight had said was technically true but every Unit member  was well aware if Voight did not back the play it would not happen.  Beside the auburn haired  man Adam fidgeted on his seat struggling to remain silent.  He was in favour of Kevins' scenario but knew it was unlikely.  He also knew he was already in his best friends' bad books over Al seeing Jay in the midst of a nightmare so he was not eager to incur further ire.  In the end he broke his silence, and despite misgivings, said he agreed with his  friends' suggestion.  Mouse, sitting on Jays' other side, contemplated the options and grimly noted neither was particularly foolproof.  He knew his former Lieutenant well enough to know his suggestion had been considered fully before it had been offered up for scrutiny so reluctantly added his approval of contacting Billings.  So far everyone had commented with the exception of Parker and Voight called him on it.