Tolerance Book III

Chapter Ninety-Nine: A Trial of Endurance

Loft

Within the confines of the small room that had become his prison Jay had so far managed to avoid letting the excruciating results of the older mans' actions show. It was however becoming harder and harder. He knew he had sustained more broken ribs but didn't bother keeping note of the number. Putting names to injured parts always seemed to somehow make things worse. Sometimes ignorance provided a source of protection. Right now it was one he was quite willing to embrace. The healing bullet wound in his back would no longer be classed as such as the Sadist had taken great enjoyment in dragging a rough fingernail along the groove. Blood had trickled down the younger mans' back in response to the harsh treatment but his expression hadn't faltered. Turned out, yet again, having a sadistic father gave one certain experience which aided in dire situations such as the present one he was now mired in. It had come down to a grim game of endurance on Jays' part.

So far there had been no mention of his Old Man but the Detective knew Billings was merely biding his time. It was evident he felt their hidden location was quite secure and he was savouring the power he had over his Captive. That overconfidence would aid Jay when he decided to make a move.

Plaza Hotel

Voight had tracked the Head of Security down in his office and wasted no time in letting the man know why they were there. James Carson looked up at the two Visitors from behind his desk with an air of authority somewhat taken aback by the blunt address from the Sergeant before him. He was used to being treated with respect due to his position and did not take kindly to anyone questioning his practises.

"Sergeant Voight you have clearly found an anomaly in our surveillance," the well built grey haired fifty-nine year old acknowledged calmly and motioned the duo to sit which they did after Voight made the first move,"but to state unequivocally same has been deliberately tampered with implies wrongdoing and that I cannot allow to go unchallenged. You have ...,"
"The footage cut out just as someone exited the elevator," Voight reiterated firmly as he interrupted, "I don't believe in coincidences."
"So you really think one of our team turned off the camera?"
"That or they edited out a ten minute period," Mouse spoke up for the first time, his worry for Jay triumphant over his usual awkward social interactions.
"You have not told me the full story of why the hotel is suddenly the epicenter of a manhunt," Carson didn't respond to the IT Specialist but instead posed a question to the older man.
"We have a Warrant ...,"
"The Warrant states you are searching for a known Suspect and a missing Detective. Who is the Suspect?"
"Carson I'm not at liberty to give you all the details," Voight reigned in his impatience, they needed the mans' help so alienating him was not an option, "suffice to say as long as the man is in this establishment your Guests may be exposed to danger."
"Should I arrange to evacuate the ...,"
"No! Right now, as you are aware, we're conducting searches under the guise of Decorators. Alerting our target to the presence of law enforcement is our last resort. The element of surprise is essential "
"If any of our clientele or staff get hurt because of ...,"
"I understand your concern but we know what we're doing," the Sergeant assured solemnly.
"Well if anything changes let me know immediately."
"I will," Voight nodded then spoke determinedly, "now back to the pressing matter. Can we see the full footage if it was edited?"
"Our IT guy assures me there should be a backup."
"Good."
"You however are not allowed to view it without me being present."
"Carson ...,"
"I've read the Warrant. It is confined to room and condominium searches," the Head of Security reminded, "viewing of surveillance footage however is at my discretion."
"Okay but we need to do this now," Voight rose purposefully, the IT Specialist following suit.

The Sergeant sent Mouse an encouraging look. He needed the former Ranger with his head in the game. This was not a time for regrets. Too much was at stake.