Tolerance Book III

Chapter One Hundred and One: Keeping A Distance

Homeland Security Headquarters

Three days after Billings was taken into custody and Jay was out of danger Voight sat in Fieldings' office with Parker. The Acting AD had requested the meeting.

"We have enough on Billings to send him to jail for life," the Califirnian began tapping the thick file before him, "that hidden room offered up evidence in itself to convict him for several lifetimes.  So far eight missing people are linked to it."
"But he needs to be charged with all the other killings," Voight stated.
"Oh he will be ...,"
"Is there enough to charge him on the bombings?"
"He coerced Halstead into supposedly stopping the bomb in the Authors' hotel," Fielding pointed out, "that ultimately linked him to the other bombings."
"Is that enough to prosecute him?"
"Not in itself.  We are still,  as you know, gathering evidence."
"He alluded to his guilt previously such as when he  sent Halstead the package here," Voight reminded the other man of the empty wine bottle, "and threatening him."
"His Defense Counsel will argue there was no admission of guilt."
"So what?" Voight frowned,  a Defense Counsel would, by the very nature of his or her role, contest every claim made against the Serial Killer.
"To ensure we get him for as many crimes as possible we need someone who will be credible, reliable and impossible to discredit ...,"
"You want to put Halstead on the stand?" Voight had hoped there was enough physical evidence to ensure a life in prison without his Detectives' testimony but knew it had been unlikely.
"Yes, in due course.   In the meantime  we still need his Statement."
"You'll have it as soon as possible," Voight stated evenly, now that the Serial Killer was behind bars his priority was his Detective.
"Hey look I know Halstead went through a lot," Fielding acknowledged, "but we all know how important it is to do everything in accordance with protocol if we want Billings to get put away for good. I don't want him walking on a technically."
"None of us do," Parker spoke for the first time, "how much longer can you give him?"
"Friday at the latest."
"That's not long," Voight noted in displeasure, the young man still wasn't talking much so how could he get a Statement out of him?
"I know," the Acting AD agreed, "but short of him being in a coma or otherwise in critical condition the guidelines are clear. I'm not happy about this either."
"We know," Parker put in, he understood the mans' predicament but his worry for the injured man superceded that.

Fielding eyed the men across from him keenly then spoke seeking a candid conversation.

"Off the record how is he really doing?"
"His injuries will take some time to heal ....," Voight began but was interrupted.
"I meant how is he doing mentally? He went through a horrific ordeal."
"He needs time," the Psychologist pointed out when the Sergeant remained silent.
"Well whatever help he needs just let me know. When is he being released?"
"Right about now," Voight replied after consulting the wall clock.
"That's a bit soon isn't it?"
"He's not willing to stay in hospital any longer and I'm not about to force the issue," Voight stated knowingly, the young man was asserting control over his life, something Billings had cruelly snatched from him.
"He's promised to rest up in the hotel," Parker confirmed, he would have preferred if the recovering man had stayed with him but like the Sergeant he recognised the innate need for some level of independence.

Bellvue Hospital Center

Jay has been quite adamant that it was time he be released from medical supervision. The only obstacle, to his surprise and relief, had been Barrett. The Doctor had tried to persuade his patient that staying in the hospital for another few days would give his body a chance to recuperate. The green eyed man had firmly, but politely, pointed out he could recuperate just as well at the hotel. He was not due to have any more procedures as his left wrist was now ensconced in a hard black cast and his right eye had turned out to be undamaged so he had argued that there was no practical reason to remain at the hospital. Jay had been expecting opposition from his friends but when none came he refrained from asking questions. Truthfully he was still feeling exhausted and the final encounter with Billings seemed to have robbed him of the last remnants of his stamina but he wouldn't admit that. Now as he stood by his hospital bed packing his gearbag one handedly he strove to hide the weariness that seemed to be determined to overwhelm him. Al had been watching his friend after his offer to pack up had been quietly rejected. Himself and the others had all discussed their friends' welfare the night before. Everyone agreed that trying to force him to remain in the hospital would ultimately be detrimental. Although they were all independent men Jay was more so, most likely because of his traumatic childhood. Parker had joined the men in the hotel restaurant and relayed his concerns also. He had agreed allowing the injured man his autonomy was a crucial aid to his ultinate recovery. Sighing internally as he observed the shaking right hand clumsily shove a jumper into the gearbag the moustached man decided it was time to intervene. The former Ranger collapsing would not do his damaged psyche any good.