Tolerance Book III

Chapter One Hundred And Four: Leaving Billings Behind

Observation Room

As the men watched the silent tableau in the adjoining room there was an air of expectation mingled with concern.

"Jay needs this to be over," Kevin huffed out in disgust, the sooner the Killer started talking the sooner the interview would finish.
"He knows what he's doing," Parker assured, "by outlasting Billings he'll assert his control."
"Only problem is Billings doesn't look like he's willing to capitulate any time soon," Antonio noted.
"Looks can be deceiving," Al pointed out, they only needed to look at the blank features of their friend for proof of that as no hint of his turmoil was betrayed.
"Once he starts talking he won't be able to stop," the Psychologist explained then expounded, "he'll be compelled to rationalise his actions and ....,"
"Hell there is no rationalisation for what he's done!" Adam stated darkly.
"No there isn't," Fielding concurred as he joined in, "but Billings will never believe that."
"This stalemate could go on for days," Kevin voiced what was a very real concern, Jay just wasn't in the physical or emotional  position to handle such a drawn out process.
"I'll call a halt if there's no breakthrough  ....," Fielding stated purposefully.
"How long will you wait?" Adam impatiently demanded as he interrupted the Acting AD, as far as he was concerned it was time to end it now!
"Adam," Als' voice held a clear rebuke for all the one word was softly delivered, like Voight he understood the Californians' hands were tied.
"I'll give it till lunch time then review the matter."

Any response the brown haired Detective was going to make was rendered silent as a cold voice emanated from the Interview Room.

Interview Room

"You are looking rather bruised and battered," Billings eyed the green eyed Detective disdainfully.
"So are you," Jay replied nonchalantly, "that's a mighty colourful face you have."
"Nothing that won't fade," the Killer placed a hand up to his splinted nose and black eyes before adding smugly, "I'll be healed much quicker than you."
"Nothing I haven't dealt with before," Jay shrugged dismissively, "a minor inconvenience at most."
"Oh really?  Is that why you were sitting down when I was brought in?  Or could it be right now moving isn't so easy for you?"
"You do seem mighty concerned about my health.  Should I be flattered?" Jay ignored the jibe, he couldn't argue with the mans' words in any event.
"It must be hard for you. Knowing you failed all those people," the orange clad man commented with mock sincerity.
"Their blood is on your hands not mine."
"Now say that like you believe it."
"Your hearing going?" Jay enquired keeping his gaze on his Nemesis but keenly aware of Voight bristling with rage beside him.
"You could have saved them."
"No I couldn't because you cheated.  If you hadn't stacked the deck I would have saved lives but instead you gave into what you knew and ....,"
"What are you talking about?" the Killer straightened on his chair and leaned forward trying to intimidate the younger man.

Voight, sitting directly opposite the Prisoner, was glad he had insisted on the seating arrangements.  Billings had no chance of reaching his injured Detective.  Prior to entering the Interview Room the green eyed man had sought out the Sergeant and spoken to him in a manner which conveyed exactly why he had made a Lieutenant whom had earned the trust of his men.  There was no recognition that Voight was in fact his Superior in that conversation and now he knew why.  The young man had warned him outright against showing any anger no matter what Billings said.    The auburn haired Detective  had frankly pointed out that he was doing the interview because it was absolutely necessary for the prosecutions' case but if Voight gave into his well known temper then it would all have been for nothing.  As he was still reeling from being spoken to in such an unaccustomed manner the Detective had landed the final blow.  He had quietly yet fervently added that he just didn't have it in him to confront Billings a second time.  It was that candid admission which had banished the Sergeants' ire and propelled him to promise to be on his best behaviour.   Now as the manacled man tried in vain to goad the injured Detective Voight knew he had to honour his promise.  That didn't mean however he couldn't visualize a gruesome punishment for the Killer!