Tolerance Book III

Chapter One Hundred and Seven: Over Protective

Hotel

Later that evening as the Unit gathered for an eagerly anticipated meal with their Hosts thanks to the bounty captured on the fishing trip much ribbing was endured as the size of the Fishermens' catch was dutifully ridiculed Jay returned. His friends greeted him happily and were relieved to note he wasn't the worse for wear after his day. Setting cutlery out with Adams' help Angie looked at the late arrival.

"I was getting worried ......,"
"Honey," Jack had seen the furtive glances exchanged and tried to defray his unaware Wife from saying something that might make the young man uneasy, "Jay doesn't need a Minder. He's free to come and go as he pleases."
"Of course," the pretty woman readily agreed realizing she had inadvertently said something wrong, "he is. But as tonight you are taking me out for a long awaited date night I was afraid he'd forgotten his duties."
"I am?" the husband was clearly unaware of his impending plans.
"What's going on?" Antonio decided to get some details as the green eyed man merely saluted the woman and headed off to shower.
"Yes," Angie declared noting she now had a rapt audience, "we're going to the cinema followed by a romantic meal ....,"
"I think I'm insulted she doesn't want to eat our food," Kevin commented in a stage whisper.
"Wise lady," Voight noted wrily before becoming serious, "but what does your date night have to do with Halstead?"
"Oh he's our Babysitter," Angie beamed.
"When did this come about?" Jack wondered.
"This morning. It was his suggestion. I mentioned Billy is going out tonight and I had been thinking of a date night. Before I knew it he was, very politely, offering to mind the boys but only if I felt safe leaving them with him."
"Kid never ceases to amaze," Al noted proudly.
"Well I won't look a gift horse in the mouth," the eldest Tucker sibling stated before looking around, "if that's okay with you all?"
"Might be good for Jay," Antonio pointed out, "he loves children."
"What am I missing?" Angie asked worriedly, she hadn't thought it was that big a deal.
"Nothing Honey," Jack shrugged off her concern, he'd talk to her in private, before observing seriously, "I think these guys all have a syndrome I suffer from."
"Syndrome?" Adam looked up with a frown from where he had resumed setting out knives and forks.
"Oh yes. It's a very serious one," Billy agreed as he took a pile of plates down from an overhead cupboard then added casually, "it's called Big Brother Syndrome!"

The kitchen erupted in relieved chuckles.

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For four days straight Jay had been gone before the others convened for breakfast and returned each evening without elucidating on his activities. Of the Unit Adam was finding it the hardest to stave off the questions he was eager to ask to quench his curiosity. Now as the pale man joined them for another evening meal Voight shared a rueful glance with Al. They had a bet on how long Ruzek could keep his questions unvoiced. Angie eyed the men around the table surreptitiously. Jack had merely told her the young Detective they had come to care about was dealing with some stuff and his friends were worried about him but giving him space. Knowing enough about her husband that there was more going on she did not pry. Instead she made a point to ensure their Guests had a good time. She knew that sometimes a wilderness getaway could be a great healer so hoped the auburn haired man experienced that. She smiled as Jack put Logan down as soon as Jay took his usual seat between Adam and the Sergeant. The silent toddler slowly made his way over to the man he had chosen as his favourite toy. Busy buttering a bread roll Jay had not noticed the child but a tap on his thigh caused him to look down.

"Hey there you making an escape little guy?" the young man asked as he dutifully obeyed the silent request to be picked up, "you really need to consider stealth manoeuvres you know. Sometimes hiding in plain sight is just too obvious."
"How come he keeps going to Jay?" Adam pouted in mock chagrin as the Unit watched the interaction happily.
"Kid has good taste," Al decided solemnly before winking at his former Partner.
"And Junior goes to him as well," Kevin reminded as he passed a full salad bowl to Mouse beside him.
"Oh rub it in why don't you!" Adam rolled his eyes but in truth he was delighted the little boys had taken to his best friend, the rare smiles they engendered were priceless.