Tolerance Book III

Chapter One Hundred and Thirteen: Trial Run

Mercy Hospital

The following night Jay was surprised when Voight pulled the SUV into the hospital parking lot.  The Sergeant had texted him five after eleven,  as he was just contemplating going to bed, telling him to meet him in the hotel lobby and to come alone. Curious but knowing better than to query the instruction he had gone down to find the older man waiting with Al.  Even more questions sprang to mind upon seeing the moustached man. Before he could say anything however Voight had jangled his keys and headed for the revolving glass doors. Al had followed his old friend without preamble after nodding to the bemused green eyed man.

Now sitting in the vehicle as the engine was stilled Jay waited to be enlightened about their trip.

"Halstead we know you're willing to do whatever is necessary to get Billings back behind bars," Voight spoke as he turned around to face the young Detective in the back seat, "but we need you to be sure what it is you will be facing in the morgue."
"I know Sarge."
"No you don't," Al contradicted quietly, "you know it will be hard but not what it will really be like."
"So why are we here?" Jay gestured to their surroundings as sudden misgiving set in.
"We couldn't chance going to the morgue," Voight replied grimly, "but we want you to have a dry run."
"Sarge Billings could have someone watching us now!"
"Unlikely but if he does it will look like you're going in for a check up.."
"This late at night?" Jays' scepticism wasn't hidden.
"We would be expected to take precautions," Al explained, "and this will fit into the cause of your apparent demise.  You were complaining of intermittent chest pain."
"That fits the narrative we're establishing," Voight elaborated, he had thought this through fully.
"What exactly have you in mind?" Jay had a sinking feeling he already knew.
"There's a temporary morgue here," Al explained evenly, most hospitals had such facilities to cater for on site deaths until such time as transfer to a main morgue could be arranged. 
"So you've arranged with the hospital to give us access to the morgue," Jay stated as he contemplated the unpleasant development, "isn't it risky involving Civilian?"
"It's empty right now," Voight pointed out before elaborating with genuine regret, "that's the reason for the short notice Kid. We didn't mean to spring this on you."

Jay looked between the older mem and saw the sincerity in their eyes. He knew ultimately they were only looking after his welfare but he was afraid a dry run would wind up being the only one. His gut twisted at the very thought of being so vulnerable.  He mentally chastised himself then straightened his shoulders with firm resolve. He would get through this just as he had every other bad time in his life.  The consequences if he freaked out would ultimately shut down the morgue operation and he had no intention of letting that happen.

Mercy Memorial Morgue

Thanks to Parkers' connections Voight had been able to give the assurance to Jay that the small holding facility would be empty.  Standing under the harsh glare of the bright lights in the pristine white environs the young Detective looked over to the far wall which housed three drawers.  Even as his mind screamed at him to walk out he forced himself to speak in what he hoped was a calm voice.

"So how long do you want me in there Sarge?"
"I ...," Voight physically flinched at the words.
"It's up to you Kid," Al quietly put in , like his old friend  he too understood the necessity for a trial run but he certainly didn't like it!
"Okay," Jay shrugged off his jacket and went to lay it on the sole steel table in the room.
"I'll take it," the moustached Detective offered, "you knock as soon as you're ready to come out."
"Sure," Jay advanced towards the drawers clamping down on the urge to say they wouldn't have to wait long.