Tolerance Book III

Chapter One Hundred and Twenty-Seven: Aftermath

Precinct

As Jay had sensed their lethal Fugitive had proven elusive and after two weeks of chasing fruitless leads the Unit had returned to Chicago after bidding farewell to Parker who headed back to New York with a promise to keep in touch.  The Psychologist had not voiced his worry but he was concerned about the toll the unclosed investigation would have on the green eyed Detective.  For Jay the physical reminders of his time with Billings were a constant companion.  It was, after all, impossible to ignore a broken wrist.  The more unpleasant reminder however had been the chill which had taken up unwelcome residence in his wiry frame.  Parker had taken him aside one evening and gone over the side effects of ketamine.  He had explained that because they did not know how much of the drug Billings had administered it was difficult to gauge how long symptoms would persist.  The Psychologist had also pointed out that Jays' less than optimal health prior to heing dosed was likely to increase the longevity of symptoms.  Ultimately Jay had accepted, with his usual stoicism, that it was a case of taking his recovery one day at a time.  Unsurprisingly Will had not been so accepting of his brothers' condition.  The redhead and the Sergeant had nearly come to blows in the Sergeants' office one afternoon until Jay had raised his voice, upon such a rare occurrence the battling men had instantly fallen into stunned silence.  The young Detective had quickly but firmly informed both men he would not tolerate further arguments concerning him. Jay had grimly  informed the pair his patience had run out. Their on and off antagonism was in fact causing him more grief than his job.  That stinging rebuke left both older men  suitably chastened and   the duo had hastily shaken hands and confirmed there would be no more confrontations.  Outside the office the men in the bullpen had heard most of the words and had exchanged worried looks.  For the green eyed Detective to lose his temper meant that the Billings" investigation had taken a bigger toll on him than he had shown.  They were all aware he had been under tremendous pressure but that had been the first inclination of just how deeply he had been impacted.  They knew control of his emotions was a source of comfort for the young man ever since his troubled childhood so the breach of his well established walls had instigated major concern.  That had been three days ago and now as the men quietly worked away in the bullpen surreptitious glances were exchanged.  It was a testament to Jays' weariness that he did not notice same.

"So who's up for Mollys after?" Adam forced a jovialness he did not feel to infuse his tone.
"Count me in," Kevin responded, "could do with a few drinks."
"Hell I could do with more than a few," Antonio observed ruefully, "I'm in."
"Mouse said he'd come," Adam relayed.
"Reckon I could do with a night out," Al noted then added mischievously with a look towards the one person whose voice had remained silent, "besides Jay's buying."
"I am?" the youngest Detective looked up from the paperwork he had been trying to finish.
"Great!" Adam rubbed his hands together gleefully.
"I'm not buying because I'm not going."
"You too stingy to open your wallet?" the moustached man challenged with mock disappointment.
"Well ....," Jay eyed the older man specifically, "I wouldn't want the same reputation you have Old Man so I'll give you the money."
"No way!" Adam looked crestfallen and it wasn't an act, he really thought they had inveigled the injured mans'  attendance.
"No that's not acceptable Halstead," a new voice declared.
"But Sarge ...,"
"We all need to unwind together," Voight insisted from where he leaned against his offuce doorframe nonchalantly, his appearance may have been relaxed but deep down he was very worried about their youngest.
"You didn't come out with us since we got back," Kevin pointed out evenly careful not to show any hint of rebuke, "be nice to have the whole gang together."
"What do you say Kid?" Al asked seriously, his earlier humour absent.
"Aw hell!" Jay rolled his eyes in defeat.

Mollys

Two hours later much to Jays' chagrin he was in the popular venue surrounded by his friends where they had snagged tables at the back, as per usual.  The loud music and din of people enjoying themselves with carefree abandonment was grating on his nerves.  As bleak thoughts pervaded his mind the laughter of strangers taunted him. Rationally he knew it wasn't their fault they were blissfully unaware of the evil that co-existed with them.  In fact he was glad they were so ignorant.   It just seemed wrong that people could be happy when innocents had been slaughtered at the behest of a stone cold Killer.  He chided himself mentally.  Most people experienced pain in their lifetime while others enjoyed their best times. Life was a rollercoaster of ups and downs.   Everyone on the shared ride experienced both just at different times and in different degrees.  His name heing called drew him out of his sombre ruminations.