Tolerance Book III

Chapter One Hundred and Thirty-Six: A Friends' Concern

In the small office in the reception area Jay looked at his unexpected Visitor inquisitively. The pair had only spoken the night before so the Firefighters' presence signified a development.

"Take a seat," the Detective directed as he sat down, "so what's up?"
"Something unexpected happened," Kelly noted with a grim contenance foretelling the serious nature of what he had to impart, "Williams was found dead this morning and ....,"
"What?" Jay pressed when his companion stalled.
"Porter is in custody."
"How was he killed?"
"Single bullet wound.  Looks like he was shot execution style ..... back of the head."
"How do you know that?" the Detective knew such information would not be made public, especially this early in an investigation.
"Harry .... he has contacts everywhere."
"What do they have against Porter?"
"The gun was found in his car ..... after an anonymous tip."
"From what we know of Porter he isn't a Killer."
"No he's not so he's being set up," Kelly sighed heavily before asking hoarsely,  "did I get Williams killed?"
"No," Jay insisted, "and we're both in this together."
"Maybe someone saw us watching him ...,"
"No point in second guessing," Jay understood his friends' concerns because he was thinking along the same lines, "we need to know what the Detective on the case knows."
"It's a different precinct handling it, the 15th."
"I'll make some calls," the green eyed man rose to his feet and the Firefighter followed suit, "leave it with me and I'll get back to you in the morning."
"You'll have to tell the others now ....," Kelly pointed out knowing it was the last thing he would want to do.
"For now there's no need," the auburn haired man disagreed, "let's wait until we know more."
"I'm sorry about this man," Kelly offered contritely, he was mentally kicking himself for getting his friend involved in what was now a murder investigation.
"Hey you didn't force me to do anything.  I was grateful for the distraction."
"Bet you're regretting it now."
"Of course I'm sorry Williams is dead but no one could have foreseen it.  Clearly there's more to the situation."
"Your hunch was spot on," Kelly reminded, the younger man had sensed there were other factors involved between the two men.
"Like I said leave it with me," Jay instructed as he opened the door and led the way out to the busy reception area unsurprised to see Mouse over by the tall counter.

"So what's up?" the IT Specialist didn't waste any time as the Firefighter walked out of the foyer  after nodding to him and his former Lieutenant approached.

"Williams is dead."
"How?"
"Shot. Porter is in custody after an anonymous tip led to the murder weapon in his car."
"Mighty convenient."
"That's what I'm thinking," Jay agreed "Sarge isn't going to be happy."
"What do you mean?"
"When he finds out we're involved in a murder investigation."
"We're not," the Detective corrected, "and I'm going to make some calls to find out what I can before deciding if he needs to know."
"But ...,"
"It's not up for debate and Mouse?"
"LT."
"If I do tell him about Williams and Porter I'll keep you out of it ....,"
"I don't mind ....,"
"Not up for discussion," the green eyed man insisted firmly, he would handle the Sergeants' wrath himself and protect his friend from same, "did you turn up anything else?"

"Hey guys!" a familiar voice shouted from the stairs.
"Just act normal," Jay coached as he eyed Adam then raised a hand in acknowledgment, "better get back."
"Ruzek will ask questions," Mouse muttered as he followed his former Lieutenant through the people mingling in the lobby.
"Just keep yourself busy on the Carson case."

Jay didn't like the subterfuge but for now he figured it was the best option.  Once he had more information he could plot the way forward.

Adam watched the pair heading his way. They were definitely up to something and he was going to find out what!

                     -------------------------

Voight Residence

That night Jay had been surprised to find himself summoned to the gruff Sergeants' domicile.  Of course strictly speaking  the older man could not dictate his out of work social arrangements but the green eyed man had known a refusal was not an option.  Now sitting by the roaring fire  in the familiar living room with Voight, Al and Parker he was about to question his presence when the moustached man offered up an explanation.