Tolerance Book III

Chapter One Hundred and Thirty-Eight: Disclosure

County Jail

After introductions had been made and the reason behind their visit explained Jay had wasted no time asking the jailed man pertinent questions. So far however the answers provided had not been helpful.

"You definitely didn't have a connection with Williams prior to the accident?" the Detective pressed again.
"No. Honestly I don't remember him in school. He wasn't in my class and if he remembered me he never brought it up the couple of times we spoke," the dark haired man insisted shaking his head before gesturing to their grim surroundings, "this is like a nightmare but I shouldn't complain. He's dead after all."
"So who holds a grudge against you?" Kelly finally joined in, up to now he had let the Detective take the lead.
"No one. I genuinely think it's a case of mistaken identity. It's the only thing that makes any sense."
"So you're saying you never did anything out of the way to anyone?" Jay sought verbal confirmation.
"Hey I'm not pretending I'm a Saint," the orange clad man stated solemnly, "but I've never done anything illegal ....,"
"That's not what I asked. There are plenty of ways to do harm without it being illegal," the green eyed man pointed out evenly.
"It might just be cruel, selfish ....," the Firefighter took up the possible acts.
"No! I'm not playing word games! I've never hurt anyone intentionally in any way," Porter proclaimed fervently, "you can either believe me or don't but I'm done defending myself!"
"Okay, okay " Jay nodded placatingly after sharing a glance with his friend, "we believe you. Now let's discuss the day of the accident .....,"

21st Precinct

Two hours later Jay stood in Voights' office as silence descended after he imparted his news. In truth the young Detective hadn't known how the older man would react. He hadn't actually done anything wrong. His personal time was just that, personal. The Sergeant eyed his youngest wondering why he couldn't ever seem to catch a break. He fully understood the appeal of dealing with a mundane case when their work involved so much of the dark side of life. Realising his silence might be misconstrued he gestured to the chair across from him.

"Take a seat Halstead. You're not in any trouble."
"Sarge?" Jay sank down on the seat unable to hide his relief, the truth was he didn't want to be at odds with the man he greatly admired or any of the others either.
"] wish your off time had been less ... shall we say troublesome ... but you were off the clock."
"Yes Sarge."
"So the 15th is alright with you being involved?"
"As far as the DA is concerned they have their Killer."
"So Arnott figures you can do what he can't," Voight mused unhappily, he didn't like the idea of his Subordinate being used.
"Sarge I asked to be involved," Jay hastily sought to fix any misconception, "Arnott didn't ask me to do anything."
"But he'll use whatever you find."
"We both want to find the real Killer," the younger man shrugged, "Porter is innocent. Of that I'm certain."
"Presumably Arnott is too otherwise he wouldn't agree to your presence," Voight declared before changing the topic, "so how come Severide approached you?"
"He knew I was off duty," Jay responded, he wouldn't lie but he wouldn't divulge all the details either.
"A lucky coincidence for Porter," the gruff man noted wrily, he decided not to pursue the matter further.
"I won't let this interfere with my work Sarge."
"I know you won't but if there's anything we can do let us know."
"Sarge?"
"I'm assuming since you've come to me now you're going to talk to the others," Voight gestured to the bullpen, "they're capable of working on the Carson case and other matters. Unofficially of course."
"Thanks Sarge," Jay said gratefully, "but this is something I'll handle alone."
"Well the offer is there, any time," Voight had not expected the younger man to a accept help, by nature his independence was ingrained in him, but he would make sure going forward to remind him aid was available, "I don't envy you."
"What do you mean?"
"Explaining to Ruzek why he's being kept on the sidelines," the gruff man wasn't adverse to guilt trips!
"He's a big boy," the Detective rose then became serious again, "thanks Sarge."
"No thanks necessary just don't get hurt. Dealing with a certain redhead is not my idea of fun."