Tolerance Book III

Chapter One Hundred and Forty-Four: An Unexpected Confrontation

Firehouse 51

Jay had opted to call to the firehouse knowing Kelly was on call for the next three nights. After being ushered into the Firefighters' small office Jay took a seat as directed.

"Wasn't expecting to see you till later," Kelly looked across at his Visitor quizzically.
"Need to talk to you about the Williams' case ....,"
"Why? It's Porter we're concerned with," Kelly sat up straighter on his chair, suddenly sensing he wasn't going to like this discussion.
"Well ultimately it's a murder investigation and it's after taking on more sinister undertones ...,"
"Because of the Gambini guy you told me about?"
"Yes," the Detective eyed his friend seriously, "I think it would be safer for you if you walk away from this .... whatever 'this' is."
"I want to help Porter. He's sitting in jail for a crime he didn't commit .....,"
"I know," Jay agreed then continued solemnly, "and I'm going to do all I can to ensure he gets out but .....,"
"Have you forgotten who brought you into this to begin with?"
"Kelly you have to admit you didn't expect things to get so serious," Jay reminded evenly.
"True enough but it doesn't change the fact I'm involved."
"I appreciate all you've done for me," the auburn haired man noted sincerely, "and I understand if you'd rather I didn't go to the boatyard any more in light of this ....,"
"Whoa! I never said you weren't welcome there," Kelly fervently insisted.
"Kelly you staying on this could get you hurt ..... or worse. I can't have that on my conscience," the Detective observed with absolute honesty, "so I'm asking you to let us handle it."
"I promised Porter I'd help him."
"We both did," Jay concurred, "but you getting hurt won't help him."
"You can't say for certain I'd get hurt," the Firefighter countered, although he understood his friends' stance he wasn't willing to concede.
"If this was the other way around and I got involved in a fire would you be happy with me handling it?"
"Depends on the fire I suppose. You don't have the skills or experience .....," Kelly let his words drift into silence as he realized he had fallen into a trap, "okay, okay so I'm not a Cop and you are."
"I'm just saying we both know our own fields and ....,"
".... I need to stay on mine."

Jay was relieved as he finally saw acceptance, although reluctant, on his friends' features. He felt the knot in his gut untwist. He hadn't lost a friend for which he would be eternally grateful.

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21st Precinct

Once back at the 21st Jay had informed Voight of Kellys' agreement to let them handle the matter. He had explained that getting Porter cleared had to be a prerequisite otherwise the Firefighter would not be conducive to staying on the sidelines. Imparting this detail to the Sergeant without the Firefighter actually giving voice to such a threat was to ensure with Gambini in his sights the older man did not forget the overall picture. An innocent mans' future was in the balance.

"You believe Porter is innocent?" Voight checked although they had discussed the matter previously.
"Yes. He was clearly framed," Jay replied then asked a question of his own, "how are you going to proceed regarding Gambini?"
"I have a meeting with Crowley first thing in the morning .....,"
"Sarge it would be only fair to give Arnott a heads up ....,"
"I know," the older man nodded then explained wrily, "which is why we're meeting him in Mollys tonight. I can be tactful when necessary you know."
"Yes Sarge," Jay couldn't keep the relief out of his tone, he wanted the seasoned Detective from the 15th to be shown respect and obviously Voight was on the same page.

Hotel

Jay had informed Tommy of the visit to his parents. The blonde had seemed surprised when the Detective confirmed he had not disclosed his whereabouts.

"You figured I'd go back on my word?" Jay asked without rancour as he stood looking out the window.
"Guess ... I wasn't sure."
"Don't blame you," the green eyed man turned away from the outside world and gestured to the bulky envelope he had left on the bed, "your father gave you some money so you can stay somewhere nice ....,"
"This place is nice," Tommy noted with a frown as he slowly opened the envelope and whistled, "wow! That's a lot of money."
"Well it's all yours to do with as you please. Your family can't trace you when you spend it."