Tolerance Book III

Chapter One Hundred and Fifty-Three: Contemplations

21st Precinct

The following morning Jay had requested a word in private with Voight and Al. After disclosing the Carson sons' knowledge of Gambini and his concern for the young man where the Feds were concerned silence descended on the office.  Al had initially been curious as to why he had been included in the conversation but  came to the slow realization that his young friend was essentially admitting he needed back up, that his concentration skills were not up to par right now.  Sharing a concerned look with the somewhat rarely flummoxed Sergeant he turned to the green eyed man in the chair beside him.

"You explained there's no real link between Tommy and Gambini so the Feds can't try to use him if ....,"
"In theory you're right but ....," Jay heaved a sigh wishing he didn't feel so washed out and could  concentrate properly, "we all know bringing Gambini down would be a major coup ...,"
"No one in the FBI knows about Tommys' tenuous ... knowledge .... of Gambini," Voight finally spoke after considering his Subordinates' words, "and it will stay that way. Although it's unlikely they'd want to risk an operation hy using someone .... on the outer fringes shall we say ..... it's better to keep Tommy off their radar altogether."
"Thanks Sarge," Jay had known the older man would understand what he was worried about.
"For now we'll keep it between the three of us," Voight declared, it wasn't a question of trust - he was protecting the other Unit members if things went awry down the line.
"Maybe make it four of us," the moustached Detective suggested drawing enquiring looks so elaborated succinctly, "if we're going to look into Lauren O'Reillys' disappearance we'll need Mouse."
"You're right!" Jay shook his head in self chastisement, he should have thought of that!
"Hey Kid you're exhausted," Voight pointed out quietly, "you can't think of everything all of the time."
"Luckily that's why you have me," Al reasoned with a wink trying to ease the self recrimination he saw lurking in the auburn haired mans' eyes, "you pull Mouse aside and let him know what's needed. We'll make sure Tommy is completely insulated."
"No one will trace anything back to him," Voight assured solemnly, like his oldest friend he had realized their youngest was, albeit wordlessly, admitting he wasn't on top of his game.

An hour later the IT Technician had been brought into the loop. Like the Sergeant and moustached Detective he had voiced doubt that the Feds would use Tommy but also like the older men he understood Jays' propensity for factoring in all eventualities and trying to prepare for same.  He was also aware his former Lieutenant had taken the lone Carson son under his wing.  It never ceased to amaze him that his friend willingly went to great lengths to help those who needed aid no matter what he was dealing with in his personal life, physically or otherwise.  Mouse was no fool and knew the green eyed man was not fit to be working but he also knew his former LT would not let that be a hindrance to whatever he set his mind to. Right now Jay had set his mind to safeguarding Tommy from any and all threats to his new life however big or small and the IT Specialist would do everything in his power to ensure that objective was achieved.

Voights' Office

Once Jay had left to update Mouse Voight and Al looked at each other knowingly. 

"Hell he's going to give himself an ulcer worrying over everyone else," the Sergeant observed unhappily.
"He's after appointing himself as the Carson sons' Guardian Angel," Al sighed, "that's a huge responsibility to take on."
"And one he shouldn't have."
"No point in making that argument. Once he decides you're his concern it's a lifetime deal."
"Kid takes on too much which is bad enough when he's well but right now he's in bad shape  ....,"
"He's never going to admit that," Al noted the obvious.
"So we make sure we're there for him ...,"
"Think coming to us would not have been on the cards if he was feeling 100%," the seasoned Detective commented insightfully, "least he knows he needs help."
"We need to find a way in with Gambini," Voight declared purposefully, "and we need to find it fast."
"Crowley give you a timeline to get results?"
"Two months ...,"
"That's not long ...,"
"Better than two weeks," Voight shrugged, his Superior was after giving him all the leeway she could, "we still have other active cases ...,"
"We'll deal with them," Al assured as he rose to his feet, "and we'll take Gambini down."
"Just like that!" Voight rolled his eyes sarcastically, the simple assurance belied the gravity of the work ahead.
"Gotta have a little faith man," the Detective instructed as he headed for the door, "we'll do what's needed."