Tolerance Book III

Chapter One Hundred and Fifty-Six: Perceived Justice

21st Precinct

A day later the Unit and the two Seattle men stood in the bullpen eyeing the whiteboard going over what information they had accrued which unfortunately was not much. The IT Specialists' deep dive into Franklin Carsons' business dealings and financial records had not disclosed any reason for the brutal assault and murder. Although the Unit members were relieved for Tommys' sake that his father did not have any criminal ties, Gambini or anyone else, lurking in the background it meant they were still in the dark about what had happened at the Carson residence. The presence of a Sniper/Hitman had them all flummoxed.

"There must be some angle we're missing," Kevin noted, the sheer ferocity of the assault on Carson alone intimated it was personal.
"When can we talk to Mrs. Carson?" Collins enquired knowing the query would not be welcomed.
"She's dying!" Adam shook his head in disgust.
"I know," Collins sighed, he wasn't happy with the situation either, "but we have absolutely nothing to go on. With Carson Senior unable to give any further information she's the only logical link and .....,"
"You think she's a Criminal?!" Adam scoffed derisively.
"I think she's our only unexplored lead."
"He's right," a quiet voice declared drawing surprised glances Jays' way, "we're at a dead end. These people brutally assaulted Franklin Carson and murdered .... Brett ... without hesitation ....,"
"How do you know Hartley was shot without hesitation?" Pearson eyed the former Sniper speculatively.
"Behind a rifle scope there's no place for error. You see the Target up close. The person in question didn't mistake him for Tommy. He knew his Target," the green eyed Detective sighed, the Bodyguard had been collateral damage coldly dispatched.
"And Hartley wasn't the prime Target," Collins mused, doing due diligence the FBI Agents had done a full background check on the late Bodyguard confirming his stellar reputation had been well earned.
"So Halstead will talk to Tommy ...," Voight decided, quickly raising a hand to forestall any arguments from their Visitors, "and will get his permission to speak to Mrs. Carson."
"But ..," Collins wanted to conduct the interview.
"Halstead has a connection with the Kid," Al noted evenly, "he won't trust Strangers."
"No one wants to disturb a dying woman," Pearson accepted with a look of sadness, "but if she can shed any light on what's going on it might protect her family."
"Halstead are you sure you can convince the son to let you speak to Mrs. Carson?" Collins gracefully decided not to insist on protocol being followed given the unique circumstances.
"I'll explain we have no other avenue to pursue. He'll want to protect them."
"Right so can you get on that straight away?" Collins checked hopefully.
"I'm calling to the hospital after one stop," Jay rose plucking his jacket from the back of the chair.
"I'm driving," Voight produced his keys and shook them.
"Sarge there's no ....,"
"Isn't up for debate," the Sergeant declared ignoring the quizzical looks directed his way from the two Feds and striding towards the stairs, "Olinsky you're in charge!"
"Now there's a frightening thought," Jay chided as he reluctantly followed the older man.
"Hey I heard that!" the moustached man proested to his friends' departing back.
"You were meant to!"

Once the pairs' steps died away Collins looked around the bullpen wanting answers. Speaking to the Carson Matriarch should be a priority! Of course the Gambini case was his concern and the Carson case wasn't technically within the Agents' remit but he wanted any investigation to be carried out properly.

"Why isn't Halstead going straight to the hospital to talk to Tommy?"
"He said he had a stop to make," Antonio reminded.
"What's so important it couldn't wait?" Pearson demanded, he too was perplexed.
"Hartleys' wife just flew in," Al divulged grimly, "Halstead needs to talk to her ..,"
"Because?" Collins frowned.
"Jay got Brett the job," Adam explained quietly, "they were friends."
"Damn!" Collins hadn't realised there was a personal connection with the now Deceased Bodyguard.
"Yep that about sums it up," Al deadpanned.