Tolerance Book IiI

Chapter One Hundred and Seventy-Two: A Breakthrough

21st Precinct

Two weeks later tracking down Jason Martin the Registered Owner of the various burial grounds across the country was proving extremely difficult. The few leads furnished by CIs had failed to yield up their elusive quarry. To all intents and purposes the man seemed to have vanished without trace. Having returned to the bullpen the day before after sidelining his crutches Jay sat at his desk contemplating the matter. It had not been surprising Martin had gone to ground but the Detective had been mulling over the situation from Gambinis' point of view and kept coming back to one lethal likelihood. The Mob Boss would be keenly aware if Law Enforcement caught up with Martin a deal would be offered. Jay didn't doubt that Gambini trusted Martin but the ruthless man was also known for being extremely paranoid. The question was which would gain the upper hand, trust or paranoia. Rubbing his eyes Jay sighed internally. His gut was telling him the latter had won out. He had nothing concrete however to back up such a theory yet if he was right they were wasting valuable time in trying to track a dead man.

"Hey you want to share what's got you looking so grim?" Adam probed causing the others to glance in Jays' direction.
"It's nothing I can prove," the green eyed man shrugged.
"Share anyway," Al directed knowing full well not to dismiss the young mans' instincts.
"Go on," Voight added his encouragement from his office door as Collins and Pearson flanked him after their meeting.
"I think the reason we can't find Martin is ...... he's dead."
"Why would you think that?" Pearson questioned with a frown.
"Because although Gambini clearly trusted him I think his paranoia would have superceded that trust."
"And Gambini would know if we pulled Martin in we'd try to flip him," Antonio nodded in concurrence.
"But unless we find a body we won't know," Kevin pointed out an unpalatable truth.
"If Gambini killed he could make sure we won't ever find him," Voight stated assuredly.
"So where does that leave us?" Adam wondered, he trusted Jays' instincts.
"You want to pull all resources from finding Martin?" Collins asked Voight after noting the Units' blanket acceptance of the young Detectives' words.
"No but we can pursue other leads to Gambini as a priority."
"What leads?" Pearsons' scepticism wasn't based in rancour but on their lack of intel to date.

"Suggestions?" the Sergeant tossed out a directive to the bullpen.
"I'll contact my CI again," Kevin offered, "press him more on who Martin worked with for Gambini."
"It's a huge operation Martin can't be the only one that was telied on," Antonio stated hopefully.
"We still don't know who Gambinis' Partner is," Al reminded, identifying that individual would be pivotal to the investigation.
"I'm running various searches," Mouse looked over the top of his main monitor, "concentrating on ten years ago when Gambini left the country trying to find known Associates back then."
"It's taking a big risk if Martin is in fact alive," the Senior FBI Agent observed.
"More like we're expanding our target areas," Voight countered, he didn't expect the other man to trust Jay implicitly like the Unit did so understood his misgivings.

Jay had silently watched the exchange between his friends and the Seattle duo uneasy he was the cause of any friction, however minor. He knew his friends totally trusted his instincts and sincerely hoped he was not mistaken. Al had been observing the green eyed man as he had been watching the others. He knew his young friend was under an intolerable amount of pressure as a result of the abductions alone but the Gambini investigation was exponentially increasing said strain. The moustached Detective decided another chat was in order and this time he was determined his friend would listen. Rising to his feet mig in hand he spoke quietly but firmly.

"Halstead have a coffee with me," the older man directed ignoring the surprised look end heading for the small Break Room without a backward glance.
"What's that about?" Adam looked at Jay as his friend reluctantly stood up and limped after his fellow ex-Ranger.
"Guess I'm about to find out," Jay shrugged ignoring the glances sent his way.