Tolerance Book I (Chicago PD/Med FF) by Frances51163

Chapter Thirty-Four: Recruiting an Ally

Despite a number of arguments Jay insisted on pulling watch duty over the next couple of days.  On the second day after their discussion Hank had checked with him if he could tell the others what he had disclosed about his 17th Christmas.  The headache riddled man had appreciated he had been given time to consider the matter.   Although not happy about it he  had reluctantly agreed.   He had come to the slow realization that it was best if everyone knew the tactics his father could use if, for any reason, he got a hold of one  them. Not that Jay intended to let that happen.   He made himself scarce when Hank was talking to the others after dinner.  Deciding to put some distance between himself and the group grabbing his jacket and gloves he once again made his way down to the jetty.   The moonlit waters glistened as he stood at the end of the wooden structure.  Out here, alone, he could find rare space.  He wasn't claustrophobic but being cooped up in the house was beginning to grate on his nerves.   The others had all been able to go out occasionally to get supplies but any request he made about leaving the property was firmly shut down.   The frustrating  thing was that he found himself arguing with ten men each time and ten against one just didn't make for good odds of success.  Sighing heavily Jay rubbed his forehead.  He knew another headache was building.  The truth was when he had told Hank the unresolved situation was delaying his recovery he actually meant it.  Of course the Grade 3 concussion didn't help but he geninely felt if he had his father sorted out his headaches would ease off.    And wasn't that one hell of a position to be in he  thought ruefully.    He was never one to feel sorry for himself though and would not start now.   Tomorrow was the third day after his discussion with Hank so he intended to remind him of his promise to consider using him as bait and this time he resolved he was not going to back down.

The men sat in the kitchen in silence after Hank relayed the new information to them.  Antonio kept his gaze on Jay on the monitor.   He took in the hunched shoulders as the man stood on the jetty and sighed.  There was so much about their friend that they were only just now beginning to learn about.

"How the hell did he deal with the pain of a broken arm and four broken ribs by himself?!" Adam looked around the table seeking an answer to the impossible.
"We know he has a high pain threshold," Antonio spoke without removing his gaze from the CCTV.
"Hell we saw he has a high pain threshold," Kevin put in referring to the  footage they had viewed of the younger man being tortured.
"He only told me he broke two ribs that time," Will spoke for the first time, his distress clear, "why didn't he tell me the truth?"
"Knowing Jay he knew you wouldn't believe he was  unhurt so he told you about the two ribs.  Even if he had told you the full truth you couldn't have done anything," Hank guessed, "and I figure in addition to the broken bones he probably had severe bruising.  Not that he said it."
"Why do you think that?" Conor asked after taking a sip of hot coffee.
"Because he used the word 'beating'."
"This just gets better and better," Adam spoke morosely as he turned to look at the overhead monitor behind him, "think I'll go down and keep him company."
"Guys unless he brings the subject up I don't want anyone talking to him about this," Hank nodded as Adam rose and then looked at the other men carefully, "that includes you two Docs."
"Hey ...," Will began but was cut off.
"Will  he didn't say it but the only reason he agreed to tell me was in case your father got a hold of one of us.  It wasn't easy for him.  Think he's feeling pretty raw at the moment so bringing this up now, unless he does, won't help."
"Hank's right," Al nodded.
"Okay.  I won't bring it up."
"How about you Doc?" Hank turned to the Surgeon sitting beside Kevin.
"I won't bring it up," Conor assured agreeing with the Sergeants' assessment of the situation.
"You three on board?" Hank finally turned his attention to the silent ex-Rangers.  He could feel their barely concealed rage and understand it because he felt it too.
"Yes," Lance answered for the trio firmly.

Making his way through the shimmering gap in the trees as he headed for the jetty a momentary panic invaded Adam when he did not see his friend.   Looking around through the darkness  he finally found his quarry sitting on a rock back by the left hand side of the tree line.

"You want some company?" Adam slowly approached his friend.
"No."
"No problem," Adam began to head towards the gap again.
"I ......,"
"What?" Adam stopped and turned around.
"I need .... to finish this."
"I know," Adam kicked at the small stones by his foot, "we'll get it sorted.  I promise."
"You said before you would do whatever I needed," Jay reminded his friend of the conversation they had when they moved into the new apartment, "you mean it?"
"Yeah," Adam answered without hesitation.
"I'm telling Hank tomorrow that I'm going to be bait.  Want you to back me up."
"Jay man you're in no state for that."
"You said you meant it."
"I did!  I do," Adam walked back over and took a seat on the same large rock, "but you know Sarge won't listen to me."
"Just want better odds this time," Jay looked out at the rippling waters.
"Odds?"
"Nine against two is better than ten against one."
"Damn," Adam shook his head as he thought back to the several occasions when Jay broached the topic and he was right.  They were all against him.  Sure it was for his own good but it seemed, however unintentional, Jay took it as them all siding against him rather than against his idea then a thought struck him, "you playing me cos I'm an easy target?"
"Caught," Jay smiled as he finally turned his gaze to the man beside him before becoming serious, "this can't go on any longer.  Christmas is coming up and no way are ye all spending it here protecting me."
"We're protecting Will and Conor and your buddies too."
"Wouldn't have to if it wasn't for me.  And the Unit could be targeted too," Jay said around a cough he couldn't stifle.
"If that's what you want okay," Adam finally acquiesced, "I'lI take your side of the argument but it won't be easy."
"Didn't expect it to be," Jay gingerly stood up mindful of the headache which was now full blown. 
"That's going to be an interesting conversation tomorrow but there's one thing."
"What?" Jay asked as they strolled back up to the house.
"Leave it until tomorrow night."
"Why?"
"Because you need to look a bit better than you do now," Adam explained with rare blunt honesty as they stopped on the back porch and his friends' features were framed in bright artificial light.
"Okay," Jay agreed mainly because the advice made sense but also because he just wanted to lie down.
"Then we have a deal my friend," Adam beamed happily and placed a hand around the smaller mans' shoulders as they headed back in.

The kitchen only housed Al at the counter when the two men entered

"Was wondering if ye had decided to go for a swim."
"We considered it but it's not quite  cold enough," Adam deadpanned as he took off his coat and gloves.
"You want a sandwich or something," Al addressed Jay as he handed over the small bottle of tablets without being asked.
"Where did you get these?" Jay frowned.
"Fell out of your pocket when you were leaving I guess," Al walked over and retrieved an egg sandwich from the refrigerator before placing it on the counter.
"I don't need .....,"
"Jay remember what we spoke about," Adam urged as he headed over to the coffee pot, "you want coffee or milk?"
"Milk," Jay remained in his coat as he sat down on a stool causing the other two men to frown but he didn't notice.

Adam knew he had to stand by his promise but he also knew it would be a hard sell especially as it seemed the younger man was developing a cold on top of everything else.   
Placing a large full glass on the counter before Jay Adam winked and was glad when it was returned.  Now he just needed to get someone else on their side, to even the odds.