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

Chapter Forty-Four: Retrieving the Rifles

Will had been somewhat mollified to see his younger brother on the CCTV footage even if it was obvious he had lost weight. Adam had pointed out he was obviously well enough to be out and about and assured the older sibling that things would work themselves out. Now with letter in hand Will followed Platt up the stairs to the Unit with Conor at his side. His earlier relief having dissipitated after reading the contents.

"What's up Doc?" Adam paused coming out of the kitchen upon seeing the two men.
"Dr. Halstead has received a letter from Jay," Platt offered as she headed back down the steps.
"This arrived just as I was leaving for work," Will explained as he handed over the missive.
"It's addressed to Jays' place," Adam frowned, "you're meant to be staying away from there."
"He just goes by to check the mail," Conor put in, "he's still staying at my place."
"What does it say?" Mouse asked from his temporary desk.
"Can I read it for the others?" Adam checked as he took the single page out of the envelope.
"Go on," Will urged.
"Okay .... it says .. Will I appreciate everything you, Conor and the team have done but this is something I need to deal with myself. I will not take the risk of anyone else being hurt. Please know I appreciate everything ye have all done. Signed Jay .... PS Tell Mouse not to mess up my desk."
"So when was it posted?" Kevin spoke after a long silence.
"A day ago, in Wilmette."
"What the hell is he doing in Wilmette?" Antonio demanded.
"Beats me," Adam sighed as he handed the letter over to Hank who had remained silent.
"So we're supposed to believe he found out where his father was and then went to Wilmette?" Al asked sceptically.
"No," Hank spoke thoughtfully, "we're meant to think he's been in Wilmette since he took off. At least that's why he had the letter posted. Remember he set up the meet in Union Station when he should have known we would have been alerted about the old mans' presence."
"So he wanted us to believe he was out of Chicago now?" Kevin checked.
"Guess that was the plan," Hank nodded, "but knowing Jay he'll figure out we saw him at the meet so we won't be distracted by Wilmette."
"Sounds about right," Adam concurred.
"So ye believe he's still here?" Conor asked.
"Yes," the Sergeant answered looking at the two Doctors, "ye change yer mind about a safehouse let me know. I don't want to be the one explaining to Jay how ye got hurt."
"Don't tell me you're afraid of my kid brother," the redhead chided.
"No. I'm not," Hank answered seriously, "but he's going to take on those three to make sure no one else gets hurt. Hate for it all to be in vain if any of us gets sloppy."
"But ye're still looking for him aren't ye?" any trace of levity had left Wills' face.
"We are but the truth is Jay is the one holding the deck. This is his show. We just have to hope he'll let us in at some stage."
"Are ye going to follow up on Wilmette?"
"We will but I don't expect to find anything. Like I said Jay is in charge, for now at least."
"Damn," Adam shook his head wondering just how long it would be before he saw his friend.

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At about the same time Will and Conor were arriving at 21st Precinct Jay was talking to his father. The conversation was again short. This time he told the old man he would meet him at the Bean in Millennium Park. Although reluctant to go on another wild goose chase his father had agreed to the meet. Watching the three men leave the halfway house ten minutes later Jay quickly gained access to their two rooms after signing in as a guest. He was surprised but relieved to find the three assault rifles and ammunition hidden in the bottom of a wardrobe. He quickly disassembled the weapons and stuffed everything into the second rucksack he had bought, a red one. After a few minutes he made sure there was nothing else in either room which could shed further light on his fathers' dealings then quickly availed of the fire escape throwing away the long fake beard he had bought so the Desk Clerk could not identify him properly if questioned.

That evening Adam found a package outside his door after hearing a knock. Upon inspection he cursed as he found the red rucksack with the assault rifles and a small plastic bag inside. His friend had been so close but was still keeping his distance. There was no note, not that he needed one. Running down the stairs to the foyer he ran out in his stockinged feet regardless of the dampness underfoot and looked up and down the street hoping against hope to see the younger man. His search was fruitless however and after a few minutes he turned back towards the building but then turned around and shouted to his friend.

"I'm here whenever you need me! Anytime!" with those words he headed back inside dejectedly.

From the night shadows further down the street Jay watched his friend and heard his pledge. He wanted to break cover and approach his friend. To simply talk to him. That however was beyond his remit. He had set himself a goal and he would achieve it no matter how hard going it alone was. He knew in his head he was doing the right thing. His heart didn't seem to be in agreement however. He just had to knuckle down and finish this he told himself as he walked away.

The third time Jay phoned his father was also the last time he did so. He had told his father he would meet him in Giordanos' at Navy Pier. Aware his weapons had been taken the old man was surprisingly calm but once again agreed to meet his son. This time Jay told him he would definitely talk to him. When reminded he had already promised to meet twice and had not shown up Jay had pointed out honestly that he had not promised to talk. After a brief silence the older man agreed to attend so now the pale man sat at a table with a wall behind him, taking in his surroundings. His eyes no longer shaded by brown contacts, the black dye rinsed from his hair. A medium deep dish cheese and tomatoe pizza sat untouched on the table before him. A can of 7UP was already half empty. It helped deal with the nausea which had been assailing him ever since he spoke to his father. He knew he wouldn't be so worried if it was only the old man he was dealing with but the unknown element of the two strangers and the need for assault rifles actually scared him. Just who did they intend to use the rifles on and could they gain access to more? Jay wondered about how quickly his life had changed since the attack. He had enjoyed his job, actually felt he made a difference. He had made good friends since joining the Unit. He was even getting on with his brother. And now all that was out of reach and he wasn't sure he was ever going to be able to grasp it all again.

tbc