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

Chapter One Hundred and Nine: Freedom Challenged

By the time the meal had been demolished and the food remains banished Jay was relieved to note his headache had retreated. Near the end of the meal Truck 81 and Ambulance 61 had been called out on a shout so he found himself with Kelly in his office after Boden had informed Adam he wanted a word with him about something.

"So how are you doing?" Kelly asked as he eyed the too thin Detective where he leant against the door frame.
"Good. Be glad to get back to full time work."
"And you'll only be back a week and wishing you had a break."
"Don't I know it," Jay agreed with a smile which didn't reach his eyes.
"Jay I don't know everything that's been going on with you ...,"
"Besides the tape," Jay looked at the ground.
"That tape doesn't change who you are man," Kelly quickly stated, "you're still the same Jay you've always been to us and that's the truth.  What I was going to say is if you ever need help of any kind you can count on me. My word."
"Thanks," Jay walked over and offered his hand to the seated man in gratitude, "appreciate it."
"No thanks necessary," Kelly rose not liking how ill the younger man actually looked, "feel like some fresh air?"
"I'd love it but my bodyguard wouldn't like it."
"Well I need to get gas so you can come for the spin and I'll deal with Adam."
"He won't agree," Jay argued as he followed the older man past the various cots.
"Betcha ten dollars he will."
"Make it twenty," the Detective instructed confidently as they reached the hallway.
"You're on."

Although Adam and Boden had voiced objections to the Lieutenants' suggestion Jay eventually found himself sitting in the passenger seat of the Chiefs' SUV as Severide drove.  The Detective had assumed they would be travelling in the Squad truck.  After handing over a crisp twenty dollar note Jay had looked back at Adam in surprise.  He really couldn't believe he was allowed out on his own.  Thinking on that he shook his head as he glanced out the side window as they drove along.  His life was reduced to that of a childs.  He needed permission for everything and he was damn sick of it!  The old man was dead but he was still controlling his life.

"Hey you're very quiet over there," Kelly noted the fleeting emotions passing over his friends' features, from sadness to anger.
"Just thinking."
"You want to talk I can be a good listener," Kelly offered as he indicated to pull into the gas station.
"Guess ..... I'm wondering how long more this will go on."
"What?"
"Me needing permission to do things. I'm a grown man!"
"I've never been in witness protection but I can guess it must feel claustrophobic.  What you have to ask yourself is is it accomplishing its' objective because from where I'm sitting and your brother and all of your friends I can tell you the answer is 'yes'.  You're still here and that's what really matters," Kelly pulled up by a pump and turned off the ignition, "isn't it?"
"Not sure any more," Jay confided then seemed to realize what he had divulged, what the hell was wrong with him? "sorry forget it. I'm just tired."
"I'll buy that," Kelly pulled the keys from the ignition, "come on in and I'll buy you some snacks!"
"Very funny.  I'll stick where I am.  Besides wouldn't want to give Adam a heart attack."
"What do you mean?" Kelly asked as he opened his door and stepped out.
"He's been following us since we left," Jay stated confidently, "you can give me back my money."
"Hey I didn't know he would follow!"
"But when you knew he was you didn't say anything," Jay held out his hand, "pay up."
"Damn," the Firefighter took out his wallet and handed back the money.

Although Adam had followed his friends he had not been happy about the unscheduled trip and knew if anything went down it would be on him. Luckily within a reasonable short time they were back at 51. Adam didn't even try to pretend he had not been following the pair.  Jay although clearly unhappy at what he considered over zealousness decided not to voice his displeasure apart from one curse.  In a relatively short time of their return the tired Detective informed Kelly that he had to get going.  After thanking Boden and saying goodbye to everyone the recovering man led the way out to the car. The trip back to the safehouse passed in almost complete silence and Adam feared he had pushed his friend too far by following him.  He knew however he hadn't had a choice in the matter. Safety had to take priority, especially since they now knew the unknown tormentor was still out there obviously intending to continue making life difficult for Jay. The funeral was due to take place the following day and no one knew how to broach the Detective about it.  Even Hank was reticent about bringing up the topic.  Pulling slowly into the driveway as the gates began opening Adam looked across to the passenger seat and saw Jay rubbing his temple.  Figuring any query about his health would be rebuffed the Detective bit his tongue and wondered how his friend would react when he saw who had come to visit him.

Jay let Adam walk into the kitchen first as he checked a text message, surprised to hear several voices.  He thought besides his brother they would be the only ones home as it was only twenty before five.  He had only seen Wills' SUV outside.  As Adam walked over to the refrigerator Jay stalled in his tracks when he saw Conor and Dr. Charles.  A glance at his brother revealed nothing.  Sighing internally he sincerely hoped the Psychiatrist wasn't there for him but he had a sinking feeling in his gut.

"Hey Jay," Charles walked over with an outstretched hand and placed a friendly hand on the smaller mans' shoulder.
"Dr. Charles," Jay accepted the hand even as he casually shrugged out of the hold and then backed away, "didn't know you were calling."
"Well Will has been keeping me up to date on what's been happening and I realized I hadn't touched base with you for a long time."
"You don't touch base with me," the Detective pointed out calmly as he retrieved a glass from an overhead cupboard and poured himself some water.
"Yes well maybe I felt I should," Charles commented as he walked over to stand beside the flustered man, although not invading his personal space, "I was sorry to hear about your father."
"Everyone dies," Jay muttered quietly as he caught Conors' eye, where he was setting the table for the upcoming meal, seeking help.
"You going to have the chicken tonight Jay?" the Surgeon obliged with the first distraction he could think of.
"Well since Adam couldn't have cooked it I just might," the grateful Detective made short work of demolishing the water and put the empty glass in the sink before turning to the Psychiatrist as he started walking to the door, "it was good of you to call Dr. Charles."
"Mind if I have a quick word with you?" the unkempt man asked as he followed the younger man out into the hallway.
"What about?"
"Like I said I just wanted to see how you're doing," Charles inclined his head towards the living room across the way.
"I'm doing fine," Jay shook his head purposefully and headed for the stairs, "if I want to talk to you I know where to find you."
"Sure Jay.  Whatever you say," the black haired man agreed without rancour as the young man headed up the steps and he walked back into the kitchen.
"Well that went well," Adam sighed.
"It was worth a try," Will put in, "thanks Dr. Charles."
"I told you anytime you need me just give me a call," the Psychiatrist picked up his coat, "now luckily for me I have a dinner engagement.  Remember what I said let Jay take the lead. If he doesn't want to attend the funeral don't try to force the issue.  It has to be his choice."
"I know," Will nodded, "I'm going to thread carefully like you said.  I'll take my ques from him."
"Well at least you listen to Dr. Charles," Conor noted in relief as he out down the final pieces of cutlery, "for now how about retrieving your brother.  We all know he won't come down on his own."
"Until he knows Dr. Charles is gone," Will said ruefully, "guess I'll have to face the music sometime."
"Don't worry he can't shoot you," Adam said helpfully, "he doesn't have his gun."

Will gave the grinning Detective a mock glare before heading upstairs.  It was time to have a proper talk with his brother.

tbc