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

Chapter One Hundred and Thirty-Six: Pawn

"How did you escape your guards?" Thomas ignored the jab as he looked around but obviously didn't see anything to disturb him.
"When I want to be alone I lose them," the Detective shrugged trying to reconcile the man before him with the actions of the incarcerated Michael Williamson but found he could not do so and with that realization he felt his gut constrict so he played a hunch, "who do you answer to?"
"No one."
"You're lying Thomas.   Care to tell me who you escaped from?" Jay threw back the mans' own question.
"No one," the older man reiterated with more force but despite that his reply sounded hollow.
"You're someones'pawn.   Just how many of ye are there?" Jay casually put a hand up to his right ear and scratched it.
"Don't know what you mean?"
"You're lying.   Did ye have a school reunion without me and compare class notes?    I know I never did you any harm," Jay rose slowly, cradling his left arm and looked down at his companion.
"Who the hell do you think you are?" Thomas began to stand but two pairs of hands grabbed him from behind the wooden seat and roughly pushed him upright before he found himself unceremoniously lying on the ground being handcuffed.
"Thought you were going solo," Adam grinned as he left Antonio to mirandize the now cursing man.
"He isn't the guy we're after.  He wouldn't be in charge," Jay imparted grimly as Antonio shoved the man to get him moving towards the car.
"He isn't?" Adam asked automatically although he knew his friend well enough to know that he was making the correct evaluation of the arrested man.
"No."
"Well we'll let Sarge question him and he'll give us answers.  Come on let's go.  Antonio will be waiting."
"Don't think that's a good idea."
"What do you mean?"
"Ye need to leave and I mean really leave," Jay rubbed a hand down his face then coughed behind his good hand, "we're being watched.  Don't turn around."
"You sure?" Adam refrained from rolling his eyes at the unnecessary instruction and instead ducked his head zipping up his jacket as he spoke.
"Yeah.   When he sees ye leave he might make a move."
"We can't just leave you."
"Need this to end now," Jay shoved his friend away with a wink, "I need this to end."
"Man I'm going to get roasted," Adam began gesticulating with his hands as if he was in a temper, "okay we'll go but you ring me when you can."
"Will do," the injured man shook his head adamantly in contrast to his words knowing to onlookers it would appear the two were arguing.
"Be careful.  You owe me," Adam spoke quietly before storming off, keeping up the illusion all the way back to the car.

Unbeknownst to Jay  Adam and Antonio had been notified a few minutes earlier that Hank and Al had followed the duo and ultimately their youngest Detective.   Watching the scene play out through binoculars from a well hidden vantage point Al turned to the silent Sergeant beside him.

"He's being watched.  Kid would have come in to get answers from that guy otherwise."
"Just what we need.  Has Mouse made any inroads in the school records?"
"He's got the list of pupils who were in school with Jay narrowed down to two hundred.  He's trying to get it smaller."
"Maybe the Kid's sensing us," Hank commented getting back to the more immediate issue.
"No.  After that little charade he's obviously sensing danger," Al spoke with certainty and due to his similar military background his old friend believed him.
"Well we need ...," Hank was interrupted by his cell vibrating and walked away from his companion so he could focus on the task in hand, minding their youngest.
"Damn it!" Al cursed vehemently as he picked up his rifle and looked through the scope only to find the bench empty.
"What is it?" Hank walked back over as he put away his mobile phone.
"Hold on," Al directed softly as he scanned the area and sighed in relief when he saw his friends' head momentarily through a gap in the trees, "he's on the move."
"Does he look like he has a destination in mind or is he taking his time?"
"He's strolling," Al quickly stood up and put the rifle over his shoulder as he clasped the binoculars, "reckon he's trying to draw the guy out.   Who was on the phone?"
"Atwater.   The 22nd just picked up Martin Williamson on a DUI.  Himself and Antonio will get him transferred to the 21st.  Already cleared it with Sergeant Horowitz.  Come on let's move it.   This is not the time to lose him."
"Won't argue with you."

Chicago Med

Conor had been trying to track down the elder Halstead sibling for some time.  Finally he caught up with him as he stood in line waiting for a drink from the Street Vendor.

"Did you talk to Jay?" Will evaded the question he knew his friend was going to ask.
"Not since his check up.  You know that.  That why you've been avoiding me?" the black haired man frowned.
"I haven't been avoiding you.   I've been busy."
"So you're not mad at me over something?" Conor sought clarification as they moved closer to the truck.
"Look I'll admit I was upset you couldn't get him to talk to me but that's not your fault.   I know you tried."
"I sense a 'but' in there."
"Just wish he wasn't turning to you instead of me," Will reluctantly conceded as he took a few bills out of his pocket, "coffee?"
"Yeah thanks.   Black," Conor left the que and waited for the redhead to join him.
"I know it's dumb," Will handed over the scalding drink and they walked over to a concrete flower pot, "I'm glad he feels comfortable with you.  He needs a Doctor on his side."
"You know it can't be you Will," the Surgeon noted as they sat down, "but you say the word and I'll pull out."
"What?!"
"I got to know Jay through you but you were my friend first.  I thought me looking after him was what you wanted.  Hell you even said it was but if you've changed your mind just tell me."
"Conor I'm not asking you to quit looking after him.   He needs you," the redhead blushed as he took in the full context of the conversation, it sounded like he was jealous and he wasn't a child anymore, "what the hell is wrong with me?   I'm acting as if you've stolen my brother and that's wrong on every level.   He's lucky to have you and I hope in the future, when all this drama is over, he'll still go to you when he needs help."
"I understand you're out of sorts especially since he hasn't contacted you," Conor looked at his friends' tired features, hiding his relief his offer had been declined as he had expected, "and I'm guessing you aren't sleeping much but I really don't think Jay is trying to punish you or is still angry at you.   I honestly believe he's doing what he always .....,"
"does, protecting me," Will finished off the sentence accepting the truth of it, "hell you might as well call me an idiot as well.  The Unit already thinks I'm one."
"Nah," Conor stood up as his companion did likewise, "you're a concerned big brother and Jay is lucky to have you.  What's more he knows it so come on let's get some work done since we're being paid for it."
"Thanks Conor."
"Anytime."

tbc