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

Chapter One Hundred and Thirty-Eight: Perseverance

21st District

By the time Martin Williamson had been transferred to the 21st Thomas had already been interviewed but gave no helpful information. As was by now a normal process for him Jay had stood in the Observation Room and listened to Al and Kevin question Thomas. He had to satisfy himself with the fact that his two friends and colleagues had asked all the questions he would have. Ten minutes in however it became obvious to all that Thomas was indeed a pawn but he refused to give up any name. The injured Detective rubbed his temple wearily feeling a headache starting again as Al ushered the prisoner out. He was getting sick of being sick and he needed to be able to concentrate. With a sigh he turned to find Antonio and Conor watching him. He hadn't even noticed their reflection in the two way mirror. So much for concentration!

"Hey Doc what are you doing here?"
"Came to check in on my favourite patient," the dark haired man advanced into the room and stopped in front of the pale man, "you're not looking too good."
"I'm fine and I saw you the other day so you shouldn't have called in," Jay headed for the door trying to keep his irritation in check, it wasn't Conors' fault he was feeling sorry for himself.
"Well I was passing by so figured there'd be no harm," Conor looked at Antonio, "could you give us a minute?"
"Sure Doc," Antonio placed a hand on his friends' shoulder and turned him back into the room before closing the door on the two men.
"I'm guessing you're getting a headache. I spoke to my friend, the Pain Specialist, and explained what you were worried about. Unfortunately he said all the migraine meds have some side effects and there's no telling how someone is going to cope with them in advance. Every patient is different."
"Thanks Conor.  Appreciate you trying anyway."
"You won't change your mind?"
"No.  Can't risk it."
"Antonio said ye've made two arrests. It can't go on forever."
"I used to think that," Jay admitted dejectedly then seemed to realize what he had said, "don't mind me Doc.  Been a long day."
"I can tell. You fancy going to Mollys for an hour tomorrow night?"
"Thanks but my bodyguards would revolt," Jay forced levity into his voice before explaining seriously, "don't want to put anyone in jeopardy.  Until we know who is still out there it's too risky."
"Have you enough painkillers?" Conor patted the younger mans' shoulder and led the way out to the office area.
"Yeah.  Thanks Doc."
"Listen I'm not putting you under any pressure but Will is really anxious to talk to you."
"Yeah.  I was thinking of ringing him tonight ...,"
"With your headache you need some rest," Conor cut in, "maybe tomorrow if you're feeling better?"
"Yeah.  Okay Doc," Jay agreed knowing the conversation was not going to be an easy one and figuring if he wasn't in pain it might be better.
"I won't tell him you're going to ring just in case you get tied up," the Surgeon offered.
"You're a good friend Doc."
"What I am is getting used to dealing with stubborn Halsteads," the older man chided.
"Hey Will's way more stubborn than I am!"
"I'm not going down that route again!" the Surgeon noted sardonically as he walked away saluting the others as he passed.

"So when is Williamson going to be interviewed?" Jay got back to the main task in hand as he eased down on his chair.
"In the morning," Al answered when no one else seemed inclined to respond.
"Why the delay?"
"Sarge figures it's best to let him stew overnight.  He's told him that Thomas has made a deal."
"He won't fall for that," Jay objected as he glanced in at the Sergeant who was on the phone, "he's going to want to know details that Thomas gave up."
"Well for today let's head back to the house," Adam rose, "and I'm ordering takeout before anyone reminds me it's my turn to cook."
"Be safer," Kevin grinned in approval as everyone prepared to head out.
"I need to talk to Sarge," Jay hadn't moved from his seat.
"He's going to be tied up a while Kid," Al walked over to his friends' desk, "come on.  You can talk to him back at the house."
"But ......,"
"He's due down at HQ in quarter of an hour so believe me now isn't the time to delay him."
"Okay," the injured man got up in defeat reminding himself that he needed to be patient, after all he had plenty of practice at that.

Safehouse

Once the remains of the Chinese takeout were dealt with the men moved into the spacious living room at the back of the house and began to play poker, jellybeans once again being used instead of money.  The men had all noted that the youngest was not really paying attention to the cards although he was participating in the game.  Antonio looked across at the cause of their concern after asking Adam as dealer for three cards.

"You doing alright Jay?"
"If I told you that I'd never win."
"Wasn't talking about the game."
"I'm good," Jay shrugged dismissively as he refocused his mind on the cards in his hand.
"You know there's no harm in admitting you're frustrated or even angry about everything that's been happening," Al offered as he signalled for three cards.
"Hell I'd be fuming," Adam confessed as he passed over the prerequisite cards, "why aren't you?"
"I'll take one," Jay ignored the query and swallowed a few orange sweets instead as he accepted the card.
"Answer the question," Antonio directed firmly, "why aren't you angry about everything?"
"Never said I wasn't angry so just concentrate on the cards."
"You're admitting you're angry?" Mouse looked at the man beside him in surprise, Jay was always so self contained he found it hard to imagine him truly angry.
"You think I wouldn't be?"
"Nah man.  You have every right to be."
"Think we're just wondering why you don't show that anger," Adam explained as he dealt himself four cards with a heavy sigh, even when he dealt he couldn't get a good hand.
"Did ye forget I stormed out earlier?"
"That was nothing," Al pointed out.
"Well guys I hate to say it but one way not to get me angry is letting me win all the time," Jay unrepentantly placed his winning hand of a straight flush on the table.
"Damn," Antonio rolled his eyes, "we got to play something else."
"Well ye can play away," Jay stood up carefully after pushing his chips into the centre of the table, "I'm going to turn in."
"Thought you wanted to talk to Voight," Al reminded.
"If he comes in before I get to sleep I'll catch him then.  If not it will do in the morning," the wounded man headed off before his companions decided to pursue their questioning.

Up in his bedroom the Detective had a quick shower after covering his injured hand with a plastic bag.  Once dried off and in fresh briefs he checked the road outside to see if Voight had returned and noted his SUV was still missing.  Sighing he went over and sat down on the side of the bed wondering how he was going to keep going.  He was weary in every sense of the word and when he had unintentionally said to Conor that he couldn't see an end to things he had been speaking the truth.  For months he had been on an emotional rollercoaster and the ride was still in motion.  Perseverance was always something he strived to achieve, whether as a young boy overcoming injuries, getting through missions in Afghanistan or working on difficult cases.  Since the attack at Med he felt his ability to persevere and so many other things were being eroded.  He'd just have to keep going.  So what if he was finding the going tough?  He'd got through bad times before and he would again he scolded himself as lights outside announced the Sergeants' arrival.

tbc