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

Chapter One Hundred and Thirty-Nine: Too Much

Walking into the kitchen on stockinged feet Jay pulled the black shirt further around his left shoulder, he was just too tired to struggle with putting his injured limb through the sleeve, opting on wearing the sling inside.   Hank, Al, Antonio and Adam all looked over at his entrance as they sat around the kitchen counter drinking coffee.

"Thought you were getting some sleep," Hank greeted as he pushed out the free stool beside him for the young Detective.
"Saw you coming back," Jay sat down stifling a yawn, "listen Sarge about tomorrow ..,"
"Halstead there's been a development."
"What?" Jay looked at his companions noting for the first time their solemn expressions.
"Thomas ...," Adam began only to hesitate.
"Thomas was killed an hour ago," Al spoke grimly.
"That's why I'm late getting back," the gruff Sergeant explained softly, they were all aware the younger man was under too much pressure already he didn't need any extra, "like Carter he was stabbed.  Again no witnesses."
"Who the hell have I pi**ed off so much that he's killing people!"
"We don't know who's calling the shots yet Jay but we will," Adam assured.
"And how many more dead ends, literally, are we going to come up against?   This can't keep happening.   I can't have any more blood on my hands!" the injured man went to get up but a firm hand on his shoulder kept him in place.
"Kid anyone who has died since this whole thing started died by someone elses' hand.  You are not responsible in any way for their deaths or for the choices they made in their lives," Hank spoke fervently, needing his subordinate to believe his words, "now whoever is still out there obviously has connections and has the financial means to do what he wants but that won't stop us finding him.   I promise you we will get him."
"What about Michael and Martin Williamson?"
"They've both been moved to solitary confinement for their own safety," Al put in.
"Maybe it's time to walk away," Jay looked at his hands rather than his friends and colleagues.
"What are you saying?" Adam demanded with a frown.
"If I'm not around maybe the guy will stop killing."
"Not around?"
"Maybe I should quit the force."
"Firstly that's not an option," Hank stated sternly before continuing, "secondly this investigation is going on whether or not you're a Detective so you quitting won't solve anything.  Besides he's not going after the Police he's going after you and that won't stop even if you walk away."
"Besides Kid we kinda like having you around," Al confirmed with a smile.
"I want to talk to Michael Williamson," Jay didn't respond to the older man but spoke resolutely after a momentary silence.
"Don't think ....," Hank began but was interrupted.
"If this is to do with school I can get him talking.  Ye already tried and didn't get everything out of him.  His brother will be the same."
"Okay but if I say the interview ends you end it," Hank acquiesced, "no arguments.   He's on lockdown for two days then we can talk to him."

After Jay had returned to bed the men considered the recent turn of events.

"If this all stems back to Jays' school days there could be a lot more people out there," Antonio put their worst fear into words.
"We already knew that.  Mouse has the list narrowed down to twenty-three.  He's still going through the school records," Al reminded.
"So the old man connected with Michael Williamson and he in turn got in touch with other students after Halstead Senior died?" Adam queried.
"Maybe the old man was just the spark," Antonio suggested, "obviously there's someone calling the shots.  When Williamson contacted the guy maybe he took over and started pushing the agenda.   We know Thomas was merely a pawn.  So was Carter probably."
"I didn't realize Jay was blaming himself for their deaths," Al stated worriedly, "Kid has enough on his plate besides taking on that guilt."
"Ever since the attack at Med Jay has been dealing with a lot of things he hasn't wanted to.  Whether it's his father or old school friends," Hank concurred unhappily, "he must feel like his past is still controlling his life even though the old man is out of the equation.  We need to resolve this as quickly as possible because I honestly don't know how much more he can take even if he does put on a brave face."
"Tomorrow night still going ahead?" Antonio double checked.
"Yeah.  Might be a chance for him to unwind a bit," Hank nodded of their plan to help their friend.
"The interview with Williamson's not going to be easy on him," Adam observed in concern, "can I sit in Sarge?"
"Might be an idea," Al put in as the Sergeant considered the request.
"Okay," Hank agreed, "but like I told Jay if I want the interview ended that's it."
"Agreed."

Mollys Following Evening

It was ten before six when Adam pulled up outside Mollys to the surprise of his passenger.  Jay frowned at his friend.   They were meant to be going back to the safehouse.  The work day hadn't been very fruitful but Jay had phoned his sibling and informed him he had forgiven him.  It was apparent to Jay that his older brother had been immensely relieved.  They had not talked in detail but the ice had been broken.

"What's going on?"
"Figured we could make a pitstop," Adam took off his seatbelt and went to open the drivers' door.
"No!   Are you nuts?" Jay demanded as he grabbed his friends' jacket.
"Hey man it's okay," Adam sat back in his seat and looked at his friend realizing too late they should have explained in advance what was happening, "Herrmann and Otis have the place closed for us as a private party.   This is all sorted.   I promise."
"Ye can't ......," Jay shook his head as he paled, the thought of putting more people at risk made his gut clench.
"No one is in any danger Jay," Adam assured as he gestured to outside the passenger window where Hank and Antonio were now standing with matching frowns.
"I can't ........,"
"I promise Jay it's okay.   We've thought of everything.   Come on let's go in."
"No way," the flustered man rolled down his window and looked at his Superior, "Sarge I .....,"
"You're going in there with us Kid," Hank pulled open the passenger door without preamble and tugged the young mans' arm, "now move it."

Against his will the injured man found himself shielded and brought in through the main door of Mollys.   Once inside his anxiety was increased as he saw a sea of familiar faces.   Some of the crew from 51 were present, Will, Conor and Ethan raised a glass to him from a table at the end of the bar.  Finding himself guided by his Sergeants' hand on his neck he was ushered into a seat and found himself facing Sam and Sandy Benedict, who was holding Mikey in her arms.

"Good to see you Jay," Sam frowned at the Sergeant when no response was forthcoming from the obviously shaken man.
"He's worried people will get hurt," Hank spoke with blunt honesty, "we didn't tell him we had this arranged."
"I gotta ...," Jay stood up and pushed the Sergeant out of the way, making his way to the restrooms barely acknowledging various greetings sent his way.
"May I?" Sam stood up as Hank went to follow his Detective.
"Be my guest."
"Think we made a mistake," Antonio shook his head sadly.
"Sam will talk to him," Sandy automatically tried to ease the guilt she read in the mens' faces once introductions had been made, "in the meantime who's going to buy Mikey a drink?"
"Let me guess whiskey?" Antonio accepted the offered blue plastic cup with a smile.
"Well figure he should ease back now," the young mother grinned, "Herrman has his juice."
"Be right back."

Will had been on his feet the moment his younger brother stood up but a hand stayed him and he turned to find Conor shaking his head.

"Let Sam talk to him."
"He's a good Cousellor," Ethan put in as the redhead reluctantly sat down, "I've heard good things about him.  He's helped a lot of Vets."

tbc