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

Chapter One Hundred and Forty Six: Interview

Three days later Jay, Hank and Adam had arrived in L.A. and been briefed by Moretti and his team.  The local law enforcement Officers were very confident about Tom Franklin being their man however the men from Chicago were not one hundred percent convinced as they stood sat around a large conference room discussing the matter with their L.A. counterparts.

"Everything ye have laid out is based on Franklin believing I'm responsible for Dannys' death," Jay spoke softly as he stifled a yawn, "I'm not."
"No one is saying you were," Moretti frowned shooting Hank a concerned look, "but he believes you were.   That's why he informed Petrocelli about you."
"Even if that's right why would he have Carter and Thomas killed?  It doesn't make sense."
"He had the connections and money to take out the contracts on the men," Hillman reminded from behind his monitor.
"Maybe but why do it?" the injured man persisted.
"Maybe he was afraid they would do something to you," Adam put in thoughtfully, "maybe he wanted to be the one to finish you off."
"The link to the old man is tenuous," Hank noted, "but he was in school with you even if a couple of years ahead.   He knew Carter and Thomas and he knows the Williamsons.  It ties in."
"When can I talk to him?" Jay gave up voicing his doubts.
"You aren't ....," Moretti began but was interrupted.
"He has the right to talk to him Pete," Hank stated firmly, "he deserves answers."
"We need to do this by the book," the local man insisted, "he's a major link to Petrocelli as well.   Ye know that.   We've already discussed this Hank."
"There's not going to be a case against Petrocelli," Adam interrupted, "he's ground to ground and has a terminal illness."
"You're right there probably won't be a case against him but what about all the collars we've made on foot of the files he left with Halstead?   Those cases don't need anything that can be used against us.    Allowing Halstead to talk to Franklin might endanger the prosecutions."
"He won't talk to ye," Hank told the L.A. men without rancour, "chances are Halstead is the only one he will open up to.   Pete you admitted he hasn't said anything since after his arrest."
"Which doesn't make sense either because ye said he was spouting off about Jay when ye brought him in," Adam joined in with a frown, "why go silent all of a sudden?"
"That's what I'm going to find out," Jay stated resolutely.
"It might endanger the prosecutions here," Phillips argued sharing a glance with Summers across from him, "you worked hard to bring Petrocelli down.   You telling me it doesn't matter?  All those kids that died because of Bright Glow?"
"That's not what I'm saying!" Jay pushed back his chair and limped over to the large window trying to control his anger.
"Ye have a way of making him talk?" Hank forced his eyes from his subordinate and looked at the L.A. men knowingly,
"Well ...," Moretti began reluctantly.
"Didn't think so."
"Unless he starts talking he's no good to ye.  He's the only one who can give us some insight into Petrocellis' organization.  Besides Jay," Adam pointed out unnecessarily.
"Okay," Moretti shook his head in defeat, "but everything is recorded.   There are no off the record discussions."
"Okay," Jay answered before Hank could as he turned away from the outside world and looked at the group, "we do it by the book.  But only me and him."
"That won't ....," Moretti was unimpressed.
"It has to be that way.  He won't talk otherwise.  I'll do an interview.  Ye give me whatever questions ye have."
"He isn't just going to volunteer information," Phillips cautioned.
"Know that."

Two hours later the visitors from Chicago sat in the canteen.  It had been agreed that Jay would visit the prison the following day with Hank, Adam and Moretti.  Hank had initially tried to dissuade the L.A. man from attending but he had been adamant that someone from his team be present.   It wasn't that the gruff Sergeant wished to cut his old friend out but he was concerned about what Franklin would bring up and was worried his youngest subordinate was going to have a rough time.  None of this was discussed however as he made his argument about not attending.  He had based his argument on the fact that the whole interview would be recorded so Moretti and his team would hear it so there was no necessity to attend.  One quiet voice had eventually negated his stance.   Jay had informed his Sergeant that he was okay with Moretti attending.    It was clear the injured man was aware of why the gruff man was taking a stand on the issue but Jay still felt some guilt over how the whole undercover operation had ended so he was willing to have Moretti present even though Hank knew it would not be pleasant.

"How come you agreed to wait till tomorrow Kid?" Hank finished off the last of his coffee as he glanced around their half empty surroundings.
"Figured it would be good to let Franklin stew a little longer."
"And this way we get to leave early and have an early night," Adam spoke as chewed a piece of chicken and then checked a text message he had just received, "want to tell me why Will is texting me not you?"
"No idea," Jay frowned and reached over to take his friends' cell and read the message, "'how is Jay?'"
"Thought ye spoke before we left?" Hank put in quizzically.
"We did.   I rang him last night just to make sure he wasn't fretting," Jay shrugged, "I told him not to inundate me with calls and messages for the next couple of days."
"Oh great," Adam retrieved his mobile shaking his head ruefully, "so I get to deal with the calls and texts instead."
"Least he's keeping his promise," Jay stifled a yawn as he looked at his Superior, "we heading back to the hotel?"
"Yeah," Hank nodded, "and come the morning if you're not feeling better the interview can wait until the afternoon."
"I'll be okay."

Prison 10:00

As Jay had assured the following day he confirmed he was feeling better and although the lie was obvious Hank and Adam did not call him out on it for they knew he was eager to get some answers.   They all were.   On his part Jay was projecting a calm exterior but deep down he was dreading talking to the prisoner who was about to be shown in.  Behind Jay Hank, Adam and Moretti stood in the Observation Room next door watching through the two way mirror as the chained jumpsuit clad prisoner was walked in and seated before the young Detective.   Two Prison Officers tied the chains to the sturdy table, one dealt with the hands and the other secured the feet.   It had been decided that one of the Officers would remain in the Interview Room.    This decision  had resulted in a furious row the previous night but Hank had not backed down.  Jays' contention that the man would be chained to a table rendered him harmless was not accepted.  Hank had pointed out, not for the first time, that Franklin seemed to have a strong hatred for his subordinate and accordingly he was not taking any chances.   The Sergeant had taken Moretti aside prior to leaving for the hotel and explained his decision but with a proviso that it was someone who could be relied upon not to tell tales.   Hence as the other Officer finished his task he saluted his partner and departed.  John Jones at fifty-five was a thirty year veteran of the prison system.   Nothing could surprise him yet he had managed to maintain his humanity despite seeing so much of the dark side of life.  He had been briefed by Moretti and the visiting Sergeant about their concerns for the young Detective and had readily assured both men no physical harm would come  to him.   Watching as the pale man eyed the prisoner Jones hoped the interview was quick for the man was already looking rough ....

tbc