Chapter 36

Hello guys! How lucky are you! Another chapter! I don't want to say anything other than, it has everything in it. I really hope it speaks to you guys. Enjoy and share your thoughts. :)

The moment the phone rang in the district Kim picked it up and put it on speaker. She said, "What's up Hailey?"

"I think I know what Jay was trying to say," Hailey answered, in a hurry to get things started.

"What is it?" Voight urged.

"The 'west' he is talking about probably refers to Marcus West," she finished.

For a brief moment the team tried to make the connection and Kevin spoke up, "Are you sure? Because if that's the case, we need to do something right now."

"I am quite sure Kev, but I cannot confirm," Hailey said quickly.

By everyone was on the same page by now and they seemed to remember who Marcus West was. Voight spoke now, "So what are you suggesting Hailey?"

"Someone from West's family or even friends decided to take revenge? Because Angela, the wife, knows the truth," Hailey finished.

The team made the connection and believed this was a possibility and they had to check it out somehow. Ruzek asked, "How are we going to find out for sure?"

"We make the call," Voight said.

The team agreed and the call was placed, all the while Hailey still on the line. Someone picked up and Vanessa starting tracing the call. And before anyone could speak Hailey practically screamed, "What do you want?"

The person at the other end spoke, it was a male voice, "The truth."

And the call was cut. Unfortunately, the call couldn't be traced because of the short span of time. The team was on square one again. Kevin asked, "What do we do now?"

"We have to get them talking, otherwise there's no way we're going to find out where they are," Voight said and urged Kim to make the call again.

But before she could complete the process, another video popped up on her screen. It was from the same unknown address. Kim played it and everyone listened intently, "Revenge is sweeter than anything."

All of them understood the implications of those terrifying words. The voice in the video continued, "I want a team that records the truth and that it's displayed to the world what this cop did. The team should be here by six tomorrow, otherwise I shoot this traitor of a cop."

It still wasn't over, "And I only want the chick who spoke to come tomorrow. If I see anyone else, he dies."

He was pointing his gun at Halstead now, then he swung it on his face and the team saw the contact and Hailey was left to hear the pained cry that came out of Jay's mouth. She grabbed onto her table edge to stop herself from reacting violently. Nobody had a right to lay even a finger on her beloved, and if someone did, she was sure to have his head on a platter.

The video ended and again everyone was shocked and infuriated. This had to end and it had to end soon. Hailey was the first one to speak again, "I'm coming Sarge. I'll be there in a few hours."

Voight shot back, "Hailey! Hailey! You're staying put. You cannot come here."

"There's no other option Sarge, you heard the man. And he was not playing," Hailey continued, hell bent on having her way this time.

"We'll think of something else Hailey," Kim tried to reassure her.

"There's no time Kim," Hailey replied back.

Voight was furious but be knew deep down that this was the only way at the moment. What he feared most was slowly beginning to come true, Hailey was becoming like him. Finally he said, "Fine. You can come Hailey, but you're going to listen to me and we are going to play this my way."

It didn't take more than a moment for Hailey to reply back, "Copy that. I'll be there soon."

Voight didn't know whether this step was going to be a mistake or a help, but whatever it was, the decision was taken and Hailey was on her way here. He realised he needed to speak with Isobel Castille as well, regarding this entire scenario. She would certainly understand, but it was his duty to inform her personally. And he would do that in the morning before the shift starts.

Hailey grabbed all that she needed and threw it in her bag, not intending to waste even another second. She specifically made sure she took her gun, because she had all the intentions to shoot those pricks right in the face. She headed towards the main door and her eye fell on one of their photos. She stopped short in her tracks and picked up the frame. It was such a natural photo, Jay was holding her from his side, his head resting on her shoulder. His smile was as broad as the frame and she was rolling her eyes at him. Just looking at this picture, a small smile appeared on her face. They really were in love.

A couple of hours later Hailey arrived at the district and saw that the whole unit was wide awake. Even Trudy had volunteered to help out. As the team saw her they approached her. Kim commented, "You look like hell Hailey."

Hailey smiled briefly and said, "Yeah, rough flight."

But now was not the time for small talk or jokes, they had serious work to do. All of them sat together and planned the entire scenario, preparing themselves for all the different outcomes. Voight asked Kim to make the final call before the meet. This time a woman answered the phone and all of them recognised Angela's voice. She said, "I'm pretty sure all of you already found out I was behind this entire kidnapping. But you know what, it doesn't matter, because I want to see the look on your face when I shoot your man."

Hailey was really controlling herself, but she spoke, "Angela, listen to me. You don't have to do this. There are other ways."

Angela shot back in anger, "You don't get to decide what is right or wrong. What was done is done, but what should be done shall be done. So that justice prevails."

It was quite evident Angela was speaking from hurt emotions and was nowhere near thinking straight. There was no point in trying to make her understand something that didn't even exist in her mind. So Hailey got to the point, "Where do I meet you?"

"I will send you the location half an hour before the meet time. You better come alone Hailey. And you better bring a real reporter and cameraman, otherwise you know the outcome."

"I will come alone, but you have to stick to your word Angela. I am cooperating with you, so you too have to extend a hand and meet me halfway," Hailey said, only hoping that this operation would end without any violence and bloodshed.

"If you stick to your word, I will," and she cut the call.

"We did manage tracing the call this time Sarge," said Vanessa looking up from her screen.

"Alright, good. But we're not going to do anything this time. We don't want to spook them off. And for all you know, they might not even be at that location right now. We'll wait this one out."

The team agreed without any hesitation. They had a few hours to relax, but who the hell could relax in these hard moments? Kevin got some coffee for Hailey and sat next to her, making it his job to assure her everything would turn out according to their plan. She nodded slightly and he held her gently.

Finally they got a message early in the morning and the team geared up. They had decided that Trudy would go in as the news reporter and Atwater and Adam would be the cameramen. It might be a risk, but they had to go forth with it. Four of them reached the location in a television van. Voight and Kim were in an alleyway, ready to pounce when the time demanded them to. Hailey and her news crew advanced towards the main door when they heard a voice yelling, "Hands in the air. Walk with your hands in the air."

Four of them complied and entered the building. It seemed as old as the earth and smelt of everything rotten. Angela appeared from a corner, gun in hand and said, "Let's get started."

"You have to show me proof of life, you know how this works," Hailey said, never knowing that she would actually be uttering such a sentence for Jay.

Angela led them to an inside room and there was Jay, tied like they had seen him in the video, only he looked worse now. Hailey had a half a mind to shoot Angela right here. No one else seemed to be in the room and suddenly Hailey did something, which was a signal the team had decided on, to move in. And all four of them pulled out guns and pointed them towards Angela. Angela had not expected this, she panicked and screamed, "It's a trap."

It seemed people who were waiting for her order, suddenly began running and Adam and Kevin chased after them. Trudy and Hailey had firm guns pointed at Angela. Hailey spoke, "You can still end this Angela, just surrender."

"You think I'm stupid," Angela scoffed.

Gunshots were heard. Hailey and Trudy exchanged looks and Trudy understood. She left the room and headed where the gunshots were heard from. Now it was only Jay, Hailey and Angela in the room. Hailey had all the opportunity to shoot this women to smithereens, but she refrained herself.

Angela started, "When one has nothing to lose one can do almost anything."

"Angela drop your weapon," Hailey said, knowing exactly what Angela intended to do.

"How does it feel when someone you love is battling with death?" Angela asked her.

Hailey turned off her radio. She didn't want anyone to hear this conversation. She said, "Excuse me?"

"I am quite sure you love Jay, I saw it one year ago when he was shot by me. I saw you Hailey, you were highly distressed."

"Angela, drop your weapon. I will shoot you," Hailey said, inwardly wondering how everyone knew about her and Jay's feelings for each other.

Suddenly Hailey heard more foot steps behind Angela and only realised there was a door there as well. She saw a small figure peep in and her heart was crushed. It was Angela's son Bobby. From where the hell had he come? This was becoming worse than ever and Hailey was on the verge of losing all control and having a breakdown. Angela was approaching her now and Hailey's hands were trembling. She said, "Angela, stop. Please don't make me do this. Not in front of your son. Please…"

A gunshot. Multiple gunshots. A high pitched scream.

I was actually thinking of continuing this chapter but decided that this would be an ideal place to end it. It is a cliffhanger again. I really hope you guys liked it. I would really appreciate it if you guys commented and gave me feedback, it would definitely help me write better and see what you guys really like or don't. So please do share your thoughts. Until then take care and thank you. :)