A/N: Hey everyone :)

So I'm not sure what prompted me to write tonight, I had a really good relaxing day.. first relaxing day in a while.

And I just felt so happy driving back to the hostel tonight, I have an early morning and don't feel up to interacting with others tonight. I'm listening to myself and so hid away for me time. Somehow I ended up typing...

Hope this was worth the wait :)

Reasonable Doubt – Chapter Thirteen

Jay POV

My thoughts are foggy, the world fading in and out around me, blurred images and a muffle of sounds.

I barely register my own name being called out.

The burning in my abdomen is fading, leaving behind pleasant numbness in it's wake.

My eyes close for the last time, my last thoughts of a brunette goodness with warm hazel eyes, before the world around me goes dark.

Erin POV

Dread. It weighs me down like lead in my stomach, hand clutching my phone to my ear and eyes wild with worry and anger.

Jay. Prison fight. Hospital.

The words are a blur as my mind works to process the news.

"How serious is it?" The first words finally escape my tight lips.

"Well they've transferred him to the hospital, they couldn't treat him at the prison." My heart constricts further, knowing this must be serious.

"The wounds are quite extensive."

"Oh god." Tears burn my eyes and I shake my head, wishing this reality away.

"We need to rush him into surgery when he arrives." This final crushing blow sends me down a spiral before I grip the bench in front of me and steady my voice.

"Of course. I understand."

"So, you consent?" The simple question startles me.

"What?" The whispered words slip out as I race to the door and throw my keys in my bag, snatching the nearest coat.

"You're listed as his emergency contact." There's concern laced with confusion in her tone.

"Oh." I fumble with my coat.

"Oh?"

"I thought you were calling because he's my client… nevermind. Do what you have to. I'll be there soon."

My mind is racing as I jump in my car and speed towards the hospital, lost as to what news to process first.

"Erin." My head snaps up to see Will, eyes a fierce glare before glancing back down to my joined hands.

"Any news?"

"No, not yet." I sigh, glancing at my watch again.

"Are you happy now?" I finally look back up to him, showing my disgust.

"Excuse me?"

"You didn't care if he rotted in jail, but this is exactly what happens when he does."

"Why was he back there?" I narrow my eyes at Will, unsure weather to believe him.

"You don't know?"

"No."

"You're father revoked his bail." My eyes are burning with hate, forming words I'll soon be using on his father face to face.

"What? No, he wouldn't." Will's words are hallow, the truth of his fathers hostility towards Jay not lost on him.

"Well he did. I was in the process of securing funds to pay his bail when this happened." My hands run through my hair angrily pulling on the knots.

"Do you need some money for the bail?" I narrow my eyes questionably at Will, unsure of his motives and unwilling to trust him.

"I'll sort it, I've applied for an emergency hearing to have him back out on bail. You know, once he's released from hospital. And he will be." I brush a tear away, refusing to believe any other alternative.

"Okay, let me know if you need anything."

"The only thing we need from you, you aren't willing to help with." Will opens his mouth, stutters before shrugging and walking off, shoulders hunched.

"Family of Jay Halstead?"

"Me!" I jump up eagerly to meet the doctor, watching her pull her scrub cap off.

"Is he okay?" The words tumble out, desperate for answers after all this waiting alone.

"His injuries were unfortunately not superficial, the shiv pierced his liver, so there was some serious bleeding."

"Oh my god."

"He'd lost a lot of blood so we had to get the bleeding under control and replenish his lost blood. It was touch and go for a minute but we've managed to stop the bleed and he's in a stable condition."

"Oh thank god." My knees buckle a little at the news, tears streaming down my face and matting my hair against my flushed cheeks.

"We've moved him into recovery, baring any complications from surgery he should be okay."

"Can I see him?"

"Sure, he's not awake yet though."

"Thank you so much." I resist the urge to reach out and hug her.

"He's very lucky."

"Why?"

"Liver lacerations can be tricky, seems like he put up a hell of a fight. If that shiv shredded his liver up anymore than it did…" She doesn't have to finish that sentence for me to understand her thoughts, shivers erupt down my spine.

"Oh Jay." More tears slip as I see him lying on the bed, eyes taking in his bruised face and knuckles. The pale tinge to his skin has me gulping back sobs wishing to break through.

"Why the hell is he wearing cuffs?" My voice is deadly; so sharp it could cut steel, as I whirl towards the cop on duty.

"Standard procedure." He shrugs, his eyes betraying his startle at my tone.

"Fucking ridiculous. He's unconscious and you're literally two feet away from him."

I walk over to Jay's side, brushing his hair back and placing a kiss on his forehead, then the corner of his lips.

My fingertips trail over his cracked knuckles, leaning down to kiss these too.

"Can we have some privacy?"

"Sorry mam, I can't do that."

"Do I look like a mam to you? You've already cuffed him, just wait right outside the door." We're in a staring competition until he finally is ushered out with the doctor; I nod to her in silent appreciation.

"Oh Jay, don't ever do that to me again. You scared me."

My eyes keep drifting shut as I slump back in the chair, hand resting in Jay's limp hand.

Quiet groaning and slight pressure on my hand has my eyes snapping up to see Jay's piercing blue eyes.

"Jay! Babe, you're awake."

"Erin." His voice is a croaky whisper and I grab the water, placing the straw against his lips as I caress his cheek.

"Better?" He nods at me as I place it back down.

"Hey." I whisper as I lean in to kiss him gently.

"Hey." He whispers back against my lips.

"Don't ever scare me like that again." Another tear slips down, I catch Jay's hand on the way up to brush it away, not allowing him to strain himself, and knowing of an obstacle in his way.

"I can't go back to prison Erin." His voice is full of pain, his eyes so vulnerable with so much fear hidden there.

"I'm working on it." I promise fiercely.

"You were right."

"Always." Jay chuckles before wincing and moving to clutch his stomach, wrists stopped by the cuffs.

"What about this time?" I ask, caressing Jay's hand in mine as he stares at the cuff on his wrist.

"I need to do those TV interviews. I can't go back… I can't be taken away from you. I don't deserve to rot for someone else's crime." There's defeat in his gaze, hidden behind the determination to fight for his life, for his freedom.

"Thank you Jay, I'll set it up and we'll prep you."

"Thank you."

"You won't be alone, I'll be with you every step of the way."

"So…" I trail off; placing myself back on the edge of my seat, chin resting on the bars on the side of the bed.

"So?"

"When did you make me your emergency contact?" There's a hint of a smile on my face.

"I'm sorry, I didn't have anyone else…"

"Don't be sorry. I'm your family now Jay." I lean in to attach our lips in another kiss.

"Did they get the asshole who did this?"

"No one is talking, there were too many people around to see on the CCTV who did it. They'll want to question you when now that you're awake." My voice is quiet, as I break the news to him.

"Okay, good. I know exactly who did it. Bet he wishes he finished the job right about now."

"Don't. Don't joke about it. Please." Jay squeezes my hand in apology.

"Do you know why he did?"

"It seemed to be about me trying to be a cop… why?" His curious eyes are on me searching for answers he thinks I have.

"I'm just wondering if…"

"What?"

"If he was hired to do it. To shut you up… to have a perfect scapegoat for this crime."

"You think Allie's killer is behind this?"

"It's crossed my mind."

Erin POV

"He's a flight risk."

"Your honor, the prosecution must be kidding. He's laid up in hospital with stab wounds in his abdomen. He's not going anywhere."

"His father has considerable resources at his disposal."

"His father is the one who revoked his bail! You really think he's going to help him flee the country? No. Mr Halstead was on bail without an incident, he's got a permanent address and wants to make a life here, he has a right to life as normal while these proceedings are ongoing. If you would re instate bail I will ensure the bond is paid." My tone is professional and crisp, a hint of attitude directed at the prosecution.

"Mr Halstead could evade the authorities before trial." I struggle to refrain an eye roll at his last ditch attempt.

"There's no precedent for that, but there is precedent for not sending him back to jail. He gets beatings daily, and now they'd shived him. He won't be standing trial if he's killed in prison." My argument is calm and full of rational thoughts.

"One less person to waste tax payer money on."

"So you're proposing no fair trial for my client? I believe the phrase you're looking for is innocent until proven guilty." My tone is no longer professional, so much anger towards the man who uttered those words, even inferred Jay's death would be good for anyone, much less the justice system of Illinois.

"Enough. I've heard enough. Jay Halstead will be released on bail, bail set at $500 000." I smile as the judge bangs the gavel and turn to leave, when I see Jay's dad.

My eyes narrow as I approach him.

"Pat." His name is a hiss, full of sinister feelings.

"Miss Lindsay. What are you still doing with this loser case?" The way he speaks of his own son sends my blood boiling.

"It's not a loser case."

"I beg to differ."

"I never lose so I know for a fact it's not a loser case. What do you want?"

He just shrugs at me before turning to walk away, my anger snaps and I speed up my steps to come up behind him.

"Stop." His feet falter before he comes to a stop in a crowded hallway.

"He almost died, you're aware of that right?" He blinks in shock at the tone of my voice.

"I don't see how that's my concern." He finally replies, eyeing his surroundings carefully.

"He's your god damn son!" My voice is raised, every bit of strength keeping my fists at bay.

"I heard he's going to be fine."

"He's on trial for murder, he's not fine! I hope you know this is all your fault." I step closer to him, my eyes full of anger and hate.

"Excuse me?"

"How low do you have to be to revoke bail for your own son?"

"I made it clear I was withdrawing my financial support for Jay."

"He almost died! Do you even care?" I blink in shock, when the horrifying truth is even clearer than ever.

"Don't be so hysterical." Something snaps in my again, my feelings for every man who has always talked down to me, putting me in a box, labeling me.

"Don't. Just don't. Just because I'm a woman, you call me hysterical. We show our emotions and suddenly we're hysterical, we don't and we're cold hearted. God forbid a male act like that… nothing is said then. Make up your goddamn minds. But I won't apologise for reacting like this because I care about Jay. I won't stop."

There's a fire in my belly, fueled by my anger and nothing in sight to extinguish such a raging fire.

"That's really not my concern." I narrow my eyes at him, darting my tongue out to wet my lips.

"You know, I've been wondering where to put my focus and attention, what thread to pull on that doesn't fit this puzzle… who near Jay would want him to look guilty." I level with Pat, watching some people stop to stare around us.

"I've decided to focus on you. Because you best be damn sure I'm coming for you."

A/N: I did consider things going a different way, but what fun would that be? ;)

Please leave a review and let me know your thoughts. Thank you :)

Unsure when I'll update next, currently driving around Scotland (which is beautiful and oh gosh, the accents are so lovely).