Stella was sat in the truck wishing that she was able to get her hands dirty. She had changed into her turnout gear that was left in truck from the last shift. She sat watching the whole scene unfold before her and as she was higher up could actually see things that other people couldn't, such as the blue wellies sticking out from between the viper and the truck. She proceeded to get out of the truck and head towards the site of the wellies. She took off at a jog. Shouting for help the whole way there.
No one was around to hear her calls. She just knew she had to save the child on the end of the boots. Adrenaline took over as well as training. She started to look around the car unaware of the man passing by the oil tanker with a lit cigarette. The man was about 6ft with a shaved head and a tracksuit. For some reason he had been watching the scene unravel with Jay. Stella was more concerned with the child though and didn't think a thing of it.
Stella kept working and moving things around. She found a bare foot and knew she had to get to the child. All of a sudden the foot moved and a little head popped out. Stella reached out her hands to the child. The child was scared with a dirty face. He retreated. Stella grabbed the little boys hands and pulled him to safety. Just as they were walking away. Stella caught her leg on a jagged piece of metal sticking out from the side of the car. She started to fall just as Mouch caught her.
"What the hell are you doing Kidd, you're supposed to be on light duties. That does not mean rescuing a child. Get over to ambo 61 and be assessed."
"Ok pops will do."
"Oi it's Mouch on duty."
"Ok Mouch."
As Stella walks away with the little boy in her arms Mouch sees the stranger drop his cigarette and turns about running towards an unsuspecting Stella and the little boy she had just rescued.
"STELLA GET DOWN"
Stella turns to see the oil alight and burning and making its way towards the tanker following the puddle and line of fuel on the floor. Mouch was running towards her. All of a sudden Stella is grabbed from behind and dragged to the floor. Mouch crouches over the three of them on the floor protecting them from any flying shrapnel.
BBBBAAAANNNGGGGG!
A black cloud of smoke rose up from the explosion site. Jay looked in his rear view mirror but knew he had to keep going. That was his family back there. Should he go back? Voight would probably fire him if he went back to a closed down crime scene. It was then that he noticed the charger following him. It was blue with a white stripe down the bonnet. It had obviously been modified as it was lower to the floor than most models. The occupants were both wearing west side gangs colours. Jay was being followed. Jay began to accelerate and fired off a a quick message to Voight and Ruzek. "I'm being followed get units to back me up. Tell Naomi I love her."
Ruzek replied "We are already in pursuit. We commandeered a Mustang in black. It happened to be around outside firehouse 51."
Jay chuckled. Little did Ruzek and Voight know that they had commandeered Kelly's car. He was going to be extremely disgruntled when he found out, it was to help Jay of course.
"I'm in deep trouble if they damage that car" Jay said to himself "Family or not I'm a dead man, that's the love of Kelly's life."
Jay saw an intersection coming up with traffic signals on green. This was his chance to disappear and avoid the following car. Jay put his foot to the floor. He swerved to the left narrowly avoiding a Camaro heading towards him on the driver's side. A challenger was headed towards him from the left. He dropped gears and put his foot to the floor narrowly missing both cars. Just ahead is an underground car park that not many know of. Jay yanks the handbrake and drifts elegantly round the corner in to the entrance. The charger driving straight by the entrance with the Mustang following.
"I need you to bring your car. I need to swap it out."
"Where are you?"
"In our old haunt."
"Ok on route. Be there shortly."
Jay retrieves the file and takes his spare hand gun from the glove box and goes to the top level to wait. After what seems like forever a Honda civic appears. A familiar face steps out. "Voight and Ruzek have Deacon in custody, they're interrogating him now, I'll take the file back to the precinct so you can carry on with the festivities of the day"
"There's no need to sound bitter Upton. You decided you didn't want me so I moved on to bigger and better things."
"Bigger is right."
"That's my pregnant wife you're talking about you'd better watch your mouth and get rid of that contempt. At least she's deserving of me."
"You know you always preferred me." Hailey Upton moves closer. "and why come here of all places?"
Jay backs away "You were always second best even in the time Naomi walked out on me. You were just sloppy seconds. You meant nothing. But hey thanks for showing me that what Naomi and I had was worth fighting for. Without you I'd have made the biggest mistake of my life."
"You did Jay by sleeping with me" Hailey sneers in his face "I'm never going to let that be forgotten"
"You will Upton because if you don't then I'll make sure Ruzek knows the part you played in Kim's miscarriage. Oh yes I know about that. You messed up and you can't face the truth it's time for a reality check."
Meanwhile at Molly's father Orlovsky was two sheets to the wind and had succeeded in eating half of the buffet and promptly throwing up all over the patio. The new barmaid Ursula had proceeded in cleaning it up and was cussing father Orlovsky in her own language.
People were slowly drifting in now but Naomi was beginning to worry. Jay still hadn't arrived and he'd been gone for three and a half hours. Naomi was just gathering her things as Will saunters over to her.
"Where is he Will? I don't understand where he's gone. What if something has happened to him. I can't raise this baby alone. Not without him."
"You can and you will because you're a Mcholland-Halstead now and they're the toughest breed of Chicagoan there ever will be and as much as I love my brother he is an unmitigated ass. I can't believe he left to go on a job involving your dad."
"I'm scared Will, what happens if it goes too far one day and he dies?"
"Then as his brother I will stand in and give you and Isaac everything you need."
"Over my dead body you will." Jay intercedes.
"Ah jay. There you are. We were worried."
"Move aside little bro I want to give my wife a hug and a kiss and not let her go."
"Point taken." Will says and moves aside.
Back at the scene of the incident everyone had been separated. Some were at Med, some were at firehouse 51 and some were still at scene. As the explosion had happened a piece of shrapnel about 3cm wide and 5cm long had hit Mouch and cut the left side of his neck.
Mouch rises and hurries to help Stella and the little boy to their feet.
"Blaze" murmurs the little boy
"What's that little man?" Stella asks.
"Blaze" says the little boy a little louder and more confident this time.
"Is that your name baby boy?" Stella responds.
"Yes" says the little boy.
"You and I need to talk. Give Blaze to Mouch and you come over here" Kelly bellows at Stella.
"Watch your attitude and your volume when you talk to me" Stella replies.
"Come over here PLEASE" Kelly asks again through gritted teeth.
"Yeah what?"
"Let me look at you. Are you ok? Any injuries? Please baby tell me you're ok. Has Linea moved since the accident? Babe you can't ever scare me like that again. You were on light duties for a reason. You're not supposed to perform heroics when you're supposed to be growing our baby girl."
"My dearest husband I know how you worry and I can assure you that Linea and I are fine albeit that I have a cut to my leg that's now beginning to sting so if you don't mind I'm going to get checked out now."
"Ok baby I'll come with you."
"Ok, god you stubborn git."
Stella heads back over to where Mouch was standing holding Blaze and getting little giggles out of him.
"Mouch you're bleeding."
"Just a scratch my dear daughter."
"You're coming to Med with me. I don't care what you say."
Stella, Mouch, Kelly and Blaze all bundle in to the back of 61. Sylvie asks what the hell happened to Stella as she dresses her leg.
Arriving at Med Stella sets Blaze on to his feet. "Mommy mommy mommy" Blaze takes off at a run seeing his mum frantically shouting at the receptionist inside Med. Stella follows Blaze in to the reception.
"Are you the woman who saved my boy?" says Susan.
"I guess so but he kind of saved me out there"
Susan pulls Stella in to a massive hug. Stella freezes. She wasn't used to this show of attention from a stranger whilst pregnant.
Susan cries in to Stella's shoulder. "Thank you for saving him. He's the only baby I managed to have and he's so wanted and loved that we tend to over compensate with love."
Stella tries to pull away beginning to feel uncomfortable from the attention and being called a hero.
Susan steps back drawing Blaze in to her side and realises that Stella is pregnant "Oh my god I didn't realise you were pregnant. What on earth made you save my boy?"
"I made a split second judgement call. I saw Blaze's wellies protruding from underneath a vehicle where no one else did. I just impulsively acted. I knew I had to get him out and wouldn't have given up until I'd got him out. If I hadn't then he'd have been killed seconds later when the oil tanker exploded" explained Stella to Susan.
"Again thank you I will let you get checked out. I'll be in touch…."
"Stella."
"Thank you Stella."
Blaze and his mother walked off and Mouch and Kelly all glanced at each other and slowly enticed Stella in to the ultrasound department. Chad was just finishing for the day.
"Hey it's mr lover lover with the heart underpants."
"Yes Chad the names Kelly."
"What can I do for you all, it's late and I was just about to shut all the machines down and head to the party for the district family at Molly's?"
"You could do me a solid and scan Stella for me. She had an accident earlier and we just need a bit of reassurance that our girl is doing well."
"Of course anything for you guys, come on in, Stella lie down and pull your waistband down a little so I can put the gel on." Chad says.
"Right here we go then Stella, have you felt your princess move since the accident?"
"Yes Chad I have."
"Ok well here Linea is. Aww look she's waving."
A loud sigh from Stella Kelly and Mouch resonated around the room.
"Thanks Chad. Want a lift to Molly's?"
"Yeah I've always wanted a ride in Kelly's famous 'stang."
"Erm babe that is going to be a problem. My Mustang wasn't in front of the firehouse when I went to collect it. I've called it in to Jay and he said he will look in to it for me."
"Well how are we going to get to the party of the century then?"
"Mouch can we get a cab from here?"
"Of course I'll Uber it." Mouch says tapping a few things on his phone. "There we go it's done and it's only a couple of minutes away."
The group pile into the Uber and head to Molly's. Mouch with the patch on his neck, Stella with her cut open work trousers and bandaged leg and Kelly still in turnout gear.
Upon entering Mollys everyone took a look around to see the sorry trio walk in. By this point everyone was inside and enjoying what was left of the buffet.
After quick wardrobe changes for all of the staff at firehouse 51 the festivities began .
A few hours later and Molly's was being filled with the sound of caterwauling coming from the karaoke set up in the corner by a renowned Christ oh purr Herrmints as introduced by himself and the bar having limited stock left the ten tier wedding cake stretching from the floor to the chandelier was wheeled out. It was a spectacular sight to behold. A fine white iced cake with chocolate, vanilla and red velvet layers of sponge on the inside it was magnificent. Staggered across the tiers were hand made figurines of everyone at 51, Jay Voight and Trudy, then Naomi and Will of Med. It was a scene playing out with fires and rescues along with patrol cars and ambulances and ultrasound monitors and babies everywhere. They all had a theme. Red yellow and orange flames spattered everywhere. At least it was a sight to behold until suddenly the floorboards started shaking. Voices were raised and incoherent. Next thing one Hank Voight went flying in to the cake sending it flying. Everyone gasped as the cake hit the floor and splattered. It sprayed everyone. They all turned to look at where Voight had come flying from. Kelly stood there dusting himself off. Everyone looked on at the sight and then looked to Kelly.
"The bastard commandeered my Mustang without permission then wrote it off." Kelly shrugs.
Everyone looks at the seriousness in Kelly's face and couldnt help it they all burst into laughter seeing Hank sprawled on the floor licking cake off himself.
"This is a great cake everyone should join me" Hank volunteers.
"And look like pig in shit like you do right now?" Trudy states.
And that was it. There was uproarious laughter in to the early hours at Molly's.
It had been an eventful two weeks for all of the honeymooning couples and they were now heading back to Chicago, where they were glad to be back to their respective jobs.
Firehouse 51 had been extremely quiet apart from the loudest most obnoxious floater James Stewarts on 61. 61 had really suffered while Jess and Sylvie were away. Boden was close to shutting the house down until everyone returned. The first shift back was always the most daunting. The girls were ready for their shift though and everyone was glad to see Stella back behind the wheel of truck.
Boden called Stella and Kelly in to his office before the shift began.
A tall dark haired man with glasses stood there hand on hip with an envelope in his hand.
"Who's the dork?" Stella asked.
"I'm Chief Swann" the man said.
"Well Chief Swann I'm kind of hoping to get back out on to shift before a disaster occurs" Stella quips.
Boden shakes his head in a very slow manner.
The irony seemed to be lost on Chief Swann who stood there in his white shirt, trousers and polished shoes. The shoes looked like they had been put on a conveyor belt and sent through a car wash. You could literally see your face in them.
"Stella Kidd?"
"Stella Kidd-Severide actually"
Chief Swann raises his eyebrows and looks from the couple to Boden.
"Wow the infamous Kelly Severide stopped playing around and settled down. That's an achievement in itself Kidd-Severide. Well congratulations to you both. Anyway I'm not here for that. I'm here to hand you this." Chief Swann extends his hand to Stella.
Stella crosses her arms.
"Sorry Chief my wife forgets who she's speaking to and who she is addressing. Kidd-Severide take the envelope." Kelly reprimands.
"Ok but whatever this is, I want it known it was under duress" Stella replies.
Boden smirks. "You may not want to make that comment when you find out what's in the envelope."
Just as Stella reaches for the envelope a familiar face barges through the door with a massive grin on her face.
In her astonishment Stella drops the envelope and pulls Susan in to a massive hug.
"Have I missed it Chief Swann?"
"No Mrs Chubb you arrived just as I handed Kidd-Severide the envelope which has apparently been discarded to the floor" Chief Swann replies.
"Stella pick up the envelope and open it" Boden orders her.
"Chief with all due respect I can't get down there" pointing to the huge bump.
"Of course that's right, silly me" Boden reaches down to retrieve the envelope from the floor.
Stella opens the envelope and pulls out the letter.
Dear Stella kidd,
We are awarding you the medal of valour. Despite being pregnant and having no consideration for your own safety or that of your babies you still performed a rescue and saved the life of Blaze Chubb.
You were nominated for this reward by Susan Chubb and Blaze Chubb for saving the life of Blaze against all protocols and procedures.
We believe you are well suited to this reward and your ceremony will take place within two weeks given the circumstances.
Yours sincerely
Commissioner Hill.
Stella shrieks. Kelly covers his ears and Boden laughs.
"Does she always get this excited?" Chief Swann asks.
"Yes" replies Boden
"On that note I'm leaving, I will see you at the ceremony Kidd-Severide."
"I'm going to head out too Stella but I'll see you at the ceremony. We have front row seats" Susan says.
That afternoon Jay walked in to the precinct.
"Hi Jay, you're looking good today."
"Fuck off and get out my face Upton."
"Now now that's not how you should speak to your bit on the side now is it?"
"You have got more chance of being a prostitute and sleeping with my dead cold body than being with me while I'm conscious and breathing."
"You're hilarious Jay" Upton touching and stroking his arm. Jay shrugs his arm away and shouts in her face "You ever touch me against my will again I'm going to break every single one of your fingers, woman or not."
Jay heads towards the stairs. Little does he know but Trudy has just overheard the part where Jay was threatening Hailey. She always hated Hailey and now she knew why. How dare the treacherous little snake try and capture her son in laws attention but it was great That Jay saw right through her.
"There you are Halstead. My office now."
"Right away Sarge."
"Close the door we need to be away from prying eyes and listening ears."
"What's up Sarge, is there an issue with my work?"
"No Jay you've been thorough especially on this Deacon case. There's one thing you should know. Benny is back at the penitentiary until further notice. He has supplied us with the hierarchy of the west side gang. Trouble is he had an officer from this team working on his pay roll. Want to know who?"
"Let me guess the sleezeball everyone knows as Hailey Upton."
"Got in one Jay. Your intuition was right I should have believed you from the start."
"Thanks Sarge but what are we going to do about it?"
"Listen close, we are going to let her shoot herself in the foot. We are going to go and interview Deacon again but this time I'm taking Hailey with me. Not only that the viewing room is going to be bugged. Deacon is going to recognise Upton and he's going to put her in awkward predicament so she's going to have to end up leaving so she's not implied in any allegations."
"Ok but where do I come into it?"
"You are going to go on a job with her to bring Juan Carlos in for interview."
"Ok it's done."
"Keep your body cam on at all times and recording."
"Ok but why?"
"Let's call it a hunch."
"Go get it done."
Voight and Jay leave Hanks office. "Upton go with Jay and bring in Juan Carlos"
"Ok boss" Upton replies in her upbeat haha I've got you to myself smug smirk across her face.
Jay walks down the stairs taking two at a time followed closely by Upton. He hated this assignment. Upton was a devious little witch and all she wanted was ammo. Jay was getting paranoid about the baby shower tonight. He hoped no one at the precinct mentioned it as he sure as hell didn't want her turning up making a scene. They got in to Jays truck recently been brought back from the underground car park he had it in when leaving the scene two weeks ago.
"So Jay are we going to talk about what happened or are you just going to pretend like it never happened? You know you wanted me and you know I want you. Why don't you just give in to feelings? No one will ever know and I won't tell Naomi."
"We were dead in the water before it even started and to be honest you were the worst thing that ever happened to me. All you did was push me back into Naomi's arms. I mean I even had to go to the sexual clinic to check you hadn't passed me anything especially with your reputation of being loose and free. Naomi will always be number one. She's sensitive caring and loves me despite all my faults and I will never stop trying to make her happy."
"She's a fat heifer is what she is. She's no good for anything she's a crazy bitch and will probably end up doing more damage than good to your baby. You should have had that baby with me Jay. We could have been happy together but no you ran back to her."
"This is the last warning Upton. Shut your damn mouth about my pregnant wife. Or I will leave your skinny ass on the sidewalk and left for dead."
"Shall we go and see how Naomi feels about it all?"
"Get out of my car Upton. NOW!" Jay bellows in Upton's face.
"Jay I was kidding. Why would I ever try to manipulate you like that I love you."
"You're only in this for yourself and what you can get out of me well the answer is nothing."
Jay starts to carry on down the road taking a right at the intersection and pulls up to the fourth house on the right drawing his weapon. Upton follows him turning her camera on. Jay makes to turn the camera on knowing that it's already been picked up on everything said so far.
Hailey goes to the front door and Jay goes to the back.
"Chicago PD open the door"
Hailey hears a scuffle and a loud smash inside the property.
"Halstead he's heading out your way"
"Copy that"
Juan Carlos ran out the back door and straight into Jay.
"Going somewhere? Like Mexico Juan Carlos?"
"No but if I was I wouldn't send you a postcard you scumbag"
"You're under arrest. You have the right to remain silent. You have the right to an attorney."
"See your friend is having fun with this. Has Deacon seen her yet?"
Jay handcuffs Juan Carlos and bundles him into the back of the pick up with Upton.
"Hello again sweetheart. I can imagine Deacon is looking forward to seeing you again."
Hailey brings her first up straight in to his nose which causes him to have a nosebleed.
"Put your head over your knees and breathe in and out through your mouth and I'll pinch the bridge of your nose. Listen you lying scheming maggot you will keep your mouth shut or all your family that live in East side gang territory might just disappear."
Juan Carlos thinks about this for a moment and then silently nods. Jay catching all of it on his camera. Little does Upton know that Jay actually had cameras fitted into the back of the headrests into his personal truck encase his work truck was out of commission and at least to make transporting prisoners easier.
Arriving at the precinct Trudy calls Jay over. "I heard you and Upton this morning what's with all that? I hope you're not lying to my daughter again or you will wish hell was a place on earth."
"No absolutely nothing like that. She fancies me and I knocked her back I promise."
"Let's just say that the scorned little bitch doesn't want to ruin my girls baby shower tonight or I'll take my personal weapon and put a bullet right between those pretty eyes of hers. She'll never look at my son in law again."
Overhearing this Hailey interjects "Aww a baby shower, what time and where?"
"You're not invited Upton so don't turn up or else."
"Alright but I thought everyone from precinct was invited. Or am I the only one who doesn't get invited?"
"That's right you're not invited you're pure evil." This is likely to happen a lot"
Jay leaves Upton booking Juan Carlos into custody and whilst Jay walks to the interviewing officer gives him the update so far.
As he was waiting for the completion of booking in Jay recieved a text "It's on bring Deacon to interviewing room number two and make sure Upton is in the vicinity"
Jay replied "Ok no worries. Got some footage on the cams I installed and body cam that you might want to look at I've emailed it to your iPad"
"Ok great work"
As Juan Carlos was being taken into the cell Deacon was being brought out. Upton had been told to wait for Voight in the interviewing room corridor. She was hanging around getting impatient when Voight arrived. Voight had his body cam going as he walked Deacon down to the interview room. Deacon seeing Upton hanging around smiles.
"Ah the prodigal daughter returns. Are you going to get me out of this mess or not?"
"Doubt it all I know is you're some hyped up wannabe gangster who couldn't be trusted to run his own turf." Upton replies.
Deacon let's out an out of character laugh. "You're full of shit Hailey Upton and you know it. You've been stopping my gang getting busted for months. Deflecting this rabble of shit away from my dealings and all because your brother borrowed 30K from me then couldn't pay me back so you've been working it off by warning me of all of the precincts moves against me or my turf. Such a shame your brother had to die in that fire."
Upton stands shocked and rooted to the spot.
Voight moves Deacon along to the interview room.
Jay says to Upton "Want to explain what that was all about?"
"Don't know what you mean none of it's true" Upton says looking anywhere but in to Jays eyes.
"Alright but I could have helped if you'd come to me" Jay walks off in to the viewing room.
Upton follows in silence.
Voight sits down and Ruzek stands behind Deacon watching the whole scene.
"Right Deacon I want to know what you meant out there about having my officer in your pocket?"
"When did Upton start working with you and what started this all off?"
Upton watches on uncomfortably and shifts from foot to foot. "Jay I need your help"
Jay turns "what was that I didn't quite hear you?"
"I need your help. There's evidence of my connection to Deacon. I need you to help me secure and destroy it before Voight gets hold of it. If Voight gets hold of it I'll lose everything."
"Where is it we will go and get it?"
"It's in a safe place. I hid it in your truck. I went back to the underground car park when you left it there. I took the spare keys from your drawer in your desk. They would never have thought to check it there."
"Ok it's parked in the multi storey a few blocks from here. Let's go."
Jay sends a text to Ruzek "Going to collect all the evidence from my truck. Stupid bitch hid it there. Bet she was trying to implicate me in all this."
Ruzek replies "Alright bro but we know you had no connection. Stay safe there's watchers on the street."
"Thanks bro for the heads up." Jay says.
Meanwhile over at 51, Jess and Sylvie were just grabbing some lunch and a coffee when the alarms went off.
AMBO 61 WOMAN SHOT AND DOWN ON CORNER OF KENTON.
"Typical didn't even get my coffee this time. C'mon sis better get going." Jess says as they scramble to 61.
When arriving on scene they see a woman lying on the floor with her long blonde hair covering her face. Jess shouts to her on her approach. When Jess gets closer she sees Upton lying on the floor. "Haha justice is served."
"What shall we do sis, reckon we should just leave her here? She deserves it by what mum told us."
"Jess you know we can't do that we took a Hippocratic oath. We have to help her. You know that. If we left her here no matter how tempting that would we then we would lose our licenses to practice and be sacked. Think of how many people rely on our income. We just can't do it. No matter how much we hate her for what she did to our sister we have a duty of care."
"Suppose we better crack on then" Jess says reluctantly.
On checking Upton over there were no visible gunshot wounds.
Upton starts to stir at this point. "What the hell happened?"
"Well apparently you got shot but we can't find anything wrong with you. So do you want us to take you to Med or would you rather be left to your own devices after we've done a few basic checks of course" Sylvie said with disdain in her voice.
"Don't worry about your checks I refuse treatment. Give me the form so I can sign it and get out of here. Did you see where Jay went?"
Jess and Sylvie share a glance. "Jay wasn't here when we arrived, there was no one around, not a single person."
Upton says "Ok."
Upton skulks off in the direction of the underground car park.
"What was that all about?"
"God knows. You might as well clear us from this job Jess and we will head back to 51."
"Ambo 61 to main victim refused treatment and walked off scene please clear us from scene."
"Main to ambo 61. You are all cleared. Head back to base."
"Thank you main."
Jess and Sylvie pull in to their spot and head in to the common room on the hunt for coffee and sustainables.
A few hours later saw firehouse 51 finishing their shift. They were all heading home to change and get ready for the big baby shower being held at Molly's this evening. Naomi had a restful day making final preparations for the baby shower and the outfit she was wearing. She'd decided on a pair of maternity jeans and her flowered top that Jay had bought her two weeks before when she had finally grown out of her clothes as Isaac had grown so big. She had decided to wear her boots. Now all she had to do was wait for Jay to come home so that she could finish getting ready.
Ring. Ring. Ring. Ring.
"Hello, Halstead here."
"Hello Halstead. There seems to be a crime happening at your place of residence right now."
"Hello Mrs Halstead, what seems to be the problem?"
"The problem is that your unborn son has gotten so big that I can't seem to reach my feet to get my socks and boots on."
"Ok baby I'll be there in about 20 minutes I'm just finishing up and I'll be there to help. Love you."
"Ok see you soon then. Love you too. Stay safe."
Jay was headed back to the precinct when Naomi had rung. She had gotten increasingly big lately and Isaac didn't show any signs of slowing his growth down. He was measuring four to six weeks ahead of what he should be but the consultants didn't seem too concerned. They were monitoring it closely. Jays thoughts turned to last night when he was cuddled in to Naomi and she started to get closer and closer to him in her sleep then started to cry. Jay was used to this. He held her tight and waited for her to wake up like he knew she always did. Naomi woke up shaken from her dream. They seemed to be getting worst and more frequent lately.
"Hey baby girl, you alright?"
"Yeah just another bad dream. I'm glad you're here." Naomi snuggles in closer. Isaac beginning to kick like mad like he always did when she woke up from a bad dream.
"Want to talk about it sweetie?"
"No it's ok baby because I know it's not true so I don't need to worry about it."
"Alright then baby. Go back to sleep now. Love you."
"Love you too hubby."
Jay smiled and held Naomi close stroking her tummy which always sent Naomi to sleep with a smile on her face.
Jay pulled up to the red light smiling to himself. Twenty minutes to get himself to precinct and hand in the massive file he had found in his truck from where Upton had left it and hand it to Voight. Then he had to get home to his heavily pregnant wife to help her with her socks and favourite boots that she had taken to wearing everywhere.
"Be ready to receive this file please Voight I've got to put your nieces socks and boots on."
"Haha she still getting massive?"
"Yeah she is. Poor old Isaac is going to end up coming out walking at this rate."
They both laugh.
"How long will you be Jay?"
"About five."
"Alright I'll be waiting. I'll process the file and secure it then I'll head to Molly's and meet you there."
"Alright I'll see you soon."
Jay pulled in to the car park of the precinct leaving the engine running. He wound down the window as Voight approached. The file was handed over and Jay left.
On reaching the apartment they had recently purchased and that Jay shared with his wife he heard muffled shrieking coming from inside. He put his key in the door and unlocked it pulling his hand weapon from his shoulder holster. Jay started shouting out "Where are you baby?" No response. The shrieking continued. Jay shouts again "NAOMI?" Jay was becoming increasingly anxious. He walked in to the bedroom with his weapon in his hand. Naomi looked up and screamed.
Aaarrrrgggghhhhh
"Babe what the hell. You scared me. I shouted you. I thought someone had broken in and taken you."
"Put that weapon away before I shove it where the sun doesn't shine. Get over here and help me. These socks have got the better of me."
Jay holsters the weapon and removes it placing it on his bedside unit. He drops to the floor in front of his wife. Naomi hands him the socks.
"How was your day?"
"Eventful. Upton is now being looked at for obstructing an officer in the line of duty, corruption, blackmail and murder"
"Wow wasn't expecting that but don't worry it will go no further."
Jay pulls the socks on and starts pulling his wife's boots on looking up at her and his unborn son.
"You're like Cinderella. You will always be my princess and Isaac will always be my prince."
Jay kisses his son and makes his way up to pull his wife in to a long and passionate kiss. "Do we have to go tonight?"
Naomi laughs "You know we do. Everyone will be so annoyed if we don't turn up."
Jay kisses Naomi again. Naomi slaps his shoulder. "Come on lover boy we need to be there by 7pm"
They go outside and get in to Naomi's honda civic. Jay drives as Naomi was unable to fit behind the wheel any more and was told she wasn't allowed to drive until after Isaac's birth.
They arrived at Molly's with ten minutes to spare. Everyone was inside. Jay helped Naomi out of the car. They didn't see Hailey Upton skulking in the alley way.
"There's our bright shining sister. How's it going big sis?" Kelly asks putting his arm around her shoulder.
"It's going well little bro apart from the fact my husband has to put my socks and shoes on and I can't see my feet any more. How's Stella doing and my niece?"
"They're good sis. They're waiting for you over there."
"Ok bro I'll catch up with you later."
An hour later found Stella and Naomi the guests of honour having a lot of fun with all the baby games and buffet.
The cake was about to be brought out. Four tiers of vanilla sponge alternated with lemon sponge in a half pink half blue design with figurines of babies and nappies and diapers and bottles and pacifiers was brought out.
A slow clap started. Everyone started to look around trying to figure out where it had come from. Upton slowly stalks towards Naomi. Jay instinctively stands next to Naomi. Kelly moved Stella away. He didn't want her being in the crossfire when all this went down. Jess took a few steps closer towards Naomi wanting to be close enough to act when Upton made her move.
"If it isn't the cheat and the crazy psycho. Having fun are we while everyone else laughs at the joke that you both are. I can't believe they're allowing you to have a baby. That kid would be better off dead than being with you two."
"I think you'd better leave before you say something else you regret." Jess says getting in Upton's face.
Hailey laughs. A witches cackle. Everyone looks on knowing this is going to end horribly.
"Get out of my face you inbred bitch."
"Take a long look in the mirror. After all your father raped his sister and nine months later you popped out. I'm not the one that's inbred."
Upton continues "You ought to take better care of your man Naomi. We had great fun laughing at your expense when he turned to me and fell in to my bed. We had great fun that night. Over and over. No wonder he left your sorry ass. Such a shame Jess had to ring him the next morning. Otherwise he'd still have been with me and never come back to you. At least I know how to keep him happy unlike you. You're off your rocker I'm surprised they haven't committed you to an asylum yet."
Jess couldn't let this personal attack happen. Jess launched a punch straight to the side of Upton's face.
"Bitch you're going to pay for this."
"I doubt it no one saw anything did they?"
"No we never saw a thing" Everyone in Molly's said in unison.
Kelly stands tensing his fists making a beeline for Jay.
In the chaos Upton pulls her weapon on Jess aiming it straight to her face. Jay being closer fights with Upton to get the weapon off her which he does relatively easy. As Jay is making her weapon safe Jess launches her attack. She takes Upton to the floor easily. She gains the upper hand sitting on top of Upton raining blow upon blow to her face, her ribs, her head and stomach.
"Shame I aborted your baby Jay you'd have come running back like the loyal little pussy you are."
Jay stands shocked. Jess picks up Hailey's head and starts smashing it against the floor. Hailey goes silent and unconscious. Jess keeps punching.
Naomi screams "ENOUGH. EVERYONE JUST STOP. SOD THIS I'M GOING HOME. SCREW THE LOT OF YOU. I DONT NEED THIS ADDED CRAP."
As Naomi walks out to the Uber she had booked on the app minutes before Jay follows her out of the bar.
"Baby come back let me explain.
"Explain how not even twenty-four hours after you told me to get out of your apartment you'd jumped into bed with your work colleague?"
"Baby it meant nothing. I love you. I was scared. I thought when I kicked you out I'd lost you."
"I'm going home, I'm tired and I need space find somewhere else to stay tonight because I don't want to see your face. And if I find out you've seen that little slapper again you and me are done. Marriage done. And I will make sure I get full custody of Isaac. Do you understand me?"
"I promise you baby. I love you and Isaac."
Naomi shuts the door of the taxi and leaves.
As the taxi leaves the ambulance that had arrived on scene to tend to Hailey is preparing to leave. By the time Jay has walked back in they'd already stabilised her and got her on to the stretcher ready for transport to Med.
Jay enters Molly's and is greeted with a punch that sends him to the floor. Kelly shakes his first. "That's better"
Jay gets up to his feet. "Thanks Kelly for the reality check. I deserved that. You all want an explanation and that's understandable."
"The night Naomi told me I freaked out as you all know. I went to the local pub and I'd been drinking whisky all night. Well Upton found me as she came to see me about a case. Well anyway she stayed at the bar. We had a drink together. Halfway through my drink I went to the toilet. Well I came back and my drink had been refilled. Pretty soon I started to feel a bit weird. Dizzy headaches and sick. Well Upton took me back to hers. Pretty soon after that I started to go in and out of consciousness. I remember her kissing me and after that I remember nothing."
Trudy takes a step forward "So you're telling me Chuckles that my daughter is now angry, upset, heartbroken and feeling betrayed all because you think you were drugged by Upton?"
"Yeah that's pretty much true. And not only that just after I had my force medical and it showed traces of the date rape drug in my blood. They asked if I wanted to press charges however I can't prove it was Upton."
"Then you and I need to go and talk to Naomi. Jess… go home. Kelly make sure she gets there and stays there. Peter do not let them leave the house and I'll be there as soon as possible. Randall you go with them."
Boden went outside to make a call.
"Yes hello can I have an update on my niece Hailey Upton please. She was brought in earlier after being assaulted."
"Yes of course. She's in theatre right now repairing a pneumothorax. She is due to make a full recovery. The doctor's suspect she is likely to have a concussion which can be accompanied by amnesia. She also needs to be on bed rest for a few days after the operation. She's likely to be with us for three to five days minimum depending on her recovery time."
"Thank you I will make sure I come down as soon as possible."
Trudy hears her phone ringing and drags it out of the glove box. She sees the caller ID and answers.
"Update?"
"Pneumothorax, broken ribs, broken nose, concussion and possible amnesia."
"Ok thanks Wallace"
"Trudy?"
"Yes?"
"Find Naomi. Bring her home. With you armed with the truth she will be fine."
"I hope so she's been a bit sensitive lately."
"She has you. She will get through it. And make sure you tell Hank what's happened."
"He already knows."
Trudy and Jay pull up outside the apartment block and sees the light on inside.
They go up in the lift to the fourth floor. They leave the lift and approach the apartment. Trudy goes first. "Gnome where are you princess?"
"Bedroom mom."
"What are you doing?"
"Packing."
Naomi sees Jay hovering behind her mom's shoulder. She narrows her eyes and crosses her arms around her unborn son.
"What did you bring him here for?"
"You need to hear him out princess."
Jay starts to repeat what he told everyone at Molly's. Naomi sinks to the bed and rubs her tummy. She feels tired and drained. She listens to every little detail as Jay tells her the whole story and how Hailey was trying to destroy their relationship.
Naomi breaks into tears "Oh my god baby why did you never tell me?"
"Because I didn't think you'd believe me."
"Of course I would have. Well I guess it's all has come out now. No matter how pissed off with you I am you're still my husband and we could have gotten over this. What makes it worst is you didn't just tell me about it you left it for me to find out from a cretin like her. Baby I'm telling you this for the last time please just be honest."
"I promise I will make it up to you. I don't know how but I will."
"Well my pandora bracelet is sat there all empty and I could do with another baseball shirt and some new clothes for after Isaac is born."
"All of that is done."
Jay pulls Naomi in to a wary hug and gives her a hug. Jay goes to pull away but Naomi grabs him back and pulls him to a long meaningful kiss.
Trudy leaves knowing her work is done and Jay has learnt his lesson from the short sharp punch from Kelly knocking him on his ass. Trudy smiles and leaves them to it.
A few hours later a call comes in to the precinct from med.
"Hello is that Sergeant Platt?"
"Yes Maggie."
"She's out of surgery and able to talk. I wanted to give you the heads up before I rang Voight and the intelligence unit."
"Thanks Maggie I will mobilise now. Be ready for a shower of rain headed your way."
"Ok Trudy, and Trudy?"
"Yes Maggie?"
"I hope you throw the book at the scumbag for what she did to Naomi."
"Don't worry she's not going to know what hit her."
"Good. I'll see you soon."
Trudy heads to her locker not realising that Burgess and Ruzek had just heard the whole conversation and had been on the phone to Voight. Trudy heads out of the precinct to see Voight waiting next to her patrol car.
"I know that face Trudy and I'm telling you don't do it. She's going to get her comeuppance but it has to be done in the right way. Please leave it to me she will get her just deserts. She's going to be seeing the inside of a jail cell for a very long time. Corruption, blackmail, obstructing an officer in the line of his duty, assault, murder in the first degree, rape, possession of a drug, the list goes on. And unfortunately the state has said no deal will be offered for her testimony. She'll be lucky if she doesn't escape the death penalty. And if she does then prison is not going to be kind to her knowing that she's an ex cop and that a lot of the east side girls that she put away in the prostitution ring from east side are going to be there waiting. It's not going to be an easy ride for her. I'd be surprised if she manages to stay alive for one night. Let alone for the length of her sentence "
"Good the little skank deserves it. I will leave it Hank but only because you are my brother and I trust you to make this right."
"I will sis. She's going to pay for ever fucking with our family "
"That's what I like to hear. When is Jay back at work?"
"He's been told not to come back until my nephew has arrived. His place is at home with my niece right now looking after her. She's struggling right now and she needs him more than we do."
Ruzek and Antonio along with Atwater and Burgess are all geared up ready for their trip to the hospital. They all fit in to Voight's truck and head out.
They arrive at Med a few minutes later to find Upton still in and out of consciousness. Voight approaches and sits in the chair next to Upton. Ruzek and Antonio in the doorway and Atwater and Burgess at the main entrance. As they all settle into their positions a call comes through to Voight.
"Go for Voight "
"New info in boss."
"What new info? Deacon and Juan Carlos have both identified Upton as ring leader for the Mexican cartel who have been informed that she's a cop."
Voight let's out an old woman's cackle as he hears the new intelligence provided to him.
"Sarge?"
"It's Sergeant Voight to you."
"Why the formalities?"
"Because you've been found out you devious little witch and I have the evidence to back it all up."
"Done what? You can't tie me to anything."
"In actual fact I can. You're going to prison for a very long time. Corruption, blackmail, obstructing an officer in the line of his duty, assault, murder in the first degree, rape, possession of a drug. Yeah I don't think you're escaping those charges."
"Rape, I haven't raped anyone?"
"Yes you have Upton and you know full well you have as you admitted it to Juan Carlos and Deacon when they supplied you with the date rape drugs and their statements corroborate the victims account. They've told us the whole deal Upton. You may as well come clean."
"Alright. Well I want it all in my statement and then I want to bargain for leniency."
"That's never going to stick and you know it. You aren't going to buy yourself out of this one. Even the state attorney's office has said there will be no plea deal. They're going to make an example of you. I hope you made some friends with the east side gang because you're looking at, a lot of them being right there waiting for you when you arrive. Have fun Upton. I can't help you. You're on your own!"
Voight gets up to walk out. Upton shouts at him "Go careful Hank or all your dirty secrets might just be aired as well."
Voight walks over to Upton and whispers in her ear "Difference is I do it for my family and I don't get caught or leave a paper trail."
Antonio and Ruzek walk in to the room and read Upton her rights and handcuff to her bed. Maggie stands outside the room discreetly texting.
"It's done she's been arrested. She's been told there's no help available. You can focus on looking forward now."
"Thanks Maggie. I owe you one."
Back at Naomi's and Jays apartment Naomi places her phone back down on the bedside table after receiving the text from Maggie she puts her head back on her pillow and tries to settle. Jay snuggles into her pulling her close and rubbing her tummy when all of a sudden the bed goes wet. Jay screeches and starts to freak out.
"Baby are you ok. What's happened. Is Isaac still moving. Are you in pain. What do we do?"
Ring ring ring….
"Hello? It's 3 in the morning it'd better be good…"
"Mom my waters have gone."
"Stella?"
"No it's Naomi "
"Shit, I'll be right there."
"How far apart are the contractions?"
"I'm not getting annnnnn…. Ooooohhhhhh sssshhhhiiiittttt…."
"I take it that was one?"
"I don't know I've never had a baby before. Just get here soon mom. Jays… Ooooohhhhhh…."
"Hang on baby I'm on the way be about three minutes… bring the hospital bag and come down…"
"Jay Halstead grab the hospital bag and car seat and help me downstairs."
"Ok baby girl. Let's go."
Trudy was sat out front in the borrowed patrol car. She knew Naomi going into labour at 36 weeks was not good news. She just hoped Stella didn't go in to labour tonight as well. That would be all they needed. Naomi and Jay arrived downstairs.
Bat out of hell started ringing from the phone that had been slung on to the dashboard in a rush.
"Mom?"
"Kelly you ok?"
"No it's Stella."
"Oh for god's sake. Don't tell me she's gone into labour as well."
"Yeah. What's the problem with that?"
"I'm taking Naomi in. I'll swing by now and grab you both as well."
"Ok mom see you soon."
About twenty minutes later Stella, Kelly, Naomi and Jay all arrived in the patrol car in the unloading bay at med. Trudy turns the sirens and lights off and follows her son and daughter in to the maternity departments with their spouses. Naomi was rushed off to a room down the corridor.
When in the room they scanned Naomi as routine due to the growth. They told Naomi there was good news and bad news. Good news was that she'd have Isaac to hold soon but bad news was that he'd never survive a natural birth and they had to perform an emergency caesarean section. They wheeled Naomi down to theatre to prepare her. Jay was pacing knowing Naomi would not be tolerating this well. She would be freaking out and needed someone familiar with her to keep her calm and this couldn't be having a good effect on Isaac. According to the consultants the umbilical cord had a condition called reverse endiastolic flow which meant whatever nutrition Isaac was getting it was flowing back out again. Including his oxygen and they needed to get him out or neither Naomi or Isaac would survive.
Naomi was sat on the operating table and Jay was right in his thinking. She was freaking out. She was crying and hyperventilating. All she could think of was that she needed Jay there to ground her. To make her safe. To make her stable. She kept begging theatre staff to go and get him. They wouldn't. All of a sudden the anaesthetist told Naomi to bend as far forward as she could so that he could out the injection in to numb her. She did as she was asked with help. As Naomi was being injected she saw a familiar face in scrubs being escorted in to the room and sitting next to her. Jay. He was here. Just like he promised.
The consultant laid Naomi down and they started to perform the operation. The consultant was giving a running commentary of everything she was doing. When she had finally gotten through all the layers and opened her womb "Ok I've got a head, oh no wait no I haven't, I've got an arm, no he moved that too, ah I've got two legs, that will do, out you come baby boy, there we go. Anyone want to guess what the little man weighs?"
"About 10lbs" Naomi says.
Jay smiles "No idea"
The midwife took him over to the scales. "10lbs 2oz"
"Is he ok, why is he not crying, I can't hear him, what's going on?" Naomi starts to freak out and her anxiety gets the better of her.
"Calm down baby girl, you're not helping yourself. Please please just stay still while they close you up and then I promise you can see him. Isn't that right doctor?"
"Yes of course. I'm just closing you up and the midwife is just doing her checks then we will let you see him."
A few moments later the midwife hands Isaac wrapped in a blue blanket and a blue hat to Jay. He instantly shows Isaac to Naomi who teaches out and holds her baby boys hand. Jays face lights up and he has tears in his eyes from the pride of seeing his son brought in to the world and how Naomi dealt with it.
Jay was thoroughly shocked that Naomi didn't take a turn for the worst while they were operating and before. She doesn't deal well with change because of her BPD. This was news Naomi wasn't expecting so she wouldn't have been prepared for it. She did amazingly.
Naomi lies on the table reaching out to hold her boy. Jay lets her give him a kiss. The doctor had finished closing Naomi up. She sat Naomi up slowly as she knew Naomi has vertigo so to avoid her passing out she sat her up slowly. As soon as she was sat up the midwives allowed Naomi to hold her son.
Naomi was sore all over and all she wanted to do was find out how her sister had gotten on. Naomi asks Jay to pass her the phone she kept in the side pocket of her bag. Jay willingly handed it over.
"What do you want your phone for baby girl?"
"To stick up my rear passage Mr Halstead."
Jay laughs. "Ok point taken. Who are you trying to ring. Do you need some help?"
"I want to video call my mom and my sister Stella."
"Oh yeah for a second in all the drama I'd forgotten Stella and Kelly were here as well."
The midwives overheard what Jay and Naomi were discussing. They asked if they meant Stella Kidd-Severide.
Naomi replied "Yes that's my sister."
The doctor replies "She's in the next recovery room, she also had to have an emergency caesarean section. She had a little girl Linea Shay. Weighed 8lb exactly. Born at 1421 just like Isaac here."
"Can you open the adjoining door then so I can see my sister and my niece please." Naomi says.
"Of course, there we go" the midwife said as she left the room.
The midwife came over to do Isaac's next lot of checks. On doing the checks she noticed something. "I'm going to have to take Isaac to the NICU as he seems to be having trouble. I'll get him checked out by a paediatrician and I'll bring him straight back to you."
Naomi and Jay looked at each other. They had no clue what was going on. They just knew their little boy had been taken from them. Naomi started to think back to the words Upton had said previously "That kids better off dead than having you two as parents." Jay could see the fear and dread and panic setting in to Naomi's face. He knew exactly what she was thinking about and he couldn't deny that it had crossed his mind as well. Upton had a lot of shit heading her way and Jay was glad but that didn't justify what she said about Isaac. Jay breaks the silence "Baby Isaac is a fighter he just needs a little bit of help and he will be straight back to us, you heard what the midwife said."
"What if they don't bring him back like they promised? I want to go with him. I want to see him before I go upstairs to the ward. I need to see my boy."
"Hey princess look at me."
"What?"
"You're not looking at me. How can it work if you never trust me to help?"
Naomi looks straight in to Jay's sapphire blue eyes and realises she needed to listen and take her anxiety down a bit. Jay was here like he always was at the toughest parts of her life. Jay always seemed to know how to ground her and make her calm. I guess that's why he was such an efficient police officer. Little did Naomi know that Jay had military training as well and had served in Iraq and Afghanistan. He had done four tours abroad and had his fair share of heartache so he decided to end his term before something drastic happened to him. To be honest he was glad he got out when he did. He met Naomi and she turned his life around. She's always adamant that he has changed her when really it's her changing his mind and being more open to things.
"Stella, bro, mom they've taken my baby."
"Hey sis you need to calm down this is not going to help anyone. Please. They'll bring him back soon I'm sure of it." Kelly tells her. "Want me to find out what's going on with him sis?"
"Yes please bro. Jay don't leave please baby I need you right now. "
Jay takes Naomi's hand and looks into her scared green eyes "Baby I'm going nowhere."
Naomi started to drift in and out of consciousness with all the pain meds she was on. Jay held her hand tight and not once let go.
When it was time for Naomi to go to the ward it was time for Jay to leave. He begged and pleaded that he should be allowed to the ward with Naomi as he knew she would freak out and that was something he did not want to happen.
Naomi's outbursts could be quite uncontrollable at times. He was worried the staff wouldn't understand why she would react that way. Jay was sat by his baby boys incubator holding his hand and praying that he would be ok.
Soon enough Naomi woke to find her son wasn't with her and pretty soon had woken everyone on the ward as she had no clue what was going on. If only she knew where Jay was.
Naomi called the staff in. They told her that Isaac had been kept down on NICU and she was welcome to go and see him. They'd have to get her up and walking before she could go. Naomi was determined. She took the bed rails off and started to get herself to a standing position. The wheelchair was placed right next to her bed. She stood shakily. She persevered. No one or nothing was going to stop her from seeing her boy.
Jay was sat in the high dependency unit of NICU waiting patiently for Naomi to finally come down.
Whilst Jay had been outside having a break he saw his wife disappearing into the NICU corridor. She is going to freak when she sees what's happened and the fact no one had told her until now what had happened with Isaac.
