Disclaimer: I do not own any characters from the OnceChicago World. Just the OC's are mine.
Mr and Mrs Chuckles
They were going undercover. Just not the usual kind. This operation required fancy suits and heels and more carefully concealed weapons. Secretly Hailey was kind of excited to play dress-up even if it were just for a night.
Vanessa and Antonio would be in the surveillance van while Voight and Alvin would be in the car parked some safe distance from the auction. The rest would be going undercover. Jay and Hailey as a high rolling couple, looking to buy what was not exclusively on the catalogue. Adam, Kim and Kevin were their extra set of eyes and ears.
They had gotten dressed at the district having to be careful with what weapons they could conceal. Trudy had helped organised their outfits for the night and Hailey was almost concerned with what she had gotten them.
The girls had taken the locker room, or rather Trudy had put them in there with orders of getting their hair and makeup sorted out while she went to retrieve their attire. She'd chased the boys off, where Hailey wasn't sure. Kim had pulled her hair into a beautiful neat twist with some dark locks spilling artfully here and there. Hailey went for something less fussy and simply put it up, a few errant curls left tactically down. It was the most she was willing to fuss over her hair. At last, Trudy had come back, handing them each a garment bag. Vanessa whistled when Kim opened her garment bag, seeing the dress that would be hers for the night.
"Damn, Sarge," Vanessa said thoroughly impressed. "Where did you manage to get a dress like this at such short notice?"
Trudy smirked. "Chuckles knows a guy," she shrugged. "Go on Goldilocks." She motioned to Hailey's garment bag.
Smiling she opened it and behind her, she saw certain Vanessa squealed a little in some delight. Hailey took the dress from the bag. Her fingers running over the fine fabric. It was nothing like she had worn undercover before.
"Are you sure about this?" She asked uncertainly.
"Yeah. You need to look the part," Trudy reminded her.
"But this …" she bit her lip. She'd worn far skimpier things during her time undercover. Yet there was something a little intimidating about this dress. This was not a dress she could hide behind. Either she wore it or it wore her.
"Come on, Hailey. It's a gorgeous dress. Besides it's just for tonight," Kim said. She was already pulling on her dress. A navy floor-length piece with a sweetheart neckline.
Hailey's on the other hand was a little outside what she was used to. It was a one-shoulder long-sleeved style. The back dipped a little more than she expected. But it wasn't until she had pulled the dress on that she noticed the daringly high slit up one leg. Lastly, Trudy handed Hailey a pair of black pointed stilettoes. Hailey made a face but when Trudy gave her a pointed look, she put it on.
When she turned back around to voice her complaint, Vanessa whistled and Trudy looked quite pleased with herself. "I don't know about this," Hailey said slowly looking down at herself in the dress. "This is … No …" she was shaking her head.
"Yes," Trudy said. "Remember, young, good-looking couple with lots of money to spend? You need to sell it."
Hailey hoped Vanessa would back her up, but her friend was still staring at her and then a moment later she was chuckling to herself.
"See, Vanessa doesn't think it looks good," Hailey argued.
"Oh no," Vanessa replied. "I think you look hot. I'm just thinking about Halstead's face when he sees you." Hailey blushed. "He's going to have a heart attack the moment he sees you!" She teased.
"Oh, that poor man," Kim added grinning.
Hailey still seemed uncertain. Vanessa came over and grasped Hailey's hand gently, "You look amazing Hails. Believe me," she added softly.
Hailey nodded, feeling a little more assured about the extravagance needed for the night.
"You look beautiful, Hailey," Kim said smiling.
"Thanks. You do too," Hailey replied sincerely. And she did. Kim was a striking image of elegance and beauty.
"Alright, Antonio's got your gear ready for you in the garage," Trudy called clapping her hands together.
They nodded and left the locker room, making their way down to the garage. Their heels clicked against the steps as they made their way down alerting the rest of the unit. They heard the cheers and Adam's whistling as they came down the stairs. As they descended the last few steps Hailey was suddenly aware that everyone was grinning but more importantly, staring.
Unwillingly, she blushed, even more, when Adam and Kevin voiced their thoughts.
"Ah! Damn, baby!" Adam called grinning at Kim.
"Damn! You two look amazing," Kevin said stepping forward. He nodded as he held out a hand for Hailey to take. "I think this might be the start of my favourite undercover yet."
Hailey smirked at him, seeing how exceptionally dapper he looked in his tux. "I think I might agree with that."
It was the first time she had seen him in such finery. She was feeling more reassured in herself now, and the initial eagerness she had felt for this operation was back.
Adam came up a moment later, grinning widely. He winked at her showing his obvious approval before leaning in, keeping his voice low so only they could hear.
"If you've left me speechless, can you imagine what you're gonna do to him?"
Hailey would have feigned ignorance but both Vanessa and Kevin chortled beside her. She smacked Adam across the chest, narrowing her eyes playfully at him and left them to join Antonio; Kim coming with her. Antonio had set up a table in the far corner, currently filled with all their gear and some tech stuff he was still working with. On the other side of the garage, Kevin's Dodge was parked ready to go and next to that were two other cars, Hailey had never seen before. The one that caught her eye was the sleek black sports car that practically screamed extravagance.
"Wow, you both look beautiful," Antonio said sincerely. Hailey smiled as he went back to fiddling with some of the tech.
She glanced around the garage, seeing there was one noticeable person absent. When she turned back at Kim, it was to find her already looking at her, waiting expectantly.
"Where's Jay?" she asked nonetheless.
"Just signing off a few things with Voight."
Hailey nodded and a moment later, she heard footsteps at the top of the stairs. It took everything in her not to turn around straight away.
When she did glance up eventually, Jay was already halfway down the stairs, fiddling with the cufflinks at his wrist. Hailey saw the watch beneath the shirt. It wasn't his, she noticed. It was a little too ostentatious for Jay's taste, but it certainly didn't feel out of place with the rest of his attire. A finely tailored tux that made him look ever so handsome and had Hailey's heart skipping a few beats. He certainly managed to pull it off seemingly effortlessly.
"Alright, we've been given the official go-ahead from up top," he said walking into the garage. He didn't see her at first, Adam and Antonio blocking his view of her slightly. "Let's gear up," he told them, slipping easily into the role of team leader. The others nodded and Adam winked at her conspiratorially over his shoulder before he stepped away. They walked off, to prepare and thankfully leaving fewer ears and eyes around.
"Kim we're gonna need – " he stopped finally noticing Hailey. The look of a pleasant surprise was very clear on his face and Hailey felt herself blushing a little again. Over his shoulder, she could see Trudy and Vanessa looking awfully smug. She resisted the urge to roll her eyes at them. "Hailey … wow… you … uh …" he stuttered and it was adorable seeing Jay flustered for once. He swallowed, clearing his throat but still he couldn't seem to find the words.
Thankfully their desk sergeant came to his rescue a moment later, "You two look like quite the pair," Trudy praised smugly.
Jay regained his composure and gave her a confident smile. "Isn't that supposed to be the point?"
Trudy handed them both their ID's for the night. Emma Palmer, she read. Jay laughed quietly beside her and Hailey didn't understand for a moment. It wasn't like they'd been given horrible undercover names.
"Don't think I wasn't tempted, Chuckles," Trudy remarked.
Jay smiled that all charming smile and Hailey wondered how Trudy seemed so unbothered by it.
He shrugged, "Could have a nice ring to it, don't you think?"
"Hm," Trudy eyeing him carefully. "Bet you'd love that," she said quietly, before her voice rose again, "Mr and Mrs Chuckles for the night."
It dawned on Hailey then what they were bantering over. And then she blushed again because Jay was laughing, not even bothered to deny Trudy's comment.
"See! Nice ring to it!"
The others laughed too and Hailey was reminded they were not alone. She pointedly ignored Vanessa's yet again smug look, especially when Jay turned his attention back to her.
"Right, you heard Halstead, let's you all geared up and ready to go then," Trudy said.
Jay was still staring at her, taking his time in taking all of her in, the others be damned. She turned, and Kim smirked knowingly but nodded handing them some of their gear.
That seemed to set things in motion. They wasted no time in handing out the smaller weapons. It felt a little odd, strapping a holster to her thigh under the fine material of her dress rather than strapping herself into her usual Kevlar.
"Are you sure we're gonna make it through security with this?" Hailey asked adjusting the thigh holster.
"Don't worry, it won't set anything off," Antonio assured her.
She nodded but then caught Jay's eyes. He'd been silent, only looking when he thought she didn't notice. He'd tracked her movements as she had strapped the thigh holster on and she couldn't help but smirk at that a little.
Jay seemed to have a knack for taking her by surprise and leaving her speechless. Most of the time it was done unintentionally and that always seemed to sweeten her response. But there were times when he got a little mischievous, a little bolder and sought that reaction from her. It was nice to know she could render him just as speechless as he made her.
"We good?" Voight called stepping into the garage with Alvin.
"Yeah," Jay finally spoke walking over to their sergeant and Alvin. Antonio joined them a moment later, a laptop on his hand, as they spoke quietly. But even as they conversed, Jay snuck discreet looks over at her.
"I still don't get how you can keep it professional when the man looks at you like that," Vanessa whispered to her as she came up from behind.
Hailey blushed and then quickly shushed her. "I don't know what you mean," Hailey said trying for blissful ignorance.
Vanessa snorted. "Don't play dumb with me, Mrs Chuckles," She grinned teasingly as she leaned in a little closer, "I'd give anything for someone to look at me like that."
"Like what?" Hailey asked intrigued.
"Like he can't wait to tear that dress off you," Vanessa said grinning. "Like he knows exactly what you've been hiding under those jeans and plaid and he's almost jealous that others get to see that too." Vanessa nodded, apparently pleased with her level of detective work, "I'm practically blushing at how hard he's starring right now," she teased.
Hailey stuttered, her objections weak, especially when she realized Vanessa was right. So instead, she simply laughed it off, "Must be the dress," she waved nonchalantly.
Vanessa shook her head. "No, I mean yeah – right now it's because you're out here looking bloody gorgeous but it's not just this once," Vanessa explained. "And this look is a little different to the one he usually gives you."
Hailey frowned. "What do you mean?"
She had a faint idea of what Vanessa was talking about. But a stubborn part of her didn't want to openly acknowledge that to her friend. Hailey knew how it felt when Jay looked at her, but she could never put it into words. Simply because no one had ever looked at her even remotely in that way. She knew that warm feeling all too well, could feel it right now, laced with a sharp mix of desire, despite the distance between them. But how could she explain that to Vanessa without sounding like a complete sap?
"What look?"
Her friend sighed, almost wistfully. "Like you're his whole world," she answered honestly. Hailey looked at her friend, sharply. "Like he can't seem to get enough of you."
Hailey had not expected Vanessa to be so blunt with her answer. Nor had she expected to feel so comforted by it. But there was something that nagged at her. She couldn't help but echo Vanessa's previous thoughts; it was certainly proving a challenge keeping it professional, especially when he looked at her like that, but Hailey surmised she was no better. Countless times she had caught herself staring over their desks watching him work, or when she playfully stole his pens. Yes, it was proving to be quite the challenge but they had yet to come up short. Now though, it did worry her how easily Vanessa had noticed it. And if she wanted to be completely truthful, it wasn't just Vanessa that would have noticed. They worked for an elite task force purposely called Intelligence. Perhaps they were slipping up, crossing boundaries they promised they wouldn't. Her doubts must have shown on her face because Vanessa grasped her by the arm, turning her a little and fixing her with a serious look.
"Don't overthink it, Hails," she warned. "Treasure it because we're not all so lucky to find what you and Jay share."
Hailey felt conflicted. "Doesn't it seem like we're crossing some kind of boundary?"
"Is that what you think?" Vanessa asked in turn. "I am sure Jay would never ask you to cross that line. He respects you too much for that. But I also know that man is so far gone for you I don't think even he realizes it." She smiled, a little gentler this time, "It's not a bad thing, Hailey, remember that."
Yet Hailey still seemed hesitant. "What if Voight or the others don't see it that way?"
"But you know they do. Even if you haven't officially said anything, we all know and it hasn't been a problem so far." Vanessa reminded her. "Anyway, would you let that stop you from being happy though?"
Hailey never got a chance to reply as Voight was calling them forward, for one last briefing.
"Don't let the costumes fool you," he warned. "These guys are dangerous. They don't care about nothing but making money."
They all expected him to continue but he simply turned to Jay. For the second time that night, Jay was taken by surprise. Voight nodded subtly at him and Jay turned to their unit, who were expectantly waiting for commands from him. It hit him then, that one day it would truly be his team and as much as that should have scared him, the faith he had in his team was strong enough to counter any doubts. They were confident in his ability to lead them and that was all the reassurance Jay needed.
"Our boy's set up a meet with the mystery supplier tonight," Jay continued. "Antonio, Vanessa, you'll have eyes on Milner the whole time. Anybody that approaches him outside of the usual." He gestured to Antonio. "A different kind of communication for tonight," he said pointing to the little earpiece Antonio was handing out. "Remember Milner might seem harmless but he is our main suspect behind his father's death."
"And we still have absolutely no idea 'bout this mystery supplier?" Kevin asked. "Kinda hard to stop what you can't see coming."
"Yeah, I know," Jay sighed. He was exceptionally aggrieved but that fact too. "But Milner insisted the initial meet be tonight. Hailey and I will go in and hopefully with some luck get the details on record." He looked over at Adam, Kevin and Vanessa, "He's going to have tight security and I can't say what's going to go down once we meet. If it does go south, you need to evacuate the building."
"And what about you?"
"I'll have Hailey. I'll be fine," he said automatically. She would have been surprised at his quick answer if it were not her same answer. She wasn't concerned. She had Jay by her side. "It's the room full of innocents I'm more worried about."
"Copy you," Adam replied.
They spent a few more minutes going over the final details before Jay finished and Voight was telling them to get a move on. Their sergeant seemed rather pleased with the way Jay had slipped so easily into the role of leader.
Adam and Kim jumped into one of the sleek black cars waiting for them. Kevin got into his Dodge as Vanessa joined Antonio in the surveillance van. Voight and Alvin were already ahead of them in his car. Hailey looked around but didn't see Jay's truck. He smiled, a true smile this time as he walked back to her.
"On loan for the night," he said pulling out a set of keys from his pocket. He gestured to the sleek sports car still in the garage. They were all in for playing the part it would seem. He held out his hand and Hailey placed her hand in his without question. As he guided her to the car, he leaned in so close, she could smell his cologne. "You look absolutely stunning, Hails," he whispered.
She grinned, "Yeah?"
"Yeah," he said eagerly. "You're always so beautiful but damn this dress …" he trailed off looking her up and down. "I honestly don't know what I was expecting but this …" his fingers trailed down her bare arm.
"You can thank Trudy for that," Hailey told him. "It was her choice."
"Oh, believe me, I will," Jay said smirking. He turned her around as they reached the car so she was very nearly pressed between the car and him. His eyes travelled the length of her body and lingered on the slit and her bare leg, peeking through. His green eyes almost darkened when he remembered her strapping in the thigh holster on the other leg.
"Focus, Jay," she admonished cheekily.
There had been nothing more she wanted to do at that moment than kiss him but they weren't the only ones in the garage and that would have to wait.
"Yeah a little easier said than done, especially when you look that beautiful," he replied rather smoothly.
Hailey laughed, "A bit cheesy don't you think?"
He shrugged, smiling as he held the door open for her, "Doesn't make it any less true."
Hailey stepped a little closer to him though, her fingers adjusting his bowtie, "You know you look quite handsome yourself." She gave him a very pointed once over before getting into the car. She was certain she heard Jay exhaling and mumbling to himself before closing her door and walking around to get in. He glanced at her once more before turning the engine over. The engine roared to life and Jay looked positively excited as they pulled out of the garage making their way to the venue. The drive to the auction was mostly quiet, something Jay easily noticed.
"What's wrong?" he asked looking at her for a brief moment.
She hesitated only for a second, "Do you think we're still able to keep it professional?" She'd been thinking it over ever since Vanessa had mentioned it.
Jay stiffened and then frowned slightly, looking over at her completely as they came to a stop. "Why do you ask?"
"Vanessa caught you staring today," she mumbled. "Like really staring."
"I don't understand."
She resisted the urge to fiddle with her neatly done up hair. "Well first she said you were looking at me like … well like you've seen me naked," Hailey grumbled paraphrasing her friend's words.
Jay huffed out a laugh. "I have seen you naked."
"Yes! But the others don't need to know that," she argued. She sighed knowing she was doing a poor job of explaining herself. "I'm just … worried about the boundaries at work…" She bit her lip worriedly. She closed her eyes. The car was moving again, she realized but she didn't care for the scenery.
Jay reached across the console and was pleased when Hailey didn't push his hand away. "What else did she say?" he asked knowingly.
Hailey felt her jaw clench shut, not knowing if she dared to repeat what Vanessa had said to her.
"Hailey."
"It doesn't matter," She finally said looking away. "The point is you were looking at me like I was your girlfriend and not your partner. Jay… that's dangerous."
He didn't say anything for a moment, and Hailey worried she had hurt him. In the rearview, she could make out Kevin following. As they approached the auction, the surveillance van pulled a little further ahead.
"I'm sorry," he said and Hailey quite suddenly felt guilty. He didn't say anything until he brought the car to a stop outside the banquet hall and took a moment to gather himself.
Jay put the car into park but made no move to get out. In the rearview mirror, Hailey could just make out Adam and Kim entering before them as planned. They waited in silence for a few minutes and unlike all the other times, it was not a silence she enjoyed.
When she reached for her seatbelt, his hands came up to stall her actions. "You were right," he said softly. "I was looking at you like you were my girlfriend and not my partner. The truth is sometimes I can't believe you're both. That I get to have both… so I look. Just to make sure I'm not making it all up."
Hailey inhaled sharply. She never doubted Jay or their relationship and as he spoke now his green eyes portrayed nothing but the words he spoke so sincerely. She nodded and reached out, pulling him closer by the expensive material of his tux. She kissed him chastely, it was all they had time for. As they pulled away though, Jay caressed her cheek and Hailey saw what Vanessa had mentioned earlier reflected so clearly in his eyes now.
He paused, waiting for her and Hailey gave herself an extra minute before nodding. Jay handed the communication devices they'd need for this operation. Without another word she popped it into her ear as Jay got out and walked around, opening the door for Hailey. It might have been for show but the spark in Jay's eyes said he wasn't entirely acting. The hall was lit up and all around them people were arriving, heading inside, dressed in their finest.
Jay tucked Hailey's arm into the crook of his. He subtly nodded to Kevin as they passed. They passed through security easily enough, Antonio's weapons discreetly passing with them.
There were plenty of people already inside. Across the room, she saw Adam and Kim supposedly watching each other but Hailey knew they were taking in everything around them. The hall was large and filled with all sorts of paintings and sculptures. Some simply for display and others on show till the auctioning would start. Tables were set up near the front podium for when the actual event would start. Soft music could be heard and in one corner a bar. Along with the music, a fair number of people were dancing.
It didn't take long for them to spot the whole reason for this operation; Vance Milner. It had been hard-pressed to get an invitation, Vance Milner who had recently inherited a portion of his family's wealth was now auctioning some of its most valuable pieces off. In the past, Vance had tried to establish himself outside of his family name and father's reputation but as it would seem, his father – even dead – cast a formidable shadow. His tumultuous relationship with his father had been no secret to Chicago. When Richard Milner had passed, many speculated about the fortune he left behind. Despite all the speculation, Vance was the sole heir and eventually, it did pass to him. The auction tonight had no real purpose other than Vance could do what he wanted with his family's fortune. Some commented that it was a final 'screw you' to his father who had openly critiqued and vented his disappointment in his son. As such, everyone who was someone wanted to be there. Intelligence knew that Vance, however, was more than just a failed businessman or scorned son. It was alleged that he'd been heading up distribution of a newer and decidedly deadlier strain of cocaine. Perhaps another rebellious finger raised to his father.
Jay and Hailey were posing as a couple interested in helping expand that business. They had made the introductions to Vance earlier in the week and now were waiting to meet the man supplying Vance. Once they had the supplier it would be a matter of stopping the shipment from coming into Chicago.
Intelligence was all there to see that Vance Milner's new business ended for good.
Hailey was looking around the room, trying to size up who might be the mystery supplier when she felt Jay's arm tighten around her waist. A second later, Vance was standing grinning pretentiously at them. In all their exchanges, she had yet to find Vance palatable. He made her uncomfortable which in turn put Jay on edge.
"So glad you two could make it," He greeted.
Jay tipped his head, casually, "Of course. We're serious about our investment." He made a point of looking around the room, "This is an impressive collection, you've got. Sure you want to get rid of it all?"
Vance smirked, "Nothing would give me greater pleasure than knowing dear old dad is rolling in his grave because I sold off his precious treasures."
There was a real bite to his words and Jay was reminded of how complicated families could be.
"If this doesn't, then your business certainly will," Jay joked. Vance grinned and Jay leaned in a little, his voice dropping as he asked, "Is he here?"
Vance laughed, "Soon my friend." He clapped Jay on the shoulder. "In the meantime, drink and have a look at some of the pieces. I heard it's quite good. Or dance." He looked at Hailey and she felt her skin crawl at the far too eager look in his eyes. " In fact, would you mind terribly if I had a dance with your wife?"
Hailey didn't want to dance with him. Not even for a second but if it meant keeping Vance happy then that was what she'd have to do.
Jay did not agree.
"I would actually," he said, his words firm but he was still smiling. "I think it would be in poor form if you danced with my wife before I did."
Vance was disappointed but he merely smiled and then gestured towards the dance floor. They had no choice but to follow through. Jay led her to the middle of the room, finding their place between the other dancing couples. He turned and then spun her around, catching her and pulling her closer rather quickly as he settled them into a gentle sway. Hailey gasped at the unexpected move.
"Damn, Halstead, that was smooth," Adam critiqued over the comms.
"I'll have you know Adam, not all of us are limited to the Casper slide," Jay teased.
Hailey laughed. "Even that might be pushing it, bro," came Kevin's remark.
"Hey, I can dance," Adam objected.
"But the real question is, should you?"
Jay pulled her a little closer as the banter carried on for another moment across the comms. Hailey wasn't all much of a dancer and she knew neither was Jay, but he was surprisingly graceful. He held her hand assuredly in his as his other hand settled on her waist. Even through the fabric of the dress, she could feel the delicious warmth. His hand shifted and she felt the teasing touch against the bare of her back. He held her a little tighter and Hailey almost dared to forget they were on the job. Hailey squeezed his hand in return and he smirked.
"Milner's got company," Antonio called ending all chatter. "Think that's our guy?"
"Could be," Jay said looking over Hailey's shoulder. "Haven't seen him 'round."
"Whoever this guy is, he doesn't look too happy," Adam remarked.
Jay looked over again, shifting Hailey closer. Adam was right, whomever Vance was talking to didn't seem happy, but Jay couldn't distinctly make out through all the people and low lighting. Suddenly, Vance glanced over and Jay quickly dropped his head into the crook of Hailey's neck. Despite her best intentions, Hailey felt her skin tingle and a shiver run down her back as his lips brushed against her shoulder.
"Shit," Jay swore.
"What?" Hailey mumbled.
Before he could reply, a voice over the comms spoke again.
"Time to get a little closer," Kevin added. Adam and Kim were already setting their course towards Vance when Jay looked up and was suddenly calling them off.
"Hold guys," he whispered urgently pulling Hailey closer. She tensed, unable to see what he saw. "He's coming this way." Hailey school her expression.
"Charlie!" Vance called Jay. Naturally, they had built a solid alias for themselves. "So sorry to interrupt," he said though he looked the exact opposite.
Jay and Hailey stopped dancing but did not separate. His hand rested on her waist and it was the only thing stopping her from punching the annoyingly smug look off Vance's face.
"Want you to meet a friend of mine?" he said cryptically.
They followed him without further pretence. Vance led them from the main hall through a service entry.
Hailey could hear their team asking for updates. It seemed, they had lost a visual of them on all cameras. The room had gotten busier since their arrival, but Vance had also pulled them through an area with little camera coverage. The comms themselves had gotten a bit static as they disappeared further from their team's view.
"Jay, where you heading?" Kevin asked when the comms restored itself.
"Huh, through the kitchens," Jay said looking at Hailey. He was aware Vance was watching them.
"Hungry babe?" she asked keeping up the play.
He laughed, "Yeah cause, they serve real food at these things."
Vance laughed too, "Got to save money somehow."
"Copy you," Kevin responded.
Jay plastered a smile as Vance finally brought them to another door. Through that, was a storage garage of some kind. Crates of all sizes were stacked everywhere. A few boxes too. The room had harsh lighting and apart from the way they came in, Hailey saw only one other exit. Behind them, the door shut and Hailey glanced over her shoulders to make out two armed guards.
"Vance says you're interested in doing some business," A voice called from across the room.
"That would be correct," Jay answered.
He stepped forward and they were able to get a clearer visual of him. He was a lot bigger than Vance and looked a little rougher around the edges. "So, who is in charge here?" he asked gesturing between Hailey and Jay.
"Who wants to know?" Hailey replied.
"This is Randall," Vance introduced eagerly. "He's our – "
"Shut up, Vance," Randall snapped. Vance looked annoyed but complied. Randall looked at them again, "I'd like to know who I'm doing business with."
"Let's call it a fifty-fifty partnership," Jay answered. He shrugged a moment later when it seemed Randall was unmoved. "That's marriage, right?" Jay kept his cool as he introduced them, "Charlie Palmer and this is my wife, Emma."
Randall quirked his lips at that. "Pretty wife you've got yourself," he leered.
For the second time that night, Hailey was struck with the urge to punch an idiot. She felt Jay's arm tighten around her.
"How about we talk some business?" Hailey offered instead.
"What did you have in mind?" Randall asked.
It was Hailey that spoke, "Well …"
In some turn of events, things had gone horribly wrong. Hailey had managed to barter a deal with Randall but before they could agree for a shipment all hell broke loose. The fire alarm had gone off but it was the blaring of sirens from outside that set Randall off. It was a chaotic mess and what could have gone wrong, did.
Before they knew it, the situation was escalating and Randall had pulled out a gun, waving it between them, demanding answers. The two guards at the door had raised their weapons too and Vance had baulked at being caught in the middle. He was suddenly very convinced it was all a setup and honestly, it had been the first wisest thing Hailey had ever heard him say.
In her ear, she heard the rest of intelligence nattering off, the connection was weak and she could hardly hear over the sirens and the alarm. For the moment, they were alone in a room. And just a little outnumbered.
One of the guards stalked towards them and Jay raised his hands in surrender, feigning fear and surprise very well.
"Woah, man! What the hell's going on?" he demanded.
"You tell me!" Randall demanded.
"Hey, hey, I'm just here to do business," Jay said trying to stall for time. "That's it, man. Tell him, Vance!"
From her periphery, Hailey saw the second guard moving in as Vance uselessly stuttered. She squeezed Jay's arm in warning.
Randall looked at them for a moment before looking over at his guards. He didn't say anything but his look was enough. It was time to act. In fluid movements, Hailey and Jay spun around, Hailey grabbing the gun, shocking the guard. She extended her fist, catching him in the jaw. He groaned and she took the moment to knock him out with the butt of the gun. He fell to the ground. On the other side, Jay stepped away quite casually from the crumpled form of the second guard.
"You idiot!" Randall swore, looking at Vance. It seemed he was done playing games.
He turned, his gun aimed at Jay and Hailey felt her heart stop. Randall fired two shots but Jay was faster, diving to the ground and taking her with him. He held her against him, trying his best to cushion the fall but still, she felt it when she hit the hard floor. The guns sliding from their hands. They scrambled back, taking cover behind some stacked crates. Jay reached for his gun this time, as Hailey pulled hers from the holster around her thigh.
Jay waited, listening for a beat as Randall and Vance argued with each other.
"You complete moron!" Randall swore. "You didn't think to vet them before tryna bring them into this!"
"I did!" Vance said vehemently. "They checked out!"
"Does this look like they're legit, Vance?" Randall yelled. "Get the others in here! They don't leave!" his voice carried well enough despite all the noise around them.
In position and ready, Jay nodded at her, both of them vaguely aware that their team were trying to make it to them. The ensuing chaos due to the still ringing fire alarm was slowing them down. Jay peeked around the crate and that was enough to get Randall's attention.
What followed was an exchange of bullets, a few too close shots as Randall fired off at them, Vance in the middle of it all and Randall attempting to leave no witnesses.
"Go!" Jay said and they split up.
Rising from their cover, Hailey moved quickly. The back door burst opened and Hailey believed it was the arrival of their team, but it was more of Randall's guards. She crouched low again. Now they were in deep trouble. Their comms had gone dead and the fire alarm was still ringing. The sirens outside were of little assurance if they couldn't survive the fight about to come.
"Chicago PD! Don't move!" Jay called. Randall sneered and Vance paled, in horror. "Drop the gun!" Jay moved closer; his gun steadily aimed at Randall. "Drop it!"
He didn't. Hailey moved and one of the new guards spotted her, aiming. She ducked down again, waiting before coming back up, and firing. Her shots met their target easily and they fell to the floor.
Seemingly from nowhere, Vance was upon her. He slammed her into the crate and she groaned. The gun fell from her hand skidding across the floor as two more guards entered. Vance leaned in, perhaps in hopes of intimidating her. His hands grabbed her painfully, she had to admit. Hailey tried to yank herself free but he was stronger than she had given him credit for. He was laughing, thinking it all still a game and when he shoved her against the crate, forcing her legs apart, she was done playing. She hooked a leg around his waist, the surprise of her movement evident on his face before she raised her leg, and then painfully digging it into his leg. He swore, anger seeping into him quickly. But she was not to be taken for just a pretty face. Like she had been wanting to do for some time now, she raised her fist, connecting with his throat. He coughed, and wheezed, stumbling back. As he did, a bullet caught him in the shoulder and he fell to the floor, in shock and pain.
Despite being hit, Vance didn't stay still for long. He tried crawling to the other end of the room. To the only other exit in the room. Hailey knew she couldn't let him get away but then another guard had come up, shooting at her. She dodged, looking around until she found the rifle from the first guard she had taken down. She looked up again despairingly to see Vance still moving, slower because of his shoulder but also because he tried to avoid getting hit again. She was pinned to her position by another guard and Jay had somehow found himself engaged in hand to hand combat with Randall. When she thought they might actually lose this fight, the back door burst open and Adam barged in with Kevin hot on his heels. They distracted the guards enough for Hailey to move from her position.
The bullet to his shoulder was slowing Vance down, enough for Hailey to gain some ground. He saw her coming and turned searching until he saw another gun some distance away.
"Don't!" she ordered through grit teeth just as his fingers closed around the trigger. "Just don't."
Vance sighed, rolling over and leering up at her. She realized he had a view of her legs from where he lay on the floor.
She scowled, "Don't make me shoot you."
"Oh I always knew you were feisty," he taunted and Hailey rolled her eyes exasperatedly.
Two more shots rang out in the room and she ducked instinctively. She turned seeing it was Jay bringing down the last of the guards.
Her minute distraction was all Vance needed. He moved, rolling up and almost lunging for her. Hailey stepped back, and then she swiped out her hand, catching him for the second time in the throat. He coughed, and she stepped around him, grabbing his arm, twisting it a little more than necessary. He cried out and she forced him to onto his stomach. He tried to struggle but her pointed heel met the bulled wound. He grimaced, objecting immediately.
"Drop the gun!" She ordered. "Now Vance!"
"Kev you got this?" She heard Jay ask behind her.
"I won't ask again Vance," she said. When she pressed him further into the floor with her foot, he finally dropped the gun.
With both hands on her gun, she fully focused on Vance. Jay came up, taking the gun out of Vance's reach. She looked over to see Randall subdued with Kevin watching over him.
"You good?" she asked him.
"Yeah. You?"
"I'm good," Hailey replied.
"Nah, you've been hit, girl," Kevin said pointing to her arm.
Hailey looked down surprised. She had not realized she had been hit. In all the chaos and adrenaline, she hadn't felt it.
"Hailey - " Jay rushed forward.
"It's fine," she quickly assured Jay. "It's just a scratch." It was perhaps a little more but nothing so life-threatening.
"5021 George," He called into a radio one of their team members must have just handed him. "Roll an ambo to my LKA."
Hailey huffed. "It's just a scratch Jay!"
He seemed amused, "Yours might be, but his is a little more than just a scratch." Jay gestured to Vance still groaning on the ground.
"Oh." Hailey flushed. She'd forgotten about that for a moment.
"You're cops?" Vance wheezed.
"Oh good, you're catching on," Hailey commented wryly.
"Are you even married?"
Neither Jay nor Hailey answered that. But Adam did. He grinned, squatting down closer to Vance.
"Oh, you mean you haven't been properly introduced?" he asked sarcastically. Jay was already shaking his head as Hailey looked on amused. "Gosh, and they had the audacity to go and arrest you without making proper introductions! Well allow me," he said looking up to wink at Jay and Hailey. "You see that's Mr and Mrs Chuckles right there. You should feel honoured to be arrested by CPD's finest."
They all laughed and Vance scoffed, annoyed he'd been played the whole time. "Yeah, whatever," he grumbled.
Hailey didn't say anything, letting Adam continue. Instead, she turned back to Jay, looking closely this time to see if she missed anything. She had to make certain that he was okay. Apart from the slight rumple of his tux, he was moderately unscathed, for once.
She sniggered as a thought came to her and he raised a brow, a small smile on his lips. "What?" he asked, seemingly finding her amusement funny too.
"Nothing, it's just I'm glad the tux was saved," Hailey commented. "Would have been such a shame to see it ruined."
Jay laughed but Vance groaning on the floor reminded him that they were not done yet. He wriggled but he wasn't going far, Hailey knew.
"Damn man," Vance moaned, looking up at them over his shoulder as Hailey pressed him further to the ground, "Your wife's a badass."
Jay grinned, looking proudly at Hailey. "I know."
Intelligence stayed behind the scenes as the other officers cleared the auction hall and secured the valuables items on display. Vance had been carted off to Med, bemoaning his injury but arrogantly self-assured he would be walking away from this untouched. Randall had been more realistic. Glaring at Hailey and Jay as he was cuffed and taken back to the district.
"Going to make a deal, Sarge?" Jay asked.
Voight shrugged. "What do you think?" he asked Jay. "It was your case."
Jay thought it over as the rest of the team stopped to listen. "No deal," Jay said firmly. "His strain killed six people in four weeks. He gives us the information and he does the time. That's the only deal."
"Good." Voight sounded impressed. "Let's get a couple of uni's to bag and tag everything in here." He looked around the room at the crates and boxes. "I wanna make sure they didn't bring anything else into our city."
Jay nodded and called for more officers instructing them on what to do.
"Hey kid," Voight said as the others walked off. Jay turned mid instructions. "Good job."
Jay smiled as Voight turned and went to inspect some of the crates the others were opening. Adam had a crowbar in hand as he and Kevin worked over one crate.
"Hailey," Jay said stalling her movements. She barely turned to him when she felt his hand wrap around her wrist.
She wanted to object but he walked them rather quickly through the room and out into the chilly night. The lights of the ambulance and police cars were all she could make out.
"Jay!"
He didn't say anything, only guiding her to the last parked ambulance. She sighed.
"This is not needed, Jay. It's just a scratch," Hailey insisted.
"Good, then it won't take too long."
"Jay – "
"Hailey, please." He said softly and there was such affection in his voice she relented.
"Fine, but I'm not going to Med," she bargained.
"How about you let me decide that?" Sylvie Brett called from the back of her rig. She smiled warmly at both detectives. "Why am I not surprised it's you two?"
"It's nothing, Sylvie. Probably going to need a band-aid and be done with it," Hailey waved off.
Sylvie laughed and waited as Jay helped Hailey into the rig. True to her assessment it wasn't anything major. The bullet had merely grazed her and Sylvie was quick in administering her care. Just as quickly as he had pulled Hailey into the ambo, she was getting out. Jay grasped her hand, helping her down. The air was chilly and she shivered having been in the warm rig for a time. Jay smiled softly, before taking off his jacket and putting it over her shoulders.
She would have argued it, but then quickly realized this was just Jay being himself. Sweet, caring, Jay. Hailey smiled gratefully, pulling it a little closer just as the rest of Intelligence joined them outside.
"We good in there?" Jay asked his team.
"Yeah," Kevin replied. "Voight's busy rounding up some of the illegal goods but I doubt we're gonna get anything else from here."
"Well Wilkins is in holding and Milner's at Med with a detail. They're not going anywhere." Adam told them.
"Let Wilkins sit for a little while," Jay suggested. "We don't need him to make a case. We've got everything we need."
They decided to call it a night. They would need to wait till Milner was given a clear from Med and nobody wanted to wait around the auction room in the dead of the night. Still, it was an undercover that had gone slightly off-plan, so they all headed back to the district to write up their reports.
Hailey clutched his jacket still wrapped around her as she got into the sleek sports car one more time. She settled against the leather seat, pulling her hair loose from its do, as Jay drove them back to the district in peaceful silence. So peaceful, Hailey must have dozed off because the next thing she knew, Jay was gently shaking her awake.
"Hey," he said quietly. "Hails?"
"Hhm?"
"We're here," Jay told her.
Hailey blinked her eyes open to see the stern lighting of the garage. The garage was mostly empty but for Kevin's dodge and Adam's Rubicon.
The others probably weren't far behind. She shifted in her seat and saw that Jay was watching her. That same look in his eyes that Vanessa had called out before. It seemed to come so naturally to him and she wanted that for herself. She wanted to love him uninhibited by her demons. She wanted to learn how to do that. Her eyes grew glossy and she knew tears were pooling there now. Feeling slightly overwhelmed she got out of the car quickly, Before she could make a hasty getaway, Jay was already standing in front of her. She looked down at her feet.
"We – uh we should get –" she stopped when Jay reached for her. One hand settling on her waist underneath his suit jacket and the other grasping her hand.
"Jay," she whispered.
He caressed her face, his thumbs grazing her cheek tentatively. "What's wrong?" he asked worriedly. A few tears slipped, and quickly he wiped them away. "Hailey," he pressed. "Tell me, please."
She exhaled, trying to gather her courage. "I was thinking about what Vanessa said earlier. About you know… how you look at me and I saw that same look in your eyes now. I guess I was just thrown by how true it is."
Jay frowned confusion written all over his face. "I told you I was sorry," Jay said. "You just took me by surprise and – "
"I don't mean that look," Hailey interrupted.
"Then what are you talking about?" Jay asked. "What did Vanessa say, Hailey?" he asked with a heavy sigh. "What look?"
"She said you look at me like I'm your whole world," Hailey mumbled, tears slipping down her cheek.
There was only silence. Hailey swore she could hear her own heart beating rapidly. Jay carded his fingers through her hair, gently tugging her closer before pressing a kiss to her forehead. Her eyes fell shut, and she felt him smile against her forehead, his lips lingering there.
She pulled back, only because she needed to know. Her eyes found his, imploring him, silently, because she was not brave enough to voice it yet.
"Oh Hails," Jay breathed her name like a prayer, "you are my whole world." He smiled so sweetly; her heart almost ached with all the tenderness she saw there. "You're my whole damn world."
She drew in a deep shaky breath and knew she was crying freely once more. Jay tipped her chin and when their eyes met, Hailey saw that same look in his eyes. She closed what little space was between them, kissing him hard, urging him to know all that she couldn't say. Jay responded with equal vigour, walking her the few small steps back until she was pressed against the car. She laid it all for him at that moment, without the need for words. Hailey knew Jay would understand. He had been the only one to truly learn her heart. Though she might not have been brave enough to say it yet, Hailey knew her heart belonged to him. Because as much as she was his whole world, he was hers.
That much she could tell him.
"And you're mine, Jay," she whispered against his lips. "I don't want to be without you."
Jay smiled. "We're going to be okay Hailey," he promised. "I'm not going anywhere, I promise. I don't want to be without you … I can't. It's you and me, for as long as you want me."
She wrapped her arms around him, pulling him closer, burying her face into the crook of his neck. She breathed him in, as he held her without reservation. Her heart, once broken and so untrusting now put itself back together as Jay pressed another tender kiss into her hair. She tightened her arms around him and he responded just the same. Laying his cheek on her hair, they stay, pressed together.
Hailey sighed, content and buzzing with a warmth that came only from Jay. She leaned back as best she could so she look into those eyes she loved so much. He smiled, pecking her lips delicately and then grinned when she chased his lips with her own as he tried to move away.
He chuckled when he did eventually pull back and she objected, a small sound getting caught in the back of her throat. "We're going to be okay. I've got you."
Hailey sighed, and this time, she brought her hand up to cup his cheek. He shifted a little, pressing a kiss to the hand against his skin and she smiled, her heart feeling so full and content.
"Yeah, we are," she whispered.
Jay didn't know what else needed to be said so he did the only thing he wanted to do. He kissed her like she was all that mattered to him. Like she was his whole world and owned his heart. Because she did.
AN: I hope you enjoyed this little one shot! Please leave a little love! Hopefully I'll have more to upload soon! I'm open to prompts/ requests so if you have any, don't be shy! Send them my way!
Stay safe!
