(Jay POV)
Jay sat at his desk a few hours later, feeling completely lost on how to proceed. They had next to nothing to go on and finding Hailey alive was seeming more and more unlikely. It was late and on any other night the team would have gone home long ago, he would be with Hailey and they would probably be laughing at some stupid sitcom rerun on tv. But instead they all sat around their desks in silent comradery to find Hailey. Voight came out of his office, hands shoved in his pockets and looking somber at his exhausted team.
"Go home everyone, it's been a long day and we all need to get some rest. We can start early tomorrow."
Jay's head snapped up at his words but he remained silent. The last thing he was going to do was go home without her and try to sleep. Before he could respond, he looked around at his team and watched as one by one they all shook their heads in disagreement.
"Sarge, with all due respect, I'm not going anywhere until we bring Hailey home."
Kevin spoke up, earning a collective hum of agreement from everyone else in the room. Voight took them all in and then gave a nod before turning back towards his office, stopping just before he got to the doorway.
"Oh, Upton was released from the hospital an hour ago. They called to let us know."
Jay felt his stomach churn at the use of Hailey's last name being used to refer to that monster of a man. He couldn't help but snear Voights way as they met eyes. Voight sent him an understanding look and then stepped into his office, shutting the door. He sat back in his chair, rubbing away at the exhaustion taking over him. He needed her home.
(Hailey POV)
Hailey woke up feeling like her body was on fire. Every single inch of her ached in some form and it was pure agony. The room was dark again, with only the smallest amount of light trickling in from the basement window. She was now laying next to a metal support beam in the middle of the room and her hands were bound to it. She tried to pick up her head to look around but was too weak to do so. It was night time now, that much was obvious and Hailey was beginning to lose hope that anyone would find her before it was too late. She swallowed around a lump in her throat, blinking away tears that threatened to fall. She wouldn't do this, wouldn't give up the fight just yet and she certainly wouldn't go down crying. Hailey tried again to sit up, using her hands to help her. A gasp escaped from her lips when searing pain shot through her shoulder and she remembered falling down the stairs. Her stomach churned from the overwhelming ache that racked her body but there was also the burn of hunger. Her lips were dry and all she could taste in her mouth was blood.
The door to the basement creaked open and she heard footsteps coming down the stairs. Hailey did her best to focus in the dim light but then was assaulted by the bright glow of an LED lamp.
"I was starting to think you were dead. No fun in that."
The man chuckled, sending chills down her spine.
"What time is it?"
She croaked out in a harsh voice, swallowing dryly as her throat burned.
"Why? Have somewhere to be?"
He laughed again and came to sit in front of her, setting the lamp between them. She watched as he took a sip from a bottle of water and he definitely noticed her staring. He waived the bottle in front of her, raising an eyebrow in amusement.
"Thirsty?"
She wouldn't give him the satisfaction of a response so she remained quiet, only glaring at him in disgust. He scooted closer though, tipping the bottle towards her mouth for a drink. She debated turning away, especially knowing his lips had just been on the bottle, but her mouth was like sandpaper and she really couldn't refuse.
"Hailey, Hailey, Hailey….what are we going to do with you? Your father doesn't want you. Your friends aren't trying very hard to find you. I'm sure I can think of something…"
His eyes roamed down her body and if her hands were free she would have punched him. His hand came up to stroke the side of her face and it was everything in her power to remain still. Her nostrils flared in anger and it only seemed to amuse him more.
"You really are beautiful."
He sent her a sickening smile and she couldn't hold back any longer.
"Go to hell."
She bit out through clenched teeth. His face changed to one of anger. She braced herself quickly but the slap across her cheek still stung. When she opened her eyes again he was gone, leaving her in the dark once again. Her head rested against the pole as she struggled to remain composed. She needed Jay to find her before it was too late.
(Jay POV)
He wakes with a start, quickly pushing himself off the desk he had apparently fallen asleep on. There's a faint light creeping through the windows that let him know it was morning now. He looks around and sees Kevin sitting up from his desk, looking just as confused as he feels. A noise sounds from the break room and he can see Platt in the break room, seemingly brewing them a pot of coffee. He stands and stretches, his body protesting from the uncomfortable position he had stayed in and then heads into the room with her.
"Hey Sarge."
He grumbles, nodding his thanks as she hands him a cup.
"Shh."
She whispers, glancing towards the couch where he turns to see Kim and Adam still fast asleep, his arm around her shoulders and her head tucked against his chest. He can't help but let a smile tug at the corner of his mouth, before a pang of jealousy hits him. He should be curled up in bed with Hailey right now, with her safe in his arms and not a worry in the world. Trudy gives his shoulder a squeeze as she passes by and then leaves them to head back downstairs. Jay is only at his desk for a few minutes when Platt comes back up the stairs, eyes glued to him as she crosses through the bullpen.
"Morning Sarge, what's up?"
Kim asks, finally walking out of the break room with a sleepy looking Adam in tow. Platt just shoots her a look before moving back to address Jay.
"You have a visitor, I'll send her up."
She's gone before Jay can form a response. He looks around the room to see everyone else looking just as confused. There's some shuffling coming up the stairs and he turns to see a woman walking timidly into the bullpen. She looks around at each of the men, lingering on Adam for just a moment before she settles on him.
"Are you detective Halstead?"
He nods, standing up and coming around his desk to lean against it.
"Hello, I'm-"
"Hailey's mother."
He interrupts her, not needing any confirmation as to who this woman is. While Hailey may have gotten her eyes from her father, the woman standing in front of him now is a spitting image of Hailey and it makes his chest physically hurt. His arms are crossed in front of him, feeling suddenly defensive as he continues to take her in.
"Anne. Nice to meet you…"
She gives him a sad smile and it's then that he notices the gash on her lip. As his eyes go back up to meet hers he can see the faint outline of a new bruise, hidden under some caked on make-up. Hailey's words about how her mother would always cover up the bruises played through his head and it only seemed to fuel his anger.
"Why are you here?"
His tone is curt and he watches her stiffen slightly before she responds.
"I was told Hailey is missing. I want to help."
She glances around the room at the other faces boring into her, but Jay is the only one who responds.
"Why now?"
His words seem to confuse her and she shakes her head softly at him.
"Well...I came first thing…"
She trails off, tilting her head with a puzzled look on her face.
"Why are you here to help now? This isn't the first time her father has done something awful to her...to you...so why now? Why bother?"
His voice raises as he finishes speaking and he see's Kevin move into his space beside him. Before Anne has a chance to respond, Voight is coming out of his office after overhearing Jay.
"I'm sorry, I just...wanted to help."
She turns and walks back out of the bullpen. Everyone remains silent except Voight, who merely gives Jay a grunt and motions for him to go into his office. Jay reluctantly follows, feeling his heart pounding and his blood boiling once again.
"I'm taking you off the case. Your head's not on straight right now."
Voight says it so matter of fact that Jay knows he shouldn't argue and a part of him even knows his sergeant is right, but he can't help himself.
"You can't do that. I have to find her. I have to help bring her home. I…"
Jay trails off, feeling a rush of emotion threatening to take over. Voight takes him in through narrow eyes and Jay just waits for the backlash. But it doesn't come. Instead Voight's face softens and his posture relaxes slightly.
"You love her."
It's not a question, but Jay nods anyway. Feeling his throat tighten he looks away, trying to keep it together. This wasn't him. He wasn't someone who fell apart like this. But Hailey was gone and the chance of getting her home alive was slimming by the minute. The thought alone was driving him off the edge and he knew if something actually did happen, if he truly did lose her...it wasn't something he would recover from.
"You can't take me off this case, please. I'll keep it in check."
His eyes pleaded with Voight and to his relief he got a nod in return. They remained silent for a few minutes as Jay recentered himself.
"What did her mother want?"
Jay felt his pulse increase with anger at the mention of Hailey's mother but did his best to hide that reaction.
"She wanted to help."
Jay couldn't help but scoff as he spoke. The thought of her mother showing up now, after everything Hailey had been through in the past, honestly made him sick.
"And you chased her away?"
Voight's head tilted down as he narrowed his eyes in Jay's direction.
"It's a joke! She shows up now? After the way she just turned an eye while Hailey was growing up? She's no help to us, I guarantee that."
Jay clenches his fists in anger, forcing them to release as a wave of panic washes over him. Hailey is beyond private with her personal life and certain aspects are kept even closer than others. He realizes, too late, that Voight isn't probably someone she would have confided in and now he's opened that door for her. But the way Voight is looking at him, totally unphased and not the least bit surprised, throws him for a loop. He obviously knows about her childhood and the abuse she suffered and now Jay is curious as to how. He's not sure how to ask but his face must relay the question without him having too.
"Do you know how Hailey met Trudy, for the first time?"
Jay realizes it's never something that they've discussed and there was obviously more to their meeting than just when Hailey started in Intelligence. He gives a shake of his head and waits for Voight to continue.
"Hailey was with her father the night his diner was robbed, they beat him and held a gun in her face. Trudy was working Robbery Homicide at the time and was the one who responded."
Jay nodded, vaguely remembering something about the robbery coming up during one of their conversations. But she had left out the detail that she was with him. The thought of someone pointing a gun in Hailey's face, at any point, made his anger swell once again.
"Trudy worked as patrol in Greektown before she got her Robbery spot and if you spend enough time there you realize some things real quick. She knew there was more to Hailey's story than just a girl at her dad's diner. And if you know Trudy, she likes to keep an eye on certain kids once they come into her contact. I don't think Upton ever realized it, but there was always someone checking in to make sure she was okay."
Jay felt a wave of anger rush over him at that statement.
"But she wasn't. If someone was just standing by, watching that happen…"
He trailed off, feeling his blood boil.
"But she was Jay. It wasn't perfect, far from it. But in some neighborhoods, some families...you just get through it. Greektown is one of those areas. And she got through it, look at her now."
Jay nodded slowly. He would never understand why someone would stay with an abuser, especially when kids were involved. But the cultural aspect was the closest thing that would make sense to him. He thinks back to the bruises on her mother's face, the face that so closely resembles Hailey's, and a pit grows in his stomach. Jay knows, even though he doesn't fully understand it, that what Hailey's mother did by staying was a far greater sacrifice than someone just too afraid to leave an abusive situation. He glances up to see Voight staring at him, watching as Jay reaches the point he was trying to make. They don't say anything further, Voight just gives him a knowing look, before Jay turns and leaves the office.
He sits at his desk for a moment, still processing their conversation and all he can focus on is her mothers face. He does a quick search on his computer, pulling up an address and quickly making a decision. Jay stands, grabbing his coat and mentioning he'll be back shortly to anyone who was listening. He makes it to his truck, typing in the address to his GPS and pulls out of the lot. The drive to Greektown is a blur as his mind is reeling with possibilities of what he'll find upon his arrival.
He pulls into a short driveway, staring at the house in front of him and wondering if this was Hailey's childhood home. It seems fairly pleasant on the outside but he knows that the walls hold a story of anything but. As he makes his way up to the door, he notices the blinds in the front window shift and knows his presence is known. Before he can even knock on the door it's opening in front of him and once again he's face to face with an older version of Hailey.
"Why are you here?"
Anne asks quietly, glancing around him to assure he's alone.
"I wanted to apologize for earlier and reach out to see if you could help."
She stiffens slightly, narrowing her eyes up at him. The bruise across her cheekbone is more noticeable now but he does his best to look away.
"You made it very clear that I would be of no help. Now you need to leave."
Her tone is harsh and it's another detail he links to Hailey. She had a way of making her voice intimidating when needed and it was obvious where she got it from. In any other circumstance, Jay might have found this humorous, but he felt anything but right now.
"If you know something…"
He starts but trails off when he hears some commotion behind the front door. He notes a look of panic flash across her face before she quickly composes herself.
"Leave. Now."
She hisses but it's too late. The door whips open and Jay squares his shoulders when Hailey's father steps into view.
"Why the hell are you here?"
His gruff tone makes Jay start to fume immediately. Jay tries to focus on Voights threat and knows if he isn't careful then he'll be off this case for good. He does his best to put on a nice face and softens his tone when he speaks.
"Just wanted to check in on how you were recovering. And ask if maybe you remembered anything else that could help us find Hailey."
His voice breaks when he says her name but he swallows hard and just stares her father down.
"I gave you people all the help I could. Not my fault you screwed it up."
Her father snears in Jay's direction and it is taking everything in him to keep his cool.
"Anything. Any little detail either of you know could help us."
Jay glances down at Anne who has had her eyes locked on him this entire time. She looks as if she's trying to silently communicate something with him but he isn't sure what. He kicks himself for sending her away earlier and wants to freely ask her what she knows. But Jay realizes he won't get anything from her with her husband here.
"Why would she know anything?"
Hailey's father lets out a humorless chuckle and Jay forces in a deep breath.
"I'm just...we have nothing else to go on. We need to find Hailey fast before it's too late."
Jay feels his heart clench at the thought. They can't be too late, it's simply not an option.
"Like I said before, Hailey is worthless to me. Go find her yourself."
Before he even stops talking, Jay's fist is clenched and drawing back. His knuckles connect just beside her fathers nose and the noise it makes satisfies Jay's anger just a bit. Jay watches as the older man falls back, gripping his face and spewing a stream of profanities his way. He looks at Anne, silently pleading for her to speak up if she knows something but any hope of that disappears as he watches her kneel down and begin tending to her husband's injury. Jay shakes his head in anger at the both of them before turning back to his truck, ignoring her father still yelling her way. He's going to pay for that, he knows it. Voight will have him off the case the second he finds out. But he couldn't control himself and had no regrets over his actions. Jay makes the drive back to the precinct, fuming the entire way.
(Hailey POV)
When she opens her eyes there's a dim light filtering in from the tiny basement window. She lets out a groan when she shifts, trying to remember if she's ever been in this much pain. Every inch of her hurts and she is so weak she can barely open her eyes. A noise sounds beside her and she realizes she isn't alone. With another muffled groan, she rolls enough to see her captor looming over her, an annoyed look on his face.
"Your friends aren't looking for you very hard, I thought for sure someone would have found us by now."
He chuckles briefly before moving out of her line of sight. She tries to angle herself so she can watch him but her body just won't cooperate.
"I'm running out of patience though. And you're really no use to me now since daddy doesn't love you enough to come find you."
His voice is behind her but she can tell he's getting closer.
"Then just let me go…"
She mumbles, her voice small and powerless and she hates it. He laughs again and then his hand runs down her arm. Hailey flinches at the contact and it sends a searing pain through her shoulder.
"Not without some fun first."
Her stomach sinks at his words, knowing that Jay won't find her in time. Her captor kneels in front of her, adjusting the ties around her wrists and freeing her from the pole she was bound too. Hailey wishes she could muster the strength to fight him now that she was free but again her body fails her.
Suddenly she's flat on the concrete, her back protesting the hard surface as her head spins from the sudden movement. She feels his hands on her arms again, sliding up until the reach around her neck. His grip is light but the threat of more is there. One hand comes up to cup her cheek and she fights to keep her eyes open. His thumb traces over her cheekbone and she flinches, only making him laugh again. When his thumb moves down to her lips Hailey bites down hard on his finger, causing him to yell out in pain.
"You bitch!"
He yells, moving off of her and staring down in anger. His fist strikes her jaw and she immediately tastes blood. He stands up and paces beside her, still shaking the hand she had bitten. He's coming back down towards her when a phone rings in the distance causing them both to freeze. Hailey holds her breath, waiting to see what he does next, but when his boot connects with her ribcage she cries out in pain as the bone breaks from impact. She curls herself into a ball, willing the burn to stop as blackness begins to take over her once again. Hailey isn't sure if he's still there or not but then a door slams above her and she knows she's alone.
(Jay POV)
Just as he pulls into the lot his phone starts to ring. When he sees Voight's name flash across his screen he sends the call to voicemail, figuring he'll give himself a few more minutes before he's thrown off the case. With his head back against the headrest, Jay groans when his phone rings again. When he sees it's Adam this time he decides to answer.
"We have a location."
Adam's words don't register right away as Jay is stepping out of his truck. When he doesn't respond Adam continues talking.
"You hear me? We have a location, Jay. We might have found her."
This time Jay doesn't respond because he physically can't. His breath is caught in his throat and his words are failing him. On autopilot he makes it almost to the back door of the prescient when it whips open in front of him and his team rushes out. Jay hangs up the phone, locking eyes with Adam who wears a hopeful look matched by the rest of his unit.
"What...how?"
Jay stammers, falling in line beside Adam as they race back to the vehicles.
"We've been tracing his phone but it's been off. It was turned on and he answered a call just a few minutes ago. Obviously no guarantee but we know she was with him last time he used it."
Adam rambles on as they make it to the cars. Out of the corner of his eye, Jay see's Voight heading his way. His face is void of anger so either he doesn't yet know about Jay's run in with her father or he doesn't care. Jay doesn't really pay attention to either option as all he can focus on is getting to Hailey. Voight motions for Jay to ride with him and he doesn't argue, jumping into the passenger seat and buckling up as the race out of the parking lot. He knows there is a chance they won't find her, a chance even if they do that she won't be alive, but he doesn't let his mind go there just yet. Losing Hailey is not an option.
