The One He Needed

by GavinsGirl

AU: Christine Brennan's life changed forever that day. She refused to be a victim & wouldn't let him believe he was at fault. Jay had blown an undercover operation, bringing the Cartel back to Chicago. He had a target on his back & would die trying to protect her. But, she would show him she didn't need protection. She would be the woman he always needed. WARNING: Difficult Content

9. No One To Kiss At Midnight

I never heard Jay come into the room during the night, but when I woke up at 8:00am the next morning I found myself wrapped in his arms. Not sure as to what time he came to bed, I quietly got up and walked into the living room of the suite. I knew this would be pretty much the only opportunity I would have to eat until dinner, which wasn't being served until 9:00pm tonight, so I decided to order room service. I opened the door of the suite and peered out into the hallway to see who was on guard duty. When I saw Kevin standing there talking to Roman I asked if they had eaten. Neither one had eaten so I told them I was ordering breakfast for the four of us. I then asked why they were both there when Roman should be sleeping since he had been on duty until 3:00am. They told me there had been a development during the course of the evening so Voight instructed they both guard my room for the entire evening. When I asked what it was, they told me Hank wanted to see me at 11:00am in my office and it really wasn't anything major to worry about. I went back into the room and placed the room service order. I took a quick shower and put on jeans and a navy blue sweater, throwing my hair up in a messy bun, knowing I had hours to go before I showered again and had my hair and make-up done for tonight's Gala. After getting dressed, I woke Jay up to let him know breakfast would be delivered shortly. "I never heard you come in last night." I said to him. "You were sleeping so peacefully I didn't want to wake you." He replied. I told him about Voight wanting to see me and he seemed surprised that his phone didn't ring last night if there was an incident involving the Cartel that took place. We quickly ate breakfast and as Kevin and Roman went back to their room to get some sleep Jay and I headed down to my office. I held a 10:00am meeting in my office with the Front Office Manager, the Housekeeping Manager and the Food & Beverage Manager to make sure we were set for the large number of check-ins that would be arriving over the next few hours. Housekeeping had scheduled staff early and was pretty confident guests would not have to wait for rooms to be cleaned when they tried to check-in. The Food & Beverage Manager guaranteed me that the restaurant and lounge would be fully staffed and ready to welcome guests as they arrived. I thanked them and then told Jay I needed to head to the Ballroom and then to the Kitchen before we met with Hank. After feeling pretty good about the progress the Banquet and Kitchen teams were making, we headed back down to my office to meet with Hank.

Jay and I were sitting on the sofa in my office when Hank and Al walked in. Without saying a word, they each sat down in the chairs that flanked the sofa and Hank placed a manila envelope on the table in front of us. "What? What's with the cloak and dagger routine? We know something happened last night but don't know any details. Hank, tell us what's going on." I said, my eyes pleading with him. "We ran background checks on everyone who works in your apartment building and everyone who works at the hotel. Just about everyone came up clean. That is everyone except your Executive Assistant. Apparently, Brianna's aunt is married to El Gato's brother. She has a connection which means she is a threat to you at this point." Al said. "I don't believe it. Brianna has been on my staff for almost a year now. There's no way she could have anything to do with this. I mean there is no way the Cartel could have known that Brianna's boss would be at that restaurant in the airport on that day and that Jay and I would end up together. It has to be some crazy kind of coincidence." I tried to explain making sense of it in my head. "That may be the case Christine, but we can't leave anything to chance at this point. Is she scheduled to be at the Gala tonight?" Hank asked me. "Yes. She is coming." I responded. When he asked me if Bri was bringing a date I got up to check the guest list which was saved on my computer. "I have her RSVP'd for a plus one. Her plus one's name is Carlo Sosa." "Are you sure it's Carlo and not Carlos?" Hank asked. I nodded and he turned to Al telling him to have Ruzek run everything he can find on Carlo Sosa. "Christine, we are going to have to grab them when they arrive. Do you know what time she will be coming? Is she staying at the hotel tonight?" Hank asked. "No. She's not a manager so she is not permitted to stay over. I believe when she left yesterday she said she would see me around 7:30pm. That's the start of the cocktail hour. Cocktail hour runs from 7:30pm – 8:30pm in the Ballroom Foyer. We then open doors to the Ballroom at 8:30pm. I'm scheduled to give a speech and introduce a video about the Make-A-Wish Foundation at 8:45pm. Dinner service starts at 9:00pm and then after dinner it's drinking and dancing until the New Year's Countdown. I considered her a friend. Do you think this could have all been orchestrated from when Jay was undercover? I can't even imagine how that is possible." I said, trying to think back if there were any signs I missed over the past year. "I have to head to the ballroom for a very early pre-meal meeting and then I need to go get ready for the Gala and do a final walk-thru with the Director of Banquets and the Executive Chef at 5:00pm." I told them. "Hank, you'll be able to handle this discreetly tonight, right? My job is definitely on the line if anything goes wrong." I told him trying to stress the importance of tonight. "We will do our best. It's our first priority to keep you and Halstead safe. I hope you understand that. We are going to meet with your Security Team and put together a plan for tonight. We will take care of it." he replied. "I need to see the shoes you are wearing tonight." Al said to me. "What? Why?" I asked. Al explained they were going to insert a tracking device into the heel of my shoe and one into the heel of Jay's shoe. That way if anything went wrong they would be able to track us. "I don't know if that makes me feel better or worse." I said rising and walking over to the credenza behind my desk. I pulled out a shoe box containing a pair of silver and black Jimmy Choo strappy stiletto sandals that fastened around the ankle and added four inches to my 5'1 frame. "Try not to do any damage to my shoes. I really like them and haven't had the opportunity to wear them yet." I said, noticing the sad tone in my voice. "I'll have Halstead bring them up to your suite when I'm done." Al replied. "Wait, I have a question about the shoes." Jay said as I was heading out of my office. I stopped to look at him, and he grinned at me, before asking "How are you going to manage your crutches with four inch heels on?" "Easily." I said. "Considering the crutches are staying in my room. They don't quite go with my attire for the evening." I said flashing him a grin before I hobbled out of my office.

A few hours later, I had showered again and was sitting in a chair while my makeup was being carefully applied by the makeup artist the hotel recommends to all of our brides. I have dark auburn hair with eyes the same color blue as the Caribbean Ocean and porcelain skin with a light sprinkling of freckles so I wanted to focus on accentuating my eyes and my lips. It was New Year's Eve so even tho I had to be professional I wanted to have some fun with my makeup. She created a smoky eye that also had a silver sparkle to it. I don't normally wear dark lipstick but loved the dark red shade she used so much that I bought it from her. After my makeup was done my hair stylist went to work. Because my dress was strapless I wanted to leave my hair mostly down but pulled away from my face. Nicole decided to straighten my hair making sure it was smooth and shiny before adding some height to the portion she pulled off my face. She left a few loose strands framing my face, softening the look. I slipped my feet into the stilettos, that Al had thankfully not destroyed and then it was time for me to put my dress on. I bought the gown specifically for tonight's Gala. It was a black strapless floor length dress that had silver and white flowers that began near the top of the dress and curved their way down around my body and ending on the small train that flowed out behind me. I walked out into the living room of the suite where Jay was waiting for me. Oh My God, I thought to myself. I have never seen a more beautiful sight in my entire life than Jay Halstead in a tuxedo. "There are no words to describe how truly stunning you are." Jay said to me, his eyes smoldering and voice sounding a little strained. I blushed and thanked him and told him I recognized that look in his eyes and there was no way he was getting me out of this dress until after the Gala. He laughed and took my hand leading the way out of the suite.

I tried to focus on the walk-thru with my team and not on the security measures that had been put in place. I also tried to put Bri and her boyfriend out of my mind. I had a job to do and the Intelligence Unit had their job to do as well. I was beyond pleased with how the Ballroom looked. We went for a black, silver and deep blue décor this year. The Make-A-Wish logo was showcased in white lighting on the black dance floor. The table linens were black with royal blue napkins set under the silver beaded glass charger plates. The menu card featuring the Make-A-Wish logo was placed prominently on each charger plate. The centerpieces alternated between high and low arrangements consisting of white roses dipped in silver. Candles sparkled from the silver votive holders around the base of each arrangement. I was very happy with the setting the team created. Jay looked impressed as well. We were about to go check the Ballroom Foyer when I got called up to the stage by one of the hotel's audio visual technicians. "Ms. Brennan? Can you please come up to the podium for a moment? We just want to make sure we have the spotlight set correctly." As I started to walk towards the stage, Jay held me back. I noticed he had an ear piece in and was talking to someone else. He walked to the stage next to me and said "Detective Upton is close to Ms. Brennan's height tonight. She will stand at the podium and you can focus the light on her." I looked at him in confusion. He explained Antonio, Kevin and Adam still had to do the walk-thru of the stage area before they were letting me go up there. He assured me we would be all set before I had to go up there.

Before I knew it, guests were arriving and my nerves mostly disappeared. Jay stayed by my side as I greeted guests. I was a little surprised that he knew quite a few people in attendance. At one point during the cocktail hour he told me it was his turn to introduce me to someone. We walked over to a couple and right away I knew who it was. "Sarge...Mouch, I'd like to introduce you to Christine Brennan. She is the General Manager of the Beacon Hotel and she was instrumental in putting this together tonight." Jay said. Trudy looked at me, smiled and then said "She's too pretty for you Halstead. Definitely out of your league. Seriously, it is so nice to meet you. Thank you for the invitation, the beautiful room and wonderful amenity. You didn't have to do that." I smiled and responded "It truly is my pleasure. I hope you have a wonderful time tonight. If you need anything during your stay, you have my cell phone number so please don't hesitate to reach out." "Christine..." I heard a familiar voice from behind me. "Connor! Don't you look handsome in your tuxedo! Tho I wouldn't expect anything less from a Rhodes." I said smiling up at him. "That smile isn't going to work on me. Where are your crutches? I'm not stitching you up again. Next time you can go back to the E.D. and deal with Maggie." "Now Connor Rhodes, don't be mean. Of course, you will stitch me up. I know what room you're staying in tonight so if I need my stitches repaired all I have to do is send someone to get you." I said to him as I tucked my arm through his, leading him across the foyer. "I have someone I want you to meet. Laura, have you met Connor? No...oh well, Laura Connelly, my Assistant General Manager, right hand woman and dear friend, let me introduce you to my neighbor, friend and most recently my surgeon, Dr. Connor Rhodes. I'm going to trust you to be a gentleman Connor. Laura is used to Southern Gentleman so try to behave." I said grinning walking away. "She is something else." I heard Connor say before turning to Laura and asking if he could get her a drink. I walked back to where I left Jay with Trudy and Mouch to let him know I was going to head into the Ballroom to do one last walk-thru before doors opened.

Jay walked into the Ballroom with me and I noticed most of his team was strategically positioned through the Ballroom. I had noticed Kim, looking very hot in a fitted off the shoulder red gown, out in the Foyer with Adam at the beginning of the cocktail hour. Ruzek actually cleaned up nicely and looked handsome in his tux. Hailey and Kevin were in the Ballroom checking to make sure there had been no last minute changes. I knew Antonio, Hank and Al had to be around somewhere but I hadn't seen them yet. My nerves were starting to kick in knowing I would have to get up on stage in a few minutes. I turned to Jay asking if it was okay for me to head up to the podium so I could get used to the feel of being on stage. He was talking to someone through his ear piece again and I heard him say "Copy Antonio." "You have the all clear. Let's head up to the stage." he said grabbing hold of my hand. "Jay" I whispered. "Has there been any sign of Bri or her boyfriend?" "Not yet." he responded. After I tested the microphone at the podium I gave the nod to the Director of Banquets letting him know his staff could open the doors and greet guests with champagne as they sat down. I took my seat at a table towards the front of the room with Jay seated on my right. Adam and Kim were seated to my left. I also chose to have Connor and Laura seated on my table along with the head of the Chicago Chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation and her husband. Antonio and Hailey were at the table directly to my right and Kevin, Al and Hank would be seated at the table to the left. However, I still hadn't seen Al or Hank yet. "Relax." Jay said. Once everyone had been seated the DJ, who was our Master of Ceremonies for the evening called my name. I put a smile on my face as I headed up the stairs to the stage, took a deep breath and started my speech. "Good Evening Ladies and Gentleman! Happy New Year to you all and welcome to the third annual Beacon Hotel New Year's Eve Gala..." As my speech continued I noticed Hank and Al took their seats and Hank, ever so slightly, shook his head at Jay. I finished my opening speech without incident and watched as the lights dimmed and the Make-A-Wish Foundation video presentation began. As I continued to watch, with a smile, that didn't quite reach my eyes, plastered on my face, I heard my name being called from the side of the stage. It was Brianna. "Christine, please. I need to talk to you. Whatever they think I'm part of I'm not." I continued to ignore her trying to get the attention of Jay or one of the others without attracting too much attention. They were all watching the video. I was thankful when the video ended and the lights came back up. I must have been white as a ghost because Jay and Adam automatically jumped to their feet. I nodded to my right where Bri's voice had come from and they disappeared out the side door. I knew I needed to finish my speech..."So thanks to your generosity in purchasing a ticket, or in some cases multiple tickets, to tonight's Gala we will be donating $31,250.00 from the Beacon Hotel to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Chicago. Not only that but I will be matching that donation personally bringing tonight's total donation to $62,500.00. I hope you all have a wonderful evening. Enjoy the amazing meal our Executive Chef and culinary team have created, specifically, for tonight. I wish you all a very Happy, Healthy and Safe New Year." The DJ began to play music as the waitstaff quickly began serving the first course and pouring wine. As the first notes of music came over, Kevin came up the stage stairs to escort me back to my seat. "Your shaking." Kim said. "You did an amazing job up there but I can physically see you shaking. What happened?" "Jay and Adam didn't let you know?" I said the fear written across my face. We were then joined by the rest of the team. "Bri is here. She kept calling to me during the video presentation. Jay and Adam went to go find her. You have to find them." "Our coms went out during the video presentation and haven't come back up. Burgess, call Roman on his cell phone and tell him to get in here uniform and all. I want the two of you watching her. We will play it off that he is an invited guest. Christine, you are doing a great job of holding it together. I need you to keep it together for a little while longer while I go get Jay and Adam. Remember, your job is dependent on this and we are going to make sure you keep your job. You just need to keep that smile on your face and charm the room the way I've seen you do all night. We'll be back before you know it." Hank said before disappearing out the side entrance with Al, Kevin, Antonio and Hailey on his heels.

Roman appeared out of nowhere and took the seat Jay had previously occupied. I turned to Kim and said "I can't do this. I need to know what's going on. I need to know he is safe." "Oh My God!" she exclaimed. "You've fallen in love with him! That was quick! Holy shit!" "Jesus, Kim, now is not the time for that." Roman scolded her. "I need to make rounds to the tables. Neither one of you can come with me. It would be obvious that something is wrong." "We will follow at a distance. I'm not risking what Voight or Halstead might do if anything happens on our watch." Roman said. As I excused myself, Connor stood, taking my hand and asked if I was okay. He knew what was going on and all I could do was shake my head. By the time I had stopped at all thirty-one other tables there was no sign of anyone from Intelligence. Even Kim was gone and it was just Roman following me. I saw him talking to Platt as I walked back to my table and sat next to Connor. I asked him and Laura how the food was and they said it was amazing. That had been the general consensus from each table I stopped at. I excused myself and told Connor and Laura I was heading to the Ladies Room. Connor insisted on escorting me, at least to the door, while Laura continued to entertain our guests from the Make-A-Wish Foundation. I grabbed my black clutch off the table as Connor guided me by my elbow through the crowd and out into the Foyer. "I'll wait for you here." Connor said smiling as I headed into the restroom. As I stood, attempting to fix my makeup and add some color to my cheeks, the bathroom door opened and Connor came in with his hands up as a man held a gun to his back.

"So, you're the one who is causing all the problems. Ramon was right, you are hot. He gave me permission to have a little fun with you before I cut you up and deliver you piece by piece back to Halstead and Voight. From what Brianna tells me they've grown very fond of you. She thinks Halstead is in love with you which means he's going to go crazy when he gets the first piece of you. What piece do you think I should send first Doc? Maybe her ear? Or maybe I should cut out that beautiful eye of hers. I've never seen an eye that shade of blue before. God, we are going to have some fun, puta." he said to me. "Who are you?" I asked him. "Oh, I apologize for not introducing myself. How rude of me. My girlfriend knows me as Carlo Sosa but my friends know me as Little Ricky. Now Doc, this is gonna hurt but my car is already full so you can't come with us. When you wake up let the good Detective know I'm the one that will be kissing his girlfriend at midnight and I'll be sending him special deliveries over the next few days." Little Ricky finished by knocking Connor unconscious as he hit him in the head with his gun. "Connor!" I screamed. Before looking at the man pointing a gun at me and I said "I'm not going anywhere with you and I'm definitely not kissing you at midnight, you fucking lunatic." "Ramon said you were feisty. We are definitely going to have a good time tonight, puta." He responded. "Call me bitch one more time and you're going to wish your mother had kept her legs closed. You are so dead, you know that, right? It's not just the Chicago cops you have to worry about. I have family, powerful family in Boston that no one knows about. They will find you and cut you up into a million pieces if you don't let me go. And the thing is they'll enjoy it more than you will enjoy anything your little pea-size brain could imagine doing to me!" I yelled at him. "Let's go." He said, dragging me out the bathroom door and down a back stairwell. "You know there are cops all over the place tonight. You're not going to get out of here dumbass." I said, taunting him. The next thing I knew the fire alarm was going off in the hotel and we slipped out the side door as the cops, posted at the entrance, ran in through the front door.

"Help! Help me!" I screamed at the top of my lungs as I tried to get out of Little Ricky's grasp. "God, doesn't this bitch ever shut up?" He asked the person sitting in the car. "No. She doesn't. She thinks she is better than everyone." Bri responded. "Just knock her out already and throw her in the trunk. We need to get out of here before someone notices she is gone and they set up road blocks." "You bitch! You're going down with your boyfriend. I hope you both enjoy either death or jail because that's the only way this ends for the two of you." I yelled, squirming still trying to escape. My last thought before everything went black was I would have no one to kiss at midnight. I was supposed to kiss Jay, the man who made me fall in love with him in just over a week, at midnight to ring in the New Year, and now I wasn't going to have anyone to kiss.