Once again, I was completely blown away by all the support from you all. Sometimes I literally just stare at you reviews and smile for over two minutes. You really do make my day, and I do take all of your reviews to heart and do my best to incorporate them into my story. Know that you're all appreciated. I've read all your reviews at least ten times each. So, I really hope you enjoy chapter eleven.
Chapter Eleven: I Am The Fear
(The Fear – Takida)
Olinsky and Ruzek sat in their car, outside of a homeless shelter. Ruzek was on his phone, looking at the information Atwater had sent them about the shelter. Olinsky was on the phone with an angry Voight.
"We weren't getting anything from Dr. Courtney," Olinsky confessed. "She wouldn't give us a single name."
"Make her talk, Alvin," Voight snapped.
Olinsky sighed. "Look Hank, if it means getting Halstead back, I'm all in for banging a few heads around, besides, Ruzek and I have an easier way to go about this."
Voight silently waited for an answer.
"Atwater found a connection between Valerie Marshall and a local homeless shelter. We're going to go talk to the person who runs the place and find out what we can about Valerie's 'charity' operation. It's better to go to the source anyways."
Voight growled, "Fine, but if you sense anything's up-"
"We'll high-tail it back to the nice doctor's office and smash her head into her desk," Olinsky replied, only half kidding. Ruzek looked up from his phone at the comment.
"Good," Voight said. "Call me when you know something."
"Will do," Olinsky confirmed before hanging up.
"Sounds like a cheerful conversation," Ruzek muttered sarcastically. "Always love a good head-smashing."
Olinsky rolled his eyes at his energetic partner. "Let's just go talk to the person who runs this joint."
"Name's Mackenzie Stein," Ruzek explained as they made their way into the shelter. "The man's record is damn near spotless. I mean he's got a couple small things in his juvy record, but nothing since he turned eighteen. Seems like your regular good samaritan."
"Famous last words."
Ruzek was about to make a rebuttal, but he was cut off by Olinsky, who was introducing himself to a woman standing at a counter. He did so, by laying his badge out in front of her. Ruzek followed suit.
"Detective Olinsky," he greeted. "This is my partner, Detective Ruzek. We're here to see Mr. Mackenzie Stein. Is he around?"
"You came at a good time detectives," the woman confessed with a smile. "Mr. Stein is just over there. He wasn't supposed to be in today, but he can never seem to pull himself away." Her smile faded. "He's not in any trouble is he?"
"I hope not," Ruzek admitted. "He hasn't done anything wrong, has he?"
The woman shook her head frantically. "Mr. Stein spends all of his time here, helping out the homeless. He's a good man."
Ruzek smiled. "Then I'm sure he's nothing to worry about," He said before leading his partner over to Mackenzie Stein.
"Hello," the elder detective greeted. The two flashed their badges. "Olinsky," he said pointing to himself. "And Ruzek," he added, pointing to his partner.
"Why hello detectives," Stein said politely. "What can I do for you today? Is there someone I can help you find?"
"No, actually, we'd just like to talk to you," Olinsky told the man. "Is there somewhere we can do so in privacy?"
"Of- Of course," Stein stammered. "My office is just over here. Am I in trouble?"
"Should you be? You're not the first person to jump to that conclusion today," Ruzek explained.
As the three sat down in the office, Stein explained, "I'm sorry. We just get a fair amount of police presence around these parts. I'm not used to them looking for me though. They usually want to find one of the people we try to help."
The detectives nodded. "Well, we're not actually here about you," Olinsky clarified. "We wanted to talk to you about a sponsor."
"Good heavens," Stein exclaimed in shock. "Why? Who?"
"We have found a connection between Valerie Marshall and a suspect in a case. We have reason to believe her involvement in this shelter is connected."
"Valerie?" Stein shook his head. "She's always been so nice. Hasn't stopped by in a while. She's expecting a baby you know. I've met both her and her husband multiple times. They're such nice people. I can't imagine either of them being criminals."
"And it is entirely possible that they aren't. This suspect, she was sponsored by Valerie to go to a therapist. We know she sponsored many others...and since she also sponsors your shelter, we thought some of the others she sponsored she might've met here."
"I'm sorry," Stein apologized, "But how is that a crime?"
"It's not," Olinsky stated. "but it's information that we don't have. We need to have all our bases covered. I'm sure you understand."
"Yes, but-" Stein tried.
Olinsky let out a dangerously deep breath. Ruzek could tell his partner's patience was wearing thin and as much as Ruzek wanted to find Halstead, he didn't think beating up the nerdy-looking charity worker was necessary.
"They have our friend," the younger detective blurted. "Please."
"Oh- Of- Of course," Stein stammered. "I'd be glad to help. An- Anything you need to know."
"Great," Olinsky said with a nod. "You can start with everything."
Atwater and Voight approached the apartment building that housed Vanessa Sykes.
"You sure you're good with the plan?" Voight asked the newer detective, as they entered the building.
Atwater shrugged. "I just want to find Halstead. Don't care how. I'd feel differently if this was about revenge, but it's not. A life's on the line. Once we catch these guys and find Halstead, we can afford to have morals."
Voight gave Atwater a small pat on the shoulder. "Good," he said with a smile as they reached the apartment. "You should knock. I doubt she'll open the door for me."
Atwater nodded and banged his hand on the door. After a moment the door was opened by Vanessa Sykes. Before she could even speak, Voight emerged from behind Atwater and shoved her against the wall, clamping a hand firmly over her mouth. The younger detective entered the apartment and closed the door behind them. He then drew his firearm and began to search the apartment.
After a minute or so, he returned and holstered his gun. "He ain't here boss."
Voight tore his hand from Sykes's mouth and threw her to the ground. "Where is he?!" he shouted.
"What the hell are you talking about?!" She screeched back, stumbled to her feet.
Atwater slid out a chair from her dining room table and turned it towards the woman. "You might want to take a seat," he suggested politely.
She spat at the detective, but upon looking back at Voight's face she accepted the offer and sat. "Look. I ain't got a damn clue what you're so mad about."
"Really?" Voight growled. "'Cause I was here a couple hours ago and there was another person here. You didn't want him to know I was here. Was he your boyfriend? He did you call you 'babe.'"
"Haven't you ruined my life enough?" She spat.
"Listen. Essa." Voight snapped out, making her nickname sound like a threat. "I'm not screwing around this time. You're going to tell me where Dante is."
"I don't know what you're-"
She was cut off by a smack to the face. "Yes you do. His name is Patrick Quair, but he goes by Dante. This is his registered address. So don't tell me you don't know who is, because I know for a fact that you do."
"Fine," Essa snapped. "I know Dante, but I don't know nothing 'bout why you want him."
"Nothing?" Voight repeated, clearly not believing her.
"No-thing," she hissed.
"Alright," Voight said, turning towards the door. "Atwater, cuff her. Let's take her someplace remote. Someplace no one will find her body."
"I know a place just outside town boss."
"Good. I'll meet you in the car," Voight announced before leaving.
"You're kidding," Essa spat. "You're cops."
"Please sat up and put your hand behind your back," Atwater said emotionlessly.
Essa turned to the detective and she stood. "You're not going to kill me. Let me guess. You're the good cop. Voight's the bad cop? I wasn't born yesterday."
"I think you misheard me. I said hands behind your back. Unless you want me to kill you right here."
Essa complied with a sigh. "This is a stupid act. I ain't going to fall for it."
Atwater remained emotionless, as he began to lead her towards the exit of the apartment. Suddenly she kicked him in the shin, making him stumble. She used the opportunity to rush past him and make a run for the window. She barely made it three steps when Atwater tackled her to the ground. He rose off her, to his knees, allowing her to roll onto her back, but when she went to sit up, he pushed her back down harshly.
"It's not an act," the detective snapped. "If you can't help us. You are nothing to us."
"Did your boss even tell you what he did? What happened to Hansen Kane? He left him to die! I loved him! I loved him and Voight let him die!"
"That justifies nothing. You're hurting more people than just Voight. You're hurting people just like he hurt you. The only difference is Voight didn't mean to. You do."
"I ain't doing nothing," she protested.
"When's it end Essa?" Atwater asked calmly. "If not with you, then with who? You'll just make more people bitter and they'll make more people bitter. It'll never end, but you can stop this. You can put an end to this."
"I didn't do nothing damn it," she whined.
Atwater sighed, "I really don't want to kill you Essa. Please don't make me."
"You can stop this," the woman mocked.
Atwater shook his head sadly. "No. I can't. I can't let you kill my friend. It doesn't matter what I have to do. So, no, I can't stop this. Only you can."
"It appears we are of the same mindset. I can't stop either. I have to set things right."
"You're not setting things right," Atwater explained. "You're making it worse. You're not making it come full circle, you're making it spiral, and it will spiral out of control." The detective rose to his feet, helping the still handcuffed Essa up as well.
"It won't bring him back Essa," he whispered. "Deep down, you have to know that you're only doing this so you can cope with the reality that he's gone. It's been nine years. Don't you think it's time to let him go?"
She shook her head. "I..." she trailed off. "I can't help you."
"If that was the truth, I'd gladly help you, but you're not telling the truth. You're lying to me and right now, I need the truth. I don't have time for your lies. So, either tell me the truth or let me know what you want carved onto you're tombstone."
"I can't help you."
"I'll get the chisel," Atwater said solemnly before leading her to the car, where Voight awaited.
Olinsky slammed a file onto Dr. Courtney's desk. She looked up from her computer. Ruzek stood at the door.
"As I said before," she began, "I can't help-"
"Elizabeth Stanton," he interrupted.. "Valerie met her through The Stein Homeless Shelter. She was sent to you for therapy after she was a witness to an attempted murder. They caught the guy, but the PTSD never really went away. Valerie funded your sessions together."
"I'm sorry, I can't-" the therapist tried.
"Jason Rivers," he continued, ignoring her protests. "Valerie also met him at the Stein Homeless Shelter. He was also funded by Valerie. He was at a bar when a terrible fight broke out. If I recall correctly three people died."
"Four," The therapist corrected instinctively.
Olinsky smiled a bit. "Neil Larson," he continued. "Was a drug addict staying at the same shelter. However one day he and his friends got dealt some bad dope. He didn't take enough to kill him, it only left him paralyzed for a few minutes while he watched all his friends die around him. Valerie met him at the shelter and sent him to you."
"Yes, but-"
Olinsky's voice was getting louder and louder with each person he described. "Aidan Keith. Hostage in a bank robbery. Sandra Domino. Witnessed a man murder his wife. Lisa Kain. Saw a young girl pushed off a bridge by her psychotic mother. Should I go on?!"
"No!" Dr. Courtney cried out. "No," she panted.
Olinsky sat down. "Tell me about Vanessa Sykes. We know she stayed at the Stein Homeless Shelter. We know she too was financed by Valerie Marshall. Why?"
Dr. Courtney sighed, "Valerie was a witness to a crime a long time ago. She was at home with her brother when some robbers broke in. They killed him right in front of her. We were just starting high school at the time."
"We?" the detective repeated.
"Yes. We were friends in high school. It's what made me what to be a therapist. I watched how the event slowly drive Valerie crazy. So, I got some books, I learnt what I could. I even took her to multiple therapists. Slowly, she started to get better."
"And that's why you're a therapist," Olinsky assumed.
She nodded. "Valerie isn't a bad person. She just wants to help people. So, she sends them to me and pays their funds. I give her a discounted rate. She's helped tons of people detectives. You shouldn't be after her."
"Maybe not. Tell us about Sykes. Why was she here?"
"She met Valerie at the shelter a few years back. She was the first person that Valerie paid for. They met at the shelter, where Valerie helped out from time to time. I guess they bonded over shared experiences. Essa (that's Sykes' nickname) lost a loved one too, a boyfriend."
"Hansen Kane. We're familiar with the story," Olinsky explained. "I take it that's why she sent her to you."
Dr. Courtney shook her head. "No. Unfortunately, it got worse for poor Essa. There was one night a few years back, Essa was hanging out with an old friend- Valerie's fiance now actually. I believe they met through Essa. Anyways, Essa and Lee (the fiance) were walking through town when they got mugged. They complied to everything the man said, but the mugger was clearly nervous. He panicked and shot Lee in the stomach. After that night, Essa lost it. I suppose it reminded her too much of Hansen leaving her all those years ago. Lee recommended me after he started getting better, and Valerie offered to pay. So, she started seeing me."
"Did she ever talk about a Hank Voight?"
Dr. Courtney had a look of fear flash across her face. "Yes. She blamed him for Hansen's death. She said some pretty drastic things about how she planned on getting revenge."
"Do you think she'd ever carry any of those out? Any of her plans?"
"Oh, heavens no. She didn't have a good enough head space. She was far too out of it to pull off any of her plans."
"What if she had help? Did she ever mention a roommate? A man called Dante?"
"The name rings a bell. She did say she was living with someone once. I asked her if he was treating her well. I was concerned he might take advantage of her in her deteriorated mind set."
"What'd she say?"
"She said he wasn't the nicest man alive, but it was all part of the plan. I had Valerie check on her- on her living situation. She met the man, told me he was perfectly fine."
"Wait. Valerie met Dante?"
Dr. Courtney nodded.
Ruzek and Olinsky shared a knowing look. "How long ago was this?"
"A year or so. Give or take. Why?"
"Do you think it'd be possible for Essa to pull of any of her revenge plans now?"
Dr. Courtney shook her head again. "She stopped seeing me a few months back. She was getting better, slowly, but surely, but after she cancelled her sessions...I fear she's only going to get worse. It' possible she could've assisted in a plan, but she'd never be able to plan or carry it out."
"We have reason to believe she might be involved in the kidnapping of one of our fellow detectives as a means to get at our sergeant; Hank Voight."
"It's possible she helped out, but there's no way she was a major component. She'd also probably have to stay away from your detective. If she saw him, she'd probably lose it. I wouldn't be surprised if she just completely lost her mind and attacked him."
"So it's unlikely, she knows his location," Olinsky summarized.
Dr. Courtney shrugged. "I'd suppose it would depend on the goal of the party helped her. If it was methodical and well planned than she probably would be isolated, but it's possible she does know. If they wanted your detective to be a victim of her rage, they might have given her the location. I only had sessions with her, not the other captors- If Essa's even involved in any of this. It's entirely plausible she's not."
"Thank you doctor-" Olinsky began.
"Detectives. Keep one thing in mind. Essa came a long way. She's good at putting up a wall around herself. In other words, she can act calm and collected, but she's not. Her calmness hangs on very short string. Once she snaps, she snaps."
"I'll keep that in mind. Thank you."
Voight stopped the car and got out. Atwater removed Essa from the trunk and pushed her to her knees. Voight walked up behind her and placed her gun to the back of her head.
"Now Essa," he said calmly. "I'm going to ask you once. If you don't help me, I will kill you."
The woman thought hard as Voight gave her a few seconds of silence. A smirk crept across her lips and he asked the question.
"Where is Jay Halstead?"
Wow, that chapter was hard to write. I'm sorry if it sucked, I'm just really sick and unable to sleep, so I'm also quite tired, but I did it! I got the chapter done! On time! This chapter was a lot of information, but I had to have it to began the unravelling of the criminal group that has Jay. There wasn't as much badassery as I meant to have, but hopefully it's still good. I hope you enjoyed. Please, let me know what you think, good or bad. The mysteries are finally being revealed. Will Voight actually kill Vanessa Sykes? You'll find out next Sunday.
Small note: I know I threw a lot of names around this chapter. You don't need to know most of them. Just know, Dante, Sykes, Lee, and Valerie and it wouldn't hurt to keep in mind the therapist, but I don't know if she'll appear after this. You don't need to know any of the names Olinsky threw at the therapist.
There was no Lindsay in this chapter, sorry, but she will be in the next chapter, along with the entire team's reaction to her and Dawson's idea that Halstead may blow himself up. There will be lots of Lindsay as I wrap it up.
Next Chapter:
Chapter Twelve: A Dream That I Can't Hold