Utterly Unexpected

Chapter 4: Buried Demons

Hello my dear friends, it has undoubtedly been a long time. I have been caught up in too many things, studying and work being the most prominent ones. However, I am happy to be back. Hopefully this chapter pleases all of you. Do let me know. :)

The following morning Jay met his TO in the roll call room, tired but glad that he had completed the task she had thrust upon him the previous night. He said, "Good morning Ma'am."

"I see you've completed the task," Hailey said.

He nodded. She asked, "How do you feel?"

"Tired," he dared to say softly.

"Good, you'll feel worse today," she said, taking her seat.

He looked at her incredulously and wondered once again why he was doing this. She was really stretching him apart from all sides and he couldn't help but notice that she was enjoying the process. He nodded and headed to his place, unhappy but not surprised by her words. She really was something else.

As roll call finished, he quickly set up their car, never in the mood to listen to her harsh comments. At this point, he could see the anger surface within him. He was no longer compliant but furious with her methods and actions. She had not right to treat him the way she was. Suddenly, as he was seated in the car, he heard, "You can be as angry as you want, nothing's going to change."

He looked at her, more furious that before but knowing better than to spew out that rage. He spoke quietly, "What you're doing is completely unacceptable."

"Let me be the judge of that," she retorted, not appreciating his remark.

He shrugged his shoulders, still in disbelief. Hailey added, "And this is the first and last time you're speaking to me in such a tone. Do it once more and you're done. I mean it."

He suppressed his emotions and produced a weak, "Yes Ma'am."

With that unpleasant start they drove off into the city of Chicago. For this day Hailey had planned a task that was to be completed during the shift itself. She had made it clear if he failed to do so, he was out. Jay could only but oblige and keep his rage and frustration contained within himself if he wanted to become a cop. With that they rolled into lunch, Jay having made no progress on the task so far. After lunch they were patrolling the streets, Jay hoping with all his heart he would complete the task at hand. At one point they were at the signal when suddenly Hailey's eyes fell on something on the opposite sidewalk round the corner. For a long moment she experienced a shock and relief, wondering if her eyes were betraying her. Jay noticed the change and looked where she was looking. He couldn't quite make out what she was looking at as the streets were packed. As the light turned green Hailey went towards the area that ruffled her feathers. Jay asked, "Where are we going?"

"Stay in the car. I'll be back," she said, her eyes still focused on her target.

She parked the vehicle on the side and got down, the nervousness getting to her. Jay had no clue what was going on but he knew better than to ask directly. He watched her quietly. She was approaching someone. He couldn't quite make out who it was. It was a man. He wasn't having the best of days. The moment Hailey went to him he stilled, for a split moment deciding to bolt. Hailey's demeanour had softened and she was looking at him intently, a worry almost present on her face. The man was looking at her afraid, surprised and perhaps relieved. Hailey spoke, her voice soft as cotton, "Kyle?"

"You need to go Hailey," he said.

"What are you doing here?" she went on.

"It's none of your business," he snapped.

"Are you okay?" she asked.

"Like you care," he retorted.

"I do," she answered softly.

"Then give me money," he said.

"What?" Hailey asked, surprised.

"Give me all your money Hailey," the man repeated.

"You know I can't do that," she replied softly.

"Why not?" he asked.

"I am not giving you money for drugs Kyle," she said quietly, her insides burning.

"Just give me the goddamn money!" he said, irritated.

"Kyle, let me help you," she almost pleaded.

"I don't need your help. I don't need anyone's help," he said.

"You need help Kyle. Let me help you. Please," she whispered.

"I don't need help!" he retorted.

"We can overcome this. Together," she tried.

"No! No! Are you going to give me money or not?" he said.

Hailey was visibly upset, unsure what to do. She let a long moment pass then handed some money to Kyle who grabbed it and bolted. She stood there, numb and broken. Another moment went by then she turned on her heel and walked back towards the car. From inside Jay was beyond shocked. He had never seen such a side of hers and genuinely wondered what the hell was going on. Nobody could make Hailey Upton do something against her will, but apparently this mysterious man, who Jay was beginning to understand might he drug addict, had made her give him money. Hailey entered the car her entire demeanour changed. He wasn't certain but he thought he saw her eyes shining. After long moments of silence he asked, "Who was that?"

"No one," her answer was curt.

"Are you okay?" he asked, aware that she wasn't.

"I'm fine," she said, never looking at him.

"Ma'am"—

"If you have more questions about what you saw, save your breath. We're not talking about that," she made herself clear.

He let a beat pass, now more certain than ever that something was wrong, but deciding to keep quiet. Before more words could be exchanged a call came through. Hailey spoke, starting the car, "Attach us to that call. We've got work to do."

He obliged and they were off to defuse a situation. They were chasing a suspect, Hailey screaming orders, Jay doing his best to remain calm and obey them. The other car had reached what seemed like a dead end forcing it to stop. Two armed men got out, not waiting for even a second to fire away at the police car. Hailey halted and both of them jumped out of the car, staying behind their respective doors. Jay was terrified, but he knew he had to keep it together. Shots were fire from all directions. Suddenly he felt something splash on his neck. He touched it immediately to realise in horror it was blood. It was Hailey's blood. She had been shot. She was on the ground, wincing in pain. He kneeled down immediately, attempting to take her away from the barrage of bullets. He dragged her to the back of the car and frantically looked for the wound. She had been hit just under her vest, the blood spilling out mercilessly. He applied pressure, his mind racing in all directions. She spoke from her position, in pain, "Get them."

"What?" he asked.

"Go. Get them Halstead," she repeated.

He was sceptical about her order but disobeying one could lead to more disastrous outcomes. However, before he had to make that difficult decision back up has arrived. He saw a familiar face and shouted, "She's been shot! I need help!"

Vanessa jumped out of the car, calling for an ambulance immediately and rushing to her friend's side. She placed her hands on Hailey's wound and said, "I got it."

Jay moved away, his entire body shaking. Vanessa started, "What happened?"

"They opened fire," he said weakly.

Vanessa looked at her friend and said, "Stay with me Hailey. The ambulance's on the way."

Hailey was suffering, it was evident. She was in dire pain, the bullet not letting her breath even. Vanessa spoke again, "Hang on Hailey. Stay with me!"

The moment the ambulance arrived, Hailey was taken Vanessa going with her and ordering her rookie to meet her at the hospital directly. Adam nodded. Jay, on the other hand, was still terrified and in shock. Adam went to him, assuring him he had done the right thing. They headed to the hospital.

At the hospital he approached Vanessa quietly and asked, "Is she going to be okay?"

"We don't know yet," Vanessa replied, anxious.

"It all happened so fast," he said, his tone suggesting he was blaming himself.

"I know. But you did the right thing," Vanessa reassured him.

"She wanted me to go after them," he added softly.

"What?" Vanessa asked, looking at him this time.

"I found it strange as well," he admitted.

"It's okay. We'll deal with all that later," Vanessa concluded.

He nodded and stood in silence. More officers and Platt had arrived to the hospital now. Kevin and Kim too were there, Kevin worried out of his mind. But all they could do was wait. Every excruciating minute only increased their fears and worries. Finally a doctor stepped out, no particular expression on his face.

"How is she?" Trudy asked, the pain evident in her voice.

"She's lucky. She's really lucky," the doctor said.

"What does that mean?" Kevin jumped in.

"It means she's going to make it," the doctor replied.

A collective sigh echoed in the waiting lobby. Hailey was going to be fine. Vanessa said, utterly relieved, "Thank you doctor."

He nodded and left. Hearing this news many officers were assigned back to work now that Hailey was recovering. After another hour or so they were allowed to meet her. Vanessa rushed to the room, wanting to see her friend. She entered quietly and saw Hailey lying on the bed, her eyes mildly open. She went to her side and asked softly, "How are you?"

"I have been better," Hailey said, smiling mildly.

"You scared the hell out of all of us," Vanessa said exhaling loudly.

Hailey sighed as well. It didn't take more time for Vanessa to notice that something was off. She asked, "What happened Hailey?"

"I saw him today," Hailey replied quietly.

"Who?" Vanessa asked.

"Kyle," Hailey replied softly.

Vanessa's expression changed immediately and she stared at her friend. Hailey continued in the same tone, "It's bad. It's really bad."

"Hailey…" Vanessa tried.

"I know. It shouldn't matter, but it goddam does," she said, hating herself in this moment.

"That's why you got shot," Vanessa said softly.

"What?" Hailey looked at her friend.

"You lost focus. Your world came crashing down," she elaborated.

Hailey's look was enough to suggest that her friend was absolutely right. Vanessa added, "It cannot happen again, you'll get yourself killed."

"I know," Hailey admitted quietly.

"Where is he?" her friend asked.

"I have no idea," Hailey said defeated.

"Hailey, you've got to"—

"I know. Believe me I know that. But"—

"I know," her friend empathised.

What both of them didn't know was the silent figure listening to them through the slightly open door. Jay had wanted to meet his TO as well but Vanessa had beat him to it. He had stood outside, not intending to breach their privacy but their words overcoming his initial decision. As much as he detested his TO he was glad that Hailey was fine. The only question that intruded his mind at the moment was: who was Kyle. He needed to find out. Only then could he decipher the mystery that Hailey Upton really was.

He headed back to the district, deciding to meet her before he headed home. He had to do some digging even though that would most likely lead him to inevitable trouble. He spent some time researching wanting to get to the root of this. When eventually he did figure out the puzzle his expression and inner state was the same as Hailey's had been when she had seen Kyle on the street. All this new information churned in his head at unstoppable pace. The only way to make the thoughts go away would be to voice them out loud. Voice them out loud in front of the one person who he knew was going to kill him there and then. After his shift he headed to the hospital, nervous and scared. He peeped into her room, having to intention to disturb her if she was resting. Fortunately or unfortunately, she was awake. He knocked politely. Hailey looked up and signalled for him to enter. He did, quietly. After a pause he spoke, "How are you Ma'am?"

"How do you think I am?" she asked back.

"Of course. That was a dumb question," he said.

"What are you doing here Halstead?" she asked.

"I came to see you," he answered frankly.

A moment went by and Hailey spoke, "Thanks."

That was probably the first nice thing she had ever told him. Jay added, "I am really glad you're okay."

"Me too," she said softly.

"Any news on how long you're stuck here?" he asked, attempting to lighten the mood.

"I have no idea. But if you could bribe the doctor into letting me out, I'll owe you one," she said, playing along.

He smiled, genuinely surprised to see this side of hers. He replied, "I can try my best Ma'am."

"That's enough then," she said, a small smile forming on her lips as well.

"Otherwise you're okay?" he asked.

She looked at him intently then spoke, "What do you mean?"

"This was so not like you," he said.

"What was not like me?" she asked, wondering where he was heading.

"You getting shot," he provided.

"I am not perfect," she said.

"I know that. But you always try to be," he expressed.

"What's your point Halstead?" she asked directly.

"There's something you're not telling me," he said quietly.

"There's no rule that a TO must share everything with their rookie," she explained.

"That may be true, but you told me honest communication is the key to a working partnership," he said, knowing he was using her words to make her reveal the truth.

"If this is about what you saw earlier, it's none of your damn business and it's the last time you're bringing it up," she said, a mild anger surfacing with a tinge of worry.

He knew he had lost her. She added, "And if you want to file a complaint that I was reckless and distracted during the shooting, you can go ahead and do that. I don't give a damn. But you're not going to get anything out of me regarding the events that transpired earlier."

"That won't be required. I already know," he said evenly.

She looked at him, the panic flashing by her eyes for a brief moment. He didn't fail to notice it. She asked, "What are you talking about?"

"Kyle," Jay said quietly, terrified from within but putting on a brave face.

She looked at him in shock, anger and an emotion he couldn't quite figure out yet. She spoke quietly to hide her natural anger, "How do you know that name? You did a background search?"

"I just"—

"How dare you Halstead?" she was furious.

"Ma'am, it's not like"—

"Shut up. You're done," she concluded harshly.

He looked at her, aware that he hadn't expected a different reaction. Since he had stepped into mud he decided to go all the way.

He asked softly, "Are you married?"

The chapter ends here. A lot of things are coming up. I hope you guys liked it. Your reviews and feedback would mean the world. It's good to be back. :)