In every life, the moment comes when you have to decide between what you need and what you want. And if you are lucky you will find the human who saves you.
"Good morning. My name is Susan Winter from DCFS. I want to talk to detective Halstead. It's about a private matter." her voice was gentle, but with a very decisive undertone that made Trudy Platt disapprove, raising an eyebrow. "Oh! Had I known the high attendance was due, I would have rolled out the red carpet." Platt growled sarcastically. Everyone at the precinct knew that they shouldn't t mess with Sergeant Platt, let alone talk to her like that.
"Please take me to detective Halstead. The occasion is anything but funny." she said sternly.
"Follow me." Platt muttered, escorting her up the stairs.
"Halstead. You have a visit-" before Platt finished speaking, she was interrupted by the lady. "Detective Halstead. My name is Susan Winter from DCFS. Do you have a moment?"
"Sure. What is it about?" Jay asked irritated and looked up from the computer.
"It's private."
Jay nodded and led her into the break room, drawing inquisitive glances from his colleagues.
"So. Mrs. Winter, why are you here?" Jay asked.
"I am here to inform you that your children, Zachary and Zoey, are being taken out of your guardianship."
"What? You can't do that!"
"Unfortunately, I can when a child is at risk. We have a statement that says you have hit your son."
"From whom do you have the statement?" Jay asked curiously.
"That's confidential I'm afraid."
"Listen. I love my kids. I would never endanger or hit them."
"The middle ear injury of Zachary Halstead was what exactly? Or the bruises on his face, arms and legs?" She asked skeptically.
"He was involved in a school brawl. Besides, my hand only slipped once. I didn't sleep well. The last days were stressful. Normally, I would never hit my son or daughter."
"But you have beaten your son several times, whose injuries may well have to be repaired surgically." she explained.
"Several times? It was ONE slap in the face!" Jay exclaimed. Desperately, he ran his hand through his hair.
"The injuries show something else. I'm sorry, Mr. Halstead, but your children are being placed in a foster home for the time being. We have to check the family circumstances."
"You can't do that. They both need their home."
"It's my job to protect children from violent or broken families."
"My family is neither violent nor shattered."
"Mr. Halstead, unfortunately we have heard something completely different."
"Can't they go to their uncle or grandfather?" Jay asked hopefully.
"As I said, we have to check the family circumstances. But you can apply for visitation rights. Goodbye." She said, put some forms on the table and disappeared down the stairs.
Jay took a deep breath and threw a chair into the corner. He had to let off some steam. His eyes fell on the pin board. More specifically, the family image of intelligence. It showed the Dawson family, the Olinsky family, Platt and Mouch, Voight, Kevin with his siblings, Kim and Adam and of course the Halstead family.
Flashback
It was a sunny, warm Sunday. They had all met with their families for a relaxing day at the beach.
Eva and Diego played volleyball enthusiastically with 6-year-old Zachary . Meanwhile little 2-year-old Zoey played with her toys. Kim was lying on the towel next to Erin. She was pregnant with her first child with Adam and was currently getting some tips from her. The men sat together, chatting and drinking a beer.
Jay watched as his son trotted over to Erin and gave her a soaking wet hug. "Oh, wait, you little man!" Erin whispered, grabbing her son and tickled him. "Mommy, stop it! Please. Mommy. No tickling!" He shouted, laughing. Erin listened to his request and took him in her arms.
"You know, I love you very much." Erin smiled.
"I love you more." Zach beamed while Erin carried her son to the water where she flopped him in. Zach immediately jumped on Erin back and tried to push his mom into the water, because she should also be soaking wet.
"Don't be cheeky." Erin warned and splashed him.
"I always am!" Zach grinned and both romped around. Eva and Diego hurried to help their little friend. Kevin's younger siblings joined in as well. Antonio laughed as he saw Erin fighting with five kids. He didn't hesitate and hurried to help out Erin. Adam, Jay and Kevin didn't t hesitate as well and stood on Erin's side.
Hank, Al and Kim stayed on the beach. While Al and Kim commented on the playful water battle and snapped pictures, Hank and his granddaughter built a large sandcastle.
End of the Flashback
"Halstead. What's going on?" Voight asked.
"Um. It's complicated." Jay dodged the question and squatted at his desk.
"Halstead. I should get paid, for the many visitors I have to accompany." Platt complained. Jay looked up from filling in the visitation forms and recognized his big brother.
"Shit, Jay. If you lie to me again, telling me everything is fine at home, then I'll hit you! The DCFS has brought the kids to Med." Will hissed and looked like he was about to hit his younger brother. Instead, he just pushed him against the filing cabinet. Jay hadn't seen his brother so angry in a long time.
"Will. I can explain." Jay stammered.
"There is no explanation for that! You hit your son in the face!"
Everyone in the bullpen looked at the Halstead brothers wide-eyed. Did they really hear it right? Their friend and colleague was a decent guy, he would never…
"You know very well that I would never hit Zach."
"You hit him, Jay! Your kids will be taken away! Understand that!"
"I know," said Jay, rubbing his hair helplessly.
Voight, standing at the doorway to his office, grimly looked at the single parent, "Is it true?" Voight asked with a biting undertone. The eyes narrowed to slits. Jay nodded hesitantly.
"You hit Erin's son?" Voight asked angrily. Again, Jay nodded slightly. He was very sorry.
"Have you completely lost control now? Incredible! Show us a perfect world while the kids are suffering?!" Voight yelled angrily, "Pack your things. I don't want to see you in this unit anymore."
"Voight. I... I had a busy day and then..." Jay tried to escape from this situation.
"In spite of all that, you have no right to hit your 9-year-old boy!"
"I…"
"Was my announcement not clear? Leave this unit, as long as you are not in control I do not want to see you anymore." Hank yelled.
"Yes. Sarge."
Angrily, Hank slammed his office door shut. Antonio just shook his head in disbelief while the others watched their partner silently.
"Will, how is Zach doing?" Jay asked worriedly before his brother walked down the stairs.
"He's in surgery right now. You're lucky if Zach doesn't lose his hearing in his left and your 5 year old daughter suffers from severe migraine caused by stress."
"Can I see them?" Jay asked.
Will shook his head, "Zoey was picked up by a foster family and as soon as Zach is released from the hospital, he will stay there for the time being."
"If you see Zach, can you please tell him something?" Jay asked.
"Natalie and I are not allowed to see him because of the family relationship. Besides, I think you should talk to him in person."
"Yes, of course." Jay mumbled.
"Jay. Everything will be fine, but it takes time." Will told him.
Hey! I hope you liked this chapter! Thank you for your reviews!