Disclaimer: I own nothing except my imagination.

Jay sat at his desk the following evening when Voight had sent everyone home, the manila folder sitting on it feeling like it was going to burn a hole into the surface. He didn't know what he would find inside of it but he knew that if Platt had done the work then he knew he'd have everything he needed and more. He finally opened it and went through the info one at a time. First was the basic information about Avery's school and Nicole's home address but Platt added her work information as well just to dot all the I's and cross all the t's.

"What the fuck?" Jay couldn't believe what he was seeing. That information hadn't been part of what he knew, what Kim had told him about her ex-husband. He doubted she was hiding anything from him; the fear on her face too genuine but this information changed a lot of things. It was too late for him to get a confirmation on the information he'd just discovered so he put that as the first item on his to-do list the next morning when he spoke with Platt. The gate at the bottom of the unit buzzing surprised Jay in his work but was even more surprised to see his brother walk up the stairs.

"What are you doing here?" He questioned from his seat without even bothering to get up or close the file in his hands.

"The rest of your team is at heading to Molly's and they told me you were still here so I decided to come see what could possibly keep you away from Molly's on a day like this."

"I'm working the case, just like you've told me to."

"Find anything interesting yet?" They had agreed that Jay was going to keep him apprised of the investigation.

"Actually yeah." Will pulled a chair from the side and turned it around and sat facing his brother from across his desk. "Her ex has a brother."

"And that's interesting why exactly?"

"Neither Kim nor her sister mentioned anything about a brother."

"But that doesn't mean anything."

"The way Nicole Silver was talking about her ex-brother-in-law." He trailed off. "She was so angry that she would have mentioned it. And Kim? She told me a bit about her relationship; How it stated, how it went downhill so quickly."

"Okay but say they knew but didn't say anything? What does that do to your investigation?"

"He was released from prison two weeks ago." Will's eyes darkened with the realization that all of this could be something else entirely.

"He's got to have had a hand in this." Jay saw the anger in his brother's eyes, an anger that was burning in his own chest but he knew that he had to do his due diligence before he accused anyone of anything. It was even more important now if he wanted to catch him.

"That's what I'm going to figure out starting tomorrow." He reassured his brother. "Whatever is going on I'll take care of it."

"Good." He growled. Jay rarely saw Will in this state apart from when he thought his patients weren't getting their fair shake. He was always the easy going and positive brother of the two. "Can I help in any way?"

"No." Will looked at him and knew he was lying.

"Cut the crap Jay."

"I will not compromise your medical integrity Will."

"You're not asking me to. Tell me what I can do."

"Michael Jacobson." Jay slammed the file shut and rose to his feet giving his brother a warning glance as he locked it tight in the top drawer of his desk. He knew he couldn't walk it back but knew that if they weren't careful it could backfire on them both. "It's been a long day and there's a bottle of bourbon with my name on it at home." Will nodded and Jay walked past him and he followed in step down the stairs of intelligence. They were bantering when his eyes fell on her.

"Kim?" The words came out as a question but it was surprise written all over her face.

"Jay." She smiled shifting Avery's hand in hers. "I'm sorry to drop by unannounced but we were close by and Avery wanted to come see if you were maybe here."

"Well Avery is in luck because I just happened to stay a bit later than normal." He smiled and waved at Avery.

"Hi Jay." She smiled broadly as her curls bounced around her face. "Did you catch bad guys today?"

"We did but you know what? I think I might need some help from your mom to help me catch some other bad guys." He had to use this opportunity to ask her what she knew about her ex's brother.

"My mom can't catch bad guys. She doesn't like working with grown-ups." She whispers loudly the last part making all three adults laugh.

"Well I think she'll like working with this grown-up." Will smirked and nudged Jay's shoulder playfully earning him a shove.

"Can I help?"

"Absolutely." Platt's voice pulled them from their conversation. "You can help me right here." She pointed to her desk pulling a stool.

"Can I mom?"

"Sure sweetie." Avery pulled away from her mother and she watched her smile to Platt mouthing her a thank you.

"I'll stay with you too Avery." Will chimed in.

"No chance in hell Red." She scoffed. "Only a woman can operate this desk with an iron hand."

"Whatever you say Trudy." He chuckled as she objected. "I'll see you at home." He pulled his brother in a hug before turning to Kim. "It was nice seeing you again."

"You too." They smiled at each other and Will left. "I want you to listen to everything Jay's Sargent tells you."

"Yes mom."

"We're good here mom." Trudy gave Kim one of her rare smiles before Jay led her upstairs.

Kim watched Jay's back as he walked up the stairs that led to a chain linked door. His muscles seemed to ripple painfully as he slipped his hand into a palm scanner and letting her through the door before he started the climb for the rest of the stairs.

"What's wrong Jay?" She dared to ask.

"I found something today and I wanted to run it by you." He guided her towards his desk where he offered her a chair and a coffee that she accepted gladly.

"Does it have to do with Owen?" She wrapped her hands against the warm cup and watched as Jay's features moved in confirmation and another emotion flashed on his face. Guilt? "You can tell me Jay." She coaxed as she watched his fingers drum against his desk as he sat against it.

"My Sargent is against me looking into your case because he says that there's not enough evidence but my gut tells me that there's something there so I can't let it go like he wants me to."

"You've mentioned something about that at the restaurant but something is bothering you I can tell."

"I'm trying to keep you and Avery safe." She could see that he was struggling to tell her what he needed to.

"Whatever you did." She watched his fingers drum faster against the hard surface as his eyes darted from hers to the other side of the desk and back to her. "I don't want you to cross." She couldn't finish her sentence when the realisation hit her. He was doing something that went against the rules he had set for himself. "If you're crossing lines to keep my daughter safe." She left the words hanging between them before she continued. "I forgive you for it." It was imperceptible but she could see it on his face. Relief.

"I want to keep you safe too." He finally admitted to himself what he'd been denying from the start. "I couldn't forgive myself if I didn't turn every rock." Putting her mug on the desk she stood to stand in front of him, slipping her hand over his and giving it a gentle squeeze.

"Tell me?" Both sets of eyes fell to their joined hands and Kim pulled hers away to allow Jay to stand and walk around his desk, unlocking the top drawer and pulling a white manila folder from it.

"I asked Trudy to dig into Owen's life." He started but that same wave of guilt he previously felt hit him again.

"And mine?" It came out like a question but it was more a statement that Kim was making.

"I wanted to make sure that I didn't miss anything so I asked her for some information on you and your sister but nothing personal."

"You found something didn't you?" He nodded once and took Michael's picture from the folder and handed it to her. "I've never seen this man before." There was something that looked familiar but she couldn't quite put her finger on it. "Who is he?"

"Michael Jacobson, Owen's older brother." She couldn't hide the shocked look on her face.

"Owen doesn't have a brother." She protested. "I would have known if he had a brother Jay."

"Not if he was in prison while you were together."

"What was he in for?" He could see the shiver go through her body as she asked the question.

"Grand theft, possession and distribution." He trailed off.

"What aren't you telling me Jay?"

"I'm not sure yet and I can't just act on my hunch."

"You think he's behind it. You think he's the one helping Owen."

"Yes." He admits reluctantly.

"How do I protect Avery?" He could see the fear in her eyes while all she can think of is to keep her daughter safe.

"By staying calm and letting me do my job." He placed his hands on her upper arms and gave them a gentle squeeze with a smile.

"You can't keep an eye on us twenty four seven."

"Let me take care of that and I promise I'll get to the bottom of this."

"Should I ask Nicole to spend a few days at her place?"

"No. If we spook them and they know we're onto them they'll play it safe and I need them to slip."

"What do I do then?" Her breathing was ragged and Jay's eyes moved from her face to her heaving chest and he could see that she was losing her battle to stay calm so he pulled her into his chest and wrapped her arms around her shoulders.

"It's going to be okay Kim. I promise." He pressed his cheek to the top of her head as her hands reached around his waist. They stayed like that long minutes until he felt her breathing return to normal. Pulling away from her the energy around them was electric and his green eyes found her brown ones as their faces were mere inches away. His heart was now beating faster in his chest as her eyes bore into his, eyes she shared with her daughter. He couldn't deny the attraction any longer and as she shifted in his arms he leaned in until their breaths mingled. Her eyes closed in expectation but a soft sigh left Jay's lips and Kim felt his arms loosen around her.

"Jay?"

"Not like this, not here." He brushed a strand of her away from her eyes and returned his hands to her arms. "When this case is closed I just might use that phone number." He smiled softly but hers broadened.

"I'd like that." He took a final step away from her and grabbed the folder before guiding her back down the stairs where they found Avery with a police cap typing something in the computer while Trudy was berating a patrol officer making Jay chuckle.

"She does that a lot." He explains. "Her way of showing she loves them."

"Don't want to see how she is when she actually loves them." She giggled. "Ready to go kiddo?" She calls after Avery.

"Do we have to right away?" She pouts. "I haven't seen Jay at all."

"How about you do me a favour?" He leaned against the front desk and she looked at him seriously.

"What kind of favour?"

"I haven't had time to have dinner tonight." Her eyes flew open wide and she looked at her mom before returning to look at him.

"Mom says it's not good to skip a meal."

"And she's absolutely right but I've been chasing bad guys all day and sometimes I forget about eating so that's why I need your help." He watched her nod with a smile and he continued. "I need you to go back there with your mom and get me something from the vending machine." He pointed in the direction of the hall behind Trudy.

"What do you want?"

"I'll let you pick for me." He handed her a five-dollar bill with a smile and she took it bouncing off the stool and joining her mother at the front.

"We'll be right back." Kim smiled at him knowing why he was sending them back there.

Jay waited until the girls were out of sight before addressing his Sargent. "I need you to dig into Michael Jacobson."

"Everything?"

"All of it. And send it to the tablet."

"Will do now get out of here."

"Thanks Sarge."

"Out." She gestured with her head behind her. He chuckled and went to join Kim and Avery.

"So what will it be?" He leaned against the wall next to the machines.

"She's very concentrated." Kim whispered and it took a few minutes before Avery pressed on the buttons and what she had picked fell down the slot.

"Are you a psychic?"

"A psywhat?"

"How did you know to pick my favourite?"

"That's your favourite?" She asked with a grin.

"I eat one every day."

"Mom I picked his favourite." She handed Jay his snack and the change that she fished out of small slot.

"I know baby." Kim chuckled. "Now how about we leave Jay to go back home so he can rest? He's had a long day."

"Actually." He pocketed the snack in the back pocket of his jeans. "If it's okay with your mom there's an ice cream shop not too far from here that I'm sure you'd like."

"Can we mom? Please? I'll make my room for a whole week." She begged her mom and Jay gave Kim a shrug, placing the ball in her court.

It was hard for Kim to deny the pout.

"And empty the dishwasher."

"Deal." Jay smiled at their handshake before he guided them outside. The place wasn't far from the district and could easily be done by foot. Kim made sure to keep a strong hold on Avery's hand as she and Jay walked in comfortable silence. There was a small line when they got there but Jay could already see Avery get excited. "What can I get mom?"

"Anything you want." Jay's words stopped Kim in her tracks as she was about to answer. "It's my treat."

"I can't accept that Jay." Kim offered but he would have nothing.

"Is your mom always that stubborn Avery?"

"Always." She rolled her eyes. "She says I take it from her."

"I'll let you in on a secret. Stubborn women are strong women."

"That means that mom is superrrr strong."

"I bet she is." Jay agreed with a chuckle as they made it to the window.

"So what will it be for the pretty lady?" The young man asked Avery.

"A strawberry magic potion with gummy bears and worms please."

"That sounds filled with sugar." Jay chuckled.

"It's the best." Avery affirmed with a grin.

"Okay." He laughed.

"I'll get a medium soft chocolate cone." Kim asked.

"What about you sir?"

"I'll have what the young lady is having."

"Are you sure sir?" The clerk couldn't be more than eighteen.

"Yeah." He paid while they waited for their order. He had no doubt that whatever Avery had taken was enough to keep him awake most of the night but one look at her when she was handed her treat was good enough for him.

"That's a big cup sweetie." Kim tried to grab a floating gummy bear but Avery pulled the drink away from her mom.

"Don't touch my ice cream." Her scowl was cute and it made Jay laugh.

"She's possessive of her food." He tried reaching for one and Avery didn't pull away like she had just done with her mother.

"Traitor." She glared pplayfully at her daughter and only giggled and smiled at Jay before concentrating on her drink. "Thoughts?" Kim questioned him after she saw him take a spoonful of vanilla ice cream that was plunged into the slushie.

"It's definitely sweet." He conceded. "Good luck putting her to sleep later." He laughed

"Thanks." She deadpanned playfully before returning to a more serious tone. "Is everything okay?" She watched him intently as his body language screamed trouble.

"Everything is fine Kim you don't have to worry about a thing."

"You're keeping something from me aren't you?"

"I'm not, exactly but I asked Trudy for some more information hopefully we'll be able to do something about it in the morning."

"Okay." She didn't insist more assuming he would tell her more when it was the right time. They ate their order and watched Avery go through her magic potion in a flash before making their way back to his truck.

"Today was fun even under the circumstances." She stated as they made it to the car that the garage had provided her.

"It was. I'm glad I got to spend some time with you Avery."

"It was fun." She bounced off her heels. "Can we do it again?" She asked hopefully.

"Maybe one day." She agreed. "Now say bye to Jay sweetie." Kim's hands were hovering lightly over her shoulder as they faced Jay.

"Thanks for the ice cream Jay."

"It's my pleasure but remember the deal you did with your mom; Your room and the dishwasher."

His phone dinged with a message from Platt as he took a seat in his truck after having watched the girls leave. In only a couple hours she had come through like he knew she could. Pulling the tablet from the passenger seat he started scrolling through everything she had sent him. The more he read the more the anger rose in his chest. Not only was Michael Jacobson a criminal but he had led his younger brother down that dark path just shy of his eighteen birthday as he had robbed a convenient store. After that it had taken Owen a few years to shake off his past before he was able to live a spotless life while his brother was incarcerated. The few years of being on the straight and narrow led him to Kim and the birth of Avery. Platt had forwarded both Owen and Michael's criminal records and another thing that made Jay mad was the two DUI's Owen had been involved in while he had still been with Kim. Forwarding the prison's call log it was clear that the brother's had been in contact on several occasions with visits here and there, including the day he had lost his parental rights. Having read enough he tossed the tablet aside and put his truck in drive and headed towards Kim's place stopping for a coffee first. When he parked, he could still see the living room light on and he got comfortable and ready for a long night.

Kim brought a sleepy Avery in her arms when she got home, the little girl falling asleep quickly in the back seat after all the excitement of their day. Feeling jittery herself she made a cup of camomile tea to calm her nerves. Even if Jay told her to let him do his job and not to worry she couldn't help herself. Finding out that Owen had a brother shook her but knowing that this same person was maybe responsible for her accident sent a cold shiver down her spine. She wrapped herself into a thick blanket and approached the window to make sure there was nothing out of the ordinary when her eyes landed on the familiar pick-up truck parked across the street. Filled with a sense of déjà-vu she slipped into shoes and made sure that Avery was still sleeping before making her way down the stairs. She could see him through the window from the reflection of the tablet he was holding in his hands and she knocked softly not to scare him.

"We've got to stop meeting like this Detective." She smiled softly.

"I'm sorry I didn't want to spook or worry you but I just needed to make sure that you and Avery were safe."

"As much as I appreciate it I can't let you sleep in your truck night after night watching us."

"It's surprisingly comfortable." He shrugged.

"Come on Jay! There's got to be a better way to do this."

"I'll figure something out in the morning don't worry about me."

"It's too late for that." She thought as she grazed his arm with the tip of her fingers where electricity sparked through her fingertips and then the idea came to her the words leaving her mouth before she could stop them. "Come up?" His eyes snaped to hers as he registered her words and they looked into each other's eyes a little longer.