Several hours have passed since Erin was attacked, Voight listened attentively as Atwater explained about the incident at the pizza place. "They were too terrified by the gunshots to go outside and see what was happening," Atwater said.
"However, the cashier did mention that Erin fled the pizza place when the gunshots rang out, but that's all they know," Ruzek added. Voight nodded with a sigh, his concern evident. "Do they have surveillance cameras installed outside?" he inquired.
Atwater nodded, placing the tape on the table. "We made sure to request the footage," he affirmed, while Voight picked up the tape. "Good, I want to identify who the attacker was," Voight stated firmly.
Before Atwater or Ruzek could respond, Jay and Antonio entered the bullpen, followed by Al and Roman. Voight turned his attention towards them. "Any updates?" he asked, his eyes searching for information.
Jay carefully placed the file on the table, which contained the information Erin had organized. "The prison officer informed us that nobody has been released or escaped," he shared, swiftly locating the relevant page.
"However, we all understand that they would prefer not to acknowledge any prison escapes," Antonio stated, displaying his skepticism by crossing his arms. "Jay suspects that this individual managed to escape or was possibly released, and the prison officer is deceiving us about it."
Voight examined the file to which Jay had referred, narrowing his eyes as he scrutinized the photograph. "Jay suspects that he has indeed escaped," Antonio muttered, observing Voight's intense focus.
"His name is Charlie Pugliese," Atwater read aloud, intrigued. "So who exactly is he?" he inquired, curious about the individual in question. "And what does he want with Erin if he did manage to escape?" he added, prompting Voight and Al to exchange a meaningful glance.
"We cannot be certain of the identity of the individual in question, whom we shall refer to as Charlie," Al expressed, pondering the situation. "If indeed it is Charlie, our troubles will increase substantially." Voight concurred, stating, "I will proceed to engage in a conversation with the prison authorities, seeking further information."
Intrigued, Atwater questioned, 'Who is this Charlie?' He turned his gaze towards the others awaiting an explanation. Voight proceeded to clarify, 'Charlie is an acquaintance from Erin's past. Some years ago, we apprehended him for attempting to obtain the blueprints of a jewelry store.'"
Ruzek furrowed his brow and recalled, 'I do remember him, Jay and I encountered him during an investigation, with Mouse providing us with pertinent details.' Atwater, curious, inquired, 'If it is indeed Charlie, what might be his intentions towards Erin?'
"Voight let out a sigh and expressed his thoughts, 'It is difficult to ascertain his exact motives; however, I have a suspicion that he seeks recompense from Erin for the time he spent looking after her and Annie, coupled with her betrayal when she turned him in on the night he awaited the blueprints.' He continued, 'Nonetheless, we should continue our search for additional leads, with Charlie being our final resort.'
"Indeed, sir," Atwater acknowledged with a nod. "Did you acquire any evidence from the pizza establishment?" Jay inquired, hopeful that Voight and Al were correct about Charlie still being in custody, although he had reservations about the guy.
"We obtained a video footage depicting Erin's location at the time of the attack," Ruzek replied, as Voight handed him the tape to play on the television for them to review.
The fair-haired man inserted the tape into the television and pressed play. They all leaned in closer to the screen and observed Erin running out of the pizza place, scanning her surroundings for the shooter.
Jay anxiously watched as a figure wearing a dark mask, of average height and with blue eyes, approached Erin from behind and placed a gun against her temple. They then witnessed him striking the back of her head with the weapon before pushing her to the ground and fleeing.
"I deduce that he fled because he perceived the sound of Burgess and myself approaching," Roman stated as Ruzek pressed play on the video. "Did you observe anyone running away from the scene upon your arrival?" Voight inquired.
Roman shook his head. "No, he likely departed when he heard the sirens," he responded. "However, I believe we can obtain a clearer image of the individual holding Erin." The younger man proposed.
Jay signaled Ruzek to zoom in on the man's face to identify any distinguishing marks or gain a closer view of his appearance. "Anything?" Al queried while looking at the screen.
Voight inspected the recording. "What about the mark beneath his eye?" he inquired, pointing to the left eye of the masked man. Ruzek leaned closer to examine. "It appears to be a mole or a freckle," he answered.
"Please make a duplicate of the photograph of the individual, and we shall proceed accordingly," stated Voight. Ruzek acknowledged and retrieved his mobile phone to capture an image of the man. "Now, what is our next course of action?" he questioned.
Jay glanced at the time and observed that it was nearly evening. They had devoted the past six to eight hours, if not longer, to this endeavor. "Has anyone received any updates from our Crime and Intelligence Section?" Voight inquired.
"They have yet to uncover any relevant information or sightings, but we will inquire if they are aware of anyone with a distinctive mark on their left eye," Antonio informed. Ruzek promptly shared the photograph with everyone, ensuring they all had a visual of the suspect.
"Very well, proceed to liaise with your Crime and Intelligence Section. Al and I will return to the correctional facility to have a discussion with the warden and gather further insights," Voight instructed, dismissing the team.
"Contact us if any of you locate this individual," Voight added. "Roman, I want you to return to the hospital and brief Officer Burgess on the current situation," Voight directed the blond officer, who nodded in acknowledgment. "Yes, sir.
Jay departed from the bullpen to proceed to his CSI assignment. However, he felt a strong desire to visit Erin although he rationalized that he could do so once they concluded their work and required rest. Nevertheless, he acknowledged that Superintendent Voight would not rest until they identified the individual targeting Erin.
Burgess sat next to the bed, engrossed in her phone while Erin slept. However, she made sure to occasionally glance up to ensure the older woman's well-being.
The sound of the door opening caused Burgess to look away from her phone. To her surprise, she saw Roman peering into the room. "Greetings," he whispered. "Could I have a moment of your time?" Roman asked.
Burgess glanced at Erin, then back at Roman, and nodded in agreement. "Certainly," she replied. Rising from her seat, she followed her partner out of the room. Once they had closed the door to Erin's hospital room, Burgess inquired, "So, what have you all discovered?"
"We have gathered a few leads and may have identified the assailant. The rest of the team is currently investigating and asking around about him," Roman informed Burgess. Curious, Burgess asked, "Have you determined who is targeting Erin?"
"We have a potential plan in mind, but Voight wishes to eliminate any uncertainties before proceeding," Roman stated, while Burgess nodded in agreement and considered the situation. "Voight has instructed us to remain here to ensure the prevention of any untoward incidents," he added.
Burgess expressed her agreement by nodding and leaning against the wall. "While I am uncertain if this situation is intended as a jest or otherwise, I sincerely hope that we apprehend the individual responsible," she remarked. Roman affirmed his support for Voight and their colleagues, stating, "I have faith in Voight and the rest of the team to bring him to justice."
The two officers remained outside the room and engaged in discussion. Roman took a seat on a nearby chair and inquired about Erin. "How is Erin doing?" he asked. Burgess responded, "She is content, albeit disapproving of my attentive watchfulness."
Meanwhile, in Erin's room, the brunette dozed lightly, attempting to eavesdrop on the conversation between the two younger officers. Unfortunately, she struggled to discern the content of their exchange.
Releasing a sigh, Erin rose from the bed effortlessly since she wasn't connected to any medical equipment. 'I need to leave this place in order to collect my thoughts,' she stated as she approached her clothes, intending to change out of her hospital gown and into her usual attire.
Once she was dressed, Erin proceeded to open the door cautiously, curious to locate Burgess and Roman. However, it appeared that the two were engrossed in a conversation, oblivious to their surroundings. 'Would you like to grab a cup of coffee?' Roman inquired, eliciting a reply from Burgess affirming that Erin would be fine by herself for a little while.
Observing their departure and the subsequent turn of the corner, Erin whispered to herself, 'Alright, Erin, you can accomplish this.' With measured steps, she gradually exited her room.
Subsequently, Erin promptly and quietly shut the door, swiftly setting off in the opposite direction of Burgess and Roman. Ensuring to conceal herself within the shadows, she remained hidden from view as Will and Maggie passed by her hiding spots.