Once Erin clandestinely left the hospital premises, she made her way to her apartment, where she believed she would be better able to collect her thoughts.
Fully aware of the potential consequences that would follow once Voight discovered her departure, she still couldn't simply remain idle, waiting for the others to apprehend this individual.
Summoning a cab and providing the driver with the address to her apartment, Erin reclined in her seat, allowing her mind to meander. While gazing out the window, she absentmindedly tapped her fingers on her lap, enjoying the serenity of the surroundings. However, the tranquility was abruptly interrupted by the sudden vibration of her phone.
Retrieving it to determine the identity of the incoming caller, Erin was confronted with the question, 'Are you that inquisitive about my identity, Erin?' - a message originating from the unidentified number.
With a deep inhalation, the brunette proceeded to respond via text, querying, 'What is it that you desire from me?' Upon arriving at her apartment and coming to a halt, Erin graciously thanked the cab driver and provided him with a gratuity, uttering, 'Thank you, keep the change.' Subsequently, she swiftly exited the cab and ascended the stairs, hastening towards the safety of her apartment.
Upon arriving at her apartment, Erin received a response from an unknown number stating, 'You will soon discover my intentions, and we shall meet in person very soon.'
As she walked into the kitchen to retrieve a bottle of water, Erin apprehensively bit her lip. Leaning against the counter, she reviewed the messages, contemplating whether or not to inform Voight about the unsettling texts.
However, she quickly dismissed this idea, as she knew he would inquire as to why she had left the hospital.
The brunette began to feel a mild throbbing pain in the back of her neck, prompting her to set down her water bottle and proceed to her room in order to investigate the identity of her assailant.
Jay sighed as he conversed with his CIS, not having found anything yet. Despite his frustration, he resisted the urge to curse and instead grabbed his head, attempting to calm himself. He made his way to his car, only to be interrupted by the sound of his phone ringing.
Taking out his phone and entering his car, he answered, "Yes?" Burgess's voice came from the other end, alerting Jay to some trouble at the hospital.
Jay's grip on the steering wheel tightened as he asked, concerned about Erin's well-being, "Trouble? Is Erin okay?" he inquired, fearing that the person they had been dealing with had returned.
"That's why I'm calling," the younger woman replied. "Erin isn't in the hospital, and I'm not sure if she simply walked away from something."
"I'm on my way," Jay stated as he pulled onto the road. "Contact Voight and inform him," he added before ending the call and driving off towards the hospital. He began calling Erin, hoping she would answer.
" You've reached Erin Lindsey, if I don't get to the phone I'll get back to you when I can."
Jay expressed frustration upon reaching Erin's voicemail, then let out a sigh as he left a message requesting a call back. He placed his phone down and proceeded to drive to the hospital.
Upon arrival at the hospital, Jay parked his vehicle next to Voight Durango's car. He swiftly exited the vehicle and hurried into the hospital, disregarding the nurses' warnings to not run.
Jay continued running until he reached Erin's hospital room. Outside the room, he spotted Voight, Burgess, and Roman, with Will standing there, listening to Voight berate the two younger officers.
"Where were the two of you?" Voight questioned, his arms crossed firmly over his chest. "We went to get some coffee. We didn't anticipate her leaving the room," Roman explained.
Jay approached his boss and expressed his concern, stating, 'Yes, she was asleep the last time I checked. I should have checked on her before we went to get coffee.' Burgess inquired, 'Do you know where she might have gone?' Roman asked.
Jay pondered the question and suggested, 'If she didn't go to the district, she might be at her apartment, where she prefers to have some solitude for thinking without us constantly monitoring her.'"
Voight nodded and addressed Jay, 'Most likely. Let's go there and check. Meanwhile, you two should return to the district and assist the others in searching for the suspect.' He then left the hospital with Jay."
"Following Voight to his truck, Jay questioned, 'How did Erin manage to leave without being noticed?' As he settled into the passenger seat, Voight responded, 'It's Erin. She probably slipped away while no one was paying attention.' Voight then drove towards Erin's apartment, exiting the parking lot.
Erin distended her phone upon its continuous rings, being cognizant of the identity of the caller. Upon checking the device intermittently, she determined that it was either Jay or Voight attempting to reach her.
After ingesting a few Advil to alleviate the severe pain she was experiencing, Erin emitted a sigh and proceeded to return to the living room. However, before she could retrieve the television remote, she became aware of a knocking sound at her door, prompting another sigh.
Placing the remote on the coffee table, Erin proceeded to ascertain the identity of the individual at her door, fervently hoping that it was neither Voight nor Jay, or perhaps both. She simply yearned for solitude.
Upon reaching the door and confirming that it was indeed Voight, Erin deduced that it was unlikely her stalker at the other end, as they were more inclined to intrude unannounced rather than knock.
To her lack of surprise, Erin was met with the presence of Jay as well, prompting her to step aside and allow the two gentlemen entry into her apartment. Before she could inquire further, however, Voight interrupted her with a stern glare.
"And why, may I inquire, are you not in the hospital where you are meant to be?" he interjected.
Jay stood beside him and observed Erin with a serious expression. 'We value honesty, Erin. What if the person pursuing you could have potentially caused harm?' Erin interrupted him by giving him a stern look. 'As a capable individual, I am equipped to take care of myself, despite being deactivated,' she asserted.
Erin turned towards Voight. 'Unfortunately, I am unable to assist you at the present moment due to my confinement in the hospital. The injuries sustained were minor, consisting of a concussion and some cuts and bruises,' she explained while crossing her arms. 'Furthermore, I would have been able to defend myself if the assailant hadn't approached me from behind.'
Jay and Voight exchanged glances before redirecting their attention to Erin. 'We acknowledge your capabilities, but it would have been helpful if you had informed us prior to your escape from the hospital,' Jay expressed.
Erin scoffed at his remark. 'Yes, and you would have allowed me to remain confined if I had?' she retorted, leaning against the wall. 'I simply cannot idly sit by without taking any action,' she justified.
Erin observed as Voight exhaled in resignation. 'Alright, fine,' he conceded. 'However, bear in mind that you will heed our instructions, and you will not be out of our sight. If you are not with us, you will be accompanied by one of the others.' He stated.
Erin was preparing to respond, realizing that she could agree to those conditions, even if being constantly monitored was not her preference. As long as she could assist in finding her attacker and protecting herself, she was willing to comply.
"'Okay,' she began, but her words were cut off by a loud bang emanating from outdoors. This caused both Voight and Jay to draw their weapons. 'Stay there,' Voight commanded, motioning for Jay to accompany him outside.
Erin watched as the men departed the apartment to investigate the source of the noise, hoping it was nothing of concern.
The brunette swallowed nervously, now alone in her apartment. 'Be careful, both of you,' she whispered, glancing around the room. She jumped when her phone suddenly began to ring.
Erin reached for her phone, hoping it was Voight and Jay calling to inform her of their safety. However, instead of the expected callers, she answered a call from an unidentified person.
"Hello?" Erin inquired cautiously, flinching when confronted with the harsh voice of a man on the other end of the line.
"Hello Erin," the man said, causing her to almost drop her phone in shock.
Curbing her fear, Erin began to question the man, trying to ascertain his identity and his intentions.
"Who are you and what do you want?" she demanded. However, before she could fully articulate her concerns, the voice interrupted her, stating firmly, "You'll find out. Now, listen carefully and do as I say."
Erin took a deep breath, attempting to gather her thoughts, but was unable to find the right words. Sensing her hesitancy, the man continued speaking.
"Now, slowly exit your apartment, or your partner and boss will be harmed," he threatened.
The woman emerged from her apartment with measured steps upon receiving news from an unidentified caller about Voight and Jay's injuries. With her composure intact, she inquired, 'What should I do now?'
'Directly proceed outside and veer left,' commanded the voice. Erin complied, stepping outside and turning left to witness both Voight and Jay on the ground, their faces stained with blood as they lay there.
Erin's eyes widened, prompting her to approach her foster father and partner, expressing concern for their well-being. 'For now, they are alright, Erin,' reassured the man.
Erin felt a lump form in her throat as she surveyed her surroundings, searching for the perpetrator responsible for this violence. 'What have you done?' she demanded.
Amidst his laughter, the man replied, 'Oh, nothing too severe. However, unless you accompany my associate waiting outside, I will ensure their demise.' Erin turned her gaze, discovering a man lurking in the shadows.
Erin's mouth opened as she observed the man approaching her. Upon closer inspection, she realized that he was not the same individual who had previously attacked her - this man appeared to possess greater strength.
"Go along with him and we shall convene upon your arrival," the individual on the phone stated. "And do remember, if you fail to comply, Voight and your significant other will meet an unfortunate fate," he threatened.
Erin was about to respond, but the call had been abruptly ended once the masked man stood before her. "Turn around and place your hands behind your back," he commanded.
The brunette obediently turned around and positioned her arms behind her back. She was determined to prevent any harm from befalling Voight or Jay. Glancing over her shoulder, she observed their slight movements.
Erin felt the man securing handcuffs around her wrists, followed by him covering her mouth with a cloth and tying it. "Now, let us proceed," the man ordered.
Erin nodded and allowed the man to guide her towards a large dark blue van. Casting one last gaze over her shoulder, she observed Voight and Jay awakening and attempting to rise.