ailey Upton and Jay Halstead arrived at the crime scene, their senses heightened as they cautiously entered the house with their guns drawn.
The air was thick with tension. Hailey glanced at Jay and signaled that she would check upstairs while he took the ground floor. Jay nodded, his eyes scanning the dimly lit hallway.
Hailey ascended the creaky staircase, each step echoing in the silent house. As she reached the top, a faint, muffled crying caught her attention. Her heart raced as she followed the sound to a small bedroom. Pushing the door open, she found a baby gripping the bars of her cot, tears streaming down her tiny face. The sight tugged at Hailey's heartstrings.
"Hey there, it's okay. I'm here to help," Hailey whispered softly, holstering her gun. She gently picked up the baby, cradling her in her arms and trying to soothe her.
From downstairs, Jay's voice called out, "Hailey, everything alright up there?"
"Yeah," Hailey replied, her voice steady. "I found a baby. She's scared but unharmed. I'm bringing her down."
With the baby safely in her arms, Hailey descended the stairs, Jay following closely behind. They moved through the house, their footsteps echoing in the quiet. As they stepped outside, the bright sunlight momentarily blinded them.
Brett and Foster were waiting by the ambulance, their expressions a mix of concern and readiness. Hailey approached them, the baby still clinging to her.
"Found her upstairs," Hailey said, her voice calm but tinged with worry. "She's scared but unharmed."
Brett immediately stepped forward, her medical instincts kicking in. "Let me take a look," she said gently, reaching out for the baby. Hailey carefully handed her over, watching as Brett and Foster began their assessment.
Jay stood beside Hailey, his eyes scanning the surroundings. "Any sign of the parents?" he asked.
Hailey shook her head. "No, just the baby. We need to find out what happened here."
Brett looked up from the baby, her expression serious. "She's dehydrated and a bit shaken, but she'll be okay. We need to get her to the hospital for a full check-up."
Hailey nodded, relief washing over her. "Thanks, Brett. Let's get her out of here."
As Brett and Foster transported the baby to the hospital, Hailey and Jay decided to follow them to Chicago Med. They needed to ensure the baby received proper care and hoped to gather more information about the situation.
Upon arriving at Chicago Med, they were greeted by Dr. Will Halstead, Jay's brother. Will's expression shifted from professional to concerned as he saw the baby in Brett's arms.
"What's the situation?" Will asked, his eyes flicking between the baby and his brother.
"We found her alone in a house," Hailey explained. "No sign of the parents. She's dehydrated and scared."
Will nodded, his medical training taking over. "Let's get her checked out. We'll run some tests and make sure she's okay."
As Will and the medical team took the baby into the examination room, Hailey and Jay waited in the hallway. The hospital's bustling environment was a stark contrast to the eerie silence of the crime scene.
Jay glanced at Hailey. "We need to find out who she is and what happened to her family."
Hailey nodded, determination in her eyes. "We'll start by checking missing persons reports and see if anyone matches her description. Someone out there must be looking for her."
Just then, Dr. Natalie Manning approached them. "Hey, I heard about the baby. How's she doing?"
"Will's with her now," Jay replied. "We're hoping to get some answers soon."
Natalie gave them a reassuring smile. "We'll take good care of her. You two did the right thing bringing her here."
As they waited for updates, Hailey and Jay couldn't shake the feeling that this case was just the beginning of something much bigger.
Will walked into the hallway, his expression a mix of concern and curiosity. He approached Hailey and Jay, who were waiting anxiously.
"Hailey, what did you find in the room the baby was in?" Will asked, his voice steady but urgent.
Hailey took a deep breath, recalling the scene. "The room was small and sparsely furnished. There was a cot where I found the baby, and a few toys scattered around. It looked like she had been there for a while. There were no signs of struggle or anything that indicated immediate danger, but the place felt abandoned."
Will nodded, processing the information. "Did you notice anything else? Any clues about who might have left her there?"
Hailey shook her head. "No, nothing obvious. It was just the baby, alone and scared. We need to find out who she is and what happened to her family."
Jay chimed in, "We're planning to check missing persons reports and see if anyone matches her description. Someone must be looking for her."
Will's expression softened. "Good idea. We'll take care of her here and run some tests to make sure she's okay. Keep me updated on what you find."
As Will headed back to the examination room, Hailey and Jay exchanged a determined look.
Hailey and Jay walked into the bullpen, their minds still racing with the events of the day. The rest of the unit was gathered around, working on various tasks, but their arrival quickly drew everyone's attention.
Voight looked up from his desk, his eyes narrowing with curiosity. "What did you find?"
Hailey stepped forward, her expression serious. "We found a baby alone in a house. No sign of the parents. She's dehydrated and scared, but otherwise unharmed."
Ruzek leaned back in his chair, a look of concern crossing his face. "A baby? That's not something you see every day. Any idea who she is?"
Jay shook his head. "Not yet. We're going to check missing persons reports and see if we can find a match. Someone out there must be looking for her."
Atwater chimed in, "Sounds like we've got our work cut out for us. Anything else in the house that could give us a lead?"
Hailey sighed. "The room was pretty bare. Just a cot and some toys. It looked like she had been there for a while, but no signs of struggle or anything that would point us in a specific direction."
Burgess frowned, her protective instincts kicking in. "Poor thing. We'll find out who she is and what happened to her family. We have to."
Voight nodded, his expression resolute. "Alright, let's get to work. Check those reports and see if we can find any connections. And keep me updated on her condition."
As Hailey and Jay continued their investigation, Hailey decided to review the security camera footage from the neighborhood around the house where they found the baby. She hoped it might provide some clues about who had left the baby there and what had happened.
Sitting at her desk, Hailey fast-forwarded through hours of footage, her eyes scanning the screen intently. Suddenly, something caught her attention. She rewound the footage and played it back at normal speed.
The camera showed a car pulling up to the house late at night. A figure got out, carrying a bundle that looked like it could be the baby. The person moved quickly, glancing around nervously before entering the house. A few minutes later, the figure emerged, now empty-handed, and drove away.
Hailey's heart sank as she watched the scene unfold. The timestamp on the footage indicated that the baby had been left alone for at least 24 hours before they found her. She quickly called Jay over.
"Jay, you need to see this," Hailey said, her voice tense.
Jay joined her, watching the footage with a frown. "That's definitely our baby. But who is that, and why would they leave her there?"
Hailey shook her head, her mind racing with possibilities. "I don't know, but we need to find out. This doesn't look like a random abandonment. There's something more going on here."
Jay nodded, his expression grim. "Let's run the plates on that car and see if we can get an ID on the driver. We need to find out who they are and why they left the baby."
Jay's determination paid off when he finally identified the car's owner. The name on the registration was Mark Thompson, a man with a history of minor offenses. Jay's jaw tightened as he grabbed the printout and rushed over to Hailey's desk.
"Hailey, I found him. Let's go," Jay said, urgency in his voice.
Hailey quickly grabbed her jacket, and they both headed out to the car. The drive to Mark Thompson's house was tense, both of them running through possible scenarios in their minds. When they arrived, Jay barely waited for the car to stop before jumping out and marching up to the front door.
He knocked hard, his patience wearing thin. When the door finally opened, a disheveled man stood there, looking confused and wary. Jay didn't waste a second. He grabbed Mark by the collar and shoved him against the wall, his anger boiling over.
"Where is she? What did you do?" Jay shouted, his voice echoing in the hallway.
Mark stammered, trying to speak, but Jay's grip tightened. He kneed Mark in the stomach, causing him to double over in pain. Hailey quickly intervened, pulling Jay back.
"Jay, stop! We need him to talk," Hailey said firmly, her hand on his arm.
Jay took a deep breath, his eyes still blazing with anger. He stepped back, allowing Hailey to take the lead.
"Mark, we found the baby you left in that house. She's safe now, but we need to know what happened. Why did you leave her there?" Hailey asked, her voice calm but authoritative.
Mark looked up, fear and guilt written all over his face. "I… I didn't know what else to do. Her parents… they were in trouble. I was just trying to keep her safe."
Hailey exchanged a glance with Jay, both of them realizing that this case was far more complicated than they had initially thought. They needed to get to the bottom of it, and Mark was their only lead.
"Alright, Mark. You're coming with us. We need to hear everything you know," Hailey said, guiding him out of the house.
As they headed back to the station, Hailey and Jay knew they were just scratching the surface of a much deeper mystery.
Hailey and Jay walked through the bullpen with Mark in tow, his hands cuffed in front of him. The atmosphere was tense, and the rest of the team looked up as they entered. Kim Burgess was at her desk, working on some paperwork, when Mark's eyes landed on her. He smirked, a leering expression that made Jay's blood boil.
Without a second thought, Jay swung the butt of his gun, striking Mark across the face. The impact was swift and hard, causing Mark to stumble and groan in pain.
"That's my sister, you sick bastard," Jay growled, his voice low and dangerous.
Hailey quickly stepped in, placing a hand on Jay's arm to calm him down. "Jay, we need him to talk. Let's not give him any reason to shut down."
Jay took a deep breath, his eyes still locked on Mark. "You're right. But if he tries anything like that again, I won't hold back."
Voight approached, his eyes narrowing as he took in the scene. "What's going on here?"
Hailey spoke up, her voice steady. "We brought Mark in for questioning. He knows something about the baby's parents. We need to get him to talk."
Voight nodded, his expression hardening. "Alright, let's get him into interrogation. We'll find out what he knows."
As they led Mark to the interrogation room, the rest of the team exchanged glances, understanding the gravity of the situation.
In the interrogation room, Hailey and Jay sat across from Mark, who was still nursing the bruise from Jay's earlier strike. The tension in the room was palpable as they began their questioning.
"Mark, we need you to tell us everything you know about the baby's parents," Hailey started, her tone firm but calm.
Mark shifted uncomfortably in his seat, his eyes darting around the room. "I already told you, they were in trouble. I was just trying to help."
Jay leaned forward, his eyes boring into Mark's. "What kind of trouble? Who were they running from?"
Mark hesitated, then smirked, a glint of defiance in his eyes. "You think you can scare me into talking? I've dealt with worse than you."
Jay's patience snapped. He stood up abruptly, knocking his chair back, and grabbed Mark by the collar, slamming him against the wall. "You think this is a game? A baby was left alone because of you!"
Mark laughed, a mocking sound that only fueled Jay's anger. "You're just like your brother, always trying to play the hero."
Before Jay could react further, Voight burst into the room, his presence commanding immediate attention. "Jay, that's enough!" he barked, pulling Jay away from Mark.
Jay took a step back, his chest heaving with anger.
Voight turned to Mark, his expression cold and unyielding. "You want to play games? Fine. But understand this: we will find out the truth, with or without your cooperation."
Mark's smirk faded, replaced by a flicker of fear. Voight's reputation for getting results was well-known, and Mark realized he was in deeper trouble than he had anticipated.
Hailey stepped in, her voice steady. "Mark, this is your chance to do the right thing. Help us find the baby's parents. Tell us what you know."
Mark swallowed hard, the defiance in his eyes wavering. He knew he was out of options. "Alright, I'll talk. But you have to promise me protection. The people they're running from… they're dangerous."
Voight nodded, his expression softening slightly. "We'll make sure you're safe. Now start talking."
Alright, alright," Mark said, his voice shaky. "The baby's parents got mixed up with some dangerous people. They owed money to a gang, and when they couldn't pay, they went into hiding. They asked me to take care of the baby, but I panicked and left her in that house."
Hailey's eyes narrowed. "Which gang? Who are they running from?"
Mark hesitated, then sighed. "The Black Vipers. They're ruthless. If they find out I talked, I'm as good as dead."
Voight leaned in, his voice low and menacing. "We'll make sure they don't. But you need to give us everything you know. Where are the parents now?"
Mark shook his head. "I don't know. They didn't tell me where they were going, just that they needed to disappear."
Hailey exchanged a glance with Voight, both of them understanding the gravity of the situation. They had a lead, but it was still a long way from finding the parents and ensuring the baby's safety.
As they wrapped up the interrogation, Hailey suddenly realized she hadn't seen Jay since they brought Mark in. She turned to the rest of the unit, her concern evident. "Where's Jay?"
Ruzek looked up from his desk. "He went to Med. Wanted to be with the baby and make sure she's okay."
Hailey nodded, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Of course he did."
Voight placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "We'll keep working on this. Go check on Jay and the baby. We'll update you if we find anything new."
Hailey thanked him and headed out, her mind now focused on the baby and her partner.
At Chicago Med, Jay stood by the baby's crib, watching her with a soft expression. The baby, now cleaned up and dressed in a fresh onesie, looked up at him with wide, curious eyes. Jay couldn't help but smile as he gently picked her up.
"Hey there, little one," he said softly, cradling her in his arms. He leaned down and blew a raspberry on her stomach, eliciting a delighted giggle from the baby. Her laughter was infectious, and Jay found himself chuckling along with her.
Just then, Hailey walked in, her heart warming at the sight. "Well, look at you two," she said with a smile, closing the door behind her.
Jay looked up, his eyes meeting Hailey's. "She's a tough little one. Already bouncing back."
Hailey approached, reaching out to gently stroke the baby's cheek. "She's lucky to have you looking out for her."
Jay's expression softened. "We're all looking out for her. Any updates from the station?"
Hailey nodded. "We got a confession from Mark. The parents are running from a gang called the Black Vipers. We're still trying to track them down."
Jay's jaw tightened. "We'll find them. We have to."
Hailey placed a reassuring hand on his arm. "We will. And in the meantime, she's safe here."
The baby cooed, reaching up to grab Jay's finger. He smiled down at her, his resolve strengthening. "We'll make sure she stays safe."
As Hailey and Jay stood by the baby's crib, Hailey's phone rang. She glanced at the caller ID and saw it was Voight. She answered quickly, her heart racing with anticipation.
"Voight, what did you find?" Hailey asked.
"We got a hit on the baby's identity," Voight said. "Her name is Emma Thompson. Her parents are Lisa and Michael Thompson. They reported her missing two days ago. It looks like they were trying to escape the Black Vipers."
Hailey's eyes widened. "Emma Thompson. Got it. Thanks, Voight. We'll keep you updated."
She hung up and turned to Jay, who was still holding baby Emma. "Her name is Emma. Her parents are Lisa and Michael Thompson. They reported her missing two days ago."
Jay looked down at Emma, a soft smile on his face. "Emma. That's a beautiful name."
Hailey nodded, her expression serious. "We need to find her parents and make sure they're safe. The Black Vipers are involved, and we can't take any chances."
Jay's grip on Emma tightened protectively. "We'll find them, Hailey. We'll make sure Emma and her parents are safe."
The entire unit arrived at the address listed for Lisa and Michael Thompson. The neighborhood was eerily quiet as they approached the house. Voight led the way, his instincts on high alert. The front door was slightly ajar, a sign that something was very wrong.
Voight pushed the door open, and they all stepped inside, their senses heightened. The house was dimly lit, and a heavy silence hung in the air. As they moved through the hallway, the smell of decay hit them, making their stomachs churn.
Hailey was the first to spot them. "Oh my God," she whispered, her voice filled with horror.
In the living room, Lisa and Michael Thompson lay on the floor, their bodies lifeless. Needles were still in their arms, and the scene was a grim testament to their final moments. The unit stood in stunned silence, the reality of the situation sinking in.
Jay clenched his fists, his anger and frustration evident. "We were too late," he muttered, his voice thick with emotion.
Voight's expression was grim as he surveyed the scene. "We need to secure the area and call it in. This is now a crime scene."
Hailey's eyes filled with tears as she looked at the tragic sight before her. "Emma's parents… they didn't stand a chance."
Ruzek and Atwater began to cordon off the area, while Burgess called for backup and the coroner. The unit worked methodically, their training taking over even as their hearts ached for the innocent baby left behind.
As they processed the scene, Hailey couldn't help but think of Emma, safe at Chicago Med but now an orphan. The weight of the case pressed down on her, but she knew they had to keep going. They had to find out who was responsible for this tragedy and bring them to justice.
Voight placed a hand on Hailey's shoulder, his voice steady. "We'll get them, Hailey. We won't let this go unanswered."
Hailey nodded, her resolve hardening. "For Emma. We owe it to her to find out the truth."
Hailey and Jay walked back into Chicago Med, their minds heavy with the tragic discovery they had just made. As they approached the pediatric ward, they heard a loud, distressed cry. Both of them immediately recognized Emma's voice and rushed towards the sound.
They burst into the room to find a nurse attempting to insert an IV into Emma's tiny hand. The baby was crying loudly, her face red with distress. Jay's protective instincts kicked in, and he quickly stepped forward.
"Stop! That's enough," Jay said firmly, his voice leaving no room for argument.
The nurse looked up, startled, but complied, stepping back from the crib. "I was just trying to—"
Jay cut her off, his tone softening slightly but still firm. "I know you're trying to help, but she's scared. Give her a moment."
The nurse nodded and left the room, leaving Hailey and Jay alone with Emma. Jay gently picked her up, cradling her in his arms. He rocked her gently, his voice soothing.
"Hey, it's okay, Emma. That mean lady is gone now. You're safe," Jay whispered, kissing the top of her head.
Emma's cries began to subside as she nestled into Jay's chest, her tiny fingers gripping his shirt. Hailey watched, her heart aching for the little girl who had already been through so much.
"You're doing great, Jay," Hailey said softly, placing a hand on his shoulder. "She's lucky to have you."
Jay looked up, his eyes filled with determination. "We're going to make sure she's safe, Hailey. No matter what."
Hailey nodded, her resolve matching his. "We'll find out who did this and make sure they pay. For Emma and her parents."
As Jay continued to soothe Emma, the door to the room opened, and Will and Natalie walked in. Will immediately noticed the tension in the room and the absence of the nurse. He smirked, a hint of amusement in his eyes.
"Did you kick the nurse out, Jay?" Will asked, chuckling.
Jay looked up, his expression a mix of defensiveness and protectiveness. "She was scaring Emma. I couldn't just stand by and let that happen."
Natalie smiled warmly, stepping closer to get a better look at Emma. "You're really taking to this dad role, aren't you, Jay?"
Jay shrugged, a soft smile playing on his lips as he looked down at Emma. "Someone has to look out for her."
Hailey, standing beside Will, exchanged a glance with him and Natalie. There was a shared understanding and a touch of admiration in their eyes. They could see how much Jay cared for Emma, and it was clear that he would do anything to protect her.
Will nodded approvingly. "You're doing a great job, Jay. Emma's lucky to have you."
Jay's smile widened as he gently rocked Emma in his arms. "Thanks, Will. We're all in this together."
Later that evening, the rest of the unit decided to check in on Jay and Emma at Chicago Med. As they quietly entered the room, they were greeted by a heartwarming sight. Jay was fast asleep on a recliner, with little Emma nestled comfortably on his chest, her tiny hand clutching his shirt.
Ruzek was the first to notice, and he couldn't help but smile. "Would you look at that? Jay's already got the dad thing down."
Burgess chuckled softly. "It's adorable. He's really stepped up for her."
Atwater nodded, his expression one of admiration. "He's got a big heart. Emma's in good hands."
Voight, standing at the back, observed the scene with a rare, soft expression. "Let's not wake them. They both need the rest."
Hailey, standing beside Will and Natalie, exchanged a knowing glance with them. They all understood the depth of Jay's commitment to Emma and the lengths he would go to protect her.
short while later, a social worker entered the room, her expression professional but kind. She glanced around, looking for Emma and Jay.
"Excuse me, I'm looking for Emma Thompson and Jay Halstead," she said, addressing the unit members who were still in the room.
Hailey stepped forward, offering a reassuring smile. "Jay took Emma to get changed. They'll be back in a bit."
The social worker nodded, understanding. "Thank you. I'm here to discuss Emma's situation and the next steps for her care."
Voight, who had been quietly observing, spoke up. "We appreciate you coming. Jay and Hailey have been taking care of Emma since we found her. They're very protective of her."
The social worker smiled warmly. "It's clear that Emma has a lot of people looking out for her. I'll wait here until they return."
As they waited, the unit members exchanged glances, knowing that the social worker's visit was an important step in ensuring Emma's future. They were determined to support Jay and Hailey in any way they could, knowing that Emma's safety and well-being were their top priorities.
A few minutes later, Jay walked back into the room, carrying a freshly changed and content Emma. He looked up, noticing the social worker, and approached her with a cautious but friendly demeanor.
"Hi, I'm Jay Halstead. This is Emma," he said, gently bouncing Emma in his arms.
The social worker smiled, extending her hand. "Nice to meet you, Jay. I'm here to discuss Emma's situation and the next steps for her care. It looks like she's in good hands with you."
Jay nodded, his expression serious but hopeful. "We'll do whatever it takes to make sure she's safe and well cared for."
The social worker took a deep breath, preparing to deliver the difficult news. "I'm sorry, but Emma needs to be placed in foster care. It's the best way to ensure her safety and well-being until we can find a more permanent solution."
The unit collectively let out a groan and sighed, the weight of the situation pressing down on them. They had all grown attached to Emma and the thought of her being taken away was hard to bear.
When the social worker approached Jay to take Emma from his arms, the baby immediately sensed something was wrong. She burst into tears, her small hands clinging tightly to Jay's shirt. Jay's heart ached as he tried to soothe her, his voice gentle but strained.
"It's okay, Emma. You're going to be alright," Jay whispered, though his own emotions were threatening to overwhelm him.
The social worker gently but firmly took Emma from Jay's arms, and Emma's cries grew louder, her tiny fingers reaching out for Jay. He watched helplessly, his heart breaking at the sight.
Hailey stepped forward, placing a comforting hand on Jay's shoulder. "We'll make sure she's safe, Jay. We'll keep fighting for her."
Jay nodded, his eyes never leaving Emma as she was carried away. "We have to. She deserves better than this."
In the middle of the night, Hailey and Jay were finally getting some much-needed rest in their bed. The room was quiet, and the exhaustion of the day had taken its toll on both of them. Suddenly, Jay's phone buzzed on the nightstand, breaking the silence.
Hailey, half-awake, reached over and grabbed the phone, seeing the caller ID: it was the social worker. She answered quietly, trying not to wake Jay. "Hello, this is Hailey Upton."
The social worker's voice came through, sounding frustrated. "Hi, Hailey. I'm sorry to call so late, but Emma isn't settling down. She's been crying non-stop, and we're getting a bit annoyed."
Hailey sighed, her voice soft but firm. "She's a newborn. Be patient with her."
The social worker sighed in response. "I understand, but it's been difficult."
Hailey took a deep breath. "We'll be right there."
She hung up and gently shook Jay awake. "Jay, we need to go. The social worker is getting annoyed because Emma isn't settling down."
Jay muttered groggily, "She's a newborn, for fuck's sake. She's not gonna settle down just like that."
Hailey nodded, understanding his frustration. "I know. Let's go."
They quickly got dressed and headed out, determined to be there for Emma and ensure she was taken care of. As they left the house, Hailey followed Jay, both of them ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead to protect the little girl who had already captured their hearts.
Hailey and Jay rushed into the social worker's office, their hearts pounding with urgency. As they approached, they could hear Emma's cries growing louder and more distressed. The sound was heart-wrenching, and it only fueled their determination to get to her.
When they entered the office, they were met with a troubling scene. A social worker was standing over Emma, her voice raised in frustration. "Stop crying! You're making this harder than it needs to be!"
Emma's cries only intensified, her tiny face red with distress. Jay's protective instincts kicked in immediately. "Hey! That's enough!" he yelled, his voice echoing through the room.
The social worker turned, startled by Jay's outburst. Hailey didn't waste a second. She walked over to Emma, her movements calm and deliberate. "It's okay, Emma. We're here," she whispered soothingly as she gently picked up the baby.
Emma's cries began to subside as she clung tightly to Hailey, her small hands gripping Hailey's shirt. Hailey rocked her gently, her voice soft and comforting. "Shh, it's alright. You're safe now."
Jay glared at the social worker, his anger barely contained. "She's a newborn, for fuck's sake. She's not going to settle down just because you tell her to."
The social worker, looking chastened, muttered an apology and stepped back. Hailey and Jay exchanged a glance, their shared determination clear. They knew they had to protect Emma and ensure she was treated with the care and compassion she deserved.
As they left the office with Emma securely in Hailey's arms, they felt a renewed sense of purpose.
The next morning, as Hailey and Jay were settling into the precinct, a foster worker walked up to them, ready to take Emma back. Jay's expression immediately darkened, his frustration evident.
"Here to take her again?" Jay muttered under his breath, his tone sharp.
The rest of the unit noticed Jay's attitude and began whispering among themselves. Hailey shot them a look, silently asking for their support.
The foster worker, sensing the tension, tried to remain professional. "Can we talk in the breakroom?" she asked, her voice calm but firm.
Jay sighed heavily, clearly reluctant. He gently handed Emma over to Kim, who cooed softly to try and comfort the baby. "It's okay, Emma. He'll be back soon," Kim reassured her.
Emma, however, started to cry at the unfamiliar touch, her small hands reaching out for Jay. Kim did her best to soothe her, rocking gently. "Shh, it's alright. He'll be right back."
Jay's heart ached at the sound of Emma's cries, but he knew they needed to have this conversation. He followed the foster worker into the break-room.
In the breakroom, the tension between Jay and the foster worker escalated quickly. Jay's frustration was palpable as they argued.
"You can't take her," the foster worker insisted, her voice rising.
Jay snapped, his anger boiling over. "The hell I can't!" He turned and stormed out of the breakroom, his mind set on getting back to Emma.
The foster worker, clearly agitated, rushed out after him. She grabbed Emma tightly, causing the baby to cry out in distress. In a shocking turn, she pulled out a gun, her hands shaking.
The entire unit froze, their eyes widening in disbelief. The room fell silent, the gravity of the situation sinking in. Voight, sensing the danger, stepped forward, his voice calm but authoritative.
"Put the gun down," Voight commanded, his eyes locked on the foster worker. "Let's talk this through."
Jay's heart raced as he saw Emma in danger. He took a step forward, his protective instincts kicking in. "Please, just let her go. We can figure this out."
The foster worker's grip on the gun tightened, her eyes darting around the room. "I can't let you take her. You don't understand."
Voight took another step closer, his voice steady. "We can help you, but you need to put the gun down first. No one needs to get hurt."
The room was tense, every second feeling like an eternity. The unit stood ready, their focus on ensuring Emma's safety. Jay's eyes never left Emma, his heart aching for the little girl who had already been through so much.
Suddenly, the foster worker's resolve seemed to break. With a final, desperate look, she turned the gun on herself and pulled the trigger. The sound of the gunshot echoed through the room as she collapsed, dropping Emma in the process.
Emma screamed, her cries piercing the silence. Jay rushed over, his heart pounding. He scooped Emma up, his hands trembling as he checked her for injuries. "It's okay, Emma. You're safe now," he whispered, his voice filled with relief and determination.
As the unit moved to secure the scene, Jay held Emma close, his protective instincts stronger than ever.
Jay held Emma close, his heart still racing from the intense situation. He looked down at her, his voice soft and filled with concern. "Emma, are you okay?"
He quickly realized that Emma, being so young, couldn't respond with words. But as he watched her, he noticed her tiny fingers pinching his shirt repeatedly. It took him a moment, but then he understood—she was trying to communicate in her own way.
"You're okay, aren't you?" Jay said, a small smile forming on his lips. "That's your way of telling me you're alright."
Emma's grip on his shirt tightened, and she looked up at him with wide, trusting eyes. Jay felt a wave of relief wash over him. He gently rocked her, his voice soothing. "You're a tough little one, Emma. We're going to keep you safe, I promise."
Hailey, who had been watching the interaction, stepped closer, her eyes filled with admiration. "She's lucky to have you, Jay."
Jay looked up, his expression determined. "We're all in this together. We'll make sure she's safe and loved."
As Jay held Emma close, a sudden realization hit him. The bond he felt with her was undeniable, and he knew he couldn't let her go. Without thinking, he blurted out, "I'm gonna adopt Emma."
The room fell silent for a moment as everyone processed what Jay had just said. Then, the unit erupted in a mix of surprise and support.
Ruzek was the first to speak, a grin spreading across his face. "Wow, Jay. That's a big step, but I think it's the right one."
Burgess nodded, her eyes shining with approval. "Emma's lucky to have you. You'll make a great dad."
Atwater clapped Jay on the back, his voice filled with encouragement. "You've got our support, man. We're here for you every step of the way."
Voight, standing nearby, gave Jay a rare, approving nod. "It's a big responsibility, but I know you can handle it. We'll do everything we can to help."
Hailey, standing beside Jay, smiled warmly. "I think it's a great decision, Jay. Emma needs someone like you in her life."
Jay looked around at his team, feeling a surge of gratitude and determination. "Thanks, everyone. I know it's not going to be easy, but I can't imagine doing anything else. Emma deserves a family, and I'm going to make sure she has one."
As Jay held Emma close, a sudden giggle escaped her lips, filling the room with a light, joyful sound. Everyone turned to look, their expressions softening at the sight of the little girl laughing for no apparent reason.
Jay smiled down at Emma, his heart swelling with affection. "What's so funny, huh?" he asked, gently bouncing her in his arms.
Emma's giggles continued, her tiny hands reaching up to touch Jay's face. The sound was infectious, and soon the entire unit found themselves smiling and chuckling along with her.
Ruzek shook his head, grinning. "Looks like she's already bringing some joy into our lives."
Burgess nodded, her eyes twinkling. "She's got a great laugh. It's good to see her happy."
Atwater leaned in, making a funny face at Emma, which only made her giggle more. "She's a little ray of sunshine, that's for sure."
Voight, watching the scene unfold, allowed himself a rare smile. "She's in good hands with you, Jay."
Hailey, standing beside Jay, couldn't help but laugh along with Emma. "She's got a way of brightening up the room, doesn't she?"
Jay looked around at his team, feeling a deep sense of gratitude. "Yeah, she does. And we're going to make sure she keeps smiling."
Jay took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the moment. He gently handed Emma to Hailey, who cradled the little girl with a warm smile. "I'll be back soon, sweetheart," he whispered to Emma, brushing a kiss on her forehead.
As he grabbed his jacket, the unit gathered around, offering words of encouragement. "Good luck, Jay," Ruzek said, clapping him on the shoulder. "You've got this."
Burgess nodded, her eyes filled with support. "We'll be here when you get back."
Atwater gave him a thumbs-up. "Go get 'em, man."
Voight, standing a bit apart, gave Jay a firm nod. "You're doing the right thing."
Just as Jay was about to leave, Hailey stepped forward and gave him a small kiss on the lips. "For luck," she said softly, her eyes shining with affection.
The unit couldn't help but comment. "Aww, look at you two," Ruzek teased, grinning.
"About time," Atwater added with a chuckle.
Jay felt a surge of determination and gratitude. "Thanks, everyone," he said, his voice steady. "I'll see you soon."
With that, he turned and ran downstairs, his heart pounding with anticipation. The adoption office awaited, and with it, the promise of a new beginning for both him and Emma.
Two hours had passed, and the unit was starting to get worried. They exchanged anxious glances, the tension in the room palpable. Hailey paced back and forth, her eyes constantly darting to the door.
"What's taking so long?" Ruzek muttered, his concern evident.
"Maybe there's a lot of paperwork," Burgess suggested, though her voice lacked conviction.
Atwater tried to lighten the mood. "Jay's a tough guy. He'll be fine."
Just then, the door opened, and Jay walked in, looking visibly tired and sad. The unit's concern deepened as they gathered around him.
"Jay, what happened?" Hailey asked, her voice filled with worry.
Jay didn't say anything at first. Instead, he walked over to Hailey and gently took Emma from her arms. He held the little girl close, his expression softening as he looked into her eyes.
"I'm your new daddy, baby girl," he whispered, his voice choked with emotion.
The room fell silent for a moment as everyone processed what Jay had just said. Then, a wave of relief and joy washed over them.
Ruzek was the first to react, a huge grin spreading across his face. "You did it, Jay!"
Burgess's eyes filled with tears of happiness. "Congratulations, Jay. Emma's so lucky to have you."
Atwater clapped Jay on the back, his voice filled with pride. "We knew you could do it, man."
Voight, standing nearby, gave Jay a rare, approving nod. "Welcome to fatherhood, Jay."
Hailey, her eyes shining with tears, leaned in and kissed Jay on the cheek. "I'm so proud of you," she whispered.
Jay looked around at his team, feeling a deep sense of gratitude and love. "Thanks, everyone. I couldn't have done it without your support."
As Emma giggled in his arms, the unit gathered around, their hearts full of joy for the new family that had just been formed.
Emma lay on a soft blanket on the floor, her tiny hands waving in the air. Jay watched her for a moment, a tender smile on his face. He crouched down beside her, his heart swelling with affection.
"What are you doing, little one?" he asked softly, his voice filled with warmth.
Emma cooed in response, her big eyes locking onto Jay's face. She kicked her legs excitedly, making small, happy noises.
The rest of the unit gathered around, their expressions softening at the sight of the baby. Ruzek leaned against the wall, grinning. "She's adorable, Jay."
Burgess nodded, her eyes shining with affection. "She's going to bring so much joy into your life."
Atwater crouched down beside Jay, his voice gentle. "Look at those little feet go."
Voight, standing nearby, allowed himself a rare smile. "She's in good hands with you, Jay."
Hailey, standing beside Jay, couldn't help but smile at Emma's antics. "She's already brightening up the room."
Jay looked around at his team, feeling a deep sense of gratitude. "Yeah, she is. And we're going to make sure she keeps smiling."
Emma continued to coo and kick, her tiny hands reaching out towards Jay. He gently took one of her hands in his, feeling a profound sense of love and responsibility. Everything was going to be just fine.
It was bedtime, and the unit had gathered at Hailey and Jay's apartment for a cozy movie night. The lights were dimmed, and the soft glow of the TV cast a warm light across the room. Everyone was settled comfortably, enjoying the film and each other's company.
Jay sat on the couch, cradling Emma in his arms. The little baby was gurgling happily, her tiny hands occasionally reaching out as if to grasp the air. Her eyes fluttered as she fought to stay awake, but the soothing rhythm of Jay's heartbeat and the gentle hum of the movie were lulling her to sleep.
Hailey sat close to Jay, her hand resting on his arm. She glanced down at Emma, a tender smile on her face. "She's so peaceful," she whispered.
Ruzek, sitting in an armchair, nodded. "She's got the best seat in the house," he said with a grin.
Burgess, curled up with a blanket, added, "It's so sweet seeing her so content."
Atwater, sprawled out on the floor with a pillow, chuckled softly. "She's definitely a daddy's girl."
Voight, leaning against the wall, watched the scene with a rare, soft expression. "She's in good hands," he said quietly.
As the movie played on, Emma's gurgles grew softer, and her eyes finally closed. She nestled deeper into Jay's arms, her tiny body relaxing completely. Jay looked down at her, his heart swelling with love and protectiveness.
"Sleep tight, little one," he whispered, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead.
The unit continued to watch the movie, their hearts warmed by the sight of Jay and Emma. It was a perfect end to the day, filled with love, support, and the promise of a bright future for their new family.
Just as the movie reached a quiet, tender moment, Emma suddenly burst into tears, her wails filling the room. Jay and Hailey both groaned softly, but their expressions were more amused than frustrated.
Jay gently rocked Emma, trying to soothe her. "What's wrong, little one?" he asked, his voice calm and gentle.
Hailey leaned in, rubbing Emma's back. "Shh, it's okay, sweetie. We're right here."
The rest of the unit looked on with sympathetic smiles. Ruzek chuckled softly. "Looks like someone's not a fan of the movie."
Burgess nodded, her eyes twinkling. "Or maybe she's just ready for bed."
Atwater grinned. "Parenthood, right? Full of surprises."
Voight, still leaning against the wall, gave a small nod. "You're doing great, both of you."
Jay and Hailey exchanged a glance, their love for Emma and each other evident. "We'll get through this," Jay said with a smile, gently bouncing Emma in his arms.
Hailey nodded, her eyes soft with affection. "Together."
Slowly, Emma's cries began to subside as Jay and Hailey continued to comfort her.
