Ashley strolled beside Antonio, their hands intertwined, wearing a smile on her face. "Do you have any updates on new cases?" she inquired, casting a glance at her boyfriend.
Antonio gently squeezed her hand and replied, "Not yet, but I'm confident we'll come across one soon. Moreover, there's no need to rush."
Nonchalantly, the brunette shrugged and remarked, "Indeed." As they continued walking together, observing a group of children running past, she inquired, "How are Eva and Diego?" Ashley was aware that it had been a while since Antonio had last seen his two children from a previous relationship.
"They're doing well. I'll be able to see them in a week," Antonio replied with a smile. "That's great. I'm looking forward to seeing them," she responded, her smile widening.
They proceeded to walk in silence for a period of time, both displaying smiles on their faces, when Antonio's phone suddenly began to ring. Antonio, who was in high demand, promptly answered the call and stated, 'Dawson here.' Meanwhile, Voight's voice could be heard on the other end of the line, leading the couple to halt their progress. While Antonio conversed with Voight, Ashley glanced around inquisitively.
"'We have a case, so I require everyone to return to Headquarters,' Voight conveyed on the phone. Antonio acknowledged the message with a brief expression of annoyance, replying, 'Alright, we will arrive within a few minutes.' He then concluded the call and returned the phone to his pocket.
With his hand still held by Ashley, Antonio explained the situation, 'We have a new case, and consequently, it is necessary for us to return to Headquarters.' In a response to this news, Ashley agreed, 'Alright, let's make our way back.'
"I wonder what the nature of the case is," Ashley inquired as she followed Antonio to the bullpen. She approached her desk and took a seat, glancing at Voight who stood before everyone.
Antonio joined her at his desk and expressed his uncertainty, "I do not have any knowledge about it, but judging from Voight's demeanor, it cannot be good."
The deputy chief contemplated the potential nature of the case, speculating that Voight might disclose to everyone that Ace and Jack had escaped from prison months ago, information that only Voight and the deputy chief were privy to. These details had not been shared with Soifon or Erin yet, leading the deputy chief to believe that Voight wanted to inform them first.
Ashley leaned back in her chair attentively while Voight commenced his explanation of the case. She diverted her gaze towards Soifon and Erin, who were both seated at their desks, fixated on Voight's words.
"The upcoming case involves an elusive serial killer who remains at large," began Voight as he unveiled a photograph of a man on the whiteboard. "Over the past year, he has claimed the lives of five victims, and within this month, two more have fallen victim to his heinous acts." Voight proceeded to display seven additional pictures.
"These images portray the unfortunate seven victims: three women, one boy, two men, and a young girl, all mercilessly shot by this perpetrator," Voight informed the team.
Inquiring about the killer's identity, Soifon leaned forward in her chair, eager for a closer examination of the pictures. "Do we possess any information regarding the murderer's identity?" she queried. "Currently, we do not possess his name, but I am aware of his place of employment. Consequently, both you and Erin will be sent there shortly to gather pertinent details," Voight replied as he jotted down the names of the victims.
"The names of the victims are as follows: Millie Jackson, Gary Jackson, their young son Max Jackson, Peyton Hall, and her brother and sister Henry Hall and Debby Hall," Voight stated as he turned towards the other team members.
"I would appreciate it if Soifon and Erin could verify the suspects' workplace. Antonio and Ashley, I would like you to investigate The Hall siblings' family and friends to gather information on potential threats against them. Jay and Atwater, please reach out to the Jackson family for further investigation," he directed.
Upon hearing Voight's instructions, Ashley began to jot down the names of the victims and proceeded to search for their addresses. Voight then made his way to his office, leaving the team to begin their assigned tasks.
Soifon's P.O.V*
In response to Voight's completion of their task description, Soifon promptly rose from her desk. Glancing towards Erin, she sought confirmation of her readiness to proceed, recognizing the expediency in initiating their endeavor. Confounded by the depths of human cruelty, Soifon questioned the rationale behind such malevolence.
While Soifon busied herself with organizing her belongings, Erin approached her and queried, 'Are you prepared to depart?' Gently draping her jacket over her shoulders, the brunette duo had recently concluded Erin's appointment when they were summoned by Voight's call.
Equipping her jacket, Soifon replied, 'Indeed,' and removed a picture from the board, intending to employ it as a means of identification for the manager or any individuals familiar with the subject.
As they exited the headquarters, Soifon trailed behind Erin and pondered aloud, 'I wonder who could be responsible for these numerous fatalities.' Erin, already seated in the driver's position, securely fastened her seatbelt and responded, 'I cannot ascertain. Perhaps, an individual of sinister disposition who derives pleasure from senseless slayings.'
Soifon acknowledged her agreement by nodding and proceeded to enter the passenger seat, fastening her seatbelt as Erin skillfully maneuvered out of the parking lot at the headquarter. 'Let us hope that we can uncover a lead,' Soifon softly whispered, her eyes fixated on the photograph of the suspect, unfamiliar thoughts intrigued her mind, predominantly that this individual gave her an unsettling feeling.
Erin directed the vehicle towards the suspect's workplace, a facility constructed entirely out of metal. Once the car was parked, and the engine was silenced, Erin tightly clasped Soifon's hand before guiding her towards the building's entrance.
Soifon dutifully followed Erin, eventually arriving at a modest office located up front. Inside, a young woman diligently operated a computer. 'Pardon me,' gently murmured the raven-haired woman, catching the worker's attention. 'Greetings, may we be of assistance?' inquired the woman.
Pushing the image of the suspect closer to the worker, Soifon initiated her inquiry. 'Are you acquainted with this individual? We represent the Chicago Police, and he is wanted for questioning.' Soifon observed closely as the woman lifted the photograph. 'His name is Xavier Mark. Might I inquire as to why you seek him?' questioned the woman earnestly.
"We regret to inform you that we are unable to share any information with you. We apologize for the inconvenience. However, may we inquire if he has been present at this location or if you happen to be acquainted with his whereabouts?" Soifon asked politely, exchanging a glance with Erin, who responded with an irritated expression. The dark-haired woman shared her partner's frustration, unable to comprehend why this individual was intentionally taunting them.
"If you genuinely wish to know, he resigned last week, and I have no further knowledge on the matter," the woman replied, returning the photograph to Soifon. "Do you happen to know his place of residence?" Soifon inquired, slipping the picture into her pocket.
Soifon and Erin regarded the woman with the same irritated expression, causing the woman to avert her gaze. "Unfortunately, I do not possess that information, and even if I did, I highly doubt I would be able to divulge it to you," the blonde stated, turning away from the detectives. "Are you two still present?" she queried.
Soifon tapped Erin's shoulder and proceeded to exit the office. "It seems our business here is concluded," Erin whispered, to which Soifon nodded in agreement. "It appears that this individual will not provide us with any further assistance."
"Nevertheless, we have acquired a name, which is still a valuable piece of information," Soifon commented as she entered the passenger seat, while Erin assumed the role of the driver.