Jay sat stiffly in the courthouse hallway, his leg bouncing in restless anticipation. The trial had gone as smoothly as it could, but now, as the jury deliberated, his mind wasn't on the case. It was on Alex. On the mess at home. On what the hell he was supposed to do next.
He glanced at his watch and ran a tired hand down his face.
Just then, Dr. Charles sat down on the bench beside him, sipping a cup of coffee in hand. Dr. Charles had been called to testify on the suspect as well. He acknowledged Jay with a nod. "Detective Halstead."
"Hey, Doc." Jay tried his best at a warm smile, even though he was feeling anything but warm.
Dr. Charles took a moment, observing the man out of the side of his eye. "You look worn out. This case taking a toll on you?"
Jay let out a chuckle. "It's the last thing on my mind. The guy's clearly guilty, so this should be open and shut in the next hour, don't you think?"
Trying to stay impartial, even though he agreed the guy was guilty, Dr. Charles replied, "Let's hope the justice system plays itself out quickly and fairly."
Jay nodded, staring ahead as he crossed his arms over his chest. He'd spoken with Dr. Charles on many occasions, and knew he was a trustworthy guy. The fact that he was a psychiatrist was an added bonus. Hell, maybe he'd get some advice instead of just sitting here filled with deep anxiety.
Jay exhaled deeply and replied quietly, "It's about Alex."
Dr. Charles nodded, "Your sister." Will had shared bits and pieces of everything with him, mainly because he'd asked Will after seeing a yelling match between the three siblings one night in the E.D. "Will's told me it's a hard situation for you guys…especially for you."
Jay blinked away the hint of tears forming in his eyes - hearing how he felt being validated hit him harder than he'd expected. With a deep breath, he replied, "I don't know what to do anymore. I found her buying…illicit items…on a street corner, right in the middle of an op. I thought I was doing the right thing by taking her in, by trying to give her a better life. But I'm not getting through to her. She's very guarded."
Dr. Charles listened patiently, letting Jay unload. "You've taken on a heavy responsibility, Jay. The trauma Alex has experienced before coming to you, coupled with her teenage years, is bound to create some challenges."
Jay looked away, guilt evident on his face. "I've tried talking, grounding, giving space. I'm out of ideas. I just...I just don't want her to end up in a situation she can't come back from."
Dr. Charles sipped his coffee thoughtfully. "From what you've told me, you're trying to control the situation, to protect Alex. That's natural, given your roles both as a detective and her brother. But she's pushing back against that control, likely feeling trapped, especially after the freedoms she experienced, however chaotic they might have been."
Jay took a moment to let his words sink it. They cut him deeply - and all the times Alex had called him a control freak came bubbling to the surface. Dr. Charles sat in silence with Jay, knowing how important it was to give people space and time to reflect. He was in no rush today.
Finally, after a minute or two, Jay met his gaze. "So, how am I supposed to protect her then?"
Dr. Charles said carefully, "The line between protection and control can get blurry, especially when you're playing a dual role in her life. Sometimes, what feels like protection to you feels like a cage to her."
Jay leaned forward again, elbows on his knees as guilt washed over him at the mention of a "cage." He didn't answer, but his silence spoke volumes.
Dr. Charles softened his tone. "Jay, I'm not saying to stop caring. She needs you to care. But maybe it's not about fixing her, or steering her in the right direction. Maybe it's about meeting her where she is."
Jay let out a slow, tense breath. "So, what, I just let her do whatever she wants? Watch her throw her life out the window with bad decisions?"
Dr. Charles shook his head calmly. "No. But instead of focusing on correcting her behavior, focus on connecting with her. She's already bracing for you to come down on her - that's what she's been programmed to assume is coming next. Surprise her. Be there without judgment. Without force."
Jay stared ahead, the words turning over in his mind.
Connection over correction.
It sounded too simple. Too soft. But hadn't everything else failed?
Dr. Charles stood slowly, giving Jay a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "You're not going to solve this overnight. But she's still there, Jay. Under all that anger. You just have to find a way to reach her. And this way might be worth a shot."
Jay's throat tightened, but he gave a small nod. "Thanks, Dr. Charles."
Jay sat there a little longer, letting the words settle.
Connection over correction.
Shortly after his conversation with Dr. Charles, the jury had reached a guilty verdict, and Jay could officially put this case behind him. All his team's hard work had paid off to send another criminal behind bars - this time for 15 years.
Rising to his feet, Jay headed toward Judge Thompson's office at the other end of the building. The corridors grew quieter the closer he got, the noise of the courthouse fading behind the heavy doors of the judge's private chambers. He paused outside, adjusting his tie, steeling himself. He had no idea how this conversation would go, only that he had to try.
Connection over Correction echoed in his mind - and that was exactly what he was going to focus on. This was his first step.
After a deep breath, Jay knocked.
"Come in," a voice called from inside.
Pushing the door open, Jay stepped into the office. It smelled faintly of leather and coffee, the warm tones of the bookshelves and desk contrasting with the cold, impersonal feel of the courtroom. Judge Thompson sat behind his desk, glasses perched on the edge of his nose as he scribbled notes on a yellow legal pad.
"Detective Halstead," Thompson said, setting his pen down. "I was expecting you. Hank told me you'd stop by."
"Thank you for seeing me, Judge," Jay replied, taking the seat Thompson gestured toward.
Thompson leaned back in his chair, studying Jay with the sharp gaze of someone who'd spent decades assessing character. "Hank tells me you're trying to help your sister. He didn't go into details, but he said it was important that we met."
"It is," Jay said. He hesitated, choosing his words carefully. "Alex - my sister - has been through…a lot. Our mother passed away a few years ago, and since then, her life's been hell. Our father—" He stopped, swallowing the anger that surged at the mention of the man. "He abused her, Judge. For years." A wave of guilt washed over him, clearly visible in his eyes.
Thompson's expression softened but remained unreadable. "Go on."
"She's staying with me now. I got her out of there. But I'm nervous my father could show up one day and try to take her back. I can't - I won't let that happen. Alex is safe with me, and I need her to know that I'm not going anywhere."
"Understandable," Thompson said. "But I assume you know the process of transferring guardianship to a sibling. The court would typically require a hearing, and Alex would likely need to testify about the abuse to prove to the judge that a change in guardianship is in the child's best interest."
Jay's jaw tightened. "That's why I'm here. She's been through enough. I don't want her to relive it all in a courtroom just to convince a judge of what I already know."
Thompson leaned forward, folding his hands on the desk. "And you're hoping I'll bypass that step?"
"I am," Jay admitted. "I know it's asking a lot, but Voight said you might be willing to help."
The judge sat silently, tapping his fingers against the desk. "Hank rarely calls in a favor, which tells me this is important. And if what you're saying is true, the girl's safety is paramount." He leaned back again, considering. "I'll help you, Detective. But I'll need paperwork - proof you can provide a stable home, a background check, all the usual requirements. Once that's done, I'll sign off on the custody agreement without requiring a hearing."
Relief washed over Jay - true relief for the first time in weeks. Finally, a win. "Thank you, Judge. I'll get you everything you need."
Thompson nodded, pulling a piece of paper from a drawer and sliding it across the desk. "Here's a list. Get it to my office by the end of the week, and we'll move forward."
Jay stood, shaking the judge's hand firmly. "I can't thank you enough."
"Just take care of that girl," Thompson said, his voice heavy with meaning.
Jay's eyes were filled with determination. "Yes, sir. I will."
The apartment had been suffocatingly quiet all day.
Alex sat on the edge of the couch, her arms crossed tightly over her chest, her leg bouncing with restless energy. The clock on the wall ticked steadily, each second louder than the last.
Jay was gone. Court or whatever. He'd made that clear before slapping that half-disabled phone into her hand and leaving like everything was fine.
She should leave.
She wanted to leave.
Her eyes stayed locked on the front door.
But her body didn't move.
The weight of everything - the fighting, Jay's constant hovering, the suffocating pressure in her own head - pressed on her chest like a cinder block. The fight to get up, to storm out and disappear for a few hours, felt like dragging herself through wet cement.
What was even the point?
It wasn't like she had anywhere to go. She'd be a disappointment to her friends once they found out she was showing up empty handed. She wasn't ready to face them.
Alex let out a sharp breath through her nose, rubbing her face with both hands. Her skin felt clammy, her head heavy.
Fuck it.
She pushed off the couch and walked into the kitchen, yanking open the cabinet above the fridge. Jay wasn't exactly stocked up like a bar, but tucked in the back was a bottle of Jameson - three-quarters full.
Perfect.
Alex grabbed it, the glass cool against her palm. No need for a glass. No need for anything. She twisted off the cap, brought the bottle to her lips, and took a long, burning pull.
The whiskey hit hard, searing its way down her throat and pooling hot in her stomach. She coughed slightly but didn't stop.
Her face tightened as the taste lingered, but it was welcome.
It was something.
Still gripping the bottle, she shuffled back to her room, nudging the door shut with her foot.
Jay wanted her to stay put. Fine. She'd stay.
But she'd do it her way.
She climbed onto the bed, pulling her knees up to her chest, and took another long drink.
It was five o'clock somewhere.
Did anyone guess correctly what Jay was up to with the judge? :) We're nearing the grand finale soon and I can't wait to hear your reactions! Please let me know what you thought of this chapter and what you think is up next!