Voight pulled up to where Erin had parked her car. When she had gone to Molly's, she had told him that the parking spots outside the bar were full, so she had to park far away.
"Should we go to Molly's?" Jay asked, getting out of the truck.
The freckled detective was furious and determined to catch the man who had hurt his partner and best friend.
He wouldn't let him get away with it. His thoughts turned to Voight, knowing how the older man would react once they found the suspect. And this time, Jay wouldn't stop him, even if he knew it was wrong.
"Maybe they saw someone following Erin out," Jay explained.
"No, she was just leaving when Kim and I got there," Atwater said.
"But that doesn't mean no one was watching her. Maybe they waited for you two to leave before they acted." Jay explained. Voight considered the possibility.
"Jay could be right. You and Atwater talk to Chris and Gabby. See if they noticed anything suspicious," Voight instructed.
Jay nodded and headed to Molly's across the street with Atwater. Voight turned to the others. "Let's check the footage from every building in the area."
Ruzek agreed. "That alley near Erin's car might be where the guy took her. It's the closest to where she parked."
Voight nodded. "Good. Check it for clues and call out if you find anything. Antonio and Al, come with me to the pawn shop across the street. It might give us a better angle."
Antonio and Al followed Voight to the pawn shop.
[ Inside Of Molly's ]
Jay and Atwater arrived at Molly's. "You're here early," Cruz greeted them. "We're not here for drinks," Jay clarified.
"Why else would you be here?" Hermann inquired, approaching with Gabby. Jay turned to him. "We came to ask about Erin."
"Erin? What about her?" Gabby asked in confusion.
Jay paused, his expression grim. "She was attacked last night, after leaving here."
Hermann, Gabby, and Cruz were stunned. "Are you certain?" Hermann questioned, reluctant to accept the news.
Hermann frowned. "She left right when Kevin and Kim entered. I spoke to her just before she departed."
Jay nodded. "Did you see anyone suspicious, someone checking Erin out or acting unusual?" he asked.
Gabby shook her head. "No, everyone seemed relaxed," she replied.
"He could have been waiting for her outside," Cruz suggested.
Jay and Atwater exchanged glances. "That's possible. Can we check the surveillance footage?" Jay asked, turning to Herrmann.
"Of course, anything to help you catch that bastard," Herrmann replied.
"What bastard?" Jay and Atwater turned to see Kelly and Casey standing there. "Hey, Kelly, hey Casey," Atwater greeted them.
Gabby and Herrmann looked at each other. They both knew Kelly had a thing with Erin and that she was his best friend. How could they tell him that Erin had been attacked? They knew Kelly would be determined to find the person responsible.
"Erin was attacked last night after leaving Molly's," Cruz blurted out impulsively.
Gabby interjected, "Cruz!" She believed it unwise to inform Kelly.
Kelly turned to Jay and Atwater. "Cruz is joking, right?" he asked, reluctant to accept the possibility of harm against Erin.
"He's not joking, Severide," Jay affirmed. "It would be wrong to withhold this information."
Kelly's anger flared. "Then go check those cameras now! When you catch the bastard, I'll help deal with him!"
Jay hesitated, torn between ordering Kelly to back off and recognizing the urgency of the situation.
"Is Erin okay?" Gabby asked, concerned about her friend's well-being. "She says she's fine, but Voight believes otherwise." Jay replied.
Gabby nodded, understanding Erin's stubbornness. "Would you want me to check on her? She might be concealing serious injuries."
Jay considered the suggestion and agreed. "Voight would appreciate it," he said.
"I'll accompany you," Kelly offered, eager to see Erin's condition. "She can't hide anything from me."
"Go ahead, and keep us updated," Casey directed. "Hermann and I will assist Halstead and Atwater."
[ At The District]
Erin, sitting at her desk, completed her paperwork. She glanced up to see Kim in Jay's seat, reading a book. "You don't need to watch me so closely," Erin said, resenting the surveillance.
"Apologies, Erin. Voight's orders," replied Kim, checking the time. "We should get lunch."
Erin sighed, acknowledging the inevitability of Kim's presence. "Fine. If you won't leave, let's go out and eat."
"Excellent," said Kim, pushing her chair in. "We rarely have a girls' day out. It'll be enjoyable." Erin smiled and nodded in agreement. "You have a point."
Erin abruptly stood, gripping her desk as her vision blurred. "Erin?" Kim inquired, rushing to her side.
The brunette shut her eyes until the dizziness subsided. "I'm fine," Erin replied, taking a breath. "I just rose too quickly." She lied, knowing it stemmed from her head injury.
Kim eyed Erin skeptically, but the older woman's gaze deterred her from further questioning. "Let me know if you worsen, and I'll escort you home," Kim offered as she watched Erin don her jacket and ascend the stairs.
The younger woman followed Erin. "We're heading out, Platt," Kim informed the desk sergeant, ensuring Voight would be aware of their whereabouts upon his return.
Platt glanced up from her computer. "Alright," she said, then looked at Erin and Kim. "Be cautious."
Erin nodded and exited the building.
"Burgess, keep an eye on her," Platt instructed. "Don't let her out of your sight. I'm aware she'll likely try to escape." Kim nodded.
"Don't worry, Sergeant. I'll ensure her safety. I understand she's capable, but her injuries may impair her ability to defend herself." Kim nodded, and Platt acknowledged.
Exiting the station, Kim noticed Erin in her car. "Hey, I can drive," she offered.
"I'm fine," Erin replied.
Erin's hand went to her head, massaging it as a sharp pain surged through. The same pain radiated throughout her body. Shaking it off, she turned to Kim, who appeared concerned.
"Are you sure?" Kim asked, concerned that Erin was in too much pain to drive. "Yes, I'm sure," Erin replied as she closed the driver's door and motioned for Kim to sit in the passenger seat.
Kim fastened her seatbelt, puzzled by Erin's calm demeanor. She decided not to question it, knowing that Erin would withdraw if pressed, as she had when Nadia was killed.
"Where would you like to go?" Erin asked as they pulled out of the parking lot. "Anywhere is fine. Why don't you take us to your favorite spot?" Kim suggested with a smile.
Erin nodded and drove to a cozy restaurant. As she watched the road, she couldn't shake the lingering threat that had been whispered to her: "Tell anyone and I'll come back and finish." She reminded herself that she hadn't revealed the man's identity since she didn't even know it herself.
Kim peered out the window, unable to resist texting Voight about the unfolding events. Determined to keep him informed, she struggled to suppress the urge to pester Erin about seeking medical attention at Med.
Despite their newfound closeness, Kim's primary concern stemmed from Erin's unwavering support in the past. From the shattered engagement with Ruzek to the warm welcome into Intelligence, Erin had always been there for her.