CHAPTER 1. "I'm here"

It was just a matter of time, when everybody in the unit calmed their asses down and got back to work. No doubts. Shit happens all the time, you just need to get used to it somehow and keep doing your job at your best. However, the main question was still hovering in the air. Was there any work left for the intelligence or they better packing their stuff now, while waiting for the distribution from upstairs?

None of them have seen Voight for a couple of days after the majority of the unit stayed at the suspect's house empty-handed, never had a chance to know, what actually happened that night. They got silent; however, each of them had a lot of questions and a fair desire to get some answers.

Dawson walked out of the waiting room right after the commander with his hands on the belt, glancing at Olinsky, who was doing some paperwork at Platt's desk. Antonio nodded to him shortly and went up the stairs right to the intelligence room without saying a word.

"Detective Halstead," said Platt in her branded strict manner, while Jay was walking through the department doors. "I need you autograph," Halstead came to Platt's desk immediately without a hesitation, though he seemed a little bit blurry and absent, more than ever before. He automatically signed where it was required, not even looking at papers, and hastily withdrew upstairs.

"Hard times, huh?" Trudy tried to thin out the atmosphere in her own sarcastic way, despite the fact she was as anxious as the others, who were close to Voight, both personally and professionally.

Alvin looked at her with unconsciously raised eyebrows and sighed softly.

"Alvin," she bent towards Olinsky and continued with a quieter voice. "You know that I will always be on your side, no matter how far you guys went in the race for justice as long as it helps to save this goddamn city. But if you have something important to tell, you know, do not be shy. Spread it out. Otherwise, it can be too late," she finished with a strong hint, putting glasses back on her nose and turned back to the computer.

Alvin didn't want to hear it twice and Platt wasn't going to preach him, so they finished before a conversation even started and understood each other mutually.

Ruzek walked down the hall, lowering his head, concentrated on his own thoughts. He was concerned about everything that happened a few days ago. Although Adam has been always considering himself as a hotheaded and reckless cop, and trying his best to operate on a high-level in this department to prove his trustworthiness and professionalism, he still hasn't got used to Voight's style of solving problems.

Not to mention that both sergeant and Lindsay were ready to rip him on British flag after he stepped out with an obvious fact about Justin's recent not so legal deeds.

Straightness and tactlessness — have never ended well for Ruzek. Nevertheless, he was not going to change, not in this life, at least, not on this job, and if Voight planned to kick him out of the team, it was his right, which Adam was ready to face with a dignity.

With this strong will to meet his destiny, he looked up at Olinsky, when the old man hollered him, but immediately tried to act casually.

"Adam, come here," started Alvin in his fatherly tone. "Are you all right?"

Adam nodded actively and shrugged his shoulders.

"Morning, Sarge," Ruzek welcomed Platt on a habit, but she gave him nothing, but a silent nod. "So, he caught the guy, right?" he continued, addressing to Olinsky, who was not ready to talk about anything related to the case.

"Come on, clock's ticking," he concluded and patted Ruzek on the back, as he was walking away towards the stairs.

"Okay, guys. That's been hell of a ride, but I have something for you to recover," the first thing Antonio said, when he was exiting Voight's office with a folder in his hand. Atwater, Halstead and Ruzek glanced at each other with a bit of confusion, but preferred to keep it shut and let Antonio go on.

"Seems like we have another pyro fanatic here. Tried to burn down the mall in Loop, then two buildings in business center. Both objects belong to Ronald Tempter, major businessman in the Midwest..."

Lindsay entered the room quietly and went straight to her desk, then sat down on a chair and just stayed their silent for the rest of Antonio's speech and giving orders to the team.

"Heard something new?" he asked finally, when everyone else left their seats.

Erin shook her head barely noticeable and pursed her lips, crossing hands on the chest.

"I just can't... Cope with it," her voice started shaking and becoming quieter, she almost whispered.

"We all know him, but..."

"I saw what I saw, Antonio!" Erin can't help but yelled to his face, blinking faster and trying not to tear up again.

"Then where the hell is he now? Escaping to Mexico?" Antonio yelled back with irritation not expecting her to answer that. They looked at each other intensely until Halstead came and put his palm on Erin's shoulder to comfort her.

"Whether you like it or not, but show must go on. Don't you mind?" Dawson grabbed the coat and went down quickstep to join the rest of the team.

Halstead sat down in front of Erin and squeezed her cold hands in his, trying to look her right in the eye.

"He knows what he's doing. You have to believe in righteous things."

"I don't think I have something to believe in anymore."

Erin's face skewed in a grimace of pain, which she was trying to hold back all this time, but suddenly ran out of strength to pull herself together. A lonely teardrop ran down her face, but he squeezed Jay's hand even harder, giving him a thankful gesture in return of all shown support.

"I'm here," he whispered with a pause and they froze just like that for a while.