Harpers Bay
Jays' priority upon reaching the Tuckers' residence had been to contact Voight but after introductions to most of the family, Jacks' twin two year old sons, Junior and Sam, were napping on their arrival, he had asked permission to use a phone. Unfortunately the simple request could not be accommodated as it transpired the hotel, presently closed until the busy summer season, plied its' business as being off grid. That information had been digested by the former Ranger with a healthy dose of internal scepticism. The young man was no fool and although the Tuckers seemed to be genuine he was not about to take anything at face value. The fact there were two toddlers lended itself to the family being unconnected to King but if he'd learnt anything it was that the man was unpredictable. As a phone call was out of the question Jay had requested a ride back to the small town which held the Clinic but was informed with night approaching it would be safer to wait till the morning to traverse the rough terrain. Although he was tempted to make the journey anyway he opted to settle in and make himself familiar with his surroundings acknowledging to himself his body needed a good nights' rest so he could function fully. Billy had shown him to a small guest Lodge adjacent to the main building after Angie had plucked a key from behind the counter and tossed it to him with clear instructions to make the newcomer feel at home. Billy had opened the door and ushered Jay into his temporary abode before proceeding to give him a cursory breakdown of the facilities on hand not only in the lodge but on the site, which encompassed a camping ground, in general. It soon became clear the family was running a thriving business. They tended to sell out during the summer and winter months with the autumn and spring being used to deal with maintenance and upgrades where necessary. Finally the younger Tucker sibling had decoded his audience of one was looking a bit ragged around the edges so he had promptly curtailed his usual expansive patter for Tourists and taken his leave with a reminder dinner would be served at seven that evening. Jays' protests that there was no need to cater for him fell on deaf ears and in the end he had promised to attend. On the trip from the Clinic Jay had explained that as soon as he could he would reimburse the brothers for their aid. His assurances had been brushed aside however with Jack firmly stating they were merely helping someone in need and down the line he could pay it forward.
After the thick wooden door closed rendeting him alone the weary man had wasted little time going to the specious pale green bedroom with it's light oak furniture and attempted to sleep for a couple of hours. Alrhough his instincts were telling him he could trust the family he wasn't willing to take any chances and therefore had locked the main door amd the bedroom door. After removing his boots the Detective stretched out on the bed wondering how his friends were doing and feeling guilty about his nice environs.
Mollys Bar
Hutton had asked his penetrating question and watched his two companions contemplate their response.
"Halstead is one of the most honourable amd reliable men I've ever known," Voight eventually responded, "but I don't know what else besides his Sniper expertise King could hope to exploit."
"So what's so special about your boy that King zeroed in on him?"
"If we knew that we'd have ended this a long time ago," Al bluntly noted, that question had taunted them since the onset.
"There has to be something."
"We haven't been able to find any connector. Initially we considered the possibility that they had served at the same time but it transpired King never actually served," Voight explained.
"He does know some military tactics ....," Al added only to be interrupted.
"Hell anyone can research on the internet now," Hutton pointed out, clearly unimpressed by the idea, "as the saying goes a little knowledge is a dangerous thing."
"Have you an idea what attracted King to the Kid?" Al looked across at the bearded man perceptibly, he was not prone to asking pointless questions so the experienced Detective sensed he had a reason for the query.
"I did some research of my own after I got your call .....,"
"What did you find?" Voight demanded, concern lacing his tone as he shot a worried glance towards Al.
"How much do you know about Halsteads' time in Afghanistan?"
"Just the basics. Most of his records are sealed."
"What did you find out?" Als' rare show of impatience revealed just how much the young Detective meant to him.
"Halsteads' marksmanship skills meant he was in high demand which ....,"
"Just get to the point," Voights' trademark bluntness reared its' head, he wanted information and he wanted it now!
"You going to listen to what I have to say or should I just leave?" Hutton fired back in ire.
"Boys we're all on the same side here," Al reminded his friends calmly, "so let's remember why we're here. For Halstead."
"You're right," the chastened Sergeant readily acknowledged then sent an apologetic look across the table, "I'm not known for being patient."
"Do tell!" Hutton scoffed but the heat had gone from his voice.
"You were saying," Al reminded wanting to get back on track.
"Halstead wasn't just good with a gun there was no one else in his league. That meant there was a lot of interest in him," Hutton paused eyeing his companions seriously before continuing, "what I'm telling you both now stays between us. Halstead has a right to his privacy and from what I've learnt about him he wouldn't appreciate gossip."
"We look like we subscribe to the National Enquirer?" Voights' tone had turned to steal, it rankled him that anyone would think they'd trivialise the young Detectives' experiences.
"Paul!" Als' quiet interjection held a note of warning, he understood his friend didn't know the Sergeant but he should trust him because the moustached man did.
"Look I just want to make sure I don't wind up with one angry Sniper after me when this is all over," Hutton shrugged and put his hands out in surrender, he was quite certain what he was about to impart was a closely held secret.
Harpers Bay
Jay, as promised, had joined the family for what turned out to be a bountiful meal Angie had prepared. With the round wooden table overflowing with a variety of different meats and various bowls of salad it soon became clear this group really enjoyed their food. For his part Jay had eaten a few pieces of chicken before opting for a thick bread roll. His lack of appetite had been a topic of conversation until Jack had whistled and reminded his family their Guest should be allowed to eat whatever he wanted in peace. Of course 'peace' turned out to be a relative concept as the identical twins had awoken from their nap in energetic mode and much to his surprise they had zeroed in on him like a long lost friend. The young man was bemused as he became a human climbing obstacle. Angie had shared a smile with her husband as the newcomer easily handled the rumbunctious toddlers with an easy confidence and infinite patience. The Detective quickly learnt although the boys were twins and looked alike physically there was a serious deficit in their actions. Without prompting Jack had explained that Sam had stopped breathing after he was born and the resulting brain damage left him with poor co-ordination and low levels of understanding. It struck Jay how much worse it must be for the parents to see the healthy Junior reflected in the brain damaged Sam. They could see every day in painful reality just what their son should be doing. Sometimes life was beyond cruel! The twins did share the same boundless energy toddlers the world over possessed so by the time the meal
had been finished the young man was a struggling to hide the effects of their enthusiastic climbing endeavours on his still healing leg. Stifling a wince as he settled each child on a thigh he noted Billy and Angie had made quick work of clearing the table. His offer to help had been roundly rebuffed on the basis he was a Guest. Jack had left the table after finishing his meal with a brief promise to return shortly. Jay was curious about his absence but the toddlers basically had him trapped in place so he couldn't go investigating. Despite the friendly family atmosphere Jays' guard was still up. Perhaps King was actually lurking in the wings and Jack was reporting to him. With an internal sigh he was brought out of his contemplation by his name being called.
"Jay? You alright?" a concerned Billy returned from depositing the last of the dirty dishes in the washing machine of the large kitchen.
"Yeah ... sorry," Jay quickly assured, "been a long day just tired is all."
"So you ready to tell us how come you washed up on that beach?" Jacks' voice asked from the utility room where he removed his boots before appearing.
"That's a long story," Jay shifted the smiling toddlers as he yawned, "and one I'd prefer not to go into tonight if that's alright?"
"Sure," the older Tucker sibling agreed without hesitation before adding firmly, "but tomorrow I'd like some answers."
"It's a deal."
Jay understood fully why Jack wanted details. If he was not tied with King He was after bringing complete stranger into his house and he naturally wanted to ensure his family was not in any peril as a result. The Detective had decided of the two brothers Jack was the more astute one. He knew whatever reason had landed Jay on the shoreline was not a simple case of misadventure. There was something serious going on and his priority was protecting his family. Jay admires that and resolved to make a decision that night on trusting the man for he knew evasiveness would not be so easily accommodated in the morning.
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Bucktown
In the end Hutton had followed Voight and Hank to the Units' temporary base. Once settled in the Sergeants' office the gruff man ordered the military man to give them whatever info he had been reluctant to share in the busy bar.
"What I've learnt is highly classified and ...," Hutton began.
"Just get on with it!"
"Boys," Al interceded, "we already did this remember? Just listen Hank and Paul?:
"Yeah?"
"Get on with it," Al winked to ease the tension.
"Okay, okay. It seems during his time in Afghanistan Halstead was involved in two high profile rescue missions."
"That normal work for a Sniper?" Voight directed his question to the ex-Sniper in the room.
"No," Al shook his head negatively, "but it makes sense."
"It was his marksmanship skills which ultimately aided in the rescue missions."
"But what's that got to do with King zeroing in on Halstead?"
"You told me that it's highly probable one of the main factors is King is jealous of Halstead, his abilities?"
"Yeah," Voight readily agreed, Parker had out that theory forth early on in the investigation and it still made sense.
"The rescue missions were a big deal."
"So?" Al asked nonplussed, "Who exactly was rescued?"
"Two Heads of State who were kidnapped at different times by the same group."
"Okaaay," Voight sighed, this didn't really change anything, "but irrespective of who was rescued how would King get classified intel and why would he be jealous?"
"No idea about access to the intel," Hutton shrugged, "but two Purple Hearts are definitely something worth envying."
"Halstead got a Purple Heart for each mission?" Al asked in surprise, he was aware of the circumstances such awards were given out.
"Yes. He was gravely injured on both occasions ...,"
"Hell!" Voight cursed, the Kid had more damn layers than an onion!
If Hutton was right and King was aware of this information it meant the urgency in locating their youngest Detective had increased tenfold!
tbc