Tolerance Book III

Chapter Seventy-One: Exit

Bank

Having passed on his message to Conor Jay determined it was time to get Billings away.   He rose slowly to his feet as soon as the Surgeon was seated back beside his brother and strolled over to the ever watchful Killer.   Silently without moving his head he eyed the clock then held up two fingers.  He was careful his actions could not be observed by the Hostages, in particular Will and Conor.  Billings nodded slightly.  Keeping things casual would give the Detective the best chance of pre-empting a rash move by the impulsive redhead.  It struck him randomly that Will and Adam could be brothers as they shared the same rash tendencies and were often quick to react before caution prevailed.  He'd have to tell them that when this was all over!  Pushing such abstract thoughts aside he dwelt on his exit with the Killer.  That the man seemed to be going along with the early departure provided a glimmer of hope that all would be well with the Hostages.  There was one item which could dispel that hope however, the cell phone being used as a detonator for the bomb.  A casual glance found the cell on the desk beside Billings.  Moving closer Jay stumbled and caught the table for balance, knocking the cell onto the floor where in one suave move he kicked it under the desk.

"I need you lot to remain where you are while I check the perimeters," the Killer addressed his Captives firmly then menacingly continued, "and in case  anyone gets any ideas Detective Halstead will accompany me.  If anyone tries to get up and leave he will pay the ultimate price."
"Think they got the message," Jay noted drily when silence greeted the warning.
"Come on.  This shouldn't take long," Billings directed waving his weapon in the direction of the corridor leading to the back entrance.

As the green eyed man turned to obey the command he glanced briefly at Will hoping to convey so many things without a single word. 

The older Halstead caught the look somewhat confused before their Captor and Jay disappeared from sight.  For a few moments silence reigned then murmured conversations struck up.   Will turned to Conor with a frown which only increased when the Surgeon began to whisper.

"This is where you need to stay calm and don't ...,"
"What do you mean?"
"We have a situation to deal with ....,"
"Really?" Wills' sarcasm was obvious, the 'duh' was implied in his tone.
"It's another situation," Conor explained quietly, making sure his voice did not carry to the other Hostages, "there's a bomb and we need to get everyone out in five minutes."
"A bomb? What are you talking about?"
"I don't have time to explain," the black haired man eyed the corridor his friend had disappeared down, "Jay said to give him five minutes then we need get everyone out ....,"
"But they're just checking no one's trying to get in," Will corrected.
"No Will.  Jay is getting the guy away from here.  It's the only way to save the Hostages," Conor placed a restraining hand on his companions' arm as he tried to rise, "five minutes Will. If something goes wrong and we move too soon Jay could be shot."

The redhead battled his initial impulse to get up and run after his brother but the firm grip on his arm provided an anchor back to rational thought.  If Jay said his life would be in danger he had to believe him.  Sighing heavily he looked glumly at the wall clock as the seconds ticked away as if in slow motion.  Each second represented the expanding distance between him and his brother.  It hurt to the core.  He had felt desperation before for Jay but nothing on this scale.  Although he had witnessed the results of Jays' injuries over the years this was the first time he had actually been present when his sibling was facing danger.  No words could properly be attributed to the level of helplessness he felt knowing he essentially couldn't do anything to prevent whatever was going to happen to his sibling.

Command Post

Voight and Murphy had deployed personnel at the front and rear of the bank ready to make a failed attempt at capturing Billings.  As the seconds transcended into minutes however the pair exchanged worried looks.  Voight had been certain the young Detective intended to make a prompt getaway yet there was no sign of activity.  Adam shifted his feet uncomfortably.