The paramedics arrived quickly and took Halstead away. With her partner wounded, Erin left in the ambulance.
After helping the patrol officers finish clearing the scene, Ethan—bored and restless—used his position and told Hank he'd head to Chicago Med with the excuse of checking on the rescued kids.
Hank knew exactly what he was thinking and dismissed him with a gesture.
—Do whatever you want —he said.
Ethan had been crucial in solving the case; he could go home without worry. He called Antonio: the kids rescued from the basement had been taken to the hospital for medical exams.
Once most of them were confirmed healthy, the Department of Children and Family Services would step in.
Yes, that department. Despite the circumstances, there was no other option due to legal regulations. Of course, kids like Juliet's son, who were being forced, could still be taken because his mother was an addict.
The car sped up, and soon Ethan arrived at the hospital. The elevator doors opened, and he saw Antonio sitting outside a room, arms crossed.
—Hey! —Ethan walked over and bumped fists with him—
—I heard you found a stash? —Antonio asked, standing up and thumping his chest—.
—That's right —Ethan said, pulling out his phone and showing a few pictures—. Here's the seized cash.
—Hahaha —Antonio laughed— I bet Commander Perry is thrilled.
—Why don't you head back first, I'll stay with the kids. —Ethan patted him on the shoulder—
—Alright, see you later —Antonio said, stretching and waving goodbye.
He understood perfectly, but knowing Ethan, he'd definitely stick around to look after Danny.
When he opened the door, a faint scent of disinfectant filled the room. It was spotless and bright, sunlight pouring over the hospital bed where Danny slept soundly.
In the other bed, Juliet watched her son closely, as if afraid he'd disappear again the moment she looked away.
—He's safe now. We arrested Silencer and Snyder. —Ethan said, leaning against the doorway with a smile.
Juliet looked up, covering her mouth with her hand, moved to tears as they slid down her cheeks.
—If you start crying again, I'm leaving.
Ethan couldn't take it and pretended to walk away.
—No. —Juliet wiped her tears quickly, forcing a trembling smile—. Don't go, I'm okay… I just never thought this day would come.
Ethan closed the door and sat beside the hospital bed.
—How do you feel?
—Not too bad, the withdrawal symptoms haven't started yet, but I'll be fine. —Juliet answered with a smile.
But her fingers were gripping tightly, and she looked a little dazed.
Ethan glanced at Danny sleeping, then back at her.
—You need proper rest. I'll use my contacts to find you a good rehab center. For Danny's sake, you need to get clean.
Even if she'd been forced, she was undeniably addicted. If she didn't overcome it, Juliet would be ruined.
She understood and nodded emphatically.
—Of course. Ethan, I don't know how to repay you for everything you've done for us.
—Just focus on your recovery. —Ethan gently patted the back of her hand—. Stay here with Danny for a few days. I'll handle everything else. From now on, you'll need to rely on yourself.
After talking with her for about half an hour and calming her down, Ethan left the room. Juliet had no family or friends in Chicago, so he wanted to help as much as possible.
He checked the address on his phone and stepped into the elevator.
After going up two floors and following a couple of hallways, he reached the emergency room. There he found Antonio sitting on a chair, watching Erin with concern.
Erin still looked calm. One leg dangled off the bed, swinging lazily.
—Our heroine —Ethan exclaimed with a laugh as he walked in—. Sorry, I forgot to bring you flowers.
—Will you just shut up? Next time you can be the one wrestling the suspect who weighs over two hundred pounds.
Jay coughed lightly.
—Hey, what about me? I got shot, doesn't that count?
He wore a hospital gown open at the front, his torso bandaged, lying in the bed beside Erin's.
—You'll be fine, big guy —Ethan sat on the empty bed next to him—. How are you feeling?
—The vest stopped the bullet, but it cracked a couple of ribs —Jay said with a painful wince—. I'll be fine in a few days.
The only good news was that an injury like his usually got released quickly. Recovering at home would be enough and wouldn't slow the healing.
They chatted for a while, and when Jay grew sleepy, they got up and left.
Antonio and Erin had arrived by ambulance, so they returned to the precinct with Ethan.
Inside the large room, the morning lethargy had vanished. After solving a major case, everyone was energized, and knowing Jay was fine lifted spirits even more.
Busy until the end of the workday, Ethan pushed the files aside and tapped the desk with his fist.
—Guys, now that the case is closed, why don't we celebrate? Tonight, at Molly's. Drinks are on me. Anyone who wants to come, join in.
—That's what I'm talking about, partner! —Antonio exclaimed, applauding—. Hey, Ruzek, think you can hold your liquor this time… or are you gonna end up puking in the alley again like last time?
Ruzek, of course, wasn't backing down. He held Erin's teasing stare and raised both hands.
—Of course I can… you'll see.
—First round's on me. —Hank stepped out of his office with a smile, pulled out a hundred-dollar bill, and let it drop onto Erin's desk—. I'm heading to the hospital to pick up Halstead. He's been discharged, I'm taking him home. Tomorrow you can all come in an hour late—you've earned it. Good work today.
Life wasn't just about solving crimes and getting into shootouts; you needed alcohol and a little fun to ease the overwhelming mental stress.
After freshening up, Ethan took his things to the locker room. As he walked past a row of blue lockers, he saw Burgess changing; her skin was pale and smooth under the brown vest. The showers were separated for men and women, but the locker room was shared.
Ethan stopped and lifted his chin.
—Burgess, good work today.
—Believe me, Kim, this is how they all start —he said in a tone that sounded more like a mentor than a partner—. There'll be other chances for you to really shine. By the way, if you're free tonight, we're heading to Molly's Bar. My treat.
—I'll be there, Detective… —Burgess nodded quickly with a smile.
—Right, of course —Ethan said as he walked in—. Call Atwater and tell him to reserve a big table.
Atwater surely knew people there, so he should be able to book ahead, since he organized events at Molly's Bar. That night, Ethan, who had extended the invitation, arrived early at the place.
He asked at the bar, and Atwater had already reserved a table. It was a long one in the corner, with a good view of the whole bar and a calm atmosphere.
After some time on his phone, the others began to arrive one by one.
Erin and Burgess were the first to come in, and they stood out immediately: both had dressed up more than usual, and he was pleasantly surprised.
Erin wore a fitted black dress down to mid-thigh, paired with a denim jacket and ankle boots; her loose hair gave her a carefree yet charming look.
Burgess, meanwhile, had chosen a soft blue dress, lighter, which moved with every step she took. Her hair was pulled into a high ponytail, with a few loose strands framing her face.
When they sat next to him, Ethan had the absurd feeling that the colors of the bar became brighter, as if someone had turned up the saturation of the world.
For a second, he even forgot what he was going to say.
—Rusek! You're late… —Erin began teasing as the last person walked in.
—Alright, alright, traffic was terrible… —Rusek, looking offended, took off his coat and sat next to Alvin.
Remembering the events of the night before, Erin burst into laughter.
—Come on, Rusek. —Atwater spread his hands—. Man, you really need to control how you drink.
Ethan watched them with a smile, then raised his arm, his fingers trembling slightly.
Seeing Ethan's signal, two servers approached immediately. They placed two large trays full of short glasses on the table, each filled halfway with perfectly served 18-year amber whiskey, glowing under the warm bar lights.
And that was only the appetizers, according to Ethan.
Ethan was the first to take one of the glasses, lifting it with a confident smile, though his tone turned more solemn this time.
—To Halstead —he said, raising the whiskey.
The rest followed without hesitation.
—To Halstead.
The expensive whiskey glasses clinked with a clean, round sound, and everyone drank in honor of their partner recovering at the hospital.
The mix of concern and camaraderie faded quickly into laughter, jokes, and the rising music of the bar.
Atwater told jokes only he understood, Burgess cried from laughing, and Ruzek insisted he could beat anyone in a balance contest… even while sitting. Ethan let himself be carried by the group's energy, relaxed for the first time in days.
Then Alvin, with his usual dry expression, stood up.
—Well… I'm heading out —he said, putting on his jacket—. This place stopped being appropriate for my age the moment someone put reggaeton on.
—Come on, Alvin! Stay and sing! —Ruzek yelled.
—No, thanks. —He pointed at Ethan—. You're in charge now. Thanks for the drinks.
—It's nothing. —Ethan replied, raising his glass.
Alvin left the bar, and with him, the last trace of seriousness in the group.
Otis suddenly appeared with two microphones in hand, already energized by the music and the environment.
—Karaoke! Cops versus firefighters, for all the glory.! —he announced as if declaring a friendly war.
—Don't even think about it —Ethan said.
Five minutes later, Ruzek was standing on the small stage with Otis beside him, singing a terribly emotional version of —Sweet Caroline.— The entire bar joined in, shouting the —pa pa pa— so loudly that even the firefighters in the back yelled like they were in a stadium.
Erin recorded everything, laughing nonstop. Even Burgess ended up singing from the table, without a microphone, completely off-key.
Rounds of whiskey kept coming, and the night turned into a whirlwind of inside jokes, small competitions about who had the worst voice, and a couple of selfies none would admit taking.
Little by little, the bar began to empty. Atwater was the first to give up, then Burgess, and Ruzek stumbled out claiming he should at least sleep more than five hours tonight.
Without noticing, only Ethan—finishing his last glass—and Erin putting on her jacket remained.
She walked closer with a soft, still amused smile.
—Well, I think it's time to go —she said, giving him a light tap on the arm—. Time for you to repay the favor.
—What favor? —he asked, raising an eyebrow.
—The one where you keep me company tonight, obviously. —She crossed her arms—. You're taking me home.
Ethan set the empty glass on the bar, stood up, and offered her his hand.
—Alright, I won't argue. —he said with a light smile—. Let's go before Otis makes me sing.
They both stepped out into Chicago's cool night, the bar's music fading behind them.
The drive to Erin's apartment was quiet; she rested against the window with a faint smile still lingering from the night. Ethan drove with one hand on the wheel and the other on the gearshift, stealing quick glances at her whenever the light allowed.
When they reached the building, Erin opened the door and stepped out slowly. Ethan did the same, walking her to the entrance. Chicago's fresh wind blew through the silent streets.
They stopped at her apartment door, lit by the warm hallway light. Erin searched for her keys in her bag while Ethan stood beside her, hands in his pockets, wearing the same relaxed expression he'd had all night.
—Thanks for bringing me —she finally said softly.
—It was nothing… —he replied, smiling faintly.
The key turned in the lock, but neither of them moved. They stood facing each other, too close for it to be accidental.
Ethan looked at her, and Erin held his gaze a second longer than necessary. That second stretched, turned into something else… and they both felt it.
—Well… I guess I'll see you tomorrow at the office. —she murmured, not stepping back.
Ethan tilted his head slightly, as if he were about to end the moment with a light comment, but just as he was about to speak, Erin grabbed him by the jacket—firmly, decisively, as if making a sudden choice.
—To hell with it —she whispered.
She pulled him forward, and her lips crashed against his. It wasn't a soft or shy kiss: it was urgent, impulsive, full of the tension they'd ignored all night. Ethan reacted instantly, pulling her close as the barely open door gave way under their push.
They entered still kissing, stumbling against the doorframe with muffled laughter. Erin shut the door with one hand, never breaking the kiss, pulling him toward her bedroom.
Ethan sat on the edge of the bed, still breathing hard from the intensity of the kiss. Erin stood before him, cheeks flushed, chest rising and falling. Their eyes met for an instant… long enough for her to take a breath and slide her fingers along the straps of her short dress.
With a slow, almost defiant movement, she let the garment fall to her feet, leaving her in only her black lingerie. The room, dimly lit by the nearby lamp, seemed to pause around her.
Ethan didn't look away. He took off his shirt with the same calmness he used to load a gun, revealing his torso.
Erin took a step toward him. Ethan welcomed her by taking her by the waist, pulling her gently until she was straddling him. Erin rested one hand on his shoulder and the other tangled in his hair, pulling him closer, seeking his mouth without hesitation.
Their breaths mingled. The kisses grew deeper, more urgent, as Ethan's hands roamed her waist and pulled her closer, and Erin's explored his back.
When they needed air, they separated, leaving a trail of saliva between them, and Erin pushed him onto the bed, letting him go. She moved her hands, removing the bra that Ethan had skillfully undone some time ago.
Erin unbuckled his belt, helping him remove his pants until he was completely naked. She sighed when she saw his hard member in front of her, and a fiery smile appeared on her face. With her hands, she began to massage his penis, watching Ethan's excited face, feeling satisfaction.
For a moment, Ethan felt that Erin was setting the pace... and that he was following it more than usual. A spark crossed his gaze. Then, without warning, he took her by the waist and spun her around, changing positions in one smooth movement.
Erin fell backward onto the bed, surprised, letting out a stifled laugh.
—Wow...— she murmured, looking up at him, her lips still parted.
She was strong, independent, always in control. But in that second, seeing Ethan's determination over her, she couldn't hide the look of satisfaction that crossed her face.
That's right, she thought. If he didn't take the initiative from time to time, it would have been a disappointment.
Ethan held her gaze, leaning in slightly, making it clear he had no intention of backing down.
And Erin, instead of regaining control, took him by the nape of his neck and pulled him closer, accepting—no, enjoying—that he was the one setting the pace.
Ethan rubbed her pussy and felt that she was ready. With a slow thrust, he pushed his penis inside her. Erin let out a muffled moan as she felt Ethan begin to penetrate her forcefully. She instinctively raised her legs to wrap them around his waist, making him go deeper inside her.
—Ohhh... keep going... Ethan, don't stop...— Erin whispered between ragged breaths, her voice trembling more from the intensity of the moment than from the words themselves.
It was all hot breath, kisses that wanted more, and hands that didn't want to let go.
As Ethan's cock thrust deep inside her.
With a firm movement, Ethan took her by the waist and guided her to change position. Erin let out a low moan, but she didn't resist; on the contrary, she let herself go.
She leaned on the bed on all fours, lowering her back and leaving her butt high for him, her body trembling slightly. She didn't want to think, she didn't want to hold back, she didn't want to slow anything down.
She just wanted Ethan. She wanted to feel him, she wanted to lose herself in him and let him take control.
She hadn't had sex in a long time, and she had noticed how Ethan looked at her every time they were in the office, as well as the growing sexual tension on their missions. At first, Jay had caught her attention, but as the days went by, she couldn't stop thinking about Ethan... damn, he was so good.
—Ethan...— Her voice came out broken, full of need.
Every time he pulled her toward him, she let out small sounds, soft at first, then more intense, more difficult to contain. Her moans mingled with her rapid breathing, with the slight thud of her body against the bed.
Erin tilted her head back, her lips parted, letting the sounds escape uncontrollably. It was a mixture of whispers and muffled gasps, as if each movement disarmed her a little more.
—No... don't stop...— she managed to say, her voice thick with desire.
Ethan leaned slightly over her, maintaining his grip on her hips as he set a pace that made Erin tremble from her back to her legs.
Erin squeezed her eyes shut, her fingers digging into the sheets, her body shaking with each of Ethan's movements. Her moans became broken, almost pleading.
—Ethan...— she called out in a thin voice, unable to hold back any longer.
The tremor that began in Erin's legs rose through her entire body; a muffled sound escaped her throat as she arched toward him, unable to contain the wave that washed over her completely.
Her breathing became shaky, cut off, as her body shook again and again.
Ethan held her tighter just as he felt her lose control. And it was that—the way Erin tensed, how she said his name almost without a voice—that ended up dragging him with her.
—Erin...— he murmured through clenched teeth, his voice hoarse, struggling to keep pace as the tension built to a point of no return.
A deep shudder ran through him.
His body tensed completely, holding back a low growl that escaped his throat as he came with her.
For a few seconds, neither of them could move. Only their ragged breathing filled the room, the soft tremor of their still-connected bodies.
Ethan pulled his cock out of her and lay down beside her. Erin exhaled, as if the air had finally returned to her lungs.
—God...— she murmured, unable to suppress a soft, weak laugh.
Ethan kissed her on the shoulder before collapsing beside her, still trying to catch his breath.
For a moment, they just looked at each other, both still breathing heavily, with that expression that mixed surprise, desire, and something deeper that neither dared to name.
Erin moved closer and laid her head against his chest.
—That was...— she whispered.
Ethan smiled slightly, running a hand down her cheek.
—Yes,— he replied, his voice low, almost hoarse. —It was.—
And so, their bodies still trembling and their hearts racing, they both stayed there, breathing the same air, not thinking about what would happen next.
The early morning was still, enveloped in a warm silence broken only by the distant murmur of traffic. Erin woke up among rumpled sheets, her breathing still soft and Ethan's T-shirt hanging down to her thighs. She noticed the empty space next to her... and the dim light coming from the window.
She peeked out and saw him on the fire escape.
Ethan was there, leaning against the metal landing, shirtless, wearing only his pants. The cold air brushed against his skin, but he seemed immune. He smoked slowly, exhaling a cloud that disappeared into the darkness.
Erin carefully crossed the window and stepped out toward him. The cold metal of the ladder contrasted with her warm skin. She approached without saying a word and wrapped her arms around his torso from behind, resting her cheek between his shoulder blades.
—Aren't you cold?— she murmured with a soft smile.
He let out a low, almost hoarse laugh.
—No,— he replied, dropping the ashes. —I'm fine.—
Erin closed her eyes for a moment, enjoying the warmth radiating from his body. It was strange how, after everything that had happened between them, standing there in silence felt... right.
But there was one question she couldn't help asking.
—Do you regret it?— Erin asked quietly, close behind him.
Ethan looked down at the dark street and shook his head gently.
—No,— he replied with quiet honesty. —I never could.—
Erin exhaled, as if she had been holding her breath for too long.
—So... what do we do now?— she whispered, with a hint of hope. —We can't pretend nothing happened.—
Ethan let out a soft laugh, tilting his lips into a smile.
—I would never pretend. If necessary, I can duel Hank for you.—
Erin let out a surprised giggle.
—I'd like to see that.—
—Tell me what you want to do,— Ethan said in a more serious tone, returning to his natural calm. —I'm fine with whatever you decide.—
She remained silent. Not because she didn't know what she wanted, but because she was afraid to say it out loud. She moved away slightly, crossing her arms to protect herself from the cold air and her own nerves.
Ethan stubbed out his cigarette on the metal railing, took a deep breath, and turned toward her, resting one arm on the handrail. He looked at her as if measuring every detail of her expression.
—We can take it slow,— he said finally, in that calm voice he used when he wanted to make things clear. "No one has to know for now. We don't have to label it or rush into anything. Just... see where this takes us."
Erin looked at him, and the dim light of dawn illuminated the small smile that formed on her lips.
For the first time that night, she felt no doubts... only the certainty that she was not alone in what she wanted.
Erin felt a warm pressure in her chest, a mixture of relief and vertigo.
—Okay... but I should warn you about something,— Ethan said with a crooked smile, without taking his eyes off her. —I'm possessive. And jealous. A lot.—
Erin let out a short, almost incredulous laugh.
—God... you had to be a man,— she replied, shaking her head but moving closer.
Ethan raised an eyebrow, amused.
—Is that a problem?—
—No...— Erin said, biting her lip with a small smile.
The night remained quiet, just the two of them, breathing in unison on the cold fire escape... not knowing where it would lead them, but willing to find out.