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*Erin's POV*

I handed Upton the papers when she and Jay came back but when I looked at my husband's face I knew something was off.
"Just spit it out." I looked at him and he knew what I was talking about.
"Your mother set it up so that she doesn't have to go back to jail." My jaw dropped when Jay said that.
"You're kidding, right?" I buried my face in my hands when he shook his head.
"We're gonna find a way." I hadn't looked up yet but heard Hailey walk away to give us some privacy.
"Erin." Jay put his hand on my arm and I looked into his green eyes.
"She won't be able to harm you. And I'll do everything I can to keep her away from you and Alani." Jay's words sounded like Jay was talking about a criminal.
"But it's just my mom. Maybe she isn't so bad if we just give her some time. She's been in jail for a while and maybe she just needs time to relaise again how it is on the outside." It was my mother we were talking about here.
"Erin don't go down this way again. I know the memories will hurt but after Nadia died you went to see her and we both know how that ended. She is not good for you." I could tell by the look on Jay's face that he really hoped he would get through to me.
"But that was my fault. I didn't have to take pills." I didn't know why I was defending my mother, but I did as I had done all my life.

*Jay's POV*

I really had no idea why Erin was defending her mother even if she was scared because of her less than an hour ago.
"Sarge?" I left Erin alone for a moment and went to the Voight's office.
"Yeah. Come in, Halstead." I closed the door behind me.
"I don't know why, but Erin is now apparently on her mother's side, defending her against everything I say." I sighed and Voight nodded.
"To be honest, I've been waiting for it. Bunny and Erin have a strange relationship. Bunny takes advantage of Erin, we both know that and I'm sure deep down Erin knows it too. But she grew up protecting her mother and I think it's normal for her now. You can't take this to heart, Jay." I was a bit shocked that he called me by my first name, but couldn't really waste a thought because I was afraid that Erin would fall into a hole again as soon as Bunny gets closer to her.
"Thanks Sarge. So basically you're telling me that I can't talk Erin out of it and just have to let it play out?" I hoped he would contradict me, but he just nodded and I went back to Erin.
"I'm gonna go back home then." She had packed all her things and was about to leave.
"Yeah wait." I wanted to get my things, but she stopped me.
"You can stay. You're not finished with work for today and I've distracted you long enough anyway." She kissed me and then left the bullepen with Alani.
I looked after her in disbelief and didn't know exactly what had changed now that she didn't have a problem to go alone.

*Erin's POV*

While Jay was with Hank, Bunny had texted me and apologised.
She asked me if we could meet and since I knew that the distance regulation was not yet official, I said yes, because I had noticed that she was serious.
"Hey Erin sweet heart!" Bunny was around the corner from the parking lot.
"Have you finally got rid of your watchdog?" She referred to Jay.
"He's not as bad as you think. He only cares about me." She nodded in response.
"Erin I'm so sorry that I scared you. I'm just not used to being out here again." Bunny apologized.
"Yeah. It's fine. Don't worry. I know that you are not really like that." I smiled at my mom and then we got in my car and drove to a Café so Jay wouldn't come out and interrupt us.