A/N: Hello everyone! I'm back with a little one-shot. Always a story with for main characters Gabby and Matt, of course, but in a totally different situation. Gabby and Matt are together for ten years in present time. They've found the perfect balance in their lives, but one day, when Gabby least expected it, destiny returned to her, and in the most unexpected way.
I don't know how this came to my mind, but it's been a few weeks since I had this idea so I decided to write it down. I hope you enjoy it as usual.
Sorry for possible mistakes in grammar or conjugation.
Enjoy reading and do not forget to tell me what you think!
Gaëlle
GABBY'S POV
Eight years ago
My name is Gabriela Dawson, I'm 22 years old and I grew up in Chicago. My father, Jake, grew up among the golden youth of Manhattan in a well-to-do family, filled with businessmen. He met my mother, Ria, a flight attendant, during a Business trip to the Dominican Republic. It was more than thirty years ago, and they never left each other. They left the island after their wedding to settle in the beautiful neighborhoods of Chicago. My father quickly took over the management of a multinational in the business district and my mother continued her job as hostess but this time on the ground in order to be able to found a family. Three years later, I was born. I had a very happy childhood, filled with love and joys, pampered by my parents. I grew up surrounded by a band of very close friends. Among them, Kelly Severide, my best friend.
We did the four hundred shots together, we shared everything, the good as well as the bad moments, such as the death of my mother when I was seventeen. She fell ill and left in just a few months. Kelly was present at every step, like the big brother I've never had. Our paths have only separated as we pursue our higher education. Kelly joined the fire academy in hopes of becoming a professional firefighter while I was attending the law school that always made me dream. We were even roommates, we met every night to debrief our respective days, to talk about everything and nothing, to discuss people who annoy us as people for whom our heart beat.
It was thanks to him that I met Matthew Casey. Matt. He was at the Academy with Kelly, he invited him one night at home to watch a baseball game and it was love at first glance. After a few weeks, he moved in with us, our story evolved and two years later we are still more in love than ever. Kelly and Matt passed their admission tests, and were assigned to the same firehouse, firehouse 51. Kelly is now Lieutenant of the Squad and Matt, the one of the truck. As for me, after a master's degree in law, I graduated hands-on and returned to the Ministry of Justice as a judge.
Five years ago
Since that time, Matt and Kelly have been working together at the firehouse 51. Their second family has also become mine. As soon as they are on shift and I finish my work day at the courthouse, I always try to see them and share a few moments with them, or we meet up at Molly's, a bar run by some of the firefighters, who used to gather police officers, firefighters, doctors and even members of the courthouse. It's not easy to adapt our rather different rhythms of life. The twenty-four hours shifts every three days for Matt, and for me, daily work from Monday to Friday at more realistic schedules. Matt and I have been living together for two years in a large apartment with stunning views of Lake Michigan. Kelly moved to a nearby home, so we always see each other regularly. As for my father, I call him every day and see him as often as possible. We have always been very close, but even more since the death of my mother. My only family is him. Certainly I have Matt, I have Kelly and all our friends, but my only true family, that of blood, it's him. I don't know what I will be without him. Despite some hard work, he was always present for me. Always.
Three years ago
On this cold day of mid-November, I celebrate my 27th birthday. For the occasion, Matt woke me up with gentle kisses and brought me breakfast in bed. A tray on which stood a pretty bouquet of twenty-seven red roses, a teapot of Russian black tea with citrus fruits, fresh bread and pastries, a pressed orange juice, spread and various jams.
« Happy birthday, my love, » he said, placing the tray on the bed and giving me a long kiss full of love.
« Thanks baby! You're an angel! » I smiled at him.
Before joining me in the bed, he headed towards the bay window to lift the blinds and unveil the magnificent view of the sunrise on Lake Michigan. Every morning, and in spite of more than four years spent in this apartment, Matt remains amazed at the landscape that is offered to him. He stands, bare-chested, with his hands on his hips. I watch his athletic body from afar, loving him every day a little more. Delicately, he turns around, and throws me his most beautiful smile. Winter is slowly settling into life, a little fresh air crosses the room, prompting Matt to join me as soon as possible under the sheets.
« Hey, hey, slowly! Don't spill my breakfast! »
« Our breakfast you mean… » he laughs.
« What? I thought it was my special birthday breakfast… » I pout.
« "ou want to eat all of that? » He teases me.
« Well, I'm hungry and I have a big day ahead of me! I pull my tongue out to him and he goes up to kiss me. "Okay ... Okay, I'll share with you if you keep kissing me like that! » And I kiss him at my turn. « Do you ... Believe that ... Breakfast ... Can wait? » I murmur between our kisses.
« I thought you were hungry… » he said against my lips.
« Yes, but a birthday sex plan replaces everything… » I answer him, pulling him towards me and pressing him hard against me.
Thirty minutes later, we are entwined between the sheets.
« If every morning could start like that… »
« We could go back to this habit… »
« That is if we wake up together every morning… » I said, stroking his cheek.
« We don't do too bad! » He smiled at me.
« Shit, I'm going to be late… » I sigh as I watched the clock. « We should not have to work on our birthday, it's inhuman! » I grumble trying to pull myself out of Matt's arms, but he holds me back. « Come on, Matt, be cooperative, or I'm going to arrive late for my hearing… » and he gives up.
« I'll warm up your breakfast while you shower! » He announces as I head for the large bathroom adjacent to our room. The decoration is sober and pure, white and gray. It includes a walk-in shower, a corner bath with stunning views of the city, and two sinks, one for him, one for me. Our two bathrobes 'Elle' and 'Lui' are hung next to the shower. I go into the shower, and enjoy the boiling water that runs down my body before escaping into my thoughts. The day of my birthday is always a bit complicated, my feelings are mixed. I am lucky to be well surrounded and to have wonderful people who make this day the best of the year, but I also miss a person. The person who gave me life that day. My mother. Ten years later, I miss her every day, but more during family celebrations like birthdays, Thanksgiving or Christmas. My father always compensated for this absence by giving me all the love and all that I needed. Besides, it's strange, he is always one of the first to wish me my birthday, but I have not yet heard from him. He must be busy. I go out of the shower, put on my bathrobe to dress up and dress as soon as possible. I meet Matt in the kitchen where my breakfast is waiting for me. I kiss his cheek and sit next to him.
« So I was thinking about a dinner date tonight? » He suggests.
« That's perfect, my love. Just the two of us, that's all I need! » I smiled and kissed him again. « I have to go, see you tonight, my love! " I hurry.
« See ya! I love you! »
« I love you too! »I shout, slamming the door of the apartment.
MATT'S POV
That evening I waited for Gabby in front of the courthouse. She's late, I've been waiting for her for over half an hour. I begin to worry when I see her go downstairs, still in her audience dress.
« I'm sorry, the hearing dragged! »She excuses herself by kissing me quickly.
« It doesn't matter! Go up to the warm car! » I opened the door for her. I walk around the car and sit down at the wheel. I sit down and ask her, « Hard record? »
« Don't talk to me about it! A history of financial fraud, documentary fraud and breach of trust in a large multinational ... My head is going to explode! »
« A Chicago company? » I ask her, still curious, even if I know she can not tell me too much.
« We don't have all the elements yet, but it would be a multinational established in Chicago, yes ... And… »
« And what? » I look at her, worried.
« No, no nothing… » she answers me, evasive, while watching her cell phone. « It's weird, everybody wished me my birthday, except my father… » she said, saddened. « I tried to reach him, he never answered me, I fell directly on his voice mail... I'm worried… »
I put my hand on her thigh to try to reassure her. « He was probably in a meeting all day, do not worry...»
« Matt ... And if… » she whispers almost inaudibly.
« What if? »
« What if… And if ... And if he was concerned about this whole thing? »
« What? No, Gabby, it's not possible, your father is the most upright men I know… »
« I didn't tell you everything ... There are names I know in the documents we studied in the office today ... These are men who worked with my father, I'm sure of it. Some are directly related to money laundering, theft ... There are many charges… »
« Gabby, baby, don't torture your mind. Especially not tonight, I have a surprise for you and I want you to take advantage of it. Leave the work at the door of this car… » I said to her, parking the car.
« Where are we? » Gabby questions me, looking around her.
« It's a surprise… » I answer her with my best smile but she seems distracted. « Are you sure everything is okay? » I asked, stroking her hair.
« Yes, yes, just worried, but don't worry, I'm okay. I will enjoy my birthday party! »
« I've planned everything to distract you! Follow me, birthday girl! » I take her hand in mine, and proceed in the dark, in the light of a few street lights. We walk a few minutes before arriving on a pontoon overlooking the lake. A boat is moored and illuminated with many garlands and lanterns. Gabby squeezes my hand harder and harder as she sees the white banner on which is written in gold letters 'Happy Birthday Gabby'.
« Did you organize all this? »
« Of course, you look surprised! » He's laughing. « Would you doubt my abilities? » I kiss her in the neck.
« Never in life, Matthew Casey! You have already proved everything to me! » She smiled at me, her eyes shining.
« Go up! » I invite her to get on the boat specially reserved for the occasion. We get on the boat, Gabby is amazed. A buffet is set up in the middle of the main room, bottles of champagne at the ends of the table. Flowers, lights, balloons, all in the colors pink gold. « Before leaving for a little cruise, and as much as I love your working attire, I feel a little overdressed. Here's your first gift… » I give her a white box wrapped in a pink ribbon.
« What is it? » she asks me.
« Open it! »
« Wow, Matt, it's beautiful… » Gabby exclaims by unpacking the package and pushing the silk sheets covering a pretty little black lace dress. « You remembered it… » she smiled, referring to the day we were shopping together a few weeks ago.
« Of course, and I'm looking forward to seeing you in it! » I answer her, wrapping my arms around her waist, and putting a kiss on her shoulder. « Go put it on! »
« I'm going, thank you my love… » she smiles.
GABBY'S POV
I put on this pretty black dress, I'm getting ready and leave to join Matt. But I cannot find him. The room is empty, I call him several times, but he doesn't answer me. I feel the boat leave the dock, and a hostess join me in the room. She shows me the staircase overlooking the upper deck and invites me to borrow it. I run and start climbing the stairs, feeling the fresh air on my skin. «Matt? Matt? Where are you?» I cried as I approached. But still no response. Once I reached the top, I looked around and saw the illuminated city moving away from me little by little. I turn around and head towards the back of the boat where I can distinguish a few whispers. « Matt? But, where are you? »
« SURPRISE! »
I look in front of me and I see Matt and all our loved ones more smiling than the others. They are all dressed in black and white, and all hold a candle in their hands. I am moved, I approach this small group of people whom I care enormously. Matt, Kelly, members of the firehouse, Natalie, Kim, Will, my colleagues... They're all here. They take me in their arms one by one and all say a tender word in my ear. I thank them for their presence and we drink a toast all together. I join Matt, and we drink champagne, just the two of us, away from the party. « It's perfect, thank you! » I said, placing my head on his shoulder.
« I know that we are not just the two of us, but I thought it was important that everyone was here tonight… »
« I could not have dreamed better ... I'm just missing my father… »
« I invited him, he had to be there ... I don't know why he's away, I'm sorry, honey, I know his presence was important… »
« It doesn't matter ... It's just that between his silence and the case at work, I... I… »
« Talk to me… » he encourages me by stroking my back with small circular movements.
« I doubted my father for the first time in my life… » I start, emotional.
« Gabby ... Your job is to study all the possibilities, you came across a case that concerns a multinational from Chicago, your father runs one, of course you thought about it ... It's natural… » he reassures me . « But for tonight I want you to forget that, because the surprises are not over ... Are you ready to join the others? »
« Of course, you're really the best! "
« Yeah, yeah, i know! »
We join all the guests around the buffet. The champagne flows afloat, the waiters go around the salon with trays of salty, hot and cold petit-fours. Everyone talks, everyone laughs, everyone dances and plays. My heart is filled with happiness. Seeing me a little away from watching the scene unfold before my eyes, Kelly joins me. He surrounds my shoulders with his arm and squeezes me against him. I smiled at him.
« Are you happy? » He asks me.
« More than happy, I'm really lucky to have you… »
« I'm so proud of how far you've come, little sister… »
« I never would have been there, without you, »
« You give too much importance to me! » He teases me.
« Just promise me one thing, Kelly, »
« I'm listening to you… »
« Don't ever leave me, »
«Cross my heart! »He promises me and lays a kiss on my forehead, when Matt silences the room and asks for everyone's attention.
«Your attention, please. I ask the star of the evening to join me in the center of the room, » he announces and I rejoin with a smile, asking myself what he reserves to me. Everyone gets together in a circle around us. Matt takes my hands in his, and begins a long speech: « Gabby, you've been sharing my life for over five years. It was love at first sight, and since then you have made me happier than ever. I want to be sure that what we have will last all our lives. I love you and I will always love you, I will always be there for you, in the great moments as in the sad ones. I want to marry you because you're the first person I want to see when I wake up in the morning, and you're the only one I want to kiss before I sleep. Because the first time I saw your hands, I could not imagine not squeezing them, as I do now. But above all, when you love someone as much as I love you, getting married is the only thing we have to do. So, Gabriela Dawson, would you marry me and do me the honor of becoming Gabriela Casey?» I stare into his eyes, mines are fogged by tears, my hands shake but I smile. I smile because tonight I am the happiest women. The man I love with all my heart has just asked me the question that every woman dreams of hearing one day. I am so lost in his gaze that I forget all the people gathered around us and waiting for my answer. Kelly approaches discreetly, and with a slight tap on the shoulder whispers in my ear: « Gabs, you're supposed to answer now… » and he hands a velvet jewelry case to Matt.
« Uh, yes, of course yes … The answer Yes, it'll always be… Yes, yes, yes! » I answer with determination. Tears mingle with smiles under applause and cries. Matt passes a beautiful engagement ring on my finger and kisses me with all his strength before everyone joins us for a collective hug.
«Champagne ! » Kelly screams. « My two best friends are getting married ! » He cries, running around the room, with a bottle in his hand.
We spend the rest of the evening dancing to the rhythm of music in the middle of Lake Michigan. I blow my twenty-seven candles as an engaged woman to the man she loves and this is the most beautiful feelings.
MATT'S POV
We return to our apartment in the early morning and celebrate our engagement properly.
The next morning, we struggled to emerge from the magic of last night. We are engaged. We are going to get married. We wake up in each other's arms like every morning, but this time with a special sweetness. With this certainty that we will spend the rest of our lives together. I don't work today and Gabby has her day off, so we stay in bed until the beginning of the afternoon. No television. No mobile phones. No radio stations. Nothing. Just the two of us.
« Thank you for this wonderful evening… » Gabby said, pushing her head into the crook of my neck.
« Thank you for saying yes… » I smiled, putting my chin on the top of her head.
« As if I could have said something else… » she laughs. « You know very well that I want to spend the rest of my life with you, idiot » She beats my chest.
« Even when you call me an idiot, I fall again and again in love with you ... Gabriela Dawson, you make me crazy! » I push her against the mattress and begins to tickle her sides when her woman-child laughter invades the room. I attack her neck with languorous kisses, I go down on her chest, between the hollow of her breasts. I push the sheet to the level of her waist leaving her naked torso in front of me. I press my chest against her chest and kiss her passionately. Our little session of kisses is quickly transformed into sexy session. We continue our day under the duvet before going to have a bath and wait for Kelly, who must join us in the apartment for a hot chocolate and pastries cooked especially by Gabby.
An hour later, Kelly enters the apartment without knocking and with her 'emergency' key. « Kelly, are you going to knock one day? » I groan.
« What, are you afraid I'll surprise you in an awkward position? » I look at him with big eyes. « What, you're not going to tell me you were doing a puzzle ?! » He laughs at the top of his lungs, obviously proud of himself for the embarrassment that he causes us.
« The next time, just knock, like any person normally constituted… » I roll my eyes.
« What's the point of having a key then? » He asks, slumping into the sofa.
« What Matt means is that your key is supposed to be used in case of emergencies ... and only in case of emergencies, my dear Kelly… » Gabby explains as she enters the living room.
« Whatever... I cannot wait to taste your cakes ! What kind of movie do we watch? » He asks impatiently.
« I feel like I have a child… » Matt tells me in the kitchen, and we turn around simultaneously to see Kelly lying on the sofa with his head in the soft cushions and the remote control in hand. Then suddenly he jumps up, his eyes fixed on the screen. We look at each other, worried. « What is it Kelly? » I asked him, but he didn't answer.
« Kelly, is everything alright? » Gabby asks him at her turn, but still no response. We go to the living room and see that the NBC channel is broadcasting a special edition with the "LAST MINUTE: THREE BUSINESSMEN DIED IN THE ACCIDENT OF AN HELICOPTER AT LONDON'S AIRPORT" banner and three Pictures are displayed in black and white on the screen. Gabby falls to the floor, her hands are laid on her mouth to stifle her sobs.
« How is it possible ... Why are we not informed? » Kelly looks at me, then approaches Gabby and puts his hand behind her back as a sign of comfort. I left thirty seconds, the time to go to our bedroom and take our phones. I rejoined the living-room, and sat down on the other side of Gabby.
« Our phones were off, » I whisper, not letting go of Gabby. She's stoic. She doesn't move. Her eyes don't let go of the screen in front of her. I feel her trembling like a leaf beside me. Her hands are always laid on her mouth. Her eyes are red and swollen. Tears run down her cheeks. « Gabby… » I try to draw her gaze to me, but nothing. I lay my hand on her thigh as I usually do to reassure her, but she doesn't move. She is impassive about what is going on around her. She fixes the screen. She doesn't blink, except to let a tear slip from time to time. With my other hand, I turn on our phones. Gabby has 38 missing calls from the Office of the Prosecutor, some of his fellow judges, and her friend Kim who works at the police, 23 texts and 12 messages on her voicemail. My own also has some new messages too. I show the screens to Kelly who nods in simple answer, now understanding why we are learning this terrible news via televised information.
« Gabby ... Say something …" Kelly tries to turn Gabby's gaze away from the screen.
« Honey… » I add.
She moves her head gently, watching us both alternately, before rising in a leap. She paces around the living-room, and we look at her powerless.
« I ... I thought he had forgotten my birthday ... I ... I ... I was mad at him ... for not being there last night ... I ... I ... I even ... I even doubted him with this case at work ... I ... I ... I've doubted of my father, my own father… » crying her eyes out before collapsing on the ground. Kelly and I are by her side immediately, taking her each by an arm to bring her back on the couch. We sit here in the middle and we surround her. « He ... He's dead .. » she whispers. « He's dead ... HE IS DEAD! » She's screaming. « He's dead, that's why he was not there! HE IS DEAD! MY GOD, MY FATHER IS DEAD! » She cried one last time before bursting into tears in my arms. I cannot hold back my tears, just like Kelly. Seeing everything collapse around the woman I love in five minutes is terrible. I cannot bear to see her break like that. I squeeze her as hard as I can to try to calm her down, while Kelly gets up and starts to make some phone calls trying to find out more.
« Give me my phone, I need to know more… » Gabby snapped at me suddenly, straightening up.
« Gabby, I'm not sure it's a good idea ... Not right now… »
« What do you know about what's good for me or not? » She gets upset. She rises from the sofa, I hold her by the arm. « No, Matt… » she sobbed. « Leave me alone… » she continues.
« I am not going anywhere Gabby, I'm here for you, I'm not going anywhere… » I insist, knowing her tendance of pushing everyone back in difficult times. Without delay, she collapsed again in my arms. She cries hysterically in the crook of my neck. She shouts. She's screaming. She taps against my chest. I press her against me as hard as I can until she calms down. Tears, anger and incomprehension will eventually exhaust her and she will ultimately fall asleep on the sofa. After covering her with a blanket, I stroke her hair and put a little kiss on her forehead, then I join Kelly in the kitchen.
« So ... I called Kim who relayed some information from the FBI… » he explains. I nodded and he said, « These are the three directors of the biggest multinationals in Chicago. They were going to London to meet with their English counterparts to discuss agreements between companies and possibly sign certain documents… » I look him straight in the eyes as he continues his explanations: « An helicopter was waiting for them on the tarmac of the airport to bring them to the meeting place in the English countryside ... That's all I know ... Apparently the helicopter had a technical problem or something like that ... They were killed instantly ... The ... The bodies must be cured, it's impossible to identify them… »
« It's horrible… » I whisper, lost in my thoughts, trying to reunite all the elements.
Present Time
GABBY'S POV
Days, weeks, months have passed. The absence of my father gradually faded thanks to the support of my entourage, Kelly, and of course, Matt. It's been more than three years since my father disappeared. It was difficult for me to think that the only member of my family had left. I was alone. I felt abandoned. Anger invaded me a few weeks, I was infernal with the people who love me and who tried at all costs to help me. I took refuge in the work to avoid thinking. I could not sleep any more, I was a zombie. Then the pain dissipated, leaving little by little room for memories and the desire to enjoy life at every moment. Matt and I got married a few months after our engagement. It was a beautiful wedding, in small committee, on a beach in the Dominican Republic. It was important for me to go back in the footsteps of my parents' love story. We got married on the beach where my father had asked for my mother's hand, feet in the water, at sunset. Kelly was both the witness of Matt and the person who led me to the altar. We had a wonderful honeymoon in the Pacific Islands, we stocked up with positive energy and good waves. Life then went on, we traveled a lot in the four corners of the world, we took advantage of our friends and relatives ... In short, life has returned to normal.
« Hey baby! » I call Matt and join him in the kitchen. He's in front of the coffee machine, barely awake, his arms leaning against the kitchen counter. « Do you want to have breakfast on our way to work? » I ask him, coming behind him and surrounding his waist with my arms. I kiss his toned back, before putting my head on his shoulder blade.
« Good idea… » he said, turning around and taking me in his arms.
« Go put your uniform, I'm waiting for you! And hurry, I'm hungry! » I said to him before kissing him.
« Yes boss! » He is laughing.
We stop at the tea room located halfway between the firehouse and the courthouse. In recent months, it has become our little address. We order two french roast coffees, scrambled eggs and pancakes.
« Do you realize how time flies… » I begin.
« What are you talking about? » He asks me, surprised.
« Matt ... Come on, it's going to be ten years now that we're together… » I reminded him, pretending to be offended by his memory of goldfish.
« You really thought I'd forgotten that? » he's laughing. « Of course not, how to forget the ten most beautiful years of my life! » He said in a charming tone, taking my hand in his.
« We've been through a lot of things… » I tell him, nostalgic.
« Yes, some moments were difficult, but I chose to keep only the best ones ... You are my wife, you make me happy and that's all I need, » he says and I smile at him, stroking the palm of his hand.
« What a smooth talker you are! » I smiled at him, leaning over to kiss him.
« We should celebrate it as it should be… »
« What do you propose, Mr. Casey? » I teased him.
« I'll surprise you …"
« You know I don't like surprises… » I stick my tongue to him.
« Of course you love them, you're just too impatient to wait ... That's your need to always control everything, my dear! »
« You're mean! » I pout and pretend to be annoyed, looking at him with the eyes of beaten dogs.
« I have to go, my love… » he says, not motivated.
« Me too, let's go before we're late! » I paid the bill, and we both go to our cars « I'll try to go to the firehouse tonight, if you want to… » I said as I settled into my car.
« With pleasure, you know you're always welcome! Have a good day, babe, I love you! » He kisses me before closing my door and leaving at his turn.
I arrive at the courthouse shortly before nine o'clock in the morning and to my office a few minutes later after exchanging many « hello, how are you » and settled me quietly. Today, I will finally have time to look into the complicated files that I pile into my office, for lack of time to devote myself to it. I turn on my computer, check my emails and attack my stacks of files to process. The morning passes at a crazy speed. Shortly before the lunch hour, I see things moving around me. I get up and go to see what happens. I ask my clerk, « What's going on? »
« Federal representatives want to see you… » she answers, obviously overwhelmed. I turn around and see five FBI agents waiting in the waiting room, accompanied by the representative of the Prosecutor and some plainclothes policemen.
« What is this bazaar? » I whisper, thanking my clerk. I go to the room where they are waiting for me. « Gentlemen, ladies, what can I do for you? » I asked them as they entered the room.
« Mrs. Dawson? » One questioned me.
« It's Mrs. Casey, actually… » I answer, dryly.
« Well, Mrs. Casey, can we speak in a more private place? »
« About what? » I ask them. Seeing that they are not about to answer me at this moment, I add: « Let's go to my office, follow me, »
« Ellen, thank you for not disturbing me. If you need it, you can go to Judge Stanford, » I tell my clerk, inviting federal agents to settle in my office. I set up armchairs, shut the curtains and sit at my desk in front of them. « So what do you want from me? I don't understand what I can do for you, »
« You'll soon understand, » one of them answers me, taking out a confidential file from his briefcase. He handled certain documents to one of his colleagues and approached his chair from my desk. He looks at me fixedly, and begins to sort pictures, before exposing them one by one on my desk.
« Are we talking about one of the files I'm working on right now? I'm confused… » I said, puzzled.
« Take a closer look at the photos, Mrs. Dawson… »
« It's Mrs. Casey, » I insist again.
« Mrs. Casey, look at these pictures, » another officer intervenes. I look at them in turn, approaching my hands of the photographs, take them one by one in my hands and study them more closely under the eyes of the federal observers. These are pictures taken at a distance, as in a survey. They show several men about what appear to be paradisiac beaches. They wear Hawaiian shirts and swim shorts. « I ... I don't understand ... What are you expecting from me? » I ask again.
« We want to know if you recognize one of his men,» one of the officers answer me.
« How do you want me to recognize someone ... They are back, in summer clothes, on a beach I don't know where… » I started to get upset.
« Make a little effort, Mrs. Dawson… »
« It's Mrs. Casey, how many times do I have to repeat it? » I get angry.
« Mrs. Casey, the question is very simple. Do you recognize, yes or no, one or more people in these photos? Look at those where they are in the bar, where they can be seen from the front, and answer me, please. »
« It's an interrogation or what? »
« Well, that's enough now! » One of them exclaimed as he got up from his chair. He walks around the office and places himself behind me. He takes the pictures from my hands and puts one under my nose. Three men are installed at a bar, on the beach, drinking cocktails. « Take a closer look, » he continues. I execute, I put the picture closer and closer to my eyes, take a magnifying glass in my drawer and I analyze the faces. One of them is familiar to me, but with a hat and sunglasses, not easy to recognize someone.
« This one is not unknown to me, but I can not tell you who it is ... It could be an acquaintance, a litigant, a member of a colleague's family, I don't know nothing. I don't know, I don't know what to say. What do you want in the end? Tell me! I don't like track games! Otherwise, I would not be at my office, I'd spend my time doing treasure hunts, dammit! »
« And why not a member of your family, Mrs. Daw ... Casey? »
« A member of my family, really? You're not very knowledgeable for FBI agents… » I laughed and they all looked at me stunned. « No, but what I mean is that my mother died when I was a teenager, and my father, a few years ago in an air crash ... I don't have regular contact with my aunts or uncles and they live in New York, Punta Cana and Europe ... I have no family, at least no close family ... Well, except for my husband… »
« Well, that's enough! We are not going to beat around the bush for hours, obviously she knows nothing! » One of the agents begins to lose patience.
« What do you mean? What am I supposed to know? » I ask them, but nobody answers me. « Well, are you going to tell me what's going on, yes or no? Do I have problems? Do I screw up at the office? Is there an investigation against me? What happens in the end? » I get up from my chair.
« Sit down, please… » one of them tells me, when one knocks on the door of my office.
« Come in! » I shout, and I see the Prosecutor and two of my colleague judges entering the room. « What are you doing here? » I asked them, seeing them enter with large files under their arms. I approach Paul and Robin, the two judges, and I look at the names of the records they hold in their hands 'DAWSON - KENNEDY - COHEN'. « What are you doing with this file? » I panic. I look at everyone, I'm agitated. « Why do you have my father's file? Why do I get interrogated by FBI agents at my workplace? That ... But, tell me at the end! Talk! » I scream. Tears rise to my eyes, I feel oppressed, my heart beats faster and faster, my legs tremble.
« Gabriela, sit down, » said the Prosecutor.
« I would not sit down until somebody tells me what's going on, » I sobbed.
« Gabby, » Paul starts talking. We know each other well, we have been working together for years. « You know that with Robin we were instructed after the death of your father and some of his colleagues, » I nodded to approve. « Well, for two years, the investigation has continued, there were too many inconsistencies, not enough elements ... The investigation was entrusted to the federal ... and… »
« And what? »
« There are strong reasons to think that… » Robin begins to answer.
« To think what, Jesus? Say what you have to say once and for all! "
« It is likely that… »
« It's not likely, for sure… » an FBI agent interrupts Robin. My eyes are pointing at him.
« We think your father is still alive and simulated his death… » Paul throws very quickly, in one go, blocking his breathing. It makes me feel like a bomb. I'm in a state of shock. I feel my body let go. My legs are shaking, I look for support on my desk. I try to sit in my chair but I miss it. Paul holds me back and helps me.
« I ... I ... I can not ... Breathe… » I stammer, breathing out. « This ... It's not possible… » I start crying louder and louder. « I ... I'm suffocating ... I ... I have to… »
« Gabby, take deep and long breaths… »
« We'll leave you for a moment, » one of the FBI agents said, urging his colleagues to get out of the room discreetly. Only Paul, Robin, and the Prosecutor are around me.
« How ... This is not possible, I ... I don't believe you… » I stammer.
« We have a few tracks but I think this is not the best time to talk about it ... I'll tell you everything, but first you have to get your mind back… »
« Take your day, Gabriela, » the Prosecutor intervenes.
« It's out of question, I need ... I need to work .. I want to understand, I want to see the file ... I want to know all the details! »
« It's not a good idea, you're too involved! » The Prosecutor adds.
« I don't care about being too involved or whatever! My father is dead! HE IS DEAD! If you want me to believe otherwise, you'll have to explain and tell me everything down to the smallest detail! You'll have to prove it to me! » I yelled.
« Gabby, you have to calm down first… » Robin said, putting his hand on my shoulder, as my phone began to ring. On the screen appears 'Matt'. On seeing this, Paul and Robin decide to go out of the room, followed closely by the Prosecutor. I look into the void. I hear the phone vibrate on the desk. I hear this ringing that reminds me of my story with Matt. But I cannot answer. I don't want to answer. Not now. My mind diverges towards the many memories I have of my father, the trips we have made together, his proud look on the day of my graduation, our weekly meals around the best wines ... How? How could he have done that to me? It's not possible, not that, not him. I take my coat, my things, cut my phone and run outside the courthouse. The fresh air does good to my swollen eyes and my skin warmed by tears. I take my car, and drive for hours and hours without knowing where I am going.
A/N: Here we're for the first part. I hope it wasn't too bad and you're interested in this two-parts story. Don't forget to tell me what you think by leaving me a little review. Love, G.