Episode 7.01 – Scheme
"Christ Lara, how much more do you need to pack?" Yelled Dean from the front door. Elizabeth stood near him, holding Mikayla. She smiled at him as Lara made her way down the stairs, holding a hefty suitcase. Dean sighed.
"Lara, it's three days in Canberra. Do you really need that much?" He asked wearily. Lara nodded, her eyes red. She hadn't wanted to go on this trip, but Vince had ordered her. With the power he had in Head Office now, if she didn't go, she could find herself without a job.
"Lara, I'll be fine with Mikky. If I need help, I've got the emergency numbers you gave me, and Michelle said she would check in with me. Please. We'll be fine," said Elizabeth.
"I know," sighed Lara resignedly.
"We're going to need a second van just for your suitcases and Heidi's," muttered Dean under his breath. He hefted the suitcase off the stairs and walked out the front door with it, heading for the van they'd hired for the trip. Lara took Mikayla from Elizabeth and squashed her in a hug. She squirmed, trying to escape, and Lara wiped away the tears. She didn't know why she was so emotional, but hurried out the door after passing Mikky back to Lizzie. Lizzie and Mikayla waved goodbye to Dean and Lara as they backed out of the driveway.
"I hope she packed enough clothes."
Heidi and Jordan had finished packing their bags, and were waiting for Dean and Lara to pick them up.
"Are you sure Amber and Alicia will be okay with Vince?" Said Heidi worriedly. Jordan nodded.
"They'll be fine babe. Vince is the one that's in trouble. Four girls under fifteen, and One Direction in town? He's not going to hear the end of this, especially when they find out he's got tickets and backstage passes to their concert." Amber and Alicia had become obsessed with One Direction; Jordan and Heidi had yet to see why they were so big, but didn't question either girl over their choices. Jordan glanced at Heidi's enormous suitcase.
"Heidi, what have you got packed in there?" He asked.
"Clothes Jordan. Duh. And make-up, shoes, toiletries; everything I'll need for the next three days," replied Heidi tersely. She didn't enjoy long car trips, tending to find them boring and needless. She could have caught a plane and been there sooner. Well, no for Canberra, so she'd resigned herself to driving. A horn honked out the front.
"Dean and Lara are here," announced Jordan. He gave Heidi his smaller suitcase to drag out to the van, and lugged Heidi's out the front door, locking it behind himself.
"Hey Lara," said Heidi flatly as she climbed into the back. Jordan joined her, sliding the door shut.
"So are you ready for this?" Asked Jordan excitedly. He was glad to be out of the house and back on the team, doing something for a change.
"Just got to pick up Chase, and we'll be on our way. Three glorious hours of just us," said Dean cheekily. Lara just glared at him, still in a foul mood, and Dean recoiled. He put the van into gear, and drove to Chase's house.
Chase kissed Eli, Riley, and Indi goodbye, giving each of them a hug before passing them to Kyle. Izzy still hadn't returned home from hospital after her car accident, and Kyle was staying with Jess for the three days Chase would be gone. He crouched down in front of Jess.
"I'll miss you, but I'll make sure I call every night," said Chase. He stood up and kissed her. Jess smiled.
"I love you. Don't stay away too long!" She joked. He grinned back at her, and grabbed his backpack before running out the door. Jess wheeled herself over the door, and watched as Chase climbed in the van with them, and it drove away.
"I miss him already…"
"Hey Dean, why didn't we take a patrol?" Asked Chase.
"One, because the girls have way too much luggage to fit in a patrol and two, we're picking up Vince's replacement and bringing him back with us."
"Really?" Asked Jordan.
"What's his name?" Asked Heidi. Lara looked at the details in front of her.
"Ethan White. He's forty-seven, and Vince found him. He's got to be good if Vince likes him. He said something about 'a drinking buddy from the firies who can do my job better than me.'" Heidi stifled a giggle.
"Really?" Lara held up the photo for Heidi, Jordan and Chase to look at.
"He's like a younger, better looking Vince," said Chase.
"Like you would know better-looking Chase. You've been looking at me all these years," joked Dean. Everyone in the van cracked up laughing, even Chase.
"Do you remember the time we powdered you on your first day Heidi?" Asked Chase.
"Oh God, it took me ages to get all that talcum powder off me! And then you did it to poor Bingo as his initiation to the team as well," said Heidi. The mood in the vehicle sobered.
"I can't believe I was so judgemental of Gary Bing when he was part of our team," said Chase quietly. Heidi laid a hand on Chase's knee, comforting.
"We all were a little harsh Chase. That's why we vowed to be nicer to all the interns and trainees we received after him, and why we have a memorial plaque downstairs," said Lara.
"But our treatment of Cam when he was a LifeBlood member was justified," said Dean. Lara smiled.
"He was such a tool!" She said, almost laughing.
"You were dating him Lara. You didn't think to make that call sooner?" Asked Heidi. Lara blushed.
"No…" she said, embarrassed. Luckily for her, Dean pulled over at a rest stop.
"Lunch."
An hour and a half later, they arrived at their accommodation, provided by Vince and Chantelle in Head Office.
"This place is amazing!" Exclaimed Heidi as Dean collected their keys.
"We've got three suites on the topmost floor. Chase, you're in 1001, Heidi and Jordan in 1003, and Lara and I are in 1005." He checked his watch; five o'clock in the afternoon.
"We're heading out for dinner in an hour. See you then."
They met downstairs in the hotel lobby, each looking immaculate. Dean, Chase and Jordan were all wearing black tuxedo's. Heidi and Lara had congregated together in Lara's room to get ready, kicking Dean into Heidi and Jordan's room. They came down the stairs together, arms linked. Jordan's draw dropped, and Dean's eyes were as wide as saucers. Chase wolf-whistled. Lara was wearing a bright red simple dress, a diamante belt drawing it in at the waist. Drop earrings dangled from her earlobes, and a single diamond hung around her neck. Her blonde hair dropped in loose curls, softening her face. In short, she looked amazing. She took Dean's arm. Chase smiled at her, and resumed staring at Heidi. Jordan was still gaping over Heidi. A floor length sleeveless gown in emerald green highlighted her red hair, accenting her natural beauty. She wore a necklace Jordan had bought for her as a birthday gift a while back; a silver locket with their photos inside. Her hair mirrored Lara's as it fell over her shoulders. She stopped in front of him.
"Jordan, close your mouth," she said, almost embarrassed. He closed it, but continued to stare at her.
"Heidi, you look amazing," said Chase in awe. He'd never really seen Heidi in this light before, seeing her more as a sister. Now he was amazed at how gorgeous she looked. Jordan stopped staring as he took her arm and kissed her on the cheek.
"Have I told you I love you?" He whispered in her ear. She nodded, and kissed him back. Dean checked his watch again.
"Come on, we'll be late if we're not careful," said Dean. Their limousine pulled up out the front of the hotel.
"Who's paying for all this?" Asked Heidi.
"Vince wrote it all up for Head Office. We're his favourite team, and we're being treated that way," answered Lara. Dean helped her in first, before sliding in next to her. Chase climbed in next, and Heidi and Jordan followed.
"So where's dinner?" Asked Chase.
"Your mind is always on food Chase. Does it ever stop?" asked Heidi, pushing him gently. Chase shook his head.
"Nope. Never!" he replied, grinning from ear to ear. They pulled up at a very expensive looking restaurant. Jordan got out first, Heidi close behind him.
"Dean, this looks like it would cost a fortune," said Jordan. Dean nodded as he helped Lara out of the limo.
"Yeah, it does. I looked it up before we left. It's all coming out of Head Office's pocket, so I wouldn't question them." They smiled as they headed inside. Their table was set, the entrée's heading to their table as they walked inside. Chase felt a little like a fifth wheel in this arrangement, and wished that Jess could have come. He knew it wouldn't have been possible, but still wished anyhow. They were seated at their table, and a waiter came over, bearing two bottles of wine.
"White or red?"
Hours later, they returned to the hotel, Jordan and Chase a little plastered. Heidi, Lara and Dean were a little more composed, but still tipsy. Chase walked into the doorframe of his room as he tried to get back inside.
"You're going to regret this tomorrow Chasie," said Dean, opening the door for his brother. Chase stumbled inside and fell on the bed.
"I'll meet you in our room. Let me get him into bed," said Dean. Lara nodded, and returned to their shared room. Dean hauled Chase's tuxedo jacket off, tossing it on the nearby chair.
"Dean," said Chase, giggling.
"What Chasie," said Dean, stripping his brother's pants off. He thought he'd been finished with this when his brother had moved out. Clearly not.
"You and Lara… are hilarious," said Chase, dissolving into fits of laughter. Dean shook his head as Chase tried to crawl under the bedcovers. After several fruitless minutes, Dean lifted the blanket and draped over Chase.
"I'll see you in the morning Chasie," said Dean as his younger brother started snoring. Dean closed the door quietly and returned to his own room. Lara was sitting on the bed, brushing her hair.
"Is Chase okay?" she asked. Dean nodded, pulling off his own jacket.
"Just a little smashed, but he'll survive. He's going to have one hell of a hangover tomorrow," said Dean. He lifted the blankets and lay underneath, watching as Lara finished brushing her hair. She returned her hairbrush to her bag, and then slipped under the covers with dean. He smoothed aside her hair.
"I love you Lara. You looked amazing tonight. Reminded me why I married you," said Dean softly. She kissed his nose.
"I love you too."
Jordan groaned as the morning sunshine hit his face, the pain searing through his groggy brain. Heidi hung up the phone as Jordan stirred.
"Morning," she said.
"Shh," he said, his head pounding.
"Amber and Alicia are good, just spoke to them. Vince is taking them to One Direction today, and they've been up almost all night, excited. They said to say they loved you, and they hope you feel better." Jordan pulled his pillow over his head.
"Go away," he grumbled. Heidi sat on the edge of the bed.
"Go have a shower and get ready. We're being picked up in an hour," said Heidi. Next door she could hear the sound of chase throwing up, and she grinned a little. There was no sign of Jordan moving, so Heidi pulled off the covers.
"Jordan, get up!"
Dean and Lara were in the dining room on the first floor of the hotel, enjoying a quiet breakfast together.
"How do you think Chase is doing?" Asked Lara, sipping her coffee. Dean nodded.
"He'll be fine; until we have to wake him up," said Dean, pushing his empty plate aside. Lara checked their itinerary.
"We've got to be at Parliament House for the awards ceremony at nine," she said, checking through the list. Dean nodded, and stood up.
"Time to wake up Sleeping Beauty," said Dean, smiling. Lara joined him as they took the lift upstairs. Dean walked straight to Chase's door and opened it.
"He's not there!" Exclaimed Dean. As he spoke, a bleary-eyed Chase appeared from the bathroom, barely dressed. Lara ducked around the corner, away from the door, giggling. Dean smacked her on the arm.
"Chase, we've got to be ready in half an hour. Rescue gear for the ceremony," said Dean. Chase nodded, and staggered over to his backpack, pulling out his uniform. Dean closed the door.
"Don't laugh, he's half-drunk," said Dean, trying to keep a straight face. Lara dragged him to their own room.
"Come on, we've got to get ready too."
The five of them met downstairs in the lobby. Chase and Jordan's eyes were red-rimmed, and Chase was as pale as a ghost.
"I hope you two have learnt not to drink so much," commented Heidi. Jordan nodded.
"Definitely have," he whispered hoarsely. Another limo pulled up out the front, and they piled in.
"So what do you think that these awards are for?" Asked Lara, watching as Canberra flashed past the window. Dean shrugged his shoulders as they pulled up out the front of Parliament House. A crowd was gathered out the front.
"I wonder why all these people are here?" Queried Heidi as they exited the limo. At least half of them carried signs.
Free Violet Granger!
RSO Lies!
Sydney makes up a story!
Revenge!
Dean looked at the crowd, and then back at the team.
"I think we're in trouble…" The crowd advanced menacingly on the team, dropping their signs to the side. The limo sped away, leaving them with no escape.
"Um, what's going on?" Asked Chase stupidly. Dean saw it straightaway, and if his legs could have moved, he would have been running.
"You got Violet fired! She was the best out there, only had our interests at heart! You Special Ops people think you had the entire story, but you didn't. Now it's personal!" Shouted people from the crowd.
"Now!" Screamed another voice, and they surged forward, engulfing the team. Dean, Lara, Heidi, Jordan and Chase separated, each fighting their own battle…
Lara punched whatever flesh she came into contact with, trying to force them away. They didn't budge thought, and she kept going, feeling her muscles burning as she continued fighting. She remembered Violet, but didn't know why she was being involved. A square blow to her chest knocked her flat on the ground, and she tried desperately to suck in another breath…
"Get off me!" Shouted Jordan, pushing someone back. They knocked three people back, and Jordan was safe; for the moment. He took a standard boxing stance, waiting for the next person to take him on. He heard the sound of smashing glass, and someone came at him with the broken bottle…
Heidi fought valiantly, trying to push away the swarm of people. She didn't even know Violet Granger, not when she was a member of the team. Violet was fired just before she was employed, she hadn't even met her, didn't even know who she was until three weeks ago.
"This has nothing to do with me!" She screamed, hitting whoever she could reach. They retaliated, fighting back, hitting whatever part of her they could reach…
"Lara!" Shouted Dean over the crowd, trying to see her. He had lost sight of her after she went down. He kept fighting, and turned just in time to see Chase collapse.
"Chase!" He yelled. He used a roundhouse kick, and everyone backed away, realising how serious he was. He pulled his phone out, dialling Vince's direct number. He answered almost instantly.
"Deano, what's up?" Asked Vince, concerned. He could hear the fighting in the background.
"Vince, we're in Canberra, and we need police onsite now! We're being mobbed by Violet's supporters. Lara and Chase are down, and I can't see Jordan or Heidi anywhere," said Dean. Vince waved Chantelle into his office, and covered the receiver with his hand.
"Call the police unit at Canberra, get them out to Parliament House; now!" Ordered Vince. Chantelle nodded, and picked up Vince's desk phone, dialling the police.
"Deano, how did this happen?" Asked Vince, concerned.
"I think this awards ceremony was a set-up, a chance to get us here," said Dean, eyeing off the straggler who was making his way closer to Dean. He stepped back after Dean glared at him. Sirens sounded in the background.
"Ethan's going to meet you guys there as well," said Vince, pacing his office. Chantelle looked at him.
"Canberra Unit should be there now," she said. Vince nodded.
"They're here Vince. I'll ring you later and give you an update."
"Righto Dean, get to your team." Vince hung up. Police cars skidded to a halt all around, and members of the mob scattered, running away from the police. Heidi was crouched down on the ground; she'd tried to minimize the area they could hit. Jordan was holding a hand to his head, blood trickling through his fingers. Ethan White got out of the first squad car.
"Gallagher?" He yelled. Dean waved as he moved over to Lara. Her face was paler than usual, and her hands were pressing across her chest. Dean realised what was wrong straight away.
"Lara, stay calm," he ordered. He pulled out his emergency medi-kit, and searched through it for a needle. Lara was gasping, her lips bordering on blue. He found the needle he was looking for, and felt along her ribs. He found the space he was looking for and pushed the needle into her. He heard a hissing sound, and the colour flooded back into Lara's cheeks as she took a breath. Ethan came running over.
"I'm Dean, this is Lara. I've diagnosed her with a collapsed lung, given her basic treatment. Call an ambulance for her, organise two more, one for Jordan and one for Chase." Ethan nodded, and watched his soon to be new team working. Heidi was dealing with Jordan, putting pressure on the wound.
"It'll need stitches babe," she said quietly. He nodded, feeling a little dizzy. Heidi pulled out a gauze pad and pressed it against the laceration. It soaked up the blood quickly. Heidi glanced around to see a strange man watching her. He was hunkered down near Lara, and Heidi stared as Dean moved from Lara's side over to Chase.
"Chase," said Dean, looking at his youngest brother. He was unconscious, a large contusion rising on his forehead.
"Chase, come on," said Dean, his concern growing. A blaring siren indicated that an ambulance had arrived, one, then two more.
"Come on Chasie, wake up," said Dean. Chase's eyelids fluttered, and he started retching. Dean rolled him over into the recovery position. Chase threw up, and tried to shield his eyes from the blinding sunlight that seared through his bruised brain. Two ambulance officers joined Dean on the ground.
"Chase Gallagher, thirty-two years old, has a known allergy to morphine. Suspected concussion," said Dean in the handover to the ambulance crew. They nodded as they transferred Chase's prone body to the stretcher.
"We'll take him to Canberra Hospital. They'll probably do scans, and a general check-up." Dean nodded, and they took Chase away. He crossed back over to Lara, where Ethan was waiting.
"Is Chase okay?" He asked gruffly. Dean shrugged his shoulders.
"Not sure yet. They'll do scans at the hospital and check him over." He turned his focus to Lara, smoothing her hair back.
"How are you doing?" He asked gently.
"I'm okay; a bit sore. I'm pretty sure I've cracked a rib or two," she whispered. Another ambo crew joined her.
"Lara Gallagher, thirty years old, was treated for a tension pneumothorax here on site. Suspected cracked ribs, no breaks, no concussion, is a diabetic." They nodded, and then loaded her carefully onto the gurney before putting her in the back of the ambulance. Dean would have gone with either Chase or Lara, but he wanted to check on Heidi and Jordan first, and then speak with Ethan.
"Heidi-ho! How's Jordan?" He called, jogging over to her.
"He's going to need stitches, but other than that he's okay. Probably be pretty bruised as well; we all will be. We took a beating out there Dean; what happened?"
"I can answer that," said Ethan, stepping forward.
"Who are you?" Asked Jordan.
"Ethan White. I'll be your new station co-ordinator; Vince Marchello hired me to take his place." Ethan helped Jordan to his feet. Heidi stood up as well, wincing as her muscles ached in protest.
"So what just happened?" Asked Heidi.
"You guys walked into a protest over Violet Granger's dismissal and her jail sentence. There was no awards ceremony; you were supposed to be coming down here to meet me, before we all headed back to Sydney. I had no knowledge of an awards ceremony, yet here you guys are. Limos were organised, dinners, everything." The final ambulance crew came over, and Heidi went with Jordan, leaving Dean with Ethan.
"So this was all a set-up," commented Dean. Ethan nodded, and they stepped away together, towards the waiting car that had been delivered for Ethan.
"It was; a scheme to get you here, to seek revenge. Someone's trying to make your unit pay for what happened." Ethan unlocked the car, and he and Dean both climbed in. Ethan revved the engine as he took off, heading towards Canberra Hospital.
"So who's angry enough to want to seek revenge?"
"I haven't got a clue Dean," said Ethan, driving carefully towards the hospital. Dean became absorbed in his own thoughts, and didn't realise they were at the hospital until Ethan had stopped the car and was staring at him. They got out together, and headed inside to the main desk.
"I'm looking for Lara Gallagher, Chase Gallagher, and Jordan Zwitkowski," said Dean. The woman stared at his uniform for a few moments, and then handed him a slip of paper with the room numbers on it. He nodded his thanks, and headed down the corridor. Lara's room was first, and Ethan was kind enough to wait outside the room, to allow Lara and Dean some privacy.
"Hey," he said softly, pulling aside the curtain. She was sitting on the bed, holding her side tenderly.
"Hi," she replied. He looked at her pained expression.
"What's the verdict?" He asked, not sure if he wanted to know.
"Cracked ribs; they'll heal on their own. I'm allowed out of here, but I'll be restricted for about a week or so from active duty." Dean nodded, and carefully helped her off the bed.
"Have you signed the discharge papers?" Asked Dean. She nodded.
"Right; Chase next," he said. They exited the room, Dean's arm around Lara's shoulders. Ethan nodded at them both, and followed them along the corridor until they came to Chase's room.
"Do you want to stay out here?" Dean asked Lara. She nodded, taking the offered seat. Ethan stayed with her, almost like a guard. Dean entered Chase's room. Chase was arguing with a nurse.
"And I'm telling you, I feel fine! Let me go home; I know the warning signs. Both my brothers are paramedics, heck, I'm a paramedic!" She shot a frustrated glance towards Dean, and he stepped in.
"Chase, what's going on?" Asked Dean, becoming the responsible one in the conversation.
"They say I've got a concussion, and I need to stay overnight. I feel fine Dean, I've had enough concussions by now to know all the warning signs…" Chase was cut off by Dean's raised hand. Dean sighed, and rubbed his temples.
"Discharge him. I'll take him home and let his wife deal with him." Chase recoiled, but signed the paperwork anyway. He hopped down from the bed.
"Where's Jordan and Heidi?" He asked.
"Jordan's getting stitches put in, and Heidi's with him," said Dean. The four of them headed down to the last room. They could hear Jordan sniggering before they even got to the room.
"Wait here. I'll get him, and then we'll work out what to do," said Dean. He stepped inside the room. Jordan was high as a kite, giggling like a schoolgirl. Heidi was turning red from trying not to laugh at him.
"Pain meds?" Said Dean.
"Yep," answered Heidi. Dean shook his head, a smile on his face.
"How many stitches?" He asked, examining the neatly closed wound on Jordan's forehead.
"Doctor said eight," answered Heidi, gathering her jacket and Jordan's.
"Looks good. Let's get him out of here," said Dean.
"Dea-no… Di-no… DINOSAUR!" Exclaimed Jordan as they got out of the room. Chase laughed at his best mate.
"Jeez Jordan, you are high," said Chase, helping Dean with Jordan. He could stand, but not very well.
"Ethan, are we right to take your four-wheel drive?" Asked Dean. He counted heads; they'd all fit. Ethan nodded.
"Sure thing. Back to the hotel?" He asked. Dean nodded.
"We'll leave for Sydney tonight," he replied as they left the hospital. Heidi was helping Lara, and both were feeling a little bruised. They knew they'd hurt more later, they just needed to get back to Sydney. The trip back to the hotel was uneventful, with Jordan eventually falling asleep. When they arrived at the hospital, Heidi was unsure what to do.
"Leave him in there. Grab your bags, and we'll throw them in my SUV. The van can be returned by hotel management to the company you hired it from. And this way, I get to take my patrol to Sydney." Dean nodded, but was still a little unsure. Ethan waved them away.
"Go. I'll stay here," he said simply. The four of them headed upstairs to their rooms, but grudgingly. Dean and Lara packed their bags quickly, and then Dean headed downstairs with the heavy luggage. Lara checked in on Chase. He was sitting on the edge of the bed, holding his tender skull.
"Chase? Are you okay?" She asked, stepping inside. He glanced up, and nodded.
"I'll be fine, just got a little bit of a headache. I'll be fine, just don't tell Dean," said Chase. Lara hesitated, then nodded.
"Do you want help packing your bag?" She asked. Chase nodded, grateful for the assistance. Heidi appeared at the doorway lugging both her suitcase and Jordan's.
"Everything okay?" She asked. Lara and Chase nodded in unison. Lara tried to lift Chase's bag, and felt her ribs twinge, reminding her she was still injured. Chase jumped up to help her as she sat down carefully.
"You alright Lara?" Asked Heidi, concerned. Lara nodded.
"Yeah, just my ribs reminding me that they are indeed cracked," she said, holding her side. Chase picked up his bag, and walked out of the room, picking up Heidi and Jordan's bags on the way past.
"Thanks Chase!" Heidi called after him. He nodded as he pushed the button for the lift.
"You okay to stand?" Asked Heidi. Lara nodded.
"Yeah, it was just trying to lift Chase's bag. I'm pretty sure he packed bricks instead of clothes," said Lara, getting to her feet. They took the other elevator down, joking about the fact they were going to spending three hours in the car with Chase and a drugged Jordan. The lift arrived at the lobby, and they walked out to Ethan's four-wheel drive, arms linked. Dean was stacking the bags carefully in the back of the vehicle.
"Where's Chase?" He asked. Lara and Heidi looked at each other, and then back at Dean.
"He took the other lift down. He should have been down well and truly by now," said Lara. Dean glanced around, looking for Chase.
"Lara, stay here with Jordan. Ethan, if you're up for it, I could use your help. Heidi, with me," said Dean. His gut was telling him something was very wrong.
"I'll check bathrooms," said Ethan, splitting away from them. Dean nodded.
"Which elevator did he get in Heidi?" He asked. She pointed to the one on the right.
"He went in that one," she replied. Dean punched the button, willing it to move faster. It ticked through the floor levels slowly.
8…
7…
6…
5…
4…
3…
2…
1…
Lobby…
The lift doors opened, and Heidi and Dean glanced inside.
"Chase!" Chase was in the corner of the elevator, bags dropped on the floor, holding his head. It was obvious he was in pain, Dean could see that.
"Chase, tell me what's wrong," said Dean, stepping into the lift. Heidi kept the lift doors open as Ethan appeared.
"It's the worst headache I've ever had," whispered Chase. It was similar to a migraine, and the lights and noise weren't helping Chase at all.
"Ethan, help me get him out of here," said Dean, lifting his brother. Heidi grabbed the bags that Chase had dropped, and dragged them outside towards the car.
"God, Chase, are you okay?" Asked Lara. Chase's face was screwed up in pain as he tried to block out everything, the searing agony almost too much for him.
"Open up the door; we'll put him in the back with Jordan, he can sleep off this headache, and we can get going," said Dean quietly. Lara nodded, opening the door for Dean. Together, he and Ethan tucked Chase into the back of the SUV. Ethan stepped back, allowing Dean to buckle Chase's seatbelt. Lara and Heidi climbed in, and slammed the door shut. Chase groaned, nauseous, the sound echoing through his tender head.
"I'm sorry Chase," apologised Heidi. He didn't care; he just wanted the pain to leave. Dean and Ethan sat up front, Dean in the driver's seat. He put the four-wheel drive into gear, and sped out of the hotel driveway, heading out of Canberra. Chase could feel his head pounding, and closed his eyes, hoping to block out everything and fall asleep…
After half an hour, Heidi announced that Chase was asleep.
"So Ethan, tell us a little about yourself," said Dean.
"Well, I was the team leader for Canberra Rescue Unit when it first opened, having trained with Carl Gregory just before teams split up and were stationed in various places. I was team leader for fifteen years before being promoted to station co-ordinator. I needed to change jobs after my wife died of cancer, and Vince happened to ring at the right time. I accepted on the spot. Here's hoping your unit is easy to manage," said Ethan. Heidi sniggered.
"Wishful thinking," she muttered. She glanced across at Lara, who was leaning against the window, her eyelids drooping.
"So what about Vince? Why did he resign and then take a job with Head Office?" Asked Ethan.
"He originally resigned to spend time with his two youngest daughters, Emily and Rachel. His only son was involved in a rescue a few years back, and received a severe brain injury. He's been moved to a care facility where he can be better cared for. As for his eldest daughter, she's engaged to the middle Gallagher brother, Lachie." Ethan looked taken aback for a moment.
"How many Gallagher's are there involved in Rescue?" Asked Ethan incredulously.
"There's myself, Lara and Chase, and then Lachie."
"And you're all involved in Rescue?" Asked Ethan.
"Yeah. Lara and I were married about two years ago, and we've been in Rescue for a long time, just before Violet was asked to leave. Chase came in about a year after that, and almost four years ago, Lachie was discharged from the SAS, and pretty much slotted into our unit. I can't imagine working without him; he's an integral part of the team," said Dean, changing lanes.
"Who else is on your team?" Asked Ethan. Vince had sent him a list of employees, but he hadn't had a real chance to glance through and actually read it.
"Well, you now know Heidi, Jordan, Chase, Lara and myself. Lachie Gallagher, Kate Marchello, Andy Taylor and Joey Beaumont make up the rest of our team," said Dean.
"And Michelle," said Ethan. Dean nodded.
"Yep. And Michelle."
"And what's the deal with that Elite team?" Asked Ethan.
"We work with them occasionally. They're a good team, well worth their money. They've vowed to never take our job, and we've done the same. We go for drinks sometimes as well," said Dean. They were only half an hour away from Sydney, and he was looking forward to dropping everyone home, and enjoying a relaxing evening with Lara, Lizzie and Mikky. Jordan chose that moment to wake up.
"Where are we?" He asked groggily.
"Almost home babe. Just chill," said Heidi. Dean pulled up out the front of headquarters, and Michelle and Vince met them out the front. Ethan got out first, and shook Vince's hand.
"Marchello," said Ethan.
"Ethan, it's good to see you again," said Michelle warmly. Ethan shook her hand next. Dean stepped out of the car.
"Deano, how's my old team?" Asked Vince. Dean grimaced.
"We're okay Vince, but that is seriously one of the strangest things that has ever happened. Heidi's a little bruised, Jordan's got eight stitches on his forehead, Lara's got a few cracked ribs, and Chase received a moderate concussion. He should have stayed in hospital, but he wanted to be back here." Lachie and Kate appeared at the door.
"Deano mate, you're finally back! Life's no fun when you and Chasie aren't around for me to torment," said Lachie. He noticed the bruises blossoming on Dean's face, and then Heidi's.
"What happened?" He asked.
"It's a long story Lach, and I'm not even going to go into it," said Dean.
"Right. Ethan can go with you. Head home, you can do reports on the incident tomorrow," said Michelle, noticing the fatigue and exhaustion starting to show on Dean's face. Dean nodded, happily relinquishing the driver's seat to Ethan. They headed out of the driveway, and straight for Chase's house first. When they got there, Kyle met them at the door.
"I thought you guys weren't coming back until tomorrow," he commented. Dean and Ethan helped Chase out of the car. He was still half asleep, and wasn't making any efforts to wake up.
"What's up with Chase?" Asked Kyle, concerned.
"He'll be fine; I think he's just been suffering from a migraine. Let him sleep it off, he should be fine," said Dean. Kyle led them into the loungeroom, and Chase practically collapsed onto the couch.
"Ring me if something happens," said Dean. Kyle nodded, and Dean and Ethan returned to the vehicle.
"Drop Lara and I off next; it's the house two streets over," said Dean. He directed Ethan to his house, and Lizzie met him and Lara at the door.
"Let your sister rest," he said simply, waving goodbye to Ethan.
"Our house is just around the corner," said Heidi. Ethan nodded, and Heidi directed him to their house. Ethan pulled up in front of their house, and Heidi and Jordan got out.
"Thanks Ethan," said Heidi. Ethan nodded, and accelerated away from their house, heading back to HQ. Heidi unlocked the front door.
"How's your head feeling?" She asked.
"Bit tender at the moment, but it's okay," said Jordan. He disappeared into their bedroom and came out moments later, fresh, clean, comfortable clothes on. Heidi did the same and joined Jordan on the couch, snuggling next to him. He smoothed her hair back and in minutes, Heidi had fallen asleep, head resting on Jordan's chest. Jordan was content, happy. He missed being able to just spend time with Heidi. She was usually tired after work, and in the weeks he'd had off, he was wired by the time she arrived home. Now; he was happy. His phone vibrated in his pocket, and he tried to extract it without waking Heidi up. He succeeded, and scrolled through his phone to the unread message.
"I'm out. Miss me?"
The next day, the entire team met at headquarters, to formally meet Ethan, and for Ethan to get to know his new team. Ethan sat at Vince's desk, already unnerved by the amount of paperwork stacked upon it. Dean and Lara sat at their desks, working while they waited. Michelle was in her office, filing a report for Vince. Chase was arm-wrestling with Joey over the conference table. Andy was reading the newspaper, and Heidi and Jordan were talking at their own desks. The lift dinged as it arrived at the office floor, and Kate and Lachie walked out, hand in hand.
"Oh good, you're all here," said Michelle, stepping out of her office. Kate and Lachie took a seat, and Chase and Joey left the conference table, joining the rest of the team.
"Right, I know most of you met him yesterday, but this is Ethan White. He's taking over Vince's old position of station co-ordinator. He trained with Carl Gregory when Sydney first opened, and then transferred to Canberra." Ethan nodded.
"Nice to meet you Ethan. Are you enjoying Sydney?" Asked Andy. He nodded, a smile playing across his lips.
"It's nice to be back home again," said Ethan.
"Well, I'm pretty sure you've met most of us. The ones who you didn't meet in Canberra are Lachie, Kate, Andy and Joey. That pretty much makes up our team," said Dean.
"You've got an uneven team," said Ethan. Dean nodded.
"Yeah, we've been short for a while. It's never really crossed our minds to find someone else to complete the team," said Dean. Ethan nodded.
"So who are your team pairs?" He asked.
"Dean and I, Heidi and Jordan, Kate and Lachie, and Joey and Andy," answered Lara.
"So you're the one who's unlucky, Chase," said Ethan. Chase shrugged his shoulders.
"It's not that bad," replied Chase. Ethan nodded.
"Well, it's nice to meet you all. I've got a stack of paperwork that needs my attention, and you've got reports to do." The team groaned inwardly, and turned back to their desks. Ethan seemed nice enough, but it would take time for them to be as friendly with him as they were with Vince. After an hour or so, Jordan felt his phone vibrate in his pocket. Another message flashed across the screen.
"I didn't get an answer. Did you miss me?" Jordan had no idea who it was, and had refused to answer the message last night. If they really wanted to contact him, they'd ring and speak to him. He put the phone face-down on the desk and continued working. Heidi leant back in her chair as she signed off the last line of her report.
"Done!" She exclaimed.
"Nice." Kate checked her watch.
"Dad's asked me to pick up Emily and Rachel from school today. Do you want to come with me? We can pick up Amber and Alicia as well, and catch up on the way over." Heidi nodded.
"Sure, let's go." Heidi and Kate left, and Lachie leant back from his desk, resting a hand on his ribs.
"You right?" Asked Dean, noticing the change in Lachie.
"I think so. I don't know. I'm not sleeping well; I keep have these recurring dreams about the day I was taken. I wake up in a cold sweat, the sheets tangled around me, and Kate stroking my hair back, telling me it's okay." Lachie was frustrated with his inability to overcome his past.
"Ever thought about therapy?" Asked Ethan from his seat at his desk.
"No. No therapy. I'll be fine," insisted Lachie. Dean turned to him.
"Clearly not. If you're not sleeping, then you need to at least see a doctor," said Dean. Chase nodded his agreement from his own desk. Lachie closed his eyes, leaning back in his seat. His ribs still ached, even after it had been several weeks since the incident. Chase snapped Lachie back to reality.
"Come on, kebabs are calling. Jordan, you too." Chase led the three of them downstairs, and the took one of the patrols down to Crown Street. Michelle stepped outside her office again.
"Dean, can I speak to you inside please?" She asked. Dean nodded and stepped inside.
"What's up?" He asked, taking a seat.
"Violet's daughter just confessed," she said.
"What?" Asked Dean, confusion clouding his face.
"The set-up; Violet's daughter Emma confessed to police that she organised it all. She's angry her mother has been put in jail, and wanted to seek her revenge. She picked to target you five, being almost the same team that was here when her mother was fired. She's being put into the same jail as her mother." Dean was gobsmacked, his jaw falling open.
"That's crazy!" Exclaimed Dean. Michelle shrugged her shoulders.
"I know, but that's what she's told the police. They have no other reason to investigate further," said Michelle. She was glad her team was safe. Dean nodded, and Michelle dismissed him, returning to her work. After a few hours, she realised it was dark, and it was only her and Ethan left in the office. He knocked on her door, and leant on the frame.
"It's been a while, Mish." Michelle blushed at hearing her old pet name.
"It has Eth. I've got a son, James," she said, refusing to look up at him. Ethan sat down in front of her.
"Any chance of the old flames?" He asked. Michelle finally looked at him, their eyes meeting.
"I don't know Ethan. I've been hurt before, and I don't want to go there again," said Michelle. Ethan walked around to her, and lifted her chin.
Their lips met…