Title: Trouble in Paradise
Chapter 2 – Trouble in Paradise!

He had wanted to sleep most of the flight, but Kelly Severide's mind was too active and anxious to do anything but read as many of the travel brochures on Buenos Aires as he could find in the small plane.

"Don't worry…we're going to have an amazing time. Just stick with the entourage and everything will be okay. It's only if you get off the main drag and away from the high priced area that things can go south pretty fast."

"Course," Severide agrees as he watches Travis typing something up on his social media feed. "Do you always…tell everyone where you're going?"

"If a company pays me the right amount I will," Travis replies in truth. "Molly's was a favor Kelly. Plus sometimes, it's kinda nice to just have a beer at a local dive before it becomes…popular."

"Yeah the guys can't thank you enough for the business they're getting now."

"Their welcome," Travis smiles. "But right now, just relax and try to get a few hours sleep. As soon as we land…it's party time."

Severide offers Travis a somewhat uneasy smile but nods in agreement as after the past few hours adrenaline rush, a restful reprieve was in order. He looks at the time and pictures himself at Molly's with Casey, Cruz, Capp and the rest of his 51 family and his mind settles.

It's going to be fun…everything…will be alright…

XXXXXXXX

Casey takes a sip of his coffee and then looks at his computer with a small frown before he reaches for the mouse and then pulls up a search browser.

'Travis Brenner…international…incidents…'

He lightly curses himself for even thinking that Kelly's new friend was bad news but after what he learned from Brett, it didn't seem like Travis worried about anyone or anything except his reputation. "Matt…go home," Casey tells himself as he looks over at a picture of Louie and smiles.

But just before he's about to pack up for the night, for the end of his shift, Google returns a result that makes him think twice. And then another. And then…another.

Travis Brenner's entourage cleared in hit and run of Spanish courier.

But just before he can open that specific page, his eyes drop to a few of the headings directly below it.

Social Media hot shot Travis Brenner left more behind in Monte Carlo than just his mega presence. A young girl was…

Lifestyle Celebrity, Travis Brenner's team faces scandal…

And it went on. A few incidents here and there…over the years and no matter what happened, Travis Brenner seemed to walk away without much tarnish if any to his reputation; others took it for him. But that doesn't sit too well with Casey as his mind starts to spin that Kelly could take the fall for something the lifestyle celebrity didn't want to deal with.

But then…something else catches his interest. "What the..." Casey's voice trails off as he quickly opens the first webpage and settles in to read.

XXXXXXXX

As soon as the small plane's door opens and despite it being near dinner time, the blast of warm air enlivens Kelly's senses; the evening nightlight beckoning him to come and enjoy all of it's exotic offerings.

"Hungry? Course you are," Travis smiles as he claps Severide on the back and gestures for them to head for the waiting limo. "Tonight…we're just going to unwind with a little low-key entertainment and some good food. Mario. Take us to Rico's."

Rico's of course wasn't someone's home or a cozy dive bar in a friendly little neighborhood. It was a local culinary hot spot. But unlike the ones with the long lines, bouncers and adoring fans cheering on his arrival, they are able to slip into the back, take a table and then sit back and enjoy the rest of the night and whatever it had to offer.

Severide looks at the menu written in Spanish and then up at Travis with a chuckle. "Should I trust Google translate?"

"I got this," Travis motions to the waitress who nears them with a very friendly smile.

Kelly sits back and listens as Travis places the order and then offers a wink and the promise of a good tip for really good service.

"You trust me right?"

"What did you order me? Bulls testicles or something?" Severide chuckles.

"Hardly," Travis laughs as the waitress comes back with a pitcher of Sangria. "But they can be tasty if cooked just right."

"Right," Severide laughs in return as he takes a sip of his drink. "Speaking of tasty," he deadpans.

"Don't worry nothing unusual tonight. Tonight, it's just about unwinding and relaxing. Tomorrow's the big day."

"Speaking of that. So we'll just…hit these few spots and…"

"And watch my social media feed light up. Always get a bit of a high off it," Travis grins as he takes another mouthful of his drink and then starts to pick at the alcohol soaked fruit. "That's what it's all about. Living the good life and taking friend's along with me."

"Too the good life," Severide lifts his glass and toasts Travis's just as the first course of little share plate appetizers is set before them.

"Dig in Kelly…you won't find this back home."

Home…Severide tries to push that thought out of his mind and just enjoy the moment, telling himself he might never get the chance again.

To the good life…

XXXXXXXX

"Seems the good life comes at a price," Casey mutters with a hint of disdain as he leans back in his chair and then looks at the picture on the screen. "But…each time Travis had an excuse…and a wad of cash to buy his way out."

However, Casey knows that it's not Travis he's worried about; it's his friend a few thousand miles away without anyone to back him up. "And if something goes wrong…Travis just walks away and it's those around him who pay the price."

But he knows he's not Kelly's keeper and isn't about to phone his friend and tell him all the bad things he's found out about the man he's travelling with and potentially ruin his holiday. That wouldn't be fair either. Still he was worried.

"Well Kelly...just hope that nothing goes wrong for the next two weeks."

XXXXXXXX

A few hours later, Kelly Severide trudges behind Travis down the hallway of their luxury hotel.

"That's yours…" Travis tells Severide as he tosses him a small packet with two hotel keys in it. "See you tomorrow."

"Nite," Severide offers with a wide smile as he watches Travis head for the door to his part of their adjoining room and then disappears from view. "Wow…nice," Severide slightly slurs as he enters the room and then looks at the expensive furnishings before him.

But before he has a chance to really enjoy all that the five star hotel has to offer, he eyes the large bed with only one thought in mind – getting a good night's sleep. And that's just what he does, his eyes closing as soon as his head hits the pillow and remaining shut until well into the next morning.

"Ahh," Severide lightly groans as his eyes open and then close as the bright sun manages to peek through the cracks in the black rubber-backed curtains and start assault his weary eyes, forcing them to close tightly seconds later.

He rolls over onto the other side and looks at the clock. It was only a three hour time difference but after being so tired and then drinking too much on a nearly empty stomach his brain reminds him to try to eat normally today. With that thought in his mind, Severide pushes himself up from the warm nest of covers and then slowly wanders over to the window and pulls the curtains open.

"Damn," Severide slightly snickers as he looks down to see the pool area already hopping with half naked men, scantily clad women and a pulse pounding beat. He turns and heads for the bathroom to shower and then head down to see Travis and get his holiday officially started.

XXXXXXXX

"Hey…there he is," Travis greets Severide about half hour later.

"Glad you got the biggest umbrella," Severide gently grimaces as he slumps down into a chair around the poolside table, looking around at the crowd that was now bigger than when he first looked down. "So what's…" Severide starts but is instantly interrupted by people who want a piece of the male socialite's time.

He sits back with an uneasy smile, trying to drink his coffee and awaken his senses but is pretty soon jostled to the side as Travis entreats external fans to join him at the table, to eat, drink and take as many selfie's as they wanted.

Pays the bills, Severide's mind reminds him as he plunks himself down at a nearby table to finish up his first mug of coffee.

"Hey Kelly…come on and get a selfie with the lovely ladies."

"Ohh…is he with you?"

"Sure is," Travis grins as he beckons Kelly to join them.

Ah what the hell…Severide's mind tells him as he plunks himself back down in his original spot and is instantly joined by two very attractive women, one on either side, snapping pictures and posting them to various forms of social media. About an hour later, Severide finally pulls himself away from the never ending parade of one follower after another, and slumps down at a small table at the far end of the outdoor pool area.

'Party started early.'

Severide pulls his phone and chuckles at Casey's text before he text's back in reply 'it never ended. His life is one big party. So far…so good.'

'Keep me posted.'

'Don't you follow him?' Severide snickers as he can just picture Casey's expression of disdain as he replies.

'I only follow the CFD…and a few others.'

"Yeah I'll bet," Severide chirps as he puts his phone away and then finishes his coffee. He looks over at Travis and can't help but wonder what the rest of the day would be like. He wouldn't have to wait too long to find out – and the answer? Would be pretty mundane. Since the luxury hotel was paying Travis a very hefty fee to endorse itself and it's various features that's exactly what the day entailed – sampling and social media documenting everything it had to offer.

For supper, it was time to dress up a bit more and then head a few meters away, to a new, upscale dining lounge the hotel just finished renovating for some very 'social' press. By the time Severide goes to bed that night, his head is literally buzzing and he can't help but wonder just how many pictures of himself had been posted and now circulated.

XXXXXXXX

The next day Severide gets a bit of his wish as Travis tells him they're going to do a bit of social media blitzing of a few choice establishments surrounding the luxury, waterfront hotel.

'Finally get to see some local stuff. Tell you about it later.'

Severide sends the text to Casey and then follows after Travis as they enter their first stop, a new boutique that caters to men who like to spend money on clothes that make them look good. "Ah…can't afford it," Severide modestly admits with an amused smile as Travis says it's on him and the eager sales clerk quickly wraps it up before anyone can change their mind.

For the most part the day goes by without incident. But it's not until the evening, when Kelly Severide gets another glimpse of the real reason he's apart of Brenner's entourage. As soon as they step out of the blackened SUV, another large throng of Travis Brenner follows rush toward them, Severide getting pushed out of the way but is still able to maintain his balance.

However, he hears a small cry and then turns to see a man frantically looking around for his son.

"Hey…what's going on?" Severide asks as he pushes his way toward the distraught man.

"My boy…Miguel…" he starts in broken English. "He was here until…your friend…all these people…"

"He's not…" Severide starts and then stops with a frown. "Okay…let's just…" he pauses as he looks around the bobbing masses of heads in a vain attempt to see the little boy. "Miguel!"

"Mickey…he goes by Mickey!"

"Mickey!" Severide calls out as Travis heads toward him.

"Come on Kelly….party's moving inside."

"His son was trampled by your fans," Severide shoots back angrily. "I need to find him."

"Kelly," Travis warns him in an undertone as he pulls him away from the distraught father. "We don't get involved with the locals. Trust me, it's not good for your health, if you catch my drift," Travis concludes as he pulls back and then looks at the father. "Hope you find your son."

"That's just it…I'm not like you," Severide protests as he turns away and then starts to look for the boy. "And my health is fine."

"Fine. Leroy…stay with him," Travis directs before he heads back toward the club entrance where he's instantly swallowed by a group of reveling fans.

"We'll find him," Severide assures the man as the crowds start to thin. He finally spies the small frame on the ground in the distance and rushes toward him. "Miguel! Hey…Mickey," Severide gently taps the boy's cheek but finds him unresponsive. "Come on Mickey…come on."

"My son! Is he…dead?"

"Hold on…" Severide states in a panic as he quickly feels for a pulse and then looks up at the father with an expression of relief. "No…I think he just had the wind knocked out of him," Severide explains as he helps the boy slowly sit up. "Hey big guy…you okay?"

"Daddy," the little boy whimpers as the father watches Severide take off his new leather jacket and wrap it around the boy's trembling frame.

"I'm a firefighter," Severide tells the boy as he starts to check him over. "You're gonna be okay. This isn't the place for a kid."

"I know. I work here…at night…in the kitchen. Need the extra money. Just me and him. He…didn't listen to stay put. Thank you. You…you helped him when others wouldn't."

"Can't just walk away," Severide smiles as he gives the boy a friendly pat on the back. "Just take him home and keep an eye on him for a few hours. If he becomes listless or sudden unresponsive, take him to the ER."

"Your jacket."

"Keep it. Just keep him warm."

The father gathers his son up in his arms and then with his free hand, shakes Severide's and thanks him once more before leaving. Severide watches them leave and then pulls his phone sending Casey a somewhat cryptic text 'I think the party just ended,' before he heads back inside.

Kelly and Travis's driver that had waited for him, are admitted back inside and he heads for the table; the club sounds pulsing in his ears but not doing anything to lift his mood.

"Hey…now the party can really get started!" Travis grins as he orders a round of drinks for the newcomers. But after seeing Travis Brenner brush off another person that was hurt in the wake of his entourage, Severide's mood continued to sour and he tells himself that two weeks in paradise would be enough. Paradise come at a price.

XXXXXXXX

Back in Chicago, Casey looks at Severide's text message and slightly frowns. "What does that mean?" He pulls up Travis's social media page and stars to scroll through all the pictures of the latest South American adventure. Casey finally sees a few of Severide and can tell by his friend's strained expression that things aren't going as wanted or expected.

"Trouble in paradise?" He muses with a small huff. "Just hope things remain on the up and up."

XXXXXXXX

Despite the steady stream of high octane cocktails, scantily clad, well-endowed women and food that he couldn't eat fast enough, his mind was agitated and still bothered by what he had witnessed. 'Don't mess with the locals…' but he wasn't messing, he was just trying to help them. Was his humanity that soured? He only cared about himself? His image?

That night all he could hear, after the alcohol induced fog had partially lifted, was the boy calling out to his father and Travis telling him to walk away and forget it. 'Daddy….help me!' he could have been trampled to death. And for what? Just finish up the second week and then go home…

But that was about to change once again.

"Hey…he survived," Travis smiles as Severide slumps down into the chair next to him on the sun-drenched patio and looks at the energy drink that is put down before him. "Okay so…slight change of plans."

"What's going on?"

"Might have to head to Europe a bit sooner than expected."

"When?"

"Later today."

"Travis…"

"You done enjoying the good life already?" Travis tosses back in sarcasm.

"Yeah…think a week is good. Got stuff to do back home," Severide replies slowly.

"Really," Travis states more than questions.

"Just don't think I'm cut out for the high life after all."

He knows that this is Travis's life and since he's not his father or his life or social media coach, he knows it's not up to him to tell him how to life his life or how to take grownup responsibility for grownup misdeeds, but he also knows that he doesn't have to be a part of it.

"You sure?"

"Yeah…this has uh…has been great but a bit much for a simple Chicago boy. It's been great but…think it's time to get back home."

"Okay. Well…the room is paid for until tomorrow morning check out time so…why not stay here until then and tomorrow I'll get Leroy to drive you to the airport. But gotta say…you're gonna miss out on some good times."

"Yeah…I know. But still…time to get back home," Severide states resolutely as he takes a sip of his drink. "Won't miss these," he chuckles as Travis chuckles also.

"Alright…well, enjoy your last night in paradise," Travis grins and then nods. "Don't do something I wouldn't."

XXXXXXXX

*one day later*

Casey looks at Severide's last text and then frowns. 'I think the party just ended…' but that was a few days ago and he still hadn't heard from Severide and worry was starting to settle in.

"Did you call the hotel?"

"Hotel clerk said Mr. Brenner paid for the room and his whole part left. Also tried his cell," Casey explains to Boden as he slowly paces his boss's office. "I called Travis also but he said Severide left for Chicago a day ago. Something's wrong. Kelly's in trouble down there."

XXXXXXXX

*one day earlier*

"Hey are you sure you know the way to…" Severide starts to tell the driver of the black SUV as they drive through an area that he knew wasn't safe for most people to travel. "I think we're lost."

But before he could get another word out, the SUV banks hard to the right, as if skidding to avoid something and then stops suddenly; making Severide's body jerk forward, connect harshly with the back of the SUV's seats and then crumple back onto the leather seats. "What is…"

However, a few seconds later, both doors are roughly yanked open. Instead of the two people asking if he was okay, Severide looks up to see two guns being pointed at him and one demanding him to …"get out. Now!"

A/N: uh oh…Kelly just what kind of trouble are you in! Where is he? and was he set up? Will Matt act on his hunch? How will he find him? And will it be easy to find his friend and bring him home? Please do review before you go and thanks so much!