Chapter Seven

A week had passed, and Dean was tired of Chase's attitude. It had been over two months since they'd lost Olivia, and Chase was still depressed. Lachie had noticed it too, along with everyone else, Vince and Michelle included. Chase had declined everyone's invitations to the pub, out for dinner, kebabs, to watch the cricket, everything. He'd started turning down Georgia's visits as well, preferring the company of himself over her entertainment. Dean had really thought that Georgia would be the turning point for Chase, but if he was going to push her away, nothing would be accomplished. He stormed down the hallway and flung open the door of Chase's bedroom.

"Chase, hurry up," he said loudly. Chase moaned, and rolled over. He didn't want to face the team again. The past week and a half had been hard enough to try and get through, and he'd been avoiding going out on rescues, despite Vince pushing him to go out. He drearily pulled on his uniform, wishing that his bed would just swallow him whole, and then he wouldn't have to deal with anyone anymore. His phone vibrated on the bedside table, and he checked the caller i.d. It was Georgia Wright again. He rejected the call, for what seemed like the thousandth time. He missed Georgia, but didn't know how to explain to her how he was feeling. He didn't know how to explain to anyone how he was feeling. Lachie dashed past Chase's room, trying to pull on his shirt.

"Come on Chase, you need to hurry up," said Lachie, rushing out the door. Chase followed his two older siblings out, wishing he could be more like them; cool, calm, and seemingly in control. He climbed into the back, and once again wished he could just disappear. Dean pulled out of the driveway, and glanced back at Chase.

"You're back on active duty today Chase," said Dean.

"No, I can't, I need," Dean cut him off.

"No buts Chase. I've already spoken to Vince about it, and we could use you out there. You're coming, whether you like it or not." Dean was determined that Chase was getting back out with the team. Lachie looked across at Dean, and nodded his approval.

"Besides Chasie, I prefer working with my little brother than working alone." Chase stared out the window, trying to ignore them. If I ignore them, maybe they'll decide I'm not fit for duty. No such luck. Dean pulled into the drive at headquarters just as Jordan, Heidi and Lara came running down the stairs. Jordan and Heidi climbed in the first patrol, and Dean, Lachie, Chase and Lara jumped in the other. Lara took the driver's seat, accelerating out of the driveway at a breakneck speed.

"What's going on?" Asked Dean, holding onto his seat as Lara hit the sirens and lights, and swerved around a corner.

"There's a fire at one of the apartment buildings in the middle of the city, and the firies have asked for help. There's been an evacuation, and there are people missing." Lara screeched to a halt outside a smoking building. Fire engines littered the street, and people ran screaming from the apartment block into neighbouring streets. The teams jumped out, and Dean headed over to Jake Hudson.

"What's the sit-rep Jake?" He asked.

"We've got almost everyone out, but we're missing one of the occupants, and she's not answering her cell." Dean looked at Jake's list, and the highlighted name hit him like a lightning bolt.

"Chase, come here," he called. Chase walked over slowly, and stood next to his older brother.

"What?" He asked flatly.

"Doesn't Georgia have a friend called Ruby?" Chase nodded.

"Yeah, Ruby Wilcox. Why?" Dean waved over Lachie as well.

"Lachie, grab the BA's out of the back. We've got to head in and find Ruby." Lachie nodded, and Dean turned back to talk to Chase. If Chase had still been there anyway. Chase had left Dean as soon as he heard Dean say Ruby's name. If he didn't find her and something happened to her, Georgia would be distraught. They were practically inseparable, almost like sisters. He'd run into the burning building with no care for himself, only for finding her.

"Ruby! Ruby!" He yelled, coughing as he inhaled the smoke. He kicked open doors as he walked past them, checking each room. He tried to remember which apartment Ruby lived in, but couldn't recall.

"Ruby!" He yelled. The thick, acrid smoke filled the air he breathed, and burned his lungs with every breath. He wished he'd grabbed a BA before he came inside, but it was too late for regrets now. He ran into the last room, and tripped over something on the floor, sending him sprawling. He rolled over, and realised it was Ruby. He crawled back to her.

"Ruby! Ruby, wake up," he said urgently, coughing. He checked her, and she was still breathing.

"Come on Ruby, you've got to wake up. Please," begged Chase, struggling for air. He scooped her up, and tried to carry her out. He could only take a few steps before he fell to his knees. Ruby fell to the ground, and Chase toppled sideways. I have to get her out, he thought, but it was no use.

"Lachie," he coughed, drawing in a painful breath. There was no answer. It's all my fault. I'm going to lose another patient. At least this time I'll go with them. Chase was adamant that he was going to die.

"Dean," he croaked, hoping, almost praying that one of his brother's would hear him. He closed his eyes, the smoke and heat searing his face. I just need to rest a moment, rest my eyes, take a few deep breaths, and then I can get Ruby out. I can tell Georgia how I really feel about her, not just about how depressed I've been, but how much I really care for her. I need to get Ruby out first…