Title: Stranger in my House
Chapter 12 – Setting things Straight

As expected the night for both Casey and Severide is fraught with nightmares and angry thoughts; both scared at nearly losing the other and angry at the trio who nearly caused it to become a reality. Severide looks over at his clock with an angry growl before he realizes how pointless it is to just linger in bed – thinking. With a heavy sigh he gets up and slowly heads down the hall, hoping that Casey had fared better. He gently peers into the quiet room and can only frown at the empty but rumpled bed before him.

With a small yawn he heads for the stairs to go down. As he slowly descends he notices Casey's frame coming into view, gently slumped over in one of the large easy chairs. He offers his friend a small frown of concern as he nears and wonders if he shouldn't just leave off making coffee until Casey had full awoken. However, that decision is quickly made for him as Casey gently stirs.

"I'm not really asleep," Casey mumbles as his sleepy eyes slowly open and he looks at Severide with a soft frown before his body stretches and then slumps back in place.

"Tell me you didn't sleep…or at least attempt to sleep in this chair all night," Severide comments as he slumps down into the couch opposite and studies Casey in concern.

"Just came down about an hour ago. Tired of tossing and turning. You?"

"Yeah didn't get much rest either. How's the headache?"

"Not as bad right now but it's still there. I am however, very sore. You?"

"A bit stiff but otherwise just tired. Any calls from your mother?"

"Nothing," Casey replies as he looks over at his silent phone and frowns. "I kept wondering all night if she'd be at home waiting and what kind of excuse she'll tell me."

"And you know it's up to you if you want to believe her or not."

"I want to believe the best but from what you've told me…and what I saw…." Casey huffs as his hands rub his face and looks up in exasperation. "I just wish I could remember what her and I talked or fought about before the accident. I mean Kelly…it's been almost a week."

"And you're still remembering things. I know you remembered a tough thing last night but at least it's something. And you remembered some key details. Dr. Barr said we should be really worried if you remembered nothing."

"I know. I'm just getting impatient. And of course knowing that Gordon is still out there isn't helping," Casey's voice trails off as he looks away and then back at Severide.

"Do you know what you want to tell her?"

"I want to tell her she's going back to prison to spend the rest of her term there. But then part of me…damn Kelly I hate this. I really do."

"I know but that's the best case scenario. Then she won't be able to hurt you in any way," Severide suggests lightly. "Are you prepared to tell her that?"

"I'm prepared for her to tell me it was all nothing or she was lied to or some other excuse or…" Casey's voice trails off as he looks away and then turns back with a determined expression. "You said before the accident I had already given her two weeks. I'll stick with that plan. I won't allow guns or…or any kind of illegal activity in my home. But she's right. She's a grown woman and I can't mother her so if she wants to get herself in trouble…I can't stop her. I'm not going to get into another emotional argument with her where I end up feeling guilty. If she lied…or was lied to…I'm done with it."

"Okay," Severide comments lightly.

"I'm just…my own mother Kelly. When I heard her say to Gordon not to hurt me and just stood there…I felt like a stranger in my own home. I mean I have since the accident but this…this was the last straw."

"You know I have your back no matter what and I know you don't really need me to tell you it's the right thing to do but it is. She's used you long enough Matt."

"Thank you," Casey mentions with a friendly smile. "Gordon's still out there but…at least they found your car."

"Thankfully," he lightly huffs as he slowly stands upright. "They'll find him. Those kinda low lifes don't usually last too long on their own. I doubt he has the kind of cash to buy himself a brand new life. If he did, he'd be driving a better car."

"You like Buicks?"

"More of a Chevy guy," Severide smiles as he heads for the kitchen. "I'll make some strong coffee."

"I'll help."

Both get up from the living room and slowly wander into the kitchen, Casey looking at the clock and wondering if it was too early to call Antonio – it being only 7am. The two of them make some more small talk about Darden's death, Severide leaving out the pointless argument about them blaming each other because in the end ultimately it was squad's fault for not venting the bottom of the house. Casey needs to remember the good stuff, not the bad; already too much tension to deal with with Gordon still on the loose and Nancy the wild card.

"What flavor is this?"

"It's…ah damn it Shay," Severide lightly huffs as he holds up the carton of coffee. "Crème Brule. That's the burnt caramel taste."

"It's not bad, just never had it before."

"See, I leave her alone and soon new food appears," Severide gently snickers as he puts the coffee back in the cupboard.

"When will Shay be back?"

"Sometime tonight. She texted last night," Severide explains as he hands Casey the box of eggs. The two of them work at making their breakfast and then making light conversation about the day ahead and what renovations Casey wanted to do at home and how they would proceed. The breakfast is relaxed and enjoyed over an hour, both of them wanting to just take it easy and rest up a bit longer from the intense action and excitement over the past few days.

"Alright if you wanna take the recycling out…" Severide calls out as he cleans up a bit of spilt coffee on the floor.

"Sure. Where to?" Casey inquires as he picks up the small box of plastic and glass items.

"There's a drop off spot at the end of the hall just inside the exit stairs."

"Okay be right back."

"Wait Matt! Don't…close the door," Severide lightly huffs as hears the door slam shut knowing it would automatically lock. It was something that always irritated him but Shay insisted because she always had a habit of forgetting her keys and this would at least ensure that the door would be closed and locked when she left or was home alone. However, it also had its vices – like today. When someone just stepped out for a bit and didn't have keys to get back in.

"At least I'm here…" Severide talks to himself as he finishes cleaning the small spill and then heads for the coffee maker. Sure enough he hears a soft knock and just shakes his head. "Pick the lock Matt!" He calls out with a snicker. But upon hearing only a grumble in return, he leaves the appliance in place and heads for the door. "What's the matter…your criminal skills slip…" is all Severide manages as he opens the door and is greeted with a snarling face behind a loaded .45

"There's nothing slipping on me…especially my criminal skills," Gordon sneers as he shoves the gun into Severide's chest. "I want Matt Casey. Where the hell is he?"

"Right here!" Casey growls as he charges at Gordon, not caring about getting an explanation as to if he was using his mother or not. He wasn't about to let Kelly suffer any more for his mother's errant ways.

"Matt no!" Severide shouts, charging forward at the same time Casey's frame slams into Gordon's right side; wanting to save Casey the same that Casey wanted to save him – more physical pain.

A lone gunshot resounds through the air as the three adult male bodies take a tumble to the carpeted floor; the sound instantly waking the neighbours and having one of them call 9-11.

"You two…are going down!" Gordon shouts.

"Not…this time," Casey grunts as he tries to pull Gordon off Severide; Severide trying to pull Gordon away from Casey to ensure that his recovering and very tender head wound didn't sustain any further damage.

Severide kicks Gordon in the side and then manages to pull himself free; his mind desperate to untangle Casey from Gordon's grasp. Gordon's leg's kick out as Severide tries to hop over, forcing him to slightly stumble back to the ground on his hands and knees.

Casey lips offer a small yelp as his tender side sustains a firm blow fro m Gordon's fist. Severide manages to scramble back to his feet and grab Casey under his armpits and pull him away, Gordon's fingers scrambling to get the gun that became dislodged from his grasp while at the same time trying to keep a hold on Casey's flailing legs.

Severide gives Casey's frame a good jerk, making him finally pop free; both he and Severide nearly tumbling backward. But Severide manages to maintain his footing and try to help Casey get up to his so they could both run for the back exit. However, salvation quickly arrives as the elevators open at the same time shouting is heard coming up the back stairwell, Severide pulling Casey's lightly panting frame out of the way just in time to watch two uniformed officers come up behind them and Antonio rush in from the elevator.

"CPD drop your weapon!" Antonio shouts as he charges right into Gordon Reynolds. The gun is quickly kicked away and grabbed by one of the officers as Antonio spins Gordon around; another officer rushing in to help arrest Gordon Reynolds and get him off the streets for good this time.

"Gordon Reynolds…" Antonio starts a bit breathlessly as he stuffs his gun into his shoulder holster the other uniformed officer holding Gordon as Antonio pulls his cuffs. "You are under arrest."

"Choke on it pig!" Gordon hisses as Casey looks at him in anger. Gordon locks eyes with Casey and narrows his gaze, this time it's his turn to slightly recoil as Casey steps up with a hardened jaw, Severide's hand on his shoulder gently holding him back.

"He's not worth it Matt," Severide offers as he looks at Gordon firmly.

"Does it make you feel all warm Matty knowing that your mother loved me more than you?" Gordon taunts. Casey's fist automatically balls and punches him right in the jaw, Gordon's head snapping back as Severide pulls Casey back the same time Antonio intervenes.

"That's…assault! I'm pressin…"

"None of us saw anything! Now get him outta here," Antonio directs as the two uniformed officers pull Gordon's still protesting frame toward the elevator and Antonio looks at Casey in concern. "You okay?"

"I'm going to talk to my mother right now," Casey says with determination as he pushes past Severide back into his apartment to get his phone and keys.

"Will she be arrested in all this?" Severide asks Antonio directly.

"Depends on what she says. Giving up Richard is one thing because he's dead, but giving up Gordon will help but either way…she's going back to jail. Spending intimate time with Gordon Reynolds violates terms," Antonio offers. "I'll follow you two there."

"Deal," Severide replies as he turns and hurries back inside, closing the door halfway and then bolting for the stairs and rushing up. "You okay after all that?"

"I want this over with now," Casey looks at Severide with a small frown.

"Are you okay?" He presses as he blocks the door and Casey stops in his tracks.

"My head hurts a little but the headache started yesterday. With all this…I'm sure it's normal," Casey mentions softly as he looks away and then back at his friend. "I'm okay. Are you?"

"Yeah I'm fine. Matt…"

"Kelly, I was prepared to tell her that she can find another place to live, but Antonio says she's going back to jail and that's it. She wasn't supposed to have dealings with known criminals and Gordon has a record; that violates her parole terms. She's going back to jail no matter what she says."

"I don't mind being the bearer of bad news Matt," Antonio pipes up as both turn to see him lingering in the doorway. "Less stress for you right?"

"I just want her gone and this to be over."

"Okay then…let's go and get this over with."

Casey and Severide both give Antonio a nod, grab their jackets and head for the door to go out, Severide locking the door behind them. "And this time if she wants my help getting out of jail, she'll have to do it without me. Next parole hearing I won't be there."

"I hope this goes over well but you know she might not even be there," Severide suggests.

"That might be even better. Will spare me having to even for a second listen to what she might say in her defense. But I am prepared for her to be there and tell me she didn't know and ask for a second chance. If that's the case then I'll tell her I'm sorry but she still has to find someplace else to live. If she knew…Antonio can arrest her."

"Okay," Severide suggests as they continue on their way to Casey's home. Casey falls silent for the duration of the ride over, his head already starting to throb harder in anticipation of the confrontation with his mother. As they near his home, his agitation starts to climb but he reminds himself that this has to be done and no matter the tearful pleading he would remain resolute in his determination to not have her back in his home.

"Here we are."

"Looks quiet," Casey comments softly as Severide's car comes to a soft stop. He looks over at Severide and gives him a firm nod. "Let's get this over with."

Severide gives him a nod of agreement in return and both of them get out of the car and slowly head up the front walk, Antonio falling into step behind them. Casey pulls his key and then takes a deep breath and unlocks the front dead bolt.

"Mom?" He calls out as he steps into the front entranceway area. "Mom!" He listens to the stillness for a few seconds, Antonio breaking the silence a few seconds later.

"I'll check upstairs," he tells them as he pulls away with his gun drawn.

"Looks like she skipped out," Severide comments gently as he watches Casey pull away from him and head for the kitchen. He makes a brief detour into the living room, checking on the small bedroom that had been Nancy's before he joins Casey in the kitchen.

"All her stuff's gone."

"She left this," Casey holds up a note.

"My darling Matthew. I am so sorry you got caught up in something that even I didn't know about. I thought Gordon really was an insurance salesman and that he loved me and wanted to provide for us. Another mistake. I know we have had our differences in the past few weeks and it created a lot of tension. So maybe it's time for me to find someone else to live with and let you get back to your life. I'll always appreciate you helping me get back on my feet. Take care my darling son. Love Mom."

"Figured she'd deny it," Severide lightly growls as the letter slightly falls allowing him to look back up at Casey. "Sorry man."

"So what happens now?" Casey looks at Antonio just as Severide finishes reading the letter.

"She said she didn't know anything about it, putting it all on Gordon. I'll take this back to the station and see what he has to say about her role and then if he fingers her we'll put out an APB and she'll be arrested for parole violations and sent back to jail to spend the rest of her term there. But if she tries to contact you again…"

"I doubt she will," Casey states firmly as he takes the note from Severide and hands it to Antonio. "She knows I wouldn't take her back now. I no longer trust her and she knows that."

"Okay. I'll let you know how this all plays out."

"Okay."

Both Severide and Casey watch Antonio leave; Casey heading for the back door to see if it's locked. He turns back to Severide with a heavy frown as he leans against the back door and exhales.

"After all that she took the cowardly way out," Casey mentions with a hint of disappointment.

"She wasn't going to give you the satisfaction of putting her back in jail. We both know she was involved in this but at least now you know you did what you could and Antonio can handle the rest. At least Antonio knows you weren't involved. And now you can just let it all go."

"I can't believe she'd use me like that," Casey huffs as he pulls away, walks past and slowly heads upstairs to get changed into some fresh clothes.

"She never deserved you or your help," Severide offers with a morbid whisper as he watches Casey disappear from view. While Casey gets changed and calls his sister, Severide waits downstairs, marveling at how Nancy had erased almost every trace of her existence in his house since her arrival a few weeks back. "Damn her," he whispers under his breath as he looks at a picture on the fridge. The picture had been of him and Matt, taken at one of Boden's barbecue's. But his side had been torn off; the only telltale sign was the patch on his jacket on his right arm that was still in the photograph. She was jealous because she never cared for Matt and knows you do.

"Ready?"

"Yeah," Severide nods as he takes the picture and shoves it in his pocket, not wanting Casey to see as that would just force his anger to surge once more; he needed now to de-stress. They head for Dr. Barr's office; Casey talking a bit more about where his mother could have gone and the phone call to his sister he had while upstairs.

"At least she didn't say I told you so," Casey remarks as Severide's car comes to a stop outside the ER entrance.

"She's like you…no matter what you never would say that. Sometimes you should but you don't."

"Is that bad?"

"No," Severide answers as he tosses Casey a small sideways glance. "It's just…you."

They head for Dr. Barr's office, Casey nervously fidgeting as he waits for the doctor to come and see him.

"Okay so tell me all about this new excitement you shouldn't have been enduring," Dr. Barr requests with a small smile as Casey offers a sheepish look of remorse.

"Not all of it was my fault," Casey tries in his defense as Dr. Barr offers him a small chuckle.

"Let's see what's going on up there. Lean forward please," Dr. Barr instructs as he starts to gently examine Casey's healing head wound. "Well…despite the situations over the past few days, the stitches are about to come out and everything looks to be in order. If you want I can take one more test to see how the swelling is coming along."

"Please Dr. Barr I would like to know what I'm dealing with now."

"Okay. Come with me."

Severide nervously paces the ER waiting area, holding on to Casey's jacket and wondering how he was faring with his latest checkup and exam. Damn I hope those three jerks didn't hurt him further… his mind thinks back over the past few days and what Casey had to face at the hands of his mother and then thinks about the blatant lie she left for him in the note. Coward…she was always a coward…that's why she couldn't answer his questions right away…not fair for him. She took the easy way out…but in the end she saved Matt the guilt of making that decision and now he can take his life back. He slumps down into a nearby chair and watches with amusement as two boys, brothers he assumes by their features and coloring play with an object; the older one finally showing a bit of exasperation, yanking the small object from the younger ones grasp – telling him this is the way you do it. His mind flashes back to a certain moment in time where he and Casey played out the same scenario and can't help but offer the whole scene an endearing chuckle.

"Well?" Severide asks Casey as he approaches.

"Everything is on track. Swelling has gone down. No additional damage and now…he said it could be a matter of days or even hours…" Casey concludes with a small shrug. "Now…I just wait."

"At least there's no new damage after all that happened."

"I was relieved to hear that also."

"You know now that your mother is gone you don't have to move out that fast. Kinda got used to having you around," Severide smirks as they slowly head for the ER entrance. "Stay as long as you want."

"Okay thanks. At least for dinner? I looked in the fridge…was pretty scarce."

"She took the food also?" Severide asks in utter shock as Casey chuckles.

"No there wasn't much there when I looked the other night. I think she liked to keep us in starvation mode so going out for groceries every day gave her something to do."

"Course you can stay for dinner."

"And…it's on me."

"Matt…"

"Kelly I insist. After all I put you and Shay through, it's the least I can do."

"Okay."

"Okay? You answered that pretty fast," Casey lightly laughs as Severide looks over with a grin. "That's very you right?"

"It is. How about we swing by the cold beer and wine store, you get us a case and I'll make dinner."

"You…cook?"

"Okay I'll help Shay cook," Severide offers in his weak defense.

XXXXXXXX

"Oh god I was so worried," Shay greets them with a strained smile as she offers both a friendly hug the moment they walk through the apartment door. "What's going on?"

"Twenty-five cent version?" Severide counters with a smirk as Casey looks at him in wonder.

"What else," Shay replies in haste.

"Richard is dead. Gordon's in jail. Nancy's on the lam and Matt's mind is back on track."

"Sounds about right," Shay shrugs as Casey just offers them both a look of amusement.

"Okay. Let's make dinner," Severide suggests; a few seconds later the three of them heading into the kitchen to get their night underway.

"By the way…why was your shampoo in my bathroom? And on the sink no less?" Shay innocently inquires. Her brows arch but it's not until both men trade a brief horrified look that tells her everything. "You washed his hair didn't you?"

"What? No," Severide rushes his reply as Casey's expression remains deadpanned.

"Damn I wish I could have seen that."

"Nothing to see."

"Matt," Severide groans as Shay grins.

"What?"

"Permission to take him outside and beat some sense into him?" Severide growls in Casey's direction as Casey looks at Severide and then Shay with mock innocence.

"Permission denied. So nothing to see…"

"Okay…drop it," Severide groans as Casey finally grins. "For the record…it was his idea."

"No it wasn't. It was Dr. Barr's idea."

"Still would have loved to have seen it. Will you do it again tonight?" Shay asks with a wanting smile. "For me?"

"No," both Casey and Severide reply at the same time in a firm tone; making Shay's face instantly display a mock pout.

"Fine," she grumbles as both men exchange a small nod and then get back to their tasks.

Casey listens to their banter; his own mind pondering his mother's involvement in Gordon's illegal dealings over the past few days and if she really was lying to him or just telling him what she thought he wanted to hear – a pattern she had established since the first day of her parole. Dr. Barr said this consistent throbbing headache was normal and not to take any pain medication for it…does that mean my memory is…wait…Andy Darden…Heather…their two boys…Ben…Griffin…I…I remember it…but not…everything…ah give it time…

"You okay?" Severide asks in concern.

"Yeah…I am," Casey answers affirmatively as they start into the final prep for dinner.

For the next few hours Casey's head continues to throb as his memories slowly start to trickle back in bits and pieces; fragments, images…voices, words, expressions, laughter, tears, anger…everything. And by the time Casey is saying goodnight his head is still lightly pounding but the thought of getting all his memories back and fully recovering sends him into Severide's spare bedroom with an easy smile; the tense agitation from earlier in the day all but dissipated.

Casey awakens the next morning more rested that almost the past week despite his mother's whereabouts still weighing on his mind. He looks at the small picture of him and Kelly taken that year at the annual picnic and knows…"I'm back," he whispers almost in fear. Fear that if he indeed did try to recall anything that he'd be trying too hard and just fail. However, that wasn't to be. He sees himself with Hallie, talking to Dawson, laughing with Heather's kids, having a beer with Kelly and just…being there.

"I'm back," he whispers once more before his expression clouds a few seconds later.

Along with the happier memories, in that moment he's also able to recall the last moments him and Severide spent arguing about his mother and how Severide was merely trying to state the obvious – his mother was using him. How could I have been so stupid…he curses himself as he remembers throwing Kelly's concern back in his face and then storming out of the room in rash anger. I was wrong…Kelly always had my back and I…I was wrong. I need to make up for this. But how? Ah damn what was I thinking…what if I never got my memory back? Those would have been the last real words we spoke together – a stupid argument. I have to make this right.

Casey slowly pushes himself from his bed and heads for the door, pulling it open and instantly being hit with the tempting aroma of freshly brewed coffee. He hears their friendly banter and offers the space around him a genuinely happy smile.

"Hey there he is. You look well rested," Severide greets with a warm smile.

"I am. Slept better than I have for the past few days."

"Hardly surprising," Shay lightly deadpans before she turns back to Severide. "And you did not."

"I did so. I pulled Casey from that Johnson Street fire and…"

"Kelly…"

"Yeah?"

"That's not…entirely accurate."

"What? Which part?"

"Almost all of it," Casey playfully argues back.

"How would you kn…Matt?"

A/N: Okay so I wanted to keep the part with Nancy canon to the show and spare Matt another guilt laden showdown. But who knows…Antonio might catch her yet (besides if he doesn't she's a great baddie to keep in the wind muwhahah) hope you liked the takedown of Gordon – going to jail where he belongs and now…duh duh duhhhhhhh Matt's memory is back…all the way? How will he make amends for the last argument they had? The ending is up next so please do review before you go and thanks so much!