Continued from Chapter 3 – after Stella crashed her car for being too tired. Read that first, or here's the summary: Severide was in OFI, Stella "almost" moved in, Christie asked Casey to meet her new boyfriend. But, Violet instead of Foster.
TW: suicide (not by characters), angst
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"Hey!" Stella greeted Severide cheerfully as he walked into the loft. "Right on time, we'll have dinner, then I'll leave for Molly's. You're gonna be there tonight?" asked Stella. Severide huffed. He still wasn't used to working 9 to 5, and couldn't believe how draining it was. Commuting was one of the adjustments he needed to make, now he was part of the rush hour. With a shift job, he had two whole days for himself between shifts. Now he only had the nights for himself, and most days he was tired. He was looking forward to the weekend, but he realised that Stella and Casey worked Saturday.
"Maybe. I'm tired. I'll tag along with Casey," said Severide.
"Can't do. Dinner at Christie's," said Casey who just walked out of his room.
"I thought you met her yesterday?" asked Severide. Not that he was keeping track, but he knew the Casey siblings don't get together every day.
"Yep. And she asked—more like forced—me to meet her boyfriend. So, I'm gonna play a protective brother now," said Casey.
"That's not a play, you are one," teased Severide.
"Shut up. See you guys," said Casey.
"So, you're not going to Molly's?" asked Stella.
"I'll go with you, but I'll leave earlier," said Severide.
"Hi!"
Casey was surprised when Violet opened the door gleefully. She is not the most cheerful highschooler, despite how much things have changed since her parents separated. Violet's wide smile disappeared when she saw who was at the door, then reappeared again, slightly more polite and subdued. "Hi, Uncle Matt."
"Wow, glad to see I'm still your favourite uncle," said Casey, pulling Violet into a hug.
"You are. I thought you were someone else," said Violet.
"Please tell me you haven't had a boyfriend," Casey attempted to joke, but they both knew he was serious.
"No, I thought it was Ben and Vanessa," said Violet. Casey looked at Christie who appeared behind her daughter.
"Vanessa is Violet's classmate, that will explain the excitement," said Christie, pulling Casey into a hug.
"Ah, the matchmaker," guessed Casey.
"Not just classmate, Vanessa's my best friend," said Violet. "There they are!"
Casey turned around and saw a car stopped behind his truck. A girl Violet's age jumped out of the passanger seat, and a man, he believed is Ben, followed her walking to the house. He guessed Ben was older than Christie by a good 5 years, but he has friendly face and laughing lines on his face which made Casey instantly liked him.
"Vanessa, this is my Uncle Matt. Uncle Matt, this is Vanessa, who I was actually excited to see. Sorry," said Violet.
"Hey, you two meet each other in school. I haven't seen you in almost a month!" protested Casey, putting his arm over Violet's shoulder. He shook Vanessa's hand.
"Ah, you're just you," shrugged Violet, but snuggled deeper to Casey's side hug.
"Matt, I'd like you to meet Ben," said Christie. "Ben, this is my brother, Matt."
"Nice to meet you," said Casey, shaking Ben's hand.
"Guess younger or older," chimed Violet. "Be careful, Ben. Wrong guess, you don't get permission to date mum."
"That's a dead answer, Violet. Younger," said Ben. "We bring this," he gave a box of pastries to Christie.
"Did Vanessa make these?" asked Christie.
"No, we bought it. Next time," said Vanessa. They moved to the kitchen.
"So, Christie said you're a firefighter, Matt?" asked Ben as they sat down to eat.
"I am. Firehouse 51," said Casey.
"My dad is a firefighter. He retired 10 years ago. Firehouse 53," said Ben. "I used to ride on the squad rig, his rig. He was annoyed I didn't follow in his footsteps, work in office instead."
"Yeah, my roommate's dad was a firefighter too. He's been dreaming of becoming one since he was little," said Casey. He was pleasantly surprised to admit that he enjoyed the dinner, and for the first time since witnessing Christie's marriage fell apart, he could see Christie getting married again someday. After Ben and Vanessa went home, Christie sent Violet to her room. She brought a glass of wine and a bottle of beer to the living room where Casey sat.
"So…?" asked Christie.
"So what?"
"What do you think? About Ben?" asked Christie nervously.
"Why does it matter? If you like him, that's that," said Casey. He grabbed the beer and opened it.
"You're my only family left. Well, there's mum, but… point is, it matters to me."
"I like him. He seems nice, and he treated you well," said Casey. "Very different from Jim, which is another point."
"He's the sweetest dad in school. Every time they had to do something, school play, science day, he was there with all the mums as if he belonged there," gushed Christie.
"Violet's very happy around them," said Casey.
"Of course. When Vanessa's mum left five years ago, she came here to play all the time. Violet consoled her, after all, Violet's dad left. They hang out most days. That's when I first knew Ben. Then they started making us arrange pickup and playdates ourselves, and taking time to pack when we pick one of them up so we got to talking," said Christie.
"I'm happy for you, really," said Casey.
"He was really nervous to meet you, it's funny. Perhaps that's how a boy would react if I bring him home to dad," said Christie, sadness was evident in her voice.
"Maybe. Is that why you were so eager getting me to meet him?"
"Yes, and also… we have talked about marriage. Not like a proposal or something, just where both of us stand. We've both failed before, and we have more to lose now, the kids. So, I need to know if there's something off you see about him," said Christie.
"From the past two hours, if you do get married I'll be happy to give you away to him," Casey pulled Christie into a hug.
"Now, let's not get ahead of ourselves. I say, talk about marriage. Not us getting married soon," said Christie. "The girls, meanwhile, couldn't send stronger of a signal. Violet suddenly came home with bridal magazine, Vanessa kept asking girly question to Ben and stressing that she doesn't have a mother. It's both of us who are still traumatised."
"How many years it's been since Jim and Ben's ex-wife left?"
"Jim left six years ago," said Christie. "Five years for his ex-wife. I just… I never expected to be happy again," Christie blushed, and Casey was sure it wasn't from the wine.
"I'm happy to see you happy," said Casey.
"I was happy by myself, Matt. For six years, I made peace with being by myself, you know, me raising Violet on my own. I tried not to fall too hard, but… well," said Christie. "Are you happy, Matt?"
"What's with the table turning?" asked Casey.
"No, just asking… it's been a year since you got divorced. Are you happy now?"
"Yeah, now thinking about it… yeah. Never thought at this age I'd still be living with Kelly, unmarried, but I think I am," said Casey.
"Good. If there's a girl…"
"I'll bring her to you," said Casey. "Haven't seen Violet that happy, though."
"Yeah. She's my main concern. Also the reason I even considered dating again. I've known Vanessa since her mum left. She's a great friend to Violet, they never fought. I bet they're already on the phone now," said Christie. "Funny, even before I knew Ben, Vanessa was always here, asking me to teach her to bake, even more eager than Violet. They're already like siblings."
"I'm really happy for you, Christie. Whatever you decide, I'm behind you," Casey patted Christie's back. Christie leaned to him.
"You didn't even try to scare him away," accused Christie.
"How could I? He's nice!" Casey laughed. "How old is he?"
"Four years older than me," said Christie. "His ex-wife is my age, and she left him for a guy fresh out of university whose age was closer to Vanessa than her. One day she just disappeared, moved to California, and sent him divorce papers."
"Damn, that's brutal. And Vanessa was, what? 10?" asked Casey. Christie nodded.
"The other day I looked at them and thought, they're that young, and they've experienced that much pain in life. Violet never talked about her father at all. He sent her a birthday card the other day, she sent back the gift card. They deserve to be happy, and Violet has never look happier," said Christie.
"You too. If you're happy, she's gonna be happy. Regardless of what becomes, she and Vanessa are friends," said Casey. He hummed The Wedding March.
"Stop it, you're worse than two teenage girls!" Christie slapped Casey's leg. Casey laughed and squeezed Christie's shoulder.
"I think I'll get going. I have shift tomorrow," said Casey.
"Right. Thanks for coming. Hey, I made you extra casserole," said Christie.
"I thought you forgot," teased Casey, followed Christie to the kitchen to take the casserole.
"You're back from OFI?" exclaimed Cruz. Severide was sitting on the squad table when they got back from a call.
"Nope. Bored at home," said Severide.
"Aw, two weeks and he's already missing us," teased Capp. Casey clapped him on the shoulder when he walked past him, and Foster and Brett nodded at him.
"So you're here to see Capp?" asked Stella.
"Better answer that quick," said Cruz. Severide laughed, followed Stella into the firehouse.
"You are an OFI employee," said Boden when he saw Severide.
"I am a guest at the firehouse," said Severide cheekily. "Not gonna be here long, Chief. Just bored, weekend is so overrated."
"Don't let Donna hear that. She loves teaching, but she yearns for weekends," said Boden. "How's OFI?"
"Well, so-so," said Severide. "Any news about when I'll be back at 51?"
"You will hear it before me," said Boden. Severide and Stella sat in the common room.
"I have a bad feeling this OFI thing is not gonna end well," said Stella.
"You're being superstitious," said Severide. Casey joined them. "What call was that?"
"Single car accident. A 10-year old was driving, her mum got seizure," said Casey. "It's a miracle she and her little sister could pull the mum into the car."
"They're okay from the accident?" asked Severide.
"Shaken up, but okay," said Stella. "So, seven hours at home and you're bored?"
"Bored at hour four," said Severide.
"Truck 81, Squad 3, Engine 51, Ambulance 61, structure fire." Casey and Stella immediately stood and ran to the apparatus floor.
"Have fun!"
"What's with all this?" asked Stella when she and Casey walked into the apartment. The kitchen table had jars of cookies on it. "Kelly partied last night?"
"Don't think this is his kind of party," Casey looked at a jar of cookies. "Bake sale or something?"
"Whatever it is, I'm going to bed. My body is failing me. Don't wake me up," said Stella, dragging her feet to her room. They had back to back calls from 11 pm to morning, that nobody even bothered to go back to their bunks after the fourth call. There was a big fire in a nightclub that caused many firetrucks were routed there, so 51 covered quite an area for the night and Stella drove more distance than usual.
Casey took a cookie and walked to his room. He just put his phone on charge and closed his eyes when the door opened. "Wrong room."
"Stella's asleep," said Severide, then climbed the bed and leaned to the wall near Casey's feet. Casey kicked him from under the blanket. "I'm going crazy."
"What's with the cookies?"
"Didn't I tell you I was bored?" asked Severide.
"You baked!?" Casey's eyes bulged out of its sockets and he finally looked to Severide. "Who are you?"
"An OFI Investigator," shrugged Severide. "I can't do a 9 to 5, Matt. I don't know what to do on weekends."
"Go to Molly's?" suggested Casey sleepily.
"I did. I knew no one… turned out most people I know is from second shift. The Halsteads, having bonding time. The nurses from Med. That's it," said Severide.
"Huh, you from three years ago would make yourself comfortable between the nurses," said Casey. Severide hit his leg. "We had seven calls overnight, Kelly. Unless you're helping me with reports later, get lost."
"I'll proofread your reports," said Severide.
"We had nine calls. Two are there," said Casey, pointing to the general direction of his bag. Severide opened it and took the reports out, sitting on Casey's bed reading it. Casey was already asleep.
When Casey woke up four hours later, Severide was asleep, leaning to the wall, his report on the side. He picked up his report and noticed that Severide had another paper on which he drew layout of a house and wrote notes. He poked Severide with his toe.
"You're still here?" asked Casey. It's not enough sleep, but he was starving. "You that bored that you actually slept on my feet like a pet?" he joked, but Severide didn't respond. He was getting worried. "I hope those white shirts don't sleep reading my reports. Are you the one clearing or making backlog?"
"No, this…. This is weird," said Severide. "The structure fire report. Something's off."
"Everything's off with that call, but didn't have time to think it through. Hey, I'm starving. I'll heat up some food, I brought some from Christie's."
"Oh, there's plenty of food," said Severide, following Casey outside his room. Casey was perplexed. "Didn't I say that I was bored?"
"So tell me, what did you do yesterday, to be exact?" Casey opened the fridge and saw two trays of lasagna and Christie's casserole. He pulled the lasagna.
"I was bored around lunch, I went to the supermarket and baked lasagna. Then I went to the firehouse… after you all got called to the fire, I went back to supermarket and bought ingredients for cookies. Turned out it didn't take long to make all of that," said Severide.
"You ever heard of something called hobby?" asked Casey.
"Yeah, my hobby is to put out fire," said Severide. Casey took two slices of lasagna and heated it in the microwave.
"You're weird."
"If I go to Grissom and asked to be reinstated to 51, what do you think he'll say? Will he ask the cop to rewrite the report against Herrmann?" asked Severide.
"Just be patient. Don't ruffle too many feathers. I know, easier said than done. But… you know," said Casey. Severide poured two mugs of coffee. "Hey, so, the report?"
"Talk me through the scene. So the walls were from plaster?"
"Yeah, and the frame is not from wood," said Casey.
"Then how did the fire spread from the stove to the front door? The floor on the kitchen is vinyl. But your report said the front door was on flames, whereas the victim was hiding in the living room, which was relatively safe," said Severide. "I downloaded the floor plan for houses in that area," he explained.
"It was weird, I mean, how many times did you see front door on fire, and there were not many furniture in the house. In fact, most furnitures were not burned," said Casey.
"Can I take this to Van Meter?" asked Severide.
"Go ahead," said Casey. He put a plate of lasagna in front of Severide. Severide kept reading the report and opening Google Maps, looking at the houses.
"I'm going there," said Severide.
"Whoa, what?" asked Casey.
"I'm telling you, something's off," said Severide.
"I know, but isn't that OFI's job?" asked Casey. "Alright, you're OFI. But aren't you kept on leash at OFI?"
"Better say sorry than ask for permission," said Severide. "I'll tell Van Meter after."
"Alright, I'm going with you. Eat first," said Casey.
"You know, you keep doing this, OFI may never let you go," said Casey as they left the house after they gave statement to the police. Severide shrugged. As it turned out, the house was a crackhouse. The dealer hid the drugs inside the wall behind the stove, which was the source of the fire. The fire then spread inside the wall since it was hollow and filled with stocks as well as money. However, the fire died in the wall as there was lack of oxygen. When they got there earlier, Severide broke into walls and found traces of drugs, and they called Van Meter who arrived with police.
"Or they will let me go since I bothered Van Meter on a day off," said Severide. "Anyway, Molly's? Stella's working tonight."
"Thinking of a more substantial meal. Why don't you tell her to meet us somewhere for dinner?" asked Casey.
"She's still sleeping," Severide chuckled. "Woke up for lunch, and slept again."
"Well, we had back to back calls. You know, it was one of those shifts when I let Gallo and Mouch slept on the way, because I was nearly asleep too," said Casey.
"Must be because of the big fire," said Severide. "I'm texting her to meet us at Bartolli's. If she's not awake we can take some to go."
When Stella arrived to the restaurant, she slid beside Severide on the booth. "You two must be up to no good," she commented.
"We're investigating a fire!" defended Severide.
"Two weeks and he's already a proud OFI investigator," teased Casey. "You remember the fire yesterday? The house fire? Turned out it was a crackhouse."
"How did you come up with that?" asked Stella.
"I read Casey's report, found that it was weird, so we visited the house, teared up the wall, and found storage inside," said Severide.
"The fire spread inside the walls, died because there's no oxygen, except part of it got to the door," said Casey.
"Yeah, it was like a magician's door. Only the door and the stove was on fire," said Stella. "So Kelly reads your reports now?"
"He was nagging me that he was bored, what was I supposed to do?" asked Casey.
"Throw him out? I did."
"I did. He just sat on my feet reading my reports, then slept there," said Casey. Stella laughed.
"Oh I need to see that," said Stella.
"Shame I haven't done the seven reports, Kelly. You'd have a field day with those," said Casey. Their pizza arrived.
"You know this just cemented your place in OFI?" asked Stella.
"Thank you, my point exactly," said Casey.
"Eh, don't think it will be faster anyway," said Severide. "You remember your stint at the PR office?"
"It must not be that bad… come on, I was told to let my hair loose—literally—and smile in front of the camera. At least your job includes fire," said Stella.
"Well, yeah. But I'm a firefighter. You know that feeling," said Severide. "What if I do something that would get me fired?" Upon seeing Casey's perplexed look, he elaborated, "I won't burn down the office, but… I don't know."
"You or me?" asked Casey to Stella. Stella waved her hand. "Okay, as far as I know, and I know, there's no plan to bring in a Squad Lieutenant to replace you, so you must be coming back at some point. Probably, just help them clear the backlog, and you'll be free to go."
"Severide," called a woman from the counter.
"Seager," Severide nodded. She walked to the table.
"I heard you assisted the police today," said Seager. "On a report that hasn't been filed."
"Just happen that 51 responded to the call," said Severide.
"Told you, you're a natural," smiled Seager. "Hey, about the warehouse fire, turned out you were right. It was a malice for insurance. Maybe you can walk me through the method for the next case? On Monday?"
"Yeah, maybe. If there's something to check on the scene," said Severide. Stella stole a piece of chips from Severide's plate.
"Alright, looking forward to it," said Seager when her order was called. "See you Monday."
"Yeah, see you," said Severide. Casey and Stella smiled politely.
"What was that?" asked Casey to Stella.
"What was what?"
"You marked your territory," said Casey. "Leaned closer, stole his food."
"Okay, you sound like Brett or Violet, with all the cheesy drama they have been watching," said Stella. "So, you work together, huh?"
"Yeah. The supermarket fire I told you about? We investigated that one," said Severide.
"She seems to enjoy working with you," said Stella.
"Everyone does," said Severide.
"You might as well pee on him, Kidd," joked Casey.
"I'll poison your beer at Molly's if you don't stop talking, Casey," threatened Stella. Casey just laughed. Severide glared at him.
"Severide's not coming here?" asked Cruz to Casey when he arrived at Molly's the next day.
"No, he said he's doing overtime. Whatever that means," joked Casey, glancing at Stella.
"Meaning he's too immersed in investigating fire," said Stella, putting a bottle of beer in front of Casey.
"But he's still coming back to 51?" asked Cruz.
"Ask Grissom," said Casey. Stella just left them, attending to another customer.
When Stella arrived home, Casey was writing report. Stella felt for him, last shift they had nine calls. If she felt tired after shift, she couldn't imagine how Casey felt, having to remember details about nine calls and writing them down. But, well, he's getting the captain paycheck. When she saw that Severide was already asleep, she walked back to the kitchen, grabbed a beer, and sat down in front of Casey.
"I don't get how others do it," said Stella. Casey raised his eyebrows, waiting for her to elaborate. "Two weeks and I barely met him even if I am here most of the time. How do Boden and Donna do it? And Cruz and Chloe don't live together, when do they meet?"
"You make time," said Casey. "Easier said than done, I know," he chuckled.
"You ever?" asked Stella.
"Not 9 to 5… my fiancee was a resident, she worked 12-hour shift," said Casey. "Parking lot lunch was a routine," he smiled fondly remembering Hallie.
"Well, let's see. I just crashed my car for juggling too many things on my plate. Now I have to juggle a relationship too," said Stella.
"It's only temporary," Casey frowned. "Try to steal time. You have 48 hours between shift." Stella just huffed and grabbed the cookie jar. "How's your head?"
"Just the scar," said Stella. "Can I help? Proofreading? I can't sleep."
"Oh, yes, of course. Don't proofread, but point out things I missed. Those night calls were blurry in my mind."
"Things you missed as in whether there's a crackhouse involved?" asked Stella, chuckled but grabbing the reports.
"As in whether we did something I missed to write, or did I write something we didn't do," said Casey. They pondered over the reports. She took a pen and started reading the paper, sometimes correcting them.
In the morning, when Casey woke up, Stella and Severide were already dressed and ready to go. He frowned as he went to the coffee maker and realised it was still off.
"What time is it?" asked Casey.
"Seven. We're heading out though, gonna grab breakfast before work," said Severide. Stella smirked at him.
"See you on shift," said Stella. Casey nodded, then grabbed his reports from the dining table. Last night he did reports until 1 am, long after Stella had gone to bed. He opened the casserole dish and saw that Severide had made a dent in it. He took a few bites before walking to the bathroom.
Casey just walked back from Boden's office after dropping his reports when the alarm blasted.
"Truck 81, person trapped."
Stella just arrived to the firehouse when she heard the alarm. She handed her bag to Cruz on the squad table and ran to the truck, just in time when Casey, Gallo, and Mouch ran from the firehouse, Gallo was still chewing his breakfast.
"Where did you guys go for breakfast?" asked Casey.
"Corner coffeeshop near 21st district," said Stella. "First time actually met him in a week."
"You're getting the hang of it, aren't you?" teased Casey.
"Don't wanna get used to it," said Stella.
"What happened?" Casey asked the security who was waiting for them in front of the building.
"That," he pointed up, to two people on the rooftop of the office building.
"Suicide attempt," said Casey. "Rope, harness. Can the window below it open?" asked Casey.
"No, you can't even cut it. They installed bulletproof window last year."
"Who are those two? Employees?"
"They're employees in 16th floor. This guy, Joseph Ricci, he threatened to jump, taking his boss with him," explained the security, while leading them through the lobby and up the lift.
"Ask your people to clear the drop zone," said Casey. "Police on site?"
"Patrol already up there, negotiator is on the way," said the security. They walked out the lift and climbed emergency stairs to the rooftop. The wind is heavy. "Wear harness, Kidd," said Casey. "Pull him with force if needed. Mouch, Gallo, drop rope on either side, we'll find opportunity to loop it over him and pull him back."
"Copy that," said Mouch.
"Joseph Ricci?" said Casey. The patrol officers were an old male officer and a young one, looked fresh out of the academy, and looked unsure of himself. "Joseph Ricci, I'm Captain Casey from CFD. Can I talk to you?" asked Casey.
"No!"
"Why is it you're holding to the lady beside you? Who is her to you?" asked Casey.
"My boss," said Joseph.
"And why are you holding her?"
"She thinks she knows best, she could do whatever she wants. Not that easy. I was manipulated for years, my wife left me, people at my office hate me," yelled Joseph, tightening his hold to his boss. "Don't come closer or I'll jump!" he said when he saw Stella and Mou`ch stepped closer to either sides of them.
"My people need to make sure that people below are safe, Joseph," said Casey. "You're not only endangering yourself, but also her, and everyone downstairs."
"Stop or I'll jump!" yelled Joseph. "Hey, listen to me, stop!"
"They're gonna be far from you," said Casey. "And no, they won't do what you said. They do what I say."
"So you're that kind of boss as well," spat Joseph. "You all bosses are manipulative, greedy, full of shit!" he yelled.
"Hey, maybe she is," Stella cut in. "Maybe you haven't work with enough bosses to know that even though some need work, some are great bosses."
"You're just licking his ass," accussed Joseph, his eyes stayed on Casey. "I know those type of bosses. Letting everyone take his fall. Just like Juliana over here."
Stella stepped forward. "That in front of you, is my boss. I do what he says not because he says so. But because I trust him. I run into the fire on his hip, because I know he will keep me safe. He treats everyone with respect, even me, a female firefighter," said Stella. "And no, I don't say this to lick his ass. I never said it before, even though it's true. But you need to know, just because one boss is not a good one, doesn't mean you won't find another one who will treat you well, who you can trust," said Stella. Meanwhile, Mouch and Gallo looked down and see that the drop zone had been cleared, just in case. They had been pulling two ends of a piece of rope to either sides of him, intending to loop the rope over his head when he was distracted. "Please, let her go, get down from the ledge, so you can have that chance. Give her to be the chance to be the boss everyone needs."
"No. My decision is final. I don't have a job, my wife left me, everyone hates me," Joseph looked at Stella. "In fact, my wife is down there somewhere, and she's gonna regret everything she did to me until the day she died. You too," In one swift move, Joseph pushed her boss to Stella and fell back over the ledge.
"No!" screamed Stella, rushed forward to him. She didn't manage to grab him, and Casey leaped forward to hold her as her upper body hung from the ledge. Stella shrieked when she witnessed Joseph fell on the ground. She hyperventilated and her vision blurred. The next thing she realised, she was enveloped in Casey's arms, tears were running down her face. Casey was whispering "it's okay" repeatedly until she finally calmed down. She snapped her head to look around. Mouch was holding onto Juliana and Gallo looked as traumatised as Stella was. The negotiator just arrived.
"Come on," Casey pulled Stella standing. Her legs felt like jelly, and she relied on Casey's support to prop her up. "It's alright, it's alright, calm down, deep breath," he rubbed her back. She wiped her tears, trying to stop her hands from trembling. Mouch walked to them and peeled Stella from Casey. Casey walked to Gallo and pulled him away from the ledge. He could feel the younger man shaking as he guided him walking to the door.
"Sorry Captain," Gallo snapped out of his reverie.
"It's okay, you're in shock," said Casey. "Don't look at the body. As soon as we arrived at the lobby, take Kidd to truck." He kept his hand on Gallo's shoulder as they rode the lift.
When they arrived at the lobby, a sheet had been spread to cover the body. Casey pushed Gallo and Stella to the side, eyeing Mouch and nodded. He and the security walked to the commotion. Another police car was there along with some witnesses. True to what Joseph said, a woman with red shirt was crying loudly, being held back by a security officer. There was some other witnesses on the side.
"Christie!" he walked to Christie who was standing with pale face.
"Matt?" asked Christie, then looked at the firetruck. "Oh…"
"I was thinking if you know about it since you work here," said Casey.
"I was sitting there," Christie pointed at the drop-off zone. "He fell right in front of me. Oh my God, Matt…"
"It's okay, it's okay," Casey pulled Christie into a hug.
"Sir?" the police came to them. Casey nodded, his hand still around Christie's shoulder.
"Captain Casey, Firehouse 51," said Casey.
"Officer Jennings, 21st District," said the officer.
"There she is. One of the witnesses. Ms. Christie Casey," said the security, pointing at Christie. The officer lifted her eyebrows, definitely picked up on the same name.
"My sister, happened to work in the same building with the victim," said Casey. He already felt overwhelmed, but he knew he had to take control. He had Christie to calm down, and there were Stella and Gallo. Hopefully Mouch got that handled.
"Same office," said Christie.
"We need statements from witnesses downstairs, and also from you, Captain," said Jennings.
"My firefighters too?" asked Casey.
"Yeah, everyone," said Jennings.
"Right. How about you take witness statements here, and come down to Firehouse 51 to take our statements, including my sister's? It's gonna take a while," said Casey.
"Easier to do it here, Captain," insisted Jennings.
"I have two traumatised firefighters whom you won't get any information here. Holding them here would only worsen the situation," argued Casey. Jennings still hesitated. "You work under Sergeant Platt? One of my firefighters is Platt's husband. I can call Platt as a courtesy if you want."
"Okay. I have three other witnesses here, the wife, and the securities. I'll be at 51 in an hour," agreed Jennings. Casey lent his hand to shake Jennings' hand.
"81 to main, please take us out of service for a couple hours. We responded to a suicide, need to give statement and pull ourselves together." Casey guided Christie to the truck.
"Main to 81, noted, you are no longer in service."
"You don't have to come to work, do you?" asked Casey. Christie shrugged. He opened the back door. Stella and Gallo sat silent, both pale, Stella had tears down her face, they both held hands and leaned to each other. "Hop on. Mouch, are you okay?"
"I didn't see it, I went for the boss," said Mouch. "Yeah. Shaken, but yeah."
"Good, you're driving."
"On it," said Mouch.
"Mouch, Gallo, Kidd, Christie. Christie's my sister, she's a witness," said Casey, didn't feel like explaining. "The cop's gonna take our statements in the firehouse."
"What happened?" asked Boden once they arrived.
"Chief," said Casey, hanging his turnout coat on the truck. "I'll go to your office after I get Christie to my quarter," he said, guiding Christie to his quarter. On the way she met Violet.
"Hey, can you and Brett looked after Kidd and Gallo? They just witnessed something traumatic," said Casey. Violet nodded.
"Can I get you tea? Water?" offered Casey once he sat Christie on his bunk and closed the curtains. Christie shook her head. Casey sat beside her and rubbed her back. Christie leaned to him and silently cried. Casey hugged her and rocked her softly.
"I can't stop thinking about it. I was just getting my coffee, sat there because I didn't want to go through security holding a pastry… and, I was looking at the security, securing blank spots…." Christie sobbed.
"Don't think about it. Hey, happy thought," said Casey. "Christie. Come on. Think about the dinner the other day." He hummed The Wedding March. Christie chuckled.
"Those two in the truck, they saw too?" asked Christie.
"Kidd almost caught him, looked down when he fell. They both saw him fell," said Casey.
"You should be with them," said Christie.
"I'm a brother before I'm an officer," said Casey. He pecked Christie's forehead. "After you give your statement, you should ask Ben to pick you up. Go home," said Casey.
"What happened up there?" asked Christie.
"I don't think it will help you to forget that," said Casey.
"Oh what the hell, I have to give statement to the cop, Matt," said Christie. Someone knocked on the door, opened it slightly and put two water bottles on the floor, and closed it again. Casey recognised the navy sleeve, and mentally thanked Violet. He picked up the bottle and gave it to Christie. "Tell me," insisted Christie.
"But this doesn't go to anyone. Not your colleagues, not even Ben," said Casey. Christie nodded. "He was with his boss. Threatened to take her with him as he jumped," said Casey. "Last second, he released her."
"Juliana is a terrible person, not gonna lie. She's the person who yells at you before she listen to you, never gives compliment. But that was… unexpected," said Christie.
"I need to call Chaplain's office. After traumatic events, firefighters need to be cleared by a chaplain to work."
"Take a look at them. I'm okay," said Christie after Casey called the Chaplain. Casey squeezed Christie's shoulder, then walked to the briefing room. Brett and Violet were with Stella and Herrmann and Ritter were with Gallo and Mouch. The older firefighter didn't have the usual glint in his eyes, but otherwise looked collected. Gallo was pale as a ghost and looked like he was about to be sick. Casey squeezed his shoulder as he walked to the ladies.
"You okay?" asked Casey. Stella nodded, wiping her eyes with the back of her hand.
"Ambulance 61, person overdose."
"Go," said Casey. He took Brett's place beside Stella. He just accompanied her to the hospital when she crashed her car, and now this. Gently, he pulled her to lean on him, like he just did to Christie. She stiffened for a second, then leaned into his embrace.
"I should've been able to stop him," said Stella.
"No you're not, you're not a negotiator, not a psychiatrist. You saved the boss," said Casey.
"He should not fall," said Stella.
"Hey, he jumped, Kidd. It's a good thing he didn't take her with him. We haven't had enough time to save him, either by force or by talking," said Casey. "You didn't fail him, you saved her."
"It doesn't feel like it," said Stella.
"I know," said Casey. He felt Gallo looking at him, and he nodded, tried to convey strength to the younger firefighter.
"Kidd's right, it doesn't feel like a save," said Gallo.
"I know… but at this job, we don't get the perfect ending. We often have to settle for the silver lining. Car wreck? The car is damaged, but at least the victim only has minor injury. Major injury? At least he's alive. And so on. Cold, I know, and easier said than done, but that's the way to not go crazy. Look at the silver lining. Today, the silver lining is, at least the boss is alive. Just focus on that," said Casey. He put his fingers on Stella's wrist. "Manage your breathing, Kidd. Your pulse is too rapid." He demonstrated breathing while still holding Stella close and rubbing her shoulder.
"Officer Jenkins is going to come here to take our statements. Then the Chaplain's coming over," said Casey.
"Do we give statement together?" asked Gallo.
"I don't think so, though we can be in the same room, but you will be interviewed alone," said Casey. "I can keep you company if you want."
"I'll be fine alone," said Stella, sat up straight. "You don't need to hear it so many times, I'm guessing you'll be with Christie too."
"You want to call Kelly?" offered Casey, though he suspected the answer.
"No, it's okay," said Stella.
"Gallo, you want me to come with you giving statement?" asked Casey. Gallo hesitated. "It's okay, hearing it one more time won't make it any less true for me." Gallo just nodded.
"Thank you Captain," he whispered.
Despite Stella assuring him she would be fine, Casey found himself stood outside the briefing room as Stella gave her statement. She ran after the victim and tried to hold him, actually looking down when he fell and got the view of what Casey knew would haunt her. Boden walked to him.
"What happened?"
"We arrived, the jumper was on top of the building, holding his boss and threatened to jump. Negotiator hadnt' arrived, didn't arrive until he jumped. The window a floor below couldn't be opened, so I intended to distract him and loop the rope over his head. Kidd distracted him, he intended to jump with his boss. Last second, he let go of the boss and jumped. Kidd nearly caught him, Gallo looked down. Mouch ran to the boss. He and I didn't look at the body, Kidd and Gallo did," said Casey.
"How is everyone?" asked Boden.
"Mouch is okay. Gallo is shaken. Kidd is… was a mess," Casey grimaced.
"Who's that in your office?"
"I never introduced you to my sister? I think she visited before?" asked Casey. Boden shook his head. "Christie, my sister. That's her office, the jumper was her colleague. She was in the lobby, the body fell into her line of view. Front row seat too. She was shaken, so… I took her here. Her boyfriend's gonna pick her up later."
"And how are you?"
"Trying to keep it together," said Casey. Stella finished giving her statement and opened the door.
"Well?" asked Casey.
"Very therapeutic," said Stella cynically. When Casey opened his arms, she didn't hesitate to fall into his embrace. Boden patted Stella on the back and left them. "See, Casey, I wasn't just sweet talking you. You are a great boss."
"Thanks," said Casey. "Guess it's my turn," he said. He patted Stella's arms then walked to the door.
"You want me to come with you?" asked Stella.
"Not needed, thanks though," said Casey.
Giving a statement as well as being there for Christie and Gallo as they gave theirs was draining for Casey. Gallo cried as he recalled looking directly to where Joseph's head shattered, and at some point Casey had to interrupt the interview as he was worried Gallo would be sick. Engine was on call so Ritter wasn't there, but Violet waited for him outside the room, and Casey literally handed him to her after the interview. When he walked back to his quarter, he was surprised to see Christie still there. She was far more calm and collected than the mess she was in the morning, sitting on his bunk and texting on her phone.
"How was it? Hearing it three times? Being strong for everyone?" asked Christie, signalled to him to sit beside her leaning on the wall.
"I need a minute," said Casey, massaging his nose bridge. Christie slipped her arm behind him and shuffled, pulled him so he could lean his head on her shoulder, one hand massaging his temple. Casey closed his eyes and feel his headache slowly dissipated. Outside his quarter he had to be the strong person, so it was nice that he could literally lean on his sister in private. When he was little, they were inseparable. He was glad that even though they went on their own ways when they grew up, they repatched their relationship as adults. He sniffed audibly. Christie tightened her hand around him and rocked him, stroking his hair.
"Thank God you're here," murmured Casey.
"Same. Thank God you responded to the call. Sorry you responded to the call too. How is everyone?" asked Christie.
"Well, it is Gallo's first year, he hasn't seen a lot. It's seeing his reaction that hit me. He lost his innocence," said Casey. "Kidd, she nearly grabbed Joseph, she broke down on the spot when she couldn't grab him. And Severide's not here to deal with her."
"Kelly?"
"Oh, she's Kelly's girlfriend," said Casey.
"Ah, I see…" said Christie. "The couple you're third-wheeling."
"She's not living there permanently, just sleeping over, technically she's the third-wheel," objected Casey, pulled away from Christie.
"Oh please, Matt, they sleep together. You're the third-wheel, end of story," chuckled Christie. "Ben said he's gonna pick me up at lunch, he was in a presentation earlier. His office is not too far from mine."
"Stay as long as you need," said Casey. "I'll see if the Chaplain is here." He rubbed his eyes and straightened his hair before leaving his quarter.
The Chaplain's visit was around noon. He spoke to the four members of Truck at once, each relaying their own memory and their thought. At the end, the Chaplain asked if they wanted to get pulled out of service for the rest of the shift or remain on shift. They unanimously chose to remain on shift, in hope that it would erase the bad memory of the shift. The firehouse was more quiet that day, everyone respected their struggle. Boden decided to give them two more hours to pull themselves together than putting them back on call. After the meeting was over, Gallo announced he would check inventory. Casey hid himself in his quarter, he knew Stella was in Severide's quarter. Around an hour before their break ended, Violet knocked on Casey's door.
"I know none of you wanted to eat, but…" she put a plate on Casey's desk. "But Brett and I don't feel like dealing with sick firefighters today," she finished.
"Thanks," Casey smirked. "Don't forget the others."
"Brett is force-feeding Kidd next door, and I'm about to find Gallo," said Violet. "By the way, we originally have meatball sub, but Ritter thought the colour might not be pleasant in the situation, so…" she glanced at the cold cut sandwich and chips.
"Good thinking," said Casey. "I'll grab some meatballs, though. I didn't see the scene," explained Casey, lifted his plate and followed Violet to the common room. Mouch was there with Tuesday on his lap.
"When are we back on call?" asked Mouch.
"In an hour," said Casey, walking to the stove, picked some meatballs.
"Ambulance 61, person injured." Violet ran to the apparatus floor. "Hey, feed Gallo, okay?" she pointed at a plate on the counter.
"Okay," said Ritter. "Gallo's loss." Herrmann chuckled.
"He nearly got fed by Violet, now it's Ritter," said Herrmann.
"Where's Gallo?" asked Casey.
"Truck. Been counting inventory for an hour," said Mouch.
"Well, now it's Casey," said Casey as he picked up Gallo's plate. He finished his meatballs and walked to the apparatus floor.
"Gallo!" He handed Gallo the plate and took two chairs, usually used by Severide and him to smoke, and went to the front of the firehouse to set the chairs. "Come on, eat."
They didn't talk, Casey realised that he was surprisingly hungry, and he stole looks at Gallo's plate, watching the young firefighter fought his way through the plate slower than normal.
"Sorry I acted that way, Captain," said Gallo finally.
"What way?" asked Casey.
"I froze, I cried, I didn't handle it well," said Gallo.
"Nah, you acted exactly how you should," said Casey.
"You held yourself together," said Gallo.
"No one expected you to act like me. I have a responsibility. I have to talk to the police on the scene. Didn't have time to process it until we got back here. You just didn't see me dealt with it."
"Captain, have you ever… suicide call?" asked Gallo.
"Yeah. My first year. I was in your position, stared exactly at where the body fell. It was early morning, I froze on the stairs walking down, I threw up in the firehouse, I went home and cried for a day, had nightmare for a week. Ask Severide if you don't believe me, we were sharing an apartment," said Casey. "If you acted as normal, I'd send you to counselling, Gallo. You don't get used to seeing people jump to death."
"How did you recover?"
"By doing everyday life, making some saves, talking to people, finding the good in life," said Casey. "Sadly, this won't be your last suicide call. But, don't train yourself to get used to that. Don't ever do. Okay? Cry every time, mourn, get back up."
"Yes, Captain," said Gallo.
"Don't let what happened today ruin you, Gallo. I've seen many firefighters got ruined by a traumatic case. Find a good thing to hold on to. I better see you at Molly's tomorroy, flirting with Mikami," said Casey.
"I don't flirt," argued Gallo weakly. Casey snorted. "So that's why the Chaplain asked us to name things we are grateful of."
"Many firefighters stopped seeing the light because they got used to the darkness of the job. So, we have to consciously find the light," said Casey. Gallo nodded.
"When the case with the little kid happened, I couldn't sleep for a while. That was the first time, a victim died. Took two shifts for me to bury it," said Gallo.
"Which one?" asked Casey.
"When I entered the house after you told me not to," said Gallo. "And to know it was intentional… it was the first call I realised that we are not just fighting fire. We fight people." The ambulance arrived back.
"We do. There's why Severide is in OFI. Malicious things happen. For money, for grudge. I'm sure you've been told this, but you can rely on this house to help you. My door is open too," said Casey, now feeling a bit guilty over the hard time he gave Gallo after the case.
"Thanks Captain," said Gallo. Casey patted his back and carried his chair inside the firehouse, started writing his report. He could see Violet took his chair and sat beside Gallo.
"Truck 81, Ambulance 61, Squad 3, vehicle accident."
"One of these days there gotta be a TV show about the freakest accident," commented Violet to Brett when they saw the scene.
"Thought you like these kind of things," said Brett.
"Oh yeah, I'm just wondering how the hell he ended up there," said Violet, looking at the bus stop. A victim was hung there, he looked like he flew through glass and got trapped there. The upper half of his body was bloodied. They hopped out of the ambulance.
"The glass cut through him on his stomach, his back is free," said Brett after assessing the victim. "Versed is in."
"Kidd, Gallo, Mouch, hold him in place. Cruz, Tony, Capp, cut the glass," Casey motioned where to cut on the glass. "Brett, Mikami, ready for transfer," said Casey.
"Violet, ready to give him IV," said Brett, holding onto the victim's wrist to check the pulse.
"Stretcher and IV ready," said Violet while Stella, Gallo and Casey moved to hold the victim in place. Mouch moved the glass above the victim away. The victim wriggled. He is young, around Gallo's age. Casey held him in place.
"Hey, stay still, look at me," said Violet from behind Casey. "Nice motorcycle. My uncle has one like that," she said.
"Cool," said the man. "You like motorcycle?"
"Not my thing, Chicago is cold enough without being on a motorcycle," said Violet. "What's your name?"
"Albert," said him. "Am I gonna die?" Squad started to cut into the glass.
"There's a piece of glass in your stomach. It's currently holding your gut in and stop you from bleeding. We'll cut it and bring you and the glass to the hospital. They're going to do surgery on you. So, don't move, okay?" said Violet.
"I shouldn't drive 80 in the middle of the city, huh?" asked Albert.
"Yeah, probably not your wisest decision," said Violet. "How did you end up there anyway?"
"Avoided an animal, hit the curb," said Albert. "If I survived, I'd stop riding motorcycle."
"Or maybe just drive slower," said Violet. "Hey, look at me. We'll bring you to Chicago Med once you're free, okay? Maybe they'll let you keep the glass for souvenir."
"Not sure I want to keep what was in my gut," said Albert. Casey nodded once Cruz was done cutting the glass.
"Okay, now stay very still. We'll put IV on you, and you'll enjoy the ride to the hospital. Not 80, but we don't stop for traffic light," said Violet. They put Albert on the stretcher, Violet put IV and Brett checked his vital, and rushed to Med.
"Text from Med, the victim made it through surgery, woke up, and said thanks to everyone who saved him," announced Casey halfway through dinner. The atmosphere got lighter, with smiles bloomed between tables.
"Well-mannered kid, he thanked us too. I don't remember any victim ever saying thank you," said Brett.
"Really? With the piece of glass in his stomach?" asked Cruz.
"Yep," said Brett. "And even had time to flirt with Violet."
"He just thanked me, like he did you," argued Violet. Gallo glanced at her.
"I'll bet on it, Maggie said he asked for the name of the paramedic with black hair," said Casey. Brett grinned, teasing Violet.
"He's cute if he doesn't have glass in his stomach," said Brett.
"You should put your name and phone number in the ambulance, in big font," grunted Gallo. They all glanced to him.
"Easy, Gallo. No need to get jealous," said Herrmann. They snickered.
"I'm not," argued Gallo.
"And update from Severide, police had caught the drug dealer whose crackhouse we were called to on Saturday," said Casey.
"Which one?" asked Mouch.
"The house with lit door?" asked Gallo.
"Yeah, that one. That's a crackhouse. Solved by our own Kelly Severide," said Casey.
"That was last shift. Since when paperwork travelled that fast to OFI?" asked Herrmann.
"Since CFD Captain and OFI Investigator are roommates, and read each other's reports," said Stella. "Solved crimes in overlapping off days."
"You need to find a hobby, Casey," said Herrmann. "How about babysitting Annabelle and Kenny James?"
"Nah, I prefer babysitting Severide to suspected crackhouse," said Casey.
"I want!" exclaimed Violet. "Babysitting your kids, I mean. When?"
"I'll give your number to Cindy," said Herrmann.
"All units, structure fire."
"Alright, let's roll," said Herrmann. They all ran to the apparatus floor.
"How many more unaccounted, Chief?" asked Casey through the radio. An hour after the fire started, they hadn't done doing search due to the amount of private rooms in the restaurant.
"Unknown diners, at least three kitchen staff," said Boden.
"Found one!" yelled Gallo. He and Mouch dragged the victim through the kitchen, with Herrmann covering behind them. The fridge exploded, and Gallo and Mouch fell to the ground.
"You okay!?" yelled Gallo. Mouch signed that he was okay, then they continued to bring the victim out.
"Chief, don't think we have much time left," said Herrmann. "Kitchen is lit."
"Final sweep through the kitchen!" Casey and Stella opened all cabinets and freezer.
Stella opened the freezer and saw a person inside. "Hey, come on!" She stepped inside the freezer. The door closed behind her. Stella checked the person on the floor. She turned the person and saw that he had been hit in the back of the head. When she realised the door was closed, she pushed it, to no avail. The door didn't budge. "Casey!" She yelled, hoping Casey heard her banging the door from the inside. It was a freezer door though, so she knew the door would not carry her voice well.
"Evacuate, everyone evacuate!" yelled Boden. "Casey, out now!"
"Kidd!" Casey yelled. "Kidd?" He turned and saw that Stella wasn't there. "Chief, I lost Kidd!"
"You have less than a minute," said Boden.
"She was right behind me!" yelled Casey. He opened the freezer, and immediately bumped into Stella who was pushing the door. "Kidd! Come on! Found her Chief!" He saw the victim on the floor.
"He's dead!" yelled Stella. "He's been hit!"
"Chief, we found a victim, blunt force trauma, he's dead," said Casey. He heard Boden relayed the message to someone.
"Bring the victim out, Intelligence is here," said Boden. Stella looped a rope to the body, and she and Casey dragged him to the exit. Once they arrived outside, Violet got to the victim.
"Forget it, he's dead," said Casey. He saw Voight and the Intelligence unit standing nearby, as well as Severide and Seager. "You okay?" He clapped Stella's arm.
"I thought that was it," said Stella, taking off her mask. "Spending a night with a corpse inside a burning freezer."
"Duh, I'd find you," said Casey. "Come on," he signalled to Stella to walk to the truck.
"All Engines, hit the fire!" commanded Boden. Stella exchanged look with Severide, then followed Casey to the truck. She saw Kim Burgess and Voight walked to the body.
"Casey," Hailey Upton walked to them.
"Hailey," said Casey. "Kidd found the body." Stella walked to Hailey. "What happened? Why are CPD and OFI here?" asked Casey to Boden.
"Intelligence got words that a drug deal is taking place in this restaurant. When they heard about the fire, they looped in OFI," said Boden.
"Hey," said Severide.
"I thought you work 9 to 5," said Casey.
"Ah, you know. Overtime," said Severide. "Got here as soon as we got words. What happened?"
"The kitchen was burned down," said Casey. "Kidd found a victim inside the freezer, he was dead from blunt force trauma."
"One kitchen staff is still unaccounted," said Boden.
"No one else is in the kitchen, we opened everything," said Casey. They walked to the ambulances and surveyed the situation. Brett was treating a group of diners who all inhaled smoke, but nothing major. Violet and a paramedic from Ambulance 68 were treating the victim Gallo found. The victim was unconscious.
"He's not breathing. Skin is cold, all consistent with overdose," said Violet to the other paramedic.
"Overdose?" asked Boden. Violet looked up and nodded. "I bet opioid. Pushing naloxone," she said. Within minutes, the victim gasped. Violet and the other paramedic visibly relaxed. "Right. You're taking him? We're triage," said Violet.
"Got it. Bradley!" the paramedic called to someone.
"Hey, we need to interview him," said Voight when Violet and the other paramedic pushed the victim to Ambulance 68.
"Meet them at Med, Sergeant," Violet intercepted Voight. "He needs to go to the hospital, now." Boden stepped forward, ready to interrupt.
"He's a witness," said Voight, looked surprised at the firm rebuttal from the young paramedic. Hell, do all paramedics at 51 take after Gabby Dawson, even the younger ones?
"And he's a victim. He needs to be treated immediately or you'll have a dead witness," said Violet firmly, continued pushing the stretcher to the ambulance and banged on the door twice before walking to the triage without looking back to Voight. Voight looked stunned, walked to Halstead and told him to go to Med.
"I'll buy her ice cream all week long," Casey snickered. Severide laughed. Even Boden smiled.
"Fire's out, Chief!" called Herrmann. "Why are you all happy? Isn't this mean more reports and scrutiny?" Herrmann pointed to Intelligence.
"It's worth it," Casey laughed and walked to the truck. "Overhaul, everyone!"
"What is it?" asked Herrmann.
"Just a display of words against someone," Boden glanced at Voight who was leaving the scene.
"Casey, again? Seriously? Put it to rest," said Herrmann when Casey walked back to them, half joking.
"My hands are clean, Herrmann. I'm innocent," said Casey. Violet walked past them. Casey smiled proudly.
"No way," said Herrmann.
"I'm so proud I can retire in peace," nodded Casey.
"She's innocent," said Herrmann.
"Innocently lashing out at Voight," said Casey. "Kelly, you're joining overhaul or just observing us lowly firefighters?"
"I'll join you. Trying to decide the source of the fire," said Severide. "Hey, Seager!"
"We're joining overhaul?" asked Seager.
"Yes, they said the fire supposedly started in the kitchen. We can start there," said Severide.
"Lead the way," said Seager, pushing Severide on the arm. Stella glanced at them.
It was 11 pm when they finally concluded the source of the fire. By that time, all companies except Casey and Herrmann had gone back to the firehouse, although they couldn't be on duty without the officers. Severide drove Casey and Herrmann back to the firehouse. They went to shower and hit the bunk. Herrmann had been staying in Severide's quarter lately. Casey walked to the common room to get some drink. He found an evening newspaper and sat to read.
"I didn't hear you came into the bunk room," said Stella who walked in after him and sat in front of the TV. She turned on the TV.
"We were quiet," said Casey. "Cannot sleep?"
"Two deaths in a day," shrugged Stella. "So, the one in the freezer is the drug dealer or what?"
"Don't know, we pass on everything to Intelligence," said Casey.
"I made a mistake today. Nearly got trapped in the freezer," said Stella.
"That's why we don't go alone in the fire," said Casey.
"But I didn't notify you, didn't wedge the door. I desperately wanted to make a save I forgot the basic thing," said Stella.
"Do you think you should've gone home instead?" asked Casey.
"No, I would've gone crazy," said Stella.
"You can't be an emotional firefighter on the scene, Kidd. You said it yourself, you made a mistake," said Casey. "We all want to make a save. Redeem the morning call. Still, leave everything at the firehouse. We climb onto the rig with clear head." Stella nodded. "Go back to sleep," said Casey. "Try to. I know, not gonna be easy. At least, go to your bunk."
"It's dark. I keep having the scene relayed behind my eyes. Both scenes," said Stella. "I'll sleep at home. Where it's light."
"You haven't told Kelly about the suicide call?" asked Casey.
"No. Haven't gotten a chance to talk to him," said Stella. "Hopefully he's still home when we get back." They both turned to the entrance when Gallo entered, looking pale.
"And here's my fellow allnighters," Stella patted the seat beside her.
"You had nightmare too?" asked Gallo.
"Didn't dare to sleep," shrugged Stella. Seeing Gallo's teary eyes, she pulled Gallo in a hug. Casey moved to the kitchen while Stella comforted Gallo. He smiled as he watched them. Stella had truly taken Gallo under her wing, treating him like a younger brother. He made two mugs of hot chocolate and handed the mugs to them.
"It's alright," said Casey when Gallo avoided his eyes. He sat in front of them on the table. "I've been there too."
"You can't sleep too?" asked Gallo.
"Just got back from the scene after investigation, we are on call again," said Casey. Gallo's hands were shaking when he brought the mug to his lips.
"Is it bad that I hope there's no more calls… what if the next one is another suicide call," said Gallo.
"No. I totally get it. But, if it's another suicide call, we'll deal with it," said Casey. He reached in and patted Gallo's shoulder. Gallo came in last year as a cheerful, innocent firefighter. Severide had teased him a couple times about having a soft side for Gallo, his first handpicked member. Gallo lifted the firehouse's spirit up after Otis' death, so seeing him in distress made Casey feel uneasy.
"How could you keep your calm, Casey?" asked Stella. "Didn't lose your cool in the fire, you were there for both of us, for your sister, and relieved it in your report like it's another day?"
"It's different. I didn't see it directly. Mouch ran for Juliana, and I ran to get you away from the ledge. And, I guess it comes with the responsibility. When it happened, I knew my priority was to get us out of there, talk to the officer. I was on autopilot. You didn't see what happened behind closed door," Casey frowned, deciding how far he was willing to open up. "This," he pointed at Gallo who was still nestled inside Stella's hug, "was me, to my sister," he pointed at Stella.
"Really?" asked Gallo.
"Yeah," said Casey. "I listened to your statement and hers. Gave mine, told Boden, the Chaplain. If I didn't break down after all that, I must be a robot."
"You're okay now?" Stella reached to touch his arm. Casey nodded.
"Drink, and try to sleep. I'm gonna look the other way if you two are bunking in here, if it helps," said Casey. Stella and Gallo exchanged looks.
"I'm not gonna sleep in the bunk room and wake the rest of them up if I scream," said Gallo. Casey squeezed their shoulders and walked back to the bunk room. He called HQ to take them out of service, there's no way they could function with only half the team in acceptable mental condition. After he made the call, he picked up blankets from Stella and Gallo's bunks and brought it to the common room. Gallo looked better. They were leaning back on the sofa and sipping the hot chocolate Casey made.
"I took us out of service," said Casey, handing them each the blanket. They looked like they wanted to protest. "It's okay. We cannot help others if we are not in a good condition ourselves. Rest, spend the time off shift relaxing, we'll come back next shift in a better headspace."
After a while chatting in low voice and half-sleeping, finally Gallo drifted to sleep. Stella fixed his blanket and sighed. Like Casey, she had a soft spot for the youngest firefighter. She didn't know about Gallo's history when he joined them, but there was something about the bashful wide-eyed young man that made her took him under her wing and, as Casey pointed out, treated him like a little brother. Gallo's head lolled to the side and rested on her shoulder. She never had any sibling, but suddenly she knew what having a brother might feel like. She shuffled her position so Gallo would be more comfortable.
She went in and out of sleep, and as it turned into morning, she was drained. Herrmann who walked into the common room didn't comment when he saw the two of them, he just gave a sad smile and left.
"You didn't sleep?" asked Gallo when he stirred and sat up.
"A bit," said Stella. "Feel better?"
"Yeah, actually. Thanks, Kidd," Gallo gave her a brief but tight hug, then stood and stretched his body. "Think I'm gonna hit the treadmill."
"Wow," said Stella. She continued to curl with her blanket on the sofa, but still unable to sleep. Violet walked in a while later and sat beside her.
"You okay?" she asked softly.
"I don't know," sighed Stella, curled to Violet and grabbing her hand.
"If you weren't so tired, I'd take you out to dessert today," said Violet.
"Can't do, I didn't sleep. I have a headache," said Stella.
"You didn't have dinner yesterday, huh? What do you want to eat now?" asked Violet.
"Something sweet," answered Stella. Violet patted her shoulder before rummaging the fridge. When Stella joined her in the kitchen, Violet was drinking coffee. Stella reached for a toast.
"That's not for you," said Violet, pointing at the oven. "You said something sweet. When I was little, well, until now, every time I was sad, my mum made muffin."
"Why are you sad?" asked Brett who strolled into the kitchen while rubbing her eyes.
"I'm not," said Violet. A couple minutes later, she pulled a tray of muffin from the oven. "There's no blueberry, but I found some strawberry in the freezer. Eat up," she said. Brett took one. Stella followed.
"This is good," commented Stella. "Thanks." She resumed her position on the sofa and fell asleep until Brett woke her up at the end of the shift. She dragged her feet to follow Casey to his car and fell asleep in the short distance to the loft.
"Kidd, we're here," Casey shook her arm. Stella groaned.
"Is this one of the worst shifts we've had in a while?" asked Stella.
"We had one save, the well-mannered motorcycle driver, and also all restaurant patrons and staff, sans one murdered before the fire. We are all still alive, not injured, that's a good shift for me," said Casey. "Come on, Kelly hasn't left." He saw Stella's mask slipped and she looked like she was holding back tears. When they entered the loft, Severide was already dressed and ready to go.
"See you tonight?" He pecked Stella's cheek and walked to the door. Stella gaped, her heart sank. She continued walking to her bedroom. Severide frowned. Casey pushed Severide to the hallway and closed the door from the outside.
"Call OFI now, say you can't come in," said Casey.
"What? Why?" asked Severide.
"It was a really hard shift for us, Kelly. We talked to the police twice, the Chaplain once. Kidd saw two dead bodies. I held her while she cried yesterday, I bet she didn't sleep last night. She needs you. Screw OFI," said Casey.
"What happened? You didn't say anything last night," said Severide. Casey took his phone from his hand and slapped Severide's hand away when he wanted to grab it back. He searched for Captain Van Meter's contact and called him.
"Morning, Captain. This is Matt Casey. I'm calling on behalf of Severide, my roommate. It seems like he ate something that didn't agree with him. I don't know, he didn't say what, but clearly he cannot come in. If he's feeling better he might be able to come in the afternoon. Right, thanks," said Casey. It was the first time he lied for attendance in the CFD. Previously, Severide always did it for him as he couldn't lie. "There. I'll be in my room to give you privacy," said Casey before he opened the door and walked into his room. Severide walked to his room.
"What happened, Stella?" asked Severide. Stella was laying on her stomach on the bed, her head was buried on the pillow. When Severide sat on the bed, he realised she was crying softly. "Hey, I'm here. Talk to me?" He laid down beside Stella and stroked her hair. He couldn't help it, he pulled her into his embrace and calmed her down as best as he could. She buried her face in his shirt and he could feel the tears.
"You here," said Stella.
"I'm here," said Severide, stroking Stella's hair and back. When she stopped crying, he gently released her so they laid face to face. "Talk to me?"
"What has Casey told you?" asked Stella.
"Dead body, Chaplain, police," said Severide.
"We responded to a suicide call yesterday. I didn't manage to grab him, he fell. I saw that. I saw everything. His face when he fell back haunted me," said Stella. "We gave statement to police, talked to Chaplain. Cleared for duty. Then the call you were in, I found a victim in the freezer. Already dead, not from fire. Just… I saw more dead than alive victims this shift," Stella rambled.
"None of which you had control over," said Severide.
"I don't," Stella shook her head. "But… it was behind my eyes at night. I couldn't sleep."
"Try imagining good things," suggested Severide.
"You," said Stella. "You have to go, you'll be late."
"No, this is where I'll be today," said Severide. "We haven't had time for us since I'm in OFI."
"No we haven't," agreed Stella.
"How did you hold up yesterday?" asked Severide.
"When the victim fell, I was halfway over the ledge. I don't remember anything aside than Casey holding me when I hyperventilated, nearly blacked out... It was a tears party in the firehouse, me and Gallo. Everyone helped, though… Brett and Violet, Herrmann, Casey," said Stella.
"Sorry I wasn't there," said Severide.
"You're here now," said Stella.
"Yeah, because Casey told me to," said Severide. "I didn't realise…"
"It's okay," said Stella.
"No one said anything yesterday. Casey, Boden, Herrmann…"
"Told Casey and Herrmann there's no need to tell you. Figured I'd tell you myself," Stella wiped her eyes. "Anyway. Tell me something. What did you eat. Anything. I need to clear my mind from last shift."
"Haven't heard back from the cops about last night's fire. Nothing major happened in OFI… oh! You know about Casey and Voight grudge? Years back?" asked Severide.
"Realised the tension, but not the why," said Stella.
"Anyway, last night, Mikami snapped at Voight. Casey's face was priceless," laughed Severide.
"Our innocent girl Violet? What did she do?" asked Stella exasperated.
"Voight wanted to interview her victim. She said no, put him in his place, then just walked away," said Severide.
"Oh God, that girl never failed to amaze me," said Stella. "Hope she helped Gallo through this, whatever she is to him."
"How is he doing?" asked Severide.
"He's so young. Hasn't seen a lot, he expected the best of everyone. It was his first suicide case. If it ruined me this much, I cannot imagine how bad it must have been for him. He and I both saw the victim fell. Mouch and Casey didn't," said Stella.
"Yeah, he will never be the same," said Severide.
"Don't say that. I like having an innocent kid in my rig," said Stella.
"No, really. Casey's first case, he had nightmare for nearly a week," said Severide. "My first case, I didn't sleep, went from bar to bar until Darden and Casey dragged my ass back."
"This is the first one that I saw the body. The previous one, we climbed up right when he jumped, and we pulled the girlfriend whom he wanted to jump together with back to safety. When we got down, the body had been covered. And once a self-inflicted accident," said Stella.
"Doesn't make it easier though," said Severide.
"I know. However, having you does."
"Sleep, Stella. I'll be here."
"You're not going? You're gonna create backlog at OFI," said Stella.
"I'm exactly where I need to be," Severide pulled Stella to his chest and kissed her forehead.
"Wonder what Seager will say," said Stella.
"Bet she'll ask what I ate," said Severide. "Casey called Van Meter, said I got food poisoning," he snorted. "I believe it is the first time he lied. Usually I had to do it for him. Or for myself."
"Well, I'll nurse you to health then," said Stella. She snuggled to Severide's chest. In a couple minutes, she was asleep.
Severide went in and out of sleep, after all he went home nearly midnight from the scene. Around noon, Severide started to hear Casey in the kitchen, trying to be quiet. He was still tangled with Stella, who was deep in sleep and snored softly.
Stella stirred awake around an hour later. She looked up at Severide.
"You're still here," she said.
"Duh, didn't I say so?"
"Yeah, but," she shrugged. "I sleep really really well."
"And why is that?" asked Severide, whispering since he knew Casey was outside.
"Here is my safe place," said Stella. "And I'm hungry."
"Go ahead, I'll change first," said Severide. He was still in his OFI uniform. Stella pulled him into a hug and kissed him.
"Thank you. You're the best," said Stella. She hopped off the bed and pulled her hair into a bun, rubbed her eyes, and walked out of the room. Casey was writing report on the dining table. He didn't say anything when he saw her walking to the stove, but he had question in his eyes. Stella walked to him. "Thanks, Casey," she bent down and hugged him from behind.
"It's alright," said Casey while holding her arms.
"No, for looking out for me too," said Stella. Casey just patted her arm.
"You're okay?" asked Casey.
"Getting there. Done with the reports?"
"Not from the last one," shrugged Casey. "The overhaul was very thorough because of all the mess with the case, so…"
"Gonna need the report fast, though," said Severide. "So, what am I poisoned with?"
"Either your lasagna or Christie's casserole," said Casey, pointed at the oven. "Just heat them up."
"How are you holding up?" asked Severide when Stella put the food in the oven.
"Well, Christie was a witness too yesterday, it's her office, she rode to the firehouse with us, gave statement there and was there with me," Casey explained. Severide nodded, knowing the Caseys draw strength from each other at difficult times. "Obviously the thing with Voight helped," added Casey, laughing.
"She's alright?"
"She said she had nightmares, but in the office today a counsellor came to talk to the whole office. Hope it helps," said Casey. "You're going to work today?"
"I can't. I can't keep anything down, so I need to stay home," joked Severide. "No, I won't. I think a rest day is overdue."
"It is," said Stella. "Nice not having to steal time to talk to you."
"Next, your turn to pretend to get food poisoning?" asked Severide, glancing at Casey.
"Sssh. Casey is here. I'm at a major disadvantage to lie here," said Stella. "Having him knowing the truth, and slapping it to my oblivious boyfriend, however, is a huge win. Won't have it any other way."
"I won't have it any other way either. You did good with Gallo," said Casey.
"You have Christie, I have Gallo. Similar thing," said Stella. Severide didn't say anything. He longed to be back at 51, because however good of a fit he is in OFI, 51 is a family. He was glad that Casey, Gallo, and the rest of 51 were there for Stella, but he wanted to be there for her. Similarly, he and Casey went through everything together throughout most of their careers, and he was glad Christie happened to be there for him, otherwise, Casey would need a cigar break, and who's gonna do that with him?
Stella stole a look at the two men in front of her. Like she said, she wouldn't have it any other way. She had the best guy as a boyfriend, hopefully not long before he's back at 51, and the best officer who is also a friend. They both looked out for her. A couple years ago she was at a dark place, with an emotional abusing husband, and now, she can confidently said she had found her people, her home.
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Tons of Christie and Gallo, and triggering topic, tried not to make anything graphic, but rather focused on their reactions. If you need help, please seek one!