A Backdraft Fic

Chapter 3

No Stool at Willie's for Brian

The limo pulled up the street and parked in the parking lot. Stephen got out first and helped Jennifer out. She nodded her thanks and then went to greet the rest of the station. Pretty much everyone knew that she and Brian had been together on and off over the years. They all enveloped her in hugs and apologies.

Stephen watched her get safely into the bar, which was now full of mourners, and turned to Helen. "I miss him so much already and it's only been three days." He said, sighing and shoving a hand through his sandy hair that was damp from the rain.

"I know." Helen said, at a loss for words. How could she help someone who was hurting so much? She never completely understood the relationship between Stephen and Brian. She merely accepted it as their relationship. Stephen was forever the protector. It was scary. The one time that Brian turned the tables, he was killed in the process. She would never mention this to Stephen, though. It would do irreparable damage to him/

"You want to know what he said to me before he went?"

"Stephen, you don't have to talk about this if you don't want to."

"He said that he had a lunch date with dad. After twenty years, he remembered."

"Remembered what?" She asked, covering his hand with hers. He was in such pain; it hurt her so much to see him like this. It seemed like the tears he shed wiped away the years of nasty words and screaming matches. He was like a small child, scared.

"Brian and Dad were supposed to go out to lunch the day he went with him on that call. He was so excited to go out alone with him. He was still excited, after twenty years, he was still excited."

Okay this chapter was a short one, but I though it was necessary to show that Stephen and Helen may have a chance still. What will happen to the baby and the rest of the McCaffrey's? Tune in for the next chapter. Coming soon.