Hello everyone. Here's the next chapter for you guys. I know a lot of you are eager to see what happens, so I won't take up too much of your time. I just want to say that I hope you guys like this one, and I'm excited to hear what you think.
Happy reading!
Chapter Seventy Nine
Standing at the sink in the bathroom, Gabby finished washing her hands, the paramedic blowing out a soft sigh as she turned off the water, using the towel to pat her palms dry before heading for the door. She had stepped away from the common room momentarily, leaving her husband and her baby with the rest of 51's first responders, everyone having been completely captivated by little Sofia all day. Despite her having been coming to shift with them for awhile, they still seemed to be just as eager to spend time with the littlest Casey as they were the first time they brought her, everyone in the firehouse always itching to get a chance to hold her. Her little girl was definitely loved around here, and she felt so thankful for that.
With everything going on, with all the uncertainty surrounding them right now, to know that Sofia had a place where she was completely cared for, surrounded by people who loved her and who would do anything in their power to protect her, it eased Gabby's worries considerably. It cemented what she already knew; this was the safest place for her daughter to be. Not only was she with her parents, but she had a firehouse full of people who would put her safety above their own, even though that was something Gabby would never ask of them. But it was a reassuring feeling nonetheless, Gabby feeling most at ease when they were all in the firehouse together.
Rolling out her neck, Gabby stepped out of the bathroom, a yawn escaping her lips as she felt a wave of exhaustion flood her system. She wasn't sure how late it was, but with as tiring as these last few weeks had been, it seemed like she could never get enough sleep these days. And even though Sofia had settled into a pretty good sleeping pattern, despite the changes in being at the firehouse three nights a week, she was still a baby. A baby who was waking up a few times during the night needing to be taken care of, which meant that both Gabby and Matt woke up as well. Though her schedule was pretty consistent, it still meant Gabby was never able to get into a deep sleep, and with any potential calls on top of that, nights at the firehouse usually were not spent sleeping soundly. At least not for her.
Another yawn escaped her lips as she reached into her pocket for her phone to check the time, Gabby's eyebrows furrowing when she felt nothing but the material of her jacket. Pulling her hand back out, she began patting over her body, trying to find her cell phone, but within a few seconds it was clear that wherever her phone was, she didn't have it on her. Wracking her brain, Dawson tried to remember where she had it last, the paramedic moving slowly down the hallway as tried to figure out where it was. She didn't remember having it with her in the common room moments prior, but she knew she could've just set it down on the table without remembering, Gabby deciding to just head back towards everyone and go from there.
But about halfway back towards the common room, Dawson stopped abruptly, the paramedic suddenly remembering how she'd had her phone out in the rig after their last call. She had been showing Brett and Foster new pictures and videos of Sofia before they left the hospital, her friends wanting to see the video of Sofia rolling over for the first time.
It had been a big moment, Sofia doing it out of nowhere while she was on her play mat at the apartment, and as soon as it happened the parents tried to get her to do it again, wanting to make sure they had this memory committed to film. And since it happened, Sofia had been doing it a lot since whenever the moment presented itself, meaning everyone had to be extra watchful over the baby, making sure she was never in any situations where she could roll off the bed or the couch and fall. But as soon as Gabby had told her partners of the new development with her baby, they wanted to see the video, which she had eagerly shown them, that decision ultimately leading to Gabby accidentally leaving her phone out in the rig.
Releasing a soft breath, Dawson changed her path, the paramedic moving straight for the double doors instead of turning the corner towards the common room, Gabby pushing one of the doors open, walking into the quiet garage. Even though she wasn't sure of the exact time, she knew it wasn't past Boden's firehouse curfew yet, Gabby shoving her hands in her pockets as she moved around the front of squad's rig.
Clicking his tongue against the roof of her mouth, Gabby's steps slowed when she got closer to the ambulance, Dawson coming almost to a complete stop when she saw the garage door in front of 61 open. She wasn't sure why it wasn't down, in fact she knew Brett had put it down when they got back from their call, so it for it to be up now was strange. And looking out into the pitch black Chicago night, Gabby couldn't help the chill that moved through her spine. The feeling creeped her out, Gabby's back straightening as she looked from the open garage towards the rig that was still maybe fifteen feet away from her. Part of her felt like she should just go back inside, that she should go and get Matt, and have him come and get her phone for her. But the second she registered that thought, she shook it off, Gabby feeling ridiculous for even thinking it. The rig was right there, it would take all of thirty seconds for her to get her phone and get back inside, Gabby shaking off her apprehension before continuing towards the ambulance.
As she got closer, her eyes moved out towards the driveway, Gabby feeling that same unsettling heaviness in her gut as she stared out into the dark night, the dim street lights barely doing anything to illuminate outside around the firehouse. Shaking her head, Dawson kept her eyes forward as she got to the rig, the paramedic pulling open the driver's side door, stepping up on the side of the ambulance before leaning over the seat, going in search of her phone.
It took her only a few seconds to find what she was looking for, Gabby pocketing the device before she stepped back down onto solid ground. As she was shutting the door, she caught movement out of the corner of her eye, Gabby's head snapping out towards the driveway, her eyes narrowing as she tried to find whatever she thought she saw. But after a quick once over, she didn't see anything out of the ordinary, the sound of the wind rustling tree branches filling her ears.
Figuring her paranoia was just causing her to see things, Gabby pushed her nerves down, knowing that the high emotions of the last few weeks were getting to her, Dawson walking towards the garage door so she could close it. She wasn't sure what she thought she saw, but with as windy as it was outside, she figured the wind had just blown some leaves across the pavement, Gabby slowing her steps as she got closer to the garage door.
As she lifted her hand to press the button, Gabby's gaze flashed back outside, her entire body going rigid when she realized it hadn't been paranoia at all, the paramedic seeing what looked to be someone standing at the end of the driveway. She could barely see them, the person more of a shadow than anything else, Gabby still not entirely sure her mind wasn't playing tricks on her. Blinking quickly, she focused on what she thought to be someone there, her vision unable to make out much.
But when she saw whoever it was starting to move forward, she knew at that moment that what she was seeing was very real, Gabby immediately flooded with panic as this person started walking straight towards her. Without another thought, she slammed her hand into the button, the garage door beginning to go down as she stepped away from the slow closing door, her eyes widening in fear when the person began to pick up their pace.
"Matt!"
Her feet started moving before her brain could catch up, Gabby yelling her husband's name as she quickly began heading back towards the house, sparing one last glance outside before turning around the rig.
"Matt!" She yelled again, her head whipping back around as she moved hurriedly, her breathing picking up as she tried to see if that person had gotten inside, her heart pounding rapidly in her chest.
When she turned her head back around, she was immediately met with the sight of someone in front of her, Gabby nearly shrieking when she collided with a hard chest, feeling hands come out to steady her.
"Gabby, hey, hey. What's wrong?" Matt asked immediately, Gabby swallowing the lump in her throat as she met her husband's calming blue eyes, his eyebrows furrowing when he felt how unsteady she was. "What happened?" He questioned again, his voice much softer, seeing her clearly shaken state.
"He was here- Someone was here." She stuttered out, Matt's entire body going rigid as he looked past her, Gabby suddenly realizing they weren't alone as the entire firehouse was filtering out into the garage, crowding around them. "He was coming up the driveway, I don't know where he went." She continued, Matt rubbing over her arms before he pulled her in for a quick hug, rubbing his hand along her side.
"Alright, it's okay… it's okay." He assured her softly, the Captain glancing back to find the worried eyes of his coworkers on him and Gabby. Releasing a heavy breath, he placed a kiss to the top of her head before slowly pulling back from her, Gabby reluctantly letting go. "Brett, Kidd, can you stay with her?" He asked, the women nodding before walking towards Dawson, Gabby gripping her husband's arm as he tried to walk past her. Sensing her concern, he took a deep breath, locking eyes with her yet again. "It's okay… I'm just gonna see what's going on."
"Matt…"
"I'll be fine." He assured her, sensing how rattled she was. "I promise, I'll be okay." He pressed a lingering kiss to her forehead, Gabby nodding before he stepped away from her, the paramedic feeling Kidd and Brett come to stand on either side of her. "Severide." Casey prompted, nodding at his friend to come with him, the Lieutenant immediately agreeing as he, and a few other firefighters, followed the Captain around the rig, Matt wanting to know what the hell just happened. And why in the world anyone had been allowed to get close to the firehouse.
Boden had been one of the ones to follow Casey over towards the garage doors, Matt heading straight for the exit when he saw the inside of the garage was clear. "Casey…" Boden warned, Matt shaking his head.
"I'm fine, Chief." Matt replied sternly, his anger building as he walked outside, Severide, Herrmann, and a reluctant Boden following close behind him.
From her position close to the squad table, Gabby's eyes widened when she heard the far door open, and the sound of firefighters exiting the garage shortly there after. "Matt shouldn't go out there, what if he's still here?" Gabby asked quickly, her hands trembling as she clasped them together in front of her, Brett and Kidd sharing similarly concerned looks as they saw the panicked state their friend was in.
"I'm sure it's fine, Dawson." Cruz tried to comfort her, Brett's eyes moving around the group, seeing them huddled around Gabby. As the blonde moved her eyes back to Dawson, she could see the nerves coming off of her partner in waves, Gabby blinking quickly as she registered all the bodies around her.
"Yeah, everything's okay, Dawson."
"Guys, let's give her space." Brett spoke up when she saw everyone was making Gabby more nervous, the blonde shooting pointed stares to all the firefighters surrounding them. Taking the hint easily, they all backed off, some deciding to follow Casey's lead and go outside, wanting to see if they could be of use somewhere since it was clear Gabby was feeling overcrowded.
Brett could tell Gabby seemed a little more relaxed when there weren't so many people around her, but she was still anxious, and seeing her friend like this was unsettling to say the least. With Kidd rubbing Gabby's back comfortingly, Brett placed her hand on her shoulder, meeting Foster's worried gaze before looking back to Dawson, seeing her friend staring off towards the garage doors, knowing Casey was out there but she couldn't see him.
"Gabby…" Brett spoke softly, Dawson glancing towards her friend, Brett getting a better understanding of just how anxious Gabby was, Sylvie's heart constricting in her chest, hating to see her usually strong partner so shaken. "How about we go inside? That way you can sit with Sofia…"
Gabby's eyes moved back towards the garage doors, Brett sparing a quick glance to Stella, who gave her a nod.
"Casey's fine, Dawson." Brett assured her, knowing that's what he friend was worried about. "I'm sure he's just trying to figure out what happened… But how about we just go inside with Sofia?" Sylvie made sure to repeat the smallest Casey's name, Gabby waiting a few seconds before nodding in agreement, both Kidd and Brett leading her back towards the firehouse, hoping seeing her daughter would help take her mind off of everything.
Out on the driveway, Cruz followed the rest of 51 outside, everyone seeing Casey pacing back and forth across the pavement a few yards ahead of them, Severide clearly trying to calm him down. But it didn't seem to be working.
"You all find anything?" Cruz asked Herrmann and Boden, who had decided to give the Captain some space, knowing how angry he was right now.
"No, we didn't. No one was out here when we got outside." The Chief responded, his words earning a few sighs from the firehouses around him.
"I'm not sure who, or what, Dawson saw… but whoever it was, they're gone now."
"What's going on?"
All heads snapped up when they saw the police officers detailed to the firehouse rushing up the driveway, holding their guns expertly in their hands as they approached Casey.
"What are you guys doing out here? We said to stay inside." The other one chastised, his words only seeming to set Casey off as the Captain stopped pacing, his harsh glare focusing in on the officers as they got closer.
"He was here." Matt all but barked, anger rolling off of him as these men narrowed their eyes slightly, clearly confused by what he was saying.
"What?"
"He was here!" Casey repeated loudly. "How did you all not see him? You're supposed to be paying attention and doing your damn job! Why aren't you doing your fucking job?!"
"Casey, calm down, man." Severide tried, not wanting this situation to get out of control as he pushed against Matt's chest, but the Captain was persistent.
"He could've hurt her, Kelly!" Casey fired back, anger rolling off him in waves. "She was out here alone, and he was just standing in the driveway. God knows what could've happened had she not seen him before he got closer! Who knows what he would've done to her!"
"Where was he?" One of the officers asked, Matt's harsh stare flashing back towards them.
"She was out here alone? None of you should be alone while all this is going on." The other spoke, Matt's back tightening as a new rush of irritation flooded his system.
"Are you kidding me?" He asked, his loud voice booming throughout the otherwise quiet street. "You're seriously trying to blame this on Gabby when this bastard was right here? He was right here where we're standing and you two didn't see him, and somehow that's her fault?"
Sparing glances at one another, the cops knew how angry Casey was, but they still weren't even entirely sure what happened. "...Are you sure she actually saw someone?"
When they saw the Captain's eyes narrow further, they knew their words had only pissed him off more, the officer holding up his hand before he continued speaking.
"I just need to know. Did anyone else see anything? Or was it only Gabby?"
"She was the only one." Casey replied firmly, the cops nodding before looking back towards the other firefighters. "But if she said she saw someone, she did." He added roughly, not liking the skepticism he could feel from the cops.
"We're not saying she didn't-"
"No, but I know what you're thinking." Matt spat, Kelly sensing his friend's anger building once more. "You two aren't doing your jobs, and you're thinking an easy way of getting off the hook for this is to say she's just seeing things… To just blame it on her being 'emotional', or on edge. I know exactly what you're doing." His words were harsh, Casey's entire body tense with rage as he stared down the two officers. "But if Gabby said someone was here, someone was here. I don't know what the fuck you guys are doing, I don't know how he was allowed to just waltz right up the driveway like it was nothing. But someone was here."
"Captain-"
"I mean, are you all even paying attention? Do you just see this as some big joke?!" He continued, not even bothering to give them a chance to get another word in, Matt knowing anything they said would likely only anger him further. "This man threatened my family, he's messing with my family, and you all can't even be bothered to just do your damn job and pay attention?! He showed up here, now he's messing with Gabby, and you all didn't even notice that he was standing right where we are right now? What the hell are you even doing?!"
"Casey, we've been right over there this entire time, we didn't see anyone-"
"He was here!" Casey shouted, effectively stopping their excuses, everyone sensing just how upset the Captain was. "He was right here, and you all did nothing."
"Matt, man, let's just take a minute-" Severide tried, but Casey shook his head, roughly pushing Kelly's hand down off his chest, his attention focused on the two cops in front of him.
"You're here to protect my wife and my daughter. I don't know why you got this detail, I don't know if you see it as some joke or you don't think it's a serious thing, I don't know what the issue is. But I don't care. You're only job is to protect my family… Do your fucking job." He bit out, Casey not waiting around to hear whatever bullshit was about to come from their mouths, the Captain turning around and heading back to the firehouse, passing stunned and worried firefighters as he went.
Ripping open the door, Casey stomped inside, his fists clenched at his sides as he tried to calm himself down, knowing the last thing Gabby needed was for him to storm in there clearly angry and upset. That wouldn't help anything, considering how shaken he knew she was over what had happened. And the last thing he ever wanted to do was make anything worse for her, especially seeing as how hard these last few weeks had been already.
But he was angry. He was so beyond angry he couldn't even completely understand the feeling, Matt's entire body filled with a rage he hadn't experienced in awhile. And he knew he had to get it under control, but he was having a hard time doing that. Because this was his wife; this man was messing with his wife, and that alone was more than enough to make Casey want to take the guy out. Gabby was scared enough as it was, she didn't need this man terrorizing her added on top of everything else. And that's exactly what he had done, he had done this to scare her. Matt saw it the minute she ran into him, she was terrified of whatever exactly had happened, and that was something that would never be okay with him. This man could do whatever he wanted to him, but targeting his wife was taking it too far, and Matt couldn't promise he wouldn't bash the man's head in if he ever found him.
Matt didn't care about himself in all this, he truly didn't. He didn't care about any slashed tires or threats towards him, but what he does care about is his family. His wife and daughter are the two most important things in this world, and as long as Matt was alive, there wasn't anything he wouldn't sacrifice to protect them.
Gabby and Sofia, and their safety, are what's important, nothing else mattered to him. And Matt would sooner die than let anything happen to them.
And this man was going to learn that the hard way if he didn't stop messing with his family. Because while his wife was, rightfully, scared, Matt's fear about the situation was quickly morphing into rage. He wasn't even scared anymore, but he was angry. Angry at how much this was affecting Gabby, angry at how they still hadn't caught him, angry at how different tonight could have played out had Gabby not seen the man before he got closer… Angry enough to kill this guy if he ever came near his family again. He felt nothing but rage, and he knew that feeling wouldn't go away until this psychopath was behind bars.
But he had to get a handle on it, or he'd accomplish nothing but making things harder on his wife.
Releasing a heavy breath, Matt ran his hand along the back of his neck, the firefighter reaching into his pocket to pull out his phone, Casey doing what he could to get rid of some of this anger as he went to his recent calls, pressing on the familiar name.
He put the phone up to his ear as he began pacing in front of the ambulance, Matt taking slow breaths while he waited for the man to pick up.
"Hello?"
"Antonio, hey man." Casey greeted, Antonio jumping in before he could say much else, Matt's tone giving him away instantly.
"What's going on? Is everything okay?"
Glancing back out towards the driveway, Matt released another heavy sigh, shaking his head before he looked to the ground, the firefighter swallowing the thick lump that had formed in his throat.
"No, it's not."
"What happened?" Antonio asked frantically, Matt registering the clear concern in his voice, the Captain hearing shuffling around on the other end of the phone, guessing the detective was already preparing to head over here.
"...I need you to come down to the firehouse."
Dawson stared down at the sleeping baby in her arms as she sat on the couch in the common room, Gabby doing what she could to keep her entire focus on her little girl. When Brett and Kidd had led her in here nearly ten minutes ago, Gabby had immediately taken a restless Sofia from Becca's arms, the nanny not questioning it as she saw her distressed state.
Once Sofia was settled in her mother's arms, the baby started to quiet down, the little girl falling asleep within minutes as Gabby held her. Brett had taken up the seat beside Dawson, while Kidd sat on the back of the couch, both friends remaining a strong, comforting presence for Gabby, glad to see being with her baby had calmed her down a bit.
Sylvie and Stella both knew Gabby was on edge, that whatever had happened out there rattled her, but they also knew there wasn't much they could do to help her. That, aside from staying by her side, nothing they did would change much of anything. So they did all they knew to do, Brett keeping a comforting hand on Gabby's leg, while Kidd rubbed over her shoulders, Foster knowing well enough to be supportive from a distance.
Though the newest paramedic to firehouse 51 knew of Dawson's struggles with her anxiety, she hadn't really ever seen any of it up close. But from what she was seeing now, she knew Gabby was having a really hard time, and Emily figured it best to stay back, and let Brett and Kidd be close by. Despite their rocky start, which admittedly was mostly her doing, her and Dawson had become good friends since she started working here, but they weren't anywhere as close as Gabby was to the rest of 51, and the last thing she wanted to do was overcrowd her in this situation.
The sound of the door opening caused everyone to look up, aside from Gabby, who refused to look anywhere other than her sleeping baby, the first responders and Becca seeing a clearly worried Casey walk into the room, his eyes immediately going to his wife. Matt walked further into the common room, taking a deep breath as he looked between Gabby and little Sofia, Gabby not even registering his presence. Without a word, Matt came and sat down on the coffee table in front of them, Gabby flinching slightly when she noticed someone new in the room, but she immediately relaxed when she met Matt's gaze, finding a soft smile waiting for her.
"...You got her to sleep." He murmured, Gabby looking down to Sofia as she held the pacifier to her mouth, Dawson giving him a nod. "She would not calm down earlier."
"Yeah, she was a little fussy." Gabby replied, her voice hoarse as she cleared her throat, Matt taking a deep breath.
"I, uh- I called your brother." Matt told her, Gabby blinking quickly before she looked up, giving him another nod. "He's on his way over right now, I told him what happened. But I'm sure he's gonna want to hear it from you…" He trailed off, giving her a small, supportive smile before continuing. "And I talked with the officers watching the house," He started, leaving out how it wasn't so much talking as it was yelling. "They didn't see anything, but the guy was gone by the time I got out there." Matt explained, his words earning a nod from Gabby as she focused her attention on Sofia.
Taking a deep breath, Matt glanced between Kidd and Brett, giving them a quick nod, silently asking them to give him and his wife some space, the two understanding instantly as they both got up, Stella rubbing Gabby's shoulder comfortingly before she walked away, Foster, Brett, and Kidd all leaving the room while Becca made herself scarce as well.
When they were alone, Matt moved to sit beside her on the couch, his shoulder resting against hers as he placed his hand over her thigh, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "...How are you doing?" His voice was light, Matt rubbing his thumb along the outside of her leg, hoping to provide her with any source of comfort.
"I'm fine." She answered quickly, Matt taking a deep breath as he gave her leg another squeeze.
"Gabby…"
"I'm okay, Matt." She repeated, forcing her eyes away from Sofia to look at her husband, Matt shooting her a less than convinced look. It was clear he didn't believe her, and when he saw the look in her eyes, he knew she didn't truly believe herself either. Blowing out a sigh, Gabby looked back down towards their sleeping baby, the paramedic nuzzling herself closer to Matt, her physical actions telling him more than her words could. Understanding exactly what she was wanting, Matt lifted his arm up and hooked it around her shoulders, carefully pulling Gabby into his embrace, being mindful of the resting baby in her arms. Once settled into his side, Gabby immediately started to feel a little more at ease, her husband's presence calming her as only he could, Matt stroking his thumb over her arm as she placed her head on his shoulder.
"How are you really feeling?" He asked after a few quiet moments, hoping to get more of an honest answer out of her now that her guard wasn't up, now that it had been just them in the common room for a few minutes, Matt knowing Gabby wasn't the best at showing vulnerability, especially when things got really hard.
He gave her a few seconds to collect her thoughts, Gabby focusing on the sound of his steady breathing as she tried to figure out how to best describe what was going on in her head. But it was difficult, considering she didn't even really know what she was feeling in this moment. "I… I don't know." She breathed out honestly, Matt rubbing his hand up and down over her arm, Gabby gently adjusting Sofia in his grasp before settling back into her husband's side. "Him coming here to the firehouse like that… How he was able to just walk right up the driveway, it scares me." Gabby admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "If he can get to us here, he can get to us anywhere and I just- I'm so sick of being scared all the time." Her words faltered as they left her lips, Matt's eyes falling closed as he listened to her, the fear in her voice causing his stomach to sink. "I'm trying not to think about it, I'm trying not to let this control me. And even these last few days, I've just been thinking about how this has gotten a little better… How I just had this feeling that everything would be okay. But now that's gone."
"Gabby…"
"He came to the firehouse, Matt." She interjected, lifting her head up off his shoulder to look at him. "He came to the firehouse, and the cops didn't even notice. This guy is obviously smarter than we gave him credit for and clearly, he's serious about what he said to you… He's not gonna stop." Gabby spoke, her voice unsteady as they locked eyes. "But I just want this to stop… I need it to stop."
Her last few words were barely audible, Matt seeing the thick tears welling in her eyes, his heart crumbling in his chest as he saw how badly this was affecting her. He knew she'd been handling everything a little better the last few days, that she hadn't been nearly as on edge with all this, but any of that progress that had been made was gone; this man showing up at the firehouse had taken that from her. And that angered Matt just as much as it devastated him. He felt helpless, unable to do anything other than sit here and watch this man hurt his wife, Matt desperately waiting for the day he got the call from Antonio that they had found whoever was doing this, waiting for the day that this nightmare was over. Because right now, it seemed like it was never going to end, and Matt wasn't sure how much more of this Gabby could do take.
"I know, baby." He murmured, Gabby gnawing on her bottom lip as she fought to keep her tears at bay, Dawson refusing to cry over this as Matt pressed a soft kiss on her forehead, his lips lingering against her skin in an attempt to provide her with any comfort. "I know you do, and I'm so sorry this is still happening… I'd give anything for this to be over." He whispered against her forehead, kissing her again before pulling back, his words earning a nod from Gabby.
"I know… And none of this is your fault. I just wish it never happened. You all responding to the call, and everything that happened that day, and everything since… All of it. I wish none of it ever happened."
"Me too." He agreed as she placed her head back on his shoulder, the warmth of his body releasing some of the tension she was holding onto as he tightened his grip around her shoulders, Matt knowing his words could only do so much right now. Nothing he said could change anything that happened, and they both knew it. He could make all the promises in the world, but they both knew they had no way to know what would actually happen. And that's what was so unsettling about all of this, was the uncertainty.
There was no way for either of them to have any idea as to how, or when, this was going to end, and that was something they were having a hard time coming to terms with. Especially Gabby.
"We're gonna get through this." He continued, knowing he needed to at least try and say something to make her feel better. "Whatever happens, you and I will be fine. Antonio's on this, he's doing what he can… and if this guy is coming here again, I'm guessing he's getting impatient. Meaning he's bound to slip up and make a mistake here soon. And when he does, your brother will find him."
Gabby nodded slowly, the air around them thick as she digested everything he was saying, his words more wishful thinking than anything else. But regardless, they made her feel better, and that was a feeling she knew she had to hold onto.
"...You sound an awful lot like a cop." She spoke up after a few minutes, Gabby feeling his body vibrate beneath her as he laughed, Matt shaking his head before pressing another kiss on her forehead.
"Well, it's all that time I've spent with your brother." He replied without missing a beat, his light tone bringing a soft smile to her face, Gabby digging herself deeper into his hold, as much as she could without disturbing their daughter, Sofia sleeping soundly despite her mother's obvious anxiety. "But I promise you, Gabby… I won't let anything happen to you. To either of you." He spoke against her hair, Gabby gnawing on her bottom lip as she listened to his words, hearing in his voice that he wholeheartedly believed them. "I love you. Everything's gonna be fine."
"I love you, too." She responded, her eyes falling closed as she took a deep breath, Gabby focusing on the comforting motion of his hand moving up and down her arm, Matt's tight grip keeping her grounded.
They had fallen into a comfortable quiet, both of them focusing on one another as Matt kept a tight grip on her, Gabby paying attention to the steady sound of his breathing. Barely five minutes had passed before they heard the doors open, the couple looking up just as Antonio and Voight came into the firehouse, being followed by the rest of 51 and Becca. They had been giving the family their space, something Matt very much appreciated, but he knew he couldn't ask them to stay out of the common room for much longer, especially not with Boden wanting everyone inside the house.
"Gabs." Antonio breathed out when he got closer, Gabby lifting her head off of Matt's shoulder, meeting her brother's eyes, the older Dawson desperately trying to get a read on his baby sister, his eyes moving back and forth between the couple.
When he'd gotten the call from Casey less than twenty minutes ago, Antonio felt a rush of different emotions, the detective worried for his sister, but also completely appalled at the fact that this man had gotten on and off the premises undetected by the cops there to protect them, which was something Antonio had made very clear when he chewed out the officers on the scene when he got here a few minutes ago, giving them a piece of his mind and then some.
But now his focus was solely on his sister, Antonio needing the confirmation that she was okay, that she hadn't been hurt or injured, even though he knew from Casey that the man hadn't gotten close enough to touch her, let alone injure her. But what Antonio didn't know was exactly what had happened with Gabby out in that garage, and that was something only his sister could tell him.
"Hi." Gabby responded softly, giving her brother a weak smile before her eyes moved behind him, catching Voight's gaze.
"Thanks for coming, Antonio." Matt spoke up, his brother in-law giving him a nod before looking around the room, Antonio suddenly very aware of all the eyes on them.
"Yeah, of course… Uh, you guys wanna go somewhere so we can talk?" He asked, Matt nodding before glancing to Gabby.
"That's fine, yeah. But I need to get Sofia to bed first."
"Becca can take her, babe." Matt replied, Gabby catching his gaze, being met by a supportive smile from her husband. "She can put her to bed, and sit with her while we do this." He added, Gabby giving a slight nod in response before shifting on the couch, slowly moving to sit up straighter. "Becca." Matt called gently, the woman already on her way towards the parents, everyone watching as she and Gabby seamlessly handled the trade off, Sofia not even registering the movement as she subconsciously curled into Becca's chest.
"I'll be in your office with her." Becca responded softly, earning nods from both of the parents.
"Thanks Becca." Matt spoke, the nanny giving him and Gabby both a warm smile before she began moving towards Casey's office, Sofia staying asleep the entire time.
"Is the conference room okay?" Antonio asked, his voice pulling Gabby from her thoughts as she looked away from the hallway Becca had just walked down.
"That's fine." Boden replied, Matt pushing himself up from the couch, glancing back as Gabby followed his lead. "Take all the time you need."
"Thanks Chief." Voight said, his rough voice filling the room as he patted Boden on the shoulder, moving past him towards the conference room.
Without a word, Antonio followed after him, Matt and Gabby following suit as well, the firefighter walking behind his wife as they made their way into the conference room, shutting the door closed behind them.
There was a thick silence in the common room, all of 51's first responders glancing around at one another, no one sure of what to say as the events of this evening hung in the air around them. It wasn't until Boden spoke up after a few long seconds did anyone make a sound, all eyes in the room on their Chief as he talked.
"...This man is escalating." He spoke quietly, his face hardened in worry. "He came here, again. He came to our home, and had Dawson not seen him when she did, who knows what could have happened." Boden continued, every person in the room hanging onto his every word. "There's no way for us to know what will happen, I think we're all aware of that, but we have to be vigilant. We have to look out for one another, and make sure we stay safe."
"Yes, Chief." Herrmann replied, Boden taking a deep breath before he spoke up again.
"Now, I'm not sure why the garage door was left open, but that can't happen. I know this isn't what we're used to around here, but we have to be careful, and I think what happened tonight shows us why. We have to look out for each other, always. On call and here. I know this man is focused on Casey and Dawson, but the only reason for that is because Casey was the one who intervened. It could've been anyone else, and this man would still be doing this. So all of you need to be careful. We have to be smart about this, to stay safe… to make sure Dawson and Casey feel safe."
His words earned a few nods from the first responders around him, everyone in the room knowing nothing else needed to be said, because Boden was right. This problem wasn't going away, if anything it was only getting worse. And all they could do was be there for Casey and Dawson, and little Sofia, and hope this got resolved sooner rather than later.
As the door shut behind him, Matt watched as Antonio followed Voight towards the front of the room, both men focused on Gabby as she slowly moved towards them, stopping at the table and sitting down, Matt coming to stand beside her. Before any words were said, he placed his hand on her shoulder, Gabby leaning her body into his waist slightly, her eyes flashing back and forth between her brother and his boss.
"Are you okay, Gabs?" Antonio asked first, needing the answer to that before they got into anything else, Gabby giving him a quick nod, clenching her hands together in her lap.
"I'm alright… I wish this wasn't happening, but I'm okay." She replied, her words prompting a sympathetic look from her brother, Antonio nodding understandingly.
"I know, sis. And I'm so sorry. Those officers, Martinez and Anderson... I don't know what happened out there, but I need to hear it from you… Whenever you're ready." Antonio spoke, Gabby biting down on the inside of her bottom lip as she felt Matt squeeze her shoulder, the paramedic giving him a nod.
"Okay, well, uh-" She cleared her throat, Voight crossing his arms over his chest as he leaned back against the wall, Antonio staying close to the table. "I went out to the garage to get my phone from the ambulance. I knew it was before Boden's curfew, so I just figured it'd be okay." She started, Antonio nodding, silently encouraging her to continue. "But when I got out there, I saw the garage door in front of the ambulance was open… I'm not sure why it was, I know Brett shut it when we got back, but it was open. So after I got my phone, I went to go shut it, and that's when I noticed him." Gabby explained, Matt feeling her muscles tighten underneath his touch. "He was just… standing there, like he was watching me. And then he started walking towards the firehouse, and that's when I closed the garage and yelled for Matt, and tried to get back inside." She spoke softly, Matt sliding his hand around to the back of her neck. "After that, I didn't see him again. Matt and everyone came out to the garage, they went outside to look around, and I went inside with Sofia."
"Alright." Antonio replied, glancing back to Voight for a moment, the two exchanging a few silent looks before the older Dawson looked back towards his sister, Gabby and Matt both watching him expectantly. "Were you able to make out anything about the guy?" He questioned, Gabby biting down on the inside of her cheek, leaning her shoulder into Matt's hip.
"Um, uh… No, not really." She responded softly, feeling Matt's hand move down her back, doing what he could to comfort her. "He just looked like a guy, I don't know-... It was dark, I couldn't see anything." Her words were choppy, Gabby doing what she could to stay grounded even though she didn't necessarily like thinking back to how she felt being out in that garage.
"But it was just the one guy?" Voight spoke up, Matt's neck clenching involuntarily as he glanced to the older man, Casey still not completely comfortable around the cop that tormented him in the past. They had moved on from it, they had been polite, and the firefighter was grateful to him for how much he helped in trying to find Gabby before she came home, but regardless of all that, Matt didn't particularly like spending time around the man unless necessary. But if there was any moment that was necessary, it was this. Gabby's safety was what mattered here, and Matt knew if there was any cop you'd want helping you in this situation, it was Hank Voight. Their past didn't matter, not when Matt needed to make sure his family was safe.
"Yeah, it was only him." She confirmed, Voight giving her a nod.
"And he was just standing at the end of the driveway?" Hank pressed, Gabby nodding, the Sargent turning towards his detective, Voight shaking his head. "This doesn't make much sense." He spoke directly to Antonio, the older Dawson raising his eyebrows. "I don't know how Martinez and Anderson didn't see him, if he was right there."
"I don't know, either." Antonio replied, missing the sharp look from Casey. "I don't know them that well, but they're not bad cops. I'm not sure how he got past them, let alone how he was standing there… I really don't know what happened."
"I just told you what happened." Gabby spoke firmly, interrupting their separate conversation as Voight and Antonio glanced to her. "I know what I saw, Antonio."
"Gabs-"
"He was there, I saw him."
"I know, sis." Antonio quickly cut in, Gabby pursing her lips together as she breathed deeply. "I'm not saying you didn't, I'm saying those cops weren't paying attention." He clarified, not wanting his sister to think he didn't believe her. The second he started talking to the officers when he got here, he got the feeling that they didn't believe that Gabby had actually seen anything, and that didn't sit well with him. "And I've already dealt with them, they're not gonna be assigned to your detail anymore, I'll make sure of that. Whatever happened, it's clear this isn't something they need to be assigned on, so they won't be anymore."
"Thank you." Matt spoke, Antonio giving him a nod. "I don't know what happened out there either, but they seemed more concerned with covering their asses than they did protecting Gabby, so I think it's best they're not detailing us anymore."
"Yeah, I'm still gonna get to the bottom of why they didn't see anything, but I'm really sorry." Antonio replied, both Matt and Gabby sensing his frustration at the situation. Obviously, there was no way to know how things would've played out had they seen the man while he was here, but they all knew this had been their best chance at catching him so far. And now it was gone. "I should've had better officers on this… I will have better officers on this from now on, I'm sorry you guys."
"It's not your fault, Tony." Gabby replied, Matt nodding in agreement.
Antonio opened his mouth to respond, but was cut off by the sound of the bells going off, calling engine and ambo 61 to an apartment fire, Matt shaking his head as he looked down to Gabby, knowing his wife was in no state to work right now.
"I…"
"You're staying here." Casey spoke, Gabby releasing a relieved breath, Matt rubbing his hand over her back. "I think it's for the best if you stay here, Foster and Brett will be fine." He rephrased, not meaning for his first words to come out so abruptly, but it was clear Gabby had no objections, his wife immediately giving him a soft nod.
"Yeah, I think so too." She agreed, Matt scratching over her upper back. "Do I need to tell Boden?"
"I don't think he's expecting you to work right now, it's okay." Casey assured her, Gabby giving him another nod before glancing back towards her brother, finding Antonio's worried eyes on her.
"So… what do we do now?" Gabby questioned after a few quiet seconds, a soft sigh escaping her lips as she looked back and forth between Voight and Antonio.
"Well, honestly sis, we still don't have any more to go on than before, at least not yet." He told her, catching the immediate look of defeat that covered her face. "When we're done here, we're gonna get the security footage, see if there's anything identifiable on the tape. I know you weren't able to see much in the dark, but if he got close enough, we might be able to get enough for an ID. We're gonna work on that tonight." Antonio told her, Gabby and Matt both nodding. "Once we have that, we'll go from there."
"Okay."
The sound of the door opening gained their attention, Matt turning around to see Boden hesitantly standing in the doorway, Antonio nodding him in, the Chief stepping inside the room, letting the door fall closed behind him.
"Hey Chief." Matt spoke, stepping behind Gabby as Boden came up to stand beside them.
"Hey… Sorry to interrupt, I just wanted to see how things were going." He said, flashing Dawson a small, supportive smile.
"You're fine, we're almost done here." Antonio replied, Hank nodding as he pushed himself off from the wall.
"Yeah, Gabby's given us about all she can. We're gonna look at your security tapes, see if they picked up anything, but we're good here."
"Alright." Boden responded before turning towards the Casey family, seeing the clear exhaustion in Dawson's eyes, the Chief assuming it was probably as much physical as it was mental. "Well, whenever you're done, you two are dismissed from the rest of shift." He told them, seeing the immediate look of relief in Casey's eyes, Gabby releasing a soft breath. "The last thing I want to ask you to do right now is work, Dawson. And I know Casey wouldn't stay here if you were sent home, so I think you both should just get on out of here."
"You sure, Chief?" Casey asked, Boden giving him a nod.
"I'm sure. You all go home, try and get some rest. We'll see how things are going and talk before next shift, but I think it's in everyone's best interests if you all go home. We'll be fine here." Boden assured his Captain.
"Alright… thank you, Chief. Really." Matt replied sincerely. Even though he knew Boden was right, and the best thing for all of them was for the Casey family to go home, he knew he was leaving his Chief a little stranded. Though it was Boden's idea, Matt knew he was only doing this for Gabby. With one look at her, it was clear she was in no position to be working right now, it wouldn't be safe for anyone. Casey didn't doubt her abilities, he knew she could put aside her own problems and work if she had to, but he didn't want her to have to. And it was clear Boden didn't, either.
"It's not a problem. We've gotten it sorted out, Kidd's already been told she'll be running the rig the rest of shift."
"She'll do great." Casey replied, Boden giving him an agreeing nod.
"She will. Everything's in good hands here, you all don't need to worry. All I want you to do is go home."
"We can do that, Chief." Matt spoke, Boden clasping him on the shoulder before his eyes moved towards Dawson, seeing the paramedic's gaze focused down on the table.
"Good. I'll get out of here, let you all get ready to go. Just keep me in the loop, Casey." Boden requested, Matt giving him a nod before the Chief began moving back towards the door, his concerned gaze still on his paramedic. "And Dawson…" He started, waiting for her to look up before he continued. "I'm really glad you're okay."
Her face softened when the words left his lips, Gabby giving him a quick nod. "Thanks Chief." She murmured, Boden shooting her a small smile before he left the room, Matt returning his attention back towards Antonio.
"So you don't need anything else from us?" Casey asked, Voight shaking his head.
"No, not right now." Hank answered, his eyes moving back and forth between the firefighter and the paramedic.
"We still have officers watching your apartment, they've been there all day, and I called them on the way over, told them what happened… So they know to be extra vigilant. And we'll follow you guys home." Antonio added when he saw the slight look of hesitation in his sister's eyes. "I'll make sure everything's good, so you don't have to worry."
"Thanks Antonio." Matt replied after a few seconds when Gabby had yet to say anything, the detective giving him a nod.
"I need to make a few calls, but we'll be out in the garage when you're ready to go." Antonio told his family, Matt nodding as his brother in-law walked towards the table, Voight already heading for the door, not wanting to intrude on this personal moment between brother and sister. Standing across the table from her, Antonio leaned down, placing his hand on his sister's arm comfortingly, giving her a reassuring squeeze. "We're gonna get this guy, Gabs… Whatever I have to do."
His voice was strong, Antonio's words conveying just how much he meant what he was saying, Gabby giving him a weak nod, feeling much more at ease with her brother and her husband beside her.
"Thanks Tony." She murmured, Antonio giving her arm one last squeeze before he walked towards the door, knowing there was nothing else he needed to say.
Casey waited for the door to close, the couple now completely cut off from everyone else, Matt continuing to move his hand along her back, knowing how much that always soothed her. He kept his eyes on her as she focused her attention on her lap, Matt feeling the apprehension radiating off her body. He just wasn't sure exactly what was causing it.
"You okay?" He asked quietly, breaking through the silence they had found themselves in.
But Gabby didn't answer him, Matt's eyebrows furrowing when he realized she was so caught up in her own head, she didn't even hear him. Sighing softly, Matt moved his hand around to her shoulder, pressing her against his side.
"Gabby." He spoke again while he squeezed her shoulder, the movement snapping her from her thoughts as she looked up to him.
"Hmm?"
"I asked if you were okay." He repeated, realization clouding her features before she gave him a soft nod.
"I'm alright, all things considered." She replied, her voice barely above a whisper, Matt responding with an understanding nod. "...I'll just be happy when this is all over."
"I know, baby." He told her, rubbing over her shoulder before pulling her into his body, Gabby's head immediately resting against his stomach as they held onto one another at the somewhat awkward angle. Her arms came up to wrap around his waist, Gabby taking a deep breath as she focused on the feeling of her husband's warmth radiating off him, his chest moving up and down underneath her head as he breathed. "It's gonna be okay… I promise, we'll be okay."
He kept whispering soothing words as they held each other in the conference room, the two taking a few extra seconds to comfort one another. He knew they needed to get ready to leave, that the sooner they got home and got to sleep, the better for all of them. But he also knew she needed this, that, even if just for a quick moment, what his wife needed from his was comfort. And that's exactly what he was giving her.