The hearing time was set for the morning. Hawkins was warned ahead of time by his mentor that having Violet in the hearing room would do more than harm than good. She agreed to stay behind, anxiously awaiting the verdict. Evan left that morning, assuring her all would fine, but her nerves were starting to make her feel like climbing the walls. She pulled out her phone to scroll through her contacts. As much she wanted to call Brett in Portland, she wasn't sure she'd get a sympathetic ear. Sure, Brett wanted her to be happy, but she warned Violet about what would come of dating your boss. Brett had temporarily left CFD drama behind and Violet didn't want to rope her back in from her happy west coast bubble. She kept scrolling. Gallo. Nope. She had a suspicion that Gallo was the one who ratted them out. She knew she was too livid to talk to him any time soon. With him she thought about Ritter, and as much as she wanted to talk to him about it, she didn't want to put him in a bad position having to keep their conversations from Gallo. She would spare him for now. Then she scrolled down to Kidd. Hmm, Stella was in on the secret, a woman, and now a person in leadership. She could definitely use her experience now, and because she wasn't a paramedic, she was slightly removed from the situation. She pressed the green button and hoped she wasn't waking her.
Stella Kidd was already up and at 'em that morning, the adrenaline of her new leadership position propelling her with energy. She had a workout, shower, and was pouring a cup of coffee when she saw the call from Violet.
"Hey, what's up?" Stella said cheerfully.
"Sorry to bother you, I'm not waking you, am I?" Violet asked nervously.
"Please," Stella said confidently. "A rolling stone gathers no moss on this gal. I'm in boss lady mode today."
Violet smiled at that, "Well, I could use some boss lady advice right about now."
"Shoot," Stella responded.
"Okay, so you know I have been secretly dating Chief Hawkins. Well, the secret is out apparently. His bosses called him out on it. Before any decision is made about a reprimand or anything, Evan asked to address the brass. Kind of like an informal performance hearing. Anyway, it's today. My being there will probably bring more harm than good, but I am losing here. I could use some reassurance."
"Wow," Stella took it all in.
"Yeah." Violet breathed out.
"What's does he plan on saying at the hearing?" Stella asked.
"He worked on it all night. Coming up with validation for all of his decisions regarding 51 and me, proving that he made the right call in every instance regardless of his personal relationship. He's mostly worried about them revoking my award. He's pretty confident in his defense, but I don't know. I can't be there, and I am afraid he is being served up to the mouths of lions."
Stella could hear the concern in Violet's voice; panicked.
If there was one thing Stella Kidd knew, it was that a fire house was a family. Despite the awkwardness of the fact that Violet was dating her boss, she could tell that this was a relationship they were both willing to fight for. And what she knew of Hawkins was that he was a good man, and he put Brett's paramedicine program into place. An idea came quickly to her, one that comes to a person with wisdom and experience.
"This hearing is likely public right, per the rules, at CFD headquarters?" Stella asked.
"Yes, I think so," Violet said, confused.
"What if I go down there, back him up, even if I am just a butt in a chair, to show support?" Stella said.
"Oh, you don't have to do that," Violet assured her.
"I'm serious. I'll get Kelly to go with me. Hawkins shouldn't have to face them alone."
"Really?" Violet was not expecting this.
"Firehouse 51 is a family. And if Hawkins means as much to you as I think he does," she paused, letting that sink it. "Then I think we need to show up for you both."
Violet took it all in. She felt very much a solid member of 51 right now, and man was it a good feeling.
"Go to Molly's, get a nice stiff drink, and I'll keep you posted, okay?" Stella said.
"You certainly are getting good at giving orders," Violet said with a smirk.
"Damn right."
