Title: Ending the Feud?
Chapter 6 – The Games People Play

A/N: hey just wanted to say thanks to everyone (and those without accounts Newperson and guests) so much for your amazing reviews and support for this angsty little ficlet. I am so loving writing it and I hope you like the next few chaps as well. Just a note that I have a new job in RL and it's a lot more work (same pay-typical right? Lol) and with family and RL I am going to try to keep up my regular weekly updates but not sure exactly which day they'll post so I hope that's okay and you'll all forgive in advance. Thanks everyone and enjoy!

"The whole House is talking about you two," Shay mentions to Severide as they enter with serious expressions. "Seeing your expression now it doesn't seem so…funny. So what's going o…"

"Hadley's making parole," Severide tells her flatly.

Shay looks at him with a wide-eyed look of fear. "Oh my…parole? No," she shakes her head as she looks at Casey for confirmation. "What?"

"We heard yesterday but just waiting on CPD for final restrictions," Casey answers before he looks at his friend. "You need to tell the teams," he suggests to Severide. "They should be warned."

"Yup," Severide agrees as he pulls away; leaving Shay and Casey to exchange glum expressions. Once everyone is gathered in the eating area beside the kitchen, Severide looks at Casey and then back at the expectant faces and takes a deep breath. "So…I have some bad news but figured it was only fair to warn you all."

"Are you leaving 51?" Clarke dares to inquire as an instant hush falls over the gathered crowd; a few gasps instantly follow.

"Kevin Hadley's made parole."

"What?" Mills is the first to ask; his tone angry and contrite.

"I don't like it either and I did email an impact statement but um…well he's apparently been a model prisoner for…"

"Model my ass," Herrmann curses in an undertone as everyone agrees.

"I'm as angry as you all but I have been assured that some of his parole restrictions are to stay away from here, Firehouse 51 and anything fire related."

"You really think he's reformed?" Capp asks his superior directly.

Another hush falls over the crowd as all eyes turn and rest on the 51 Squad Lieutenant. "No…no I don't," Severide answers honestly as Casey's lips purse. "That's why I want all of us to be extra vigilant. Any call that has anything that resembles Hadley's MO…you pull back no matter what and no questions asked. I don't want us all to be paranoid but he…" he pauses as he looks back at Casey.

"He might have someone working for him," Casey adds as all eyes instantly zoom in on him. "The fire that killed Troy Larson has the same MO but with a new twist…slowly burning silk. The trap he set for detective's Severide and Halstead was the same as he set for us in the apartment fire where that young woman was burned."

"This is unbelievable," Mills grumbles as he looks at his girlfriend Dawson with a heavy frown. "So none of us are safe again."

"We're hoping with all the restrictions that he'll just…"

"Move?" Cruz interjects Severide's statement. "Who's helping him?"

"We don't know…yet. Look guys I just wanted to give you the heads up before the news is official."

"When does he officially get out?"

"Today."

XXXXXXXX

Erin looks at the list of parole restrictions that come along with Kevin Hadley's release certificate and at least can breathe a small sigh of relief that Firehouse 51, Precinct 21, the fire academy, their home, the personal homes of anyone working at Firehouse 51 and a fire scene in general are prohibited so at least she doesn't have to take out a restraining order. There were also restrictions on things Hadley could purchase, such as items he used in the past to start fires with. However, there was nothing in there about contacting a certain person to get them to do that for him; because of course that name wasn't made known yet.

"We need the name of the guy who's helping him," Erin mutters as she looks up at her partner with a heavy frown.

"What?" Halstead presses.

"He was so smug. It was as if he knew he was getting out and was just taunting me with it. Someone on the inside made that email disappear. I know it's moot now but maybe they would know who else Hadley might have been in contact with," Erin ponders as Voight nears them. "Is he out?"

"A few hours ago. I don't want you anywhere near him," Voight gruffly barks. "Don't give this guy any reason to want to do something."

"He sets fires and has used someone to set a fire…I'm not worried about me," she replies in a low tone as she holds Voight's tense gaze and then looks back down at the list of parole restrictions. "Someone must owe him a favor to want to kill for him and commit arson," she ponders in an undertone as both Voight and Halstead look at her in wonder.

"IT's working on the email trace for Kelly's email. If it was sent in and deliberately deleted or not sent forward at least we have a name to start with," Halstead informs them.

"I'm going to run another trace on Hadley. Someone is helping him. We need to find that someone before another fire trap is set."

Her entire frame shudders as she recalls Hadley's chilling tone coming loud and clear over the radio when she had her now trapped husband before him and he was seconds away from lighting them all up. He's dangerous… and now…he's out.

Erin pauses in her searching to hear some wailing sirens nearing and then passing; her heart picking up speed. With Hadley out and having an accomplice every call now could be a trap and that wasn't something she wants to live with very long.

Need to find Hadley's accomplice and fast! Before…

XXXXXXXX

"Fire department! Call out!"

"Smoke's thick in here!"

"Herrmann, behind you! Vent that window!"

"Copy that!"

"Found one!"

"Herrmann! Take Otis and…watch that door! Take them!"

Casey helps pull out the elderly woman and pass her off into the waiting arms of Herrmann and Otis before he continues on. He spies Severide a few meters ahead and hurries toward him. "I think we got everyone!"

But Severide doesn't move.

"Hey! Severide!" Casey's gruff voice states as he slaps Severide on the back. "What's up?"

"Nothing! Let's go!" Severide's voice calls out loudly as he turns and brushes past Casey.

Just before he too turns to leave, Casey's eyes rest on a picture of a woman that looks just like Erin; now slightly warped from the heat. "Oh damn," he lightly curses before he turns and hurries back toward the hallway entrance. As soon as Severide and Casey finally push their way outside both look at each other with relieved expressions.

"I hate that we'll now be on even higher alert with every call," Severide grumbles as he turns to see a familiar truck pulling up.

"What on earth?" Casey asks softly as they both watch Boden exit his truck and walk toward him. "Chief? What's going on?"

"We got it all under control," Severide states in haste as Casey nods in agreement.

"I talked to Tiberg and he was able to get another instructor for this week. I understand that Hadley's been granted parole."

"He has," Severide replies with a tight hiss.

"This was a good opportunity for you Chief," Casey mentions with a small frown.

"And it'll come up again. Right now my team needs some cooler heads at the helm," Boden explains in truth. "I don't want any heroics when I'm not here."

"Glad to have you back Sir," Casey states for both of them.

Severide briefly pulls away while Casey brings Boden up to speed and starts to scan the crowd. This fire started by…cigarette. Human error. No smell of diesel. No hidden traps. But…his accomplice…I'll bet he's here watching. And Severide was right. A set of dark eyes was fixated on him specifically – watching. And waiting.

"Let's pack up and go," Casey tells Severide as Severide finally turns to his friend with a nod.

"Sure."

Severide's mind is only half listening to Casey telling him about a side construction job he's taken as his mind is so distracted on Hadley that he merely nods and then pulls away and heads toward his own rig. Even on the ride to 51, he tries to anticipate where Hadley might strike first. As soon as they reach 51, Severide plunks himself down in his office chair and then looks at the time and feels his jaw tighten. Hadley's out…he's free…damn bastard is out!

The rest of the day passes by with another tough but not as dangerous call and a rather routine traffic accident – no serious injuries just some serious traffic snarls.

"If you're bored tomorrow and wanna come pound some nails to wear off some frustration, lemme know. I texted you the address," Casey tells Severide as they slowly exit 51 and head into the parking lot. Casey stops when Severide does and starts to follow his friend's gaze. "He's not allowed to come here."

"Not inside," Severide retorts sourly.

"Just be careful on the drive home," Casey reminds him seriously.

"I'm gonna stop by the precinct and see how late she's working. But I might drop by tomorrow if I'm really bored."

Severide gives Casey a nod and then heads for his car and gets in, his mind starting to race a bit faster. He was sure that Hadley would stop by…somewhere but then tells himself that if he were to openly violate his parole on the day of his release he'd be back inside so fast with heavier sanction's and he's sure even Hadley doesn't want that.

He'll be more careful, Severide's mind rightly muses as he nears district precinct 21. He gets out and heads for the front door, but just before he does, he hears his name and instantly his head swivels to the left and he stops cold.

"Hadley!" His lips hiss as he turns and bolts in the direction of the person he thinks is his newly released nemesis. He reaches the end of the block and looks both ways and then cures. "Bastard!" He shouts just as his phone rings. "What!"

"Calling at a bad time?" Benny's voice is heard inquiring.

"No…sorry…dad, what's up?" Severide answers as he turns and slowly heads back for the entrance to Erin's building.

"I might have one more lead for you. Drew Sheppard. Does that name ring a bell?"

"No, should it? Who is he?"

"I've already given the name to Erin to confirm in her system but he was convicted and apparently spent one year in jail in the same area as Hadley. Convicted of arson. Remember the fire at the old Beagle warehouse a few years back? That was him. It's a weak connection but he's out and he might be looking to get into some trouble."

"Yeah these guys never change," Severide mutters; happy that his father agrees with his belief that once an arsonist always an arsonist.

"I know you've heard this already but stay away from Hadley. Don't give him further reason to want to cause trouble."

"Sure," Severide answers halfheartedly as he enters precinct 21.

"Evening Lieutenant Lindsay."

Severide can only toss a small smirk in Platt's direction; having already told her from day one that she was the only one that could call him that and still remain standing. "Is she in?" He inquires with a serious gaze. Upon getting a nod from the desk Sargent, Severide hurries up the stairs and enters the intelligence area.

"Hey," he nods to Halstead who looks up in wonder. "Where's Erin?"

"Here…what's going on?" Erin's voice is heard, prompting Severide to turn in the opposite direction and watch his wife exiting Voight's office. "Everything okay?"

"Sure…" he huffs as he slumps down into the chair beside her desk. He looks at the picture of him and her with Matt and Hallie and a small smile tries so desperately to grace his face. But it fails. Instead he feels her hand resting on his; Halstead watching for a few seconds before he turns away and pretends to be busy. "I saw Hadley," he confesses in an undertone as her eyes widen.

"What the h…where?" She stammers in haste.

"Outside…just now. I went after him but he left."

Erin looks at him with a tight gaze, not sure whether to instantly berate him for not standing down or push for which direction he went. In the end she remains silent and lets him continue.

"He wasn't there…I turned a corner and he was gone. I knew this would happen…these damn head games!"

"How close to here? Was it in violation of his parole? Because if so I can get the street cams or…Kelly?" Her words pull his gaze back to her. "Where?"

"End of the block. Any more surprise gifts?" He inquires with a sour note.

"No. I'm sure once he saw the restrictions and knows we'd now be on alert he won't tip his hand with whoever is helping him. Have you eaten yet?"

"Not hungry," Severide mutters with a clipped tone. "I'm uh…I'll head home and…"

"Your dad called with a name. Drew Sheppard. We have an address and we're just heading."

"I'm coming."

"As what?" Halstead's voice finally pipes up.

"You two head home, Halstead and I'll take care of this," Voight's voice is heard as all three of them look in his direction. "Or I'll send one of the others. It's been a long day and we all need some rest. I've faxed the parole restrictions to Chief Boden and he'll show them to 51 tomorrow."

"Come on," Erin insists as she stands up and looks at her husband with a pained expression. Severide looks at Voight and then at Halstead.

"If you smell anything that resembles diesel do not go in…open doors or…anything. Call the fire department and tell them you suspect a diesel backdraft."

"Maybe he should come," Halstead retorts as Voight looks at him with a heavy frown.

"We'll be careful. You two go home."

Erin literally has to give her husband a small push to get him to head for the exit doors.

"Erin…"

"They'll be careful," she replies in truth. As soon as they reach outside, Severide's hand quickly captures his wife's and squeezes it tightly. "I don't want you going after him," she reiterates her earlier statement. "He's looking for a reason to get you alone with him."

"I want him gone for good."

She leans in closer, this time taking his arm, holding it close and resting her head on his shoulder as they head for his car; his arm wrapping around her waist and pulling her tightly into his side. His eyes dart around but once again they don't see the imminent danger that's lurking.

The drive home is spent mostly in silence, Severide's eyes fixed firmly ahead and Erin's eyes taking turns darting between the side mirror and her husband's tight jaw.

"Hungry?" She asks as they get into their apartment and the door is closed and locked.

"Not really."

"Really," she states flatly as he looks at her with an intense gaze. "Last night all you had was something from the bottle and tonight you want nothing? I suddenly became a bad cook? Well I've never been a great cook," she mutters as she nears his tense frame; standing by the fridge. "Nothing I can tempt you with?"

He looks down at her just as his lips emit a low growl. Without saying a word, his hands rest on her hips and pull her close with sudden force; her lips this time emitting a small gasp. Her back arches backward over the counter as his lips start to devour her mouth, nipping at the soft skin before moving lower to her neck and lower still.

"Ohhh…yes…" she slightly pants as his lips and hands move in tandem. His fingers struggle with the zipper to her jeans while her hands swiftly pull off his sweater and toss it away. "Need…you…" she utters with slight coherence as her neck and back start to warm.

Her fingers gently claw at the smooth skin of his back as he pushes her up against the fridge; pure lust for a union taking command of all his senses. Her fingers move up his back, resting on the back of his skull and giving his head a small tug which forces pleasurable pain to course through his frame. Her lips emit another moan as her back arches up against the fridge, their bodies starting to move in time.

His head bows as he leans in as close as he can, nipping her fragrant skin as her legs wrap tightly around him; pleasurable moans escaping her mouth as the heat between them intensifies.

"Now…" she manages breathlessly…"Kelly…now…" she begs once more as she grasps his shoulders and tosses her head back as the final act of love is delivered.

He wraps his arms around her slightly quivering frame, holding on tightly and stealing another salty kiss from her flushed lips. "Lots you can tempt me with," he whispers, pushing a damp strand of hair off her sweaty forehead. "Love you," he tells her as he kisses her forehead. After their heated union, Severide had scooped his wife up into his arms and carried her into their bedroom, a place more comfortable to relax.

"Love you too," she whispers as she remains lying on his chest, her fingers absently playing with his lightly stubbled jaw. Her head slumps back down so her left ear is placed right atop his rapidly beating heart. "Sounds like you're gonna have a heart attack."

"Death by sex is a pretty good way to go," he tosses back a slight retort as she gently tweaks his small nipple, making him laugh and lift her face to look at him. "Best way to go?" That only earns himself a small pinch to his sweaty side before his strong hands pull her up so he can kiss her on the mouth. "Hmm looking for something constructive to do with those hands?"

"Like make dinner?" She tosses back with a laugh as his lips purse. She playfully tugs on his bottom lip as he tries to pout. "We will get through this."

He takes her hand and brings it to his lips and kisses it before he looks at her with a tender gaze. "I'll remain worried for both of us."

"I am worried but when I'm with you…like this…I don't want to think about…wait…you weren't thinking about him or…" her voice trails off as he chuckles.

"Here's a little secret. You're the only one that makes me that…"

"Hot?" She interjects; earning herself a wide grin. "Come on…let's go eat…something."

The two of them dress in their robes and slowly head into the kitchen to enjoy a leisurely late night dinner afterward returning to their bedroom for one more heated union and then finally falling asleep peacefully intertwined in each other's grasp.

XXXXXXXX

"So…what's on the agenda for today?"

"As much as I do…admittedly suck at construction work," Severide pauses with a small smirk, "I think I'll take Matt up on his offer and help out a bit…some two bit home reno but might keep my mind occupied while you track down Hadley's accomplice."

"Good plan," she replies with a hint of doubt in her tone.

"Erin?"

"I know he's going to try something. He's not restricted to everywhere in Chicago so just…just don't engage him. He knows he has to stay away but I doubt he'll listen. Yes I just said that out loud," she qualifies with a heavy sigh as she gives him a warm hug. "I'll see you tonight."

"Yes you will," Severide answers as he kisses her forehead. He watches her leave and then sends a quick text to Matt that he has to stop off at the Marina to deliver a part but then would head over and help out.

'See you soon construction lackey. – Matt'.

He can only snicker at his friend's reply as he fills his travel mug with steaming coffee and heads for the front door. He locks it and then slowly walks toward the elevator, riding down to the underground parking lot and then reemerging into the busy traffic outside.

On the way to the Marina, his mind tries to anticipate what Hadley might be planning and where he might strike next. And if this Drew guy was indeed helping him what leverage if any they could get on him to help them out in keeping an eye on Hadley – stopping him before he strikes again.

He reaches the Marina and looks around in the parking lot for anything suspicious and then gets out and heads for the docks; his mind anxious and on alert.

"Hey Joe," Severide calls out as he nears the dock master/marina superintendent with a little beige box tucked under his grasp. "Here is the small motor you asked for."

"Hey Kelly…ah that's just what I've been waiting for. How much do I owe you?"

"Don't worry about it," Severide shrugs and smiles. "So what else needs fixing around here?" He inquires; his mind always eager to use his mechanical skills on objects he likes working on and an area of interest – boats.

"Well…hold on a second…can I help you?"

Severide doesn't pay much heed as Joe calls out to the man behind him; it being a public place and his mind busy with a few small motor calculations. However, the answer that is given stops his heart cold.

"No…" the casual male voice replies smugly. "But he can."

Severide's world starts to slow as he realizes that unlike the other two times when he wasn't sure if Kevin Hadley was indeed there – there's no doubt now. He slowly turns and rests his freshly narrowed gaze on his current nemesis. At the same moment, Joe's phone rings and Severide pulls away to talk to Hadley directly.

"You're not allowed to be here…anywhere near me!" Severide hisses as Hadley shrugs. "Scarface!"

"Typical Kelly Severide. Always quick with a sarcastic comeback."

"What do you want?" Severide asks gruffly.

"Nothing much. Figured it was a nice day for a sail. Any recommendations?"

'You go after him and you'll give him exactly what he wants!' Erin's stern warning quickly fills his mind.

"No," Severide simply answers as he pulls his phone. "And now I'm calling your parole officer or better yet…the cops."

"Well before you do that…" Hadley counters as he pulls his own phone. "You might want to make another call."

"What?" Severide asks as a sickening feeling starts to grow in his stomach. "To where? I'm not playing your damn games! This is what you want and I'm not giving it to you!"

"Call 51!" Hadley angrily demands as Severide shakes his head.

"Forget it!"

"Suit yourself," he shrugs as he starts to turn away; a sly smile playing upon his twisted lips. "Always more fun to read about it in the news," he utters in a tone too low for Joe to hear and verbally witness but one that Severide can hear.

With his mind racing at top speed that Hadley's done something to Erin, he quickly dials 51 and asks for the paging clerk. "What call was 51 just dispatched too?"

"53 Elm…what's going on Lieutenant Severide?"

"You son of a bi…" Severide calls out as Hadley turns and glares at him in contempt.

"Bad news?" Hadley sneers. "What will you do now? Tangle with me or…save…"

Severide's mind races at top speed as he realizes he can waste time in arguing with a parole violee, hearing Hadley tell his parole officer it was the Marina and how was he to know Kelly Severide would be there. Or he could leave and get to his friend before something really bad happens…if he's not dead already.

"Matt!" Severide's lips growl as he races past Hadley, up the Marina toward his car. His ears pick up Hadley's twisted laughter but fail to hear the…"one down…one to go…" as his front driver's door slams shut and he speeds away. "And you…we'll I'll save the best for last."

Hadley's twisted laughter continues to reign supreme until the sound of wailing sirens is heard in the nearing distance.

A call for help. A whispered curse and an angry vow of revenge – a vow that was only heating up.

A/N: yikes! Well had to get some hot lindseride in there for you all and hope you liked it! But yup you know Hadley's free and has an agenda for revenge. He's made a small move but you know Severide's his ultimate target! Will PD be able to find the accomplice in time? OR…. (wink) so please do review (b/c its extended this story!) before you go and thanks so much!