Title: Plan C
Chapter 7 – Face Your Fears
"Real world guide to…step-parenting?" Halstead's voice reads the title of the book in Erin's grasp early Monday morning; Erin dropping the book to look at her partner with a small frown. "Fun weekend?"
"Actually…yeah. I picked this up yesterday on the way home from Kelly's…after we went grocery shopping and just…went back to his place to hang with Aurora and Matt. It was just…normal," she states with a heavy sigh as she folds the top right corner of the page and then closes the book and puts it onto her desk. "And then I bought a basic how-to cookbook," she lightly smirks as Halstead's brows arch in amusement.
"Sounds…serious," he replies as he sits down in the chair beside her, looking at the step-parenting book in wonder. "Voight said Randy was by."
"Some of the stuff he said isn't too farfetched as it's stuff I've already thought about. But he's wrong when he says it's not what I want…or who," she huffs as she lets her eyes trail to a picture on her desk of the three of them taken at an event a few months ago. "Shay took the picture…she was…I wish she was here. I could sure use her support."
"Hey…" her partner's voice pulls her attention back to him. "You know you always have our support right? Kelly's a good guy…we got you on this."
"I know," she replies with a smile as she picks up the basics cookbook and then shakes her head. "I can't cook worth anything."
"Now that might be a problem," Halstead snickers.
"Alright…listen up!" Voight's booming voice fills the intelligence area; Erin putting the book down and forcing her mind to get back to reality and focus on work. But as soon as she gets a break she knows what'll be the first thing on her list – reading. The parenting book and the cookbook.
After dismissing them, Voight heads over to Erin's desk and casually picks up the basic how-to cookbook and shakes his head. "Well I'll be damned…he's actually going to domesticate her…" he gently smirks but knows if she's gone to this length to start preparing herself for a new life course, it was serious. He of course wants only her happiness and now that he thinks she's found it will do anything within in his power to make sure she gets it – and that means keeping Randy Cameron far, far away.
He's no good…but where the hell is he?
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"Okay you can't take that to school with you."
"I want it daddy!"
"No sweetheart that's daddy's dolly," Severide groans early the next morning. "Aurora, sweetie, it can't go to school, you have lots of toys there and that's final," he concludes as he kisses the top of her head, tugging on her lower lip when she pouts. "Now remember," Severide's voice turns serious as he looks at her with a kind but firm expression. "The toys you have at school are to be shared with everyone around you. All your friends get to play with the toys at school."
"Not Annie."
"Okay, who's Annie?"
"She's my dolly."
"Did daddy buy her?"
"No."
"No, then it's the school's and everyone gets to share and I know you're going to be a good girl and share all your toys."
Her teacher had told him that he would have to keep reminding her of that until she fully understood, but it wasn't an impossible task; she would get it and there would be no issue – in the long run. He finishes putting her hair into a pony tail and wonders if Erin would even want to help with the daily task of getting her ready for school, making snacks, packing up her stuff and so forth. She said she had fun on Sunday…why the hell am I so paranoid?
But he knows why. It's because he's afraid of investing his time and heart into something that might in the near future collapse and send him head first into an emotional abyss. However, that wasn't to be as he'd soon learn in the coming days and weeks – Erin Lindsay was there to stay – happily so and by her own free choice. The family that he so wanted and craved was slowly building strength and gaining momentum, it couldn't be stopped.
"How is she this morning?"
"She's…fine. I don't know if she gets the sharing stuff yet but Andrea said to keep at each day and she'll get it. Did I mention she's single?"
Casey only offers a chuckle at Severide's suggestion as he hurries to open the door and let Pauline in – right on time. "She's slightly fussing this morning."
"How did his date go?" Pauline asks at the same time as Casey's update; making Casey smile broadly.
"Actually really good. He was nervous because of Aurora but said he and Erin talked about a few serious things so yeah…went great."
"I'm glad to hear it. I know Shay liked her for Kelly. She never said too much…always thought there would be time," Pauline's voice pauses as she looks at Casey with a weak smile. "There will never be a day that passes when I don't miss my baby girl."
"Us too," Casey agrees seriously as they head for the kitchen.
"How did the date go?" Pauline asks Severide as she gives him a warm hug.
"Went great," he shrugs as Casey just smirks and hands Pauline Aurora's school bag before heading for the front door. "And we did regular stuff on Sunday. Just shopping and hanging and yeah…it was great."
Pauline can only shake her head at the reply, the similar words offered by his friend and roommate a few moments earlier. She watches Aurora rush into the room, calling out 'gramma gramma' as she nears and her heart catches for a few seconds – her mind remembering her own daughter rushing up to her with open arms and adoring smile.
"Oh sweet girl," she whispers as she hugs her tightly; her mind aching for her own daughter, even just to hold her one last time. "Time to get ready for school."
"I wanna stay with you gramma," Aurora tries to insist as Pauline looks at her in sympathy.
"I know sweetie but you can't. Oh…what's this?" Pauline pulls out the little flyer that had been wedged between two little reading books. "The fall fair…sounds like fun."
"What's that gramma?"
"Well let's see…so it'll be in the Park by the school and oh…I think you and daddy would have a fun time at this. Do you want to go?"
"Okay," Aurora shrugs as Pauline fixes her ponytail.
Pauline puts the flyer front and center on the fridge, writing in the date on their little calendar of events before she helps her get her breakfast and then get ready to get out the door.
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"You okay?" Voight asks as he looks at the bit of dried blood on Erin's lip and chin and then looks at Halstead in concern; noting the darkening circle under his left eye. "What the hell happened?"
"Ambush," Halstead groans as Erin nods in agreement. "Antonio and…" his voice trails off he heads into his bosses office with the full details of the call that had gone awry. Erin adds her comments where fitting and then heads back to her desk to write down her field notes.
She pauses in writing her notes and lets her eyes wander in the direction of the new book she's just purchased and her mind starts to ponder the new role of step-mom. I wonder if should go and see Nick also…or someone he recommends…I have questions…I don't think Kelly will mind…will he? Or maybe…
"You okay? Halstead said you took quite a tumble."
"A few bumps and bruises," she answers Voight in truth. "Nothing too major."
"So…" he questions as he picks up the parenting book and idly flips the pages and then looks at her wondering expression. "Serious step."
"I care for him more than I have cared for anyone but with Aurora…I'm scared to let him down when it comes to her."
"Sounds natural to me. Just means you'll work extra hard to make it work. Kelly…him showing up like he did means he's already taking those next steps."
"I can't cook," Erin lightly groans as Voight smirks and nods. But her expression clouds when she looks up with a serious expression. "You know what Randy's capable of right?"
"I do. I have a call into the bureau to see if I can find out exactly where he's assigned. I won't let him hurt you."
"I'm not worried about me this time," Erin shakes her head. "I'm worried about Kelly."
"If he ever touched Kelly Severide he'd have not only me and you to answer to but Benny also. And that…can be scary."
"Scarier than you?" She retorts as she flashes him a small smile. The feelings inside remain tense and uneasy. Until she knows exactly where Randy Cameron is and what he's doing – nothing would sit well. He's capable of killing…
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"You seem distracted, what's up?" Casey asks Severide as he joins him by the side of squad truck 3. "That was a simple call."
"I just…yeah…" Severide shakes his head as his eyes dart around and he looks at Casey with a heavy frown. "Dad called last night with some info about Randy."
"Bad I take it," Casey insightfully guesses.
"Might have beaten his partner to death."
"What?" Casey asks sharply as Severide nods in confirmation.
"This guy dad knows isn't even sure that Randy's still with the FBI."
"Serious stuff," Casey huffs.
"I know. He's going to confirm it but…"
"But what?" Casey presses.
"But I can't let him anywhere near Erin. She said he dropped by Friday night before our date and his voice was raised and…and one of these days he might not take no for an answer."
"But you can't just go following him around. It could antagonize him even more."
"I know," Severide agrees with a heavy sigh. "Randy knows he can only keep his secret for so long before someone asks and Randy…if he knows Voight knows that Voight will check. He'll tell Erin that Randy was lying and they'll both call him on it the next time they see him."
"So…maybe he really has left town," Casey surmises falsely.
"I hope so," Severide replies with heavy sigh. "Hey…remember that box of books that Shay was always fussing over…where'd I put it?"
"I think in the storage locker."
"Ah right!"
"Why?" Casey asks in curiosity. "Come on…what's up?"
"Shay had that cookbook and…" Severide's voice trails off into a nervous chuckle as Hermann nears them.
"You want to learn to cook?"
"That's a great idea!" Hermann declares as he slaps Severide on the back; Severide giving Casey a deadpanned expression while Casey chuckles. "What are you making for us?"
"Mr. Noodles," Severide tosses back with a sarcastic snicker as Hermann's lips purse. "I'll look there later. Besides…you getting tired of Mills cooking already?"
"I heard that!" Mills calls back as he looks to his girlfriend Dawson for support.
"Erin said she's not that great a cook so…so I figured maybe I should learn a few things. I can barbeque but you can't have that all year long," Severide explains after Hermann had taken his leave and it was just him and Casey.
"You can't?" Casey retorts as walks back to his own truck.
On the ride back to the station, Severide's mind continues to think about what his father said about Randy Cameron and what he's capable of.
'He's dangerous son…I also hope he's left but if not you stay away from him and watch your back.'
"Where the hell is he now?" Severide mutters to himself in agitation; not realizing that the person in question was a lot closer than anticipated or wanted.
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Erin stops the car outside the medical building and pauses for a few seconds before she takes another deep breath and then decides to tempt fate one more time. She had thought about going to talk to Nick but then feels she'd much rather have a female's perspective – especially one that's been in her place before. And not that long ago.
"Can I help you?"
"Yes, is uh…Shawna Brownstone available?"
"She's…she's in between clients. Can I tell her who's asking for her?"
"Sure, Erin Lindsay. I'm a…friend."
"Hold on I'll get her for you," the receptionist says as she eyes Erin's badge; Erin's fingers quickly tucking it out of sight.
Erin pulls back from the front desk and starts to slowly and nervously pace the well-manicured dental office; her mind hoping to at least have a few minutes of the dental hygienists time.
"Hello? Erin?"
Erin turns to face the friendly looking brunette with a kind smile as she approaches and nervously extends her hand. "Hi uh…my…my boyfriend, Kelly Severide, is a friend of your fiancé, Nick's…" she nervously stammers as she looks at the receptionist who gives her a Platt – I'm here so going to listen to your gossip stare, and then looks back at Shawna.
"Oh right…is everything okay?"
"Do you mind if I ask you something in private. Just a few minutes."
"Sure. My next cleaning is in twenty minutes."
Erin follows the woman about her age into a small alcove away from prying ears and is thankful when her heart rate starts to calm.
"So how can I help you?"
"I hope I'm not out of line with this but I wanted to ask you something," Erin starts and then stops. "Maybe this wasn't a good idea."
"Kelly Severide…the firefighter right? Erin…sure, you're on our list for the engagement party," Shawna quickly qualifies as Erin nods nervously. "Everything okay?"
"What's it like to be a step mom?" Erin blurts out and then pulls back with a strained expression. "I'm sorry. I don't have any close friends who have become part of a step family so I don't know who to ask…no female perspectives."
Shawna looks at the rather anxious expression on the woman about her age before her and offers her a kind smile before she pulls out a card and then writes her cell number on it. "I was terrified at first. There were adjustments of course but now it's my life. I know that seems like the twenty-five cent version but I did the same thing as you did; went to someone I could ask the tough questions of. Trust me it, makes sense. Here is my cell number."
"Really?"
"I'm sure you're going to ask all the questions that I did. How can I give up my Friday nights? What will the kids…or kid think of me being there on a regular basis? How can I learn to be a parent when I've never been one?"
Erin stares at her and can only mutely nod in agreement. "I hear negative things and it gets me wondering if I'll fail but I love Kelly and his daughter and I want this to work but I'm scared." Wait…did I just tell her I love Kelly? I haven't even told him that!
"I still hear negative comments from two faced friends and those that are jealous or just want to always dwell on the negative stuff. Sadly that won't end completely but the fact you want to be with both of them is a good start. I'd like to talk more."
"I know you have to go but I will call and we can arrange…something."
"That would be great and we'll see you at the engagement party in two weeks."
"I'll be there."
Erin pulls away with a friendly smile and nod, tucking the card into her pocket and happy that her mind is feeling a lot more content and at peace. She couldn't overstay her welcome because she knows Shawna has to get back to work but makes a diligent note to text her later and make a coffee date to talk about step-mom stuff. But the mere fact that Shawna had addressed a lot of her fears in just those few minutes, means she's found a real confidant that she can ask the tough questions to and get some real world feedback from.
With that taken care of, she gets back into her car and heads back to work. One thing down…one more to go…- cooking.
XXXXXXXX
Hank Voight closes the file from their latest case and looks up as Benny Severide enters the intelligence area and approaches his office with a stern expression.
"The only time you come here is if there's an issue," Voight states in haste as Benny's lips offer a slight smirk. "Benny," Voight stands up and extends his hand.
"Hank," Benny replies as he offers a firm shake back. "Well I wish I could break that stigma," Benny starts with a huff as Voight sits down in the chair behind his desk; Benny taking the chair in front. "But I'm here to talk about Randy Cameron."
"What's going on?" Voight asks gruffly.
"What do you know about him?"
"Maybe I should be asking you that? I know he's a bad seed with a bad temper."
"He killed his partner," Benny states flatly.
"What?" Voight asks in shock as Benny pulls his phone and shows him a picture. "Oh…God…" he whispers in horror as he looks up at Benny in horror. "What the hell? Who told you?"
"A longtime friend with connections inside up to the top level. Randy Cameron was let go from the FBI. A violent temper was just part of it. This guy…he's bad news. In fact…the worst there is."
Voight quickly reaches for his phone and calls Erin. "How's the call going?" He asks, not wanting to get her too agitated when out in the field. "As soon as you're done there, check back in."
"Sure. What's going on?"
"I'm feeling lonely. See you back here," Voight quickly hangs up and then locks his jaw. "When was he let go?"
"A few weeks back."
"Erin said he told her that he had seen them at the 1st street bank job a few weeks back."
"If he's been around that long," Benny's voice pauses with a strain as he texts Voight's cell another document that Jack had sent him.
"Did you warn Kelly?"
"I gave him some of the details last night. The rest I wanted Jack to confirm and when I got that I came here; 51 is my next stop. When this guy doesn't get what he wants he gets violent – to the point of death."
Voight looks at the next report and then up at Benny with a heavy frown. "Friendly fire?"
"Look at the footnotes."
"He was one of the officers who were going to testify at…Randy's disciplinary hearing. He took him out…friendly fire my ass this guy is a murderer!"
"Where is he now?" Benny asks directly.
"I don't know and I don't like not knowing. Call Kelly…let's warn them all," Voight states as he reaches for his phone once more; Benny wanting to call his son and give him the heads up. Voight watches Benny Severide for a few seconds and then slowly lowers his phone. "What's going on?"
"Kelly's not answering," Benny replies in haste as he dials Casey's number. "Matt? Have you seen Kelly?"
"Yeah he had to go get something from his car…hold on a sec…I'll get him."
Benny shakes his head as he looks at Voight in dread. "If he's hurt my boy…"
"Just hold on…wait for Casey's update."
"Benny? Yean I'm outside…Kelly's car is here but…but he's gone. What's going on?"
Benny looks up at Voight in dread as the color starts to drain from his face and he utters in a dreadful whisper, "Randy has Kelly."
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Randy Cameron leans over the frame of his helpless captive; a crowbar held tightly in his grasp. "Well Mr. Fireman…now you pissed me off. Bad move! So…let's see how indestructible you really are."
A/N: yikes! Well we all knew Randy was bad…and was going to strike! And he has! Of course no Kelly death…but some Hurt!Sev is comin' up next. Hmm Voight AND Benny on the hunt AND Erin AND Matt? Dang! But a new personal ally for Erin and some new projects both her and Kelly are working on (cooking-without the other knowing hehe) and a few future things coming up! so nervous? *wink* please do review before you go and thanks so much!