Hi Readers: I hope that you guys are enjoying this new storyline that I have started to write for you guys, and I am definitely ready to continue with this storyline; and that's exactly what I'm about to do. I hope that you guys continue to enjoy it. Here we go again.
Chapter Forty-Six
To say that Matt was happy to have a friend leading his press team was an understatement, especially based on the situation that he finds himself in; and that is even more important when it comes to just how personal and traumatic this situation has made the CEO, because it brings up bad memories. Memories that are related to his PTSD. And that, of course, would be Heather Darden; someone who is well aware of Matt's background related to this type of situation, and the allegations that have been made against him. And it was even better to know that he didn't even need to explain everything that he's had to deal with in the past, because Heather already knows everything that he's gone through from when he was a kid; and let's just say that it was something that was very helpful in this case. He just hopes that he doesn't need to really explain it to the rest of his press team, and it turns out that he won't need to; and that's due to the fact that Heather has already spoken to her team and has filled them in on Matt's background with abuse.
"Now, before we begin. I just want to say this Matt. You do not need to say anything related to your past, nor do you need to tell Ethan or Tiana about your past…." Ethan being Ethan Gregory, a vice-president in the company, while being the press officer for the company; and Tiana is Tiana Rhymes, also a vice-president in the company, and the press officer for the Casey family. Why Ethan was here at the moment? Matt wasn't entirely sure, but he was not going to complain about the fact that he has another man's opinion when it comes to the press strategy. But back to what Heather was saying. "..I have already given them a simple, need to know basis briefing; and I have informed them that they are not to ask any questions." Tiana then proceeded to add on. "But from what I can hear Mr. Casey, I can already tell that you had a very hard childhood; and I can only imagine how hard the abuse was, because I saw the press reports. For that, I am so sorry; and I am so sorry that you need to go through this, and I just know in my heart that you…"
Matt snapped a bit when he started to hear Tiana say that. "Do you think that the reports are true?" Tiana was shocked that he asked her that. "Sir…" Matt then pressed. "Yes or no, do you believe that that reports are true?" Gabby then proceeded to put her hand on her husband's back to get him to relax. "Hey, take a breath baby and let her speak okay? Tiana, finish what you were saying." Tiana agreed with Gabby when she said that. "First, I do not believe the reports sir. I can tell that it is false, based solely on the way that you react when it's even implied that you did it; and I have also been speaking to Ms. Darden, and we have been speaking ever since this leaked about what type of man you are. She's told me about your past, and how you were with her boys. And I knew the moment she said that she trusted you with her sons, that there was no way that you could ever do this to your own children; add in the fact that you were a public servant, and I know even more that's the case. Add in the fact that you're a victim, and there's no doubt…"
Matt agreed with Tiana when she said that. "Sir, I want to make this clear. I am appalled at what this has done to your family, and what it has put at risk. I know that you love being a father, and I promise you that I will be doing everything I can from this day forward to rehabilitate your image." Ethan then proceeded to add on. "And sir, I will do the same. I will still be there for corporate press, but if it's okay with you…then I would like to turn my attention towards rehabilitating your image." Matt agreed with the both of them when they said that. "No interviews, I am not going on TV to say anything; I want it all to be done in the press, and I am not going to do interviews when my main priority are my sons and staying sane." Gabby took a breath when Matt said that, before running her hand up and down Matt's back. "You both know that Matt has PTSD right?" Ethan and Tiana both agreed with Gabby when she asked them whether they remember that their boss has PTSD, which they most certainly do. At the same time, Gabby looked at her husband.
"Let's just say that this has not helped with his PTSD, and it's why he needs a distraction now." Ethan and Tiana agreed with Gabby when she said that. "Would you like for us to send out press statements saying that it's false, and that you would never do it because you're abused; and add in the fact that you have PTSD because of the abuse?" Matt took a breath when he heard Ethan ask him that, as he wasn't sure. That's when Heather turned to look at her other press officers. "Ethan, Tiana; you will report to me when it comes to what you say. I think that this topic is too much for you to be here for. Please go back to your offices and send e-mails to all of the media; tell them that there will be no questions answered after the statement today." Ethan and Tiana both agreed with their boss, before getting up so that they can let their boss help her friend, which is exactly what she needs to do right now.
Sitting with Gabby next to him, along with Heather in his office, the three long-time friends all took a breath due to the fact that this was a real struggle for all of them. And that was especially something that Gabby was worried about when it came to her husband, as to whether he was even okay with being here. Leaning in, Gabby proceeded to kiss his cheek softly before looking into his eyes. "You okay?" Turning his head, Matt sighed as he looked at the woman he loves; he then leaned in and proceeded to kiss her softly. Taking things nice and slow with his wife, Matt smiled. "I'm okay because I have you on my arm." Gabby agreed with Matt when he told her that. "Baby, you'll always have me by your side; I mean that, and it'll always be the case." Matt agreed with his wife when she said that. After which, he turned to look at Heather. "So, we have a press statement to say?" Heather than looked at her friend, wanting to wait to talk about it. "Actually, I want to talk as friends first. Matt, you know that I can't not check on you first." Matt sighed, nodding.
"You were there for one of the hardest times in my life, when I went to jail and left the boys without parents; and that's why I'm here, and why I'm going to make sure that you're okay before you even say anything." Gabby then went to speak up. "If you want to say anything, because you can always leave it to other people to say things." Matt took a breath when he heard Gabby say that, as that was definitely something that he was thinking about; whether he should even make the statement, as that might just cause him some problems. That's when he heard someone else knock on the door. Looking up, he saw that it was some of his closest friends, family, and advisors: Christie Casey, Antonio Dawson, Kelly Severide, and Stella Kidd. Smiling as he looked at them, Matt proceeded to wave them in. "Babe, I need to get up." Gabby agreed with Matt as he said that, before watching as he went to get up so that he could hug their friends and family (who were there to support him). First up? His sister, of course. Let's just say that she hates this.
"God, I swear; I really hate that this is something that is haunting you." Matt agreed with Christie when she said that. "Tell me about it." He then proceeded to kiss his sister's cheek. After which, he continued down the line with Antonio. "Hey brother, sorry about this." Matt agreed with his brother-in-law, well aware that he was well aware of just how he was feeling; there is no doubt in his mind that Gabby filled him in. "Gabby?" Antonio nodded, before walking past so that he can go hug his sister. "How are you doing Matt?" Hugging Stella, Matt took a breath. "As good as I can based on the circumstances." Stella agreed with him, well aware that this is stressful for him; which then led him to hugging his best friend, who was the one that was the most aware of the fact that this was really bothering him. The reason? He spent some time drinking with him the night before, making sure that he was ready for face today. And while they all thought that he was ready, can anybody ever truly be ready to deal with this?
Sitting back down next to Gabby once everybody was in there, Matt took a breath as he wrapped his arm around her and just held her close; at the same time, he turned his head and kissed her forehead softly while whispering to her. "Thanks for standing by me through all of this." Looking up at her husband, Gabby shook her head as that was the last thing that she wanted him to think about. She was always going to stand by him, always. "Baby, don't you dare think that I'm not going to stand by you as we deal with this as a family; that will always be the case, especially when the allegations are baseless. Me standing next to you is going to be all the proof the media needs to know that the allegations are baseless." Gabby then turned to look at their friends and family. "Along with the fact that our friends and family are all going to do some press about you if they get questioned about it." Matt looked at Gabby when she said that. "Gabby, you know that the team said." Gabby snickered. "I don't care. I want people to defend my husband."
Christie then spoke up, agreeing with her sister-in-law. "Oh, I was going to ignore that recommendation anyways. I don't care what those people we pay say; nobody gets to drag my brother's name through the mud, especially not when it comes to how he treats his sons. I know that he treats his sons like the adorable princes they are, and he would never abuse them; if anybody ever says that when I'm nearby, they're going to get it from me…especially with your background. I mean, the nerve of the people to even say this after what you've been through. I can only assume that everybody knows, so I can say it openly." Matt laughed as he looked at his sister when she asked him that. "Oh, everybody in this room knows sis. They are all aware of the fact that our father is a monster when it comes to how he treated his family." Christie agreed with Matt when he said that, before taking a breath. "I just wanted to make sure before I start talking about it, especially when…" That's when Matt heard some more people join them. "Sorry we're late. Press."
Turning their heads, everybody noticed that they were short some people; more specifically, the Halstead Family: Will, Natalie, Jay, and Alex. "I truly mean it Matt." Seeing that Natalie was really sorry for not being there earlier, Matt decided to get up so that he could go hug her. "Natalie, calm down and relax. You're not late, you're right on time. I actually just let everybody who wasn't a lawyer or a member of our press team into the office." Walking up to Natalie, Matt smiled as he proceeded to hug her; after which, he left a kiss on her cheek (which didn't exactly sit well with Will). Seeing that, Matt looked at the other doctor. "Will, I'm happily married with two sons. I've known your wife since BEFORE you did, and I DO NOT want to be with anybody other than my wife and the mother of my children." Antonio then went to make a remark. "Yeah, you better not." Turning around Matt, went to look at his brother-in-law. "Hey Antonio…" Antonio then looked at his brother-in-law, seeing a smirk on his face; more specifically, an evil smirk that scared him
"Remind me which uncle is paying for your daughter to go to law school, and who got her a paid legal job rather than an internship that will continue while she's in school?" Antonio got quiet when he heard Matt say that. "Yeah, that's right buddy. Oh, and add on the fact that MY SON, your NEPHEW was just in the hospital. You really want to go there?" Antonio gulped when he heard Matt say that, well aware that he was pushing it. Gabby then went to add on. "Also, Antonio…." Antonio then turned to look at his sister. "Hi. May I remind you that my husband would never cheat on me, because he's scared of you? Sorry, but me and my husband actually like his pretty face." Everybody laughed when Gabby called Matt a pretty face, which later led Matt to remind them of something. "Uhm, may I remind you that I can always charge you back rent?" Everybody shut up when they started to hear that. "Oh, and I can put interest on your loans…specifically Kelly, and Jay." Alex and Stella then turned to look at their husbands. "What loans?"
Smirking as he looked at his best friend, as well as his fellow businessman with PTSD, Matt just shook his head as they really should've shut up; because now, they need to tell that to their wives (because, unlike him, they didn't know that he gave them loans to buy their homes). Yes, Gabby is well aware of the fact that Matt gave Kelly an interest-free loan for the downpayment on their homes. "Ladies, you guys live in multi-million dollar homes; you really think that your husbands can afford the downpayment on those places? We pay them enough to pay the monthly dues, as well las some of your living expenses for now; but they couldn't afford the downpayments. And now that we have money in, we're paying you guys more, and we're going to pay our other employees. That means that you're going to have to start paying for your new homes, by paying us back part of your salary." Stella then looked at her best friend, shocked that she didn't tell her. "Seriously? And why was I kept in the dark about this?" Gabby just laughed and looked at her friend.
"Honey, I was pregnant, I have a husband with PTSD, I was dealing with moving, and I was starting a business. Sorry if telling you how you got your nice home wasn't that much of a priority on my to-do list!" Stella agreed with Gabby when she said that, completely understanding why that would be the case. "Oh, and add on the fact that my father and Matt's mother were also missing for a while; and trust me, that was the LEAST of my concern." Matt smiled when he heard Gabby say that, well aware that was the case. But boy is he glad that he has his mom, and she has her dad back in her life. They've both missed them, and they are so glad that they get to be in their sons' lives. That's when Christie brought something up. "Matt, is mom going to be joining us today?" Matt shook his head when his sister asked him whether she was going to be joining them, which she was not. "No, she's at the big house taking care of the boys with Camila right now. We're trying to keep her out of the limelight, since she's kind of part of the reason why we're in this situation."
Christie then thought about it, and just agreed with her brother as he was right. "Oh yeah, that makes sense." Matt agreed with his sister, before smiling at her as he was glad that she understood when it came to how things are. "By the way, sorry about how much this has affected Violet; her not being able to go out all that much." Christie laughed. "Oh, that's fine. She's just been talking to her friends from Chicago instead. They're up late, and busy all day. She's been having fun." Matt agreed with his sister when she said that, glad that was the case; after which, he turned to look at the rest of his friends. "Listen, I just want to say something; and you guys need to hear it." Everybody then turned their attention to Matt, who obviously had something important to say to them; and the truth was, he did. And that was that he would be more than understanding if they decided to leave the company, so that they can keep their reputations intact. That's the last thing he wants, for their reputations to be ruined; and for them to be unemployable just in case.
"I just need to say this. If any of you guys are worried about the future of the company, and whether we can survive this; I will understand if you guys decide that you guys don't want to risk it, and I will gladly do whatever I cant to make sure that you guys can survive until you guys find new jobs and are back on your feet." Everybody was shocked when they heard Matt say that. "WHAT!" Matt then took a breath. "If this scandal takes us down, I don't want this to take all of your reputations down with it; it might make you unemployable if you decide to stick in the corporate world, or even go back to your old professions." Everybody then turned to look at each other, absolutely shocked that Matt was even thinking this way; that they would abandon him over this, especially not when this isn't his fault. They all came here because they wanted to help him, and he has done so much for them; they have a dream life here, and they are not going to abandon Matt now. And that was exactly what Kelly was going to say on behalf of the entire group.
Kelly's POV:
Taking a breath, I looked around the room to make sure that I got everybody's attention; and that was especially the case because I was going to (try) and speak for all of us, because I had this feeling that we all feel the same way when it comes to this. And that's why I need to say what I'm going to say. "Listen, before I say anything; I want to say this. If anybody doesn't agree with what I say, they can go after me and add on. But if there's no objections, then I am going to speak for everybody here!" Everybody agreed with me when I said that, especially due to the fact that I'm Matt's best friend. "Matt, I want you to look at me okay?" Matt then did just that, and started to listen to me. "Matt, you're my brother, you're my best friend, and you've been with me for years. I was your best man, and I will always be your best man. Matt, I don't ever want to hear those words come out of your mouth again, because I'm not abandoning you; you're my brother, and you're my family. And family sticks together. Matt, you really think that I can do that to you?"
Matt just took a breath, letting me speak. "With everything you're going through. After learning that you've been suffering with PTSD since Andy died? Matt, we've been through WAY worse than this together. We lost a best friend together…." I then turned to look at Gabby. "Me, you, and Gabby lost Shay together…" Gabby agreed with me, and then grabbed Matt's hand; after which, I turned to look at Heather. "Me, you, Heather, Ben, and Griffin lost Andy together…" Heather agreed with me. "You've suffered with PTSD because you had to watch our best friend die right in front of you, and then you had to have my hurt you like that afterwards; while your relationship was crumbling. I've seen you through the highs and lows of your relationship with Gabby, the loss of children, almost loosing each other…multiple times." Gabby snickered a bit when I said that. "Matt, do you really think that this is what's going to stop me from being by your side? Matt, that's ludicrous! If anything, I'm going to be your biggest defender; because I know the real you!"
I then turned to look at everybody in the room. "We all know the real you. We all know that these are pure lies, and that you would never do this to those boys! To those angels, your miracles. And honestly, the kids that brought us here. I honestly believe, that had Gabby not gotten pregnant last summer; I would still be following your orders back in Chicago, dealing with a bunch of shit from Boden all the time." Matt laughed when I said that, well aware that I was constantly in trouble with him. "And me at times." I laughed, agreeing with him. "Matt, I moved here to get away from the loss that I felt in Chicago. We lost Andy there, we lost Shay there, and I lost my dad there. There's too much loss in Chicago. And when I first heard you say that, I thought you were crazy; and I thought that we'd be going back. But when I saw just how much of a difference Hawaii has done for you, and your marriage; I knew that it was not just something that you wanted to do, it was something that you NEEDED to do for your sanity. You need this Matt."
I then looked around the entire room, seeing that everybody was quite moved. "And you also need all of us to get through this. So, whether you like it or not, you're stuck with us, in a good way." Matt just laughed when I said that, agreeing with me as I said that. After which, Gabby looked at Matt. "Either that, or you would at least be stuck with Antonio; because now that I've experienced winter here in Hawaii, there's no way in hell that I'm ever spending a winter in Chicago again!" We all laughed when we heard Gabby say that, which then led us all to agree with her. "AMEN!" Gabby just smiled as she looked at Matt, grabbing his hand before getting close to him; after which, he bent down and proceeded to kiss her softly.
Gabby's POV:
Leaning in to kiss Matt softly, I smiled as I whispered to him. "I love you, and everything that Kelly said is true. Matt, don't question this life that we have with our friends; don't question anything." Matt agreed with me as I said that, smiling as he whispered back to me. "I promise. And I love you too." Bending down, Matt smiled as he kissed me softly, taking things nice and slow with me (which is exactly what I want him to do anyways) ahead of our press conference.
Casey Briefing Room – Press Conference
The assembled media was all there, ready to see just what show was going to be put on today by the entire Casey Family. A family that was strong and united, along with some of it's senior staff. That's when they all saw them, the executive team of the company walking into the room; at the head of the team, was the Chairman and CEO, Mr. Matthew Casey with his wife Gabriela, the co-Chairwoman of the Board and Deputy CEO for ELLA Apparel on his arm. And the rest of the team came in in the following order: Ms. Christie Casey, the sister of the CEO, as well as the Chief Marketing Officer for Casey; Ms. Heather Darden, the Head of Public Relations for Casey; Kelly Severide, the President and Deputy CEO of Casey Fire, accompanied by his wife Stella Kidd, the Chief Creative Officer of ELLA Creations; Antonio Dawson, brother-in-law of the CEO, as well as the President and Deputy CEO of Casey Police; Jay Halstead, Senior Executive VP and COO of Casey Police, accompanied by his wife Alex Halstead, a Designer at ELLA Creations.
Walking up to the podium, Heather Darden proceeded to stand at the head of the team so that she could start the press conference. "Good morning, and welcome for the first time to the Casey Headquarters. We called you here today to address the reports that have recently come out regarding Mr. Casey's history of abuse, as well as the FALSE accusations of him abusing his children; I would like to emphasize the fact that these allegations are FALSE and anybody who makes a statement to the contrary, well you should get ready for a fight. Today, Mr. Casey will be making a statement, but no questions will be accepted as this is a personal matter; any questions shall be sent to the press team, and will only be responded to if they are deemed to be appropriate. And I would like to please remind everybody that Mr. Casey does have young children, and that he is not just a CEO; rather, he is also a former firefighter who has served his community, and has scares to prove it. Now, I would like to introduce you to Mr. Matthew Casey; our Chairman and CEO."
The entire Casey team then proceeded to clap, giving the CEO what he needs. Walking past Heather, the CEO smiled as he went to get up to the podium so that he could read his statement before getting out of here. "I want to just reiterate the fact that I WILL NOT be taking any questions today, as I would rather not have this subject continue for any longer than it needs to. Now, with regards to the statement that has been made. For the past few days, my life has been hell. I haven't seen my sons in a few days, which I did voluntarily in order to be cleared of all of the allegations and charges against me; and that is exactly what has happened as of today. Today, the government has found that I never hurt my children, and that I am nothing but a victim. And I am not taking about a victim of these false rumors. In fact, I am talking about the fact that I was previously abused by my own father, which is why I found these allegations hurtful and stereotypical; especially when they went against everything that I always promised to myself."
Taking a breath, the CEO continued. "When I had children, I vowed to myself that I would never be anything like my father Gregory; I suffered at the hands of my father, and I know what it's like to deal with that. I know what it's like to have the pain of my father hurting me, and I continue to deal with the pain each and every day; in the form of PTSD. I have been diagnosed with PTSD for many reasons, one of which is being a victim of parental abuse. Abuse that I can only assume is only half of what my mother experienced in the past. And that was why I always promised that I would never, ever lay a hands on my wife, nor would I lay a hand on my sons; and any statements saying that I have are patently false, and are insulting to victims everywhere. They provide oxygen to the stereotype that victims of abuse at the hands of their parents will also become abusive towards their own children, which is not the case in my situation. I therefore ask that you please think of my children, and not post this for them to read in the future."
The CEO took a breath before turning to look at his wife. "I will end this statement by saying this. I love my family, I love my wife, I love my friends, and everybody who has stuck by me. If you continue to post these stories, I really don't care; because at the end of the day, I know the truth, and so do the people that matter in my life. But the people who should care, are the journalists who are here to say that just because you were abused, means that you are abused. You writing that does a huge disservice to all of the victims of abuse, and it pushes stereotypes that are just rude and harmful. I therefore ask that these stories that you write are the last ones that you post about this story. I thank you very much for your time, and I will kindly ask that you leave." Going to leave the podium, Matt proceeded to grab Gabby's hand and just left. At the same time, reporters shouted out questions. "Ms. Casey, do you believe your husband?" Gabby just turned to look at Matt as they left before putting her hand up. "Matt, give me a second?"
Everybody agreed, letting Gabby go do something. Walking up to the podium, Gabby went to address that question. "For the reporter who asked that question…I will tell you this. My sons were born premature, and I told my husband to go home and sleep some nights, and that I could take care of the boys myself. My husband stayed with me, every single day. And for what it matters, who are you to judge? Last time I checked, we have worse problems to deal with. You think my children are being abused? Try thousands are being abused in Puerto Rico for the simple fact that they aren't treated as equal citizens in the United States. They have citizenship but cannot vote. In the aftermath of hurricane Maria, I went there, and I helped; if you have questions regarding abuse, then make sure that they are about why the children on the Island Territory of Puerto Rico don't matter as much as the Children on the Island State of Hawaii! When you give me an answer to that question, I will tell you the answer to yours. So go report the real news!"
Gabby then proceeded to walk away, going to rejoin Matt. Grabbing his hand again, they both walked out together so that they could head upstairs. "Can we just go home Matt?" Turning his head, Matt agreed with Gabby before turning around. "Go to your condos guys, work from home okay?" Everybody agreed with Matt when he said that. At the same time, Matt led Gabby away so that they could go upstairs and just take it easy today.