Hello Readers: And welcome to your daily update of The Caseys. At least, for now. I just want to let you know that this update schedule may change in the future. That is, once I get close to the same number of chapters in both of my stories; then, I will probably rotate with story I update first based on the number of chapters, and then post whatever amount I can to each story. (E.g., if The Caseys was at 386, but Lost & Found was at 385; I would update Lost and Found first, and then rotate.) But that's far off into the future, as I need to catch up with Lost & Found first. And right now, I need to do something else. And that would be update The Caseys. So, what do you say we get that started, and update you on what's going on at the Casey Headquarters pre-press conference.

Chapter Two Hundred and Eighty-Six
Final Preparations

It felt odd. Odd to be sitting in this chair, and to be the one in charge of the meeting; especially when he doesn't know Matt and Gabby as well as the rest of the people in this room, who have known the couple since before they started the company. And two of them, since they were children; as they were not just friends from Chicago, but their own brother (in the case of Antonio and Gabby) and sister (in the case of Christie and Matt). And that was why Rafael felt like he had to say something, because he needed the two of them to know that he under no circumstances will at all try and say anything to control the both of them; he won't, as that isn't fair to them when these are not just close friends to them. Rather, this is their family; and that means that this is personal to the both of them.

And Rafael truly does feel like that's a good place to start, as it's something that he needs to say at some point anyways; so they might as well get it out of the way, and just let the conversation flow. "Okay, as Interim Chairman, I hereby do call this meeting of the senior executive team to order." Everybody agreed with Rafael as he said that, clearly able to see that he was a bit nervous; and that was why they all snickered a bit, with the hopes of making things a bit more relaxed. But that didn't mean that had the effect, as Rafael still felt nervous when it came to what he had to say; what he had to tell the two people that really do have a lot of sway here in the room, as t hey are the brother and sister of the permanent Chairman and CEO, and Vice-Chairwoman and Deputy CEO; Mr. and Ms. Casey.

And those two people would be Ms. Christie Casey, as she is Mr. Casey's sister; and Mr. Antonio Dawson, as he is Ms. Casey's brother (as well as Mr. Casey's brother-in-law). And that was where he was going to begin. "First matter of business, I want to address some matters with regards to the press conference." Everybody agreed, as they all knew that was the reason that was why they were gathered here today; so that they could prepare for the press conference and work out their game plan. Something that Jay decided to point out. "No, I didn't realize that we were going to…" And that's when Rafael shut him up, as this is not a time for jokes. "Okay, enough. I am sorry Mr. Halstead, but can we please put the joking aside for a moment?" Hearing Raf snap, everybody got quiet.

But Rafael did something else, and just took a breath. "Okay, here's the thing. Ms. Casey, and Mr. Dawson; I want to just say this. I know you are family, and I didn't mean to snap at you. But I have…" Christie just looked at Rafael, before grabbing his hand as she wanted to calm him down. "Hey, it's okay Raf. Take a breath and calm down. I think we all can understand your nerves; especially me and Antonio, as this is a day that is full of emotions." Rafael agreed with Christie as she said that, before taking a breath and looking at her; after which, he pulled his hand away as it felt awkward as he is married. "Sorry, that felt wrong. I am married after all." Christie agreed with Rafael. "My apologies Rafael." Raf took a breath and just sighed, before looking around the room to relax.

He then went to start again. "Okay. Now, here we go. First things first. Jay, cut it out. Right now, we are not joking; and this is something that we are here to do for your friend, who has trusted the company to me. Someone that he barely knows, and this is a lot of trust. This is my first press conference as acting Chairman and CEO, and I am not going to screw it up; especially not when it has something to do with health, and the safety of children. So, either smarten up, and stop joking; or else you will not be on the podium, and I will ask your brother to represent your family and nobody else." Jay agreed with Rafael as he said that, well aware that he was the boss right now; because he was the one that held the title of Interim Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Casey, e.g., his boss.

At the same time, Will decided to add on. "And if that needs to be the case, then I will be more than ready and willing to do that Mr. Solano." Rafael agreed with Will as he said that, glad that was the case. "Thank you Will, right?" Will agreed with Rafael as he asked him whether his name was Will, which it was. "Yes, Dr. William Halstead." Rafael smiled. "Okay, ,let's just take a breath and calm down. Now, like I was saying. Jay, enough with the jokes. In fact, where are your manors?" Jay was a bit confused as he heard Rafael say that. "Excuse me?" Raf just looked at him, shocked that he is such an idiot. "Uhm, Jay…look across the table." Turning his head, Jay then realized what he was talking about. "The siblings, aunt, and uncle of the family in the hospital. Maybe calm down a bit." Jay agreed.

Meanwhile, he turned his head and sighed as he looked at his friend, as well as his other friend's sister. "I'm sorry Antonio and Christie, I guess…this is just my way of trying to distract myself, as I have been having some troubles lately." Putting his hand on Jay's back, Will rubbed it as he tried to help his brother; however, Christie didn't exactly understand (until Antonio pointed it out to her). "Alex had a fight with her father, remember? They had to go to the hospital and give birth early in September." Christie then understood, and just remembered. "Oh, right." Christie then turned to look at Rafael. "Rafael, please don't worry about that. Antonio just reminded me of something, and it's something personal that I will only allow Jay to share if he wants to." Rafael was confused but looked at him.

After all, he wasn't exactly sure as to what she was talking about. "Sorry, but can someone please fill me in?" Jay then went to speak up. "Uhm. First of all, I am, a veteran with PTSD." Rafael agreed with Jay as he said that. "Thank you once more for your service to our country." Jay smiled. "But uhm, you see…humor is my way to try and not have PTSD, from the time where my wife gave birth prematurely to our twins Michael and Olivia. We were in a similar situation, where she got into a fight with her father; and that led to her having to go into premature birth and give birth to the twins two months earlier than expected." Jay sighed, before looking at Will and biting his lip. "Uhm, I have also been a bit stressed after learning something this morning." Will just looked at his brother.

After all, he did know that this was hard as well. "While Alex was getting surgeries to fix everything that happened, the bleeding got really bad. And, in the process; they had to tie her tubes, in order to stop the bleeding. So that means that…" Getting up, Antonio just made his way over to his friend; after all, he already knew what he was trying to say. And god, that must be torture. "Hey, come here Jay." Jay agreed with Antonio as he said that, before getting up and going to hug his friend; his friend, whom he sees more like another older brother. He then just took a breath, and tried to breathe; meanwhile, Christie decided to get up so that she could hug him too. "Jay, I am so sorry. Why didn't you say anything?" Jay then went to turn and hug his friend's sister, glad that she came to hug him.

But at the same time, he felt like it was wrong that they were caring so much about him at the moment. "Because I thought that my things were so little, that it wasn't even worth mentioning; after all, Bella, Sofia, and Noah are currently in the hospital with Matt and Gabby. What's my problem compared to having three of your family members admitted to the hospital for observation, when it's nothing compared to what you're dealing with?" Antonio agreed with his friend as he said that. "I understand Jay, but you need to know that you can always talk to me; and that I will always be here for you, because I see you as a brother. Brother-in-arms for life." Jay agreed with Antonio as he said that, before hugging him again. "Thanks Antonio." Antonio agreed with Jay and smiled at his friend.

Moving to sit back down at the conference table after everybody hugged Jay, Rafael took a breath as he prepared to address what was just said. "Jay, before we begin…I want to apologize for what you went through, and had I known I…" Jay shook his head. "No, you did the right thing Rafael. You're right, this isn't a time for joking, and we need to take this seriously for the sake of the company. And speaking of the company, I want to actually bring something up. I have recently been emailing with Hannah Ryan, our Corporate Attorney." Rafael was confused as he heard Jay say that. "Oh really?" Jay agreed. "Now, I am not sure what the family things; but I just wanted to see whether this was a possibility, and whether Hannah could start looking into it." Everybody agreed, deciding to listen.

And what Jay had to say, well it was actually a good idea. "And what I asked her to look into, was how we can get a court-ordered gag order for Matt and Gabby's situation; and how it could extend to all family matters, as this is just getting to be enough. And I did it, because I've been in the same situation as Matt. How I wanted to keep the press away, and just everything. So, I asked her to look it up; and I said that I would bring it up to you guys, so that you can talk to her, and you can make the final decision as a family. But I just wanted her to have everything ready, should you and the family wish to go that route." Antonio smiled as he heard Jay say that, as he truly appreciated what his friend did for him. "Jay, thank you so much for doing that; I really appreciate that." Christie agreed with him.

After all, that was what she wanted the press to do as well; to leave her family alone, as they recover in the hospital right now. "Jay, I appreciate that too more than anything. And for you to do it on your time off, well that's just something that I really appreciate." Going to grab his phone, Jay then went to go find something. "Sorry, let me just grab something for you guys; and I will send it to you so that you can continue the conversation with Hannah. Just give me a moment." Both of the siblings agreed, as Jay worked on his phone.

From: Halstead, Jay
To: Dawson, Antonio; Casey, Christie
CC: Solano, Rafael; Halstead, William
Subject: FW: Gag Order Conversation with Hannah Ryan

Email Conversation
From: Halstead, Jay
To: Ryan, Hannah
Subject: Gag Order

Hi Hannah:
I'm writing you today independently from any orders of Mr. Casey or the family, so do not think that this is an order; however, this is just something that I have been thinking about recently, and I was hoping that you could help me out with. As you know, Alex gave birth prematurely in the past; and I also know just how bad the press was then, and it was even worse when the Caseys were in the hospital the last time around (and the government got involved). So, I was just thinking about what we can do for them this time.

Now, I have yet to speak to the family. But could you please get the information package, and all the documents prepared should they wish to pursue the gag order?

Thanks Hannah.

Sincerely,
Jay Halstead
Senior EVP and COO, Casey Police
1 (800) 827-2938 x. 107

Reply from Hannah Ryan
From: Ryan, Hannah
To: Halstead, Jay
Subject: RE: Gag Order

Hi Mr. Halstead:
Of course Mr. Halstead, I understand that the situation that Mr. and Ms. Casey find themselves in is very similar to the one that you and your wife recently found yourselves in when she gave birth to your twins; I hope that they are doing well by the way, and continue on the road to recovery at home. But with regards to the gag order, I will definitely make sure to try and get that information to you. I believe that is something that would be warranted in this situation; and I also promise not to do anything without prior orders.

I'll get back to you with the information as soon as I have it.

Sincerely,
Hannah Ryan
Casey Corporate Attorney
Attorney, Serhant-Adams
1 (800) 827-2938 x. 2014

Setting his phone down after sending the e-mail conversation to the other members in the meeting today, Jay took a breath as he hoped that he did the right thing. "I just hope that I did the right thing." Moving to open the e-mail on his laptop, Rafael agreed with Jay as he believed that he did the right thing because that will be something that can help the parents. "I believe you did, as it will help the parents in their recovery at the hospital." Jay agreed with Rafael as he said that, as he felt the same way. That was when the group heard someone walk into the office. "I am so sorry; I am so late." Turning their heads, everybody looked at the woman who just entered the room. And that woman would be Miss Tiana Rhymes, the Deputy Chief Communications Officer for the Family.

And the moment Christie saw her, she smiled as she got up and went to walk over to her. "God, I have been missing your face; it's not enough to just talk to you over e-mail, as we work all of this out." Hugging Tiana, Christie smiled; however, Rafael was a bit confused as to just who this person was. "Sorry, but just who might this person be." Turning to face Rafael, Christie smiled. "This is Tiana Rhymes, our Deputy Chief Communications Officer for The Casey Family." Rafael agreed with Christie as she said that. "Okay, sorry that we didn't wait for you." Tiana shook her head. "It's okay, I was just working with some of my team members around the country." Christie was a bit confused as she watched Tiana walk over to the couch, before deciding to ask her what she was talking about.

"What exactly are you talking about Tiana?"

Sitting down, Tiana took out her notebook and smiled. "I was speaking to our teams in Los Angeles and Chicago, who are going to be getting media requests after we make the statements; in fact, they are already getting media questions. And I let them know that they are just to use the information that we give out in the press conference, and not let out any more information. I mean, if that's what you guys want them to do." Antonio agreed with Tiana as she said that. "What members did you speak to?" Tiana smiled. "I spoke to the team members in the Los Angeles and Chicago Offices. And I told the rest of the offices to please direct communications through there. We can branch out, and they can just give out the message based on what we need to share locally." Christie agreed with her.

After all, that was exactly what she wanted to do. "Well, I think that was the best way for you to take this on." Tiana smiled. "I just hope that I did the right thing, and that I didn't overstep in doing so. If I did, I apologize Ms. Casey and Mr. Dawson." Antonio shook his head. "No, what you did was smart. You told your team to wait until we made our releases, and then just wait and let things play out. Please keep in touch with the offices and let corporate do all the messaging if that's okay; but please don't forget your contact in Puerto Rico, our new Spanish Communications Officer." Tiana agreed with Antonio as he said that, remembering that they now have a team in Puerto Rico. "I completely forgot about the team that we now have in Puerto Rico. Sorry that it slipped my mind."

Christie laughed as she heard Tiana say that, as it slipped her mind as well. "Believe me when I say this Tiana, it slipped my mind as well; I didn't even remember that we had an office there, because we haven't really done anything there yet." Antonio agreed. "Actually, that reminds me. Matt and Gabby asked me to represent the company as we officially open the new Puerto Rico office on New Year's Eve. I am going to be working from there until January 10th." Rafael agreed with Antonio as he said that, before going to write that down. "Are you going to be bringing your assistant with you?" That's when Heather Darden (finally) joined the meeting. "No, but you will be bringing me." Turning his head, Antonio smiled as he looked at Heather. "Hey Heather." Heather agreed.

"Sorry I'm late, the boys were being pains in the ass today."

Laughing, Christie looked up at Heather. "Just like your late husband's friend, who really screwed up with my brother." Heather groaned. "Can we not talk about him? He's been trying to sway me to his side. Now, I am here because we have a press conference. And I was wondering just what my role is going to be, as the Head of Public Relations. Am I speaking?" Antonio sighed as Heather asked them that. "Actually, me and Christie were going to speak for the family." Making her way over to the couch in the office, Heather agreed as that made sense. "Right. By the way, have we already finished all of the press releases?" Rafael agreed. "Why?" Heather sighed. "I was hoping that I could add my name to one of the press releases." Antonio agreed with Heather, before smiling.

"I think that we could add you to the family press release."

UPDATED PRESS RELEASE
The Office of Heather Darden, Head of Public Relations
On behalf of the Casey, Dawson, Darden, and Halstead Families

RE: The Press Releases from the Offices of Mr. and Ms. Casey, and the Office of Mr. Solano
Echoing the pleas made by the company, the Casey, Dawson, and Halstead families do please ask for the same as Mr. and Ms. Casey, as well as Mr. Solano; and that would be your co-operation, and patience int his hard time for the family. At the moment, the Casey Family has three of it's members currently in the hospital; and therefore, do not wish to be disturbed, nor do they wish to be hounded by the press as previously happened the last time that Ms. Casey gave birth. The situation that Mr. and Ms. Casey find themselves in is grave and is not a situation that any parent wishes to find themselves in; in the hospital, with two babies in the NICU, while another is admitted to the hospital for observation. Which is why we are asking for privacy on behalf of the family as we all come to term with the gravity and scope of the situation that we now find ourselves in, while also trying to support one another.

Neither the Casey nor the Dawson families are celebrities, which is a reason why we believe that the press has no reason to get any solicited answers on their health and the status of their recovery; unless provided by the company in a press release, or volunteered at a press conference, no statements with regards to the health of the health of the family shall be provided. However, we do wish to ask the public for this: we ask you to pray for our family in a time of need, as we also convey the following message to our families in the hospital. Matt and Gabby, we love you; and are praying for you and your children each and every day. And that is why we would like to also thank and express support for the decision made by the Board of Directors, in suspending Ms. Stella Severide as Chief Creative Officer of Casey Creations; after all, we cannot under any circumstances condone the behavior which led to our current situation.

But at the same time, we also know that our family will be able to handle this; as we have done so in the past, when Ms. Casey had to give birth to her sons Matteo and Noah prematurely in the past. Therefore, we can confidently say that everything will be okay at the end of the day; and we can't wait until the day where we can have you home, and just taking it easy. But in order to do that, you need to rest and recover in hospital, which is why Mr. Casey has decided to take leave from the company and appoint Mr. Rafael Solano as interim Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Casey. A decision that we would like to put all of our support behind, as we truly believe that this; along with the decision to temporarily suspend Ms. Stella Service as the Chief Creative Officer of Casey Creations, a role which will now be done by Ms. Jane Solano (the wife of the Interim Chairman and CEO, Mr. Rafael Solano) whom we trust.

We can't wait to see what Ms. Solano comes up with when it comes to new designs for the company and are extremely grateful to all of the staff who are working around the world to support us during this hard time; please know that we consider ourselves lucky to have found such great workers, who have put their blind trust in us when we are just a start up. A start up whose leadership has had a rocky start over the past few months. But now, we truly believe that we have the best team to lead us into the future; and we can't wait to see what happens during our independent leaves, in which we once again ask for privacy. Something that the entire family, and company echoes as this is not something that we wish to repeat in the future. But for now, we will leave it at this. We will thank you for your time, and we will just look forward. Forward to a time where we can once again gather as an extended family.

Sincerely,
The Head of Public Relations: Ms. Heather Darden, on behalf of the Company.
The President and Deputy CEO of Casey Police: Mr. Antonio Dawson, on behalf of the Dawson Family.
The Interim Vice-Chairwoman and Deputy CEO of Casey Creations: Ms. Christie Casey, on behalf of the Casey Family.
The Senior Executive Vice-President and COO of Casey Police: Mr. Jay Halstead, on behalf of himself and Ms. Alex Halstead.
The Vice-President and COO of Casey Therapy Services: Dr. William Halstead, on behalf of himself and Dr. Natalie Halstead.

Sending around the updated press release over e-mail, Heather took a breath as she could only hope that they liked the statement that she just typed out; after all, she believed that it just streamlined all of the other press releases that they put out and made sure that things were much simpler when it came to how they wanted to say everything. After all, she truly believed that it wasn't as good to have so many press releases; and this way, they could have four families' press releases in one. She just hoped that they didn't mind that she added her own family to the press release. "Listen, if you don't like this; then you can go back to the press release that we had before. I just thought that…" Looking at Heather, Antonio smiled. "I think it was written beautifully Heather." Heather smiled.

After all, that was all that she could ever hope to hear from Gabby's brother; because at the end of the day, his opinion (along with the opinion of Christie and Matt) are the ones that matter the most. In fact, Matt was about to give his opinion as he called Heather. Moving to grab her phone, Heather smiled as she saw that it was Matt. "Sorry guys, have to take this." Everybody agreed, as Heather went to pick up. "Why hello there. You seem to read fast." Matt laughed as he heard Heather say that. "Well, Gabby and the girls are asleep; and I'm just sitting here watching crappy Christmas movies. I might as well read it." Heather agreed. "Here, let me add you to the conference call." Pulling away, Heather then went to go call Rafael and add him to the call as he has a conference speaker.

Answering it, Rafael smiled as he already knew who was calling as he saw the caller ID on Heather's phone. "Good morning Mr. Casey." Christie then went to speak up. "Hi Matt, how are things at the hospital?" Matt smiled. "As good as they can be. Me and Noah are just sitting together as we watch a movie, while Gabby and the girls take a nap. But just know that I am going to be watching." Rafael agreed with Matt as he said that, well aware that was the case. "Now, I can only assume that you already read the new statement that Heather just put out. Which one are you liking better when it comes to statements?" Matt laughed. "I love it. And I think that we can just put them all out, especially Heather's; as it summarizes them all, and I am so glad that you wrote it Heather." Heather agreed.

"Thanks Matt, you have no idea how much I appreciate that you put your faith in me."

Matt agreed with Heather as she said that. "Heather, I trust you more than anything. But that doesn't mean that I don't miss you, and my godsons! I would love to see them at some point." Heather agreed but sighed at the same time. "I can't right now, as Ben has a cold; and I already promised the boys that we would go together, and not until then. So, we'll have to wait a bit longer before we get there to you guys." Matt agreed with Heather as she told him that Ben has a cold. "I think that's a good idea and tell him to feel better from me and Gabby." Heather agreed. "I will, I promise. But listen, I think you need to relax and take it easy." Matt agreed. "But that doesn't mean that I'm not going to be watching today, as I most certainly am going to be watching. So just know that." Rafael agreed.

"And I promise that we can speak right after it's done. We're just figuring out how we're doing it."

Christie agreed with Rafael as he said that. "Including myself and Antonio. By the way, I'm coming there after the press conference; might drag Antonio there with me, so that we can see everybody." Matt agreed. "Then please, can you do me a favor and stop by our house on the way? Noah wants his plushies, and some quiet toys. Maybe books I can read him, Antonio Spanish books too!" Antonio agreed. "How about you text my mom and she can get it ready for me to pick it up? Maybe we can bring Matteo, or do you want him to stay away still?" Matt sighed. "Maybe tomorrow he can come, not yet." Christie agreed. "Of course, or whenever." Matt agreed. "I love that idea. Anyways, you're at my place with mom and Camila right now." Christie agreed with Matt, as that was the truth.

"Listen, we need to finish up with preparations for the press conference."

Matt agreed with his sister as she said that. "Well listen, I just want to send you my best, and I believe in you guys. Thanks again for doing this." Rafael agreed with his boss, not that he really minds. "It's our please Matt, as long as your family feels better." Matt agreed. "Can you please let Antonio and Christie answer any questions if there are any?" Antonio agreed with his brother-in-law. "I promise Matt, we will do just that. Now, take a breath and relax. See you on TV." Matt agreed. "See you on TV." After which, he hung up. Letting out a sigh afterwards, Rafael looked at all of Matt's friends and family. "God, him watching is going to make me nervous." Antonio laughed as he heard Rafael say that. "Rafael, you have this in the bag; and you have us behind you." Rafael agreed.

After all, that was the truth. "Thanks everybody, I love that you guys believe in me. It means a lot to me, and I especially like that Mr. Casey believes in me." Christie agreed with Rafael as he said that, not that he has anything to worry about when it comes to their faith in him. "Rafael, you have nothing to worry about when it comes to our faith in you. You're the man for the job, and we are so proud of the job that you've already done; and will continue to support you, until my brother is back in that chair." Rafael smiled and agreed. After which, they all went to look at the statements once more; that way, they could finish getting ready for the press conference which was going to start soon.