Hello Readers: And welcome to another day of chapters. I hope that you guys are ready for some business today, as that's what I hope to get to for a bit today; especially since I haven't covered that in a while. But first, we need to get a bit of family time in. Well, not entirely. There's also a matter of the question that was posed at the end of the last chapter, which we'll cover here in this chapter.
Chapter Three Hundred and Eighty-Six
Business
Casey Living Room – He just finished getting one of his precious daughters after hearing them cry this morning. And let's just say that was the last thing that Matt Casey wants to hear when it comes to his daughters, due to the fact that it breaks his heart every time his children cry; a statement which is even more true when it's Bella who turns out to be the one crying. But right now, she was no longer crying due to the fact that she was being rocked by her father as he walked into the living room to see Camila there setting a bottle of milk down next to their breakfasts. "Thanks Camila." Turning her head as she heard her son-in-law thank her, she agreed with him as she was more than ready and willing to help in whatever way she can; especially when her granddaughter needs her parents' attention. "I was doing it so that this little girl here could get what she wants right now." Camila then proceeded to make her way over to Matt, looking at Bella; after which, she leaned in and kissed her head. "You ok mi amor?" Matt smiled as he heard Camila say that.
While at the same time, he rubbed her bottom as it was his way to soothe his daughter at the moment; his way to get her to calm down, while they both just took it easy and relaxed at the moment. But now that he was down here, he needed to ask his wife a question. "Hey babe?" Turning her head to look away from the TV show that she was watching, Gabby smiled at the sight of Matt holding their daughter in his strong arms. "Are you going to breastfeed this morning?" Surprised by that question, Camila turned to look at her daughter as well as she thought that she was done breastfeeding. "I thought that you already decided that you were done breastfeeding Gabby?" Gabby agreed with her mother as she said that, as that was something that she thought as well. "The truth is, I thought that I was as well. But I've come to realize, that I want to do it longer this time since I have the time to do so; with us being in the middle of a pandemic, I think that it will be beneficial to both me and the girls." Gabby then looked at Matt, smiling at him.
She then went ahead and answered his question when it came to breastfeeding, which she was not going to do right now due to the fact that she was already dressed for the meeting that they have today. "You can feed her Matt, as I'm already dressed for the meeting." Matt agreed with Gabby as she said that, while also making his way over to the couch so that he could sit down and feed Bella this morning; while at the same time, Camila turned to face her children. "So, you're breastfeeding the girls again?" Gabby sighed as she looked at her mom. "Mom, we haven't figured out all of the details yet; and I would rather not have to argue about this with my mother…" Moving to grab his wife's hand as he sat down next to her, Matt stroked it with his thumb as he could see that she was getting a bit agitated at the moment; which was the last thing that he wanted to have happen at the moment. Right now, he wants her to take it easy and relax. "Hey, breathe baby and take it easy. Everything's okay." Gabby agreed with Matt, taking a breath as asked.
Meanwhile, Matt turned to look at Camila (while continuing to hold Bella in his arms). "Camila, do you mind if we speak about this at a later time? Me and Gabby already have a lot on our minds ahead of our meeting today." Camila agreed with Matt, as that made sense; it made sense that he wanted to speak about this another time, due to the fact that it was clearly just stressing Gabby out when that wasn't something that she needed at the moment. If anything, she needs to take it easy and relax at the moment, which is something that her question most certainly did not allow her to do based on how she was acting after she posed her said question in contention. "Here Gabby, do you want to at least feed her with the bottle? I think that might help you relax, as doing stuff with the kids always helps you relax." Gabby agreed with Matt, as that was the truth; she then proceeded to grab Bella so that she could feed her this morning, while Matt gave her the bottle which she was going to use to feed her. "Here you go." Gabby agreed, grabbing the bottle.
Meanwhile, Matt leaned over her and kissed her softly before whispering to her. "I'll be right back, ok?" Gabby was confused as she heard Matt say that. "Where are you going?" Matt sighed. "I'm going to speak to your mom." Matt then turned to look at Camila. "Camila, can I speak to you in the kitchen?" Camila agreed, before walking away to make her way back to the kitchen. At the same time, Matt turned to look at his wife. "Gabby, I really don't appreciate it when your mother questions our parenting decisions." Gabby agreed with Matt, as she felt the same way when it came to those matters. They are matters which they should talk about together as husband-and-wife, and not have to deal with the input of others. "I know, and I think you're right in wanting to speak to her." Matt agreed with Gabby. "Leave me half the b…" It was just then that Matt's phone rang, which prompted him to grab it. He then saw that it was Jay and took a breath. "Go talk to my mom for us, I can take care of it." Matt was a bit worried as he heard Gabby say that.
After all, she was clearly already a bit stressed at the moment. "Are you sure babe? You already seem to be a bit…" Reaching for her husband's hand, Gabby smiled as she appreciated what he was doing for her; but she already knew that she could handle herself when it came to Jay as she's done it in the past. "Baby, take a breath and relax. I promise that I can take care of it, as you take care of speaking to my mother." Matt agreed with Gabby as she said that, well aware that was the case; so, he got up and proceeded to move his hand to the back of her head. Leaning over her afterwards, Matt kissed his wife softly as a way to make sure that she knew that she got this. "You got this babe." Gabby agreed with Matt as he told her that she's got this, as she knew that she did; he then proceeded to walk away so that he could go speak to her mom in the kitchen. Meanwhile, she went to grab his phone so that she could answer it. "Good morning. You guys calling to request that we speak about something at the meeting today?" Gabby could tell Jay was confused.
Confused as to whether he called the right person. "Sorry, isn't this…" Gabby agreed. "Yes, this is Matt's phone. But I am his wife, and I have every right to answer the phone on his behalf. Now, is this personal or something related to the business? Not able to make the meeting?" Alex laughed, as they most certainly can and will make the meeting. "Oh, we're going to be on there; don't worry about that. I just wanted to ask you and Matt something first." Gabby was surprised as she heard Alex's voice, as this was the first time that she was hearing it. "So, I'm not just speaking to Jay. Sorry, I didn't hear you there Alex. How are you both this morning?" Alex snickered. "It's fine Gabby, we did call on Jay's phone after all. And we're good. How are you, Matt, and the kids?" Gabby smiled as she turned her head and looked down at her precious daughter whom she was breastfeeding at the moment. "Perfect. Now, let's not waste time when it comes to what you need to talk to me about so you can have family time." Jay and Alex both agreed.
After all, that was something that they were in the midst of enjoying at the moment, some nice family time with their children, which is something (based on what Gabby just said) that they can only assume Matt and Gabby are enjoying at the moment ahead of their meetings today. "Let me guess, that's what you're in the midst of doing right now?" Gabby laughed. "Well, only one of our kids are awake; and I am in the midst of breastfeeding while I speak to you guys. So, I would rather cut to the chase to make sure that you have my full attention." Alex agreed with Gabby as she said that, as she understood firsthand what she meant when she was telling her that; and that was because she's a mom and knows that there's only a bit of time where you can really talk before a baby needs your full attention. "So, listen, I'm glad that I'm talking to you. So, here's the thing. I know that I have been doing both Casey Police and Casey Apparel for a while." Gabby agreed with Alex, well aware that was the case, which is why she assumed something.
"Before we start talking about this, I want to just apologize that we've even put you in this position Alex. If I could stomach it in me to be okay with you continuing part-time at CA, then I would. But, I just can't do it anymore."
Alex agreed and understood with Gabby as she said that, especially since she's a mom. "Let me guess, Stella's put in her papers?" Gabby was a bit surprised that Alex said that, or that she even thought that was the case; so, she decided to be honest with her about that. After all, she was wondering whether that would happen sometime. "The truth is, I have been waiting for that to happen any day now. Now that we're back in Chicago, I can just hear it in Stella's voice; she's tempted to go back to the fire department." Alex agreed with Gabby as she said that. "Either that, or you want to just have someone else on staff here locally." Gabby agreed with Alex, as that was something else that she wanted. "Most of my staff is in LA or Hawaii, so I would really appreciate that. That's why I wanted you to decide. And I was hoping you'd pick me. But I completely understand if…" Alex laughed. "Gabby, I am picking Casey Apparel." Gabby was absolutely shocked as she heard Alex say that; so much so, that she didn't even think that she heard right.
She was still in shock as she sat there with her daughter in her arms, over the fact that Alex decided to choose Casey Apparel over Casey Police. If anything, she was expecting her to do the opposite; to return to her roots and continue helping with Casey Police. Never in a million years did she ever think that she would come and work for Casey Apparel, but it was something that Alex seemed to want to do. But still, as her friend, she felt like she needed to talk to her about this. "OK. I'm asking as a friend now Alex. So, please be honest with me; because I'm surprised, as I thought you were going to choose Casey Police." Alex sighed, as she knew that feeling firsthand; because in all honesty, that was how she felt as well. "The truth is, when you first told me to choose…I was ready to give up CA and work at Casey Police. But then I tried to do a couple days where I just did Casey Police work, without touch anything that had to do with CA." Gabby agreed with Alex as she said that, while also continuing to listen to what she had to say to her right now.
And that was when Alex told her the reason why she chose CA. "And when it came down to what I was always thinking of, and where I could let my mind go to; it was always CA. Because I haven't really worked in Police Work for so long. Between having to leave the CPD for New York and working for the FBI, which is much different than the CPD; and then having primarily been a mom as we set up the company, therefore not really getting back in touch with the police officer side of me…..I just haven't felt the connection to Casey Police that I thought I should have if I wanted to work there. Instead, I always find myself sketching." Gabby agreed with Alex as she said that, as she could understand completely. "Believe me, I understand. When I was designing THE SHAY, that was the truth for me." Jay agreed with Gabby, before adding something. "About that, I still love the design. It's incredible and so smart. Heck, we should do something were we can have a cop car with an ambulance for gun shot victims." Gabby was just over the moon as she heard Jay say that.
Especially since it was a great idea. "Jay Halstead, me and you are going to be working together a lot from now on." Jay was confused as he heard Gabby say that, unsure of why that was the case. "OK. I'm lost. What are you talking about?" That's when Gabby heard Matt come back into the room, wondering the same thing. "Yeah, what are you talking about. You want to work with Jay some more?" Gabby agreed with Matt as he said that, as that was the truth. "Actually, wait a second. Let me get my brother on the line, then we can all talk about the brilliant idea that Jay came up with to combine a police vehicle with an ambulance for gun shot victims." Making his way back over to the couch with Andy, Matt was surprised; especially since he loves that idea. "OK. Just curious, was it really Jay that came up with that or was it you?" Jay then spoke up, not wanting Gabby to steal his idea. "Gabby, don't you dare steal my idea." Gabby turned her head as she felt Matt sit down, while also grabbing the plate so that they could eat and looking at their girl.
Especially since Matt loved the sight of Bella being breastfed by Gabby. "Yes, hello there my beautiful princess. Did daddy ever tell you that he loves this sight? Yes he does, yes he does." Gabby then turned to look at Matt, snickering. "I think he likes the sight for another reason, much more sexual in nature. Isn't that right Mr. Casey?" Matt laughed as he heard Gabby say that, while leaning in and kissing the love of his life as they both sat here with each other; after which, he whispered to her. "What happened to the sexy bra you were wearing? Or was it lingerie under this?" Gabby smiled as she turned her head, before answering his question. "I still have the lingerie underneath; I just undid one half of it so that I could breastfeed." Matt agreed with Gabby, kissing the woman he loves as they held each other close here at the moment. And boy, did Gabby love this feeling. This feeling of the two of them holding each other close.
After which, they were brought back to reality by Jay speaking to them. "OK. Earth to Matt and Gabby, everything okay over there?" Matt agreed with Jay as he asked him that, as everything was okay here. "I promise, everything's okay." Gabby agreed too, before telling Matt something. "By the way, she made her choice." Matt was surprised as he heard Gabby say that. "Wait, you mean Alex finally chose which company? By the way, sorry that I had to make you do that Alex. I just…I wanted to have less people working in multiple divisions, as it means that I need to co-ordinate more and…it's just complicated." Alex agreed with Matt as he said that, well aware that was the case, which is why she decided to finally make the choice. "Matt, I know. And that's why I decided to finally choose Casey Apparel." Matt was surprised as he heard her choice. "Wow." Gabby agreed with Matt, as she thought the same thing when she heard Alex say that she was choosing CA. "I thought the exact same thing." Matt nodded, while going to grab his breakfast wrap.
He then proceeded to take a bite, before speaking to Alex. "So, does that mean that you're completely done with CP?" Alex sighed. "If it's okay, I would still like to help out with one project. And that's the project that Casey Police is doing in conjunction with Casey Health, the Special Victims Training." Matt agreed with Alex as she said that, as that most certainly is something that they can do. They can make sure that she continues to work for the Special Victims portion. "I can make that happen Alex, as I want to have your expertise and contacts when it comes to that." Alex laughed as she heard Matt say that, well aware of just what contact he was talking about. "That reminds me. I am going to send you an e-mail that I have been meaning to send to you. Hold on a second." Matt agreed with Alex as she said that, while she sent him an e-mail that she got recently from a certain Captain that she knows in New York City.
FROM: Halstead, Alex
TO: Casey, Matthew
SUBJECT: FW: E-mail from SVU Benson
ATTACHMENTS: Course
Hi Matt:
This is the e-mail that I recently got from Olivia Benson. Hopefully, you're okay with us creating this course, as we believe it's something which we should pursue for the good of both the company and all of the people who may be suffering in silence. Hopefully, you can let me know what you think; and whether we should continue to pursue this based on the ideas that Benson sent us.
Thanks again.
Alex Halstead
Designer, Casey Creations
Course Creator, Special Victims
1 (800) 827-2938 x. 111
FROM: Benson, Olivia
TO: Halstead, Alex
SUBJECT: Special Victims Information
ATTACHMENTS: Course
Hi Alex:
Nice to hear from you once more, and I hope that you guys are staying safe in Chicago. Here is the information that you asked me to send you regarding the course you're creating. And the truth is, I really think that this is a great idea; for you guys to create a course that can help other police departments have an effective special victims unit to get these predators off the streets. And what's better, is that the units will be uniform across the country, which will allow for better information sharing and co-ordination so that we can get as many criminals as possible off the streets. And believe me when I say this, it doesn't get any easier as the years go by. I can say that I've seen it all, but that most certainly is not the truth. Not that I want to scare you, but the pandemic has just made things worse.
With people now being confined to their homes, it means that women and children are less likely to be able to escape their abuses before they can be made victims; complicating matters is the fact that some people here are scared to let us into their homes due to the pandemic. So, we can never know whether they are genuinely scared for us to come in due to the pandemic; or whether it's just related to the fact that they are committing crimes against vulnerable people, and therefore do not want us to come into their home. But somehow, we always find a way to save the day; so, I hope that this doesn't scare you. I hope that you guys are doing well, and that those adorable twins of yours are doing well too. (Would love to get an updated picture of them). Stay safe.
Olivia Benson
NYPD Captain, 16th Precinct
Commanding Officer, Manhattan SVU
After forwarding the e-mail she got from Olivia Benson, Alex proceeded to tell Matt that he should have the e-mail in his inbox. "If I'm not mistaken, you should have the e-mail now." Going to look at his phone, Matt saw an alert that he did in fact have a message from her regarding the course. "I have it Alex, and I will take a look at it when I get a chance to do so. Yet at the same time, I also want to spend a bit more time with the family ahead of us getting to work." Jay agreed with Matt as he said that, as that made sense. "Yeah, I had a feeling that was going to be the case. By the way, how's your mental health doing?" Matt sighed, as that wasn't something that he really talks about with others; yet he also knew that Jay was a bit more concerned due to the fact that he was suffering with similar types of mental health issues, PTSD to be specific. "Let's just say that I try and change my mind as often as I can." Turning her head as breastfed Bella, Gabby grabbed her husband's hand to make sure that he was okay. "Hey, you okay?" Smiling, Matt nodded.
After all, he was more than okay considering what he was looking at right now, which would be the beautiful sight of his gorgeous wife breastfeeding their baby girl. "I'm good, I promise. How about you keep feeding and eating?" Gabby agreed with Matt as she proceeded to take a bite of her wrap, while also continuing to feed Bella. "You want to keep them in the office with us, so that we can feed them like that?" Gabby smiled as Matt asked her that. "I think I might change again into something easier to feed with them." Matt agreed with Gabby as she said that, more than okay with that as he leaned in and kissed his beautiful wife softly. After which, he took things nice and slow with his beautiful wife as they spent a bit of time with each other ahead of their meeting today. A meeting that has to take place online rather than in person, due to the fact that they are in the midst of a pandemic. "So, what time do we need to be on the call?" Matt laughed. "Not until the afternoon, unless we want to have three separate meetings?" Gabby shook her head.
As that was the last thing that she wanted. "No, one meeting is okay." Matt agreed with his wife. "Maybe after we eat, we go do meeting prep in our room?" Gabby shook her head. "No, I'd rather do it in the office. Keep business in the office. But maybe we can get notes ready for what we want to talk about." Matt agreed with his wife. "I also want to look at the document that Jay and Alex sent us." Gabby nodded. "Maybe we can do that, ahead of us going into the office? We can sit in bed together for a bit. I mean, we have time and we can read on our iPads instead of on the computer. I mean, we're already thinking of being on the computer late with the people from Hawaii." Matt sighed, as he was thinking of doing something else. "I was actually thinking of doing something else when it came to what we're going to do with the people in Hawaii." Gabby was confused as she heard Matt say that, unsure of what he means when he says that. "What are you talking about?" Matt sighed. "After breakfast, when we're done eating?" Gabby agreed with Matt.
She then proceeded to grab his hand, while stroking it with her thumb. "And after we feed all the kids and are just relaxing. Maybe we get our day started, take a break ahead of the meeting, then continue with our day. How does that sound?" Matt smiled. "Maybe we just get ready first. I want to have this all ready." Gabby agreed with her husband as he said that, clearly able to see that he was stressed. "Listen, how about this? Let's wait a bit since we have time. We can eat, feed all the kids; and then we can talk in an hour okay?" Matt agreed with his wife, liking that idea as it may help him at the end of the day. "That sounds like a plan." Matt agreed with his wife. "Maybe I can get what I want to talk about during our meetings today written out?" Gabby agreed, as that was a good idea. "I like that idea." Matt smiled as he heard Gabby say that, while kissing her again; a sound that Jay didn't enjoy. "OK. I'm going to let you go." Matt agreed. "I'll let you know when you need to be online." Jay agreed, appreciating that his friend would do that for him.
"Thanks Matt."
Matt agreed with Jay as he said that, before proceeding to hang up the call that he was just having with him. After which, he turned his attention back to what he needed to do. And that was eat, while Gabby continued to feed Bella. "Think we woke up too early?" Shaking his head, Matt disagreed as he was glad that he got some time with Gabby and Bella. "Let's eat, feed the rest of the kids and then relax as we meeting prep for a bit." Gabby agreed with her loving husband, smiling as that was a nice plan.