To make up for my small absence, I'm hoping to get a few chapters out the next few days. Enjoy part 1!
At The Designated Address
After several police units arrived at where the reported fired shots came from, which was a house, they entered and only found a dead body with a bullet to the head. Not just that, the stolen military weapons crate.
"Notify ATF, let's get this crate back to the military." Tanner said.
"Copy." One officer replied.
"Any ID?" Tanner asked Herrera. She shook her head. "I don't think that'll be necessary. We got our perp who stole this crate. Griswald." She answered.
"Griswald?"
Herrera nodded. "Yep."
"Sergeant. We only have one MK-18 rifle missing." The officer mentioned.
"Recon the building, inside and out! Make sure there aren't any surprises hiding here!" Tanner ordered, but a loud noise came from the back of the house.
Tanner picked up his rifle as he was the first to check it out. More units followed behind.
Following the noise, Tanner quickly pinpointed where it came from. He then gave the go-ahead.
CRASH
THUD
"HILLWOOD PD! DON'T FUCKING MOVE!"
"HILLWOOD PD! HANDS IN THE AIR!"
"HPD, ASSHOLE!"
"HPD! DROP IT!"
Police units swarmed inside the room to what appeared to be a 'helpless woman' standing there.
"Please… Don't shoot!" The woman urged.
"HANDS IN THE AIR!" Tanner shouted while he had his rifle aimed at her.
The woman slowly crouched, thinking she was being discreet. Immediately grabbing a hidden revolver, Tanner shot several bullets at her.
Smearing blood against the wall while dropping dead, Tanner slowly walked over to check on her.
Checking her neck for a pulse, he shook his head. He looked back at the woman. "Who the hell even was this?"
"Possibly an accomplice?" Herrera said.
"Or maybe setting us up…" Tanner started. "Sergeant, I want units to recon for anything else and have this building cleared for forensics and the M.E., I have something back at the station that may help us resolve this case."
"Copy, Sergeant!" The police Sergeant walked out and got on his radio.
"Tanner, what's with you?" His partner Herrera asked. "You'll find out when I explain." Tanner answered as he walked out.
Later At The Station…
"Alright, so here's what we know so far, in chronological order." Tanner started as everyone was gathered.
Tanner started rewriting his puzzle. "Missing military rifles stolen from former U.S. Soldier, Gustav Griswald… He gets his hands on those weapons. And then…" Tanner drew the last name Detweiler and Haliburton and added 'Toyota Cam'. "We have Detweiler and Haliburton here, which explains the car following Company 55 of Firehouse 55. Right?" Some nodded.
"Sergeant, where exactly are you getting at?" A female Sergeant asked.
"Let me finish this, and you'll see." Tanner drew out another piece of the puzzle. "Here, we skip to Damian's homicide where his valuables were stolen, and the car was eventually found with bullet holes… Next, we have our recent incident at the house." Tanner drew out the next part. "This isn't a random killing, this was most likely a disagreement between Griswald and Detweiler, which led Theodore into killing Gustav. As for the woman there, I genuinely have no clue but we'll get to that. So, ORIGINALLY, we thought these killings were random, but my best guess is there were disagreements between both parties, which led to Theodore committing these homicides." Tanner crossed out the random killings piece. "Now, as of late, we haven't had any complaints from 55, right?"
Some of them nodded.
"The Toyota Camry was abandoned, we know that. 55 hasn't been followed in the past couple of days too. So, with this information, it can indicate many things." Tanner explained.
"For example what?" The Superintendent asked.
"Possibly another planned homicide by Theodore, the only question is where he will strike. Until forensics comes in with anything, I'm afraid we're a little short on any more answers." Tanner replied.
Two Hours Later…
So, two hours passed by. What has been going on? Well, Tanner explained to PD about the recent case file and Detweiler being on the loose with a missing MK-18 rifle. While he explained most of it, the only unsure thing is where would he strike next, which Tanner hoped to have the answer to.
Now, as for others… Everything felt just about ready for the wedding, but before anything, Arnold had to make an attempt to get Spinelli back as Truck's commanding officer. And since everything was now set out, why not?
In the Deputy District Chief's office at Firehouse 55, Arnold, Stella, and Michelle were there. Currently, the three were in street clothes instead of the usual uniforms.
Stella sighed as she pulled out a file of the apparatus rosters. "Ok… Um… So, Arnold? Could you repeat your question now that McShay is here?" Stella asked.
"Chief, I want to know if it's possible to have Lieutenant Ashley Spinelli back on Truck 55 as commanding officer." Arnold repeated. Michelle looked at him in surprise.
Stella cleared her throat. "McShay? Do you wish to stay on Truck or transfer to Engine?" Stella asked with uncertainty.
Michelle didn't even know how to speak. "Uh… I, uh… L… Huh?…" She was baffled.
Arnold looked at her. "Look, I know Truck is your spot as Captain, but I was talking with Spinelli, and, well… one thing led to another, and-"
"I… I don't even know what to say…" Michelle stuttered. Arnold sighed. "McShay, I know this is rather sudden… May-"
"I'll think about it, Chief. If we're done here, may I go back to what I was doing?" Michelle gave a brief glare at her Lieutenant.
Stella only nodded. Michelle walked out and slammed the door on her way out.
"Gee… I guess I messed up, no?…" Arnold sat down. "I honestly wanted to see Spinelli back on Truck but…" He sighed. "I don't know anymore…"
Stella sat beside him and rubbed his back. "I mean, you can't blame her, that was rather sudden. But, I do know where you're coming from."
"You do?"
"Sure I do!" Stella smiled warmly. "I know how much you raved about her work on Truck back then." She chuckled. "But with Michelle as Captain, I don't know if she'll easily give that spot up."
Arnold sighed. "Yeah, I know… I somewhat figured… At least I tried, no?" Stella partially shrugged. "I mean… I guess? That exactly wasn't pleasant for her to hear."
"I guess you're right… After that, who knows how she's gonna be now…" Arnold gulped. Stella kissed his head. "Maybe she'll come around, who knows? I know it was thanks to you two she became Lieutenant, and besides, her father was Captain on Engine too."
"You think?" Arnold asked. Stella gave an unsure shrug. "Maybe, I don't know. But all I can say is, who knows." She replied.
"Thanks, Mom…" Arnold decided to briefly rest on her shoulder.
Soon After…
Back at the Spinellis house…
"McShay, where've you been? What's with that attitude?" Spinelli asked. Michelle took several deep breaths to calm herself. "Nothing, Ashley. Nothing at all, nothing you need to concern yourself over…"
Spinelli raised an eyebrow. "Uh, ok?" She turned back to her mother. "Go over it again?"
Flo looked at the checklist. "Right, so, Arnold took care of the priest and ring bearer issues… Um… The reception is being held at the downtown hotel, with any luck we managed to arrange it and whatnot…. Hmm… Some of the rest is pretty obvious… Let's see… I think the only thing left is the favor from the Department…" Flo went over the list one more time.
Spinello looked at the list. "Oh, the trucks being out of service for a couple of hours? Say, Michelle!" She shouted. Michelle came over after chugging a water bottle and finishing it. "Yeah?"
"That favor of having Engine, Squad, and Truck outside the church, remember?" Spinelli asked. Michelle felt her soul jump when her Truck company was mentioned. "Oh, uh…" She cleared her throat. "Yeah, uh, I already talked with the Chief to the Fire Commissioner a few weeks ago, and he's willing to let us borrow the trucks for a few hours."
"Sweet!" Spinelli looked at her mother. Flo checked off the final box. "Well, that should take care of that. Everything's set!"
"Thanks, Mom." Spinelli hugged her with a smile. "Hey, Mom? Can I go see Arnold for an hour? We still have some time."
Flo nodded. "Alright, Pookie. All I'm asking for is that Clemente and Michelle get you back here, ok?" Spinelli nodded.
A Few Minutes Later…
After arriving at the firehouse, the engine bay doors were currently closed since three of the four trucks were currently off service.
Walking inside, Spinelli soon found Arnold walking out from the apparatus floor.
"Hey, sweetheart." Arnold smiled and opened his arms for a hug. Spinelli embraced him into a warm hug. "Oh my goodness, Arnold, UGH, it feels so good to hug you…"
"I can't wait to see you later today, Ashley…" Arnold kissed her cheek. "Arnold, please don't tell me you did something, about what we talked about earlier…" Spinelli soon looked at him.
Arnold stared for a moment. "But- look, I know you probably don't want to, but I thought I'd try nonetheless!"
"You son of a bitch, Arnold! Why would you do that?" Spinelli asked with genuine confusion. "Arnold, why'd you do it?! Do you know how badly that impacted McShay?! She probably hates us for that!"
"Baby, listen-" Arnold tried to explain, but Spinelli walked past him into the engine bay.
In the engine bay, the trucks were found with minor wedding decor. The front of Engine, Squad, and Truck carried the white decoration, similar to bunting for funeral services except white. The aerial ladder also carried minor decor on its sides, covering the emblem 'HILLWOOD FIRE DEPT.' on its sides.
Spinelli froze where she was as Arnold walked up to her and hugged her from behind. Letting out a small chuckle, he kissed her cheek as he looked at the rigs. "The guys hand-decorated them, what do you think? Obviously, it doesn't look like much but, does look sweet."
Spinelli soon smiled once she saw the taller aerial ladder that was Truck 55. "Wow, uhm… They really look beautiful…"
"And guess what?" Arnold started with a smile.
"What?" Spinelli asked while she looked at Squad's rig.
Arnold kissed her cheek. "Another Truck company will be there so both ladders are raised halfway throughout the ceremony." He smiled. "Wait, really?" She asked.
"That's right. Not just that, but the flags at the rear of Squad and Truck? They've been replaced for the day. From the U.S. flag to a white flag. Probably not much, it's still amazing." Arnold replied with a warm smile. Spinelli sighed as she looked down. "Alright, Arnold… I guess I forgive you, but that doesn't change the fact Michelle probably hates us now!"
Arnold didn't answer. Spinelli sighed again and looked at Engine 55. "I don't know how you do it, Arnold, I don't even know how I put up with you!" Spinelli started to chuckle. Arnold started chuckling with her.
"Man, these rigs look as clean and polished as ever." Spinelli mentioned. "I can even see the rims of the tires shining."
Spinelli soon turned around and wrapped her arms around Arnold's neck. "I love you, Arnold. This day already feels special…" She smiled.
"I love you too, Spinelli…" Arnold started to slowly kiss Spinelli passionately.
An Hour And Thirty Minutes Later…
After spending her last hour with Arnold, Spinelli was back at her parents' house with Michelle and Pep, while Arnold stayed at the station with the others.
As for Tanner and PD…
"Superintendent, why'd you call Intelligence, with all due respect?" Tanner asked Crawford.
Crawford pointed at the wall they were standing next to. The wall had two numbers on it painted in blood.
"1755… And 1526… Crawford, what is this?" Tanner asked. "Painted numbers in blood, more than a reason to get Intelligence down here." Crawford replied.
"How come these numbers are familiar too…?" Tanner squinted for a moment trying to remember where he saw those numbers.
"I'll leave you to it, Dave." The Superintendent walked away.
"I know what the puzzle looks like so far… could this be the missing puzzle piece?" Tanner asked himself.
Soon After…
Well, ready or not, it was time for the wedding, but not quite…
While Tanner was back at the station figuring out the numbers on the wall, Engine, Squad, and Truck 55 were outside the church (in that order, left to right). All three trucks had their siren lights on. The second aerial Truck arrived with the same decorations as Truck 55. And just like the three trucks, it also had its siren lights on.
Tommy was currently outside in a black tuxedo raising the aerial halfway to hang wedding decor with Truck 16's ladder.
Inside, while one was getting his tuxedo on along with a white rose, another was getting her wedding dress on and having her makeup done by her mother.
Michelle soon came into Spinelli's dressing room. "Trucks are all outside, we're all set. Warren's also here."
"Perfect. Thanks, McShay." Stella answered.
"Oh, and, uh, Chief?" Michelle started.
"Yeah?" Stella asked while looking over her dark red dress. "Sondra Walker's here to see you." Michelle answered.
Stella scoffed. "Even on important days?" Sondra walked in.
"Chief, my sincerest apologies, but I wanted to pass along some positive news. The Thorne situation has been resolved." Sondra told Stella. "Resolved how?" She asked.
"Marc Thorne has dropped all plans to sue the city." Sondra answered. "You gave him a payout?" Stella asked again.
"Well, there's a settlement in the works, yes." Sondra shrugged. "You said yourself we did nothing wrong." Stella raised an eyebrow.
"Chief, you should be happy about this. Thorne was willing to settle quickly and for a reasonable amount. No further risk of impact on you or your son, and the city will continue to fully support you." Sondra ended her explanation.
"Appreciate that." Stella replied.
The two shook hands.
"Take care, Chief." Sondra walked out of the room.
BEEP
BEEP
BEEP
"House fire. 411 South Gobert Ave. Engine 23. Truck 16. Squad 6. Ambulance 23. Battalion 19." Spinelli decided to bring her portable radio.
"Isn't that the house Squad went to the other day?" Spinelli asked as she looked at Clemente. She nodded yes as Stella soon walked out.
Spinelli knew there wasn't much she could do at the moment, so she instead kept quiet as Michelle soon approached behind her to do her hair.
"Alright, Spinelli, just relax as this will only take a few minutes. I guarantee you'll be ready once I'm done." Michelle told her.
Spinelli put on her crystal bridal necklace and sighed. "Alright." Michelle then picked up the smell of her shampoo and conditioner. "Did you wash your hair this morning?" She asked.
"Yeah, why?" Spinelli looked back at her.
"You just did me a favor." Michelle smirked.
Eight Minutes Later…
Michelle was just about done, all she needed to do was place the bridal headband.
"… Aaaand… We are done! So, tell me what you think?" Michelle patted her shoulder while smiling.
Spinelli noticed her hair was done the same way she does it on her dates. "McShay, no disrespect or anything, but, I literally could've done this myself…"
"What? How?"
"I literally do my hair like this when I go out on dates with Arnold!" Spinelli answered. She adjusted her headband. "At least the headband looks good." She admired her headband.
Meanwhile…
After getting his white rose on his tux, a final touchup of cologne, and fixing his bowtie, Arnold was just about ready.
"Welp… This is it." Arnold took a deep breath. Gerald patted his shoulder. "You got this."
"Is it weird I feel a little more excited than how I felt marrying Rhonda? I mean, I felt excited to spend my life with her but… somehow…" Gerald interrupted. "Almost like a blessing in disguise?" He suggested.
"You know what? Maybe. Just maybe…" Arnold replied. Travis touched his shoulder. "Well, Lieutenant… I think it's that time."
Arnold exhaled nervously. "Alright…"
"Come on, man! You got this!" Travis rubbed his shoulders for a moment. "You face the biggest of fires yet this has you nervous?"
"C'mon, Trav, you can't compare. And I know damn well you also felt during your wedding years ago."
"Let's not go there…" Travis cleared his throat. "Now come on!"
Arnold nodded as the three men soon walked out of the dressing room with their tuxedos.
"You ready, Pookie?" Bob was with his daughter while her Maids of Honor were behind her. Spinelli took a deep breath after applying her lipgloss and putting on her long pearl drop bridal earrings. "… Yeah… Yes, I am, Dad. I'm ready."
Spinelli then linked her arm with her father. "I'm ready, Dad." She smiled.
"That's the spirit, Pookie." Bob smiled. Michelle and Pep smiled behind her.
Outside, while the siren lights of the four trucks flashed, and the aerial ladders raised to display white wedding decor, a 2014 silver Honda sedan slowly stopped behind Truck and Squad 55. Nobody was outside to see the car arrive, but it wasn't an invited guest either…
The windows were tinted black so nobody could see who it was. A leg stepped out. A second leg stepped out. Slamming the car door shut, the missing MK-18 rifle was seen in hand.
The mysterious figure stood there as it soon transitioned to the police station where…
THUD
Tanner punched his desk as he finally remembered what those numbers meant. "Arnold and Spinelli's BADGE NUMBERS!" Tanner also remembered today was the day of their wedding, and knew what church they would be at.
He gasped once he saw the time, time for the ceremony to commence.
Picking up his radio and rushing out of his office, he shouted, "HERRERA! WITH ME!" As he ran outside to his SUV. "MOVE! OUT OF THE WAY! CLEAR OUT!" He ran by other officers.
He ran outside to his SUV and immediately got in with his partner Herrera following and immediately getting inside.
"Tanner, what's going on?!" Herrera asked.
Tanner cranked the engine, turned the sirens on, and got on the radio. "Dispatch, this is 5725! I need all available units to 2938 Northeast Street! Possible suspicious activity!" He smashed his foot on the accelerator.
The SUV sped off as the sirens started wailing.
"Tanner, will you ever explain what the HELL is going on?!" Herrera asked again.
Tanner exhaled as he had his eyes on the road. "I think I know where Detweiler is striking next… And I know what the numbers on the walls are. Firefighter badge numbers… Two of our firefighters are in danger…" Tanner explained.
As the police SUV rushed by an intersection, police patrol cars had their sirens wailing as they soon followed behind.
"You're not saying…" Herrera started. Tanner nodded. "Yeah… It's not looking good…"
Back at the church…
The ceremony was already underway. Bob had just let go of his daughter and sat next to his wife while Spinelli was standing next to Arnold. Warren had a smile on his face as he would be the authorized priest for today's wedding. He was wearing his formal blues with his dress cap to feel the part and make the wedding even more special.
All their friends and family were in attendance. Phoebe, Ashley A, Ashley Q, Teddy, Catherine, Bailey, and many of the others, but who could forget the family at Firehouse 55? They were all sitting in the second row behind Arnold and Spinellis' parents.
"We are gathered here today to celebrate the uniting of two beloved Lieutenants, Arnold Philip Shortman, and Ashley Funicello Spinelli." Warren started.
As Warren continued, sirens wailing in the distance became loud when suddenly…
CRASH
"STOP THIS WEDDING!" A person yelled while pointing the missing MK-18 rifle PD was searching for.
Everyone stood up and looked back. They all raised their hands in the air.
Nobody in the crowd knew who it was, except one person… Spinelli went wide-eyed when she saw who it was… "No… No, no, no, no, no, no, no! NO! IT CAN'T BE!"
"You know this guy?" Warren asked. Spinelli gulped. "It's… TJ Detweiler… An old face from my past…"
"Spinelli, you never told me about this guy!" Arnold said. "There's a reason I never did, Arnold!" Spinelli answered.
"I'm looking for Ashley Spinelli!" TJ slowly walked down the aisle while keeping everyone in check with his pointed rifle.
He soon approached them. "You're coming with me!" TJ yanked her arm as he had his rifle pointed at her.
For once, Spinelli felt defenseless against anything or anyone. But she wiggled her arm loose from TJ. Spinelli wrapped her arms around Arnold.
"GO TO HELL, DETWEILER! SON OF A BITCH!" Spinelli yelled.
"I was considering sparing you, but if you want to play like that…" TJ immediately pointed his rifle at her.
Arnold held Spinelli close in fear while TJ's finger was on the trigger, just waiting to press it…