*Takes place when Voight is in jail*
Jordan- 11
Early one day Antonio had offered to watch Jordan for Erin but then he got called in, he noticed that he was nearby 51 the Vice Detective had an idea.
"Hey Jo, wanna go to 51?" Antonio asked the young girl.
"Sure, I like it there". Jordan replied.
He trusted everyone at 51 to look after the young girl and it was one of the many places in the city nobody would think to look for her. The Detective may have not liked Hank but he quickly realized Jordan isn't him. The eleven year old was excited to go back to 51, she got along with everyone there she was still curious to know if they knew anything about her father.
"Antonio may I ask you something?"
"Of course kiddo".
"What's the reason my dad went to jail?"
Antonio's throat tightened, he wasn't about to tell her the truth about Hank. It would break her heart and it wasn't his place to tell her, he and Voight may haven't seen eye to eye but he knew that the older man wouldn't want his daughter to know the truth.
"I can't tell you Jo".
"But why".
"It's not for me to tell you, besides you're too young to understand".
"No I'm not".
"Jo it's not for you to get involved with. I'm sure you're dad will be home soon".
"It's just". She started but couldn't finish.
Antonio glanced at her then back to the road. "It's just what sweetie".
"Never mind".
"Jo you know you can always talk to me. Its alright to reach out for help when you need it, bottling up your emotions isn't a good thing. I'm sure if you talk about it you'll feel a lot better".
"Could we talk about it later?"
"Whenever you want I'm here".
"Thanks Antonio".
"Anytime kiddo".
A moment later they pulled into 51, the two hopped out. Gabby and Shay seen the two and headed over.
"Hey what's up". Gabby says to her brother.
"I hate to do this last minute but would you guys mind watching Jo for me? I didn't have time to get her back". Antonio replied.
"We don't mind". Shay said.
The Vice Detective looked down to the eleven year old giving her a parental look.
"Alright Jo, I want you to be good and behave for everyone alright".
"I will". Jordan assured him.
"I'll pick you up later".
"Ok".
Antonio patted Jordan on the shoulder then headed back to his car. Jordan stood in front of the two paramedics.
"Let's head inside sweetheart". Shay said.
The three headed inside, Casey was reading something at the table when he looked up to see the two paramedics with Jordan.
"Everyone, I'm sure you all remember Jo". Gabby said.
"Hi". Jordan says.
"Hey kiddo". Kelly greeted her.
"Welcome back Jo". Casey said with a smile.
"Let's go honey, you can help make lunch". Gabby spoke.
The two head to the kitchen area and start making lunch, everyone was still a bit cautious on what to say around Jordan. They didn't want anything about Hank to slip up. Casey was very careful around the young girl, none of them wanted to be responsible for breaking her heart with the truth.
Before they could start the alarm bells had went off for the ambulance and truck, Gabby, Shay, and all the truck people headed out for the call. Jordan was then left with the Squad.
"What do you guys do for fun?" Jordan asked.
"Wanna play cards?" Kelly asked.
"You got Uno?"
"Let's go".
The Squad and Jordan headed out to the squad table starting there game, half of the game went by and Jordan won.
"You're good kid, I'll give you that". Capp said.
"I like playing with my brother, I crush him all the time". Jordan replied.
Hearing the sadness in her voice Kelly spoke up and changed the subject.
"So Jo, what sports do you play at school?" Kelly asked.
"I play basketball and soccer. For basketball I'm the best shooting guard on my team. As for soccer I'm the best Forward. I've actually made the winning basket or goal for my games. I may get into softball in Spring".
"Great job".
"I wouldn't doubt it". Tony says.
"Um I was wondering if maybe you guys like to come to my basketball game on Friday".
"We wouldn't miss it for the world". Kelly spoke.
"Thanks".
They pulled an old board game out and started playing, Kelly would glance at the eleven year old. He could tell she was hiding her emotions very well, he was glad that for a moment she was happy. Ever since meeting Jordan, Kelly treated her as if she were his sister he didn't treat her any different than any other kid and that's what she is, a kid.
A short time later Truck and Ambo came back, Jordan watched as they all got off the vehicles.
"Casey do you think I could go in the truck sometime?" Jordan asked the Truck Lieutenant.
"I think we can arrange that later today after lunch". Casey answered.
"Can I still help?"
"Of course let's go". Gabby says.
Jordan looked to Kelly. "Can we pick up after lunch?"
"Of course".
The eleven year old hopped down and went with Gabby to start lunch.
"How is she?" Shay asked.
"Jo seems happy but I think she's still upset". Kelly answered.
"So do we just keep quiet about everything?" Otis asked.
"Yes. Antonio doesn't want her to know and I agree. If she ever found out it will crush her". Casey spoke.
"Where's her mother in all this?" Cruz asked.
"She died when Jo was a baby so all she had was Voight and her brother. As far as I know Jordan's staying with some friend of his didn't get a name".
"Poor kid". Herrmann says sadly.
"No mom, dad and brother are in jail. I'm surprised she hasn't snapped yet". Shay. said.
"Casey I have an idea if you and Boden will agree". Kelly tells his friend.
"What is it?" Casey asked curiously.
Gabby and Jordan were in the kitchen preparing lunch for everyone. The young girl was watching her as she cooked.
"Can you show me how to cook Gabby?" Jordan asked.
"Sure". Gabby replied.
"My dad was gonna show me but he went to jail".
Gabby's throat tightened, when she heard the pain and sadness in the young girl's voice she was ready to cry. Jordan's lower lip started to wobble as tears started to burn in her eyes.
"I'll be back, I'm gonna use the restroom". Jordan's voice was shaky and unsteady.
"Ok honey".
The eleven year old then quickly went to the restroom, she went in a stall and soon enough the dam of tears in her eyes broke. She hid her face in her arms and sobbed, she just wanted to call her father to hear his voice or be held in one of his hugs. Whenever she was in her father's hold she felt safe and protected from the world. She missed her older brother terribly as well, she felt pain ache in her hear as she missed her family.
She pulled her phone out and scrolled through the pictures on it, they were of her and her father, her and Justin, and all of them. The eleven year old tried to remain strong, she'd put on a smile for everyone but she probably figured they all saw through it. She took some tissue and blew her nose, taking the sleeve of her shirt Jordan wiped her cheeks and eyes leaving the stall she splashed some water on her face.
Casey and the rest of the house came in when Gabby called for lunch, when they entered they didn't see Jordan and they all got curious.
"Where's Jo?" Kelly asked.
"Bathroom". Gabby answered.
"She ok?" Casey asked.
"I don't know, we gotta help her somehow. Keep her mind off of things".
"What do you suggest we do?"
"Jo mentioned she had basketball game Friday, asked if we could go". Kelly piped in.
"I say we go". Shay speaks up.
"She just asked about the truck, what if we let her in the truck take her on a quick ride around. Let her get on the latter". Otis suggested.
"I like the idea, she could use some cheering up that could help". Herrmann said.
"We'll do it". Casey agreed.
"But to be safe let's run it by Boden". Kelly speaks.
Jordan then came back, her eyes were a slightly red color but not very noticeable. She sat down at the table with everyone. While everyone ate Hallie Thomas came in, Casey looked to see his girlfriend there.
"Hey what are you doing here". Casey says.
"Just thought I drop by and see you". Hallie replied.
She then noticed Jordan eating and talking with everyone, a confused look appeared on her face as she turned to Matt.
"Who's the kid?"
"Come with me".
Matt then brought her to his office so they don't disturb anyone. Jordan watched as the two adults walked away.
"Who was the lady with Casey?" Jordan asked.
"That was his girlfriend, Hallie". Shay answered.
"She's pretty".
Matt and Hallie were in his office with the door shut, he took a deep breath and began explaining.
"Matt, whatever it is you can tell me". Hallie started.
"Her name is Jordan. She's Voight's daughter". Matt replied.
"What? Since when?"
"She doesn't know anything about what happened".
"How do you know?"
"Antonio said Voight kept her in the dark about everything".
"What if she does know?"
"I'm telling you she doesn't know".
"We don't know that Matt, she could know everything".
"Hallie she's a kid and she doesn't know anything. Voight kept her in the dark with everything that happened. All she knows is that her father and brother are in jail she doesn't know why. Antonio doesn't want us to say anything to her, it'll break her even more".
"What kind of example is he setting for her? That it's ok to do that to people".
"I've been where you are ok, don't start acting like Jordan did any of that to us. Just because she's his daughter and she has his name doesn't mean anything. Jordan didn't do anything to us and you're acting as if she did. This is the exact reason he hid this from her so people would leave her alone, so they wouldn't jump down her throat. I despise the man but I'm not taking anything out on Jordan because she's innocent, she didn't want any of this. She didn't ask for it. That little girl doesn't have it easy right now, she's hurting. Her mother is dead, her father and brother are in jail right now, she has no one. All I know is that she's staying with a friend of Voight's. She needs someone to care for her, someone she can trust, she's alone right now and were trying to help her".
Casey surprised himself, when he was talking to Hallie he sounded like Antonio because he remembered very well when the Vice Detective told him some of the exact same words. He was quick to defend the eleven year old and he'd do it again, he knew Jordan didn't deserve anything because of her father's actions it wasn't fair. She shouldn't get any heat or blame for what Hank had done.
"Wow". Hallie was speechless of her boyfriend's words.
"I was just like you, shocked. Caught off guard but after spending time with Jordan I realized she's not her father. We don't treat her like that. She's just a little girl who loves her father, she'll do anything to defend him right now. In her eyes he didn't do anything. We know what he did but she doesn't and she will never know. All I'm asking is please don't say anything around her, she's still asking question about his arrest and all of it. The only people Jordan has right now is everyone in the house, Antonio, and whoever Voight's friend is, she needs someone she can trust right now. Someone she can turn to I she needs it. After spending time with her I realized she's not her father, she's a little girl who just loves her father".
"Can I meet her?"
"Sure. Whatever you do just please don't say anything".
"I won't".
The two headed back to the common room, everyone was finishing lunch. Jordan had finished eating and helped bring the dishes to the sink. When Casey and Hallie reentered the room everyone glanced at them, Jordan looked back to see the two. She was cautious as they approached her.
"Jo, I'd like you to meet Hallie". Casey said.
"Its very nice to meet you Jo, I've heard amazing things about you". Hallie spoke with a smile.
"Its nice to meet you too Hallie". Jordan replied.
"So how old are you?"
"I'm eleven".
"Any idea on what you wanna be when you grow up?"
"I wanna be a Detective like my dad".
"I bet you'll be a great Detective".
"Hey Jo, wanna go in the truck now?" Kelly asked.
"Can I really?" Jordan's voice rose with excitement.
"Let's go".
Before the eleven year old went off she looked to the couple. "It was nice meeting you Hallie. Hopefully we can be friends".
"I'd like that very much". Hallie gave her a smile.
What happened next shocked Hallie, Jordan hugged the woman and slowly she hugged the young girl back. Everyone looked on with a smile. The eleven year old skipped out of the common room with Kelly.
"So she really doesn't know?" Hallie asked.
"No and she'll never know". Casey answered.
Just then Boden had entered the common room. "Casey you got a second".
"Of course Chief". Casey replied to his boss.
The two men then headed somewhere private, Boden closed the door to a room nearby.
"Everything ok Chief?" Casey's voice was concerned.
"I heard that Jordan's here again. Just checking to see how you are".
"I'm great. Jordan's a really good kid, sometimes it's hard to believe she's Voight's kid. Antonio's right, she isn't Voight she doesn't deserve to be treated any way. That little girl didn't want any of this nor did she ask for it. Were trying to keep her distracted she keeps asking about her father's arrest".
"Does she know anything?"
"Thankfully no, Antonio won't tell her and we won't either".
"How do you think she's doing?"
"Jordan's hurting she puts on a smile but it's clear that she's still hurt. No mom, dad and brother in jail, she has no one right now, all Antonio said was that she's staying with some friend of Voight's didn't get a name. She needs someone, anyone that she can trust and turn to right now".
"I'm glad you're trying to bond with her, she does need somebody she can turn to during this time".
Jordan was in the Squad truck as they slowly drove it out of the house, Kelly was in the back as he let the young girl sit in his spot. Jordan was becoming like a sister to him, even though she spent little time at 51 the eleven year old was worming her way into their hearts.
"This is so cool!" Jordan says excitedly.
"You bet it is". Kelly says with a smile.
"If I don't become a Detective I wanna be a firefighter or paramedic".
"You can be whatever you wanna be kiddo, don't let anyone tell you otherwise".
"I really wanna follow in my dad's footsteps, I wanna be a Detective like him. Bring justice to the streets, bring in all the criminals, make everything safer. Like he did".
"That's a very good dream to have".
"May I ask you something Kelly?"
"Of course".
"Did you always know you wanted to be a firefighter?"
"I did. Growing up I watched my dad and realized that's the only thing I wanted to do. Help people. I studied hard, went to the Fire Academy, here I am today. You can do anything you set your mind to. If you wanna be a Detective like you're dad, study hard, work hard, don't let anything or anyone stand in your way of you're dreams".
"Thanks for the advice Kelly".
"Anytime".
"Jo you ready to get in our truck?" Otis asked.
"Totally".
She looked to the Squad. "Thanks for letting me inside".
"Anytime squirt". Capp said.
The eleven year old hopped down with some help and got in the truck and sat in Casey's spot, Cruz got in the driver seat and everyone got inside as they slowly drove out of the house.
"Do you guys think it would be ok for me to see the latter?" She asked.
"I think we can manage that". Herrmann answered.
They all hopped out and Mouch got to the latter moving it out, the latter was stretching out far till it couldn't anymore.
"Could I try it?"
"Go for it". Casey answered, as he approached.
Jordan got on the truck heading to the latter, Otis followed her so she wouldn't fall. The eleven year old was fascinated by the view from the latter.
"This is really cool".
Cruz and Hermann were nearby Casey as they began quietly talking.
"At least she's happy". Cruz spoke quietly.
"Antonio said she hasn't been handling things very well. It's a good thing she is happy". Casey replies.
"The kid deserves some kid of happiness right now". Herrmann says.
"Casey is it ok if I take some pictures please". Jordan calls from the latter.
"Absolutely". He answered the young girl.
Jordan took out her phone and began snapping all sorts of pictures, once she got down she took pictures with the Truck crew, the Squad, then Gabby and Shay. Everyone was happy to do it, they would do anything to put a smile on her face.
"May I go lie down for a bit?" Jordan asked.
"Sure come on, I'll take you". Gabby answered.
She escorted the young girl to the bunk area, Gabby loved having the young girl around. She consider her a daughter or another niece. Ever since she started hanging around the house it was enjoyable. It didn't matter to Gabby who Jordan's father was to her, Jordan was just any other kid who visited the house. Once to the bunk area Gabby took the eleven year old to her bunk and let her rest.
"Alright Jo, you get some rest and if you need anything you know where to find us".
"Thank you Gabby".
"You're welcome sweetheart".
Jordan took her sneakers off and laid in the bed, slowly she drifted off into sleep. Gabby stayed with the young girl just in case, once she knew the eleven year old was fast asleep she quietly snuck out. She ended up bumping into Casey.
"Jo resting?" Casey asked.
"Yeah. I'm glad you were able to change your mind about her". Gabby replied.
"You're brother's right, Jordan isn't anything like her father so she doesn't get to be treated like she is".
"I'm sorry I didn't tell you".
"Don't be, I understand why Voight didn't tell her and why she's kept in the dark. She shouldn't get any blame or heat for what he did. He kept her in the dark so people would leave her alone and not jump down her throat. She doesn't deserve it. Sometimes it's hard to believe that she's Voight's kid".
"From what Antonio found out she has Voight's temper and attitude so maybe once you see it, you'll believe it".
"I got some work to do in my office I'll keep an eye on Jo".
"Alright".
Casey headed to his office to do his paperwork, he kept his door open so he'll be able to keep an eye on Jordan. A short time later Jordan woke up from a dream and she grabbed the pillow and began sobbing. As Matt was working he heard soft sobbing he quickly rushed from his office to where Jordan was. Was she hurt? Did something happen? One thing he knew for sure if anything happened to her Antonio wouldn't be happy.
He saw the young girl curled up in the bed crying, he got down beside her and saw the pain and sadness in her eyes and on her face.
"Jo you alright sweetheart". Casey asked gently.
"No". Jordan whimpered.
"Wanna talk about it?"
Sitting up in the bed Jordan wiped her eyes and cheeks but fresh tears continued to fall.
"Nobody understands what it's like, to have no one around. Like me. My mom's gone, my dad and brother are in jail. Nobody understands".
Casey sat next to her on the bunk. "I understand".
Jordan sniffed and looked up at the Truck Lieutenant. "Y-you do?"
"I do".
"How?"
"When I was a little older than you my dad died and my mom went to jail. I shut off from everyone didn't wanna talk about it or anything, all I wanted was to keep it to myself. I don't talk to my sister that much. But once I was ready I opened up and I felt a lot better".
"I just want my dad and brother back".
Casey's heart broke when Jordan talked, he had no idea that by taking Voight down he had taken a father away from his little girl.
"Hey I'm sure they'll be home soon".
"Why won't anybody tell me why my dad went to jail?"
The Truck Lieutenant was stuck, what was he supposed to say? He knew why nobody would tell her but how was he gonna explain that to Jordan?
"I think it's to protect you Jo".
"Protect me from what?"
"From the truth, whatever you're dad did he didn't want you to know and for good reason. Parents would do just about anything to protect their children from anything".
"I wish someone could tell me instead of treating me like a kid, whatever my dad did I can handle it".
"I don't know why you're dad went to jail, but I'm sure he'll be home pretty soon".
Jordan had felt a lot better after talking with Casey, she headed to the bathroom and washed her face of any evidence that she was crying. Once she was finished she headed to the common room, everyone was sitting around talking or watching tv.
Gabby and Shay were sipping on coffee when they seen Jordan.
"Hey sweetie, you ok?" Gabby asked.
"Yup". Jordan answered.
"She seems happy". Shay whispered.
"Kid deserves to be happy, after everything she went through she definitely deserves it". Herrmann says.
Gabby felt her phone buzz with a text message from her brother.
-On my way to get Jo. Be there soon. Antonio.
"Jo you should get your stuff together Antonio's on his way to pick you up". Gabby informed the young girl.
"Um I was kinda hoping, maybe you guys wanted to come to my basketball game on Friday". Jordan spoke nervously.
"We wouldn't miss it for the world kiddo". Cruz said.
As she was gathering her stuff up Antonio had arrived and entered the firehouse, Gabby seen her brother and went over to him.
"Hey sis". Antonio greeted her.
"Hey". Gabby replied.
"How's Jo?"
"She's happy but still hurting".
"Sometimes I wish this could have been prevented".
"You didn't know, don't blame yourself".
"I'm ready". Jordan said.
"Jo you wanna ask Antonio something". Gabby looked to the young girl.
"Everything ok Jo?" Antonio asked concerned.
"Um would you maybe wanna come to my basketball game on Friday?" Jordan asked the Vice Detective.
"I'd love too, I'll bring Laura and the kids".
"Thank you".
"Anything for you kiddo".
"Bye everyone". Jordan says to the 51 crew.
"See you soon".
"Bye".
"Can't wait to see you play".
Antonio took a hold of Jordan's hand and walked out to his car. The entire time he had kept his guard up, he didn't know if someone could have been watching him. He didn't know if Voight could have someone keeping an eye on Jordan for him. The possibilities were endless. He drove out of the station and drove towards Erin's apartment.
"Do anything fun today?" Antonio asked.
"I got to sit in the Squad truck and the Fire truck, I climbed the latter, and I took pictures". Jordan replied happily.
"Sounds like you had a good day".
"It was awesome".
"Jo I want you to know if you ever need someone, anyone to talk to. I'm here. Anytime, day or night. I know things haven't been easy but whenever you're ready to talk I'm here".
"Thank you Antonio. Really".
"You're welcome".
The young girl was starting to warm up to the Vice Detective, he was almost like an uncle or a second father. She knew nobody could ever replace her father, part of her considered Antonio and his family part of her family. She was slowly considering 51 to be family as well. She may not have her actual family at the moment but at least she had a whole new family now. A family that cared about her and would do just about anything to help her.
….
Posted a one shot, read and enjoy!