Miracles Season 2: New Beginnings (Dawsey)

Chapter 303

Matt's POV

As I walked into the lounge, I got nervous. I was standing in front of my peers as the acting Chief of Firehouse 51. I had to retain their respect. Not only that but, I needed to keep my head on straight. This shift was going to be hard because it was Gabby's first shift as a paramedic. I already talked to her on the car ride that today, I needed a break from fights. If I said something, she needed to do it. And we were not fighting about it tomorrow. This was already stressful.

Once everybody was sitting in the lounge, I turned to look at Gabby who was reminding me to breathe. Taking her advice, I took a few deep breaths before looking at everybody. "Listen, I get this is a tough time for everybody. Chief just got shot and now...I am back early to be acting chief. Let me be clear about this. I did not want this and was not planning on being back until the new year. I was called upon to be acting Chief in a time of need, I took it to help out here."

Everybody just nodded, letting me speak. "Now, I want to reassure you all. While I may be a newlywed and a new father, my calls will not be tainted by me wanting to keep Gabby safe. When I make a call, it's because it is what I think Boden would do. So, I do not want anybody to accuse me of trying to protect Gabby first. If it comes off that way, I am sorry but...that's how my mind is trained. Are we clear about all this?"

Everybody nodded again. "Now, I would like to speak privately with Severide and Hermann. Everybody else, I want to have those trucks stocked up and cleaned to ensure that everything is orderly and easy to access on my first shift as Chief. Is that understood?" Everybody then got up and nodded. "Yes Chief!" I then nodded. "Everybody, get to work. Hermann and Severide, Chief's office please." They both nodded and then we walked together to the office.