Chief Casey Season 1: Chicago's Newest Chief (Dawsey)

Chapter 7

Matt's POV: After making my way back to the firehouse with the crew, we all walked in and I looked at them when they went to sit in the common area. They then all turned to look at me. "Okay listen, I get you are all worried for Severide. Believe me, I am worried for him too. He's my best friend. However, we can't let this shake us okay? We are here for the community." Gianna then looked up at me. "You closing us down for a while?" I shook my head. "No. However I do want us to keep our heads on straight. This may be my first day but...I have high expectations. I want to see how you guys have all matured over the past year. Don't let me down."

Everybody nodded and agreed with me. I then turned to look at Joe. "Cruz, you're acting Lieutenant until he's back okay?" Cruz nodded and agreed. "Gianna and Noah, you guys can visit Severide on your drop offs. Keep them short understood?" Everybody nodded and agreed. "Now listen, if anybody here needs to talk to me...I am going to be in my office for a bit. I need to call Gabby." Everybody nodded and understood. "Actually Chief, can I speak to you quickly?" I turned to look at Hermann when he said that. "Of course, my office?" He nodded and agreed with me when I walked away with him. Once we walked into my office, I set my jacket down.

Walking in with me, I looked up at my captain and smiled. "How can I help you?" Hermann then closed the door and looked at me. "Listen Chief, I don't mean to pry but...things looked pretty tense back there. You and Gabby okay?" I sighed and nodded. "Yeah, we're fine." I then went to sit down, inviting him to sit down before texting Gabby. 'All good there? And we're good right?' I then set my phone down and waited for a reply. It was quick. 'Yeah, kids are sleeping. And we're fine Matt. We'll talk later okay? You coming home?' I sighed and shook my head. 'Tomorrow morning, first night as Chief...I want to be here. Supper tonight?'

I took a few minutes for Gabby to reply so I knew she was thinking about it. 'Just me and Matteo...maybe. Keep you posted. Other kids.' I agreed and sent one last text. 'Regardless, goodnight video chat tonight.' Gabby then sent me another quick reply. 'Ok. Pre or post bath?' I laughed and smiled. 'Right before you put Wally down. And also after you put Matteo down we can talk (hopefully)' I then waited for her to reply. 'Okay. love you.. Stay safe. We're good. Sorry about fight.' I then sent one last reply. 'Me too talk later. Hermann's here. XO' I then set my phone down and looked at him. "Sorry, just checking on how the kids are. 3 of them at the hospital with Stella and Stephen. Busy bunch." Hermann nodded and understood.

"So, how've you been? We haven't really been talking since you left to go to Puerto Rico." I nodded and sighed. "Yeah, was a crazy time. Of course, you now know about the 2 new kids situation." Hermann laughed and agreed. "Now listen, I get we are down Severide but...I want you to rely on me Matt. I was here when Boden had his son. It was hard on them. Just please don't keep it all to yourself. We are still friends and I can help you through this." I sighed and nodded. "I was just freaked out that Gabby came to the fire scene. I mean, seriously?"

Hermann nodded and agreed with me. "You'll get past it. Your first day. By the way, great speech." I laughed and agreed. "So, you okay with my changes so far?" Hermann nodded. "Yeah, it's great. Now, I don't want to step on your toes or anything but...you need to relax. We are family and here to support you." I nodded and smiled. "How are your kids?" He laughed and smiled. "Great. Lee Henry's at the academy. Another's starting high school." I laughed and agreed. "Hey, mind giving me some information on college funds? I need to start one for all my kids. God, I am screwed."

Hermann just looked at me. "I promise, we'll get you through this. And just know we all have yours' and Gabby's backs. Always have and always will." I nodded and smiled. "How's the candidate doing? He almost done or he have another year?" Hermann smiled. "He's got another year before he's ready. Now, I want to talk to you about Gabby coming back. She going to report to you?" I nodded when he asked. "I can't avoid that. She may be my wife but as you can tell...I am not afraid of yelling at her. If it bites me in the butt, I just say it's work not personal."

Hermann smiled when I said that. "Just remember that she's also the mother of your children. So, don't be too hard on her or else you'll be in the dog house." I laughed and agreed with him. "Trust me Hermann, I do anything to piss her or her brother off...I am already in the dog house." Hermann laughed and smiled. "How are Sylvie and Antonio? Rumor is it he fell off the wagon for a bit in Puerto Rico." I sighed and nodded when he said that when I heard the loud speaker. 'Ambo 61 to 51st & Wabash. Heart problems.' Sylvie then went out to run.

Deciding to text Antonio, I wanted to make sure he knew she was safe. 'Sylvie out on run. Relax if you see 61!' I then looked at Hermann. "Let me guess, Antonio wants to know?" I nodded and groaned. "Says that if she gets hurt, I am a dead man." Hermann nodded and agreed when Antonio texted me back. 'Thanks Chief.' I smiled when he said that, glad he understands my new role. I then set my phone down before looking at Hermann again. "So, staff update. How's the candidate?" Hermann then laughed and smiled when he said that until I saw Cindy come in.

"Actually, hold that thought. Your wife is here." Hermann then got up and went to turn around to see Cindy. "Hey, the kids okay?"