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

Chapter 14

15 Minutes Later, After eating Supper and Escorting his mom out of the Firehouse:
Matt's POV: As I made my way back to my bunk office, I was about to go in when I saw Hermann moving his things. "Hermann, what you doing?" Hermann then turned to look at me. "I thought I would give you the bigger office in case the kids ever wanted to stay." I smiled when he said that. "I appreciate that Hermann. By the way, any thoughts about my first day?" Hermann then nodded as he watched me grab my bag. "Sit down for a minute chief? I want to talk to you."

I nodded and went to sit down. "Something bothering you?" He shook his head. "Of course not. I just wanted to see how you are doing. And I am not talking officer to officer here okay? I am talking about dad-to-dad. Sure, Severide is a dad and stuff but...I am the only one here who actually knows what it's like to have 3 kids and being back at work this soon." I sighed when he said that before going to lean forward. "I am scared to fail. I mean, this was Boden's dying wish."

Hermann then went to rub my back. "Listen, you aren't going to fail Matt...you are going to thrive. Your 19 years of training has gotten you ready for this. Matt, the truth is...Boden knew he was coming to the end of his life. He knew." I then turned to look at him. "Can I ask you something?" He nodded and agreed. "Of course." I then sighed. "How far in advance did he know he was dying?" Hermann sighed. "He knew for 6 months. He just had this feeling it was his time. And he's had a lot of heart problems in the past year. So, he wanted to get us ready for change."

I nodded and agreed with him. "Was it quick?" Hermann nodded. "Yeah, it was a heart attack. He made his peace and it's why he put it in his will that he wanted you to take over. You know what it takes to do this and he wants consistency for this firehouse. He was here for so long and I already told him that I was going to retire soon. Like in the next 5 years. So, when he told me this...I told him I didn't want to be Chief. I didn't want to just be here for 5 years. I wanted someone here longer than me. So, I made sure to tell him that I didn't want to be chief."

I sighed when he said that. "Does anybody else know that he knew?" Hermann shook his head. "Only me and Mouch know. Heck, he didn't even want us to tell you but...I wanted to tell you because I wanted you to know that this was his dream for you. He wanted you to do this. He believed so much in you that he put it in his will. Matt this is your calling." I nodded and understood what he meant. "Gabby said she's okay with it too. So, we are staying for good."

Hermann smiled when I said that. "Good, because we want to see those kids of yours grow up." That's when I remembered that I need to go call them to say goodnight. "Listen Hermann, I am so glad we got that. But, I need to go. I need to call Gabby and the kids to say goodnight. Then, I am going to sleep. I am out of here right when shift change happens. I need to be there to take over so that Gabby can get some sleep. So, I have to go. Nobody dare say that word." He agreed and nodded as I got up. He then got up too and went to hug me. "I'm here for you man."

I nodded and agreed as I hugged him. "Hey, you got Molly's for a while right? We aren't going to be there to work for a long time. 3 kids and the firehouse is a lot." Hermann nodded and agreed. "We got it. Can you ask Diego if he wants his job back?" I smiled and nodded. "I will offer it to him. Now listen, I have to go call Gabby to say goodnight. I want to do it now." Hermann agreed and nodded as I walked out of my old office before making my way to the bigger office me and Gabby get to use together. Just need to bring our good mattress back to the firehouse.