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

Chapter 62

8:50 AM - Chicago Fire Academy
Matt's POV: As I stood in the hallway outside of the main training area, I looked over the notes I took for the speech I was prepared to give to the possible recruits. I was going to speak from the heart. Tell them my story as well as Gabby's story to show that girls have just as much a chance as boys to pass the academy. That's when I decided to take a minute and walk over to somewhere I should've already visited. Looking at the badge case...I easily found Andy's badge, Shay's badge and Ottis' badge. That's when I saw Boden's badge was there next to Shay.

I found it fitting that my wife's best friend and my father figure were next to one another. Taking a picture, I went to send it to Gabby. 'Look who are next to one another.' I saw Gabby was using her phone because she already read it. She then called me right away. Answering it, I smiled. "Hey." Gabby then replied. "Are their badges right next to each other?" I agreed. "Yeah, not sure how but...they are." Gabby agreed. "How was the drive?" I sighed. "Let's just say that I am glad that I left when I did. The traffic was brutal. Actually ran into Ambo 51 on a call."

Gabby laughed when I said that. "Did you stop?" I agreed. "Yeah, told them I would be soon. Just waiting for Grissom. I'm a bit early. Is it wrong to be nervous?" Gabby sighed. "Matt, listen to me baby. You are ready for this. Matt, we are fine...the kids are fine...and we are all safe. Today, do me a favor and just be chief. Don't worry about us. We are just going to stay here because the kids are tired after a fun day with their dad yesterday. Now listen, you have this Matt. I love you. Call me when you're done scouting. Oh and wish Lee Henry luck for me."

I smiled and agreed. "I will. Actually, there he is right now. How about I let you talk to him?" Gabby sighed. "Ella is crying. Talk later." I agreed. "Okay, love you." Gabby agreed. "Love you too." I smiled and went to hang up. Cindy didn't see me yet as I walked over. "Well, if it isn't Candidate Coffin." Cindy then looked up at me and smiled. "Matt...I mean Chief Casey." I smiled at her and then went to hug her. "Cindy, it's Matt to you. Always will be because last time I checked, we were business partners." Cindy laughed and agreed.

I then turned to look at Lee Henry. I saw that he was on his phone and wasn't impressed. "Candidate!" Lee Henry then put his phone down. I glared at him. "I have high expectations for you mister. That conduct, using your phone in front of your chief...is unacceptable here at the academy." Lee Henry nodded and got scared. "Sorry Mat...." I shook my head. "Coffin, you have already been assigned to my firehouse. Do you remember that?" He nodded and agreed. "Therefore, I am to be addressed as Chief. Is that understood Candidate?" 

Cindy looked at me. "Wow, that's weird coming out of you." I nodded and looked at Lee Henry. "Your dad is a firefighter. A Captain in my firehouse. You better not let me down. I expect professionalism and promptness. Lee Henry, you have lived in the firehouse. You of all people should know how to act around a chief. Today, there will be chiefs there Lee Henry. A lot of chiefs. And since you've already been assigned to Firehouse 51, the chiefs are going to know you are my candidate. I don't want to be disappointed or embarrassed. Is that understood?"

Lee Henry nodded and agreed. "Yes chief." I then looked at Cindy. "That too strict?" Cindy shook her head. "No, you're completely right. We may be friends outside of the house but when we are doing firehouse stuff, you are his chief. Lee Henry, put your phone away and go get changed. Can you watch him Matt?" I shook my head. "I'm busy actually Cindy. I need to go meet with Commissioner Grissom." That's when I saw him come in. "Yes, you do. I am sorry you are late." I shook my head. "You are never late Commissioner, I am early. Oh, let me introduce you to someone. This is Cindy Hermann."

Grissom then turned to look at her and smiled. "Wait, Hermann as in..." She nodded and agreed. "Captain Christopher Hermann." He then went to shake her hand and smiled. "And mother of Lee Henry Coffin-Hermann. I know it's him. Why is he going by Coffin?" I then looked at him. "Can't have 2 Hermanns at my firehouse. He's already been assigned to my firehouse. I requested it through the office." Grissom nodded and understood. He then looked at me and smiled. "Listen, how about you follow me and we can go start our meeting with a bit of casual talk before formal." I agreed and nodded.

"But first, congratulations on becoming Chief and of course, your kids." I nodded and agreed as I went to shake his hand before following him upstairs to his office.