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

Chapter 80

Matt's POV: As I finished driving Matteo back to the firehouse, I smiled as I went to walk into my office with him before going to take off my jacket. "Papa, can I ask you a question?" Turning to look at him, I nodded. "Always buddy. Come here." Matteo then agreed as he walked over to me. Bringing him into my lap, I smiled as I wrapped my arms around him. "What's up Matteo?" Matteo then looked at me. "Is primo (cousin) Diego going to be okay?" I nodded and smiled as I went to kiss his forehead. "He is going to be fine buddy. He's just in the hospital to be safe."

Matteo nodded and agreed as he cuddled up to me. I could tell he was scared and just moved to kiss his forehead. That's when I saw Lee Henry walk up to my office door. "My dad said you wanted to talk to me about changes to the rules that I have to abide by when I am here pre-official candidacy?" I nodded and looked at him. "Sit down." Lee Henry agreed and walked in before going to sit down on one of the chairs in my room. "Sorry if Matteo is here, family stuff at the hospital. He's a bit nervous." Diego nodded and agreed with me when I kissed his head.

"Listen Lee Henry, you getting out was unacceptable. I get that my car has a bad view but...I am not allowed to have you on my scenes yet. You are there to observe. Since I am a young chief, I do not want to get in trouble with my bosses. So, from now on...you are to get in a truck and stay in there during the entire call. If that's my jeep, then you stay there. If you can't see...then listen to the radio. In fact, ask your dad to get you a radio so you can get used to what it sounds like to listen to the radio." Lee Henry agreed and smiled at me. "That's a good idea. But, can I ask about some of the stuff you taught us when you were speaking at the academy?"

I nodded and agreed with him. "Sure, ask away." Lee Henry then took a breath. "It's about the on our hip stuff. I know I did it outside and stuff...but what do I do when I am in a fire? You know like, in the official fire." I nodded. "Then you do just like I told you to do. You stay next to Severide and stay within his eyesight at all times. It's his job to keep you safe. However, if you dad tells you to do something...you have to do it too. Bud, when you are here at work...your dad isn't your dad if that makes sense." Lee Henry was a bit confused. "What do you mean?"

I sighed and looked at him. "What I mean is that...your dad is a captain here. He is an officer and you can always go to him for advice while you are here at the house. However, when you are out in the field...you are to listen to him no questions asked. And you are not to argue with him. I don't care if you think he's wrong...he is your boss. And I am relying on you to do your job to keep people safe. One wrong move and you can kill someone. And these people here, we are a family. We will take it personally if you screw up. Bud, you are a candidate...not a firefighter yet."

That's when I saw Gallo walk up to my office. "Oh, sorry chief." I then looked at him. "It's okay Gallo. Actually, come join us. You are the most recent candidate here. How about we talk to Lee Henry together about how candidacy works." Gallo nodded and agreed as he came to join us. "I was just going to ask to take a quick time out. I was going to run to the local McDonald's to get a burger. I have been dying to go for a while." I laughed and looked at him. "You're scared to eat here?" Gallo nodded and bit his lip. "No offence Lee Henry but your dad isn't the best cook."

Lee Henry laughed. "Trust me, I know Gallo. Whenever my dad cooks at home, we eat as a family...pretend to like it and then my mom just makes us something better later." Me and Gallo both laughed when he said that and I smiled. "You are going to fit right in here Lee Henry. I am positive that you are going to be a great firefighter here. I am glad you are going to be my first candidate. I just wish you could start now. Have you already tried on your gear?" Lee Henry nodded. "I've been practicing putting it on in a hurry for a while. My dad told me too."

I smiled and nodded. "Hey Gallo, do me a favor? Can you get this little one here a Happy Meal? What do you want for lunch buddy? A burger or chicken nuggets?" Matteo then thought about it and smiled. "Chicken nuggets please." I smiled at him and kissed his head. "Apple slices, white milk and fries." Gallo nodded and agreed but Matteo looked up at me. "Papa, no apples." I shook my head and looked at him. "Okay, no chicken nuggets then." He then nodded. "Okay, I eat apples." I smiled and kissed his head. "Can you get me a Big Mac with fries and a Coke? Oh and a cheeseburger with fries and a Pepsi for Gabby?" He nodded and agreed. "Two orders? You pay."

I smiled and agreed, going to give him my debit card. "You do not buy your meal with this. Is that understood?" He nodded and agreed. "If I find out you did, then you are paying for my family to eat too!" Gallo nodded and agreed as he went to walk away to get some McDonald's for me and the family. Meanwhile, I went back to talking to Lee Henry while holding Matteo in my lap.