Trust Her

Sacred Ground: Part 2

A/N As promised, here is the second half of the first Fire episode which takes place after the huge time jump in the middle.

Without further ado, please relax and enjoy the read!

~Princess <3

*Firehouse 51: Chief's Office*

The owner was seated at his desk with Ana standing on his left while Matt and Kelly were seated in front of him.

"So something we want to keep you two abreast of." The older man began, glancing down at his folded hands. "The official government report from the mattress factory fire has been further delayed."

Kelly threw his head back in exasperation and Matt crossed his arms with a sigh.

"What the Hell is taking so long?" The Lieutenant wondered.

"They have four factory workers dead along with. . ." Ana swallowed. "Along with a firefighter, and there is some noise about disciplinary action."

"Against the CFD?" Kelly asked in disbelief.

"They're asking for clarification in my incident report. Sent me a whole bunch of questions." Chief explained.

"Anything more you need us to do?" The Lieutenant inquired.

"No." The older man shook his head. "We wait."

"For now." Ana added in a low mutter and Chief just rolled his eyes in response.

"So Casey." He prompted, eyeing the uncharacteristically silent Captain.

"Yes, Chief?" Matt replied.

"How's the search coming for the new firefighter for Truck 81?" The older man prodded.

"I'll know the right fit when I see it." The Captain shrugged.

"It's been three months." Chief pointed out.

"Yeah. I promise I'm looking." Matt assured.

"Okay." The older man nodded and his lips twitched up into a small smile. "Thank you."

The Captain gave him a smaller nod in returned a stood up, moving to leave the room. Kelly followed shortly after and Chief, without looking away from their retreating figures, tilted his head towards the brunette on his left.

"I'd tell you to keep an eye on Casey but we both know you already do." He murmured, feeling Ana place a hand on his shoulder in response.

She gave it a small squeeze and moved to catched up with the two men who were like sons to her.

"Hey, Matt!" The brunette called with a concerned expression as she closed the door behind her. "You okay?"

"They have our reports. They drag these things on at a snail's pace, not seeing or not caring that we have to keep reliving the call." He spat, bitterly, as they walked through the Bullpen.

"Nothing moves slower through the CFD than paperwork. It's the first thing I learned at the academy." Kelly shrugged.

"I guess." Matt conceded as they rounded a corner. "It's just-"

"Keep your chin up. Don't let these pencil pushers get to you." The Lieutenant encouraged as they slipped around another corner. "They'll get the report out, it'll get shoved in a file somewhere, and it's done."

Kelly made a slicing motion with his hand near his throat and ducked into the Common Room while Matt continued doen the Hallway. Or he would have, had Ana not let out a small sigh from behind him which made him turn to look at her.