Danger Zone (File One of The First Responders Files)

Chapter Thirty-Five

Maddie arrives in Austin, Squad learns something from Nancy, MRI magnets and gurneys do not mix, neither do MRI magnets and metal on AFD uniforms, an attempt to help Tommy goes terribly wrong, and Squad is determined to make a statement.

And if it seems like I'm leaving stuff out of the summary because of how long this chapter is? I definitely am because I am so proud of the end of this chapter, I don't want to spoil anything.

Enjoy "Displaced!"

***

"And . . . how did you manage this?" Maddie asked in amusement as she swung her carry-on over her shoulder.

"Well," Bobby shrugged, removing her suitcase from the back of the battalion vehicle. "Being the captain has its perks. I just said there was somewhere important I needed to be."

Maddie's eyebrows shot up. "So you stole it."

Bobby snorted. "I borrowed it."

Maddie laughed as they walked into the airport. "Thank you for this, Bobby," she said appreciatively. "I asked around if anyone could drop me off, but it's a busy day for everyone, apparently."

"Now, who told you that, Buckette?" Athena's voice asked up ahead, and Maddie stopped in her tracks, eyes wide when she saw the police sergeant fold her arms.

"Well," Josh smiled sheepishly, May giggling behind him. "Everyone who wanted to surprise her at the airport."

"Including those who had to make sure they could fit this run in before work," Taylor agreed, Ana giving a shy smile.

Maddie looked from person to person, jaw open. "I think we broke her," May laughed.

"I don't know what to say," Maddie stammered.

"No need to say anything, Buckette," Athena smiled, stepping forward and giving her a hug. "You just be safe in Austin, you hear me?"

"You got it," Maddie smiled, hugging the woman who was more of a mother to her and Buck than their actual mother.

May bounced forward next, hugging Maddie tightly. "Thanks for teaching me everything," she said.

"You're welcome, May," Maddie squeezed her. "Keep an eye on Josh for me, alright?"

"I will."

Maddie raised an eyebrow at Josh. "That means you keep an eye on May, got it?"

"I got it," Josh agreed, holding his arms out.

Maddie hugged her friend tightly, closing her eyes. "And thank you for teaching me," she whispered.

"You're a natural, Maddie," Josh blinked tears out of his eyes. "Do us proud in Austin."

She merely nodded, then turned to the two women she never expected to have as friends. "I can't even begin to thank the two of you for everything after Buck left," she sniffed, tears in her eyes.

"You can start with a hug," Taylor hinted.

Maddie let out a watery laugh, hugging Taylor and Ana at the same time. "Thank you for being my friends," she whispered.

Taylor smiled into her hair. "You're welcome."

"Stay in contact, please?" Ana asked, smiling kindly at her. "For any reason at all."

"Absolutely," Taylor agreed. "Even if you just need a virtual girls' night."

"I will definitely do so," Maddie nodded.