Unexpected 6: Street's #1 Fan

Chapter 3: Twenty minus 2

"Officer Alonso, Chief Vargas is ready for you." the secretary called. Chris trembled in her boots, even though in the exterior she was as cool as the other side of the pillow.

Truth was she was still scheduled to follow therapy and physical conditioning, but the bureau wasn't going to wait any longer. This morning's text was a direct order from the Chief's office, which meant there was no way to skip this. Even if hospitalized, she needed to contact them immediately. She took a very deep, deep breath, and exhaled thoroughly... There was no going back now!

Palms sweaty, body shivering, she took small step after small step as she approached the closed door with the words POLICE CHIEF VARGAS. She stretched her arm so her hand touched the doorknob, ready for her fate. Her whole life relied on this moment. Her family, her career, Jim, her kid, her life...everything she knew! One more movement, the turning of the knob, and it was it...time to face fate!

Back at HQ...

Jim, give me a call urgently. We caught two huge breaks in Rubio's case. Call me asap

Street was overwhelmed with excitement because even though the text he read wasn't from Chris, who he dreaded was facing one of the toughest moments in her life alone, it was the second person he was waiting for with good news. Alex Sanchez, his counselor. The only issue he had was that Hicks had called everyone back to the main room for an urgent meeting right then and there. He had to wait to call Alex...darn it!

"Alright everyone listen up. Two blows to one our units, as Chris has been called to the Chief's office and Hondo was recalled by the bureau's doc for not meeting standards to return to full duty." the sound of astonishment by some officers made Hicks paused, as many looked at each other surprised and scared. "The shot he took to the shoulder wrecked his balance and strength in that side, so he's  going to need more treatment and time to heal. He was sent to the medical center just a couple of minutes ago. As you may expect, he is furious and sends his deepest regards in the form of many words that I shouldn't say in this arena." he paused as some officers smirked and others giggled. "Deacon?"

"Yes, sir." he immediately answered, dreading being placed in command. Any other day he would be excited and ready for action, but today he had too much on his mind.

"Without your team leader and your best sniper, you're going to have to do magic. Street, Tan, Luca? Time to step up, men!" all three nodded in excitement, as the rest of the room stared down at them.

What Hicks didn't know was that all three men had their heads somewhere else. Street's brain was split in parts, worrying about his family. Tan was struggling with the nerves of having his brother and his family visit that night. On the other hand, Luca was still working things out with Terry, who this morning got into it with him. The argument got pretty intense, with both brothers slamming doors on each other.

Their interim leader wasn't all that relaxed either, for he was still working through therapy for Lila and family sessions scheduled by his in laws to help the kids deal with the carryovers of the events of last week with the kidnapping of the officers and the mess Sanchez made, not to mention the drive by shooting a couple of years ago. Tory couldn't sleep well, Mathew has closed up even more, Sammy is constantly texting to check on him and Lila is still working her issues with Emily. The good news was that therapy was actually helping his oldest daughter, who successfully completed the therapy for suicidal victims and was slowly opening up to her parents and talking a bit more. He also promised to reinstate their Friday ice scream dates, which to his surprise she agreed to immediately. 

"Detective Valley will catch you up with the latest. Let's get to it!" said Hicks, as the group dispersed.

Far away from HQ, in the medical facilities of the police bureau...

"Baby, how you feeling?" Nichelle said as she rushed in

"Nichelle, babe. You didn't have to come. I'm fine. These docs making a show outta nothin'" said Hondo annoyed. He had been lying down in the cart with IV pumping through his veins for the last hour or so. 

"Baby, you're not ok!" Nichelle said trying to remain calm. She knew how hard headed her man could be. She still remembered how terrified she was riding with him in the ambulance after the disaster in the hotel, some days ago. It was one of the scariest moments in her life. She figured it wouldn't be a good idea to tell him the good news now, it was more important for him to get better. Once home, she could sit down with him and tell him. Besides, she wanted to be one hundred percent sure. She planned to go to her appointment first, and get the doctor's explanation. However, none of this will matter if Hondo is lying on a bed, dehydrated and refusing to get treated.

"Baby!" he complained raising his head of the pillow

"I don't wanna hear it." she said as she gently, but sternly, moved his head back to rest on the pillow, "You are always playing tough guy, Hondo. It's time for you to step back and take care of yourself, honey. Think about us, I don't wanna be alone in that big ol' house. Plus, your parents are worried about you. Darryll and Leroy have been asking me about you.", she paused as she felt the knot in her throat, "Why aren't you taking your meds? What happened to your physicals? How are you reporting to SWAT when you just survived getting shot? Babe, c'mon!" the more she talked the more annoyed the SWAT officer became

"Baby, they're exaggerating. It hurt for a couple of minutes, but with some stitches I would've been fine. I don' need none of this, baby. I'm serious."

"Well, you're getting it...coz if you wont take care of yourself for you, then you'll do it for me!"

"Hold up, don I get a saying in this?"

"No!" she said sternly. "You gonna rest and do the damn therapy, Hondo! Stop messing around! The doc had to remove fragments of bullets from your shoulders, baby! This is serious-" she paused because she just couldn't continue. The knot in her throat, the tears in her eyes, the horrible image of him in a hospital bed...it was just too much!

"Baby, it's ok! I'll stay, ok?" he raised his head, as he moved his hands to cope them together with hers.  She sobbed quietly, as tears came running down her face.

"I'm scared, Hondo! I need you!" she said slowly, teary red eyes and all.

Back at HQ...

"Yo, Deacon, what's going on, man?" Hondo greeted as he caught Deacon going for his car. The interim leader had just sent Luca and Street to a brothel a couple of miles from the third car jacking reported. Detective Valley believed the owner had information about the stolen goods. Meanwhile, he was heading to the offices of the detective where they had a witness that wanted to present a statement. The detective insisted on waiting for SWAT for interrogation, thinking the pressure might get the witness to speak more. After all, the young lady had not come willingly.

"Hondo? How are you feeling?" Deacon asked as he opened the car door and sat in the driver's seat

"Like crap. Nichelle's still sobbing, the doc wont release me, my shoulder feels like a million tons, and I'm bored as hell. How does that sound, partner?" Hondo answered annoyed

Deacon smirk, as he placed the keys in and turned on the ignition. "Like you haven't changed a bit, man. Why'd you skipped the physicals anyway?"

"Coz I didn't wanna be stuck here. I hate hospitals. You know I need to get my my mind off stuff...with my job."

"Well, that didn't work out, did it now?"

"Damn, man!" he paused lamenting his situation, "C'mon, do a brother a favor and just catch me up. Even if I can't be on the field!"

"Alright, but only if you promise to finish the whole program." Deacon said as he stood still behind the wheel, waiting for his partner's answer.

"C'mon, man. I already got my girl on my ass. Not you too!" complained the injured officer

"Hondo!" Deacon called in a scolding tone

"Damn, D. You gonna play me like that?" Hondo was hurt his own teammate doubted his commitment. Deacon knew him too well!

"After watching you getting shot? Yes!" Deacon immediately responded as he swerved out of the parking lot.

"Aight, fine. I'll finish the meds and whatever the crazy doc says. Now, can you catch me up, bruh?"