Like Father Like Son

Chapter 2 Sean Ruzek

I had to sit in the car a few minutes before going inside, after dad died we didn't spend much time at the 21st, it killed my mother to even drive by the building. I knew Kaylee would be up, and I needed to hear her voice.

"Hello, Sean" Kaylee said into the phone, she knew how conflicted he had been. "How are you?"

I smiled, just the sound of her voice putting me at ease "I'm still in my car, I don't know if I can do this" I lifted the necklace that had both my dad and uncle's replica badges and brought them to my lips.

"Babe, you know you got this"

"I'm glad you think so. Shit, I'm going to be late if I don't get inside"

"I love you Sean"

"I love you too" it's to the point I have to jog across the parking lot to make sure I'm not late. So many images flash through my head, I used to love meeting dad here, even Uncle Sean. I have to shake those thoughts out of my head, never did I think this would be so difficult.

They had a memorial stone put in shortly after dad's funeral, I could never bring myself to see it, and it catches my eye. It's absolutely beautiful, and I need to make sure my mother sees it.

As I step in the door, I feel like the wind is being knocked out of me it's almost like stepping back in time.

"Sean, come here" I hear Aunt Trudy call out from behind her desk, I don't think she'll ever retire.

"What a sight for sore eyes, how's mom?"

That's the million dollar question these days, they always say time heals all wounds that doesn't seem to apply to her "she's okay, some days are worse than others"

"What about Adam, he still getting into trouble?"

"Yes, not sure what to do with him" it's frustrating, he was such a good kid but now it's like he wants to see how much he can get away with "he's been suspended again, he doesn't listen to anyone"

"You want me to have a talk with him?"

"Its worth a shot, I better get upstairs"

"Hey Sean?"

"Yea?"

"I'm proud of you"

"Thanks Aunt, I mean Sarge"

I pause at the top of the steps, the bullpen hadn't changed much, aside from Uncle Hank and Uncle Al, the rest of the unit is the same. They have a picture of my dad hanging up, I reach up and touch it. I used to do the same thing when I was in school, after Matt died the coach hung his picture up, for whatever reason touching that picture before a game seemed to help.

My heart is in my throat when I notice the only empty desk is in the same spot as where my dad used to sit, "Atwater, that mine?" I point at it, unsure if I am able to sit in that same spot.

"Yea, unless it's too much, we can switch I don't mind" I can see a hint of sadness in his eyes.

"You know what? I think this will work" it's almost comforting in a weird way to be sitting here, in this spot that my dad held for so many years.

"Just say the word Ruzek"

"Thanks"

"It's nice having another Ruzek in here, this place is too quiet"

It's funny, the same could be said for my mother's house, the laughter leaving the day my dad died, I'm hoping some day it finds it way back.