CAPPTAIN / Chicago Fire

Catch And Don't Release

Chapter 5

They rolled the Squad truck into Firehouse 51, parking next to Truck 81. Cruz was driving, as Tony had gone with Sylvie and Shay to Med. Ritter and Otis went too, along with Casey who'd also been knocked out during the collapse, though, it was nothing serious.

His entire body smelt of sewage. He was also down a shirt, only wearing his pants and fire jacket, bathed in murky water. Cruz and Severide didn't smell any better.

He lunged out of the firehouse, ready to sprint towards the showers before anyone else could call dibs. Truck 81 was dismounting, anxious to be cleaned too. He watched Stella lazily drop her gear on the floor with weary eyes. He didn't know her location when the flashover occurred, but he assumed it was near Casey.

Boden parked his car, slamming the driver's door behind him.

"Listen up Firehouse 51," Boden called, intervening with Capp's plan to hit the showers. "I know that was a tough call, but I am proud of hustling our asses down there to save three civilians. And I am happy that we only walked away with a few minor injuries."

Everyone nodded in agreement, Capp too, the only thing on his mind was some steaming water and the smell of body wash.

"And," Boden continued, "I've taken Firehouse 51 out of service. We will wrap up our shift by getting clean and then visiting Casey, Tony, Otis and Ritter at Med."

Another nod of agreement trickled through the crowd. Capp watched Severide clap Cruz on his shoulder, beaming with pride. Did he make another amazing save that Capp missed?

***

At Med, Squad surrounded Tony who was lying in a hospital bed. They had a maximum capacity rule in the smaller rooms, which Boden ordered not to break. The room felt sad, colourless and pitiful. Luckily, Tony was only staying for a night under observation.

"It's only a couple of cracked ribs, it's no big deal," he told them.

Severide nodded, "I'm glad to hear. Get better soon, we need you back on driving duty."

Dramatically offended, Cruz's jaw dropped open, "I think I did just fine!"

They all chuckled, Severide giving Tony a quick pat of motivation on his shoulder before exiting, followed by Cruz. Capp lingered behind, inspecting Tony's bed.

"Do you want some company?" Capp asked, staring into his best friend's eyes.

"No, no," Tony replied, waving his hands through the air. "Go home, get some rest. I'll be back before you know it. My nephew is coming to visit anyway."

"Alright," Capp agreed. "I'm going to check on Ritter, Otis and Casey. If you change your mind, give me a call."

He left the room, silently.

Ritter sat up in his hospital bed. Gallo, Hermann and Mouch crowded him, talking amongst themselves. They cleared a spot for Capp, welcoming him into the room.

"Capp!" Ritter exclaimed.

Capp rested on the end of his bed, studying Ritter's face. He looked energetic, almost restless with bright eyes.

Capp whispered, "You gave us a scare."

Ritter, rolling his eyes, sighed, "It was my fault."

"Nah, kid," Hermann cut in, rubbing Ritter's back. "From what I heard, you had no idea you were bleeding out."