#3 The Red, White and Chicago Blue

Chapter 14 "What Lies Ahead"

In the weeks that have passed since Kim's passing, things weren't exactly what you would call "okay". In fact, things were taking a turn for the worst. Ashley was rarely seen at work anymore. She still showed up, but kept herself locked in the computer room and never said a word to anyone. Brayden had many sleepless nights and often showed up to work late. Hannah stopped talking all together, fearing that even talking would bring back memories of her mother. She began hanging out at Molly's a lot more often than she used to. She was the once a week bar visitor, now she was the every night kind of visitor. Lunchtime that day, she walked in and sat down at the bar.

"What are you doing here?" Christopher asked her.

"I'll take a few tequila shots."

"You can't keep doing this to yourself. What would your mother think?"

"I wouldn't know, she's dead." She laid her head on the counter.

"I know you're hurting, but you can't keep doing this to yourself. This isn't what your mother wanted for you."

"Well how else am I supposed to grieve?"

"Losing a parent is hard, kid. Believe me, I know what you're going through. Let me tell you, it's not easy. But do you think she would want to see you this way? No she wouldn't. You need to get out there and make her proud."

"I can't even go into the district without looking over at her office. It's been turned into one big memorial for her. I dread the day someone takes her spot."

"Someday, someone will. I don't think they're planning to do it just yet. But it's been six weeks, they're probably looking for a replacement."

"I'll do it."

"You have to be at least thirty six."

"Can't they bend the rules for me a little? I mean, my father is the captain and my aunt is the commissioner."

"They would love to, but they can't."

"But my dad has say as to who has what position over there."

"He may, but he also has to follow the rules or lose his job."

"I guess you're right..."

"I'm not serving you alcohol while you're on duty. Get back to the district and come back when you're not on duty. Okay?" He said, trying to be helpful as possible.

"Okay...fine." She got off the stool and walked back out to her car. She drove back into the district and when she walked in, there was a big black strip over the flag on the front desk.

"Every time I look at you, I see the ambitious and determined officer that your mother was." Trust said when she walked in, trying not to show emotion.

"Thank you, Trudy. It means a lot coming from you."

"It won't be easy, but we'll all get through it together."

"I miss her..." She looked down and tears began to fall.

"I know. We all do." Trudy pulled her into a tight hug and then pulled back. "Justin says put these on." She placed a mourning badge strip in her hand. Hannah was still crying, so Trudy placed the patch over her star.

When she went outside, Jamie was already sitting in the patrol car.

"Hey..." He said softly.