#3 The Red, White and Chicago Blue

Chapter 16 "Trapped"

That night at the end of shift, Hannah was placing her radio back in the holder. She took out her ponytail holder and ruffled a hand through her hair.

"Hey kid, come here." Trudy said from behind the desk.

"Are you here to give me another lecture on why drinking is bad? Because if you are, I don't wanna hear it."

"I'm not here to give you a lecture, I'm here to tell you a story."

"About?"

"What your father was like when your mother was in that coma for five years."

"I really don't wanna hear anything about my mother."

"You are going to plant your ass in this chair and listen to me. Got it?"

"I'd like to get to Molly's, so can we make this quick?"

"I already told Mackenzie, Galina, Ember and Luke to not let you in there tonight."

"Why?!"

"Story time now. You were a new baby when this happened, so you wouldn't remember. Your mother was beaten so bad that she ended up in a coma for five years. What your father was like during those times, wasn't a pretty site. He was always late to work, he stayed up all night, he developed a heavy drinking problem and you and your brother lived with your grandparents for a while. Needless to say, your mother was pissed when she woke up and found that out. He spent some time in alcohol rehab, had to start counseling and almost quit his job. But when he realized how disappointed your mother, you and your brother would be, he stopped. He realized that drinking wasn't gonna solve his problems and it's certainly not gonna solve yours. The way he was during that time, who's to say he's not gonna turn into that again? He doesn't need a drinking buddy, he needs his daughter. You and him both need to make sure this doesn't happen. I care about you guys. I've cared about you like a granddaughter since before you were even born. I just don't wanna see anything bad happen to any of you."

"How would you feel about your life if your mother died?"

"My mother died ten years ago. I know what you're going through. You need to listen to all of us when we say that drinking won't solve your problems."

"I appreciate your concern, but I'm fine."

Adam was coming into view after leaving his office.

"Hey Ruzek, get over here."

"What is it?"

"You need to dog her ass until she listens to us. She's refusing to listen to anyone. We have to go with Plan B."

"What plan is that?"

She gave him a look.

"OH. That plan. I know what you're talking about, I'll get right on that."

Adam and Hannah headed out the door, him scolding her as they walked.

"Dad, I don't need alcohol rehab. I haven't had a drink in two weeks."

"You know how Jamie made you trip and fall today?"

"Yeah, what of it?"

"He took a sample of your blood and passed it to the lab. Your blood alcohol level was almost the legal limit. You came to work drunk! Do you know how stupid that is?!"

"Yeah it probably wasn't a smart choice, but I don't care anymore."

"I can't have my daughter come to work drunk every day. Do you know how badly the mayor would look down on this district? I can't have that."