𝗣 𝗬 𝗥 𝗢 𝗠 𝗔 𝗡 𝗜 𝗔 | BOOK THREE

T H R E E

[graham eaton]

The fire was two weeks ago, the students all confined to do their schoolwork at home while the school board tries to figure out where to put them while the school is rebuilt.

"Eaton," Chief Williams says. "Can you run this report over to the police? It's a report on the cause of the fire and any injuries or casualties sustained within the building."

I stand and walk in his direction.

"Which Eaton?" Atticus asks, leaning against the wall.

Chief Williams nods in my direction. I nod and take the large manilla envelope from him, tapping it against my hand.

"I've gotta head that way anyways, sir." I say.

He nods at me. I peel off my large firemen's jacket exposing just the t-shirt and fire pants, held up by a pair of large black suspenders. Atticus approaches me and adjusts his glasses.

"Any chance I can come with? I need a break." He says.

I nod and elbow him, smiling at my younger brother.

"Come on, wuss." I say. "But you're riding bitch."

We exit the building and walk to my motorcycle. We climb on, me in the driver's positing and Atticus begins me, avoiding touching me at all costs. I back out of my parking space and drive the short ten-minute drive to the police station. I park beside the Chief's parking space and climb off. We walk to the front door and walk into the building. We walk through the main room dedicated to homicide investigation and attempted homicide. I approach the Chief's office and knock on the door twice.

"Who is it?" He asks from within his office.

"We're with the Chicago Fire Department. I have a report here for you from Chief Williams about injuries and casualties sustained in the fire." I say, looking down at the envelope.

"Come on in," He says.

I take hold of the doorknob and step into his office, smiling at the man behind the desk.

"Hey Dad," I say. "How's work today?"

He stands from his seat and approaches me, his arms open wide for a hug.

"Graham, Atticus," He says, hugging me tightly, then Atticus. "You two boys are gonna get me killed. Your Mother is very jealous that you two never stop by to see her. You've gotta come home sometime so you three can talk."

We smile, nodding at our Father. The door opens and in walks another police officer, a dear friend of our Father's.

"Graham, Atticus, my boys!" He exclaims, slapping our backs firmly.

I spin around and hug him tightly, clapping his back with the palm of my hand. Atticus hugs him tightly too.

"Uncle Zeke, it's so good to see you. How's Aunt Shauna?" I ask.

He smiles and pats my shoulder twice, then slaps Atticus again.

"See, this is why she loves you two so much. Clean cut, strong, real gentlemen." He says.

"Don't forget handsome as the day is long." A woman says in the hallway. " The spitting image of their father."

Zeke steps out of the doorway allowing whoever speaks to see us now.

"Aunt Shauna," I say, pulling her into a tight hug. "You look just as beautiful as I remember."

She smacks my chest and laughs, then hugs Atticus.

"You're in the Police Department now Graham, no Lying." She says.

I laugh and shake my head.

"Honest, Shauna, you look ravishing." I say.

"And don't forget a total kiss-ass, too." Atticus says.

I slap him chest, receive a low grunt in reply, then turn back to my father. I hand my father the report from Chief Williams and a pen.

"Rory wants you to sign this. It's a list of casualties and injuries sustained in last week's fire." I say.

My father takes the list and scans over it quickly.

"Poor Liv," He says. "That burn is quite the doozy."

I nod. He signs the report and hands it back to me in the envelope.

"Says here that you've gotta get a doctor or nurse to sign this too," He says. "Go see your Mother, would you?"

I smile and wink at him.

"Only for you, Dad. Come on Atti, we're gonna go see Ma." I say.

I pat my Father's shoulder twice and smile at him.

"I'll stop by later tonight. Dinner at Joe's?" I ask.

He nods, smiling.

"Bring Atticus too." He says.

I nod, waving goodbye as we exit the precinct. I back out of the parking spot and drive to the hospital. The drive to the Hospital where our Mother works is a twenty minute drive from the precinct with traffic, but somehow, Dad always managed to make the drive in less than ten... Probably because he was always using his police siren. I drive into the parking lot and park beside a yellow Volkswagen slug bug and a red capped truck. I punch Atticus in the shoulder and laugh.

"Slugbug," I say. "Ooh, sucks to suck, don't it?"

He rolls his eyes and climbs off of the bike. I climb off and carry the manila envelope with me. We enter the ER where Mom works.

"Ma," I say. "I need your help with this form."

My mother turns her head, smiling at us.

"Hi, boys," She says, hugging each of us. "How's your knee, Graham?"

I shrug and rub it.

"It's fine, just agitated. Gotta wear a brace for the week to let it heal up, but then I'll be back to 100%." I say.

She exhales and shakes her head, signing the form for me.

"Do you think you could stop by and check on Livia? She's at a café downtown doing her class work with some friends." She says.

I smile and nod.

"Sounds good. That's up by the fire department anyway." I say. "I'll swing by on my way back to work."

She shoves my shoulder.

"I hate that devil bike you ride. Please tell me you wear your helmets at least." She says.

I nod.

"Of course. I may be stupid for riding one, but I'm not that stupid." I state.

Atticus's phone rings in his pocket.

"Shit. Graham, any chance you could drop me back off at the station before you go and check on Livia?" He asks.

I groan and nod.

"Fine. But it's your own fault that you're late." I say.