And here comes "Rattle Second City!" Obviously we're gonna be very Chicago-focused right now, especially since I have a few episodes to get through before I even think about starting the next 9-1-1 series, so hang onto your seats, guys. Look at it this way . . . you get Sylverasey galore!

The 118 eavesdrops, 51 meets their new paramedic, Sylvie is cool as a cucumber, two of her boys are not impressed, and she gets thrown a curveball. In other words, a typical Chicago Fire episode. XD

Enjoy!

***

"Where's Buck?" Bobby looked over the loft area as he finished making omelets for the incoming crew.

"He was in the locker room with me," Eddie frowned, checking his watch, then his phone. "He usually follows me up."

"I think I heard his phone rang after I finished inventory on the ambulance," Chimney piped up from where he was lounging against the pinball machine.

Bobby nodded in acknowledgement. "Wonder who called him," Eddie grabbed the silverware and napkins for them.

"Maddie's on shift today, so it couldn't have been her," Chimney shrugged.

"Oh, come on," Hen scowled. "Surely you guys don't think Buck doesn't have any friends except for us?"

"I'm with Hen on this," Eddie agreed. "My parents and I aren't on the best terms, but that doesn't mean there aren't people back in Texas I'm still occasionally in contact with."

"And I've started getting in contact with a few of my med school classmates, and I know I haven't introduced them to y'all," Hen snorted.

"OK, I get it," Chimney raised his hands. "No need to bite."

" . . . need to be nervous?" Four heads swiveled to the staircase as Buck jogged up, phone pressed to his ear as he fastened his watch around his wrist. Buck waited for a few moments, then snorted. "From what you've said, every partner you've had has gone on to do amazing things . . . well, except Chili or Borelli. I don't like either of them that much, just so you know. As a former cocky probie, I know that wouldn't end well . . . and frankly, Chili sounds like while she was a good paramedic, she was – pardon my language – a bitch." Bobby's eyebrows shot up, but Buck didn't seem to realize he was being watched. "Come on, girl, one of your former partners is a successful relief worker in Puerto Rico and another is on her way to medical school. Who wouldn't want to work with you?"

Eddie turned to look at Hen, surprised by that last part of the conversation. She was listening more intently, and Chimney seemed to be grinning. "This is interesting," he smirked.

"OK, hey, listen to me," Buck put one hand on his hip, glaring at some spot in thin air. "You have gone into some of the worst fires in the business. You have been a paramedic at that house for years. You have the respect of everyone in your house, and it sounds like you have the respect from officers at one of the pickiest, more uptight houses in the city. You're kind, you're gorgeous . . . hell, how many people in the past two years have you somehow had a hand in putting behind bars?" Bobby straightened at that, and Buck snorted. "Yeah, you win compared to everyone in my firehouse combined. You're a badass, and you're going to turn your new partner into a badass, too. So you start that shift, you meet the new girl, give her your best welcome ever, and the two of you rock that shift like it's the last one you'll ever have."

Bobby had completely abandoned pretending not to listen, and Eddie leaned against the counter, arms folded and listening to Buck with a small smile on his face. "Like captain, like firefighter," he couldn't help but say.

"What?" Bobby looked at Eddie, startled.

"Cap, have you heard the speeches you make?" Eddie grinned. "Buck got it from you."

Bobby blinked in surprise, then Buck barked in laughter. "Yeah, I know. I'm awesome, and you are lucky you met me." He scoffed. "Yeah, go and meet your new partner, princess. Have a good shift." He took his phone away from his ear and tapped on the screen. He snorted loudly, then seemed to realize how quiet it was in the loft. He slowly looked up and around. "Uh . . . good morning?" he tried meekly.

"Good morning to you, too," Hen snickered.

"Girlfriend?" Chimney cut right to the chase.

"My – " Buck pinched the bridge of his nose. "Chim, I literally just saw the woman I was in love with for months after she started ghosting me. Do you really think I'm in any shape to be dating right now?" Hen reached over from her perch on the couch to smack Chimney on the back of his head, making the man yelp. "Thanks, Hen."

"You're welcome, Buck."

"For the record, even though it really isn't your business," Buck put his phone in his pocket and folded his arms, "that was the paramedic I met at the train derailment. Her former partner is in med school now, and her new partner starts today. She's had five partners during her time at her current firehouse, so I gave her a little pep talk."

"That's great of you, Buck," Bobby smiled proudly.

"Thanks," Buck smiled shyly, taking the plate handed to him. "To be fair, this paramedic is also best friends with crazy firefighters who sometimes take on arsonists by themselves, so . . . "

"Sounds like Athena would like them," Hen remarked.

"Or arrest them," Buck snickered.

"Always possible," Bobby smirked.

"So when do we get to meet this new paramedic friend of yours?" Chimney raised an eyebrow.

Buck hummed thoughtfully. "Depends, how long do you want to drive or fly to Chicago?"

Bobby snorted. "We're a little busy."

"Exactly."

"You sound like you want to keep her for yourself," Eddie raised an eyebrow.

Buck held out his arms in exasperation. "Well, considering it seems like everyone thinks my only friends and family are in this house and anyone else must be a girlfriend, can you blame me?"

"Not everyone thinks that, Buck," Hen shot Chimney a glare.

He flung his hands up in defeat, and Buck slumped, dropping into his chair at the table. "I guess I'm just worried for her, too," he admitted, and Eddie sat next to him comfortingly. "Our jobs are dangerous, but the house she's at . . . well, they get into trouble more often than not."

"Then we'll hope the day goes well for her," Bobby clapped a hand on his shoulder. "And we'll leave the topic alone unless you bring it up again."

"Yeah, Christopher said he saw you happy talking about your new friends," Eddie added his support. "I want to know more about them, obviously, but it's OK to be selfish about new friends." He grinned. "Christopher definitely was when you became his best friend and his favorite person."

Just like that, Buck's mood shifted. "Oh, I'm his favorite?" he grinned teasingly.

"Yeah," Eddie rolled his eyes. "Over his own dad. My ego still hasn't recovered."

Buck laughed, digging into his omelet. "I'm gonna hold that over you for so long, man."

Eddie gave Chimney a smirk at the successful topic diversion. "You wish."

***

"The most important word to Firehouse 51 is community," Boden told the young woman sitting in front of his desk next to his PIC. "This is a neighborhood house. When this community calls, we respond. When it raises its hand, we pull it to its feet. So it isn't good enough just to show up to this house on time, punch in, and punch out at the end of your shift. I expect you to become a part of the lifeblood of this community. 'Cause we, as a family – "

He was interrupted by the door bursting open, and Joe practically fell into the office, panting harshly. "Am I late?" he asked, then wilted when the young woman looked at him with wide eyes. "Oh, damn it." Sylvie looked Joe up and down in concern, blocking Kelly's quiet snicker out. "I hit a pothole on West Harrison and I blew a tire. I got it changed, but then I had to park, like, two blocks down on Racine."

"What were you saying about showing up on time, Chief?" Kelly asked innocently

"Mmhmm," Boden raised an eyebrow.

That time, it was Matt who made a muffled snort, and as sneakily as she could, Sylvie blindly kicked with her foot. She saw him wince out of the corner of her eye, and she smirked in glee. "I'm so sorry," Joe gulped. "I'm so sorry."

"It's OK," the new paramedic giggled.

Joe sighed, leaning on her chair. "Chief, you met Gianna. Gianna, this is the Chief. I, uh . . . I was supposed to – "

Gianna cleared her throat. "Is Joe's tiredness gonna affect your perception of me? Because, you know, I would – yeah, I would definitely deny knowing him."

"Too late," Matt smirked. "Cruz already told us you grew up on the same block."

Gianna closed her eyes in defeat. "Damn."

And just because she knew it would make her new best friends proud, Sylvie leaned back in her chair and smiled. "Yeah, it's best we found out your association with this scoundrel before we were in too deep."

Kelly barked in laughter, then coughed to try and hide it. "Guilty," Gianna admitted. "But just so you know, the whole neighborhood was well aware of the Cruz brothers. You know, the words 'stay away' on every mother's lips."

"Hey!" Joe whined, smacking her in the shoulder and gesturing to Boden.

She fidgeted, ducking her head. "Excuse me."

"Gianna Mackey," Boden chuckled and looked at Sylvie. She smiled widely, and Boden nodded, turning back to Gianna. "Looks like you're gonna fit right in. Welcome to Ambulance 61."

Gianna beamed. "Thank you, Chief."

Boden nodded, then glowered at Joe, who froze with wide eyes. "Dismissed."

Joe scurried out of the office, and Gianna was right behind him. "Guess Squad just got another honorary little sister," Matt chuckled.

"Nah," Kelly shook his head. "That's just Joe. I don't think Capp and Tony will want to share. No offense, Sylvie."

"None taken," she grinned, causing Boden to chuckle as she stood up. "I will take all the attention from them I can get."

"Get out of here, you three," Boden waved them away.

Sylvie led the way out, feeling like she could jump up and down. "She seems cool, huh?" she asked, though she knew both men had seen Gianna's résumé.

"Definitely more cool in real life and not on paper," Kelly nodded in agreement.

"She's one lucky medic to have you as a partner," Matt smiled.

Sylvie preened at the compliment, leaning into Matt's side. "Thank you, Matt Casey."

Matt chuckled, bumping her shoulder with his. "How's Foster doing at Northwestern?"

"Loving it," Sylvie grinned. "Remote learning was an option if it was better for her, but of course it's Emily, so she's not only in person, but also volunteering in an infectious diseases unit."

Matt smirked. "Sounds like her."

"Yep," Sylvie nodded. "That's her."

"Was that who you were on the phone with earlier?" Kelly asked casually.

Sylvie abruptly turned to look at Kelly, her hair almost hitting Matt in the face. "Is someone eavesdropping on me?" she raised an eyebrow.

"No," Kelly shook his head. "Capp heard you making the call when he was getting coffee. He said you sounded worried about Mackey starting."

Sylvie sighed, rubbing a hand over her forehead. "I just needed a pep talk from someone not in the house. That's all."

"Hey," Matt rubbed her back. "This is going to go well, Sylvie. I have a good feeling about her."

Sylvie smiled warmly. "Yeah. I do, too."

The bells rang above them, then made the first call of the day. "Ambulance 61. Man down from unknown causes."

Kelly squeezed her hand. "Go get 'em, Sylv."

Sylvie squeezed back and leaned into Matt's one-armed hug, then ran for the common room. She burst past Gianna, who gave Joe a hug, and past Stella. "Rock it, Brett!" Capp bellowed from his spot at the squad table, Tony giving two thumbs up.

Sylvie returned them as she climbed into the driver's seat, Gianna appearing a few seconds later in the passenger's seat. "Ready?" she asked.

"More than," Gianna gushed, eyes alight.

Sylvie nodded, turning the sirens on. "Let's go."

***

Sylvie pulled the ambulance over on the street, then jumped out of the rig. Gianna opened the back doors, and she and Sylvie reached for the bag at the same time. Gianna blushed, then switched to grab the folding chair. "Sorry," she apologized.

Sylvie smiled reassuringly at her, grabbing the bag and slinging it onto her back. She unlocked the gate and walked up to the apartment door, knocking. "CFD paramedics!" she called. No one responded, and she gave Gianna a worried look. She shrugged, then Sylvie opened the door and walked down the hall. She turned the corner and found a man collapsed on the couch. She took one look at the needle in a glass nearby, and she sighed. "Looks like an OD," she said, dropping her bag and walking over to the man. "Get the Narcan ready."

"OK," Gianna nodded, unzipping the bag.

"Sir?" Sylvie gently shook the man. "Can you hear me?" The man remained quiet, and she sighed. "He's unresponsive." She peeled back one of his eyelids and leaned in closer to look. "Pupils are constricted, pulse is faint. OK, we gotta – "

The click of a gun made her freeze, and next to her, Gianna squeaked softly. "If he dies, you die," a man growled behind them.

Sylvie swallowed hard, feeing the barrel of the gun hit the back of her head. "Put the gun down," she said softly.

"Fix him!" the man yelled.

Sylvie took the needle from Gianna, then slowly stood and rotated to face the gunman. "We can't do anything until you put the gun down," she said.

"I'll shoot her!" the gunman shouted, aiming at Gianna and making her flinch. "You think I give a damn? That's my brother! He – he doesn't deserve this!"

"OK," Sylvie licked her lips, thinking quickly. "Just calm down."

"Bitch, if you don't fix him, I swear to God, I will kill both of you!"

Sylvie narrowed her eyes as the man aimed at Gianna's head again. "Hey," she told him. "Point that gun back at me."

The gunman hesitated, but a gurgle from his brother made him aim back at Sylvie. "Fix him!"

"OK," Sylvie nodded, turning around. "OK." She kneeled by the OD-ing man, and he looked at Gianna, nodding reassuringly. Gianna nodded shakily, and Sylvie uncapped the needle, inserting it into the man's arm. She administered the shot, then capped the needle again. "Narcan's in. Let's secure his airway."

"OK," Gianna nodded, taking the needle and moving to insert the nasal tube. "It's in."

Sylvie put her stethoscope on and checked the man's heartbeat. After a few moments, she shook her head. "He's still apneic."

"What's that mean?" the gunman demanded.

"Hey, listen," Sylvie turned her head as much as she could. "We can't treat him here. He's not responding to the Narcan. We have to take him to the hospital."

"No," the man instantly shook his head.

"Yes," Sylvie insisted. "We don't have enough Narcan to work on him here. He is going to die, you hear me?" The gunman clenched his teeth, and Sylvie lost her patience. "I don't care what you do. We're taking him to the ambulance. Come on, Mackey. Let's go. In the chair on three" Gianna scrambled to her feet as Sylvie grabbed the chair and unfolded it. "Move," she snapped at the gunman. "Move!" He stumbled back, and Sylvie and Gianna moved to the man down. "One, two, three!" They transferred him quickly, and Sylvie scooped up their supplies as Gianna hurried the man down to the ambulance. Sylvie rushed after her, opening the doors and helping Gianna push the chair up. "You treat him, I'll drive," she ordered. Gianna quickly nodded, hopping up into the ambulance. "Back up," Sylvie ordered the brother, who tried to scramble in after them. "Back up!" She slammed the doors shut, then pointed at the gunman as she headed for the driver's side. "OK, if you want to see your brother, he'll be at Chicago Med."

She jumped into the ambulance and revved the engine, driving off and setting the sirens going. She checked the mirror next to her, seeing the gunman sprint after them, gun still raised. She watched tensely, one hand on her radio, increasing her speed to get away. The gunman finally stopped in the middle of the street, chest heaving, eyes glaring after them.

She sighed in relief, pressing the radio. "Dispatch, this is Ambulance 61 en route to Chicago Med."

"Copy, Ambulance 61," the response came, and Sylvie let her hands relax on the wheel, continuing to drive.

***

"I just got word from headquarters." Kelly looked up from his desk as Boden walked into the room, leaning in the doorframe. "Squad 3 has been designated guinea pigs to test out new equipment."

Kelly raised an eyebrow. "And?" he prodded, waiting for the punchline.

Boden smirked. "They want you to give up your next couple of Saturdays, test out the equipment in front of white shirts at the academy."

Kelly groaned, leaning back in his chair and pinching the bridge of his nose. One of those Saturdays had already been booked for him, Matt, and Sylvie to visit Navy Pier for the first time in months. The other one he was certain Sylvie wanted to visit Amelia. "It's such a waste of a weekend," he grumbled. "When's the last time CFD bought any new technology, Chief?"

"Mine is not to question the infinite wisdom of headquarters," Boden sighed. "Mine is to cross off one more item off this to-do list, which stretches over five pages long." He waved his clipboard, then looked at Kelly expectantly. "So?"

"Uh . . . " Kelly trailed off.

"Thank you," Boden grinned, heading out.

Kelly sighed, turning back to his desk. "There go those plans," he muttered, checking his paperwork. His phone buzzed, and absentmindedly, he checked his newest text.

Jay: Heads up from Will – 61's call was a 10-1.

Kelly stared at his phone, then bolted out of his office. "Casey!"

***

Sylvie backed the ambulance into the garage, neither she nor Gianna saying a word. When she exited her side, she saw Kelly walking over, Matt jogging after him. "Hey," Kelly looked her up and down worriedly. "We heard you had a 10-1?"

"Yeah," Sylvie nodded, running a hand through her hair. "OD lying on the couch. We go to give him Narcan and then out of nowhere, his brother points a gun at the back of my head."

"What?" Matt balked.

"She handled it, though," Gianna smirked, heading past them. "Cool as a cucumber."

Kelly turned back to Sylvie, seeing her lick her lips and play with her hands. He knew Sylvie; this was not "cool as a cucumber." "You all right?" he asked gently.

"Yeah," Sylvie sighed. "I mean, that guy definitely went into my top ten scary, but we were out of there before he could do anything."

"Jay was the one to give me the heads up," Kelly folded his arms. "What did CPD say?"

Sylvie shrugged helplessly. "They took a statement."

"I'll call Burgess," Matt volunteered. "See what she knows."

"Thanks," Sylvie smiled weakly.

Matt nodded, walking off. Sylvie slumped where she stood, and Kelly turned to her. "Want some Squad time?" he offered, gesturing to where Capp and Tony were in an argument about something.

The corners of her lips quirked up. "I could use that."

***

Cocker Spaniel: Guess who got a gun pointed at her head.

Cocker Spaniel: Again.

TK almost dropped his phone. "Excuse me?!" he shouted.

Owen looked up from his video call with Olivia, frowning worriedly. "TK?"

"Hang on," he walked over, punching the call button next to Sylvie's name.

She picked up immediately. "That wasn't what I expected you to do," she sighed.

"Sorry, I read 'gun pointed at your head' and worried," TK scowled, putting her on speaker.

"Wait, what?" Owen shot up straight, and Olivia leaned forward, too.

"Am I on speaker?" Sylvie demanded.

"Yeah, sorry," TK said sheepishly. "You already know my dad. He's on a video call with Olivia Benson, she's a captain with the NYPD. Special Victims Unit."

Sylvie hummed. "I know that name, too."

"Probably because you know Intelligence," Olivia said. "Sylvie Brett, I assume?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"None of that," Olivia snorted. "Stone would never let me hear the end of it."

" . . . Stone?" Sylvie repeated. "As in Peter Stone?"

Olivia grinned. "You owe him a phone call, Brett."

"Yeah, apparently I do," she sighed.

"Anyway," TK glared at his phone. "Gun?"

"And Mackey's first call, too," Sylvie confirmed. "Guy OD-ed on his couch, and as we were treating him, his brother put a gun to my head."

"Oh, God," Owen swallowed hard.

"How did that end?" Olivia asked, narrowing her eyes.

"We got the guy to Chicago Med, they're treating him now. Not sure what happened to the brother."

Olivia hummed thoughtfully. "Keep your eyes open, Brett. Sounds like this guy is a lunatic."

"Just my luck, it seems," Sylvie said dryly. "Or Chicago's."

"Or your trio's," TK pointed out.

Sylvie snorted. "Guess it was about time I found trouble on my own and not with Matt and Kelly."

Owen sighed. "You must give Wallace heart attacks with how often you get into trouble."

Sylvie giggled. "One day, probably." They heard something on her end, and Sylvie sighed. "Chief needs me for something. Thanks for letting me check in, TK."

"Any time, princess," TK promised.

A huff came from her. "I'll kick your ass next time I see you for that. Nice talking again, Owen."

"You, too, Sylvie," Owen nodded.

"And nice to technically meet you, Captain Benson."

"Nice to hear you, Sylvie," Olivia smiled.

"Stay safe, Sylvie," TK said.

"I will."

The call disconnected, and Olivia nodded. "I'll probably sic Peter on her."

Owen grinned. "Please let me watch."

TK sighed. "She's dating the man, Dad."

Owen choked as Olivia burst out laughing. "TK!"

***

Matt looked at his sandwich in surprise, then turned as Kelly stormed out of the bunkroom. "Hey," he began.

"I get Stella's passion for this program, I really do," the lieutenant cut across him. "But if I have to hear one more thing from her or Seager about the brass . . . "

"Things not going well with Girls on Fire?" Matt asked.

"More like Girls on Ice," Kelly leaned against the counter. "She's so focused on this being oriented around women in the CFD, so I don't get why she's complaining to me."

Matt raised an eyebrow. "You want her to talk to Sylvie about it?"

Kelly grimaced. "Good point." He examined the plate of sandwiches on the counter. "What're these?"

"Turkey, Swiss, and pear," Matt answered. "And really good." He turned around, looking at Ritter and Gallo, who were sitting at the table with their own sandwiches. "Were these you two?" he asked as Kelly plucked a sandwich from the platter.

"Not us, Cap," Gallo shook his head.

Matt frowned, walking out of the common room to see Gianna wave farewell to Joe. "Mackey," he pointed, making Kelly walk out. "Are you the one that made these?"

Gianna blushed. "Maybe?"

Matt smirked. "We'll make sure Brett keeps you."

Gianna laughed, then Boden walked around the corner, a stony look on his face. "Where's Brett?" he asked.

"Hang on," Kelly disappeared.

Matt frowned. "Everything alright, Chief?"

Boden just sighed, waiting until Kelly returned with Sylvie. "I just got word from Chicago Med," he said. "That overdose that you took in this morning? Unfortunately, his heart gave out. They couldn't revive him." Gianna's eyes widened, and Matt turned to look at Sylvie, who stared at Boden. "CPD are gonna swing by, give us an update on that brother that threatened you."

***

A startled yelp from Buck made Eddie pause in checking his locker, and he turned to see Buck stare at his phone in horror. "All good?" he asked, shutting the door.

Buck jumped at the sound. "Uh, yeah," he cleared his throat. "Yeah, I'm good. It's just . . . " He waved his phone. "Remember I said that Chicago house gets into trouble?"

"Oh, no," Eddie gulped. "What happened?"

Buck laughed bitterly. "First call the ambulance took . . . and they got a crazy brother pointing a gun at them and telling them to save his OD-ing brother. He didn't make it."

Eddie sighed, shaking his head. "That can't end well."

***

"THE OD was a man named Paul Halleck," Kim told Sylvie and Gianna in the conference room, Boden with them, Matt and Kelly at the door. "The apartment you found him in, 1821 West Garfield? That's his, along with the evidence of meth and heroin at the scene. Now . . . " She picked up her tablet and showed them a mugshot. "Is this the man that threatened you?"

"Yeah," Sylvie confirmed softly.

Kim nodded. "Joe Halleck, older brother."

"He have a record?" Matt asked.

Kim grimaced. "Does he," she grumbled. "Assault, robbery, GTA, multiple drug charges, weapons charges . . . "

"Why is he on the street?" Kelly demanded furiously.

"How many reasons you want, Lieutenant?" Kim challenged, raising an eyebrow. "I can give 'em to you all day."

Kelly fumed, but Matt silently shook his head, and his best friend calmed down. "I can take 61 out of service," Boden offered.

"No, Chief," Sylvie immediately shook her head. "I mean, I don't want to speak for Gianna, but I'm good to keep working."

"Yeah, no," Gianna agreed, nodding quickly. "No problem for me."

Sylvie looked up to see Matt and Kelly giving her worried looks, and she smiled. "That wasn't the first time I've been threatened, and it won't be the last."

Kim nodded, turning her tablet off. "All right, then. You see Halleck, you give me a call. Otherwise, I'll keep you updated on any developments."

"Thanks, Kim," Sylvie smiled gratefully.

"Yeah," she nodded, gathering her belongings and standing.

"Thank you," Boden added, showing her out.

Matt watched them go, then looked back at the paramedics. Gianna was chewing her lip, and Sylvie was staring at a random spot on the floor.

Neither looked like the cheerful, excited pair they were that morning.

***

Golden Retriever: At least we're all members of the Be Threatened By a Gun On Shift club.

Grumpy Cat: That's not a club I'm necessarily happy to be in, Buck.

Grumpy Cat: Wait, when were you threatened by a gun?

Golden Retriever: Funny story, actually.

Sylvie smiled, watching the chat fill up with texts as she walked out of 51, then blinked when she saw an incoming call. She recognized the number, then sighed and answered. "I'm fine."

"Yeah, you sound it," Peter huffed. "What, I can't check in on my friend when I hear she got threatened with a gun?"

Sylvie groaned, pulling out her keys and heading for her car. "Captain Benson ratted me out?"

"Hey, you told TK and Captain Strand," Peter pointed out. "The Strands have been close friends with Liv for years. If you're friends with TK, then she's gonna be worried for a friend of the family. Add in that I just recently learned you're friends with one of my close friends . . . "

He left it hanging, and Sylvie smiled, opening her passenger door and tossing her duffel inside. "Honestly, it never even crossed my mind that you might know them. Sorry, Peter."

"Hey, I'm not blaming you or anything. I'm glad you two met. I think you two would be really good for each other. Though I'm gonna have to introduce you to Rollins and Carisi at some point. Those three were troublemakers."

Sylvie giggled. "Sounds like they should meet me, Kelly, and Matt."

"Oh, God. The disaster cops and firefighter meet the disaster firefighting officers. That's a recipe for – "

"Disaster?" Sylvie asked cheekily.

Peter groaned, and she laughed hysterically. "Can you at least give me a call when this situation is handled? I want to know you're not being threatened with a gun every time you take the ambulance out."

"Yeah, I will," Sylvie giggled, closing the door. "Thanks, Peter. Good to hear from you again."

"Good to hear from you, too."

The call disconnected, and Sylvie slipped her phone into her pocket. She looked around, making sure no one was approaching, then slid into the driver's side and revved her car.

***

Bill . . . bill . . . paycheck . . . pictures of Amelia . . .

Sylvie flipped through the envelopes she got in the mail as she walked to her apartment. She smiled when she saw the envelope from Scott. They had kept in contact after he left Chicago with her sister, and she considered herself so lucky to be able to see them whenever their schedules aligned. She tucked her envelopes under her arm, then extended her hand to put her keys into her door's lock.

Her open door's lock.

Sylvie froze in place, eyes flicking up to take in her open apartment. She swallowed hard, clenching her keys tight. She knew she had shut and locked her door behind her. She never left it open. She looked up and down the hallway, feeling her heart jump into her throat. There was no one in the hallway . . . no one who could have possibly known what had happened. So she took a few step backs, looking at her door like something could jump out of her apartment and threaten her at any moment.

For all she knew . . . that was exactly what could happen.

***

And next chapter is gonna be fun. :) Hopefully I can get a few chapters out quicker now that I'm actually into episodes and I don't have to whip up original content 100% of the time.

graphic by marvelity