The jinx comes to an end (Sylvie's upset), Matt takes a bit of a tumble, Eddie gets an offer, family comes to visit Chicago, Owen's the best adoptive father ever, and a few new faces appear. I've started thinking Supergirl's "Reign" theme is a good one for Matt, Kelly, and Sylvie as well.

Enjoy the end of "Jinx" and the entirety of "Double Red!"

***

"So . . . " Sylvie's voice trailed off as she walked up to Athena, who was listening to the store worker gesture wildly. "Gas leak?"

"I just did what he told me!" the worker exclaimed. "He said he was the fire chief!"

"He give you a name?" Athena asked.

He huffed. "He sounded very official."

Athena blinked. "Did you even ask any questions?"

"All clear!" Bobby announced as he and Lena walked out of the diner, taking off their masks. "However, the gas is gonna remain shut down until further investigation."

"I'm gonna get canned!" the worker whined. "20 years of customer service up in smoke! Or gas!"

"Actually, there wasn't any of either, Jim," Lena shook her head.

The worker protested loudly. "It's Larry!"

"Maybe he should have a Jim here anyway," Sylvie eyed the name of the diner.

Athena shook her head, looking at Bobby. "Caller said he was a fire chief."

Bobby blinked. "Someone else pretending to be LAFD?"

Athena's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean, someone else?"

Sylvie, meanwhile, stood on tiptoe to look around at the pedestrians. She frowned, noticing one dark-haired man watching what occurred with interest . . . someone who matched Eddie's description. "Bobby," she pointed.

Bobby nodded. "Maybe the same someone," he agreed, starting towards the man. "Hey!" he called.

The man took off running, and Sylvie was about to sprint after him when Lena beat her to it. "I got him!" she yelled, disappearing around the corner.

Sylvie blinked. "Wow, she's fast."

"And good," Bobby nodded.

They rounded the corner just in time to hear the rumble of an engine starting, and Sylvie paused. "Wait a minute . . . isn't that – ?!"

Bobby started running, Sylvie and Athena behind him. They got to the sidewalk just in time to see the 118 engine roar down the street, Lena stumbling away to avoid getting run over. "Oh, uh-uh!" Athena growled, running for her car. "Not on my watch!"

Bobby shook his head in disbelief, turning his radio on. "Dispatch this is Captain Nash, 118," he said. "Our engine just got hijacked!"

Sylvie bent over, hands on her knees, panting heavily as she tried to catch her breath. "That's new," she wheezed.

Eddie looked back from watching the rig go, and Chimney and Hen walked out of the burger joint, bags of food in their hands. They watched the police cars whiz down the street, then Chimney turned to look at the captains. "OK, what'd we miss?" he asked, his mouth full of burger.

"We're still jinxed!" Lena hollered from where she slumped against a mailbox.

***

Spice: Did I miss a memo about a full moon or something?

Spice: I've been reporting a lot of crazy shit today

Sugar: Did you get the billboard call this morning?

Spice: I think that's the only one I wasn't assigned

Sugar: Be glad you did

Sugar: I got hot coffee all over me

Maddie frowned, watching her group chat with her friends blow up, and she shouldered her bag, texting back.

Everything Nice: I know the 118 responded to the billboard

Sugar: I know

Sugar: I saw Eddie at the scene

Sugar: He helped with my burns

Spice: I swear the 118 is responding to every batshit crazy call today

Sugar: So what brought up finally asking about it?

Spice: Because the 118 engine just raced past me

Spice: And there are at least four police cars chasing it

Sugar: Wait what?!

Maddie balked, rereading the chat, then turned on her heel before she reached the elevator. "Josh!" she called. "Linda!"

"Yeah?" Linda looked up from her station.

"What's going on with the 118?"

Josh huffed. "They're not trapped in their engine again, are they?"

Maddie blinked. "Wait, I thought you were packing up to head home?"

"I was," Josh nodded. "But Brooke's gonna be late. She said she was rear-ended by some crazy police chase."

One of the other dispatchers turned, a funny look on his face. "Seems like your firefighter friends are having a rough shift," he said.

Maddie gulped. "The 118?"

"Seriously, are they trapped in their engine again?" Josh asked.

The dispatcher shook his head. "No . . . they just probably wish they were."

Everything Nice: So

Everything Nice: The 118 engine got hijacked

Sugar: No way!

Spice: Shut up!

Sugar: Eddie wasn't joking

Sugar: He really is having the shift from hell

***

"When did you guys last refill that gas tank?" Bobby demanded.

"We just topped it off," Eddie gestured to Lena.

She nodded in agreement. "He's got, like, four hours, give or take."

Bobby groaned. "Yeah . . . unless he crashes it first."

Sylvie pinched the bridge of her nose. "You had to say that."

All of their radios chirped. "All available units, report to 539 North Hill Street. Five-alarm fire. I repeat, all available units, report to 539 North Hill Street. Five-alarm fire."

Sylvie looked around. "Uh . . . are we technically available without an engine?"

"We have an ambulance," Bobby pointed out. "Everybody in, now!"

"Oh, geez," Sylvie sighed, opening the doors and squeezing in. "This is gonna be a tight fit."

"Someone get on the gurney!" Bobby ordered.

Eddie looked at Lena. "Rock paper scissors?" he suggested.

"Oh, sit with Brett," she rolled her eyes, climbing onto the gurney. "I've had worse rides on one of these."

Eddie shrugged, scooting in to sit next to Sylvie. "Sorry if I squish you."

Sylvie shook her head. "You're fine."

Bobby checked to make sure everyone was sitting, then banged the side of the ambulance. "Let's go!"

Sylvie started at the jerk of the ambulance. "This isn't meant to have so many people crammed back here," she sighed.

"Well, we're already jinxed," Hen shrugged. "So we may as well embrace it."

"The guy had to steal the engine," Lena groused. "Why not the ambulance?"

"Hey," Hen glowered.

"Look at us!" Lena gestured. "We're en route to a fire without any of our gear!"

"It's a five-alarm," Bobby said patiently. "Other units are gonna respond, and we will assist any way we can."

"Cap, we don't even have our helmets," Chimney pointed out. "Without our equipment on scene . . . "

He trailed off, then Eddie blinked. "Maybe there's a way to get it there," he murmured. Hen and Chimney looked at him in bewilderment, then Eddie unhooked his radio and keyed it on. "Brian, it's Eddie," he said. "Diaz. You there?" There was silence for a few seconds. "Hey, Brian . . . if you're there, key the radio so I know you're listening."

"Are you insane?" Lena hissed.

"Shh!" Sylvie kicked the gurney.

Lena glared at her, but started when Eddie's radio clicked in response. Eddie nodded, continuing to speak. "I just wanted to say thank you for helping us out at the garage fire," he said. "I needed your help. We needed your help. You were there."

The radio crackled. "That's it," Brian's voice trembled, and everyone looked at each other, surprised Eddie had gotten him to talk. "All I ever wanted was to help people!"

"I know that's what you had planned when you put on that uniform," Eddie nodded. "Things don't always turn out the way we planned. Sucks, I know." He exchanged looks with Bobby. "Can't let yourself get stuck. All you can do is let go . . . move on. Sounds scary, but I know you can do it."

"No!" Brian stammered. "I'm . . . I'm not brave! I want to be, but I'm not a hero like you!"

Eddie raised an eyebrow. "You wanna be a hero?" he asked. "There's a five-alarm fire right now. We need your help. People's lives depend on you."

"No one's ever given me the chance!"

Eddie smirked. "Here's your chance. I know you want to do the right thing, Brian. You're so close."

"I can't!" Brian choked. "I can't do it! I'm not a hero!"

Eddie bit his lip. "We need you, Brian," he said softly. "We. Need. You."

There was silence for several seconds, and he felt Sylvie put her other hand on top of his. A few moments later, they heard the same dispatcher speak. "Suspect is turning onto Hill. He's turning onto Hill."

Everyone sighed in relief, and Sylvie smiled widely at Eddie. "You did it."

Eddie squeezed her hand back, then the ambulance stopped at the fire. They piled out and came face to face with a smirking Athena. "Gonna say, you guys missed the show," she folded her arms. "Didn't realize you're the main act."

Bobby sighed, holding up the penny Athena had given him earlier. "Your penny never stood a chance."

Sylvie watched Brian be led to Athena's car. "Hey," she called. "Thank you. You're giving us a chance to help. You did a good thing."

"I did?" he smiled hesitantly. "I did a good thing."

Athena snorted. "You also impersonated a firefighter, stole a vehicle, evaded the police, and recklessly endangered the lives of a not-insignificant number of people."

Brian smiled sheepishly. "I'm under arrest, huh? You sure we can't just stay and watch?"

"You tore up your ticket to this show," Athena rolled her eyes.

Bobby chuckled. "118! Let's go!"

***

Lemon Honey: Jinxed shifts are awesome

Jay choked on his coffee when he read the message to a chat that hadn't been used in a few months. "Jay?" Adam peered out behind his monitor. "You good, man?"

"Yeah," Jay coughed weakly, causing everyone else to look around their computers. Even Voight peeked out from his office. "Fine." He waved his phone. "Sylvie finally got back in contact."

"She did?" Kim brightened. "Oh, good!"

"Casey said she was in Austin?" Hailey tilted her head.

"Yeah, that's where she's based now," Jay nodded, pulling up Instagram. "Hang on . . . I know the picture is . . . aha!"

Kevin peered over his shoulder, raising an eyebrow when he saw the picture Marjan Marwani of the 126 had posted to her page. "Oh, I've heard of that house," he hummed. "Austin 126?"

"That's right," Jay confirmed.

"Yeah, last year, all but one of the house was taken out at a call," Kevin told the squad. "Six months later, reopened under a new captain with firefighters taken from all over the country." He pointed to the man in the officer's seat of Squad 9. "That captain."

"His name's Owen Strand," Jay said. "His son, TK, is another member of the crew. Final member is Evan Buckley, he came from Los Angeles."

"Strand?" Voight's eyebrows raised. "I know that name. Olivia Benson from Manhattan SVU spoke of him a few times when we worked cases in New York."

"If Benson likes him, Brett's got to be in a good place," Adam remarked.

"She is," Jay nodded, reopening the chat.

Cinnamon Sugar: I almost dread asking

Ginger Snap: I don't

Ginger Snap: What was the final call count

Lemon Honey: Final count

Lemon Honey: 41

Ginger Snap: WHAT

Jay burst out laughing, dropping his phone on his desk and dropping his head on his arms. "Whoa," Kim blinked. "Jay?"

"Someone said the Q-word on shift where she's at right now," Jay chortled.

"Oh, God," Adam blanched.

"How did that go?" Hailey asked warily.

"Oh, she had a blast," Jay grinned up at them. "I was at 51 when she started asking, for the other firefighters, how to get rid of the jinx . . . while a live power pole was on their engine. With them inside."

"What?" Kim's jaw dropped.

Kevin whistled. "Damn. Girl gets all the fun."

Lemon Honey: And the highlight was when the engine getting hijacked

Lemon Honey: We had to ride to a five-alarm fire in an ambulance

Ginger Snap: I

Ginger Snap: What

Jay snickered. "And her engine got hijacked."

"Jesus, Brett," Adam facepalmed.

"She had the shift from hell," Kim shook her head.

"It's Brett," Jay deadpanned. "She says it was awesome."

"Of course she does," Hailey threw her hands up in exasperation. "Of course she thinks a jinxed shift is awesome."

"I'll bite," Voight folded his arms. "How many calls did they get?"

Jay grinned. "41."

"Oh my God!" Kim screeched.

Cinnamon Sugar: Good job Sylvie

Cinnamon Sugar: You just broke Intelligence

Lemon Honey: That was all it took?

Lemon Honey: I should've said the Q-word at 51 years ago

Ginger Snap: Intelligence would've never forgiven you

Lemon Honey: Where's the downside to this

Cinnamon Sugar: You are so lucky we all like you

Lemon Honey: It's my super power

Ginger Snap: It's something

***

Lena sighed in relief, tugging her hair free of its braid and shaking it out. "I have never been so glad to get to the end of a shift."

"And hopefully the end of that jinx," Hen nodded in agreement. "I mean . . . that's it, right? Next shift is back to normal?"

"I might call in sick just in case," Chimney admitted.

Bobby walked up from where he was checking in with the next shift, and he smiled at them. "Hey, I know you guys are eager to get the hell out of here, but I'd like to buy you breakfast," he offered.

"Oh, I'm in," Lena nodded rapidly.

"Yeah, definitely," Chimney agreed.

Hen nodded in agreement, and Bobby gestured towards the open garage doors. They walked past Eddie and Sylvie, the 118 firefighter waiting as the 126 paramedic captain left the locker rooms, both now in civvies. "Hey, Sylvie?" Bobby called. "That offer extends to you, too, if you'd like."

"Oh," she smiled sheepishly. "I'm sorry, guys."

"Yeah, we already made plans earlier on shift," Eddie nodded.

"Wait," Hen's eyes widened. "You two are dating?"

Both balked. "No!" Eddie rapidly shook his head.

"No, no, no," Sylvie shook her head. "Never."

"Never gonna happen," Eddie agreed.

"Oh," Chimney blinked.

"Well, we'll have to have some form of get together before you leave," Bobby smiled at Sylvie.

"I'd like that," she nodded. "Thanks." Bobby nodded and turned to guide the others out. "Oh!" Sylvie called. "One thing, though."

"Yeah?" Hen turned to look at her.

Sylvie tilted her head, looking so much like an innocent puppy that Bobby was instantly wary. "I do hope that, after you guys had that divine retribution thought, you got Buck out of that fire suppression system foam as quickly as you could. You know . . . that fire suppression system foam that can be toxic to humans?" Three firefighters' eyes widened, and Lena turned to look at them in shock. Sylvie smirked deviously, and she turned to Eddie. "Now . . . breakfast?"

"Right this way," Eddie chuckled, holding out his arm. She slipped her hand into the crook of his elbow, and they walked out of the firehouse, leaving Lena to chew the others out behind them.

***

"Where were you when everything blew up before Buck left?" Eddie laughed as he pulled Sylvie's chair out for her. "Seriously, that was beautiful."

"Thank you very much," Sylvie preened, giving him a megawatt smile as she sat down and picked up her menu. "I've spent two and a half years corralling Squad 3, and yes, that includes Sev. Children, all of them. I know how to put them in their places."

Eddie eyed her. "They did get Buck out of that foam, didn't they?"

"They did," Sylvie assured them. "Buck made sure I knew that after I freaked out on him." She smirked at him. "But they didn't know I knew that."

Eddie shook his head. "You are evil, Sylvie Brett."

She winked. "Never forget it, Eddie Diaz."

"Good morning," their server stepped up to the table. "Can I get guys something to drink? Maybe coffee?"

"No coffee," both said at the same time, then they grinned at each other. "Jinx!" they crowed.

***

Kelly smothered a grin when he saw Matt do an about-face as soon as he saw who was inside the firehouse. "Guess you just saw one of the ambulance floaters?" he guessed.

"What gave you that idea?" Matt groused, walking back over.

"What do you mean?" Joe grinned cheekily. "I've heard great things about Commander Hawkins."

"Hawkins isn't the problem," Matt shook his head. "Have you ever worked a shift with Diggins before?"

All four squad firefighters snorted. "We've heard about it," Tony said.

"Yeah, from Brett," Capp agreed. "You need to be warned to work with Diggins."

"Apparently the last time he worked with Brett, he kept the window down the whole time so he could scream at other drivers," Joe nodded. "The kicker? They didn't even have the sirens on."

Matt closed his eyes and groaned at the ceiling. "Jesus."

"You heard about the other paramedic?" Matt started, ignoring Kelly's laughter as he turned to face the grinning, dark-haired paramedic with pure silver bars on his jacket. "Yeah, but he was the only competent paramedic that I was willing to work with on short notice." He extended his hand. "Evan Hawkins, Ambulance Commander."

"Captain Matt Casey," Matt shook his hand. "I don't think we've met before."

"Nah, this is my first time in this district," Hawkins agreed. "Still, I hear nothing but good things about this firehouse." He paused. "Unless it's about two commanding officers . . . "

"It's these two," Capp gestured between Matt and Kelly, both of whom gave Capp scandalized looks. "What?" he asked defensively as Tony and Joe roared in laughter. "Is that not the case?"

"It's usually Casey and Severide," Hawkins agreed with a smirk. "Though I promise, Grainger has nothing but good things to say."

"You're friends with Grainger?" Kelly tilted his head.

"I was a few years above him and his best friend at the academy," Hawkins nodded. "Rose up quicker through the paramedic ranks, though, so I don't get to see them much anymore, though we still get in contact every so often."

"Huh," was all Matt had to say.

The bells rang, and Hawkins jumped to attention. "Ambulance 61. Truck 81. Vehicle accident, South Union." "Meet you there, Captain," he nodded, running for the ambulance.

"See you, Commander!" Matt called back, running for the truck.

***

Two cars were crushed close together when they arrived at the scene, and Matt moved to check on the passenger of one, her face covered in blood. "Ma'am?" he called. "You OK back there?"

"My driver is drunk out of his mind!" she gasped. "I told him to pull over and let me out, and he swung around and started yelling in my face, and then wham!"

Matt shook his head in disgust. Drunk drivers were some of the worst vehicle calls firefighters could get. "OK, ma'am," Stella leaned in on the other side. "Don't move, OK? You've got glass on you, so we're gonna have our paramedics come in and check you for injuries, OK?" The woman nodded. "Alright, stay put."

Matt rounded the car to the driver's side as Stella jogged off to get Hawkins and Diggins. "Sir, I'm gonna need you to turn off the engine," he said.

The man rolled his eyes. "They don't get the right," he slurred.

Matt narrowed his eyes. "Turn the engine off," he ordered.

The drunk scowled. "Don't tell me what . . . " He glared at Matt. "I don't need permission!"

Matt shook his head, then took off his helmet and reached into the car, looking for the keys. All of a sudden, the engine roared, and his feet were taken off the road as the car took off. He heard the startled shouts of his crew behind him and the screams of the woman in the back of the car, but he focused on holding onto the steering wheel for dear life. Suddenly, a blur of red passed them on one side, followed by the blare of an engine horn. The car swerved again, and the front hit another parked car. The resulting force made Matt let go of the steering wheel, and he hit the ground head and shoulder first.

He closed his eyes against the pain that erupted from the contact point, and everything around him became white noise as he curled in on himself, hands on his head. He flinched when the shouts of his crew, as well as Hawkins and Diggins, came closer. Hands were suddenly on his body, frantically checking him for any injuries, and he tried to wave them away. He finally managed to hear the voice above him, and he recognized it. " – officers at South Union for a drunk driver who crashed into a second vehicle!"

"Copy, Engine 40," the dispatcher responded.

"Grainger?" Matt croaked.

"Yeah, Casey, it's me," Grainger nodded, his brow twisted in concern as he helped Matt gingerly sit up. "We were coming back from a call when that car came from nowhere. What the hell happened?"

"I tried turning the car off, and the bastard decided to take me for a ride," Matt grunted, closing his eyes as his head spun.

"Casey!" Hawkins ran towards them, eyes wide. "Greg!"

Matt waved him off. "Get that guy out of there and help the woman in the back!" he ordered.

"No, my guys will handle that," Grainger shook his head, gesturing to the paramedics of his house's ambulance. "Evan, get over here!"

"Copy," Hawkins nodded, running over.

"'M the ranking officer right now," Matt glowered.

"And I saw how hard you hit the ground," Grainger countered. "I'm the next highest-ranking officer on the scene, so you're getting checked out. Don't even argue or I'll sic Delaney and Severide on you." Matt winced at the thought . . . or maybe that was because of the migraine he felt forming. "Yeah, that's what I thought."

"Drunk ride-share driver!" Stella scowled at the approaching officers. "Nearly killed our captain!"

"I'm not even drink!" the driver protested as the officers grabbed him.

One snorted. "Uh huh. Yeah, hear all about it on your arrest report."

"Maniac!" the rider spat as she was taken by 40's paramedics.

Hawkins shook his head, checking Matt over. "No bleeding, that's good," he murmured. He gingerly touched Matt's head, and the captain hissed in pain. "Big knot right there, though."

"I'm fine, Hawkins," Matt sighed. "It's made out of rock."

Grainger snorted. "The way you and Severide are sometimes, I've wondered."

Hawkins smirked. "You're sitting out clean-up, though. Let your head rest."

Grainger nodded in agreement, clicking his radio. "Engine 40 to Main, we're gonna assist Truck 81 in clean-up on South Union."

"Copy, Engine 40."

Matt sighed, knowing his friend wouldn't take no for an answer. "Thanks, Grainger."

"No problem, Casey," Grainger nodded. "Keep an eye on him, will you, Evan?"

"You got it," Hawkins nodded in agreement.

***

"So what you're saying is you learned to be this maniacal from Severide," Eddie raised an eyebrow at Sylvie.

"It was Casey's idea to jump into the river from the top of a burning building," Sylvie shrugged. "Then they both jumped a suicide bomber. I got it from both of them."

"Fair enough," Eddie laughed, pushing his finished plate to the side.

Sylvie sighed, taking a final sip of her tea before folding her hands on the table. "I didn't come to Los Angeles just to sightsee, Eddie."

"I got a feeling," he nodded.

She rubbed her temples. "Let's revisit what we were discussing before the engine got stolen," she said. "You know what you want. You deserve it."

"And it's not that simple to get," Eddie huffed. "We've been through this."

"Not quite," Sylvie shook her head, looking through her bag. "Remember my question to you?"

Eddie nodded. "What if it could be?"

"I think it is." Sylvie withdrew a folder from her bag and handed it to him. "Tell me what you see."

Eddie frowned, taking the folder and flipping it open. He recognized the contents immediately. "These are the ambulance schematics you were looking at," he said. She hummed and nodded, raising an eyebrow pointedly. "I'm looking, I'm looking," he muttered, going back to looking through the file.

It was only as he kept flipping through that he realized he wasn't looking at the schematics for a normal ambulance. He frowned, thoroughly interested now, as he took in the full inventory of the ambulance. It wasn't just stocked of every medical item he thought could be necessary for a medical call, but there was also gear he knew wasn't on the 118's ambulance. He recognized a lot of equipment found on the engine and the ladder for heavy rescue operations. He could even see gear for water operations if necessary.

"Like what you see?"

Sylvie's voice made him look up, startled. She was watching him with a sly smile, and with a blush, Eddie nodded. "I do," he admitted, holding up the folder. "This is . . . I'm not quite sure what I'm looking at, but it looks incredible."

"That's the ambulance I'm going to be getting at the 126," Sylvie revealed, making Eddie's eyes widen. "Specifically, the ambulance I'm going to be getting that is attached to Squad 9."

Suddenly, all that extra gear made sense. "You're gonna be running a squad ambulance."

"Yep!" Sylvie popped the "p," smiling widely. "Squad 9's a popular crew to call in Austin, and sometimes I'm the only paramedic on scene before any EMS crews arrive, and while I love riding with my boys, being the only paramedic is not the best way to run a call. With an ambulance specifically attached to Squad, it's gonna make things a lot easier."

"I bet," Eddie whistled, impressed as he checked the inventory again. "You got a crew yet?"

"Not yet," Sylvie shook her head. "See, Chief Radford gave me a choice. EMS 126, before Tim's death, had three paramedics onboard. It's just Tommy and Nancy now, but it was a three-person crew with Tim. I could have that if I want."

Eddie raised an eyebrow. "But?" he prompted.

She smirked. "But," she emphasized, leaning forward. "He gave me an option I like better. I could run it just like Chicago does . . . a commanding officer with a partner. A two-person team."

"That's what you're going with?"

"That's what I'm going with," Sylvie confirmed, raising an eyebrow. "And like I said, Eddie . . . what if it can be as simple as I think it can be?"

Her words crashed on Eddie like a ton of bricks, and he felt the blood drain from his face as everything came together. Sylvie coming to Los Angeles, how if she wasn't with Bobby she was with Eddie, Sylvie keeping her location secret from Buck and TK . . . Sylvie dropping a new ambulance in his, a dual-certified firefighter's, lap . . . "Me," he realized with a hard swallow. "You want me."

"The moment it sank into my head that Chief Radford gave me the clear to have a two-partner team, I knew," Sylvie nodded, tapping the file. "I didn't even think twice. I want you as my partner for this, Eddie. I want you riding in that ambulance with me. I've watched you the entire day. I knew you were an amazing medic back in San Angelo, but I got to see you on regular medical calls, too. You're incredible, and I know you have the chops to pass the rescue training with flying colors. Not to mention, Buck would be over the moon if you were in the same state, the same city . . . hell, the same firehouse." She licked her lips, looking up at him. "I know you said saying it would make it real . . . but you also know that you don't have to say it for me to know." Eddie nodded weakly. "It's that simple, Eddie," she whispered, putting a hand on top of his. "It can be that simple . . . if you want it to be."

Eddie took a shuddering breath, looking down at the folder of the ambulance he could be part of in Austin . . . Austin, where the paramedic he felt the most at ease with was giving him the opportunity of a lifetime. Austin, where the man he wanted worked. Austin, where the man he loved had found himself at home.

It really can be that simple.

He jerked back with a start, and he looked up at Sylvie, his heart thudding a few extra beats per minute. "Christopher," he stammered. "I need to talk to Christopher before I give you any kind of an answer – "

"I know," Sylvie nodded quickly, squeezing his hand. "I don't expect an immediate answer from you, Eddie. I know you have Christopher to consider. I wouldn't want you to give me an answer without talking to him. You have as much time as you need to decide. It's a position that isn't going to anyone else until then."

***

Matt opened his eyes when he felt Stella bring Truck 81 to a gentle stop on the apparatus floor. He sighed in relief, looking at his 2IC, seeing her looking at him in concern. The entire trip back from the vehicle accident, she had been careful going around corners to make sure they weren't jolted too much. "Thanks, Kidd," he said tiredly.

"No problem, Captain," she nodded. "Maybe lay down for a little bit to rest that head of yours, OK?"

"Oh, I don't think that's gonna be a problem," Mouch's voice was tinged with amusement.

"What makes you say that?" Matt frowned as he opened his door and dropped out of the truck.

"Casey!" Kelly was on him in an instant, the lieutenant's eyes wide as he frantically looked him over. "What the hell happened out there?"

Matt groaned in annoyance. "Damn it, Grainger."

"Shut up," Kelly growled, making Matt blink in surprise. "Kidd? Mouch? Gallo?"

"Drunk ride-share driver," Gallo answered helpfully, looking slightly frightened by Kelly's sudden show of protectiveness. "He started driving when Cap tried to take out the keys. Engine 40 unintentionally cut him off, and when the driver crashed into another vehicle, Cap went flying and hit the road pretty hard."

"Honestly, it's impressive I didn't see any bleeding," Hawkins added as he shut the driver's door of the ambulance.

"Guys," Matt grumbled as he removed his turnout gear. "Shut. Up."

"Nope," Kelly shook his head, and the moment Matt had stepped out of his gear, he grabbed Matt by the upper arm. "Inside. Now."

Matt stumbled after his best friend, hissing when it jolted his head. "Jesus, Kelly," he seethed. "Slow down."

Kelly slowed, and when Matt was walking at his side, he slid his arm around the captain's shoulders. "How badly does it hurt?" he asked, voice quiet.

Matt exhaled slowly as Kelly guided him towards their quarters. "Pretty badly," he admitted, finding himself unable to lie.

Kelly's scowl deepened, and he opened the door to his quarters. "Inside."

Matt frowned. "These are your – "

He cut off at the growl Kelly gave. "Inside."

Matt held his hands up defensively, stepping inside Kelly's quarters. "Yes, sir," he muttered.

"Case." Matt turned to watch Kelly, who looked like he wanted to slam the door, even as he shut it gently to avoid making a ruckus. "The last time someone I care a hell of a lot about got injured on the job, the woman we love almost died in wildfires. Pardon me for wanting to make sure you're OK."

Matt flinched at the reminder. "I'm sorry," he sighed. "I just . . . hate being the center of everyone's attention for something like this."

Kelly's expression softened, and he placed a hand on Matt's shoulder, and Matt gratefully let the lieutenant guide him to sit on the bunk. "I know you do," he said softly. "But hopefully, it's just for this shift."

"Hopefully," Matt agreed.

"Give me a few minutes, and I'll be right back," Kelly patted his shoulder. "Hopefully water and aspirin will get that settled down."

Matt sighed in relief. "You're the best, Kelly."

He smirked in response. "Don't you dare forget it."

***

Sylvie heard voices inside Maddie's apartment as she used the spare key given to her to unlock the door. "Sylvie!" Maddie perked up, rushing over to open it for her. "I didn't know you were on your way back!"

"Sorry," Sylvie smiled apologetically. "Back at 51 and the 126, we typically had stuff planned right after our shifts, so I didn't know if you were the same."

"Mine were here," Maddie waved her concern off. "Come in. I wanna hear all about this cursed shift the 118 had."

"Jinxed," Sylvie corrected, a grin blossoming on her face. "It was awesome."

"Oh, yeah," a voice snorted, and Sylvie saw a beautiful redhead raise an eyebrow at her. "That is definitely a Buckley grin."

"She and Buck kinda do look alike, don't they?" Maddie snickered.

The final occupant of the apartment gave Sylvie a small smile. "I've never actually met him, so I can't say for certain."

Sylvie saw her left hand and forearm wrapped snugly, and she smiled. "Ana Flores, I take it?"

"That's me," she nodded.

"Eddie said he ran into you at the billboard call."

"And this is Taylor Kelly," Maddie gestured to the redhead, who waved with a smirk. "She knows Buck from . . . uh . . . "

"We had a thing," Taylor shrugged.

Sylvie giggled. "Understood." She sighed, dropping her bag by the wall and plopping into the chair next to Ana. "So. Jinxed shift. Final call total . . . 41."

Taylor spat her coffee back into her mug. "Excuse me?" Ana balked.

Sylvie nodded, grinning and leaning back. "41. It was great."

"We had to check so many times at Dispatch to make sure there wasn't a full moon or something," Maddie shook her head. "Were you on all those calls?"

"Yep," Sylvie confirmed. "Well, except the clown store." She shuddered. "I hate clowns."

"Me, too," Ana winced.

"Apparently there was enough helium out of the tanks to make Bobby, Hen, and Chimney get high-pitched voices."

Maddie guffawed. "Seriously?"

"Seriously."

Taylor laughed. "I want to hear Han with a helium voice. Just to see if I could keep a straight face."

"You wouldn't," Ana grinned.

"Oh, I know. That's part of the fun."

Maddie shook her head with a grin. "Anyway," she turned to Sylvie. "You didn't call asking for a ride. The 118 shift ended earlier this morning. Did you get something to eat, at least?"

"Eddie and I caught up," Sylvie nodded. "He dropped me off before he went home. I, uh . . . " Her eyes shifted to Taylor and Ana. "I did what I came here to do."

"That's ominous," Taylor quipped.

"It's really not," Maddie shook her head with a smile. "What'd he say?"

"He needs to talk to Christopher," Sylvie answered. "I'm planning on heading to his tomorrow afternoon." She sighed. "That kid is amazing."

"He is," Ana agreed, eyes lighting up. "Probably one of my favorites in my years of teaching."

"Wicked sense of humor, too," Taylor nodded. "That Hildy joke?" She smirked. "Perfection."

"What's this about a Hildy?" Sylvie tilted her head.

Taylor leaned forward. "I'll tell you if you tell us something Buck's gotten up to in Austin."

Sylvie crossed one leg over the other. "Deal."

Taylor grinned. "So, Maddie took this call from a woman whose ex-boyfriend owns a smart home . . . "

***

Matt hated when aspirin took long to work.

He grimaced, gripping the counter as he leaned over one of the sinks in the (thankfully empty) bathroom. He splashed cold water on his face, sighing when it relieved his pain just the smallest amount. He yanked a paper towel out of the dispenser harder than he should have, and he winced as he gingerly patted his skin dry. He despised the migraines he had occasionally gotten ever since his first head injury earlier on the job. This one was giving all the others run for their money.

He exited the bathroom, about to head back to the officers' quarters when Boden walked down the hall. "Hey, Casey!" he called, and Matt stopped, turning to his chief. "How are Fox and DePaulo?"

Matt blinked, the pain in his head making his brain fuzzy for a few seconds. "Who?"

Boden frowned in concern. "Your floaters."

"Oh, yeah," Matt nodded, remembering their names now. "They seem capable."

Boden nodded slowly. "'Cause I got a call from Chief Abrams over at Battalion 22," he explained. "He's looking to fill a permanent truck spot. He asked for an evaluation of these two."

Matt nodded. "I can do that," he said. "Yeah, I'll let you know end of shift."

"Thank you," Boden smiled appreciatively.

"Captain!" Matt peered past Boden to see Tony looking inside. "Someone out here to see you!"

Matt nodded to Boden and followed where Tony pointed. He paused, seeing the blonde woman with her back to him, wearing a long woolen coat, bag in hand. From the back, if her hair was long enough, Matt thought he would be looking at Sylvie. Then she turned, and Matt brightened, recognizing the blue eyes that always looked back at him in the mirror. "Christie!" he greeted joyfully.

His sister laughed, hugging him tightly. "Matt! Oh, Vi was so happy about that gift card you sent her."

Matt smiled at the news of his niece. "Yeah, I wasn't sure what she wanted."

"No, it's . . . she loved it," Christie assured him. "It was too much, honestly."

"Never," Matt chuckled, then winced when pain hit him right behind his eye. "Ah," he hissed, rubbing the bridge of his nose.

Christie instantly frowned. "You all right?"

"Yeah," Matt sighed. "I'm just waiting for some aspirin to kick in." He gestured to her. "What brings you by?"

"Well, I got a call from Bank of Chicago about Uncle Jake's account," she answered.

Matt sighed sadly at the name. "I hated that funeral," he said. "Mostly because I spent the whole hour looking to see if Mom would show up."

Christie nodded in agreement. "Have you heard from her?" she asked.

"Not a word," Matt denied. "You?"

Christie shook her head, scoffing. "I mean, it's been years. I guess since she rolled off with . . . Cheyenne?" Matt snorted, shrugging. "Anyway," she got back on track. "Uncle Jake had a safety deposit box that he left behind, and since he didn't wanna leave it with Mom, he left it with us. They need both of us to open it. Can you meet me at the bank when you get off shift?"

"Where is it?" Matt asked.

"Glen Ellyn." Matt sighed exasperatedly. "Please?" Christie asked.

"Uncle Jake was obsessed with Mom's case," Matt defended himself. "It's gonna be a bunch of old photographs, documents, and court transcripts. You really wanna look at all that? Just have the bank toss it!"

"Please?" Christie begged.

Matt caved with a sigh. "Fine," he nodded. "2:30, tomorrow."

"Great," Christie grinned, taking a folder out of her handbag. "Here are the forms to fill out if you wanna do it ahead of time."

"OK," Matt agreed, taking the folder. "See you tomorrow."

"Thanks, Matt," Christie beamed.

"Yeah," Matt nodded, opening the folder to check the forms.

***

"Hey, Lieutenant?"

Kelly looked up when there was a knock on his door. He nodded, seeing Hawkins lean against the doorframe. "What's up?" he asked.

"This is a little awkward to ask, but . . . " Hawkins sighed. "Is Diggins acting weird with anyone else, or is it just me?"

"Diggins?" Kelly blinked. "Uh . . . I know he's an oddball. How weird are we talking about?"

"Weirdly nice," Hawkins scratched the back of his head. "As in compliments all over the place, even on calls. To other people."

Kelly frowned. "Yeah, that . . . that doesn't add up with all the other stuff I've heard about him."

"So he's a suck-up," Hawkins deduced.

Kelly laughed. "Sorry about that, man. If you're anything like Grainger, you don't like a suck-up."

"Definitely not."

Kelly nodded, then looked up when the bells rang. "Squad 3. Ambulance 61. Man down from unknown causes, West Moffat Street."

Kelly shrugged, standing up and pocketing his phone. "Guess I'll see what he's like for myself when we get there."

"You're in for a treat," Hawkins grumbled, jogging after Kelly to the apparatus floor.

***

Owen checked his phone when it rang in the afternoon, and he picked it up with a smile. "So, how many calls did you end up having?"

"41," Sylvie answered with a snort. "New house record at the 118."

"Really?" Owen whistled, impressed. "Record here is 34."

"51's is less than that . . . which is a bit surprising, knowing Chicago."

"Well, now you jinxed them."

"I'm sure Matt or Kelly did something to deserve it."

Owen chuckled, looking up when he heard a knock on the doorframe. Tommy smiled and flashed her paperwork folder at him, and Owen nodded, gesturing for her to come in. "So, other than the live power pole and the engine hijack, anything fun to report?" he asked, taking the folder from her.

He heard Sylvie take a deep breath. "I gave Eddie the offer after shift."

Owen straightened, not exactly liking the tone of voice she used. "And?" he prompted.

"He needs to talk about it with Christopher first. I expected that, though."

"Good on him," Owen nodded. "That bodes well, doesn't it?"

"I hope so," Sylvie sighed. "I mean, Christopher loves Buck, so I've heard. Even from his former teacher, who's a friend of Maddie's now. I'm crossing my fingers that it means he'll want to move . . . "

She trailed off, and Owen smiled. "You don't want anyone else."

"I really don't," Sylvie confessed in a rush. "I want Eddie here not just because I know it'll make him and Buck happy, but from everything Buck has said, he is the partner to have if you want someone to watch your back. I'd want Matt or Kelly if either of them was a paramedic, but Eddie's dual-certified, which means he's not only an incredible medic, he's also got the firefighter training, too. I just . . . " She huffed. "I'm sorry. I'm rambling."

"That's part of my job, Sylvie," Owen snorted. "You can ramble to me about anything you'd like. Doesn't mean I'll always have the answers for you, but I'm an open ear if you need me."

She sighed happily. "TK has an awesome dad."

Owen smiled. "He's got an amazing sister, too."

He pictured her preen. "Thank you, Owen."

"No problem, Sylvie," he chuckled. "And just keep crossing your fingers. You handed him the chance of a lifetime. I get the feeling he'll take it."

"Thanks. I'll keep you updated."

"Thanks, Sylvie."

He hung up the phone, noting Tommy was still in front of him. "Sounds like the offer got made?" she asked.

"It was," Owen nodded. "He still needs to talk it over with his family before anything happens, though."

"Ah," Tommy nodded. "You sound like you're convinced he'll say yes."

Owen chuckled. "Considering I know who she's asking . . . yeah, I'm pretty confident."

"Then I'll keep my fingers crossed, too," Tommy nodded, heading for the door. "See you next shift, Captain."

"See you, Captain," Owen waved back, then raised an eyebrow when his phone blew up with notifications. "What the?" he muttered, checking what happened.

Kelly: Oh geez

Kelly: Grainger's friend is a saint

Kelly: I wish Matt hadn't bolted so quickly after shift

Kelly: He really should've seen this

Buck: What happened now?

TK: I thought you were his friend

Joe: Turns out Grainger's all buddy-buddy with one of the ambulance commanders

Tony: Seems like a pretty good guy too

Sylvie: Which commander is that?

Sylvie: I might know who it is

Capp: Guy named Evan Hawkins?

Sylvie: I recognize the name

Sylvie: Never met him

Sylvie: Good reputation though

Sylvie: Why was he at 51?

Capp: TRA training rolled back around

Capp: Both Violet and Mackey needed certification

Sylvie: Got it

TK: So why's he a saint

Joe: Does this have to do with why Diggins was being so chummy around him

Sylvie: Oh God

Sylvie: Hawkins is already a saint for working with Diggins

Kelly: That too

Kelly: Turns out it was because Diggins wanted Hawkins to sign a form saying he would be a good cat owner

Kelly: Because Diggins is adopting a cat

Tony: All that

Tony: Just to adopt a cat

Kelly: Yep

Kelly: I still haven't left the firehouse yet

Kelly: Laughing too hard to drive

Sylvie: I can see Diggins with a cat actually

Kelly: That's part of the hilarity

Owen rolled his eyes fondly, texting back.

Owen: He's not a dog person?

Kelly: Apparently not

Kelly: Tuesday is enough for us anyway

***

Matt jogged into the bank ten minutes after he said he would meet Christie, waving apologetically as he walked up to her. "Hey," he said. "Sorry I'm late."

Christie smiled in relief, standing to join him. "I was hoping you didn't stand me up."

"Nah, nah," Matt shook his head. "It was just traffic."

Christie nodded in understanding. "I liked Uncle Jake," she sighed fondly. "I wish I'd been more in touch with him over the years."

Matt grinned. "Remember that above-ground pool he had?"

"Oh, I did not wanna go in there," Christie groaned.

Matt snickered in agreement. "That water was freezing."

"And there was the occasional frog at the bottom."

Matt guffawed, nodding as he remembered. One of the tellers walked up to them, smiling. "Are you ready?" he asked. Christie nodded, and the teller led them to one of the vaults. The siblings watched as the door creaked open, then the teller turned to them. "Box 088," he said, holding two keys out to them. "Here are your keys."

"Thank you," Matt nodded, taking his.

The teller nodded as Christie took hers. "I'll give you your privacy," he said.

Christie led the way into the vault, scanning the rows of boxes intently. She finally reached 088 halfway down one of the aisles, and she looked at Matt. "If you don't wanna see what's inside, I understand," she said.

"I came this far," Matt shook his head.

Christie nodded, and together, they inserted their keys into the two locks. Matt opened the front and slowly pulled out the box. There was only one thing inside: a green, velvet box. He exchanged a look with Christie, then flipped open the lid. His eyebrows shot up when he saw the silver watch in pristine condition sitting inside. "Does that mean anything to you?" Christie asked.

Matt shook his head. "I didn't know he owned a Rolex," he said.

Christie tilted her head. "Is it worth a fortune?"

"No idea," he shrugged, taking the watch out and examining it. "There's a shop near my house that sells vintage watches. I can pop in there and get an appraisal. If they make an offer, we can split the money."

Christie considered the heirloom, then shook his head. "Nah," she said. "Keep it."

Matt blinked. "Christie . . . "

"I'm serious," she insisted. "I don't want it."

"Absolutely not," he shook his head. "I would have told the bank to dump this whole box sight unseen. If this is worth anything, we're splitting it."

Christie sighed, nodding. "Fine," she acquiesced.

Matt frowned, noting her forlorn expression. "What were you hoping to find here?" he asked.

"I don't know," Christie shrugged. "Maybe some answers about why Mom is the way she is. Something. Anything. Our family just always kept secrets, you know? This time, I thought it was gonna be different." She shook her head. "I'm sorry you drove all the way out here."

"It's no problem," Matt said, closing the box and taking the keys. "It's good to see you."

Christie gave him a weak smile. "You, too," she said, taking her key and walking out of the vault.

Matt watched her go, then looked down at the watch. Why would his uncle leave them a Rolex watch, of all possibilities?

***

"Oh, Finding Nemo?" Sylvie smiled, looking at the DVD Christopher handed to her hopefully. "I love this one!"

"You do?" Christopher smiled.

"Absolutely," Sylvie nodded, inserting the DVD into the player; Eddie smiled from where he was pouring popcorn into bowls. "This is a movie I can't wait to show my baby sister when she's old enough to watch it."

"You have a baby sister?" Christopher asked curiously.

"I do," Sylvie nodded. "Last year, my birth mother found me in Chicago, and a few weeks later, she had my baby sister, Amelia. Before I moved to Austin, I took occasional trips to Indiana to see her and her dad, Scott."

"Have you seen her lately?" Christopher asked.

Sylvie smiled sadly. "Not too lately, no. I'm working on finding a weekend that I can."

Christopher nodded. "You should always see your family when you can."

"Absolutely," Sylvie agreed, joining him on the couch. "You like this one, Eddie?"

"It grows on me," Eddie walked into the living room, handing her a bowl to split with Christopher. "Like a fungus."

Sylvie giggled. "It's one of those movies, then, huh?"

"I like it more after every break in watching it," Eddie shrugged. "Then the repeats come."

"He watches it with me, anyway," Christopher giggled.

"He's a good dad, then," Sylvie grinned, winking at the man.

Eddie chuckled, sitting on the other side of Christopher. "Thanks, Brett."

"So," Sylvie leaned back as the movie started. "Mandatory question. Who's your favorite?"

"Dory," Christopher answered without hesitation.

Sylvie nodded. "She's a good favorite."

"She reminds me of Buck."

"Really?" Sylvie tilted her head, thinking. "Yeah, I can see that."

Christopher picked at his popcorn. "When we were in the tsunami together," he said, and Sylvie turned her full attention to the boy. "He did all he could to save me. He told me I never gave up, that I just kept on swimming."

"Like Dory," Sylvie said softly.

"Like Dory," Christopher nodded. "And just like me, Buck never gives up."

Sylvie smiled through teary eyes, looking up at Eddie. "He just keeps on swimming, too, doesn't he?"

Christopher nodded in agreement. "He's the best at it." He sighed. "I miss him."

And if that didn't stab Eddie in the heart, he didn't know what would. "Hey," Sylvie nudged Christopher. "Tell you what. When I get back to Austin, the first thing I'll do is put Buck on a FaceTime call with you. How about that? I know it's not him actually here, but I'll do the next best thing."

Christopher smiled. "You're the next best, Sylvie."

She giggled. "So where does your dad rank on this list?"

Christopher smiled cheekily. "That makes him third best."

"Oh, third?" Eddie scoffed. "Betrayed by my own son."

Sylvie burst into a peal of laughter. "Better work your way back up to the top!"

Eddie smiled. "I'll get right on that."

***

"Captain."

Matt turned in his chair, seeing Boden in the doorway. "Chief," he nodded.

"Is Mouch in the locker room?"

Matt blinked. "Uh . . . I haven't seen him."

"Mouch is parking, Chief," Joe supplied from in the bunks. "Do you want me to tell him you're looking for him?"

Boden scowled. "Tell him do not pass go, to proceed directly to my office."

Joe nodded slowly. "Will do."

Matt watched Boden leave, then he looked down at the Rolex watch. The pain in his head returned, and he winced, dropping the watch on his desk, pressing his fingers to his temples. The chatter in the bunkroom faded, and he eyed his file drawer like it was going to hit him. He finally opened one of the drawers and pulled out a manila folder, checking to make sure no one was nearby before he opened it. He flipped through the scans from his previous head injury, then looked at the concluding statement.

Due to the nature of the injury, another head injury could exacerbate trauma to a debilitating level.

Matt sighed, sliding the files back into the folder and hiding it back under magazines in the drawer. He closed it with a thud, wincing when it made his head throb. He cradled his head in his hand, thinking back on his sister's words.

"Our family just always kept secrets, you know? This time, I thought it was gonna be different."

He stood and walked out of his office, heading for the locker room. He peered inside, mentally crossing his fingers that Kelly, or any Squad members, was not there. Thankfully, the only person inside was just who he was looking for. "Violet."

The PIC looked up from closing her locket, nodding. "Hey, Cap."

"Can I get your professional opinion about something?"

Violet nodded, folding her arms. "Of course you can, yeah. What is it?"

Matt took a deep breath, then Ritter burst into the room. "Violet!" he panted. "We need you and Mackey out on the apron. There's a guy who fell off his truck."

Violet balked, then she and Matt ran out of the locker room. Matt found Squad already in their turnout gear and out at the truck, where the driver was grimacing in pain, back on the ground, one of his legs impaled on the truck. "Alright, can't leave him upside down," he assessed, bending down. "Sir, what's your name?"

"Earl," he got out through his screams.

"Earl?" Matt nodded. "This is gonna hurt, Earl." He looked up at the gathered firefighters. "We're gonna lift him so he's even with the ground. Severide, see if you can free his foot."

"Yep!" Kelly nodded, jumping onto the truck.

"OK, get a hold," Matt ordered, directing Capp, Tony, Joe, and Stella. "And on three. One, two, three!"

They lifted Earl off the ground, and he howled in pain. Kelly winced as he worked on his foot. "See if you can lift him up a little higher!" Matt nodded, supervising the firefighters as they lifted Earl slightly. "All right, hang on, Earl," Kelly nodded, carefully working on freeing his foot. "Almost there."

Matt looked over his shoulder, relieved to see Violet and Gianna back on shift. "Hold the splint until we free his foot," he said.

"Copy," Violet nodded.

Several pained screams from Earl later, and Kelly finally got his foot free. "Got it!"

Capp, Tony, Joe, and Stella lifted Earl onto the ambulance, and Violet patted his arm. "Alright, Earl, we're gonna put you on the ambulance so we can take you to Med, OK?" He nodded weakly, and Violet passed the splint to Gianna, who fastened it around Earl's leg. Capp and Tony helped lift the gurney onto the ambulance, and Violet walked to the driver's seat of the ambulance. She halted in her tracks, then turned to Matt. "Captain? What did you wanna ask me?"

Matt saw Kelly look up sharply from where he was looking at the oxygen bottles on the truck, and Matt quickly shook his head. "Oh, nothing," he smiled at her. "I'm good." Violet hummed, then nodded and slipped into the ambulance. As it took off down the street, Matt turned to the rest of the house. "OK, let's unload the oxygen bottles off of there," he instructed. "And Cruz? Move this truck off the apron and park it on the street. I'll call facilities and have them come get it."

Joe saluted and rounded the truck to the driver's side as Gallo and Ritter started to unload the bottles.

***

"You're sure?" Kelly looked up from his newspaper when he heard Violet's voice, and he turned to see her looking at Gianna with wide eyes. "I mean, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity!"

"I know it is," Gianna hastily nodded. "But I just . . . there's still so much for me to learn. I had weeks with Brett, but each PIC has something different to offer. I want to work with you before I transfer to another house for certain."

"What's this about transferring?" Kelly asked, putting his newspaper down.

"Chief Zamos offered me a position at his house," Gianna answered. "He's in a Spanish-speaking part of the city, and since I'm fluent, he's interested in having me there."

"Where she would eventually be PIC," Violet added.

"Seriously?" Kelly grinned. "That's great!"

"It is," Gianna nodded. "For the future, though." She smiled at Violet. "He said that spot will still be available for me in over a year. I still have a lot to learn here first."

Violet beamed. "Aww."

The doors to the common area burst open, and Kelly blinked, seeing the frazzled man that burst inside. "Diggins?" he asked. "What're you doing here?"

"Where's Commander Hawkins?" he asked, looking flustered.

"Uh," Violet raised an eyebrow. "Who?"

"He was the acting PIC while you were at the TRA training," Kelly waved her off, raising an eyebrow when he saw the carrier Diggins held. "Is that – ?"

"Yeah," Diggins ground out. "And I really need to talk to Commander Hawkins."

"Well, he's not here," Kelly shook his head. "This isn't his usual district. I'm not sure where he's normally based."

Diggins groaned, turning on his heel and leaving, muttering "stupid cat" as he left. "Er," Gianna pointed after him warily. "What was that about?"

"No idea," Kelly frowned. "But I get the feeling I might need to text Grainger and warn him that Diggins is looking for his friend."

***

The watch seller whistled as he examined the Rolex Matt handed to him. "A Rolex 1965 'Double Red' Sea Dweller," he appraised.

"Inheritance," Matt shrugged.

"Your dad left you a great watch," the man nodded.

"Uncle, actually," Matt corrected.

The man hummed. "He into diving?"

"Navy," Matt answered.

The man grinned. "Well, this is the gold standard of dive watches." He turned the watch over, then showed the back to Matt. "Initials 'JMD' mean anything to you?"

Matt peered at the engraving. "Yeah," he nodded. "They were, uh . . . it's a family thing."

"OK," the seller turned the watch face-up again. "Well, sailor cap off to your uncle for keeping it in pristine condition." He looked at Matt. "You wanna know how much it's worth?"

***

Christie's jaw dropped. "Eighty thousand dollars?!"

Matt nodded, grinning at her reaction. "That's what he offered me."

She let out a peal of laughter. "Wow!"

"Yeah," Matt agreed, then looked at Christie. "I didn't take it."

Christie looked at him in complete bewilderment, and Matt turned the watch over to show her the initials engraved in the back. "JMD," she read.

"Joelle Meredith Davis," Matt smiled softly. "Uncle Jake's wife."

Christie gasped, eyes wide. "She died fifty years before him!"

"And he was still carrying around this watch at the end of his life," Matt nodded, gesturing to the watch. "Given to him by his first love. He was hung up on her that long." He shook his head. "Just didn't feel right selling it."

Christie marveled at the watch in her hands, then held it out to Matt. "You keep it," she said.

Matt blinked. "You sure?" he asked.

She nodded. "I think there's a reason Uncle Jake wanted you to open that box."

Matt tilted his head curiously. "What reason?"

Christie smiled at him, flashing back to the last time she had seen Matt: at Uncle Jake's funeral, accompanied by a silver-haired man and a blonde woman who never parted from his sides. "That'll be for you to figure out."

Matt chuckled, nodding as he slipped the watch into his jacket pocket. "OK. Thanks."

Christie watched him walk towards the door, then zeroed in on when he winced and reached for his temple. "You should get that looked at," she said.

Matt paused in his steps, looking at her. "What?" he asked.

Christie rolled her eyes. "I'm your sister, Matt," she said patiently. "I know when things aren't right with you. You need to see a doctor about your headaches."

Matt sighed, nodding. "I will," he promised.

Christie nodded back, watching him walk out the door, already wondering if he was sincere.

***

Grainger looked up when he heard a hard thud on the table, and he raised an eyebrow, watching Hawkins drop into the chair across from him, an annoyed look on his face. "And what did my beer do to you?" he asked, taking one of the two bottles on the table and downing a swig.

"Your beer didn't do a thing," Hawkins glowered, taking a sip of the drink in his hand.

Grainger's eyes zeroed in on the scratch from the back of his hand to past his wrist. "Whoa," he narrowed his eyes, leaning in. "What the hell gave you that?"

"A cat," Hawkins seethed. "A cat who was spawned from hell."

Grainger blinked. "Since when have you had a cat?"

"Since . . . " Hawkins checked his watch, neither man hearing the bar door open and shut behind a dark-haired man in leather. "This morning." He grumbled, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Stings like a bitch."

"The hell's got you in a mood, Evan?" an amused voice asked behind him.

Grainger grinned up at his best friend. "He has a new pet."

Hawkins glared. "Screw you, Greg."

Grainger laughed, taking the final beer bottle. "Yeah, we're not each other's types."

He launched the bottle at his best friend, who easily caught it with one hand and a laugh. "I wasn't aware you were looking for a pet, Evan."

"Because I wasn't, Jason," Hawkins huffed. "Apparently that form I signed in support of Diggins was also me signing that if he couldn't take care of his 'little buddy,' the cat goes to me. So now I have Veronicat."

Jason Pelham stared at Hawkins before snorting into his beer. "I'm sorry . . . did you say Veronicat?"

"She's a demon," Hawkins shuddered.

"Then drop her off at a shelter or something," Grainger suggested.

"I would if I thought that meant she would get adopted by someone else," Hawkins shook his head. "And as much as I hate this – " He held up his scratched hand. "I want to see if this cat will actually work out before I get rid of her."

"Aw," Pelham grinned. "You softie."

Hawkins shoved him in the shoulder. "Shut up."

"Nope!" Pelham smirked. "Someone needs to call you out on it, and if Greg won't, I will."

Grainger shook his head, snickering. "You really need to find a floater position around my house again some time soon."

"I would if the position opened up," Pelham sighed. "You know, disgraced lieutenant and all that."

"I still don't know why you just won't tell the truth of what happened at Whiskey Point," Hawkins shook his head.

"I made a promise to my old captain, one I'm planning on keeping," Pelham said. "You know that. Besides . . . it's been too long since then. I don't think there'll be anyone from the brass who'll believe me."

Grainger tilted his head. "Well, Lieutenant Severide at 51 has an in with Commissioner Grissom," he said. "It could be brought up to him."

Pelham frowned. "When you said you found some new friends, you didn't mention it was at 51."

"I was pulled last minute to cover the paramedics' shift," Hawkins grinned. "Squad 3 is a riot."

"Sounds like Severide's crew," Grainger chuckled. "I covered Lieutenant Herrmann's shifts while he was on vacation, so I got used to their antics."

"You were at the San Angelo fires with them, too," Hawkins recalled.

"I wish I'd been at a firehouse when the CFD was called to help," Pelham grumbled.

"It was interesting, to say the least," Grainger sighed, taking a sip of his beer. "How's Casey doing after that tumble?"

Hawkins sighed and shrugged. "I never got a chance to check him before the shift was over. Severide kept him sequestered."

"Good for him."

"What happened?" Pelham frowned.

"There was a drunk ride-share driver early in the shift," Hawkins answered. "Captain Casey tried to turn the car off, and the driver accelerated down the street."

"Nearly took out the engine," Grainger added.

Pelham's eyes widened. "And when the driver crashed again, Casey went crashing to the ground," Hawkins finished. "Hit his head pretty hard, but he was insistent he was fine." He shrugged. "I figured if anyone knows how to deal with Casey, it's Severide."

Grainger nodded. "Those two keep each other in line . . . mostly."

"Mostly?" Pelham echoed.

Hawkins sighed. "Put it this way . . . you four would get along like a house on fire."

Pelham grinned. "Then remind me to look for floater opportunities in District 4."

Hawkins groaned, thumping his head on the table. "Why did I just say that?"

Grainger grinned, holding his bottle up to Pelham. "You'll be the first to know if I hear anything."

Pelham cackled, tapping his bottle against his best friend's. "You're the best, Greg."

"I try."

***

Kelly looked up when the door to the loft opened, and Matt walked inside. "Hey," he smiled. "How'd it go with Christie?"

"Went just fine," Matt smiled back, dropping his bag unceremoniously by the couch. "It's been so long since I've seen her."

"Yeah, since your uncle's funeral, right?" Kelly nodded.

"Yeah," Matt smiled. "Thanks again for going with me."

"No problem," Kelly shook his head, waving his gratitude off. "We did the same for Sylvie with Julie's funeral. And you two would do it for me any day."

Matt smiled in agreement. "You know it."

"So," Kelly picked up his keys and tossed them into the air, "rumor has it from Cruz that Kidd somehow convinced Herrmann to put in a basketball game in Molly's."

"Seriously?" Matt blinked in surprise. "How did she manage that?"

"Don't ask me," Kelly snorted. "But I heard 'basketball' and 'Molly's' so . . . "

He raised his eyebrows expectantly, and Matt chuckled. "Give me ten minutes, then we can head over."

Kelly laughed. "You're the best, Matt." He watched as Matt pulled off his jacket, and he tilted his head, seeing the glint of silver around his wrist. "Is that a new watch?" he asked.

"Hmm?" Matt blinked. "Oh, yeah," he walked over, showing the watch he wore. "It was in the safety deposit box Christie and I opened. She told me to have it."

Kelly whistled, impressed and looking the piece over. "Is that a Rolex?"

"Yeah," Matt nodded. "The seller down the street said it was in pristine condition."

Kelly grinned. "Looks good on you, man."

Matt smiled fondly at his friend. "I'm glad she told me to keep it."

"Oh," Kelly pointed at him as he made to head towards his room. "How's your head doing?"

As if on cue, needles of pain stabbed him just behind his eyes. Matt smothered a grimace, giving Kelly a thumbs-up. "Better," he lied through his teeth. "Just needed an easy day, I think."

"Good," Kelly sighed in relief. "I know how much the last head injury you got messed with you for a while."

"Yeah," Matt nodded absently, chewing on his lip. "I owe you one," he said. "I gave you a hard time on shift, but . . . thanks for taking care of me."

"Any day, Matt," Kelly smiled.

Matt grinned. "Right. Ten minutes!"

"I'm counting!" Kelly hollered after him. Matt chuckled, walking into his room and closing the door. Immediately when it was shut, he let out a hiss and leaned his head against the door, closing his eyes to avoid his vision tunneling.

Yeah . . . his headaches were nowhere near better.

***

"Chicago Fire" has given us some pretty great recurring officers the past two seasons, and in addition to Greg Grainger, I've grown to really like Jason Pelham (the current lieutenant of Truck 81) and Evan Hawkins (the current Paramedic Field Chief) in Season 10. So, I figured I would add them to the story, too. My personal favorite headcanon is Grainger and Pelham went through the academy together and are best friends, so . . . here you go! I also looked up ranks, and since Sylvie said Hawkins is the new Field Chief this season, I checked the rank prior to Field Chief and saw it was Ambulance Commander, hence his rank right now. I also really like Mackey's character, and while this is where she departed the series, she has more to learn from Violet before she moves houses. Ergo, she's sticking around!

Now, Matt's gonna be carrying this head injury for a little while - it'll seem longer than in the show because there will be . . . oh, three or four Lone Star episodes until he finally gets it looked at. That gives me a lot of time to work Sevasey into an inferno, which I don't think anyone will object to.

Next up, once again mainly Los Angeles focused! We'll get "There Goes The Neighborhood," and it'll also bring about Eddie's decision . . . though I think everyone knows what he's gonna do. XD

graphic by marvelity