Chapter 73 (The Final Chapter)

It's been two months since the Ivory Tower collapse. Every time it's driven by, looks of sorrow come across the faces of the people. Not a day goes by that the horrible day doesn't come back into their minds. Each department has been short staffed since. Two months seemed like a decent time span to start looking into filling those spots, but they couldn't do it. The empty chair sitting at the desk across from Antonio was a reminder. In his fifteen years on the job, this was the third partner of his that had died. His first partner committed suicide, Julie was shot in a hostage situation the year before, and Amber was killed in the building collapse. Outside the district entrance, a memorial stone had been engraved for Amber. Every day when Leslie saw that, it was like a pin pricking the surface of her hand. She hadn't loved anyone this much since she and Corin split. Before she walked inside, she would trace the name. As the days rolled by, a little memorial was being made under her stone. Kim, being on an early maternity leave, made them short two people. Leslie sat on the bench in the ice cold locker room, looking down at the floor. Amber's locker hadn't been touched since the accident, which would explain why her name was still on it. Sean found her and did his best to comfort her, but nothing worked. He offered his condolences, trying to soothe her as the tears fell. Trudy ordered that a Police Memorial Fund be started for the Alvarez family.

"How you holding up?" Trudy asked her.

"Not great."

"If you need someone to talk to, I'm always here. I've been helping Kim through things like this for years. Her mother used to be on patrol here and it worried her sick."

"What made her mother quit?"

"Her and I were partners when I was on patrol. One night we were answering a call and she was shot in the chest. Her lung collapsed and she was put in the ICU for a month. She quit after being released."

"Why did she quit? Didn't she love it?"

"You had never seen a woman love her job more than her. Kim and Stephanie were little kids at the time and she wanted to be a stay at home mother. Christopher was working doubles at the hospital to help out."

"How did Kim take it?"

"She stopped talking for a while, her appetite declined, she lost weight. It wasn't good."

"That'll probably happen to me."

"Go talk to Kim. Go to talk to her husband, go talk to Olivia, talk to anyone you need to. We're here for you."

"Will they listen?"

"Nothing that you can say will make them not listen."

"It's my first day back, I can't leave."

"Talk to Hank, he'll give you the rest of the shift off and say come back tomorrow."

"I'll try."

Kim was in his office talking with him when Leslie came in. Olivia was standing outside it against the door.

"Hey Liv, is she in any kind of trouble?"

"No. He wanted to talk to her about something."

"Good or bad?"

"He doesn't really like to tell others what he talks with his detectives about."

"True."

He waved her into his office. She got a bad feeling inside of her and went to get up.

"I can come back..."

"No, sit down."

"I have to tell you something."

"What?"

"I..."

"Is it about Ember?"

"No. Um...can I have a few days off?"

"A couple days?"

"Today is my first day back at work after my leave. When I saw Amber's memorial stone outside, I lost it..."

Kim left the room and stood outside by her desk.

"What's this I hear about you looking for Ember's birth father?"

"What was I supposed to do? I can't raise this child on my own."

"You said you wanted nothing to do with him. You said you didn't want Ember to have knowledge of her birth father."

"I can't raise her by myself. I need two incomes to help with all the expenses. Her salary and mine, we were sitting pretty. Now, I don't think I'll be able to make rent this month. I can't get evicted."

"I'll help you with the money, you don't need to worry about that. Who is it?"

"You know Kelly, right?"

"Yeah, he's over at fifty one."

"He's my best friend and said I could always count on him, if there was anything I ever needed. He knew about me wanting a baby so much and he did that. I didn't know it was him until a couple months ago. I think of her and how much she meant to me, to everyone."

"It's going to take time, but we'll get through this."

"I'll never love like that again..."

"Do you think Amber would want this?"

"If she was here, she would tell me to stop bitching and move on."

"She wouldn't want you to act like this, she would want you to move on."

"How?"

"You need to start seeing a therapist. If you don't, maybe this job isn't the best thing for you."

"I'll start seeing a therapist."

"I was going to tell you that there's a spot open in Intelligence. You want in?"

"I can't desert Sean."

"We'll throw Nadia on with him. Do you want the spot?"

"I'm not so sure."

"You and Antonio have known each other for a long time."

"What of it?"

"If you take that spot, I know he'd be happy."

"A straight detective working with a lesbian? Yeah that'll look GREAT."

"He respects you."

"When do I start?"

Meanwhile, Sylvie and Kim were taking a cruise through town.

"Have you and Adam picked out names yet?" Sylvie asked, turning the volume down on the radio.

"We're still debating."

"Anything you were leaning towards?" She said as she turned the corner.

"Having two daughters is going to drive him nuts."

They laughed.

"He's just going to love it when they hit their teen years."

"Don't remind me."

"Hopefully Sean will want kids."

"Do you want kids?"

"I adore kids."

"How long have you been with him?"

"About five years now."

"Has he even brought up marriage?"

"He's never brought up the subject at all. He's never even bought me promise ring."

"Have you talked with him about marriage at all?"

"I've mentioned it a few times, he always changes the subject."

"You know how guys get when it comes to the next step in a relationship."

"What was Adam like before he proposed to you?"

"He was always jittery, easily frightened and things like that."

"Sean's been like that lately."

"Maybe he wants to propose."

"He hasn't showed much interest in the subject."

"He loves you. I know he wants to marry you."

"I don't think so."

"You know you can trust me on this one."

"You've always been right before, so I guess I can take your word."

"Good."

"Where did you need to go again?"

"Costco, I have to do grocery shopping."

"I think it's in this plaza over there."

"Did you need to shop, too?"

"I need to grab a few things."

As they went to turn, a tractor trailer driver lost control and drove into the side of them. The car spun in circles and flipped over a couple times. It landed with the wheels on the ground after the last flip, but the car was badly damaged. Back at the firehouse, everyone was sitting down to a breakfast. Suddenly, the alarm went off.

"Truck eighty one, squad three, ambulance sixty one, car accident. Costco plaza."

"Wasn't Sylvie bringing Kim there to go shopping?" Otis asked.

"YES!" Mouch jumped up and ran.

Boden picked up his phone and dialed Voight.

"Hello?"

"Hank, get your guys and get down to the Costco plaza."

"Why?"

"Car accident. I think one your detectives is involved."

"What? How?"

"I think they might be one of the victims." Boden didn't give him the time to answer before hanging up. Back at the district, they were all running out.

"What's going on?" Sean asked as he came out of the locker room.

"Ask Hank." Trudy told him.

"What's going on?"

"Car accident. They think Kim might be involved."

"She had the day off though."

"Where the accident occurred? It's where her and Brett were supposed to go shopping today."

"Oh my..."

"Come on."

As they arrived on scene, no one could speak. Pieces of the car were scattered across the highway. The truck had fallen onto it's side, but the driver had nothing but a few scrapes and bruises.

"Any word on the two victims?" Hank asked another officer.

"They're both unresponsive."

"That better not be who I think it is." He said, taking a look behind the officer.

The officer put his hand up. "I'm sorry, but you have to stay away from the car."

"Don't put your hands on me again."

"My little brother works for you."

"What little brother?"

"Sean. I'm his older brother, Marcus."

"Marcus, I suggest you move out of my way."

"Threats don't scare me."

Leslie and Gabby ran over to the car, screaming when they saw it. Boden ran over.

"What is it?!"

"It's Sylvie and Kim!"

"I NEED THE JAWS OVER HERE! NOW!"

Matt and Peter came running over and started the job, while two pairs of medics ran over with backboards.

"Pull them out carefully. We don't need to cause any more damage."

They were placed on the backboards and lifted up onto the gurneys. When they realized Kim's stomach had been pierced with a shard of glass, tears began falling. She was rushed to the hospital as Sylvie was lifted into the ambulance. The impact had cracked her head and blood was gushing. Her neck was swollen from it hitting the steering wheel, her stomach had shards of glass poking out from it and her legs were mangled. Adam and Sean were running over when they caught notice of the two car doors thrown on the ground.

"Where did the victims go? Who were they?"

"Kim and Sylvie."

"Is this some kind of sick joke?"

"Kim and Sylvie were in that car. You see that blood on the ground? That's there's. That is Sylvie's car. You see that purse in the passenger seat? That's Kim's. This is not something I would make a joke of."

"Where did they take them?"

"Go talk to the driver over there."

"Oh we'll talk to him alright."

Their hands balled up into fists as they stormed over to the driver, who was being questioned by another detective.

"HEY!" Olivia yelled, as her and Camille pulled them away from him.

"ARE YOU IDIOTS?!" Camille yelled at them.

"He lost control of the truck! Adam's wife is six months pregnant, could lose the baby because of this moron. I don't care what happened, it's still his fault!" He turned to him. "If either of them die, or if that baby dies, I will personally see to it that you don't live to see another day."

"The brakes were shot and the tire blew! I tried to swerve away from them!"

"Get out of my face, before I smash yours into the pavement."

"Sean, get out of here."

"Where do you want me to go?"

"The hospital. You and Adam both. I don't need either of you down here making threats." Camille said.

"You can't tell us what to do."

"The hell I can't."

Once more officers arrived, Hank and everyone else left. Will, Doctor Tramble and Natalie were coming out of the OR, blood soaked scrubs.

"Any news?" Boden asked.

Natalie shook her head no.

"What's that mean? No news, not stable, what?"

"Sylvie has a fractured skull, broken nose, swollen vocal cords, internal bleeding and a broken leg. It doesn't look great for Kim, either. She also has a fractured skull, the shard of glass lacerated her stomach, she has tissue damage and a torn trachea."

"Please...tell me if the baby is okay."

"Nothing hit the baby, we are monitoring her closely."

Maureen was in the fetal position on the floor, rocking back and forth. Christopher was sitting in the chair behind her. Hannah and Brayden were clinging to Nadia for dear life. Everyone sat in silence, not knowing what to say. The day dragged on, all they did was sit around and wait.

"Nadia, why don't you bring the kids home?" Christopher suggested. "Bring Maureen and Stephanie with you."

"No, dad. I want to stay."

"You and your mother need to go. The kids need to eat, go. I'll be here and I'll call you if there's an update."

"She would want us here."

"She wouldn't want you guys to make yourselves sick from not eating. Go."

They picked the kids from the couch and went home. More hours passed and everyone started heading home. Once everyone was gone, it was just Adam, Christopher and Sean.

"Chris, could I ask you something?"

"Sure, Adam. What is it?"

"How did you deal when Maureen was shot? Was it anything like this?"

"If I had to give you an accurate description, I looked just like you do now. I to sleep because she was all I could think about. I was devastated."

Olivia didn't feel like staying at her hotel that night, so Hank offered to have her stay with him. Camille was at a friend's house, so he didn't think she would care.

"Thanks for letting me stay here."

"Not a problem. Want a drink?" He offered as he opened his wine refrigerator.

"Red wine, please."

"Coming right up."

"How are you feeling right now?"

"Kim is a good kid. Her mother used to work for me ages ago."

"I'm praying her and Sylvie pull through this. I'd give up everything to be in their place right now. They didn't deserve this."

"Don't be so hard on yourself, Liv. I'd think the same thing."

"They're so young..." She lifted up her glass and took a sip.

"Two of the youngest we have."

"You guys already lost Jessica and Amber. How much more will can you take?"

"We've had enough devastation to last a lifetime."

She looked deep into his eyes. He placed a strand of hair behind her ear. "Why did I have to leave?"

"It wasn't you who left, Liv. It was me. We were so young."

"I would give up everything just to have you back. I miss you."

"Let me show you how much I missed you."

She got a nervous feeling, but shoved it aside. "Go for it." She whispered into his ear.

He started kissing her.

"We could lose our jobs for this." She said, leaning in to kiss him again.

"Do you see anyone around?"

"No."

"Do you think I care if I get in trouble for doing this?"

A smirk came across her face. "No."

"You're a smart girl."

"Maybe that's why I was asked to take the lieutenants exam."

"I love a woman in charge." He said, leaning down as she held him close.

The next morning, everyone went back to the hospital. April had a big grin on her face when she saw Adam walk in.

"Why are you so happy?" He asked her.

"Come here."

"Why are we going into the NICU?"

"Follow me."

"Tell me what we're doing down here."

She pointed to an incubator, a tiny infant inside it.

"Who's that?"

"Ashley, your daughter."

"She's alive?!"

"We had to do an emergency c-section, but she's healthy as can be."

"She was born three months early..."

"She has the best NICU doctors in the country working on her."

"How's Kim?"

"I can take you to see her if you want."

"Please."

"Sean is welcome to come. Sylvie and her are sharing a room."

Sean's head shot up when he heard his name and he followed them. April opened the door quiet enough to not wake them up. Their heads were wrapped with medical bandages, oxygen tubes in their noses and they had i.v.'s in their arms.

"Do you know when they'll wake up?"

"It shouldn't be too long. They've been out since they got here yesterday."

She left the room to get heated blankets for them. Sean was fiddling with something in his pocket and began pacing.

"Go for it, bro." Adam said when he realized what Sean was holding.

Sean walked over and placed the ring box in her hand. He kissed her head and fixed her hair. As he went to walk away, Adam pointed out that her hand moved. Her eyes opened, squinting at the bright lights.

"Hey baby." He smiled down at her.

"Sean..."

"You were in a car accident yesterday. A tractor trailer rammed into the side of your car. You and Kim are lucky to be alive right now."

"Where...where...is she?"

"In the bed next to you."

"Her...baby..."

"The baby is okay. She's being monitored closely by NICU doctors."

She tried to smile, but instead moved the tubes out of her nose. "What...what are you doing here?"

"I came to see you. I was worried about you because I love you."

She went to close her hand, but couldn't. Upon not being able to, she made a face and looked down. In it, was a small ring box. As she lifted  it closer to her face, she popped it opened. She looked up at Sean and did her best at trying to smile.

"Sylvie, I love you more than life itself. There is nothing I want more than to make you my wife. I've loved you since the day I met you and can't picture my life without you."

"Will you shut your mouth long enough for me to say yes?"

"Did you just say yes?"

"I did."

He started smiling big and reached down to kiss her.

"Congrats man." Adam said, nudging him on the shoulder.

"Thank you."

April came back in, this time wheeling in the incubator with a crying baby inside. She unlatched the cover and handed the baby to Adam.

"How long will she need to have the oxygen?"

"At least eight to ten weeks. Her lungs are developed, but she can't breath on her own just yet."

"How long will she have to stay here?"

"Another month at the very least."

"So she's okay?"

"Yes." She smiled.

"Can they come see her?"

"Who?"

"My other two kids."

"I'll have someone bring them in."

His parents, Kim's parents, Hannah, Brayden, Ally and Stephanie were brought in.

"Who's that, daddy?" Hannah asked.

"This is your baby sister."

"What are those things in her nose?" Brayden asked, noticing the oxygen tubes.

"Those are helping her breath."

"Is mommy going to wake up?"

"The nurse told me she should be awake later today."

"That was scary what happened to her and auntie Sylvie."

"It was very scary."

Hank was standing, arms crossed as he looked out the window in the waiting room. Erin approached him from behind, but stopped. He sensed someone behind him and turned around.

"Did you need anything?"

"Yes, Hank. I mean...dad. I have to tell you my decision."

"Decision? What decision?"

"I'm going to New York to be with mom."