Flicker

1

Valerie POV

I take in a breath as I walk into the fire station. I haven't been here in a year.

I walk in and Drake's face instantly drops.

"Are you okay?" He asks and I nod.

"Is Ben here?" I ask and he nods, taking a step back.

"Val." He says, resting a hand on my shoulder, "Where were you?"

"I just-"

I feel suffocated as someone pulls me into a bone crushing hug.

"Where the hell have you been?!" He asks, glaring at me.

"Nice to see you too, brother." I grumble and he rolls his eyes.

"Where have you been?" He asks and I look down.

"I need a job." I whisper and Drake turns to Ben.

"Done." Ben announces.

"Chief." Drake growls uand Ben glares at him.

"You're working under Jameson."

"Who?" I ask and he rolls his eyes.

"The new Lieutenant." He sighs and I nod walking into the fire house.

Jackson does a double take and instantly runs over to me, wrapping his arms around me and kissing my head.

"We haven't seen you since the accident." He whispers and suddenly Im facing the ground.

"Where the hell have you been!?" He asks, raining down swats to my posterior.

I squeeze my eyes shut and the whole room is silent. Suddenly he start's focusing on my thighs.

"I asked a question." He warns and I shake my head.

The swats get harder and I open my mouth.

"Fine!"

He instantly pulls me up and not once does he lower his glare.

"Where have you been?" He asks, voice low.

"With my Dad." I whisper and he shakes his head.

"Back over ya go." He orders, pulling me down to lay over his lap.

"Mom!" I screech and suddenly he comes to a halt after only landing a swat.

"You were where?" He asks softer, pulling me off his lap.

"I was with my Mom." I whisper and Ben walks over.

"Everyone get back to work, now!" Ben orders and I wipe the tears from under my eyes.

"Lets get one thing straight. Your son has missed the hell out of you. For three months he did nothing but cry for you." Drake growls and I look down, "Our three year old doesn't understand anything other than "Mommy went on a vacation." If he asks, you've been in Hawaii sending him post cards and letters."

I nod and rub the sting out my butt.

21 is too old to be spanked.

"You start shift in a week." Ben announces and he walks over, "Where are you staying?"

"With me." Drake says, "Daniel needs her and for once she's gonna put him before herself."

"Drake your being hateful." Jackson tries but my husband rolls his eyes.

"Dad, she left him."

He shakes his head and walks off.

"Chief can I take furlough?" Drake asks and Ben nods.