9-1-1: Flames of Passion

Chapter Twenty-Five: Buck Fights Alone!

[Later The Next Day]

"If you go down this road, I need you to know suing the city is not a small matter." The lawyer guy states.

"Look, all I want is my job back." Buck states.

"But if you don't win, not only will you never work as a firefighter in Los Angeles again, I doubt any department in the country will hire you." The lawyer states.

"They'll see me as a... a squeaky wheel." Buck explains.

"Or worse." The lawyer states, "You see, once a potential employer perceives you as a litigious liability, it is impossible to unring that bell."

"Not if I win. Then I'm back with the 118, a-a firefighter." Buck states.

"You should also be aware that during this process, it's best to have no contact with anyone from or tangentially connected to your station house. That means no texts, no calls, nothing that could compromise our case." The lawyer states.

"I'm not sure we have much to say to each other right now anyway." Buck states, "I'm alone in this fight."

[Later]

After the meeting, he calls Vale to let her know what he was doing.

"Hey babe." Buck states.

"Hey, I was just about to call you. Melanie wanted to know if we wanted to come over for dinner. It might help Christopher." Vale states.

"I... I can't do that." Buck states.

"Why not?" Vale asks.

"I... I'm suing the city. I can't talk to anyone involved with the station house." Buck explains.

"Then... Why did you call me?" Vale asks.

"What do you mean? You're my girlfriend." Buck states.

"Yes, and I'm friends with Melanie who's engaged to Eddie and my work partner is Athena who is married to your captain. I'm involved with the station house, or did you forget how we met, Buck." Vale explains.

"You're going to choose them over me?" Buck asks.

"No, I'm not picking sides but it's going to make things difficult to hang out with my friend, see our niece and date you." Vale replies.

"So what does that mean?" Buck asks.

"You've put me in a terrible position, Buck, that's what that means." Vale replies, "I have to call Melanie to cancel now because you put me in this situation."

"So I am alone in this fight." Buck states.

"Yes, because I'm not choosing you over Melanie. It's not fair to her and it's not fair to Emilia or Christopher. You have to remember that your actions have consequences, Buck." Vale explains.

"Go to dinner with them... I don't have to come." Buck replies, "You're right, it's wrong to make you choose a side. But we can't discuss the case..."

"Good, I won't if you won't." Vale replies.

"I'll talk to you later then." Buck replies.

"Okay." Vale replies and the two hang up.

[Meanwhile]

"Really? 'Keep loving him'? Did he write that on a prescription pad?" Lena asks.

"Doesn't sound like you're a fan." Eddie replies.

"Hands up." Lena states and gently smacks Eddie in the cheek, "The headshrinkers have their place. It's a very touchy-feely place, but that works for some people."