Against All Odds

Mama Bear

Molly's and some visitors just don't mix.

Hermann is overworked and gets a surprise offer of help...

And an unwelcome rescue call leaves Severide worried...

P.s..This isnt a fluffy chapter..😬

♡♡♡♡♡♡

Hermann inclined his head towards the bar as soon as Kelly and Stella walked in through the door at Molly's. It was one of those silent forewarning nods, which had Kelly discreetly check out the patrons sitting at the counter. Tony and Capp were in conversation with a guy he didn't recognize, but he wasn't sure who Hermann was pointing out.

"Dad!?...what..?" Stella's face had frozen in dismay.
Automatically, Kelly's hand reached out towards her, his body moving as a protective shield to stand slightly in front of her, at the same time as a tall thin guy sitting at the bar turned towards them.

"About time, girl!" If the man was trying to hide the impatience that passed across his face, he didn't do a great job of masking it. " These two good people right here told me you would be here at some point, but you've taken your time!"

Tony and Capp were at that moment, both trying not to squirm, avoiding their lieutenant's scowl, belatedly realizing that contrary to what George Kidd had told them, his daughter was not pleased to see him.

"What're you doing here, dad?" Stella tried to keep her voice low, acutely conscious of the curious eyes watching her around the bar. Her face had paled, and now angry colour climbed up her neck and face, and sparks shot from her eyes.

"Can't an old man drop by and say hello to his daughter... not that you keep him updated about your whereabouts.. What the hell're you doing in this place anyway?!" His lip curled critically.

Stella tensed.

"You can't just drop by! I don't want to see you! And how did you even find out that I might be here?!"

"Well, that wasn't too
difficult, Stella girl." His response was sly but revealed enough to tell them that he had ways of finding out. Sal presumably.

Kelly put a supportive hand on her hand, earning him a hard glare from Stella's dad.

"You want him to go?" Kelly stared right back at him, refusing to look away.

"Now, there's no need for hostilities, son. That there is my daughter."

"And you heard her say she doesn't want you here." Kelly took a step forward, and Stella's father automatically took a step back, his hands going up in defence.

"Kelly.." Stella grabbed Kelly's hand.. "It's o.k.... He's gonna leave." Turning to her dad, she gave him an uncompromising glare. "Aren't you." It wasn't a request, and it penetrated even George Kidd's thick skin.

Behind them, Molly's door opened, and Gabby and Matt came in, immediately taking in the charged atmosphere and the unusual silence in the bar.

"Everything o.k here?" Matt asked, checking out the older man who seemed to have everyone's attention focused on him. And was now glaring at Stella with a sour look.

"When're you gonna get some sense in that thick skull of yours? You have a rich boyfriend waiting for you at his fine mansion, and you're hanging around in this cheap corner bar!"

"Hey! There's nothing wrong with Molly's!" Hermann protested, frowning ftom behind his bar.

"Yeah, watch yourself, Mister." Gabby's brows gathered at the bridge of her nose, her dark eyes glinting with anger at the Molly's insult.