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My first day back to work meant dealing with sideways glances and whispers behind my back. Though I wasn't directly named on the news, any local knew that I was the female firefighter they referred to because I was the only one on the department. When the news broke, the public had a mixed reaction. Danny's lawyers were calculating bastards and manipulated the attack into an over exaggerated lover's quarrel. They claimed that Danny and I were having consensual sex, and once the captain had found us, our relationship was exposed. In order to save myself from being fired I allegedly claimed it was assault. The only evidence they had to support their claims were a few calls made to each other in the last few weeks. However these calls were work related. Danny's wife even made statements saying that she left him because she had found out about an affair. Many people thought that they should support Danny despite the fact that my case multiple witness statements claiming he harassed me and other female city employees. Throughout the town, my name slipped from mount to mouth, some in my defense and others to my disrespect. There was nationwide outrage in my favor as well. Women around the country defended my claims, including other female firefighters. This case was being judged nation wide. I was still confident that investigators have thoroughly done their job to refute these claims.

Everyday after the incident, Danny tried to write me and phone me, asking me to retract my statements, and begging for forgiveness. Unfortunately I had none to give. I didn't feel sorry for him, no longer was he part of my department family. Others felt that way too. We were all shocked after hearing he entered a plea of not guilty. When word got out in the department, I had more visitors than ever in my life. All of them wanting to share in my sorrow. Their comfort during that time was enough to get me through the six weeks. I longed for my home away from home. For the place that I felt most at peace, surrounded by the people who love me. Every day I was jealous, seeing them run calls, especially with all the fires they had recently. One week they had two in one day. I missed being able to help people the most. Smith called me several times during my leave to help with this and that. In reality I just think he was worried about me. Adonis also called me nearly every day and often visited me after work. He has helped me prepare for the trial coming up in a few days and even gathered a group to testify in court on my behalf. I also have finally found time to prepare for my arson investigator exam in two weeks. Which I really should study for right now instead of staring out the window.

"Whatcha looking at," Adonis' voice emerged next to my ear, I jumped, "Oh did I scare you?"

"Sorry didn't realize you were standing there."

"No worries, I was wondering if you wanted to come to my MMA class? I teach 11 through 13 year olds. They should be right about your level," he asked nervously, his right hand scratching the back of his head.

"Sure, I can go, maybe I'll become a UFC fighter. Female Jon Bones Jones. You know I'm a big fan of him. Aside from watching the sport I've never learned anything so you got me there."

"It'd be good for you to learn. You got a lot of strength but no clue how to use it. I need you to be able take someone down if you need to."

"I don't know why I just froze. I couldn't fight I could only think and analyze." I put my head in in my hands. Adonis touched my shoulder, when I didn't look up, the pressure on it increased as he knelt to be eye level with me. I looked at him through the creases of my fingers.

"Is this what your gonna do in court because they will eat you alive. You've only got three days to prepare. You can't shut down in front of the jury." Moving my hands away from my face, he looked endearing, but then he said, " Besides the whole room will think you're ugly if you cry."

"Ugh, fuck you!" I pushed him back so that he fell on his ass. He chortled loudly.

"There she is, that fighting spirit! Seriously though. I'll pick you up tomorrow at 10 am. You better be ready on time," he smiled, looked to see if the room was empty and said, "I am not buying front row seats to your strip show this time." I stood up swiftly, my face hot, and pushed him. He would never let it go. It's bad enough the whole shift saw me in my underwear. I stormed off without another word. I made my way down the hall from the communal room to the administrator office. I wanted to check in with Randy. He came to visit me a few times during my leave but I wanted to let him know I was doing better. At the end of the hall there was a door that led outside to a small patio. We kept our barbecue out here and often grilled for dinner. I thought back to the time Danny almost set the whole place on fire after leaving some burgers unattended. That's when Rondo and Captain Smith came up with the burned food rule. As I crossed the small patio to the admin door, I shook my head, thinking about the good memories with that man won't help me face him.

The admin office was relatively small compared to the station. It consisted of four offices and a lobby. The lobby, almost always empty, sat at the front of the building, then next was the EMS coordinator office, the chief office and finally at the back Randy's Fire Marshal office. I only had to take a few steps to enter his office. The door was open so I knocked as I entered.

"Hey old man, you miss me," I smiled, he was standing at his desk, a small envelope in hand. He looked up smiling at me and setting the unstamped envelope down.

"Kid," he said walking to me, " You keep calling me old man and I'll have to teach you a lesson."

"I'd like to see a feeble old geezer like you try," smiling I gave him a loving hug, like a daughter would to her father.

" Listen, about court, don't worry," he starts.

"Randy, I'm not worried. I'll be fine everyone here is backing me."

"Yes but I am backing you too, I'm gonna take care of everything. You won't have to worry. I'll make sure he gets what he deserves and you won't even have to testify," he said warmly, smiling at me and gripping my shoulders tightly he said, "You are the closest thing I have to a daughter. You're Charlie's daughter and I'd promise to take you under my wing."

"Old man, don't get sentimental." I felt comforted knowing, he would be there for me. Relieved that even though I had so much opposition, I too had enough support.