"Michael!"
Amanda screamed, rushing forward to inspect the red handprint on Michael's face. She turned to glare at the Chief.
"Why did you hit him! I'm filing a complaint!"

Chief Garcia ignored her completely. He stared straight at Michael.
"Captain Miller.
Is this how you manage a scene?
Letting the situation spiral out of control?
Letting civilians fight in a rescue zone?
"Our duty is to save lives and maintain order! Not create chaos! Do you have any idea how bad this looks for the FDNY?

"There are already a dozen videos on Twitter.
PR's phones are ringing off the hook!"
"Who are you accusing of creating chaos! She started it..." Amanda tried to argue.
"Amanda!"

Michael cut her off.
Chief Garcia looked at Amanda coldly, then turned back to Michael, his voice stern.
"This is serious. Captain, there were multiple procedural violations in your command today. I'm not letting this slide. Nine AM tomorrow. My office. Be ready for an inquiry."
"Chief..."
Michael's body stiffened. Subconsciously, he leaned slightly toward Amanda.
"This really has nothing to do with her..."
"I am talking about YOU!"
Garcia barked.
"Captain Miller, effective immediately, you are suspended pending investigation! You are not to participate in any FDNY operations until further notice!"
"What? Suspended?"
Michael froze.
Then, a flash of relief crossed his eyes.
"Yes, Chief. I understand."
"Furthermore," Garcia continued, "Internal Affairs will be pulling all comms logs and scene footage. If we find any misconduct in your deployment decisions, you will face formal disciplinary action. We might even refer the case to the District Attorney's office."
Michael's face changed slightly, but he puffed out his chest.
"Understood, Chief. I will cooperate fully."
Garcia dropped the bomb and walked away.
Michael visibly relaxed. He turned to Amanda and smiled gently.
"Don't worry.
It'll be okay."
A bottomless sorrow welled up in my heart.
He wasn't afraid of being suspended.
He was afraid Amanda would be dragged into the scandal.
Slap!
Using the last ounce of my strength, I slapped him across the face again.
Ignoring Amanda's shriek, I didn't even look at her.
I glared at Michael one last time, turned around, and walked away.