Chapter 31: Debbie the Hero

Chapter 31: Debbie the Hero

"You only have two kids; I've got six!" Frank declared with a strange sense of pride.

"That many?" John was a bit surprised. Even in the U.S., where family planning isn't as regulated, six kids is a lot.

"How old are your kids?" Frank asked, striking up a conversation.

With children as the common topic, Frank and John got along well, quickly forming a bond.

"John, I'm definitely keeping you as a friend," Frank said, throwing an arm around John's shoulder.

While Frank was enjoying himself at the bar, the sound of sirens and helicopters filled the streets outside.

"Jessie, I've got to step out for a bit. Keep an eye on things," Kevin said, taking a call and rushing out.

"What's going on?" Frank asked, peering out the window.

"Maybe it's about that," Jessie replied, turning up the volume on the TV.

"Just under two hours ago, a two-year-old boy disappeared from his home... If you have any information on the whereabouts of Casey Carston, please call the hotline at the bottom of the screen," the news anchor said as Frank and John watched the TV.

"People who abduct children should get the death penalty," Frank said, visibly upset by the news.

Frank loved kids and had a strong aversion to criminals who kidnapped them.

"I'm back. Just saw a little boy on the street wearing his underwear over his pants like Superman, with a cape. So cute, reminded me of how much I loved Superman as a kid," Kevin said awkwardly upon returning.

"..." But no one paid him any attention; they were all busy drinking and chatting.

"A kid dressed as Superman? Isn't that the missing boy on the news? Where did you see him?" Frank asked, catching Kevin's words.

"On Grand Avenue," Kevin replied excitedly.

"Then what are you waiting for? Go report it! Maybe the kid wasn't kidnapped, just lost," Frank said, grabbing his hat and running out.

"Oh right, I'll call the police," Kevin said, relieved as he picked up the phone.

"..." John watched Frank leave, finished his drink, and left the bar as well.

Frank ran to Grand Avenue, bustling with people, making it feel like finding a needle in a haystack.

"Have you seen a two-year-old boy in a Superman costume?" Frank asked around while searching.

"I think I saw him earlier. A little girl was leading a boy in a Superman costume that way," said a black woman.

"Thank you," Frank said, sprinting in the direction she pointed.

As Frank reached the residential area near his neighborhood, he saw a crowd, including police and reporters, gathered in front of the missing child's home.

"Did they find the kid?" Frank asked, approaching the scene, seeing parents holding a boy dressed as Superman.

"Fiona, Debbie?" Frank noticed his two daughters standing near the child's parents.

"Thank you, you're an angel," the child's mother said tearfully, hugging her child and thanking Debbie repeatedly.

Debbie had found the lost boy and brought him back.

"I don't know how to thank you. Please, take all this money, it's all yours. Thank you! Thank you!" the child's father said, overwhelmed with gratitude, stuffing money into Debbie's hands.

"Dad!" Debbie yelled, seeing Frank and running over excitedly.

"Hey, Gallagher's little hero," Frank said, crouching down to hug Debbie.

The crowd grew larger as the incident gained attention, with police helicopters involved and live media coverage drawing curiosity.

Frank suddenly frowned, noticing Steve standing close to Fiona, whispering to her intimately, raising Frank's suspicions.

"Debbie, well done, but you need to come to the station for a quick statement," Tony said, approaching.

"Do we have to go to the station?" Frank asked Tony.

"We need a formal statement," Tony replied.

"Everyone saw Debbie find and return the boy. The reporters are here; she shouldn't need to go to the station," Frank suggested.

From his past and 'Frank's' memories, police stations were never pleasant. If avoidable, he'd rather not go.

"What's going on?" Fiona asked, joining them.

"It's just a formality, a quick statement. You can come along," Tony explained.

"I'll go with you," Frank said.

"Uh," Fiona hesitated, looking at Debbie.

"It's fine," Debbie nodded, sharing a silent understanding with her sister.

"I'll come too," Fiona decided.

Frank and Fiona accompanied Debbie in a police car to the station, watching as Debbie vividly described finding the boy to an officer.

"I first saw him on Southport Avenue. I noticed him right away because my brother Liam loves Superman. He was walking well for a little kid," Debbie recounted.

"..." Fiona watched from an adjoining room through a one-way mirror, her expression a mix of disbelief and surprise, her furrowed brow slowly relaxing.

After giving the statement, Tony drove Frank and the kids home.

In an alley across from the station, a man watched them get into the police car before turning away. It was John.

"My mom's stew is amazing. Shame you missed it. She really put in a lot of effort," Tony said to Fiona as they arrived home.

"Sorry for standing you up," Fiona apologized.

Tony had invited Fiona to dinner, but she hadn't gone.

"No worries, there's always next time. Will you come?" Tony asked hesitantly.

"I think I'll pass. I'm not comfortable visiting others' homes," Fiona said, tucking her wind-blown hair behind her ear, subtly refusing.

Tony and Fiona chatted a bit outside, but eventually, Tony left in his police car, looking disappointed and regretful.