a reason

                                                                     Part 9

"Treatment 2," Kel announced. The attendants wheeled Johnny into the treatment room and placed him onto a gurney in the room.

"How are you feeling?" Kel asked

"Hurting…what happened?" Johnny asked, as he closed his eyes grimacing from the pain.

"You were in an accident," Dixie said, as she took the IV bag from Roy and placed it on a pole.

Roy unhooked their oxygen and hooked him up to the oxygen at the hospital.

"Stomach hurts. Arm hurts. Headache," Johnny said.

Dixie patted Johnny's left hand. "We are going to give you our special treatment and take real good care of you to get you well. So don't you worry about anything."

"Hospital," Johnny said, as he heard Dixie's voice.

"That's right partner." Roy gave Dr. Bracket the latest vitals on Johnny.

"Dizzy," Johnny said as Dr. Morton entered the room.

"Need some help?" Mike asked.

"Yeah, monitor his blood pressure Mike."

Dr. Brackett palpated Johnny's left upper quadrant and found bruising, rebound tenderness, and rigidity.

"OW!" Johnny shouted as Kel pressed on the tender place.

"Sorry Johnny," Kel said as he patted his left shoulder.

"I hurt," Johnny said. "Stomach hurts bad."

"I know, we're going to take care of that soon Johnny," Kel said. "Any pain in your shoulders?"

"Yeah…uh, a bit left shoulder…" Johnny closed his eyes.

"Roy do you have the blood?" Kel asked.

"Right here," Roy answered.

"Can you take it to the lab?"

Yeah, I can take it," Roy acknowledged. He walked over to Johnny and compassionately put his hand on Johnny's left shoulder. "Hang in there partner," Roy said as he perceived Johnny's discomfort. He turned and walked out the door toward the lab and saw Chet and Charlie on the way.

"I heard what happened. How is he?" Charlie asked.

"He has a head injury, some broken bones, perhaps internal bleeding, several contusions, and some lacerations." Roy said. "I'm on my way to take this to the lab now."

Charlie saw the tube of blood in Roy's hand. "I'll walk with you," Charlie said.

"I'll get us some coffee Roy," Chet said, as he handed Charlie the HT.

"Thanks Charlie, I could use the company and coffee sounds good Chet," Roy said.

Roy continued on his way and Charlie walked along beside him.

As they walked, Charlie said, "Squad 16 is covering for us right now. So far there hasn't been any runs. I've been listening to the radio."

"That's good anyway. I'm glad I found him," Roy said. "I just hope it was in time, I mean, you know…" Roy looked down at the floor.

"I'm sure you got to him in time Roy. Don't worry." He placed his hand on Roy's shoulder.

"How's Richie?" Roy asked.

"His ankle was just sprained. Dr. Morton put an ace bandage on it and sent him home."

"Glad it wasn't broken. Nice kid," Roy said, as he entered the lab. Roy handed the tube of blood to the lab technician and he and Charlie went back to the nurses' station.

While Roy was gone, Dr. Brackett was busy in treatment 2. "Mike piggyback plasma. Dixie, phone the lab. I need four units of blood on standby. I need a CBC, serum electrolytes, amylase, BUN, and a type and cross match on that blood Roy's bringing to them and tell them I want the results STAT! Also get a portable x-ray unit down here," Kel said. "I want a flat plate of the abdomen, chest and pelvis x-rays, a lateral c-spine, as well as an x-ray of the right carpus and radius. Also order a skull series and CT."

"Right Kel," Dixie said. She picked up the phone and notified the lab and called x-ray.

X-ray technicians came in and took x-rays while Dixie, Mike, and Kel waited outside. They came out of the room and one said, "Got all the films. You can go back in now."

"I want them developed STAT!" Kel exclaimed.

"Right away Doc," one x-ray technician said. He moved very quickly down the hall.

Kel was examining Johnny, while Mike was taking Johnny's pulse and respiration rates.

"I'm certain he has some internal bleeding. He's going to need a laparotomy," Kel said.

Mike moved over to the blood pressure cuff and positioned the earpieces of the stethoscope in his ears. He placed the diaphragm on Johnny's arm, pumped up the cuff and listened as he released the valve. "Kel, pressure's dropping. It's 90 over 58 and he's diaphoretic," Mike said.

"He can't wait. Let's get him to surgery now. Mike call OR and alert them he's on the way for an emergency lap," Kel said. "Dixie we'll stop on the way and get the x-ray's."

Mike picked up the phone and made the call. He then caught up with Dixie and Kel down the hall. As they were walking by the elevator, the door opened the lab tech handed Kel Johnny's blood results. "I was on my way to give you these."

"Thanks," Kel said. He looked at them quickly on the way to surgery.

After helping take Johnny to surgery, Dixie returned to find Roy, Charlie, and Chet drinking coffee at the nurse's station.

"How is he Dixie?" Roy asked.

"On his way to surgery. His blood pressure was falling. Kel thinks he has some internal bleeding and sent him to OR for a laparotomy."

"He's going to be o.k., isn't he?" Chet asked with a concerned look.

"Yeah, I think so Chet," Dixie said. "Why don't you three go to the lounge."

"I have to get back to work," Chet said.

"Yeah me too," Charlie said. "Roy, I'll call Cap and have him get you a replacement."

"That might be best," Roy said. "I want to be close."

"I know you do," Charlie said. He went to the telephone to make the call.

"Can I get you anything before I leave?" Chet asked.

"No, nothing. Thanks Chet," Roy said. "I'm going to call Joanne."

Roy called his wife and she told Roy that she would call the school to let them know a neighbor would pick up the children.

Chet went to find Charlie who was just hanging up the phone receiver. "Come on Chet, I'll say good bye to Roy and I'll give you a ride back to the station."

"How about if I give you a ride back instead? I have the keys," Chet said with a grin.

"I don't think so Chet. Since I'm definitely driving the squad back to the station no matter what, it might be best if you rode with me," Charlie said with a grin.

"Well, since you put it that way pal," Chet said with a grin. He handed Charlie the keys.

They went in and said good bye to Roy and left.

Roy tried to read a magazine and watch television while he waited for Joanne to join him. Nothing seemed to work. He'd read a line and start daydreaming about finding Johnny slumped over the steering wheel. He'd watch television for a few minutes and lose track of the show as he thought about how close the train came. He paced instead.

Finally Dixie brought Joanne to the lounge. Joanne hugged Roy and began crying softly. Dixie quietly left the room.

"I can't believe it," Joanne whispered while she continued to hug Roy.

As Joanne and Roy sat down, Roy said, "It's hard to believe that Johnny was lying there for so long and no one knew it. I should have called him this weekend."

"Roy, you can't blame yourself," Joanne said. She reached in her purse and pulled out a tissue and wiped her eyes. "Besides calling wouldn't have helped."

"I know you're right Joanne, but I just can't help feeling that I could have done something different and he wouldn't have had the accident."

"You know there was nothing you could do Roy. Just be thankful that you found him when you did."

"Yeah, I guess so. It was kind of odd that I found him as a matter of fact," Roy said. He told Joanne what happened.

"That's amazing," Joanne said. "Roy, I'm sure he'll be all right. Just you wait and see."

It seemed like an eternity to Roy who paced the floor most of the time until Dixie came in to talk to them.

"How's he doing?" Joanne asked as soon as Dixie came into the lounge.

"He's out of surgery and in recovery. He came through the surgery fine."

"That's good. Thanks Dixie," Roy said. "Joanne let's go to the cafeteria and get something to eat." They walked to the cafeteria in silence, each thinking about Johnny.

Dr. Brackett entered the cafeteria about twenty minutes later and sat with Roy and Joanne.

"Hi Joanne!" Dr. Brackett said.

"Hello, Doctor Brackett," Joanne said.

"How is he now?" Roy asked.

"He's stable. We repaired a tear in his liver, set his broken arm and wrist, put several stitches in his leg, and some in his head. He's got some bruised ribs, a concussion, and several contusions, but I expect a full recovery in time Roy," Kel said.

"That's good to hear Doc," Roy said. He sighed. "When can I see him?"

"Tomorrow. He'll sleep the rest of the day and this evening," Kel said.

Roy looked at his watch. "Joanne will you drop me off at the station? I'll finish my shift and come back up here tomorrow when I get off work."

"Sure, be glad to Roy," Joanne said. They said good bye to Kel and walked down the hospital corridor and outside toward the car. Joanne could tell that Roy looked exhausted. "Roy, are you all right? I'm sure Captain Stanley would understand if you want to take off the rest of the day and get some rest."

"I'm sure he would, but I'd feel better if I kept busy," Roy said. "Besides with Johnny off, they will need me to work."

                                                                 Part 10

"Do you want me to drive Roy?" Joanne asked when they reached the Station Wagon.

"No, I'm fine now. I'll drive." Roy opened the car door for Joanne. She got inside. Roy went to the driver's side and got in behind the wheel.

"I told you that he'd be all right," Joanne said.

"Yeah, you told me," Roy said. He smiled at her. "Thanks for being here and putting up with my pacing."

"Do you think we should replace the floor where you wore it down?" Joanne said, with a slight smile trying to put Roy at ease.

"I think it will be alright," Roy said.

"By the way Roy, do you mind if I leave this car with you and I take the new car?"

"No, you can take it if you want, just be careful," Roy said.

"I will. I went and got some of the paperwork done for us, but still have to run by the insurance company. I was just about to leave when you called. I'm glad you caught me because sitting at the hospital alone and not being able to do anything is so stressful."

"I know. It really helped that you were there," Roy said, as he pulled into Station 51's parking lot. He pulled up in Johnny's spot. He seemed to be in a daze and didn't hear Joanne.

"Roy, I said good-bye. What's wrong? Are you sure you are o.k.?"

"Oh yeah, I'm fine, I was just thinking. Johnny usually parks here beside me."

"Roy, are you absolutely sure that you need to go back to work?" Joanne asked.

"I'm sure. I think it will help take my mind off of things. Now don't worry." Roy and Joanne said good-bye and she drove away in the car. She waved at Roy as he entered the building.

Roy went to Captain Stanley's office. "I'm back and ready to work Cap."

"Glad to see that. Are you sure you want to work Roy, because if you need time off I can arrange it."

"No Cap, I'm fine."

"How's Johnny?" Cap asked.

"He's had surgery and is stable right now."

"I'll tell everyone about it at the same time if you'd like," Roy said.

"That would be great Roy. I'll send Bob home after you tell them."

Roy told everyone what Dr. Brackett told him.

"Gee, sounds like he was pretty lucky," Mike said.

"Yeah, it's nice to have friends who are concerned enough to look for you," Marco said.

Chet looked at Captain Stanley. "That's what any of us would do for each other, isn't Cap?"

"Well Kelly, that depends pal," Cap said.

"Depends on what?" Chet asked.

"How many practical jokes you've played on the guys that day."

Everyone laughed. "Yeah, Chet, I know I'd do the same for you," Roy said.

"At least I have one friend," Chet said as he sneered and walked away.

"I heard that Brice was going to be working for you day after tomorrow Roy," Charlie said. He grinned and winked at Marco.

"Where did you hear that?" Roy asked.

"Oh, things like that get around," Charlie said.

Cap came around the corner from his office. "Roy, Brice is filling in for Gage day after tomorrow. I just got word a few minutes ago."

Charlie looked stunned. "Roy, it was just suppose to be a joke. I'm sorry."

"Well, I'll tell you one thing he's definitely not driving and something else…" Roy was interrupted by the claxon.

"Station 51, truck 8, field fire behind Oceanside Shopping Center, 8100 Pacific Boulevard. Cross street Victoria Avenue. Eight one zero zero Pacific Boulevard. Time out 1407."

"Station 51, KMG 365," Cap said. Mike, Chet, and Marco donned their helmets and turnout jackets and got into the fire engine as Roy and Charlie got into the squad. Cap handed Roy the paper and he gave it to Charlie. Roy and Charlie donned their helmets. Cap got into the engine. They headed for the shopping center with lights and sirens.

                                                                      Part 11

As Roy and Charlie put on their turnout coats, Cap said, "Roy, Charlie get the reel line. Chet, Marco, pull an inch and a half."

Roy was on the front of the line when he tripped in a small hole and fell to the ground.

"Are you all right?" Charlie asked.

"Yeah, I think so. Help me up Charlie," Roy said. Charlie pulled Roy out of the hole.

"Now you are sure you're o.k.?"

"I'm fine Charlie," Roy said a bit wearied. Roy took a few steps and noticed that his left ankle was hurting slightly. He felt that it wasn't anything serious so he proceeded to extinguish the fire. The fire was nearly out when Charlie and he were walking along spraying hot spots. Roy tripped on a log buried partly in the ground. He hurt his ankle again and hit his head on a rock. He was knocked unconscious.

"CAP, ROY'S DOWN!" Charlie shouted. He then took Roy's pulse and respiration rates.

"Marco get the equipment for Charlie pal," Cap said.

Marco quickly brought the oxygen and trauma box to Charlie.

"What happened?" Marco asked.

"He must have tripped on something," Charlie said, as shined the penlight in Roy's eyes. "He hit his head on a rock."

Charlie reached for the blood pressure cuff and stethoscope.   Roy started to come around.

"Just lie still Roy," Charlie said.

"I'm fine Charlie, just help me up," Roy said. Roy attempted to get up, but fell backward.

"Roy I think that you should just lie still," Charlie said.

"Yeah, maybe you're right Charlie," Roy said. "I have a headache." Roy reached up and removed his helmet. He gently rubbed his fingers back and forth across his forehead.

"You hit the ground pretty hard Roy. You cut your forehead and there is a bump starting to form already. I'm going to put a bandage on it and get your blood pressure."

After Charlie put a bandage on Roy's head, he took Roy's blood pressure.

"How is it Charlie?" Roy asked.

"It's fine," Charlie said.

"Number's Charlie, give me the numbers!" Roy demanded.

Realizing the Roy had been under a lot of stress, he calmly said, "It's 118 over 70."

"I'm fine then. As soon as I get back to the station I'll put some ice on my head and take a couple of aspirin," Roy said.

"You aren't going back to the station Roy," Cap said. "You are going to Rampart to be checked over. I'll call an ambulance."

"Come on Cap, I'm…"

"Roy, you're going to Rampart pal and that's the end of it," Cap interrupted.

"Can I just go in the squad?" Roy asked as he slowly got to his feet.

"Roy, I wouldn't get up…" Charlie started to say.

Roy was already standing when Cap looked at Charlie and said, "What do you think Charlie?"

"He seems to be able to stand. How are you feeling Roy?"

"Like I said, I'm fine. It's just a little ankle injury and a bump on the head."

"I think we can go in the squad Cap. It's probably the only way we'll get him to Rampart without hog-tying him," Charlie said with a grin. "Besides he'll have a paramedic with him the whole time."

"All right Roy. If you think you can manage, Charlie can take you in the squad. If the doctor says that you'll be able to return to work then you can, but not until then."

"O.K. Cap, whatever you say," Roy said. Charlie helped Roy into the squad and left.

"Engine 51 returning to quarters, squad 51 on a run to Rampart," Cap told dispatch.

"10-4 engine 51," was the response.

                                                                   Part 12

Charlie and Roy entered Rampart. Charlie saw Dr. Early in the hallway. "Doc, I have a patient for you." Charlie was assisting Roy as he limped along.

"I think treatment three is open," Dr. Early said. He held the door open for Roy and Charlie. "What happened Roy?"

"Nothing much Doc. I tripped in a hole and injured my left ankle slightly and then tripped on a log or something and banged my head."

"He did more than bang it Doc. He was knocked unconscious," Charlie said.

"How long was he out?" Dr. Early asked, as he shined his pen light in Roy's eyes.

"For a minute or two," Charlie said.

"How's the head Roy?"

"I have a little headache," Roy said. "It's nothing Doc, really."

"Well, I'll tell you what Roy, I'm sending you for a CT scan and I want to get a skull series. I'll order an x-ray of that ankle too," Doctor Early said.

"The sooner the better, then I can get back to work," Roy said.

"Not so fast Roy. I'm going to admit you overnight," Doctor Early said.

"But Doc, my head doesn't hurt that bad. I can work," Roy said.

"Don't argue Roy. I'm admitting you for observation. I don't want to take any chances with a head injury. More than likely you'll be home by tomorrow at this time," Doctor Early said, as he looked at Roy's cut and the bump on his forehead.

"You know that he's right Roy," Charlie said.

"Well I guess he is at that. I'll have to call Cap," Roy said. "But with Johnny off from…"

"I'll call him and then take the squad back to the station," Charlie interrupted. "I'll call Joanne for you also."

"Thanks Charlie," Roy said, with a frown. "Uh, don't call Joanne Charlie. She'll just worry and besides hopefully I'll be out of here by tomorrow morning anyway. I'll call her then."

"Whatever you say Roy. Now cheer up. At least it's nothing serious and you can get some much needed rest," Charlie said. "I'll check in on you later."

"Yeah, I guess so. Doc, do you suppose I could just look in on Johnny for a minute?"

"Last time that I checked he was still sleeping Roy. Now, let's get you to the x-ray department," Dr. Early said as he put a butterfly bandage on Roy's head.

"Bye Roy," Charlie said.

"Bye Charlie, and thanks," Roy said.

After returning from x-ray, Roy was taken to the treatment room again to have his ankle wrapped with an elastic bandage. Roy was being wheeled out of the treatment room when Brice saw him.

"Wait here Roy," Dr. Early said, when he heard his page. "I'll get someone to take you to your room." He walked toward the nurses' station and left Roy sitting in a wheelchair in front of the elevator, holding an ice bag on his forehead.

"What happened to you DeSoto?" Brice asked.

"Oh, just a minor head and ankle injury. I'll probably be back to work day after tomorrow."

"Well, I'm suppose to work with you that day. Ankle injuries can be quite painful and incapacitating. In all probability it would be safer if I did the driving that day DeSoto," Brice said with a lot of confidence.

"Brice, don't start that again. I'll have you know that if it's not safe for me to drive then I won't be back at work at all. If I am back to work, then I'll be doing the driving. I'd appreciate it if we never have to have this conversation again."

"Sure whatever you say, DeSoto. I was just trying to help by giving you my expert medical opinion is all," Brice said, as he flashed him a smug grin.

"You know something Brice, you try to help too much sometimes. It really gets on my nerves."

"I'm sorry that your nerves are so fragile right now. More than likely it's because of your detachment from your regular partner. It's what you might call a disassociation problem. Perhaps you should consider seeing a psych…"

Roy interrupted Brice about the time Bellingham came up beside them. "Brice, you'd better not say psychiatrist. Because if anyone needs to see a psychiatrist…"

Bellingham quickly pulled Brice away by his shirtsleeve and said, "Come on Dr. Freud, time to go before you get yourself into more trouble than you already have."

                                                                        Part 13

The next morning Johnny woke up and looked around the room. He saw Roy in the next bed.

"Roy?" Johnny asked, somewhat perplexed by his surroundings.

Hearing Johnny's voice caused Roy to open his eyes. He sat up in bed a bit. "Hi Johnny. How are you feeling?"

Johnny replied hoarsely, "Never mind me, what happened to you?"

"I fell in a hole yesterday and tripped over a log while I was on a run. I hurt my head and ankle. I'm just here overnight for observation. Now tell me how you are."

"I'm o.k. I guess. I have a headache and I'm really sore all over. My stomach and ribs hurt. Dr. Brackett came in last night and told me that he did surgery on me. I didn't notice you there though," Johnny said weakly with a hoarse sounding voice.

"I fell asleep right after they brought me up here I guess. I don't remember Dr. Brackett coming in here at all last night. I guess I was real tired. After all, we did have a pretty rough time trying to rescue you. Remind me to tell you about it sometime."

"All right I'd like to hear about it. What time is it Roy?" Johnny asked.

Roy reached for his watch. He looked at the dial and said, "It's 8:33 a.m."

"It's Tuesday isn't it Roy?" Johnny asked continually talking with a raspy voice.

Roy nodded.

"Then A- shift just got off and we should be getting some visitors soon." The door opened.

"HI!" Chet shouted.

"How are you both feeling?" Marco asked.

"I'm fine," Roy said.

"I'm hurting," Johnny said. Marco handed Johnny a cup of ice chips to chew.

Chet noticed that Johnny had two black and blue circles and some swelling around his eyes. "I like your new sunglasses Gage," Chet said, as he laughed.

Marco jabbed Chet in the ribs with his elbow.

"What?" Chet said.

"Be nice Chet," Marco said.

"What's he talking about?" Johnny asked as he sat the cup of ice down.

"It's nothing Johnny," Marco said. "You just have two swollen black eyes is all. Chet is trying to be funny."

Cap tapped on the door and came into the room. "Well, is that all you two have to do is lie around?" He grinned. "These flowers are for both of you from the guys at the station."

"Lie around? It wasn't my idea to come here Cap," Roy said.

"Well, it darn sure wasn't my idea to come here either," Johnny said. He winced with pain.

Mike knocked on the door and entered when he heard voices. "How are you two doing?"

"I'm hanging in there," Johnny said. "Roy told me that you guys got me out of my vehicle."

"That's a long story," Marco said.

"I know I sure wouldn't want to do it again pal," Chet said.

"That's the truth," Mike said. "The hairs on my arms are still standing up. I've got to be going. I just stopped in to say hi."

"Bye Mike," Thanks for the flowers everyone," Roy said.

"Yeah, thanks," Johnny said. "What's everyone talking about?"

"I'll tell you later partner," Roy said.

"Roy, Charlie told me that he and Tom stopped in to see you last night when they had a run, but you two were asleep. I told them to go home and get some rest." Cap said.

"It was nice of them to come see us," Roy said. "Sorry I missed them."

Johnny held his stomach and moaned slightly.

"Do either of you need anything?" Cap asked.

"OUT OF HERE!" Johnny and Roy said loudly in unison.

Everyone laughed. "Can't help you with that guys," Cap said. "I'd better be getting home," Cap said.

"I can't think of anything else that I need." Roy said. "Thanks for coming by to see us Cap."

"I'd like some bacon and eggs," Johnny said.

"I don't think you need that just yet pal," Cap said.

"I don't know why not," Johnny said, as his stomach growled. "I'm hungry."

"Well, take care guys," Cap said.

"Yeah, sure thing Cap," Johnny said. "Thanks for coming."

"Are you sure neither of you want anything at all before I leave?" Marco asked.

"Thanks, but nothing for me, Marco. I should be out of here soon," Roy said.

"I'd like a copy of Horse World magazine if you could get one, OUCH!" Johnny said.

"Don't tell me you're starting that horseback riding idea again," Roy said.

"No, I just like to look…Johnny paused and grabbed his stomach…at the magazines," Johnny said with look of pain on his face.

"I'll see what I can find Johnny. Bye," Marco said.

"I have to go too," Chet said. "The phantom says to hurry and get well fast Johnny. He was really concerned about you."

"You tell the phantom…I'd like…OUCH! Nothing better than to get well fast," Johnny said.

"I'll tell him. Bye guys," Chet said.

"Bye Chet," Roy and Johnny said.

He went out the door just as Dr. Brackett was coming into the room. "Hi Doc," Chet said.

"How's it going Chet?" Dr. Brackett asked.

"Just fine Doc. I'm ready to enjoy my day off," Chet said.

"Good for you Chet. It seems like I never get a day off around here," Dr. Brackett said.

He went into the room. "How are my two favorite patient's doing?"

"Fine Doc. When can I leave?" Roy asked.

"Well, let's have a look Roy." Dr. Brackett shined the penlight into Roy's eyes, checked his ankle, and looked at his chart. "Is your headache gone?"

"Yeah, I feel fine. My ankle still hurts a bit and it is awfully swollen and bruised," Roy said. Dr. Brackett checked Roy's blood pressure. He took his pulse and respiration rates.

"Your vital signs are good. But as you know, you do have a rather bad sprain. I want you to stay home for a few days and keep your ankle elevated. I'll have the physical therapist bring some crutches in here for you. Then you can leave," Kel said.

"O.K.," Roy said. "I'll call Joanne to come and get me. Maybe she won't be too mad that I didn't tell her that I was in here."

"Don't count on it Roy," Johnny said. He was still holding his stomach and moaned a bit.

"Yeah, I guess I will have a lot of explaining to do," Roy said.

Kel's attention turned to Johnny. "And how are you doing this morning? Since we weren't sure about your head injury, you didn't get much anesthesia during surgery."

"I'm fine Doc. When can I get out of here?" Johnny asked and then coughed a bit.

Kel could tell by the expression on Johnny's face that he was in pain.

"Not for awhile Johnny," Kel said. "You just had surgery yesterday."

He checked Johnny's incision. "I'll have Dixie bring you a pain shot," Kel said.

"I'm not hurting that bad Doc," Johnny said. "I'll just tough it out."

"He needs one Doc. I've been watching him," Roy said.

Kel crossed his arms. "Yeah, he's going to get one too."

"But…" Johnny said.

"No arguments," Kel interrupted. "I'm going to give you something to relieve your pain."

Johnny frowned. "I really don't think it's necessary."

"Well, in my opinion, I do think it's necessary. And my opinion is the only one that counts," Kel said. "We're going to be getting you up and taking you for a walk soon."

"All right, you win! It may help a bit," Johnny said as he grimaced.

"I'll go order those crutches for you Roy and a pain shot for your partner," Kel said.

Kel heard Johnny moan in pain when he closed the door.

"You're something else," Roy said.

"Why do you say that?" Johnny asked.

"You not asking for a pain shot," Roy said as he shook his head. "Believe me, you'll feel much better with it, than without it partner."

Johnny shrugged and said, "I just don't think it's necessary. There isn't any use taking something I don't need. The pain will go away eventually. I thought I'd just tough it out until then." He groaned a bit.

"Yeah, skinny but tough, right Junior?" Roy said with a grin.

"Yeah, something like that I guess." Johnny became serious as he thought about the events from the day before. "Hey Roy, I'm sorry if I put you guys through a lot of trouble yesterday."

"We were pretty worried about you. Everyone was concerned when you didn't show up for work on time yesterday morning and hadn't called," Roy said. "I even called Cassie and she said that she had talked to you, but hadn't seen you."

"Well Roy, Saturday morning after I called Cassie and found out that she had to work, I remembered what Charlie said about fishing at Big Bear Lake. I decided to drive to the mountains and rent a cabin for the weekend. I left early yesterday morning to drive back straight to work since it's about a two and a half-hour drive. It was dark, foggy, and raining when I left Big Bear, so I was taking my time driving. Johnny moaned and held his stomach tighter. I turned onto Tuna Canyon Road and it was really foggy. I noticed something in the road. I could barely see it. I don't know what it was. I swerved to go around it and I heard a loud pop. My tire blew. That's the last I can remember."

"That something you saw in the road were boards with tar on them and nails in them. I was on my way to the hospital and stopped to help someone whom I thought had a flat from that debris in the road. Luckily he saw the boards in time and was just checking his tires. It was a white vehicle. At first I thought it was you. I saw some other boards and picked them up. I saw skid marks and followed them and I saw a Land Rover and investigated the situation and found you," Roy said. "Engine 51 showed up and we were trying to get you out and Johnny, you wouldn't believe what happened."

"What's that Roy?"

"Your Land Rover came to rest against two trees on a ledge. Beneath the ledge was about a fifty-foot drop off."

"No way Roy, are you serious?" Johnny asked as he winced.

"Quite serious. I'm not finished yet Johnny. You haven't heard the worst part."

"Roy, please don't tell me that my Land Rover fell over the cliff after you got me out."

"No, that's not what happened at all Johnny. Your Land Rover was sitting on train tracks. I hadn't paid much attention to them. I was about to check your blood pressure when I saw a train coming in the distance through the fog. We had to move fast and get you out of there. I thought the train was going to hit us, but it turned onto another track"

"That's incredible Roy! Thanks partner," Johnny said. "OW!" Johnny shouted and grabbed his stomach tighter. "Man Roy, that was some run. Sorry I missed all the excitement."

"Missed it! You were right in the middle of it Junior," Roy said. He laughed. "I don't mind telling you partner. I was a bit nervous and slightly worried."

"Dixie came into the room and said, "O.K. Johnny, I have a shot of meparidine for you." She walked over to Johnny and pulled the curtain around him as he grumbled.

The physical therapist came in right behind Dixie. "Roy DeSoto?"

"Yeah," Roy said.

"I'm Teresa and I have some crutches for you."

"Good," Roy said. She was assisting Roy by showing him how to properly walk with the crutches when Johnny shouted.

"OUCH! Man, take it easy Dixie, that hurt."

"You big baby," Dixie said as she flashed him a smile.

"I'll tell you what, that ought to make a fellow get well pretty quickly around here," Johnny said with a smile.

Dixie grinned and said, "That's the idea Johnny. Do you need anything?" Dixie asked as she opened the curtain.

"Yeah, breakfast," Johnny said. Dixie pointed to the IV. "You already have yours. Roy your breakfast is coming down the hallway if you want to stay and eat it," Dixie said.

"Yeah, I can eat it. I'm hungry," Roy said.

"I'll leave these crutches with you. I think you have gotten the hang of it now," Teresa said.

"I think that I can manage. Thanks Teresa," Roy said

"If you need anything else, just let me know," Teresa said as she smiled and left the room.

"She wasn't bad looking," Roy said.

"Roy you're a married man," Johnny said. Johnny cleared his throat.

"I was looking for you partner," Roy said.

"If I hadn't have been so pre-occupied with that shot, I would have been able to look for myself," Johnny said. "I think Dixie enjoyed that."

Cassie knocked and walked into the room.

"Hi Johnny! Dixie told me you were here when I came on duty this morning. I wondered why you didn't call me." Cassie walked over and fluffed Johnny's pillows. "How are you feeling?"

"Uh…not too good. I'm in a lot of pain you know." He moaned a bit.

Roy rolled his eyes and grinned.

"Oh, I'm so sorry Johnny. Dixie told me that she gave you a pain shot. It will take effect soon. She reached for an extra pillow. "In the meantime hold this against your stomach."

"Where were you few minutes ago, when I got that shot? I bet you would have been a lot easier on me than Dixie was." Johnny gave her a crooked smile trying to charm her.

"Perhaps," Cassie said. "But Dixie has had a lot more experience than I have at giving shots. But I'll give you all of your pain shots whenever I can, if you'd like."

"Yeah, I'd like that a lot. I'm looking forward to it," Johnny said.

"Brother, now I've heard everything," Roy mumbled as he rolled his eyes.

Johnny looked at Roy and sneered.

"Can I do something to make you feel better until then?" Cassie asked.

"Can you get me something to eat?"

"I'll see what I can do," Cassie said. "First I have to get your vitals." She carefully stuck a thermometer in his mouth and then gently reached for Johnny's wrist to get his pulse. She checked his respiration rate and finally took his blood pressure. After she wrote the results on his chart she said, "I'll go talk to Dr. Brackett about your breakfast." She walked to the door and as she opened it, she smiled and said, "Don't go away now."

Johnny smiled and said, "I'll try to stay here and wait for your return." She closed the door.

"Now see Roy, that's a caring nurse for you. Did you notice how gentle she was?"

"Oh I noticed her all right," Roy said.

The cafeteria worker brought Roy's breakfast tray in to him. She removed the plate cover.

"Smells good. Thanks," Roy said.

"You're welcome," she said. Then she left the room.

"Bacon, scrambled eggs, hash browns, toast, coffee, and milk," Roy said.

"Don't rub it in Roy. Mine is coming. You just wait and see." Johnny winced a bit.

Soon Cassie returned with a tray and said, "Special Delivery!"

"See Roy, what did I tell you?" Cassie removed the plate cover. "Here you go Johnny."

Johnny looked and saw the food. "JELL-O! Where are the bacon and eggs?"

"Dr. Brackett wanted to start you out on this. Here's some bouillon for you also."

"Man, is this all I get to eat?" Johnny asked sadly.

"I'm afraid so Johnny. Doctor's orders," Cassie said, as she smiled.

"If I didn't know better, I'd think that Chet had something to do with this," Johnny said with a grin. Johnny fumbled with the spoon with his left hand and said, "I'm right handed. This isn't easy."

"I'll help you," Cassie said. She took a spoonful of broth and put it in Johnny's mouth. He swallowed it.

"Now this is what I call service," Johnny said. Cassie took a napkin and wiped his mouth.

"That's what I call ridiculous," Roy mumbled under his breath, as he finished his eggs.

"Did you say something Roy?" Johnny asked.

"You're going to have to learn how to feed yourself partner. Maybe I should get the physical therapist to show you how."

"You're just jealous partner."

"Maybe so Johnny." Roy ate the last bite of toast and finished his coffee. "I'm going to leave now Johnny. I'll check on you later."

"O.K. Roy, bye," Johnny said, half-heartedly, as he stared into Cassie's blue eyes.

"Bye Roy," Cassie said.

"Bye Cassie." Roy shook his head and opened the door while holding the crutches under his arms. He suddenly turned back around and looked at Johnny.

"For goodness sakes Johnny, go ahead and ask her out all ready will you?" Roy said. He smiled and then left the room.

"Well, how about it?" Johnny asked in his raspy voice.

"How about what?" Cassie asked.

"You know, what Roy said." Johnny coughed and pressed the pillow against his belly.

"I'm sorry, I wasn't paying attention, what was he saying?"

"Uh…how would you like to go out with me? I mean after I get out of here that is."

"Oh, I guess that would be o.k., I mean after you get out of here." Cassie smiled.

Johnny gave her a sheepish grin. "Great. Where do you want to go?"

"I don't care Johnny. You pick somewhere."

"Have you ever had a tour of a fire station?" Johnny groaned a little.

She looked puzzled. "Uh no, why do you ask?"

Johnny knew that she didn't realize he was teasing, so he said, "Uh, I uh…never mind, it was a joke. Let's go out to dinner at a nice restaurant."

"That would be wonderful." She finished helping him eat and wiped his chin. She wrote her phone number and address on a piece of paper and told him she'd be back later.

Johnny smiled and said, "All right, I'll be waiting right here." Johnny yawned as the pain shot was beginning to take effect."

Cassie smiled and left the room.

Johnny continually got better as the weeks passed. Roy visited or called him quite frequently.

                                                                   Part 14

Six weeks later Johnny came to work. "HEY EVERYONE LOOK WHO'S BACK!" Chet shouted.

"I'm really glad to see you Johnny," Chet said. "I've missed you."

"Well, I missed you too, Chet. I've missed everyone."

"I'm kind of busy, so I'll catch you later Johnny," Chet said, as he walked into the kitchen area.

Having heard Chet, Roy came into the bay. "GLAD YOU'RE BACK PARTNER!"

"Yeah, I'm sure you've had enough of Brice," Johnny said.

"I only had him as a partner three very long shifts. I've had, Bellingham, Belliveau, Wilson, Dwyer, and Wheeler the rest of the time," Roy said.

"That's three shifts too many if you ask me," Johnny said with a grin.

"Tell me about it. He can take that rulebook of his…" Roy stopped.

Johnny grinned. "Yeah, I know what you mean Roy. Cassie and I are still dating."

"Yeah, I know. You told me yesterday, and the day before, and the day before that Johnny," Roy said with a grin. "How are you feeling?"

"Oh, guess I did tell you," Johnny said. "Well, I'm feeling even better today than I was yesterday. Cassie came over on some of her days off and helped me quite a bit Roy."

"By the way how is she at giving shots?" Roy asked as he smiled.

Johnny frowned and said, "Let's just say that she was right when she said that Dixie had a lot more experience in that field."

Roy laughed. "Live and learn Junior. Is it getting serious between you and Cassie?"

"No, not really Roy. She doesn't like to do anything that I like to do," Johnny said. "She doesn't like to bowl. She doesn't like any sports. She doesn't even like to go to the movies. She likes to catch butterflies. She also likes to go bird watching and shopping. Then of course she loves going out to eat. That's about all."

"Don't tell me you take her to catch butterflies on a date?" Roy asked with a slight grin.

"No, are you kidding? We've just gone out to eat," Johnny said. "It's really the only thing we have in common. Man Roy, all we do is go out to eat at fancy restaurants come to think about it."

"That must be expensive," Roy said.

"Yeah, it sure is." Johnny put his hands on hips. "I even suggested a picnic last Saturday and she asked me what food I was going to bring. Roy, she doesn't even cook."

"Johnny, I may be asking a stupid question here, but if you don't have anything in common with her, then what's the sense in going out with her?"

"Well, I have to eat and so does she. Since I didn't have a vehicle, she has been driving and picking the restaurants. Johnny points his finger towards Roy. But you know something, I think that you might just have a point there. It's time for me to put my foot down now that I have my Land Rover back. I think I'll call and tell her that we're eating at a fast food restaurant tonight instead of a fancy place."

Roy shook his head and grinned.

Mike Stoker came into the bay and said, "Johnny, I heard that you were back. How are you feeling?"

"Much better Mike, now that the cast is gone."

Mike smiled. "I had a cast once. I know how you feel." Mike went to get a cup of coffee.

Marco came into the bay and said, "Welcome back Johnny."

"Thanks Marco, and thanks for the magazine. I saw a beautiful Palomino colt in there for sale."

"So are you going to buy it?" Marco asked.

Johnny laughed. "Well, I don't think so Marco. First of all I can't afford it and then second, I don't think that my apartment manager would like me having it very much."

Roy shook his head. "I don't think the horse would like living in your apartment very much either."

"You know something Roy, you're right about that," Johnny said.

"Can I get you a cup of coffee Johnny?" Marco asked.

"That sounds real good Marco. I could use a cup." Marco left for the kitchen.

Cap entered the bay and said, "Well, I see you finally showed up for work. A little late I might add, like about six weeks." He laughed. "Don't ever do that again, pal."

"Don't worry Cap. I don't ever intend to repeat that incident if I can help it. The body shop finally repaired my Land Rover and I drove it today."

"That's great! We're all glad to have you back," Cap said. He patted Johnny on the back.

Chet came in holding a cup in his hand and said, "Cap, I'll sweep the bay just as soon as I finish my cup of coffee."

"Good man Chet," Cap said. Chet returned to the kitchen and picked up a magazine and began looking through it as he drank his coffee.

Johnny laughed. He remembered the note Charlie had given Captain Stanley. "I'm going to shave and change into my uniform," Johnny said. "But first I'm going to go get a quick drink of coffee."

I forgot to shave this morning myself," Roy said. "Since C-Shift isn't back from their run yet, I think I'll grab a swallow of coffee with you." He and Johnny went to the kitchen.

Cap walked into the kitchen and saw Chet drinking coffee. Marco handed Johnny a cup of coffee as Roy poured himself one. "Alright guys, I was told by Captain Hookraider that Chief McConnike is suppose to have an inspection this afternoon around two o'clock. Now the station looks great because C-Shift cleaned it up for us. So everyone be on your toes today."

"Right Cap," Mike said.

"Sure thing Cap," Marco said.

"Aren't we always, Cap?" Chet inquired.

Cap shook his head.

"Uh, while everyone is here, I'd just like to say thanks for coming to help me out there on the road. Also, I really appreciated everyone coming by to check on me while I was in the hospital and for visiting and calling me while I was recuperating at home," Johnny said.

"Johnny, we just wanted to do what we could for you, pal. No need to thank us," Cap said.

"Heck no," Chet said. "We'd do it for anybody."

"Well, just the same, I wanted each of you to know…" Johnny said

"We know, partner, you don't have to say it," Roy interrupted.

"Kelly, how about putting the flags up pal?" Cap asked.

"Awe Cap can't it wait?" Chet asked, as he headed toward the refrigerator.

Cap just looked at Chet.

"All right, I'll do it now Cap," Chet said. Chet rushed outside and hurriedly put up the flags. He had something else on his mind that he wanted to do."

Johnny and Roy sat at the table and talked for a few minutes drinking about half of their cups of coffee.

"Good ol' firehouse coffee. I've really missed it," Johnny said while looking at Marco.

"It's pretty good isn't it?" Marco said.

"I guess when you've been away a long time it tastes better," Roy said.

"I'd rather have been here, that's for sure," Johnny said.

"By the way Roy, I noticed that you forgot to turn off your car lights," Marco said.

"Thanks Marco." Roy got up from the table and went out to his car. He turned off his lights.

Cap came into the kitchen. "Gage, I need to see your papers allowing you to return to work."

"I'll go get them Cap. They're in my vehicle."

Chet went to the refrigerator and quickly worked in the kitchen for a few minutes and then rushed out the door.

Roy met Johnny on his way back inside. Johnny got the papers and took them into Captain Stanley's office.

"They seem to be in order. You're officially cleared to return to work," Cap said.

Johnny smiled. "I'm glad. I didn't like being off that long."

The phone rang. "CAP, IT'S FOR YOU!" Marco shouted.

Cap answered the phone. Johnny left the office to go get some more coffee.

"KELLY!" Cap shouted a few minutes later.

"Do you want me Cap?" Chet asked as he came out of the bathroom.

"CHET, YOU TWIT! YOU PUT THE CALIFORNIA FLAG ON THE POLE UPSIDE DOWN. I JUST GOT A CALL FROM THE CHIEF WHO JUST HAPPENED TO NOTICE IT AS HE WAS DRIVING TO WORK THIS MORNING. HE WANTED TO KNOW WHY THE BEAR HAD HIS FEET IN THE AIR. GO OUTSIDE AND PUT IT UP CORRECTLY!" Cap shouted loud enough for everyone in the station to hear.

"Sorry Cap. I'll go do it in a minute."

"NOW!" Cap shouted. "The Chief has decided holding off on the inspection inside until we get the outside in order."

"Sure Cap, right now," Chet scurried outside to the flagpole.

Johnny and Roy shook their heads. "Man, Chet sure isn't starting off too good this morning is he?" Johnny commented.

"Not at all. I'd say he'd better be careful today. Cap doesn't seem like he's in a very good mood after getting a call from the Chief McConnike first thing this morning," Roy said.

"That's the truth. We'd all better be careful today. Say Roy, who's the owner of the red Pontiac outside in the lot?" Johnny asked.

"I am. I forgot to tell you that we bought it. I drive it when Joanne let's me," Roy said with a grin.

"You'll have to show it to me later. It's a sharp looking car. You wouldn't want to trade would you?"

Chet happened to walk into the bay and heard Johnny ask Roy if he wanted to trade. "What did I tell you Roy, I knew it. Didn't I tell you that Johnny would want to trade? You'd better be careful or he'll try to take advantage of you by trying to back out on the deal like he did before," Chet said.

"Chet, just…"JUST SHUT UP CHET!" Johnny shouted. Chet left to go to the bathroom again.

"I don't think I can trade Johnny." Roy laughed and said, "Joanne wouldn't like that. She was the one who picked out the GTO. She saw it and immediately decided she had to have it. That was the plans she had for us that Saturday morning. We went to look at cars. Of course we actually went look at that particular car, although she didn't tell me that."

"Yeah, women can be pretty sneaky at times Roy. You have to be careful."

"I guess you could call it sneaky partner. I just call it getting what they want and making you think that it was your idea all along." They both laughed and headed for the bathroom.

Chet was at the sink in the bathroom with a cup and a brush as Johnny and Roy came in to the room. "Johnny, I want to apologize for what I said about you might try to take advantage of Roy. I fixed this shaving cream for you," Chet said. "And here, use this nice warm moist towel."

"What's the catch Chet?" Johnny asked with skepticism.

"Gee Johnny, there's no catch. Can't a guy be nice to someone who's been injured and just returned to work? I am trying to apologize here."

"Oh all right then Chet. Apology accepted. I appreciate it."

"My pleasure Johnny," Chet said, as he turned and walked out of the room.

"Roy, see there. I was off for awhile and look how nice I'm being treated."

"I see it, but I don't believe it," Roy said. He was skeptical but didn't say anything more. He reached into the cabinet and got himself the can of shaving cream.

"Roy, surely you aren't going to use that can of shaving cream are you?"

Roy stood watching Johnny. "Sure, why not?"

"Because Roy this is so much better." Johnny put the warm towel on his face. Man Roy, this feels great! He removed the towel and laid it down. He picked up the brush and put the cream on his face and it began to melt. It ran down onto his lip. It tasted sweet. "What the… CHET!" Johnny shouted.

"What's wrong Junior?" Roy asked.

"It's whipping cream," Johnny said.

"Welcome back Johnny!" Roy exclaimed.

Johnny shook his head. Both of the guys laughed. "Yeah, it's good to be back, practical jokes and all Roy," Johnny said, as Roy handed him the can of shaving cream he held in his hand.

THE END!

Author's note: I want to thank Janet for her suggestions and comments and for allowing me to have the opportunity to share my story with others.

Editor's comment: - aw shucks, just part of the job, ma'am!

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