Johnny and Roy sat in the doctor's lounge waiting for news on Kaycee.  "She'll be okay, she's tough.  I'm sure she's eaten her share of smoke before."  Roy reassured him. "I can't believe she got both the horses out by herself."  Johnny shook his head in amazement. "Like I said, she's tough.  She didn't do any more than you would have if you'd been there."  Roy reminded him. "Yeah, I guess you're right."  Chief McKonikee and Captain Stanley entered the lounge.  "Any news?"  Hank asked. "Not yet."  Johnny shook his head.  "What are you two doing here?"  He asked surprised to see them. "Captain Maynard called me.  "Listen John, I need to ask you a few questions."  McKonikee explained. "About what?"  Johnny motioned them to sit down with him and Roy. "About the fire."  Hank answered sitting down. "The fire?"  Johnny inquired puzzled. "Um, John, were you storing any flammables in that barn?"  The chief asked. "No way, too much fire fuel in there.  I kept all the flammables in the shed next to the garage." "You sure?"  Hank asked. "I can vouch for him, I've been in that barn many times, and I know Johnny never stored anything flammable in there."  Roy verified. "That's what I thought."  Hank nodded. "What's going on, did you find something?"  Johnny asked. Chief McKonikee nodded.  "Yeah, an empty kerosene can." "Kerosene?"  Johnny looked shocked.  "I haven't had any kerosene around for at least two weeks, since the last time I refilled the camping gear.  The empty can was in the shed." "We know, we found that one after the first one was discovered."  Hank said. "So the fire was set."  Johnny stated incredulously. "We think so."  McKonikee confirmed. "Who'd want to set my barn on fire?" "I've got an idea."  Roy said.  "I think Chief McKonikee should pull the records on the other two fires Kaycee was in.  I got a hunch those were set deliberately too." "Well, there's one way to find out."  The chief said standing up, and walking over to the phone.  "Yes, Chief Miller, please. . . Dave, hi this is Robert, I need a favor.  I need you to get the files on a couple of fires involving the Blake family. . . No, I need the information now, I'll wait. . ."  The chief tapped his foot impatiently as he waited for Dave to return with the information.  "Really, you're sure? . . .   And who was listed as suspects at the time? . . .  I see, okay can you have those files transferred to my office? . . . Okay,  thanks Dave, I owe you one."  He hung up the phone and returned to the table.  "Looks like Roy might be on to something.  Both fires were arson, and never solved.  Raymond Hiller was considered a suspect both times, but his family gave him an airtight alibi." "Oh, man, that would explain his reaction to me the first day I met him."  Johnny sighed. "What do you mean?"  Hank asked. Johnny explained about the day that Raymond had thrown Kaycee out, telling them how in order to get her gear back, he had made up a story about an arsonist.  "I guess I hit a little too close to home."  He finished his story. "So where has Kaycee been living since this happened?"  Hank asked. "With me."  Johnny admitted. "What?"  Hank asked astonished. "She's been living with you?"  McKonikee repeated. "Yeah, look, it's not what you're thinking.  Raymond stole every penny she had.  She's got no immediate family.  I offered her a place to stay until she could get back on her feet again.  We're just friends, that's all there is to it," he quickly explained. "John, what you do on your own time is your own business.  Just don't bring it into the station."  The chief replied. "Okay, now the problem is, he knows where we live and he's already got a problem with me." "What's that?"  The chief asked. "He doesn't like Indians.  After the race Kaycee and I ran last weekend, he caught up with us as we were leaving. He asked Kaycee if she'd rather live in poverty with some injun than with a real man like himself." "Did she say anything that might have set him off?"  McKonikee asked. "She said she told him that I was twice the man he'd ever be and to enjoy living in her house because that was the only thing of hers he'd ever own." "Spunky girl."  Hank commented. "Well let's hope we can tie him to the kerosene can."  McKonikee stated. "So in the meantime, Kaycee's in danger isn't she?"  Johnny asked worriedly. "You both are.  Is there someplace you can take her for a few days until we can investigate this better?"  The chief asked. "Not really, I don't have any family around here, and neither does Kaycee."  Johnny shook his head. "I do.  Amelia's parents have a beach house up the coast a little ways.  I'm sure if I talk to them they'll let you two stay there."  Hank offered.  "Let me give them a call." "What about work?"  Johnny asked. "I'll arrange a leave of absence for you two until we can get this investigation completed."  McKonikee answered. Dr. Brackett entered the lounge.  "How's Kaycee?"  Johnny quickly asked. "Much better than when she came in,"  he answered sitting down. "Coffee doc?"  Roy asked. "Yeah, thanks Roy."  Kel grinned.  "We've had her on oxygen therapy. She needs to be monitored for signs of pneumonia.  We've got her on a course of preventative antibiotics.  She's doing well now, we'll probably be able to release her sometime tomorrow afternoon." "Is there any way we could get her release speeded up a little?"  McKonikee asked. "Why?"  Kel asked sipping his coffee. "We think her life may be in danger."  The chief explained.  "We'd like to have her and Johnny disappear for a few days until we can complete an investigation." "You mean Johnny's barn was deliberately set on fire?"  Kel asked concerned. "We have evidence of an accelerant being used.  And we believe that the same person that set this fire set two others in Kaycee's past."  McKonikee answered. "Have you got something planned already for them?"  Kel asked. "We're working on it.  We'd like to send Kaycee and Johnny to Cap's in-law's beach house.  Hopefully we can nail the guy before he gets another chance to try hurting Kaycee or Johnny."  Roy explained. "Well, if Johnny would be willing to take care of her.  I think something could be arranged.  He could phone in at medication times, and administer her medications under our supervision."  Kel offered. "If it'd keep her safe, I'd be willing to do anything."  Johnny agreed. Hank walked back over to the table.  "It's all set. Amelia's driving over with the keys now." "Good, if it's okay with Dr. Brackett, I'd like to have you two leave from here as soon as possible."  McKonikee said. "I'll need a little time.  I need to get her medications together.  The IV I've got running you're going to have to maintain for at least another 24 hours.  You'll need to take some oxygen with you in case she has any respiratory problems.  You call if you hear anything when you check her lungs.  She'll need to be checked at least every two hours.  I'll get Dixie to assemble everything for you." "Good, Dr.Brackett, can we please keep knowledge of their whereabouts confined to only people that need to know.  The less people that know, the better."  The chief requested. "Absolutely, I'll keep it to myself, Dr. Early, Dr. Morton and Dixie.  I'll brief them on the importance of secrecy."  Kel agreed.  "Johnny I should have everything ready for you in about an hour." "Can I see Kaycee and explain what's going on.  I think it'll be easier coming from me."  Johnny asked. "Sure Johnny, come with me."  Kel motioned for him to follow him out. "Chief, I see three problems we need to address."  Roy spoke up. "What are they Roy?" "Transportation, food, and clothing."  He named off. "Well, they can take Amelia's car.  It won't look out of place there.  The neighbors have seen it before."  Hank offered. "That still leaves food and clothing, but I've got an idea."  Roy said. "Okay, what's your idea?"  The chief asked. "I could call Joanne and she can pack some of our clothes for them.  I'm sure she'd be willing to pick up some groceries on the way here.  Only problem is the kids." "Marco lives close by you doesn't he?"  Hank asked. "Yeah about three blocks away."  He answered. "Okay, let's call Marco and see if he can head over and keep an eye on the kids until you and Joanne get back."  Hank suggested. "Okay."  Roy agreed.  "I trust him with my life, I guess I can trust him with my kids, but I don't know if I can trust my kids with him."  Roy said chuckling.                                                              ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Johnny entered Kaycee's room.  "Hey there, how you feeling?" "I've been better.  At least now I can breath without coughing."  Johnny sat down on the edge of the bed.  "Kaycee we need to talk." "This sounds serious," she frowned. "I'm afraid it is.  Kaycee, they found an accelerant when they were doing overhaul."  He said gently. "Oh my God, someone set that fire on purpose."  She looked up at him stunned. "Yeah, that's not all.  We're pretty sure we know who did it." "Raymond?"  She guessed. "Yeah," he confirmed.  "Chief McKonikee's launching an investigation into all three fires."  "Three fires?  You mean they think Raymond had something to do with the fire that killed my parents and the one that almost killed my grandma and I?"  Kaycee asked with tears shining in her eyes. Johnny nodded.  "The chief checked the records of the last two fires, Raymond was a suspect for both of them."  "That son of a bitch."  She whispered out as her emotions took over and she began shaking.  He gathered her up in his arms and held her close. "It's okay Kaycee.  We're going away for a little while.  Dr. Brackett's getting your medicine ready now.  The chief's afraid Raymond may try to hurt both of us again." "I'm sorry."  Kaycee whispered. "Sorry for what?" "Sorry I got you into this mess.  Sorry about invading your life.  Sorry your barn got burned down because of me."  She rushed out. "There's nothing for you to be sorry for.  You didn't do this.  He did, don't blame yourself for what he's responsible for.  I don't."  He hugged her tighter.  "You let me take care of everything, you just concentrate on getting better.  You scared me pretty good when you stopped breathing." "Did Thunderhead get out?" "Yeah, you made it to the barn door.  Lucky thing I forgot my tools, I got back home just in time to catch you as you fell and get both of you out of there." Kaycee finally smiled through her tears.  "You know you'd forget your head sometimes, if it wasn't screwed on." Johnny smiled back at her.  "Well this is one time, I don't mind you rubbing that in."  He kissed the top of her head.  "Now just relax for a while.  I've gotta go make sure everything's ready for us to leave." "Okay, thanks, big brother." "Anytime, little sis."  He smiled at her.  "I'll be back soon."   He slipped out the door, noticing the security guard posted outside and walked back to the lounge. "How'd she take the news?"  Roy asked. "She's pretty shook up."  Johnny answered pouring himself a cup of coffee.  "When are we leaving?" "Soon as Amelia and Joanne get here.  You'll be taking Amelia's car up there.  Joanne's bringing some of our clothes for you.  They might not fit too well, but it's the best we could do on short notice.  She's picking up some groceries for you too." Johnny nodded.  "Man, I can't believe this is happening."  He admitted running his hand nervously through his hair. "We'll get him."  Roy reassured him patting him on his shoulder. An hour later, Amelia Stanley's car was packed with all the necessary supplies.  Hank had given Johnny directions to the beach house.  Johnny and the others assembled in Kaycee's room. "The police have put a tail on Raymond and he's at home now.  Dr. Brackett, if you could make sure that anyone that calls here inquiring about Kaycee be told she's been admitted overnight.  That should give us enough head start to get these two safely hidden away."  Chief McKonikee requested. "Dix?"  Kel asked. "I'll take care of it Kel.  Let's just say you forget to sign the discharge paperwork until tomorrow morning when I remind you."  Dixie smiled. "Oh yeah, must be one of those kind of nights tonight."  Kel's face twitched into a grin. "Okay, let's get you two out of here.  Don't call anybody but the hospital when you have to.  We'll call you when we have some news."  The chief warned. Kel helped transfer Kaycee to the wheelchair.  "Johnny I jotted down the treatment protocol I want you to follow.  If you have any questions or concerns, call." "You know I will.  I'll take good care of her."  He answered.  Hank and Roy helped Kaycee into the car. "Get better soon, don't worry, we'll get him."  Hank reassured her. "Thanks guys, for everything," Kaycee smiled. "You're welcome, Kaycee."  Roy smiled back at her.                                                              ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Johnny settled Kaycee into the queen sized bed in the only bedroom of the beach house.  He taped her IV bag to the wall behind her.  "Okay let me listen to your lungs real quick and then you can rest a while."  Johnny pulled the stethoscope out of the box of medical supplies Dixie had packed for them.  He pulled out the thermometer and shook it down.  "You know the drill."  He popped the thermometer under her tongue as he took her vitals.  When it came time for him to check her lungs, he found himself feeling awkward at the intimate way he had to touch her.  He snapped himself into paramedic mode, pushing his personal feelings aside, and channeling all his effort into remaining professional.  After checking her temperature, he jotted down everything on the chart the hospital had provided.  He smiled at her.  "Everything looks good, I'll check on you again in two hours.  If you need anything, just holler." "Okay, I'm kind of tired from the trip."  She yawned. Johnny pulled the covers tighter around her.  "Get some rest.  I'll make something to eat before I wake you up next time."  Kaycee nodded and he crept out of the room.  He returned two hours later, a tray loaded with soup and sandwiches in his hands.  He set it down on the desk, and roused Kaycee.  "Kaycee, sweetheart, I need you to wake up for me for a little bit."  He gently shook her. "Has it been two hours?"  She asked sleepily. "Yeah."  Johnny nodded repeating the process he had done two hours before. "Feels like I just closed my eyes five minutes ago." "The trip up here must have worn you out.  I made some soup and sandwiches, if you're hungry." "Yeah, actually I am hungry."  Kaycee admitted.  "But, I got a bigger problem." "What?"  He asked concerned. "I gotta pee," she blushed. Johnny laughed.  "Here."  He pulled her IV bag down from the wall, and helped her out of bed to the bathroom.  "I'll be right outside the door when you're done."  He handed her the bag and closed the door behind her.  A few minutes later, he helped her back to bed.  "Feel better?" "Yeah, my eyeballs were floating," she grinned. "I can imagine."  He laughed.  He picked up the phone and dialed Rampart's land line number.  "Hi Dr. Early, it's Johnny . . . Yeah, vitals and temperature normal.  Lungs sound clear. . . Yep, okay, I'll do that. . . Yeah, I'll call you guys in four hours.  Thanks Dr. Early."  He pulled out an empty syringe and filled it with the antibiotic.  "Okay, Kaycee you won't feel a thing, I'll inject it right into your IV." "Four hours.  How often are you going to have to check on me tonight?" "Every two hours, just like if you were still in the hospital." "You're going to wear yourself out."  "Relax, I'll set the alarm for every two hours and sleep in between," he reassured her. "Where exactly are you planning on sleeping?"  Kaycee asked knowing there was only one bed in the house. "I'll pull a couple of chairs together in here." "You'll never get any rest that way.  There's plenty of room in here.  I trust you."  She offered. "Yuu sure?"  He asked. "Yeah I'm sure." Johnny agreed.  "Alright, you talked me into it."                                                              ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Johnny called in at midnight before giving Kaycee another injection.  He set the alarm for 2AM and crawled up on the bed.  "Johnny, you don't have to sleep on top of the covers.  I told you, I trust you."  Kaycee yawned. "Okay, but I'm changing into shorts and a T-shirt first."  He went in the bathroom and looked at himself in the mirror.  "You can do this, just remember, she only thinks of you as her big brother," he whispered to his reflection.  He returned to the bedroom and crawled under the covers.  He lay on his back, his arm flung over his eyes, and quickly drifted off to sleep. The alarm startled him awake, knowing that if he didn't start moving, he'd fall back asleep.  He quickly sat up.  He turned on the bedside lamp and pulled the equipment from the nightstand while he woke Kaycee.  "Come on Johnny, can't we just say we did this and go back to sleep?"  She whined. "And catch hell from Brackett?"  Not on your life."  He grinned.  "Come on, the sooner you get this under your tongue, the sooner I'll be done and you can go back to sleep."   He coaxed. "Alright."  She sighed.  Johnny finished his assessment writing down his findings, reset the alarm and laid back down. The alarm again startled him at 4 am.  "Kaycee?"  He muttered softly. "I heard it."  She mumbled.  "Kind of reminds me of a busy shift at the station,."  She grinned. Johnny laughed.  "I guess you're right, all this interrupted sleep."  He finished his assessment, and phoned in.  "Morning Dr. Morton, it's John Gage."  He relayed the information from the 2am check and his most recent assessment.  "Yeah, okay.   Reduce the dose 5mg.  Got it. . . Okay, I'll talk to you at 8am."  He hung up the phone.  "Well that a good sign, they're reducing your medicine.  As long as we're up, I'm going to hang a new IV, that one's almost empty."  He quickly changed IV bags and injected her antibiotic in the drug port of the IV.  "How are you feeling?" "Exhausted.  Between the fire today, finding out Raymond may have killed my parents, being in the hospital, and all this interrupted sleep, I'm drained." "It'll get easier.  Especially when I don't have to keep monitoring you so closely."   He patted her arm.  "Let's get some sleep while we can." "Yeah okay."   Kaycee agreed. He reset the alarm and settled back in bed.  When the alarm rang at 6am, he found himself wrapped around Kaycee.  During their sleep, he had unconsciously snuggled into her back, wrapping his arm around her.  "Oh man," he thought to himself and groaned inwardly.  "God she smells good."  He inhaled the fragrance of her hair.  Feeling himself becoming aroused, he quickly pushed himself away from her and shut the alarm off and sat on the side of the bed willing his body to relax. He was startled out of his thoughts by Kaycee's voice.  "Johnny, you okay?" "What?  Oh, yeah, just getting my bearings.  I'll be right back."  He stumbled into the bathroom, hoping she hadn't noticed anything.  He splashed cold water on his face, until he felt calmer. "Better?"  Kaycee asked when he returned to the room. "Yeah."  He nodded.   He finished checking her over and set the alarm for 8am, and settled back into bed.  He lay on his back, his arms tucked under the pillow behind his head. "Johnny?"  She asked. "Hmm?"  He responded turning his head to look at her. "I know why you pulled away from me just now," she stated. "Oh, that. . .Listen Kaycee, . . I'm sorry about that. . . I didn't plan it. . . I. . . um, must have moved in my sleep, . .  and then waking up with a soft, warm body next to me. . . Well, I guess it just sort of had a mind of it's own."  He apologized. "You don't have to apologize Johnny, I'm kind of flattered to know I did that to you."  She admitted. "Really?"  He asked feeling the burning in his cheeks subside some. "Yeah.  Look, I know you only think about me like a sister, but I have to admit.  Lately, I haven't exactly had brotherly thoughts about you."  Kaycee confessed.  "You'd probably never feel that way about me, I know I'm not your type, I'm not as beautiful as the women you normally go out with.  But I just couldn't live with myself hiding my feelings anymore." "Kaycee, remember the day we got home from work and killed that snake?" "Yeah."  Kaycee nodded. "Well, that shift we had just worked, Roy called me on my feelings for you." "What'd he say?"  "That he thought I felt more for you than just a sister."  Johnny confessed.  "And he was right." "You're kidding."  She said astounded.  "You mean the two of us have been feeling the same thing, and hiding behind the pretense of acting like brother and sister?" "Looks that way."  He nodded smiling.  "Kaycee I promised you I wouldn't make any moves on you as long as you were living with me, and I meant it.  It's up to you if you want to pursue this or drop it." She thought about it for a minute.  "Johnny I don't think after admitting how we feel about each other, I could just go back to being friends, do you?" "If that's what you wanted, I'd do it for you."  He answered softly. "Johnny, that's not what I want."  She smiled at him. "Me neither."  "So we're going to give this a try?"  She asked reaching out and stroking his cheek with her hand.  Johnny reached up catching her hand in his and planting a soft kiss in the palm of it.  "If you're sure that's what you want." "I'm sure."  She whispered.  He leaned in over her and kissed her tenderly. "Wow."  He said softly as he ended the kiss. "I'm with you.  Wow."  Kaycee agreed. "Um, I think until Dr. Brackett says your lungs are back to normal, we'd better just leave it at that," he suggested. She grinned.  "Okay, I am supposed to be resting.  But as soon as the doctor clears my lungs, all bets are off." Johnny laughed.  "Well, your wish is my command." "Oh, yeah?  Then I wish to fall back asleep in your strong arms."  She teased rolling on her side away from him. "That's one wish that'll be my pleasure to fulfill."   He answered, spooning his body next to hers again and draping his arm around her.  "Good night Kaycee."  He said softly kissing her shoulder. "Good night Johnny."  She mumbled relaxing in the safety of his arms, she quickly fell back asleep.  Johnny sighed contentedly and feel asleep breathing in the scent of her hair.                                                              ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The phone ringing woke Johnny.  He turned over and picked up the receiver.  "Hello?"  He mumbled sleepily. "Johnny, it's Hank." Johnny sat up more alert now.  Hey, any news?" "Nothing so far.  I didn't wake you up, did I?" "It's okay, the alarm's going off in a few minutes anyway.  I gotta call the hospital at 8am."  Johnny reminded him. "I wanted to call you before I do roll call here. I've got the other guys here covering for you.  They don't know why, but if any of them get a phone call for you or Kaycee, they're gonna say you're busy and can't come to the phone right now." "You figure he might try to find out if we're at work?" "That's what the chief thinks.  Roy and I picked up your Land Rover and brought it here, so it's parked out back." "Good idea.  He probably won't figure out that we're not around for at least a couple of days." "Hopefully that'll be long enough to dig up any evidence we can on him."  Hank said. "Yeah, I hope it's soon.  I know Kaycee will rest a lot easier if she knows the truth about what happened to her parents." "How's she doing?" "Really well.  Dr. Morton started cutting back the antibiotic and her lungs have stayed clear all night." "Good, I'm glad to hear that.  Listen, I gotta go, I've got roll call to do.  I'll call you if I hear anything from the chief." "Okay, we'll be here."  Johnny joked. "Yeah, that's right, where are you going to go.  I'll talk to you later." "Bye Cap."  Johnny hung up the phone.  "Kaycee?"  He asked gently. "Yeah, yeah, I know.  Time to get up.  Can you help me to the bathroom again?" "Sure.  I'm just going to unplug your IV for you.  I've gotta change the bags anyway.   You want to stay in bed, or move out on the couch for a while?"  He asked unhooking her IV from the bag. "The couch.  I'm tired of being in bed."  She answered walking to the bathroom. "Okay, I'll set up the new bag out there for you."  He agreed pulling a fresh IV out of the box.  He went in the living room and taped the IV to the wall behind the couch.  Kaycee joined him there a minute later.  She sat down on the couch and he hooked her up again.  After checking her over, he called the hospital.  "Hi, Dr. Brackett, it's Johnny."  He reported everything that had happened overnight.  "Okay, reduce the antibiotic an additional 5 mg.  Change lung checks to every four hours, and call you at noon.  Got it."  Johnny repeated.  "Talk to you then, doc."  "That sounds like I'm doing better."  Kaycee commented when Johnny hung up the phone. "Yup.  I think maybe he'll be switching you to oral antibiotics soon." "Great, I can't wait to get this IV out."  Kaycee smiled. "I know it's uncomfortable."  Johnny sat down next to her, putting his arm around her and gave her a small hug.  "I'm gonna make some breakfast.  Anything special?" "Only what any firefighter wants after a night like last night."  She grinned. "Okay, one pot of firehouse sludge, coming up."  He laughed, then leaned in and kissed her softly.  "Nope, last night wasn't a fluke, we sure have some chemistry going." "Yeah, I agree."  Kaycee smiled.                                                             ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Later that afternoon, Johnny was finally able to take the IV out for Kaycee.  She immediately headed for a shower.  While she was in the shower the phone rang.  "Hello?" "Hey pal, how are things going?"  Hank asked. "Alright.  I just took out Kaycee's IV."  He answered.  "You know something." "Yeah, the chief just called me, he went through the files on the other two cases.  Raymond was always the prime suspect, but his family gave him an airtight alibi.  The chief's starting to think they were covering for him.  He's working on the paperwork right now to bring Raymond in for questioning.  The police told the chief that he's been out looking for you this morning.  He's been by your place, the hospital and right now he's got the station staked out." "I'll let Kaycee know." "Okay, gotta go." "I know I heard it."  Johnny said referring to the alarm sounding in the background.  "Bye Cap." "Bye Johnny." Kaycee walked in the room, still drying her hair.  "Was that the cap?"  "Yeah, He says they're working on getting the paperwork together to bring Raymond in now.  The chief searched through the old case files, Raymond was the primary suspect for both fires.  They couldn't nab him, because he had an airtight alibi both times.  I guess our little game of cat and mouse is working, he's been out looking for us this morning. "Good, I feel a lot safer knowing that he doesn't know where I am."  Kaycee combed out her hair.  "Since the IV's out, how often do you need to check in with the hospital?" "I'm all done.  Dr. Brackett said to report in if you feel short of breath or if I hear any wheezing." "Thank God for that.  I don't know about you, but I'm ready for a nice, long, uninterrupted nap." "That sounds wonderful."  He agreed. "Well then, come on."  She held her hand out to help him up off the couch.  He took her hand and stood up, following her to the bedroom.  A few feet from the bed, she stopped wrapping her arms around his waist.  He automatically pulled her into his arms.  "Remember what I said before, all bets are off." "I don't know Kaycee, maybe it's not such a good idea." "Johnny, I'm sure you have some self control.  We'll just take it slow and easy.  We can always stop if I run into trouble."  She coaxed him. "This is what you want?" Kaycee nodded.  "Right now, more than anything.  I need to feel part of something, not just me alone.  I'm so tired of everybody I love leaving me." "So you're saying you love me?" "I think so."  She admitted. "Well, I'm pretty sure I'm in love with you too."  He leaned in and kissed her passionately this time.  When it ended, they both looked in each other's eyes stunned for a moment. "Johnny. . . "  Kaycee started breathlessly. "I know.  I've never felt like that before."  Johnny finished for her. "Yeah."  She agreed.  He kissed her again and scooping her up in his arms, he carried her the last few steps to the bed, not breaking off the kiss.                                                             ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Kaycee woke up early the next morning.  She eased herself out of Johnny's arms without waking him and went to the kitchen, she started some coffee and began cooking a big breakfast.  They had missed dinner the night before and with all the extra activity, she was starving.  She pulled out a coffee cup and stood by the stove waiting for the coffee to finish.  She felt two arms snake around her waist.  "Morning."  She heard Johnny's voice whisper in her ear before he kissed the back of her neck. "Morning," she replied turning around in his arms.  "I didn't mean to wake you." "You didn't, that did."  He nodded to the coffee.  "I could smell it in the bedroom."  He leaned in and kissed her tenderly. "Well, pull up a chair.  I'm just finishing up breakfast.  I don't know about you, but I'm starving." "Yeah, we kind of forgot about dinner."  "Well, we had other things on our minds," she teased. They had finished eating, and were washing dishes when the phone rang.  "Hello?"  Johnny answered. "Johnny, it's Roy." "Hey Pally, how goes things?" "I don't have much time, I'm calling from Rampart.  He knows you two are gone." "What?  How'd he figure it out?" "He found his tail, lost them, and started an abandoned building on fire, when we responded, he was watching, and noticed you two weren't there.  He cornered Mike alone by the engine and pulled a gun on him demanding to know where you were."  Roy explained.  "Is Mike okay?"  Johnny asked worriedly. "Mike, what happened to Mike?"  Kaycee asked. Johnny held up his hand.  "I'll tell you in a minute," he whispered to her still listening to Roy. "He's here now, they're keeping him until tomorrow.  Raymond pistol whipped him and knocked him out after Mike told him he didn't know where you were." "Oh, man, do they know where he is right now?" "No, they're keeping an eye on his place, your place, and the station hoping he'll come back around trying to find you again." "Damn it."  Johnny swore.  "You be careful Roy.  I don't want him coming after you next." "They've got a patrol car tailing all our runs right now.  I'll be okay.  I'm gonna stay at Marco's for the time being.  I don't want to lead him home to Joanne and the kids." "Good thinking." "Yeah well, I don't want to take any chances."  Roy said.  "At least there's some good news.  The D.A.'s swearing out a warrant right now for his arrest for assaulting Mike.  If we can find him, and bring him in, we'll have time to link him to the other fires, and you two can come home."  "Yeah, that is good news I guess."  Johnny said dejectedly. "You two okay?"  Roy asked picking up on his attitude. "Yeah, we're fine.  We both just want to go back to our normal lives, that's all." "Well, just sit tight, we're doing everything we can to bring him in." "I know you are, it's just frustrating."  Johnny sighed. "Yeah, listen, Dixie's going to run supplies up to you tomorrow.  We were hoping you two would be coming home by then, but right now. . . Well, you understand.  Listen, I gotta go, Charlie just whizzed past me on the way to the squad, we got a run." "Yeah okay, thanks Roy." "Anytime Johnny."  "So, what happened to Mike?'  She asked when Johnny hung up the phone. "He's in the hospital." "Bad?" "Just for observation overnight.  I'll tell you everything Roy told me.  Raymond found out about the tail the police had on him, he ditched them and started an abandoned building on fire.  When station 51 responded, he realized we weren't there.  He pulled a gun on Mike asking where we were.  When Mike told him he didn't know, Raymond pistol whipped him and knocked him unconscious and took off." "I'm glad he's going to be okay." "Well that's the bad news.  The good news is that there's a warrant for Raymond's arrest for assaulting Mike now.  So as soon as they find him, they can pick him up." "I just hope they find him before he hurts anyone else."  "They're doing the best they can."  Johnny walked over to her and hugged her tight. "I know.  It's just scary knowing that he's doing all this to get to me," she held him tight. "I know it is, but there's a lot of people making sure you're going to stay safe." "Yeah."  Kaycee agreed. "And you know I'll do everything I can to keep you safe too." "I know that Johnny."  Kaycee smiled.   "I always feel so safe around you." He kissed her gently.  "I'm glad you feel that way."                                                              ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Johnny woke up the next morning to a knock at the door.  He got up and moved the shade slightly to see who was at the door.  He smiled when he recognized who was there.  "Kaycee, Dixie's here.  Kaycee quickly threw on some clothes as Johnny pulled on his jeans and went to open the door. "Hi Johnny." "Hey Dix, thanks for coming out here this morning." "Morning Dixie, would you like some coffee?"  Kaycee asked. "I'd love some."  Dixie admitted. "Great, hang on, I'll start some." "Kel sent out more medicine for Kaycee.  He wants her on the oral antibiotic for at least another week."  Dixie pulled the pill bottle out of her pocket and handed it to Johnny. "How's Mike?" "He's being released this morning.  He's got a hell of a bruise on the side of his face, and a pretty good headache, but he's doing okay.  He said to tell you he's glad you two are safe," she explained. "Yeah, Dix, this just keeps getting worse and worse."  Johnny glanced at the kitchen.  They're getting more information on Raymond.  He's been treated twice at the inpatient clinic at UCLA Medical Center." "What for?" "Obsession disorders.  Care to guess the dates of his treatments?" Johnny sucked in his breath and stared at her.  "Please Dix, don't tell Kaycee that."  He pleaded. "Why not?"  She asked. "Because she's scared enough as it is, this'll just make it worse."  He explained. "I think she's tougher than you think."  Dixie stated. Kaycee returned to the room, and Johnny shot Dixie a pleading look.   "Here's your coffee Dixie."  Kaycee handed her the cup she was carrying. "Thanks.  I wish this visit was purely for pleasure, but I have some business to do too.  Kel asked me to check up on you.  Kaycee if you don't mind, I'll see you in the bedroom privately."  Dixie stood up. "Aw, can't I come?"  Johnny joked. "Sorry, ladies only."  She answered firmly closing the door on him. Kaycee sat on the bed while Dixie grabbed Johnny's equipment off the night stand and sat down next to her.  "Kaycee, what I'm about to tell you, I don't think Johnny wanted you to hear."  She whispered.  "Men seem to think we women can't handle the truth.  Fact is, we deal with it better than they know." Kaycee nodded.  "What is it?"  She whispered back. "Raymond's been in the psychiatric ward of UCLA Medical Center for obsession disorders.  His family had him committed shortly after both fires.  You and I both know this won't be over until he finds you." Kaycee sighed.  "I had my suspicions when Johnny told me he was the prime suspect for both fires." "Like I said we women know the truth better than they'll ever know.  They don't call it women's intuition for nothing."  Dixie smiled at her.  "Look I just want to make sure you can protect yourself if you have to.  I'm sure Johnny and all the other guys involved are sure they can protect you, but they really don't understand what being stalked is really like. "You sound like your speaking from experience."  Kaycee stated gently. "Yeah.  I had a stalker before I joined the army nursing corp. in Korea.  William was really sweet at first, then he became more controlling.  When I tried to break it off with him, he beat me up.  I joined the army while he was in jail to escape.   When my enlistment was up, I never went back home.  My family's been very supportive.  I never visit, and they don't know where I'm living.  The only contact we have is once a week I call them.  William, is still to this day, harassing them trying to find out where I am." "That must be rough on your family."  Kaycee sympathized. "Yeah, my mom and dad are very strong people.  They've told me that they don't mind the pain of not seeing me or knowing where I am if it means I'm safe from William." "Dixie, no offense, but I don't think that hiding out's an option for me.  I'm a firefighter, I couldn't stay away from it.  There are only so many departments that'll accept me.  It wouldn't be too hard for him to track me down.  Besides, now there's Johnny to think about.   I can't ask him to give up everything for me, and I won't leave without him.  He's just as passionate about the paramedic program as I am about being a firefighter." "That's why I thought we should have this little talk.  I know Johnny's not fond of these."  Dixie said pulling out a small caliber hand gun.  "You know how to use this?" Kaycee took the gun from her.  She snapped the chamber open looking at it with a critical eye, she spun the chamber and snapped it closed, checking that the safety was on.  "Yeah, I know how to use it.  I had firearms training in Arizona.  Firefighters out there double as deputy sheriffs, you wouldn't by any chance have an ankle holster for it?" She smiled pulling it out.  "Great minds think alike.  I figured it might be the one place Johnny wouldn't find it."  "Yeah, I just hope I don't have to use it."  Kaycee agreed. "Good luck Kaycee. You've got more guts than I do." Kaycee strapped on the ankle holster.  "Dixie, whether you face them, or hide from them, they'll always affect your life.  Neither choice is easy."  She hugged her. "I guess you're right.  Okay, let me listen to your lungs so I can let Kel know how you're doing." "Okay.  Hey Dixie maybe someday, there'll be a law to protect women from these kinds of creeps." "Hopefully."  Dixie agreed.  She checked out her lungs.  "Sounds good.  Johnny took excellent care of you." "I'm sure he'll be only too glad to hear that."  She joked. Dixie laughed.  "Yeah, you're right about that." They exited the bedroom to find Johnny pacing.  "Slow down, Johnny, you're going to wear a grove in the carpet."  Kaycee teased. "Well?" He asked. "Relax, you didn't miss anything.  She's fine."  Dixie reassured him.  "What are you so nervous for.  You are one of the best paramedics we have." "Never hurts to have someone else double check." "Especially when the patient's someone dear to you heart?"  Dixie asked teasingly. Johnny grinned.  "Yeah, something like that." "Well kids, I gotta go.  If you two need more supplies, somebody else will come next time. Trying to keep him off the scent, you know.  So I guess I'll see you when this thing is all over." "Okay Dix.  Thanks for your help."  Johnny said as they walked her to the door. "Yeah, thanks Dix."  Kaycee hugged her and whispered in her ear.  "For everything." "I only wish I could do more.  I'll see you later."  She waved as Johnny closed the door. None of them had noticed the apparent beach bum sifting through one of the neighbor's trash cans.  "So they thought they could hide from me, they got another thing coming.  As soon as I figure out a plan, Kaycee will be mine."  He shuffled off in the direction of the pier to plot his next move. The next evening, Johnny and Kaycee were joking around as they cleaned up the dinner dishes.  "Well at least your cooking is better than what we'd be eating at the station."  Johnny teased. "The only reason I'm cooking every night is because I'm not in the mood for hamburgers, every night."  Kaycee shot back. "Are you saying I'm in a rut?" "I call them like I see them."  She laughed. "I'm gonna get you for that comment."  He grinned devilishly and wound the dishtowel up intending to snap it at her. "Promises, promises."  She teased, skirting out of the room.  "I'll be back, I gotta run to the bathroom." "You're only delaying the inevitable,"  he called after her. "Johnny, you need to learn some patience."  She shot back as she entered the bathroom, still chuckling.  She heard movement behind the door, and had time only to turn to look in Raymond's eyes before he slammed the butt of his gun down on her head, she collapsed to the floor, knocking Johnny's shaving kit over as she fell.  The contents clattered to the floor noisily, gaining Johnny's attention from the kitchen. He rushed to the half opened bathroom door.  "Kaycee!"  He shouted as he saw her laid out across the bathroom floor in a heap.  He skidded to a stop as a figure stepped out from behind the door. "Surprise, did you miss me?"  Raymond hissed, raising the gun and pointing it at Johnny.  Before he could answer, Raymond pulled the trigger.  Johnny felt the instantaneous, excruciating pain as the bullet shattered through his leg.  He collapsed to the floor screaming in pain. Raymond worked quickly tying Johnny's hands behind his back, and then tying his legs together, as he worked he talked to him.  "So you thought you could outsmart me?  You're nothing but a half-wit injun.  See, if you were smart like me, you'd have a good plan." "How'd you find us?"  Johnny asked through gritted teeth, sweat beginning to pour off his brow. "Funny the things janitors overhear at the hospital.  Those doctors and nurses think they're so good, they never bother to see if any of the little people are around before discussing their plans."  Raymond shot Johnny an evil grin and picked up the kerosene can.  "I figure by the time they discover only your body in the charred wreckage of this tragic house fire, Kaycee and I will be long gone.  She'll be mine forever."  He left Johnny moaning on the floor and quickly spread the kerosene through the house.  He lit the fuse and returned to the bedroom.  "That should give me just enough time to get Kaycee out of here before the fireworks start."  He smiled to himself, and leaned over Johnny, grabbing him by the hair, he forced Johnny to look at him.  "Aren't you injuns always the ones that send off your dead in funeral pyres?  I've set up a spectacular one for you."  He threw Johnny's head back forcefully.  With his hands tied, Johnny had no chance to stop himself before his head bounced off the floor, hard enough to make him see stars.  Johnny pulled himself into a ball on the floor, trying desperately to clear his mind from the agony he was in.  "You'll never get away with this."  "You are a half-wit, I already have."  Raymond spit out, drawing back his foot, and kicking Johnny in the stomach.  Any reply Johnny had was forced out of his mind, as he fought to catch his breath again.  He grabbed Johnny by the hair again, raising the gun, with the intention of beating Johnny into unconciousness, to assure he would not escape the impending flames "Raymond!" Raymond whirled around at the sound of his name.  He frowned when he saw Kaycee pointing a gun at him.  "So it comes to this,"   he commented coldly. "Don't."  Kaycee stated as she saw his hand with the gun twitch.  "Don't make me shoot you." "Kaycee, I'd never hurt you.  But him, now that's another story."  Raymond quickly leveled the gun at Johnny's head.  The roar of the fire as it ignited in the next room startled him for a moment. Kaycee used his reflexive movement to her advantage.  "I can't let you do that."  She pulled the trigger, watching the red bloodstain appear on his chest.  He sagged to the floor stunned that Kaycee had shot him.  Kaycee kept her gun trained on him until she had kicked his gun away.  She picked it up, tucking it in her belt.  "Johnny, you alright?" "Been better.  We gotta get out of here.  He's set the house on fire." "I know, I heard what he said to you." "Can you get these ropes off?" "No time."  Kaycee tucked her own gun in her belt, and hurried over to the door.  She felt it, pulling her hand away quickly from the heat.  "Dammit, fire's on the other side.  Alright, we go out the window."   She grabbed the chair from the desk and heaved it at the window shattering the glass.  Retrieving a towel from the bathroom, she wrapped her arm and cleared the remaining glass from the window frame.  She eased Johnny over her shoulder, picked him up and made her way through the window, thankful that it was a one-story house.  She hurried Johnny to the crowd of neighbors beginning to gather around.  "Has somebody called the fire department?" "Yeah, they're on the way." "Good somebody help this man, he's been shot.  He's a paramedic, he can tell you what to do." "Kaycee, where are you going?"  Johnny asked knowing what her answer would be, as a neighbor pulled out his pocket knife and began working to free him from the ropes. She looked him deep in the eyes, and answered.  "There's one more victim inside.  I'm a firefighter just like you."  She got up and turned back to the house, calling over her shoulder as she ran back to the bedroom window.  "What would you do?"  She hoisted herself back in the room that was now full of thick, choking smoke.  Flames were beginning to creep into the room around the door.  She hurriedly slung Raymond over her shoulder, coughing hard she staggered back to the window.  Two of the neighbors had followed her to the window to assist her; one took Raymond from her the other helped her back over to where Johnny sat.  Violent coughing doubled her over as she struggled to breathe. "Damn it Kaycee, your lungs couldn't handle that."  Johnny admonished worriedly. "Check Raymond."  She ordered, gasping for breath. Johnny looked at Raymond's wound.  "Can somebody get me some more towels, and help me hold pressure on this wound?"  He pointed to Raymond's blood soaked chest.  "And, I've got oxygen in the back seat of the car parked over there.  Can somebody bring it over here?" "Okay, I'll do it, I'll be right back."  An elderly woman volunteered, hurrying to her home to bring more towels. "Yeah, I'll get the oxygen."  One of the men that had helped Kaycee answered, sprinting to the car. "Hang in there, Kaycee.  We'll get you on some oxygen, that should help some."  The man came back with the portable oxygen tank.  Johnny quickly set it up and held the mask to Kaycee's face as he turned it on high flow.  The elderly woman returned, placing a towel over Raymond's chest and holding it firmly in place.  The wail of sirens sounded in the distance.  "Here comes the cavalry,"  he joked. She grinned taking the facemask from him still struggling to breathe.  She took a couple of breaths and pulled the facemask away.  "Hope it's not Brice." Johnny gently pushed her hand with the mask back towards her face.  "Tell you what if it is him and Animal, I'll make the supreme sacrifice and make Brice treat me." She grinned again, pulling the mask away.  "You must really love me to do that."  "Yeah, I do."  He smiled at her, and took her free hand in his and squeezed. The two paramedics from Squad 110 ran up with their equipment.  "John Gage?"  Phillip asked. "Yeah."  "What do you got here?"  Phillip's partner Frank asked. "Three victims, most serious is gunshot wound to chest.  Faint pulse.  Profuse bleeding.  Second is Kaycee Blake."  He pointed to Kaycee who was still struggling to breathe despite the help of the high flow oxygen.   "Smoke inhalation.  Just recovering from respiratory arrest due to previous smoke inhalation four days ago.  Lungs were clear earlier today.  She's been on preventative antibiotics to forestall pneumonia.  I've got her on high flow oxygen.  She took a blow to the head and was unconscious for a while. Then there's me, gunshot wound to the thigh.  I'm pretty sure the bullet shattered the femur.  Bleeding was profuse, but has slowed with direct pressure, and I might add, the patient is in extreme pain."  He grinned at his own joke through gritted teeth. "Alright, you lay back and let us do our job, we got it from here, Johnny."  Phillip reassured him, pushing him back gently. Johnny watched as Phillip and Frank kept up a frantic pace treating all three of them, following the orders they were receiving from Rampart.  Frank set down the drug box next to Johnny.  "Okay Johnny, we're giving you something for the pain." "MS right?  How much?"  He nodded. "10 mg."  Frank answered.  "Sorry, I'm used to explaining things to people that don't understand everything we're doing." "It's okay Frank.  10 mg, Dr. Brackett must really want me out of it."  He said referring to the overhead biophone messages where he had instantly recognized Kel's voice. "Yeah, well, with the gunshot wound you have, the ride in is gonna be pretty unpleasant." "You mean I'm gonna feel every bump in the road."  Johnny teased. "Yeah."  Frank nodded. "Can I ride in with Kaycee?"  He asked. "That's what we planned on.  Phillip's riding in with the other guy in the ambulance now.  You and Kaycee can wait another two minutes for the second ambulance to get here." "How's Raymond doing anyway?"  He asked. "Truthfully, not good.  He's in respiratory arrest now; he's lost a lot of blood, deep shock.  It's not looking very hopeful." "And Kaycee?" "She's breathing better, her color's improved a little.  We still have her on high flow oxygen."  He looked nervously at Kaycee. "What aren't you telling me Frank?"  Johnny guessed. Frank sighed.  "Why'd you have to be such a good paramedic, Gage?  She's got fluid sounds in both lungs." "Damn it."  Johnny pounded his fist on the ground in frustration. Kaycee had overheard their conversation; Johnny looked over at her tears shining in his eyes.  She pulled the mask away.  "What would you have done?"  She asked again. Johnny smiled at her as a tear rolled down his cheek.  "I'd have gone back in for him."  He answered, and she nodded sadly.                                                             ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Johnny opened his eyes slowly, feeling like they weighed two tons.  He felt someone squeeze his arm.  "Welcome back Junior." "Roy."  He said weakly, swallowing to relieve the dryness in his throat.  "Water?" "Here."  Roy held the straw as he took a couple of sips. "Did I have surgery again?" "Yeah, they had to repair the damage from the gunshot and set your leg.  You're gonna be in that cast at least six weeks." "How's Raymond and Kaycee?" "Raymond didn't make it.  They lost him on the table trying to repair his heart and lungs."  Roy paused. "And Kaycee."  Johnny prompted. "She's in ICU on a vent."  He answered. "Pneumonia?" "Yeah, double pneumonia.  Her lungs are both 60% filled with fluid."  Roy explained gently. "My God, I didn't think it would be that bad."  Johnny turned away from him. "She's a fighter Johnny, she's got a lot of reasons to hang on.  Just before they put her out to put the vent in, she asked me to tell you she was, and I quote, wishing she were falling asleep in your strong arms.  I'm not sure what that means, but I got a feeling you do." "Yeah, thanks Roy.  Is there any way you can pull some strings so I can see her?"  He turned back to face Roy. "I don't know. I'll see what I can do.  They have her in isolation; they don't want her picking up any more infections.  I'll talk to Brackett and see what he says." "Thanks Roy." "Okay, I'll be back in a little while."                                                             ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ It was the next day before Johnny was allowed to see Kaycee.  Dixie had him dress in full isolation clothing including mask and gloves.  "Remember, don't unmask.  She couldn't handle any additional illnesses."  She reminded him pushing his wheelchair into the room. "Don't worry, Dix.  I won't do anything that would put her at risk."  He reassured her.  Dixie wheeled the chair up next to Kaycee's bed. "I know you won't, Johnny.  I'll give you a few minutes privacy, and then it's right back to bed for you.  You're still recovering from surgery yourself."  She reminded him. "Thanks Dix."  Johnny called over his shoulder to her as she left the room.  He reached over and held Kaycee's hand between his two hands.  He looked in her peaceful sleeping face, partially obstructed by the breathing tube, longing to plant a soft kiss on her lips.  "Kaycee, I'm so glad to see you.  Remember when you told me that everybody you love left you?  Well, I knew just how you felt that day.  Except for Roy, Joanne and the kids, everybody I've ever loved has left me too.  I'm just not strong enough for you to leave me too.  Please Kaycee, you gotta get better."  He broke down sobbing.  "Please sweetheart, come back to me."  He begged. Dixie stood just outside the door, her heart breaking as she heard Johnny sobbing inside.  She waited until she heard the sobbing ease and entered the room.  "Johnny, it's time to go."  She said softly. "Okay, Kaycee I'll be back when I can.  I love you."  He kissed her hand through the mask, and laid it gently back down on the bed. Dixie wheeled him back to his room and helped transfer him back to bed.  She held him a moment longer as she eased him onto the bed.  "She's gonna make it Johnny."  She hugged him fiercely. "I hope so Dix.  I don't know what I'll do if she doesn't." "Don't think that way.  Just concentrate on making an honest woman out of her after you two get out of here."  She grinned. He smiled.  "Yeah, Dix, I think I'd really like the chance to do that." "Okay, I've gotta go.  You need anything?" "You know of any catalogs that have rings in them?"  He asked flashing her a grin. "I might be able to find one or two."  She smiled back at him. "Thanks Dix." "You're welcome, Johnny."                                                             ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The next morning Kel checked on Johnny while doing his morning rounds.  "How's Kaycee?"  Johnny immediately asked. "We're putting her on a new course of antibiotics, the other ones weren't working as well as we'd have liked."  He explained. "She's worse?" "A little, her left lung is still 60% fluid filled, the right one's up to 75% filled." "Can't you stop it?"  Johnny pleaded. "Johnny, we're doing the best we can.  We still have several antibiotics to choose from.  It's just a question of finding the right combination to help Kaycee fight off this infection.  Look, I'm not ready to give up on her, and neither should you." "I'm not, it's just so frustrating, I'm stuck here in this bed, when all I want to do is be by her side." "Johnny, you know as well as I do, she's in ICU, she can only have visitors once every two hours for ten minutes."  He explained. "I know, but at least then I'd feel like I was there for her.  Right now I feel so helpless." "Don't worry Johnny, she hasn't been alone. Roy, Joanne, and Hank have been visiting her for you."  Kel reassured him.  "Tell you what.  Roy's here right now. I'll see if he'd be willing to take you up there to see her today.  I think it'll be alright if you go once a day." "Thanks Doc.  At least then I'd feel like I'm doing something for her." "Well, it's kind of selfish on my part; you need to concentrate on your own recovery too.  I know you'll only sit down here, worried and anxious about Kaycee.  So I want you to promise me that if I allow you to visit her once a day, you'll relax and rest and let yourself recover." "Okay -you've got a deal."  Johnny grinned. Roy entered the room pushing a wheelchair twenty minutes later.  "Hey pal, I heard you're up to doing some traveling." "Yup, Brackett said I can go see her once a day for now."  Johnny answered. "Alright, we'll get you in the chair then."  Roy helped settle him in the wheelchair.  "Wanna make a quick detour?"  "Chet?"  He asked. "Yeah, he's been asking about you." "Well you're driving, as usual.  I wouldn't mind being out of this room for a while."  Johnny teased him. "Alright, then hang on."  He teased back, pushing him out of the room down the hall to Chet's room. "Hey Chester B, how's it going?"  Johnny asked as soon as Roy had pushed him in the room. "Johnny, good to see you.  Looks like it's your turn for plaster for a while,"  he teased. "Looks that way.  How you doing?" "Not bad, physical therapy's rough, but it's got its perks." "What's her name?"  Roy asked grinning. "Carolyn, wait until you see her Johnny.  Of course by the time you start PT for your leg, I'll have bagged her by then."  Chet bragged laughing. "That's okay Chet, she's all yours.  I got a girlfriend already."  Johnny smiled at him. "Since when?"  He asked. "Since about a week ago."  "A week?  Well, she's probably ready to dump you by now."  Chet teased. "Not this one."  He shook his head. "Yeah, who is she?  She must be something special if she's willing to take you on long term." "Yeah, she's something special alright.  You know her already." "You'll never guess who she is either."  Roy added. "Alright, I won't even try.  Who is she?"  He asked again. "Kaycee Blake."  Johnny replied grinning. "My replacement?"  He asked astonished. "The one and only."  "How's she doing by the way?"  Chet asked concerned. "A little worse, Brackett said she's not responding to their current treatment plan.  They're changing her meds now to see if that will help." "I'm sorry to hear that."  He said sympathetically. "I'm on my way to see her now."  "Well tell her I hope she gets well soon.  I wanna have a chance to work with her.  From what I've heard, she could be a female version of the Phantom." "Yeah, I'll tell her." "Johnny, we better go, or I'm gonna get in trouble.  Brackett doesn't know I was bringing you here to see Chet."  Roy explained looking at his watch. "Yeah, okay, I'll see you later Chet." "Bye Johnny, see you Roy."  He waved to his friends.                                                                    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A week later, Kel caught up with Roy as he headed upstairs to see Johnny.  "Roy, can I see you for a moment, in private?" "Sure."  Roy replied following Kel to his office. Fifteen minutes later, a somber Dr. Brackett pushed the door to Johnny's room open.  Johnny was already seated in a wheelchair.  "Hey, Doc, I was just waiting on Roy. He's taking me up to visit Kaycee.  Oh, hi Roy."  He spotted his partner enter behind Kel. "Johnny, we have to talk."  Kel said seriously sitting down on the edge of Johnny's bed.  Roy went to his friend, standing next to the wheelchair.  "What is it, what's wrong?  I thought Kaycee was doing better?" "Her fluid build up is down to 25% in both lungs."  Kel answered. "So why aren't you happy about it?"  He asked, noticing the grim looks on both Kel and Roy's faces for the first time. "Johnny, you know that Kaycee changed her paperwork to name you as having power to make treatment decisions for her if she couldn't.  Well, I have to explain what's happened, there's a decision to be made."  Kel said opening Kaycee's chart. "Yeah, she changed it shortly after she moved in with me.  It's serious?" "Yes it is." Johnny reached over and grabbed Roy's arm for support.  "Okay, tell me."  He swallowed hard, fighting back the panic that was creeping into his mind, at how bleak they looked. "I told you we've gotten a better handle on the pneumonia.  As you know, she didn't respond to several antibiotics, leaving us with no choice but to treat her with some of the strongest antibiotics we have at our disposal.  Unfortunately, what I feared most has happened, the antibiotics have affected her kidneys.  Kaycee is currently in renal failure." Johnny tightened his grip on Roy's arm.  "Is it permanent?" "I'm sorry, Johnny.  The lab tests we just did confirmed it.  It's permanent." "What are the options?"  He asked feeling Roy place his own hand over his and squeezing lending him support. "There are two options at this time.  Dialysis, and placing Kaycee on the national organ donation registry.  Since she has no immediate family, her chances of finding a suitable donor in time are slim." "And the other choice?"  Johnny asked numb.  "This can't be happening."  A voice inside his head screamed. Kel sighed.  "Letting nature take its course." "How long?" "Depends on how fast the toxins build up in her system, three days, a week tops." Johnny was silent for so long, Roy and Kel became worried.  "Johnny?"  Roy asked softly.  Johnny never looked up.  "I need a few minutes alone."  He finally said, his voice trembling. Kel looked at Roy; Roy nodded his head slightly.  "Okay, Johnny, we'll be right outside." They exited the room.  As soon as the door swung shut, they heard the room erupt in chaos as Johnny threw everything within reach against the wall.  "It's not fair!"  They heard him shout over and over.  Kel moved to the door, but Roy stopped him.  "Don't, let him get it out." "You sure he won't hurt himself?"  Kel asked. "I know Johnny better than anyone. He needs this release right now."  Kel looked at Roy and nodded.  Both leaned back against the wall waiting for Johnny to get himself under control.  When the room quieted down, Roy pushed the door open a crack to find Johnny sitting by the window, a pillow hugged tightly to him.  "Johnny?"  He asked gently. "It's okay Roy, I'm done."  Johnny acknowledged in a defeated voice. Roy and Kel entered the cluttered room.  "Johnny, I need to know your answer."  Kel stated softly. Johnny nodded.  "If I could have my way, I'd do everything to save her, but that's being selfish.  She's only unconscious because you have her sedated on the vent.  I want you to pull her out of sedation and ask her yourself.  What ever she decides I'll support her on it." "You sure Johnny?"  "Yeah, I'm not going to be the one to put her through more suffering if she doesn't want it.  But I need you two to help me do something first." "We don't have much time if we're going to begin treatment."  Kel reminded. "Don't worry, I know it'll take a couple of hours for the sedation to wear off.  That should be enough time for you two to complete the favors I need." "Alright, then I'll order the sedation stopped."  He picked up Johnny's phone from the floor. "Sorry about that."  Johnny apologized sheepishly. "It's okay Johnny, at least it still works."  Kel replied, his face twitching into a grin.                                                             ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Three hours later Johnny sat patiently by Kaycee's bed waiting for her to come out of the sedation.  Her vent alarm sounded, as she began waking up.  Johnny squeezed her hand as she opened her eyes.  "Hi honey, I'm glad to see you.  We need to ask you some questions.  You can't talk right now because of the vent.  But you can write your answers for us, okay?" She nodded setting off her vent alarm again.  He grinned.  "Kaycee, you're pneumonia is clearing up.  You've been sedated almost ten days.  The antibiotics they had to use to treat you have made your kidneys stop working." "Permanent?"  She wrote. "I'm afraid so.  There are two options.  We can put you on dialysis and get you on the donor registry for a new kidney, or do nothing and let nature take its course.  Without your kidneys working you'd only have three days to a week left.  Sweetheart, whatever you decide, I'm behind you all the way."  He finished, choking back the lump in his throat. Kaycee looked deep in his eyes, a tear sliding down her cheek. "Take me home."  She wrote. He read her words and nodded slowly,  "Okay Kaycee."  He turned to Kel.  "Kaycee wants to go home." "Alright Kaycee, first off, we'll get the tube out, and then I'll make arrangements for an ambulance to take you both to Johnny's ranch."  He quickly pulled the vent tube out.  "I'll be right back." Johnny poured Kaycee some water.  She swallowed, finally finding her voice.  "You know why don't you?" "I think so." "Johnny, I hate the thought of leaving you behind, but you know as well as I do, I'll never be a firefighter again.  I just can't live my life that way.  Besides, I've read the information on organ donation when I signed my donor card.  The chance of finding a donor outside my immediate family is low.  I could go through all that pain of dialysis and never find a donor.  I don't want to spend the rest of my time in a hospital.  I want to be at home with you."  "Okay, like I said Kaycee, whatever you decided, I'd support you, but you have to do one thing for me." "Name it Johnny." "Be my wife." "Are you sure you want to do that, I only have a short time left?"  She asked feeling tears run down her face. "If you're gonna leave me, I want to be left with memories of my wife, not my girlfriend, it just doesn't cover how I feel about you."  He choked out through his own tears. "Okay Johnny, do we have enough time to do this?" "I called in a few favors.  Dr. Brackett got a judge to waive the waiting period and Roy and Joanne got the rings and flowers waiting in the hall, along with the chaplain.  Just say the word and we can get married before the ambulance gets here to take us home." "Alright Johnny."  She agreed hugging him tight.  "God, I love you.  I don't want to leave you."  She sobbed at the thought of leaving a grieving Johnny behind. "I love you too.  I'll catch up with you someday." "Just promise me one thing."  She asked. "Anything for you." "Don't do anything to speed up our reunion.  I want you to live to a ripe old age.  And. . ."  She pulled away looking Johnny straight in the eye.  "I want you to find happiness someday.  I want to look down on you one day raising a family and having a wife that loves you just as much as I do, because it'll make me happy.  When I look down and hear a child call you daddy or grandpa, I'll know what it could have been like for us." "Kaycee, I don't know if I can do that,"  he hung his head sobbing freely now. "Then I won't marry you."  She said firmly. He took a deep breath controlling his emotions a little.  "Alright Kaycee, I promise." "I'll hold you to it.  Don't make me have to come back and haunt you."  She grinned.  "And another thing.  You tell them out there.  No more tears.  After now, there's to be no more tears until I'm gone.  I can't stand it if people can only look at me with pity.  If that's all they feel, then I don't want them around." "Okay, I'll take care of it."  He agreed kissing her hand softly, before wheeling himself out in the hall. "Well?"  Dixie asked. "You're all invited to a wedding."  Johnny smiled through red-rimmed eyes.  "Just one thing, Kaycee doesn't want any tears.  She doesn't want pity." "Okay."  Dixie promised.  "Roy and I are going back to your place with you.  You two'll need some help, Kel's only letting her leave the hospital under my supervision." "Alright, anything so I can take her home.  You will give us some privacy though?"  He agreed grinning. "Don't worry Johnny, we won't do anything to ruin your honeymoon.  If you can figure out a way around that cast, and Kaycee's oxygen, who are we to stop you."  Roy grinned back at him.                                                             ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Everyone watched as Kaycee and Johnny exchanged their vows, 'Till death do you part' never held so much meaning for all the people assembled there.  "You may kiss your bride,"  the chaplain announced. Johnny pulled Kaycee close in his lap, and held her tight.  "I love you Kaycee Gage."  he whispered in her ear. "I love you too."  Kaycee whispered back.   He pulled her face to his and kissed her tenderly, savoring the moment, knowing he would need to store away every feeling, and experience as time was short.                                                             ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Roy and Dixie settled Johnny and Kaycee in Johnny's bed.  "We'll be downstairs, if you need anything, just holler."  She said before both her and Roy left the room Johnny snuggled close to Kaycee, wrapping his arms around her.  "Johnny?"  Kaycee said thoughtfully. "Yes, sweetheart." "When it's my time, I want to just fall asleep in your arms." "Let's not waste the time we have worrying about that.  When the time comes, I'll be right by your side, I promise." "Okay.  In the meantime, until I'm too sick, I want you to make love to me as many times as we can.  We only have a few days to pack a lifetime of memories in." "Kaycee, what if it speeds up the end?"  He asked. "I'm gonna finish living my life the way I lived it up until now.  On my terms." "Alright, just let me do all the work.  Save your strength."  He whispered pulling her into a passionate kiss. They made love several times in the next two days until Kaycee became too ill.  Then Johnny contented himself with holding her in his arms listening as she described everything about their life together that would never be.  They talked about how many kids they would have and what their names would be; where they would live when they both retired from the department;  where they would go for their second honeymoon.  What gifts they would give each other on their anniversaries.  Making as many memories as they could in their brief time together.                                                             ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ That evening as they slept in each other's arms, Johnny woke to Kaycee's labored breathing.  "Dix, Roy!"  He shouted, sitting up and snapping the light on.  Dixie rushed in from the guest bedroom as Roy pounded up the stairs from the couch in the living room.  Johnny turned up the oxygen flow as high as it would go. Dixie and Roy hurriedly checked Kaycee over.  "Kaycee, are you in any pain?"  Dixie asked.  She nodded.  "I'll get Rampart to give us an order for something." Kaycee grabbed her wrist.  "Just don't knock me out.  There's still a lot I need to do." "I promise Kaycee, I'll get them to order something just to take the edge off." Dixie dialed the phone, while Roy crossed over to Johnny's side of the bed.  He leaned close to his friends' ear.  "Soon."  He whispered.  "Her pressure's bottoming out." Johnny nodded fighting back the knot forming in his throat.  Dixie quickly gave the shot of morphine Dr. Early had ordered to Kaycee.  As the medication took effect, she relaxed.  "Better?"  Johnny asked. "Um-hmm."  She nodded.  "Okay, Roy, Dixie, I want you to help Johnny into the other room  Roy I need to talk to you alone." "Alright, come on Johnny."  Roy agreed. Johnny kissed her lightly.  "Don't keep me waiting too long." She shook her head.  "I won't, remember I want to fall asleep in your strong arms." He smiled.  "Okay."  Roy and Dixie helped him hobble out of the room to the guest bedroom.  She stayed with Johnny while Roy returned to Kaycee.  She sat down next to Johnny on the bed.  "You okay?"  She asked putting her arm around him. "God, Dix, I didn't think it would happen this fast."  He whispered, as Dixie hugged him tight.  He held onto her allowing himself a moment of quietly crying, muffling the noise in Dixie's shoulder so Kaycee wouldn't hear.  Dixie silently let her own tears fall, as she comforted him.  After a few minutes, he struggled to regain his composure.  "I can't let her see me like this." "Hang on Johnny."  She said going to the bathroom, she washed her own tearstained face and wet a washcloth and brought that and a clean towel back for him.  "Here."  She handed them to him. "Thanks Dix.  I don't know how I would have made it through the last few days without you and Roy."  He said gratefully, wiping his face with the washcloth. "It's the least we could do.  Kaycee's the bravest person I've ever met." "I keep thinking if she hadn't gone back for Raymond, the pneumonia wouldn't have been so bad, she might have lived." "But could she have lived with herself not gong back to get him, knowing he was injured in a burning building?"  Dixie reminded him gently. He sighed.  "I know you're right.  Doesn't make it any easier." "I know Johnny."  She patted his arm.  "I know."                                                             ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Roy entered the bedroom, closing the door, and sat on the bed next to Kaycee.  "Okay, Johnny's safely tucked away.  What do you want to talk about?" She smiled.  "Like you don't know?" Roy grinned.  "Johnny." "Yeah."  She nodded.  "I made him promise me some things before we got married and now I want you to promise me you'll hold him to it." "If I can."  Roy agreed. "I made him promise to find happiness one day.  To live to be a very old man, to get married to a woman that loves him as much as I do, and to have kids someday." "I'll do what I can Kaycee, but I can't force him to love somebody."  He reminded her. "I know, but I also know how stubborn he can be.  Just promise me that if he finds someone, and tries to hide from his feelings, or fight them. You'll give him a gentle reminder of the promise he made me." "Okay, Kaycee, I can promise you that."  He agreed. "Good.  Believe me Roy, it makes me feel a lot better knowing that Johnny's got you to watch out for him.  He's gonna have a rough time of it after I'm gone." "Yeah, Johnny's always been an intense person.  He's always been all or nothing.  It's gonna take him some time before he could even unconsciously allow himself to even think of another woman."  "I know.  Do what you can for him Roy, and especially don't let him give up on life." "I will Kaycee.  Since the rest of your time will be Johnny's, I just have to say how much I've grown to love you like a sister, and how much me and my family are going to miss you." "Thanks Roy, that means a lot to me.  Say good bye to Joanne and the kids for me." "I will.  Good bye Kaycee."  Roy said kissing her cheek.  "I'll get Johnny for you now." "Okay, send Dixie in while you're helping Johnny back over here." "Yeah, I'll do that." Roy crossed the hall to the guest bedroom.  "Dix, Kaycee wants to see you while I help Johnny back over." "Okay."  Dixie got up off the bed giving Johnny's shoulder a final squeeze before leaving the room. Roy sat next to Johnny, to give Dixie a chance to talk to Kaycee privately.  He put his arm around his partner's shoulders.  "You doing okay?" Johnny hung his head.  "I was just telling Dixie, I can't believe how fast it's happening." "Yeah, I know."  He hugged Johnny, feeling his own tears slid out of the corners of his eyes.  He released Johnny and swiped at the tears with his finger.  "Sorry, I know, she said no tears." "It's okay Roy.  As long as she doesn't see them."  Johnny patted Roy's shoulder, and then used it to push himself up off the bed.  "Help me back over there, I've got a promise to keep."  Roy stood up and nodded, he wrapped Johnny's arm over his shoulder and walked him back to his bedroom.                                                             ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dixie sat down on the bed with Kaycee.  "Well, Kaycee, I guess this is it." "Yeah."  Kaycee nodded. "How does it feel to be free?"  She asked.  "I know you only had a short time, but. . ." "It's incredible.  You're time will come Dixie.  But in the meantime, live your life on your own terms.  Don't let him win." "I won't, good bye Kaycee."  She hugged her. "Good bye Dixie.  Watch out for Johnny for me." "I will."  She promised. "Miss me?"  Johnny asked from the doorway as Roy helped him back to bed. "Always."  Kaycee answered. Johnny propped up pillows behind him and leaned against the headboard.  He pulled her into his arms so her head was resting on his chest.  "Just like I promised.  I won't let you go."  He squeezed her tight. "Yeah, I always feel so safe in your arms."  She said smiling up at him. "Kaycee, would you like to be alone with Johnny or do you want us to stay?"  Roy asked. "If you don't mind, I'd like to have Johnny all to myself."  She requested smiling. "You got it."  Dixie answered and they left the room. Johnny leaned in and kissed her deeply.  "I love you Kaycee." "I love you too Johnny.  Don't forget everything you promised me." "I won't, I'll make you proud of me, Kaycee." "I know you will, Johnny.  Good bye my love." I love you too, good bye Kaycee."  He kissed her softly.  He held her close as her breathing became more shallow and labored, it slowed to the point where Johnny knew that the next one might not come.  He held her more tightly.  His mind screamed, "Breathe Kaycee!"  but his heart knew he had to let her go.  She took one more breath and then nothing.  He waited, hoping, but nothing followed.  He lifted her wrist looking for a pulse, again finding nothing.  He held her close to his chest and finally allowed himself to cry. His tears fell in her hair as he buried his face in it.  Finally he threw his head back against the headboard and cried out in anguish.  "Kaycee, no!"  Roy and Dixie rushed in at Johnny's cry.  Seeing Johnny sobbing over Kaycee, they knew she was gone.  "Johnny?"  Roy said gently. "Give me a minute, Roy."  He asked picking up her left hand, he looked at her rings for a minute.  He pulled off her engagement ring, leaving the wedding band in place.  He pulled off his own wedding band and slipped it on her first finger.  He kissed her hand, then gently laid it back on her pillow.  He leaned in and kissed her tenderly one more time on the lips.  "Okay Roy.  I'm ready." Roy helped him downstairs.  Dixie joined them.  "Johnny, why don't you let Roy take you to his house for the night.  I'll stay and take care of the arrangements."  She suggested, hoping to spare Johnny the sight of the coroner bringing Kaycee out in a black body bag. Roy picked up on Dixie's meaning.  "That's probably a good idea, Johnny.  We'll have a pretty busy day tomorrow." Johnny just stared at them, a vacant look in his eyes.  "Whatever you think is best, Roy." "Okay then, come on Junior.  Let's go.  Call if you need anything Dix." "I will, I'll lock up afterwards.  I'll call you tomorrow, Johnny." "Okay."  He answered automatically.   "Wait, Dix there's a gold chain on the dresser in there, can you get it for me?" "Sure."  She went upstairs and returned with the beautiful chain.  "Here."  She handed it to him. Johnny threaded it through the engagement ring and put it around his neck, closing the clasp.  "Okay, now I'm ready to go." "Alright."  Roy helped him up and out of the house, towards the car.  Johnny stopped suddenly on the porch. "You know, that's the first place I ever put my arm around her."  He pointed to the swing.  "We used to love sitting out here in the evenings.  God, Roy, it all happened so fast." "I know Johnny.  But at least you made some memories before the end." "Yeah, but it wasn't enough.  He sighed as they started to the car again. "The important thing is that she didn't suffer and she lived her last few days doing what she wanted the most, being with you."  He said helping Johnny in the car. "What am I going to do without her?" Roy slid in the driver's seat.  "You'll do the best you can, take it day by day." "That sounds so easy, but each minute, feels like forever without her." Roy started the car pulling away from the ranch.  "It'll take time, but you'll get through it. You have to, you promised her." "Yeah, I know. It just hurts so much." "Johnny, I wish I knew what to do to help you though this more.  But I've never been in your shoes before.  I don't know what to say that doesn't sound like I'm patronizing you or sound insincere.  The only thing I know right now is it'll take time and the pain will ease.  It may not go away, but it'll become bearable." "Roy, no one could ever call you insincere.  My head knows what you're saying is true.  It's my heart that's having a hard time right now." They rode the rest of the way to Roy's house in silence.  Johnny sat with his head bowed playing with the ring on the chain around his neck. Roy helped him out of the car and into the house.  Joanne woke to the sound of voices in the living room, as Roy got him settled in for the night.  Knowing it could mean only one thing, she headed downstairs.  Johnny sat on the couch his cast propped up on the coffee table.  Roy was in the kitchen making him a sandwich.  She sat down next to him, pulling his hand in hers.  "She's gone?"  She squeezed his hand, and Johnny nodded, she pulled him into a fierce hug.  "Johnny, I'm so sorry." Johnny held her tight.  "I know Joanne."  He croaked out fighting back tears again. "You know we're here for you.  Anything you need day or night.  We'll be there." "Thanks Joanne."  He finally allowed all the sorrow to the surface, and wept bitterly on Joanne's shoulder.  She comforted him the best she could, while Roy sat down in his chair, giving Johnny time to release his grief. When Johnny felt himself regaining control, he released Joanne and sat back against the couch.  "Sorry about that Joanne,"  he whispered, ashamed of his actions. "There's nothing to be sorry for Johnny.  I'm glad I was here for you."  She answered sincerely, smiling at him.  "What are big sisters for anyway?" Johnny smiled a little.  "Why don't you two head up to bed, I'll just eat my sandwich and lay down for a while."  He suggested. "You sure?"  Roy asked a little concerned, having just witnessed the depths of Johnny's grief.  "We can stay and talk." "I'm okay, relax you two.  I'm not going to do anything stupid, I've got too many promises to keep." "Okay, you need anything, just call."  Roy said standing up. "Actually Roy, you still got those crutches from the last time you sprained your ankle?" "Yeah, they're in the basement.  Want me to get them for you?" "Would you mind?  I hate having to wake you up just to go to the bathroom." "Okay, sure, I'll get them."  Roy retrieved the crutches and adjusted them to Johnny's height. "Good night Roy, Joanne."  He called as they headed up the stairs. "Good night Johnny."  They called back.                                                              ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Johnny waited until the sounds of the house settled down.  Figuring everyone was asleep, he got up and hobbled to the sliding door in the dining room, he went outside, and sat down on the steps of the deck, leaning back on his elbows he watched the stars.  He didn't know how long he stayed that way before he finally got up and headed in the house.  He had just settled back on the couch when five-year-old Jennifer DeSoto came downstairs.  "Uncle Johnny?"  She asked surprised. "Yeah, hi Pumpkin."  He answered holding out his arms for her.  Jennifer ran to hug him. "You weren't here when I went to bed." "No, you're dad and I got in very late."  He answered pulling her up in his lap. "Where's Aunt Kaycee?"  She asked innocently. Johnny winced at hearing Kaycee's name.  "Remember when I told you Aunt Kaycee was very sick?" "Yeah."  "Well, Aunt Kaycee was so sick, she couldn't get better.  She's in heaven now." "I'm sorry Uncle Johnny.  She won't be coming back will she?"  Jennifer asked in the innocence of youth. "No, sweetheart, she won't, but you know what.  I was just outside looking at the stars, and guess what, I saw a new one in the sky." "Really?  Was it Aunt Kaycee?" "I'm pretty sure it was.  It winked at me."  He answered. "Really?" "Really.  Tell you what, Uncle Johnny's kind of tired tonight.  How about tomorrow night I show you Aunt Kaycee's star?"  He suggested. "Okay.  You're sad Uncle Johnny." "Yeah I am, I'm going to miss Aunt Kaycee very much." "Don't be sad Uncle Johnny.  I'll stay with you."  She snuggled close to him resting her head on his arm.  Johnny pulled the blanket up around them.  "Thank you Jennifer, I feel better already."  He kissed her cheek and they both drifted off to sleep.                                                             ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Joanne woke early knowing it would be a busy day.  She eased herself out from under Roy's arm, trying not to wake him.  She pulled her robe on and slipped downstairs to check on Johnny.  She smiled seeing Jennifer and Johnny asleep on the couch.  Jennifer's little face snuggled into her uncle's chest.  "Leave it to a child to start the healing."  She thought to herself as she headed into the kitchen to start breakfast.                                                                    THE END, For now. . .                                             STAY TUNED FOR THE SEQUEL,  HANNA'S STORY Author's note:  Any medical errors are mine, and mine alone.  I do not have any medical knowledge other than what my own brain can dream up.  Thanks again to Janet, for all her help in editing this story. return to main menu