Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice by Nexxie Part I The sun of the hot August day warmed the old barn to the sweltering point and dust motes danced in the rays of sunlight that entered through the open door of the hayloft. In the back of the barn two men worked companionably grooming the horses. The air was filled with the sweet smell of hay and the familiar scent of warm dusty horse...now that the stalls were cleaned. A new colt frisked in the corral. Johnny Gage would begin working with him in the coming week. "What are you gettin' Jennifer?" J.R. questioned his father, trying to sound casual, but keenly interested in the response. His hands worked rhythmically to clean away the sweat and dust from his horse after their morning ride that ended in a race back to the barn. Next week Jennifer DeSoto would be seventeen, and the two Gage men were invited to her party. For Johnny it was a forgone conclusion, but for J.R., it was the first birthday party he ever attended, and a very important one. "That's for me to know," Johnny teased giving the chestnut filly he'd finished grooming a kiss on her soft velvet nose, then patting her on the rump to send her out of the barn. He didn't see the distress his words caused or the amount of importance his son placed on the answer. His father didn't know that J.R. slept each night hugging the blanket Jennifer DeSoto gave him at the "baby shower" nearly five months ago. Or that the young man's dreams were filled with the images of himself and Roy's daughter walking hand in hand through the woods or riding side by side in the meadow. The younger Gage longed to sit with his arm around Jennifer experiencing with her the vista he shared with his father on their camping trips at 'Hawk Ridge'. Then there was the day at the beach where he kissed her for the first time...and the second. But Jennifer is just turning seventeen, J.R. thought unhappily, and she is beautiful...and she's much too good for the likes of me. J.R. still could not get past the stigma of his birth and the names branded on his mind by his grandparents..."worthless Indian brat". Johnny sang a an off-key rendition of 'Jesse's Girl' as he mentally reviewed the birthday surprise he planned for Jennifer. Last year he took her out to a grown-up dinner and then on a shopping spree. This year would be even better. J.R. halted his motions, resting his hands on the horse's withers as he sought to emphasize the importance of the question without revealing too much about his own feelings. "Dad." This time John Gage could hear the plaintive note in his son's voice as he nearly whispered his question. "What should I get Jennifer? She's really special. I don't want to blow this." Dusty, the buckskin colt that Johnny gave to his son, playfully ruffled the boy's windblown hair with a snort and soft nicker. He stomped the ground impatiently as if to say to J.R., "Why did you stop?" With an indulgent smile, J.R. resumed the pleasing ministrations. Johnny closed the stall door and hung the currycomb on its nail in the tack room. "Give her something that means something to you," he said finally. John Gage knew that his son valued Jennifer's friendship, something he experienced little of in his nineteen years---almost twenty now---he recalled. Johnny's own birthday was coming up just two days before Jennifer's. He was curious to see if his son would remember. It didn't seem possible that John Gage would be thirty-seven years old. Wasn't it only yesterday that he joined the paramedic program? Where did the time go? **************** Jennifer looked unhappily in the mirror. No matter what she did she still didn't look grown up. And she wanted to look grown up---it was important. J.R. is a man, she thought, living and working in an adult world. Pretty soon he would want to spend time with a woman, not a little girl. She took inventory of her bedroom with a critical eye, suddenly aware of how juvenile it appeared. From the pink patchwork comforter and canopy to the matching curtains and shag carpeting, the room fairly screamed "a little girl lives here". It's time to grow up, Jennifer DeSoto, she decided, leaning back amid the pile of stuffed animals that shared her twin bed. The Holly Hobbie lamp has to go, first of all... "Jen, come down here," Joanne DeSoto yelled up the stairs, "I need you to help with this." Rubbing her chin with one knuckle, deep in thought, Jennifer nearly collided with her father on the landing. "Whoa, Little Girl," Roy said catching hold of his daughter with one hand and the railing with the other. He must be thinking about my birthday, Jennifer concluded. He only calls me that name when he's remembering the day I was born or something. Oh, man, what if he calls me that in front of J.R.? Just before I blow out the candles, Daddy always starts in with some story about when I was still in diapers. I can't say anything to him, it would hurt his feelings too much, but maybe Mom will tell him not to do that this year if I ask her. **************** Roy watched his daughter hurry down the stairs. Just when did she grow up? he wondered. It must have been when I wasn't looking. Now, in just a few days she'll be seventeen. Wasn't it just last week she played with her Barbie dolls on the back deck with my partner? I'll never forget how silly he looked sprawled on the deck floor with a doll in his hand and talking in falsetto. He's always been a pushover where my daughter is concerned. And he's perfect in her eyes...until lately. Now she watches that boy of his. She thinks I don't know, but ever since she first saw him in the hospital, Jennifer has been fascinated with J.R. Gage. Joanne's right, he's too old for our little girl. I hope he realizes that, I'd hate to have to confront him about it---that would cause a rift with Johnny. With a sigh, Captain DeSoto descended the staircase to join his wife and daughter in the kitchen. "'Morning, honey," Joanne said, looking up from the list she was busily creating. "Tables, chairs, tablecloths, plates, cups, cake, balloons, streamers...anything else you can think of, Jen?" "Can we have hors d'oeuvres indoors instead of burgers and chips in the back yard? It seems so...juvenile! Tam says..." Roy cut her short, "Neither Tammy Payne, nor her parents are paying for this party. I can't afford to shell out the kind of money it would take to provide fancy food for the number of people you invited..." "Jen," Joanne intervened before the discussion could escalate into a confrontation, "between the firemen and your high school friends, burgers and chips in the back yard would have more appeal than a stiff formal party. You want your guests to be comfortable and have a good time." "Besides, your dad's right, can you imagine how much it would cost to fill up your Uncle Johnny on hors d'oeuvres? We'd have to take out a second mortgage!" Giggling, Jennifer nodded. She could just picture John Gage frowning in consternation as he filled his plate with fancy finger foods. J.R. probably would think it silly too. Hamburgers and chips it would be. "Have you figured out what you want for your birthday yet?" Roy fixed himself a cup of coffee and took a seat at the kitchen table. "Not yet, Daddy," Jennifer admitted. "I can't seem to make up my mind." "Jennifer, you've a whole year to think about this. You asked last year if you could choose this time instead of being surprised. Couldn't you decide on something before now? You aren't giving us enough time here." Roy was growing impatient. He didn't like to leave major purchases until the last minute when there was no time to shop around. I'm surprised Joanne is letting her get away with this. "I want it to be just right, Dad, and very special." Seeing herself losing ground, Jennifer opted to kiss her dad on the top of his head and walk over to Tammy's, discretion being the better part of valor. **************** J.R. looked at the hand-tooled saddle covertly as he and his dad walked by. Johnny paused to caress the polished leather each and every time they entered the shop, and gave it a pat as if to say, 'some day, when money is no object...' His son gave a secretive grin. One more overtime shift and the saddle would be paid for. J.R. persuaded Tim, the store owner, to keep it on display while he made payments. Johnny would never guess it was his birthday present, and J.R. wouldn't have to hide it somewhere on the ranch until then. It was a steep price for a birthday gift, and required all of the money J.R. saved thus far toward the 'vehicle' of his choice. He didn't tell Johnny yet that he was saving for a motorcycle. That wouldn't happen any time soon now anyway. Johnny's saddle was worn and scratched. Purchased second-hand at an auction, it was plain and utilitarian, designed for work rather than show. The saddle on display was a rich-looking dark tan leather with fancy scrollwork and buffed to a high shine. The saddle was a symbol to the younger Gage. It would be a way of showing Johnny just how much he meant to his son. Tapping the smooth leather as he went by, J.R. followed his dad back to a more practical section of the store. Johnny would be so surprised---and pleased, he hoped. But what to get Jennifer? It to be something that makes her smile, but doesn't make her parents frown. I know what would make me smile! The young man's face took on a dreamy look as he recalled the time he and Jennifer spent together on the beach a couple weeks ago. And there was the quick embrace they managed in the barn last week when she came over to go riding. He was keeping his promise to see her whenever and wherever he could. But it wasn't easy, and he felt guilty every single time. "Earth to John Roderick Gage!" the other John Roderick Gage said as he tapped his daydreaming son on the shoulder. His purchases in hand, Johnny was ready to go home and have some lunch. "Hey, it's time to go. Where is your mind?" J.R. reddened, caught. Telling where his mind was would definitely get him in trouble. The elder Gage stared for a minute at his son. Was that a blush J.R. was trying to cover with a fit of coughing? Johnny smirked. He bet the kid was concentrating on Kalie Riley. They'd gone out a couple times, and the latest rumors said she was very interested. He wondered how Captain Gene Riley felt about it. **************** "STATION 51...STRUCTURE FIRE...CORNER OF ELM AND FREMONT...TIME OUT 09:45" "Station 51, KMG-365" The calls are starting early today, one on top of the other, Johnny thought as he ran for the engine. Only a quarter to ten and already the second response. I hope this isn't a trend. Four hours later he was sure it was a trend as Johnny's Crew missed their second try for lunch. Rudy's pasta would have to wait...again. Five responses and the day wasn't half over. By four o'clock 51's C-Shift felt like they been running a marathon. By Johnny's count they put out three fires, found a gas leak, responded to two traffic accidents, both involving fatalities, and now this...child trapped. His heart always bled when kids were injured. This one, however, should be punished but good. "Leland, dear, talk to the nice firemen. Tell them where the key is, dear." "No. I hate that name, and I hate you. And I hate dumb old firemen...cops are cooler." The woman seems to have infinite patience where 'Leland' is concerned, Johnny thought in frustration. Too bad she didn't have the patience to teach him some manners. Leland was locked in the trunk of his dad's Mercedes on a hot summer afternoon. The keys were nowhere to be found, and Leland's father was in St. Louis on business, his keys safely in his pocket. The boy's mother was frantic over Leland, but also anxious not to damage her husband's new car. "I know he's doing this to get attention," she said, wringing her hands. "He's so sensitive, and his father has been too busy to spend much time with him lately. I can't think what he'll say to all of this." I can, Johnny thought, if he's anything like me. "Ma'am, if we can't locate that key pretty soon we're gonna have to jimmy the trunk open. It's a hot day and in the confined space he can get overheated real quick. Just how long has Leland been in there, anyway?" "He's been in there about fifteen minutes, I think. I heard him go out the door a while ago and remembered that it's time for his piano lesson in..." she glanced at her watch, "in half an hour. I didn't want him to be late, so I went to look for him and just heard the trunk close as I came out the door." "Marco, bring a crowbar. Dwyer, are you set up?" Marco sped off to the engine as Charlie Dwyer nodded, opening the biophone. "Oh, dear, must you? It's a new car, you know. His father will be furious." "Ma'am, it's dangerous for the boy to remain in there any longer. Now we have to get him out of that trunk immediately. I'm sorry about your car, but I think the boy is more important, don't you?" "Yes, of course. Leland! Your father is going to be most unhappy with you. Please tell the firemen where the keys are." "They're in the trunk!" came the muffled response. "Here, Marco, I'll do it!" Johnny's patience was gone. The kid could have told them that five minutes ago. Johnny fitted the end of the crowbar in the crack where the lid met the body and gave a heave...nothing. Marco joined him, leaning his stockier frame on the end of the bar. The metal started to give as the woman moaned in distress. It took all of ten minutes to pry open the trunk...to reveal a small walkie talkie laying in the interior. Leland was nowhere to be seen, but his laughter rang out over the airwaves as the walkie talkie came to life. "Stupid firemen!" he taunted. Johnny reached in and picked up the toy. Without a word he handed it to the boy's mother. Rudy Taylor could tell by the set of Johnny's jaw that their captain was furious. "Oh dear. That was so naughty of Leland. I don't know what I'll do about this now. Will the county pay for the damage to the car?" "No, ma'am, they won't," Taylor answered for Johnny. Cap Gage was too angry to be diplomatic at the moment and Marco was cursing in low, rapid Spanish. Rudy knew very little of the language, but he caught enough to realize that kid should be glad his father's name isn't Lopez. "Hey, Cap!" Konnitsky called as he walked toward them from behind the engine, "look at what I found!" Dave Konnitsky a firm grasp on an eight-year-old boy holding a walkie talkie in one hand. The kid a mutinous expression on his face and he fought against Dave every step of the way. The six-foot-three firefighter looked ready to chew nails. "Leland! Oh, baby, you're okay, you're all right. Mommy was so worried." As Konnitsky released the miscreant, he stuck out his tongue and aimed a kick at the tall man's shins. "Stupid old fireman!" he repeated. "Cops are cooler!" Taylor put a hand on Konnitsky's arm to pull him away from the kid and keep him from saying what it looked like he was gonna say. "It isn't worth it, Dave," Rudy told him. "Let it go." "L.A., Station 51 available at scene," Johnny told dispatch. "Station 51, stand by for response." "STATION 51...CAR OVER THE EMBANKMENT ON MOUNTAIN VISTA ROAD ONE MILE NORTH OF THE OWL CREEK BRIDGE...TIME OUT 16:37." Maybe we can have Taylor's pasta for breakfast, Johnny thought. "Station 51, 10-4" **************** Captain DeSoto finished dinner and made his way to the office. It was time, barring being toned out, to make his usual phone call to Joanne. Lately, he also called Johnny. It took being separated by their jobs, instead of united because of them, to realize how much he came to rely on John Gage...and vice versa. Sometimes their schedules didn't allow for getting together on their days off and this was one way to keep their vow of staying in touch. We do see more of each other than before, Roy reflected, although Johnny is less available these days. A couple weeks ago he was worried that he lost his 'Gage charm'. Since that time he's determinedly resumed his all-out pursuit of the ladies, although recently he's most often seen with Liz, a nurse from men's surgical at Rampart. Roy heard the tones earlier and knew that 51's was out on another call. I still want to respond to that sequence, he thought. It took quite a while to get used to being at 99's and stop running for the squad when 51's was called. I wonder how many times Johnny ran for the shotgun seat on the squad instead of the engine? **************** It was eight p.m. and the phone rang right on schedule. "DeSoto's Pleasure Palace" Joanne answered in a low, seductive voice, "the Love Goddess awaits your request." For a few moments there was dead silence. J.R. Gage looked at the phone as if some explanation could be found on the outside of the receiver. "Um...hello? Is this Mrs. D?" He and the DeSoto's agreed that he call them 'Mr. and Mrs. D' rather than the full titles. It was respectful, yet more comfortable for J.R. than the more childish 'uncle' and 'aunt'. "Oh my...J.R.! I'm so sorry! I was expecting a call from Roy." Joanne wanted to sink into the floor. "That's okay." J.R. nearly choked as he tried to regain his composure. The urge to laugh hysterically was compelling, but this was Jennifer's mother. "You did ask me to call." Joanne was certainly glad Jennifer wasn't around at the moment. Of course, if she been, this wouldn't have happened. Her face progressing through several shades of red, 'Mrs. D' tried to remember why she wanted to speak with John Gage's offspring. Oh yeah, Johnny's birthday! "J.R.," she cleared her throat, "I know it's kind of late to ask, but what plans do you and your dad have for his birthday?" "Well, for one thing we're going to be on shift. After that, we were just going to go for a ride, or camping or something. Nothing definite." Joanne plunged in, "Traditionally we have a barbecue to celebrate your dad's special day, but this year it kind of got lost in the shuffle, what with plans for Jen's party and Chris going away to college. I'm afraid I forgot about celebrating your dad's birthday, or to even ask you about it until it was too late. I was wondering if you two would like to come over the day after maybe, for dinner? This is the first year Chris will miss Johnny's birthday, but he will be here for Jen's." Joanne was aware she was babbling nervously, but she was thoroughly rattled. What a way to greet a teenage boy! If that kid tells anyone, I'll never live it down. At this point I kind of hope he turns me down...I'm not sure I can ever look J.R. Gage in the eye again. "Did you want this as a surprise, or should I call Dad and get back to you?" "No...no! Uh that is, there's no need to keep it from your dad. In fact, why don't I just have Roy invite him tonight or something, and he can tell you what he decides. Okay?" She was in a hurry to end this embarrassing phone call. With a grin J.R. agreed and hung up. He probably should have reassured her that he would never mention this to anyone, but there were three men within earshot at the moment who heard him call her 'Mrs. D'. It was best to hang up and pretend it never happened. Chuckling, the young firefighter walked over to the kitchen for a glass of milk before joining the rest of the crew in front of the television. He was still smirking when they were toned out a few minutes later. **************** "Hi, Jo, who were you talking to a few minutes ago?" Roy tried for ten minutes to get through to his wife, but found the line busy. "It was J.R. Gage," she admitted, glad he couldn't see the blush that crept into her cheeks. "I wanted to ask him and his dad over to dinner the day after Johnny's birthday. I'd forgotten I left a message for him to call." "Oh, what did he say?" "Huh? Say to what?" Roy looked at the phone, puzzled. It wasn't like Joanne to be so scatterbrained. "What did J.R. say about coming to dinner the day after Johnny's birthday?" "He didn't know. They don't have any set plans. I told him I would have you ask Johnny and get back to me. How is the shift going?" The quicker this conversation changed, the better. "It was a busy day, but only a couple minor calls this evening. Where's Jennifer?" "She's over at Tammy's this evening. I think everything is in place for her party. All in all she's asked just about everybody she's ever met." "Did she finally settle on what she wants for her birthday? We've only got four days here." Roy was getting tired of the indecision. Every time he asked Jennifer lately what she wanted for her birthday, she gave a different answer, and it was never the final one. "No, not yet. She can't make up her mind on this one. I wish we hadn't decided to let her choose this year. She's always been happy with surprises before." Joanne was getting a little weary of her daughter's indecision as well. "She needs to figure it out pretty soon." "I know, Roy, but this birthday is kind of...different." Joanne didn't really want to go into why. She suspected the reason started with J.R. and ended with Gage. "What makes this birthday different from every other one?" Roy was mystified. He'd been doing Jen's birthday shopping for...well, almost seventeen years. It should be a piece of cake by now...would be if they just bought her the usual bicycle, tape player or latest fashion in clothing. Why should this one be so hard? "Jennifer's a young lady, Roy. The little girl presents she used to get aren't suitable anymore. She doesn't even know what to ask for. She's probably asking her friends for advice before she gives us an answer. After all, she'll be opening her gifts in front of a large group of people---she will want to look 'cool'." "So this is about us not embarrassing her?" Roy was a little disgusted. This was going to be a gift; she should be happy to get it...whatever it is. "Relax, sweetheart. Tell you what, I'll take care of the shopping this year, you just make sure all her 'uncles' show up, okay? Oh, and find out whether the Gages are coming to dinner after next shift. "All right," Roy said a little reluctantly. It was getting harder these days to be a father. He thought it would get easier as the kids grew up, but each passing year brought yet another new phase of parenthood to go through. He kind of envied his former partner---he got to skip all the frustrating years. He knew Johnny wouldn't have agreed. After a little affectionate teasing guaranteed to lighten Roy's mood, Joanne said goodbye. Roy smiled as he dialed Station 51. Joanne knew just how to make him anxious to get home. **************** Tam, I still don't know what to ask for," Jennifer DeSoto complained. She was laying crossways on Tammy Payne's bed while her best friend sat amid the clutter on the floor looking through Seventeen magazine for suggestions. I told ya, Jen, go for the outfit! Something sexy that'll make J.R. Gage sit up and take notice." Tam raised her eyebrows suggestively. Oh, yeah, like my dad's really gonna stand for that. Besides, after the day at the beach, I think J.R. notices more than he lets on." Jennifer's smile was secretive and smug as she rolled over onto her stomach hugging Tam's pillow and wishing it wasn't a pillow. So, what do you think J.R.'s going to give you?" Tam asked. Jennifer could be so maddening sometimes. I don't know," Jen admitted, "but whatever it is, I'll like it best." Hey! You don't know what I'm getting you yet!" Tammy objected. C'mon Tam, be real. You know I'll like what you give me. But this isn't the gift, it's the giver. You're my best friend, Tams, but J.R. is...you know." "Maybe he'll give you a promise ring," Tammy suggested wickedly, knowing Roy DeSoto would hit the roof if J.R. gave Jennifer such a personal gift. Sometimes the girl's parents were too narrow minded for words. Her own folks would just smile and say, "That's nice, Tam". Jennifer just rolled her eyes. She knew there were two chances of that happening...fat and slim. "By the way," Tammy continued, "you never did tell me what happened at the beach when you two disappeared together." "No," Jennifer agreed, "I never did. I think I'll ask to redo my bedroom...something less prissy and more grown-up. And definitely not pink. J.R. told me he likes the color of my eyes, maybe I'll go with violets...that's what he said they remind him of. Definitely violets!" Tammy sighed. Jen DeSoto could rattle on for hours about nothing, but when she decided not to tell, it was no easy task to worm stuff out of her. But she would do it, Tammy vowed, sooner or later. "New bedroom stuff? Boring. I still say go for the outfit." Tammy pretended loss of interest. Privately she thought a new look for Jen's bedroom was long overdue. That pink bedspread alone was too babyish by far. Even the posters on the wall were cutesy and pre-teen. Yep, that girl really needs to change her image. That's why the outfit she was getting her would definitely open a few eyes. Tam smiled. She could have secrets too. **************** "STATION 51...STATION 15...STATION 99...SQUAD 46...TRUCK 127...STRUCTURE FIRE...1147 PARKVIEW PLACE...1-1-4-7 PARKVIEW...CROSS STREET MILTON...TIME OUT 02:47" J.R. Gage jumped into his turnouts and pulled up the suspenders. He imagined his dad and Mr. D...Cap DeSoto were doing the same right now as he ran for his spot on the engine. The air hitting his face brought him fully alert as Engine 15 sped into the darkness of the early morning. All those stations responding...he thought the tones would never stop...it was going to be big. 1147 Parkview Place turned out to be a large retirement home...that meant people moving slow and lots of evacuees. Engine 99 got there first...DeSoto was in charge. J.R. ran to assist his crew mate Kyle 'Farms' Farmer direct a hose toward the blaze. Farms grinned and handed J.R. control of the nozzle, indicating he would back up the 'Probie' this time. J.R. nodded and braced himself as Del Nichols charged the line. The low sprawling building covered multiple acres and was surrounded by neatly trimmed flowering shrubbery, the flowers long since wilting in the intense heat of the fire. Winding cement walkways led to small arbors with benches and fountains, altogether a pleasant and peaceful place...until now. The shrubbery was beaten shapeless, battered by spray from the hoses. Water and a continuous tramping of booted feet converted the neat walks into muddy trails, all illuminated by flashing lights from the emergency vehicles outside and the conflagration within. It was a grim situation, J.R. reflected as he watched a procession of people being assisted, led or downright carried out of the building. Some were wrapped in blankets, some in robes, all were terrified. The ambulances came and went in a fearsome parade of light and sound. Stopping to load victims before taking off again, they waited in line like taxis at the airport. His dad gone in several times and come out with victims thrown over his shoulder. Most of the residents were more scared than hurt...that was his dad's specialty, calming people down. Well, sometimes. He'd heard stories about a few people that made Cap Gage lose his temper. He felt a tap on the shoulder and looked up to see Dave Konnitsky motioning that he would take over. "Winston wants you over at the triage point," he was told. Konnitsky pointed toward an area that looked like a patchwork quilt made up by blocks of yellow emergency blankets and wet black pavement. J.R. gave Konnitsky a jaunty salute and trotted over to where Winston was beckoning him. The blankets were filling up fast as J.R. reached the triage area. To an onlooker it would seem to be a small oasis in the current chaos. Winston and Crawford from 15's were working alongside Dwyer and Manley from Station 51 to quickly assess the victims as they were brought in. He could see another firefighter from 127 assisting them with oxygen and treatment of minor injuries. "J.R., get this patient started on oxygen while I check her vitals." Winston knew that the young firefighter a magic way with victims. J.R. nodded and smiled reassuringly at the eighty-ish lady looking up at him with wide frightened eyes. "It's all right,' he told her. "My friend here just wants to make sure you're gonna be okay. You just relax and let this oxygen help you breathe; it'll make you feel a whole lot better. I bet it was pretty scary in there, huh?" He held her hand and squeezed it encouragingly as the paramedics relayed her vitals to Rampart. The woman nodded, a little less terrified now. The young man seemed confident. "Well, we're gonna take real good care of you. You feel better now? You seem to be breathing easier. Are you hurt anywhere?" Winston just shook his head as the woman told J.R. about a bruise on her hip and her twisted left ankle, something she was too frightened to tell the paramedics when she was brought out. That boy should be a paramedic, he thought not for the first time. He recalled their many arguments at the station. "J.R., I just don't get it. You have the ability, I can see it in you. You're smart enough to breeze through the training. You seem to have a real talent for dealing with injured and sick people and you like doing search and rescue. Why don't you volunteer for the program? Is it your father's reputation? Don't worry about that, I think you can more than live up to it." "Walt, I don't wanna talk about it. I have my reasons, okay? I'm glad to help you whenever I can, but just let me be a regular fireman. I'm not worried about my dad's reputation...heck, his occupation is what prompted me to go to Fire Academy in the first place. But the paramedic program is...just not for me. You'll have to accept that." J.R. was adamant...and patient. He gave the same argument each and every time Winston and Crawford, and Cap Riley for that matter, brought it up. Only Roy DeSoto knew the real truth...he didn't want to watch a patient die. J.R. was afraid it would make him relive losing his mother, a memory that was too painful, and one he just couldn't face. The lady was placed on a gurney, her ankle splinted, still holding J.R.'s hand, and taken to the waiting ambulance. "You'll come visit me in the hospital, young man?" she asked, anxiety clouding her eyes. "Sure, Mrs. Martin, I'll see about stopping by sometime tomorrow," he promised. "You remind me of my grandson Peter. He used to bring me violets once a month after I came to this place, but he hasn't been around for a while now." "You just relax, ma'am, and I'll be seeing you, okay? If you see a nurse named Miss McCall, tell her 'hi' from J.R." With something to concentrate on besides her painful ankle and the traumatic experience of the fire, Mrs. Martin waved and nodded at J.R. as she was placed inside the ambulance. "Man, how do you do that?" Crawford asked. "She was a basket case when they brought her out." "I guess I have a little of what my dad calls the 'old Gage charm'." J.R. grinned good-naturedly. "Well, Prince Charming, if you're free now, I could use some help over here," Winston said without looking up from the victim he was treating. **************** Johnny was fighting exhaustion as he carried what seemed like his tenth or twelfth victim out of the burning building. Station 51 , by his estimation, averaged less than an hour between calls all day and into the night. This was their tenth response of the shift, and hopefully their last. His crew were as tired as he was, he knew. "Hey, Johnny!" He could barely hear Roy's voice over the sound of the engines and sirens and the roar of the blaze. He paused to deliver the victim he carried into his son's capable hands at the triage point before turning to make his way over to his former partner. From somewhere inside he pulled up the energy to keep going. The August night was hot, made warmer by the inferno behind him, and Johnny's face was covered with soot and streaked by sweat. Under his turnouts his clothes were wringing wet and chafing badly. Unable to manage a shower between call-outs, Johnny was still wearing the uniform he put on that morning. He was unable to keep from grimacing as he approached Cap DeSoto. "Whatcha got, Roy?" Johnny's voice sounded game, even if he looked to be on his last legs. "The director of the home says everybody is accounted for. We've got the blaze pretty well contained. It's all over but the shoutin'. If you want to round up your crew we can get busy on clean-up. I for one could use the rest. By the way, before you go back to collapse, do you have any plans for next Thursday evening." Johnny looked at him without comprehension. Don't ask me to think past tomorrow morning, Roy, he begged silently. "Uh, I don't know, why?" "Joanne wants you and J.R. to come over for dinner that night." Roy seemed to place a lot of emphasis on the question. What was so special about next Thursday? "Let me get back to you, okay? I have to find out if J.R. has anything going." Johnny looked at his friend oddly and went to check on his men. It was a strange thing for Roy to have done in the middle of a fire. Why couldn't he just call the station last night? Because you weren't there, bozo, he answered himself. Remember, ten calls...no waiting? Konnitsky and 15's 'Farms' Farmer were still manning a hose at the front. Dwyer and Manley left for Rampart already with patients and J.R. was treating minor burns on one of 99's men. Taylor seemed to have disappeared. Johnny limped over to Marco Lopez. "You seen Taylor?" he asked the engineer. "Last I saw him, Cap, he was backing up somebody from 99's; I think it was Sparks. They went into the building about twenty minutes ago." Marco looked worried. "And they haven't come out?" It was a rhetorical question. He knew Marco would have said if they . His fatigue forgotten, Johnny turned and, pausing only to pick up a flashlight from the engine, hurried into the building in search of the missing men. His most recent oxygen tank was nearly empty, but it should last long enough to ascertain the whereabouts and condition of the two firemen. Lopez knew his captain was tired, the droop of his shoulders and a distinct limp was proof of that. Being Johnny Gage, however was excuse enough for his actions. Concern for his men overrode the captain's thought for his own safety as he went solo into the building without adequate air supply, HT, or the knowledge of the incident commander. Marco looked over at the triage area that was now vacant, J.R. having returned to help 15's with clean-up. Roy wasn't in sight and the paramedics were all at Rampart; someone would drive their squads over to pick them up in a few minutes. Marco hesitated to use the HT, not wanting to broadcast Cap Gage's actions. The place is a maze, Johnny thought as he followed the snaking hose deep into the building. All on one level to aid in evacuation of non-ambulatory residents, the building was, nonetheless, an endless zigzag of corridors and wings, covering nearly two acres. Crouching low, his light sweeping the corridor in the thick smoke that still filled the building, Johnny was reduced to merely following the hose, keeping one foot next to the line as a guide. Somewhere in here the fire is still burning. Somewhere, two men are either fighting it alone, or are no longer able to get out. **************** Okay, Roy thought, where did Johnny get to this time? Farms and Konnitsky were shutting down their hose and heading back to Engine 51 when J.R. rounded the side of the building. He waved at Cap DeSoto and indicated to Farms that he was to return to Engine 15 before 'high-fiving' Konnitsky and heading back. "J.R.!" Roy yelled. The young man waved Farms on and trotted over to DeSoto. "Yeah, Cap?" "You seen your dad lately?" "Last time I saw him he was over by Engine 51 talking to Lopez. He isn't there now?" "Maybe he's on the other side of the engine. I'll go check. See ya later." Roy shook his head and waved J.R. on. Johnny could still disappear faster than anybody he knew...with the exception of J.R. When Roy approached Engine 51, Marco Lopez was plainly agitated and glad to see him. He wasted no time in letting Roy know where Johnny was. "Cap, he didn't take time to get an HT or change tanks; he just pulled on his face mask and ran into the building." "The other two haven't come out either?" Roy was alarmed. He thought all the firefighters were accounted for. Now it turned out he three missing men. "Marco, gear up and come with me. You don't have any lines charged at the moment, right?" Lopez shook his head as he donned SCBA. "Konnitsky!" Roy yelled. As the young fireman came running he called, "Go get J.R. and Farmer and meet me at this back door ASAP." "You and I are goin' in, Marco; the other guys can stand by with stokes." Gene Riley came running along with the other firemen. He figured this probably involved Captain Gage somehow. "Gene, Johnny and two others, one of mine and one of his are still in there. Johnny went in to look for them about ten minutes ago, according to Lopez. None of the three have come out yet." Captain Riley nodded, glancing sideways at J.R. This would be the young fireman's first time facing a possible injury to his father since they were both hurt in the mudslide back in April. He looked mutinous at the moment, like he planned to go in that building no matter what. **************** Johnny heard the 5-minute warning sound on his SCBA; Taylor and the other fireman to be out of air by now too. It stood to reason then, that they were unable to leave on their own. For the first time Johnny realized the stupidity of his actions. He hoped Marco would tell somebody where he went. There was no way Gage could carry two men out of here by himself, and it was becoming a distinct possibility, as he walked deeper into the complex, that he might just need a little retrieval himself. After what seemed hours Johnny's booted foot came in contact with something solid...debris. The weight of water poured onto the building collapsed part of the ceiling, forming a tall pile of beams and metal ductwork. Beyond the obstacle he could see the hose continue and disappear into the darkness. Carefully picking his way around fallen pieces of smoking timber, twisted metal and slick wet plaster, Johnny continued following the hose. Those guys really managed to get way back in here, he thought. Just beyond the collapsed ceiling his light picked up the reflective strips on two turn-out coats and the bright yellow of air tanks. Taylor, he realized, and one other. Another section of collapsed ceiling explained their long absence. Still holding the hose, Taylor lay unconscious half covered in debris. Heavy timbers laying across the hose explained why it was still spraying steadily into the darkness and not snaking out of control. The other man was buried deeper and it took a couple of minutes to excavate him. The helmet bore the number 99. It was Sparks...one of Roy's. A little way beyond the fallen men small isolated fires burned stubbornly on. Well that explains the smoke. Johnny wrenched aside the timbers and picked up the hose, using it to douse the last of the flames before turning off the nozzle. His exhausted brain registered the stupidity of going in without a fresh air tank or handy talkie. Hopefully help would arrive soon. There was no danger from fire, but the smoke was still thick and hanging heavily in the air. He removed the masks from the men, their spent air tanks now more dangerous than the smoke. A quick check of each revealed a weak but steady pulse. At least they were still alive. Their positions made backboards a wise precaution and Johnny opted not to budge them until they could be safely removed by paramedics. His tank now useless, he removed the dead weight, relieved at the absence of the heavy gear. The straps produced additional torture as they caused more chafing against skin already rubbed raw. His own salty sweat added to the discomfort under his arms...and he didn't want to name where else. Suffice it to say he wouldn't ride horses for a couple days. Suddenly a rumble and creak of timbers were brief warning that more of the ceiling was about to cave in. Gage quickly threw himself over the closest of the downed men, which happened to be Taylor. The sound of ripping metal accompanied the groan of overstressed beams as a fresh rain of ash and dust filled the air. The pile of debris grew twice its original size, further blocking the exit. Now Johnny wasn't sure he even the ability to get out. Coughing and choking, he crawled out from under pieces of splintered wood and chunks of plaster and evaluated the situation. Sparks was nearly buried again. He'd protected Taylor from the worst of the falling objects, but his legs were covered with debris. Fighting to stay awake and breathe in air saturated with plaster dust and smoke, Johnny dug out the unconscious firefighters and collapsed between them, gasping for air. Gage, you stupid fool! If any of your men made this brilliant rescue attempt you would put them on latrine duty for a year...or suspend them for recklessness. Now you're gonna have to be rescued too. With any luck you'll be able to walk out of here without a trip to the Rampart Hotel. Eyes stinging in the dense smoke, Johnny sat up on the grimy tile floor, clearing away small bits of rubble with aching arms, and aimed his powerful flashlight in the direction he came from. Well, he thought, at least I remembered the flashlight. Come on, guys, it's time to rescue the idiot and the other two firemen. I would like to see my thirty-seventh birthday next shift...and there's still stuff I need to talk about with J.R. My birthday...oh yeah. That's probably why Roy was so insistent out there. He smiled tiredly. Roy worries about the silliest damned things. His throat and lungs irritated by the smoke, Johnny covered his face with one arm and, eyes closed against the smoke and dust, lay down again between the two men to wait. **************** Captain Riley agreed to take over supervision of clean-up and released Truck 127. He dispatched two of Roy's men to take the squads to Rampart to pick up the paramedics; it looked like they were going to be needed. He also called for an ambulance. Absently Gene Riley wondered at the wisdom of allowing his daughter to date J.R. Gage. The boy seemed to be okay...but his father was a walking invitation to disaster. Still, Gene liked Johnny Gage, he was a friendly guy and fun to be around. He shuddered at the idea of having him for his daughter's father-in-law, though. Roy, Marco and J.R. shone their lights down each corridor to make sure none of the firemen they searched for strayed from the hose they were following. Technically, Roy knew, somebody else should have gone in there. He and J.R. should not be part of the this rescue, but Roy was still certified as a paramedic, the only one he was sure was still conscious at this point, and J.R. was bound and determined not to wait outside. When the reports were filed, Roy knew, there were going to be some butts chewed, and at least two of them would belong to captains. Johnny went in without proper precautions to rescue two men that Roy should never have lost track of. They might both be back riding the engine after this. "GAGE...TAYLOR...SPARKS!" Marco called out as he kept his light trained on the passage ahead. Roy and J.R. added their voices to the engineer's, watching and listening after each call. In the next corridor Roy saw a pile of rubble where the ceiling fallen and beyond that a light shining like a beacon. "Cap, they're all three here...but unconscious," J.R. called. The young firefighter scrambled up and over the pile of rubble, in a hurry to reach the three downed men. Roy and Marco picked their way in more carefully, moving aside fallen beams and debris in an attempt to clear a path. "HT-15, this is HT-99, we have a Code-I times three. Have the paramedics returned yet?" "HT-99, negative on the paramedics. Can you give me an idea of their condition?" "Stand by, HT-15." Roy knelt by each of the fallen men in turn, checked for vital signs and obvious injury. Taylor and Sparks each appeared to have been knocked unconscious and suffered multiple contusions and abrasions, but no broken limbs. Johnny seemed to have passed out, probably from smoke inhalation...not to mention pure exhaustion. "HT-15, all three men are unconscious, two have possible concussions. We're gonna need two stokes and backboards. Also, we need O-2 ASAP." "10-4, HT-99, O-2 and stokes, on their way." Riley signaled Konnitsky and Farmer to take the needed items. J.R. knelt down by his father, putting his own oxygen mask over the other man's face. His dad looked absolutely exhausted, his skin pale and tightly drawn over his cheekbones, purple shadows beneath eyes that were sporting fine lines at the corners. Over all was a layer of dust interrupted by streaks of sweat and smudges of soot where Johnny rested his face on his grimy turnouts. "Dad? Hey, Dad! Captain Gage! Wake up. C'mon, you can sleep when you get home. Dad, can you hear me? Open your eyes or I'll...I'll tell Dixie you need a tetanus shot." "You wouldn't..." Johnny choked as he gazed up into his son's anxious face. "Hey, all's fair. You think you can stand up and walk outta here? I really don't feel like carrying you." J.R. grinned as Johnny sat up cautiously. "Welcome back to the world, Junior." Roy called from where he knelt beside Rudy Taylor who was coming around. "Roy? What the hell are you doing in here? Who's running the show? Hey, how are Taylor and Sparks doing?" Johnny turned to face his former partner and surveyed the mess. He coughed and pushed away J.R.'s mask, indicating the young man put it back on. "I heard there was some lunatic that ran in here without an HT, adequate air supply, ...or authorization from the incident commander. Gene Riley, who will probably be the only one to come out of this still a captain, is in charge. Taylor and Sparks have probable concussions, but no serious injuries...their vitals are good. Taylor is starting to come around; Sparks is still out." "Yeah, Sparks was buried when I got here, I had to clear a lot of debris from off the top of him. I didn't move them otherwise and I was a little too out of it to check them out thoroughly," Gage admitted. "Hey, here come reinforcements," Marco exclaimed, catching sight of a light headed their way. "Anybody call for oxygen and a taxi?" Dave Konnitsky sang out as he and Farmer made their way over the pile of rubble that separated them from the injured men. They sat the stokes down and handed the oxygen cylinders to Marco, Roy and J.R. "Glad you could make it, Dave," J.R. said. "Where's the beer?" That was a mistake, he thought immediately seeing his father glare. "Okay, where's the soda pop?" he amended, drawing a laugh from all the men except Sparks, who was unconscious. END OF PART I part II