The Revenge by Bobbie "Oh man," Johnny exclaimed as he received yet another shower courtesy of the Phantom. "CHET!" With a towel handed to him from Roy, Johnny wiped his face and attempted to dry his dripping hair as well. "What?" Chet asked, feigning innocence once more. "Someday Chet" Johnny declared, "I swear, someday you will regret this." "Promises, promises," Chet laughed. "You know, if I were you, I wouldn't be saying things like that. You never know where the Phantom might be. He might not like hearing a comment like that." "Oh please!" Johnny stated. "And that wasn't a statement Chet, it was a promise." "Excuse me," an unfamiliar voice said, catching the attention of everyone in the day room. "Am I interrupting something?" It was highly unusual to hear the sound of a female voice in Station 51. In the past there had been a few including Christy, a slightly over-ambitious reporter, and Karen, the first and only female paramedic ever trained at 51 and of course Dixie had been there several times. Therefore, the sound of a female voice today caught the attention of A-shift.  Cap, working on some reports at the table, looked up as did Marco and Mike who, until that time, had been watching the news on television. Johnny, standing next to Roy, blindly accepted the cup of coffee Roy placed in his hands while never taking his eyes off the striking young woman. From the moment he saw the twenty-something young woman, Roy knew that his partner was a goner. This young woman could easily have just stepped off the cover of a magazine. With beautiful long brown hair cascading down her back and an almost angelic sweet face, the young woman was a stunner even dressed in worn jeans and a cotton blouse. "Nicki!" Chet was the first to acknowledge the presence of a female in the station. "Hey what are you doing here? Uh, I mean, no you're not interrupting anything. Actually you're just in time to witness a certain paramedic making threats to the Phantom." "Threatening the Phantom huh?" Nicki laughed. "What'd you do this time, Chet?" "Nothing, I didn't do anything," he defended himself. "Like I said, it was the work of the Phantom. Some people just don't know how to take a joke, that's all." "Excuse me," Captain Hank Stanley interrupted the conversation. "Chet, maybe you could introduce us to your friend here." "Oh sorry Cap," Chet answered. "She's not my friend, she's my sister." "Thanks a lot!" Nicki said, shaking her head before turning her attention to Hank. "Hello, my name is Nicki. You must be the Captain around here?" "It's nice to meet you Nicki. And yes, I am the Captain. I'm also the ringmaster of this circus," Hank replied, throwing Chet a frustrated look. "Mike Stoker…Marco Lopez…Roy DeSoto…. John Gage." Cap replied, gesturing to each of his men as he introduced them. Johnny couldn't help but snicker as he watched the exchange between Chet and Nicki. The brother/sister baiting of one another did not go unnoticed by Hank either, as the two sounded a lot like Chet and his favorite pigeon did at least once during any given shift. "So what are you doing here, Nicki?" Chet questioned. "Well it's nice to see you again too Chet," Nicki replied, in response to Chet's abrupt question. "I just stopped by to say hi and let you know we're going to be neighbors. I'm being assigned to Station 16." "You're what? OH great!!!!" Chet commented. "I see you still have some crazy idea that you're gonna join the department." "NO Chet, it's not a 'crazy idea,'" she stammered, obviously frustrated by an argument that had taken place many times before. "As a matter of fact, I have passed my certification and I've completed my field duty training exercises, so that makes me a full-fledged paramedic." "Hey that's great. Congratulations!" Johnny chimed in, shaking Nicki's hand. "Welcome to the department," Roy added, shaking her hand as well. "Roy and John are the paramedics on our shift," Cap explained. "Thanks guys," Nicki smiled looking at her watch. "So I guess we'll be seeing a lot of each other then? Look, it was really nice meeting everyone. I'm sure I'll be seeing you all again soon. Right now I gotta get running." Chet walked Nicki out and returned just in time to hear an exchange between Johnny and Marco. "Chet never mentioned any family too us before," Johnny stated, "Let alone one as hot looking as…" "Hold it right there Gage!" Chet interrupted. "Don't go getting any ideas about Nicole. We all know, all about that Gage charm of yours. You just stay away from my sister." "Nicki," Johnny corrected, obviously aware of the follow-up statement that would come next. "She said her name is Nicki, not Nicole." "I know who she is Gage," Chet said getting irritated, "You just stay…………" Before Chet could finish, the tones sounded sending the squad out on a call. *** About a week later, Johnny and Roy were in route to Rampart General Hospital to replenish their supply box. Johnny called dispatch, letting them know where they'd be if needed. Upon their arrival at the hospital, Johnny and Roy were instantly caught up in a rush of people. "Wonder what's going on?" Johnny asked. "I don't know partner," Roy answered, "I haven't seen this place this busy since that motorcycle gang fight." Roy continued to take in the controlled chaos around him. Nurses were scurrying in and out of treatment rooms. Several already bandaged victims were walking down the hall. Even the waiting room was overflowing. Judging by the expressions on their faces, several women there, were obviously not pleased at the idea of being in the emergency room at such an early hour. 'Must be wives' Johnny thought to himself. It was times like this that Johnny relished his bachelorhood. "Hi guys," Rampart's head nurse Dixie McCall said nearly out of breath, "Could have used your help a little while ago." "Sorry Dix," Roy apologized, "You know we would have gladly helped out anyway we could." "Yeah, I know," Dixie smiled. "And I appreciate that too." "So what happened?" Johnny asked, not getting an answer as Dixie once again rushed past them as another gurney came in. "Hi there guys," Nicki said joining them at the nurse's station. "So what brings you here so early?" "Oh well…uh…we just…some supplies," Johnny explained, still distracted by all the activity. "How's everything going over at 16?" Roy asked. "Oh well, I barely got in the door and through roll call," Nicki explained. "Then we got this call about a neighborhood dispute." "Ah Miss McCall," Vince interrupted the discussion. "I need to find out names and addresses of your patients who are involved in this little dispute. It's for the report." "Little dispute?" Roy asked. "Looks like the whole neighborhood's here." "Tell me about it," Vince acknowledged shaking his head in disbelief.  "Ten more minutes and I would have been off duty." "Well, Vince, why don't we just check your list of names with my records," Dixie said motioning for him to follow her. "Let's see if we can get you off sometime soon." "I'd appreciate that," Vince said following Dixie. "Must've been some little dispute," Roy said turning back to Nicki who had been joined by her partner Tom. "It was something all right," Nicki replied. "Something I could do without, especially first thing in the morning." "Dixie was just telling us about it," Roy started to say before realizing Dixie was nowhere in sight. "Well she was just about to anyway. What happened?" "Well…" Nicki started to explain before stopping to clear her head, unsure herself,  "I guess it was all about a tree." "A tree??" Johnny asked, rejoining the conversation after numerous disruptions. "Yeah, I guess they had nothing better to do at that hour of the morning than argue about whose tree it was?" Nicki explained. "While they were arguing, they woke up some other neighbors and the next thing anyone knew, punches were flying." "A tree??" Johnny repeated, as he gestured to the number of injured people around him. "All this because of a tree?" "Hi again Dix," Roy said as the head nurse returned to her desk once again. "Any serious injuries from this little dispute? "Nothing serious," she explained, "Some broken bones, but they should heal just fine." "All because of a dumb tree," Johnny reiterated once more. "So what happened to the tree anyway?" Dixie couldn't help but laugh at his remark. Leave it to Johnny to bring up the status of a tree. "Nothing! Can you believe that?" Nicki laughed, "With all the fighting going on, the tree doesn't have a scratch on it." "Man," Johnny exclaimed, "I hope this doesn't mean it's going to be one of those kinds of days." "Well I for one, hope not," Nicki said as her partner Tom joined her at the desk. Nicki's new partner, Tom, had been certified not long after Johnny. According to the nurses at Rampart, he was a typical single firefighter. Never one to have trouble finding a date, it was sticking with one particular woman that had been difficult for Tom. A former high school quarterback, he loved the attention his job brought. It had been obvious to several with the department that every time the news media caught wind of a fire, Tom's handsome face would be seen on the news at eleven. Even so, Tom was well liked and respected as a fine paramedic. "You ready to go Nic?" Tom asked anxious to put this run behind them. "Sure am," Nicki replied. "How bout you write this one up in the log book? "Oh thanks Nic," Tom laughed for a second before continuing. "Wonder what they'll think when they read about this one" "I don't know and frankly I don't care, "Nicki replied before turning back to Roy and Johnny once more before leaving. "Oh uh, tell Chet I said hi when you get back to the station okay?" "Sure thing Nicki, we'll…" Johnny started to say before being cut off by Roy. "You better let me give him that message," Roy said getting a strange look from Nicki. "You go mentioning Nicki's name and Cap will have to call in a replacement." "Oh reeeaalllyy," Nicki said glancing over at Johnny. "I guess that means Chet hasn't changed, still warning guys to stay away from his little sister?" "Something like that," Johnny chuckled, as he and Roy followed the Station 18 paramedics back to their own squad. "He likes to refer to you as Nicole too. I reminded him the name was Nicki." "Oh and I'm sure that went over well," Nicki smiled at the thought, "Someday, he's going to regret interfering in my life. Just because we grew up in the same house doesn't give him the right to dictate my life. He's been doing this since I had pigtails and it's about time it stopped." "Yeah well I kinda think it's only going to get worse Nicki," Johnny said suddenly embarrassed by his thoughts. "You're not…I mean you aren't…. well you know…you aren't exactly wearing pigtails anymore." Roy couldn't help but laugh at his partner's expense. Once again, Johnny had opened his mouth before thinking and was now paying the price. Judging by the path his eyes had taken, Tom agreed with the observation that Nicki was no little girl. In fact, it wasn't the first time he had let him eye wandered up and down her body. "Hey uh Roy?" Johnny inquired in a serious tone as they left Rampart. "Yeah," Roy replied. "Have you noticed how Tom looks at Nicki?" Johnny questioned. "Yeah, I have," Roy agreed doing his best to cover a smile, "Bout the same way you did that first day she stopped in at the station." "I never…I didn't…Rooooy!!!," Johnny stumbled over his words, trying to defend himself before realizing Roy was correct. "Okay, okay. So maybe I did, but only that one time. And that was before I knew she was Chet's little sister." "Yeah just that once. I thought I was going to have to pick your chin up off the floor," Roy teased. He enjoyed moments like these. The days he was stuck with a ranting and raving partner seemed to balance out when he got to poke a little fun at Johnny, then watch him stumble over his words as he was right now. "So does that mean you aren't interested in her?" Roy asked, putting Johnny on the spot. "Roy… look…it's like this," Johnny had turned in his upper body in the seat, while talking with his hands. "You and me, we're like brothers right? And you're married to Joanne so that kinda makes her like a sister. Same thing with Nicki." "Oh, I get it. So you and Chet are like brothers then huh?" Roy couldn't resist this line of questioning. It was just too good to pass up. "Yeah…well..no…I mean…..oh never mind," Johnny gave up on the question, then turned in his seat again staring out the window. Giving his partner a minute to stew before he continued, Roy replied. "Yeah, I know what you mean. Being that she's Chet's little sister kind of makes her everyone's little sister. Well the guys at 51 anyway. You know I was talking with Tom about this very thing. He said that he had asked Nicki out, but she'd turned him down." "Really?" Johnny said sounding surprised even though he wasn't. "So did he say anything about getting a new partner then, or is he gonna continue working with Nicki?" "He likes Nicki….as a partner I mean," Roy corrected himself quickly realizing what he had said. "He actually thinks she's going to be a good paramedic…says she has great instincts." "Maybe we could mention to Chet how good Nicki is at her job," Johnny laughed as more thoughts of badgering Chet came to mind. "I don't think so, Junior," Roy said as he backed the squad into the bay. "I think the hello itself is going to get more than a stir out of Chester B." Three days later, found Johnny in the back of an ambulance with a patient being transported to Rampart. Station 51 had been toned out, along with most of their battalion, to a large warehouse fire in the downtown district. The ambulance backed into Rampart delivering Johnny and his patient to an awaiting treatment room three. Since no further assistance was necessary. Johnny exited the room, heading for the nurse's desk  before deciding to stop by the men's room first to clean up a bit. Even after removing his turnout coat and leaving it with the squad,  the smell of smoke lingered in his clothes and hair. Not much he could do about the clothes right now, but he could at least wash the soot off his arms and face. After drying off, he quickly ran his fingers through his disheveled hair. He could almost hear the chief telling him he needed a haircut. He chuckled at the thought before once again, heading for Dixie's desk and a cup of coffee "Hey there Johnny," Nicki said following a sip of her own coffee, "How's everything going with the fire?" "Oh, it was just being brought under control when I left," he said as he poured his coffee. "But then, Chet's always been good with water." "Oh, I understand, the Phantom's still torturing his prey huh?" Nicki smiled. "Yep, he got me again this morning," Johnny explained. "Just finished getting dressed, went into the kitchen for a cup of coffee and WHAM!" "Somehow I should find this comforting," Nicki said. "Comforting?" Johnny asked, obviously bewildered by the comment. "Oh, well I guess what I mean is, I'd thought for all these years that I was his only target. He used to do these same sort of things to me, until I turned fifteen." "Fifteen?" Johnny thought for a second, "Somehow I don't think turning fifteen is going to work for me." "Well for me, fifteen was when I got my braces off and all of a sudden, the Phantom and his water pranks stopped, and this over-protective father-figure role started." "Now there's a scary thought," Johnny laughed, amused by the thought. "I can't imagine Chester B as a father, especially his version of giving the kid a bath. Someday, I swear the Phantom is going to be beat at his own game?" "Well, when you figure out how, let me know, I want to be in on it," Nicki commented, "I owe him for a few myself. A few big ones at that." "Just what are the two of you up to out here with your heads together?" Dixie cut into the conversation, fully aware that the look on Johnny's face meant he was up to something. "Nicki, you look like you swallowed the canary yourself." "Who me?" Nicki attempted to act innocent, "No way, Johnny and I were just comparing notes on that dear, sweet brother of mine." "Oh I see," Dixie smiled, "What did Chet do this time?" "Dix, this has got to stop," Johnny stammered, obviously frustrated by the actions of his co-worker. "There has to be some way to give the Phantom a taste of his own medicine." "Well Johnny," Dixie said, sympathetic to one of her favorite people, "If there's a way to do that, I'm sure with you and Nicki putting your heads together, you'll come up with the answer." As he was entering Rampart, Roy ran into Nicki's partner Tom, who was also heading towards the nurses' station. "What do you think is going on up there Roy?" he asked, nodding his head in the direction of the desk, as he and Roy walked stride for stride towards the base station. "I'm afraid to ask," Roy said. "Maybe we better go rescue Dixie though." Just as Tom and Roy stepped forward to rescue Dixie, Tom's radio came to life, sending he and Nicki out on another response. "So what was that all about?" Roy asked as Squad 51 pulled away from Rampart. "What was what all about?" Johnny repeated, not answering the question. "You and Nicki," Roy stated. "You're up to something, I can tell." "Not really," Johnny explained, "We were just talking about Chet. It would seem that Nicki used to be the brunt of Chet's pranks. Now he's driving her nuts telling everyone to stay away from her. She's fed up with him just as much as I am. Nicki mentioned how someday she would love, just once, to get even with him." "Great! Just great!" Roy said shaking his head as he often did in regards to his partner. "You and Nicki with your heads together. Chet would just love that. Maybe I should talk to Cap about getting a new partner." Johnny was silent. Too silent Roy thought. Looking over at Johnny, he saw the look.. The crooked smile look, which could only mean one thing. "Rooooy," Johnny finally said as they backed into the station. "I've got it. Listen, cause this is going to be perfect." "Oh great!" Roy said once more, "I'm probably going to regret this, but I'll ask. "What's going to be perfect?" "My plan," Johnny said rubbing his hands together as the wheels in his head picked up speed. "This is going to be the end of the Phantom. You know what else Roy, by the time I'm through, I might even feel sorry for ole Chester B." "You feel sorry for Chet?" Roy asked turning to face his partner, only to discover an empty seat. Turning back, staring into space, he shook his head in bewilderment as to how he ended up with this man for a partner? The next morning found Nicki walking up a couple flights of stairs, to the second floor of an apartment building. The previous day, she'd run into Johnny and Roy at Rampart. Johnny asked her if she'd consider stopping by his place the next day? He hadn't given her any details, but had told her, he'd thought of a plan to get revenge on the Phantom. Intrigued, she couldn't refuse, and promised Johnny she'd swing by after their mutual shifts were over. Finding the number Johnny had given her, she knocked on the door. "Hey Nicki," Johnny said, greeting her at his door, "Come on in. You hungry?" "Oh no thanks, I had a couple doughnuts before I left the station," Nicki laughed, following Johnny into the kitchen where she plopped down on a barstool. "I could go for a glass of milk if you got it. Otherwise, some ice water would be fine." "Milk I do have," Johnny replied reaching into the refrigerator to grab the carton. "Can you grab a couple of glasses from the cabinet just to your left?" Glancing to her left, Nicki reached to open the cabinet door before stopping and laughing at herself. For just a split second she had hesitated, a natural reaction after years of being the target of Chet's water bombs. Shaking her head she reached up and opened the cabinet door, taking out two large glasses, setting them down on the counter.  Johnny poured them each a glass before placing the carton back in the refrigerator "You want to hear something funny?" Nicki asked. " All the way over here, I kept looking in my mirror expecting to see Chet following me." "Well unless Engine 10 was in your mirror, he wasn't following you," Johnny explained, leaning on the counter opposite Nicki. "Chet's pulling overtime today. "Oh well that's a relief," Nicki's mood picked up. "So, tell me about this plan of yours." "Oh okay," Johnny began. "It's a little extreme…." "Nothing could be too extreme for Chet," Nicki interrupted. "Yeah well let me explain, then you can decide," Johnny continued. "What is it that bothers Chet the most…I mean what drives him crazy?" "A lot of things," Nicki laughed, "It's his nature." "Yeah that's true," Johnny agreed before continuing, "But what happened when you came into the station last week?" "Well, I walked in, introduced myself as Chet neglected to do so," Nicki began recalling the day a week earlier. " Well, he did go so far as to tell you my name but it was Captain Stanley who introduced me to the guys, then Chet threw a fit about me becoming a paramedic. Then you and Roy congratulated me." "Exactly," Johnny nodded. "But what you didn't see, because you'd left, was Chet jumping on my case, warning me to stay away from his little sister." "Oooooooooh that man!!!" Nicki exclaimed jumping out of her seat, "He is NOT my father. When is he going to get that through his thick skull? When is he going to stop interfering? He thinks he's my keeper of something! He is going to learn to stay out of my life. Trust me on that one. He IS going to learn." As Nicki continued pacing the floor, Johnny bided his time, allowing her to calm down. Finally as he placed a hand on her shoulder and said, "Nicki, you're letting him get to you again. Don't let him do that all right? Listen, by the time we're through with him, the last thing Chet is going to think about is your personal life." "OK count me in, whatever it is, I'm in," she agreed sitting back down, placing her feet on the rungs of the barstool. "So tell me the plan." "The plan is exactly as you just said, your personal life," Johnny began explaining. The way to get to Chet the best, is by way of your personal life and I know just the guy for you." "You mean yourself, don't you?" Nicki asked almost laughing. "For you and me, together, like a couple?" Johnny needed no words to confirm Nicki's questions. The simple look in his eye and crooked smile across his face told the story. "Oh my goodness," Nicki said as a wicked smile crept across her own face, "Johnny, I love the way you think." "You do?" Johnny stuttered the few words out, "Uh…I mean…well…you know what I mean?" "Yeah, I know what you mean," Nicki teased him with her eyes, "You wouldn't stoop so low as to make up a plan just to get a date, right?" "Naaa" Johnny answered, "The only motive I have is getting even with your brother." "Oh well, you can't win 'em all," Nicki giggled. "So what do we do first?" "Well, I think the first thing 'I' do, is go to work next shift and wait for the guys to ask about my days off. Then I can shrug them off, which, knowing Chet as I do, will be impossible since he always thinks if I come into work in a good mood, it must be due to a female." "Ooooooooh, sounds mysterious," Nicki, said settling deeper into the sofa across from Johnny. "So just when do I come in." "Well that's the fun part," Johnny started to laugh before even giving any details. "Ya see, the guys will 'know' that there is a female involved, cause I will give them the name of my new lady only, they won't know it's you." "I don't get it," Nicki looked confused. "So I'm your new lady, as you put it, but no one knows me?" "Well, something like that," Johnny tried to figure out how to explain his plan, which was suddenly sounding more complicated than it really was. "You will be the new lady and all, but no, the guys won't know it's you until later." "So when do I get to have any fun?" Nicki displayed her sad puppy dog eyes to Johnny. "Oh well right away, only, not in person," Johnny explained with a look that Nicki quickly picked up on. "Ohhhh so I am the 'invisible' new girlfriend?" Nicki guessed, "But won't Chet and the guys think you're just making 'us' up?" "You know," Johnny paused, "I suppose you're right, especially that brother of yours. But we can't exactly introduce you to the guys can we?" "Noooooo," Nicki said with a sly look on her face. "But, I can be the 'voice' of the new girlfriend." "The voice?" Johnny repeated out loud. "Yeah," Nicki's excitement was escalating, as she had new ideas for their plan. "I can call the station and ask for you. Then the guys will believe you when you talk about the new girlfriend." "Ohhhh yeah," Johnny said, his eyes shining at the thought, "Oh…yeah…only what if Chet answers? And what if the guys recognize your voice? "Well," Nicki said, "I guess I can just hang up if Chet answers. As for the guys, they've only met me once and that was briefly, so I doubt they'll recognize me on the phone. And if they do think they recognize my voice, then I can just tell them I'm Johnny's girlfriend and that is where they know my voice." "My girlfriend, hmm, I like the sound of that," Johnny said raising his eyebrows at the thought. "Don't get too excited now," Nicki warned, "After all, this is just an act you know." "Yeah, yeah, I know." Johnny acknowledged, "Ooooh but it's going to be fun while it lasts." "Speaking of lasts," Nicki asked, "What is the last name of this 'new' girlfriend? And I'm going to need a first name too." "You got a point there," Johnny agreed, "I guess it wouldn't exactly serve our purpose if my new girlfriend's name was Nicki." "Yeah it would defeat the plan," Nicki agreed laughing. "So, my dear," Johnny said, reaching over the table and taking her hand in his, "What did you say your name is?" "Oh sweetheart," Nicki giggled, her head tilted slightly as she teasingly gazed into his eyes. "Acting as if you don't remember my name." "Cute, but we still have a problem," Johnny said, giving Nicki one of his famous crooked grins. "Okay, okay, let me think," Nicki mused. "How 'bout Sharon?" "Sharon huh?" Johnny said in a questioning tone. "Sure that's a great name except, there's a nurse at Rampart named Sharon Walters." "Oh yeah, forgot about that," Nicki said with a laugh, "Okay, then, how about Valerie?" "Val-erie?" Johnny said, nearly choking the name out. "Uh…well…I…uh...I…well…" "Johnny" Nicki asked with a questioning look. "I don't recall anyone named Valerie at the hospital." "Oh uh well Valerie didn't work at the hospital, uh, um well, she was…" "Ah, never mind, I don't think I want to know the story," Nicki replied, raising her hand, stopping Johnny from going any further. "How 'bout Jill, or Michelle, or Allison, or Kathy?" "Hmmmmm, let me think," Johnny said taking a step back, looking at Nicki. The weather report had called for highs in the 90's so Nicki had dressed accordingly in a scooped-neck t-shirt, shorts, and a pair of Keds tennis shoes. Her hair was pulled back in a braid that hung down her back, fresh faced as no makeup was necessary with her beautiful tan skin and a hint of pink in her cheeks from time spent outdoors in the sun. "What?" Nicki asked as she looked at Johnny trying to figure out what he was thinking. "I was just trying to see what name would fit you." Johnny explained. "You're not a Kathy and you don't look like a Michelle." "And just what exactly does a Kathy or a Michelle look like?" Nicki asked putting Johnny on the spot. "Oh well uh, I don't know," Johnny shrugged, "Just not like you." "Oh, uh should I take that as a compliment?" Nicki asked questioning. "Yeah! I mean no!!! I mean.." Johnny struggled to come up with an answer, causing Nicki to roar with laughter all at Johnny's expense. "I'm glad you enjoyed that," he stammered. "Aww poor baby," Nicki said messing up the hair atop his head. "Tell you what, how 'bout Allison? "Allison huh?" Johnny thought for a minute "Well Allison…sweetheart…darling…" "Maybe you better stick to Allison for now," Nicki teased. "But honey?" he joked back, laughing before he even got the words out. "Alright, alright," Nicki laughed at his play on words. "So," Nicki laughed as she changed the subject. "How long have you lived here?" "Oh, I don't know. Couple years now I guess," Johnny replied watching her as she looked around. Sure, he had brought some of his dates back to his apartment, but none of them had really given much thought to his apartment.  But this was Nicki and for some unknown reason, Johnny found himself wondering what she thought as she surveyed the place. Glancing up at Johnny as she returned to the kitchen, Nicki caught the curious look on his face.  "Nice place, especially for a bachelor like yourself." She needed no words to answer the question that was obvious in his facial expression. "By that I mean most guys, and I do include my brother in this," she explained, "I get the impression most single guys don't put too much thought into their place. But your apartment isn't the typical bachelor pad. What gets my attention here is the color. Seems like guys stick to a few colors like black or blue or tan but you have a lot of colors….brown and tan…..reds and yellows…even some orange." Johnny glanced around his living room for a second before realizing what she was talking about. He, like most bachelors she was referring to, had never given much thought to the things in his apartment, but now as he looked around he realized Nicki was right. He did have a lot of color. From the afghan on his sofa to pictures on the wall and even a few dream catchers, his place really didn't look like the places where his single co-workers lived. "Oh yeah!  I guess I do have some color in here huh? " he replied. "I guess growing up on a reservation and all the colors there carried over to my own place." Nicki and Johnny spent several hours talking about all the interesting things in his apartment. Nicki was nothing like her brother when it came to Johnny's heritage. She truly seemed interested unlike Chet, who seemed to only use it to torment Johnny. Chet, in fact, knew very little about Johnny's heritage and it showed in his comments at the station. What little Chet knew was what he had seen on TV and in the movies, the whole cowboys and Indians scenario. "Well I guess we're ready for our next shift," Nicki replied getting ready to leave. She and Johnny had returned to the kitchen where they had been brainstorming on ideas for their plan. "Yep, talk to you in a few," Johnny said.  Three days later and a full ten minutes before his shift was schedule to start, Johnny entered the dorm. "Good morning, good morning, good morning, how is everyone this fine morning?" Looks passed around the room, first Mike to Marco, Marco to Roy, Roy to Cap who looked from his watch to Johnny. "Alright, go ahead," Chet spoke up first, "What's the unlucky girl's name this time?" The fact that it was Chet asking the name made it even sweeter for Johnny, as he smiled uncontrollably. "Her name, Chester B, is Allison," Johnny said enjoying the moment. "Allison eh?" Chet said falling into the normal Chet mode where Johnny was concerned. "So where did you meet this one, at a dog show?" "No Chet, I did not meet her at a dog show," Johnny stammered. "Well there must be something wrong with her, I mean, she did go out with you," Chet argued back. "There's nothing wrong with her Chet," Johnny argued on. "She happens to be beautiful, fun, and intelligent." "Oh yeah, well we'll be the judge of that," Chet continued his bantering, "So when do we get to meet this thing of beauty?" "In time, ole Chet, all in good time," Johnny teased. "Yeah right, you know what I think?" Chet started to ask, finishing his thought before anyone could answer. "I think she is just a figment of your imagine. No girl in her right mind, who is smart and pretty, would go out with you." Roy had been doing his best to ignore the exchange between his partner and Chet. He knew that all the details would come out later, when he and Johnny were in the squad returning from a run. He had been reading the newspaper when Johnny came in and was now attempting to think of a six-letter word for runner's obstacle. "Oh yeah?" Johnny argued just as the phone rang. Hank got up from his chair and walked over to the phone, picking it up, he announced, "Station 51, Captain Stanley speaking." Then, listening to the party on the other end, he replied. "Yeah sure Miss, just a minute. Gage, telephone" he interrupted the ongoing debate between Chet and Johnny. "Oh thanks Cap," Johnny said taking the phone, "Fireman John Gage speaking…oh hi Allison…yeah…I had a great time too…you would? Sure, that'd be great……….okay, I'll pick you up at about 9…your place, sure go ahead…." Roy had just filled in H-U-R-D-L and was beginning the E when the pencil suddenly disappeared from his fingers. "Okay, yeah, go ahead, ah huh…ah huh…. ah huh…got it…I can't wait either…. okay…. yeah I gotta go too…. bye." "I take it that was Allison?" Roy asked as Johnny hung up the phone turning to face the guys. "Yeah, that was her," Johnny answered. "She had a great time on our date and she wants to go out again tomorrow." Looking at his partner and following his eyes, Johnny looked at his own hand before smiling and tossing the pencil back to Roy, who finally finished with the word 'hurdle'. *** The next morning, Johnny was busy straightening up his place. The best laid plans for his days off usually included cleaning and laundry, but then something else more interesting always came up and the housework was left for another time. This particular morning, Johnny had planned on some chores that would take him outdoors. Waking up to the sound of raindrops on his roof had changed all that, so he had tackled the housework instead. He had just finished putting the vacuum back into the closet when he heard a knock on his door. "Hey Johnny," Allison said, as he opened his door, finding her standing on the other side of it. He quickly pulled her inside, closing the door behind them. "Either you're really happy to see me or I did something wrong," she debated. "Sorry Nicki," Johnny said leading her to sit down. "It's just that Chet is already anxious to meet this new lady in my life and I didn't want him to see you here." "Whoa…" Nicki smiled contently, "Guess we did a good job on the phone yesterday morning then?" "Oh yeah, you did great," Johnny smiled, chuckling as he recalled the interest in his morning phone call. "Your timing was absolutely perfect." "Oh you have to tell me what happened," Nicki said, seeing the expression on Johnny's face. "Well for starters, I went into the station saying good morning and talking about what a great day it was," John started to explain. "And I got the usual looks from the guys, especially since I was actually early for work." "You, early for work?" Nicki laughed aloud. "I haven't been with the department for long, but even I know there must be a special reason for you to be early to work." "Yeah, well I planned that one and it worked like a charm," Johnny continued, recalling the morning's events. "Guess who was the one to ask me about this 'new woman'?" "Let me guess, Chet!!!" Nicki was really enjoying this now. "Oh that is just too perfect." "Yeah, wait till I tell you what he said," Johnny replied, not waiting for a response from Nicki before continuing. "He actually asked if I met this 'new woman' at a dog show." "A dog show!!!!! I swear I could strangle him." Nicki's anger flared up just for a moment before Johnny calmed her down. "Hey now, don't let him get to you, this is our little game now remember," he said. "Chet will get his in the end." "I know, I know," Nicki said sitting back down. "Sometimes he just really gets to me you know." "Yeah I know, but listen, I told him all about my new woman," Johnny said giving Nicki a raised eyebrow look. "Oh yeah, what'd you tell him about me?" Nicki inquired. "I just told him my new gal, Allison, is no dog," he said looking her square in the eye as he spoke. "In fact, I said that she's lots of fun, she's beautiful, and she's intelligent." "Oh yeah, you really said all those things?" Nicki smiled for the first time since the two had sat down. "You really think I'm fun, and beautiful, and intelligent?" "Sure Nic, you're a lot of fun," Johnny chose the easiest compliment to expand upon. "Yeah, and beautiful and intelligent?" Nicki pressed on for confirmation. "Well yeah…. sure…you're cute I guess," Johnny tried his best to explain his way out of this one. "And you're smart too." "You guess?" Nicki asked a little upset, "You mean you're not sure?" "Nic, listen, sure you're smart, no one will deny you that. A heck of a lot smarter than a lot of people I know. And cute, I'm sorry if that came out wrong earlier. It's just that I've never looked at you as a woman you know. I mean, you're Chat's little sister and that sorta makes you everyone's little sister. And you don't exactly dress like most women I usually go out with, so I guess I just see you as one of the guys. That's what I mean when I say that I've never looked at you as a woman." "Okay, okay, I guess I can understand that," Nicki said. She glanced down quickly at the pair of worn jeans, t-shirt, and hiking boots she had on. She looked back at Johnny and the two of them started laughing. "I have to say that I have never dated a woman in hiking boots before," Johnny declared. "And, well, you don't exactly dress in a…uh…aha…well…sexy like, you know." "Oh, so you only go for the hot babes in tube tops and short shorts?" Nicki argued back, slightly frustrated at this exchange. "Maybe you'd like it better if I took off my bra and splashed a little water on my t-shirt?" "Geez Nic, I was kidding, alright?" Johnny fought back before a thought made him laugh. "And just what is so funny?" Nicki questioned, not seeing what was so funny about her attire. "Oh sorry, Nic," Johnny smiled. "I was just picturing Chet's reaction to seeing you in a wet t-shirt contest." "You know, as funny as that would be to see," Nicki admitted the idea was funny. "Don't go putting up any contest posters just yet because, it's not going to happen. Not for me anyway." "Okay, okay, I get the message," Johnny sulked ever-so slightly, "Maybe we should just stick to our original plan." "So, what's the next move in this little plan?" Nicki finally asked, as the laughter subsided. "Well, we need to work on this plan some, but it's going to be a little tough since Chet is already suspicious. Knowing him, he'll be trying to get a look at this new woman so we have to be careful where we meet." "Hey, I got a great idea for the next 'date' then," Nicki smiled, excited about her plotting techniques. "I'm supposed to be taking care of the apartment of a former neighbor of mine. Watering the plants, picking up the mail, feeding her fish and stuff like that, so I have the key to her new apartment. I'm sure she wouldn't mind if we do a little plotting at her place. She won't be back for almost a month so if we need a place to plot, I'm sure she wouldn't mind. And, it's one of those secure buildings where you have to have a key or someone has to buzz you in." "Did I mention how smart you were?" Johnny was fully enjoying this little game he and Nicki were putting into play. "Secure too huh? I'll keep it in mind. Before we're through, I have a feeling we're gonna need a place like that." "Why thank you," Nicki enjoyed the compliment. "Just let me know when you think Chet is getting too close and we can meet there." "Sounds perfect to me," Johnny said, walking into his living room. He rummaged through a small desk until he found what he was looking for. Coming back into the kitchen, he gave a piece of paper and a pen to Nicki, who drew him a quick map to the place and wrote down the address as well. Handing it back to Johnny, she waited while he read it nodding his head to show that he understood her directions. "Well, I got to get going," Nicki said heading for the door, "I'll be seeing you." "Hang on Nic," Johnny said, catching her before she made it to the door. "I got a few errands to run. Give me ten minutes before you leave okay?" "You really are paranoid about Chet aren't you?" Nicki asked a little bewildered. "Nope, just too smart for your brother," Johnny explained. "This wouldn't be the first time I just happened to see his car in the parking lot, or in my rear view mirror." "You're kidding, Chet actually did that?" Nicki was astounded. "Yeah, once I dated a girl for almost four months, I saw his car in the parking lot more than once. Another time, I stopped to buy some dog food for her and I ran into Chet at the pet store." "Chet has never had a pet. What was his excuse for being there?" Nicki's curiosity was growing. "Well, he claimed to be buying dog food for a little old lady in his building, who of course was sick and couldn't get to the store," Johnny chuckled as he told the story. "The funny thing is, he was carrying a bag of Cat Chow but I never let on that I had noticed. I just commented something about how nice that was of him to do." "Cat Chow!!! He was buying cat food for a dog?" Nicki was laughing so hard she had to sit back. "Oh my, someday Johnny, we'll have to ask him about that. Can you see the little old lady, hitting him with her purse when he gave her the cat food?" "And throwing the bag of cat food at him all the while yelling at him about it," Johnny nodded. "You're right, we'll have to work that into the plan somehow." "Okay, sounds great," Nicki agreed, "Hey you better get going. I'm supposed to be getting my hair cut in thirty-five minutes." "Oh hey now, you don't need to be doing anything special for me," Johnny mused. "This is a casual date remember." "Cute, real cute," Nicki said pretending to toss a pillow at him, "Get outta here!" Nicki waited ten minutes after Johnny left his apartment. Time enough for any curiosity seekers to follow him, expecting to find the identity of the 'new woman.' Forty minutes later, Nicki rushed into the hair salon, apologizing for her tardiness. "I was beginning to wonder what happened to you," Sarah asked as she led Nicki back to the washing stations. "What's up with you today girl," Sarah asked, as Nicki could not contain her laughter, Oh no, wait a minute. Please tell me this doesn't have to do with a member of the opposite sex." "You know me too well Sarah, you know that? And yeah it does involve a male, a brother to be exact." Nicki confided as Sarah clipped a towel around her neck and placed the apron over her. "Uh oh, what'd he do this time?" Sarah inquired. Although Sarah had never actually met Nicki's brother, she felt she knew him fairly well just by the stories she heard each time Nicki came in for a trim. "Oh nothing that he hasn't done before," Nicki said chuckling to herself. "One of these days Nic, you've got to do something about him," Sarah said as she began shampooing Nicki's hair. 'If she only knew' Nicki thought to herself. One of these days would be arriving sooner than anyone could expect: just not soon enough for Nicki and Johnny. *** Two weeks later, while most of the crew of Station 51 sat around the day room watching television. Roy and Johnny sat at the kitchen table working on their logbook. It was a tedious task, which neither one enjoyed doing, but it was a necessary part of their job. After placing his initials beside an entry, Roy glanced up at his silent partner and asked, "So, how are things going with Allison?" "Great Roy," Johnny said just loud enough for the ears of the guys, one in particular, as he knew the question had gotten their attention. "She's cooking dinner for us tomorrow night…at her place." "Dinner at her place, huh?" Roy repeated knowing too, that Chet's ears had perked up to the discussion. "You're actually dating a girl who can cook. That's a first." "Yeah, and not only can she cook, but she's a great cook too," Johnny continued tormenting Chet. "She must be," Roy added. "I guess that explains why you haven't been taking your usual spot at our table. I think even Joanne was beginning to wonder." "Oh well, sorry bout that partner," Johnny replied. "You know how much I love Joanne's cooking, but it's just not quite the same as dinner with Allison, you know." Johnny enjoyed the week Chet had taken off for his vacation. He knew, however, that the peace and quiet would come to an end once Chet returned to work. Nobody really had said much about the relationship between Johnny and 'Allison'. But it wasn't like Chet to bring it up and he did exactly that as Johnny walked in the door. "So, Gage," Chet was in Johnny's face as he headed towards the locker room to change. "How's this new girlfriend? Has she wised up and dumped you yet?" "No Chet," Johnny shot right back at Chet. "Actually things are going great. Just last night we had a very nice quiet dinner together." "Oh yeah, you take her to one of your usual finer establishments. The all-you-can-eat for under nine dollar places." Chet continued his bantering. "Nope," Johnny shot a glance at Roy, who was enjoying this almost as much as Johnny. "Actually she cooked dinner for us. Just the two of us at her place." "Give her time, she'll wise up," Chet replied, unable to come up with a good comeback to Johnny's last statement. "They all do after a while." *** Over the next several weeks, Johnny and 'Allison' continued their 'dates' and the planning time together. Nicki loved filling Johnny in on stories of Chet while he was growing up. Johnny felt some of it might be nice to use against Chet at the station, but thought better of it than to raise any suspicions as to how Gage had learned so much about his crewmate. "All in due time Johnny," Nicki suggested. "All in due time. I'm sure we'll have plenty of opportunities in the future to use Chet's silly acts of childhood against him." "Yeah I suppose you're right," Johnny agreed. "I can't wait to ask him about some of them though." Instead, Johnny continued to share with the guys, with Chet in particular, just how well things were going for him and 'Allison'. He tormented Chet with talks of home-cooked dinners, trips to the beach, and drives up the coast. One of Johnny's best moments came after a three-day battle against a brush fire in one of the canyons. Upon finally returning to the station, the guys had been all ready to go home and catch up on some sleep. A few had spoken of a long hot shower to relieve the aches and pains in places they didn't remember having. The shift back after the brush fire, Johnny, once again, had shown up for work with a mile-wide smile on his face. Upon entering the kitchen to pour himself a cup of coffee, he had greeted Chet with a hardy pat on the back. "Hey Chet, how you doing?" Johnny had asked cheerfully. "I was fine until you did that!" Chet grumbled. "Did what?" Johnny asked curiously. "Touched my back," Chet complained, strolling ever so slowly to the sofa where he took great effort to sit down. "Man I still ache from that brush fire." "Man, I know what you mean Chester B," Johnny had explained. "I felt that same way when I got home. All I wanted was a hot shower and a bed. I fell into bed and didn't even hear the phone ring. Allison got worried and she stopped by on her lunch hour, and gave me the most incredible back rub I've ever had." "Hey that was nice of her," Marco chided in. "I bet you owe her big time for that." "Oh yeah well I took her to a movie she's been dying to see," Johnny explained, not needing to continue any further, letting the raised eyebrow expression on his face do his "talking". It was obvious to anyone where the movie had led. "So Gage, just when are we going to meet this phenom of yours?" Chet inquired once again. Before Johnny could answer, the squad had been called out on a run. *** Several weeks later, Nicki suggested to Johnny that they try out a place she had heard about from a friend. The place was located outside LA and it seemed like a perfect place, safe from the prying eyes of anyone they knew. Having been constantly hounded by Chet on his last shift, Johnny had quickly agreed to Nicki's suggestion. Even Roy was starting to bring up the 'mysterious' ladylove in Johnny's life. "You sure this place is private enough?" Johnny asked as he and Nicki entered an Italian restaurant located north of LA. Nicki's choice of a restaurant was a nice place. The room was lit by candlelight from a candle on each table, pretty cloth tablecloths, and soft music playing in the background. But, judging by the menu prices, it was quite reasonable even for a guy who had spent all of nine dollars on a previous date. "No problem, Johnny," Nicki assured him. "A friend of mine told me about it and before you ask this friend is the one whose place I've been taking care of so she won't be coming in here tonight. Besides, we're almost thirty miles from LA, so I don't expect to see anyone we know here." "Well even if they did find this place, they'd never see us in here," Johnny asserted. "Did they forget to pay the electric bill or what?" "It's called romance, Gage," Nicki glared across the table at Johnny. "You know candlelight, soft music, nice glass of wine with dinner." "Hey! I can be as romantic as the next guy," Johnny defended himself. "But this place is so dark it makes me think of a movie theater and that hardly sounds romantic." "I guess not," Nicki couldn't resist teasing her dinner 'date'.  "The last row of the balcony is anything but romantic." "I never…I mean…I…well…okay, okay, you got me there," Johnny admitted defeat. The waitress interrupted to take their order. They had decided to order a stuffed pizza. It had been highly recommended by Nicki's friend. While waiting for their pizza, Nicki took the time to explain a plan of her own. "Hey Johnny, you know how we're always worrying about Chet seeing us somewhere," she began. "I have an idea that might work to keep the guys, namely my brother, off our backs," Nicki stated. "Oh yeah, really?" Johnny asked, anxious for anything to get the constant questions to stop. "What do you say to having 'Allison' and Johnny break up?" Nicki began, knowing she would need to explain further by the confused look on Johnny's face. "Nic, I don't get it," Johnny replied, "We're trying to get back at Chet by having us be a couple. We can't very well do that if we're not together." "Yeah, I understand that," Nicki added, "But what if you go back to work all gloomy. I'm sure the guys would want to know why. Then, maybe you could let it slip that you and Allison had a fight, a huge fight at that, maybe they'd back off a little bit. Then you, I mean, we, could get back together after things settle down a little. "Nicki, my dear, did I ever tell you I love the way you think?" Johnny said smiling from ear to ear. "That's a great idea. You know, Chet would just eat it up too. He's been itching to get at me and if he thought for a second that Allison and I had split up, he'd be all over himself with how Allison finally wised up and all." "Yeah, that does sound like him, alright," Nicki, agreed. "I have to say, I've been on the receiving end of that myself a few times. He goes on and on about how some guy isn't my type and all, then when we do break up, he's right there in my face telling me how he told me so. There were times when I was seeing a guy and we'd split up cause either, he or I left to go to school, or a guy I was seeing graduated, but there would be Chet, taking the credit for seeing that it wasn't going to work. And you saw how he acted when we first met. I mean, all you said was 'hi' and he was already warning you to stay away from me. I tell you, Johnny, this plan cannot happen soon enough for me." "Well, hang in there kiddo," Johnny said helping her to her feet, "Cause it's only a matter of time. As a matter of fact, your breaking up story might work out perfectly with what I had in mind." "Do tell," Nicki inquired, as she leaned in awaiting Johnny's explanation. "Well, I was thinking the perfect time to spring our little plan might be at the Firefighters Annual Picnic." "The picnic?" Nicki repeated as a wicked smile crept across her face. "Oh my gosh. Johnny, that is brilliant." "Why thank you my dear," Johnny took it all in. "I think it's only fair that we share the moment with some of Chester B's closets friends." "Oh by all means," Nicki giggled. "I've waited a long time for this day. The picnic will be icing on the cake." The drive back had taken a while, but neither Nicki nor Johnny seemed to mind. At times, they had talked but most of the time Johnny had remained quiet, allowing Nicki to take in the scenic route he had taken. The sun had just begun to set when they'd left the restaurant and it was a beautiful array of red, orange, and gold. Johnny shared with Nicki some of the many stories his grandfather had told him about the sky, and the colors of a sunset. Although Nicki had witnessed some beautiful sunsets in her time, none of them could match the one she would see on this evening. The city lights, Johnny had explained, take away from the beauty of a sunset. You have to get outside the city to really see its beauty. Nicki wasn't sure who had enjoyed it more, herself listening to his grandfather's stories, or Johnny having someone to share them with. As they were pulling back into Nicki's friend's parking lot to retrieve Nicki's car, Johnny clarified their plan one last time. They had agreed to give it a little more time, before staging the 'big breakup' scene. Instead the plan would be, to continue finding ways to make it seem as though Johnny and Allison were having a great time together. The next morning, Roy saw his partner in uniform, heading towards him with a mile wide smile on his face. After practically dragging Roy into the day room, Johnny began his story of actually finding a girl who loves the outdoors. "Man Roy, I couldn't believe it," Johnny noticed Chet come into the room, "I never met a girl who loved the outdoors like she does. Hiking, and swimming, and, uh, well, other activities I won't talk about here, in front of certain people." "Gage, I don't care to hear the latest adventures of you and this dog show girl of yours," Chet said as he headed to the refrigerator. "Fine, that's just fine with me cause, there are certain things that are just a little bit too private to talk about anyway." "Roll call guys," Cap said, sticking his head in the doorway. Five minutes later, Johnny overheard Chet cleaning the latrine while quizzing Roy on what happened with his partner. "You know something, Chet," Roy was saying, "I thought I heard you saying you didn't care to hear the details of Johnny's time spent with Allison. If you really want to know what happened, go ask Johnny. I wasn't there so I can't tell you any more than what you already heard this morning. A while later, Johnny poked his head in the bunkroom. "Hey, uh Roy, I think maybe we should make a run for supplies." "Oh yeah, well I'm done in here so maybe we should get going," Roy answered. "Okay, I told Cap we needed to make the run so anytime is fine," Johnny replied. "So, I take it you heard all that," Roy asked en route to Rampart. "Yeah, well I figured as much," Johnny said tapping his fingers against the window frame. "You know something, Roy. I really don't care what Chet, or anyone thinks for that matter. These past months have been great. I don't know what's gonna happen with me and Allison but as long as she's happy and I'm happy, then Chet and all the others can say what they want." "I know, and I'm happy for you," Roy said glancing at his partner. "It's driving Chet crazy though, he hasn't been his usual thorn in your side." Roy continued, as he backed the squad into a parking space in front of the emergency doors at Rampart. The two paramedics climbed out of the vehicle and walked through the automatic doors and down the hall towards the base station. "Good morning Dix, how's my favorite nurse this morning?" Johnny greeted Dixie at her desk where she was talking with Nicki and her partner. "Always the charmer, aren't you Johnny?" Dixie teased. "Looks like a few of our humble paramedics had some nice days off." "Oh yeah, must be something in the air," Roy interceded. "Joanne only had two things for me to take care of and one of them was a day at the zoo with her and the kids." "A pretty short honey-do list then huh?" Nicki smiled. "I had a great time on my days off. I had a really fun date with a nice guy for a change. Of course this stays between us you understand. I am not up for dealing with a certain member of my family." "Yeah well that's good cause he's been a pain in the" Johnny was saying when Roy cut in. "Don't worry Nicki," Roy said, "Your secret is safe with us. Besides we have to work with Chet so the less he hears the better." "Yeah, really, what a grouch," Johnny added, "Must have got up on the wrong side of the bed this morning." "Try growing up with him," Nicki replied, "That grouch in the morning you see every third day, I saw every single day." "See there, Johnny," Dixie said smiling. "There's an upside to everything. You didn't have to put up with him seven days a week like Nicki here did." Dixie,  barely got her words out when the radio of Squad 51 squawked breaking up the little impromptu party. "Well I guess we'll see you later Dix," Roy said turning to leave. "See ya Dix, bye Nic," Johnny added as he followed Roy out. "See ya boys, take it easy out there alright?" Dixie added as they left. "You think Johnny has ever done anything the easy way, Dix?" Nicki asked. "You do have a point, Nicki," Dixie laughed. "Well we better get going too, later," Nicki said following her partner to their squad as well.      Amazing as it was to the guys on Station 51's a-shift, weeks passed and Johnny continued to show up for work early. At the same time, he remained silent about 'Allison", refusing to say when the guys would finally have a chance to meet her. "Uh oh" Roy said one morning, hearing Cap call for roll call and not seeing his partner anywhere in sight. "Not to worry there, Roy," Cap replied, suspecting what Roy was concerning about. "John should be here in 15 minutes or so. He filled in for Tim over at Station 8, last night so he won't be here for roll call this morning, but he should be here soon." "That's a relief," Roy let out the breath he was holding. "You know something Cap," Marco teased. "I don't know who this new love of his life is but, she sure has made things easy on us. Gage has been in a great mood for months now." "Yeah, it has been a long time?" Chet chimed in. "Isn't this some sort of record for him?" "Yeah and not being late for roll call for months is probably a record for him as well," Cap replied. "So Roy, you're his best friend," Chet questioned, "have you met this Allison person?" "Nope, not me," Roy answered. "I asked him when he was going to introduce her. Joanne would like to meet her too, but he insists on keeping her to himself. Says he doesn't want to jinx the relationship." "Relationship? Marco asked. "Were those his words or yours?" "Those words came straight from him, not me," Roy added, knowing full well the reaction that would follow. "Geez, next thing he'll be talking the big "M" word," Chet said. "I wouldn't get too excited on that one just yet Chet," Roy replied. "It's going to take more than three months to get the big "M" word from Johnny. "Good morning, sorry I'm late Cap" Johnny said as he entered the day room. "So how is everyone this morning?" "Not a problem, pal," Cap replied, "Captain Hanson called and told me you filled in for Tim and you'd be late this morning." "Well, lookie here, it's Mr. Sunshine," Chet interjected. "So tell us Mr. Sunshine, when do we get to meet Miss Sunshine, or is it Mrs. Sunshine?" "Chet!!!" Johnny yelled as he reached for a glass, getting a shower instead. "Gage, you got to be a little more careful opening doors around here, the Phantom works in mysterious ways." "Mysterious huh?" Johnny shot back. "Well speaking of mysterious, how's "NO" for a mysterious answer. Stupid things like this, is the reason you haven't met Allison." "Uh Johnny, why don't we make a run to Rampart and pick up some supplies?" Roy attempted to make peace. "Fine! Anything to get away from here for awhile," Johnny followed his partner out to the squad, heading for the hospital. "Um Chet, ole buddy," Cap stood staring at Chet, "How 'bout getting a mop and cleaning up this mess." "Oh uh, yeah sure thing Cap," Chet said leaving the dayroom in pursuit of a mop. A few minutes later, while backing the squad into place at Rampart, Roy asked, "So, how are things with Allison?" "Great, really great. Couldn't be better," Johnny answered walking into the emergency ward. "Man, Roy, she's incredible. She's smart, she's fun to be with, she loves the outdoors, and she's beautiful. She's nothing like the women I normally date." "Yeah well she must be really something," Roy said glancing at his partner. "I mean, you said she's smart before you said she's beautiful. Either way, you really do seem happy." "I am, I mean, we are," Johnny said correcting himself. "Well good morning, how are things at 51 this morning?" Nicki asked as Roy and Johnny joined her at the nurses' desk. "Hi Nicki, things are good," Roy started to say, then stopped before continuing. "Yeah they're great alright, except for one thing," Johnny added. "Let me guess?" Nicki asked, knowing the answer to her question before she asked. "Yep, that's the one thing alright," Johnny, said laughing. "Roy?" Dixie caught his attention as she spotted him walk up to her desk. "You remember that older gentleman you guys brought in a few days ago? The one who had slipped off the ladder?" "Oh yeah I remember him," Roy replied, "Mr. Cliverson. How's he doing?" "He's doing better everyday," Dixie answered, "In fact, he was asking about you, wanted to talk to you if you got a minute." "Oh sure, be happy to," Roy said following Dixie to the elevator. "Hey Nic, listen, we got some more planning to do, but we're going to have to find another place to do it, cause the guys at the station are asking a lot of questions." "Yeah, and I bet I know who the nosiest one of them is too," Nicki responded. "I got the perfect place. Remember that friend who had the apartment I was looking after. She's expected back tomorrow afternoon. So I can run by there after I get off in the morning and water the plants and everything. Why don't you meet me there?" "You mean to tell me she's just now getting back?" Johnny asked in disbelief. "No, actually she was back and she's been gone again," Nicki replied. "So how 'bout meeting me there around nine?" "Sounds great," Johnny answered. "What sounds great?" Dixie asked, coming in at the end of the conversation. "Oh well uh Nicki here was just…" Johnny stumbled over his words. "I was just telling him a few things he might not know about my dear, sweet brother." Nicki said rescuing Johnny. "So Johnny," nurse Cheryl interrupted. "You and uh Nicki here were looking awfully cozy there just a few minutes ago. I sure hope Allison doesn't walk in on something. I hate to see the poor girl get her heart broken because you're two-timing her." "Well first off, Allison is working today," Johnny shot back telling the truth as 'Allison" was in fact working. "And second, Allison is not the jealous type nor does she have anything to be jealous of." "And thirdly, I do not feel this is any of your business," Dixie added,  "In the future I suggest you keep your comments to yourself and stay out of other people's business. Doctor Brackett needs you in treatment room three." "Yes Miss McCall," Cheryl said heading into treatment room three. "Well, we should be getting back to the station," Roy said upon his return, "Thanks for the update on Mr. Cliverson, Dix." "You're welcome, see you guys, oh, guys and gal," Dixie corrected herself, to include Nicki and her partner as well. As Dixie and Roy were talking, Johnny gave Nicki one of those 'see what I mean' looks. "I guess we'll probably be seeing you later Nic," Johnny said just to reassure her that he would meet her the next morning after shift. "Yeah, we probably will," she answered, "Oh and Roy, think you can try to keep that brother of mine in line for a while?" "You have any idea what you're asking of me?" Roy said laughing. "See you Nicki." The drive to work on a beautiful sunny morning a week later, was a longer one than usual for Johnny. As had become his regular routine, Johnny was due to arrive at the station well ahead of roll call. He and Nicki had talked by phone the night before planning the morning's events. Not wanting to arrive on time, Johnny drove around a while until his watch showed he had less than five minutes. He arrived at the station, hearing the voices of Marco, Mike and Cap, already in the day room. Despite his absence in the day room with the others, Johnny knew Chet was somewhere in the station as well, since Johnny had spotted his van in the parking lot. Finally pushing open the locker room door, the expression on his face sank from the cheerful look he carried within, to the gloomy, dumped look he sported on the outside. "Hey Roy," he barely got out as he opened his locker. "Johnny?" Roy said closing his own locker and studying the demeanor of his partner. "Hey what is it?" "Oh nothing, just a little tired I guess," Johnny faked his way through, knowing Roy wasn't about to let it go with a just tired excuse. "Johnny," Roy followed up with just as was expected. "I know you, and this isn't a simple case of lack of sleep is it?" Turning and tossing his shirt into his locker, Johnny took a seat on the bench. Roy too, took a seat there, closely watching the actions of his partner. "No, Roy, it's more than just sleep," Johnny said giving his best staring into space look. Not looking Roy in the eye, he continued his explanation. "Look, uh, Allison and me, we, uh, well we kind of broke up," Johnny said the words slowly. "Johnny?" Roy stated in his most sympathetic voice. "Hey, I'm really sorry." "Yeah, me too, I mean, it just, we just," Johnny reached for the right words and voice to speak. "Hey you two, roll call," Cap said sticking his head in the door. "We'll be right there Cap," Roy said picking up the shoe Johnny had dropped. Johnny finished dressing, joining the guys in the bay. "What's wrong with him?" Chet asked as Johnny entered the room, "Looks like he lost his bes.."  "Chet!!!!" Johnny said loudly, "Just lay off okay?" "Lemme guess,  she finally got smart?" Chet continued, despite the looks he was getting from the Cap as well as Roy and Mike. "Chet, I don't want to talk about it okay? Just lay off!!" Johnny spit out, turning to face Cap. "I'll take latrine duty okay Cap?" "Uh, yeah sure Pal," Cap said nodding his head, as a way to dismiss one of his paramedics." Johnny headed for the latrine as five sets of eyes followed his movements. Fortunately, his back was to them so they couldn't see the smile on his face, he was barely able to contain himself until he was safely on the other side of the door. "Chet!!!" Cap said once Johnny was gone. "What'd I do?" Chet asked innocently while everyone else knew it was just an act. "I think you and John better stay as far away from one another as much as possible today," Cap started to explain. "But Cap, I…" Chet whined as was usual for him. "That, my friend, is an order," Cap stated in an authoritative voice. "Yes sir," Chet replied heading to the day room where he began straightening up as ordered. The day proved to be a long one for Johnny. The calls were infrequent, leaving him stuck with all the guys for the better part of the day. In the past, when he had been 'dumped' his demeanor had been glum, but he had remained professional in his work. Today, the amount of professionalism necessary had been at a minimal. He had eaten very little lunch, just as he usually didn't when he was in one of his 'just been dumped' moods. What little he had eaten, he had taken to the bunkroom, safely out of the watchful eyes of his crewmates. Roy had been concerned as always for his partner, only this time it was a little more so, since this relationship had lasted so long, by far a record in Johnny's book of dating. Late in the afternoon, Johnny had rode in with a heart patient. Several times along the route, he had had to shock the man's heart. Once at Rampart, he had stayed with the man in the treatment room until Dr Morton had joined Dr Brackett in the room. Outside, he stood alone for a few minutes until Roy, and later Dixie joined him. They had discussed how lucky the man had been as he had been home only a few minutes when the heart attack had taken place. Ten minutes earlier, and he would have been on the freeway. Roy excused himself to use the rest room while Dixie had been called to treatment room four. Nicki waited until both were gone before she joined Johnny at the nurse's station. "Hey there, how you doing today?" she asked cheerfully. "Hey Nic, how are you?" Johnny answered with a question. Nicki moved closer to stand next to Johnny, so their conversation would not be overheard by the wrong ears. "So how's our little plan going?" she asked in a whisper. "Nic, I tell you, it's going even better than I expected," Johnny explained speaking softly as well. "Chet could not have responded better if we had written it for him." "Whoa, that good huh?" Nicki tried to hide the smile she felt coming on. "Yeah, that's the good part," Johnny continued. "Uh oh" Nicki asked, "What else happened?" "Well this little charade of ours isn't as easy to keep up as I thought," Johnny said, "That and we haven't left the station except for three calls all day. I'm getting a little tired of being so glum. That and I sort of didn't eat much for lunch." "Well you got to eat," Nicki spoke up, her voice now held its normal tone. "Listen to me, tomorrow, I'll meet you at the station and you're going to breakfast with me, alright?" "Nic, look I'm not going to be real good company," Johnny said realizing Dixie was back at the nurses station and Roy was coming down the hall. "I'm not taking no for an answer so just plan on breakfast, you hear me?" Nicki said in a tone that made Dixie proud. "I don't think I'd argue with her if I were you," Dixie interceded, "And if you do you'll have me to answer to as well." "Fine, alright," Johnny said raising his hands in defeat. "Okay, I give in. I'll go to breakfast with you." "And you will eat some breakfast," Nicki added to her demand making Johnny smile. "See there, I knew I could get a smile out of you," Nicki added with a smile of her own. "I got to go, see you Roy, Dix," she said as she left, "And you, I will see in the morning." The rest of the shift was as dull for Johnny as was the beginning. He spent a lot of time in the bunkroom; anxiously awaiting breakfast with Nicki as he had ate very little for dinner as well. No one was happier, even if he couldn't show it, than Johnny was to see B shift come in. As soon as his replacement was there, Johnny changed clothes, and headed for the Rover in the back lot. "Hey there, you weren't planning on standing me up for breakfast were you?" Nicki said pulling into the lot blocking him from leaving. "Hey Nic, uh, yeah well, you think I can have a rain check," Johnny attempted to dissuade her of their 'date'. "Nope, no can do, Johnny," Nicki said, taking his keys from him and leading him to the passenger side of her truck. "You promised me you would join me for breakfast and I intend to hold you to that. Do I have to call Dixie, cause I will you know?" "Fine. Whatever. I'll go but I'm really not very hungry," Johnny debated back. "Geez Gage," Chet stepped in, "You know, you really are a sad sight. I hope you get over it before next shift." "CHET!!!" Johnny said taking two steps towards his comrade before Nicki could get between them. "Chet, don't you have anything else you could be doing?" Nicki spoke up in Johnny's defense. "Yeah sure do," Chet replied, "Just about anything would be better than hanging around Gage any longer." The next day Nicki and Johnny sat in a little café. The place was a mom and pop style place with lots of booths. Several had been taken by elderly couples, obviously retired and in no hurry. Three tables were occupied by young men, who Nicki guessed were bachelors in search of a good meal before heading off to their respective jobs. Beth, was the owner, and her husband Carl, was the head chef, as he liked to be called even if he was the only chef. Throughout the day, police officers would stop in for coffee. Beth never charged the officers for their coffee, she felt it was the noble thing to do, since the men often got a call and have to leave a fresh cup of coffee. It was well known that the officers would stop in throughout the day and who would attempt to hold up a place knowing the police could walk in at any time. Carl had agreed with Beth that free coffee for LA's finest was a great deal considering the officers' visits provided the little café some special security. Johnny and Nicki had planned this little get together so they could discuss the on going prank they were pulling on an unsuspecting Chet. "Wow, I'm impressed," Nicki said, taking a sip of her coffee as she glanced across the table. "Man Nicki, I am so glad that shift is over," Johnny paused while the waitress brought his two glasses of milk. "I don't know how much longer I could have gone on with my gloom and doom scenes." "Uh Johnny," Nicki interrupted cautiously, "I understand what you're saying but I kind of think it might be better if you and Allison don't get back together just yet." "Oh no, no way, did you see Chet back there?" Johnny argued, "If I have to go through one more shift with him…." "Johnny, look, we have just two weeks until the department picnic," Nicki explained, "If you do this for one more shift, that'll give us four more days to make sure everything is in line for the big day. Did you see how fast Chet went the opposite direction? The last thing he wants to do is be anywhere near you right now." "Nic, okay, okay, I'll try okay?" Johnny countered. "But if the shift is as quiet as it was today and I'm stuck with your brother all day long again, I can't promise you what will happen." "Okay, fine, tell you what," Nicki offered, "Try to get through one more shift okay and if it gets to be too much for you, call me at the station. If I hear from you at all I'm going to assume that it's getting to be too much. That way you won't need to go into a lot of detail where you might be overheard." "Okay so I call you, then what?" Johnny questioned. "Well then we'll see. Maybe just talking a bit will give you a boost and we can get you through the whole shift. If not, you can say you called Allison and she has agreed to at least talk with you. That way you can be hopeful but still not actually back together with her." "Okay," Johnny agreed, "I will try to get through one more shift without strangling that brother of yours, but don't be too surprised if you wind up at a rescue call at the station." "That's okay," Nicki laughed, "Just as long as our plan is still intact by the end of your shift, and you and Chet are neither in jail or admitted to Rampart." With that settled, Johnny got up and went to the cash register to pay for their drinks. They climbed back into Nicki's truck and headed back to Station 51 and Johnny's waiting Rover. *** Two days later, a depressed Johnny Gage arrived for his shift. Although fourteen calls kept the Squad busy, there were a few run-ins with Chet. Roy did his best to keep peace and Johnny once again spent some time a lone in the bunkroom. Once, while he was in there alone, Roy joined him to try to get Johnny to talk about what had happened. "You know something Roy," Johnny finally spoke explaining this 'breakup' he and Nicki had discussed, "I really don't know what happened that day. It's not like we hadn't been camping together before. But for some reason everything I did was wrong. The tent didn't stay up, it started to rain, the sleeping bag got soaked, her clothes got soaked. We argued about everything. I tell you the trip home took forever. I drove too fast. I drove too slow. I was never so happy to get home than I was that day. I tried to help her get her things from the Rover and she nearly slammed my hand in the door. When we walked to her door, I said that I would call her. She turned around looking at me with this look that I will never forget, and said point blank, 'No! I will call you." She even emphasized the I part." "Well maybe she just had a bad day. I mean, maybe it really didn't matter what you said or did, if she was in a bad mood, whatever you did was going to be wrong," Roy offered his experienced advise, after years of marriage. "I thought about that Roy," Johnny continued in his somber voice, looking towards the floor in an attempt to avoid eye contact with his partner. "So I waited a few days. Then I called her. And I called her again the day after that. I've left messages for her. You know how many of them she has returned? Zero, not one." "Okay, then how 'bout this," Roy tried another approach. "Instead of calling her where she has the opportunity to ignore the calls, why don't you go and see her? Ask her for five minutes, that's it. Tell her that after five minutes, you'll leave, and if she wants to talk to you after that, then let her know to call you. Put it in her court." "Roy, if I do this, and I mean if," Johnny looked up seeing the perfect opportunity to side track Chet for a while right in front of him, "You got to do me a favor." "Anything, just as long as you go and see Allison," Roy agreed to a deal blindly, not knowing what it was yet. "If I go and try to talk to Allison, you have to keep Chet busy, I mean I don't want him sticking his nose in my business and ruining any chance I have left with Allison." "Alright," Roy agreed once more, "If you try to see Allison, I'll find something to occupy Chet. I'm sure Joanne has some list of chores he can help me with." As the shift ended and Chet was walking out to his van, Roy caught up with him. "Hey Chet, can I ask you a favor?" Roy asked as Johnny got in his Rover and pulled away. "Hey Roy, sure I guess so," Chet sort of agreed. "Look uh I got some things Joanne has been wanting me to get done and I could use a second set of hands," Roy explained to a bewildered Chester B. "Oh well uh, how come you're asking me?" Chet questioned. "Well normally I'd ask Johnny to help me, but you've seen the mood he's been in lately," Roy went on explaining. "So you think you can give me a hand?" "Well sure I guess," Chet agreed. "You think maybe I could get breakfast out of the deal?" "I'm sure Joanne wouldn't mind setting another plate," Roy said laughing. "Actually she probably already has anyway. She's kind of gotten used to me bringing Johnny home." While Chet and Roy sat at the DeSoto's kitchen table eating their fill of bacon, eggs, ham, toast and helping themselves to a pot of coffee, Johnny and Nicki met at his apartment, where Nicki was waiting to discuss their plan. "So what are you doing for the rest of the day?" she started to ask before seeing the expression on his face. "Uh oh! Is something wrong Johnny?" "Oh no, well, not wrong exactly," Johnny began explaining. "Roy and I were supposed to go up north for a couple days, but one of the kids is sick. He called just before you got here to cancel." "Up north?" Nicki was trying unsuccessfully to follow. "Oh, sorry, Nic," Johnny corrected himself. "Roy and I were going up north to a campground we go to. Great fishing and it's nice to get away from the city now and then." "Camping, hey that sounds like fun," Nicki smiled, "I can't remember the last time I went camping." "Really?" Johnny asked amazed. "You actually like to camp? Guess you and 'Allison' have something else in common. "I guess we do," Nicki laughed. "I just haven't been in so long…Johnny, if you still want to go camping, I'd love to join you. I'd just need to stop by my place on the way and picked up a few things." "Nicki, I don't think that is such a good idea," Johnny questioned her actions. "I don't mind you going with me, but stopping to pick up camping gear with me is a little risky." "It's okay, no one will see me there. I mean my neighbors are all at work anyway." "Sorry Nic," he said. "I'm just a little over cautious I guess." "Not really, you have every right to be," she agreed, "I was at Rampart yesterday too. I saw how that nurse reacted and I can certainly imagine how the guys at 51 are responding to this mystery lady." "Okay, that sounds great," Johnny said as Nicki hung up her dishtowel. "Let's go." "Are we there yet?" Nicki had asked several times, each time laughing a little harder while actually wondering where Johnny was taking her. Not that she was worried or anything. It wasn't like she didn't trust Johnny. She was just starting to get a little hungry. After she'd thrown a few things together and placed them in Johnny's Rover, they headed north.  For a while she recognized the area, having had several runs in the area while on-duty. But, after the first few hours, the scenery had begun to change. The roadside changed from rocky steep inclines to lesser more rolling grasslands. There were more trees and the air was noticeably easier to breath. Finally, just after noon, Johnny pulled the Rover to a stop. "Wow this is gorgeous," Nicki said admiring the campground area Johnny had brought her to. The sight before her was beautiful. Just before stopping, Johnny had driven across a stone bridge, followed by a dirt path that was obviously not a road other campers had taken. Beneath the bridge, was a gently flowing brook. Feeling a need to stretch her legs after the long drive, Nicki set out on a walk down near the water, taking in a full view of the scene before her. The water flowed peacefully, giving a sense of relaxation while a gentle breeze carried the scent of the wildflowers along the bank, filling the air with a wonderful aroma. The sunlight, peeking through the tall pine trees, was warm on her face without being as blinding as the sun was in the city. Johnny stood back, enjoying the scene before him. He loved this spot. It had become a favorite of his over the years, even though he didn't get the chance to come here as much as he would like. "So you bring a lot of your dates up here?" Nicki asked glancing at him out of the corner of her eye. "You're cute Nicki," Johnny glared at her before continuing. "Actually, no. I haven't brought anyone up here. It's sort of a private little place I've been coming to, when I want to get away from the city. Figured it'd be perfect for us to work on the plan, since no one knows about it. Not even Roy. That campground is actually quite a bit south of here. I thought you'd like this better." "Well I can certainly understand why you'd want to keep it a secret," Nicki said, stretching her legs before helping Johnny unload the Rover. "It really is pretty up here." "How 'bout we pitch this tent and then maybe take a short hike to stretch our legs?" Johnny asked pulling his two-person tent from the Rover. "That sounds great to me," Nicki agreed, "A nice long hike would be great. I'd really like to see more of the area here if you don't mind." "Not at all, I wasn't sure how long a hike you were up to?" Johnny answered questioningly. "Wherever you want to go is fine with me," Nic replied, before noticing an odd expression on his face. "What?" "Oh I was just thinking," he answered, "I mean, I never dated a girl who liked camping and here I am with you here and you love camping." "Guess you must be dating the wrong girls then Johnny boy," Nicki quipped. "Yeah, isn't that the truth," he mumbled as several faces from past dates flashed before his eyes. Working together, setting up camp took little time at all. "So, how 'bout we stop along the way for lunch?" Nicki offered. "Stop along the way?" Johnny asked. "Uh where exactly did you have in mind that we could stop to eat at along the way?" "Johnny babe, you have been dating far too many city girls haven't you?" Nicki laughed holding a picnic basket. "I told you," he laughed realizing she wasn't referring to a fast food establishment. An hour or so later, Nicki and Johnny stopped to eat the picnic lunch. "So tell me about this idea you had," Nicki asked. "Well, I thought I'd wait until we finished lunch before I dropped it on you," he said finishing his sandwich. "Uh oh, do I really want to hear this?" she asked getting an "I'm hurt" look from Johnny. "Okay, sorry, go ahead. Tell me your idea." "Okay then, you remember how we talked about what would make Chet absolutely crazy?" he began. "Yeah, that's the couple thing right?" Nicki affirmed. "Exactly, well I was thinking of how exactly, Chet would find out about "us" and I came up with my idea. I think it will work out perfectly. The picnic's fairly soon, which means we won't have to carry on with this little charade much longer. I mean, we'll be able to get back to our own lives…" "Johnny!!!" Nicki shouted. "What?…Nic?…Are you okay?… What is it?" Johnny asked, his mind suddenly in full paramedic mode. "Nothing, I mean I'm fine except for one thing," she answered. "What's that?" he countered. "You and your idea," she replied. "I knew you wouldn't like it," Johnny responded, "Hey, look, we can think of something else. I understand, really.' "Johnny?" Nicki said laughing as she spoke. "It's not that I don't like your idea. The problem is, you haven't told me what it is yet." Johnny's eyes glanced towards Nicki as he realized she was right. "I'm sorry Nic," he said blushing, "I guess I'm a little bit nervous about what you're going to think and…" "Johnny?" Nicki cut in. "Okay, okay, here it is," Johnny, said, taking a deep breath. "Well, you already know about the Firefighter's Picnic part of the plan. That is only about three weeks away." "Yeah, and I think it's a great idea," Nicki smiled broadly, "And with everyone there, getting back at my dear brother Chet will be perfect if we can share that little experience with oh, say a few of our, or rather his, fellow firefighters. Uh, Johnny, I get the feeling you haven't told me your entire idea. Come on, we're friends aren't we?" "Yeah well, the rest of my idea isn't exactly something for just friends," Johnny tried to maintain eye contact with her as he spoke. "I mean, well, look, what I was thinking was for us, you and me, well actually Allison and me, to uh, for us to share a kiss, a really, uh, well…you know what I mean?" "Whoaaaaa, babe, a steamy kiss huh?" Nicki was loving the idea while not missing the red face of a blushing John Gage." "Nic???" Johnny said knowing he was now blushing, adding to his embarrassment. "Hey, I'm sorry," Nicki said a little calmer. "Look Johnny, you want to know what I really think of your idea? "Look Nic, it's alright. Like I said we got some time yet. We'll think of something." "Like hell we will," Nicki protested, drawing a sudden direct eye contact from Johnny. "Sorry, look Johnny, I love your idea. I really do." "But?" he asked sensing what was to follow. "No buts, I love it," she repeated. "I only wish I had a camera so I could catch the look on his face." "Yeah, me too. That's a photo I would pay to have," Johnny agreed. After cleaning up from their late lunch, the two continued their walk as they compared notes on everything from camping to the fire service to their nemesis Chet. They returned to their campsite just before dark.  Johnny gathered enough wood to keep the campfire burning through the night, while Nicki put away the picnic basket and double-checked on the things she had brought for breakfast. Since both of them had been called out during the previous night's shift, they decided to turn in early. "Hey Johnny?" Nicki asked from her sleeping bag inside their shared tent. "Yeah Nic?" he responded. "Do you think we need to practice this kiss?" Rolling over, the campfire lit up both their faces as Johnny replied, "Are you trying to say I don't know how to kiss a woman with uh….um…you know" "Passion!!!" Nicki cut in. "Yeah, you think I need some work on passionate kissing do you?" he asked again. "I don't know Johnny. You tell me," Nicki giggling as she spoke. "Go to sleep!" was Johnny's only response. Just as he finished his words, a crack of thunder echoed through the trees, followed by a sudden downpour. Nicki quickly unzipped her sleeping bag just as the rain put out the campfire, leaving the two in the dark except for an occasional flash of lightning. While she struggled to find the opening of the tent, Johnny located his flashlight, giving them the needed light to reach the Rover. Inside, Nicki laid her sleeping bag out for the two of them in the back of the Rover. In the rush to get out of the weather, Johnny had grabbed the flashlight, leaving everything else behind. "Sooo," Nicki said chuckling once more. "Convenient little bed you got here, I guess maybe you don't need to work on that steamy little kiss after all." Beside her, Johnny lay shaking his head. "Roy was right; me and my bright ideas. Someday I'm going to learn to keep my mouth shut." "Are we still talking about that steamy kiss?" Nicki quipped, placing a quick kiss on his cheek before rolling over and going to sleep. Early the next morning, the sun shone brightly into Nicki's eyes, drawing her from her sleep. It was several moments before she realized where she was. She kicked several times to break loose from the sleeping bag she was wrapped in before realizing she was alone. Sitting up as her eyes adjusted to the brightness, she recalled the mad dash she and Johnny had made to get out of the rain as the storm broke. Crawling from the Rover, she saw her partner, deep in thought, strolling back to the campsite. "Hey, there you are," Nicki said while stretching, "I was wondering where you disappeared to." "Morning Nic," Johnny replied as he handed her some towels. "I thought you might want to clean up. There's a creek just around that bend." "Oh yeah that might be nice," she said nodding, "It might be nice to get out of these clothes too, except I sort of left my duffle bag in the tent last night." "Yeah I saw that, I hung up some of your things to dry down by the creek. They should be dry by now. Can't say the same for my sleeping bag and the tent, but they'll dry out in time." "You mean you hung some of my things to dry?" Nicki asked. "Oh yeah, I hope you don't mind. I saw the duffel bag in the tent when I was getting ready to hang it over the edge of the bridge down by the creek." "No, it's okay really. That was nice of you," Nicki said, bending over to pick up a towel she had dropped on the ground. "You said the creek is where again?" "Oh hey, let me show you," Johnny said turning to lead her. "I need to check on the tent anyway. Might be time to flip it over to dry the other side anyway." "So, Johnny, tell me something okay," Nicki asked. "How long have you been coming up here?" "Oh uh well, I guess it's been about five years now," he replied. "It's just a place I found once by accident. I like coming up here to get away from the city and all." "By accident?" Nicki thought for a moment. "How is it, you found a place five hours from home, by accident." "Oh well it was back in the early days of the paramedic program," Johnny recalled. "Doc Brackett and I had a little disagreement and after getting off shift, I took a drive to clear my head." "A little disagreement?" Nicki was rationalizing what Johnny was telling her. "Johnny, we're five hours from home. If it took you five hours to clear your head, it must have been more than just a little disagreement." "Well, maybe there was more than just one little thing that Doc and I didn't see eye to eye on," Johnny smiled as he recalled vividly the early days with the Doctor. It seemed like just yesterday when Johnny and Doctor Brackett had first knocked heads over the paramedic program. He recalled the rescue that had led him to sign up for the program in the first place. Those early rescues, if you called them that since the nurses seemed to be doing all the treating. Then there was the rescue Johnny and Roy had made when Dixie wound up a patient and Johnny and Roy had treated her despite Kel's objections.  Never before had the halls of Rampart felt as cold as when the two finally arrived there with Dixie. That was nothing compared to the temperature in Doc Brackett's office when he read the two the riot act. "Well whatever it, or they were, this place is worth it," Nicki said taking a deep breath. "I mean it is really nice up here and if getting away from the city includes that brother of mine, I'm all for it. Maybe I should find a little place like this of my own." "Well hey, if you ever need to get away, let me know huh" Johnny stopped suddenly, "Uh, what I mean is you're welcome to come along now and then if you like. Some company might be nice." "Thanks, I have a feeling after we pull off this little stunt on that brother of mine, I might be needing to get away more often, and five hours from home might just about be far enough." "Well, here's the creek," Johnny said walking across the bridge to check on the tent and his sleeping bag. "Let me just flip these over and I'll give you some privacy." Nicki helped Johnny flip both the tent and sleeping bag, then watched him walk back towards camp. She hung her towels on the bottom rail of the bridge, slipped out of her clothes, and slowly swam out in the water. At first it was a little cool, but found her body adjusted to the coolness rather quickly. She enjoyed the swim but didn't stay in for long. Grabbing her towel, she wrapped one around her hair and dried off with the other one. Her clothes had dried in the warm morning air. Slipping into them she picked up the towels and headed back to camp. "That was quick," Johnny said greeting her. "Yeah I figured I better not take too long or you'd be checking on me," Nicki grinned. "It was really nice though. Been a long time since I had a nice swim in anything besides a swimming pool." "To tell you the truth, if I had to put money on either you or Chet, my money would be on you. Chet doesn't seem to be that big on nature and his survivor skills tend to be a little bit on the 'city boy' side." "Yeah, I know that side all too well," Nicki, agreed, "I mean growing up with him, he did have this protective big brother attitude but I don't know that it was all that necessary. I mean he seems to want to protect me from things as a way of controlling me rather than for my own good. So how bout some breakfast, please tell me you didn't eat without me." "Nope, just had some coffee is all," Johnny said gesturing towards the coffee pot that sat near the campfire. "Great cause I just happen to be the one of the best campfire cooks you will ever meet," Nicki said as she headed for the Rover, pulling out a small cooler that she brought back to the campfire. An hour later, she placed a campfire breakfast fit for a king in front of Johnny. "Geez girl, you did all this?" Johnny asked, amazed at the feast before him. Nicki had made some perfect omelets with bits of bacon and numerous veggies. Along with that sat a huge bowl of oatmeal, and some muffins. "I told you I was one of the best cooks ever to get near a campfire. You should see me when I actually put forth a little effort." "Oh uh well, I think this will tide me over for a little while anyway," Johnny said reaching for his mug, "Would you like some coffee? I mean at least I can contribute something to this meal." "Sure, that'd be great, thanks," Nicki, said as the two settled in for breakfast. It wasn't long before breakfast was done and the dishes were all cleaned up. "So, how 'bout another nice long hike?" Nicki asked. "You really do get into this outdoors stuff don't you?" Johnny asked. "Well if a hike is what you want, a hike you shall have. Which way would you like to go his time?" "Well how 'bout east this time," Nicki said pointing in the correct direction as Johnny broke into a fit of laughter. "What! Johnny?? You care to share with me what is so darn funny?" "Oh sorry Nic. You remember how I said your brother's survivor skills were a little on the city boy side? Well, the only way Chet knows which way is east, is if he can read it off a freeway sign. Leave him out here in the woods and he'd be lost for weeks." "Hey, now there's an idea," Nicki said. "I'll keep it in mind just in case plan A doesn't work out," Johnny replied to her newest idea. Several hours later, after their hike, Johnny and Nicki packed up camp and headed back to LA. Shortly before getting back into the city, they went over the plan for the next morning. "Okay so tomorrow I'm going into work and I'll be sure to tell the guys all about the camping trip with Allison. I'm sure the idea of me and Allison going camping together will mean only one thing to Chester B." "Oh but of course, out there in the woods together could only mean one thing," Nicki barely got out before she could no longer contain her laughter." "Uh oh, here it comes," Johnny said laughing along with her. "What's so funny?" "Oh, I was just thinking, you and Allison out there in the woods, alone together in a single tent could only mean one thing, and hot steamy kisses would only be the beginning." "Nicki!!" Johnny said feeling the redness coming to his face. "Oh and the creek," Nicki continued, "probably a little skinny-dipping going on there. Then there's the woods, where that wild side of you comes out, the clothes start flying, nature at its best babe." "NICKI!!!" Johnny said again, tossing a baseball cap at her. "Gotta go, had a great time though," Nicki said hopping out of the Rover just after blowing a kiss in Johnny's direction. "See you doll." The following morning, Johnny's voice filled the station a full ten minutes before roll call. "Good morning, good morning, good morning," "Good morning Cap," Johnny greeted his captain cheerfully, much to Hank's amazement, considering the two prior shifts. "Morning Pal," Cap replied, turning his attention to Roy who only shrugged his shoulders. "Morning Chester B," Johnny greeted his shift mate, nearly scaring him half to death as he tapped on his locker door. "Oh no!!" Chet responded. "What's wrong?" Johnny was quick to ask as he changed his clothes. "You! That's what's wrong," Chet explained. "Me? What's wrong with me, can't a guy be happy if he wants?" Johnny was completely enjoying this moment after the two prior shifts with Chet. "Yeah but with you that usually means there's some unlucky girl out there," Chet said. "Hmmmmmph, what a grouch," Johnny said, as he finished tying his shoelaces before joining the others for roll call. "Actually I spent my days off camping." "Oh yeah, that's great Johnny," Roy replied, "Sorry I had to bail out on you, but it looks like the trip did you some good." "Oh partner, it did me more than just good," Johnny patted Roy on the back. "And I didn't go camping alone either. You wouldn't guess who went with me? "Allison?" Roy guessed and obviously correctly, judging by the expression on his partner's face." "Not the same Allison you've been seeing since…." Chet said with a dumbfounded look on his face. Roy smiled, enjoying the happiness oozing from his partner once again. "So you got everything all worked out? My advice worked then huh?" "Yep, we sure did," Johnny smiled. "But actually I didn't get a chance to use your advice. Allison, well she called me first, wanting to apologize about everything." Chet couldn't believe his ears. All this time he had thought the dame had finally gotten smart and dumped Gage. But now, she had taken him back and not only had she taken him back, but she was the one who had called Johnny. "You mean to tell me that she called you?" Chet asked still not believing it. "Yep, she called me," Johnny said patting Chet on the back enjoying the tormenting. "I don't get it, why Gage? Why always Gage?" Chet mumbled to himself. Not only that Roy, but guess what else happened?" Johnny asked not waiting for his partner to guess. "Allison, will be joining me at the department picnic next week." "You mean we finally get to meet her?" Roy asked, "So what changed your mind? I thought you didn't want us to meet her." "Yeah well, that was before." Johnny continued, "During this nice talk, I told her about what you said, about going over and trying to talk with her face to face and all, and well she's looking forward to meeting everyone." Johnny fully enjoyed the remainder of his shift. Not only did he tell the guys all about Allison and the picnic, but he let it 'slip' a few times at Rampart as well. Dixie was looking forward to finally meeting Allison as well. *** The following week, Johnny's voice showed concern after all they had been through to reach this day. He had called Nicki early in morning to double check things. "Nic, you gonna be okay?". "Oh yeah, it's a good nervous, an anxious nervous," she explained, "I can't wait to see the look on his face." "Oh I know exactly what you mean," Johnny said on the other end of the phone. "Look, I better get going. I'll see you soon." "Not soon enough for me," Nicki said laughing on her end. "Easy girl, wouldn't want Chet hearing you talk like that," "You want to make a bet on that?" Nicki said before hanging up the phone. An hour later, Johnny arrived at the picnic. Several activities were already completed or just getting over. He greeted several fellow firefighters including his partner and Joanne. "Uh Johnny," Roy started to say before Johnny cut him off. "Roy, I know what you're thinking," Johnny said holding up one hand, "Allison will be here. I promise okay?" "Okay, if you say so," Roy answered with a touch of doubt in his voice. "Hey Johnny, come on, you playing or not?" came a shout from one of the guys from 110. "She'll be here," Johnny reassured Roy once more, before running over to the ball diamond where the annual softball game was getting underway. As the guys headed for the field, Nicki and several of the other female members of the department followed. "Oh no, no way," Chet argued even before Nicki had said a word. "Yes way, Chester B," she argued, "Don't you be telling me what I can and can't do. You aren't my boss and you certainly aren't my mother, so give it a rest." "That'a girl Nic," Dixie shouted from the sidelines. "Well you ain't playing on my team," Chet stated flatly, "I plan on being on the winning team and no team with a bunch of girls is going to beat the guys here." "You want to make a bet on that big brother?" Nicki demanded. "Oh come on, you can't be serious," Chet said laughing before realizing she was serious. "Okay, tell you what. How 'bout after the game, we all head on over to the 10-4 Bar & Grill? Drinks are on the losing team." "Deal," Nicki and two others agreed, extending their hands to several male firefighters. The 10-4 Bar & Grill was a fairly new establishment owned by 2 retired firefighters and a retired police officer. It had become a meeting place for fire and police personnel to gather, maybe play a game of pool or watch a football game. Rather than a station vs. station game, the teams were made up of a mix of the stations, with Chet and Nicki on opposite sides of course. Nicki glanced in Dixie's direction before taking her place in centerfield. "Why don't you trade places with Scot, there sis," Chet continued his banter. "You always were out in left field. Might as well feel at home." "I'll show you home big brother," Nicki yelled back. That she did too. In the bottom of the eighth inning, Nicki connected with a pitch from Chet himself, circling the bases for a home run. "Man, we need a new pitcher, this one stinks," Marco complained as the game was now tied An inning later, the game was tied no more, as Johnny and Nicki's team took the lead by one run. Just before the team returned to the field for the bottom of the ninth, Roy pulled Johnny aside inquiring about the missing 'Allison.' "What do you mean when is she going to get here Roy?" Johnny said with a wink as he turned to take his place at second, "She is here." 'She is here?' Roy mouthed the words as no sound came out. Two outs later, Roy continued to scour the crowd, searching for an unfamiliar female face. With runners on second and third and two outs, Bellingham took his place in the batter's box. One swing later, he sent a ball searching for a place to drop with Johnny in pursuit. The ball landed in the pocket of his glove, just as a charging Nicki collided with him, jarring the ball loose. Nicki tried to recover to catch the ball, but it was Dwyer in right field that managed to catch the loose ball, before it could hit the ground. Losing her footing as she collided with Johnny, she tumbled to the ground. Johnny was the first to reach her, as she lay on the field. "Nicki?" Johnny said as he leaned down near her. Closely behind Johnny were Roy, Chet, and Dixie, among others. "Hey Nic, you alright?" Johnny asked as she opened her eyes. Before he had a chance to ask a second question, Nicki wrapped both arms around his neck pulling him into one very hot steamy kiss. "Well now," Dixie said with surprise as she looked towards Roy, "Does he treat all his patients like this?" "Nope, not all of them," Roy said laughing as he answered, "Just ones named Allison." Johnny and Nicki, looking back at Roy as he spoke, broke into a fit of laughter before Nicki turned Johnny to face her once more. "I guess that answers that question," she said smiling. "What question?" Johnny asked before Nicki pulled him to her again. "This question," she answered with a second steamy kiss. "GAAAAAAGE!!!" Came the response that both Johnny and Nicki had expected from the beginning. "Chester B!!!" Nicki beat him to the punch. "How 'bout giving your little sis a hand? Chet indeed did reach his hand out, but not to assist his sister to her feet. Instead his hand, or rather his fist, aimed in Johnny's direction. Expecting such a response, Johnny ducked out of the way. By the time the thrown punch missed its target, Nicki was on her feet taking aim at Chet. "Knock it off Chet!" she yelled. "What'd I tell you? Huh? What did I tell you?" Chet was so mad the veins in his neck were popping out. "I told you stay away from Gage." "And you," he stepped towards Johnny once more, as Mike, Marco, and a few others got between them. "I told you, damn it, I told you to stay away from my little sister. Did I not make myself clear?" His anger mounting, Chet broke free from the hold of his crewmates, charging at Johnny. Once again, Johnny dodged Chet as he tackled the ground near Johnny instead. As he tried to get to his feet, Chet was once again held back by more firefighters. "I don't believe this! I do not believe this!" Chet said looking from Johnny to Nicki and back to Gage. "I thought we were friends, how long have we worked together and now you do this, behind my back. Is this why you had to keep it a secret? Huh? Did you have to make up a phony name just so I wouldn't find out? Geez, I don't believe you?" "Well, I was about to leave Dix," Dr Brackett said, standing next to her watching the scene before them. "Maybe I better hang around a while?" "That might be a good idea." Dixie replied, flinching every time Chet started another tirade. "And you," he lashed out at Nicki. "What the hell were you thinking? Were you thinking at all? Man, Nic, all the guys out there and you're doing who knows what with Gage? "Save it Gage, I don't want to hear it!" Chet stopped Johnny before he could get a word out. "You know something, I don't want to hear it. I don't need to hear it." "My God, a camping trip," Chet turned on Nicki again, "Did you sleep with him too, huh? You did, didn't you?" "Yeah Chet, I did. And you know what else big brother? It was good, real good as a matter of fact," Nicki lashed back at her brother. Years of dealing with Chet's attitude, was finally coming to a head and she was going to enjoy this for all it was worth.  After hearing Nicki's last remark, however, Johnny suddenly wished he could disappear. "What are you going to do about it? Huh? Send me to my room?" "Maybe that's what I should have done," Chet grumbled aloud. "At least then, Gage would have kept his hands off of you." "So how's it feel, Chet?" Nicki said finally relenting to let this come to an end "It's not too much fun being on the receiving end of the practical joke is it?" "Damn it Gage. How many times did I tell you huh? Stay away from her," Chet yelled as he could not respond in any other way, as he was still being restrained. "Practical joke?" Roy said softly glancing towards Joanne. "She did say 'practical joke' did she not?" Dixie had caught onto the two words Nicki had spoken. She burst into a fit of laughter, as all of this was now making sense. "I should have known something was up when I saw you two with your heads together," Dixie said taking center stage near the 'couple'. "So this is what you two were up to. Plotting revenge huh?" "Who us?" Nicki said failing miserably to contain her laughter. "Well, maybe not revenge. More like a little practical joke on the Phantom." "Practical joke?" Chet now was starting to get the picture. "What are you talking about? You mean all this was a joke?" "Yep, gotcha Chet" Johnny laughed with much satisfaction. "So all this time, this new woman, all that was part of the joke?" Roy asked. "Yep, it was all part of the plan," Nicki responded. "Wait a minute," Chet continued on, "What about the camping trip?" "Oh well that was real," Johnny confirmed. "You mean to tell me you took my little sister to the woods all alone?" Chet's temperature was rising once more. "Yep, sure did," Johnny answered. "And she's a lot more fun in the woods than you are Chet." Once again, Chet charged at Johnny! "Oh come on Chet," Nicki shook her head. "Like we said, it was all part of the plan. The plan,  Chet. Get it?" "I get it. I get it," Chet shook it off, suddenly feeling a little silly standing here in front of a crowd of fellow firefighters. "I know even Gage is smarter than that. He knows what I'd do if he pulled anything like that on my little sister. So you went camping. Big deal. It's not like you really slept together or anything." "Uh..." Johnny said knowing the response he would get from Chet. Nicki let Chet fume a little while before she continued. "Yeah, well the part about the storm and the rain. Well that part really did happen and we really did have to sleep together in the back of the Rover." "Yeah, that was some storm too," Johnny added. "Good thing I had that bed in the back of the Rover. Too bad about our clothes though. They were soaked, but they dried pretty fast when we hung them out to dry." "Yeah they did dry pretty fast," Nicki added. "They were dry when I finished my bath in the creek there." Dixie and the guys were enjoying the little play on words between Johnny and Nicki at Chet's expense. "So, what about that time at Rampart?" Dixie inserted her thought. "That day one of my nurses asked you about two-timing Allison with Nicki?" "Well I told you guys that Allison was working." Johnny began. "Yeah, and speaking for Allison, I was working. Actually, I was right there at the moment," Nicki said holding her stomach as she laughed harder than she had in a long, long time. "And that shift, those two shifts we put up with you when you and 'Allison' supposedly broken up," Roy asked on behalf of his shift mates. "Well partner, let me tell you something," Johnny tried to explain. "Those were two of the longest shifts I ever worked. That first day, jeez, what'd we have, four calls all day long. I was doing all I could to avoid you guys, cause it was getting tougher and tougher to keep a straight face." "Volunteering to do latrine duty?" Cap recalled. "Oh yeah, that," Johnny laughed. "I had to do something, and quick. I barely got to the latrine before I nearly broke out in laughter." "So what about breakfast afterwards?" Roy asked. "That was rather sneaky don't you think." "Yeah, that was actually Nicki's idea," Johnny said, giving credit to his 'partner in crime." A great idea too, cause it really took the pressure off. Here we were trying to get together to plan this, while staying one step ahead of all of you. Especially Chet there." "Me, why me?" Chet asked innocently, although everyone knew otherwise. "Yeah you," Johnny laughed. "It wouldn't be the first time I saw you in my rear view mirror, or sitting in the parking lot outside my apartment." "Or, just happening to run into you at a pet store picking up a bag of Cat Chow for the elderly neighbor's dog," Nicki barely got the words out before laying her head against Johnny's shoulder, as she broke out in a fit of laughter. Chet felt the heat around his face, sure it was as red as the engine in the bay. "Yeah well, let's just say there were times when we needed to find a place to do some plotting," Johnny explained. "That's what the camping trip, and then breaking up was all about. By having Allison and I break up, nobody suspected anything when Nicki and me were together." "Well, I for one, am very proud of the two of you," Dixie said, giving Chet a look that only reassured him that he had been had, by his own prey. "Hey Nic, I don't know about you but I, for one, am thirsty," Johnny replied putting his arm around her shoulders. "You know, Johnny, I am too," Nicki said, returning the hug as she and Johnny walked together. "Come on big brother" Nicki said pulling Chet along with her and Johnny. "I believe you owe us a drink." Cap stood shaking his head, trying to sort out what had just occurred in front of him. "Hey Hank," Dixie said as the younger crowd had begun to thin out. "You look like you were a million miles away. What're you thinking about?" "Early retirement!" Hank answered, looking between both Dix and Doctor Brackett. "Come on Hank," Dr Brackett laughed, fully understanding the man's feelings at that moment. "You look like you could use a drink too." The End My thanks to Sharon for beta reading this not once, but twice and for her 'gentle' suggestions for this first time writer. Thanks to Ria and Amy for encouraging me to finish this story not once but twice after I lost my handwritten copy while typing it and struggled to recreate it from memory. (The handwritten copy seemed to miraculously reappear after I had it rewritten). Thanks also to Janet for putting me in touch with a wonderful beta reader and for giving me a place to share my story. REMEMBER TO GIVE YOUR FEEDBACK TO BOBBIE return to main menu