Too Much Of A Good Thing by Betty and Kajakat The silence of the night was shattered by the shrill of the smoke detector's sounding. Upon hearing the noise, John Gage instinctively got up and reached for his bunker pants. Only when the pain from his hip reached his head, did Johnny realize he wasn't at 51s any longer and the sound was coming from his own house. He glanced over and saw Jennifer still asleep in their bed. "Jen, wake up. JEN WAKE UP!" "Huh? What's that noise?" Jenny groggily asked. "Jen, it's the smoke detector. Go get Kaitlin and get outside. I smell smoke." Jennifer knew all to well about smoke and fires. Her father, Roy DeSoto, a former firefighter himself, often talked to her about the dangers of fires and how to survive them if the enviable happened- a fire breaking out in your own home. Jennifer threw on her robe and ran to her daughter's room. She picked the sleeping child up, placed her blanket over her and ran downstairs being careful as she hurried to the door and to safety. While Jennifer took her daughter to safety, Johnny, from his bedroom, placed a call. "911. State the nature of your emergency." "My house is on fire. My address is 1735 Crescent Way." "All right sir. Is everyone out of the house?" "Yes." "The fire department will be there in minutes." "Thanks." The irony of Johnny saying thanks. He got his walker and gingerly descended the stairs. By the time he made it to the main level of his home, he saw the smoke and flames billowing out from his kitchen. He thought about using one of his fire extinguishers to put the flames out, but knew better. Recovering from hip replacement surgery, he didn't have the flexibility to fight this fire. He took one last look at the burning room and slowly left his house. Jennifer stood outside by her car. After placing Kaitlin in the car seat, she saw Johnny emerge from his home. She walked over to him to assist him. "How bad is it?" "Bad." Jennifer heard that and made a move to go back inside the burning house. Johnny saw her make a move and grabbed onto her arm tightly. "What do you think you are doing?" "I'm going back in there to get things." Jennifer said with tears in her eyes. "Jennifer the only important things are out here. Everything else can be replaced." The sounds of the approaching sirens could be heard while the Gages watched their home burn. Wearing only their nightclothes, the couple waited and listened as the monster consumed their home. *** Station 51. House fire 1735 Crescent Way. 1735 Crescent Way. Timeout 2:45. Chris DeSoto heard the tones and automatically put his bunker pants on. He was on remote control. When he heard the address again, he realized it was his brother-in-law's place. "Jeff, that's Johnny's house!" Jeff, Chris' paramedic partner nodded his head to acknowledge the statement, as he put his bunker pants on. "Cap! That's Johnny's place!" Chris said to Captain Marco Lopez as the crew all ran for their vehicles. "I know Chris, I know. *** When Station 51 arrived on the scene, each member of the crew saw Johnny & Jen's ranch house ablaze. The flames danced against the blacken sky as the fire soared through the roof at the back of the dwelling. The sound of wood crackling was obtrusive, destroying the silence of the night. The sight was almost hypnotic for those around watching the luminous glow. Captain Marco got out of the Ward La France's cab, and started giving orders to his crew. Jeff and Chris, Station 51's paramedics ran over to Jen and John bringing a couple of blankets with them. "Are you two okay?" Jeff asked pulling one of the blankets out of its protective package and wrapping it around Jenny. Jenny nodded her head, but no words came out of her mouth. "Any smoke inhalation?" Jeff continued. "No," Jenny said softly. She was watching her husband walk closer to his burning house. True, the house was in both names, but she had been only living here for 2 ½ years. This house belonged to Johnny where he spent many days pouring his sweat into building the house he always wanted. And he achieved that and had a house he was quite proud of. Jennifer watched John walk, using his walker, closer to the fire. Captain Lopez noticed that too and approached his former coworker. Putting his arm on Johnny's shoulder he said, "Come on John. There's nothing you can do. Let's get you back over near your wife and daughter." Johnny looked at Marco. He made eye contact with his friend and said, "why? Why now?" Marco didn't have an answer to this question that was asked so many times by fire victims. Marco helped Johnny walk back over to Jennifer who was alone. Jenny started to pass the blanket Jeff left with her, to Johnny. At first he shook his head refusing, but Marco stepped forward, ripped the plastic off and wrapped the blanket around his friend. Since no one needed medical treatment, Jeff and Chris pulled a line and worked along side their crew at putting out the fire. Two more engines were heard coming up the drive. Marco gave Johnny a pat on the back and excused himself so he could give direction to the arriving crews. Jenny put her hand on Johnny's right shoulder. He touched it with his left hand, but continued to stare at the burning building, his burning home. After thirty minutes the three engine crews were able to put the fire out and the overhaul began. Jenny sat in her car with her eyes closed. She had her hand on her sleeping daughter's car seat. She needed the assurance that her daughter was okay. Johnny walked around his property talking with some of the firefighters, trying to determine what started the fire. Chris saw his brother-in-law and took a break to talk with him. "Come on Johnny, lemme check you out." Chris said rather forcibly. Johnny looked at him and was about to say no, when Chris continued. "Don't you argue with me? You are what, four weeks out of surgery. And you're supposed to take it easy and what are you doing? You're supervising cleanup. I bet your blood pressure is up. And I can only imagine how your hip feels." "Don't go paramedic on me Chris." Johnny said through clenched teeth. "Hah, where have I heard that before? Lemme see...about four months ago from my Dad. Nope Johnny, that won't work. Do I have to pull rank on you?" "Pull rank?" Johnny asked. "I'm a Captain." "Yes, you are sir, but my sister, your wife, is the Chief." **** As the overhaul came to a close a couple hours later on Johnny's Ranch house, Marco approached his friend to deliver the news. "John," he started. "We discovered the cause of the fire. Looks like your hot water tank malfunctioned and sparked a fire." Johnny looked at Marco in disbelief. "It can't be. It's a new tank. I had it replaced only two months ago." "I'm sorry, mi amigo." Johnny closed his eyes and leaned back against Jenny's car. "What are we gonna do now?" Johnny mumbled under his breath not intending for anyone to hear. "We'll go over to Dad and Mom's." Jenny whispered into her husband's ear while wrapping her arms around him, the blanket she had wrapped around her slipped off her shoulders and fell onto the ground. "John, I have to get back to my men," Marco said with sadness. It was never a pleasant scene to see people burned out of their homes and it was even harder when the person was a friend. "Where will you go?" Marco asked with concern. "I guess I'll take my family over to Roy's. We have nowhere else to go tonight," Johnny answered holding his wife. He only hoped his old friend would open up his home to him. He had no doubt that Roy would let Kaitlin and Jenny stay, but considering, things between him and Roy were still a bit shaky, he worried he might be nothing but an intruder now. "Okay," Marco replied. "I'll have Chris and Jeff follow in the squad." "You don't have to do that, Marco. I can handle it." Johnny replied. "I don't doubt that for a moment John, but I would feel better knowing you all arrived safely." Johnny nodded. He knew better than to argue with Marco. He found a little bit of Hank in each of his old co-workers. He figured that maybe that's what made them all so good at their jobs. Johnny settled his weary body into the passenger's seat of Jenny's car and leaned his head back closing his eyes while Jenny drove to Roy and JoAnne's home. The drive was done in silence. Even Kaitlin slept through the chaos of the night. When Jenny pulled the car along side the curb in front of her parent's home, Johnny finally opened his eyes. He glanced at the place that once was his second home for many years. The place was in total darkness. "Stay here," Jenny said. "I'll wake them up before we move Kaitlin and you." Chris jumped out of the squad; he motioned for Jeff to hang close by his brother in law while he walked his sister to the door. With wearing his turnouts, Chris didn't have the spare key to the house. And with loosing the ranch, neither did Jenny, so the two siblings were forced to ring the doorbell and knock on the door. "What in the world…" JoAnne mumbled hearing the pounding on the front door and the ringing of the bell. She began to get up when Roy stopped her. "I'll see who it is," he said. "And whoever it is had better have a damm good reason for waking us at four in the morning," he grumbled climbing out of his warm bed. Grabbing his robe he marched downstairs. Curious to the noise, JoAnne followed close behind. When Roy opened his front door, he was about to yell at the unwelcome guest until he found his own children standing there, Chris in his turnouts and Jenny in her bathrobe. Jenny couldn't even form a word. She burst into tears and walked past he father into her mother's arms. A bit panicked, not knowing what was going on, Roy faced his son with questioning eyes, but immediately knew the answer just from the acidic aroma come from both his children? "The ranch burned down tonight," Chris choked out. Roy's stomach flip-flopped. "Where's Kaitlin? And where's Johnny?" Roy queried, anxiously fearing the worst. "They are both okay, Dad. They're still in the car. I think Johnny's having trouble with his hip, but he's being stubborn as usual and he's upset too." Chris answered. Roy looked at JoAnne. "Take Jenny into the living room. Chris, come with me. I want your help to get Johnny and Kaitlin inside," he said forging past his son. Chris had to almost jog to keep pace with his Dad. The jaunt across the front yard was done in seconds. It was a long time since Chris saw his Dad move so swiftly. He admired his father, and knew he had to have been one hell of a firefighter in his day. Due to the fact they were related, headquarters made a point to not have them work out of the same station, so Chris was never able see his Dad in action all that often. Roy stopped just short of Jenny's car and looked at his friend. The streetlight illuminated the inside of the car. He could see the pain and concern etched over his friend's pale face. He knew how much the ranch meant to Johnny and to loose it, he knew his friend was hurting. Roy remembered the day Johnny told everyone about his real estate venture. Everyone, including Roy, had reservations about the acquisition. They all felt Johnny stepped in over his head. But in the end, he proved each of them wrong. He poured his sweat into the place and made a fine home out of it. Opening the car door, Roy knelt down beside his friend. "Johnny," he softly said. Johnny looked at Roy with sorrow in his eyes. "I had nowhere else to bring my family," he admitted with great emotional pain. Roy knew those words had to have been the hardest words for his friend to say without asking for help, so instead of making a issue out of it, Roy extended his hand to Johnny. "Let's get you and my grand daughter inside where it's warm." Johnny smiled weakly and grasped Roy's hand. With Chris' help, the two men had Johnny out of the car. Jeff offered to get Kaitlin and bring her inside. Johnny nodded his head in appreciation. With Roy on one side and Chris on the other, they slowly guided Johnny across the lawn and into the house. Roy could tell his friend was in some pain when he felt Johnny wince each time he put pressure on his left leg. *** They settled John onto the couch. Jeff went back to the squad and got the equipment. Chris put the sleeping Kaitlin on the floor, near the kitchen where she would be out of the way, but within visual sight. When Jeff walked into the living room with the equipment, Johnny motioned with his hand, dismissing what he knew was coming. "I don't need that." All five adults stopped what they were doing and glared at Johnny. He looked back at each one and said slowly, "I AM OKAY." The five adults looked at one another to determine who was going to lay down the law. Roy, believing himself to be the senior member was about to speak when Jennifer grab his arm. "If my husband doesn't want to be checked out, he doesn't. That's the law. However, you two," pointing to Chris and Jeff, "better stick around, because I'm gonna beat the crap out of him," she said raising her voice. Jenny then focusing her attention on her husband walked over to him. "You know, I don't know if paramedics are bred to be stubborn." Jennifer was in Johnny's face and he was sitting back on the couch. "Do you want me to call Dr Carlson? Do you want to have to explain why you're not following his instructions? And, do you want me to call Terry, your physical therapist, and tell her your not behaving?" "No, don't call Terry. She's not a therapist. SHE'S A TERRORIST." The four other adults were having a hard time concealing their laughter as they watched Jennifer put Johnny in his place. Johnny sighed heavily and mouthed 'you win' to his wife. "Okay, which one of you guys wants me?" Johnny asked looking at both Chris and Jeff. "Just remember, I will be grading you …" Johnny said. "You don't scare me, Captain Gage." Jeff said. "I work for Captain Lopez." Everyone except Johnny chuckled at Jeff's comment. The two paramedics took their gear out and Roy sat down to watch. Jennifer and JoAnne went to the kitchen to make coffee and fix something for everyone to eat. No one noticed Kaitlin stirring. When she started to cry, the adults stopped what they were doing. Roy, with nothing to do, got up and took her out of her car seat. Soothingly he said, "mornin' Katie Roo. It's Poppie." Kaitlin rubbed her eyes and looked around. She was looking for her parents but didn't see them, as Johnny was hidden behind Chris and Jeff and Jenny was in the kitchen. Kaitlin continued to cry and her crying got louder. "Shh, Katie Roo. You're okay. Your Daddy's over there." Roy said pointing to Johnny who was on the couch. "Uncle Chris and Jeff are with him." Kaitlin continued to cry and the tears were rolling down her cheeks. Roy walked into the kitchen with Kaitlin on his hip. She had her arms wrapped around him as she cried. "Your Momma is here with Gramma. They're making coffee." "Let me have her Dad." Jennifer said. Jennifer reached to take her daughter, but Kaitlin screamed and tightened her grip on Roy. "ROY?!" Johnny shouted from the living room. Roy poked his head out from the kitchen and looked at Johnny. "Bring her to me," and that's what Roy did with the bawling child. Jeff and Chris moved out of the way. When Kaitlin saw her Daddy her crying eased a bit. She released her grip on Roy's neck and motioned toward her father. Roy walked over and Johnny raised his arms, even with the blood pressure cuff still attached to him. "Come 'er Kitty Kate. Everything's okay." He took his daughter in his arms and rubbed her back. She hid her face into his chest and cried. Tenderly, Johnny spoke to his daughter. "Kaitlin. We're at Gramma and Poppie's house. There's no reason to be afraid." Johnny continued to stroke her back as he spoke soothing to her. "I know you're frightened. You expected to wake up in your room and see all your Pooh bears there. Well, we had to come to Gramma and Poppie's house this morning. You're just scared, that's all. But you know I'll take care of you." While Johnny was talking, all the adults came into the living room to watch and listen. As Johnny continued to calm his daughter down, her crying turned into sobs. JoAnne went over to Jenny. "Why was she so upset by you, Jen?" "I think it has to do with her teething. She seems to be comforted by Johnny now, more than me. You know he's home with her more than I am. And waking here and seeing us all here, probably overwhelmed her. I'm not too surprised by her actions. Sometimes, a girl wants her Daddy." Jenny said walking over to her father for a hug. Roy opened his arms up to embrace his daughter. ****** Once Chris and Jeff were assured that Johnny was okay, they left the DeSoto home and returned to their station. Jenny managed to convince Johnny to lie down in her old bedroom and rest. She hoped that her husband would fall asleep, but all he did was lay with his back to her staring at the wall. Johnny listened intently each time he heard the chimes coming from the Big Ben clock he and Jenny had given JoAnne for Christmas the year before. Once it chimed out eight o'clock, Johnny gingerly got out of bed, using his walker; he made his way to the bathroom. After finishing in the bathroom, he carefully began to make his way down the stairs to the DeSoto's living room. Before he made it to the main level of the house, Jenny appeared. "And just what do you think you're doing, ole man," she asked. Johnny glanced at his wife. She stood before him with her hands perched on her hips and was tapping her foot, waiting for an answer. Johnny shook his head and wondered if JoAnne acted the same way with Roy. "I'm fixing to head out to the ranch." "I don't think so. What are you trying to do, put yourself back into Rampart?" "Jenny. I can't make you understand. I have to go." Johnny said with pleading eyes. Roy stepped out from the kitchen when he heard his daughter's voice. He picked up on the expression on Johnny's face. It was a cross between sorrow and need. He decided to step in and help his old friend out. "Jenny," Roy began, "I will take Johnny out to the ranch. Trust me, I won't let him do anything, but he needs to see it, in the day light." Jenny stared into her father's eyes. She observed the patriarch in her father that was always there while she and Chris were growing up. She nodded her affirmation. "Just don't let him do anything." "I promise." "Thanks Dad." Jenny answered giving him a kiss on the cheek. She then turned to her husband and helped guide him into the living room. She got him settled onto the couch. "At least have a bite to eat before you go." Johnny nodded. He didn't feel hungry, but he knew he had to keep peace with his wife and at least try to eat something. "Here," Jenny said handing Johnny a shirt and some socks. Johnny looked up at her with a raised eyebrow. "The last time we were over here to visit a week ago, I brought some extra clothes with me. I guess I forgot them here," she answered before heading to the kitchen. Roy sat in his favorite chair and waited for his daughter to return with some food. He studied his friend. Johnny appeared to be okay, but Roy knew that underneath, his friend was hurting. Not just because of the pain from his hip, but the pain of loosing the all his worldly goods, especially now, so close to Christmas. "As soon as you patronize me and Jenny by eating a little something, I'll take you out to the Ranch." Roy stated. Johnny looked at his friend. He half smiled and nodded. ***** The drive to the Ranch was done in silence. As much as Roy wanted to engage in conversation, to help settle his friend's mind, he decided to leave it to Johnny to initiate any discussion. He knew from the past, working so closely with Johnny, there was times his friend just needed space and this was one of those times. Approaching the turn off to Johnny's driveway, it was visibly noticeable the house was mostly gone. Most of the roof no longer rose above the tree line. Turning off the road, Roy drove past the huge elms that stood on either side of the driveway. Once past the trees and bushes, the sight before them was overwhelming. Several cars, trucks, and vans were parked wherever there was a spot. A swarm of people milled about sifting through the ruins of Johnny's home. The only space left to park was where Jenny's car should have been. Roy pulled his car into the space. Occasionally he glanced at his friend and noted the reverence that had appeared on his face. Before getting out of the car, Johnny looked at Roy, "Are you responsible for this?" he asked. "Partly," Roy admitted. "I had some help too. Marco, Jeff, and Chris all pitched in and made phone calls too." "I don't know what to say." "You don't have to say anything, Junior. Just relax and let your friends help you." For the first time Roy saw the damaged house. More appropriately, the smoldering remains of what used to be Johnny's house. Roy didn't want to show how upset he was. Chris didn't tell him that the house was totaled. Roy was fearful that Johnny would not handle this too well. Hell, Roy couldn't imagine how he would feel given the same situation. When Roy stepped from his vehicle, he noticed, Hank, Marco, Chet, and Mike all approaching. They all walked over to Johnny who was getting out of the car. Chet spoke first. "Johnny, man, I'm so sorry. If there's anything I can do, let me know." He offered his hand to Johnny. Johnny looked into Chet's eyes but didn't say anything. Mike spoke next. "Hey Johnny, lemme know if I can help. I got some time coming to me, so if you want my help, don't hesitate to ask." Mike had his hands on his hips. Johnny spoke for the first time. Clearing his throat he said, "thanks Mike. Chet" Marco approached his friend and said, "Johnny, you know I'll help too. Just let me know when and where." "Thanks Marco. And thanks for what you did earlier, sending Chris and Jeff with me." Hank was the next one to speak. "John. I know you've been through a lot. I just want you to know, Pal, the Department takes care of it's own. That's why everyone's here to help with the salvage. If you want to put stuff in my garage, just let me know. And, if there's anything else the Department can do for you, you just call me." Hank patted Johnny on the back. "Thanks Chief." Johnny said. Johnny surveyed the landscape, seeing the people, his friends, going through his stuff, his possessions. He was always on the other side of this and held his detachment as people wept over their own ruined belongings. Now it was his turn. Using the walker, he carefully walked through the remnants of his house. "Johnny…." Roy said. Johnny lifted his hand. "Don't Roy. I have to do this." Johnny didn't turnaround as he walked threw the rubble. The other men continued to reclaim items. Johnny knew where he was walking too. He went to where his bedroom would be. He saw what wasn't burned or singed, was water damaged. He continued to walk carefully. He saw a pile of clothes and went over to it. One of his uniforms was draped on top. Somehow, it survived the fire. But he knew he'd have to throw it away, as that sooty acidic smell never goes away. Johnny just shook his head. The next area Johnny went to was Kaitlin's room. He saw all the water and smoke damaged Pooh bears in a pile. He was relieved that she wasn't near the room when the monster exploded. He bent down and saw the cradle. He picked it up and noticed the charring on it. Using his shoulder, he wiped the tears from his eyes. He made this cradle from scratch, a trait his grandfather taught him. When he found out he was going to be a Daddy, he wanted to make something for his child that could be passed down through the generations. Now, all he had left was a blistered piece of wood. "Dammit." Johnny cursed. He took the cradle and threw it on the ground causing it to break apart. Roy came up beside Johnny, to steady him. "Easy Junior, take it easy," Roy said in a voice he used on many patients over the years. He put his hand on Johnny's back to offer physical and emotional support. Johnny looked devastated. He lost his balance and sat on what was left of the little Eeyore's bench that used to decorate his daughter's room. He put his hands on his head and his shoulders started to shake. Roy bent down to be with his friend. "Johnny, it will all be okay. You will rebuild all of this and we," he gestured to all of the people around, "will be with you every step of the way." Johnny looked up at Roy and it was the first time in many years Roy saw Johnny's raw emotions. "First your heart attack, then my surgery and now this. Roy, I don't know how much more I can take." He clenched his fists, trying to control his anger. "Johnny, I know nothing I say now will help you, but you will get through this. Hell, I know how you feel, having my heart attack and all. I didn't want to move and risk another attack. But life didn't give me a choice. You just have to think of yourself, Jen and Kaitlin." Shifting a bit Roy continued, "I can't squat like this anymore." Johnny halfheartedly laughed as his friend stood up. Roy looked around as his friends continued to go through the damage, ignoring the dialogue he and Johnny were having. They all knew from their own experience about the anger fire victims' go through and wanted to give them the privacy they deserve. Johnny stood up. "I guess I should start here." Glancing around the room, Johnny noticed the bookshelf he built for his daughter. It was nothing but broken carded pieces of wood. All her treasured Pooh books lay scattered. Most of them burned beyond recognition while others were scorched and soaked. Johnny walked over to the where the books lay. He knelt down and picked up the only two that survived the fire and were still in reasonable shape. He closed his eyes and sucked in a deep breath. He forced the tears that threatened to spill away, and allowed his anger he tried hard to conceal, to spill. He hurled the books against the opposing wall so hard; the Pooh picture that Roy gave Kaitlin fell to the floor and broke in two pieces. "Dammit," he cursed. Ignoring, his hip, Johnny bent down and grabbed a huge handful of the charred books and with all his might heaved them across the room too. Bits of singed paper and soot hung in the air, slowly raining down and landing back onto the floor. Roy approached his friend and placed his hands on Johnny's shoulders. "Come, let's get you out of here," he said. "I promised Jen that I wouldn't let you do anything." "I failed my family," Johnny muttered. "What? What did you say Johnny?" Roy asked. "I FAILED MY FAMILY." Johnny said through clenched teeth. "No you didn't, Johnny. This fire wasn't your fault." "Maybe not, Roy, but…I know I can live with things as they are. I know I can replace my stuff. I know I can replace most of Jen's stuff. Even if everything's not the same, Jen and I will be okay with it, but not Kaitlin. Most of her treasured items can never be replaced. Like her books," Johnny said sighing heavily. "Johnny. As far as her books are concerned, we can drop by the Book Nook on the way home." Johnny shook his head. "No. You don't understand, Roy. These books," Johnny said pointing to the remains lying scattered on the floor, "Jenny and I never bought them in a book store. We bought them with our groceries last year. The supermarket where we buy our groceries had these books as a special. Each week, for 18 weeks, they offered a different Pooh book for sale. The store doesn't carry them anymore." Roy kept his eyes trained on his friend the entire time Johnny spoke. Once Johnny finished explaining, Roy glanced at the remnants of the Pooh books lying scattered on the floor. Books, he knew Kaitlin loved dearly. Some of stories he knew by heart from reading them to her. He walked over to the far wall and picked up the same two books Johnny first threw at the wall, the two that were still mostly intact. He looked at his friend and gestured to the books. "I will take these and somehow, someway, I will find the entire set again for Kaitlin," Roy said. "Now, as for you, we are going out to the car to sit and wait till out friends have taken care of everything." Johnny nodded. After taking one last look around what was left of his daughter's bedroom, Johnny left the house. Roy noticed that his friend seemed to be leaning a great deal of his weight on the walker with each step he took. Roy assumed Johnny was feeling a considerable amount of pain. He decided then when they were ready to leave the ranch, he would tell Johnny he was swinging by Rampart. He figured if Johnny put up any fuss, he would get Hank involved. With Johnny still a member of the fire department, Roy knew Hank could order Johnny and Hank had this authoritative tone that anyone working under him couldn't argue with. Johnny sat in the passenger's seat of Roy's car; he leaned his head back against the headrest and closed his eyes. He was nearly asleep, when Hank and Mike approached the car. The two men engaged in conversation with Roy. The mumbled voices worked their way through Johnny's foggy brain. Opening his eyes, he looked at his three friends. He tried to listen, hoping to discover what they were talking about, but with their faint voices, he only heard one out of every three words they said. Two of the words that did resister were the words "Christmas' and 'Presents'. Johnny tried to get out of the car, but his hip reminded him he had to move with ease and not over exert himself. So he settled for speaking. "What are you guy's discussing?" he voiced rather loudly. He knew the topic was about him and he hated knowing when people were discussing his life. Roy faced his friend. At first he was unsure whether to fill Johnny in, but he knew sooner or later he would have to know. "Hank and Mike found some Christmas gifts." "Let me see them," Johnny replied carefully swinging his legs out of the car. Weakened because of his hip, he remained sitting. Together Mike and Hank carried a box, holding the gifts, over and placed it down in front of their friend. After glancing at what was in the box, Johnny ran his hands over his face and through his hair. Shaking his head, he glanced up at Roy, Mike, and Hank. "Christmas is ruined," he choked out. "No, Johnny. It's not ruined," Roy reminded his friend. "In a few days, when you're feeling a bit better, you and I will go shopping. Johnny shook his head. "You don't understand Roy," he said reaching into the box and pulling out the gift he made for Jenny. "I spent several years, strolling in the woods, going for hikes to find these," he said pointing to the gooey soaked feathers. "There isn't enough time to find new ones. I can't remake the dream catcher in time to give it to Jen." *** "Kaitlin, I know you don't like this, but eat a little bit, honey? For Momma?" Jenny said trying to get her daughter to eat some food. All Kaitlin was doing was shaking her head and throwing food on the floor. JoAnne saw Jennifer's growing agitation. She could only imagine what was going through her daughter's mind. The last two and half years were difficult ones for her daughter. "Let me try, Jen. Why don't you take a shower? Go to my closet and look around. There's probably a t-shirt and leggings you can use." Jennifer looked at her mother and started to cry. She put the spoon down, got up from the table and ran upstairs. Kaitlin saw her mother crying and started to cry herself. Kaitlin was certainly feeling the tension in the room and let it out the only way she knew how. JoAnne realized feeding Kaitlin was going to be a loosing battle. "Kaitlin. I think I have a Pooh video that you'd like to see. Why don't we go upstairs and get that going for you. Whaddya say?" Kaitlin looked at JoAnne and smiled while she nodded her head. JoAnne stood up and picked up her granddaughter. "Let's wash some of breakfast off your face. I don't think Cherrios were meant to stick here." JoAnne tapped Kaitlin's nose, "and here," JoAnne tapped Kaitlin's head. That did the trick as Kaitlin started to giggle. After the baby was washed, the two went upstairs to the bedroom. The video was turned on and Kaitlin was place on the bed. JoAnne raised the safety bars, figuring Kaitlin would fall asleep with the video on. She stayed by Kaitlin until she saw slumber overtake her. Now JoAnne had to work on her daughter. Jenny was brushing her hair in her parent's bedroom. "I hope you don't mind that I'm wearing this." Jenny moved her hand to show what she put on. "Of course not, Jen. It's what I told you to wear." JoAnne walked over to Jennifer and hugged her. "Come on Jen, let it out. Don't hold it in. It won't help any of you." Jenny sat down on her parent's bed, something she did some many times as a child growing up. The bed was a place she would share her secrets and desires, with her mother. Now she was going to share her sorrow. JoAnne sat down on the bed next to Jennifer. "Where's Kaitlin?" "She's in the other room sleeping. I put a Pooh video on and she fell asleep almost immediately. Jennifer smiled. "Well, at least someone will get some rest." Jenny cast her eyes down. "Mom, what am I gonna do?" Now the tears came in full force. JoAnne knew Jenny had to cry it all out. As any mother would do, she offered soothing words to her daughter; words that really didn't have to say anything. Jennifer just needed a sympathetic ear. Once Jennifer settled down, JoAnne talked. "Well I think you'll have to contact your insurance agent and get that going." "I know Mom. I'm sure Johnny's looking for the safe, where we had all those documents and things." Jenny paused. "But where are we gonna stay, Mom? You haven't been out there. Nothing's left. It's just a pile of rubbish." "But Jen, its just stuff. Possessions can be replaced. And you, Johnny and Kaitlin will stay here." Jenny looked up at her mother. "Are you sure? I mean, I know Dad and Johnny are getting along better, but…….." "Where else could you go? You can't stay in a motel, not with Kaitlin. And think about Johnny. He still has special medical needs. At least here, Kaitlin can play in the backyard. I'm here when I'm not at school and your father's only teaching 2 ½ days a week, so when you're working, Johnny will have help. "But Mom, the house is kinda small….." "Jennifer, this house is fine. It was never small for us!" "Mom, I don't want to impose." "IMPOSE? What are you saying? You are my daughter. Your father and I would do anything for you." "I know Mom. I just don't know how Johnny will feel about this." "You just let me talk to him. I'm pretty good at explaining things to stubborn firefighters." JoAnne stood up. "Let's start making lists of things we need to buy now for Kaitlin, you and Johnny. I have a feeling we'll be spending most of today at the mall. ***** Being firefighters, overhauling debris came easy for those who sifted through the remains of Johnny's home. They were extra careful while searching for things that could still be of some use to the family. After digging for some time through the rubble in a room off the kitchen, Marco discovered the small safe, which held the Gage's important documents. Johnny half laughed when Roy asked for the combination. "It's funny, you know. The safe is supposed to be a secure place to keep valuable and here I am giving out the combination." "Well if you think you're up to walking back inside the house, I don't see any other way…" "It's not that Roy. It's just all of this. The fire. Losing everything. And now, I have to start all over again. Look at me, Roy. I can hardly move. I have a family who depends on me and…" "You're not gonna start with a pity party are you? Because if you are, I'm not gonna listen. I've told you, and your friends have told you, we all will help you with what ever needs to be done. And that includes erecting a new set of walls and a roof." Johnny nodded. "I'm sorry, Roy. I…" "Don't sweat it, Junior. Now how about that combination?" Five minutes after Roy gave Johnny the combination to the safe, Roy returned with a hand full of papers and a two small jewelry boxes. "Here you go, my friend," Roy said handing the contents to Johnny. Johnny allowed the small stack of papers and the two boxes to sit in his lap. He fingered one of the velvet boxes before opening it to show Roy. "My mother gave this to me years ago. She wanted me to give it to my wife some day." Roy took the box from Johnny and looked at the magnificent pearl and diamond necklace. "It's beautiful," he said handing the box back to Johnny. Johnny smiled and stared into Roy's eyes." Jen requested that I keep it in the safe. She said it was too precious…She's only worn it a few times. Special occasions. Our anniversary and her birthday." It touched Roy, to realize how much his daughter meant to his friend and with the fact that Johnny gave her such a treasured item made him recognize this. "If you don't mind me asking what's in the other box?" "This, my old friend is rather personal, so let's just keep it closed." Johnny said, sighing. He took a look at the envelopes Roy gave him. He found the insurance documents and looked through them. "Well, at least my premiums are all paid up." Johnny laughed. "I guess I should find a phone and call the agent." Johnny mentioned to Roy. "What do you mean, find a phone? Let's go back to my house and you can call from there." Johnny looked up at Roy and nodded. Roy walked over to Hank Stanley and spoke with him. Johnny just sat back in the car, fingering the velvet box. His mind was elsewhere, worrying about all the work that was ahead of him. Roy came back to the driver's side of the car and got in. He started the motor and drove away. Johnny waved feebly at his friends who remained behind. "Hank said he'll bring the salvageable boxes to his home." "Thanks." Roy looked over at Johnny and was worried about his demeanor. Too many times, bad things happened to his friend. But Johnny was able to bounce back. He began to worry that this was the last straw. "Roy, your home is the other way." Johnny pointed. "I know. I'm gonna take you to Rampart." "NO YOU ARE NOT!" "Johnny! JOHN. Listen to me. You've been through a traumatic experience. That's reason enough to get you checked out. But, you are also recovering from recent surgery and I heard Chris mention high blood pressure. So, I just want to make sure you're okay." "But Roy…." "No buts Junior. If you're not gonna do this for yourself, you are gonna do it for Jennifer and Kaitlin. My daughter is too young to be a widow." Johnny looked at Roy and opened his mouth to say something, but quickly changed his mind. Instead, he leaned his head back and closed his eyes until they arrived at their destination. **** "Dr. Carlson is finishing up in the OR," Morton said, "but he wants to see you before I release you." "RELEASE ME. I never said anything about wanting to stay," Johnny snapped. "Johnny, would you relax. You don't need to raise your blood pressure any more than it already is. I never said I was keeping you other than long enough for Dr. Carlson to check you over. You have to understand, Johnny, the surgeons in this hospital kinda take their work to heart and they don't like to see set backs…" "But I never…" "Johnny would you let me finish before you take my head off," Morton said sternly. "You've had a traumatic experience happen to you and my guess is that you got out of your house under your own power, with no help from anyone, while the blaze raged on around you. Right." Johnny nodded. "You know as well as I do that you're supposed slow down and get help especially with the stairs. Right." "But…" "Look, Johnny, I know getting out of that house was top priority and you did what you had to do, but now I'm doing what I have to do. You are my patient and you're still Dr. Carlson's patient and we both want to make sure you didn't do anything that would cause a set back with your recovery." "Okay, I'll wait." "That's good to hear and while you're waiting, I'm gonna have X-ray take some pictures." Johnny groaned. He was already hurting enough; he really didn't want an X-ray technician manipulating his body. When the technician walked into the treatment room pushing the portable X-ray machine, Roy excused himself. Outside the room, Roy found Morton standing at the nurse's station looking through a chart. He approached the doctor. "Doc. How is he doing, really?" "Well Roy. His blood pressure is elevated, but considering what's happened in his life, I'm not surprised. I'm still waiting on his blood work. And I'll be waiting on his X-rays too. None of it should take too long. Did he sleep when he arrived at your house, Roy?" Roy shook his head. "No. He was pretty worked up. Jen did get him to lie down, but I'm sure he didn't sleep. I really can't blame him for being upset either. There's nothing left of the house." Morton whistled. "That's too bad, Roy. If there's anything I can do to help, don't hesitate to ask." "Doc, I was wondering if I would be able to get something to help Johnny relax, maybe sleep. Just a couple days worth." "I'm sure Dr. Carlson will want to prescribe something, especially for pain. As soon as we have all the blood work and the X-rays back and we have a chance to go over things. I don't see a problem with giving him something for a few days. In fact it might do him some good." Roy nodded. At that moment, Dixie approached. "Dix. I thought this was your day off." Morton said. "It was, until Karen got sick and this hospital needed a replacement," she answered. Pursing her lips and frowning, Dixie glanced back in forth between Roy and Morton. "What's going on?" Roy sighed heavily. "Johnny's house burned down last night." Dixie gasped. "Are Jenny, Kaitlin, and Johnny okay? No one got burned did they?" "Relax, Dix. Everyone is okay and other than high blood pressure, over working his hip and stress, Johnny's okay too." "Treatment Room 4," Morton said. He had a feeling what Dixie's next question was going to be. Dixie nodded to both men then walked away in the direction where Johnny was. *** Dixie walked into treatment four just as the x-ray tech was finishing up. Johnny had his eyes closed with his left arm bent over his face. "Johnny Gage, we have to stop meeting like this," Dixie said. Johnny opened his eyes and smiled. Dixie was the one woman, besides his wife and mother-in-law, who could make him laugh when he felt just like doing the opposite. Dixie walked over to the gurney and looked at her old friend. She moved the misplaced hair off of his forehead. "So, it goes without saying, but if there is anything I can do for you, please tell me." "Thanks Dix." "No. I really mean it. If you want me to watch Kaitlin, I'll do it. If you need a shoulder to cry on, mine are available." Johnny smiled that trademarked grin of his. Johnny was about to say something when Dr. Carlson came in. "John Gage. I didn't think I'd be seeing you so soon." Carlson said in his baritone voice. "I better go, Johnny. Remember what I said." Dixie said patting her friend on the shoulder before leaving the room. *** Roy walked over to the bank of phones and called home. Roy leaned his head against the phone as he listened to the rings. He yawned. He was beginning to feel the interruption to his sleep in a big way. He made up his mind, once Johnny was settled back at his home, he was gonna have a nap. "Hi JoAnne," Roy started. "I just wanted to let you and Jen know, I brought Johnny to Rampart to be checked out by the doc," he said. "He alright isn't he? He…" "JoAnne, relax. He's fine. I thought, with all he's gone through since last night, it might be a good idea to have him checked out." "You're right, Roy." "How are things going at home?" Roy asked. "Jenny finally broke down. She's okay though. She cried it out and now she's taking a nap and so is Kaitlin. I told her I'd go shopping for her later; pick up some things for them all and some Pooh things for Kaitlin. I'll do that when you get back." "Sounds good, Jo. I have to go, Hon. I should be home shortly," Roy replied. Once JoAnne said bye, Roy hung up the phone. While Roy walked back to the ER where Johnny was, he was deep in thought. Suddenly he remembered Kaitlin's box of Pooh toys in Johnny's office. When he approached the nurses' station, he told the attending nurse that he was going upstairs and that he'd be back in a few and to let Morton or Dixie know. The nurse nodded and said she would. Roy walked into John's office and pulled the box of Pooh toys out of the closet. Sitting down on the couch, he began to take inventory of the contents. He was certain, some of the toys were duplicates of her toys she had at the ranch. He smiled when he pulled out one of the books. "The Honey Cake Mix Up," he whispered. "You're favorite book, Katie Roo. Well at least it's a start. Now all I have to do is find the other seventeen and then will have the complete set," he said. Picking through some of the other things that was in the box, Roy found a Pooh Bear that looked just like one of the ones she slept with. Again he smiled. Quickly Roy tossed everything back into the box, and then he left the office. Once back in the ER, Roy found Morton and Carlson conversing near the nurses' station. When Morton saw Roy approaching, he motioned for him to join them. "Roy. Dr. Carlson and I have finished going over the results of Johnny tests and we both have examined him." "So what's the verdict?" Roy asked. "As you know, Johnny's blood pressure is elevated, but that could be a result of the stress he's been through. He has also put a lot of stress on his hip. We're sure it's from too much walking unaided and probably from a quick escape from his house early this morning that no one can fault him for. What Dr. Carlson and I would like is for him to rest, to stay off his feet as much as possible for the next few days. And when he is on his feet, he needs assistance with his walking. No showers. Baths only. He doesn't need to run the risk of falling in the tub. He may need some help getting in and out of the tub too, just so he doesn't slip and fall." "Is there anything else, Doc?" "I want to see Johnny back here in a couple days, Roy." Dr. Carlson said. "I've also prescribed a mild sedative and pain reliever for him to take for a few days. I want him to use them as prescribed too." "No problem Doc. He will do as he's told." Roy replied. Dr. Carlson excused himself and left. Morton looked at Roy. "Do you think you're up to handling John Gage?" Roy chuckled. "If I'm not, his wife is. She has a fire inside of her that no man can battle." Morton laughed. "Sounds to me like John Gage has met his match." "I think so," Roy answered. Roy looked up and noticed Dixie walking down the hall toward them. "Hi Dix," he said. "Hi Roy," she replied then handed him a small bottle. "Here. This is the prescription Dr. Carlson ordered for Johnny." Roy looked at her with questioning eyes as he accepted the bottle. "I had it filled here in our pharmacy. I figured with everything, neither you nor Johnny needed to make any stops on the way home, she said. "Thanks Dix," Roy answered. "So when will he be ready to leave?" "I'm gonna go help him get ready now." Dixie answered. Ten minutes later, Dixie pushed Johnny out of the treatment room in a wheel chair. Johnny glanced at the box Roy was carrying. "What's that?" he asked. "Kaitlin's Pooh toys that were in your office. I thought maybe she might like to have them." Johnny smiled for the first time. He was glad Roy thought of it. "Thanks," he answered. "So are you ready to blow this gin joint?" Roy asked. "Yeah, I am." |