AN UNEXPECTED INJURY By SQ51 Storywriter The guys at Station 51 were sitting around watching the news right after lunch. "Great lunch Marco," Johnny said. "I can't believe we made it through a complete meal without getting a call," Roy said. "It is unusual," Johnny said. "Sh!" Chet said. "I'm trying to hear this. Cap, by the looks of those pictures of the wild fire, we may be called to help soon." "I don't think so Chet. I think that is old footage pal." "Yeah Chet, I saw that report this morning at the start of our shift," Marco said. "I did too. It must be a slow news day," Mike said. "I heard on the radio coming in that they had it pretty well contained," Johnny said. "Johnny, do you want to get something to drink?" Roy asked, as he stood up slowly. "Sure," Johnny said, getting up from his chair and taking one last look at the news. They entered the kitchen. "Do you want a cup of coffee Johnny?" "I don't think so Roy. I think I'll get a glass of milk and some cookies. Man, that chili sure was spicy." "But it sure was good," Roy said, as he poured himself the last cup of coffee from the pot. "You know Roy, I do believe Marco makes it better every time he fixes it." Roy grinned. "I guess he does at that." Johnny opened the refrigerator door and reached for the milk. "The pot is empty. I guess I'll go ahead and make some…" Roy is interrupted by the claxon. "Squad 51, man injured at 2329 Canyon Road. Two Three Two Nine Canyon Road. Cross street Baltic. Time out 1219." Cap got up from his chair and went to the mic. He wrote down the address. "KMG 365," he said. He handed it to Roy, who passed it to Johnny. Cap opened the door. Johnny took the green pen from his pocket, looked at his watch, and wrote the time on the paper. Johnny and Roy donned their helmets and left the station with the squad's lights flashing and the siren blaring. Part 2 The squad pulled up in front of a small house. It seemed quiet outside. They grabbed the equipment. As they approached the house Johnny said, "I don't know why, but I have a bad feeling about this call Roy." "So do I partner," Roy said. Johnny stumbled on a dog bone that was left on the porch as he followed Roy to the door. When Roy knocked, Johnny nearly bumped into him. A middle-aged woman immediately came to the door. "I called you people about my brother, Chuck." "What's wrong with him ma'am?" Roy asked. "My name is Jane. Nobody ever calls me ma'am. Chuck ain't been feeling too good lately. He's been dizzy and had a headache for a couple days now. He fell a bit ago and hit his head on the bedpost. He was lying of the floor staring at me, so I called the fire department. He was in a mental institution until last month. This way, he's in here." They followed the woman down a dark hallway to a door that was partially opened. She pushed it open all the way and Johnny entered the bedroom and Roy went in behind him. Chuck, a tall, thin, middle-aged man was standing near the head of the bed and had a baseball bat in his hands. He swung it at them violently. His eyes were glaring at them so hard it was frightening. He had a rather large bump on his forehead above his left eye. Johnny slowly set the oxygen and biophone down carefully on the floor, just inside the doorway. Roy put the other equipment down gently beside the biophone. "Have you called the police?" Roy asked. "The police? No, why would I do that? He ain't hurt nobody. He just ain't right in the head sometimes, you know. He was just lying there on the floor when I left to call for help. Chuck hasn't ever hurt anyone before. He isn't acting like himself today." "Yes, I know that. Since he isn't acting like he usually does, I want you to go and call the police now before he does hurt somebody. Do you understand?" Roy asked. Johnny started to move slowly toward Chuck and finally made it into the room close to the end of the bed. "STAY BACK!" Chuck shouted sternly. Johnny raised his hands and held them out in front of Chuck. "O.K. now, take it easy, we aren't going to hurt you. We want to help you. Just put the bat down," Johnny said, while he kept his eyes glued to Chuck. "NO! GET BACK, I MEAN IT!" Chuck shouted, as he swung the bat at Johnny. "Alright, just calm down now," Johnny said, as he took a step backwards. "He won't hurt ya. Give me that bat right now Chuck. Do you hear me? You're being silly," Jane said. Jane made a move toward Chuck and he swung the bat at her. "GET BACK!" Chuck yelled. Roy grabbed her and pulled her back towards the doorway. "Ma'am, I wouldn't do that. Show me where your phone is so that I can call the police," Roy said. "Can't, we ain't got no telephone. I had to use the neighbor's phone to call you people." "O.K. Jane, I want you to come with me. Johnny, I'm going to go to the squad and call it in. Will you be alright?" "Yeah, Roy, I'll be fine. I'm not going to do anything, but stand here and watch him." Roy and Jane left and went into the living room. "You sit here Jane," Roy said, as he helped her sit on the couch. Roy exited the house and went to the squad. "L.A., this is squad 51. Can you send the police and an ambulance to our location?" "10-4 squad 51." Jane came running out of the house. "Help, it's your partner. He… he…" Roy ran into the house with Jane close behind him. Roy saw the bedroom door open and Johnny sitting on the floor holding his leg. Roy could see that it was bleeding. "I have to find Chuck, he ran out the back door," Jane said, as she ran from the bedroom. "Johnny, what happened?" Roy asked. "CAREFUL ROY!" At the head of the bed stood a large brown dog. It was growling at Johnny. "That dog came at me and bit the calf of my leg. I don't know where he came from to tell you the truth. He must have been asleep on the other side of the bed and was startled by Chuck when he suddenly hit the bed with the bat after you left. He got me good Roy. I think he bit me three or four times before he stopped. Chuck threw the bat down and it hit the dog and he backed away. That's when Chuck took off running. The dog has been standing there growling at me ever since." "Let me see your leg Johnny." Roy slowly knelt beside Johnny trying not to make any sudden moves. He moved Johnny's hands away. "It's bad, isn't Roy?" Johnny asked, as he clenched his teeth together. "Not too bad Junior, you just lie back and relax now, and I'll take care of it," Roy said, as Johnny eased himself down on the floor. Roy looked toward the growling dog as he opened the boxes and reached for a bandage. Roy applied a compress over the wounds and wrapped a gauze bandage around the compress, securing it with tape. He cautiously elevated Johnny's leg on the black box. He took Johnny's wrist to check his pulse. Having retrieved a pen from his shirt pocket, he wrote the rate in a small notebook. He placed his hand on his partner's chest and wrote down his respiration rate. Next, he put the stethoscope around his neck. He took the BP cuff and wrapped it snuggly around Johnny's arm. Roy positioned the stethoscope in his ears and listened to Johnny's blood pressure and wrote it on the paper. "How you doing Johnny?" "Man, Roy, my leg really hurts." "Yeah, I imagine it does partner." "Roy, I hope that dog doesn't come at me again." "Yeah, me too." Roy got the biophone set up, while he kept a watchful eye on the dog. "Rampart base, this is squad 51. How do you read?" "We read you loud and clear 51," Kel Brackett said. "Rampart, I have a male patient, age twenty-five, who has two deep lacerations and some puncture wounds on the calf of his right leg as the result of several dog bites. Patient is conscious and alert. Vital signs are BP 106 over 68, rate is 100 and bounding, respiration is 16. Rampart, the patient is experiencing a considerable amount of pain. Rampart, also, we may be here for awhile, considering that the dog is still in the room with us." "Squad 51, is there much blood loss from the wounds?" "A moderate amount Rampart," Roy said. "Alright 51, start an IV with Ringer's Lactate, and give five milligrams MS. Has the ambulance arrived on the scene yet?" "Negative Rampart." "Transport as soon as possible." "10-4 Rampart. Start IV with Ringer's and give five milligrams MS and transport," Roy said as he repeated the orders back to Dr. Brackett. Roy removed the plastic bag of Ringer's Lactate from the protective envelope. He got an IV set ready. He pumped up the BP cuff and used it as a tourniquet. He swabbed Johnny's arm with cool alcohol. "Johnny, I'm going to start an IV on you." Johnny frowned and gave a slight sigh. "All right, but could you hurry Roy?" Roy grinned. "Be patient Johnny. I'm working as quickly as I can, but I want it to be perfect," Roy said, as he worked diligently with the IV cannula. "That wasn't too bad, was it partner?" Roy asked Johnny as he got the IV canula in place. "Not if you're on that end of it," Johnny said smugly. Roy taped the IV tubing and cannula in place. Then he adjusted the drip and got the IV started. "Johnny, I'm going to give you some Morphine now." Johnny nodded with approval. Roy administered the MS into the IV port. "There you are Johnny, all fixed up and ready to go," Roy said. He heard the ambulance and police sirens as the vehicles pulled up in front of the house. "I couldn't have done it better myself Roy." "I was hoping you'd say that Junior. You are going to feel better in a few minutes Johnny." Roy looked at the dog that was still showing his teeth and growling occasionally. "I hope so Roy. Do you know that feeling I had when we were walking up to the door when we first got here?" "Yeah, I remember." "Well, I think I know why." "I guess you do Johnny. Just try to rest now." Johnny closed his eyes and tried to relax. Roy kept a watchful eye on the dog as Vince entered into the doorway. Roy raised up his hand toward Vince. "Easy," Roy said, as Vince glanced and saw the dog. "Can you get the Carbon Dioxide canister from the squad and use it on the dog?" Vince nodded and backed out of the room carefully. He stopped the ambulance attendants from going inside. "Hold up fellows. We have a growling dog in the room that may attack." Vince returned with the canister and slowly made his way into the bedroom. He cautiously stepped around Roy and Johnny. As he watched the dog, he finally worked his way in front of him and sprayed the Carbon Dioxide. The dog growled, but backed out of the room. Vince finally forced the dog into the bathroom and shut the door. Vince went outside and motioned for the ambulance attendants to come into house. He quickly led the way. He looked at Roy. "Do you want to tell me what happened?" "The man who lives here has a mental problem and was holding a baseball bat swinging it at us. I went out to the squad to call for the police and an ambulance and while I was outside, a dog came from the other side of the bed and bit Johnny. Chuck ran out the back door. His sister is out looking for him." A neighbor came inside the house. "What is going on here? Did Jane or Chuck get hurt?" "Ma'am, I'd like for you to give me a description of the people who live here. Roy, I'll catch up with you later," Vince said. The ambulance attendants put Johnny on the stretcher. "Careful of his right leg, and watch the arm with the IV," Roy said, as he held the IV bag. Johnny thought about how many times he had said those words himself, when a patient he was taking care of, was put onto a stretcher. They wheeled Johnny to the ambulance and Roy climbed in with him. "Roy, I hope they find that man. He needs help." "I'm sure that they'll find him and get him the help he needs," Roy said. Part 3 Dr. Brackett was waiting for Roy as he entered Rampart. "It's Johnny, Doc," Dixie walked up and saw Johnny on the stretcher. "We're all set up for him in treatment 2," Kel said. "Need some help?" Dixie asked. "Sure Dixie," Kel said. He led the way toward the treatment room. "The attendants took Johnny into the room and lifted him onto the table and left. Kel removed the bandage. "Dixie he'll need a tetanus shot." "How does it look Doc?" Johnny asked. "I've seen worse. Now don't you worry Johnny, we're going to take extra special care of you." "I know you will," Johnny said, as Dixie was rubbing alcohol on Johnny's arm. Dixie gave Johnny the tetanus shot as Kel cleaned the wounds. "Ouch! Dixie that hurt worse than the dog bites!" Johnny said, with a sheepish grin. "Now come on Johnny Gage, you know you're tough." He grinned again and said, "It's obvious that you have to be around here." "Johnny, I'm going to numb this area so I can stitch the wounds up for you," Kel said. "Do what you have to do Doc," Johnny said, "I can take it. I'm tough, right Dixie?" Dixie gave him a warm caring smile and patted his shoulder. "Is the dog tied up somewhere?" Kel asked. "He's in the bathroom of the house. Vince was there when we left," Roy said. "Good. Dix, notify the health department and have Roy give you the address so they can quarantine the animal." "Sure, right away Kel." Dixie picked up the phone in the treatment room. Roy handed her a paper with the address on it. "I'm going to let the guys at the station know," Roy said. "You are in good hands Johnny." "Uh, Roy…." "Yeah Johnny, what is it?" "I just want to say, you know, uh thanks Roy." Roy grinned and patted his partner's shoulder. "Any time Johnny. What are partners for anyway, if not to be there when you need help?" Roy left and as he got to the nurse's station and picked up the phone, Vince walked up to where Roy was standing and shook his head back and forth. "What's wrong Vince?" Roy asked. "The dog, he's gone." "WHAT? Roy shouted. Gone, gone where? Do you mean he got away? "I'm afraid that's exactly what I mean. I went to the police car to call in to get a search started for the missing man and while I was gone, the neighbor heard the dog whining in the bathroom and let the dog loose. He ran out the back door. I guess it was left open. I saw him and chased him for a while, but he finally got away. That dog sure can run fast." "We have to find out from the owners if that dog was vaccinated," Roy said. "We are looking for the dog, the man, and the woman," Vince said. "I'll tell Brackett as soon as I tell the Cap what's going on here." Roy dialed the number to Station 51. Captain Stanley answered. "Station 51. Captain Stanley speaking. "Cap, this is Roy. A dog bit Johnny on the leg while we were on that last run. Doctor Brackett is with him now. Someone needs to take me to pick up the squad." "Is Johnny all right?" "Yeah, he seems to be right now Cap, I'll explain when I get there." "Marco may be able to take you to get the squad pal. I'll check with him. He's taking off a half of a day for that wedding that he's in tonight. Parks is replacing him and he's already here so I can let Marco leave now. I'll try to find a replacement for Johnny and tell the others what happened. Tell Johnny that I'll come to see him as soon as I can. If you don't hear otherwise Marco will be there as soon as he can Roy." "All right Cap, I'll tell Johnny that you'll come see him. Bye Cap." Roy hung up the phone as Kel came out of the treatment room. "How is he Doc?" Roy asked. "Well, I had to put several stitches in those bites, but luckily the dog's whereabouts are known so he won't have to worry about rabies shots. We'll keep him overnight." "Doc, about the dog, Vince just informed me that the dog is missing." "MISSING? HOW DID THAT HAPPEN?" Kel shouted. "A neighbor accidentally let him out of the house." "If the dog has been vaccinated then we're fine, but if not, then that dog has to be found within ten days," Kel said. "I know, and Vince has people looking now," Roy said. "I'll notify the health department about what happened," Kel said. "I'll go talk to Johnny until Marco comes to pick me up," Roy said. "I'm sure he would like the company. We're getting a room ready for Johnny now." Roy walked back into treatment 2. "Johnny, I called Cap and told him what happened. He's going to come see you as soon as he can." "That's good," Johnny said, as he looked at his partner who was nervously bouncing his change and keys around in his pockets. He noticed a slight look of concern on Roy's face. It was a look that he had seen before on Roy's face when things weren't going well. "How you feeling now Johnny? Can I get you something?" "No, thank you. There's nothing that I need right now except out of here," Johnny said. "Roy, you look worried. Is anything wrong?" "Wrong? Uh no. I uh… I'm just tired I guess." "Why don't you get a cup of coffee and a donut or something?" Johnny asked. "Yeah, I guess I could use a cup of coffee and a donut. Are you sure that I can't get you something? How about a magazine?" "No thanks Roy, but you could find Maria, that pretty new nurse that we met last week and have her come and fluff my pillow," Johnny said. He grinned hopping to get a grin from Roy. Roy didn't smile. He seemed distant and Johnny was sure that Roy didn't even hear him. "Roy, are you sure that you're all right?" Johnny asked loudly. "Yeah, it's just that…" "Just what?" Johnny asked. "Uh, nothing Johnny, you're right. I'm going to get that coffee and donut. I'll be back in a little while." "Sure Roy," Johnny said. Johnny wondered what could be bothering Roy. Whatever it was he obviously didn't want to discuss it right now. Johnny closed his eyes. He was beginning to get sleepy. Roy opened the treatment room door and went down the hall and made the turn towards the cafeteria. He stood in line daydreaming. "Sir, did you need something?" Roy looked up at the cafeteria worker. He looked in the donut case and saw that it was empty. "I guess a cup of coffee is all." She handed him the coffee and he paid her for it. He turned around toward the tables and saw Dr. Morton sitting at one eating. Roy walked over to the table. "Mind if I join you Doc?" Roy asked. "Not at all Roy. Have a seat. Thought I'd grab a sandwich while things were quiet in the emergency department. What's on your mind?" Mike asked. He took the last bite of his sandwich. "I'm worried about Johnny Doc," Roy said as he pulled a chair out and sat down. "I was there with Kel when you called it in. I'm sure that Johnny's going to be just fine Roy." "Oh, I know that he will, but I'm just worried that they won't find the dog in time." "I thought that the dog was in the room with you?" Mike questioned. "Well, he was, but a neighbor accidentally opened the door and let the dog lose. He got out and no one can find him." "Well, Roy I guess all you can do is hope that someone finds him. Maybe you could look for him after your shift." "I intend to do that. I realize that there are many people out there looking for the dog right now. I'm still worried though. I sure would hate for Johnny to have to get those rabies shots." "Probably not as much as Johnny would hate it." "You're right about that," Roy said. He took a drink of coffee. Mike looked at his watch. "I have to get back to work now Roy." Mike stood up and put his hand on Roy's shoulder. "I'm sure everything will turn out all right." "Yeah, I hope so Doc," Roy said. He took another drink of his coffee. He decided that it was time to see if Marco had arrived yet. He pushed his chair back and took his coffee with him. He walked down the hall and turned the corner toward the treatment rooms. He saw Marco walking toward him. "Hi Marco," Roy said, as they met in front of the nurse's station. "Hi Roy. I'm here to take you to get the squad. How's Johnny doing?" "He's doing o.k. I'll be right back Marco. I'm going to go say goodbye to Johnny." "Tell Johnny, I said that I hope he's feeling better," Marco said. Marco went to the water fountain to get a drink. Roy went to treatment room 2 and as he put his hand on the door handle to enter, Kel approached him. "Say Roy, I've been thinking and I don't think that we should tell Johnny about the dog not being quarantined just yet," Kel said. "I won't. I thought about telling him before, but couldn't figure out just how to do it. I hope that the dog is found and then we won't have to tell him at all." "I hope that's the case too Roy." Roy looked into the treatment room and saw the orderlies getting ready to move Johnny upstairs. Roy saw that Johnny was sleeping. Dixie was standing beside Johnny. "Dix, tell Johnny that I'll stop by and see him later," Roy said softly. "Right Roy, I'll do it," Dixie whispered. Roy closed the door and drank the rest of his coffee. He threw his cup away and said, "I'm ready Marco." Marco drove Roy to get the squad. Marco could tell that Roy was worried about Johnny. He talked about the wedding. Finally they arrived at 2329 Canyon Road. Roy opened the door and said, "Thanks Marco, I really appreciate this." "Glad to do it Roy. I don't live too far from here so it was no problem." "Well, have a good time at the wedding," Roy said. Marco sneered. "You know that I wouldn't be going if I weren't a groomsman." "You sound like you enjoy weddings as much as the next guy," Roy said. "You're right about that Roy. Weddings are always so boring. I'm going to try to stop in and see Johnny tomorrow morning sometime." "Me too," Roy said. "See you Marco." "Yeah Roy. Bye." Marco said. Roy closed Marcos car door and Marco drove off down the road. Roy walked over to the squad. He started to open the door and instead went over to the house and decided to look around. He started calling the dog. "Here boy! Come here!" He whistled a couple of times. He didn't see anything. He knocked on the door and there was no answer. Roy walked slowly over to the cab of the squad. He opened the door and climbed into the cab. He put his head down on the steering wheel for a brief second. He raised his head up. "Where can that dog be?" Roy said softly to himself. He reached for the mic. He keyed it. "Squad 51 returning to quarters from 2329 Canyon Road." "10-4 Squad 51," responded the dispatch. As Roy drove back to the station he constantly looked for the brown dog. Part 4 Roy arrived at Station 51 and backed the squad into the bay. He went into the station with a long face. He set the HT down on the table. Roy said hello to Richard Parker, Marco's replacement. "The guys were just telling me about Johnny. Is he alright?" Parker asked. "Yeah, how is Johnny, Roy?" Chet asked. "Does he need anything?" Mike asked. "I'm going up and see him after my shift," Cap said. Roy sighed. "He's uh, doing alright for right now, I guess. Brackett stitched up his leg. He was sleeping when I left. There is a problem however." "What's that?" Chet asked. "Well, the dog that bit Johnny got loose. No one can find him right now." "What a shame," Chet said. "Does that mean he has to get rabies shots Roy?" Mike asked. "Well, if they don't find the dog's owner to tell us whether the dog has been vaccinated against rabies, then within ten days it looks like that might be the case." "I'm sure that the police are looking for the dog's owner," Parker said. "The police are looking for the dog, as well as the two people who live in the house." The phone rang and Cap answered it. "Yeah, I'll tell him Vince." "Did they find the dog?" Roy asked hopefully. Cap shook his head no. "They found the man and the woman though. The dog was a stray that just wandered up to their house about three weeks ago." "That's just great," Roy said sarcastically. "I'll call Brackett and let him know about the dog." Roy picked up the phone and made the call to Kel. Brice walked in the door and said, "DeSoto, I'm your partner for the rest of the shift." Roy mumbled, "What else can go wrong today?" "Whenever we get a run, I'll drive DeSoto. I'm use to it," Brice said confidently. "Well so am I!" stated Roy emphatically. "And I'll drive the squad for as long as you are here. I thought we had this conversation the last time that you worked for Johnny." "You can drive if you insist. But, as you are well aware of DeSoto, I prefer to use last names. There is less confusion that way. I understand you are upset over your partner getting injured unexpectedly, so, I'll let your attitude slide this time." "My attitude, just what do you think is wrong with my attitude?" Roy asked. The claxon sounded. "Station 51, a boxcar on fire at the railroad depot. 2710 Depot Street. Two Seven One Zero Depot Street. Cross street Mason. Time out 1426." The crew got into their turnout coats and headed for the fire truck, while Craig and Roy got into the squad. They left the station and headed toward the railroad depot. Part 5 The engine and squad pulled up to the smoldering boxcar. "Roy, you and Brice, pull the reel line. Marco, Chet, we need an inch and a half on the far side of that boxcar," Cap said. Roy and Brice put their turnout coats on and grabbed the line and pulled it toward the smoldering boxcar. A man walked up and said, "It appeared to be on fire so I thought I'd better call." "Good thing you did, a thing like this can get out of hand quickly, " Cap said. "Hey Cap, we have an injured man inside the car," Chet said. "Roy, Brice, check him out." They got the equipment from the squad and rushed to the injured man. "Do you need an ambulance?" Cap inquired. "Yeah, I think it's just smoke inhalation and minor burns, but we'll probably need to transport him," Roy said. Roy administered the oxygen, while Brice got the vitals and poured sterile water over the burns. Roy set up the biophone and relayed the information to Rampart. Brice went in the ambulance and Roy followed in the squad. Soon they arrived at the hospital. Roy picked up the Handy Talkie to take with him as the attendants were unloading the patient. Brice gave Roy a quick glance as he passed him on his way inside Rampart. Part 6 The ambulance attendants took him to treatment 4 where Dr. Early was waiting for him. "He's homeless. He went to sleep in the boxcar and forgot he had a cigarette. It caught some straw on fire inside the car. Luckily there was more smoke than fire," Roy told Doctor Early. Brice told Dr. Early that the vitals remained the same during the trip to Rampart. "Thanks fellows," Joe said. Roy went to the nurse's station. "Hi Dix. How's Johnny doing?" "Well, if you can get past the nurses in his room, you can go see him. Any word on finding the dog yet?" "No, all we know for sure is that he's a stray. Has Johnny been told about the dog missing?" "No Roy, not yet. We were hoping they would have found the dog by now." "As far as I know, they haven't found him yet. I wish they'd find him soon though. I'm really getting worried." "I know what you mean Roy." "What room is Johnny in now?" Roy asked, as Brice walked up to the desk. "Room 429." "Thanks Dix," Roy said. He turned around to head toward the elevator. "I'll get the supplies from Miss McCall. Don't be gone long DeSoto, we have work to do," Brice said. Roy scowled at Brice. He walked away and mumbled, "However long I'm gone, it won't be long enough away from him." He found Johnny's room and opened the door. The room was filled with nurses. "Hi, Johnny," Roy said. "Oh, hi. Is that you Roy? Come on in here. I was just telling them about that huge ferocious dog." "I bet you were Johnny. I just stopped in to say hello and see if you need anything." "Could you bring me some chocolate chip cookies next time you come?" "Yeah, I think I can do that Johnny. Looks like you have plenty of company." "Yeah Roy, I sure do." I have to go. Brice is waiting. I'll see you later partner." "Yeah, see you Roy. Thanks for stopping by." He left Johnny's room just as he heard Johnny say, "Anyway he came at me so fast…" Roy got into the squad and Brice gave him a look of disgust. He then picked up the microphone and cleared them. "Squad 51 returning to quarters." "10-4 squad 51," was the response. "What is it Brice?" Roy asked. He could tell Brice was perturbed. "DeSoto, I think if you want to visit Gage, that you should do it on your own time." "Brice, now you listen here. I will visit Johnny whenever I decide to do so. I had the HT with me. I wasn't gone even ten minutes. I think it's best if you don't say anymore." "Well, if that's the way you want it DeSoto." "That's the way I want it. And that's the way it's going to be." The ride was silent all the way back to the station. Roy backed the squad into its place beside the Engine. Roy and Brice got out of the squad and went inside. They sat down at opposite ends of the table. Neither one spoke. The guys could tell that things were tense between Brice and Roy. Nobody said anything. The rest of the shift was quiet. Part 7 The next day Roy was off and went to visit Johnny. He saw Cap and Mike leaving the hospital, as he was coming in the door. "How is he this morning?" Roy asked. "Feeling a bit better, but he said that his leg was sore," Cap said. "I bet it is sore. He has several very bad bites," Roy said. "Doc Brackett came in when we first got there and all the nurses scattered," Mike said. Roy laughed and said, "Much to Johnny's displeasure, I'm sure." Cap and Mike laughed and told Roy goodbye. Roy walked to the elevator and rode up to the fourth floor. He went to Johnny's room and opened the door and found him sleeping. He quietly set the sack with the chocolate chip cookies on the nightstand and closed the door. He looked and saw Chet and Marco coming down the hall. "He's sleeping," Roy said, when they finally reached Johnny's room. "I'll check later then. I have another friend in here that I'd like to visit," Marco said. "How was the wedding Marco?" Roy asked. "It was all right for a wedding I guess." Marco said. I went home after the paramedics left." "The paramedics?" Chet questioned. "Yeah, well, I guess it was actually after the second time they came that I left." "What happened?" Roy asked. "The first time they came with the fire department when one of the candles caught the bridesmaid's dress on fire after the ceremony during the time we were taking pictures. Of course I pushed her down and rolled the fire out. She only had minor burns. As a matter of fact Rick, the friend I'm going to go see was the best man at the wedding. The groom ran over his foot and broke it as he was driving away from the reception. That's when the paramedics returned and after they left so did I." Roy shook his head. "Pretty typical wedding I guess." He laughed. "I guess. I don't go to very many," Marco said. "Who's wedding was this?" Chet asked. "It was the Wilcox wedding. Ted married Lana Grover. Her father is a writer for the Los Angeles Times newspaper. Ted, Lana, Rick, and I all went to high school together." "Sounds interesting Marco," Chet said, "I'd like to hear more about the wedding, but I think that I'll go in and quietly leave these flowers for Johnny. They are from the station, I won't wake him, I'll just set them down somewhere." "I'd better go see Rick now," Marco said. "I'll come back and see Johnny in a little while." Marco walked down the hall toward the elevator. "The bouquet in the fire engine vase is from us, but who is that daisy from?" Roy asked. "Oh, that's from me, it's a special get-well daisy," Chet replied. Chet grinned and went into Johnny's room. Roy went downstairs to get a cup of coffee and a Cinnamon Roll. He picked up a newspaper and started reading it. He laughed when he read about the wedding that Marco had been to in the society column. He thought to himself, it sure doesn't take them long to get a story, especially when the father of the bride is a staff writer for the Los Angeles Times. Chet stayed awhile and then left laughing. Johnny woke up about ten minutes after Chet had left. He saw the flowers. He also saw toilet paper streamers everywhere. He saw balloons made from rubber gloves, a sheet made into a ghost hung in the corner, as well as a mobile made from first aid tape and tongue depressors hanging above his head. "Chet Kelly!" Johnny exclaimed. He saw the white bag on the nightstand and looked inside. "Chocolate Chip cookies," Johnny mumbled. "Roy must have left these." Kel walked in and saw the decorated room and laughed. "Well, what have we got here?" "I'm not sure how, but I think that Chet Kelly is somehow responsible for all this Doc." "Would you like a cookie Doc?" "No I don't believe I do Johnny. Thanks anyway." "You have some nice flowers," Kel said, as he looked at the bouquet. "Is this real?" Kel said, as he touched the daisy. A stream of water squirted in his face and he jumped backwards. As he wiped his face off, Johnny grinned and tried hard not to laugh. "Sorry Doc, I guess that was meant for me," Johnny said with his mouth full of cookies. "Apparently it was. I'm sorry I interfered." Roy and Marco came in and saw the room and started laughing. "Chet brought the flowers into the room," Roy said. "Just what I thought. You brought the cookies in though didn't you Roy?" Johnny asked. "Yeah. That's what you wanted wasn't it Johnny?" "Of course Roy, you know that they are my favorite cookie." "Johnny's favorite cookie is the one he's eating at the time," Marco said. Johnny smiled. "I'll admit that there is some truth to that statement Marco." Everyone laughed. "How are you feeling today Johnny?" Kel asked. "Fine. When can I get out of here Doc?" Johnny saw the expression on Kel's face change to a more serious one. "Is anything wrong Doc? I can leave today can't I?" Johnny asked. "Johnny you can leave right now. But, I have to tell you something before you go. As far as we know, the dog wasn't vaccinated. It was a stray." "He was shut up in the bathroom of the house when we left. They have him quarantined though, right Roy?" Johnny asked with concern as he looked at his partner. "I'm afraid not Johnny. The dog got away, and we can't find him," Roy said. "But Roy, then that means…" Kel interrupted Johnny. "It means that you will have to go through a series of rabies shots, if the dog can't be found. I'm sorry Johnny." "I hope that I don't have to…" It was Roy who interrupted Johnny this time. "We'll find him partner. Don't worry." "The police are out looking for the dog, right Roy?" Marco asked. "Yeah, that's right, you just have to give them a little more time." "Well, I don't have much time left, do I Doc?" "Hopefully they will have enough time to find the dog, or you'll have to come back here in eight days for the shots." "Man, I don't want to think about it. I heard that they are painful," Johnny said. Johnny looked around, wanting to change the subject. "Just look at this room." "It does indeed look like something Chet would do," Marco said. Kel laughed. "It's a mess alright. I'll have someone clean it up after you leave." "Wait until I get a hold of him," Johnny said. "He's on vacation next week. You'll have to wait," Roy said. "When can I go back to work Doc?" Johnny asked. "Whenever you feel up to it Johnny." "I'm off tomorrow so I might go back the next day." "Since you are feeling better and ready to go home, I'm going to leave," Marco said. "Bye, thanks for stopping in to see me Marco." "Bye Marco. I'll see you at work." Roy said. Part 8 Eight days later Johnny and Roy were sitting in the station doing some paperwork. "Man Roy, today is the day that I have to go to Rampart and start that series of rabies shots. I really dread it." "Yeah, I know. I'm sorry that the dog hasn't been found. I even looked for him myself." "I did too," Johnny said. "I'm sure that everyone did their best to try to locate him." A few minutes later Chet came in and was laughing. "Good Morning!" Chet exclaimed. He started laughing again. "If you are laughing because you decorated my hospital room, it wasn't that funny," Johnny said. "Well, what makes you think that I decorated it anyway pal?" Chet asked. "Chet, I know you, and I know that you did it. I think you owe Dr. Brackett an apology," Johnny said. "He was the victim of your practical joke with the daisy." "Well, I'll apologize to the Doc, but Johnny you'll be thanking me in a minute," Chet said. "Thanking you for what?" Johnny asked. "For finding the dog for you." "Chet, you found the dog?" Roy asked. "When? Where is he?" Johnny asked excitedly. "Yeah, I just thought I'd check around one last time this morning before I came to work. I got the address from the call log last week and looked around some, but didn't see him. This morning when I went back, I saw something move under the house. I looked underneath and there he was. The lady said that she didn't have a phone, so I had to go next door to call the police." "Are you sure it was the same dog Chet?" Johnny asked. "Yeah, I'm sure, Vince identified him. So did the lady that lived there." "Where is he now?" Johnny asked. "The animal control unit came and took him to the veterinary clinic. Vince notified the health department. The lady that lived there said that the dog was deaf. The animal control people said that they thought so too. That's all I know Johnny." "Deaf," Johnny said. "Then Roy, that explains why when Chuck hit the bed, that the dog attacked. He must have felt the vibration." "That's possible, because with all the yelling that Chuck was doing before that, it seems he would have made his presence known then." The phone rang. Cap answered it. "Johnny, it's for you pal." "Hello. Yeah Doc, Chet was just telling us that he found the dog. So now what do I do? Is it too late? Do I still have to start the series of shots today?" Johnny asked anxiously, barely taking a breath between the questions. "Well Johnny, I just got a call from Dr. Cravens. It just so happens that he knows the dog and his real owners. The Smiths used to rent the house where you went on that call. They moved about six weeks ago. They think the dog thought that was his home. He's deaf and apparently confused. The good news is that the dog indeed has had his rabies vaccination just 4 months ago. Dr. Cravens has it on his records. So Johnny, you are not going to have to get the shots after all. The dog seems to be o.k." "Thanks Doc, that's the best news I've heard in at least 10 days," Johnny said. Johnny came away from the phone with a huge smile on his face. He clapped his hands and rubbed them together. "Well, fellows. I'm not going to have to get those shots after all." He walked over and poured himself a cup of coffee. "That's great news Johnny. I can tell you are relieved," Roy said. "Well," Chet said. "Well what?" Johnny asked. "Aren't you going to thank me Johnny?" "Well, yes, why sure I am. Thanks Chet. Thanks a lot. I'm really grateful." The claxon sounded. "Station 51, woman stuck in a bathroom sink at 4312 Lincoln Avenue, four three one two Lincoln Avenue, cross street Thirty-eighth Street. Time out 8:22. Roy and Johnny got into the squad. They headed out onto the street. Roy drove about ten blocks. "Turn at the next intersection Roy," Johnny said. "Squad 51, cancel." "It figures," Johnny said. "I wonder how she could have been stuck in the sink. I would have like to have seen that!" Roy shook his head. "I'm sure I don't know Johnny. Let's pick up some supplies at Rampart while we're this close." Johnny picked up the microphone. "Squad 51, show us available at Rampart." "10-4 squad 51," was the response. Johnny and Roy got out of the squad and walked toward the hospital Emergency Room doors. Part 9 They went inside and proceeded to the nurse's station. "Hi Dixie! We came for some supplies," Johnny said, as he laid the HT on the counter. "I heard the good news Johnny." Johnny smiled and said, "Yeah, it's wonderful news." "So what can I get for you?" "Two arm boards, four compresses, two IV sets, and two bags of Ringers." Dixie handed Roy the supplies and he signed the paper on the clipboard. "Oh by the way did you hear about Brice?" Dixie asked. "What about Brice?" Roy questioned. "He's here in emergency." "Was he injured in a fire?" Johnny asked. Dixie laughed. "No, nothing like that Johnny. He was at station 16 this morning and Dwyer was making scrambled eggs for breakfast. Brice told him that he wasn't cracking the eggs correctly. Dwyer finally had enough and cracked two eggs at the same time on Brice's head. The eggs ran down onto the floor and Brice slipped in them and fell. He injured his wrist. According to Dwyer, he had to splint it while Brice gave him explicit directions on how to properly apply a splint. Then he brought Brice in here and Dwyer left saying he had to go fix breakfast before Brice got back." "Dwyer is an excellent paramedic. I can't believe Brice had the nerve to do that," Johnny said. Roy shook his head and said, "Partner, I'd believe almost anything when it comes to Brice." "Well, I just might say hello to Brice on my way out of here," Johnny said. "Might I make a suggestion?" "Sure Roy, what's that?" Johnny asked. "Be sure to call him Craig," Roy said as he grinned. "Of course Roy. I'll be more than happy to do that. Wait until the fellows back at the station hear about this," Johnny said. "He just got back from having an x-ray. He's in treatment 3," Dixie said. Johnny walked in and saw Brice. He noticed the sticky egg residue still in his hair. "How's it going Craig?" "Gage, if you don't mind, I'd prefer that you use my last name." "Oh, sorry, Craig, I mean Brice. Uh, I have heard of washing your hair with egg shampoo before, but I do believe you are suppose to mix it with some water," Johnny said, with a slight grin. "Very funny Gage. Don't you have somewhere you need to be?" Brice asked. "I guess, anywhere is better than here," Johnny said. "Now you take care Craig." Johnny opened the door to leave and Dr. Morton ran into Johnny. "Sorry Johnny. Hey, I heard they found the dog," Mike said, as he held the door open. "Yeah, they did. I have Chet to thank for that." "Could someone please look at my wrist now?" Brice asked in an agitated tone of voice. "I'm coming," Mike said. "He is impatient, isn't he?" Johnny laughed, "Yeah, he sure is. Good luck Doc." Johnny heard Dr. Morton tell Brice that he was sending him to the cast room and heard Brice say that he insisted that he spend the night as a precaution. Johnny shook his head and laughed. He found Roy still talking to Dixie. "Come on Roy. Let's get back to the station." "Sure, right away, partner." "Bye Dixie," they said. Roy and Johnny got into the squad. Johnny keyed the mic. "Squad 51 returning to quarters." "10-4 squad 51," dispatch responded. "So, what's with Brice?" Roy asked. "Brice is insisting on spending the night as a precaution," Johnny told Roy. "I guess his wrist was broken then," Roy said. "Yeah, I'm sure glad that I'm not taking care of him," Johnny said. "Can you imagine the trouble he's going to cause the nurses tonight?" "I'm sure they've handled patients like him before. Dwyer will be pleased that he doesn't have to put up with him tonight anyway." Johnny laughed. "Don't you know it!" Roy drove back to the station. Part 10 Johnny and Roy came in laughing. "Wait until you hear about Craig Brice," Johnny said. "Tell us," Chet said. Johnny told them the story. "Brice is a bit peculiar," Cap said, as he turned to go to his office. "I guess Dwyer finally got his fill of Brice, and you can't really blame him," Mike said. "I guess that's just what Brice gets for acting like a jerk," Marco said. "Eggsactly, it really cracks me up," Chet said. Johnny grinned and said, "Alright Chet, that's enough. Let's show a little compassion for Craig." "Sure Johnny. Maybe we should get him a daisy like you had," Chet said. "Now that's an idea," Roy said. "Well, what are we waiting for anyway. Let's take him the one I got, since I don't need it anymore. I just knew that it was going to come in handy, so I brought it here a couple of days ago. I'll go get it now," Johnny said. Everyone laughed as Johnny went to his locker to get the daisy. Johnny came back in with the flower and Chet had a card made for Brice. It read: To Brice from an avid admirer. May your days be filled with sunshine and may there be plenty of water to keep the flower blooming. This daisy is unique. Please smell the flower and touch it's petals to experience something as refreshing as a mountain waterfall. You'll have the feeling that you are actually there. "That's great Chet. We'll take it by the hospital on our next run and leave it at the nurse's station to be delivered. Perhaps with a couple of hard boiled eggs," Johnny said. "Too bad we can't watch his face," Chet said. "Well, we don't have to because we can all imagine how he is going to react. I can just see him now," Johnny said. "He'll come unglued for sure," Roy said. "He'll be looking in the rule book for the procedure on how to deal with water squirting out of a flower in someone's face," Johnny said. Everyone laughed. Johnny put the flower and card in the squad to take to Rampart. The claxon sounded. "Station 51, man trapped in a chimney…" The End Author's Note: I think that Janet is an inspiration to everyone who writes fan fiction or who would like to start writing. Thanks for all your help and for letting me share my stories with everyone who enjoys reading E! fan fiction. |