Heartache and Recovery
by
As the sun rose on that fateful day, the members of Station 51's A-shift were cleaning up after a devastating warehouse fire. The fire had taken nearly 7 hours to contain and the guys were exhausted. Luckily, there had been no serious injuries due to the fire. The warehouse was abandoned and it was suspected that the old wooden building has been torched. The arson investigator was on scene and searching for evidence.
“Looks like we're almost finished, Cap,” said Chet Kelly , A-shift's Irish prankster firefighter. “There are still a few hot spots, but we have them under control.” “Thanks, Pal,” returned Captain Hank Stanley . Hank reached up and removed his helmet, revealing dark wavy hair plastered to his scalp by sweat. “I am certainly glad no one was inside this monster when she went up!”
“I know what you mean, Cap,” said Marco Lopez . Marco was a well-built Latino man with a mustache that twitched when he smiled, which was often. “No one would have been able to survive an inferno like that.” As Marco spoke, A-shift's paramedics, family-man Roy Desoto and perennial bachelor Johnny Gage , walked up. “We've knocked down all the hot spots, Cap”, said Roy , removing his SCBA tank and face mask. “The arson investigator says he found a pipe bomb inside on the third floor,” added Johnny . “Whoever set that thing off sure seemed to want this building destroyed”
Battalion chief Pat McConikee walked over, panting slightly from the exertion of fighting the massive blaze. “Your crew can go ahead and head back to the barn, Hank”, he said. “We can handle things from here.”
“Thanks, Chief,” said Stanley . “Let me know if the arson investigator has any more questions for us.” “Will do, Hank. Take care, gentlemen” “Bye, Chief,” echoed the crew. Mike Stoker , 51's engineer extraordinaire, finished winding up the hoses and they all headed back to their station, tired, dirty, and looking forward to hot showers and coffee.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~
“What are your plans for the rest of the day, Johnny ?” asked Roy as the two paramedics changed to go home. “I need to fix that pasture fence, Roy . It's a nice day, so I'll probably be doing that for most of the afternoon. You feel like giving me a hand?” “Sure,” replied Roy . “I'll be over around noon . Does that sound like a plan?” “Sure does, Pally,” answered Johnny , with a twinkle in his eye. “Maybe Chris and Jenny would like to come over and ride a little.” “Sounds good, Johnny . See you after lunch.”
The respective members of Station 51 left, handing over the reins to B-shift. They were all tired and looking forward to a few hours of relaxing before tackling other jobs that needed to be done.
As Hank Stanley pulled into his driveway, he met his wife, Sarah , on her way out to her car. “Hi, honey,” said Sarah , planting a kiss on her husband's cheek. “How was your shift?” “Pretty slow until about 1 this morning. We got called out to a huge warehouse fire over on the west side. It took a long time to get it under control. The arson investigator found a pipe bomb up on the third floor. We were lucky no one was inside when the fire started.” “I left you some coffeecake on the counter in the kitchen. I need to run to the store to get a few things. I shouldn't be gone long.” “Drive safely, sweetheart. I love you,” said Hank. “Love you too, honey,” said Sarah . With that, she started her car and backed out of the driveway, waving as she drove off. As Hank thought back on that moment several hours later, he remembered how happy he was at that moment. Unfortunately, that happiness would soon end, in a way no one would ever have expected.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Having satisfied his growling stomach, Hank went out to his patio and settled into his favorite lounge chair to read the morning newspaper. The long fight against the warehouse fire caught up to the Captain and he fell asleep, the paper still folder up in his lap.
Hank awoke with a start, wondering what had startled him. It took him a few groggy moments to realize that someone was pounding on his front door. Setting the unread newspaper aside, he unfolded his lanky frame to find out who was on the other side.
Standing on the front porch of the Stanley house, Chief Pat McConikee was dreading having to break this sort of news to his former engineer. As he waited for Hank to answer the door, he wondered how Hank would take the news. He knew it wouldn't be good. This type of news never was.
“Hello, Chief. What brings you here?” asked Hank, surprised to see McConikee at his door.
Hello, Hank,” replied McConikee. “May I come in?” “Sure, come on in. Is something wrong?” Hank didn't like the somber expression on his chief's face and the thought that something had happened to one of his men went through his mind.
“Hank, I'm not sure just how to tell you this,” began the Chief. "Sit down, Hank. The news isn't good.” “Did something happen to one of my men,” said Stanley , voicing his thoughts. “No, Hank, it's Sarah . She was involved in an accident out in front of Ralph 's.” Captain Stanley felt an icy chill run down his back. “An..an acci-, accident?” he stammered. “What happened?” he asked, his anxiety level rising quickly. “She was pulling out of the parking lot when a semi trailer came barreling down the street and rammed her car. There was no way she could have avoided being hit, Hank.” “How bad is she?!?!?” exclaimed Stanley . “She died almost instantly, Hank. The semi was doing nearly 40 mph. Her car was totaled.”
Hank felt his heart stop for a second. Totaled? How could that be? Sarah had only gone to the store for a few things. This couldn't be HAPPENING!!!! Not to his Sarah . “Are you sure it was Sarah , Chief? She just left a while ago.” Hank looked up at the clock and saw that over 2 hours had passed since he had gone out onto the patio. Seeing the look of sympathy on the Chief's face, Hank realized that it was true. “NO! SARAH ! NO!” cried Hank. The heart-broken Captain put his head in his hands and sobbed. His lovely Sarah was gone. At that moment, he remembered the last words he had said to his wife as she passed him on the way to her car. “I Love You.”
“Hank, is there anything I can do? asked McConikee. “Is there anyone I can call?” Hank raised his tear stained face to look at his chief. “Uh, no, Chief, thank you. Where did they take my Sarah ?” “They took her to Rampart. The paramedics did everything they could to save her, but she died on the way to the hospital. I'm so sorry, Hank.” “I need to get over there,” said Captain Stanley . “I need to see her.” “Of course. I'll drive you,” said the chief, sadly. “I'll call your crew when we get to Rampart.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
One Month Later
“Man, I can't believe what happened to Mrs. Stanley , Roy !” said John Gage , his crooked grin absent from his face. “I know, Johnny . I can't even imagine losing Jo that way. I just wish Cap would let us help him instead of staying in his office all the time.” “It can't be easy for him, guys,” said Marco as he walked into the locker room. “I've never seen Cap as broken up as he was at the funeral. “Yeah,” added Chet Kelly as he came in. “Cap's mother-in-law certainly didn't help things when she accused Cap of practically killing his wife. Now I know why Cap doesn't like that woman.”
“Roll call, gentlemen!” yelled Captain Stanley , his voice carrying over from the engine bay. “We have a lot of things to take care of today.”
The men filed out of the locker room to stand in front of their beloved Captain. They could all see the toll losing his wife had taken on Stanley . His uniform almost hung on his lanky frame and there were dark circles under his eyes. Except when leading his men, Hank spent most of his time in his office, lost in thought.
“Good morning, gentlemen.” “Good morning, Cap” “The Chief informed me this morning that the person who set that pipe bomb has been caught. He was working at the warehouse before the company went out of business and wanted to get back at the owner.”
“That's crazy!” exclaimed Johnny . “Doesn't he know he could have set the whole block on fire with that stunt?!?” “Apparently he didn't care, Gage,” answered the Captain. “Shall we continue?” “Sure, Cap,” mumbled Gage . “Okay, assignments for the day. Mike , C-shift had a busy night so they didn't have a chance to wash the engine yesterday. Give her a good washing and waxing. Marco , dorm, Gage, dayroom, Kelly , latrine, and Roy , you're cooking today. Any questions?” “No, Cap,” chorused the crew. “Let's get on with it, then”
Hank walked back into the kitchen for a second cup of coffee and returned to his office. As he sat down at his desk, his eyes fell upon a framed photograph of himself and Sarah , taken at the DeSoto's annual Labor Day picnic that past summer. They were laughing as they played a game of volleyball with the rest of Hank's crew and Roy 's children. “ Oh, Sarah . I miss you so much. Has it only been a month? It feels like a year since I lost you.” Hank picked up the picture and put in his desk drawer. Even though the picture was gone, his heartache remained. “ I'm not sure I can bear being alone.” At a sharp knock on his office door, Hank snapped back to reality and bade the visitor to come in.
“Morning, Hank. I brought over some announcements for your crew.” “Thanks, Chief. Anything vital?” “Just some flyers for the Fireman's Picnic. They're having it at Algier's Park again this year.” “Sounds good, Chief,” answered Stanley , looking over the flyers. “Are you going, Hank?” asked the chief with concern. “I doubt it,” returned Stanley . “I'm not really in the mood for a picnic right now.” “I understand,” said McConikee. “I have to get back to HQ. See you later.” “Bye, Chief.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
John Gage looked up as his Captain came into the room, holding a stack of brightly-colored flyers in his hands. “What you got there, Cap?” he asked. “Flyers for the Fireman's Picnic,” answered Stanley , handing them over to Gage. “WOW! Algier's Park! Can't wait!!” enthused Gage, always one for a day spent with his colleagues in the department. “You going this year, Cap?” “I doubt it, John . I'll probably skip the picnic this time around.” “ That's understandable, Cap,” said Roy from the counter where he was chopping vegetables for lunch. “But we'd sure be glad to have you there.” Captain Stanley turned and left the dayroom without answering, causing DeSoto to gaze after him with concern. “ Johnny , have noticed how thin the Cap's been getting lately?” he asked his partner. “Yeah, Roy , I have. It's like he doesn't care about anything anymore.” “He just lost his wife a month ago, Johnny . It has to be tearing him up.” Yeah,” agreed Gage, frowning. “I thought maybe the picnic might cheer him up. Cap always has fun at them.”
At the moment, the paramedics' conversation was interrupted by Marco Lopez walking into the room with a decided bounce in his step. “Hey, guys! I just got off the phone with my sister! She's coming down from Montana next week for a visit. I can't wait to see her!” “I didn't know you had a sister in Montana , Marco ,” commented Gage . “I thought your two sisters lived here in L.A. ” “Oh, Louisa isn't my blood sister, John . My parents took her in as a foster child when she was 14, about 9 years ago.” “How long has she lived up in Montana , Marco ?” asked Roy , intrigued at learning something new about his shift-mate. “About 4 and a half years, Roy . She went up to work with my cousin Antonio on a horse and cattle ranch.” “Horses and cattle?” said Johnny , almost jumping with excitement. “I was raised on a horse and cattle ranch!” “Was that in the house or the barn, Gage?” needled Chet Kelly , entering the room. “You've got me mistaken for you, Chester.” grinned Johnny . “Us civilized folk lived in houses.” “Oh, fun-ny, Gage.” “What's funny?” asked Stoker, coming in from washing the engine. “Gage's track record with women!” said Chet. “Shut up, Chet! At least I can get a date without going to the local pound.” “Gage….,” began Chet, before being interrupted by Roy . “Tell us more about your sister, Marco . Didn't you say her name was Louisa ?”
Yeah. Her full name is Louisa Nicole Martin Lopez . She 23 years old, dark hair, brown eyes and really pretty. Mama wasn't thrilled when she moved to Montana but Louisa was very stubborn about it. At least Antonio is there to keep an eye on her.” “When does she arrive?” asked Stoker . “On Wednesday afternoon. She's driving down. I told her I was on duty that day, so she will be coming to the station.” “ Great , Marco . I can't wait to meet her,” smiled Roy . “Just keep Gage way from her,” said Chet. “But then again, he might strike out with her like he does with every other woman.” “Shut up, Chet!” said Johnny . “What part of Montana is she from, Marco ?” “Around Lame Deer,” answered Marco . “I was raised close to Lame Deer,” said Johnny . “Maybe she knows some of my old friends.” “Could be. She's very sociable, according to ‘Tonio,” answered Marco . “Just be nice, please. I've told her a lot about you guys and she is looking forward to meeting you.” “We'll all be on our best behavior, right, Junior?” said Roy . “Whatever you say, Pally,” grinned Gage .
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The following Wednesday
“ Marco , would you stop pacing? You're gonna wear a groove in the floor!” said Chet Kelly , watching his friend. “I can't help it, amigo. I'm excited about seeing Louisa !. It has been almost 5 years.” “Hey, Marco . What kind of car does your sister drive?” asked Mike Stoker . “A red Mustang convertible,” answered Lopez . “I think she just pulled into the lot then,” said Stoker . Before the engineer has even gotten the words out, Lopez was out the back door and into the parking lot. Curious, the rest of the crew, excepting the Captain, followed to get a first glimpse of the famous Lopez sibling.
Climbing out of a shiny fire-engine-red classic Mustang, was a small, almost tiny young woman. Gage and Kelly gaped at the slender miss, realizing that their shift mate had neglected to inform them that his sister was fashion-model pretty. Clad in faded jeans that hugged her generous curves, she stood next to her car, greeting her brother with an enthusiastic hug. Stepping back, Marco introduced Louisa to his friends. “ Louie , this is Chet Kelly , Mike Stoker , our engineer, and our paramedics Roy DeSoto and John Gage .” “Nice to meet you,” said Louisa . “ Marco has told me so much about you that I feel like I already know everyone.” As the pretty young woman stepped forward to shake hands, Captain Stanley emerged from the station. “What is everyone doing out here? There is work to be done, people!” “Cap, I would like you to meet my sister, Louisa Martin . Louie , this is Captain Hank Stanley .” “It's a pleasure to meet you, sir,” she said, smiling up at the tall man. “ Marco has told me all about you and your crew. In spite of that, I think we can be friends, however.” Stanley chuckled, knowing that she was joking with him. “Welcome to Station 51, Miss Martin .” “Thank you, Captain. Please, call me Louisa .” “Did you have a nice drive down, Louisa ,” asked Roy . “It must have been a very long trip for you.”
“It was, Mr. DeSoto , but I enjoyed it. It gave me a chance to see some of the country.” “Call me Roy ,” smiled DeSoto. “Would you like a cold drink?” “Thank you, that would be great. It's a lot warmer here than back home.” “Well, invite your sister in, pal. She can tell us about her trip,” said Hank. “Ok, Cap. This way Louie .” “ Marco , how many times have I told you not to call me “ Louie ”?” “Ok, ok, peace, little sister,” grinned Marco . “I always could get you riled up that way.”
The crew and their guest went back into the station just as the tones sounded. “Squad 51, difficulty breathing. 1564 Lumbard Street . 1-5-6-4 Lumbard, cross street French. Time out 13:02 .
“Gotta go,” called Johnny . “We'll be back.” “I'll be here,” answered Louisa .
“So, tell us about Montana , ‘ Louie ,” teased Chet. “Careful, amigo. My sister lugs 80-pound hay bales every day and throws a mean punch,” laughed Marco . “And, she detests that name!” Louisa laughed and said, “C'mon, Marco . I'll wait until I'm here a few hours before I start dealing with the Phantom.”
The crew and their visitor sat around the table, listening to Louisa describe the area around the ranch where she worked. “The winters can be brutal, but the spring and summer is absolutely beautiful. I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world.” “It sure sounds nice,” said Stoker . “Do you raise just horses and cattle, or do you have other animals, too?” “We raise a few chicken for the eggs and for eating, but mostly horses and longhorn cattle.”
“Are you a cowgirl?” asked Chet, with a twinkle in his blue eyes. “Why don't I go get my lasso and let you decide for yourself, Chet?” she teased. “I might not get much beef off of you, but I could use your hair to stuff a pillow or two.” The crew laughed at the comment, enjoying watching Lopez 's sister get the better of their resident prankster.
“Ha, ha. Very funny,” grumbled Chet. “I guess you could call me a cowgirl, Chet,” Louisa said with a grin, “but I spend more time pulling weeds, mending fences, and baling hay that I do on horseback.
“Baling hay must be very hard work for a young lady such as yourself,” commented Captain Stanley .
“It is hard work, sir, but I enjoy it. If we don't get enough hay baled, our stock goes hungry. We can't have that happen.”
At that point, the crew heard the squad backing into the bay, signaling the return of the paramedics. A few seconds later, Roy and John entered the dayroom and sat down.
“So, what did we miss?” asked Gage .
“ Louisa was telling us about the ranch, John ” said Marco .
“Where exactly is the ranch, Louisa ?” asked Roy , pouring coffee for himself and Johnny .
“About 20 miles due east of Lame Deer and the Indian Reservation in a small valley surrounded by trees " answered Louisa . “The trees help keep the larger drifts of snow at bay during the winter months.”
“Is that the Johnson Ranch?” asked Johnny .
“Yes, it is. How did you know?” smiled the young woman.
“My father did business with the Johnson family when we lived there. At that time, Richard Johnson owned the ranch.”
“His son Phillip runs it now. Richard Johnson retired about 2 years ago. He couldn't handle the hard labor after he broke his hip the winter before.”
“How did that happen?” asked Hank.
“He was trying to break a new stallion we bought and broke his hip when he was thrown,” said Louisa . “The doctors told him he wouldn't be able to break any more horses after that. He still lives on the ranch, but spends most of his time going over the books now. He told me that his great grandfather started the ranch back in the 1880's.”
“I remember hearing that, too,” said Johnny . “My grandfather, Grey Eagle , worked for Mr. Johnson when I was a kid. I spent a lot of time there growing up.”
“ Grey Eagle ?!?” exclaimed Louisa . “Is he around 75 or 76 with a scar on his left cheek?”
“That's him,” answered Johnny , pleased to think that this young woman might know a member of his family. “Does he still live on the ranch? I lost touch with him when I moved to California after my mother died.”
“Yes, I do know Grey Eagle . He's a very nice man. He helps us out during harvest time. I've heard many, many Lakota folk stories from him.”
“Wow, this is amazing!” said Gage with a grin. “Is my grandfather well?”
“Well, the morning I left, he was helping Buck Red Deer, our foreman, break a mare, so I would say he's very well,” smiled Louisa. “He told me that his grandson lived in Los Angeles , but I never imagined that I would meet him!”
“Small world,” smiled Roy .
“It sure is,” said Johnny , with a smile that threatened to split his face in half. “I know I just met you, Louisa , but would you be willing to take some things back to my grandfather?”
“I would be delighted to do that, Johnny ,” smiled the girl. “I'm sure that Grey Eagle would be happy to know that you are doing well.”
“Great! I'll have some things for you before you leave. By the way, how long are you staying in L.A. ?” said Johnny .
“About 3 weeks. Or as long as Marco will put up with me,” she said, laughing.
“You can move back here permanently if you want,” said Marco , happy to see his sister after nearly 5 years. “I'm sure Mama will try to convince you to stay!”
“I have no doubt about that, big brother!” she laughed. “But there are things that I need to do back home. Now, if it's not too much trouble, how about a tour of the station?”
“Right this way,” smiled Mike . “I'll show you the engine.”
“Lead on McDuff. Time's a-wasting!”
Louisa and the rest of the crew followed Stoker out to the bay and gave their guest the “grand tour”, ending with a demonstration of hose-hanging carried out by Chet. Hank pulled Marco aside and said, “She's very nice, Marco . I'm glad you'll have time to visit with her before she returns to Montana .”
“I'm glad you like her, Cap. It's been a long time since her last visit. I just hope Mama doesn't start a fight about her leaving again.”
“What do you mean, pal?” asked Stanley .
“Like I said, Mama didn't want Louisa to work on a ranch. They fought about it a lot before she left.”
“I'm sure your Mother was just trying to protect her, Marco .”
“You're right, Cap, but Louisa can be very stubborn about what she wants at times. She never liked living in the city to begin with.”
“Well, she seems to be happy working up there. The way she described the place, it's obvious that she loves the life,” answered the Captain.
“I just pray that nothing happens to make her regret her decision to visit, Cap”
“I'm sure things will be alright, pal.”
“I hope you're right, Cap.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Chet had a plan. He was steamed that Marco 's sister had made him look like a fool in front of his co-workers. “Just try to scalp me, cowgirl,” he thought. Even though he knew that Marco would be angry with him if he pulled a prank on Louisa , Chet couldn't resist. It just wasn't in hi nature to back down from a challenge, even from a friend's relative. “I wonder if the Pigeon would like a friend; a little "Pigeonette,” giggled Chet, as the perfect plan popped into his head. “Let's see. She works on a ranch, but doesn't spend much time on horseback. I've GOT it!! The perfect plan! Oh, man, this is gonna be sweet.” With that, Chet set off for the dayroom, working out the details in his head.
“So, what do you like best about living in Montana , Louisa ?” asked Johnny .
“The change of the seasons, I guess,” she answered with a smile. “There is nothing prettier than seeing all those trees change under Mother Nature's paintbox. Of course, I like winter, too, even if the wind howls like a lonely wolf at times.”
“How cold does it get up there?” asked Roy .
“It depends on how hard the wind is blowing,” said Louisa with a grin. “If the wind is calm, the temperature gets down to around 20 below zero. But us Montana folk are hardy enough to handle that.”
“Wow!” said Stoker . “What about when the wind is blowing?” “Cold enough to freeze the polish off of a brass spittoon,” grinned Johnny . “I remember winters like that. And, man, I sure don't miss freezing my butt off!”
The crew laughed, knowing Gage's aversion to cold. “You're not really partial to taking an on-shift swim, either,” chuckled Roy . The crew laughed harder, knowing that what Roy said was true.
“Seems to me I'm not the only one who doesn't enjoy taking a dip on a rescue, or have you forgotten that dog who knocked you into the pool that time, Pally?”
“Am I missing something here?” asked Louisa , confused. “Dogs knock you guys into pools?”
“Well,” answered Johnny, ignoring Roy's glare, “we were called to a house to check on a man with back pain and his dog kept jumping on Roy and he ended up falling into the pool while trying to get his BP cuff back after the dog took it!”
Louisa laughed, picturing the incident in her head. “I've never been knocked into a swimming pool on the ranch, but I did end up in the mud when one of our horses decided to stop without informing me.” The guys laughed. “It was good for the complexion, but not so good for the clothes!” chuckled the girl, smiling at the memory.
“Did you get hurt?” asked the Captain. “I didn't injure anything except my pride,” said Louisa . “Of course the crazy horse looked like he was laughing at me when I picked myself up out of the mud puddle.”
“How many horses do you have on the ranch, Louie ?” teased Marco . “I know, I know. ‘Don't call me that!' At least I didn't tell them your other nickname,” he grinned. “You do, and I'll string you up from the hose tower, big brother. And don't think I won't. I may be smaller than you, but I'm cuter!” came the reply.
“Uh oh, pal, that sounded like a challenge to me,” said Chet. “Careful, Chet. You just might be next!” said Marco , blushing.
“Me? What did I do?” asked Chet. “Now, Marco , why in the world would I hurt this wasichu ? Just because his hair would make good stuffing material, doesn't mean I would hurt any other part of him,” Louisa said with a falsely sweet smile.
“Uh huh, I know that look. Behave yourself, little Louie ,” said Marco . “Mama might get upset if you get thrown in jail for unlawful scalping.” Louisa rolled her eyes. “ Marco , I have matured a little since I left home. Now I only shave heads on special occasions.”
“Special occasions?” squeaked Chet. “Who else did you do that to?” Louisa looked at him with an mock innocent gleam in her dark eyes. “Who? Me? I never did that to a human .” “No, you just cut your doll's hair off every time you got a new one,” teased Marco . “Remember Mama's reaction to that ? She grounded me for a month,” laughed Louisa . “I remember very well,” grinned Marco . “You always were a handful!” “Now, don't give your friends the wrong impression, Marco . I rarely play with dolls anymore,” chuckled Louisa .
“Well, now,” said Hank, getting up from the table. “Who wants to set the table for lunch? Louisa , would you like to join us for our meal?”
“Sounds good, sir. What can I do to help?” “Just make yourself comfortable; you're a guest. We can handle things.” “You're the boss,” Louisa smiled. “Sometimes I wonder,” answered Cap, grinning.
* inserted text denotes thought or flashback *
Mrs. Lopez 's House
Maria Lopez was tired. She had been up since the crack of dawn, waiting for her foster daughter, Louisa , to arrive from Montana . The girl had called her from Station 51 right after lunch and said that she was on her way. Maria was a little apprehensive about seeing her after nearly five years. As the Latino mother thought back, she remembered the last conversation she and Louisa had had before the young woman have left for Montana :
*”Mami, I know what I'm doing. Please don't worry. Everything will be fine!” Louisa said, almost losing her temper.
“I'm not worrying, sweetheart. But working on a ranch? I'm afraid that you might be hurt,” replied Maria , a hint of exasperation in her soft voice.
“Mami, ‘Tonio will be there. He'll watch out for me. He won't let me get hurt.”
“I know he will, but I know you, my darling daughter. You try to do more than you are capable of at times. Do you remember the time you and Marco helped Papi reshingle the roof? You almost fell off the ladder trying to carry too many shingles,” said Mrs. Lopez .
“Yes, I remember, but I didn't fall; that's the whole point!!”
“I'm still not sure about this. All those strange men. They might try to take advantage of you.”
“Mami, I can handle them. Besides, ‘Tonio would skin alive anyone who looked cross-eyed at me,” replied Louisa . “He practically scared away any boy who dared to talk to me in high school. I'm sure the ranch won't be any different.”
“If your Papi was alive, he would forbid you to do this!” cried Mrs. Lopez .
Louisa sighed, trying to keep a firm rein on her temper. “Mami, Papi would tell me to follow my heart. That is what I'm doing. I fell in love with the ranch that summer we visited Antonio . Please, Mami, I want your blessing. I can do this; just let me prove to you that I can,” she said, near tears.
Maria gazed at the dark-haired girl standing in front of her. Her mind flashed back to the day Louisa had joined their family. She had been shy, almost timid, but from the very start, she had a stubborn streak. If someone had told the young girl that she couldn't do something, she tried again and again until the task was completed. It had taken Louisa several months to trust the Lopez family, but when she did, Louisa loved them with her whole heart and soul. Maria had loved Louisa from the first time she had seen the orphaned girl. Maria had learned early that Louisa was determined to prove herself, even at the age of 14. Things had been rocky those first few months, but Maria couldn't love the girl more if she were her own flesh and blood.
“All right, you've made your point. I'll agree to this on one condition: that if you get injured in any way, you'll come home.”
“You don't really believe I can do this, do you, Mami?!?” Louisa said with fire in her eyes and anger in her voice. “You want me to get injured so I'll never leave the city! I can't believe your attitude!!”
Maria stood there, speechless. “No, darling, I don't want you to get hurt. Horses can be dangerous. Something might happen when you least except it.”
Louisa stood and looked her mother full in the face. “I'm not going to stand here and listen to you tell me I'll fail! I'm going and that's that!! The day after graduation, I'm gone!!” With those words, Louisa stormed out of the house, nearly in tears. *
Maria sighed again, thinking about her headstrong daughter. “ Madre de Dios ! Why did I ever let her go?”
Maria turned towards the window as she heard a car pull up outside. Getting out of the car was a small, almost petite young woman. At first Maria didn't recognize the girl, but at a second look, she realized that her daughter was home!! Maria rushed to greet the girl excited, but nervous, wondering what kind of greeting she would receive.
“Mami!!! I've missed you!!” called the girl. Louisa rushed up to the Latino woman and flung her arms around her, embracing her tightly. “How are you, Mami?”
“I'm doing much better, now that you are here, my sweet girl. How was the drive down?”
“Tiring,” replied Louisa . “I was never more glad to see Station 51 in my life. Marco 's friends are all so nice, especially Captain Stanley . But I couldn't help notice that he looked sad, even when he smiled.”
Maria bit her lip, and then spoke softly, “He lost his wife a few months ago in a car accident. She pulled out in front of a semi truck and the driver couldn't stop in time,” she said, sadly.
“Oh, Mami!! The poor man! That must have been horrible!” cried Louisa , tears welling up in her eyes as she imagined the Captain's pain.
“ Si, it was a tragedy. Things have been very rough for him these past few months.”
“I wish there was something I could do for him, Mami. He seems to be a very nice man. He was very kind to me at the station this morning.”
Mrs. Lopez smiled. “My tender-hearted dear. Always trying to ease another's pain. Your Papi loved you so. It broke his heart to see how sad you were when you first came to live with us.”
Louisa smiled sadly, a tear slowing making its way down her cheek. “Why do things like this happen, Mami? It all seems so cruel for a man like Captain Stanley to lose his wife that way.”
“I don't know, sweetheart. I guess God needed Mrs. Stanley in Heaven. Just like he did your Papi.”
“It's still unfair!!” exclaimed Louisa .
“Life is unfair, my love. But God never gives us more than we can bare. Father Sanchez told us that. I'm sure with time Captain Stanley will smile without looking so sad again.”
“I hope you're right, Mami. Marco mentioned a Fireman's Picnic. Maybe that will cheer Captain Stanley up. It sounds like so much fun!”
Maria laughed, amazed at her daughter's optimism. “Time will tell. Now, let me fix you a snack. You must be hungry.”
“I am, a little. I ate lunch with Marco and his crewmates, but I can't say no to your cooking. All I ate on the trip down was diner food! Yuck!!”
Maria chuckled. “At least the bad meals didn't dampen your enthusiasm!”
Louisa grinned. “You know me. The eternal optimist!”
Maria smiled again. “Let me help you with your things and let you get settled. I want to hear all about what you've been doing.”
Louisa looked at her mother, a twinkle of mischief in her eyes. “ Everything , Mami? Even the men I've been dating?”
Maria looked at her sternly. “Just don't give me any details, all right?”
“Yes, Mami,” said Louisa , with laughter in her voice. “There have only been a few dozen anyways.”
Maria rolled her eyes. “Just a few dozen, huh? Spare me the details.”
Louisa laughed. “Just teasing!! I don't have time to date with all the work that needs to be done.”
Maria walked out the door with Louisa , collecting the young woman's suitcases from the car. “I made up your old room. How long are you staying?”
“Three weeks, just like we talked about. But I might be persuaded to stay longer.”
“Any time we can spend together is nice, darling. It sure is good to have you home!”
“It's good to be home, Mami!”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The following shift.
Marco Lopez strolled into Station 51, a happy smile on his face. The tense atmosphere he had been expecting when Louisa and his mother got together hadn't materialized. The two women had chatted and laughed without a hint of tension. He was glad that the meeting hadn't turned into a shouting match, considering the bad feelings between the two women when Louisa had left.
“Morning, amigo ,” Marco greeted Mike Stoker , who was busy polishing Big Red.
“Morning, Marco , Stoker smiled. “How did things go with your Mom and Louisa ?”
“They went great, Mike . You would have thought that Mama and Louisa had never argued. I was expecting Mama to ask Louisa to move home permanently.”
“ Louisa seems to be happy working on the ranch. Why was your Mom so against it?”
“Mama was afraid Louisa would get hurt, I guess. She has a tendency to jump into things feet first, the consequences be damned.”
Mike grinned. “Sounds like someone else we know.”
Marco returned the grin. “Now who could that be? John Gage , perhaps?”
At that point , the person in question walked in the door, whistling. “Morning, Mike , Marco . What about me?” he asked with a crooked grin.
“We were just saying how you and Louisa both jump into things quickly without asking the consequences.”
“I don't do that,” protested Johnny . “I think about things before I do them.”
“What about the game show idea you had, John ?” asked Marco with a smile. “Did you think that through before you started?”
“Well, no, but it was a good idea……at the time.”
Mike and Marco laughed, remembering how Johnny had stayed up most of the night writing the game show, only to learn someone else had used the same idea.
“Whatever you say, John ,” grinned Marco . “ Louisa does the same thing. Luckily, most of the time things work out okay. But sometimes they don't.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The Fireman's Picnic at Algier's Park
“What a great day for a picnic,” grinned John Gage to his shift mates, who were gathered at Roy Desoto 's house. “Is your sister planning on coming, Marco ?”
“She said she was, John . When I told her about it, she said only wild horses could keep her away, considering how nice you all you guys have been to her.”
“ Louisa is really nice, Marco , and not that hard on the eyes, either,” said Chet. “Wonder how she might react to a friendly visit from the Phantom?”
“Chet, be careful. Louisa was the Queen of the Pranksters when we were growing up. Besides that, she's a lot smarter than you are. Any prank you pull, she'll see a mile away.”
“Twenty miles, knowing some of the lame jokes Chet's played recently,” chuckled Mike Stoker . “Salt in the sugar bowl, Chet? That prank is older than Methuselah.”
The rest of the crew laughed, recalling Chet's embarrassment when the Captain turned out to be the victim of that little stunt, instead of the intended victim: Johnny .
“At least she can't give me a month's latrine duty,” grinned the Irishman, his eyes twinkling. “It was three months, you twit,” grumbled Stanley . “Salted coffee isn't my cup of tea, Kelly . Be glad it wasn't a year's latrine duty!”
“I get the point, Cap. No more salt in the sugar bowl,” returned Chet, ignoring his crew-mate's laughter. “How can you be sure Louisa will even know I'm the Phantom?”
“Chet, I told her all about you,” said Marco . “ All about me?” said Chet, a sick look on his face. “Oh, man! I'm in trouble now”
“Maybe she can give you some pointers, Chester ,” replied Johnny . “Maybe add some new tricks…what am I saying ?!? Stay away from her, Kelly ! Last thing I need is more wet uniforms!!”
The guys laughed. At that moment, Roy 's wife Joanne and his children, Chris and Jennifer came out of the house. “ Uncle Johnny !!” yelled the two, running up to Johnny and tackling him to the ground. “Can we play baseball on your team, Uncle Johnny ?” asked Chris , overjoyed to see his favorite “uncle”. “We'll see, kids,” said Johnny . “Wait until we decide who's gonna be team captain, ok?” “Okay, Uncle Johnny !”
“Shall we get this show on the road?” said Captain Stanley , trying to keep some semblance of order. “Is Louisa meeting us here or at the park, Marco ?” “At the park, Cap. Mama said she would give Lou directions.”
“All right. Everyone in the cars. McConikee will have my butt in a sling if we're late. We are in charge of setting up this year.”
Everyone piled into their respective cars, laughing and joking. The Fireman's Picnic was an event they all looked forward to every year, even if their station lost the baseball games to Station 36 almost every year.
“ Marco , didn't you mention that Louisa played softball in high school?” asked Mike .
“She sure did, Mike. She was voted All-Star Player of the Year her junior year.”
“Bet that would set 36's on their ears, to get beaten by a girl!” grinned Johnny . “You think she'll want to play?”
“She brought her mitt and bat down with her, John . I'm betting she'll be one of the first out on the field,” answered Marco .
“Good deal,” enthused Gage . “Maybe we can actually win this year instead of getting creamed.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
“Hi, guys,” called Louisa , walking over to where Station 51 had set up their tables. “Great day for a picnic, huh?”
“Perfect California weather,” said Captain Stanley . “Glad you could join us.”
“Are you kidding? I wouldn't miss this for the world! Any day I can see my brother “try” to play baseball will be peaches and cream!”
“Hey! I'm not that bad!” protested Marco . “ Marco , remember you trying to catch a fly ball and getting beaned?” “Yeah, I had a headache for 3 days,” grumbled Lopez . “I rest my case,” grinned Louisa , hugging her brother. “Just because you can't catch a fly ball with a net doesn't mean I don't adore you!” she teased.
“Okay, okay, break it up!” shouted Kelly . “Ah, Miss Martin , so nice to see you, lass,” he said with a thick Southern accent.
Louisa laughed. “Chet, you sound about as Southern as someone from the South Bronx !”
“Oh, yeah? You ever been to the South Bronx ?” he grinned.
“Can't say that I have, but stick with talking normally for a while okay, bud?”
Mike Stoker was trying hard to smother his laughter, but was fast losing the battle. “Chet, I think you bet stop trying to match wits with her. You're making yourself look like a fool.”
“And that's not exactly a difficult task,” needled Gage . “Save your talents for the baseball field, Kelly .”
Captain Stanley walked over to Louisa , and asked, “Would you like to play on our team, Louisa ? Marco told us that you played in high school.”
“I'd love to, Captain. What positions do you guys usually play? I played catcher on the varsity team, but if that's already taken, I can play something else.”
“Well, Roy is usually catcher, but if he says it's ok, you can take over.”
“Sure,” smiled Roy . “I'll cover shortstop this time.”
“ Kelly , you're pitching. Go warm up,” ordered Hank.
“Hey, Louisa , wanna toss the ball around me for a few?”
“Sure, Chester let me get my mitt.”
As the two walked off to warm up, Doctors Brackett and Early, along with Nurse Dixie McCall came up to the men. “Hi, guys,” said Brackett. “Hey, docs; hi, Dix ,” said Johnny with a smile. "How's it going?”
“Pretty good, John ,” answered Joe Early . “Anything we can do to help you set up?”
“We need to put the tablecloths down. Other than that, we're all set, at least until we start cooking.”
Dixie said to Marco , “Who is that young woman playing catch with Chet Kelly ?”
“That's my sister. She's visiting from Montana . Would you like to meet her?”
“Sure.”
“ Louisa !” called Marco . When the girl turned her head to answer, she failed to notice that Chet had thrown the ball to her. Before anyone could call out a warning, the ball struck her in the side of the head, knocking her to the ground.
Brackett, Early, Dixie , Johnny , Roy , and Marco ran over to where Louisa had fallen. Roy and John dropped to their knees beside the fallen girl, checking for injuries.
“Ow! What happened?" she asked, trying to get up. “ Louisa , stay still,” said Roy . “Where did the ball hit you?'
“Right here,” she said, indicating a spot about an inch from the top of her head on the left side. “Chet sure has a mean fastball.”
Roy gently palpitated the area, earning a gasp of pain from the young woman. “There's a bump, but no bleeding. “Doc, you wanna check her out?” he asked Dr. Brackett . “Oh, I'm sorry. Louisa , this is Dr. Kelly Brackett , head of Emergency Medicine at Rampart.”
“Hi, Doc. Nice to meet you. Wish it was under better circumstances,” said Louisa , wincing in pain.
Dr. Brackett pulled a penlight out of his shirt pocket and shined it into Louisa 's eyes, checking her papillary responses. “Equal and reactive,” he said. Holding up two fingers, he asked, “ Louisa , how many fingers am I holding up?”
“Two,” she said. “Do you feel nauseous at all?” “No; other than a killer headache and an acute case of embarrassment, I feel fine,” Louisa answered with a smile. “I always wanted to meet a handsome doctor, but not while I was the patient!”
Brackett blushed as Dixie attempted to hide her smile. “I think you'll be alright. I would like to keep an eye on your for a few hours to make sure of that.”
“Lead on, Doctor,” smiled Louisa . “I place myself into your capable hands.”
“Slowly, now. Don't rush. Just take it slow and careful,” said Brackett. “If you feel dizzy let me know.”
Louisa slowly got to her feet, brushing the dust from her clothes. “I feel fine. Remind me not to turn my back on Chet's fastball again, though. Deal?”
“Deal,” replied Brackett, smiling.
Chet ran over, apologizing. “ Louisa , are you okay? I'm so sorry.”
“Relax, Chester . I'm fine. You got quite a fastball there, champ. Just don't hit anyone else today.”
As the group walked back to the picnic tables reserved for Station 51 and their guests, Mike noticed an odd look on his Captain's face. He went over to his Captain and said,” something wrong, Cap?”
Hank looked at the stoic engineer. “ No , Michael . I'm was just worried that Louisa might have been seriously hurt.”
“Yeah, Chet really beaned her, didn't he? She seems to be okay now. Dr. Brackett and Miss McCall will keep and eye on her, Cap.”
“I know, pal. I was just concerned.” Hank bit his lip. “It would be a shame if she had to cut her visit with her family short because of one of Kelly 's dumb mistakes.”
Stoker looked closely at his Captain, seeing more than concern in the man's face. IF he wasn't mistaken, Stanley looked as if he was feeling something other than concern over a crewman's sister. Mike knew that Hank had been lonely since his wife had died a little over two month's ago. The arrival of Chief McConikee pulled Mike out of his speculation.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~