A Father's Revenge

by

Sherry Powers

Author's note: Thanks to Krys for her ideas, and Audrey for her help. Also, in the “Messin' Around” episode, no first names were given for the young boy who swallowed the poison nor for the Mother…only "Mrs. Wheeler" was used…no Father was ever mentioned, so the first names for all three characters in this story are made up

All EMERGENCY! Characters belong to MARK VII LIMITED but any and all OC's (Original Characters) belong to me and can not be used without my permission

The beginning dialogue in this story is from the original episode…no copyright infringement indented

** Denotes thought **

*E!*E!*E!*E!*E!*

As the doctor and the two paramedics slowly walked out of Treatment Room 3, the men felt beaten…all of their advance life saving knowledge and efforts, both in the ambulance and at the hospital, had failed, and the young boy had lost his battle for life.

Looking down at the stethoscope he held in his hands, Kel fiddled with it, as he spoke to his friends.

"There was nothin' any of us could do."

"Yeah." Johnny replied, as he placed his hands on his hips and let out a breath.

With nothing more to say, Doctor Brackett finally walked away from his two friends. As Johnny and Roy started walking away from the treatment room door, they stopped and turned to face the boy's Mother, when they heard her speaking to them

"How is he…is he gonna be okay?"

The two friends could only look sadly at her, before Roy was finally able to answer her.

"I'm sorry."

Hardly being able to believe what the paramedic had just told her, Mrs. Wheeler began to sob.

Through her tears, she said, "I thought…he was just tryin' to get attention…he was… always…tryin' to get attention."

When neither paramedic said anything further, Mrs. Wheeler lowered her head and slowly walked away from the two men who had desperately tried to save her son's life. Standing for a moment longer, Roy and Johnny looked at each other, as they finally walked away, making their way to the Squad and back to the station.

“LA, Squad 51 available and returning to quarters.”

“10-4 Squad 51.”

*E!*E!*E!*E!*E!*

After having yet another child succumb to poisoning…be it either accidental or intentional, the return trip to the station was being done in silence. Johnny was having a hard time dealing with this one, for two reasons…first, he had rode in with and treated the boy in the ambulance, and he was feeling as if he could have done more, and second, this death was the sixth one in as many months…he and the rest of his shiftmates never dealt well when death claimed someone…it was even harder to accept when it was a child.

Knowing that the run was bothering his partner, as it was him, and hoping that maybe Johnny would talk to him about how he was feeling, Roy broke the silence, as he finally spoke to his partner, while keeping his eyes on the road.

“Johnny…are you alright?”

With his elbow resting in the window, and his chin in his hand, Johnny starred out the window a few moments longer, before his answered his friend.

Johnny softly replied, and said, “I don't know. Ya know…what that boy's Mother said…back at the hospital…it really makes me wonder.”

“Wonder what Junior?”

Johnny finally looked over at his partner before he answered him again.

“If he was always doin' stuff to get attention…why didn't his parents just give ‘im some…I mean, I know most parents are busy these days, but why couldn't they take time out of their oh so busy schedules and give that kid some attention…even if it was just a little bit? I don't know, I wonder…I wonder if they had, if maybe this could have been prevented…and that little boy would still be alive…he was just a kid Pally…it's not right.”

Looking back and forth between the road and his friend, Roy replied, “No, it isn't right, but Johnny…you've got to know that you…as well as me and Brackett…we did * everything * that was humanly possible to try and save that child…don't ever doubt that…and don't feel guilty either, if anyone's to blame, it's his Mother, for not lettin' us in the house sooner. But, you do have a point, kids do need plenty of attention from their parent's but…I don't know partner, I wish I had an answer for that. But, I guess…I guess nobody'll ever know for sure if it woulda changed anything…I'd like to think it would have though.”

“Yeah…we did everything.” was the whispered response from Johnny.

As Johnny returned to looking out the side window, Roy went back to watching the road, as he continued to worry about his best friend. He could tell that his partner wasn't convinced that he had done everything he could have for his patient, and that he was also feeling guilty.

Reaching the station, Roy backed into the bay, and having a pounding headache, the dark-haired paramedic opted for the dorm room instead of the kitchen, when he saw Chet come out into the bay.

Johnny gave Roy a look, indicating that he wasn't in the mood for Chet. Seeing this, Roy stopped Chet before he had a chance to say anything.

“Chet…don't say anything…and just leave Johnny alone…okay.”

“I take it the kid didn't make it.” Chet sadly said.

Shaking his head, Roy softly answered, “No…he didn't make it.”

Roy and Chet went into the kitchen, as Johnny continued into the dorm. Even though he really did want a cup of coffee, he passed on it, in hopes of not only avoiding Chet, but also maybe getting in a nap before the next call came in . Johnny also figured that the "Phantom" probably had yet another water bomb…or two…planted somewhere for him…and with what had just happened, he was definitely not in the mood for any more of Chet Kelly's pranks.

After rummaging through his locker and finding the aspirin bottle, Johnny took two of the pills and downed them with a very cold glass of water, then went to his bunk, and letting out a sigh, he laid down and threw his left arm over his eyes. Sleep didn't come quickly to him, because as he laid there, he couldn't get the image of this young boy, dying needlessly, out of his mind …nor could he rid himself of wondering how the boy's parents would ever be able to deal with the loss of their son…their only child.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Six months later…

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As the paramedic was leaving to report to work, he didn't see the figure that was standing in the bushes…watching his every move. With it being very early in the morning, this man knew that he would be able to grab his unsuspecting victim, without the chance of being spotted by anyone passing by.

"Ah yes…there you are…finally…and she described you perfectly…and now, after six long months of planning, my chance has finally arrived. Just wait, I'm gonna make sure that you and your partner pay…for everything…although * you * will be payin' with your life, I'm gonna make sure that both of you regret the day you killed my son…destroyed my family…I promise you that."

As the paramedic opened his truck door and threw his uniform jacket inside, but before he could climb in, he suddenly felt a strong arm wrap around him, forcing his keys from his hand, as his arms were pulled and held down to his side, and he felt as if the life was being squeezed out of him… at the same time, he felt a damp cloth covering his mouth and noise. Quickly realizing that what he smelled was chloroform, he started to struggle harder to get free, but was quickly overcome by the smell, as everything around him slowly faded to black, as the man let him fall to the ground, unconscious.

*E!*E!*E!*E!*E!*

The chilling paramedic finally woke up, hours later, to find himself on a cold, damp and hard floor, with no memory of how he got there…he also had a pounding headache.

Turning over on his back, he rubbed his hands over his face.

"Oh…oh my head…man, I'm cold but…what's goin' on…where…where am I?"

Blinking and focusing his eyes, he turned up on his side and started to push himself up into a seated position, but he suddenly stopped, as a wave of dizziness and sickness washed over him.

** Ah man…no…no, don't throw up…don't get sick…don't **

As quickly as he could, he pulled himself over to the wall and leaned up against it, and feeling the coolness of the rock surface on his forehead, he finally got his breathing and his stomach under control, as he tightly closed his eyes.

As the room finally stopped spinning, he reopened his eyes very slowly. He didn't know where he was, but he quickly realized that he wasn't at Rampart…or the station…but just to be on the safe side, he did a quick check anyway, to see what kind of injuries that he might have had.

“Nothin'…I guess I'm alright, well, except for this headache.”

Finding none, he rubbed his eyes, then started to scan the room. He saw that he was sitting in a large room, on a cold concrete floor, the room was very cold and damp, with walls that were made of stone and there were only three small windows, high above the floor, and they let in a small amount of light, but the worse thing he found was…that they were totally out of his reach.

"Well, shoots that idea…even if I * could * reach 'em, it wouldn't do any good...I may be skinny...but man, I'm not * that * skinny."

With the affects of the chloroform still lingering with him, Johnny slowly tried and was finally able to make it to his feet, and using the wall for support, he carefully made his way over to the door. Feeling dizzy again, but making it to the door and stepping in front of it, he leaned his head up against it, breathing deep and hoping the feeling would soon pass. As the dizziness faded, he tried the door, finding it locked…just as he figured it would be, but hoping with all he had that it wasn't.

“Oh man…why me…why do things * always * happen ta' me?”

Again using the wall, he slowly walked over to the other door in the room, but after trying it, he found that it was also locked. Making his way back to the other side of the room, he carefully sat down, and as he leaned up against the stone surface of the wall, he brought his knees to his chest and wrapped his arms around his legs…not only was he trying to get himself warm, but he was trying to figure out what was happening.

"Where am I…I'm not hurt, so what coulda happened…and how did I end up here… wherever here is…wait…chloroform…I remember the smell of chloroform…I wonder where Roy is, I sure hope he's not here and he's alright…man it's so cold in here…I gotta get outta this place, but how?"

Not realizing that anyone was in the room, until he suddenly heard the door slam, and jumping at the noise, Johnny looked up and saw a man walking over to the other door, and he sat watching, as the man unlocked it. He then made his way over to the paramedic and stood over him, as he began to speak.

"Ah, you're awake…heard ya talkin'. What's the matter Gage, why do you wanna leave so soon…could it be that you're not satisfied with your ah…huh, first class accommodations?"

Looking around the room again, Johnny shivered, as he sarcastically replied, "Oh yeah, this is a real five star hotel…makin' me sleep on the floor…freezin' me to death ‘cause I'm in a room with no heat…no shower…no room service…not to mention havin' no view…yeah, first class. To be honest…no, I'm not satisfied with the accommodations and I wanna go home…well, work…and I wanna go…like now…so why don't you let me."

"Man, how ungrateful can ya be, at least you got a roof over your head…you could be on the side of the road somewhere…dead. Now tell me somethin' Gage…why on earth would I wanna let you go?”

Thinking fast and slightly chuckling, Johnny answered, and said, "'Cause…you're a decent human being…and it would be the right thing to do?"

"Well, it might be the right thing to do…but it isn't gonna happen."

"Yeah…that's what I was afraid of. Look, why don't you tell me who you are…and what the deal is…then, like I said, you can let me walk outta here…and I'll tell ya what, I'll even be nice enough to just forget about the fact…that you kidnapped me…what'daya say…come on now, how can you pass up a good deal like that.”

Suddenly the man started laughing at his hostage.

“And what's so funny?” Gage asked, not being amused.

"Ah, Gage, you are…I didn't know you had such a sense of humor, but you're funny Johnny …let you go, I like that. Well, you aren't goin' anywhere…at least not for a while…and when you * do * leave, you'll be * carried * outta here…in a body bag…so you sure ain't gonna be walkin' out…so I suggest that you get yourself as comfortable as possible. See ya later.”

** I don't think I like the sound of this **

Johnny called out to the man, and said, “Hey wait a minute. What do you want with me…what have I done to you…I don't even know you.”

Turning around, the man replied, “Oh, don't play dumb with me Gage, you know exactly what you've done. And what I want is very simple…and it isn't anymore, than what I feel, that I'm owed. I want justice…I want payback…from you * and * DeSoto."

Starring up at the man that stood over him, Johnny quickly became angry, at hearing that his best friend would be hurt. The paramedic used the cold wall to help steady himself, as he once again stood.

Angrily speaking and pointing his finger at his kidnapper, Johnny said, "Look, I don't know who you are…or what you mean by… by payback or justice…but man, I'm warnin' ya… you better leave Roy outta this. Why don't you tell me what's goin' on and who you are… and maybe we can talk this thing over…and settle this without anyone gettin' hurt!”

Being angry, the man said, " Control your temper there Gage, gettin' upset is only gonna get'cha into trouble. And you're warning me…let me tell ya somethin', you aren't in any position to make threats. But you don't have to worry about DeSoto, he isn't gonna be hurt …well, at least not in the way that you're probably thinkin'."

Johnny breathed a sigh of relief, learning that his friend would be safe, but the statement did raise the paramedic's curiosity.

"That's a relief…please, I don't want ‘im hurt. But how then?"

Looking at his hostage , the man reached out and pushed and held the paramedic up against the wall, as he pulled his gun and held it to Johnny's chest. Frightened, Gage stood as still as he could, as he listened to the man speaking to him.

"Now you, on the other hand, will be. As to what I mean about your partner, oh, he'll be hurt all right, but it'll be as he watches you die…knowin' that there isn't anything he can do to save you…all of his paramedic skills, aren't gonna do you one bit'a good. Yeah Gage, I've found out a * lot * about you."

Johnny felt a sense of fear and dread come over him, as he started to breathe harder.

As his voice raised about three octives, Johnny asked, "Easy with the gun, man. What do you have against me…who are you? Look, why don't you just cut the games, ‘cause let me tell ya somethin'…I'm * not * in the mood…and I think I have the right…to know what's goin' on and why you…want me dead so bad."

Keeping the gun in place, and Johnny up against the wall, the man replied, "Yeah, I'll give ya that…when a man's gonna…leave this world, so to speak…he should at least be told the reason why…although in my honest opinion, you gave up * your * rights when you destroyed * my * life. But first, tell me somethin' Gage, do you have any kids…or a wife by chance?"

Johnny looked at the gun, then up at the man, as he sarcastically answered, and said, "Well, if you've found out so much about me…you should know the answer to that…as you already know, no, I don't have any kids…and I'm not married either. But what I wanna know is, what's that got to do with this…please tell me, what did I do to you…what do you want with me?

"What I want with you, is to make you pay…six months ago, you murdered my son, and now, since you don't have any kids or a wife, I'm gonna watch * you * die as payment for my son's life. Does the name Wheeler ring a bell…more to the point, a little boy…by the name of Matt Wheeler…do you remember him?"

Johnny felt the gun being pressed into his chest, as he stood there, wracking his brain. He realized that over the last six months that he and Roy had responded to a lot of calls…with some they had been able to save, while some others, they couldn't…he also knew that neither he nor Roy could remember each and every one of them. As he repeatedly whispered the name, the memory of that tragic day, finally came back to him.

Looking the man in the eyes, Johnny said, "Wheeler…Wheeler…a little boy…the little boy who…who swallowed the ant poison and…and died…I remember him and the run but we …I mean I…I never knew his first name. I take it that you're his Father…right?"

Finally removing his hand and the gun from the paramedic's chest, the man said, "Yeah, I'm the Father of just another nameless face of a person that you supposedly tried to treat…but instead killed. I'm Kyle Wheeler…and you took something away from me that was very precious. But I'm really impressed, you have a good memory Gage."

Breathing a sigh of relief, but sarcastically answering again, Johnny replied, "Ah, gee thanks …appreciate it. Mr. Wheeler, now listen to me, please, I didn't kill ‘im…my partner and I…we tried to help him, but when we got there, his Mother kept us from treatin' him quickly, because she wouldn't let us inside the house. But when we finally got to ‘im, we did every…"

Johnny was suddenly interrupted, as out of nowhere, he felt an open hand slap him hard across the face, knocking him up against the wall, causing him to hit the side of his face and head, hard, then he fell back to the floor, stunned and bleeding. Stepping closer to the dark-haired paramedic, Kyle began viciously kicking and hitting him, as Wheeler screamed.

"Shut up…just…just shut up and…stop lyin'…no way will I allow you…to blame this on her…you killin' our son…it devastated Heather…it wasn't her fault, it was you…you and DeSoto…the two of you didn't…do enough to help him, then…then the so called doctors at Rampart…they didn't do enough for him either…yeah Gage, you're gonna pay…while your partner watches and…pleads with me…to spare your miserable, worthless life!"

As the brutal beating, kicking and screaming finally stopped, Johnny could only lay there, feeling the pain, as he coughed and struggled to catch his breath.

Although he was having trouble breathing, he spoke in a whisper and said, "Mr. Wheeler …Kyle…please, you can't…do this…and I'm not…not lyin'…don't know what…she told …told you…but…she wouldn't let…let us inside…to treat…to treat ‘im…a police officer… he fin…finally got us…in…me and Roy…every…everyone else…involved…tried to save …your son…but nothin' more…could be…done…I swear…"

Johnny paused to try to take more air into his lungs before he could continued. He could see Kyle, standing over him , pointing his gun at him and shaking his head no.

"And you…hurtin' me won't…make…your pain go…go away…and it…certainly…won't bring…Matt back…please…please think about…about this…and don't do…anything that …you'll regret…just let me…me go…"

Kyle answered the paramedic with pure hate and anger in his voice.

"Don't do anything I'll regret, you say…my only regret…is waitin' as long as I did…you shoulda been taken care of right after it happened. But * hurtin' * you is not what's gonna happen…only * hurtin' * you won't make your partner suffer like my wife and I have had to…so don't worry Gage, I'm not gonna hurt you…I'm going to * kill * you.”

“No…please…please don't…”

“Oh no, please do. With you dead and seein' your partner suffer over the loss, * that * will make up for all the pain that…you two…so called paramedics…have caused us. Be prepared to die a very painful death…just like my son did."

Knowing that he was in deep trouble, Johnny slowly pushed himself up into a seated position, as he tried again to reason with this man. The paramedic held on to his right side, as he tried to get his breathing under control.

"No, Mr. Wheeler…please don't…don't do this…don't you care about…what will happen to you if…if you kill me…you won't get away…with it the cops…they'll come down…on you like…like a ton of bricks…if you do…anything to me…right now…the only thing… you'd be facin'…is kidnappin'…and assault…not too bad…but you don't want…kid… kidnappin'…and murder…so please…just end this…now…and let me go…before it gets… any worse…"

Putting his gun down to his side, Kyle said, "Oh, I * will * get away with it and I won't be facin' anything…'cause after you're dead, I'll just leave from here, never to be seen or heard from again. Oh, by the way, for the duration of your stay here, you'll receive no food and no water, but through that door that I unlocked is a toilet…I'll be nice enough to at least let'cha go to the bathroom…don't want'cha stinkin' up the place. So enjoy your stay Gage, you'll be seein' your partner real soon."

As Kyle turned to leave the room, Johnny painfully reached up and grabbed onto his captor's arm to stop him.

“Wait…please…what about Roy…if he's here ta'…ta' watch me die…as you say…then you'd be leavin'…a witness…what would you…do with him…after I'm…well…you know…?”

Realizing that the paramedic was right, Kyle was sarcastic, as he replied, “Yeah…you are right about that Gage …what to do…I just don't know what I should do…I wonder…I wonder…oh of course, I've changed my mind…I'll just kill him to, after you're…well…you know…after all, he didn't do any more than you did.”

Begging, Johnny said, "No…leave my friend alone…please…don't bring ‘im…into this…I don't want ‘im hurt, he…he has a family…a wife and two kids…who love…love ‘im and… and need ‘im but…I don't so just…take it out on me but…but please don't…don't hurt Roy …please...I'm the one that…rode in with your son…”

Jerking his arm away, Kyle angrily replied, "Oh yeah, Roy has a family…and so did Matt, and we all loved and needed * him. * But now…now because of you…my son's dead…so forget it Gage, I want Roy here, and I'll take care of him after I've taken care of you. But you should be grateful that I'm lettin' him be here…you're gonna have somethin' that my boy didn't have."

"And exactly…what would that be?" Johnny cautiously asked.

As his tears started to fall, Wheeler answered, "While you die, you'll get to have someone with you that cares about you. Matt, he wasn't allowed that…Heather…she told me that she…she wasn't even allowed to be in…in the treatment room to be with him…that he had to die alone, among strangers…but I won't be that heartless…you can at least say good-bye to DeSoto before you die."

Johnny softly spoke to the distraught man, as he was finally able to get his breathing somewhat under control.

"I'm sorry about all…all of this but, your son…he was unconscious…he wouldn't have known if his mother…had been there or not…he went out…out on me in tha' ambulance …besides that, it's hospital policy…that friends and family of…of the patients have to wait…in the hall…or the waiting room…just ask the guys…that * I * work with…I've been a patient…a few times…they know…the staff, they have to have…room to work…and to take care…"

Becoming even angrier, Kyle raised his hand and gun in the air, as if he were going to strike Johnny. The paramedic cringed away, hoping to protect himself, thinking he was going to get hit again, only this time, with the butt of the gun, but instead, he heard Wheeler yelling at him.

"Oh hospital policy…just shut up Gage, I don't wanna hear it…and I don't want your pity either…just get yourself ready to die the most painful death that you could ever imagine. Now, if you'll excuse me…and even if you won't…I have a phone call to make.”

Wheeler quickly made his way out of the room, closing and locking the door behind him. Half-crawling and half-stumbling, Johnny made his way over to the door, and trying it, he found it locked.

Beating on the door, Johnny yelled, “Mr. Wheeler…don't do this…it's not gonna help …come back…please…you can't do this…god no…please…!”

Johnny stopped when he realized that one, the yelling was irritating his injuries, and two, that Wheeler was gone and he wasn't coming back. Turning and looking to his left, Johnny saw the other door, and going over to it and opening it, he saw that Wheeler had told him the truth…the only thing that the room contained was a toilet…Johnny just shook his head and closed the door. Feeling the side of his face, he pulled his hand away and it was covered in more blood…he wiped his hand on the front of his shirt.

** Oh man, how do I get myself into these things **

Leaning up against the wall, and looking at his watch, he saw that it was 10:30, and he wondered if his friends were missing him back at he Station, and if his Captain was ready to have a fit because he was so late for work.

Smiling, he knew that the answer to both those questions was yes…and because of that, it gave him the hope he need to hang on and not give up, somehow knowing that he would soon be found. He also hoped that his best friend could somehow be kept out of all of this.

"Oh Pally…watch yourself…and please…please be careful." Johnny softly whispered to himself.

*E!*E!*E!*E!*E!*

Back at the Station, it was 10:31 and the Squad had already had two calls, with Roy not fully concentrating on either…fortunately, neither call was serious, Roy could have done them both with his eyes closed, and Dwyer was there to help him out in case he needed it. After returning from a third run, it was now 12:35 when the Squad backed into the bay. Dwyer knew the tough time that Roy was having, not knowing anything about his partner, so he thought he would try to help take his mind off of it.

“Hey Roy, let's go grab some lunch…that is, if the rest of the guys haven't eat it all. Stoker was makin' fried chicken, wasn't he?”

Realizing what he had said, Tom thought, ** Oh way to go Dwyer, you * had * to say somethin' that reminded him of Johnny…the guy loves Stoker's fried chicken…and his spaghetti **

Dwyer could tell that Roy was thinking the same thing.

“Roy, I'm sorry…I didn't mean…”

Holding up his hand to stop Tom, Roy replied, “Forget Dwyer, it's okay. Besides, I'm not hungry, you go on, I've gotta go talk to Cap.”

Before Dwyer could say anything else, Roy turned off the engine and got out of the Squad, then rushed to his Captain's office to see if there had been any word from or about his partner and best friend.

Hurrying through the door and over to the desk, Roy saw the look on his friend's face…he figured the news wouldn't be good, but he asked anyway.

“Cap, has there been…?”

Knowing what his senior paramedic was about to ask him, Hank stopped his friend.

Holding up his hand, Hank said, “Roy, they're still looking. Vince did call me back and said that the police went door to door in John's apartment building and around his neighborhood, askin' if anyone had seen or heard anything out of the ordinary, or if maybe they had seen Johnny.”

“Yeah…and…what did they find out?”

Sadly shaking his head, Stanley softly whispered, “Nobody saw anything…nobody heard anything…no trace of him at all, like he just disappeared into thin air…but like I said, they're still tryin' to find him. I'm sorry pal.”

Pacing back and forth, Roy replied, “Cap…that's impossible, nobody seein' or hearin' anything…somebody had to have seen or heard somethin'…I mean, a struggle, a fight… somebody yellin'…somethin'…they had to.”

“I know, you would think somebody would have…maybe nobody wants to get involved, I don't know. But Vince…”

Seeing the hesitation from his Captain, Roy asked, “Vince what…Cap, come on, just tell me…did he find somethin'?”

Hank still hesitated…he didn't want to tell Roy what had been found…and what had not.

“Cap?”

“Yeah, they did. He ah…he said that they found Johnny's Land Rover sittin' in the parking lot of his apartment building …the driver's side door was standing open, with his keys on the ground beside the Rover and his uniform jacket laying on the front seat…but no sign of Johnny. They dusted it for prints, but none turned up…except for John's.”

Sitting down in a chair and rubbing his hands over his face, Roy said, “Cap, this isn't right… Johnny would never do anything like this, to just take off. When me and Dwyer were at the hospital, I told Dixie and the Docs about what's happened…they said that if Johnny was brought in or happened to wonder in, they would call and let us know.”

Hank sensed that there was something else on Roy's mind…like he wanted to ask him something, but he noticed his hesitation.

“That's good…we need somebody on that end to keep an eye out for ‘im. Is there something else…like something you wanna ask me Pal?”

“Yeah…and I hate to do this but…would it be okay if I took the rest of the shift off? I really can't concentrate on work right now, not knowin' what's goin' on with Johnny…where he is or what's happened to ‘im…if he's alive or if he's…”

Interrupting his friend, Hank said, “Now Roy…don't…don't even start thinkin' like that… Johnny is * not * dead, so none of us can think that way. I'm sure that there's some perfectly logical explanation for all of this. But, I can understand how you feel…I'll put the Squad out of service until I can bring in a replacement for ya.”

Hank knew that he hadn't convinced Roy that Johnny was alright…he hadn't even been able to convince himself of that. But without proof, he knew that he couldn't let Roy…or any of the others…start thinking that their friend was dead.

Appreciating that his Captain understood, Roy said, “Thanks Cap…could ya try to get Bellingham…or really anybody but Brice…I don't wanna do that to Dwyer. And you're right, I know that I shouldn't be thinkin' that something has happened, but with him disappearin' like this…I can't help it, I'm just so worried.”

Smiling, Hank replied, “Yeah…I'll see what I can do. But we all have to hang in there…the police will find him and Johnny's gonna be fine.”

“Thanks Cap.”

Seeing that the Squad was back, Mike, Marco and Chet entered the office…they also wanted to know what Hank had found out about their friend. Dwyer followed a moment later.

“Cap…any news yet?” Mike quietly asked.

Shaking his head yes, Hank proceeded to fill the rest of his crew in on the information that he had just given Roy.

“I can't believe this…how can Johnny just disappear, without a single trace, and nobody see or hear anything?”

Not believing it either, Hank shook his head, and said, “That's the same thing Roy asked… and I don't know Chet. But, we need to stay calm, the police'll find ‘im.”

** And find him alive, I hope ** Hank thought.

“Cap, do they have * anything * to go on…any leads as to where Johnny might be or what might have happened?” Dwyer asked.

Standing and walking over to the window, Cap looked out, as he replied, “No Tom, they don't. They don't know if Johnny just took off…”

Quickly interrupting his Captain, Marco said, “Cap, there's no way that Johnny would just take off…and leave that Rover behind…he loves that truck.”

With everyone agreeing with Marco, Cap replied, “Yeah, when Vince said it, that's the first thing I thought about…he would never do anything like that. But, they said it was that or maybe it coulda been that he was hurt somehow or maybe he was sick and just wondered off, not realizing what he was doing, or maybe that Johnny…”

Hank stopped abruptly, as he looked down at the floor…he didn't like what the other possibility might be.

“Maybe Johnny what Cap?” Dwyer asked.

After a moment, Hank looked up and turned to his crew, and said, “Or maybe…that Johnny * did * leave…but not of his own free will.”

“Not of his own…you mean…you mean kidnapped…the cops think that somebody kidnapped Johnny …but why?”

Slowly shaking his head, Cap answered and said, “Yeah…that's a possibility that Vince said that they just couldn't ignore Michael…they have to check that out along with all the other possibilities.”

“But that doesn't make any sense Cap…it's not like Johnny comes from a rich family and that he's worth a lot of money…or that he's ever done something to make somebody wanna kid…”

Seeing that his senior paramedic had been quiet all this time and that all the talk seemed to be bothering Roy, Hank held up his hand to stop Chet from continuing. When Chet stopped, Hank spoke.

“Chet…guys…the police don't have any answers yet as to what happened…or why…or who…so unfortunately, neither do I. Right now, the police are waiting to see if they…or we…get a ransom demand or a phone call…maybe even a call from Johnny himself, clearing this whole mess up…and they said that until…or if…that happens, there's nothing any of us can do now but to wait.”

Listening to his friends talking about his missing best friend and partner, was getting to Roy.

Standing and pacing around the small office, Roy spoke up, and said, “Yeah…we just sit around and wait…wait while Johnny could be out there, hurt…maybe dyin'…maybe… maybe he's already…”

Roy couldn't finish, as he sat back down and placed his head in his hands. His shiftmates gathered around their worried friend.

Hoping to comfort his friend, Mike placed a hand on the worried paramedic's shoulder, and said, “He's not dead…and Johnny'll be alright Roy, where ever he is and whatever's happened to him…he'll be okay…I know he will.”

“That's right Roy, listen to Stoker, he knows what he's talkin' about. Besides, we all know that Gage can get through anything, he'll make it through this and be just fine.” Chet added.

** And if you don't Gage…I'm gonna kill ya myself **

With Chet's comment, the room had become quiet, everyone thinking about how many times Johnny had cheated death and come through unscathed, so the sudden ringing of the telephone startled everyone. Stepping over to the desk, Hank picked up the phone to answer it.

“LA County Fire Department, Captain Stanley…ah, yes he is, hold on just a minute.”

Placing the phone against his chest, Hank turned to Roy, and softly said, “Roy, it's for you…it's a man …it's not Johnny.”

Even though he was disappointed that it wasn't his best friend, Roy quickly stood and took the offered phone from his Captain…having it in his hand, he stood for a moment, almost afraid to answer it. He started to wonder if this call could be about his missing best friend and partner…where he was…was he alright…was he hurt…but then, he couldn't help but wonder if this was the call that he and the rest of the crew had been dreading to receive…the call that told them that their friend…was dead.

It took Captain Stanley giving him a slight nudge to bring Roy out of his thoughts and back to the present.

Putting the phone to his ear, Roy said, “Hel…hello, this is Roy.”

“ You d on't know me DeSoto, but I thought I'd give ya a call to let you know…I have your partner…and besides bein' a little beat up and bleedin', he is alive and well…at least for the foreseeable future.”

Becoming excited, Roy said, “What…you have ‘im, but Johnny, he's okay…what do you want with him, who are you…let me talk to ‘im, please.”

“You'll find out soon enough who I am. He can't talk to ya right now, but I'll contact you again…oh, and Roy…you had better be at the station. If you aren't…I won't try to get in touch with ya again, and I'll go on and kill your partner.”

“No wait…tell me why…”

The phone suddenly went dead.

“Hello…hello, are you there…answer me!”

The rest of the crew gathered around Roy, as he slowly at down in the chair, as he starred at the receiver that he held in his hand.

Only hearing Roy's end of the conversation, Hank asked, “Roy, that was about Johnny, wasn't it?”

Slowly hanging up the phone, Roy softly answered, and said, “Yeah…yeah Cap, it was.”

“Well…what did the guy say…where's Gage at?”

Looking in Chet's direction, Roy said, “He wouldn't tell me Chet. All he said was, that Johnny was…a little beat up…and bleeding…but he was alive and well…for now…or to use his words, the foreseeable future.”

“Anything else?” Dwyer asked.

Becoming upset and nervous, Roy was no longer able to sit still, as he rose and started pacing again.

Finally answering, DeSoto said, “Nothin', except that he'd contact me again. He…he also said that if I wasn't here at the station when he called, that he wouldn't try again and…he said that he'd kill Johnny. Cap, I'm gonna have to stay here, but I gotta call Joanne and let her know what's goin' on.”

“Okay, calm down, we'll get outta here and give you some privacy. Come on guys, I know we've all got somethin' else we can go do.”

As the rest of the crew left, Roy called Joanne and told her the news and that he would be staying at the station until he was contacted again. She told him that she understood and that it was fine, she also said that she would bring some extra clothes for him to change.

Out in the bay, Hank and the rest of the crew gathered around each other, as Chet spoke up.

“Cap…all jokes aside…do you really think that Johnny's gonna be alright?”

Looking in the direction of his office, Hank just shook his head, and softly replied, “I don't know Chet, I really don't know…but I sure hope so.”

Now, all any of them could do…was wait. But little did they know how long a wait it was going to be.

*E!*E!*E!*E!*E!*

Waking up and remembering where he was, Johnny rubbed his hands over his face…the paramedic's “five o'clock shadow” was now five days old. It had been five days since he'd had a shower, food or water…his hair was getting longer and needed to be washed also. As he looked down, he saw the towel that he had crawled to the bathroom for, when he had been unable to control the bleeding from the side of his head…the towel was covered in blood and he had dried blood on the side of his face and in his hair. He was also getting colder…he laid on the cold floor, curled up in a ball, trying to get warm.

Shivering, Johnny softly said to himself, “Oh man…I must be…somethin' nice to…to look at…wish I was…in Hawaii…right now… with nice…hot weather…”

He hadn't had any sort of contact with his kidnapper during that time, and he was beginning to wonder if Kyle was still there, or if he had decided to leave him locked up in the room, to slowly die alone of thirst and starvation.

Becoming weaker from the lack of food and water, Johnny slowly pushed himself up into a seated position. Leaning his head back against the wall and shivering, he continued to cough, and as he breathed, he could hear the wheezing and congestion that had settled into his lungs from a couple of days before.

Being very thirsty, he licked his dry lips and swallowed hard a couple of times, as he closed his eyes and again spoke softly to himself.

“This is just…just great…I'm here, only…God knows where…cold, hungry…and thirsty… now on top…of it all…'m gettin'…gettin' sick…probably pneumonia…again…man I wish …I had my…my uniform jacket …or my blanket…that Mom made me…for my birthday …Roy, man are you guys…even lookin' for me…do you guys even…care that…I'm not… around …help me partner… please…help me…”

He knew Wheeler was still around when he heard the door close. Johnny opened his eyes and looked up at Kyle.

“Hey Gage, I just thought I'd check up on ya…but you're partner can't help ya now. It's only been five days since you've talked to anybody, and you've already started talkin' to yourself…that's bad Johnny.”

“Yeah, well…maybe so but…I guess I'm…just lonely…ya know, you could…check in more often…and I know I'm…I'm cold…please let me…let me go…”

“Forget it Johnny, my fun isn't over yet. Well, since everything seems to be alright, I'll see ya…later.”

** His fun…oh this is just great…yeah later…wonder how many more days are gonna go by before he comes back **

Seeing that Kyle was turning to leave, and desperately wanting somebody around to talk to, besides himself, Johnny reached up for Wheeler's arm to stop him, just barely grabbing hold.

“Wait…don't go yet…let me…let me ask ya…a…a couple'a questions…”

“Take your hand off of me. What's that?”

Doing as he was told, Johnny said, “Okay…relax…but what does…your wife think about…what you're doin'…holdin' me here…against my will and…threatenin' to kill me…all for revenge for your…your son's death…would she really…want you to…to do this… and did you…make your…your phone call…?”

Squatting down in front of the paramedic, Kyle replied, ”Killin' you is not a threat, it's gonna happen…count on it. Heather would be all for it if…if she were still here.”

Sensing that something was wrong, Johnny said, “If she were…still here…well, where is she…?”

Looking the paramedic in the eyes, Kyle angrily said, “She's…she's dead. After Matt died, she couldn't take it…she died a few months after Matt…from grief…because of what * you * did, she grieved herself to death over our son. But just so you know, before she died, Heather pleaded with me to make sure that our son's killer paid…and that killer…is you.”

Kyle jabbed his finger in the paramedic's chest, as Johnny sat there, shivering and shaking his head no.

“Mr. Wheeler, no…I'm not a…a killer…I didn't…kill your son…I tried ta'…ta' help save him…I didn't…want him to…”

Johnny was suddenly forced to stop talking, as he felt a fist in his face.

** Oh no…not again **

Finding himself flat on the floor, he again felt himself being kicked and beaten, as well as being hit in the head, as his kidnapper screamed at him…he curled up into a ball to try to protect himself. Being without food and water for five days also wasn't helping, Johnny was becoming very weak.

“No, stop sayin' you tried…you didn't…I also hold you responsible for Heather's death …you took my family away from me and now…now you will pay…every murderer eventually has to pay…for his crime!”

The beating stopped as suddenly as it started.

Breathing hard, Johnny softly replied, “No stop…please…I'm not a…a murderer…I'm sorry I…I didn't know…about her…I tried ta'…ta' help Matt and…and somewhere…inside you …you have to…know that…”

“I know nothin' of the sort…all I * do * know, is that you're to blame for what's happened. Yeah, you didn't know about her…just like you didn't even know our son's first name. Just think about what you've done Gage…think about the family that * you * destroyed…if you hadn't killed my son, this wouldn't be happenin' to you. And yeah, I was nice enough to let your friends know that you're still alive…just hadn't called ‘em back yet, and after five days, I bet they're really worried. Sleep well Johnny.”

Kyle kicked him again in the stomach, then made his way out the door, as Johnny just lay there, struggling to catch his breath. Johnny put his hand over his nose, gently wiping away the blood.

Softly speaking to himself, Johnny said, “Pally…he means…business…please you…you gotta…find me and…get…get me outta…here…hurry…please…”

Johnny's vision quickly blurred and narrowed, as he passed out.

~~~~~~

During the past five days, everytime the phone would ring at the station, the crew was hoping that it would be the call about Johnny…but so far, there had been no more word on their friend, and Roy was becoming more worried. He started to wonder if who ever it was that was holding Johnny, had just decided to kill him.

Cap and the A-shift crew had tried to reassure Roy that the call would come, that Johnny would be found and that he would be alright. B and C shifts had been told of the situation, and had absolutely no objections to Roy staying at the station, but with him keeping mostly to himself, and the crews letting him, they hardly ever saw him.

Hank and the rest of the crew had decided to go on working, but before leaving after their shift, Hank walked into the dorm, and found Roy sitting on Johnny's bunk, leaning up against the wall. Sitting down beside him, the Captain didn't really know what to say to his distraught friend.

“Hey Roy…I'm getting' ready to go on home. I'm not even gonna ask ya how you're doin'…I already know the answer to that… I don't know what I can do for ya pal…I don't know what to say either. But I do know, that Johnny's a good man, he acts like a kid most of the time, but he's one of the best paramedics in this county…and we'll get him back.”

Roy couldn't help but smile when his Captain mentioned that Johnny acted like a kid…that's what drew people to his partner, including him, the fact that Johnny never took things too seriously and he didn't mind to let go and have some fun. But Roy also knew that his Captain wasn't convinced that their friend was going to come back…at least, not alive. After all this time, Hank and the others, like Roy, was losing hope.

“Yeah, he does…makes life exciting, that's for sure. Cap, there's nothin' anybody can do right now…except ta' wait for that guy to call…and you just bein' here, that's helpin'. You know, I'm gonna think negative again, and I know that Johnny would tell me not to and to think positive…but I've been sittin' here, and all I can think about is that…Johnny's dead …that's why the guy hasn't called again…he's killed him and dumped his…left his body who knows where…and I don't know…”

Hank interrupted his friend, and said, “Roy, I know that I'm gonna sound like a broken record, but the guy's gonna call, we'll get Johnny back and he's gonna be fine. Come on, don't think like that…it isn't gonna help anything.

“I know…I know, I just can't help it. Thanks Cap.”

“For what?”

Finally, answering, Roy said, “For tryin' to keep my hopes up…for thinkin' positive…and for bein' a good friend, not just my Captain. I just don't know if I can keep this up…five days and still no word…I mean, he called to let us know that he had Johnny and that he was alive, so why is he doin' this, makin' us wait like this…I'm goin' crazy. Cap, we've gotta get Johnny back…if he dies…I…”

“I don't know why Roy…how he could do this, but he is * not * gonna die. You know him as well as the rest of us, Johnny's too tough to let something like that happen. And I want all of you to know, I * am * your friend…not just your boss…and any of you can come to me and talk about anything that might be bothering you, and at any time.”

“ Thanks Cap, that's good to know. I hope you're right, that Johnny's gonna be okay…he has to be.”

Placing his hand on Roy shoulder, Hank said, “I * know * I'm right. I want you to try to get some sleep tonight, and if you need anything, just call me. Well, I better get goin', Carrie wanted an update on Johnny…just wish I had better news, or more news to tell her.”

“Yeah, so do I. If I need anything, I'll call…just be careful goin' home.”

“I will. See ya later Roy.”

“Bye Cap.”

Hank Stanley walked out of the station and headed home, leaving his friend, to sit and continue to worry about his best friend and partner.

*E!*E!*E!*E!*E!*

On day six of Johnny's captivity, a cool breeze blowing through the room is what woke the paramedic. Shivering, coughing and being in pain, but wanting to know the time, he slowly shifted his left arm so the light shinning through the small windows from above, shown on his watch. Squinting his eyes, he looked and saw that his watch said 4:28. From the sun shinning in, he knew it was in the afternoon.

Looking himself over, he saw that his uniform was very dirty and had blood on it, he felt bad and he hurt…his nose still bled from time to time, and all he wanted to do was to go home.

Whispered to himself, Johnny said, “What I…wouldn't…give for a…a clean…uniform…a hot meal…and…an even…hotter shower…need ta'…get…warm…so cold…Roy…help me …I'm really hurt… hurtin' bad…gotta…find me…”

Shifting his eyes, he was surprised to see Kyle standing over him.

“How long…you been there…?”

“Ah, just a minute or so. You finally woke up…still hangin' on huh?”

Johnny closed his eyes, as he continued to shiver and softly answered, “Need…need ta' make…more noise…yeah, tryin'…why…why are you…doin' this…to me…?”

“Now Gage, we've already been through that…you murdered my son. Hope you and DeSoto are as close as my family was…I want him to suffer like I have.”

Johnny remembered that Kyle wanted Roy to be there, but wanting to keep his best friend out of this, he was going to say anything to keep Roy safe…even if it meant that he would die without getting to talk to his partner and best friend for one last time.

Slowly pushing himself up into a seated position, and feeling more pain because of it, Johnny stopped momentarily, as he finally caught his breath, then gently pushing himself the rest of the way up, he eased himself back against the wall.

Softly replying, Johnny said, “No…I know…what…you think…I've done but…but you're wrong…tried ta'…help…why bring me…me here…and put me…through…all this…if you wanna…make me pay…for your…your son's death…then why didn‘t you…just kill me… right there on…on the spot…woulda been so…so much easier…than this…Roy…help… help me…”

“Easier for who…me…or you?”

Shivering more, Johnny said, “Me…least I wouldn't…be goin'…through all this...I'm so…so cold…hungry…thirsty and my…head hurts…let me go…please…”

Kyle knelt down beside the paramedic, as he answered and said, “Well, it would also be easier on me, but I wanted you to be nice and weak so that you wouldn't be able to fight me when your time comes. So, you aren't goin' anywhere Gage, I'm havin' too much fun.”

“Well I'm not…havin' fun…in fact I think…think I need a…a hospital…you're crazy… when is my…time gonna…gonna be…?”

Hearing that remark made Kyle angry, as he stood and brought his foot back, kicking the paramedic again, hard in the stomach, as he watched him fall over to the floor, as he doubled over in pain. Then he angrily spoke.

“Don't call me crazy Johnny…I'm not…but even if I was…you caused it…* you * brought all of this on yourself because you killed my family. But, to answer your question, in one more day…one more day and you'll be seein' your partner…as well as your last sunrise…so a hospital isn't gonna help ya. Now , in the morning, I'll call Roy again and tell him when to be here…this is gonna be a blast.”

With that, Kyle left Johnny alone again.

“Oh yeah…real blast…don't know if…I'll last…another day…Roy please…please don't come…don't want you…to get hurt…jus' stay…'way…I'm so sorry…‘bout this…Pally jus'…stay…'way…”

Johnny again let the darkness claim him, as he passed out.

~~~~~~

At 8:30 the next morning, the ringing of the phone brought Roy out of his thoughts…and brought the rest of the crew running into the dorm. Roy quickly answered it.

“Station 51, this is Roy DeSoto…is Johnny alright…okay, I'm listenin', where…thirty minutes, it's gonna take me longer…okay, okay, just take it easy and don't hurt ‘im, I'll be there…no, I won't, I promise I'll come alone, just don't hurt ‘im…can I speak to Johnny, please…hello…hello…!”

“Roy?”

Hanging up the phone, Roy turned to his friends, and said, “Cap, it was him…he told me to come to the big abandoned house at 1482 North Arrington Street, it's the only house on the block, and come down into the basement and that's…that's where I'd find Johnny. I have to be there in half an hour.”

“Roy, it's gonna take longer than thirty minutes to get there.” Mike said.

“Yeah…I know. I've gotta go.”

Seeing Roy walking out the door, Marco spoke up and said, “Well, now that we know where Johnny is Cap, let's call the police and they can…”

Hearing this, Roy stopped and turned back to his friends, and said, “No Marco…no police.”

Placing his hand on Roy's shoulder, Hank said, “Roy, Marco's right, we need to call ‘em… you can't go there alone. There's no tellin' what this guy might do…to both you * and * Johnny.”

Becoming agitated, Roy replied, “No Cap…no, we can't. He said I * had * to come alone or he would kill Johnny if he saw anybody with me…and somethin' tells me that he will…I can't risk it. I've gotta get goin' or I'll be late.”

As Roy headed out of the station to go to his truck, he stopped and turned back to his friends.

“Cap, guys, I know you all are worried and you wanna help…but no police, please don't call ‘em…for Johnny. We'll both be alright and I'll call as soon as I can with any news.”

Without waiting for a response from his crewmates, Roy hurried out to his truck, and climbing in, he quickly made his way to the address that he had been given, and his best friend, hoping he would be able to get there in time and help him.

*E!*E!*E!*E!*E!*

Arriving at his destination, Roy pulled his truck in front of the abandoned house, and looking at his watch, he saw that he had only a minute to spare.

** Well, I know I broke the speed limit…but I didn't have a choice **

Turning off the engine, Roy got out of the truck, and as he closed the door, he made his way to the front door and knocked.

Moments later, Kyle answered the door, as he looked at his watch.

.

“Well, hello DeSoto, you're almost runnin' late…I don't think that Johnny would appreciate that, it would definitely be hazardous to his health. Come on in, your partner is down in the basement, and he's…dyin'…to see ya…this way.”

Kyle pulled his gun and waved it in the direction that Roy was to go in.

Coming into the house and walking down the hall and towards the stairs, Roy quietly asked, “What have you done to my partner?”

Trying to sound innocent, Kyle replied, “Done to him…me…absolutely nothin'. Stop right here…open the door and go down the stairs.”

** You haven't done anything to him…yeah right…who are you tryin' to kid…I * know * he's hurt**

Grabbing Roy's arm, and said, “Don't be in such a hurry Roy, Johnny isn't goin' anywhere. ‘Sides, with the shape he's in, even if he * tried * to go someplace, I don't think he would get very far.”

Hearing that made Roy worry even more about his friend, he needed to reach Johnny as soon as he could. Finally making it down the steps and to the basement door, Kyle unlocked and pushed it open, motioning for Roy to go inside.

Stepping into the room, the senior paramedic could instantly feel how very cold and damp the room was, as his eyes immediately landed on his shivering partner.

“Johnny…”

Quietly whispering his friend's name, Roy started to go to him, but Kyle stopped him.

Wheeler said, “Hold it DeSoto…well Gage, aren't'cha even gonna say hi to your partner… your best friend …after all, he did came all this way to see ya…no…you're just gonna lay there…no strength I guess, huh?”

When the paramedic didn't respond, Kyle kept the gun aimed at Roy, so he wouldn't move, as Wheeler walked over to Johnny and suddenly kicked him in the ribs, causing him again to curl up in a ball against the pain…it also made him cough more.

“No…please…don't…hurts…” Johnny quietly begged, never opening his eyes.

“Stop…you're hurtin' ‘im!” Roy angrily yelled.

With a smile on his face, Kyle sarcastically said, “Yeah, I know I am, that's the whole idea …and I'm gonna do more than that. But, I'll be nice enough to give the two of you some time alone…but not much.”

As Kyle was walking past Roy to leave, DeSoto stopped Wheeler, and asked, “Wait…I don't understand this…who are you and why are you doin' this to him…what's Johnny ever done to you?”

“Oh that, well, I think Johnny here can fill ya in on all the sorted details…can't'cha Gage.”

As he spoke, Kyle glanced down at the man lying on the floor and realized that Johnny wasn't in any shape to do anything.

Looking back at Roy, Wheeler replied, “Well, on second thought, maybe * I * better fill ya in…don't think Gage is up to doin' it right now.”

Kyle proceeded to fill Roy in on the details as to who he was and to why he was doing all of this to Johnny…he then left the room.

Roy rushed over to his partner's side…sitting on the floor and leaning up against the wall, Roy carefully gathered his almost unconscious, battered, shivering and very dehydrated friend in his arms, as he softly spoke to him, trying to keep him awake and alert. Roy also saw the blood on the side of his friend's head, face and his shirt…it almost turned his stomach when he spotted the towel laying beside Johnny…it was covered with his best friend's blood.

"Johnny…Johnny, can you hear me partner? Come on Junior, open your eyes for me.”

As he shivered, the dark-haired paramedic slowly opened his eyes, and as he looked up, he saw the worried and scared look in the eyes and on the face of his best friend. Licking his dry, chapped lips, Johnny slightly smiled and softly answered his friend, as he tried to control his coughing.

"Roy it's…it's really you …you're here…you're really here…always…around for me…ready ta'…help and save… my butt…hearin' your voice I…I thought I was…I was dreamin'…for a minute…yeah Pal …Pally…I can hear…hear ya…cold and…so thirsty …my ribs ‘nd…stomach hurts…my head hurts…my nose…"

Roy knew that his partner was sliding into shock, and from the way his best friend looked, he knew that Johnny had been beaten, and seeing Kyle kick him, he also knew that he probably had some internal injuries.

Hoping to take his friend's mind off of the situation, Roy tried to sound upbeat, as he spoke to Johnny.

"Well of course I'm here to save your butt…I'm unfortunately becomin' an expert at it, so what else did I have to do today…but you just hang on for me, and when we get outta here, I'll get the rest of the guys together and we'll buy ya a beer or two…how's that sound… Johnny…how does that sound…good huh?"

Johnny slowly replied and said, "Ya think…Brackett and Early would…allow that in…in Rampart…but it does…sound good…but can we…leave Chet at tha'…tha' station…I'm not …gonna be around…much longer…I can't do this…I'm…jus' too weak…ever'thing I got …hurts and it…it hurts…ta' breathe…what…what time…is it…"

Looking at his watch, Roy said, "It's about…well, a little after nine, in the morning. Hey now partner, I'm surprised at you…you don't want the phantom to come with us…I think Chet would be hurt to hear you say that, you know, he's really been worried about you. And who cares what Brackett and Early would allow, when have you * ever * listened to ‘em anyway…we'll do it no matter what they say…but with the way * they've * been missin' ya, you never know, they might join us…along with Dixie. And you stop talkin' like that…Johnny, you have to listen…"

Stopping his friend, as he weakly grabbed hold of Roy's shirt, Johnny said, "Yeah Chet… he's an alright…kinda guy…but I'll deny I…said that if…you tell ‘im…'sides…Chet would …get over it…but no Pally… please… please listen ta'…ta' me…Kyle…he wants me dead …can't hold on…I'm so cold…and thirsty…it hurts so…so bad…head and… stomach… ”

** He knows partner…Chester B. knows how you really feel about ‘im…we all know how much you guys care about each other **

Roy saw the blood start again from his friend's nose, and reaching over and grabbing the blood soaked towel, he gently wiped away the blood.

“You're bleedin' from your nose again…just hold on, I'll get it.”

Flinching from the towel touching his sore nose, Johnny whispered, and said, “Ahhh… easy Roy…hurts…is…is it broke…ahhh…'m not gonna…gonna make it…”

Sensing that his shivering partner was about ready to give up, Roy held on tighter to his best friend, trying to warm him, as he continued to softly talk to him, and convince Johnny that he was going to be alright.

"No partner, I don't think it's broke…you're gonna be alright. And don't worry, I won't tell Chet, but you can hold on, you can do anything you want to Junior…and that includes not givin' up. You beat that virus you had, so you can beat this…you hang on …I mean it…this isn't over yet and this guy hasn't won."

** Please Johnny, you * can't * let him win **

"Yeah…he has…I can't…can't do this…feel…funny in…inside…kinda warm…in my belly…too late…for me but…but not for…for you…gotta…gotta get out…"

Knowing what his partner was thinking, Roy replied, "Well, you don't even need to start thinkin' or talkin' like that either. First off, I'm not leavin' without ya, and second, I heard him lock the door when he left...and since I can't walk through a locked door…'least not the last time I checked...and I don't think you can either, we're both in this together partner.”

Coughing more, Johnny whispered, and said, “No matter what…we're always…in it ta'… ta'gether…I'm glad…'bout that…always with me…don't have'ta…be alone…I don't like…havin' ta'…be alone…"

** So am I Johnny…and you'll never be alone…not as long as I'm around **

Johnny raised up a very shaky hand and shivered, as he pointed to the three small windows above them.

“Get out that…that way…I might be…skinny…enough now…but yeah…you will…if ya get…the chance you…gotta…gotta take it…prom…promise me you…you will…you neeev…never…shoulda come…you'd be safe…safer if you…you'd stayed…away…but… he's won…partner…he's…won…so tired…it…it hurts…"

Almost wanting to yell at his hardheaded partner, Roy controlled his temper and tried to be funny.

"Yeah, you might just be skinny enough to fit…now…but I sure wouldn't. No…no he hasn't won, I've seen you fight back when somethin' has happened to you…and if you think I'm gonna let'cha give up now, just because you haven't had anything to eat or drink in a few days and somebody's beat the crap out of ya…let me tell ya partner, you're crazy… you've come through things before and I know you can do it again…‘cause I'm not gonna let you give up."

Whispering even softer, Johnny said, “Yeah I'm…I'm crazy…made mistake…called Kyle crazy…he kicked me…in the stomach…oh god…it hurts Roy…make it…make it stop… please…I'm…I'm so cold…can't stand…the pain…hospital…need ta' go…ta' Rampart…”

Roy knew that if Johnny was saying that he needed a hospital, then he must be in bad shape …he knew all too well that his partner hated hospitals. Roy felt as Johnny started shivering harder.

Pulling Johnny closer, Roy again tried to get his friend warm, as he said, "You * wanna * go to Rampart…that's a switch, now I know you're sick partner. I just want you to relax, I'm gonna get'cha outta here and get'cha to Rampart…the Doc's, they'll fix ya up, get some fluids into ya…not to mention some food…you're even skinnier than usual, and they'll get you all warmed up to, so you fight this…got it?"

Slightly smiling, Johnny softly spoke as he asked, “Can I have …hot shower…'nd some …clean clothes…?”

“As long as you come through this, you can have anything you want Junior…you can even have a shave…and that new nurse at Rampart, the one that you've been workin' your tail off to get a date with…I'll see what I can do about settin' it up…just hang on for me Johnny.”

“Thanks Pally…but might…keep the beard…what…what'cha think…could I pull it…pull it off…?”

After looking at his best friend, Roy answered, and said “To be honest…nah, you look better without it.”

“Thanks…partner…'nd tha' date…with tha' nurse…I'll…take…it…”

Roy smiled at Johnny's comment, as he saw that his best friend's eyes slowly closing and knew the he was about to lose consciousness. With the time that had gone by, and with his probable injuries, Roy was surprised to find his partner still alive, and he was going to do anything he had to in order to keep Johnny from dying.

Gently shaking his friend, Roy softly said, “Johnny…Johnny, come on partner, don't you die on me…please.”

Knowing that his partner was just as stubborn and hardheaded as he was, Johnny slowly let another smile come to his face, as he weakly nodded his head and continued to shiver.

Slowly opening his eyes, Johnny softly spoke in a whisper, as he said, “'m…still with ya… 'least…for now…but a few…few days seems…more like a…a few…weeks…but yeah…I got it…Roy…I'm …really hungry…even Chet's chili…would taste good…'bout now… I'm so cold… can't stand…bein' this…cold…my side…really hurtin'…he beat…me Roy…beat me bad …think I…I got some…bro…broken ribs…might have a…lung injury… breathin' …it hurts…"

"I know Johnny, just breathe easy, slow shallow breaths and you'll be fine…you might be gettin' pneumonia, as cold and damp as it is down here. You would eat some of Chet's chili huh…yeah, you must be hungry if you could stomach that, I shoulda brought you some. Well, at least you're listenin' to me, you're not givin' up…I'm impressed partner."

"Don't want…pneumonia…not…not again…that's what…Kyle said…that he was… ‘mpressed 'bout…'bout my mem'ry…ya think I'm…I'm listenin' huh…gee thanks… there's a firs'…first time for…ever'thing I guess…but who says…I…I'm not…givin' up…don't have a choice…'m not gonna…make it…"

Smiling at his friend, Roy replied, "Yes you do and yes you are…and * I * say you're not givin' up. Look, I know you're cold and hungry and you feel rotten…and I can't imagine what you've gone through, but you've got to hang on, I'll get us outta here…just hang on."

"Ya left out…thirsty…rotten ‘s'not…the word I'd…I'd use for…how I feel right…right now…but just…hang on huh…yeah I guess…I…I'll try…but how…how ya gonna…get us out…outta here Pally…no way out…jus'…let me rest…leave me if…ya have to and…get out if…you can…please…" Johnny whispered, as he slowly closed his tired eyes.

“I will not leave you behind. And I don't know Junior…but I'll get us out…and together… somehow.” Roy quietly whispered to his friend.

Roy realized that Johnny was right…he kept telling him that he would get them out, even though the paramedic didn't have a clue as to how he was going to do it. A few minutes later, Roy felt Johnny's body jerk, as the two paramedics heard the sound of the door slamming, but Johnny never opened his eyes. Roy had noticed that since he reached his partner, that any noise at all seemed to bother him.

“Roy…”

"Easy partner." Roy whispered.

Having overheard some of the conversation between the two friends, Kyle made his way over to the two men. Johnny slowly reopened his eyes and turned his head in the direction of the noise and saw Kyle coming toward them.

"It's all…all over for…for me Pally…here he comes…"

"No, it's not over, as long as we're still alive, there's still a chance. And I see him Junior, just relax."

“We're…still alive…me…I'm the one…he wants…to kill not…not you…ya gotta get…get outta here…”

Squatting down, Kyle sarcastically spoke and said, "He's not goin' anywhere Johnny…and neither are you. Well, isn't this nice Roy, how you keep encouragin' your best friend to hang on …won't do him any good though. You better listen to him Johnny, don't you dare die…I want the privilege of killin' ya myself."

As he looked at Kyle, Johnny had a slight smile on his face, as he asked, "Didn't…your mother ever…teach ya…that 's'not nice…ta' eavesdrop…on other people's…private conver …conversations…?"

Knowing that Wheeler was angry over what Johnny said, made Roy a little nervous.

** Johnny…cool it partner…he's not playin' games **

Kyle suddenly stood, as he jerked the very weak paramedic from his best friend's arms, and shoved him up against the wall, slapping him hard across the face and again punching him hard in the stomach.

As Roy made a move to go to his friend and help, Wheeler held Johnny with one hand and grabbed his gun with the other, as he pointed it at Roy, stopping him in his tracks.

"Don't even think about it DeSoto."

Roy held up his hands, as he stopped and said, "All right, I won't cause ya any problems… just leave him alone…please."

Holding the weak paramedic up against the wall, Kyle saw how much trouble that Johnny was having just to be able to stand…he saw the paramedic's knees shaking. He also noticed the difficulty Gage was having with his breathing.

“Roy…help…please…” Johnny breathlessly whispered.

Kyle responded angrily and said, "Don't hurt him…I'm gonna do more than that, I'm gonna kill him. DeSoto, I lost my son because of him…why shouldn't he pay for that…or even you …do you have kids…how would you feel if he murdered them?"

Turning his attention back to Johnny, Kyle again slapped him, this time letting the man go, as he roughly fell to the floor. Not being concerned for his own safety, Roy hurried to his partner.

Hearing his best friend's moans and coughs, Roy said, "Easy Johnny…take it easy, everything's alright, and I'm right here with ya . Kyle, take it out on me…not Johnny…let him go."

Hearing what his best friend said, Johnny coughed more and panted, as he said, "Roy…no …you…have a…family…Jo and tha'…kids, they…need'cha…help me…I can't…breathe …lung… punctured…"

Hearing this, Roy gently pulled his best friend back into his arms, sitting him in a semi upright position.

"Slow breaths Johnny…take slow shallow breaths…you'll be okay."

Seeing that Johnny was bringing up blood as he coughed, Roy tried to stay calm, as he carefully turned his friend on his side to keep Johnny from choking, knowing that more blood would come up. DeSoto looked from his partner to the person that was holding him and his best friend hostage.

In a way, Roy felt sorry for this man…being a father himself, he could only imagine how he would feel and react if he lost one of his kids. Even though Roy could sympathize with this man, he was angry over the way that his best friend and partner had been treated.

Answering Wheeler's question, Roy softly spoke, and said, “Yes Kyle, I * do * have kids, I have a son and a daughter and I trust Johnny with their lives…just like I trust him with mine every single day…so yeah, I know how you feel, I…I don't know how I'd handle it if…if I lost one of my children. But I know that Johnny would never hurt my kids…the same way I know that he wouldn't never hurt yours nor did he kill Matt…he shouldn't have to pay for doin' all that he could do to try and help your son…and he * did * try…we all tried. There was * nothing * that any of us could do…please, you've got to know that. Kyle, let us go, Johnny's coughin' up blood, he desperately needs medical help."

Looking at the two men, Kyle said, "Don't patronize me DeSoto…you might be a father, but you don't have a clue about how I feel…there's no way that you could, you still have your family…I don't and it's because of your partner there. And you keep sayin' that Gage did all he could do…well, I don't know that…and I certainly don't agree with it. For all I know, he just sat there and let Matt die without tryin' to do anything for him…but two things I do know…one, * none * of you did enough, and two…even though you don't know how I feel …you're soon gonna find out…but not by the loss of one of your kids…but by the loss of your best friend…I can tell that you care for him just as much as you do your kids.”

“Yeah, I do care for him, a great deal…he's my best friend * and * my partner. But that's not true…Johnny tried…we all tired.” Roy repeated.

Ignoring Roy and looking at his watch, Kyle said, "Well Johnny my boy…it's time."

Hoping to stall for time, Johnny panted, as he said, "Roy…set…me up…more I…can't… catch my …my breath…blood…makin'…me sick…”

Roy did as Johnny asked…then Johnny spoke to Kyle.

“Time…time for…what…as if I…I need…ta' ask…?"

Laughing, Kyle replied, "Nah Gage, you don't need to ask…I'll be glad to tell ya. It's time for you…to die."

"That's…that's what…I was…afraid…you'd say…"

Roy looked up at Wheeler, and begged, "No Kyle don't, please don't do this. It isn't gonna help the situation…it won't bring back…"

Holding up his hand and interrupting the paramedic, he said, "Oh wait…I know what you're gonna say…it won't bring back my son…or my wife…and it won't end my pain, right?”

Roy nodded his head, and said, “That's right…it won't. It's only gonna cause more pain…pain for Johnny's family and friends.”

“And that's my problem because…and yeah, that's the same thing that Johnny said, and… that might be true, but watchin' Johnny die, knowin' that my son's murderer is payin' for what he did, * will * make me feel so much better. I'm only sorry that Heather didn't live long enough to see this."

After he finished speaking, he pulled out two syringes from his jacket pocket and held them up for the paramedics to see. Noticing the look on Johnny's face, he gave the men an evil smile.

"Scared Johnny?"

"I'm…I didn't…murder…your son…Roy I…I didn't…I tried…please don't…don't…do this…let…let us go…let Roy…go…"

Johnny was afraid and he was becoming more agitated because of his difficulty breathing. But Roy was there to calm him down.

"Easy partner, just relax. No, you aren't a murderer, you did everything you could do, don't ever forget that."

Holding up one of the syringes, Kyle said, "This isn't a poison, but I think it'll work for what I need. Ya know guys, when you think about it, this * is * kinda funny."

"Why…why ‘sit…funny…?" Johnny very softly asked, as he continued to cough.

"It's funny Gage because this is atropine…something that you and Roy used quite a bit in your line of work. Funny, how a drug that can help people, can also kill them. I'm sure you know what it does…don't'cha Johnny."

Johnny was still lying back in Roy's arms, violently shivering and trying to control his breathing, as he fought to stay conscious…he was having a very difficult time doing either. When Kyle didn't receive an answer from the paramedic, he knelt down beside Johnny and grabbed a handful of his hair and pulled, causing Johnny to softly cry out.

"Ahhh…no…!"

Roy quickly grabbed Kyle's wrist to stop him from further hurting his friend.

"Please don't…there's no need for this."

Just the look on Kyle's face caused Roy to release the hold he had on the man's arm…Kyle didn't have to say a word.

Looking back at Johnny and punching him in the shoulder with his gun, Kyle said, "Come on Mr. Hotshot paramedic…tell me…what's atropine used for?"

A shivering Johnny finally answered, and said, "Don't…please…it's…it's used to…speed up a…a person's…heart…heart rate…"

"Very good Gage, you really know your stuff. So tell me, what can happen if the heart rate gets * too * fast?"

Both paramedics realized where Kyle was going with his line of questioning…and neither one of them liked it.

"A heart…heart…attack…Roy…no don't…don't let ‘em…please…" Johnny softly answered, as he again became scared and agitated.

"Right again, but Roy can't do anything to stop me. So DeSoto, move away from ‘im."

Looking Kyle straight in the eyes, Roy firmly replied, "Not...a...chance."

Pointing the gun at the older paramedic and pulling the hammer back, Kyle replied, "Fine with me, if you wanna die first, then I can sit back and watch Johnny die of a heart attack. And I promise you, I'll make sure that he suffers."

Seeing the gun pointed at his best friend and not wanting him to get hurt, Johnny quietly said, "No…Kyle please…your grudge…is…against me…leave…leave Roy…alone …can't …breathe…"

Roy looked and saw the glazed and glassy brown eyes of his best friend looking at him, as Johnny spoke. His friend had become so weak, that it was hard for Roy to understand his partner

"Roy…please jus'…jus'…move away…you've got a…a family…ta' think…about…it'll be…okay…"

Looking back at Wheeler, Johnny continued.

"Do…what you…want ta' me…just let…Roy…go…please…please don't…hurt ‘im…"

"Johnny, I can't stand by and watch as this guy kills you…I won't."

Johnny grabbed Roy's arm and whispered, "Yeah…you can…please…back…back away …please…don't want...you…you hurt…"

"You know, it's so good to see a man accept his fate so willingly. You heard the man DeSoto…get away from him."

Roy looked at Johnny one more time and as his best friend slowly nodded his head, he reluctantly laid Johnny back on the floor, on his good side and moved away. As he did, he immediately heard as Johnny struggled harder to breathe, while Kyle knelt down beside the dark-haired paramedic and he held one syringe in his hand and laid the other one at his feet.

The men both noticed that Johnny's body kept jerking as he fought to breathe and to keep from losing consciousness. Kyle looked up at Roy and gave him another evil smile before he spoke.

"As you both probably know, it only takes .5 milligrams to increase a person's heart rate but…well, what I'm gonna use is way more than that. A friend taught me how to do this… and if you think of movin' towards us Roy…the needle goes straight into his neck."

"Please…please don't do this to him…please." Roy softly begged.

Kyle ignored Roy, as he grabbed Johnny's left arm and rubbed it, looking for a vein. He started to panic when he couldn't find one…realizing that his whole plan for revenge was going down the drain.

"What's the mater…why…why can't I find a vein?"

Softly speaking, Roy said, "He's…he's too dehydrated…he hasn't been given enough fluids and his veins have collapsed…you'll never find one now."

Wheeler caught the tone in Roy's voice, thinking that his partner's life would be spared.

"Oh they have, have they…and you think that your best friend is off the hook because of it huh? Well, think again, ‘cause he isn't…* I * may not be able to find his vein…but you do this everyday, you know how to find tough veins, so * you * can find one."

Being surprised, Roy pointed to himself, and asked, "What…me?"

Becoming angry, Kyle said, "Yeah you…and you will…get down here!"

"You want me ta'…oh no, no way. I will * not * help you kill my best friend!"

About that time, Johnny's body jerked again as he came back to awareness, as he heard the two men arguing. He was also having even more trouble breathing as he continued to cough.

Standing, Kyle said, "Yeah you will, or make him suffer even more than he has to. I've heard that if somebody misses your vein, it hurts…bad. Hey, I've got an idea, let's try it out on Johnny."

Before Roy could answer, and just to prove that he would do it, Kyle once again knelt down as he grabbed Johnny's arm and inserted the needle, not even trying to hit a vein. This brought a weak cry of pain from Johnny.

"Ahhh…no please…don't…it hurts…Roy…make it…make it…stop…!"

Kyle removed the needle and was going towards Johnny's neck, as Roy yelled.

"NOOO…please stop…all right I'll…I'll do it…just leave him alone!"

With a feeling of gratification, Kyle replied, "I knew you'd see things my way, eventually. Do it… now."

Pointing the gun at Roy, Kyle motioned for him to come around to Johnny's left side. As DeSoto stood by his partner, Wheeler held out his hand, as he handed the syringe to the paramedic, forcing him to kneel by his partner and best friend.

"Don't stall Roy, just do it…it's so easy. It's this way…or I shoot him in the head."

Knowing that his friend stood a much better chance of survival from a heart attack than a gunshot wound to the head, Roy quietly said, "Junior…I'm you're my best friend…and I…"

"Not…your fault…Pally…'member…that no…matter wha'…happens…ta' me… you're …the best…friend…I've ever…ever had…breathe…god I…can't…breathe…"

Roy gently reached for Johnny's left arm as his hands violently shook. Seeing the gun aimed at his partner's head wasn't helping either, but Roy finally calmed himself down, as he felt for his friend's vein.

Eventually finding one, Roy softly asked , “You ready for this Junior?”

** Man, I ask the dumbest questions **

Breathing harder, Johnny slightly smiled, and said, “Sure Pally…know the…the times you…said that you…could…kill me…well…here's…your chance…'sides…what…have I got…to lose…'cept maybe…my brains…?”

“That's not funny Johnny.”

“Yeah…you're right…it was…dumb…sorry Roy…”

Roy carefully inserted the needle and saw the look of pain on his friend's face, as his arm slightly jerked.

** I'm sorry partner…I'm so sorry **

Slowly pushing the plunger, Roy emptied the large syringe into his friend. As Kyle was about to hand him the second syringe, Roy noticed in his partner, the signs of an oncoming heart attack…so did Wheeler.

Johnny became even more diaphoretic and agitated…his breathing became extremely shallow and much more labored. The dark-haired paramedic felt as his chest tightened and the pain became practically unbearable.

"Roy…help me…god it…it hurts…so…bad…my heart…please…please help…me…don't …let me die…please partner…please…help…me…"

Johnny felt his world closing in around him, as unconsciousness and death came slowly to claim him, and all he could hear was the sadistic laughs from his kidnapper and his own cries for help, that seemed to him, continued to go unheeded by his best friend and partner.

Roy knelt there and watched in horror, as his best friend's eyes slowly closed…tears came to his eyes, as he quickly felt for a pulse... and found nothing.

“Johnny…Johnny no…I'm so sorry partner.” Roy quietly whispered to his friend.

Looking up at Kyle, Roy let his tears continue, as he released all the anger that he had been feeling and holding inside of himself since Johnny had disappeared.

“He's…he's dead…my best friend is dead…are you satisfied now…has this ended your pain, or brought your wife and son back…huh…tell me…has it helped you any at all…I said tell me!”

Roy stood and started towards the man that had killed his partner…he stopped suddenly when he saw the gun being pointed at him.

Smiling, Kyle replied, “Yeah DeSoto, it has helped me…seein' as Johnny paid for killin' my son…seein' the grief that you're feelin' right now…maybe * now *, you * do * know how I feel. How * do * you feel Roy…come on man, tell me…isn't it just killin' ya inside, rippin' your heart out…ah, no pun intended…seein' your partner and best friend, lyin' there dead… and no way that you can get ‘im back?”

Seeing that Roy was again looking at Johnny and wasn't going to answer him, Kyle got angry and yelled at the distraught man that stood before him.

“Answer me…is it?”

After a moment, Roy slowly turned his head and answered.

“Yeah, you're right, it is killin' me inside. Johnny was my best friend and partner…and you murdered him!”

“No, now Roy, let's get this straight, don't blame that on me, * I * didn't kill ‘im…* you * did that…* you * took the syringe, injected the Atropine and killed your partner…and now, you're gonna join ‘im. Nothin' personal ya see…but I can't leave any witnesses around to rat me out.”

Roy closed his eyes, preparing himself to meet the same fate as his best friend had, but as Kyle raised his gun and pointed it at the paramedic, they heard as the door to the room burst open, as the police rushed inside. Being startled, Roy was forgotten about, as Wheeler turned to face the officers, while Roy dove for cover, covering Johnny's body with his.

“Down…get down…drop the gun…on the ground…now!”

Pushing Kyle to the ground, the officers got the gun away from him and cuffed him as he struggled to get away. When Vince told him it was safe, Hank hurried into the room to check on his paramedics…all the while they heard Wheeler shouting and sobbing.

“No…don't help him…you can't…he's a murderer and…he has to pay…he…he killed my son…my wife, he…he destroyed…my family…he's gotta pay…for what he's done…!”

As Hank was walking towards Roy, he looked at the other officers, and said, “Get him outta here.”

Doing as they were told, they took Kyle away, as he continued to shout that Johnny was a murderer.

Placing his hands on Roy's shoulders, Hank said, “Roy…Roy, it's me…are you alright?”

Hearing his Captain's voice, Roy slowly looked up into his friend's worried face.

Pulling himself up to his knees, Roy replied, “I'm fine…Cap, it's Johnny, he doesn't have a pulse. Call for a Squad and an ambulance…hurry!”

“I'm way ahead of ya pal, they're on their way.”

To Roy, it seemed like an eternity since his partner died, even though it had only been a few minutes, and as he turned his best friend over, Roy opened Johnny's shirt and ripped his T-shirt to start CPR…both he and Hank were stunned at what they saw…a boot print on Johnny's abdomen, along with multiple bruises…some old, some new.

Getting himself together, Roy started CPR…Hank helped with his younger paramedic by giving mouth to mouth. Vince went back outside to guide the squad and ambulance attendants in when they heard the approaching sirens.

“Hank, I'll be right back.”

Stanley nodded his head, as he knelt down by Johnny…he heard Roy talking softly to his best friend.

“Come on Junior…come on, don't do this ta' me.” Roy whispered.

Pausing between breaths, Hank asked, “Roy…how long has he...been down?”

“Not long, maybe about three minutes…it was this, or Kyle was gonna shoot him in the head. Where is that squad?”

“They're comin' Pal…they're comin'…John's gonna be…alright.”

Just then, Squad 36's paramedics rushed through the door…Brice and Bellingham couldn't believe who their patient was.

Seeing that Bellingham was carrying the defibrillator, Roy yelled, “Bellingham, set up the scope, quick…get the defibrillator ready…he's had a heart attack!”

Hardly being able to believe what he had heard, Bob quickly did as Roy said, as Cap continued mouth to mouth, while Brice got on the biophone with Rampart.

“Rampart, this is Squad 36, how do you read me?”

When the call came over the radio, Brackett was standing at the coffeepot at the nurse's station, grabbing himself a quick cup of coffee, while he had the time. When he heard the panic in the usually stiff upper lip, by the book, paramedic's voice, he quickly became worried. Sitting the pot and the cup down, Kel quickly answered the call.

“This is Rampart 36, we read you loud and clear, go ahead.”

“Rampart, we have a 23 year old male, he has suffered a MI and CPR and mouth to mouth was being performed upon our arrival...it appears that he has coughed up blood…Rampart, the victim is John Gage.”

** What…Johnny…a heart attack…this can't be happening…come on Johnny, don't die on us **

“Defib immediately 36, 400 watts seconds!”

“10-4 Rampart, stand by.” Brice replied.

“Standing by…send me a strip as soon a possible.”

“10-4 Rampart.”

Bellingham pressed the charge button, as Roy counted off.

"1…2…3…4…CLEAR!”

Cap stopped mouth to mouth, and they all backed away, as Roy shocked his best friend.

Bellingham felt for a pulse…nothing.

“Nothing…let's hit ‘im again!” Bellingham said.

“1…2…3…4…CLEAR!” Roy said.

Again, Roy shocked Johnny, and Bob checked for a pulse again…and again, nothing.

“Johnny no!” Roy yelled, seeing Bellingham shake his head no.

“Let's do it again…1…2…3…4…CLEAR!”

Once more feeling for a pulse, Bellingham yelled, “Okay, we got him back…weak, but there!”

Everyone was relieved that the third shock had brought Johnny back into a sinus rhythm.

Hank saw Roy lay the paddles down, as he lowered his head and let out a breath, wiping the sweat from his forehead. Moving over to his friend, Stanley placed his hand on his paramedic's shoulder…he could feel him trembling…Hank softly spoke to him.

“Roy…come on Pal, we've got him back and you've done all that you can, so let's get out of the way and let Brice and Bellingham take care of Johnny.”

“But Cap…I need…”

Hank stopped Roy just by squeezing his shoulder. Looking back down at this best friend, Roy finally shook his head, as he got up and followed his Captain. They stood out of the way and watched as their friend was being treated, but Hank kept a very close eye on Roy.

Brice got the vital signs while Bellingham patched Johnny in…he then signaled to Brice that he was ready.

Picking up the handset, Brice said, "Rampart, we defibbed, times three and the patient has converted back into a sinus rhythm and is now patched in and we're sending you a strip...this will be Lead 2…his vitals signs are, B/P is 40/20, pulse is 140…his pupils are dilated and slow to react to light…he also has a large boot print on his abdomen.”

Receiving the strip, Brackett said, "10-4 36, I'm reading a sinus rhythm also. Is Johnny breathing on his own?"

"10-4 Rampart, his respirations are now unassisted, but he is having difficulty, respirations are about 6…and he is wheezing."

"10-4, start an IV D5W TKO...give a bolus of Ladocaine...insert an esophageal airway and assist with breathing…transport immediately. 36, if he's coughed up blood, and if there is any in his airway, suction immediately."

"10-4 on the esophageal Rampart…we've checked and his airway is clear of blood. Our ETA is 25 minutes."

"10-4 36."

Vince finally arrived back in the room with the ambulance attendants and a gurney. After Bellingham and Brice had done everything Brackett had ordered, Johnny was carefully lifted from the floor and placed on the gurney, ready for transport to Rampart.

"Cap, can you bring my truck to Rampart...I'm gonna ride in with Johnny."

Hank started to protest, but he knew the best thing for both of his men right now, was for Roy to be with his partner, so he didn't say anything.

"Sure Roy, go ahead. I'll drive it in."

"Thanks Cap."

Hank and Vince stood, watching as Johnny was taken to the ambulance, but they were worried just as much about Roy as they were Johnny.

Vince softly spoke, and said, “You know Hank, I sure hope Johnny's gonna be alright.”

“So do I Vince. If he's isn't…well…”

There wasn't any need for Hank to finish his thought…both men knew what would happen if Johnny didn't survive…Roy wouldn't either.

“Well Vince, I better get goin' and met Roy at the hospital…I've also got a few phone calls to make. See ya later.”

“Sure Hank, and let me know how Johnny does.”

Patting the officer on the shoulder, Hank replied, “You know I will.”

As Vince walked over to pick up the trash that was left on the floor, he couldn't get the sight of seeing Johnny laying on the floor having CPR done on him out of his mind or how worried Roy was. With the trash in his hands, Vince walked over to the door to leave.

Looking at what he held in his hands, he softly said, “Johnny, you've got to pull through this man…Roy won't survive, if you don't.”

With that, he pulled the door closed, and decided to go to Rampart Emergency to check up on his young friend, hoping that the news he would receive, would be good.

*E!*E!*E!*E!*E!*

Twenty-five minutes later, the ambulance carrying the injured paramedic, backed into the bay at Rampart, and were met by Kel and Dixie. Hank parked Roy's truck in the visitor's lot and hurried to the entrance to meet Roy. Reaching his friend, Hank listened along with Roy, as Bellingham gave Doctor Brackett the report.

“Bellingham, how did he do on the way in?”

“There hasn't been any change Doc…I'm helpin' him breathe, but he's still wheezin'…he hasn't regained consciousness yet either.”

** No change yet…well, at least you haven't gotten any worse…come on pal, don't give up now ** Hank thought.

“Let's take him to treatment 8.” Brackett said.

Brice quickly joined the group as he, Roy and Hank followed the gurney into treatment 8. Craig helped Bellingham as they wheeled the gurney beside the treatment table and quickly but carefully transferred their patient. As hard as it was for them not to jump in and help with their friend, Roy and Hank stood to the side, out of the way, as Brackett started his examination on Johnny.

“Dix, hook him up to the respirator, then draw blood for CBC, lytes and cardiac enzymes. Then get x-ray down here now for a full skull, chest and abdomen series.”

“Right Kel.”

The head nurse attached the tube to the respirator, then got to work drawing Johnny's blood, then called x-ray, as she noticed Roy, slowly taking a few steps closer to his partner and best friend, as Hank continued to stand there, keeping an eye on Roy. Watching Doctor Brackett work, Roy softly spoke.

“Doc…is Johnny gonna be alright?” he nervously asked.

Checking the paramedic's pupils, Kel replied, “I don't know yet Roy…it's too soon to tell. Dix, tell the lab I want those results stat.”

“Okay.”

As Dixie was leaving to go take the blood samples to the lab, she almost ran into George, as he came into the room with the portable x-ray. After Brackett told him what was needed, he, Dixie and Roy left the room to allow George to do his job.

*E!*E!*E!*E!*E!*

Ten minutes after George left and the three friends returned to the room, the x-ray and lab results were brought in to Doctor Brackett, as he looked them over. Hank had gone to call his wife as well as the rest of the crew.

“Well Doc…how's Johnny doin'?”

“Well, according to the x-rays, there isn't a skull fracture, just a moderate concussion…his nose isn't broken, but he has several broken ribs, on both sides, but only his right lung was punctured, we'll intubate him and switch him over to a ventilator and keep him on it till it heals. I'd also be willing to bet that he will develop pneumonia… we'll get him started on something for that, to be on the safe side, and keep an eye out for it, and he has some internal bleeding, so we'll get him up to surgery to repair it. The lab reports look good, but the cardiac enzymes are high, but that's understandable.”

Relieved, Roy asked, “So…so he is gonna be alright then?”

“Kel, OR 2 is ready for Johnny.”

Putting the films back into the envelope, Kel replied, “Okay, thanks Dix. Yeah Roy, he should be…I'm mostly worried about him catching pneumonia, but right now, we'll get him up to the OR and fix what internal damage there is.”

The orderlies came in and transferred Johnny onto the gurney to take him to surgery.

“I'll let'cha know as soon as Johnny's in recovery.”

Roy shook his head, as she stepped over beside his partner.

“Hang in there for me Junior. I'll go see if the rest of the guys are here yet, Cap was gonna call ‘em and we'll be here waitin' when you wake up…you're gonna be okay partner.”

Roy stood as he watched his best friend being taken out of the room. He then met Hank in the hall, telling him what Brackett had said, then the two went to wait for the rest of the crew to arrive.

*E!*E!*E!*E!*E!*

By the time the rest of the men had arrived, Doctor Brackett had finished in the OR and was already in the Doctor's lounge, ready to give Roy and Hank the news on their friend.

“Doc, how's Johnny?” Roy asked.

“Well guys, under the circumstances, he…”

As the rest of the crew came in, Marco said, “Well Chet, we'll just have to wait and…oh, sorry Doc, we didn't mean to interrupt. How's Johnny?”

“Hi Marco, you guys come on in. I was just getting ready to tell Roy and Hank about Johnny's condition.”

“So he's outta surgery?”

“Yeah Mike, he is, and he did very well. As I told Roy earlier, Johnny had some internal bleeding, which I thought would be worse than it was…given the boot print that's on his abdomen.”

Kel saw Chet rub his hand across his stomach and make a face, as he continued.

“But luckily the bleeding wasn't very bad and we got it under control pretty easy. His lung was punctured but we repaired it and we have him on a ventilator, and we have his broken ribs taped up. He has a moderate concussion but no skull fracture and no broken nose…he'll be pretty sore, along with having a * really * bad headache when he wakes up, but over all, given some time, I think he's gonna be just fine.

“And what about his heart…will he be able to come back to work?” Chet nervously asked.

“Well, we'll have to run a few more tests, but I'd say that since Roy and Hank got help to him so fast, that he'll be able to, without any problems.”

Seeing that the crew was getting excited over the news, Brackett quickly added, “But now… wait…don't go getting all excited yet…we won't know anything for sure until we get all the test results back…I'm just telling you what * I * think.”

The guys realized that the Doctor was right, but they were still happy with the good news on their friend…even though it was a guarded prognosis.

“Doctor Brackett, can we see him?” Marco asked.

“Well, he's in recovery…give me about an hour, and when we get him settled in, I'll sneak you guys into CCU for a few minutes.”

That comment made the men nervous…Brackett told them that Johnny was going to be fine, then he said that the paramedic was going to be placed in CCU. Roy quickly spoke up.

“Doc…why CCU, you just said…”

Holding his hand up, Brackett replied, “Roy, Johnny's doing fine, yes…but with the MI * and * the tests that needs to be run, we need to put him in CCU…just as a precaution and it won't be for very long.”

Trying to calm himself, Roy said, “Yeah…okay, I guess you're right. But as soon as we can see him, please, let us know.”

“I will Roy, I promise. Now, I'm gonna go back and check on Johnny, I'll be back later.”

With that Kel left the room, and the five firefighters alone.

*E!*E!*E!*E!*E!*

An hour and a half later, Brackett walked back into the lounge, and his waiting friends.

“Doc, what took so long?”

Grabbing a quick cup of coffee, Kel replied, “Sorry about that guys…the tests took longer than I thought. Roy, guys, we got him moved into CCU and we took chest x-rays again, along with the other tests. The results of the tests are good, no signs of any complications …except…”

Roy was becoming worried, as he asked, “Except what Doc, is there a problem?”

“With your hesitation, I'd be willing to bet that John has pneumonia, right Doc?”

Seeing the smile that came on the Doctor's face, the men figured their Captain was right and relaxed a little.

“You're right Hank…he does.”

“Doc, how bad is it?”

Taking a sip of coffee, Kel replied, “It's a pretty bad case Mike, his lungs are really congested. With Roy telling me how cold and damp the room was that Johnny was being held in, we went ahead and started him on antibiotics, just in case. But now that we have the films back, and know for sure, we'll put him on something a little bit stronger, and hopefully get it cleared up soon.”

“Can we see him now?”

Taking a last sip of coffee, Kel sat it down on the counter, and said, “Sure Roy. If all of you guys wanna come with me, I'll get you in to see Johnny for just a few minutes.”

As the crew followed Brackett through the lounge door and out into the hall, Kel said, “Now remember, he is still unconscious and on a ventilator…we have him on the last unit of blood to replace what he lost, along with the IV's…he's also bruised on his face and chest. I'd say he'll probably be out for quite a while.”

The men gathered into the elevator and made their way up to the CCU and their friend.

*E!*E!*E!*E!*E!*

Coming off the elevator and walking into the unit, the guys saw, that besides Johnny, there were only four other patients in the CCU, and figured that was the only reason Brackett was letting all five of them go in at once.

Seeing their friend, they saw what Doctor Brackett had warned them about…the ventilator that was helping Johnny breathe, the IV lines, coming from two separate locations in his right arm, along with the last unit of blood going into his left arm. Roy and the others could see the numerous black and blue bruises on their friend's face and chest…they knew his abdomen probably looked the same, but it was covered with the sheet and blanket…they also saw the bandage that covered his head injury…they could hear the heart monitor that monitored Johnny's heartbeat…they were relieved to see a normal sinus rhythm, beating across the screen .

Looking up at Brackett, hoping to break the tension, Hank softly asked, “Slow day in here ta'day, huh Doc?”

As he looked around the room, Kel replied, “Yeah, it is…fortunately. Look, I've got some paperwork out here at the nurse's station to do…need to write some things down on Johnny's chart, so I'll leave you guys alone with him for a little while, at least until I'm done.”

“Okay Doc.” Hank replied.

Turning to face the Doctor, Roy put his hand out, and said, “Doc…thanks for everything you've done for Johnny…you saved his life.”

All the others could be heard agreeing with Roy.

Reaching for the outstretched hand, Kel shook it, and said, “You're all very welcome. Well, I'll leave you all alone for a few minutes.”

Walking out of the room and to the nurse's station, Kel got to work making notes on Johnny's chart, while the injured paramedic's friends spent some time with him.

Walking closer to his partner's bed, Roy leaned over his friend to talk to him, while the others gathered on either side of the bed.

“Hey Johnny…can you hear me? If you can, you just keep gettin' better for us, okay. You're here at Rampart, and just like I told'cha, Doc fixed ya all up and you're gonna be fine. Me, Cap and the guys are here, but Doc isn't givin' us much time.”

Roy motioned the other guys to talk to Johnny as he stepped back.

Cap stepped over to where Roy was, and said, “Yeah, Doctor Brackett's gonna run us all out of here in a few minutes. Roy's right John, we're all here and I want you to get well and get back to work…and that's an order.”

Everyone laughed at that comment as Mike and Marco walked over to the bed.

“Hey John, you're going to be just fine, just get well for us.”

Leaning on the rail, Mike replied, “We were all worried about you Johnny. Just hurry and get back to the station.”

Everyone saw Chet, just standing there and looking at his unconscious friend. Roy thought back to when he was sitting in the room with Johnny, as he tried to keep him awake, and the small talk they were making about Chet.

** Yeah, I was right, Chet really does care about'cha Junior **

Stepping closer to the bed, and finally speaking, Chet cleared his throat, and said, “Gage, you better get outta this bed…and soon, or I'm gonna kick your butt out of it. The Phantom's gonna be waitin' on ya.”

As the crew looked at Chet for that comment, Kel walked back into the cubicle before Hank or any of the others cold say anything.

** Boy, Doc has great timing…saved me from gettin' yelled at…at least for right now **

Kel looked at his friends and saw the looks on their faces…he figured Chet had said something that he shouldn't have. Trying to hide a smile, the Doctor spoke to the firefighters.

“Guys, I hate to say this, but you guys do need to leave, Johnny needs to rest. You can come back tomorrow, he's going to be alright, believe me, he is.”

With the crew reluctantly agreeing to leave, Roy said, “Okay Doc, we'll go. If his condition…”

Knowing what his friend was going to say, Kel held up his hand, and said, “Yes Roy…if Johnny should get worse or if anything changes, you guys'll be the first to know…I promise.”

The rest of the men and Brackett stepped just outside the door, as Roy gently squeezed Johnny's hand and he spoke one more time to his friend.

“Johnny, we have to go now, but I'll be back tomorrow…and so will the rest of the guys. Just keep gettin' better so you can get outta here. I'll see ya later partner.”

Even though he hated to leave his friend, Roy laid Johnny's hand back down, and walked out of the room.

*E!*E!*E!*E!*E!*

Although Johnny condition continued to improve over the next week and a half, he still hadn't regained consciousness. Knowing that the crew and especially Roy was worried, Kel tried to reassure them that it was probably just the concussion, and that the young paramedic was healing and getting better.

As Roy sat with his unconscious friend, he softly talked to him.

“Well Junior…I didn't tell you this before, but you've got it…again…pneumonia that is… but Doc said that you're gettin' over it, you haven't had any complications from it. Add to that broken ribs, a punctured lung, which you called it right on both of those…but your lung finally healed and you're off the vent…and your ribs are doin' fine to. And you said that you felt funny inside…warm kinda…you had some internal bleeding, but Doc took care of all of that and you'll be fine. No major damage to that hard head of yours either… just a moderate concussion and your nose is fine. Doc said your heart wasn't damaged from the heart attach either, so you'll be able to come back to work and not have any problems…and that's good news, I wouldn't wanna lose ya partner.”

Seeing that he wasn't getting a response from his friend, Roy stood and walked around the room, stretching his legs. Going back to the bed, Roy leaned on the bedrail, as he continued talking to his friend.

“Let me tell ya Johnny…we came so close to losin' ya…I mean, I know how close we almost came to you dyin' when you had that virus, but this…this was…I don't know…just too damn close…I guess as close as I * ever * wanna come to not havin' you around. When I checked and you didn't have a pulse and you were in v-fib and we had to try three times to get ya back…* I * almost had a heart attack…I'm so sorry partner, I didn't wanna give you that Atropine…but I figured you'd survive a heart attack better than a shot in the head…I only did what I thought was best, so please, just don't be mad at me for this. I do have to say, that Brice and Bellingham, they did a helluva job on ya…and I helped a little, and Cap, but the most important thing is, that we got you back, and that you're still alive…and I'm so grateful for both of those things. Come on Johnny, try to open your eyes for me…I know you can do it.”

Roy sat back down in the chair, and picked up Johnny's hand and held it in his, giving it a light squeeze. He then spoke again.

“Come on Junior…open your eyes for me…quit bein' stubborn and do what I tell ya. Squeeze my hand and open your eyes.”

After a moment, Johnny slowly started to close his fingers around Roy's hand, and opening his eyes slowly, he looked up at his best friend.

Being relieved, Roy smiled at his friend, and softly said, “Hey Junior…welcome back.”

Licking his dry lips, Johnny was still drowsy, as he whispered, and said, “Pal…Pally…don't feel so good…my chest hurts…I'm so thirsty…throat's a little sore…can I have…some water…?”

Reaching for the cup sitting on the table, Roy said, “Well, the nurse…and Brackett…they said that you could have some ice chips when you woke up…but no water…yet…here ya go.”

Roy took a spoonful of ice and raising Johnny's head up off the pillow, placed some in his mouth…then another.

“Not too much partner…don't want'cha gettin' sick. And your chest hurts due to the MI and us havin' to shock ya three times…oh, and the pneumonia.”

Laying back on the pillow, and feeling a bit better, Johnny replied, “Don't wanna be…sick either…hate when that…happens ta' me…thanks Roy…heart attack…oh yeah, I remember now…but Mr. Wheeler…what happened to him…?”

Sitting the cup and spoon back on the table, Roy took a seat beside the bed, before he spoke to his friend.

“Roy…tell me…did somebody hurt ‘im…?”

“Nothing Johnny…no the police didn't hurt ‘im. From what Vince told me a couple of days ago, the court was gonna take the circumstances of what happened with his family into consideration…they're hopin' that they're gonna be able to get him the psychiatric treatment that he needs to deal with the loss of his family. I think the DA wanted you to tell them what happened…maybe even testify on his behalf…if you would.”

Roy could tell that Johnny was tired, as he laid there in the bed, not answering him and seeing his best friend's eyes, that desperately wanted to close. Roy knew that neither the DA nor he, had the right to ask Johnny to help this man…not after what he did to the paramedic.

“Johnny…look, I know you're the last person in the world that would wanna help this guy, after what…and I don't blame ya, and we don't have the right ta' ask ya to…but…”

Johnny interrupted his friend, but as he spoke, Roy couldn't read how his friend was feeling, and that bothered him.

“Roy…he almost killed me…and you're right…neither one of ya…should even think that I'd do…anything to help…help him out…but…”

Seeing the hesitation from his friend, Roy softly asked, “But what Junior?”

“But…even though I almost…died because of him…I do have a heart…even though he tried to stop it…and did for a while…he lost his son Pally…and his wife…I guess I'd feel the same way…if it had…happened ta' me…I'd like ta' think…that I wouldn't try ta'…kill anybody though…but I can understand…how he feels…I'll help him…”

Roy wasn't surprised by his best friend's answer…he knew that his partner was the most unselfish, compassionate, caring and giving person he had ever known, and that he would go out of his way to help anyone in anyway that he could…no matter what the person might have done to him.

** You really are a special person Johnny **

“Well, I'm sure the guy will appreciate it.”

Johnny was fighting to keep his eyes opened, as he said, “Yeah…if he doesn't…still hate me…Roy…I'm really tired…can we talk…later…?'

Patting his friend on the shoulder, Roy replied, “Sure Johnny, I'll go and let'cha rest.”

“No Pally…will ya…stay with me…please…”

“Yeah Junior, I'll stay. You just get some more rest.”

Closing his eyes, Johnny softly said, “Thanks Roy…I think…I…will…”

Johnny drifted off to sleep, as Roy sat in the chair and stayed with his best friend.

*E!*E!*E!*E!*E!*

A month later, Johnny was well enough that he was able to return to work, and just as the Doctors had promised, without any problems. As the men gathered for roll call, and Captain Stanley finished with the usual beginning of shift business, along with welcoming Johnny back, he took an envelope off of his clipboard and handed it to Gage, as he spoke to his younger paramedic.

“Johnny, this was delivered this morning by messenger, it's for you.”

Slowly reaching out his hand, he took the envelope, and said, “For me…thanks Cap.”

Turning the envelope over, he saw his name written on the front. Opening it, he took out a piece of paper, and after unfolding it, he read it silently to himself.

“Well Gage, what's it say?”

“Chet, you're noisy. Maybe he doesn't wanna tell us what it says.”

Everyone agreed with the Engineer, until they saw the look on Johnny's face.

“Junior…what is it…what's wrong?”

Letting out a breath, Johnny softly replied, “Ah…it's from Kyle Wheeler…he…he said that …it isn't over…that me testifying on his behalf didn't chance anything, that one day, I would pay for killing his family. It's never gonna end Pally…it's never gonna end…he's gonna get me the next time…I know it.”

“John, he isn't going to do anything to you…he's locked up in a psychiatric hospital, miles away…and after what he tried, there's no judge in the world that would release him…no way he'll ever get out and get to you.”

“That's right Johnny, Marco's right. You don't have anything to worry about.”

Shaking his head no as he folded the letter, Johnny said, “No Marco…Mike…somethin' tells me that he will…he almost did the last time, and he'll try again…I don't know when…but he will.”

Speaking up, Hank said, “Well, let's try to forget about that for now, you're safe here. Let's get busy on the chores before we get a run.”

“Right Cap.” The men all answered.

The crew of Station 51 went about their daily business, totally unaware of what was going on, miles away.

Forty-five miles away in the Sanoma Psychiatric Hospital for the Mentally Insane…

“Yes John Gage…next time…and I promise you, there * will * be a next time…when I get out, there‘ll be no where that you can hide, and I'll get you…or someone close to you…and you * will * pay for killin' my family. I'll be countin' the days.” Kyle Wheeler softly whispered to himself.

He sat quietly in his room at the hospital, planning his escape…and his ultimate revenge against Firefighter/paramedic John Roderick Gage.