En-GAGE-ment–Part 5
By Nancy F. Thysell, the Nifty Lady
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Jimmy Chandler drove over to the Santa Monica Mall parking area. There would still be plenty of cars to choose from at this late hour. He pulled the Land Rover into an open parking space. He killed the engine and got out, leaving the keys in the ignition. Heck, if he were lucky some punk would steal it and get caught with it. He figured that the police might be looking for the fireman’s car by now. Slowly he walked through the parking lot looking for a vehicle to steal. He was drawn to a burgundy colored sedan. It looked to be either a ‘68 or a ‘69 four-door. He thought maybe it was a Dodge. He made quick work of jimmying the lock. A few moments later he had it hot wired. Sitting up, he put the car in drive and pull nonchalantly away from the space. He smiled to himself. People were so dumb to think they could protect their cars from thieves like him. Jimmy snorted at the thought. Now he needed a place to hide out in until he could find out where his Crystal was. There was no way he’d leave Los Angeles without her. No matter what the cost, she had to go with him!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
A nurse entered Chris’ room. Chris groaned inwardly. Not another check. She’d get some rest if these people would just leave her alone.
"Sorry to disturb you Miss Martin but we’re bringing you a roommate," the nurse nonchalantly informed her. That didn’t make sense to Chris. This was a private room. Why would they put someone else in with her with a policeman at the door? The nurse unlocked the wheels of Chris’ bed and moved it toward the window a couple of feet. Then the door opened and Chris saw the back of the orderly that was guiding the other bed into the room. But what caught her attention was seeing Roy behind the other orderly. Fear and curiosity gripped her as she tried to see who the patient was but the orderlies blocked her view. Roy carried a single red rose in his hand. He stepped around the workers and came to Chris’ bedside.
"Hey Chris. It’s good to see you looking so much better," Roy commented. He presented her with the rose. "Johnny asked me to give this to you."
Chris took the rose with a shaky hand. "Thank you Roy. But where’s Johnny?"
Roy nodded his head toward the other bed. Chris looked over at her roommate. She couldn’t believe her eyes. It was Johnny! And he was hurt! Tears welled in her eyes. She yearned to touch him and comfort him.
"What happened?" she whispered softly as she turned her worried face up to Roy’s.
Roy pulled up a chair and sat down before he went into the details of Johnny’s ordeal. He finished by telling her that Dr. Brackett wanted to keep Johnny overnight for observation because of the concussion. And because Chandler was a very real threat to both of them, he figured the best place for Johnny to be was in the same room as Chris.
"I’m so relieved. Thank you Roy," Chris said sincerely as she toyed with the rose. Roy pointed to the rose.
"Johnny was adamant that I get that for you before they gave him that sedative. He wanted you to know how sorry he was that he wasn’t here when you woke up but he was trying to make sure Chandler didn’t find you," he explained.
Tears spilled from Chris’ eyes. Roy quickly grabbed a couple of tissues and handed them to Chris. He always felt helpless when a woman cried, especially when he didn’t have a clue as to why they were crying.
"Are you okay, Chris?"
Chris nodded. "I feel so stupid!"
"Why? Why should you feel stupid?"
"Because I am. I thought Johnny...that he’d...I thought he didn’t want me any more because I was crippled!" she sobbed.
"Well, I hope you know that couldn’t be any further from the truth! I know my partner, Chris and he loves you. I’ve never seen him like this about anyone ever before. You are so special to him. Don’t ever doubt that!" Roy admonished the young woman.
"Oh, Roy! I’m trying so hard to believe that! It’s just difficult for me to believe anyone could feel that way about me. I mean, I’m a nobody. I’m nothing special. I don’t even know why he loves me. I’m such a klutz. I may not even have a job on Monday. I can’t imagine that my boss will keep me on. I’ve been the hospital more days than I’ve worked! I feel like such a failure! Johnny would probably be better off without me!" Chris sobbed helplessly.
Roy rose to his feet and gently lifted Chris’ chin in his hand and looked her directly in the eye. "You, young lady, are completely wrong. I think that partner of mine would be totally lost if you weren’t in his life. And quit underestimating yourself! You have a great deal to offer. Don’t try to second-guess everything. And right now you need to expend your energies on getting back on your feet. The only thing you need to remember is that Johnny loves you very much. It doesn’t matter why," Roy lectured. Chris nodded slightly and smiled at him. He was a good friend to Johnny. He was becoming a good friend to her.
"DeSoto! Get your hands off my fiancée," Johnny growled playfully. Both Roy and Chris turned to look at a drowsy John Gage staring at them. He had that lopsided grin on his face. "Hi sweetie. How are you feeling?"
"Better now that you’re here. Thank you for the rose. It’s beautiful," she replied with a bright smile.
"My pleasure. Thanks for taking care of that for me Roy."
"Not a problem, Junior," Roy chuckled. "Listen, I need to get home. Anything I can do for you before I leave?"
Johnny got a devious look on his face as he nodded toward Chris’ bed. Roy was perplexed.
"What?" the older paramedic asked.
"Move Chris’ bed next to mine," Johnny suggested slyly.
"Now why should I do that?" Roy queried his friend.
"Well, if you did that, I could hold hands with my girl," Johnny replied honestly. Roy chuckled.
"Gage, you’re a piece of work!" he said shaking his head.
"But, you’ll do it?" Johnny asked hopefully. Without a response, Roy moved over to Chris’ bed and unlocked its wheels and moved the bed back to its normal position and locked the wheels.
"Awe come on Roy! Closer," his partner directed. Roy rolled his eyes and moved over to Johnny’s bed. He unlocked the wheels on Johnny’s bed and rolled him next to Chris’ bed. Then he locked the wheels on Johnny’s bed.
"There! Satisfied?" he asked with feigned annoyance. Johnny just grinned at him as reached over and took Chris’ left hand in his right.
"Thanks Pally," he said after a moment.
"Night you two. Behave!" Roy admonished sternly. Chris giggled as Johnny stuck his tongue out at him.
"Good night Roy," Chris responded. Roy gave them a half wave of his hand and disappeared into the hall.
Johnny rolled onto his side and brought Chris’ hand to his lips and kissed it. Then he noticed that her ring was missing with a frown.
"Where’s your ring?" he demanded of Chris with concern.
"Dixie said they took it off for the surgery. I’m supposed to have a bag with my valuables somewhere," Chris answered him. "I was so scared that I’d lost it!"
"Me too! I guess I forgot that they’d take that off. Well, you’ll have it back soon. Oh, Chris, I’ve been half-sick with worry about you today. Dr. Brackett said that your surgery went well. Now all we have to do is get you back on your feet so I can give you that riding lesson I promised you."
Chris smiled. "Thank you honey."
"For what?"
"For loving me and being here for me. I love you," Chris told him sincerely.
"I love you. With all my heart," Johnny responded. He pulled himself up and leaned over her bed and kissed her lips gently. "Ouch! Sorry, I forgot Chandler split my lip," he apologized as he lay back down on his bed.
"I’ll take a rain check," Chris offered. Johnny chortled. "Say, Johnny, what do you think my father’s going to say when he finds out we’ve spent the night together, again?"
Johnny eyed her suspiciously. "I think if he finds out how many times we’ve already spent together, he’s going to insist on a physician’s report on your right to wear white."
"Are you sorry you have to wait?" Chris wondered.
"Sweetie, I’ve waited all my life for someone like you. Whatever you want, I want. Case closed. It’s that simple."
"But...?"
He took her hand in his again. "Sweetie, I’d be lying if I hadn’t been dreaming about us being...well, you know, together. But I can wait, for you. Understand?"
Chris nodded and sighed. "How’d I get so lucky as to find you?"
"You? I’m the one wondering how I got so lucky," Johnny responded before a yawn escaped his lips.
"I think we’d better get some rest," Chris suggested.
"I think you’re right. Sweet dreams, baby," Johnny said sleepily as he closed his eyes.
"You too, honey," Chris responded but Johnny was already asleep.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
It was well past midnight when Chandler left the 24-hour convenience store, loaded down with junk food and a big gulp drink. He put the bag on the passenger's seat of the sedan, fished in his pocket for change and shuffled over to the nearby payphone. He put the drink on top of the phone before he looked for the phone book. He swore when he discovered that someone had ripped off the book. He dialed "O" for the operator.
"Uh, yes ma'am. I'm at a payphone with no directory. I need a couple of numbers...What city? I'm not sure, I know it's either LA city or county...The first listing I need is Rampart Hospital...Wait a second. Give that to me again...uh huh. Got it. The next listing is for Gage, John Gage... No, wait, yeah, that's the address...uh huh. Thanks. And the last one is probably a new listing...Martin, Crystal...What? Unlisted...Damn, oh excuse me. I'm sorry. Well, thank you anyway. No that's all I needed. Good bye." Jimmy slammed the handset back on the hook so hard that he nearly knocked his big gulp off of it.
He grabbed the drink and took a long pull on the straw. When he finished, he released a loud "burp." Then he dropped a dime in the slot and dialed the hospital's number, cursing when he was informed that it was a toll call and he needed to deposit an addition thirty-five cents. That done he waited impatiently for the patient information desk to pickup. It was a long shot but he thought it worth the try.
"Hello? I'm trying to find out if some friends of mine are still patients there?" he lied to the hospital operator. After a moment, she asked for the names. "Uh, John Gage and Crystal Martin."
"Yes sir, they're both still here," he was informed. But his grin faded as the operator went on, "However, they are not being allow visitors or phone calls I'm afraid."
"Do you know why?" Jimmy asked irritably.
"I'm sorry sir, I don't have that information. You could check back in morning during normal business hours. Perhaps someone could help you then. I'm afraid that's all I can tell you," she apologized.
"Be civil Jimmy! Just be civil. It ain't her fault," Chandler told himself sternly. He took in and released a deep breath. "Well, thank you ma'am. I appreciate the info you were able to give me. I'll check again in the morning."
He hung up the phone. He was worried. My Crystal is in the hospital and so is the fireman. Well, I know why the fireman is there, but what had happened to my Crystal? Maybe that two-timing S.O.B. had hit her. Yeah, he's probably a batterer. Well, he'll pay for hurting my girl. He'll never get another chance to hurt her.
A determined man returned to the sedan. He sat behind the wheel for a few minutes before digging in the bag for something to munch on. He opened a pastry package and took a bite and then swallowed more of his drink. He reached down and hot-wired the ignition. He chewed on the pastry some more as he backed out of the space and turned onto the darkened street. He needed a safe place to park the car and get some sleep. Tomorrow, or rather today, was going to be busy and he needed his rest.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Night nurse Roberta Smith, a heavyset black woman, opened the door to Chris and Johnny's room. She was surprised by the arrangement of the beds and had to smile to herself as she noted the patients we're both asleep and holding hands.
"How sweet," she thought. "I guess they're going to hate me when I have to separate their beds."
She didn't want to do it but she needed to be able to get their vitals and someone had to move. And since Johnny had the smaller bed and no traction, she decided he'd be the easier one to move. She unlocked the wheels and pushed the bed to the side. His hand dropped limply, as the handhold was broken. He started to stir.
"Wha..." he asked sleepily.
"Good morning Mr. Gage," the nurse whispered cheerfully. "I'm your nurse for the night. My name is Roberta Smith, but you can call me 'Bobbi' if you want. I need you to wake up for me now. Want to be sure that concussion isn't any worse."
Johnny struggled to become alert as Bobbi went through the routine of questions as she took down his vitals. He liked the tone and rhythm of her voice. She smiled at him when she finished.
"Very good, Mr. Gage. You're doing fine. They'll probably release you in the morning," she continued in the soft whisper. Johnny looked over at Chris and pointed with his hand.
"How's Chris doing?" he asked with concern. Bobbi smiled.
"Well, I haven't taken her vitals yet but I'd say you've been good medicine for her. Is she your wife?"
Johnny shook his head. "No, not yet. We just got engaged. Would you know what they did with her valuables? She feels naked without her ring." He hated to admit he missed it on her hand as well.
"I'll check on that as soon as I can, all right?" Bobbi promised.
"Uh, Bobbi?"
"Yes Mr. Gage?"
"Can you put my bed back next to hers when you're done?" he asked flashing his lopsided grin with all the Gage charm he could muster. Bobbi smiled.
"I'll see what I can do," she said before she turned to Chris to get her vitals. Johnny lay back down closing his eyes and throwing his left arm over his face and waited. He could hear Bobbi taking Chris' BP, then he knew she'd take her temperature and get her pulse and respirations. He felt himself drifting off to sleep when he felt the bed move. He opened his eyes at the smiling nurse.
"Thank you," he whispered his heartfelt thanks. Bobbi watched as he took Chris' hand in his again. He sighed contentedly and let sleep reclaim him. The nurse quietly closed the door as she left the room.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Roy nodded to Officer Young as he arrived around 9:00 a.m. He knocked on the door to Chris and Johnny’s room before he opened it.
"Everybody decent?" he asked through the partially opened door. He heard Johnny groan and then yell, "Go away! We’re busy in here!"
Roy stepped into the room to find the two patients finishing their breakfasts.
"Morn’n," he said brightly. "Chris you look radiant today." She smiled happily back at him.
"Good morning Roy. Look! I got my ring back!" Chris happily showed Roy her left hand. Roy nodded his head with a smile but before he could say anything else, Johnny interrupted.
"What about me?" Johnny whined. Roy just stared at him a moment making an assessment.
"Well, the bruising is deeper, your lip still looks tender, but you definitely look better than you did yesterday," Roy commented earnestly. Johnny subconsciously touched his lip. It was still swollen and tender. He was in need of a shave but he wasn’t too sure he wanted to try that feat just yet.
"Thanks a lot partner," he retorted.
"Any time, Junior," Roy replied as he pulled up a chair and sat down. "So, when do you get out of here?"
"Brackett hasn’t been by yet this morning. I figure he’ll release me after he sees me. Just have a small headache and I’m sore in a few spots. I’m not sure if he’ll release me for duty tomorrow though."
With a slight nod toward Chris’ bed, Roy suggested, "That might not be such a bad idea."
"What?" Chris wanted to know. She had no idea how much silent communication these two were capable of after years of working together. Johnny turned to smile at her.
"Roy thinks I should take the day off to recuperate and to keep an eye on you."
"I don’t need a keeper Johnny! It’s bad enough that I have a cop at my door!" Chris complained.
"You mean you don’t want me to spend the day with you?" he asked innocently.
"That’s not what I meant, and you know it! It’s just that it makes me feel like a prisoner or something."
"Well, sweetie," Johnny said pointing to her traction, "it’s not like you’re going anywhere."
Roy chuckled as Chris stuck her tongue out at Johnny. Just then the door opened and Kel Brackett sailed into the room.
"Well, good morning everyone! Sounds like everyone is feeling well today!" he quickly assessed.
"Yes, doctor," Chris smiled and pointed at Johnny, "And I need you to get this man to quit bothering me!"
Brackett gave Johnny a confused look. "Johnny? What have you done to my favorite patient?"
"Favorite? Her? Awe doc, I always thought I was your favorite," Johnny grumbled as he placed his hand over his heart, feigning disappointment.
"Well, you were but I have to admit, she’s a lot easier on the eyes," Kel responded with a grin.
"Ahem!" Johnny cleared his throat but he was just joking. He couldn’t agree with Brackett more.
"Well, excuse me, Roy. I’d better check out this partner of yours so I can get rid of him," Kel said in a joking manner as he stepped around Roy to Johnny’s bedside. A few moments later, after he had finished, he asked Johnny how he really felt.
"A little sore, doc. Not too bad. This lip of mine keeps getting in the way though," he admitted.
"Well, I think you’re going to be aware of that lip for a couple of days. Do you want to go back for your next shift?"
Johnny looked at Roy, then Chris, who crossed her arms firmly across her chest, back to Roy and then to Brackett. "Whatever you think is best," he finally said.
Brackett looked at all concerned, "Okay, then, you’re cleared for duty...uh, when’s your next shift?"
"Tomorrow," Roy volunteered.
"Then tomorrow it is," the doctor declared. "I’ll have your release papers ready in about an hour. Now, young lady, it’s your turn."
Chris giggled as Brackett came around to the other side of her bed and began his exam. Her leg was quite tender to the touch but everything checked out okay. She was going to have a long recuperative period. And unfortunately, being in bed was going to be a large part of the deal.
When Johnny’s release papers arrived, he was reluctant to go. He stood next to Chris’ bed holding her hand with his left and playing with her hair with his right.
"I don’t want to leave you, sweetie," he said softly but Roy was waiting outside the door for him.
"You need to go, honey. I’ll probably sleep most of the day. I’m so sleepy now I can barely keep my eyes open," Chris asserted as she tried to stifle a yawn. "Besides, the horses won’t feed themselves."
"You’re right, of course. I’ll come back later. Anything you need?"
"How about something to read? Magazines or a book?" she suggested.
"Okay, I’ll see what I can do. Anything more...uh...personal. From home?" he asked delicately.
Chris frowned. "Personal? Like what?...Oh, no, I think I’m okay. Except maybe my cosmetics. Could you bring me my makeup? Oh, and my brush. I really need my brush. If you aren’t sure about anything, ask JoAnne. Okay?"
Johnny chuckled. "Yes, ma’am. Anything you want. I’ll see you soon. By the way, would you mind if I borrowed your truck? I’m going to have to put the Rover in the shop to get that window fixed."
"Well, I don’t think I’ll be using it for a while. Just be careful with it," Chris requested.
"Don’t worry. I will." Johnny promised. "I love you sweetie."
"And I you," Chris responded as another yawn escaped her lips. Johnny leaned over and softly kissed her on the lips. His lip protested but he ignored the injury.
"I’ll see ya later," Johnny promised. Chris smiled as she closed her eyes and let sleep claim her. Johnny quietly left the room.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The next morning came way too early for Johnny. He rolled out of bed and threw on a pair of jeans and a T-shirt before he slipped on his boots. He set a pot of coffee brewing as he headed out to the barn to take care of his horses. They were always a lot of work but he never regretted getting them. He made quick work of his chores and then jogged back to the house. He poured himself a mug of coffee and then headed for the shower. Twenty minutes later he was back in the kitchen waiting for a piece of toast to pop out of the toaster. As soon as it popped up, he slapped butter and jelly on the bread. He ran with it for Chris’ truck. He was going to be late if he didn’t hurry. His Rover was still missing. He figured that Chandler must have taken it. He was really getting angry at all the paperwork that creep had put him through. First the police reports and then the insurance papers. He had to shake the image of Chandler leering at him so he could concentrate on his driving.
He pulled into the parking lot at the station with a few minutes to spare. He grabbed his clean uniforms by the hangers and hurried into the locker room.
"Gage! What happened to you?" Chet Kelly inquired when he saw Johnny’s still swollen lip.
"Not now Chet! I have to get dressed," Johnny requested a bit sharply.
"Ooh, touchy," Chet smirked. Roy gave him a look that silently asked him to lay off. Chet raised his hands in defeat, for the moment. "Well, you’d better hurry. Almost time for roll call."
Johnny didn’t respond as he pulled off his shirt and tossed it in his locker. Chet couldn’t help but note with alarm, the bruising on the paramedic’s mid-drift. Another look from Roy told him to keep silent so he passed by and out to the truck bay. His mind was racing to figure out what the story was. He hated waiting to find out details. He decided to see if Captain Stanley had any idea what was going on. He figured Mike or Marco would have said something if they knew.
The two paramedics entered the truck bay just as the Captain ordered roll call. The crew quickly assembled. Chet could tell by the look on the Cap’s face when he took in Gage’s appearance that he didn’t know either. After Stanley made a few announcements and handed out assignments, he requested Johnny join him in his office. Puzzled, Johnny followed him into the office. Hank leaned against his desk and tried to look casual.
"Well, John," the captain began amicably, "do I need to know what happened to ya?"
John felt confused for a moment and then recalled his lip. He sighed, "Well, cap, I had a run in with Jimmy Chandler this weekend."
Hank’s jaw dropped and he was visibly shaken. "What? Chandler? What happened pal?"
Johnny filled his captain in on the details. Stanley shook his head in disbelief.
"I can’t believe that happened. That’s incredible! And he’s still on the loose?"
"Afraid so, Cap. They have a police guard on Chris’ room at Rampart. They don’t really think he’ll go back there but he’s so obsessed with Chris, we don’t know what he’ll do."
"Well, I just hope he doesn’t decide to light any more fires. Man! That is so unbelievable. But you’re okay to work?"
"Brackett gave me the okay yesterday. I’m a little tender but if I can’t handle things, I’ll let you know," Johnny promised. The captain nodded.
"I’m holding you to that Johnny. Now get to work!" Hank ordered with a friendly smile. Johnny returned the smile.
"Sure thing Cap. And thanks for caring," the young paramedic said sincerely as he headed out the door.
Captain Stanley could only shake his head over his crewman. He hoped that this would prove to be a quiet shift, especially for his paramedics. He figured if anyone deserved a break it was John Gage. Wearily, he forced himself to address the paperwork on his desk. He needed a quiet day himself to catch up on all that headquarters required of him.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
It was a little past nine in the morning when Jimmy Chandler slipped unobtrusively into Rampart Hospital. He discovered that the access to the laundry wasn’t locked. Once inside he found a uniform that would fit him. It was an orderly’s uniform. He slipped into the outfit and then moved into the corridor. If anyone had been paying close attention to him, they would have noticed his brown shoes. Not just because they were worn and dirty but the fact that they weren’t white should have made Jimmy stick out like a sore thumb. But no one was looking at his shoes or at him particularly. He began wandering the halls. He knew he couldn’t ask which room Crystal Martin was in. He’d just have to figure that out on his own. On one floor he watched as an orderly cleared the breakfast trays. He eased over to the food cart and covertly examined the tray. There was a card with the patient’s name, room number and their menu choices for the next day. That was it! He could find Crystal through the food trays. It might take a while but he was sure this was the answer!
End of Part 5, Continued in Part 6
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