Malibu Nights
By Nancy F. Thysell (the Nifty Lady)
Tuesday, 7:45 a.m.—
Firefighter/Paramedic Roy DeSoto was just finishing buttoning his uniform shirt when his partner, John "Johnny" Gage bounced through the locker room door with a huge grin on his face.
"Morn’n Pally!" Johnny greeted his partner with a friendly pat on the back. He swung open his locker’s door and began to undress.
"Morning, Junior. I take it that the date went well," Roy observed with a wry smile as he watched his friend dress for the shift. He closed his own locker and finished tucking his shirt into his dark blue trousers, double checking that all his badges were pinned in place.
"Yep! I’d even go so far as to say it went extremely well." Johnny's grin only broadened.
"I guess that means you have a second date lined up," Roy surmised as he sat down on the bench and absently brushed away a piece of lint.
Johnny was practically beaming as he worked his arms through his uniform shirt. "I’m picking her up as soon as the shift is over."
Roy frowned. "Doesn’t she work?"
Johnny stopped, mid-button, and stared at Roy. "Of course she works! She’s a stewardess and tomorrow is her day off."
"Oh. I didn’t know." Roy rose to leave. "I’m going for coffee. You want any?"
Johnny glanced at his watch and shook his head. "Nah, I’d better just try for making it to roll call on time."
Roy nodded in agreement and headed off in search of his morning caffeine fix.
Station 51 of LA County Fire Department’s A-Shift was fortunate enough to experience an unusually quiet 24 hours. Which gave Johnny more than ample to time to extol the virtues of one Miss Pamela Forester to his captive audience, Roy.
###
Wednesday, 8:00 a.m.—
The guys were quickly transforming themselves from firefighters to civilians, eagerly looking forward to their next 48 hours off. Johnny was the first one out the door, obviously anxious to start his date with Pamela. Hank Stanley, their captain, watched his departure with a bit of wonderment.
"I wish I knew how to get him to do that on his way IN to work," he commented to Roy. Roy chuckled in agreement.
###
Friday, 7:30 a.m.—
A new day, a new shift and Roy DeSoto had things on his mind. He waited impatiently for a certain fireman to arrive. He poured himself a hot cup of coffee, sat down at the table and perused the sections of newspaper to select something to pass the time until roll call. C-Shift was out on a call so the station was quiet as A-Shift began arriving. Captain Stanley was the next to arrive. He nodded to DeSoto as he grabbed some coffee and headed off to his office to tackle his never-ending pile of paperwork before the shift began.
Mike Stoker, the lanky engineer entered the kitchen about five minutes later. "Good morning, Roy," he greeted.
"Oh, hey Mike. Glad you’re here early. Need to ask you a favor," Roy told him. Mike arched an eyebrow at his friend and proceeded to pour himself a cup of coffee. He sat down at the table next to Roy and picked up a section of the paper before responding.
"What do you need?" he asked cautiously.
Roy set down the paper, leaned on the table and smiled. "JoAnne and I are planning a little anniversary get away Saturday night."
"Yeah?" Stoker waited to find out how this involved him.
"Well, we were wondering if you and Beth would mind keeping the kids overnight for us?" he asked hopefully.
Mike smiled. Not as bad as he thought. "Well, I can’t speak for Beth but I don’t see any problem. Just let me give her a call and ask."
"Thanks Mike. I’d appreciate it." Mike made his way over to the wall phone and dialed home. In the meantime, Firefighters Marco Lopez and Chet Kelly arrived. Only Gage was missing. It was almost 8 a.m. Johnny would probably be late again.
Mike hung up the receiver and made his way back to the table. "Roy, Beth said that would be fine. You can drop them off anytime after four."
"Four?" This was not good news.
"Yeah, the kids have a game down in Long Beach. We’ll be back by four at the latest," Mike informed him and watched Roy’s smile fade. "Problem?"
"No, not really, I was kinda hoping to get an earlier start, if you know what I mean?"
Mike nodded as Johnny flew through the door. "No, what do you mean?" He asked having picked up the end of Roy’s statement.
"Oh, hiya, Johnny. Mike and Beth are going to take the kids for us tomorrow night but not until after four," Roy explained.
"What’s going on tomorrow?"
"Roy and JoAnne’s anniversary," Mike added. The information clicked in Johnny’s understanding.
"Oh, yeah. I almost forgot," the dark-haired paramedic admitted. Roy face brightened with a thought.
"What about you, Johnny?"
"What? What about me?"
"Could you take the kids until four?" Roy asked, his hope renewed. Johnny took a sip from the cup of coffee he had just poured. He thought it over.
"Sure, Pally. I’ll take them up to the ranch and they can ride my horse."
"Thanks, guys." Roy pushed himself away from the table. "I can’t wait to tell JoAnne. She’s really been looking forward to this."
Before any further discussion could be made, Captain Stanley ordered roll call and the men hurried for the lineup.
###
Friday, Mid-morning—
Roy put the squad in gear and they drove away from the Emergency entrance of Rampart General Hospital.
"JoAnne and I really appreciate you taking the kids tomorrow."
Johnny leaned against the open window and gave his partner a crooked smile.
"No problem, Roy. You know how I love those kids of yours. It’s the least I could do for your anniversary."
"Well, I’m grateful. You’re sure I’m not interfering with any of your plans?"
Johnny waved his hand. "No, no. Pamela’s working this weekend. She won’t be back in town until sometime on Monday, I think." He smiled a bit sheepishly. "I’d guess you’d say we didn’t do much talking."
Roy gave Johnny a sideways glance. He couldn’t help but smile. He had never known anyone who could attract and charm the female persuasion as easily as Johnny or get dumped just as quickly. Considering Johnny’s batting average, he’d get one or two more dates with Miss Forester before he’d be in search of a new girl.
"So where are you and Jo going, or should I ask?"
"I’ve made reservations up the coast, in Santa Barbara."
"Whew! That’s a bit of a drive."
"Yeah. That’s why we want to get such an early start, especially since we’ll have to back to pick the kids up around noon on Sunday." Roy grinned as he thought about it. "So what do you plan to do?"
Johnny shrugged and yawned widely. "Well, once I drop the kids off at Stoker’s, I’ll probably go home and sleep ’til Monday."
Roy gave his partner a concerned look. "You’re not that tired are you?"
"Oh, no. I guess I just want to be all rested up for Pam’s return to town." He grinned slyly.
"Okay, Junior. Whatever you say."
They returned to the station, both of them looking forward to Saturday. Roy because he was getting to go away with his wife and Johnny because he was getting to spend the day with his "niece" and "nephew."
###
Saturday, 4 p.m.—
Johnny pulled his Land Rover up in front of the Stoker’s home.
"We’re here, guys!" Johnny announced as he cut the engine. Ten-year old Chris DeSoto looked out the passenger’s window and frowned.
"The Stoker’s!" he whined. "I thought you said we were going some place fun!"
"Yeah," Jennifer, his eight-year old sister, chimed in from the back seat. "I wanna go back and ride the horses some more!"
"Now, Jen, Chris. You both know that we can’t do that. Your parents are expecting you to spend the night here."
"I want my mommy," Jennifer whimpered. Johnny looked over the back of the seat to see the little girl push her lower lip into a pronounced pout. He rolled his eyes.
"Come on, sweetheart. Let me see that smile of yours," Johnny cajoled.
"No!" Jennifer defiantly crossed her arms across her chest as a scowl replaced the pout.
"I wanna go home!" Chris announced angrily. Fortunately, for Johnny, at that moment the Stoker’s station wagon pulled into the drive. Mike’s two boys bounded from the car before it came to a full stop. Johnny heard Mike yell at them as they ran, unheeded to Johnny’s car.
"Chris!" Josh Stoker called as he ran for the car door, with his brother Mike, Jr. on his heels. "Come on! Mike and me just got some new GI Joes!" he announced excitedly. Chris visibly cheered up and reached for the door handle.
"Oh boy!" he cried. Johnny watched the boys disappeared in a cloud of dust, around the house to the back yard. Then he saw Jennifer’s lip begin to quiver.
"What’s the matter, Jen?" he asked gently.
"I don’t have nobody to play with!" she pouted as Mike and Beth approached the car. Johnny sighed, got out and made his way to the curb.
"Hi Mike. Beth." He leaned against the fender and crossed his feet.
"Hi Johnny." Mike returned with a smile. His wife leaned down to the open door and look in the back seat at Jennifer.
"Hi Jennifer. Are you going to join us?" she asked pleasantly.
Jennifer dug her heels in. "No!"
"Oh, that’s too bad," Beth lamented. "I was hoping you’d help me bake some cookies."
"Cookies?" Jennifer’s interest definitely peaked. She scrambled through the space between the front seat and the door. "Can we make them now?"
Beth took her hand. "Of course we can!"
Beth and Jennifer led the way to the house as Mike invited John in for some refreshment. They made themselves comfortable in the family room with a couple of tall glasses of iced tea. It wasn’t long before the smell of freshly baked cookies wafted through the house. John chuckled as Jennifer exited the kitchen, her face covered with flour, wearing an oversized apron tucked up under her armpits, and carrying a plate of warm, chocolate chip cookies.
"Want a cookie, Uncle Johnny?" she offered proudly.
"Sure sweetheart! They smell wonderful," he told her as he took several from the plate.
Jennifer grinned exposing the fact that she’d already sampled her wares.
"They taste good too!" Then she turned and offered her "Uncle" Mike a cookie.
"Thanks, Jen," Mike said appreciatively, taking a couple of the tempting treats in his hand. They munched on the goodies and Jennifer watched, pleased that her cooking was being enjoyed.
"What about Chris and the boys?" Johnny asked her. Jennifer shook her blonde hair, forcibly.
"Nope! Not ‘til they clean their plates and drink ALL their milk!" she declared. This announcement caused both men to grin. Beth entered the room at that moment.
"Johnny, I’m just about to serve dinner. Would you like to stay?" Beth offered.
Johnny rose to his feet and Jennifer flung her arms around his legs.
"Please, Uncle Johnny. Please stay!" Jen begged. Johnny reached his hand down and stroked her hair.
"Thanks anyway, Beth. I’m kinda bushed. I was planning to get to bed early tonight."
"Well, you still have to eat," Mike protested.
"I know. I know. But if you don’t mind, I’ll take a rain check."
"Oh! You must have some big plans for tomorrow," Mike surmised with a chuckle.
Johnny smiled. "No, not really. I thought this might be a good chance to recharge the old batteries. I plan to sleep straight through to Monday."
Beth sighed. "I can’t remember the last chance I had to do that!"
Mike laughed. "Me either. Seems once you have kids, you never sleep!"
"Well, other than feeding my horses, I can just about do that." Johnny grinned at the thought. "Hey, I’d better get going. Jen, you tell that brother of yours, I said to behave for Uncle Mike and Aunt Beth. That goes for you too, Squirt." Johnny admonished as he tweaked Jennifer’s nose. She crinkled it up at him.
"Okay, Uncle Johnny!"
Beth, Mike and Jennifer walked him out to his car. As they watched Johnny drive away, Beth had a thought.
"Mike?"
"What?" He put his arm about her waist as they turned back to the house.
"Why don’t we put a little get together for Roy and JoAnne when they get back tomorrow to celebrate their anniversary?" Beth suggested.
Mike considered this for a moment. "What did you have in mind?"
"Oh, nothing fancy. Maybe we could have a cookout or something? Didn’t they say they’d be back around noon?"
"Yeah, that would be nice. We could invite the guys from the shift to come over. Maybe even Dr. Brackett and Dixie," Mike added.
"Well, don’t forget the other doctors," Beth chided.
"Yes, ma’am," Mike responded obediently.
"A party! That sounds like fun!" Jennifer decided. Mike laughed.
"I’ll get on the phone and see who I can get hold of. You want to help, Jen?"
Jennifer shook her head. "Nope! I’m helping Aunt Beth make dinner."
"Okay. I guess I’ll have to do it by myself." Mike feigned great disappointment but Jennifer didn’t seem to notice.
"It’s too bad you didn’t tell Uncle Johnny before he left," Jennifer observed thoughtfully.
"Yeah but I can still call him on the phone."
Jennifer nodded in agreement.
"Come on, Jen, those guys are going to be starving soon if we don’t get dinner on the table," Beth Stoker said reaching for Jennifer’s hand. Jen obediently put her hand in Beth’s and followed her into the house. Mike pulled out his wallet and removed a card that held all the phone numbers of his fellow shiftmates. It didn’t take long to get in touch with the engine crew and all agreed to come over at noon. He left the hospital invitations to his captain since he knew them better. Johnny still wasn’t home when he called his house so Mike left the message on the answering machine. He was certain that Johnny would come since it was his partner’s anniversary.
###
Sunday; 12:35 p.m.—
The guys had parked their cars around the block so they could surprise the DeSoto’s. Drs. Brackett, Early, and Morton promised to drop by later in the day. Dixie had had other plans and sent her apologies. Roy parked JoAnne’s station wagon in front of the Stoker’s home. They had stopped by their house to pick up the larger vehicle upon their return. Now, Roy hurried around the car and opened the door for JoAnne. They walked hand in hand to the front door and rang the bell. They heard a muffled boy’s voice scream, "I’ll get it!" Moments later, Josh Stoker swung open the front door.
"Oh, hi!" He turned his head. "Mom! It’s Mr. and Mrs. DeSoto!" he bellowed back into the house.
"Well, tell them to come in!" Beth responded. Josh opened the door and admitted the DeSoto’s into the house.
A chorus of "Surprise!" greeted the couple as they entered the living room. Both JoAnne and Roy were pleasantly surprised to see all their friends assembled. It wasn’t until after all the greetings, handshakes and words of "Congratulations" had been exhausted that Roy missed Johnny.
"Hey, Mike! Where’s Johnny?" he finally asked.
"He should be here. I left the message on his machine," Mike replied.
"Well, maybe he’s on his way," Roy added hopefully.
"Yeah, he’ll probably pull up any minute now. He said he was going to sleep in today but I don’t think he’d miss this! Come on; let’s get the grill ready. You can tell me all about your ‘getaway’," Mike teased. Roy blushed slightly before he realized that Mike was only teasing. They headed for the back yard.
###
Sunday, 7:00 p.m.—
Marco had somehow managed to corner all three doctors into a discussion on chili. The wives and dates had escaped to the safety of the Stoker’s family room for girl talk. Chet, Roy and Hank were seated on Mike’s patio, finishing off the last of the beer as Mike worked on cleaning up his grill.
"Well, I want to thank you guys coming over today," Roy started for the umpteenth time. Chet waved off his comment.
"Roy, Roy, Roy. You know your real friends wouldn’t let you down," Chet smirked. He wiped his mustache with his free hand.
"Now, Chet," Hank intercepted with a silly smile, "Johnny’s probably got a perfectly good reason for not being at his partner’s party. She’s probably a blonde."
"He coulda brought her," Kelly slurred.
Roy chuckled uneasily. That it was probably true but he knew that Johnny’s latest was out of town. It was bothering him and his gut told him that something was definitely wrong. He tried to dismiss the thought. They were probably right and Johnny would regale them with it in the morning. But perhaps, he’d just give Johnny a call when he got home.
###
Monday morning, shift change—
Roy had arrived early and was already dressed in his uniform when Hank entered the locker room.
"Morn’n Roy," Hank said softly. Obviously he had a bit of a headache left over from the party.
"Morning Cap," Roy returned with a smile. He left the locker room and crossed the vehicle bay to the day room. He debated with himself for only a second before he went to the pay phone and dropped a dime. He dialed Johnny’s number, again. He had tried calling last night but had only gotten Johnny’s machine. He wasn’t sure if he wanted to hear his partner’s voice on the line or get his machine again. After five rings, the machine answered. He hung up without leaving a message. Well, Junior, I hope you’re on your way in.
Eight o’clock came and Hank announced roll call. The men of A-Shift assembled for the department required ritual minus one John Gage. Hank frowned at Johnny’s absence. Charlie Dwyer was enlisted to stay over until Gage or a replacement arrived. The uneasy feeling had returned to Roy’s stomach and this time it wasn’t going away.
###
Monday, 10:00 a.m.—
Roy backed the squad into the vehicle bay after their most recent run. His temporary partner for the day was Bob "the Animal" Bellingham was waiting. At least it wasn’t Craig Brice, the department’s "perfect paramedic". Dwyer followed him out of the squad. They both had mixed emotions at seeing Bob. Dwyer was glad because it meant that he could go but fearful because it didn’t bode well for Johnny. Hank appeared and motioned to Roy from the office.
"Roy! See you a minute?"
Roy nodded and followed Hank back into his office. Stanley seemed agitated and nervously crossed his arms over his chest as he leaned against his desk. That feeling in Roy’s stomach tightened and he anxiously waited for Hank to tell him what was wrong.
"Roy, headquarters called while you were on that last run," Hank began.
"And," Roy jumped in impatiently.
"The manager of a restaurant up in Malibu brought in John’s wallet this morning."
"What!?" DeSoto asked in disbelief.
"Seems his bartender found it lying in their parking lot Saturday night. Their policy is to hold onto it in case the owner returns for it. But when he didn’t, the bartender turned it over to management. The manager found Johnny’s county ID and figured the safest thing to do was to turn it over to the department."
"Saturday night?" Roy asked for verification.
Hank nodded grimly. Roy slumped down into the nearest chair.
"I’ve told headquarters that the Stoker’s were the last ones we knew to have seen him. A missing person report has been filed with the police."
Roy nodded his head numbly. Johnny wouldn’t be that careless with his wallet. What was he doing in Malibu? What had happened? He looked up at his Captain, his eyes full of questions.
"That’s all I know, Roy. Other than the police are sending over some investigators to question all of us," Hank answered quietly. He pushed himself off the desk and sighed. "I’d better go and inform the rest of the guys."
Roy agreed, reluctantly. Everyone was stunned by the news. Before any discussion began the klaxons sound and the engine crew was sent out on a call, leaving Roy and Bob alone in the station.
Roy entered the apparatus bay and leaned against the squad, thoughtfully contemplating the red finish. Where are you Johnny? What’s happened to you? He pounded his clenched fist in frustration against the hard metal.
###
Return to Saturday afternoon—
Johnny waved at Mike, Beth and Jennifer as he pulled away from the curb. As he made his way through the subdivision, he decided to head over to the Pacific Coast Highway for the ride home. It was a Chamber of Commerce kind of a day and Johnny enjoyed the warmth of the sun as it beamed down on his Land Rover. The salty breeze blew through his dark hair, making it exceptionally unruly. He smiled as he spied scantly clad young women in various sizes of two-piece swim suits on the beach as he drove through Marina Del Rey. He sadly regretted not having the proper attire to pull over and join them. He sighed. Another time. For now he’d just have to enjoy the scenery.
The closer he got to Santa Monica, the heavier the traffic became. He felt increasing frustration as the traffic bogged down. He wasn’t far from the Santa Monica pier when he spied a car pulling out of a curbside parking space. On impulse, he signaled and parked in the vacated space. He killed the engine and grabbed his jacket as he exited the Rover, figuring that once the sun set, the air would turn chilly. The parking meter didn’t require money after 5 p.m. so; Johnny crossed the highway to the beach.
This late in the day, most people were leaving, not arriving. Johnny walked along the edge of the surf, just enjoying his solitude. He carried his jacket, slung over his shoulder by a couple of fingers. He shoved his free hand in his jeans’ pocket. Despite his sunglasses, he still had to squint against the brightness of the lingering sunshine.
"I’ll have to bring Chris and Jen here the next time Roy asks me to watch them," Johnny thought to himself. He smiled. "Yeah, they’d enjoy this."
He stopped and surveyed the panoramic scene before him. The sandy beach with the sea crashing into the shore seemed peaceful. Sea gulls hovered on wind streams, diving to retrieve what treats they could scavenge. He determined that it was time to head back so he could take in the view from on the pier. It had been years since he had done that. It seemed hard to comprehend that one could live so close the beach like this and yet rarely take advantage of enjoying it. But typically, life had a way of putting things like this off. He climbed the stairs that led from the beach to the boardwalk of the pier.
Several of the pier-side businesses offered a variety of entertainment—games of skill or chance, with cheesy prizes—while other stands offered hot dogs, cotton candy, pretzels and soft drinks or fresh bait. Johnny wandered to the end of the pier. A couple of guys were fishing to his left. Gee, the water looks so blue. A couple of sea gulls hovered over the fishermen, hoping for a scrap of food. Johnny leaned his elbows on the railing and drank in the scenery. He took in a cleansing breath and exhaled deeply.
"I should do this more often," he promised himself softly. He pushed himself away from the rail and turned around. That’s when he spotted her. She was sitting alone on a bench, facing the beach. The masculine side dismissed the young woman without much interest. She wasn’t Johnny’s type. She looked short. Maybe 5’2" or 5’3". She had mousy brown hair that had been styled into a Dorothy Hamill hair-do. And she probably weighed around 150 pounds. She wore a lightweight jacket over a soft blue blouse, with baggy blue jeans. A well-worn pair of red Keds completed her outfit -- definitely not Johnny’s type. But, the paramedic side of John Gage registered that the young woman was in distress and that side of John Gage approached the young woman, as he removed and pocketed his sunglasses.
"Are you all right?" he asked in his best paramedic voice.
The young woman looked up at the voice addressing her. Her blue eyes were obviously red from crying. She clutched a ragged tissue in her hands.
"I’m okay," she sniffled.
"May I sit down?" Johnny asked and at her nod, sat down.
"My name’s John. My friends call me Johnny." He offered his hand. She looked at him a little uncertainly before she took the offered hand.
"My name is Crystal and my friends call me Chris," she responded with a little smile.
"Hi Chris. It’s nice to meet you. Uh, you seem pretty upset. Can I help?" Gage asked with genuine concern.
"No. Not really. I just had to put my best friend to sleep."
That surprised Johnny. "What?"
"I’m sorry. I mean I’ve just come from the vet’s. My cat, Jessie, was suffering from kidney failure. We had to put her to sleep." Tears welled in her eyes again.
"Oh, I’m really sorry for your loss."
Chris dabbed at her puffy eyes with the destroyed tissue. "Thank you," she murmured. She dug into her bag and withdrew a fresh tissue. "I’m sorry, I must look a mess," she apologized as wiped her cheeks.
"No, not really," he responded with his Gage charm. Chris’ face was devoid of makeup; her tears had removed any and all remnants. He noted that she had a sweet face. She sort of reminded him of Jennifer DeSoto—young and innocent. She didn’t look a day over sixteen but he figured she had to be older than she looked.
"How can I help? Look, I’ve got two shoulders, no waiting," he offered graciously. Chris responded with a genuine smile.
"Can I tell you about Jessie?" she asked in a timid voice.
"Sure." Johnny relaxed against the back of the bench, resting his right arm along the top behind Chris as she told him about her pet. Before she knew it, she was telling Johnny how she had moved to Los Angeles, the kind of work she did and basically her life’s story. From this information, Johnny learned that Chris was twenty-four, had moved from Kansas a year earlier, was the youngest of four siblings, and worked as a secretary for movie producer.
Finally, Chris stopped and took a breath. "Oh, my! I didn’t mean to go on like that. You’re a very good listener."
Johnny rewarded her with one of his lopsided smiles. "I need you to tell that to my partner," he chuckled. Chris raised her eyes in a question.
Johnny proceeded to tell Chris about Roy and how he became a paramedic and in general, his life at 51s. The sun was dipping below the horizon. Johnny noticed Chris shiver beneath her thin jacket.
"Are you cold?" he asked. Chris nodded.
"Just a little," she admitted. "Maybe I need to head home."
"May I walk you to your car?" Johnny offered.
Chris smiled, "That’s not necessary. You’ve been so kind. I don’t want to impose."
"It’s no problem. Besides, I wouldn’t think of letting you go alone." Johnny rose to his feet and offered a hand up to the young woman.
"Well, thank you, kind sir. I have often depended upon the kindness of strangers," she answered in her best imitation of Vivian Leigh doing Blanche Dubois making Johnny smile.
"Just a moment," she told him as she reached under the bench and withdrew an aluminum crutch. She noted Johnny’s surprised look and explained, "I was in an accident before I moved out here. There was a lot of damage to my leg. The doctor’s afraid this may be permanent. I might have plastic surgery later. But I get around okay. It gets a little stiff when I sit still for too long."
She rose stiffly to her full height with Johnny’s assistance and she slipped her right arm into the arm of the crutch. John came to her left side, settled his jacket over her shoulders, and then placed his hand under her elbow. They made their way slowly down the pier. To their right, they could see the colorful merry-go-round that was housed there. The carousel whirled around and around. The music played invitingly out to gathering dusk. They stopped and watched for a moment. Johnny gazed down at Chris, seeing the look of longing on her face.
"That’s the carousel that they used in the movie ‘The Sting’ with Paul Newman and Robert Redford," she explained excitedly.
"No way! I saw that movie. It was a great flick," John commented. He was impressed that she knew that about the merry-go-round before them. They watched the machine turn for a moment. The multicolored lights refracted off the mirrors in a dazzling array.
"Would you like to take a ride?" he asked impulsively. Chris turned her eyes, unbelievingly, at this generous offer. She nodded shyly.
"Yes. I would," she whispered. Johnny grinned.
"Then milady's chariot awaits!" He ran over to the ticket booth and purchased tickets for the ride. As the carousel slowed to a stop, they entered the queue line and waited. Johnny and Chris were the only customers.
"What’s your pleasure?" Johnny asked with a broad sweep of his hand. "A stallion or a mare?"
Chris looked ruefully down at her leg and the crutch. "I think I had better go for the carriage."
"Then the carriage it is!" Johnny swept Chris, giggling, off her feet with one arm and swung them both onto the stationary platform. They weaved through the menagerie of horses, frozen in various leaps on metal rods, until they reached one of the brightly decorated carriages. They took their seats and a moment later the music started and the carousel began to turn in its counterclockwise journey. The horses raced in front of them, rising and falling with the music. Chris smiled with childlike delight as she leaned against Johnny’s side. He placed his arm around her and held her gently through the ride.
The ride ended way too soon and Johnny led Chris to the exit.
"That was fun. Thank you." She told him.
"My pleasure." They headed out of the shelter of the carousel as the music started again.
"So, where are you parked?" Johnny asked as they moved away from the lights of the pier.
Chris pointed towards the parking lot by the beach. "Down there."
John’s stomach growled at him. It suddenly occurred to him that Jennifer’s cookies were all he had eaten since noon.
"Say, are you hungry? Would like to go to dinner with me?" He flashed her one of his most charming crooked smiles.
Chris hesitated a moment. She felt she was taking advantage of his generosity. He was being so nice to her. She found herself being attracted to the handsome young man. She felt herself melting in the warmth of his smile and finally giving in.
"I’d love too," she finally agreed.
"I know this really nice place, it’s not too far from here, up in Malibu. I’m parked over on the street," Johnny informed her and began to lead her in that direction. But she put a restraining hand on his arm.
"No, I think we’d better take mine." When Johnny gave her a questioning look, she indicated her leg with a wave of her hand. "I have a handicapped parking permit. It’s easier for me. Do you mind?"
"No, not at all. Lead on."
They reached the parking lot and Chris removed a key chain from her purse and handed it to Johnny. "I’ll let you drive since you know where we’re going."
She stopped beside a small, black Toyota pickup truck. Johnny seemed surprised that she would drive a pickup. As he unlocked the passenger door, Chris explained, "I find the height of the seat is easier for me to maneuver with my leg."
She slid easily onto the seat. Deftly, she swung her legs into the cab. Johnny placed her crutch behind the seat and made his way around to the driver’s side. He slid in behind the steering wheel and immediately realized that he would have to adjust the seat for his long legs. After a few modifications of the seat and mirror, Gage turned the key in the ignition. He backed the truck out of its space and turned onto the coast highway toward Malibu.
Before long they reached the Sea Lion restaurant. Johnny pulled into the parking lot and took the handicapped spot. It occurred to him that if they had been in the Land Rover, they would have been hard pressed to find a space in the crowded lot. He opened the door for Chris and started to reach for her crutch but she stopped him.
"If you help me, I think I can manage without it." She slid from the cab and took Johnny’s arm. Carefully he guided her to the main door of the restaurant. The Maître d met them and took their name. He then informed them that it would be about twenty minutes for a table and invited them to wait in the bar.
The bar was dark and crowded. They found a small round table available near the door. Johnny helped Chris climb up onto the barstool and then seated himself across from her. A waitress came and took their drink orders. Johnny ordered a beer for himself and Chris asked for a soda water with a twist of lime, explaining that she wasn’t much of a drinker.
They sat, chatting amiably. Johnny didn’t recall when he began holding her hand. It just seemed natural. The waiter apologized for interrupting when he came to lead them to their table.
The ambiance of the room was romantic. Soft music played romantically. Large, seemingly seamless windows faced the crashing surf of the Pacific. Their table was in a quiet corner. The candle flickered and bathed them in its soft glow. They ordered. They ate and they talked. They both found each other easy to talk to. It was nearly midnight when they were forced to pay the bill and leave. Johnny was thoroughly enjoying himself. He found that he didn’t want the evening to end.
The parking lot was practically deserted when he opened the door for the petite woman. He hurried back to the driver’s side and entered the vehicle. The glow from the overhead parking light played softly on Chris’ hair and Johnny felt the uncontrollable urge to kiss her, to taste the sweetness of her lips and hold her in his arms. He pulled her into a gentle embrace, kissing her tenderly. Chris responded readily as she put her arms around Johnny’s neck and he kissed her more intently. So absorbed in each other that neither saw the gunman approached. He pulled the passenger’s door open and shoved the barrel of the gun into Chris’ ribs. She gasped with fright. Johnny stared into the hardened eyes of the stranger. He heard the cock of the trigger and froze.
"Hold it right there, loverboy or she gets it. I don’t wanna hurt nobody. Just hand over your wallet," the man demanded nervously. Johnny took note of the desperate man’s disheveled appearance. He looked to be in his forties with thinning brown hair. His ragged clothes were soiled and the stench assaulted the air. Johnny felt torn between trying to do something about the situation and protecting Chris.
Gage cautiously reached into his back pocket and removed his wallet. The man grabbed it from him roughly, opened it and checked the contents. There wasn’t much in the way of folding money left after Johnny had paid for their dinners. The gunman scowled as he removed the money and tossed Johnny’s wallet out into the parking lot. He stuffed the money into the pocket of his jeans.
"What about you sweetheart? What do you have in that purse of yours?" he pointed with his gun at the floor.
Chris’ hand shook as she lifted her bag from the floorboard. The gunman yanked it from her hand greedily. Johnny tightened his right hand protectively on Chris’ shoulder and pulled her close as the man dug through the contents of the purse. Chris buried her face into Johnny’s chest. She could feel the rapid beat of his heart and wondered if it matched her own.
"Ten bucks! That’s all you’ve got?" the gunman growled angrily. He picked through the bag and found a plastic card and turned it over.
"Hey! This is one of those new bankcards, ain’t it? The kind where you can go to the bank and get money anytime you want?" He pushed the gun into Chris’ ribs for a response.
"Yes! Yes it is." Her voice quivered as she responded.
"Well, then. I guess we’ll just have to go and make a withdrawal. Move over!" he ordered as he forced his way further into the cab. Chris was scrunched uncomfortably between the two men. Johnny helped her into an easier sitting position.
"Okay, loverboy, let’s go. Don’t do anything funny or I’ll shoot her!" the man threatened.
"Fine, man. Anything you say. Where do you want to go?" Johnny waited for instructions.
"Take me to the bank, stupid!" The gunman was growing impatient.
"There’s a branch at 5th and Wilshire Boulevard," Chris whispered. Johnny nodded and put the truck into gear. It took nearly thirty minutes to find the bank that had the anytime teller. The gunman forced Chris out of the cab and over to the machine. Johnny felt helpless as he watched him handle her so roughly. Chris entered her code and he greedily punched a large dollar amount. The screen displayed a message informing the user that he had requested more funds than were available.
"How much can I get?" he yelled at Chris. She looked at the screen. Her balance was $58.17.
"Fifty," she told him, tentatively. Angrily he slammed his fist into the machine and then pointed the gun at her face.
"Get it! Now!" Again she entered her code and punched the amount for fifty dollars. The machine dispensed the money, which the gunman grabbed. Then the machine spit out the card and receipt. Chris slipped the card into her pocket as the gunman pushed her back towards the truck. Johnny was having difficulty controlling the rage he was developing. His knuckles turned white as he gripped the steering wheel. He watched helplessly as Chris stumbled over her feet and nearly fell. Finally, they were back inside the cab.
"Now what? You’ve got all our money. Why don’t you just let us go?" Johnny demanded. He tensed as he watched the man place the gun under Chris chin and saw the fear in her eyes.
"Can’t do that loverboy. Now, you be a good boy and just drive where I tell you to. If you do what I say, I’ll try not to hurt either one of you." He laughed, viciously.
With a resigned sigh, John put the truck into gear and pulled back into the empty street. Why isn’t there ever a policeman around when you need one?
###
They had returned to the coast highway and traveled north. Johnny mentally noted the point when they passed the restaurant where this nightmare had begun. The further up the coast they drove the sparser the number of dwellings. Suddenly the gunman ordered Johnny to turn onto a side road. The road rose roughly as it climbed into the hills. He had lost track of the time when suddenly the road changed from paved to gravel. They traveled along until they ran out of gravel. He stopped the truck on the gunman’s order. The gunman licked his lips nervously.
"Get out!" he ordered. Johnny opened the door and stepped out into the chilled nighttime air. The gunman pushed Chris to follow Johnny out of the cab. Gage instinctively reached out and kept her from falling down as she exited. He held onto Chris protectively. The gunman sneered as he pulled the door shut and backed the vehicle away from the frightened couple. He turned the truck around and disappeared down the road in the dark.
As the taillights disappeared, Chris finally let herself relax and began to sob haltingly into Johnny’s chest. He held her comfortingly, whispering soothing words. Finally her sobbing slowed and she clung desperately to the security of Johnny’s arms.
"What are we going to do?" she asked breathlessly, looking up at her protector.
Johnny craned his head down to look at her. "Well, the good news it that we’re alive and we aren’t injured. The bad news is I’m not sure where we are." He tried to put a light tone to his voice. Chris shivered in his arms.
"You’re cold, aren’t you?"
Chris nodded her head and couldn’t prevent her teeth from chattering. Johnny slipped out of his jacket and placed it around her shoulders.
"No-o-o-o. Yo--you’ll get to-too-c-c-cold," Chris protested between the vibrations of her teeth.
"I’ll be fine. Look, I’m going to see what kind of shelter I can make for us. It looks like there are a couple of trees over here. I’m going to put you over there, okay?"
"O-o-kay," she responded, her teeth still chattering.
It was slightly warmer nearer the trees but they didn’t afford much in the way of shelter. Once Chris was situated on the ground, Johnny see what he could find that might be usable. The fog that enveloped the hill made his search fruitless and he soon returned to Chris’s side. He leaned against the tree and pulled Chris into his arms. She still shivered and he briskly rubbed her arms.
"Better?" he asked when he finished.
"Hmm-hmm," Chris replied and snuggled closer to his side. Their body heat helped to comfort one another. They sat quietly for awhile. The events of the evening had exhausted them both, more emotionally than physically. Johnny listened as Chris’ breathing slowed and she fell asleep. He leaned his head back against the trunk and closed his eyes. He didn’t think sleep was likely but he’d try.
###
Hours later, John awoke with a start, disoriented. It was still dark. His sudden movement caused Chris to stir as well.
"Wha-?" Chris’ voice sounded raspy.
"Sorry. I didn’t mean to wake you," Johnny apologized. The foggy air was cold, damp and penetrating. He rubbed his arms and tried to stretch a bit. Chris moved away and the absence of her warmth suddenly chilled him.
"Whoa! Don’t go so far away!" he ordered gently as he pulled her back to his side. Chris giggled.
"I didn’t know you cared," she teased. He wrapped his arms about her and readjusted the jacket.
"I don’t," he retorted. Chris responded by elbowing him in the ribs. "Hey!"
"Sorry," she said softly. It sobered Johnny for a moment.
"No, I’m sorry. If it weren’t for me, you wouldn’t be in this mess."
"Hey, you had no way of knowing something like this would happen," Chris chided. "It was just one of those things."
"Well, I hope I can get us out of this without too much trouble."
"I’m sure you will. Once the sun comes up," she responded confidently.
"How are you doing? Are you still cold?" he asked as the paramedic side of Gage kicked in.
"A little. My leg is getting pretty stiff though," she admitted.
"Well, how about I massage it for you?" Johnny offered.
"Okay."
John pulled Chris onto his lap and began to work his hands along her leg. He could feel the deformity of its shape and felt empathy for the pain she must have suffered. Her leg muscles were tense as Johnny tried to massage them. Finally, he felt some of the tension ease under his fingertips.
"Thank you. That’s feels much better," Chris whispered softly. She looked up into his brown eyes and pulled his head down to hers until they found each other’s lips. They kissed until the passion consumed them.
###
Sunrise found the couple sleeping entwined. Johnny was the first to stir. He smiled down at Chris as he raked his hand through his hair. A quick pass of his tongue over his teeth made him wish for a toothbrush or a least some mouthwash. He needed to get up but he didn’t want to disturb Chris, however, Mother Nature was calling.
"Where are you going?" Chris mumbled sleepily as Johnny rose to his feet.
"I’ll be right back," he promised and slipped away to take care of business.
Chris sat up and rubbed her arms against the chill of the air and hugged her legs to her body. She smiled at what had happened between them earlier and then sighed. Experience had taught her that this was most likely just a one-night stand. Most guys only thought of her as a sister not a lover. Johnny was probably like that. Sure, he was nice enough but somehow she just couldn’t quite see him falling for someone like her.
Johnny reappeared. "How are you feeling?" he asked as he lowered himself to the ground beside her.
She smiled. "I guess okay. I wish I had my purse. I’d love to get a brush through my hair, not to mention my teeth!"
"I know what you mean. You need a moment before we head out?"
Chris considered this for a second and then nodded her head. "Perhaps I should. Uh, which way to the little girl’s sandbox?"
Johnny laughed out loud. "Take your pick," he responded, waving his hand magnanimously.
Chris had to laugh as well. She rose stiffly to her feet.
"Can you manage okay?"
"I think so. I don’t think I’ll be going too far," she confided. When Chris returned a few minutes later, Johnny took her arm and they headed down the gravel road. Hopefully the sun would burn off the fog and they would find someone to help them.
Their progress was slow because of Chris’ leg. She tried not to complain but Johnny could tell when she was tiring and he would suggest that they take a break. They sat on the edge of the gravel road resting after having walked for over an hour. Johnny lay back on the grass and rested his eyes. Chris tried rubbing her aching limb.
"Johnny?"
"Hmmm?" he murmured, not opening his eyes.
"Maybe you should go on without me?" she suggested, quietly.
Johnny opened one eye and looked at her. "You’ve got to be kidding? No way."
"But, I’m slowing you down. You could have make it the highway by now if it weren’t for me."
"Hey, Chris. That doesn’t matter. I wouldn’t leave you," Johnny assured her, sitting up to look at her.
Chris held her face in her hands and started to cry. Maybe it was the stress of all the preceding events. Maybe it was the pain in her leg. She just knew that she wanted this to be over with. She wanted to be home in her own bed. She was tired, dirty, hungry, thirsty, and now her head ached. Johnny reached out and cradled her in his arms and rocked her until she had cried herself out. He tried to whisper soothing words.
Finally, Chris regained her composure. "Sorry."
"Don’t apologize, sweetie. It’s okay. Everything will be okay."
She pushed herself away from his arms and wiped her eyes with the backs of her hands.
"I’m sorry. I don’t know what’s gotten into me," she apologized again.
"It’s okay. Don’t worry about it. Maybe we’d better keep going?" Johnny suggested, getting to his feet. He offered a hand up to Chris. He looked around, wishing that the fog would lift. They started down the road again.
###
One hour later, they stopped for another break. The fog seemed to be lifting. While Chris rested, Johnny decided to take a look around to see if he could make out any landmarks. He moved to the edge of the gravel road. Johnny wasn’t sure but he thought that maybe he could make out the blue of the ocean. He took a step forward. As he did, he felt the ground slide out from under his feet. Oh shit! Johnny’s arms flailed as he slid down the embankment on his back. His attempt to stop his descent went un-rewarded until his foot jammed into a crevice of a protruding rock.
"JOHNNY!" Chris shrieked as she watched him disappear. She hobbled over to the spot where he had vanished. "Johnny!"
Johnny could hear her anguished cries. He coughed and waved the cloud of dust away from his face. He tried to move but his ankle protested painfully. He was really wedged into the small space. Plus he was stuck on his back and unable to turn over. When he tried to sit up, the steep angle of the slope threatened to vault him over the side. He lay back down.
"Chris!" he yelled.
"I’m here Johnny. Are you okay?"
"Can you see me without getting too close to the edge?" he wanted to know. Chris eased herself as close as she dared and peered over the side of the embankment. Rocks began to slide between her shoes. She pulled herself back.
"No, Johnny. I can’t. What do you want me to do?" she yelled down.
Johnny wiped the perspiration from his forehead.
"I’m stuck here. My foot is jammed pretty tight. You’re going to have to keep going," he yelled up to her.
Panic seized Chris momentarily. "I can’t leave you!"
"Chris you have to! You need to get the fire department’s search and rescue."
"But, Johnny!"
"You can do it. I bet we aren’t far from that paved road now. I can make out the shoreline."
"You won’t fall any further?" He could hear the worry in her voice.
"No," he laughed ruefully. "I don’t think I’m going anywhere until you get back with some help."
"I don’t want to leave you."
"You’ve got to. I need help here, honey. By the time you get back, I’ll probably be baked to a crisp out here."
"Okay. Okay. Wait a second."
Johnny strained to hear what Chris was doing. "Chris? Are you still there?"
He heard sounds coming from the space above him. "What are you doing?"
"I’m marking the spot so I can find it again," Chris explained.
Good girl! Johnny smiled to himself at her resourcefulness.
She had gathered and piled a number of rocks together at the place Johnny had disappeared. Satisfied that it was a clear marker, she stood and brushed the dirt off her jeans.
"I’m done," she called down to Johnny. "I’m leaving now."
"Okay." He waited a moment. "Uh, Chris?"
"Yeah, Johnny?"
"Keep talking to me - until you can’t hear me anymore."
"Sure thing." As Chris made her way down the gravel road she would call out to Johnny and he would call back. Gradually his voice became fainter. She really felt alone when she couldn’t hear his voice any longer. She had reached the paved road. It would be an easier walk now. She hoped to make better time. The sun had burned away the last of the fog. At least the road lead downhill. The pain in her leg had intensified but she pushed herself on. She had to get help for Johnny.
She finally had to stop and take a break. She was so thirsty. Her mouth was dry and her throat felt parched. She barely had the energy to stand much less walk but she willed herself to continue. If only a car would pass by.
###
Johnny closed his eyes. It had been a long time since the last time he had heard Chris’ voice. He was worried. His ankle was throbbing and he could tell that it had swollen. He knew from his other symptoms that he was suffering from dehydration, sunburn, and exposure. Chris must be too. Their only hope was that she would reach help soon and still be able to direct help to his location. He also hoped that wherever he was that it was still within Los Angeles County. He tried to make his mind focus. It’ll be Station 69. Topanga Canyon couldn’t be that far away. They’ll be the one responding. No, wait. 69 doesn’t have paramedics. He tried to think. 110s? Maybe. No, they’re too far away. 88s? It was getting too hard to think. He placed his arm over his eyes to block out the sun. Not the easiest way to get a tan. Man, I hope they get to me soon.
###
At last Chris reached the coast highway. She tried to flag down a passing car but no one even slowed down. Her energy was failing. She knew if she didn’t get help soon, neither she nor Johnny were going to make it. She saw a vehicle approaching. Please. Please stop. She prayed silently. Chris threw her arms into the air and waved like a maniac before collapsing to the ground.
The driver of the car, a salesman, one Roger O’Reilly, watched with curiosity as he spotted someone on the side of the road, wave frantically. He nearly lost control of the wheel as he saw her crumble to the ground. He pulled the car to a stop. The man jumped out and ran to Chris’ side. She was unconscious. Uncertain what to do, he scooped her up and carried her back to his sedan. Roger placed her gently on the back seat and made his way back to the driver’s seat. Throwing the car into gear, he made a quick U-turn and sped back towards Los Angeles, choking back a growing feeling of panic.
O’Reilly drove like a man possessed. The young woman had moaned when he had made that U-turn but now she lay deathly still. With a sense of relief, he spotted a highway patrol car parked at a diner. He laid on the horn and flashed his headlights as he pulled into the parking lot.
The officer, Gary Forester, looked up in surprise at the approaching car. He dropped his sandwich, mid-bite, and hurried out to meet the driver as the car squealed to a stop.
The color was drained from Roger’s face and he got out of the car.
"I think she’s dead!" he said breathlessly, panic forcing his voice up several octaves.
"Who? Who’s dead?" Gary demanded.
"The girl. In my car," the salesman explained excitedly. Gary rushed to the car and opened the rear door. The body of the young girl appeared lifeless. He felt for a carotid pulse. Her skin was hot and dry but she had a weak pulse. Forester ran back to his cruiser and radioed dispatch for the paramedics.
"What happened?" he barked at the driver. The man shrugged his shoulders. He was beginning to shake as his adrenaline rush wore off.
"I don’t know, Officer. I was driving north on the highway. She was out there, waving her arms around and then she just collapsed. I didn’t know what to do. I didn’t know what to do."
Gary softened his demeanor and led the man to sit down at one of the diner’s outdoor picnic tables. "Sit down here, sir. Let me get some information from you."
"But what about her? You need to take care of her," he insisted. His panicky eyes locked on Gary’s. He swallowed hard and whispered hoarsely, "She’s dead, isn’t she?"
Gary shook his head. "The paramedics are on the way," Gary explained. His eyes wandered over to the car. He hoped they would make it in time. In the meantime, he would need to get all the information he could from this "Good Samaritan."
Before long, they could hear the siren approach of Squad 88. Paramedics Dave Johnson and Bill Myers, jumped from the truck and grabbed their equipment. Gary directed them to the sedan’s back seat. Dave briefly checked Chris’ vitals before deciding to remove her from the car.
They moved her to the ground and into the shade. Bill set up the biophone and contacted St. Joseph’s hospital. From her vitals, her dehydration was obvious. St. Joseph’s directed the paramedics to start an IV and transport immediately.
Once the ambulance was on it’s way, Gary asked O’Reilly to take him to the place where he had found the young woman. Roger wasn’t positive of the exact spot but he was confident that he could come close. They drove back up the highway. The salesman pulled over onto the shoulder when he thought he had reached the spot where he had found Chris.
Gary pulled off behind the sedan. They both got out of their vehicles.
"Are you sure this is the place?" Forester asked.
"I think so," Roger answered uncertainly. Then with more conviction, "Yes, this is it. Do you need me for anything else? I really need to get back on the road."
"Sure. Go on. You’ve been most helpful. I’ll contact you if I need anything else."
"Thanks, Officer. I hope she’s okay," O’Reilly said as he left gratefully.
Gary made a sweep of the area to determine if there was any clue to the young woman’s identity. He was in the process of this fruitless exam when a VW convertible containing a couple teenaged boys and two surfboards stuffed out of the rear seat, pulled off the highway and stopped in front of his patrol car.
"Hey, man! There’s some dude stuck up on the hill back there!" the young and tanned, blonde driver yelled to Gary. He jogged over to the boys.
"Slow down. And tell me what you saw."
"Back there. About a half a mile. We saw ‘m. He’s just hang’n up there. He wasn’t mov’n or nuth’n." The other young surfer pointed back in the direction that they had just arrived from.
"Can you lead me back to the place you saw him?"
"Sure thing, Officer."
"Okay. I’ll be right behind you." Gary ran back to his vehicle and gunned the engine as he followed the VW back up the highway. He grabbed the microphone and contacted dispatch.
"LA, this is Fourteen Seven Delta. I have a possible rescue situation. Contact the fire department to standby. Will advise when I arrive on scene."
"10-4, Fourteen Seven Delta."
The convertible pulled onto the shoulder. The young men pointed to a spot on the hill. Gary stepped from his car, shaded his eyes and looked up. It took a moment to pinpoint it but yes, there was someone obviously trapped on the side of the hill. With a weary sigh, Gary re-contacted dispatch and requested a rescue team.
###
The klaxons sounded at Station 88 just after 1100. This engine crew was an experienced group of men in this type of rescue. The station, located on the Pacific Coast Highway, often responded to hapless hikers. The paramedics from 88 would respond from St. Joseph’s hospital.
It took almost twenty minutes for the engine to arrive at the scene. Two of the firefighters, Jeff Daniels and Cory McFarland, prepared to go over the side with ropes. The ETA on the squad would still be another fifteen minutes.
Jeff repelled first, reaching the downed man at 35 feet from the top. The young man was unconscious, sunburned, suffering from dehydration and exposure, with an obvious injury to his ankle. He noted the man was lucky--he had been spared the 100-foot drop to the bottom. Cory arrived with the stokes in tow. Getting the unconscious man into the stokes at that angle wasn’t an easy feat but years of experience enabled the two firefighters to extricate the man quickly.
The stokes was just cresting the edge of the hill when the squad arrived. It had been a busy morning for 88’s paramedics. Dave Johnson and Bill Myers jogged quickly over to the stokes and took charge. As luck would have it, none of the men on 88’s C-Shift were personally acquainted with John Gage, so they weren’t aware that the man they had just plucked off the side of the hill was one of their own. Even Dave and Bill had only met Gage in passing once or twice, so it wasn’t surprising that they didn’t recognize him either. Bill splinted Gage’s ankle while Dave started the IV.
As Dave watched the ambulance take off for St. Joe’s, he shook his head. Two runs, back to back, both suffering from dehydration and no I.D. on either patient. What were the odds?
###
Chris awoke restlessly. She became aware that she was in a hospital and that she had an IV attached to her arm. She felt so weak. Johnny. Johnny!? Her lips were so dry and her throat felt so scratchy.
"Johnny?" she whispered at the sound of the door. Cindy Maxwell, an attractive RN, leaned over her bed with a bright smile.
"Hello there. I see you decided to wake up."
"Thirsty," Chris whispered. The nurse offered her a sip of water from a straw. Chris found it difficult to suck on the straw.
"I’ll get you some ice chips." Moments later, Cindy reappeared with a cup of ice and a spoon. Gently she placed a spoonful of ice chips in Chris’ mouth. Chris allowed herself the pleasure of the sensation as the ice melted into her throat.
"Now, I need to ask you some questions. Do you feel up to it?"
Chris nodded her head.
"Do you know where you are?"
"Hos-hos-p- hospital?" Chris responded hesitantly.
"Good. Do you know what day it is?"
"Sunday?" she asked somewhat hopefully.
"That’s right. Do you know how you got here?"
Chris struggled to remember and shook her head. Panic began to take hold. Cindy rested her hand reassuringly on Chris’ arm.
"Shhhh. That’s all right. Don’t worry about that now. Now, can you tell me your name?"
"Chr-Crystal Martin."
The nurse smiled and offered Chris another spoonful of ice, which she took gratefully. "Do you know what happened to you Miss Martin?"
"Tired. So tired," she mumbled sleepily. What was I trying to remember? It’s important. But sleep overtook her before she could remember.
The nurse recorded Chris’ vitals and added her name to the chart. It was nice not to have a "Jane Doe" any longer. Now they had a name to go with that bankcard they had found in the young woman’s pocket. Hopefully with that, they would be able to get more information on the young woman.
###
Meanwhile, in one of the emergency treatment rooms, the ER doctor was working on Johnny. The IVs were doing their job to re-hydrate his system, but the sunburn and the badly sprained ankle had caused a fever to spike. Johnny was in a semiconscious state. As soon as he was stable, the doctor ordered that he be admitted overnight for observation.
###
Chris’ eyes popped open. She stared up at the white ceiling, feeling a bit disoriented. Her head was pounding, unmercifully. She lifted her head off the pillow and strained to look around the bed and the room. Yes, she was in a hospital bed. She vaguely remembered a nurse talking to her. Johnny! Oh, no! Somebody’s got to get Johnny! She searched around the bed until she found the call button. Hurry, please hurry. The room is so dark it must be late.
Nurse Maxwell hurried into the room. "What is it, Miss Martin?"
Chris stared at her with wide eyes. "Is Johnny okay?"
The nurse frowned. "I sorry I don’t know anything about, uh - Johnny? Were you with someone else?"
Chris nodded, tears forming in her eyes. "It was terrible. He fell. We were robbed."
"Robbed! Oh, dear," Cindy became quite concerned. This changed matters. "Miss Martin, I’m going to check with my supervisor and see if I can find out anything. Do I need to call the police for you?"
Chris nodded her head. "Please. Please find Johnny."
"Don’t worry. I’ll do everything I can," Cindy promised and quickly left the room.
Chris closed her eyes and prayed that Johnny was okay.
###
Midnight--
John lay in his hospital bed, tossing fitfully. He opened his eyes and blinked several times. Man! I feel like I’ve been run over by the engine! Where am I? Rampart? Feels strange. What happened? Chris! What happened to Chris? She must have gotten help or I wouldn’t be here. Gotta find Chris. Too hot in here. Gotta cool off.
John struggled to sit up. From numerous hospital stays, John could put down hospital bed rails in his sleep, which he did now. He swung his legs over the side, determined to get to his feet. He wasn’t fully aware of the bandage around his right ankle and as he attempted to stand, Johnny had to reach out with his left arm to steady himself and collided with his IV stand. The stand rolled and toppled, pulling the IV out of his arm. The saline solution squirted onto the floor. He made a grab for the flailing hose but his feet slid out from under him as his bandaged foot came into contact with the liquid. He fell, cracking his head on the bed rail as he crashed to the floor. The duty nurse ran to his room when she heard the noise and found her patient sprawled, unconscious on the floor. She shook her head in dismay. Her "John Doe" was becoming a real "John Pain in the Ass."
With the assistance of a couple of orderlies, the duty nurse had John returned to his bed and had paged for the doctor.
Dr. John Graham, the ER attending, entered John’s room and picked up his chart. The duty nurse, Ellen Brown, had filled him in on the phone and now stood by to assist. He used his penlight to check Johnny’s pupils. He frowned at what he saw. "How long as he been out?"
"Ten minutes."
"Looks like he gave himself a mild concussion." He rubbed his knuckles on John’s sternum and got a satisfactory response to the pain stimuli. Dr. Graham perused the chart again.
"Hmm. I see his fever is still up. I want to make a change on his meds. We need to get that fever down. Put him in restraints so he doesn’t try to wander out of bed again. Check his vitals every hour. Call me if there is any significant change," he told the nurse as he scribbled orders on the chart.
"Of course doctor."
"We still don’t know who he is?"
Ellen shook her head. "He’s been pretty out of it. He has been calling out for somebody named, Roy and Chris but that’s all."
The doctor nodded and handed Johnny’s chart to the nurse. "I’m going to try and get some sleep. I’ll be in the dorm."
The nurse hurried to comply with the written orders and the young doctor headed for some much-needed rest. Johnny stirred and strained against the restrains. He lifted his head to try and see his hands. Big mistake. The pain from the back of his head screamed loudly inside his brain. His eyes rolled back and he returned to blissful blackness.
###
Monday, 7:00 a.m.--
The door to Chris’ hospital room opened and Gary Forester entered.
"Good morning, Miss," he greeted politely. "How are you feeling?"
Chris eyed his uniform and figured he had come about the robbery. She smiled a little. "Better than yesterday."
"Do you feel up to a couple of questions?"
Chris nodded. "Yes, hope you catch him."
Forester felt a moment of confusion. "What? Catch who?"
"The man who robbed us, of course. That’s why you’re here right?"
"Uh, no ma’am. I’m the officer that assisted in your rescue," Gary explained.
Now it was Chris’ turn to be confused. "I don’t understand."
Gary explained to her how Roger O’Reilly had found her, brought her to him and the paramedics had brought her to the hospital. Chris listened with awe at all that had transpired.
"What happened to Johnny?" she asked softly.
Gary shook his head. "I’m not sure, I know who you’re talking about. Can you tell me about this robbery you mentioned?"
"Okay." Chris couldn’t hide her disappointment. She waited for Gary to pull out a chair and settle. Then she told him about the gunman at the restaurant and him forcing them to the bank and then leaving them in the Malibu Mountains, stealing her pickup truck. She finished telling him how Johnny had fell and she had continued on to get help. But that was all she remembered.
Gary took down notes as she relayed the events. He had a feeling that the man that had been rescued from the hillside might be her friend, Johnny. He rose to leave.
"Miss Martin, I may have a lead on your friend. I’ll let you know. You said his name was Johnny. Do you know his last name?"
Chris shook her head in embarrassment. "Sorry. We never got to last names."
Forester sighed. "That’s okay. I’m going to put in an APB on your truck. And I’m sending a patrol car to your apartment. The robber could have gotten your address from your purse and gone there."
Chris shivered involuntarily at that thought.
"Don’t worry. We’ll let you know after we check it out. Okay?"
"Thanks. And you’ll let me know about Johnny, too?"
"Sure thing. Now get some rest, okay?"
"Okay. Thanks officer." Chris settled back into the bed as he left. She felt exhausted. Too much had happened in the last forty-eight hours. She dreaded having to call her office and repeat what had happened. She sighed heavily and resigned herself to the reality that she would be telling this story more than once or twice.
###
Meanwhile, on another floor, Johnny awoke as the day nurse, Peggy Townsend, entered his room to take his morning vitals. The restraints had been removed at an earlier vitals check. He tried to focus his eyes on the blurry image before him.
"Dix?" he asked uncertainly.
"No, hon. It’s Peggy. How are you feeling?" she asked as she began pumping up the BP cuff. Johnny ran his free hand through his hair.
"Head-hurts. Ankle. Did I break it?"
"No, just a bad sprain. I understand you were pretty lucky."
His vision was still blurry but he arched an eyebrow anyway. "Wa-?" he asked around the thermometer that had just been shoved in his mouth.
"The paramedics said you might have been killed if you’d fallen off that hillside."
"Paramedics? Who? Who brought me in?" He took the thermometer out of his mouth to ask. Peggy replaced it quickly.
"Leave that in!" she ordered firmly. "I’m not sure. I think it was Johnson and Myers."
"Fum un-tens?" Johnny mumbled keeping the glass probe in this time.
"110? No, I don’t believe so. I think they’re from Station 88. Do you know them?"
Johnny shook his head. The names didn’t sound familiar. But then he didn’t know every paramedic personally in the department.
"Do you know your name?" she asked as she measured his pulse.
"Gage. John Gage," Johnny replied as she remove the thermometer. She noted his fever had fallen to 101 and then shook the mercury back down. She smiled.
"Well, hi Mr. Gage. Do you know where you are?"
Johnny frowned. He hated these questions even though he knew the necessity of them. "A hospital. Not Rampart."
"Good. You’re in St. Joe’s."
Johnny nodded with understanding. No wonder the room felt strange. The nurse ran through the rest of the questions. Johnny complied, eager to finish.
"I’m sorry I had to put you through all that, Mr. Gage," Peggy apologized. "Now tell me how you’re feeling."
"Not too good. I ache all over. My eyes won’t focus. Everything’s blurry. Is that because my head hurts?"
"Partly. You’ve had a mild concussion and you’re still running a fever. Would you like me to see if the doctor will let you have something for the pain?"
"Please." John closed his eyes and he pulled the covers tightly around him. He suddenly felt cold. It was probably the fever. He heard the door close. He popped his eyes open.
"Chris! What happened to Chris?" he yelled at the closed door. But Peggy didn’t come back. Johnny’s energy was spent. He needed to find out about Chris. He’d ask Peggy when she returned. He closed his eyes, figuring he’d just rest them a moment. He was sound asleep when Peggy returned with his pain medication. She injected the dose into the IV, turned out the light and quietly left the room.
###
Monday, 11:00 a.m.--
Gary Forester paced the hospital waiting room impatiently. Trying to pry information out of the hospital staff was like trying to get a confession out of a guilty suspect. He had hoped to be back on patrol by now. He decided to call the station while he waited.
The phone rang only once before the desk officer, Mike Andrews answered.
"Hey, Mike. It’s Gary."
"How come you’re calling in?"
"Oh, the hospital staff has me on hold, literally," he groused. "Just thought I’d call and check in. Any news on my APB?"
He waited while he heard Mike shuffle through a stack of papers.
"Not yet. Did get a new one though. Just came through."
"Oh, really? Tell me."
"Fire department’s missing a man. John Gage. Age 29. 6’1". 175 pounds. Native American. Black Hair. Brown Eyes. Missing since Saturday night. Malibu area."
Gary’s instincts pricked up. The description matched the guy that they had rescued yesterday afternoon. And the name Crystal Martin had asked about was "Johnny." It had to be the same guy.
"Thanks, Mike. I may have a handle on that one!"
"Do tell."
"I’d better check it out first. Thanks!" Gary excitedly hung up the phone and headed over for the patient information desk. Someone was going to tell him where to find his "John Doe" or one "John Gage."
###
Monday, 11:30 a.m.--
Johnny heard a rap at his door and slowly opened his eyes. His vision still hadn’t improved but the painkillers had at least eased the throbbing he’d been experiencing.
"Come in?" he called. The door pushed open and Gary Forester entered. About all Johnny could determine was that the person was a man and wearing a uniform. "Who is it?"
Gary stepped over to the bed. "Officer Gary Forester, Mr. Gage. You’ve been a difficult man to track down."
Johnny gave him a confused look.
"We only recently found out who you are. I need to ask you some questions about a robbery. Miss Martin has given me her side of the story. Now I need yours."
"Miss Martin? Oh, you mean Chris. Is she okay? I’ve been worried sick about her. Where is she? I need to talk to her." Johnny rushed the questions at Gary.
"Whoa. Take a breath. She’s still upstairs if the doctor hasn’t released her," Gary informed him. He watched as Johnny visibly relaxed. "Can we get started now?"
"Uh, could you do me a favor, first?" Johnny asked somewhat hesitantly.
"What?"
"Could you call Station 51 for me? Let them know where I am. I was supposed to be at work this morning. My eyes haven’t let me focus well enough to do it myself."
"I’ve already notified your headquarters. They reported you missing this morning. There’s been an APB out on you."
Johnny looked surprised but pleased that they had been concerned about him.
"So, I can I get your side of the story for my report?" Gary wanted to get back to business. He had a suspect to find. Johnny filled him about the incident as he remembered it. Then Gary told him how Chris had been brought to him and then how the young surfers had spotted Johnny. Johnny listened intently, amazed at all that had happened in the last twenty-four plus hours. Gary was getting ready to take his leave when the door to Johnny’s room flew open and Roy DeSoto rushed into the room.
"Johnny!" the strawberry blonde paramedic exclaimed as he entered.
"Roy?" Johnny responded with a smile formed on his face. "Gary Forester, this is my partner, Roy DeSoto."
The two men awkwardly shook hands at the introduction. Something was familiar about his name but Roy couldn’t place it.
"Excuse me," Officer Forester began. "John, I’ll be talking to you. Get well, soon."
"Thanks, Gary."
Roy waited until the officer had left the room. "Are you okay, partner? We’ve been really worried. What happened?"
"I’ll be okay. My vision’s a little blurry because of the concussion and…"
"Concussion? How bad?"
"The doctor said it was mild." Johnny threw his left arm over his eyes, his IV tubing trying to tangle. Roy reached over and repositioned them.
"What else?" Roy ran his trained eye over his partner. He could see that he was sunburned and noted the saline solution bag. He had about decided that this was one sight that he would never get used to, no matter how many times Johnny seemed to manage it.
"Have a seat, Roy. I’ll give you all the gory details," Johnny promised. "But, first I need to check on Chris."
"Chris? Why do you need to check on Chris? He’s fine."
"Not your Chris. My Chris. Chris Martin," the younger paramedic explained patiently. "Do you mind?"
"No, not at all. You need the phone?"
"Please. Would you call admissions and get her room for me?"
"Sure, Junior. Sure." Roy dialed the operator, just relieved to know that his partner was going to be okay. Then it occurred to him. Forester. Pamela Forester. Hmmm?
END or
To Be Continued?
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