Malibu Nights—Part 2

By Nancy F. Thysell (the Nifty Lady)

This story follows immediately after Malibu Nights (now Part 1).

###

Monday, 11:45 a.m.—John Gage’s hospital room at St. Joseph’s Hospital.

Roy DeSoto waited for the operator to connect the phone to Chris Martin’s hospital room and then handed his partner the handset as the phone began to ring. Johnny anxiously waited for Chris to pickup.

"Hello?" He smiled at the sound of her voice. She sounded well.

"Chris? It’s Johnny."

"Johnny!" Chris exclaimed. John could definitely hear the smile in her voice. "How are you? Are you okay? When are you going home?"

"Whoa. One question at a time," Johnny laughed. "I’m doing better. Besides a sprained ankle, I managed to give myself a concussion. My vision’s a little blurry and I’m still running a fever so they’re going to keep me another night. What about you? Are you okay?"

"Yes, I’m okay. The doctor just signed my release papers. As soon as my friend Vicki gets here, I’ll be going home."

"Oh. Will I get to see you before you leave?" Gage asked hopefully.

"I’ll see what I can do," Chris teased. "Vicki said she couldn’t get here before twelve-thirty. Maybe the nurse will let me come visit you. What room are you in?"

"Hold on." He put his hand over the mouthpiece and looked over at Roy, who was trying not to listen to Johnny’s phone conversation. "Roy? What room am I in?"

Roy looked over at the door before answering. "Three thirty-four."

Johnny grinned. "Thanks Pally." Back into the phone, "Chris, I’m in Room three thirty-four. I can’t wait to see you."

"I’ll try not to be too long," Chris promised. "Bye now."

"Bye sweetie. See ya soon." John relaxed as he replaced the handset. Roy smiled over at his partner as he took the phone and placed it on the nightstand next to the bed.

"So are you going to tell me all the gory details now?" he asked as he pulled a straight back chair beside the bed. Then it occurred to him, "Wait. I’d better call the station and let the guys know what’s going on."

"Sure, be my guest," Johnny gestured to the phone with a grin on his face.

"Well, at least we know there’s nothing wrong with your hormones," Roy chuckled as he dialed the number for the station. Johnny tried to shoot him a dirty look but he couldn’t quite lose the grin.

###

Monday, 12:00 noon—Chris Martin’s Hospital Room

Chris pressed the call button and the duty nurse, Valerie Donaldson, appeared a couple of minutes later.

"May I help you, miss?" Miss Donaldson pushed in the wheel chair that she assumed would be needed to dismiss this patient.

"I wondered if it might be possible for me to go and visit a friend on the third floor while I wait for my ride?"

The nurse didn’t look too pleased. "I don’t know. I’m afraid I don’t have an orderly available to take you down there."

"Couldn’t I go by myself? I know how to use a wheelchair," Chris asked hopefully.

Miss Donaldson frowned. She knew from Chris’s chart that she had a damaged leg from a previous injury. She finally conceded that this young woman would be able to handle the chair.

"Well, I’m not completely comfortable with this but I’ll permit it. Just don’t be gone too long. I don’t want to have to come looking for you when your ride gets here. Understood?"

Chris beamed happily at the nurse. Miss Donaldson locked the wheels on the chair and waited until Chris had settled on the seat.

"Thank you Miss Donaldson. I won’t be gone long," Chris promised. She expertly unlocked the wheels and turned the chair around. She gave a little wave to the nurse as she left the room and headed for the elevator.

###

Monday, 12:10 p.m.—Third floor of the hospital

Both elevators arrived on the third floor at almost the same time. As the doors to the first elevator opened, a tall young woman with auburn hair, wearing a flight attendant’s uniform, pushed past the other occupants and out into the corridor. Chris noticed how attractive the woman was as she rolled off the other elevator. As she moved down the hall, she couldn’t help but overhear the woman ask at the nurse’s station, "Can you tell me which way to room three thirty-four?"

Chris felt her stomach muscles tightened. Three thirty-four? That’s Johnny’s room. I wonder who she is?

She hesitated as she watched the impeccably dressed beauty hurry down the hall and into Johnny’s room.

Roy was anxious to hear the full story but before he could ask again, the door to Johnny’s room swung wide and the attractive woman rushed into the room. She ran over to the bed and threw herself into Johnny’s surprised embrace.

"Oh, Johnny honey! Are you all right?" she asked before planting an impassioned kiss on Gage’s lips.

"Pam?" Johnny finally managed as he disengaged himself from her lips. He was confused as to why she was there. "How? What?"

Pamela Forester perched herself on the edge of Johnny’s bed. She familiarly brushed a lock of hair from Gage’s forehead and smiled.

"I called the station when my flight got in and your Captain told me that you were here. I came directly from the airport. Oh, my poor Johnny! What happened sweetheart?"

Roy coughed to remind Johnny that he was still there. They both looked over at DeSoto.

"Oh, Roy! Pam this is my partner, Roy DeSoto. Roy this is Pamela Forester."

They exchange polite pleasantries and then there was an awkward silence. Johnny was at a loss as to what to do next. He had forgotten how beautiful Pam was and now here she was fussing over him. Roy was beginning to feel like a third wheel. Unbeknownst to the occupants of the room, Chris sat in her wheelchair just outside the partially opened door.

After a moment, Pam started checking Johnny over. "Oh, my poor baby. I can’t believe this happened to you. When can I take you home?"

Johnny looked over at Roy with panic in his eyes before he stammered, "I...uh...not until tomorrow."

Pam’s lips formed a perfect pout. "Oh pooh. I’m flying out in the morning. No, this is more important. Johnny, honey, I need to make a few calls and see what I can rearrange." She reached over for the phone and pulled it into her lap, pulled out her address book from her purse and began to dial. She leaned over and gave Johnny a quick kiss on the lips before turning her attention to the phone. Johnny caught Roy’s eye and mouthed "Chris" and pleaded with his eyes.

"I think I’ll go find some coffee," Roy announced in a way of an excuse.

"None for me, thanks," Pam replied with a wave of her free hand and continued her phone conversation.

"I should be getting my lunch any time now," Johnny responded with a weak smile. Roy nodded and headed for the door. As he entered the hall he noted a young woman in a wheel chair, waiting at the elevator banks. She had her back to the corridor but Roy saw her wipe her eyes. He quietly approached and then cleared his throat to announce his presence. She started and glanced over her shoulder. Her eyes glistened with unshed tears.

"Excuse me, but would you be Chris Martin by any chance?" Roy asked gently. Chris’ initial reaction was to say "No" but she just couldn’t get it out. She gave a small nod. The uniformed man before her smiled and reached forth his hand.

"Hi! I’m Roy DeSoto. I’m Johnny’s partner," Roy introduced himself. Chris took his hand.

"It’s nice to meet you. Johnny’s told me a lot about you," she responded softly remembering how Johnny had talked about his best friend and partner. Roy gave her a warm smile.

"I was on my way to grab some coffee. Would you care to join me?"

Chris looked furtively down the hall towards Johnny’s room. A sad look crossed her face.

"Thanks but no. I have a friend coming to pick me up in a few minutes. I’d better get back to my room." The elevator doors opened. Roy pushed the chair into the car.

"Well, why don’t I see to it that you get back safely?" Roy pushed the floor button and stood behind Chris, ready to guide her back to her room. Chris sighed feeling somewhat trapped. She was struggling with a confusion of emotions. She felt betrayed, jealous, unworthy, and rejected, just to name a few. Now she felt embarrassed that Johnny’s best friend was witnessing her emotional roller coaster ride.

"Is this it?" Roy asked as they reached Chris’ room. She nodded and Roy pushed the chair into the room.

"Why don’t you roll me over to the window?" Chris suggested dejectedly.

Roy complied and then sat down in the chair beside the window.

"You okay?" he asked softly. Chris looked over into his clear blue eyes and saw genuine concern. Tears threatened to over spill her eyes. She bit her bottom lip nervously.

"I’ll be okay," she answered and diverted her eyes to her lap. She couldn’t stop the tears and they began to run down her cheeks. She wiped them away with the back of her hand.

"Johnny didn’t know you were there..." Roy started to explain.

"It’s okay. I understand. I should have known better."

"Chris?" a woman’s voice called from the door.

Both Roy and Chris turned and looked toward the door at Chris’ friend Vicki Thomas.

"Hi, Vicki."

Vicki looked uncertainly between her friend and the handsome looking fireman. "Are you ready to go?"

"Yes. My stuff is over there." Chris pointed to a paper bag by the closet. "Uh, Vicki, this is Roy DeSoto."

They exchanged polite hellos. Vicki put Chris’ things together and handed them to her. Roy stood awkwardly and waited.

"Can we go now?" Vicki wondered. Chris nodded and then turned to Roy.

"Yes. Roy? Tell Johnny...tell him...tell him I’m sorry I didn’t get to see him earlier."

"Can I tell him you’ll call him later?" Roy hoped that Chris took that as a suggestion. She hesitated a moment.

"Uh, yeah. I guess so. I call him after I get home."

"Great. I’ll tell him."

Chris let Vicki push the wheel chair into the hall. Roy escorted the ladies to the elevators. He rode down to the third floor while they continued to the lobby. He returned to Johnny’s room and knocked lightly on the frame.

"Come in," Johnny called. He was alone and was hoping that it would be Chris. He was a disappointed when Roy entered the room alone. Roy glanced around the room.

"Hi. Where’s Pam?"

"She had to go. She got tired of having to go through the hassle of dialing "9" for each outside line. Where’s Chris?"

"Her ride came for her," DeSoto explained. He wondered if he should tell Johnny that Chris had seen Pam. He was a little surprised at how disappointed his partner seemed over not seeing Chris, especially after the welcome Pam had given him.

"She said she’d call after she got home."

Johnny brightened visibly. "Oh, great!" Then sheepishly he admitted, "I forgot to get her number."

Roy nodded and then in a teasing tone, "Well, it seems Miss Forester has your number."

Johnny made a face. "Yeah, she sure does. I kinda hope she isn’t able to change her schedule tomorrow."

Roy arched a surprised eyebrow at his friend. "Why is that?"

His friend looked down at his blanket for a moment and then kinda smiled. "Well, I was hoping to get to know Chris better. She’s really quite a lady!"

"Uh, Johnny..." Roy was hesitant to say anything but figured that he’d better tell him.

"Yeah, Roy?"

"I found Chris outside in the hall when I left to get coffee..."

"And?"

"And she saw and heard Pam," Roy finished simply. Johnny frowned and as this information sunk in, he blanched.

"Oh, no! Roy! She probably thinks..." He couldn’t believe it as Roy nodded in confirmation. "How’d she react?"

"She’s hurt. We really didn’t get a chance to talk. Her friend came to pick her up. And…"

"There’s more?"

"I’m not sure if she’ll actually call or not."

"Oh, man!" Johnny threw his head back against his pillow in frustration. "I blew it this time!"

"Well, maybe not," Roy tried to be encouraging. "Maybe she’ll call."

Johnny eyed his partner. "With my luck, I doubt it. And what am I going to do about Pamela?"

"Well, why do you have to do anything? I mean, after all, Johnny, you’ve just met Chris and you’ve only been out with Pam a couple of times. It’s not like you’re in a committed relationship."

Gage mulled that over for a few minutes. "You know, Roy? You’re right! I could date both of them, if I wanna." A crooked smile crept across his face. "Yeah! I can see both of them!"

"Are you sure you can handle that? Two women at the same time?" Roy teased.

Johnny threw his friend a shocked look and placed his hand over his heart. "Roy! I’m single. It’ll be fine."

Roy just chuckled. "We’ll see, Junior. We’ll see." Roy glanced at his watch and realized the time. "Say, I hate to bring it up but the Cap only gave me an hour to get back so I’d better get out of here."

"Sure thing, Pally. I appreciate you coming by."

"How are you getting home tomorrow?" Roy asked as he turned to leave. Johnny flashed him a grin.

"I guess you have the honor, partner."

Roy rolled his eyes and chuckled at his friend. "Big surprise. I'll come by as soon as I can get away from the station."

Suddenly a thought occurred to Johnny and he frowned. "Uh, Roy? Could you go check on the Rover?"

"Sure. Where is it?"

"Well, the last time I saw it was Saturday night. I parked at a meter on the street across from the Santa Monica beach."

Roy shook his head. "Then it’s probably been towed. I’ll check with the Santa Monica Police but I’ll drive by there just in case it’s still there. Let me have your keys. One way of the other I’ll take care of it for ya, okay?"

"Thanks Roy. Don’t know what I’d do without you!" Johnny grinned sheepishly as he grabbed his keys from the nightstand and tossed them to his partner.

"I know. Believe me I know," Roy laughed and waved as he left the room.

###

Monday, 1:00 p.m.—Chris’ apartment building

Vicki stopped in front of Chris’ apartment building and parked. She hurried around to the passenger’s side, opened the door, and offered her hand. Chris swung her legs out of the car and then took Vicki’s hand with her right and used her left to push herself up from the seat. After an awkward moment, she was standing.

"You okay?" Vicki worried. Chris nodded a little breathlessly.

"Yeah. It’s harder than it looks." Chris joked and waited as Vicki retrieved her paper sack. Then she leaned on her friend as they made their way into the building.

"We need to stop at the manager’s office. The police said that they would ask them change the locks to my apartment."

"Okay hon." Vicki knocked on the manager’s apartment. A moment later, Chris’ manager, Louise Randall, opened the door. The older woman was dressed in a bright orange, polyester pants suit. Her glasses were perched on top of her head. She gave Vicki a disinterested look but brightened when she saw Chris behind her. Her look then turned to motherly concern.

"Oh, Chris! Honey! Come in! Come in. Are you okay?"

"I’m fine Mrs. Randall," Chris assured her landlady as they stepped into the apartment. Vicki’s eyes grew wide as she took in the plastic covered living room and had to stifle a laugh.

"Such an ordeal! I’ve been worried sick. The police were here," she lowered her voice to a whisper.

"I know. Did you get a chance to change my locks?"

"Yes! I had Harry take care of it first thing this morning. I can’t imagine what I would have done if that man had shown up here!"

"I know. I’ve been worried about that, too."

"Come, sit down! Tell me everything!" Mrs. Randall gestured towards the couch. Chris shook her head.

"I’m sorry I can’t right now. I’m still a bit unsteady on my feet and the doctor told me to rest..."

"Of course, how inconsiderate of me! Yes, you do look a bit peaked. You should go rest!"

"Thank you. I will. That is if you can give me my new key?"

Mrs. Randall threw her head back and then forth, her glasses fell down on her nose. "Key? Oh! Key! Sure honey, I’ll get ‘em right away."

The landlady turned and hurried into her office just off the living room. She returned a moment later. She handed Chris two sets of keys.

"I had Harry install a dead bolt lock, too. The officer said that would be safer. I’m going to add dead bolts to all the apartments," Mrs. Randall informed her young tenant.

"That’s wonderful. Thank you, Mrs. Randall. I feel safer already." Chris smiled and gave her landlady a quick hug. The hug surprised the older woman.

"Oh, you! Go on with you now!" She walked the younger women to the door and watched them as they made their way to the elevator. She smiled. She was really fond of her young tenant. Quietly she closed her door wondering how young people got themselves into such trouble.

###

Monday, 1:15 p.m.—Outside Chris’ apartment

Chris struggled a bit with the unfamiliar locks and finally unlocked the door. She swung the door open and peered into the apartment. Vicki waited beside her patiently. After a moment, Chris gathered her courage and moved into the room.

"You okay?" Vicki felt concern for her friend. Chris nodded. Shivering slightly.

"It just feels weird, ya know. Like someone’s been here, going through my things."

Vicki glanced around the tidy room.

"You think he was here?" she asked with concern.

"I don’t know. I’ll have to look around. Officer Forester told me to check around when I got home."

Vicki set Chris’ bag on the coffee table. "Can I do anything for you before I have to go?"

Chris hobbled over to an over stuffed chair and eased herself into it. "Yeah, in the back of my closet I have my old crutch. I’m going to have to use that until I can get a replacement. Damn! Why did this have to happen now?"

"I dunno kiddo." Vicki disappeared down the hall and returned a few moments later, holding two crutches.

"Which one ya want?" she asked holding both implements out. Chris paled at the sight.

"What’s wrong, Chris?" Vicki cried when she saw the stricken look on her friend’s face. Chris pointed to Vicki’s left hand.

"That’s my crutch!" she whispered hoarsely. Vicki didn’t understand.

"Yeah? So?"

"Vicki! That’s the crutch I left in the truck!"

In horror, Vicki dropped the crutch with a clatter to the floor as if it were poison. She looked into the eyes of her friend. That meant he had been there. He had been in Chris’ apartment.

###

Monday, 4:00 p.m.—Chris’ apartment

When the doorbell rang Chris made her way to the door using her old crutch. The newer crutch lay on the floor where Vicki had dropped it.

"Who is it?" she asked through the door.

"It’s Officer Forester, Miss Martin," came the muffled reply.

"Just a moment." She undid the dead bolt and unlocked the door handle, opening the door for the policeman.

"Come in. I appreciate you coming so quickly," Chris told him as he entered the apartment.

"No problem. What happened?" Gary noticed the crutch lying on the floor.

"My friend Vicki retrieved both of these crutches from my closet," Chris explained, indicating the crutch on her arm and the one on the floor. Using the one in her hand and pointing to the other, she told him, "That one was in my truck when it was stolen."

Gary looked at her sharply. "Did you notice anything else out of place?"

"I think he went through my dresser drawers but he did so carefully. I only noticed a few things seemed to be moved."

"Is anything missing?" Gary had removed a notebook from his pocket and made a few notes.

"Not that I could tell. My landlady had new locks on the door this morning."

"That’s good. Do you mind if I get a crew over here to check for fingerprints?"

"Do you think that will help?" Chris rubbed her arms as if she was cold.

"Well, if we find any, it may help us identify who this man is."

"When can you do this?" she asked nervously. There a part of her that wanted this over immediately and another part wanted to be left alone.

"The sooner the better. If I can use your phone, I’ll call right now." Gary informed her. Chris pointed to the phone on the end table.

"Help yourself." Chris sat down and waited as the policeman made the necessary arrangements. She began to rock back and forth slowly. She still felt cold even though the room temperature was comfortable.

Gary hung up the phone and turned to look at Chris. She reminded him of a frightened animal, not sure which way to run.

"The forensic team will be here in about an hour. Would you rather not be here when they come? Do you have some place you could go?"

Chris looks up searching his eyes. "I think so. I guess I could go visit Johnny at the hospital. I was suppose to see him earlier."

Gary seemed surprised. "He’s still there?"

She nodded. "Yeah. They wanted to keep him another night. He was running a fever and his vision was blurry. He may go home tomorrow."

"I see. Do you have a way to get there?"

"No, I guess I don’t. I keep forgetting I don’t have my truck." She smiled a little. Gary checked the time on his wristwatch.

"Well, technically, I’m off duty, so I guess I could run you over there. Then I can return here to let the team in. When they get finished, I’ll come pick you up and bring you home," the young officer suggested.

"Oh, no. I couldn’t let you do that. That would be too much of an imposition!" Chris protested lightly.

"No trouble at all. I know you’ve been through a lot. Let me do this for you, okay?" Gary offered. Chris smiled at his kindness.

"Thank you so much. I’ll just get my purse." Chris crossed the room and picked up the spare bag she had found in her room to replace the one that was stolen. There wasn’t much in this purse but it gave her a sense of security to carry it. She dropped one set of keys in the bag and handed the other set to Gary. He escorted her out the door and secured the locks. Chris closed her eyes and prayed that they would find the man who had disrupted her life.

###

Monday, 5:00 p.m.—Johnny’s hospital room

Meanwhile, Johnny had devoured the contents of his dinner tray. Not because it was particularly tasty but he was just really hungry. He turned on the television and flipped through the channels, finally settling on the local news. His vision seemed to be improving, as the images weren’t quite so blurry. He yawned and stretched his limbs before easing back on the bed with his arm cushioning his head.

A few minutes later an orderly came in to remove his dinner tray. The man didn’t say anything to Johnny as he had hoped. He was really bored and would have enjoyed a brief conversation. Gage made a face as the door closed behind the orderly and reluctantly returned his attention back to the news. He was feeling restless, a sure sign that he was feeling better.

There was a rap at the door and Johnny looked up expectantly at the door and smiled as he called, "Come in!"

The door opened and Chris made her way into the room. She carried a box of chocolates in her left hand and grinned back at the Johnny as she handed it to him.

"Here! A little something to tied you over," she joked.

"Thanks!" Johnny ripped the box open and perused the selections before picking out one and popping it in his mouth. "Hmmmm. That is so good! Thank you!"

Chris laughed. "You’re welcome. Sorry I didn’t see you earlier."

"Me too. Roy told me you were here. I’m sorry about that. Pam, that was the lady you saw, well, she and I have been going out for a while…"

"Johnny, you don’t owe me an explanation," Chris interrupted. "I mean, I know we just met Saturday. It would be ridiculous for me to think you didn’t already have a girl friend."

"But, I just want you to know that Pam and I aren’t exclusive. I mean, we’ve only gone out a few times," Johnny tried to explain.

Chris sat down in the chair by the bed and leaned her crutch against the nightstand.

"So what are you trying to tell me, Johnny," she asked carefully as she stared into his brown eyes.

"I guess…I mean…What I’m trying to say is..." the dark-haired paramedic stammered. He found it difficult to talk as he gazed into her blue eyes. A man could get lost in there.

"Yes?"

Johnny swallowed hard and wondered why he felt so awkward. "I guess I wanted to know if you would mind going out with me, knowing that I date other women."

He rushed the words out and felt an immense sense of relief. Then he cautiously watched for Chris’ reaction. He thought he saw a look of surprise in her eyes.

"Well?"

"Uh…I…gee, I don’t know what to say," Chris finally admitted. She stood up and made her way over to the window and stood looking out before continuing.

"I guess I’m surprised that you would want to date someone like me, that’s all." She could feel Johnny staring at her.

"Why? Why would you think that?" Johnny wanted to know. Deep down he thought he knew but he didn’t want to admit it to himself. Chris laughed a small laugh.

"Oh, come off it, Johnny!" She remarked angrily as she turned to face him. "I saw her. That’s the kind of woman you date! I’m not blind or stupid!"

"I never said you were!" he snapped, matching her anger. "And who says I only date that kind of woman! I can date anyone I want!

"Oh, yeah?"

"Yeah! And I want to date you!" he told her defiantly.

Chris was stunned by his words. She couldn’t believe it. She stared at her feet.

"You mean it? You really like me?" she whispered.

"What? What did you say?" Johnny wasn’t sure he heard her correctly. Chris raised her head.

"You really want to date me?" she asked in disbelief.

Johnny nodded. "You got a problem with that?"

Chris shook her head and smiled shyly. "I just never thought a guy like you would want to date a girl like me."

Gage flashed his infamous grin. "Well, I’m just full of surprises. Come here."

Chris crossed over to the bed and Johnny took her hand in his. "I really like you, Chris. And I want to get to know you better."

He raised her chin so he could look in her eyes. He could tears welling in her eyes and he realized she really didn’t think anyone like him would date her. He reached up and wiped an errant tear from her cheek. Then he pulled her into his arms and kissed her, tenderly at first and then more passionately.

###

Monday, 6:45 p.m.—Chris’ apartment

Gary Forester watched as the forensic team worked on Chris’ apartment. Mrs. Randall had appeared when the team arrived and was extremely concerned when she learned that the suspect had been in her building. After reassurances from Gary, she finally returned to her apartment.

"Officer Forester?" Lt. Michaelson called from the bedroom.

"Yes sir," Gary responded and crossed the apartment. Lt. Michaelson looked up from the floor where he was kneeling.

"We should wrap this up in about thirty minutes," he informed Gary.

"Then, I can go pickup Miss Martin?"

"Sure. Go ahead."

"Thanks, Lt. By the way, did you find anything?"

The Lt. pursed his lips before answering. "A few latent prints but we’ll need to get sets on anyone who’s been in her apartment lately."

"I’ll find out when I pick her up."

"Good deal. Let me know."

"Yes sir." Gary turned and made his way out of the apartment. He shook his head, it seemed such a shame that they had to put victims through so many hassles but sometimes it was the only way to find the perpetrator.

###

Monday, 7:00 p.m.—St. Joseph’s Hospital Visitor Parking

A few minutes later, Gary eased his car into an available space. As he locked the door, he thought he noticed a familiar figure approaching the hospital entrance. He hurried to catch up.

He entered the hospital lobby and glanced around and then he saw her at the elevator. Even in casual dress, Pam Forester was a knock out.

"Pam!" he called. She turned toward the voice and after a confused moment, smiled as Gary approached.

"Gary! What in the world? What are you doing here?" she squealed delightedly and threw her arms around his neck and hugged him.

"Well, Sis, I could ask you the same thing," he laughed. "Visiting a sick friend?"

"As a matter of fact, I am." The elevator arrived and they stepped into the car and Pam punched the third floor button. She looked over at her brother and asked, "Floor?"

Gary just nodded, "Three. So who’s your friend?"

Pam smiled. "The guy I’ve been seeing for the past couple of weeks. His name is Johnny..."

"Gage?" Gary finished.

Pam frowned a little. "How did you know that?"

"He’s part of the case I working on," her brother explained.

"You mean, what happened to him is under investigation?"

"Yeah."

"Oh, my poor Johnny."

The doors opened onto the third floor and brother and sister stepped into the corridor.

"Did Johnny tell you what happened?" Gary wanted to know as they walked toward Johnny’s room.

Pam shook her head and admitted, "I really haven’t given him the chance."

Her brother nodded and wondered how Chris factored into this picture. He surmised he would find out quickly. Gary rapped on Johnny’s door. They heard some muffled sounds before Johnny told them to enter.

Pam pushed into the room, ahead of Gary and stopped short at the sight of Johnny holding hands with a petite woman, sitting on the bed beside him.

"Johnny?" Pam’s voice seemed strangled. "What’s going on?"

"Hi Pam. Oh, hi there Gary," Johnny acknowledged the uniformed officer behind Pam.

"Pam, I’d like you to meet my friend Chris. Chris Martin this is Pamela Forester."

The two women exchanged a stiff acknowledgment of the introduction.

Chris looked at the woman and then at the officer, noticing a strong resemblance. "Are you two related?"

Gary smiled slightly. "Yeah. Pam’s my baby sister."

"Sister?" Johnny whispered, somewhat surprised.

"Small world, huh?" Gary chuckled.

"Would someone tell me what’s going on here?" Pam snapped angrily.

"Simmer down, Pam," her brother admonished as he placed his hand on her arm. "Why don’t you have a seat?"

Pam jerked her arm from her bother’s grasp and walked to the opposite side of Johnny’s bed and sat next to him, her arms folded tightly across her chest. Chris eased herself into the chair next to the bed, feeling very uncomfortable.

Gary looked at the threesome. "So, who wants to start? Johnny?"

Johnny glanced nervously from Gary to Pam and then to Chris. He returned the smile Chris flashed him. He shifted so as to be more comfortable and told Pam what had happened. Both Chris and Gary jumped in to add details from time to time.

"And that’s how I wound up here," Johnny finished. Pam had softened her demeanor as she listened to their ordeal. She leaned over and kissed Johnny’s forehead, settling her arm around his shoulders.

"My poor baby. What an ordeal!" she cooed, sympathetically.

"Yeah, it was." Johnny couldn’t help himself but he was enjoying the attention.

"Well, I hate to break up this little party," Gary interjected. "But I need to Miss Martin back to her apartment."

"Why? What’s going on?" Johnny frowned.

"You didn’t tell him?" Gary asked Chris. She shook her head.

"Johnny, the perp was in Miss Martin’s apartment," the officer told him.

"What? When? Chris, why didn’t you tell me?" Gage demanded.

"I didn’t want to worry you," she said simply.

"Me? You didn’t want to worry me?" Johnny was incredulous.

"Sorry. I knew you needed to rest and this would only worry you," Chris explained.

"Well, I want to know what’s going on. I don’t want you keeping anything from me, you understand?"

"Yes sir," Chris agreed meekly.

"Miss Martin..." Gary began.

"Please, call me Chris."

"Okay, Chris. The team should be finished by now. I need to know who has been in your apartment recently."

"Why?"

"I need to get a set of prints on everyone who has been in your apartment so they can eliminate them," Gary explained.

"I guess that makes sense. That would be Mrs. Randall, Harry, and Vicki."

"Good. That should be simple enough to take care of. We’d better go."

"Okay. Thanks Johnny," Chris said as she stood up and grabbed her crutch. Pam watched with mild but cold interest.

"Thanks for what?" Johnny asked, puzzled.

"For being a friend," Chris smiled and planted a kiss on his cheek. "I’ll talk to you later."

"Well, you call me, if you need me...for anything, ya hear?" the dark-haired paramedic admonished. Chris paused at the door and looked back at Johnny and smiled.

"I will. I promise." Then she turned her attention to Pam. "It was nice to meet you, Pam."

"Likewise," Pam replied quietly. The door closed behind her brother and that other woman. Pam turned her angry eyes to Johnny.

"Well, do want to explain to me just what is going on between you and…"

"Chris. Her name is Chris," Johnny informed her.

Pam pushed herself off the bed and paced nervously around the bed.

"So, what’s the story?"

"Well, you know what happened to us."

"But what I don’t understand is how that happened. I thought you told me you weren’t going to do anything this weekend!"

Johnny squirmed uncomfortably. "My plans changed," he said with a shrug.

"Well, I can see that! Do have any idea the trouble I went through to try and get tomorrow off?" Pam crossed her arms and stood at the end of Johnny’s bed.

"Now, honey..."

"Don’t you honey me, John Gage! How could you embarrass me like that?" She gripped the footboard with her hands.

"Now, Pam, that wasn’t my intent," Johnny tried to explain.

"And in front of my brother, no less!"

"Well, I didn’t know he was your brother, honest."

"So, are you going to be seeing ‘her’ too?" Pam asked, icily.

Johnny looked at his blanket and picked at a piece of lint before looking up at Pam’s face. Damn, she was gorgeous. He gave her a crooked smile.

"I’d like to see both of you," he admitted.

Pam stewed over this for a moment before moving around the bed to his side. "I don’t know, Johnny. I don’t know if I can share you."

"Well, think about it." He toyed with her wrist and then took her hand and gazed in her eyes. "There’s still a lot I want to know about you, too."

Pam smiled slightly. "Well, I guess there’s a lot I want to learn about you"

"So, are you going to take me home tomorrow and give me the TLC I deserved?" Johnny asked with a suggestive smile. She laughed.

"I’m sorry, sweetie. I couldn’t get my schedule changed. I guess you’re on your own."

"Nah, Roy’ll come get me. I’ll be fine."

"Hmmm. Good." Pam looked at her watch. "Well, visiting hours aren’t over for another hour. Any ideas how to pass the time?"

Johnny cocked his head at her and grinned. "Well, let’s see what we can do."

He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her unto the bed and kissed her passionately.

###

END PART 2

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