Malibu Nights—Part 6
By Nancy F. Thysell (the Nifty Lady)
This story follows immediately after Malibu Nights—Part 5
###
Friday, 8:00 p.m.—Entrance to St. Joseph’s Hospital
Johnny and Annie left the hospital together at the end of visiting hours. They had waited to see Chris settled in her new room and stayed until she had fallen asleep. John had offered Annie a ride to her motel which she reluctantly accepted. As Johnny pulled the Land Rover into traffic, the news was on the radio. They really weren’t paying much attention to it until the reporter covered the most recent multiple traffic accident on the freeway. Both John and Annie’s ears were riveted on the radio.
"Yes, Dave," they heard the reporter say, "investigators on the scene now report that the cause of this fatal accident was an ambulance that lost control."
"Bill, was the ambulance on an emergency?" the deejay inquired.
"No, Dave, and that seems to be the puzzler. This was a private ambulance. The driver reports that they had just been released from St. Joseph’s hospital where they had been dispatched to pickup a transport to the airport. They were on their way back to take another assignment when their brakes failed and they plowed into the other vehicles."
"That’s too bad. What do we know about the injured and fatalities?"
"There have been five injuries, including the ambulance driver. The fatalities include the other ambulance attendant and a young child in the passenger vehicle. Identities of the victims are being withheld until notification of their next of kin."
"Well, thank you for that report Bill. We’ll update you on this story as the news breaks. On the weather front..." the deejay continued to report as Johnny turned off the radio. He glanced over at Annie. She looked shaken.
"Do you think that was my ambulance?" she asked softly.
"Somehow, I have a bad feeling it was," Johnny agreed.
"Oh, that poor man! And that poor child! I mean, how could anyone do anything so terrible?"
"All I can say, Mrs. Martin, is that he’s a sick man. If it was Chandler," Johnny added tersely. He pulled into the parking lot of the motel.
"This is why I’m so afraid for Chris to stay here. I mean, but that’s why I want to take her home!" Annie explained.
"I understand that but for right now, she’s in the safest place she can be. Try not to worry," he advised as Annie opened her door.
"I’ll try but it won’t be easy. Thank you John for your help. Will I see you tomorrow?"
"Yes, I plan to come by to see Chris around noon," Johnny informed her. She smiled slightly.
"Well, I know Chris will be glad to see you. We’ll see you then." Annie shut the door and entered the motel office. Her luggage had been stored in the office since her original plan had been to stop there on the way to the airport and pick it up. Now it worked out that she would only have to take them to her room. She watched Johnny pull out of the parking lot and onto the darkened boulevard. She sighed heavily as she turned to the desk clerk to register for her new room.
###
Meanwhile–Coldwater Canyon Men’s Mission
Jimmy Chandler became agitated as he sat next to the receiving desk and listened to the portable radio on the shelf above the desk. Violently he pounded his fist over and over into his leg.
"Are you okay, Jimmy?" a male volunteer worker asked with concern as he approached. Then he glanced up at the radio on the desk and put two and two together.
"Did something on the radio upset you, Jimmy?" the worker wondered. Jimmy turned his beady eyes on the volunteer in anger.
"Yes!" he hissed before he stood up and made his way to the sleeping quarters. He continued to peer over his shoulder and stare back at the volunteer. Finally he reached his assigned bed and flopped down on top of it. He was angry. My plan should have worked! Why wasn’t she in the ambulance? That man! That dark haired man! He had something to do with this! I have to find a way to stop him. Jimmy’s mind raced, determined to come up with a new plan.
###
Saturday, 8:30 a.m.—Johnny’s home
Johnny stepped out onto his front porch and drank in the morning sunlight. He hobbled across the yard without the benefit of the crutches to his barn. He was determined to get back on his feet. He spent the next few hours taking care of his horses. The work was slow and hard. He had to stop and take numerous breaks. Finally, satisfied that everything was in order, he made his way back to his house.
He made quick work of shedding his sweaty work clothes and stepped into the hot spray of the shower. He let the water run over his aching muscles for a while before he began to lather up. Finally, twenty minutes later, water conservation be damned, he turned off the water and reluctantly stepped out to dry off.
He had just buttoned his shirt when he heard a car in the drive. Curious because he wasn’t expecting anyone, he made his way downstairs to greet his visitor. He was surprised when he opened the door and found Pamela Forester standing there. She was wearing very tight blue jeans and a red plaid shirt with the shirt tails tied in a knot beneath her ample breasts. She carried a picnic basket in one hand.
"Johnny!" she squealed with delight. "You are here!"
She reached up with her free arm, grabbed Johnny and planted a soft, passionate kiss on his lips.
"Pam? What are you doing here?" he managed once Pam released him.
"Well, when Mohamed doesn’t come to the mountain, the mountain comes to Mohamed," Pam said with a laugh.
"Huh?"
"Johnny! You haven’t called in over a week! I wanted to see you. Look! I’ve brought a picnic," Pam explained.
"Well, you’ve really taken me surprise," Johnny admitted with a smile.
"So can we go? Do you want to take the horses?" she asked hopefully. That sounded good to Johnny.
"I have a few things to finish up before we can go. Why don’t you come in and have a seat? It won’t take me long," he replied as he opened the door for her to enter. Pam pressed her body against Johnny’s seductively as she made her way into the house.
"Anything for you, lover," Pam said softly. Johnny found he had to refocus his attention. He would have to call Mrs. Martin to let her know that he wouldn’t be there at noon.
Johnny saddled the horses and before long, he and Pam were on their way to a lovely spot for their picnic. As they rode along with Johnny in the lead, he couldn’t help but think how much Chris would enjoy the ride and the scenery. As beautiful and as available Pam might be, Johnny couldn’t get his mind off Chris. Everything he saw or anything that Pam said, only made him think of Chris more.
"A penny for your thoughts," Pam cajoled. She had the feeling that Johnny really wasn’t there. He was miles away in thought.
They were reclining on their picnic blanket eating the delicious spread that Pam had provided. Johnny took a swig from his bottle of beer and gave her a lopsided grin. He didn’t think he should tell Pam that he was wishing she was Chris.
"I’m sorry Pam, I guess I have my mind on other things," he apologized.
"I dunno, Johnny. I get the feeling I’m on this picnic by myself," Pam pouted as she moved her body closer to Johnny’s. Johnny could see the desire in her eyes. He knew what she wanted but he was beginning to feel guilty. It was like he was cheating on Chris. Pam leaned in and kissed him. Johnny responded willingly but in his mind he was kissing Chris. He felt Pam’s hands caressing and touching him as he explored her body with his. Everything was moving along as expected until Johnny whispered "Oh, Chris!" into Pam’s ear.
Pam rolled away from Johnny’s arms in anger.
"What!? What the hell did you say!?" she cried even though she knew the answer.
"Pam, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean…"
"The hell you didn’t! Take me back to my car! Now!" the angry woman ordered.
Johnny tried to say something but decided better of it. Pam was straightening her clothing and gathering the picnic items and stuffing them into the basket.
The ride back to the house was tense and quiet. Johnny walked Pam back to her car after they dismounted at the barn.
"Pam?"
Pam hesitated before she opened the car door. She turned back to Johnny and leaned her tense body against the door, arms folded, and stared coldly at him.
"I’m listening," she said tersely.
"I’m sorry. I never meant to hurt you," he apologized.
"Well, I was afraid this would happen." Pam released a heavy sigh. "Some people are not meant to have more than one relationship at a time. Do me a favor John? Lose my number. Even if things don’t work out between you and…and Chris. I never want to hear from you again! Is that understood?"
Johnny nodded numbly. "I am truly sorry Pam."
"Yeah, right! Goodbye John." With that Pamela Forester got in her car, put it into gear and drove out of Johnny’s life for good.
Johnny watched until the car disappeared from sight. He was sad about losing Pam but realized that he cared more for Chris than he had been willing to admit. He checked his watch. If he hurried with putting the horses away, he could still make it to the hospital before visiting hours were over. He had a sudden urge to hold Chris in his arms.
###
Saturday, 6:30 p.m.—Chris’ hospital room
Johnny rapped lightly on the door before opening it.
"Come in," Chris called.
"Hi sweetie," he greeted. He entered the room, holding something behind his back. Chris was alone in the room, her dinner tray in front of her.
"Johnny! You came! Mom said you weren’t going to make it." She smiled broadly.
"I had some unexpected company but I’m here now," he responded happily. "Where’s your mother?"
"She had to take care of her airplane tickets. She’s leaving the day after tomorrow." As Chris spoke, Johnny moved closer to the bed. It was a relief to see Chris removed from all the monitors.
He brought forth the hidden bouquet from behind his back and presented them to her.
"Flowers? For me?" Chris was genuinely surprised. She eagerly reached for them to smell of their fragrance. She held the mixed arrangement to her face and inhaled the blended mixture.
"Oh, Johnny! Thank you. They’re beautiful!" She looked up into his brown eyes as he leaned in and kissed her gently on the lips. She closed her eyes and relished in the sweetness of his touch.
Johnny took the flowers and located a pitcher to put them in and set them on Chris’ night stand.
"I wish I could see better," Chris commented as she gazed in the direction of the flowers. Johnny frowned.
"What’s wrong with your eyes?" he asked with concern.
"My vision is still blurry. Dr. O’Dell isn’t sure if it’s permanent or not. We just have to be patient," Chris responded.
"Oh, Chris! Sweetie. I didn’t know," Johnny responded as he moved to her bed, sat on the edge and gathered her into his arms, as best he could around her cast. Chris laid her head against Johnny’s chest and put her right arm around him, feeling comforted in the safety of his arms. She felt him place a kiss on the top of her head and it seemed as if the happiness would consume her.
Johnny released her and gazed into her eyes. He was beginning to realize that he was falling in love with Chris. He touched her face tenderly. She smiled back at him. As he straightened up, he bumped her bed table with his back. He turned and noticed that she had barely touched her dinner.
"What’s the matter Chris? Aren’t you hungry?" Johnny asked with some concern.
"No, not at all. They just brought it in before you got here. I haven’t even had a chance to see what I have," Chris giggled. "Besides, it’s a little hard to eat with one hand."
"Well, I think I can take care of that. How about if I feed you?" Johnny offered with a smile.
"Okay. If you insist!"
"I insist." With a flourish, Johnny removed the plastic cover revealing a rather bland looking dinner. He made a face causing Chris to laugh.
"Well, I guess it’s a good thing you insisted because I don’t know if I could force myself to eat that!" Chris exclaimed.
Johnny loaded a fork full of undetermined food and lifted it to Chris’ mouth. "Well, here it comes, ready or not!"
Chris obediently took the mouthful and made a face at the taste. "Oh! That’s awful!"
"Well, that’s hospital food for ya. I think they made it terrible so you’ll want to get well faster so you can eat real food." Johnny laughed as Chris swallowed the offending food.
"Ready for another bite?"
"Not really. Can’t we smuggle in some real food?" she asked hopefully. Johnny shook his head.
"Afraid not. But I promise you dinner at your choice of restaurants when you get out of here."
"I’m going to hold you to that promise!" she swore as another fork approached her mouth. The remainder of the meal was a constant tease of attempting to refuse the offered food, then accepting.
Mrs. Martin arrived shortly after the meal was completed. Johnny took his leave after promising to call when he arrived home. He kissed Chris on the forehead instead of the lips since her mother was watching. Chris could hardly wait for him to call.
###
Over the next week many things took place. Annie Martin returned home to Kansas. Johnny returned to work, albeit desk duty at headquarters, and Chris was released from the hospital. The DeSoto’s insisted that she stay with them during her convalescence. Johnny was hoping she would stay at his place but JoAnne let him know, in no uncertain terms, that that would not be permitted. He just wanted to be with her as much as possible but he conceded that by staying with Roy and JoAnne, she’d have around the clock help. Since his desk duty constituted an eight-hour day, he would stop by the DeSoto’s daily to spend time with Chris.
###
One week later, Wednesday, 6:00 p.m.–The DeSoto’s home
Johnny knocked on the front door as he let himself into the house. He found Chris in Roy’s recliner perusing the classified section of the newspaper.
"Hi sweetie! What’s up?" Johnny asked as he crossed the living room to give Chris a kiss.
After returning his kiss, she responded, "I’m looking for a new apartment."
"How come?"
"I just can’t go back to that apartment," she stated honestly.
"Well, you could always move in with me," Johnny suggested hopefully.
"John Roderick Gage!" JoAnne scolded Johnny from the kitchen. "I can’t believe you!"
"What? What’s wrong with that?" he asked innocently as JoAnne entered the room.
"You know perfectly well what’s wrong with that!" JoAnne rolled her eyes. She turned her attention to Chris, "Don’t you let him talk you into anything!"
Chris giggled. "Yes Mother." Johnny made a face at JoAnne as he sat down on the arm of the recliner.
"Johnny," JoAnne warned in her best "Mother" voice. "No sitting on the arm of the chair. You know better than that!"
"Yes Mother," Johnny replied as he stood up. "What’s for dinner?"
"Oh! Didn’t Chris tell you?" JoAnne asked innocently as Johnny shook his head. "You’re taking us out for dinner."
"What?" Johnny was caught by surprise.
"Well, it seems that someone promised a certain young lady dinner at the restaurant of her choice when she got out of the hospital. And I think after all the dinners you’ve been consuming here lately, the least you can do is take us BOTH out to dinner," JoAnne concluded.
"Okay. Okay. I know when I’m out numbered. Where would you like to go?"
"Well, we’re both in the mood for Mexican," Chris informed him.
"Are the kids going with us?" Johnny wanted to know as he mentally began to tally the money in his wallet.
"No, it’ll just be the three of us. I’ve already fed Jen and Chris and they’re already over at Susan’s," JoAnne told him, speaking of her next door neighbor.
"Well, then ladies, your chariot awaits. I’m starving!" Johnny gestured broadly toward the door. Within minutes, the trio was on their way to El Toro Del Sol for a Mexican feast.
###
Meanwhile, elsewhere in Los Angeles--
Jimmy Chandler made his way to the bus stop and rested on the bench. He felt anxious. He pulled out his wallet and stared at Chris’ driver’s license. His girl had vanished. He had missed Crystal’s departure from the hospital. So far, she had not returned to her apartment. He wiped the perspiration from his forehead with a well worn handkerchief. Then he wiped off the top of his thin brown hair. He hated the heat in Los Angeles. He was becoming consumed with locating Crystal. But he didn’t know how to find her. Or that man. He’d been able to find out that he was some kind of fireman but he didn’t know where. Chandler cursed the fact that he didn’t have a car but he didn’t want to steal one until he knew where he was going. A city bus pulled up to the stop and Jimmy boarded and paid the fare. He made his way to the rear of the vehicle and sat down to enjoy the air-conditioned ride.
The bus wound its way through the city streets on its prescribed route. Chandler found himself almost dozing as he watched the passing sights of buildings and terrain. The bus came to a traffic stop light in front of an adobe constructed restaurant, El Toro Del Sol. Jimmy couldn’t believe his fortune as he saw Crystal, with her arm and leg in casts, being escorted by that dark-haired man and another woman. They paid no attention to the passing bus as they entered the restaurant. Chandler reached a sweating palm up to pull the cord to signal the driver to let him off at the next stop.
###
One hour later–El Toro Del Sol’s parking lot
Chandler waited nervously behind the wheel of his most recent acquisition, a Bel-Air sedan. As soon as he had stepped off the bus, he began searching for a car to steal. He had to be there when they left the restaurant. He wasn’t going to let her get away again. It was another half hour before the trio returned to Johnny’s Land Rover. Jimmy fought an urge to run over the man because he needed to know where the girl was living. At least the cops were gone. He was upset to see his girl in a leg and arm cast. Maybe that was the reason she hadn’t returned home.
As the Land Rover was pulling out of it’s parking space, Jimmy leaned down and connected the wires to start the Bel-Air’s engine. He sat back up and placed the car in gear and slowly followed the other vehicle onto the street. He had to fight the urge to overtake it and forced himself to stay a fair distance behind the Land Rover. Soon, he thought. Soon I’ll know where to find her. He smiled as he imagine having her all to himself. He could hardly wait!
###
Wednesday, 8:30 p.m.—En route to Station 51
Johnny guided his Land Rover through the darken streets of Los Angeles. JoAnne and Chris were chatting amicably as JoAnne leaned her arms on the backs of the front seats. None of them noticed the Bel-Air sedan that kept pace with them from a distance.
"Johnny?" JoAnne asked as she peered out the side window. "Where are you taking us?"
Both stared at their driver. Johnny gave them a lopsided grin as he glanced over at his "dates."
"Oh, I thought maybe we'd drive by the station and give that partner of mine a hard time," he joked.
JoAnne settled back into the rear seat.
"I could handle that," she commented with a smile, thinking about a chance to see her husband. Johnny wanted Chris to see where he worked and meet his co-workers.
Soon he turn into the driveway that led to the rear of the station, noting that both vehicles were home. He parked the Land Rover and hurried around to the passenger's side to help Chris out. JoAnne was about to open her own door when a familiar hand beat her to it.
"Hi Honey! What are you doing here?" Roy greeted her as he opened the car door. JoAnne smiled up at him and took his offered hand.
"Well, Johnny just missed you guys so much, he insisted we come over and see you!" JoAnne replied as Roy enveloped her in a warm hug and kissed her hello. He looked up as Chris and Johnny rounded the rear of the vehicle.
"Hey partner. Chris. It's good to see ya," Roy said without letting go of his wife. Chris was getting around now using a walking cast with her crutch.
"Hi Roy! So I finally get to see the infamous station fifty-one!" she said with a grin. Johnny walked beside her as they made their way through the open rear doors of the truck bay.
"Well, this is it. Come on in. We'll give you the nickel tour."
They crossed to the day room to find the rest of the crew watching television. Captain Hank Stanley rose to his feet as the ladies entered the room with their escorts. The rest of the guys turned and looked on with interest.
"Johnny! Pal! It's good to see ya! JoAnne. And who might this be?"
"Cap, this is Chris Martin. Chris this is my boss, Captain Stanley," Johnny said as he introduced them.
"It's nice to meet you, Captain Stanley," Chris said as she took his offered hand.
"Call me Hank. It's nice to meet you too." By now the rest of the guys were on their feet waiting to be introduced as well.
Johnny began with the first man on his right and worked his way around the group by pointing to each man as he went.
"Chris, this is Mike Stoker, our engineer. Firefighters Marco Lopez and Chet Kelley. Watch out for him!" he warned before continuing. "And this poor fellow is Paramedic Dean Washington, Roy's temporary partner."
"Watch it Gage, or we'll make it permanent," Chet teased. The men all chuckled. Johnny made a face at Chet as he pulled out a chair so Chris could sit down.
"It's nice to finally meet all of you," Chris told them. "Roy and Johnny have told me so much about all of you, I feel like I know you already."
"Can I get you a cup of coffee or anything?" Hank offered. Chris shook her head.
"No, thank you. We just had dinner and I don't suppose we'll be staying long." She looked at Johnny for confirmation.
"Yeah. We had dinner over at El Toro Del Sol tonight and I thought it would be nice to stop by and give Chris a tour of the station. And…" he paused for dramatic effect, "…to let you know I've been cleared to come back to my regular duties."
"Hey, partner! That's great news!" Roy exclaimed, giving Johnny a congratulatory pat on the back. The rest of the guys joined in with their agreement that it was good news to have Johnny back.
John handed Hank his medical release to return to duty paperwork.
"Well, that is good news," Hank agreed as he looked over the form. "Then, you'll be here Saturday?"
"Yeah," Johnny said with a broad grin.
"Well, don't be late!" the Captain cautioned with a chuckle.
"Don't worry Cap. I promise I'll be on time!"
"Okay then, well you better get on with your tour before I have to kick these ladies out so my men can get some sleep!" Hank ordered good-naturedly. Johnny laughed as he helped Chris to her feet.
"Come on Chris, I'll show you my office," he said as he guided her to the door.
"Office?" Chet smirked. "Since when do you have an office Gage?"
"I'm talking about the squad!" Johnny snapped. Chester B. just smiled. He loved getting under Gage's skin.
Johnny showed Chris the squad and then the engine. Chris found all of the equipment awesome. She found the strange mixture of odors interesting. The truck bay smelled like a typical garage but the scent of smoke lingered on the crew's turnout coats. She noted the variety of apparel that the men would don when the alarm was sounded. There were the thick rubber boots that stood in readiness by the engine. The turnout coats hung in various spots for a quick response. Helmets and gloves nearby. She found it all fascinating.
Next Johnny showed her the locker room. Understandably, it wasn't too exciting. As he was leading her into the dorm area the klaxon's sounded. The noise startled Chris and Johnny reached out to hold her.
"Oh my goodness! That's loud!" she exclaimed. Johnny just laughed.
"I guess I'm used to it. Listen, you'll hear where dispatch is sending them." He led Chris over to the door leading to the truck bay, opening it so she could watch. She saw the huge bay doors open as the men scrambled for the rigs.
"Station 51. Structure fire. One One Seven Nine Whitlock Way. One One Seven Nine Whitlock Way. Cross street Glendora. Time out 21:13." The dispatcher intoned.
"LA. Station 51. 10-4. KMG365," Captain Stanley answered the call. Within seconds the sirens, flashing red lights, and the roar of the engines filled the truck bay before the two vehicles pulled out and disappeared into the night.
"Wow. That was something to see!" Chris said in awe. Johnny stood behind her and wrapped his arms about her waist and planted a kiss on her neck. The bay door automatically closed.
"Hmmm. That’s nice," she told him.
"Chris! Johnny!" JoAnne called from the day room. "I think it’s time we headed for home."
"Right behind you, JoAnne," Johnny responded. The threesome headed for the parking lot and Johnny’s Land Rover.
###
Chandler had parked the Bel-Air down the street from the fire station. He still couldn’t believe his good fortune. Now he knew where the man worked. He had seen the red trucks leave the station. He turned in his seat so he could watch for the white vehicle to leave the station. It wouldn’t be long now and he would know where his Crystal was. And she would be his!
END PART 6
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