Payback
Chet Kelly and Janet had just gone out on their first date and Chet had walked her to her door. It had been a lovely evening. Chet picked her up at eight p.m., and they had gone to a nearby carnival where they rode the ferris wheel together and played the 50¢ games.
Chet's favorite carnival game was the one where they set up six bottles in a pyramid and you are given three baseballs to throw and try to knock them all down in one shot. It was his favorite because he never lost. Chet had discovered at a fireman's picnic some time ago that he possessed a strong pitching arm and very good aim. A talent which fellow firefighter, John Gage, would say he was personally responsible for. At any rate, he knocked the pyramid of bottles down and won a huge stuffed giraffe for Janet. She was very impressed.
After that, they had decided to go to an all night diner and get a cup of coffee. They were there for at least two hours talking and enjoying each other's company.
Now standing at the front porch of Janet's house, Chet was trying to figure out if the date had gone well enough for him to try to give Janet a goodnight kiss. He was very nervous. Chet's head was telling him the date was successful enough to venture a try but he also knew that he should never take anything for granted. He did not want to try to kiss her and have her pull away. That would be too embarrassing. His ego was still trying to heal from his last date with Mary.
Finally the decision was made for him. Janet had placed her stuffed giraffe on a nearby patio chair. She then wrapped her arms around Chet's neck and pulled him in close. Chet hardly had time to react but certainly did not resist. Moments later, he too was involved in the action.
After several long minutes, Janet released her grip on Chet. Chet just stood there feeling light headed.
"Goodnight, Chet. I had a wonderful time tonight," Janet said, sweetly.
"I did too, Janet. Maybe if you're not too busy this weekend, we could go out again. My shift is off for the next three days," Chet replied.
Janet smiled widely, "I'd like that very much. Call me." With that, she disappeared through her front door.
Chet stood there on the porch for several seconds after Janet had left. He was on cloud nine. Not only had he met a wonderful girl whom he was very attracted too, it would appear that she had similar feelings for him as well. Finally, Chet gathered himself together and walked out towards his old station wagon.
*******
Chet had heard a traffic report on the radio that said there was an overturned tractor trailer blocking all lanes of the major highway so he decided to take back roads home.
Still daydreaming about Janet, his attention was not completely on the road. Had it been, maybe he would have noticed the deer, trotting along side the road, a lot sooner. Instead, he only saw the animal as it was ready to cross the road mere yards in front of him.
Chet slammed on his brakes and his wagon began to skid. Trying to compensate, Chet turned the steering wheel into the direction of the skid. He was now driving along side the road heading into some trees. There was much debris on the side of the road and Chet was trying his best to avoid it.
The car finally began to slow to a complete stop and Chet let out the breath he had been holding. "I'm O.K.," he thought to himself. Then out of nowhere, he heard a loud *pop*. After that, the car finally stopped its slow forward coast.
Chet got out of the wagon and circled the vehicle inspecting for damage. "When will I learn to never assume anything?" he said aloud as he noticed a right front flat tire. He held out his arms in a 'why me' gesture and turned his head skyward. "When, God, when?" he finished.
Shaking his head, Chet figured he should get to work on the repair. It was already after 1am and he still had a 35-minute drive home. Walking to the rear of the wagon, Chet opened the trunk. He pulled out the spare tire from its compartment and then cursed loudly. Instead of seeing his jack underneath the spare tire, all he saw was an empty divot. "Goddammit, Gage! Again, you borrowed my jack without returning it!" He screamed to no one in particular. He threw the spare back into the wagon and huffed his way back to the front of the car. He grabbed his keys from the ignition and shut the door.
Chet began to walk back in the direction from where he came. He was almost positive he saw a bar less than a mile back. Certainly, they'd have a telephone.
*******
John Gage stirred in his sleep. For a moment, he thought he was hearing the klaxons at the station go off. It took him a second to register the sound of the telephone ringing. He groggily reached across to the night table where the phone continued to wail.
"Ah...Hello?" John said, sleep still evident in his voice.
The voice on the other end was livid. "Oh, did I wake you? So sorry!" Chet said sarcastically.
Johnny shook his head trying to discern whom the voice on the other end belonged to. "Chet, is that you? Do you have any idea what time it is?" Johnny demanded. It was too late in the night to have to deal with Chet Kelly pranks. But Chet ignored Johnny's protests and continued. "Guess where I am, Gage? I'm in the middle of nowhere, late at night, with a flat tire and NO JACK!" He put emphasis on the last two words.
Johnny sunk his head back into his pillow. "I knew there was something I was supposed to give to him today," he thought to himself. Then speaking into the phone he said, "Alright, Chester. I get the picture. Where are you, I'll be right there."
"I'm at a little hole in the wall bar on old Route 9, about 5 miles north of Culver City. The name of the bar is "Chuckie's." I'll be inside waiting for you." Chet said.
"Old Route 9?" Johnny repeated. "That old road? No wonder you busted a tire!" said John.
"Never mind the lecture, Gage. Just get here! And, John, don't take your sweet time! I don't like the looks of this place." With that, Chet hung up the phone.
Johnny hung up his phone and groaned softly as he glanced at his alarm clock. As he started to turn to get out of bed, a dainty arm fell across his chest.
"Who was that, Johnny?" Danielle said as she nuzzled her way closer to him.
He replied, "That was a friend of mine. Seems he's stuck in the middle of nowhere and needs me to come help him out."
Danielle stared at Johnny with her best pouty stare. "You're off duty for the next three days, let someone else do the rescuing for a change!" She said hotly.
Johnny smiled. It made him feel warm inside to know that Danielle wished him to stay with her. "Well I sorta have to take care of this one, honey. I shouldn't be long."
Danielle crossed her arms and pursed her lips. "Johnny, I don't like you going out to that part of town this late at night," she insisted.
"Danielle, I'm a big boy. I'll be fine," He tried to sound reassuring.
"Just because you're over 18 doesn't mean I have to like it," Danielle pouted.
Johnny couldn't help but smile at the motherly concern. "Tell you what. I'll give you a call when I find Chet. If you don't hear from me in a half hour or so, then you can call out the dogs," Johnny didn't really think there'd be a problem but the concession noticeably made Danielle feel better.
Johnny kissed Danielle on her forehead and got out of bed to get dressed.
*******
Chet exited the phone booth and made his way up to the tavern. It looked seedy inside but at least it looked warm. The night air was beginning to make Chet shiver. He swallowed hard and entered the bar.
Inside was warm, but loud. There were sounds of glasses clanging and loud voices. Music boomed from the jukebox. But the real racket was coming from the woman standing next to it singing at the top of her lungs. She crooned her way into another chorus of Crystal Gayle's "Don't Make My Brown Eyes Blue." Chet couldn't believe that there was another person alive with a singing voice worse than Johnny's.
Trying not to attract too much attention, Chet made his way to an empty table in the back. A waitress appeared at the table within minutes. She was a very skinny woman with a lot of makeup and wearing clothes that left nothing to the imagination. The nametag over her left breast read 'Sherri'.
"What'll it be, Sugar?" Sherri asked in her best sultry tone.
"Whatever's on tap will be fine," Chet answered.
"I'll mix you up something special, Sugar," the waitress replied, as she winked at Chet and walked away.
"I should have just said "a Bud." Chet reprimanded himself.
*******
Across the bar sat two men engrossed in conversation. They were regulars at Chuckie's and were typical of the clientele. The first man, Bill, was about 30 years old. His face and body had many discolorations that were left from an accident years ago. His face also showed the many scars of plastic surgery it underwent to cover the discoloration's and dead tissue.
The second man, Joe, was a few years younger. He was like Bill's shadow. Joe was Bill's best friend and always went along with whatever trouble Bill could get themselves into.
"So where did you tell your old lady you were going this weekend?" Joe said to Bill as he downed the last of his ninth beer. But the second man remained silent. His stare was intent on the stranger who had just seated himself at the table in the back.
"Earth to Bill...come in Bill," Joe said, while waving his hand in front of his friend.
Bill woke from his trance and looked at his pal. "What's that, Joe?" he asked.
Joe looked at his buddy. "I asked you where you told Tracy you were going this weekend. But obviously, your mind is elsewhere. What are you looking at?"
Bill took a slug from his beer (he was working on his eleventh). "Turn around. See that guy sitting at the back table. I think that's Chester Kelly. Hair's a little longer, curlier. And the mustache is new. But I'm pretty sure that's him," Bill finished.
Joe casually turned around in his chair to get a look at the stranger in the back. "That's him?" he asked.
"That's the bastard!" Bill said, as he drained the last of his beer and started to rise from the table.
Joe quickly grabbed his friend and seated him back down. "Bill, calm down. Are you crazy? You can't start a fight in here. Chuckie's already pissed at you from the last brawl. He's liable to call the cops."
Bill sat back into his chair with a thud. "Joe, maybe if you had to live with what he'd done to you, you wouldn't be so calm," said Bill.
"O.K. Bill, I see your point. But this is not the place," Joe finished, as he tried to calm Bill down.
Bill poured himself another beer from the pitcher on the table. "Alright, Joe. We'll wait."
"What are you thinking about doing?" Joe asked.
"I'm not quite sure yet, Joe. But believe me, whatever I decide, he's had it coming for a long time," Bill said, with finality.
*******
Chet sat at his table trying to blend in. The over made up waitress finally returned with his drink. Chet was thankful that her definition of "something special" still resembled beer. He took the drink gratefully and took a sip. He didn't know exactly what brand he was drinking but he had to admit it wasn't too bad.
As Chet nursed his beer, he couldn't help but feel uneasy. He felt as though someone was watching him. He looked around the bar but could not discern if any of the patrons were in fact looking only at him. He figured it was just nervous energy. Being a stranger in an unfamiliar neck of the woods alone and at night. "Stop being paranoid," he said to himself.
*******
Chet finished the last sip of his beer and looked at his watch. It had been almost forty minutes since he had hung up the phone with Johnny. "Where the hell is Gage?" Chet wondered. Not wanting another beer and not wanting to sit idly at the table, Chet decided to wait for Johnny outside. He expected him to show up at any minute. He rose from his table and made his way to the exit.
He walked through the door and took a few steps into the crisp late air. His focus was on the road leading into the bar. Once again he looked at his watch. He never did get to comprehend the time because in that instant, Chet felt something dull and heavy hit the back of his neck. He hit the ground. Chet was able to pick himself up to his knees but that was as far as he could go. He knelt there dazed. Just then a figure started to come into focus.
"Maybe it's best if you stay down, boy!" the figure said.
"Who are you?" Chet asked the man, "And what do you want with me? If it's money, just take my wallet and leave me alone." Chet tried to get to his feet but failed.
The man spoke to Chet, "It just figures that you wouldn't remember the man whose life you ruined. Yeah, I'll bet your wallet is just full of cash. I'll bet you have a fancy high paying job to boot. Dare I guess you live in the heart of LA where everyone worships the ground you walk on and girls fall at your feet." Though he was slurring every other word, there was venom in the man's voice.
"Look, I don't have a clue what you're talking about," Chet spit out.
A second set of hands grabbed Chet. The second figure was behind him. He laced his arms through Chet's and helped him to his feet. He held him there with Chet now locked in his grip. The first man cocked his fist back and said, "Well then Chester, let me explain it to you." With that, he punched Chet in the stomach.
Chet saw stars. In the back of his head he started to think if this was how it was all going to end for him. A freak accident, stranded at an old tavern parking lot getting the shit kicked out of him by a couple of drunken psychos who somehow knew his name.
Just then, Chet thought he saw another figure join the fight. Only this third person wasn't against him, he was for him. He jumped on the bigger man who had punched Chet. He was able to swing him around and get one good punch in right across his jaw. The third person shouted out, "Two against one isn't very fair now is it?"
Chet immediately recognized the voice. It was Johnny! "It's about frigging time!" Chet said loudly. Now that the first man wasn't on top of him anymore, Chet was able to wriggle his torso enough to get his elbow half free from the second man's grip. With one jerking motion he elbowed the man behind him. The man took a few steps back, but held his ground. He and Chet began to trade blows.
Johnny was not having a lot of luck with his opponent. Bill outweighed him by at least 50 pounds. Plus he was almost an inch taller. Between punches, Bill said to Johnny, "Stranger, if I were you, I'd be minding my own business!"
"Sorry, but I can't do that," Johnny said. "See that guy over there? Well he's a friend of mine, and, well he still owes me a few favors. How can I collect on them if you kill him?" Johnny replied, as he launched another punch.
Chet, hearing what Johnny said began to protest. "I don't owe you anything, Gage. In fact, you owe ME plenty after tonight!" At his last words, Chet turned toward Johnny and pointed at his chest with an accusatory gesture. Joe sensed Chet's distraction and capitalized on it. He swung his fist full force into Chet's face and knocked him out cold.
As Chet went down Joe hovered on top of him. He reached in his back pocket and pulled out a knife. Though Bill was in front of him, Johnny was able to see Joe clearly. He noticed the knife and reacted.
Johnny threw Bill a hard belt to his abdomen. Bill, surprised by the sudden strength, doubled over. Johnny maneuvered around Bill and tackled Joe on the run. Joe and Johnny went down in a tangle of arms and legs. Johnny, getting to his feet first, ran to his friend's side. "Chet...Chet, can you hear me? Get up!" Johnny tugged at Chet's jacket trying to wake him.
But Johnny should have been paying more attention to Bill because, while he was checking on Chet, Bill had grabbed the heavy rock that he had hit Chet with earlier. Johnny looked at Joe who was also now on his feet and said, "O.K., you've done enough damage. Why don't the two of you get the hell out of here and just leave us alone?" Just then, Johnny felt a heavy force at the base of his neck and suddenly everything went black, as he slumped over Chet's prone form.
*******
Danielle rolled over and looked at the clock. 2:55am. It had been way past Johnny's half-hour checkpoint and still no word. "Johnny said he'd call." She thought to herself. "It's very unlike him to forget something like that." Suddenly, Danielle was overcome with worry. She didn't know why exactly, but she just had a very bad feeling about Johnny.
She quickly got out of bed and dressed. She headed out towards Johnny's living room and made her way to his desk where his telephone sat. "O.K. John, let's see how neat you are." She began to rummage through the desk. "Damn!" she cursed, as she did not find what she was looking for.
She continued to poke through various cabinets and drawers in Johnny's apartment. Finally, she hit pay dirt. "I don't know why your phone book is in your hamper, Johnny, and I DON'T WANT TO KNOW!" She said aloud. She couldn't help but chuckle.
She quickly turned to the "D" tab of Johnny's little black book. She had heard Johnny speak of his friend Roy DeSoto quite often. If there was anyone who was an expert on the habits of John Gage, it would be this guy.
Having found Roy's phone number, she headed back to the living room and dialed the phone. After three rings, a groggy male voice answered.
"Ah...Hello?" Roy said into the phone.
Suddenly not knowing what to say to this man she'd never met, Danielle temporarily froze. She regained her composure quickly though. "Hello? Is this Roy DeSoto?" she asked.
"Yes, it is," he said. Danielle could hear a groggy female voice muffled in the background. "Roy, who is it?" the voice asked.
"I don't know yet, Joanne," Roy replied to the background voice. He then said into the phone, "May I ask who's calling?"
Danielle cleared her throat, "My name is Danielle. I am a friend of John Gage. I really do apologize for disturbing you at this hour. I know it's very late. But I didn't know who else to call." There was worry in her voice.
"Danielle..." Roy paused as the name registered. "Oh, Danielle, yes, Johnny's mentioned you a few times." Suddenly Roy realized that it was very odd for one of Johnny's girlfriends to be calling him at this hour. Immediately, panic struck him as he imagined the worst. He sat upright in bed unintentionally pulling the covers off Joanne as he did so. "Is Johnny alright? What's the matter?" he said excitedly.
Hearing the excitement in her husband's tone and suddenly feeling the chill of covers being pulled off of her, Joanne DeSoto sat upright as well. "What's wrong with Johnny?" she asked Roy.
Roy shushed her with a wave of his hand as he waited for Danielle's reply.
"Actually, Roy, I don't know. The phone rang about 1:15. I think I heard Johnny say the name Lester or Chester or something like that."
"Must be Chet," Roy interjected.
"Well anyway, this Chet guy was in some kind of trouble and Johnny went to go help him out. He said he'd call me when he got there but that was over 45 minutes ago and still no word. I'm really getting worried. By any chance, would you happen to have any idea where this Chet guy could have been? I think I heard Johnny mention something about Route 9, but I'm not positive," Danielle finished. Roy could detect the anxiety in her voice
Roy tensed up. It was very strange for Johnny not to have called back to Danielle. But then again, had Johnny gotten himself in trouble, Roy was sure he'd have heard something by now. Johnny always called Roy when he needed bailing out of a jam.
Roy tried to calm Danielle down, as it appeared she was becoming hysterical. "Listen, Danielle. I'm sure Johnny's just gotten a little tied up is all. You'll probably hear from him any minute. But I'll make a few phone calls and see if I can't turn something up. I'll call you when I know something. O.K.?" Roy didn't really feel as confident as he sounded but he figured making Danielle worry more than she already was would not help matters.
"Oh, Roy, would you do that? Thank you very much! You can reach me at Johnny's," Danielle squealed.
"O.K. Danielle, I'll talk to you later," Roy said as he hung up the phone.
By now Joanne was fully awake and waiting patiently for her husband's report.
Roy looked at his wife. "It's probably nothing," he began, "Seems Johnny went out a while ago to help Chet with something and he hasn't come back yet."
Joanne sensed Roy's false bravado and tried to lighten the mood. "I'll tell you, Roy, Johnny takes more looking after than our two children combined!" She said.
Roy smiled and gave Joanne a kiss. "I have a few calls to make," he said as he stepped out of bed and grabbed his robe.
*******
"¿Hola?" A half-asleep Marco spoke into the phone.
"Hi, Marco, It's me...Roy," Roy said.
"¡Mi Dios, Roy! ¿Que sabés el tiempo?" Marco yawned into the phone.
Roy smiled as the Spanish poured over the line. "I know it's late, Marco. I'm sorry," Roy apologized, "but I'm hoping you can help me with a little information and, unfortunately, it can't wait."
Marco now regaining full consciousness sat up in bed and wiped his eyes with his hands. Making a mental note that his party on the other end spoke English, Marco asked, "Of course, Roy. What's up?"
"Marco, by any chance, did Chet mention to you what his plans were for this evening?" Roy questioned.
"Um, let me think...yeah, he did mention something this morning about how he couldn't wait till our relief arrived cause he had a hot date tonight. Some chick named Janet, I think," Marco responded.
"Janet, huh? I know this is a stretch, but do you know where around she lives?" Roy sounded doubtful.
"She lives just north of Culver City. Why? What's up?" Marco wanted to know.
"Well it seems something happened to Chet tonight. He called Johnny a while ago to help him out. No one's heard from either one of them since. I'm kinda worried."
Marco didn't sound so upset. "Really, Roy, you worry too much. They're both big boys. I'm sure they're just hanging out somewhere."
But Roy was persistent. "I doubt that Marco. See, Johnny had a lady friend with him when Chet called. He said he'd call. I don't think Johnny would keep her waiting like this."
Now it was Marco's turn to sound apprehensive. "No, Roy, that's not like Johnny. What are you planning on doing? How can I help?"
Roy was relieved that he could count on Marco's help. Though in the back of his head he knew he could always count on anyone of his shiftmates from Station 51.
"Well, as crazy as this seems, Johnny's girlfriend thinks she heard Johnny say something about old Route 9. I was thinking of taking that route up past Culver. Maybe I'll see something. I know it's a long shot but it can't hurt. Besides, I don't have anything else to go on and the police won't get involved until they've been missing over 24 hours. What else can we do?"
"I wish I had some better ideas, Roy." Marco sighed. "Tell you what, swing by and pick me up. Four eyes are always better than two."
"Thanks, Marco. I'll be there as soon as I can," Roy said, as he hung up the phone to get dressed.
As Marco hung up the phone, he was startled by the sound of a female voice.
"Marco, where are you going? You said we were going to spend these three days TOGETHER!" Rosita said as she watched Marco get out of bed and head for his closet.
"Sorry, honey. Duty calls!" Marco replied apologetically as he slid out of bed and headed for his closet.
Fifteen minutes later, Marco heard the horn beep and he ran out his door. Roy was in his car waiting for him. Marco jumped in and off they drove towards Route 9.
"I sure hope we find them just sitting on the side of the road arguing or something stupid like that," Marco said, after he had settled into the front seat.
"Yeah, it would be just like the two of them to be so involved in one of their petty disagreements that they forget contact with the rest of the world." Roy was trying to sound as though it were a good explanation for their disappearance but somehow, he knew better.
*******
"Are you sure they're tied up tightly?" Joe asked Bill, as Bill made his way towards the front of the barn.
"They aren't going anywhere," said Bill as he opened a can of beer from his six pack. "This old abandoned barn was a great idea you had, Joe. No one will think of looking for those two stooges in here for quite some time."
"What are we going to do with them now?" Joe asked, as he too grabbed a beer from his six pack.
"Well, I've been thinking on that, and I think I've come up with something," said Bill. Joe chuckled. He knew Bill for very long time. He knew how creative he could be and couldn't wait to find out what was in store for Bill's old nemesis.
*******
Chet was a little disoriented. He had just woke up and he couldn't move. He was seated in an old wooden chair. He felt his hands bound behind his back. His lower body was also immobile as his shins were tied to the chair legs. Looking around through the dim light he was becoming aware of his surroundings. There was hay strewn about the floor and some bails over in the corner. Old wooden walls were pushed against the wall. Maybe horse stalls in a former life. The air smelled slightly like manure.
Chet tried to free his hands by writhing them back and forth but to no avail. The knot was just too tight. However, the moving around caused his hands to brush up against what felt like another human touch. Leaning as far back on the chair's hind legs, Chet felt another chair back to back with his. There was definitely another person in the chair.
"Gage? Is that you?" Chet asked, his voice just above a whisper. There was no reply. "C'mon, Johnny. I know it's you. I can smell your cheap cologne." That last jibe instigated a response.
A groggy voice spoke up. "It's the cologne you bought me for Christmas last year, pal. I figured you only paid a buck for it. Thanks for the confirmation." Johnny said, as he snapped out of his stupor.
"Hey. I'll bet that cologne cost more than the book you gave me. What was it called? 'Expect Great Things' or something like that?" Chet paused for a moment, as he thought better of it. "As a matter of fact, I'll bet that was a gift given to you and you gave it to me. I always figured you for a 're-gifter,' Gage," Chet retorted.
Now fully awake, Johnny steamed, "I am NOT a re-gifter! Excuse me for trying to introduce a little culture into your otherwise dull life. It just so happens that "Great Expectations" is a classic novel! Next year I won't try so hard. I'll just head straight for the "Dick and Jane" books. You should enjoy those, they have plenty of pictures."
"Forget the books, Gage. How about buying me a new jack for my car. Having you for a friend I need two of them," Chet huffed.
"Well if you didn't drive like such a maniac, you wouldn't get as many flat tires as you do," Johnny snapped back.
"Don't try to pin all this on me, Gage. Had you returned my stuff, I'd have changed my flat and been home hours ago. Right now I'd be home in bed dreaming of Janet. Instead, I wind up at some backward tavern waiting for you while two screwballs beat the shit out of me," Chet was almost yelling by now.
"Janet would have to be in your dreams, pal, because no way in real life would a girl like that..."Johnny's insult fell silent as a figure entered the room and interrupted him. Johnny recognized him as the larger man from earlier.
"What the hell is all the racket in here? Jesus Christ, you two are worse than kids!" Bill yelled.
Chet and Johnny both stared up at the man.
Chet was first to find his voice. "What the hell is this all about, mister. I think you at least owe us an explanation."
Bill circled the chairs where Chet and Johnny were tied. Slowly he came to a stop in front of Chet. He stared deep into his eyes. Chet just returned the stare trying not to look as scared as he felt.
"You really don't remember me, do you?" Bill asked.
"Should I?" Chet responded although he knew in the back of his mind that he did look very familiar.
"Well I didn't always look like this, Chester. Once upon a time I was a good-looking kid. But that's not the case anymore now is it? And it's because of YOU that I look this way!" Bill stormed out, his hands pointing to his face.
Chet looked at Bill. "I don't have any idea what you're talking about." he lied.
Bill let out an exasperated breath. The look on his face conveyed utter contempt. "My name is Bill. Bill Johnson. We lived in the same neighborhood when we were kids. Hung out together quite often, as I recall. One day in particular, you and me went snooping around that old abandoned orphanage. You remember, down on Lexington Ave? We were in the basement when you came across that box of fireworks. Who knows how the hell they got there but there they were and you just couldn't resist tinkering around with them." Bill leaned in towards Chet and sneered, "Could never leave anything alone, could you."
Chet sunk down in his chair as memories began to come back to him. Memories of an event he had blocked out years ago, hoping they would never surface again. But such was not the case as Bill continued to remind him of what happened that day, 17 years ago.
Chet didn't want to hear anymore. He was overcome with guilt the day it happened and spent years trying to put it behind him. Now as he sat tied to a chair in an old barn with the man who he had abandoned so many years ago, he realized he couldn't avoid whatever restitution awaited him. Part of him was almost relieved that it was all going to be over once and for all. Finally he was going to come face to face with his actions. It was time to pay the piper.
"O.K., Bill, I remember now. Why don't you just get on with what you're going to do and spare me the trip down memory lane," Chet said as he tried to cut to the chase.
But Bill was relentless. "Oh, no, Chester. I think you do need reminding. Either way, your friend here has a right to know since he's involved now, too."
Johnny had been so quiet these last few moments that Chet had forgotten he was even there with him. Chet knew he had unfinished business with Bill but poor Johnny had no right being mixed up in this crazy battle of revenge.
"Let him go, Bill!" Chet ordered. "This is just between us and you know it."
Bill circled around to where Johnny was tied to his chair. He looked him in the eye while he spoke, "Afraid not, Chester. See? Your friend is a witness now. Anything bad happens to you and I'm sure he won't waste any time running my description to the cops."
Johnny finally found his voice and spoke. "Believe me mister, I wouldn't. Anyway, you'd be doing me a favor. I have to deal with this guy on a regular basis. I mean this is only an example of the kind of trouble I get into because of him." Johnny tried to put on his best lopsided grin hoping to somehow gain this mad man's confidence. He didn't expect it to work, but he had to try.
Bill looked at Johnny and actually let out a laugh. "Sorry, pal. No can do. I told you earlier you should have left him in the parking lot," he replied.
"Live and learn." Johnny mumbled under his breath.
Bill gave Johnny a sideways look. "This guy is strange," he thought to himself then returned to his recap of events. He continued to speak directly to Gage.
"So here we are in this basement. And our friend Chester, here, grabs a couple of these fireworks." Bill raised his voice slightly to question Chet, "I believe you started out with the pinwheels, right, Chester?"
"You know all the trivia answers as well as I do. Get on with it," Chet replied.
Bill shrugged his shoulders and continued, "Well, he lit them up and we watched as they took off. I have to admit, it was a sight! I was hooked. So between the two of us, we continued to light different kinds of firecrackers." Bill paused as he remembered the part where his story turned sour.
"We should have known that it was dangerous to light fireworks indoors. We figured we were O.K., though, since the ceilings were really high and the firecrackers we were lighting were the kind that only shot up maybe 6 feet, if at all. Anyway, we knew we'd get caught if we lit them outside in front of everyone so it was our only option. We were kids, after all. Unfortunately, kids too caught up in the moment to look around us. You see, some of the lit smaller firecrackers shot back down into the box. Next thing we knew, the whole box started to explode. There were some Roman Candles in there as well M-80's. The noise was deafening. As they shot out, they hit old curtains on the windows. They got nestled in left behind furniture...It was all happening so fast. Of course, Chet and I knew we had to get the hell out of there so we ran." Bill walked back around to Chet.
"Maybe since this is the time where I blacked out and you seem to know all the answers, perhaps you'd like to finish the story," he said to Chet.
Chet looked up at Bill's face. He had tears in his eyes as the guilt and memories were flooding back to him. His reply came between pants, "Bill, I didn't know you fell till after I was out of there. I never looked back. You have to believe me, I didn't know." Chet's head dropped back down. "I didn't know..." he repeated quietly.
Bill's expression was now one of anger. "When DID you finally realize I wasn't with you, Chet?" he screamed.
"Not till after I was outside. I looked around and couldn't find you," Chet cried out.
"Did it ever occur to you to come back and find out where I was?" Bill questioned.
"I did! ...I mean...I tried. I went back to the doors and took a few steps inside. The noise was incredible. The place was shaking and I could see that the flames were spreading. I panicked. I couldn't go back in there!" Chet's voice was quivering.
Bill was not satisfied with Chet's explanation and he exploded, "You were too chicken to come back for me. You left a friend in danger. YOU WERE A COWARD, CHESTER! A YELLOW BELLIED COWARD!"
"I WAS ONLY 12 YEARS OLD!" Chet shouted back in his defense.
And then there was silence as the two men stood there eyeing each other up, waiting for the next exchange.
Johnny shifted awkwardly in his chair. So many thoughts were going through his mind. The pain he heard in Chet's voice was evidence enough that he felt guilty and responsible for Bill's accident. He couldn't believe how Chet could keep something like this bottled up inside him for so many years.
Johnny felt bad for his friend. He wished that he was able to face Chet, put his hands on his shoulders and tell him it was alright. As trained fire fighters, they ran in and out of burning buildings at the drop of a hat. He wanted more than anything to try and ease the pain in Chet's heart by telling him that a scared 12 yr. old had no business going back in there. He understood this, and others would too. It was nothing to be ashamed of.
Feeling the need to break the tension, Johnny finally spoke. "Hey Bill, I know you've spent the last 17 years building this anger towards Chet. But I think you should know..."
"Shut up, mister!" Bill cut him off. "I ain't interested in anything you or him have to say," he said, pointing a finger at Johnny first then at Chet. "The long and the short of it is this. It's Chester's fault I look and feel the way I do and after all these years, I've finally caught up to him! He's going to pay for all the years of misery he's caused me. And unfortunately so are you."
Just then Joe entered the barn with a large can in each hand. "I got it, Bill," he said as he handed one of the cans to him.
"Good work, Joe," Bill said as he took one of the cans.
Bill and Joe wordlessly proceeded to douse the entire barn with the contents of the cans. It didn't take long for the both Johnny, and Chet, to recognize the smell of gasoline.
After they were done, Bill walked back over to where Chet and Johnny were seated. "You know Chet, it says in the bible, 'Do unto others as you'd have done to you.' Well the way I see it, you left me in a burning building. So that's what I intend to do to you."
Joe then produced a box of matches from his pocket and handed some to Bill. The two of them proceeded to ignite various parts of the barn. Satisfied that their job was done, Joe and Bill headed towards the exit.
As they passed by, Chet began, "Bill.... let's be reasonable." But Bill held up his hand to silence him. "I've also heard that paybacks are a bitch!" He added, "See you in hell!" Then Bill looked at Johnny. "Tough luck, pal."
"No, just mine," Johnny said, sourly.
Bill shook his head. "C'mon Joe, let's get the hell out of here!" And the two murderers fled the barn.
*******
Chet and Johnny sat tied to their chairs as the flames spread around them. Johnny was feverishly trying to escape from the ropes that held him. Chet just sat numb.
Johnny spoke behind him; "I have a bad feeling about this, Chet."
Chet did not reply.
"Chet? Hey Chet! You still with me, pal?" Johnny said louder.
After a moment Chet responded, "Johnny, I'm so sorry. I should have known that someday, something was going to happen. I should have realized I couldn't run forever. I just feel so bad because I've dragged you into my nightmare too."
Johnny knew now was not the time to give Chet grief over their present situation. "Look Chet, he's the psycho-not you! How could anyone know something like this was going to happen? I don't blame you for this, I blame him...Bill."
"But if I wasn't such a coward 17 years ago, I would have saved him then. And Bill wouldn't have had to spend these years in turmoil. I've caused him physical as well as emotional pain far too long," Chet took a breath. "Funny thing is, Bill is the reason I became a fireman. After that experience, I never wanted to be afraid of fire again. I figured the best way to overcome that fear was to face it head-on. But it's not enough. It's too little, too late...No, John, I deserve this, but not you...I'm so, so sorry." Chet's voice got low and trailed off.
"Shit." Johnny thought to himself. Now was not the time for misplaced self-blame. If he and Chet were going to make it out of this, he needed Chet's help, not remorse. "Snap out of it, Chet!" Johnny yelled. "I heard the whole story, remember? You were 12 years old. The only thing you would have accomplished by running back in there was getting BOTH of yourselves killed. You did the right thing. You ran and called for help."
But it was no use. "You're just pacifying me. Thanks for trying to save my feelings, John, but it's not going to work," Chet replied sadly.
Johnny's agitation was growing exponentially. "Chet, you're forgetting that I don't like you enough to spare your feelings! I'm telling you the truth! Now if you don't stop this 'sorry ass I deserve my punishment' attitude and help me get us out of here, I WILL die blaming you for my death. Of course after we're both dead, that won't matter. But if you honestly believe that all this is your fault, then don't you think it's up to you to do something to help our situation?" Johnny hoped that his words were finally sinking through to Chet's thick skull.
After a moment of silence, Chet spoke. "That's it? That's your big pep talk?"
"CHET!!!!" Johnny yelled.
Chet quickly added, "Gage, let's get the hell out of here. We can work on your speech skills later."
Johnny began a retort but thought better of it. There wasn't any time for it. He was just glad that Chet was thinking clearly again. Well, Chet Kelly clear, anyway.
"How tight are your hands tied. Is there anyway you can get them free?" Johnny asked.
"No, John. Tight as a drum. And I can't twist my wrist far enough to reach the knot," Chet replied.
"Me either," Johnny said, dejectedly. But then his voice rose up in excitement. "Hey Chet. Lean as far back on your chair as you can. I will too. Maybe I can reach your knot and untie it!"
Chet complied. After much balancing, Johnny was finally able to reach the ropes around Chet's hands. He worked as fast as he could at untying the knot. After what seemed like forever, Chet finally felt the tension around his wrists loosen. "I think you got it, Gage!" He said with enthusiasm. After a few more seconds Chet was able to pull his hands free.
*******
Marco piped up excitedly. "Look, Roy! Over there!" Marco piped up excitedly as he pointed to the other side of the road. "I think that's Chet's wagon! You see it? It's poking out from the trees!"
Roy scanned over to where Marco pointed. "I think you're right, Marco." Roy pulled his car off to the shoulder. He and Marco got out and crossed the deserted road to where Chet's car sat.
Marco circled the car and inspected the damage. "Just looks like a flat tire. I can't see anything else," he said.
"That would be my assumption too," Roy commented. "I wonder why he didn't change it and move on."
"Maybe he didn't have a spare?" Marco suggested.
"Well, either way, he's not here. Let's drive a little further up the road and see what we can find," Roy said.
Marco and Roy continued their journey up ole Route 9. There was a bar just a little up from where they'd found Chet's car. Roy pulled into the parking lot.
"Why are we stopping here?" Marco asked.
"I don't know. Maybe Chet came here to waste some time while he waited for Triple A. Anyway, it can't hurt to ask around," Roy's answer stopped short as noticed a familiar jeep parked in the lot. Marco followed Roy's eyes to what he was looking at.
"Is that whose jeep I think it is?" Marco asked.
Roy pulled up along side of the vehicle in question. "Yup, it sure is! I don't know anyone else who has a bed where their back seat should be."
Roy and Marco got out and walked up to the front door of Chuckie's Bar.
Once inside they scanned the room for any sign of their two friends. They walked through the patrons and took a seat at a table. A waitress wearing more makeup than clothes approached them. "What'll it be?" she asked.
"Um, nothing to drink for me, thanks," Roy said.
The waitress sounded annoyed, "Ah, honey, this is a bar. Why are you here if you don't want to drink?"
Marco sensed the waitress' irritation and decided to step in. He put his best smile forward. "Excuse me, Miss. A couple of our friends are missing and we think they may have come through here. We would really appreciate any help you may be able to give us in finding them." The waitress smiled at Marco. He seemed like a really compassionate man.
Her demeanor calmed down. "What do they look like, Sugar? I see a lot of people every night. I'm not sure if I can remember any single person, but I'll try."
Marco reached into his pocket and pulled out his wallet. He flipped through the plastic photo holders until he came upon the photo he was looking for. It was a group shot someone had taken of 51's A-shift, at the last fireman's picnic. Marco really liked the photo, and since he felt his shiftmates were family, it only seemed right to keep their picture in his wallet.
Marco pointed to Chet and then to Johnny. "These are the two we're looking for."
The waitress grabbed the wallet and held it up to her nose. "This one, I don't know," she said stabbing a finger at Johnny's image. "But this one was definitely here! I'll never forget that cute face!" she cooed, as she pointed to Chet's photo.
"About how long ago, Miss? Did you see where he was going?" Roy jumped in.
The waitress thought for a moment. "I guess he left about a couple hours ago. But I didn't ask him where he was going."
Just then Roy and Marco's attention was shifted to a man who ran up to the bar. They could not help but overhear the excited man's pleas. "Chuckie! Hurry...Call the Fire Department!"
Chuckie looked at the man, "Calm down, Fred. What's going on?"
"Hector's old barn is on fire. I saw it as I was driving over here," Fred explained.
Chuckie reached under the bar and pulled out a phone. As he dialed the operator he said, "Probably better off, y'know? That thing should have been torn down ages ago." Chuckie, hearing the operator turned his attention back to the phone. He told her about the fire and to send the Fire Department.
Roy and Marco both approached Fred. "Can you tell us exactly where that barn is?" Roy said, as he pulled his wallet out of his back pocket. "My name is Roy DeSoto and this is Marco Lopez," Roy gestured to Marco, "We're Fire Fighters with L.A. County." Roy opened his wallet to show Fred his badge. "Maybe we can help."
Fred gave Roy's credentials a quick once over. "Sure, I'll tell you how to get there." Fred proceeded to give Roy and Marco detailed directions on how to get to Hector's old barn.
After Roy and Marco felt they could find the barn, they started for the door. As an afterthought, Roy took a few steps back to where the waitress still stood. Roy said to her, "Thanks, Miss. You've been a big help!" Then he turned to join Marco at the door.
"Wait!" the waitress said, as she held on to Roy's sleeve. She jotted down something on a piece of paper. "Give this to that cutie when you find him, O.K.?" she said, as she handed Roy the paper.
Roy looked down at the note. It read, "Sherri: 555-1357". He smiled at the woman. "I certainly will, Miss. Thanks again."
*******
"C'mon, Chet! Aren't you loose yet? This fire is getting a little too close for my liking!" Johnny screamed over to his friend in irritation.
"I'm hurrying, Gage. These knots are tight." Chet said as he finished untying his feet from the chair legs. Chet sprang up and immediately started working on Johnny's ropes. Within 5 minutes, they were both free.
Johnny jumped out of his seat and grabbed Chet by the arm. "Let's get the hell out of here. I don't think this structure is going to last much longer," he said.
"You're not just whistling Dixie. Look!" Chet said, as he pointed to one of the walls of the barn, which was seconds away from collapsing. The two firemen ran towards the side of the barn where Bill and Joe had exited through earlier. Just as they reached the exit, a beam from the ceiling came crashing down. The beam was on fire and ignited the hay on the floor below, sealing off the exit.
"There goes that way out!" Chet yelled over the noise of the fire.
"What do you mean?" Johnny yelled back. Chet looked at Johnny with sheer shock.
"What, are you blind? The fire's sealed off the exit! Unless, of course you think you can use all that hot air of yours to blow out the flames," Chet snarled.
"Very funny, Chet. Shame you're only funny in a crisis," Johnny shot back.
Johnny and Chet backtracked into the barn in search of another exit. The barn wasn't very big so the choices were down to a minimum. The flames were spreading at an alarming rate. Both Johnny and Chet could feel the hair on the back of their neck start to curl from the heat. They both knew their time was running short. Not only were the flames threatening to bring down the walls, but the smoke was beginning to deprive them of breathable oxygen.
"Johnny, I got an idea," Chet spat out between coughs.
"There's a first time for everything, I guess," Johnny coughed back.
Chet ignored Johnny's insult. "I'm thinking we can make it to that loft up there," he said pointing up. "The fire's hasn't gotten up there yet. I figure all we need to do is get up to that window. We can then use the ropes Bill tied us up with to climb down."
Johnny eyed the loft suspiciously, "Do you really think it'll hold?"
"Judging by the looks of the rest of the place, I don't think any of it will be standing for much longer," Chet said.
Johnny took a look around and nodded in agreement. He ran over to where the ropes were and picked them up. He gave two of them to Chet. "Here, tie these together. We need these lines as long as possible."
Chet grabbed the proffered ropes and tied them in a square knot. Johnny did the same with his two ropes. The two men proceeded up the wooden steps to the loft. The wooden planks rocked beneath their feet. Both men's eye's darted toward each other in a glance that told it all. They both knew that this loft wasn't going to hold and that they needed to get out that window soon.
As feared, the planks beneath Johnny's feet gave way and Johnny fell through the floor to the level below with a scream and a thud. Seeing the planks break away, Chet quickly threw himself towards the wooden steps and grasped on tightly to the top step which was still attached to a beam of the loft.
>From his perch, Chet yelled out with worry, "Johnny! Are you alright?" He couldn't really see Johnny through all the dust and smoke, and that made him very nervous.
"I'm OK, Chet. I landed in a couple bails of hay. I think I may have twisted something, though," Johnny yelled out.
Chet sighed in relief. "Hang on, pal, I'm coming down." Chet climbed down what remained of the steps and made his way to Johnny. By now, both men were suffering with coughing spasms, as the air became thicker by the second.
Chet grabbed Johnny by the arm and tried to help him to his feet. He was forced to stop when Johnny suddenly let out a yelp. Chet lowered him back down to the ground. "What is it?" he asked.
Johnny quickly ran his hands down his right leg. "I was hoping I was wrong but I thought I heard a pop when I hit the ground. I think my right leg is broken," he surmised.
"You just got to be difficult, don't ya Johnny?" Chet asked.
Just as Johnny was about to comment, another piece of the loft came flying down. Johnny knew the place was growing more unstable by the second and his latest injury may be just enough of a hinder to cure any thoughts he had of escaping. He saw no advantage in taking Chet down with him.
"Chet, look, it's just a matter of minutes before this whole place crashes down on top of us. I don't think I can make it to that window in any hurry. I think you should save yourself," Johnny said, sincerely.
Chet looked down at Johnny with determination, "No way, Gage. I spent the last 17 years feeling guilty for leaving a friend behind. I'm not about to waste the next 17 feeling guilty about you! Either we're both getting out of here or we're both staying. The choice is yours."
Johnny tried to argue with the man but Chet's mind was made up. Finally he gave in. "O.K. Chet, let's get out of here. Any ideas on how I'm going to get to that window now that half the loft's gone?"
"As a matter of fact, I do have a couple of thoughts." Chet ran over to where a beam had fallen earlier. He picked up the beam and tucked it under his arm. He then went over to the steps and climbed to the top. Putting all his weight on the top step, Chet tested the staircase for stability. Satisfied it wasn't going anywhere just yet; he laid the beam so that it connected the top step and the window. Then he climbed down. On his way back to Johnny, Chet picked up the rope that had fallen.
"Just what are you thinking?" Johnny asked.
"C'mon, Johnny, a bright boy like you should have figured this out. I'm going to tie this line around you. Then I'm going to help you up the steps. Then your going to slide yourself across that beam and then I'm going to lower you down to the ground. This is really basic stuff, Gage," Chet teased.
Johnny eyed his friend. He knew that under the comedic relief he was serious. He hated to admit it, but he agreed with Chet that it was their only way out.
"O.K., let's get on with it," Johnny moaned.
Chet did as he explained and tied the rope around Johnny. Then he helped him to his feet. Johnny, for his part, concentrated on not yelling in pain with every step.
Around them, the flames grew hotter and closer. Johnny turned to Chet, "This is crazy, Chet. Look, I appreciate the sentiment but let's be real. Leave me here and keep going."
Chet ignored Johnny, and after what seemed a lifetime finally made it to the top of the steps. "O.K. this part's up to you," Chet said.
Johnny looked at the window then back at Chet, "Ah...Chet...In case something happens...I just wanted to say..."
Chet cut him off, "You're wasting time, Johnny...Go!"
Johnny would not be silenced. "No, Chet, it needs to be said...Staying with me was probably one of the dumbest things you've ever done. Some may even call it BRAVE. So don't let the words of a self pitying old coot ever tell you that you're not," then Johnny gave Chet a lopsided grin, "Dumb, that is!"
Chet gave Johnny a nudge on the shoulder, "Would you just get across that beam!"
Johnny returned his attention to the matter at hand and straddled the beam. Using his hands in front of him, he scooted himself across. When he reached the window he climbed out. Chet found himself a crook in the step to brace himself. Chet gave Johnny a final nod to signal he was ready. With that Johnny disappeared through the window as Chet lowered him to safety.
Once he was on the ground, Johnny gave the rope a couple of tugs to signal to Chet that he could reel back the rope. Johnny collapsed on the ground as the pain he had been feeling by moving his leg finally overcame him. The air around him was fresh compared to the air he was breathing in inside the barn. His body started sucking in the clean air at a rapid rate bringing Johnny into yet another fit of coughing. Through all of it though, Johnny couldn't tear his eyes from the window. He strained through squinted eyes. "Chet should be climbing out any minute now," he thought.
Chet felt two tugs on his rope. "Good, he's down," Chet said to himself. He started coughing again as the air around him continued to fill with thick smoke. "Not a moment too soon, either."
Chet tied one end of the rope to the beam, which was still attached to the wall and steps. He hoped it had at least five more minutes of hold to it. He then tied the other end around his waist. Chet straddled the other beam the way Johnny had done just before him and inched his way across.
*******
"There it is!" Roy said pointing through the windshield.
"I see it too." Marco concurred.
Roy drove his car towards the burning barn. In the distance, wails of sirens could be heard. "Looks like the cavalry will be here soon," Roy commented.
"I don't think it going to do much good. I think this barn's had it," Marco observed.
As they drove closer they could make out a figure on the ground looking up at the barn.
"Is that guy nuts?" Marco gasped, "He should be as far away from that thing as he can. Not sitting there admiring it!"
Roy brought the car to a stop and he and Marco jumped out and ran towards the man on the ground. Both Roy and Marco looked at each other when they came close enough to distinguish who it was.
"Johnny! Is that you?" Roy asked he came up behind the man.
Johnny could not believe his ears. "Roy? How...where did you...?" His voice was cut off by another fit of coughing.
Roy pushed Johnny's shoulders down so that he was now lying flat. He grabbed his wrist and started taking his pulse. "Never mind me, what the hell are you doing out here?" he asked.
Johnny struggled to sit back up. "I'll explain later Roy. But...Chet...He's still in there!" Johnny said as he pointed to the window.
Marco jumped up and ran to the barn. "Oh my God! Chet!!" he yelled up, fruitlessly.
The three men looked skyward towards the still window. Then, suddenly, a form emerged from it. When the form reached the bottom, Johnny, Roy and Marco all let out the breath they had been holding.
Chet dropped down to the ground and coughed while he tried to fill his lungs with the fresh air. Roy immediately ran over to him and started to take his vitals.
"Roy? Am I seeing things? Is that you?" Chet asked, in disbelief.
Roy didn't look away from what he was doing. "Yeah, Chet, it's me. Lie still," he ordered.
None of the four men were aware of the approaching fireman.
"What's going on over here?" The beefy fireman said, as he approached the group.
Marco quickly explained that he and Roy were firefighters who saw the blaze and came to see if they could lend a hand. He told him that Johnny and Chet had just escaped from the barn and needed medical attention.
"What the hell were they doing in there in the first place? Did they start this fire?" The fireman accused.
Marco didn't like the tone that he heard from the man. "NO, of course not!" he screamed. "I'm sure they'll be able to give full details on everything that's happened just as soon as they brought to the hospital. They need to be treated for smoke inhalation and whatever other injuries they might have."
The fireman pulled out his handie talkie and ordered dispatch to send a couple of ambulances to their location.
"It's not safe here," The fireman said, "Let's get these men out away from the blaze."
"I think my right leg is broken." Johnny informed the group. Marco nodded to the fireman and between the two of them, they helped Johnny to his feet. They each draped one of Johnny's arms around their shoulders. Roy was able to help Chet by himself. In minutes, they were all a safe distance from the burning barn.
After depositing Johnny on the ground the fireman spoke again. "Wait here for the ambulances. They'll be here any minute. Oh, and the police will want a statement too," he said as he ran back towards the barn to join his fellow firefighters who were battling the blaze.
*******
Johnny adjusted the pillow behind him. "Damn hospital beds," he muttered, "Never can get comfortable in them."
"Perhaps you were more comfortable in the burning barn?" Chet quipped from the bed next to him.
Johnny and Chet had been taken to a nearby hospital where they were both treated for smoke inhalation. Johnny had also been treated for a broken right leg. The doctor in emergency thought it necessary to keep the two victims overnight for observation.
Before the banter could continue, the door to their room burst open and in walked Roy and Marco.
"Hey guys! Is it safe to come in?" Roy asked, as he poked his head through the door.
"Hi, Roy. Hey, Marco," Johnny and Chet both greeted.
Roy and Marco made their way into the room. Marco pulled a chair between the two beds and sat down in it. Roy sat down next to Johnny on his bed. "O.K., now that your both settled in, can one of you please tell me what the hell you two were doing in a burning barn in the middle of the night?"
Johnny and Chet exchanged glances. Neither one of them was eager to relive the accounts of that evening. Unable to meet Johnny's gaze much longer, Chet hung his head. Johnny could tell that Chet was still blaming himself, at least in part, for that nights events. Chet was about to recount the whole sordid story to Roy and Marco but Johnny started in first. He decided he didn't want Chet to have to relive his childhood nightmare.
Johnny explained, "It went like this. Chet got a flat tire and he called me to help him out. He was waiting for me at a bar on Route 9. When I got there, a couple of goons jumped us. Then they took us to this barn and tied us up. Next thing we knew, the psychos torched the place and ran out. We managed to untie ourselves and we made a break for it. The exit was sealed off by fire so we had to use the window up in the loft. Well, the loft wasn't very stable and I fell through." Johnny pointed to his cast leg for emphasis. Johnny shrugged. "Typical day in the life, if you ask me," he concluded.
Marco's face lit up. "Wow, John. How were you able to make it out of there in your condition?" Roy's curiosity was peaked as well.
Johnny sat upright in his bed. "Marco, I never thought I'd hear myself say this but here goes. I owe my life to Chet. He single-handedly rescued me to safety from that barn." Johnny looked at Chet and gave him a wink. "Who knew Chet had the bravery of a hero?"
Chet shifted in his bed. He wasn't satisfied with Johnny's explanation. "That's not the whole story, guys," he began.
Once again Johnny stopped him short. "It is as far as I'm concerned, Chet," Johnny said to his friend.
Roy and Marco exchanged glances.
Sensing Roy and Marco's uneasiness, Chet recovered and broke the awkward silence. "Well, I had to rescue him," he said, in true Chet Kelly fashion. "Johnny wanted me to leave him there and since when do I do ANYTHING Johnny tells me to do?"
Johnny dismissed Chet with a wave of his hand. "What I want to know is how the hell did you two know to come out looking for us?" Johnny asked.
Roy piped up, "Your girlfriend, Danielle called me. She was worried when you missed your check in call. She said she thought she heard you mention Chet's name and going to Route 9. I called Marco to see if it made any sense to him. Fortunately, Marco knew Chet had a date with a girl who lived out that way so we kinda took a shot and headed out here. Eventually, we made it to Chuckie's bar. We saw your jeep in the lot and went inside to look around." Roy stopped, as he suddenly remembered the note in his pocket and reached in for it.
"By the way, Chet...Sherri thinks you're a "cutie" and wants you to call her," Roy said as he threw the paper to Chet. Chet took the paper and crumpled it without even looking at it.
"No thanks," he said.
Johnny couldn't contain himself. "Who's Sherri?" he asked, teasingly.
"Who's Danielle?" countered Chet.
Roy chuckled and continued with his story. "Anyway, a guy came running in yelling about a fire in a barn. Me and Marco figured we could help the locals with the fire so we drove out to there. It was pure luck that we found you guys at that barn."
Johnny was absolutely delighted. "See Chet, you can thank the old Gage charm for Roy and Marco coming to look for us. Only a half hour without me and Danielle called out the dogs."
"She probably wanted to know if the peace and quiet was permanent," Chet snickered.
Feeling a typical Gage/Kelly exchange coming on, Marco looked at his watch. "We'd better get moving. Visiting hours ended long ago. They just let us come up for a minute to check on you two. And if the nurses here are anything like the ones at Rampart, we're going to get tossed out on our ears, real soon. Do you guys need anything before we head home?"
"Another roommate," said Johnny.
Chet's face conveyed hurt. "Now is that anyway to talk about someone who saved your life?" he asked.
"Chet, it's because of you that my life was in danger in the first place!" Johnny pointed out.
"Not so fast, Gage! I wouldn't have been at that bar had you returned my jack!" Chet countered.
Roy looked at Marco and crooked his head towards the exit. Marco nodded.
As Marco and Roy cleared the door, Marco turned to Roy and said, "Those two will never change."
Roy paused and thought a moment while he listened through the door. He could still hear Johnny and Chet "debating". He couldn't help but smile. "That's O.K., Marco. Even though they take a lot of looking after, I don't think I want them to change a thing."
Marco smiled as he was in complete agreement with Roy. Then they headed down the hallway with the sounds of Johnny and Chet, arguing blame and fault, fading in the distance.
"Payback" ©1999 Lisa Damiani. "Emergency!" and its characters © Mark VII Productions, Inc. All rights reserved. No infringement of any copyrights or trademarks is intended or should be inferred. This is a work of fiction, and any similarity to actual persons or events is purely coincidental.
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