The New Man
by Nancy
F. Thysell
(the Nifty Lady)
Roy DeSoto, the strawberry blonde firefighter/paramedic of Station Fifty-one’s A-Shift for LA County, was in a good mood as he drove his sport’s car to work that April 1st morning. He steered quickly through the early morning crush of commuters, humming to himself. The sun was rising amid a scattering of clouds to his left. Reaching down to the radio, he tuned in a jazz station and began to drum his fingers to the beat of the music. Yes sir! Today’s gonna be great!
Roy was more than an hour early when he arrived at the station. C-Shift’s crew milled around the day room, trying to have breakfast before their shift ended. After dressing into his uniform, Roy joined the guys in the kitchen area, greeting everyone companionably. He sat down at the table with a fresh mug of coffee and grabbed a section of the paper. Charlie Dwyer, one of C-Shift’s paramedics, couldn’t help but notice the smile on Roy’s face.
"Well, Roy, seems you must have had a few good days off," Dwyer noted.
Roy peered over the top of the newspaper at his fellow fire fighter. "You might say that," he grinned slyly and returned his eyes to the paper in front of him.
"So, what gives?" Dwyer demanded.
"Well, Charlie," DeSoto drew it out slowly. "I could tell you...but...then...I’d have to kill you." His eyes twinkled with mischievousness.
Dwyer did a double-take. He wasn’t sure what DeSoto was up to but he couldn’t wait for the outcome. If Roy was behind something devious, then it had to be good. I bet it has something to do with Gage. Man oh man, I hope I get to see him get it. Dwyer smiled back at his co-worker. Okay Roy, I’ll wait.
The rest of A-Shift wandered in over the next forty-five minutes. Dwyer watched as each came through the door and waited. Roy greeted each man as they arrived. Everyone sat around chatting amiably. Dwyer waited. The grin on Roy’s face never faded. What is he up to? Dwyer wondered.
Even after A-Shift assembled in the truck bay for roll call, Dwyer waited. He was convinced that whatever Roy was going to do, it would probably happen soon. He made himself comfortable on the sofa. Henry, the station’s mascot, crawled over and place his head in Dwyer’s lap.
"We shouldn’t have to wait too long," he confided in the hapless pooch and gently scratched the dog’s ears.
Chet Kelly entered the day room with cleaning supplies and gave Dwyer a surprised look. "How come you’re still here Charlie?"
"Oh, I’m just waiting..." Dwyer grinned as he let the sentence fade away. Chet raised his eyebrows. He could smell a practical joke in the making a mile off. Did the Phantom have competition?
"Okay, give." Chet demanded crossing over to the sofa. Dwyer lifted his hands.
"I know nothing," the paramedic protested à la Sgt. Shultz. Chet peered back over his shoulder and returned his gaze to Charlie.
"You know something. I can smell it."
"Honestly, Chet. I don’t know anything. Let’s just say I have my suspicions."
Chet was determined to pump Dwyer for further information when the klaxons sounded. Frustration played across his face as he spun on his heels and dashed for the engine. Dwyer waited a few more minutes and then resigned himself that he was going to miss out on...well...on whatever it was. Might as well head home. He picked himself off the sofa, disturbing Henry’s nap, and headed for the parking lot. He shook his head as ambled along. Roy, who’d have thunk? Charlie chuckled to himself as he started to unlock his door. He hesitated a moment, frowning. What if I’m the target? Better check the car out carefully. After a quick inspection and satisfied that he was safe, Dwyer carefully unlocked the door and entered the vehicle. A wave of relief flashed over him as he put the car into gear and drove out of the parking lot.
***
Roy backed the squad into its place and parked. His dark-haired partner, Johnny Gage sighed heavily. It had been a bad run. A middle-aged man had suffered a heart attack and they couldn’t stabilize him. He was DOA at Rampart. They had barely exited the cab when Captain Hank Stanley motioned to them.
"Gage. DeSoto. My office."
The two paramedics exchanged a questioning look and followed Hank back into his office.
"Have a seat guys," Hank instructed. He seemed preoccupied. Neither man moved too far into the room.
"Are we in trouble, Cap?" Roy asked worriedly.
"Uh, no. I’m sorry. Please come in and sit down. Johnny close the door, would ya Pal?" Johnny complied and he and Roy sat down across from Stanley’s desk.
"Is something wrong?" the younger paramedic inquired. Neither paramedic was used to seeing their Captain this distracted.
"Uh, what? No, well, nothing to do with work that is." He shuffled a stack of papers on his desk. The two paramedics waited patiently for him to go on. After a moment he looked up.
"What’s wrong, Cap?" Roy asked with genuine concern. He could see Hank’s inner turmoil as he wrestled with whatever it was that was bothering him.
Hank looked into the worried eyes of his paramedics. How much do I tell them? "Maybe this isn’t the best time," he began. Suddenly he felt inadequate and vulnerable, focusing hard on the papers in his hands. Johnny got a queasy feeling in the pit of his stomach. Roy shifted uncomfortably in his chair.
"Cap?..." Roy started tentatively.
"I’m sorry, guys. I guess I can’t go into right now." Hank stood up from his chair and leaned on his hands. He struggled for control. Both paramedics rose hesitantly from their chairs.
"Anything we can do..." Roy offered. Johnny nodded in agreement. Whatever it was that was bothering their Captain had to be monumental. Hank looked so hard past Roy’s head that Roy couldn’t help but turn and look. President Ford’s picture smiled out at the room from a simple wood frame on the wall behind him. Glancing back at his Captain with another worried look, he motioned to Johnny to go on out. Hank’s gaze was frozen on the wall.
Once the office door closed behind Johnny’s exit, Roy directed his full attention at his Captain and friend. "Cap! Hank! Look at me!" he ordered sharply. Hank blinked several times and then refocused on Roy’s face.
"Wha...?"
"What the hell is going on?" Roy demanded. Hank slumped back into his chair. He cradled his head in his hands and slowly rocked back and forth. Roy had never seen Hank Stanley this distraught except...He jerked his head up quickly. Oh no! "Hank? Is it Emily?" He rounded the desk and squatted beside Hank’s chair. He placed a comforting hand on the Captain’s forearm.
Hank rocked his head, slightly. Roy’s mind raced. What could it be? "Hank, you’ve got to talk to me! Do I need to get you a replacement?" When Hank didn’t respond Roy knew that his Captain was in no condition to work. He dialed the phone and reached Headquarters. Station Fifty-one would be out of service until a replacement arrived. Roy sat on the edge of the desk and rested his hand on Hank’s shoulder.
"Talk to me, Hank," the younger man pleaded. He wasn’t sure but he thought perhaps Hank was weeping. The helplessness he felt was unbearable. He waited a moment or two to see if his friend would say anything. Then the paramedic stood and turned to leave the office. "I’ll be back in a sec," he informed the now motionless man.
Roy found the rest of the crew in the day room. They all looked up at him expectantly as he entered the room. Mike Stoker, the engineer, rose to his feet from the sofa. "What’s going on, Roy?" he asked quietly. Obviously the engine crew had already experienced Hank’s mood.
"I don’t know," he answered honestly and then continued, "Headquarters is sending a replacement. I think Johnny and I should drive him home. Did anything unusual happen on your last run that any of you noticed?"
"I can’t think of a thing," Marco Lopez admitted. Chet and Mike both shook their heads.
"He seemed fine to me," Chet added.
"Well, I guess there really isn’t anything we can do until Cap tells us something different," he shrugged his shoulders. He sighed heavily. "Come on, Junior. Let’s get the Cap home."
***
The drive to the Stanley home was conducted in silence. Hank stared directly ahead, seemingly unaware of his surroundings. At one point, Roy considered turning the squad around and forcibly taking the Captain into Rampart. They pulled up in front of Hank’s home and parked. Johnny moved to get out of the cab when Hank placed a gentle but restraining hand on his arm.
"Wait," he said almost breathlessly. Johnny and Roy waited. Hank closed his eyes and swallowed hard. In a few seconds he opened his eyes. "Okay, let’s go."
The three men walked to the front door. Hank fumbled with his keys for a moment and then passed them to Roy. He stood back as the paramedic turned the key in the lock, opening the door. Hank pushed past the others and entered the darkened living room. He crossed the neatly appointed room and took refuge in the much used recliner. To Johnny and Roy, the house felt odd. Uneasily they entered the room and took seats on the couch.
Hank stared off into space while his paramedics waited uncomfortably. Roy was uneasy at the thought of leaving Hank by himself. "So, Hank, where’s Emily?" DeSoto finally asked, trying to make the question sound casual. Hank turned his head as if following Roy’s voice.
"Mexico," he whispered softly.. His answered stunned both young men.
"Why? What’s she doing down there?" Johnny asked increduously.
Hank mumbled something into his chest.
"What?" Roy asked.
Hank lifted his head. "She’s at the Barlow Clinic."
Johnny was confused, but things fell into place for Roy. He knew that the Barlow Clinic was a controversal treatment center for cancer patients. They used experimental drugs that weren’t legal in the states. "How bad is it, Hank?" he asked gently. Johnny was still confused, but he kept quiet. He figured he had better let Roy handle this one.
Stanley leaned forward, resting his forearms on his knees. "I don’t really know, Roy. She wouldn’t tell me." Even putting a voice to it couldn’t make it real to Hank. His wife had cancer, and he didn’t even know how bad it was.
"What happened today?" Roy prodded. Hank slumped back into the chair.
"Em called shortly after we got back from that last call. She’d been to see her doctor and just made up her mind to go. Just like that!" He snapped his fingers. He couldn’t believe it. Not so much that she had gone, but that she had gone without him!
Roy felt emphathy for his co-worker. As a married man himself, he knew how he worried whenever JoAnne wasn’t feeling well. He could almost imagine what it would be like if something like this happened to his wife. He shuddered at the thought. "What can we do, Cap?"
Hank shook his head. "You’ve done enough, Roy. You and Johnny need to get back to work. I’ll be all right. I’ll just have to wait for her to call." He buried his head in his hands again. "What am I going to do without her?" he moaned.
Roy felt his heart go out to his friend. It was hard to see Hank so out of control. The handi-talkie came to life, asking for their status.
Johnny responded, "Squad Fifty-one, available." They knew they had to leave but they were reluctant to go.
"Go on, get out of here," Stanley ordered.
"Right Cap," Johnny acknowledged reluctantly. He and Roy finally took their leave and headed back to the squad. Dispatch directed them on their next run and they departed from the Stanley house with lights and siren.
***
Captain Bill Thompson met them on their return. Captain Thompson was an older member of the fire service. His once dark hair was now salt and pepper. He was about as tall as Mike Stoker. He’d been with the department over thirty years though most of the time now he was assigned desk duty. After he introduced himself to the paramedics, he informed them at they would be having a trainee ride with them, starting on their next shift. Both men groaned inwardly. It was bad enough having a trainee under normal circumstances but with the Cap out...well, it wouldn’t be the same. This is one April Fools day they would be glad to see pass by. Even the Phantom had lost his lust for a good prank.
By the end of their shift, the word had come down officially that Captain Stanley would be on indefinite leave of absence. He had informed Roy personally that he would be going to the Barlow Clinic to be with his wife. Roy had passed this piece of information on to the rest of the crew. They all left in a somber mood.
***
The next shift found A-shift straggling in for work. Everyone was accounted for by the time Captain Thompson held roll call. He brought Antonio J. Morengello out of his office to introduce to the guys. After he met the engine crew, he finally shook hands with Roy and Johnny.
"My friends call me AJ," he informed them warmly. AJ was six foot one and wore his blonde hair military short. He was married and had a son about the same age as Roy’s daughter, Jennifer. He was a just few months older than Roy. He had been discharged from the Army just prior to entering the fire academy. His body was well defined from hours of weight lifting and strenuous physical activity. He had an easy demeanor and instantly put the crew at ease. He had had similar military experience to Roy’s, serving as a medic in Viet Nam. AJ had, however, re-enlisted, intending to make the military his career. But with the end of the war and the direction that politics, re-enlisting didn’t seem to be a viable option. So he chose firefighting with LA County because of the reputation of their emergency paramedic program. Now that he was certified, all he had left to do was his paramedic field training.
Roy gave AJ the nickle tour of the squad after they assigned him a locker. Afterwards they settled in the day room, reminiscing over their days in Nam. It had been years since Roy had talked to anyone about his tour of duty -- mostly because so few others had had a similar experience. Even Chet’s military service had been different and he rarely spoke of it. Johnny had sat on the edge of their conversations, feeling a bit left out. Gradually, he extricated himself and occupied himself with other activities.
Both Roy and Johnny found that AJ’s skills as a paramedic were exceptional. It was a relief to both of them that they could rely on his abilities. AJ Marengello was going to be an excellent addition to the paramedic program.
***
JoAnne DeSoto hurried over to the ringing telephone from the laundry room. She grabbed it on the third ring. "DeSoto residence," she answered rather breathlessly.
Johnny cracked a smile at her voice, "Hi JoAnne. Didn’t interupt anything did I?" he teased.
"Unfortunately, just the laundry," JoAnne laughed. "What can I do for you?"
"Well, you could put that partner of mine on the phone for me."
"Oh, I’m sorry Johnny, Roy’s not here."
Johnny frowned. He checked his watch. It was only nine. "Where’d he go?"
"I’m not exactly sure. He and AJ were headed off somewhere," she explained vaguely.
"Oh," Johnny tried to hide his disappointment. This was the third time Roy and AJ had spent their off days together. "Well, would you have Roy give me a call when he gets in?"
"Sure I will," JoAnne promised.
"Say, Jo, when are you going to have me over for some of your home cooking?" he hinted hopefully.
"Well, let’s see now. AJ and Mindy are coming to dinner tonight. And I’m afraid that Roy and I have a commitment tomorrow night. I’ll talk to Roy and see what we can set up for next week. Okay?"
"Yeah, that’d be great. Thanks JoAnne. I’ll talk to you later." Johnny hoped that his voice sounded more enthusiastic than he felt. He hung up the phone. He felt a pang of jealously over AJ and his wife Mindy having dinner with his best friend and his wife. Oh, come on, Gage. You’re still Roy’s best friend. Once AJ gets assigned to a permanent partner, he’ll latch on to that guy’s family. But, somehow, Johnny didn’t feel too convinced.
***
Johnny hurried into the station and quickly changed into his uniform. As he crossed the truck bay he could hear AJ’s laugh coming from the day room. Then he recognized Roy’s chuckle. He froze near the door, hesitating to enter. He was beginning to feel like a third wheel. Man, I’ll be so glad when this training period is over.
He entered the room with a forced smile on his face. Chet was stuffing a fresh danish in his mouth, drooling over every morsel. "Oh, that’s is so good, it oughta be illegal," he drooled appreciatively.
"Like you’d know the difference," Johnny snorted as he passed the table, inspecting the array of pastries nestled on a tray. He poured himself a hot cup of coffee and selected a tempting looking creamed filled donut from the tray.
"Who sprung for the goodies?" he asked through a mouthful.
"Guilty as charged," AJ admitted. "Help yourself! Mindy thought you guys deserved a treat for putting up with me."
"That’s right," Marco interjected, his disappointment obvious. "You’ll be leaving us soon."
"That’s too bad," Mike agreed. "You’ve certainly livened things up around here."
"Hey, maybe he can become Roy’s alternate partner," Chet teased. "I mean, Gage, you’re out on the disabled list so frequently."
"Ha ha. Very funny, Chet. I haven’t been injured in months," John retorted.
"It’s only a matter of time, Johnny boy. It’s only a matter of time." Chet wiggled his eyebrows playfully. Johnny scowled at Chet over the rim of his cup.
Captain Thompson ordered roll call. The men assembled for the required formality. After assignments were made, Captain Thompson informed the crew that Captain Stanley would be returning on their next shift. Stanley’s crew just about cheered at the news.
"No offense, Captain," Mike apologized for everyone. "We’ve enjoyed working with you sir but..."
"I know, Mike. There’s nothing like having your complete team together. I’ll miss working with you men. It’s been a pleasure." Captain Thompson said sincerely. "However, the shift isn’t over for another 24 hours, so let’s get down to business."
As Johnny headed over to check out the squad he smiled as he thought about what the Captain had said about having your complete team. Yeah, I’m really looking forward to things getting back to normal.
The klaxons sounded. "Station 51, Station 36, Truck 110. Structure fire. Ergo Industries, 109 South Culver Blvd. One Zero Nine South Culver Blvd. Cross street Simmons. Time out 0834."
"Station 51, KMG365," Captain Thompson acknowledged. He passed the address off to Roy as the bay doors opened and hurried over to the engine. Johnny was seated between Roy and AJ, so AJ took the slip and pulled up the map. Mike revved the diesel engine and followed the squad out into morning traffic.
The structure was heavily involved by the time 51’s arrived. Captain Williams from Station 36 was directing the attack. After dispatching Marco and Chet to man a 2 1/2 inch hose on the east side of the building, Captain Williams motioned the three paramedics over.
"Bill," he directed Captain Thompson, "take one of your men here and back up Kelly and Lopez. The other two I need to start a search and rescue. The foreman doesn’t think everyone got out."
Thompson nodded and gestured to Gage. "Johnny, you come with me. Roy, AJ, you have the search and rescue."
The four men separated in opposite directions to their assigned tasks. Chet and Marco were manning a forceful stream of water at the inferno. Captain Thompson and Johnny advanced with their line. Slowly the men attacked the flames, inching forward. Thompson kept a watchful eye on the conditions, determined that no harm would befall his crew. After a grueling hour, they appeared to be making some headway against the beast. They were about ready for a break when the wall on their left began to bow. There was a rumble and the four men turned in sync and watched as the wall came tumbling down. Chet and Marco dove for cover to their right. Johnny dropped the hose, deftly turned and pushed Thompson back and away from the falling debris. Unfortunately, he couldn’t propel himself out of the way as well.
The crew from 36 heard the rumble of the falling wall and came running. They found Captain Thompson first, lying on his back and unconscious. There was a serious gash on his forehead, bleeding profusely. Nearby, they found Chet and Marco facedown under a light layer of rubble. Their injuries proved to be minor and the firemen quickly helped them to the triage area. Roy headed over to the where Captain Thompson still lay. He made a quick assessment and ordered a c-collar and stokes.
Once the Captain was loaded up, Roy realized that he hadn’t seen Johnny yet. He turned to one of the other firemen. "Eddie," he called. "Have you seen Johnny?"
"Fraid not, Roy. You need help?"
"Maybe. He was on the line with the Captain. But I haven’t seen him."
The two men started checking through the rubble being careful where they walked. Another man from 36 came running over. "Hey, Roy! Chet says Johnny was over near where the Captain fell!"
Roy turned and looked over at the area where he had examined Thompson. The rubble did seem deeper near there. He rushed back. "Johnny!" he screamed. He fell on his knees and and dug desperately a the debris. Other firemen gathered and began the slow process of clearing the rubble. Roy felt something soft under his gloved fingertips. He took a closer look and realized that it was a turnout coat.
"Over here!" the paramedic shouted. Soon many hands were making rapid progress in uncovering Gage’s prone, unmoving form. "Get a backboard. Tell AJ to get over here -- now!" Roy ordered sharply. He removed his glove and reached down to check Johnny’s pulse. It was weak and thready, but it was there. He quickly examined Gage for injuries. He determined that there were no obvious breaks. But considering the pile of rocks that had been removed, there could be internal injuries. He felt a goose egg sized bump on the back of Johnny’s head. Concussion for sure, partner.
AJ materialized by Roy’s side. Roy detailed his findings quickly as they prepared to roll Johnny onto the backboard. Soon they had him immobilized and carried him out of further harm’s way.
"Oh man!" Gage thought as he opened his eyes. "My head feels like it’s going to split wide open."
He stared up at the acoustical tile ceiling. This sight was way too familiar. He recognized the unmistakable smell of the hospital. Johnny then realized that his head was immobilized somehow. His eyes darted to either side of the bed. Strange to be alone. He determined from the darkness of the room that it was nighttime. Why isn’t Roy here? Roy’s always here. A surge of panic overtook him, as he feared for his partner’s welfare. He wanted to call for the nurse but found he couldn’t open his mouth. He couldn’t even produce any sound in his throat. He closed his eyes and slowed his breathing. At least I’m not on the ventilator this time. This time? What had Chet said about that? Oh yeah, it was only a master of time. Well, chalk another one up for Chester B! A crooked smile made its way across Johnny’s lips. His eyelids became leaden and he drifted off into a dreamless slumber.
***
Roy hung up the phone in the day room. Chet hovered nearby.
"Any new word on Johnny, Roy?"
Roy shook his head. "Not yet. Dr. Early said they’re going to keep him in the coma a while longer."
"So, they still don’t know..." Chet couldn’t make himself finish the sentence.
"No. Not yet. And they won’t know until the swelling goes down."
Chet shifted uncomfortably on his feet. "Oh, listen, Roy. Man, you know...about what I said the other day...I mean...I’m sorry."
DeSoto looked blankly at Kelly. Chet was always making smart-ass remarks to Johnny. Most of the time he never even paid any attention. "What? What did you say this time, Chet?" he asked somewhat impatiently.
"Oh about making AJ your partner cause Johnny’s always out on disability. I didn’t mean it. You know I’d never want anything bad to happen to him."
"I know, Chet. I know," Roy assured him as AJ entered the room. He glanced from Roy to Chet.
"Why do I get the feeling my ears should be burning?" AJ half-joked. When neither man responded, he asked in all seriousness, "It is about Johnny?"
"Excuse me, I think I’d better find some hose to dry," Chet stated abruptly and left the room.
"What’s going on Roy?" AJ demanded. Roy avoided eye contact as he passed the other man and crossed over to the coffeepot.
"I guess we’re all on edge about Johnny’s condition."
"So, what’s happened? Is he any worse?" AJ pressed. Roy shrugged his shoulders.
"It’s hard to say. He’s still in the coma." He leaned against the kitchen counter and sipped his coffee.
AJ nodded with understanding as a tired Captain Stanley walked into the day room.
"Roy. AJ. I’d like to see you both in my office, please."
They followed the Captain back to his office. Stanley stood behind his desk and picked up a letter in his hands. He looked it over a final time before addressing the two paramedics. "AJ, headquarters has decided to assign you to our shift, indefinitely, pending the outcome of Johnny’s recovery."
Morengello’s face broke out in a huge grin. This was exactly what he was hoping for -- a partnership with Roy!
Roy was stunned. Not that he didn’t enjoy working with AJ, but Johnny was his partner. More than that, Johnny was his best friend and practically a member of his family.
"Thanks Cap!" Roy heard AJ enthusiastically tell Hank as he shook the Captain’s hand. Stanley carefully watched DeSoto’s reaction. He knew that Johnny was more than just a partner to Roy. Roy digested the news. He wasn’t looking for a new partner but if he needed a temporary one, he’d just as soon have it be AJ.
"Congratulations," Roy offered his hand to AJ, without much enthusiasm.
"Thanks, partner!" AJ responded with a hearty handshake. Roy winced. He wasn’t ready for this partnership but AJ sure was.
***
Johnny came to consciousness again. Once more he found himself alone in his hospital room. He frowned. He realized that he was still immobilized. What the hell happened? He tried to move his hands but felt nothing. Panic seized him as it occurred to him that he must be paralyzed. How long have I been out? I need to talk to the Doc. And Roy. Damn! Where the hell was Roy? He tried to call out and realized that he still couldn’t speak. Fear of what might be overwhelmed him and a single tear escaped and rolled down his right cheek. At least can feel that. It wasn’t much but it was something. With his energy spent, he closed his eyes and returned to the darkness of slumber.
Five minutes later the door opened and Roy stepped into the room. He stood quietly by Johnny’s left side hoping for some sign that he was waking up. Dr. Early had mentioned that he was going to change the meds and hopefully Johnny would soon come out to the medically induced coma. Three weeks had already passed. How many hours had he stayed by Johnny’s side? He felt a little lost without his friend and partner. AJ had blended into the crew nicely but it wasn’t the same.
A few minutes later, AJ opened the door to Johnny’s room.
"Roy?"
"Yeah?" He didn’t take his eyes off Johnny, silently willing him to move.
"We’ve got a run," AJ informed before asking, "Any change?"
"No," he answered sadly.
"Well, let’s go partner."
"Be right there."
AJ let the door close. Roy leaned over his friend’s still form, placing his hand on Johnny’s.
"Come on, Junior. It’s time to wake up now. Okay? Come on! I need you to get back to work. You understand me, Gage? Wake up!" he urgently demanded.
He waited a moment. Hoping against hope that somehow Johnny would hear him. That he’d wake up. That there would be a sign. But the only response Roy heard was the sound of the hospital equipment attached to his friend. Defeated, he slowly left the room, pausing to say a quick but silent prayer. Then he hurried to catch up with AJ at the squad.
Johnny’s eyelids fluttered open. Roy? He thought he had heard Roy’s voice. But as he looked around the room, he knew that he was alone. He sighed heavily and closed his eyes, once more careening into the dark.
***
The next morning, JoAnne found Roy in his workshop off of the garage. He was staring at the same piece of wood he had picked up over an hour ago. Worry furrowed her brow as she contemplated her husband. She was more concerned for him now than she was for Johnny.
"Roy!" she called sharply. Startled he dropped the wood on the floor with a loud clatter as it escaped his fingers.
"What! Jeez JoAnne, you about gave me a heart attack!" he scolded.
"Sorry. You were a million miles away...Your partner’s on the phone."
Roy visibly brightened. "Johnny?"
"Oh, no, honey. It’s AJ." A dark cloud crossed Roy’s countenance.
"What does he want?" Roy snapped. He wasn’t in the mood for his upbeat, new partner. He was angry. He wanted his old partner back!
"He and Mindy want us to go to dinner with them tonight."
Roy shook his head. "Can’t. I’m going by the hospital."
JoAnne sighed. She understood Roy’s need to be with Johnny but maybe it was time Roy spent a little more time with her.
"Roy?" she asked hesitantly. He didn’t look up. "What about me...us?"
Now he looked up confused. She crossed to him and put her arms around her husband’s waist. She looked into his eyes tenderly.
"Honey, I know how important Johnny is to you. He’s family, but Roy, he’s not your whole life. You’ve got the kids and me. We need you too," JoAnne told him gently.
Roy pulled her into a tight hug. "I’m sorry, Jo. I can’t explain it. I feel like a part of me is gone. I don’t feel whole. I’m sorry. I never meant to hurt you or the kids."
"I know, honey, I know. I hate to ask this of you but I need you to take care of me a little. Can’t we go out with AJ and Mindy? It’s been weeks since we were able to do anything together."
"You really like Mindy, don’t you?"
"Yes," JoAnne admitted. "We’ve become really good friends."
She waited a moment. "So, what do I tell AJ? He’s still on the phone."
Roy realized in that moment that he needed his wife as much as she needed him. He nuzzled her neck. "Ask him for a rain check," he murmured as he caressed her. "Tell him we have other plans for tonight."
JoAnne felt a tingle spark from her neck down and giggled. "Are you saying what I think you’re saying?"
"Hmm hmm. That is...if you’ll have me," Roy whispered into his wife’s ear. His hot breath tickled her and she found herself being aroused. She pushed breathlessly away from his arms. Roy gazed at her lovingly.
"I’ll go tell him right now." She felt flushed.
"Don’t be long," Roy teased.
"Meet me upstairs?" she asked huskily as she moved towards the door. He smiled and she felt her knees go weak. She didn’t wait for a verbal reply and rushed from the room.
Roy hummed happily to himself as he returned his tools to their proper places and shut off the light. JoAnne was right. He had needs too and he’d been neglecting too many things lately. He’d do what he could for Johnny but he had to put JoAnne and the kids first. He bounded up the stairs to the master bedroom and opened the door. JoAnne was already sitting on the top of the comforter, waiting for him. He rushed into her awaiting arms knowing that it would be hours before the children came home from school.
***
JoAnne had protested when Roy suggested getting a baby-sitter and going out on the town that evening, but she had allowed herself to be persuaded. It had been a glorious afternoon. Later, Roy had premised himself the luxury of playing with his son and daughter while JoAnne made arrangements for the kids to stay over at a friend’s home for the night.
Roy waited restlessly; looking handsome dressed in a beige sports coat over a brown turtleneck sweater. He crossed the room and selected an album from his collection and placed a record on the stereo. Frank Sinatra, "Old Blue Eyes," crooned romantically from the speakers as JoAnne descended the stairs dressed in a floral dress that accented her figure in all the right places. She had pulled her shoulder length hair up into a small bun on the top of her head with Audrey Hepburn elegance.
Roy beamed as he saw her and crossed the room to her side.
"Wow, Jo! You still take my breath away!" he spoke softly and pulled her into a tender embrace. Within moments their passions were inflamed. Roy swept JoAnne into his arms and carried her back upstairs. Maybe they’d go out another night.
***
Dr. Early was checking over Johnny’s chart when the door opened to the hospital room. Roy rapped gently on the frame before entering.
"Hi, Doc. How’s he doing?"
Dr. Early smiled. "I’m optimistic, Roy. His tests indicate that he’s moving towards consciousness. I’m ordering another set of x-rays. I’ll know more after I look at the new films. What about you? How are you doing through all of this?"
Roy blushed slightly in spite of himself. "Oh, I’m hanging in there."
Joe raised an eyebrow at Roy’s rosy complexion. The paramedic suddenly felt awkward. "Well...uh, you’ll call me if there’s any change?"
"You know I will," Dr. Early assured him.
"Thanks...well, AJ’s probably looking for me. I’d better get back down stairs." Roy reached over and touched Johnny’s hand. "Wake up soon, Junior. I’ll see you later. See ya Doc."
"Bye Roy."
Dr. Early turned his attention back to his patient and checked Johnny’s vitals once more before leaving the room.
***
Johnny opened his eyes to a darkened room. Damn! How long have I been here? How long has it been since I was last awake. Why can’t I feel anything? The young paramedic choked back a wave of fear. Even the slightest twinge of pain would be welcomed. At least then he would feel something. And right now, Johnny really wanted to feel anything!
He watched the light change above his head as the door to the room opened. The night nurse, Judith Comer entered and crossed to the bed. The attractive brunette lifted Johnny’s wrist and began to take his pulse. She looked up from her watch and saw his chocolate brown eyes gazing at her, full of questions.
"Hi there, Mr. Gage," she said warmly. "I’m your night nurse, Judith. How are you feeling tonight?"
His eyes darted rapidly as anxiety set in.
"Easy. Take it easy. Calm down now. You’re safe." she soothed. Judith could feel his heart rate increase alarmingly beneath her fingers.
"I know you have a million questions. I’m going to go call for Dr. Early. But first I need to get your vitals. Okay?"
Johnny slowly closed and opened his eyelids.
"Good." Judith finished taking his vitals and recorded them on the chart. Johnny’s eyes followed her every move. How he wished he could ask her what had happened to him. However, he was relieved to know that Joe Early was his doctor.
"Mr. Gage, I’m leaving now. Dr. Early will be up to see you soon. He’s been on call for when you awakened." She smiled at him and then left the room. Johnny felt so frustrated and having to wait was something the young man rarely managed. He stared at the ceiling wondering how long it would be.
***
DeSoto backed the squad into its space near the emergency exit. AJ had accompanied their last rescue. It didn’t seem to matter what time of the day is was, the ER was always busy. Even at 2 a.m., like now.
The ER night nurse, Tracy Alexander greeted Roy as he approached the base station.
"Hey Roy. Haven’t seen you for a while." Nurse Alexander was no-nonsense, mature woman with over twenty years of nursing experience under her belt, yet she had a real soft spot for paramedics. They were "her" boys.
"Hi, Ms. Alexander. Well, we haven’t had a lot of early morning runs lately." he admitted.
"That’s good. How’s Johnny doing?"
Roy’s countenance clouded over. "No change as far as I know. It’s so frustrating, you know. Why does it always happen to Johnny?"
The nurse shrugged her shoulders. "Who knows? So how are you guys set for supplies?
Back to business, Roy handed her a requisition form he had prepared earlier. He was waiting for Tracy to fill it when he noticed Dr. Early hurrying down the corridor. Joe waved to Roy when he spied him. He had a big smile on his face.
"Hi Roy. You have time to go with me to see that partner of yours?"
Roy returned his smile. "You bet, Doc! Let AJ know where I am when he comes out."
"Sure thing," the nurse assured him as Roy hurried to join Dr. Early at the elevator.
"I’m glad that you’re here. I wasn’t looking forward to waking up Captain Stanley to reach you," Joe told him as he pushed the button for the fifth floor.
Roy grinned. "So, he’s awake? How is he?"
"To be honest, all I know is that he’s awake. Nurse Comer reached me about 30 minutes ago. I was just on my way in."
The paramedic nodded. He felt relieved that Johnny was finally awake but regretted that he hadn’t been there when his partner had awakened.
Dr. Early stopped at the nurse’s station and grabbed Johnny’s chart and looked it over. He asked the nurse to bring down the new x-rays to Johnny’s room and then turned to Roy. "Come on, let’s see how he’s really doing."
Roy followed Early into the hospital room. They both saw Johnny’s eyes turn towards them.
"Hey, Junior. How ya doin’?" Roy asked lightly. The smile on his lips faded as he watched his friend struggle. A knot formed in his gut. Something wasn’t right!
The exchange wasn’t wasted on Dr. Early, either. He saw the panic in the both young men’s eyes. He moved over to the bed. Joe carefully explained to Johnny what he was doing as he examined him. When he finished, he leaned down to Johnny’s eye level.
"Johnny, I don’t want you to be worried. We’ve had to heavily sedate you and you’ve been in a medically induced coma. Your back was badly bruised when that wall fell on you. We had to immobilize you to be certain you that wouldn’t permanently damage it." He watched Johnny digest this information. When his eyes found Joe’s again, Dr. Early continued.
"Some of the drugs have paralyzed your vocal cords. It should be only temporary. Your should get your voice back as the meds wear off. You’ll also start feeling the rest of your body. It may take a number of days before you feel ‘normal’ again. Understand?"
Johnny slowly closed and opened his eyes as the nurse entered and handed the folder containing Johnny’s films.
"Good. I’m going to take a look at your x-rays." As Dr. Early snapped the films to the viewer, Roy stepped in close to the bed. Johnny could see the relief on his partner’s face.
Your x-rays look good. I’m going to order some changes in your meds, now. Roy can only stay a few minutes and I want you to rest. You still have a long way to go," the doctor explained to Johnny. Then he turned to Roy. "Roy, when the nurse comes in, you’ll have to leave. Johnny, I’ll see you later."
Dr. Early smiled again and left the room. Roy waited until the door closed behind the doctor before he leaned closer to the bed. Johnny could see the concern, worry and relief in Roy’s face. The older paramedic forced a smile.
"Well, Johnny, you’ve certainly had me scared this time." He could see so many questions in Johnny’s eyes. "The guys will be glad to know you’re awake." He stared down at his feet a moment before looking back at his friend’s face. "I’m sorry I wasn’t here for you when you woke up. They just wouldn’t let me stay after they put you under."
Gage watched his friend. How he wanted to say something. He hoped his eyes would convey how he was feeling. He could tell that Roy was feeling awkward. There was so much he wanted to ask. The door opened and Judith entered.
"I hate to break this up guys, but I’ve got work to do."
"Yeah, me too." Roy reached out and touched Johnny’s hand lightly. "I’ll be by after the shift. Get some rest."
Johnny responded by slowly closing and opening his eyes. Roy smiled a little then turned and left so that the nurse could do her job.
Gage closed his eyes. He felt a small sense of relief but he was still frustrated. There was no definite way to know how long it would take.
***
Morengello was sitting in the squad, waiting impatiently for Roy. He furrowed his brow. It was not good news to him that Johnny was waking up. That probably means he’ll be coming back to work soon. I don’t want to get reassigned! I want to stay partnered with Roy. Can’t he see what a great team we make? He was more hopeful at his next thought and smiled. Maybe Johnny’s injury will force him out of the service or at least being on active duty.
As he waited, AJ became more determined that things should remain exactly as they were. After all, the guys at the station all liked him. He really didn’t know Captain Stanley that well yet but he figured that it wouldn’t take long. Heck, I’ve never worked with anyone that I’ve just "clicked" with as well as Roy. Shoot even our wives have become best friends. It‘s a natural. Yes, things need to stay just as they are. It’s time John Gage found either a new partner or a new career. Suddenly a sharp pain shot through his right temple. Damn! He winced at the pain. He’d been having these kinds of pains and headaches way too often lately. He massaged his temple hoping to ease it’s throbbing. He hoped that Roy wouldn’t notice.
Roy opened the driver’s door and slid in behind the wheel.
"He’s awake!" DeSoto informed AJ happily as he put the squad in gear.
"That’s great news," AJ responded with feigned enthusiasm. He was grateful for the darkness of the night so that Roy couldn’t tell how disappointed he really was. He needed to come up with some way to remain as Roy’s partner. He reached for the microphone and let dispatch know that they were available.
***
The prognosis was promising, as the early tests looked good. Apparently there wasn’t any permanent injury despite the fact that Johnny’s entire back had been bruised. Now that the swelling was down, they found no damage to the spine. He would be able to return to work after a few weeks of therapy. That was the best news Roy had had in a long time. AJ wasn’t sure what he was going to do, but he had to think of something fast.
***
Two shifts later, Roy and AJ entered Johnny’s room on one of their follow-ups to Rampart. They found him sitting up in bed watching TV. He switched off the set when he saw them.
"Hey Junior, how’s it going?"
Johnny’s mouth turned into a crooked grin. "I get to go home tomorrow."
"That’s great! You need a ride home?"
"What do you think?"
Roy scratched his head and waved his hand offhandedly. "Well, I never know when you’re going to charm some young thing to take care of you," Roy teased. AJ chuckled as Johnny made a face.
"So, how are you feeling, really?" AJ inquired.
Johnny pursed his lips. "Not too bad, actually. Dr. Early’s been weaning me off the pain meds. Man, I never knew bruising the bone could be so painful."
"Did he say when you could come back to work?" Roy asked eagerly. AJ frowned slightly at the question as he saw Johnny’s face light up happily.
"After a week or two of therapy. Three at the most. Then I should be as good as new!" Gage grinned broadly.
"Roy, we’d better get back to work. Don’t want the Cap to think we’ve been goofing off," AJ interjected.
"Yeah, I guess you’re right," Roy agreed reluctantly. "I’ll be by after the shift to take you home. Do you need anything?"
Johnny shook his head. "Nope! Just get me outta here!"
"You’ve got it partner. See ya then."
Roy and AJ made their exit. Johnny settled back into his pillow. He was looking forward to going home. Thankfully the pain was lessening and he would be back at work in no time.
***
Their drive back to the station was made in silence. Roy was overjoyed and relieved to know that Johnny was finally back on the road to recovery. AJ leaned a muscular forearm on the open window as he stared off, thinking hard. What had Johnny said about painkillers? AJ frowned. Maybe there was something there that I can use. He chuckled to himself. With these killer headaches I’ve been having lately I might just get myself a shot of morphine. He glanced over at Roy. Roy you deserve a partner that can take care of himself and not constantly get injured. Gage just isn’t safety minded. AJ decided he’d make Roy understand that one way or the other.
***
Three weeks later Johnny finished changing into his uniform and bent down to tie his laces. He grinned. Damn! It was good to be back. Physical therapy had gotten the stiffness out of his joints and muscles and he felt great. He smiled as he tapped Smokey before closing his locker door. The paramedic was startled by AJ as he turned around.
"Oh! Hi, AJ. What are you doing here?"
"Filling in for Dwyer on C-Shift. I’ve got the vacation rotation until they find me a permanent assignment." AJ didn’t seem too pleased to see him but Gage nodded a response as he checked his watch. It was almost eight o’clock. He grinned.
"Oh, man! I’d better run. Don’t want to be late on my first day back."
AJ grunted as Johnny dashed past the lockers and out the door. Anger clouded AJ’s face. His dislike for the young paramedic just went up a notch. Soon, Gage. Soon. He opened his locker and began to change clothes.
***
It was good to be back and A-Shift welcomed Johnny royally. Even though Chet immediately began needling Johnny about taking AJ’s place, Kelly was glad to have his ‘pigeon’ back.
The shift was pretty routine but Johnny felt himself tiring toward sundown. He excused himself after dinner to retire to the dorm. He set out his turnout gear and crawled under the covers of his bunk. When Roy went to check on his partner later, he found Johnny sound asleep with his arm flung over his face.
***
Shift change the next morning and Johnny found himself once again face to face with AJ. "You here again?" he asked, half-jokingly. AJ made a face.
"Yeah. Lucky me. I guess I’m lucky I had a day off. At least by working out of 51, I get to keep my locker," the blonde paramedic said sarcastically as he passed Johnny to his own locker.
Johnny finished buttoning his blue denim shirt, then tucked his shirttails into his jeans. He cinched his belt with a flashy silver and turquoise buckle. AJ watched Johnny out of the corner of his eye as he changed into his uniform. The dark-haired man ran his fingers through his unruly hair in a combing action before replacing his wallet in the back pocket. He made a quick check in the mirror, smiled and was out the door.
AJ was now alone in the locker room. He crossed quickly to Gage’s locker, looked around to see if anyone was coming and opened the door. Clean uniforms hung neatly from the rod but the base of the locker was a jumble of miscellaneous items, socks, books, discarded and dirty clothing. He glanced nervously in both directions. The coast was clear. He retrieved a nearly empty vial of morphine from his pocket and deposited it under the debris. He quickly closed the door. A satisfied smile crept across his face as he finished dressing to begin his day on B-Shift.
AJ felt smug about having been able to remove this vial from the drug box. It had been so easy. So easy it probably wouldn’t be hard to place the blame on Gage. He smiled. Morengello found he was more comfortable referring to the other paramedic as Gage. Not Johnny--Johnny was too friendly and he didn’t want Gage as a friend.
After roll call, B-Shift’s paramedic Chris Morris suggested that they check out the squad. AJ was careful to make sure Chris would discover the discrepancy in the drug box. Then the whole process would be put in motion.
Chris rechecked the box again, frowning. AJ noticed. Ah, an opening.
"What wrong, Chris?" he asked innocently.
"The morphine inventory is off. Can’t imagine Roy or Johnny missing that," he commented.
"Me either," AJ agreed. "It’s probably just an oversight."
"Even so, I gotta report it." Chris filled out the proper paperwork. He’d drop it off at Rampart the next time they were there. A self-satisfied sensation swept over AJ as he turned his attention back to his task at hand. Yep, this was going to work beautifully.
***
AJ was exhausted and his head hurt as C-Shift wound down. The engine crew was still out on a call. He rubbed at the pain in his temples. It must be the hours I’ve been working. A double shift was tough but the money helped as it did by putting him in a position to work on his plan. His partner had gone into the Captain’s office to fill in the log. AJ went to the locker room and grabbed a couple of aspirin before heading for the day room. He was crossing the bay as he saw Chet Kelly’s beat up car pull into the parking lot. He slipped into the empty day room. If Chet were true to form, he’d grab a cup of coffee before dressing for work.
AJ picked up the handset to the wall phone and pretended to be on the line. He had his back turned to the door but he heard Chet enter the room.
"Naw, I don’t believe that...Man, where to you get your information?...Oh, yeah! Like that’s a reliable source...Listen, I’m telling you, Johnny’s not that kind of a guy. I mean he’s a paramedic for crying out loud..."
He could feel Chet listening. He looked furtively over his shoulder, "spotting" Chet.
"Uh, look, I gotta go. Don’t go around saying stuff like that, you hear?" He waited, counting slowly to five. "I’ll talk to you later. Bye." He hung up the phone and turned to face a curious Chet.
"What’s going on AJ?" the Irish firefighter demanded.
"Oh, it’s just a stupid rumor, Chet. Don’t worry about it," he said, offhandedly, as he casually walked over and poured himself a mug of coffee.
"Hey, come on. I heard you mention Johnny. Give!"
"Chet, like I said, it’s just a rumor. I don’t want to repeat it." He sidestepped the other man and crossed to the table and sat down, picking up the paper. Chet followed him, sitting in the chair next to him, determined to wheedle it out of AJ.
"Please. You can trust me!" Chet whined. AJ let Chet hover for a few minutes. He rolled his eyes and sighed heavily, hesitantly giving in. He glanced towards the door. Chet looked too. He lowered his voice to a conspiratory tone.
"Someone said they heard Johnny’s hooked on pain killers or morphine."
"What?!" Chet was shocked. "That’s impossible!"
"That’s what I said. Hey, you know how people like to talk."
"Who? Who said it?" Chet demanded. Neither man noticed Roy enter the room.
"Who said what?" DeSoto asked. Both Chet and AJ shifted uncomfortably.
"Uh...nothing," Chet mumbled, looking at the floor.
Why am I getting the same feeling I do when my kids say "nothing"? Roy wondered.
"Hi ya, Roy!" AJ greeted warmly. Chet pushed himself from the table and made a quick exit.
"Hi AJ. How’s the new schedule?"
"I’m not sure what’s going to kill me first--the hours or Mindy?" he chuckled. He rubbed his temple. "We’ll both be glad to see me get a permanent assignment."
"Yeah, I know what you mean. You and Mindy still coming by for dinner tomorrow?" DeSoto asked his friend. He was a little concerned at how tired AJ seemed. He hoped AJ wasn’t working too hard.
"As far as I know. I’m not scheduled tomorrow. I’ll have Mindy give JoAnne a call and confirm," AJ advised Roy.
The rest of the guys from A-Shift were straggling in as the engine crew returned to the station and waited for eight o’clock. They drifted out as Captain Stanley called roll call. Johnny barely made it rushing to his place in line. He grimaced with a tinge of pain as he did so. Hank frowned at the young paramedic.
"You okay, pal?"
"Uh, yes sir, Cap. Twisted my knee coming around the engine back there. I’m fine." Johnny assured him. Chet shot Johnny a concerned look. Maybe it’s true! Naw, it couldn’t be. This is Johnny we’re talking about here. Maybe "The Phantom" needed to make an appearance.
"Chet!"
Chet snapped his eyes front. "Yes, Cap?"
"I said, ‘I want you and Marco to hang and inspect hose’."
"Sure thing, Cap."
"Well, pay attention!" Hank ordered. He gave out the rest of the assignments and his men went to work.
***
The Phantom stole into the locker room. With the squad on a run this would be the perfect opportunity to rig a water bomb in his pigeon’s locker. Chet quickly made sure he was alone and opened Gage’s locker. As he arranged the "bomb" he leaned into the locker with his right knee. His knee came into contact with a hard object and he slid forward. He braced himself with his left arm and felt around in the mess with his right. Chet’s heart sank when he drew out the hidden morphine vial. The Phantom lost his lust for the prank as his alter ego replaced the vial and closed the locker door.
***
It wasn’t as hard as AJ thought it would be. He managed to manipulate himself to be in a position to tamper with the drug box. Heck, he’d been working so many shifts the guys at 51 began to think of him as a permanent fixture. It had even worked to his advantage to be following Johnny at Station 36 when they both worked back to back shifts. Plus the "rumor" was spreading. Evidently in his effort to track down the source, Chet had actually become the source. AJ was careful to be shocked and defend Johnny whenever the opportunity arose at the news. So far his plan was working beautifully.
***
Roll call two days later.
The rumor had finally reached Captain Stanley. He knew that Chet had been terribly uncomfortable around Johnny since his return to work, and now this. A rumor saying that one of his paramedics was using drugs. It had to be about Johnny. Painkiller was the scuttlebutt. He’d have to have talk with him but Dr. Brackett had called and wanted to see Johnny and Roy, ASAP. He stood in front of his men and began.
"Gage and DeSoto. Dr. Brackett called. As soon as we through here, you’re to head over to Rampart. He wants to see both of you as soon as possible."
Roy and Johnny exchanged puzzled looks.
"Yes sir!" they both simultaneously answered.
"Then I want to see you both when you get back."
"Yes sir." They both felt a bit confused, wondering what this was all about.
Before the Captain could finalize the daily assignments, the klaxons sounded, sending the engine crew to a house fire. Roy and Johnny watched as the engine pulled out from the station.
"What the heck is going on, Roy?" Johnny asked as he leaned his elbows on the hood of the squad. Roy turned his head from the open door and shrugged his shoulders.
"I don’t know, but somehow I get the feeling we’re in some kind of trouble. Come on, let’s go see Brackett and find out what it is."
They drove to Rampart in a worried silence. Both men tried to fathom why they were being called in.
***
Once they were seated inside Kelly Brackett’s office and the door was closed, Kel leaned on the edge of his desk and looked at both paramedics with such concern that he almost couldn’t contain himself. "Roy. John. There’s been something going on lately and I need to get to the bottom of it."
He watched both men visibly relax. That was a good sign. "Sure Doc. What’s the problem? How can we help?" Roy offered.
"Well, apparently we’ve been suffering a shortage of morphine."
"What? From where?"
He could see they both seemed shocked.
"Primarily from your shift’s drug box."
The paramedics stared at him in stunned silence. "Our shift?" Roy questioned incredulously. Brackett nodded.
"The inventory has been coming up short after your shift. Chris Morris has reported a difference over the past three shifts."
"I don’t believe it!" Johnny hissed.
"There’s more."
Roy turned his worried blue eyes at the doctor. Johnny’s brown eyes darkened with anger.
"What?" Gage asked sullenly.
"C-Shift at 36 came up short on their inventory after Johnny worked that overtime shift."
Gage’s jaw dropped open. Neither he nor Roy could believe what they were hearing.
"And you think I’m responsible?" the younger paramedic snapped and stared at Brackett in disbelief, his body tensing.
Kel hesitated. He didn’t know what to think. He really couldn’t bring himself to believe that Johnny would do anything like this. "No. No I don’t Johnny. I just want to get to the bottom of this."
"What can we do?" Roy wanted to know.
"Watch your inventory closely for now. Report anything unusual."
"Like what?" DeSoto pressed.
"Anything that strikes you as unusual or odd. Anything out of the ordinary. Okay?" Brackett explained.
"Yeah," Gage grumbled bitterly. He was just getting back on his felt and feeling almost 100%, now this! He ran his fingers through his hair. "Next you’ll be asking me to take drug tests!"
Kel sighed. "Only if I have to."
Johnny scowled. Dr. Brackett continued, "Listen, guys. I don’t need to tell you the consequences of this kind of infraction. I’m worried that someone has found a way to access your drug box. And that person can become a danger to himself and others. So help me find out who it is before it’s too late for someone."
"We’ll do all we can," Roy assured the doctor.
"You know you can count on us," Johnny added.
Brackett nodded and finally smiled. "Okay. Get back to work and keep your eyes open."
The walk back to the squad was slow. Both paramedics were lost in their own thoughts. Roy reached to turn the key in the ignition and stopped, looking over at his partner. "What do you suppose is going on?"
Johnny shook his head in frustration. "I wish I knew! I’ll tell you one thing. I’m so angry I can hardly see straight!" Roy could hear the anger in the timber of Johnny’s voice.
"It sounds like someone’s trying to pin the blame on you, partner, and I don’t like it!" DeSoto observed, the older paramedic’s own anger building.
"We’d better get back and see what Cap wanted. Man, this is almost as bad as that time when we were accused of stealing that $500 from that heart attack victim!" Johnny stared off into space. His demeanor clouded over.
Roy started the engine and they pulled away from the ER area. A nagging thought had just occurred to him but he pushed it away.
***
Roy led the way and rapped on the door to the Captain’s office.
"Come in, Roy. Johnny. Have a seat guys." The Captain tried to sound friendly.
"What’s up, Cap?" Johnny asked he seated himself in one of the straight back chairs.
Stanley proceeded to recite the statement he’d been rehearsing. He drew a deep breath. "Rumor floating around the department is that one of 51’s paramedics is hooked on morphine and that it’s probably Johnny."
Johnny rolled his eyes. "Oh man! I do not believe this!" He stood up and angrily paced the small area of the office.
"Why Johnny?" Roy queried.
"Well evidently, the scuttlebutt says that every shift Johnny’s worked is coming up short on their morphine inventory."
"That’s what Brackett just told us!" Roy explained.
"Cap, believe me, I’ve had nothing to do with this! I’m not addicted to anything!" Johnny placed his hand over his heart in a gesture of sincerity. Gage looked into his Captain’s eyes to see if he believed him. Stanley didn’t disappoint him.
"It’s okay, pal. I believe you."
"Cap, this thing has gotten outta hand," Roy stated. "What do we do?"
"I’m not sure Roy. What did Brackett suggest?"
"Be careful and report anything out of the ordinary," Roy replied.
Stanley nodded. "Then that’s what we’ll do. For now. Look Johnny, I’m sorry if this is hurting you, but I’m here for you. My door’s always open."
"I know, Cap. I appreciate it."
He was still angry as he turned and left the office. Roy started after him, stopped and looked back at Stanley. The nagging thought was back.
"Uh, Cap? I haven’t had a chance to ask before..."
"Yeah?"
"I was wondering how Emily’s doing?"
Stanley’s face softened at the mention of his wife’s name. "As well as can be expected. The mastectomy was hard on her and so is the chemotherapy. It’s making her really sick but her doctor is optimistic."
Roy nodded sympathetically but it did make him wonder if Emily Stanley was in need of painkillers. No, that was ridiculous. He forced a smile.
"That’s something at least. I’m sorry she has to go through that. JoAnne and I are willing to help anyway we can. She can call JoAnne anytime."
"She knows. We both know. Thanks, Roy."
DeSoto turned again to leave.
"Oh and Roy."
"Yes sir?"
"Keep an eye on that partner of yours. True or not, this kind of rumor could ruin his career. Don’t let him add any fuel to this fire."
"I’ll do my best," Roy promised. Hank followed Roy out and into the day room.
"Uh, guys, we need to have a brief meeting here," Stanley announced. All five men gave him their full attention as he explained what he knew about the rumor and gave them the same instructions to report anything unusual. Chet shifted uncomfortably in his chair.
"You have something to say, Kelly?" Stanley inquired. Kelly squirmed for a moment. He glanced nervously at Johnny and then back to the Captain.
"Uh, well, I came across a vial of morphine in the locker room," Chet confessed.
"What? Where did you find it?" Hank demanded. The entire crew stared at the stocky firefighter.
Chet was a bit embarrassed to admit that he had been in Johnny’s locker but he really hated having found the "proof" of Gage’s addiction. "In Johnny’s locker," he mumbled to the floor.
A shocked chorus of "What?!" resounded. Stanley looked at Johnny as though he had been betrayed. Johnny held up his hands.
"I’m innocent, Cap. I don’t know anything about that vial."
"Yeah, Cap. Anybody could have planted that in there," Roy came to his friend’s defense.
"That’s right," Marco chimed in. "If ‘The Phantom’ could get in there, anybody could."
Captain Stanley crossed his arms over his chest and stared at the floor. He was not happy over this bit of information. But he agreed with his men. This was probably a plant. Anger boiled under the surface. He gave Kelly a hard look. "Go get it," he ordered evenly. Johnny started to protest but Hank held up his hand. "No, I want Kelly to get it. Marco, go with him. Johnny, I don’t want you to handle it. Then I want Roy to turn it over to Doctor Brackett. Understood?"
"Yes sir." Chet and Marco quickly made their exit. Hank rolled his eyes at the ceiling. What was happening to his crew? Who would do such a thing? He wanted answers and he wanted them now! As soon as Chet and Marco returned with the vial, Stanley handed it over to Roy.
"Get this over to Brackett. The rest of you guys get busy. We’ve got a lot of work to get done today."
***
Roy and Johnny approached the base station and greeted Head Nurse Dixie McCall, "Hey Dix!"
"Hi ya guys."
"Is Dr. Brackett available," Roy asked.
Dixie thought for a moment. "I think he’s in his office."
"Thanks. Come on, Junior." Roy gestured with his head.
"You know, I really hate it when you call me that," Johnny complained as they headed down the hall. Roy smiled at his partner.
"Yeah, I know." He knocked on Brackett’s door and entered at Kel’s invitation.
"Hi guys. What’s up?" he asked as he looked up from his desk.
"This." Roy announced holding up the morphine vial. Brackett frowned and raised his eyebrows. He took the proffered vial.
"It was found in my locker, by Chet," Gage explained. Kel’s frown deepened.
"A plant?" Both paramedics nodded in answer to Kel’s question. Then Roy filled him in on the rumor going around. Brackett didn’t like the sound of this. The situation was going from bad to worse.
***
Things seemed a little quieter the next shift until Mike rolled under the engine and began checking the engine hoses. He heard someone step between the two vehicles. The engineer turned his head toward the squad. All he could see was a pair of boots and the bottom edge of trousers of someone in uniform dress. He heard the compartment door open and saw the black drug box placed on the ground. He couldn’t identify the person from where he lay as the box was opened. Evidently the person knew what he was looking for because he quickly removed it, closed the box and replaced it in the squad. Mike watched the feet retreat to the back of the bay and into the locker room. He frowned as he rolled himself from under the big rig. I wonder who that was? He wiped his hands on a rag as Johnny and Roy came out of the dorm. They were engrossed in a conversation so neither one noticed Mike. He wondered for a moment if he should mention it to anyone. Then he heard the locker room door open and someone exited to the parking lot. Stoker got to his feet to see who it was but the rear bay doors were closed. By the time he reached the back door, all he heard was the sound of the car driving away.
Worried he crossed to the day room. Johnny, Roy and Chet were all sitting at the table reading the paper. Marco was busy fussing over a pot on the stove. He figured the Captain must still be in his office. So that meant everyone was accounted for.
"Hey Roy, who was just in the locker room?" Mike asked. Roy looked up from his cup of coffee.
"Uh, I dunno. Why?"
"Well, somebody just took something out of the drug box."
"What!? When?" Roy demanded as he jumped to his feet. The rest of the men stopped to listen.
"Just now. I was working under the engine when someone came up, took the drug box out of the squad, removed something, replaced the box and went into the locker room," Mike explained.
"When was this?" the Captain demanded, having overheard from the door.
"A few minutes ago. Just before Roy and Johnny left the dorm."
"So how do you know it wasn’t one of us?" Marco asked.
"I just heard whoever it was leave. I didn’t see him, but I heard him. And all of you are in here."
"Damn!" Johnny swore angrily. Whoever it was had gotten away but at least this time he had an alibi.
Roy felt a small sense of relief. This bit of news made it clear that it wasn’t Johnny and that it wasn’t Hank either. What really bothered him was that there was someone deliberately trying to hurt his partner. This wasn’t a fluke. It was dead serious.
"Come on Johnny, let’s check the box. I want to report this to Brackett immediately."
"Right behind you, Partner."
***
AJ let several shifts pass without an incident but when Squad 36 and 51 wound up at Rampart at the same time he took advantage of the time to remove another vial of morphine from 51’s drug box. He hesitated a moment and decided to add a syringe to his take. Between the rumors and the disappearing morphine, he figured Johnny’s reputation should be just about ruined. Now it was just a matter of time before Gage would be drummed out of the service. He smiled as he shoved the vial and syringe in his jacket pocket and nonchalantly walked through the ER’s automatic doors.
***
Later that evening, the klaxons sounded rousing the sleeping men from their bunks.
"Station 36, Station 51, and Truck 10. Bramwood Textile Factory fire. 3459 West Covina Street. Three-four-five-nine West Covina. Cross street Carson Industrial Boulevard. Time out 0103.
"Station 51. KMG365," Captain Stanley responded from the dorm as the men pulled on their turnout gear and headed for the rigs.
Flames leapt from the upper reaches of the building. Captain Thompson from 36 had set up the perimeter and directed the arriving crews. Truck 10 followed the rigs from 51 to the scene. The warehouse was full of materials and dyes. The bolts of materials smoldered with thick smoke. The acrid smoke billowed from the windows. DeSoto and Gage joined with 36's paramedics, Stevens and Morengello to assemble in front of Thompson and waited for the man in charge to direct his attention to them. Finally he turned. "Men, I want a complete sweep of the building. The night foreman had a crew of twenty people in there. So far they’ve only accounted for fourteen. That means we have six missing. Get in and out as fast as you can. The vats of dyes are potentially unstable."
The four men understood and readied their SCBAs and headed for the side entrance. The two teams moved in different directions as they entered the huge facility. Within moments AJ and his partner had located five of the missing workers in a small storage room. Stevens began a quick assessment of the unconscious people.
AJ signaled the other paramedics on the handi-talkie. "HT51, this is HT36. Do you copy?"
Roy's muffled voice responded over the equipment, "This is HT51. I copy you, AJ."
"Roy, we’ve found five of them. They’re unconscious. We’re gonna need some help here."
"Where are you?"
"About 50 feet from the entrance. A storeroom, I think."
"We’re on our way." Roy replaced the handi-talkie in his turnout pocket and motioned to Johnny. They retraced their steps to the entrance and proceeded in the direction the other paramedics had gone. Chet and Marco were manning the hose at the door. Roy motioned to them to help. Chet turned off the spray and they laid the hose down and followed the paramedics into the building.
Stevens passed by carrying one of the workers over his shoulders in the fireman’s carry. The four firefighters hurried into the room. Quickly the remaining workers were hoisted up and carried from the building.
Roy and Stevens began the triage on the workers. Johnny and AJ returned to look for the sixth missing worker. AJ lead the way with Johnny close on his heels. Their flashlights did little to penetrate the dense smoke. Suddenly AJ pitched forward, sprawling on the floor. He had tripped over a man’s body -- the missing worker. Johnny leaned down to check the man for a pulse as AJ picked himself up. As he tried to steady himself against a pallet of material, the load shifted and tumbled down. Johnny dove to cover the victim with his body as AJ fell backwards. The bolts of materials were sufficiently heavy enough to prevent him from moving. At least he wasn’t injured. Gage wished he could say the same for the man beneath him. The worker had obviously been overcome by the smoke and wasn’t breathing. Johnny heard AJ call for assistance.
AJ knew he didn’t have much time but this was a perfect opportunity. He ignored the pounding in his head as he scrambled over to the other side of the pallet and started removing the bolts. He stopped when he reached Johnny’s legs. He found he was breathing hard and perspiring heavily. Quickly, he withdrew the syringe and morphine from his pocket. AJ filled the syringe. He reached down and grabbed Johnny’s leg and pushed up the turnout pant above Johnny’s boot. This action confused the trapped paramedic. Before he could fathom a guess what was happening, AJ plunged the needle into the exposed flesh. He tossed the empty syringe and vial aside.
Johnny felt the sting of the needle. "AJ? What’s going on?" Gage called out, his voice barely audible through his mask and the mound of material covering his head. He could tell that his legs were free. What is taking so long? He felt a rush and confusion set in. What’s happening to me? He suddenly had a feeling of euphoria as his body relaxed.
Roy and Marco had returned to AJ’s request for assistance and the three firemen quickly removed the remaining bolts of material from Johnny’s body. Roy quickly turned over his friend.
"Johnny! Are you okay?" he yelled through his mask. He watched Johnny try to focus his eyes and remove his mask. "No! Leave it on, Johnny. Let us get you out of here." He made a quick assessment and got Marco to help him pull Gage to his feet. Supported between his friends, Johnny half-walked and was half-dragged to the safety of the triage area. AJ grabbed the body of the victim and followed the other firefighters from the inferno.
Marco helped Roy remove Gage’s gear and turnout coat. Beads of perspiration formed on Johnny’s forehead as his partner eased him to the ground. Roy pulled out his penlight and checked the younger man’s eyes. Johnny’s pupils were constricted. Roy frowned. He didn’t like what he was seeing. There was no apparent trauma or injury. AJ finished covering the body and jogged over to Roy’s side, breathing heavily.
"What do you need, Roy?" Morengello asked breathlessly.
"You okay?" Roy asked, concerned. AJ nodded.
"Contact Rampart for me," DeSoto ordered as he finished taking Johnny’s vitals. AJ noted the vitals on the pad and relayed the information to Dr. Brackett over the bio-phone. Johnny seemed to be having difficulty concentrating with an aura of happiness. This wasn’t the John Gage that he knew. It was as if his partner was drugged. Drugged? He tried to dismiss thought from his head. He looked over at AJ. With a jolt it occurred to him that if Johnny was drugged the only one who could have done it was...AJ!
AJ was trying to listen to Brackett’s orders. His headache had returned with a vengeance. Suddenly a sharp pain seemed to explode inside his head. His stricken eyes caught Roy’s before they rolled back and he collapsed in a heap over the bio-phone.
"AJ! Cap, I need help over here!" Roy yelled as he moved over to AJ’s side. AJ was unconscious. He grabbed the handset from the bio-phone. "Rampart? This is Squad 51. How do you read?"
Brackett responded, "Loud and clear, Fifty-one."
"Doc, I have another victim. A firefighter, age 32, who just collapsed and is unconscious. Standby for vitals." Captain Stanley and Chet stood by to assist. Roy motioned to Chet to take over the bio-phone.
"Standing by." Dr. Brackett turned to Dixie McCall. "Dix, sounds like we’re going to need two treatment rooms. Set up one for a CT scan and contact the neurologist on call. I have a feeling we’re going to need him."
"I’ll get right on it, Kel," the head nurse responded and went to prepare the rooms.
"Rampart, this is Squad Fifty-one," Chet Kelly’s voice beckoned. Brackett punched the button.
"Go ahead, Fifty-one," Kel instructed.
"Vitals on victim two: pupils are unequal, BP is 90/50, respiration's are 20."
"Ten-four, Fifty-one. Start an IV with D5W on victim two and transport as soon as possible. Continue to monitor vitals on both victims."
"Ten-four, Rampart. Ambulance is on scene." Chet relayed the information to Roy. Within moments they had both men loaded into the awaiting ambulance and on their way to the ER.
***
A flurry of activity ensued as Johnny and AJ were rushed into the treatment rooms. Roy waited anxiously for reports on both his friends. Dr. Early ordered a toxicology screen on Johnny. Roy had informed the doctor of his suspicion of the drug overdose.
Meanwhile in the other treatment room, Dr. Brackett worked on AJ. He waited impatiently for the results of the CT scan. Dr. Weise, the neurologist, arrived and the two men reviewed the tests. AJ had suffered a hemorrhagic stroke. His prognosis wasn’t very good.
Roy was in the waiting area when Mindy Morengello rushed through the ER doors. Fear strained her face and hurried over to Roy’s side.
"Where’s AJ? Is he all right? What happened?" The questions tumbled out as Roy took her hands in his and lead her to the staff lounge.
"Mindy, the Doctors are in with him now. They’ll come and talk to you here as soon as they know anything."
"But what happened, Roy?" Mindy asked fearfully.
Roy shook his head. "I’m not sure. Can I get you something? Coffee?"
The young woman shook her head. "Not now. When can I see him?"
"Soon, I hope."
She took a seat on the sofa and held her head in her hands and began to pray. Roy let himself quietly out of the room so he could call JoAnne. His gut told him that he was going to need her comfort.
Roy greeted JoAnne in the hall when she arrived with a hug. It felt so good to have his arms around her.
"How are they?" JoAnne finally asked.
He put his arm around her shoulder as they walked down the hall.
"Johnny’s holding his own. It looks like a drug overdose."
"A drug overdose! How?" JoAnne was stunned. Roy didn’t want to burden his wife with his suspicion at this time.
"I’m not sure. But I think it has something to do with all this mess about the missing morphine."
"You don’t think -- Johnny..." his wife started to ask. Roy shook his head.
"No, not Johnny. Someone else."
"Well, that’s a relief. So how’s AJ doing?"
They reached the staff lounge door.
"Not well, I’m afraid. Mindy’s in the lounge here. Why don’t you go in and see if you can comfort her or something. I’m going back to see if there’s any news."
"Okay, honey." She reached up and kissed him lightly on the cheek. "I love you."
Roy smiled. "Me, too. I’ll be right back."
JoAnne entered the lounge. Mindy’s head jerked up at the opening of the door. She burst into tears at the sight of her friend.
"Oh, JoAnne!" she sobbed.
JoAnne crossed the room to Mindy’s side and took her into her arms and held her as the younger woman wept, rocking her gently.
Moments later, Roy returned with Dr. Brackett. Both women rose to their feet.
"Mrs. Morengello? I’m Dr. Brackett," he introduced himself, his face was grim.
"How is my husband, doctor?" Mindy asked fearfully.
"I’m afraid he’s in critical condition. Dr. Weise, our neurologist, has determined that your husband has suffered a subarachnoid hemorrhage probably the result of a ruptured aneurysm."
"A ruptured aneurysm? How bad is it?"
"He’s on his way to the OR as we speak. What we think has happened is that an aneurysm burst in an artery on or near the thin, delicate membrane surrounding the brain called the subarachnoid space. As the aneurysm burst, blood spilled into this space, causing the brain to be surrounded by blood-contaminated fluid. Dr. Weise is going to try and relieve that pressure," Dr. Brackett explained.
"What does that mean? Will AJ be all right?"
Dr. Brackett hesitated. "I’m afraid we won’t know for awhile. There are too many possibilities and when dealing with the brain and strokes of this nature, it’s unpredictable. All we can do is hope for the best. I just want you to know Mrs. Morengello that your husband is in the best of hands. We’ll do everything possible we can for him."
"Thank you, doctor. Please, just don’t let him die," Mindy pleaded.
"We’ll do everything we can," Kel promised. "Excuse me, now, I’m going to assist on the surgery. We’ll let you know as soon as we can."
***
Johnny recovered from the drug overdose without any side effects. AJ survived the surgery, but never regained consciousness. He died two weeks later. It was determined that his aneurysm had been caused by a head injury he had suffered months earlier. The situation of the missing morphine was allowed to fade into thin air. The men on 51’s A-Shift found it hard to believe that AJ could have been capable of framing Johnny like that. Perhaps the aneurysm had affected his thinking. They would never know for sure.
END
Author's note: This story is in response to Jonesie's Challenge #5 (10/8/99) by Janis Turner. Hope this was along the lines of what she had in mind.
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