Harlan, the head mechanic for the CHP, leaned over the worktable and winked at Tangee in his best James Bond fashion. "Wanna talk carburetors, baby?"

Tangee, a mechanic with LA County D.O.T glared at him suspiciously, "Only if you wanna lube job. Get your order filled and leave." The icy tones dripped from her lips like icicles.

Harlan stepped back in chastened indignation. "You wouldn't say that if it was Ponch standing here."

Tangee picked up a wrench and waved it at him to illustrate her point. "Ponch had better watch his tail in here. One more scratch on that bike and I'll have him arrested for abusing state property." She stood up and walked over to the engine she had been repairing. "Now, if you wanna send that partner of his in here..."

Harlan glowered at her. "Jon Baker? I thought you had a thing for that paramedic, what's-his-name."

"Roy DeSoto." Tangee offered succinctly. "He's married." She sighed and stared wistfully out the door. "Damn the luck."

But Baker," Tangee turned back to Harlan, grinning like a Cheshire cat.

"Gorgeous blonde Baker is -- available." Tangee shook off her daydream realizing sheíd said too much in front of him. "Now," Tangee said, her grin being replaced by a grimace and cold stare, "you wouldn't dare tell Jon about this, would you?" She swung the wrench menacingly, to make her point. "I can't have him knowing how I feel. I want to do this at my own pace. Start off slowly, and then POUNCE on him." She smiled, again resembling the sweet innocent girl that was going to win Jon Baker's heart.

"This chick has more personalities than Sybil," Harlan thought as he began slowly backing away. Over the sound of an approaching vehicle he added,"Sure, Tangee, whatever you say. I won't tell a soul." He turned to hide a smirk. "Oh, boy! I HAVE to tell Baker about this," he added, silently. "Looks like you have another customer," he gestured towards the squad pulling up, feeling almost sorry for whomever it was that had to deal with Tangee next.

********

"All right, Junior...lets get it over with." Roy DeSoto instructed as they parked the Squad just outside the D.O.Tís repair bay.

Johnny shook his head no, a definite pout forming in place of his usually present crooked grin. "Iím not going in there! No way, no how! That Tangee chick is dangerous!"

"You're exaggerating again." Roy responded.

"You think so?! Just go ask Bear...he'll tell ya all about her...!" Johnny ranted. "Of course, you'll have to visit him over at Rampart's Ortho Unit!"

Roy laughed, shaking his head. "Bear broke his leg when he crashed during that high speed chase. What does that have to do with Tangee?"

Johnny turned a "knowing look" at his Partner. "You are sooooo naive! That's what the OFFICIAl REPORT says!" Making a quick check through the Squad windows to see who might be within hearing range, he continued. "The truth is, Pally...Bear was FINE until Tangee got a look at his patrol car!"

"You're too much!" Roy said, shoving open door on the passenger side.

Johnny grabbed his arm. "Wait!"

"What now?" Roy sighed.

"This wasn't my fault...you know that! Right!? Even though I was driving...it wasn't my fault! I tried to get out of the way! I tried...!" Shaking his head, Johnny said miserably, "A hundred cars and trucks parked in that stupid supermarket parking lot...and that run-a-way shopping cart has to take out the Squad's headlight!"

"Will you relax, already. All you have to do is explain what happened to Tangee...I'm sure she'll understand." Roy insisted.

"Yeah...sure..." Johnny scoffed. "It'll be a little hard to explain anything once she gets me in that killer strangle-hold of hers!"

"Courage, Junior...courage," Roy said, giving him a pat on the arm. "...because here she comes."

Something resembling a whimper/moan escaped Johnny's lips when he saw Tangee with the CHP mechanic.

Here's one of your favorite people now," Harlan spoke in a stage whisper as Roy Desoto and Johnny Gage got out of the truck. "Go easy on them tiger...and if you have any energy left after your shift come out to Central and I'll teach you how to do a real engine tune-up."

"You are gonna need a complete overhaul if you are suggesting I don't know how to do a proper job on these vehicles." She glared at him through narrowed eyes.

"OK, I just thought it might be a way for you to run into your favorite motor officer, but if you aren't interested..." Harlan pulled himself up to his full height, which still left him a few inches shy of Tangee's height.

"On the other hand," she gave him a charming smile, "maybe it would be a good idea for me to observe your operations."

"My God," Johnny whispered as he saw Tangee smile at Harlan. "You think she's going to eat him?"

"Don't be silly..." Roy nudged him forward, waving at Harlan as he passed by them on his way out. "Now just get the headlight from her. We can put it in back at the station if you don't want to wait for her to do it."

"Good idea, we won't have to spend more time than necessary with the dragon queen." Johnny strode over to the mechanic who was watching him with her hands on her hips. "How are you this fine morning Tangee?" He gave her his best smile.

"What have you done to my squad Gage?" She stalked over to him and he reflexively started to retreat.

"Just a slight........minor......." He started.

"Very minor," Roy interjected.

"Tiny little mishap with a shopping cart," Johnny finished. "The squad needs a new headlight. We'll take it back to the station and install it ourselves, don't want to make any more work for you."

Tangee went out to the rescue truck and inspected the damage. "You call this minor? There's a scratch at least 3 inches long in this paint! I hope you called yourself out of service, this baby needs some TLC!"

"Station 8 is covering for us, but I promise, we have touch up paint at the station and I'll fix that scratch so well you'll never know it happened." Gage followed her back into the bay.

"Yeah, we'll take care of it, don't worry Tang." Roy trailed behind his

partner, trying to be supportive.

"Read my lips boys," She turned and patted Roy's cheek, leaving a dirt smudge behind. "No one but me is going to repair that scratch....I believe if you want something done right, you do it yourself." She opened the inventory manual, looking up the part numbers she'd need for the squad. "Better settle in boys," she called over to them. "It's going to be a long morning!"

"Long morning?" exclaimed John. "Come on, Tangee, it doesn't take all morning to replace a headlight. I've done a few of them myself, you know," John said, with a touch of arrogance in his voice. He gestured to the scratch. "This is nothing. A little filler and some paint is all it needs. We can do it in no time! Besides, we can't afford to be out of service for too long."

"Gage," Tangee replied, "The way YOU drive, I'm not surprised you've replaced a few headlights. God know what else you've done to that poor innocent heap you drive. It's a darn good thing DeSoto does most of the driving, or God knows what kind of shape the squad would be in." She waved the wrench in his face. "You may be a hot-shot paramedic, but you're not the Marcus Welby of auto repair." She pointed to two empty chairs by the door. "SIT. I believe the drivers of L.A. County would be happier with you off the road." Tangee smiled sweetly at Roy. "Help yourself to coffee, DeSoto. I made a fresh pot."

"Thanks, Tangee," said Roy. He stifled a grin as he watched Johnny stalk to a chair and sulk." At least she didn't kill you," Roy joked.

"But she will, mark my words, Pally," Johnny said.

Meanwhile, Tangee looked over the squad."That #!@$*&^ Gage! How could he hurt you, my boy. He should take driving lessons from Stoker. At least he knows how to drive that engine. Too bad he's married," Tangee muttered to herself.

Time passed by very slowly for Johnny. He sat nervously in the chair watching the clock on the wall . As each second clicked off, he felt the coordinating heartbeat inside his chest. In his mind, the beat kept getting louder and louder and louder.

Roy placed a hand on his shoulder and Johnny yelped like a scalded cat

"WHAT!".

"Will you calm down! You look like youíre about to have a heart attack," said Roy, with a touch of concern in his voice.

Johnnyís yell startled Tangee, and she dropped the new headlight, sending it crashing to the floor. She turned and glared at Johnny. The look in her eyes sent a cold chill through his body. "Gage, you nit-wit! That was one and only headlight I had in stock for this vehicle until my supply delivery gets here Friday. Now, I have to go out and get another one!" exclaimed Tangee.

"Any idea how long that might take, Tangee?" asked Roy. Softened by his baby-blues, Tangee answered winsomely, "Shouldnít be more than 45 minutes or so."

"Well, I had better call the station and let them know," said Roy, as he got up from his chair, leaving Johnny with Tangee.

Johnny gulped, then tried his crooked smile. "So uhm.. Tang, want me to take another vehicle and get that light for you?"

Tangee blinked at Johnny. "I'm sorry... did you just offer to take one of my vehicles to get another headlight?"

"Well, yeah... yeah that's what I offered" Johnny nodded his head and grinned thinking he'd finally gotten somewhere with her.

"Well Mr. Gage" Tangee crooned. "I think it would be a great idea to jump in that squad over there and ride across town and pick up that light. You see, 36's isn't picking it up until this evening and it's already been fixed, washed and waxed for 2 hours."

Johnny grinned and started rocking on his toes thinking "Boy Chet's gonna think I'm crazy when I say I finally won her over." However, his face fell as she continued.

"It's not bad enough you busted this one up, you have to bust the other one too? What's with you Gage? What did I ever do to you?" To his shock and dismay she started crying!

Johnny Gage couldn't believe what he was witnessing. Tangee...the Tasmanian Devil of the Mechanic's World...crying!? Were those actual tears rolling down her cheeks? He would have bet the Squad that, if anything at all, it would have been motor oil that would have come dripping out of this tough-as-nails chick's tear ducts!

"What the heck is going on in here!?" Johnny turned to find Sgt. Gatraer standing near the entrance of the repair bay, arms folded across his chest, looking none too pleased. With a loud sob, Tangee fled to the safety and isolation of her office, leaving Gage to deal with the CHIPS Sarge.

"What did you do to her...Gage, isn't it?" Gatraer barked. "I've heard about you! You're the Poncherello of the Fire Department!"

"But...I...she...I only offered...and then she...but I didn't mean to..." Johnny sputtered, helplessly, looking around in the desperate hope of finding Roy. His pitiful attempts to explain the situation were drowned out by the sounds of two motorcycles roaring into the repair bay. CHP officers Jon Baker and Frank ëPonchí Poncherello switched off their engines, and approached the twosome.

"Afternoon, Sarge!" Ponch smiled. "Hey...Johnny...how's life treating' ya?"

"Hey, Johnny, did you hear me? Are you okay?" Ponch waved his hand in front of Gageís face. "Oh, uh, yeah Ponch, I'm doing just fine." Johnny stammered. 'If I was doing any finer', he thought, 'I'd already be lying in the grave I've been digging for myself all morning.' By now, Johnny was backed into the corner and analyzing his escape routes.

Suddenly, Tangee emerged from her office, all earlier signs of tears gone. "Hi Jon! Is there something that I can help you or the Sargent with?" she said sweetly, focusing her attention on the tall blond officer.

Johnny was relieved Tangee was busy stalking someone else, although the strange tone of Tangee's voice was scaring him. Could it be that she actually could sound genuinely nice?

"Oh, hey Tangee. Ponch and I were just looking for Sarge here." Jon turned to Getraer. "Can we talk to you outside for a minute? We'll be right back." The three men excused themselves and stepped outside the garage.

Once they were gone, Tangee turned back towards Johnny. Once again, she gave him her patented icy stare, making him shiver.

Johnny was sure that Tangee was going to go off the deep end, pick up one of the big wrenches and start swinging it. She had gone nuts and no one but Johnny saw it! What in the world had she started crying about? The squad? This girl needed a man!

"So, Tangee, have you and Johnny had a nice chat?" Roy said as he came back into the garage.

She looked over at Gage and gave a forced smile."Sure, just a lovely time!" she responded.

"When do you think, she'll...," Roy gestured towards the squad but stopped when Tangee gave him 'the look'. "When do you think he'll be ready?"

"Soon, Roy." She went over to her work bench and began throwing her tools around. Roy looked over at Johnny. "What did you do?" He hissed at his partner.

"Nothing," Johnny whispered back, " I didn't do a thing! She started crying over the squad! That chickís a few sandwiches short of a picnic!"

"She doesn't look like she's in a very good mood now," Roy commented. "All this planning, and it better not be ruined."

"You cheer her up, she likes you!" Johnny hissed. "She looks like she wants to run me over with the squad!"

"She wouldnít do that, you might dent the fender," Roy tried to keep from cracking a smile. Just then the three CHP officers stepped back into the garage bay, looking like the cats that ate the canaries.

Tangee turned her back to them, and Johnny swore he heard her growl!

Tangee shook her head. "Men!" She growled and stalked into the office.

Roy looked at his watch. "We should be just about ready."

Sarge nodded. "Any minute now. Unless you gave it away, Gage."

Johnny's mouth dropped open. "She doesn't even talk to me unless she has to! Iím starting to think this wasnít a good idea."

Tangee came out of the office, comparing headlamp specs in the parts manual. When she realized everyone was watching her, she stopped and stared back at the men. "What's going on?"

"Nothing, Tangee." Roy replied. "Jon was just telling us about the last

ëWelcome to LAí speeding ticket he wrote."

"Yeah, the guy was a real nut." Jon smiled.

"As much as Iíd love to stay and hear the story, I have to go dig up a headlight for 51ís squad." She smiled back at Baker. "I think I have some out in the store room that might work since Butterfingers over there dropped the last one like theirs that I had.

"Now, we've got to make this fast!" When Ponch whistled, Harlan and several of Tangeeís co-workers from D.O.T carried in helium balloons, presents and a cake.

"Remind me to put you on the decorations committee for the next Open House," Sarge told Harlan.

"Are you all available for weddings and anniversaries?" Johnny smiled widely, putting his finger into the cake icing before anyone could stop him.

"Hands off!" Roy warned him, lighting the candles on the brightly colored cake that said ëHappy Birthday Tangee!!!í "Sheíll be back any second, and I know she wonít eat this if she sees your hands on it!"

Tangee came back into the bay and stared at the table theyíd set up for her.

"Surprise! Happy Birthday!" The whole assemblage in the garage yelled.

She looked stunned, then smiled at them, "This is terrific guys, but...it's not my birthday."

"What?" Sarge looked over at Roy." You said today was her birthday, Roy."

"She's the one that was talking about a birthday, I just assumed..." the paramedic sputtered.

"You know when you assume..." Johnny started.

"Don't you dare say it, GAGE!" Roy said threateningly.

"It's my nieces' birthday today, not mine." Tangee interrupted. "I'm sorry you misunderstood, Roy. This is really terrific though. I didn't know you all cared."

"I'm sorry Sarge, I honestly thought it was HER birthday she was talking about." Desoto said.

"Next time I'll check her file before I listen to a fireman." Sarge shook his head.

"Paramedic." Johnny couldnít resist jumping in.

"Is their vehicle going to be finished SOON, Tangee?" Sarge asked.

"You mean, I can't finish my cake?" She cut the cake, handing out pieces for everyone." I appreciate all of this guys, I really do. Bring me cake and presents anytime!"

Tangee tore into her presents, smiling as she opened YET another set SEARS WRENCHES. Jon turned, giving Grossie an annoyed look. "Hey, man -- I told you, Ponch and I were getting Tangee a set of wrenches!"

"Welll...I...uhm...hey, a mechanic can't have too many wrenches..." Grossie babbled, turning a hopeful look toward Tangee.

"Right!" Tangee agreed -- and meant it!

"Speech, Speech....!" Ponch called out.

"Poncherello..." Tangee muttered through gritted teeth, reaching for one of her shiny new wrenches.

Laughter filled the air when Ponch took a nervous step away from

Tangee...taking shelter behind his partner.

At the same moment....the HT attached to Roy's belt beeped. The dispatcher's voice was heard a second later."Squad 51, what's your status?"

Roy looked over to Tangee and Harlan. "You're ready to go." Harlan said.

"Squad 51, available." Roy reported.

A moment and then:"Squad 51 in place of Squad 18 -- possible heart attack -- 3468 Render Street. 3...4...6...8 Render. Cross street - Western. Time out: 15:47."

"10-4, KMG 365" Roy responded, while Johnny quickly jotted down the address on his note pad.

"Oh-my-God!" Tangee gasped. When the men looked her way, she was visibly pale.

Jon reached out a concerned hand."Tang...?"

"That...that...address...." Tangee whispered, her voice edged with panic. "It's my grandmother's house!"

"What?!" Roy said in surprise.

Tangee's eyes began to water. "She must've been out in the garden again. Oh Grannie, the doctor said not to push yourself so hard, why didn't you listen?" She said in a tone so low almost no one heard. Roy ran over to the squad and started the engine as Johnny got in the passengerís side.

"Out of my way Gage! I'm coming too!" Tangee said suddenly.

"Are you sure you're alright enough for---" Johnny started. The stern look she gave him behind her tear-streaked face was all the convincing he needed. He pushed the door back open and Tangee climbed over him, taking the seat in the middle.

Turning on the sirens, Roy sped down the road.

When they pulled up at the old two-story white framed house, Tangee ran up to the door and went inside while Johnny and Roy pulled out the O2 and drug box. "Grandma?" She yelled, running from room to room in a panic.

"Iím here Tangee," a frail voice called. "In the kitchen." The tiny woman sat at the table, still holding the phone. "I was outside working and got so dizzy! Everything started spinning so I came in here and called the doctor."

"Grandma, Iíve told you not to try and work out there." Tangee spoke softly, taking her Grandmotherís hands. "Iíd have come after work and taken care of everything."

She stepped aside as Roy set the gear down and pulled out the blood pressure cuff.

Johnny set up the radio and relayed information to Rampart as Roy took her vitals.

Tangee watched, touched by the care and concern they showed the old woman. For all the emergency vehicles sheíd had to fix behind these guys, this was the first time she really saw them in action. All the dents and scratches suddenly became nothing beside the gentle way they made Grandma Ivey comfortable and calmed her fears.

When the ambulance arrived, she pulled Johnny aside. "Give it to me straight Johnny. Is she going to make it?"

"Your Grandmother is a very tough little woman, I think she may just have had a little too much heat." He packed up the equipment as they followed Roy out behind the stretcher. "Sheíll be fine, you ride with them and I’ll follow you guys to Rampart."

"Thanks Johnny," Tangee surprised him with a quick, fierce hug before she got into the ambulance. "Donít worry about the headlight, the next one’s on me."

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