Memories Forgotten
By
Author's note: Thanks to Laura for her help and contributions when I needed an idea. The song Hotel California is being borrowed from The Eagles
All EMERGENCY! Characters belong to MARK VII LIMITED but any and all OC's (Original Characters) belong to me and can not be used without my permission
** Denotes thought **
****** ****** ****** ******
Saturday, August 12 th 1981 Denver, Colorado…
Finally getting away and getting on the road for his vacation, the young man had his window rolled down, the wind blowing through his hair and had his radio on, singing along to the song that was playing on the radio.
Welcome to the hotel California
such a lovely place…
such a lovely face
They livin' it up at the Hotel California
what a nice surprise…
bring your alibis
Mirrors on the ceiling
They pick champagne on ice
and she said, we are all just prisoners here
of our own device
And in the master's chambers
they gathered for big feast
they stab it with their steely knife
but they just can't kill the beast
Last thing I remember
I was, runnin' for the door
I had to find the passage back
to the place I was before
Relax, said the nightman
We are programmed to receive
You can check out anytime you like
But you can never leave
Seeing that he was running low on gas, he pulled into a convenience store parking lot and turning off the engine, he got out to fill up, still humming the tune in his head. After filling up his car, he put the gas cap back on and turned and started to head toward the store to pay the bill. He had only taken a couple of steps when he heard what he thought was breaking glass and things falling, along with a bone chilling scream followed by three gunshots, ringing out from inside the store...shattering the peacefulness of the early morning quiet.
As the two robbers ran from the convenience store, one holding a baseball bat, the other a gun and they spotted the stunned young man at the gas pumps outside, the two ran over to him…he put his hands in the air and slightly backed up, hoping he wouldn't be shot... he knew the clerk inside already had been.
"Give me your wallet before I blow your brains out!" one of the men shouted, pointing the gun at him.
"Okay, no problem, just stay calm."
Slowly reaching in the back pocket of his jeans, the young man did as he was told.
"Alright man, take it easy...here, here it is...now you have it, just leave...please, there's no need for anybody else to get hurt."
Taking the wallet and looking inside, the man said, "This is it...two hundred bucks...drivin' a car like that and all you got is two hundred bucks…where's the rest of it man...there's gotta be more!"
"There isn't, I swear, that's it. Please just take it and leave."
Getting nervous, the other man said, "Come on man, we got what we came for, let's split. But he can ID us, we gotta do somethin' with this dude, he knows we killed the clerk…come on man, do somethin'…get rid of ‘im!"
Nodding his head in agreement, the first man said, "Yeah, you're right...we'll have ta' take care of ‘im."
"Please...please don't kill me...I don't know either of you and...I wanna keep it that way...so I'll just leave and not...not tell anybody anything...I swear."
Stepping closer to the frightened young man, the first man said, "Well, maybe you wouldn't tell but...we can't take that chance. Sorry dude, but I'm sure you can understand our position. Give me tha' bat, we'll teach this guy a lesson he won't ever forget."
Nodding his head, the younger of the two robbers handed the older man the bat.
"Look man, you guys don't have ta' do this…I'm just here on vacation, I don't want any trouble, just leave and I'll forget everything I've seen and heard…please." the young man begged.
"Nah, can't do that."
Seeing the gun pointed at him, the young man said, "No…no, please, you don't have ta' do this…please don't!"
The young man suddenly felt a bullet going through the left side of his chest, then he was thrown to the ground and mercilessly beaten not only by the hands of the robbers but with the bat as well…two very hard blows landed on his leg and one went to his arm, as he screamed in agony. He suddenly felt a knife going through him repeatedly, as he finally lost consciousness from the extreme pain surging through his severely injured body.
Checking and seeing that the keys were still in the ignition, the two robbers quickly sped away in the young man's vehicle .
******
Late that Saturday evening...
At Castlewood Memorial Hospital, a flurry of activity surrounded the patient being rushed in, as the gurney he was strapped to quickly made it's way down the hall of the emergency room and then turned and went into treatment room 4.
Even though he was only semi-conscious, he felt the IV's in his arm and with his eyes half opened, he could feel the pain, surging through his entire body and how hard it was becoming to breathe, and although he was cold, he could feel the warm sticky blood all over him as it seeped through the bandages, but he couldn't remember where it came from. Trying to speak, he couldn't hear himself and soon realized that no one else could hear him either, but he could hear but only half see what was going on around him.
Paramedics Richard Morgan and Allen Hart gently lifted their patient from the gurney to the exam table. Doctors Sam Larson, Jay Lawrence and head nurse Tamara Davis were part of the medical team working the ER late that Saturday night.
"It's always a Saturday night when this stuff happens…man, he's a mess. Hey guys, do you know what exactly happened or who he is?"
Moving the gurney out of the way, and hanging the IV's on the pole, Richard said, "Well Doc, we don't know all the details ...Howard and Amber said an employee who was just comin' on shift found him unconscious in a pool of blood in front of the gas pumps at the Food Mart on the isolated part of Old Cramdon Road, he called them and they called us. When he went inside, he found the clerk that was on duty, dead, shot three times but she wasn't beaten or stabbed like this guy. He said the place looked liked a tornado went through it…the money from the register was missing. Another ambulance is bringin' the clerk in."
"Howard said that with the shape this guy's in he had nothing to do with the clerks death but he could'a witnessed it though. There's no ID of any kind on 'im...there was no car...and we don't have any idea on when it actually happened or how long he's been out there...but somebody nearly stabbed, shot and beat 'im to death." Allen added.
"Yeah, it does, that was probably the person's intention, to kill ‘im and leave no witnesses. Okay guys, thanks, you two have a good evening."
"Thanks Doc, you do the same. Bye Tamara."
Waving at the paramedics, Tamara said, "Bye guys, be careful."
After the two left, the Doctor said, "Tamara, get his vitals and then get x-ray in here...then draw blood for type and cross match for at least 6 units...they way he's bleeding I have a feelin' we're gonna need it."
As Tamara was preparing to take their patient's vital, the Doctor and nurse suddenly and finally heard the young man softly speaking.
"H...help me...hurt...help...breathe…hurts ta'…breathe…please don't...let...me die...cold..."
Leaning over him and softly speaking, Doctor Larson said, "Take it easy son...I'm Doctor Larson and you're at Castlewood Memorial Hospital...and if we have anything to say about it, you are * not * going to die. Do you remember what happened to you and who you are?"
The only thing the Doctor got as a response, was a blank stare and a very frightened look, as the young man started to shiver more.
"C…cold…"
Tamara quickly got a blanket and covered the young man. The older Doctor spoke in an even softer voice.
"Son...take it easy, you don't have to be afraid, no one is going to hurt you but you've been seriously injured and you have no identification on you. What's your name and is there anybody we can call to let them know where you are and what's happened to you?"
After a moment, the young man softly replied, "My...my name...I...I don't ...know... please...help me...hurts...to breathe...head...arm and...and leg...my belly and...shoulder hurts...please don't...let me...die..."
The young man slowly closed his swollen eyes and lapsed into unconsciousness.
Gently touching his patient on the shoulder, the Doctor said, "Hey, come on now, stay with me...son, open your eyes for me."
But there was no response from the patient.
"Sam, his B/P is 80/50, respirations are 12 and shallow and his pulse is 140."
Going to the phone, Tamara called for x-ray and a few moments later, the x-ray tech came into the treatment room.
Speaking to the tech, Doctor Larson said, "Jack, I want a full skull, chest and abdominal series. Right arm and leg, left shoulder, I need to see where that bullet is at and I need them as fast as you can."
"You got it Doc."
Stepping out into the hall, Sam and Tamara let Jack get to work.
"I'm worried about that boy Tamara, he can't be more then 29 or 30 years old. I only hope we can help him live to see his next birthday."
"So do I but…I wonder...I wonder why anybody would do something like this...to anyone. One life taken away and one...probably changed forever, if he lives, and for what, a little bit of money…how much could'a been in the register anyway?"
Shaking his head, Sam replied, "I don't know, it would just depend on when it happened. But I'm sure the Police can find out and bring those responsible for it to justice."
Doctor Jay Lawrence saw when the seriously injured man had been brought in and when he saw his two friends standing outside of the treatment room, he walked up to them to see how the patient was doing.
"Sam, Tamara, how's the young man doing that the Squad brought in?"
"Not good Jay. Head injury, multiple stab wounds, gunshot to the left side of the chest, cuts, contusions, lacerations, his eyes are swollen...probably a lot of internal injuries...his right arm and leg are broken. We're waiting while Jack takes the x-rays."
"He regained consciousness for a minute or so and didn't know his name or what had happened to him." Tamara softly said, to no one in particular.
"Amnesia?" Jay asked.
"It's a possibility." Sam replied.
Just then, Jack came out of the treatment room.
"Doc, I'll have these for ya in a few minutes."
"Thanks Jack, make it as fast as you can."
Nodding his head, Jack quickly went to develop the films, as Sam, Tamara and Jay made their way back into the treatment room and their young patient. As they came back into the room, they noticed that their young victim was still unconscious...as Tamara went over to the exam table to recheck the young man's vitals, Jackie Anderson from the lab entered the room.
"Doctor Larson, here's the results of the cross match for this patient."
"Thanks Jackie."
Looking at the paper, Sam answered the question that he knew both Jay and Tamara wanted to know.
"He's AB negative. Jay, call the blood bank and tell them to get 6 units down here, stat... also, call the OR...there's no question in my mind that this fella's gonna need surgery...the x-rays are gonna tell us * that * for sure."
"Right away Sam."
Only moments later, the x-rays were brought into the room, as was the blood.
"Doc...patient's x-rays." Jack said.
"And the AB negative." The lab tech said.
"Thanks you two."
As Tamara took the blood and hung one unit, Sam took the envelope and went over and put up the films to have a close look...he didn't like what he saw. As Tamara monitored the patient's blood pressure, Jay walked over and stood next to Sam to see what they would be dealing with.
"How does it look?" Jay asked.
Shaking his head as he answered, Sam replied, "Not good at all, looks as if there is massive bleeding in his belly and chest...broken right arm and leg, the leg is almost shattered and it looks as of it's been broken before…skull fracture, broken ribs, punctured lung, he's dehydrated…look, that bullet is only inches from his heart. Tamara, how's his B/P?"
After quickly checking it, Tamara looked up, and taking the stethoscope out of her ears, she said, "70/40...its dropping and so are his respirations...6 to 8 per minute."
"Start pumping in the blood, he's bleeding out, we need to get him intubated and upstairs now."
"I'll do it Sam. But there isn't an OR available, is there?"
"Well, they'll just have to * make * one available…or this boy isn't gonna make it."
Just as Jay started to insert the tube, their young patient's body started to jerk as he began to vomit.
“Let's get ‘im on his side, fast.” Jay said.
“Tamara, give me the suction.”
As the Doctors quickly turned the young man onto his side, Tamara quickly turned on the suction and handed Sam the tube, as he suctioned out their patient's mouth, as he continued to throw up.
Both Sam and Jay knew that this latest incident with their patient wasn't going to help him…with the skull fracture, they were afraid that there could be more to it, along with the possibility of pneumonia if the young man had aspirated.
As their patient finally stopped, Sam made sure that he had suctioned the young man's mouth out well. Seeing that he had, he and Jay gently placed him on his back then Jay quickly and skillfully inserted the tube to help their patient breathe.
“Tamara, call maintenance down here to clean this up. Jay, let's get ‘im up to the OR.”
Without waiting to hear about an operating room, the team took their patient up to the OR.
After four cardiac arrests and three and a half hours of surgery, most of it spent, with an orthopedic surgeon trying to save the injured man's leg, then having the arm and leg set, he was sent to the recovery room and then later moved into the ICU where he could be closely and continually monitored.
"What do you think his chances are Sam?" Jay softly asked.
Looking sadly at the young man, Sam quietly answered, "I don't know...but given the severity of his injuries, the cardiac arrests, the severe blood loss…he'll be lucky if he makes it through the night."
The two Doctors continued to stand, looking at their patient and having their doubts that he would live.
******
Later that night, Roy was at home thinking about his partner…he couldn't help but wonder why Johnny hadn't called after he had arrived at his destination to tell him and the guys where he was...he was sure that Johnny had made it to wherever it was that he was heading to by now. He was worried but figured that his partner had either just forgot or lost track of time, but he was sure that his best friend would eventually get in touch with him.
******
Early Sunday morning, 5:30 AM...
As night faded into morning, Joanne rolled over in bed and realized that Roy wasn't there beside her...unusual, being that it was her husband's days off. Sensing that something may not be right, she got up and put on her robe and headed downstairs to look for her husband.
Arriving downstairs, she didn't see any lights on and wondered where Roy could be. On a hunch she went into the kitchen and looked out the back door...Roy was sitting out on the deck, looking up at the sky.
As she stood watching him for a few moments, she knew from his body language that something was bothering him.
The night before he also seemed a little distracted, but didn't share any of his thoughts with her. She knew that he'd be thinking of Johnny while he was on vacation, but the paramedic had only been gone a few days…she couldn't imagine that whatever was on Roy's mind had anything to do with his best friend.
******
6:15 AM Castlewood Memorial Hospital...
Walking into the ICU, wanting to check on their "John Doe", Sam and Tamara went to the nurse's station to talk to the charge nurse.
"Morning Samantha."
Looking up, Samantha smiled at the Doctor and her friend, but her smile faded when she started telling the two about the patient…she knew the news wasn't good.
"Oh, good morning Doctor Larson, Tamara."
"Could I have the chart for the patient in cubicle 3…how's he doin'?"
Handing the chart to the Doctor, Samantha said, "Here's his chart. Our John Doe is still in critical condition and his vitals haven't improved very much, still unstable. When I came on this morning, I was told that he had a restless night."
Taking it from the nurse, Sam said, "Thanks Samantha."
The Doctor frowned at hearing the bad news…even though he knew it probably wasn't possible, he had hoped for a bit of improvement.
"I'm sorry to hear that, but I figured that, given his injuries, he might not improve very quickly."
Tamara was also disappointed at hearing the news, as she softly said, "I guess it's just going to take a while."
"Yeah, it looks that way for now...our friend has a long way to go before he's out of the woods. Let's go check on him."
As Doctor Larson and Tamara entered the cubicle, they stood for a moment watching him and the steady rise and fall of his chest. They both remembered that during the night before while in surgery, their patient's chest had failed to move on four occasions, so they were happy to see that he was indeed still breathing...even if it was with the aid of a ventilator.
Looking at the chest tube, Sam could see that there was still a fair amount of blood and checking the chart and seeing an unstable B/P, he knew it was something that they would have to keep a very close eye on.
Making notations in the chart, Sam said, "Still too much blood, so we'll have to keep him on the blood transfusions and may have to take him back to surgery if it doesn't stop on it's own. To be honest, I'm still surprised he made it through the night."
"Yeah, so am I." Tamara softly said.
Closing the chart, Sam asked, "Well, you ready to go to work Tam?"
The head nurse didn't hear or answer the Doctor...she was starring at the unconscious man lying in the bed and couldn't help but wonder who this young man was and what his family, if he had any, was going through, not knowing where he was.
Tamara finally came back to the present when Sam gently touched her shoulder and spoke to her.
"Tamara...are you alright?"
Looking up at the Doctor, she replied, "Oh...yeah Sam, * I'm * alright, it's just...he looks so lost and alone...if that makes any sense. I just hope * he'll * be alright."
Trying to reassure her, Sam said, "I'm sure he will be...eventually. Even though he's still critical, he made it through the night, and at least that's a start…I really had my doubts that he would. We'll just have to keep a close eye on him and wait and see what happens. Come on, let's get to the ER and see what's going on."
"Yeah...okay."
Tamara softly touched the young man's arm, as the two left the ICU.
******
Over the next week, the hospital staff watched, as their young patient began to slowly but steadily improve. After checking to make sure that his lung had healed, Doctor Larson removed the chest tube and the ET tube and placed the young man on O2 by a nasal cannula.
After several hours, with the sedation from being intubated wearing off, the young man started to wake up and was a bit restless and groggy. Hearing this, Elizabeth stepped over to the bed to check on her patient.
Softly speaking, the nurse said, "It's okay, you're fine…just stay calm and relax. You're just coming out of the sedation, but you're gonna be just fine. Just rest."
Licking his dry lips, he softly and hoarsely said, "Where…where am I…what…happened …thirsty and my throat hurts…my arm and…my leg hurts…tell me what…what happened …ta' me …my chest…it hurts…"
Gently pushing the hair out of his eyes, Elizabeth said, "Your throat hurts from where you were intubated, a tube down your throat to help you breathe, but that'll go away. Just rest, and I'll let Doctor Larson know that you're awake, and he can fill you in on everything. Everything is going to be alright, just stay calm for me, I'll be back in just a minute."
Seeing that he was slowly calming down, Elizabeth smiled to reassure him that everything was going to be fine. As she was turning to leave the room, she felt a weak , warm hand grab her arm as the young man softly spoke.
"You…you're comin' back…aren't you…I don't…don't wanna be alone."
Lightly touching his forehead and feeling how warm he felt and how diaphoretic he was, Elizabeth said, "Of course I am…nobody will leave you alone."
She saw as her patient slightly nodded his head…but he didn't seem convinced, so before once again turning to leave the room to get a Doctor, the nurse looked down at the man's face. The expression he wore tore her heart out...it was one of fear and sadness. She once again assured him that she would be back and then left to get a Doctor.
A few minutes later, Elizabeth returned with Doctor Larson.
Smiling at the young man, she tried to put his mind at ease as she gently touched his shoulder and softly spoke to him.
"See, I told you I'd be back...just take it easy, okay?"
The Doctor stepped closer to the man's bed, and said, "Hello there, I'm Sam Larson...the Doctor who took care of you when you were first brought in to the hospital. What's your name?"
The man looked blankly at the two people standing beside him, before answering softly.
"I...I don't know. Do you know what it is…if you do, will you tell me?"
The tone in his young patient's voice broke the Doctor's heart…it reminded him of what Tamara said when he was still unconscious…that he looked lost and alone…that's how he sounded to the Doctor.
"No, I'm sorry, I don't. When the paramedics brought you in, you didn't have any ID on you."
As his eyes scanned the room, he asked, "Where am I?"
"Castlewood Memorial Hospital in Denver. Do you remember anything?"
The man slowly shook his head, and softly replied, "Denver…I'm in Denver…no I don't remember anything."
"It's okay, don't worry son, we're gonna take good care of ya and everything will be just fine. The nurse here told me that you said that your chest was hurting and you felt warm, so I just want to take a look at you...see how you're doing...okay?"
A soft voice answered the Doctor, and said, "Yeah, okay."
After examining his patient, the Doctor was quite pleased with the remarkable progress the young man was making , but his fear had come true…his patient did have pneumonia.
"How am I Doc?"
Larson smiled at the young man, and said, "Well, for everything you've been through, pretty darn good… except that you do have pneumonia. But I think we've caught it in time and we'll start you on a strong antibiotic so we can get it taken care of quickly. You get some rest...I'll be back later."
Elizabeth started to follow the Doctor out, but stopped and turned around.
"Listen to the Doctor and get some rest. I'll be back in a little while to check on you...just remember...you're not alone."
After the Doctor and nurse left his room, the man tried to think of something that would help him to figure out who he was, what happened to him, and how he ended up in the hospital… but the answers proved to be quite elusive. Closing his eyes, the young man once again drifted off to sleep.
After a few hours of letting the young man get some more rest, Doctor Larson went back into ICU to check on his patient. Walking into the cubicle, the Doctor saw that the young man was awake.
Stepping over to the bed, and hanging the IV with the antibiotic, Sam asked, "Well, how do you feel after gettin' some more rest?"
Softly, the young patient replied, "Still tired…thirsty…and I'm hurtin'…bad…what happened ta' me…do you know?"
Sitting a chair beside the bed, Sam said, "Well, you were brought in on the 12 th of this month…you were dehydrated, had a gunshot wound to the left side of your chest that came within * inches * of your heart…multiple stab wounds, massive internal bleeding, skull fracture, brok…"
Stopping the Doctor, the man said, "That's…that's fine…I get the picture…somebody tried ta'…ta' kill me…but why?"
Shaking his head, Doctor Larson replied, "I don't know, but be happy that whoever shot you had bad aim."
"Trust me, I am…can I have somethin'…for the pain…and some water… please…?"
Turning to Elizabeth, Sam said, "Liz, if you'll go get it, we'll start ‘im with 10 milligrams of MS and I'll give him a sip of water."
Nodding her head, Elizabeth left the room to get the medication, as Doctor Larson gave John a little bit of water.
"Better?"
"Yeah…thanks Doc. But why would…somebody wanna kill me?"
"Like I said, I don't know…but the Police are checking into it. You were found outside the Food Mart, at the gas pumps…does that ring a bell?"
After thinking for a moment, the young man softly answered, "No."
A few minutes later, Elizabeth returned with the MS and gave it to Doctor Larson.
Just as he started to inject it, he stopped, and asked, "You…you don't remember if you're allergic to any medications…do you?"
Shaking his head, the young man replied, "No Doc, I don't."
"Well...seeing that you're in such discomfort...I think we'll risk it. I'll have a nurse standing by just in case there might be complications with this or the antibiotic. What do you say to that?"
"Sounds fine…I just want…the pain ta'…ta' stop and…feel better."
Doctor Larson continued with the administration of the MS.
"You should be feeling better in no time but it might make you sleepy so get some more rest, I'll be back a little later."
As Doctor Larson left the room, Elizabeth stood watching her patient for any signs of a possible allergic reaction to the administered pain medication and antibiotic. Seeing that there didn't seem to be any, she sat down in a chair next to his bed and waited for him to fall asleep before heading back to the nurses' station.
Quietly entering the cubicle, Tamara was surprised to see that the young man was still awake.
"Hi Liz...how's he doing?"
"Holding his own Tam, but he woke up and was in some substantial pain...Doctor Larson just gave him some pain meds and hung an antibiotic but we weren't sure if he was allergic to them or not, so I'm watching him for any negative reaction to ‘em. Doesn't seem to be any."
"That's good. Mind if I stay for a few minutes?"
"Nah, go ahead, I need to get back to the desk. Let me know if there's any problems."
"Sure thing."
Elizabeth left the room, and Tamara moved closer to the bed.
"Hey there, I heard you woke up this morning. How ya doin'?"
The man looked groggily at Tamara. Realizing that he probably didn't know who she was, she introduced herself.
"I'm Tamara Davis, I'm the Head ER Nurse here at Castlewood. I was with you the night you were brought in here."
The young man weakly smiled, as he said, "Hi…guess I owe you a thank you, too...I mean for me…still bein' alive."
"That's what we do, but you're welcome. You get some sleep, there'll be plenty of time to visit later."
"Mmm…'kay."
The patient's eyes closed and he was sound asleep.
Tamara stood watching this man sleep for a few minutes. She continued to wonder about who he was and where he was from and despite only having been awake for a few hours, she knew that he must be wrestling with those same thoughts himself.
Once she knew that he was finally asleep, she left the room. Heading to where she saw her friend Liz, she told her that her patient was asleep and appeared to be very comfortable. Tamara then headed back down to the ER.
******
August 15 th …
The shift was turning out to be a busy one. After riding in the ambulance and arriving at Rampart with their most recent victim...a very attractive blonde who had dislocated her shoulder and fractured an ankle trying to get her bathroom door open, Roy hoped to have a few minutes to relax. Coming out of the treatment room, he was met by a smiling Dixie.
As the two walked over to Dixie's desk, the head nurse said, "I know one person who'd have loved to have been here for this one...your partner."
Roy smiled at the nurse, trying to hide his uneasiness and concern over his best friend.
"Yeah...that's for sure."
"Well...he's been gone for what now...a week…where did he end up?"
Letting out a sigh, Roy said, "I...I don't really know, he...he hasn't gotten in touch with me yet."
Dixie looked at Roy, returning the concerned look, as she said, "But...I thought he'd...he'd call you by now."
"Yeah, well...you know Johnny."
"I * do * know Johnny, and this doesn't seem like something he'd do...to not call you after saying he would. You...seem a little upset Roy. Do you think..."
Letting out a slight laugh, Roy shook his head.
"Johnny's on vacation…he's probably having a great time. He was so excited to get away from the city, that I'm sure he's probably not even thinkin' about us right now."
Before anything else could be said, Roy's radio went off and he and Dwyer were called away on another run.
Watching Roy as he was walking away, Dixie didn't hear Doctor Brackett calling her name.
"Dix...Dixie..."
Snapping out of her momentary daze, she was embarrassed when she realized how distracted she had been.
"Kel..."
"Dix, you alright?"
Brackett was looking at his friend with concern.
"Yeah...I'm...I'm fine. I was just talking to Roy."
Smiling, he thought about Johnny being on vacation.
"Johnny must be having a good time. Where did he end up...Hawaii?"
Looking at Kel, wondering if he was really as nutty as she thought he was for asking that, she asked, "Hawaii...how is he gonna * drive * to Hawaii? I can't believe you actually asked that."
Shrugging his shoulders, Kel replied, "Well…Dix our paramedic friend * is * quite resourceful. I for one wouldn't be surprised if he ended up just flying out there. He's always talking about how going to Hawaii would be his dream vacation. So...where * did * he go?"
"I don't know, Roy said that he hasn't heard from Johnny yet."
The doctor looked thoughtfully at Dixie and observing the nurse's demeanor for a moment,
he grew concerned.
"He's a young man...he's probably having the time of his life right now. Do you and Roy have any reason to think that Johnny is in some kind of trouble or something?"
"I don't know Kel. It's not * what * Roy said that has me worried...it's what he * didn't * say...and how he said it."
"Dixie...Johnny has a good head on his shoulders, despite what some people might think. He's one of the best paramedics that went through the program...I'm sure you and Roy are just over reacting."
"Yeah...maybe."
Dixie didn't really believe that. She agreed with Roy... something wasn't quite right.
August 20 th …
After the crew finished lunch and cleaned up, Roy went out on the back lot, hoping to get some time alone but a few minutes later, Mike joined him.
Seeing that Roy wasn't going to start the conversation, Mike asked, "So Roy, where did Johnny end up going on his vacation?"
Roy hesitated before answering, something that wasn't lost on the Engineer.
"I...I don't know Mike, I haven't heard from him."
"Haven't heard from him?"
"Yeah, that's what I said. When Johnny was gettin' ready for his trip...he still didn't exactly know where he was heading to...so I haven't been able to get in touch with him. He assured me that he'd call us as soon as he got to where he was going, but he never called."
Mike now understood Roy's concern about Johnny and why he had seemed so preoccupied.
"You...you think something happened to him, don't'cha Roy?"
"Yeah…I don't know...maybe…I…I mean, I know Johnny can take care of himself and I shouldn't worry about ‘im so much but…well you and I both know that he wouldn't be the type not to call."
"Yeah, I know." Mike softly replied.
Mike frowned at the thought that his friend might be in trouble somewhere...in some strange place. Trying not to worry the Engineer, Roy tried to act positive.
"Look, he's due back to work in three days so he's probably on his way back already. Do me a favor Mike...don't say anything to the others okay…at least for right now."
"Sure. Look Roy, Johnny..."
Stopping the Engineer, Roy said, "Ah...it's probably my overactive imagination working overtime. I'm sure Johnny's fine."
Walking back inside the Station, Roy was hoping that they would be called out on a run...his mind would be best served if kept busy. The shifts that Roy had worked since the start of Johnny's vacation had gone very slowly. Yes, he did miss Johnny...seeing that crooked grin and hearing his partner going off on one of his little rants...but the truth was...in the back of his mind, Roy had a feeling that Johnny had run into some kind of trouble.
Knowing there was no way to get in touch with his partner, Roy had to assume that all was well with Johnny and that he'd be seeing his best friend in a few days.
August 23 rd …
Johnny was due back and Roy was very anxious to see his partner...it had been two weeks since he'd last seen or heard from him but he hoped his best friend did have a relaxing vacation.
Pulling into the station parking lot, Roy was both surprised and disappointed not to see Johnny's Rover parked in its usual spot. Looking at his watch, he noted that it was 7:25 but knew that coming back from vacation Johnny was always early, as he liked to spend time before the start of shift catching up with Roy and the others.
Walking into the station and into the locker room, Roy was met with some very surprised looks…the rest of the guys had assumed that when the two paramedics arrived to work that morning, they'd be walking in together.
"Hey Roy, where's Johnny?"
"I don't know Marco, I thought he'd be here already. I was surprised to not see the Rover in the lot."
"Maybe he got back really late last night and he's a bit off-schedule."
Not so sure, Roy said, "Could be Mike, but you guys know Johnny...when he comes back from vacation he's always early...and a chatterbox."
"I wouldn't worry about Gage, Roy...he probably overslept or something. He's probably tired from all the driving...something he doesn't get to do too much of around here."
Roy weakly smiled at Chet. He got the little joke, but it didn't make him feel any better.
"Maybe."
In the back of Roy's mind he couldn't help but to think that something wasn't quite right. He only hoped that his partner * was * just running a little late and would show up shortly... smiling and muttering something about alarm clocks and traffic. Getting changed for work, Roy kept glancing over his shoulder, expecting to see Johnny walking in. He looked at his watch again...7:40.
** Where are you Junior **
While the others changed and went out to the kitchen for coffee, Roy stayed in the locker room waiting for Johnny to show up. Seeing that it was now 8 he had no choice but to leave...roll call would be starting.
Roy slowly made his way out to the bay, but when Hank only saw Roy standing there, he was a little puzzled.
"Hey Pal, where's Johnny?"
Softly, Roy answered his Captain, and said, "I don't know Cap, he's not here yet."
Hank was a little curious…he knew, as well as the others did that his junior paramedic had a tendency to cut it close some times, as far as getting to work on time went, but coming back from vacation was never one of those times for John Gage.
"I'll give him the benefit of the doubt and give him till 8:15...if he's not here, then you call him and tell him to get his butt to work."
Captain Stanley got through roll call and handed out job assignments…he saved latrine duty for Johnny, of course. 8:15 came and there was still no sign of the dark-haired paramedic.
Roy knew what he had to do. He went into the office and slowly dialed his partner's phone number and waited for an answer...there was none.
Walking back into the kitchen, Roy said, "He must be on his way...there's no answer Cap."
Hank inwardly groaned. He was a little annoyed, but didn't show it...he too had a sense that something wasn't quite right.
"I'll stand the squad down until 9 AM, then I'll call for a replacement if he doesn't show."
The rest of the men were getting a little antsy in finding out the whereabouts of their missing friend.
"When was the last time you heard from him Roy?"
"Before he left on his trip two weeks ago Marco. He said he'd call me when he got to where he was going...but he didn't know where that was." Roy said, letting out a slight laugh
Chet became alarmed, as he asked, "You haven't heard from Gage in two weeks…nothin'?"
Roy sighed, as he said, "No, nothin'. Look, Johnny's an experienced traveler so I'm sure there's a logical explanation for why he's not here yet…and for why he never called."
"Maybe he got lost...or sidetracked...or lost track of time."
Chet, although getting concerned, tried to come up with some valid reasons for this current situation.
Mike looked at Chet, unconvinced.
"Chet...Johnny's got a great sense of direction and he wouldn't lose track of time...he is responsible, believe it or not."
Shrugging his shoulders, Chet replied, "Yeah, I guess. But what about Gage gettin' sidetracked...that's possible…isn't it? I mean, we * all * do that from time to time, even me."
Roy knew Mike was right, but he had to agree somewhat with Chet...a part of him knew that Johnny * did * have a tendency to get sidetracked. However, in his heart, Roy knew that none of those reasons were rational.
Roy threw himself into his chores to keep his mind off of his missing best friend. When 9 AM rolled around, Hank declared his junior paramedic officially AWOL, and called for a replacement.
Walking into the office, Roy asked, "Cap, do you know who they're sendin' in Johnny's place?"
Looking up from his paperwork at his senior paramedic, Hank replied, "Yeah, headquarters is sending Brett Connors, he should be here in a bit."
"Okay, thanks Cap. Oh, when Brett gets here, can we go check out Johnny's apartment?"
Hank nodded his head, and said, "That's a good idea, after he checks in with me you guys can go. Maybe Johnny's landlady knows something."
A short while later the replacement paramedic arrived at the station. Brett Connors was a friend of Johnny's who frequently accompanied the dark-haired paramedic on hikes and camping trips.
When he entered the station, he was unsure of what the situation was and the first person he saw was Roy, who was checking over the squad.
"Hey Roy, it's so quiet here. What's goin' on, where's Johnny?"
As Roy looked up at Brett, Johnny's friend could plainly see the seriousness and concern on Roy's face.
"Nobody knows...not yet any way. I guess you know that Johnny went on vacation two weeks ago...he hasn't shown up for work yet."
"He was due back today?"
"Yeah. Cap said we could check out his apartment and talk to his landlady. Maybe she's heard from him. You haven't heard from him have you Brett?"
"No, I haven't heard anything from him...I didn't know he was comin' back to work today. I'll go check in with Cap so we can go."
After Brett checked in with Captain Stanley, the two paramedics get clearance to check out Johnny's apartment. Arriving at the complex, they notice that the Rover was not in the lot, and going up to his friend's apartment, Roy used his spare key to go inside…looking around, they both determined that Johnny had never returned home from his trip.
Talking to Johnny's landlady, Mrs. Johnson, they found out that she hadn't heard from or seen the paramedic either but she assured them both that she would keep her eyes and ears opened. Once again passing by his partner's apartment on the way out, Roy stopped for a moment and looked at the door…he only hoped that his best friend wasn't in any kind of trouble.
Getting back into the squad, Brett made them available.
"LA, Squad 51 available."
"Squad 51."
Looking at Roy and seeing how worried he was, Brett asked, "What do you think Roy?"
"I don't know...I just don't know."
After leaving Johnny's apartment and heading back to the station, the two paramedics received a call for a possible heart attack. When they were getting their victim ready for transport, after carrying out their treatment orders, Roy hesitated on whether or not he wanted to ride in with the victim.
He knew that riding in the ambulance, he would arrive at Rampart before Brett and he dreaded facing Dixie. How would he tell her that Johnny hadn't yet returned from his trip, nor had he or anyone else heard from him. But knowing that he'd have to face her, and the Doctors eventually...he opted to ride in the ambulance.
"I'll go on in the ambulance Brett, you can bring the Squad in."
"Okay Roy, I'll be right behind'cha."
Helping Roy get the patient inside the ambulance, Brett closed the doors and gave them two taps.
Arriving at Rampart, Roy got out and followed the gurney with his victim on it into the treatment room. After helping Dr. Early for a few minutes, he left to find Brett. He only hoped that his friend hadn't mentioned anything about Johnny missing, to Dixie.
Watching Roy approach the desk, she grew confused. She hadn't yet put two and two together, to think that Roy and Brett were actually working together. She thought that it had been a pleasant coincidence that another one of Johnny's good friends had shown up at Rampart at the same time.
Smiling awkwardly at Brett, she spoke.
"It's good to see you Brett, but where's Johnny?"
Brett just looked at Roy, who was speechless, but somehow found it in himself to explain to Dixie that Johnny hadn't shown up for work yet.
"Ah...Dix...Johnny...he...he isn't here…he never made it to work this morning."
The nurse was alarmed at hearing the news.
"What?"
Roy repeated himself, and said, "Johnny didn't show up this morning. Brett and I checked out his apartment and it's obvious that he hasn't returned home, yet. I really don't have anything else to tell you Dix...I wish I did. Brett and I are working together this shift."
Dixie was stunned. The news Roy had just told her, really threw her for a loop.
"I'm so sorry fellas. I...I couldn't imagine what you both must be feeling."
The truth was...she * could * imagine how they were both feeling...because she was feeling the same way. Doctor Brackett, after helping Joe with Roy's heart attack victim, made his way to the base station. He did a double take when he saw Brett standing there.
"Brett Connors...what are you doing here? I thought you were working out of Harbor General now."
"Yeah I am Doc, but this shift, I'm...I'm workin' with Roy."
"But I thought Johnny was due back today. Did something happen Roy?"
Leaning beside the door at the base station, Roy said, "I don't know Doc, all we know is that Johnny didn't make it to work today."
Brackett knew how concerned Roy was.
"What is anyone doing about it?"
"Well...Brett and I went to his apartment and talked to his landlady...he definitely hasn't come home yet. Captain Stanley is going to give it a couple days before he gets the police involved. We don't know anything and he never told me where he even considered heading to."
"Roy...I'm sorry. If there's anything I can do...please let me know."
The paramedic nodded his slowly, and said, "Thanks...but right now...I think the only thing any of us * can * do is to wait...and hope. We better get going, we'll...we'll stay in touch."
As Brett and Roy walked away from the base station, Dixie and Brackett watched with concern.
"Kel, there isn't anything * we * can do?"
Sighing, Kel replied, and said, "No...Roy's right...wait...and hope. We better get back to work too, Roy'll let us know if he gets any news on Johnny's whereabouts."
"Yeah, I suppose. I just hope he's okay."
"We all do Dix…we all do." Kel softly said.
The Doctor and head nurse got back to their jobs, but their minds were never far from thinking about their young friend. After returning to the Station, the day continued to go by slowly, giving all the men more time to worry about Johnny.
August 24 th …
After the end of their 24-hour shift, and normally anxious to get home to his family, Roy was not in a hurry on this morning. On the drive home, his mind was still on his missing partner…Johnny should have come back to work the day before, but there was still no sign of him. Roy didn't want to upset his wife and kids, but he knew that he'd have to tell them about Johnny eventually.
Trying to buy himself some more time to process the situation before facing his family, he took a longer route home.
Finally pulling up to his house, an overwhelming feeling of dread came over him. After sitting in his truck for a few moments, he slowly got out and made his way up the front walk. Getting to the front door, he took a deep breath and exhaled slowly before turning the handle.
Stepping inside, he was immediately greeted by his wife but seeing the look on her husband's face made Joanne worry.
"Hi honey. What took you so long getting home?"
Not answering her, Roy softly asked, "Where's the kids?"
"Uh, they're upstairs, watching TV. Where's Johnny? I thought for sure he'd be coming home with you...you know, for breakfast or something."
"He's...he's not here."
Not realizing the situation, Joanne said, "Well, I can see that. Where is he…did he go home? He's probably tired from just getting back to work after being off for two weeks."
"You wanna call them down...I need…I need to talk to all of you."
It suddenly dawned on Joanne that something had happened...something serious...and that's why Johnny wasn't there. Before she said anything else, she realized that Roy hadn't called her during the shift to tell her anything out of the ordinary.
Becoming worried, Joanne asked, "Roy...what's going on?"
"Joanne...the kids...call down the kids...please."
"Sure. I'll...I'll go up and get them."
Retreating up the stairs, Joanne went to get Chris and Jennifer.
When the three of them returned to the living room where Roy was waiting for them, it was clear to them that something was wrong. Chris and Jennifer knew that there wasn't a lot of things that upset their Father, so when they saw the look on his face...they knew it was bad.
At first they were a little confused...they expected to see their Uncle Johnny downstairs with their Dad.
"Where's Uncle Johnny Dad…didn't he come back to work yesterday?"
Roy took a few moments to collect his thoughts. He knew that his family would have a hard time accepting the fact that Johnny was missing.
"Jen...Uncle Johnny * was * supposed to be back to work yesterday...but he...he never showed."
Surprised, Joanne repeated what her husband had just said.
"He never showed…what do you mean, he never showed…where is he?"
"Just what I said, I don't know how else to put it...Johnny never made it to work yesterday. Me and one of the guys...Brett Connors, a good friend of Johnny's, went to his apartment to check on things and there was no sign of him."
"Then what happened to him?"
Looking at his son, Roy replied, "I don't know Chris, at this point we can only wait...and hope. I wanted...I needed to tell you guys about Johnny because he's a part of our family, and I know how you feel about him."
After hearing the news, Joanne and the kids were understandably quiet.
"What now Roy…are the police involved yet?"
No...not yet, but Cap...he's gonna call the police when we go back on shirt in two days if there's still no sign of him."
Chris spoke up, and said, "Well, no matter what's happened to Uncle Johnny, the Police'll find him. He's gonna be okay Dad."
Roy wanted to agree with his son, but ever since Johnny's vacation had started and he had an uncomfortable feeling after his best friend had only gone for three days...Roy couldn't help but think that maybe something * had * happened to his partner.
"I hope so Chris…I certainly hope so."
Roy looked at his family, he knew how upset they were.
"There's really nothing we can do on our end right now. Why don't you guys go back to watching TV...something to help take your mind off of things. I promise to keep you posted, okay."
Chris and Jen nodded their heads, slowly got up and went back upstairs.
Waiting till the kids were out of sight, Roy and Joanne sat down on the couch, as she asked, "You think something * has * happened to Johnny…don't you?"
Her husband's silence spoke volumes to her.
Finally Roy started to speak, as he said, "He...he shouldn't have gone alone Jo, and...I should have * made * him give me an itinerary, just in case somethin' happened…he could be * anywhere *…I wouldn't even know where to start lookin' for ‘im."
Wanting to keep thinking positive thoughts, Joanne echoed Chris's thoughts.
"They'll find him Roy...and he'll come home."
"I wish I had your confidence but no one seems to understand...this just isn't like Johnny. He wouldn't just disappear...not the John Gage * I * know."
Gently rubbing her husband's shoulder, Jo asked, "I know he wouldn't just up and disappear. But you have no idea where he went…he didn't tell you?"
"Nope...none at all. He could've gone clear across the country for all I know. Damn him, I'm trying not to be mad at him...but...he couldn't tell me because when he left even * he * didn't know where he was going…said he'd call when he got there…and I haven't heard anything from him."
"Johnny didn't know where he was going…and he just took off anyway?"
Sighing, Roy answered his wife, and said, "You know Johnny...Mr. Adventurer. We laughed about it at the time, but boy…when I get my hands on him."
Roy and Joanne both jumped when they heard the phone ring. Practically running to the phone, Roy went to answer it.
"Hello."
Roy quickly recognized the voice on the other end as belonging to his Captain.
"Roy, any word from Johnny?"
"No. Cap we're gonna have..."
Interrupting his paramedic, Cap said, "Roy, I promise...first thing at start of the next shift...I'll call the police, I don't like this either. How are you holding up?"
"As well as I can I guess, I just broke the news to Joanne and the kids. You?"
"Just like the rest of you Roy. I'll let you go, stay in touch Pal."
"Yeah, I will, thanks for callin' Cap. I'll...I'll see you in a couple of days."
"See ya Roy."
Hanging up the phone, Roy went and dropped back down on the couch beside his wife…he knew that all any of them could do now…was wait.
August 25 th …
As Rachel walked into the young man's room she saw him sitting up in bed, thumbing through a magazine and looking better than the first time she saw him. It was during that first week that he was in the hospital after the attack, lying in the ICU so still and lingering somewhere between life and death, that she first saw him.
"Well...John Doe...at least you're looking better than the first time I saw you...at least you're conscious and sitting up now. Are you ready for therapy so we can get you back up on your feet?"
The young man looked at her like she was crazy.
Rachel smiled at him, and said, "I know that look. You think I'm nuts, don't you?"
Closing the magazine, the young man said, "Well, that all depends on what'cha mean by gettin' me back up on my feet."
"It means just what I said, getting you back on your feet. My name is Rachel Lopez...your physical therapist, and I know you're still in casts, and have a way to go before you're a bit more mobile...but we have to get your other moving parts...moving."
'Well...I guess so. But, as bad as my injuries are...especially my leg...you sure have a heck of a job ahead of ya."
Shaking her head, she replied, "Not me...* you *...you have all the work to do, I'm only here to help."
Sarcastically John said, "Lucky me...that I get to do all the work."
Sitting down in the chair beside the bed, Rachel said, "Well, the sooner we start and the harder you work, the quicker you'll get back on your feet and outta here. You want that, don't you?"
"Well yeah...except there's one little problem with that."
Surprised, Rachel asked, "What's that...gettin' outta here is a problem? I have a * lot * of patients that would disagree with ya on that."
Looking down at his hands, the young man softly said, "Well, so would I, normally, but yeah it is...when you don't know who you are or...or where you belong. Where am I gonna go… what am I gonna do?"
Rachel sat there, feeling bad for John...she knew he was right, he didn't know who he was or what had actually happened to him, she just hoped the Police could piece it all together.
"Well, we're gonna be spending a lot of time together working on helping you get back on your feet and we'll work on getting your memory back...if we can. And I think you need to have a name... something besides John Doe. What do you think?"
John looked up at Rachel and nodded his head.
"Guess that would be helpful."
"Do you have * any * idea about what your name is?"
John sadly shook his head, and replied, "No...but...but I really don't care too much for John Doe."
Rachel smiled at the man, and said, "Okay...well, let's try to come up with a more suitable name for you."
John looked hopefully at Rachel, and asked, "You got any ideas?"
Rachel smiled at the young man and shook her head, as she said, "Sorry. I wouldn't even know where to begin but I promise you...we'll come up with something. So...you ready for a little exercise?"
Shrugging his shoulders, John said, "Sure, why not."
After Rachel was finished with her mystery man's first therapy session, she was hit by an idea…she'd go down to the hospital gift shop and buy a book of names. Returning to the young man's room later that day, she'd sit with him and help him pick out a name.
It was 3:00 when she returned to his room and when he saw her enter, a big grin spread out across his face.
"You're back."
"Yeah...I said I'd be back. How are you feeling? You had a pretty big workout this morning, considering the injuries you're still recovering from."
"Well...I am pretty tired...but I'm happy to see you."
Rachel couldn't help but to smile back at this mysterious man.
"I...I brought something for you."
Handing him a small wrapped package, he opened it.
"Book of Names...thanks."
"I thought maybe we could look through it together and maybe come up with a name that you like. I have an hour to blow before I have to work with my last patient of the day."
"That'd be great, pull up a seat."
Pulling a chair over to the bed, Rachel sat down and together they started to go through the book. Rather than start with the A's, they randomly opened the book and started with the M's.
"Matthew, Michael, Monty, Mortimer...none of these names do it for me…especially that last one. Who'd name their kid Mortimer?"
"I don't know but it does nothing for me either." Rachel replied.
Turning ahead to the N's, their eyes went down the page until they arrived at Nick.
"What do you think about Nick?"
Thinking a moment, he said, "Nick...I love it. What do * you * think about it Rachel?"
"It's a nice strong name and you look like a Nick."
Smiling in relief, the young man replied, "Well...Nick it is, I guess. Now I just need a last name."
It was just at that moment, that Doctor Larson entered the room...laughing.
Looking at the Doctor, Rachel asked, "Doc, you alright?"
"I'm fine Rachel. I was just watching an episode of the Andy Griffith Show while on my lunch break...it cracks me up every time. Andy Taylor and his son Opie and Aunt Bea... Barney Fife...it's a classic. Any way...enough of that. How are * you * feeling son?"
"Pretty good considering. I had my first therapy session with Rachel this morning…she's a tough one."
Agreeing, the Doctor replied, "Yeah, she is...but she's one of the best. Do you have any pain or discomfort?"
"Well...I'm not gonna lie Doc, a little…but I'm okay. Feeling the way I do now is better than the alternative...if you know what I mean."
"Yeah, I do."
The Doctor looked over his patient's chart and made a few notations.
"Oh...I have some good news Doc, Rachel and I came up with a name for me."
"Yeah…what is it?"
"Nick. What do ya think?"
The Doctor smiled at him, and replied, "I like it...it suits you. Well, I better get going, I'll see you two later."
As the Doctor left the room, a thought came simultaneously to both of them.
"Taylor." they both said in unison.
Laughing, Nick said, "Great idea. Nick Taylor. Now....I have a name. It might not be the one I was born with, but at least I'm no longer John Doe...and for that I am grateful."
After talking for a few more minutes, Rachel told Nick that she had to go.
"Well, I've got to get to my last patient for the day so I'll see you tomorrow...Nick. Get a good night sleep and I'll be back in the morning."
"Rachel...thanks for all your help. I...I feel like a person again."
Hearing that brought a few tears to her eyes.
"Nick...don't worry about anything...we'll all help you get through this. You'll rebuild your life."
"I hope so."
After patting him gently on the shoulder, she left the room.
******
Two days later at the start of their next shift, with still no word, five firefighters and one paramedic replacement, Dwyer, were very worried about their missing colleague...Johnny had been due back three days prior and no one had heard from or seen him.
Walking over to Roy, who was sitting at the kitchen table looking into his cup of now cold coffee, Chet pulled out a chair at the table, sat down.
After a minute, Chet said, "Roy...I know all of us have said this over the last few days but...Johnny * is * alright...I know it...he probably met a girl while he was on vacation and...and like typical Gage, he's too wrapped up in 'er to call us or to even bother to come home."
** He called him Johnny...he's no more convinced that Johnny's alright than any of the rest of us are **
Roy didn't say anything, he only shrugged his shoulders and slightly nodded his head.
Looking at his Captain, Roy quietly asked, "Cap, what did the Police say when you called them?"
After taking a sip of his coffee, Hank replied, "They said they'd send somebody over to get all of the information...I asked if it could be Vince Howard. Although...if John went out of state...I don't really know how much our guys here can really do."
Being relieved by that bit of news, Roy said, "Good...Vince knows Johnny and he'll care enough to do something. And they can...I don't know...get the word out somehow...show his picture around that I brought from home…they * have * to be able to do something."
The rest of the crew knew that it was just the stress of not knowing where his best friend was or if anything had happened to him that made Roy say that only Vince would care…they all knew that no matter who the officer was that would be coming to take the report, the whole Police Department cared about what happened to the missing paramedic.
About 20 minutes later, hearing the doorbell ring, Marco went to answer it. Returning to the kitchen, he had two visitors with him, Officer Vince Howard and another man whom the guys didn't know.
"Captain Stanley, this is Detective Bailey. He's here with me to help with the report."
Hank held out his hand to shake the Detective's, as he said, "Hank Stanley, thank you for coming."
Vince right away asked what was going on.
"So, what seems to be the problem? My Captain only told me that Johnny may be missing...but he didn't get into any details."
"That's right Vince, Johnny was due back to work three days ago and he never showed up, never called…we're all a little worried." Hank replied.
Detective Bailey right away seemed somewhat unconcerned, as he said, "Alright fellas...let's start from the beginning. First off, who's this Johnny?"
Hank gave Roy a look to keep quiet.
"Detective, John Gage…Johnny, is one of my paramedics…Roy here is his partner. He went away for two weeks and should have been back to work three days ago. But, as I just told Vince, no one's seen him or heard from him."
The Detective still didn't seem to be too concerned, and with a smirk, he asked, "Why was he going away...personal problems…female problems…law problems?"
Hearing that made all of the guys mad…Roy couldn't keep quiet any longer.
"None of the above. And what difference does it make * why * he was going away?"
"Well...it would help me a bit if I could understand what his frame of mind was at the time of his departure."
"His frame of mind was fine…he was just going away on vacation. Johnny saved up some time and he wanted to take two weeks off at the end of the summer...he likes to travel. He's no different than you or me. Aren't we * all * entitled to some time off?" Roy replied.
"I suppose. Was he alone, or was he traveling with other people?"
Roy took a moment to try to compose himself. He was getting frustrated and wanted to make sure that this insensitive Detective knew what kind of person Johnny was.
"He was alone, he likes to take his camera and shoot pictures. Johnny doesn't take longer trips with anyone...he likes to think...and be with nature. Look Detective, all I know is...before Johnny left, we talked and he said that he wasn't really sure where he was going exactly, but when he got there...he'd call. And I haven't heard anything from 'im for two weeks."
"So let me get this straight...you haven't heard anything from him for two weeks...and you're just * now * calling us...why?"
Taking a breath to try to remain calm, Roy said, "When I didn't hear from Johnny...at all...I wasn't terribly worried. After all, I've worked closely with him for ten years and I know he can take care of himself, and I had no way of getting in touch with him. But not coming back to work on time and not calling * after * two weeks...it isn't like him. And here we are, three days after he was due back. Wouldn't you be a bit concerned?"
"Maybe. Is that like Gage to take off and not bother to call anyone?" Detective Bailey asked.
Not liking the man's tone of voice, but not wanting to get upset, Roy held his temper, as he spoke to Detective Bailey.
"No, Johnny is not like that...if he says he's gonna call, he calls. And he just didn't * take off * as you callously call it...he took a * planned * two week vacation...a vacation that should have ended three days ago."
Ignoring Roy's comment, Detective Bailey asked, "How old is he and is he married?"
"He's 30...he'll be 31 on the 28 th of the month. And no, he isn't married." Roy replied.
Looking around at Vince, the Detective let out a small chuckle, which earned him some very nasty looks from all the men, the nastiest one coming from Roy. Despite assurances from Johnny's friends that the paramedic wasn't the type to just up and wander away, the Detective had his doubts…and made the mistake of voicing them out loud.
"Thirty years old, almost thirty-one, single and no responsibilities at home...come on fellas...it could be that you just don't know your friend as well as you think you do. What exactly is keeping him here anyway...a lousy job with the Fire Department?
Hearing those thoughts coming from the mouth of this Detective, Roy got up and was about to go after him. Vince intervened...stopping him before he made a big mistake.
"Roy...take it easy. Gettin' upset isn't gonna help anything…or anybody, especially Johnny." Vince softly said.
Seeing that the situation was about to get out of hand, Cap said, "Gentleman...Johnny ...remember? Detective Bailey, I realize that you don't know Johnny very well, but we'd * all * really appreciate it if you didn't jump to conclusions about him."
"The guys are right Roger, I've known Johnny for a long time myself and he's * definitely * not the type to just up and leave. He takes his job with the fire department very seriously, and is one of the best at it. No, hearing all of this, I'm with Roy and the guys on this one, Johnny definitely didn't just go away to never be heard from again...something happened."
"Ok Vince, since you know him so well...what could have happened to him?
Roy didn't give Vince a chance to speak, as he said, "How about...he could be somewhere all alone and hurt…or dying…or dead. Did you ever think of that?
Roger let out a sigh, and said, "And did you guys ever think of callin' him at home or goin' by his place...talkin' to the neighbors? Maybe he changed his mind and decided to stay home and relax for two weeks."
"Detective…you're not takin' the hint here…you're not pickin' up on what we're tryin' to tell ya…if Johnny says he's gonna call…he calls…and if he had changed his mind and decided to stay home, he would have called and told me…us…so we would know where he was and wouldn't worry." Roy said.
"Before this guy does anything, does he * always * have to check in with you?"
The sarcasm in the Detective's comment and voice didn't escape the other firefighters.
Seeing Roy going toward the Detective, Cap said, "Roy…take it easy. Detective, I do * not * appreciate your tone of voice…and I want it stopped…now. This is serious and we're all very worried about our friend."
Marco was getting upset and finally spoke up, and said, "Hey, how about giving us a little credit here Detective. For just being * lousy * firefighters as you referred to us...we're pretty smart. That's the first thing we did when Johnny didn't show up for work when he was supposed to. We called his apartment and Roy and Brett even went over there, looked around and also spoke to his landlady. Everything is just how he left it, and his Rover wasn't in the lot. He's gone."
Hearing the tone of the Captain's voice, Detective Bailey said, "Okay, tell me again...why exactly do you all feel that something bad happened to this fella? 'Cause from the information you've given me, all I see is a young, single guy out on vacation...maybe he decided to stay a few extra days."
Roy was close to once again losing it.
Practically shouting, he responded to the Detective, by saying, "This fella that you keep referring to is my partner and best friend. I've known Johnny for 10 years, and he simply is not the kind of irresponsible jerk that you keep trying to make him out to be. He's very responsible, and loyal, and passionate about being a paramedic...he would * never * and I repeat * never * just wander off and forget about his job or his friends at this station. Now, unless you change your tone, Detective and start showing some compassion to what we... Johnny's friends are going through right now, you are absolutely worthless to us. Now do your job and get out there and find my best friend and partner!"
"Alright, calm down...we're gonna do what we can. Do you happen to have a picture of him?"
Picking up the picture that Roy had brought from home, he handed it to the Detective, and said, "I brought this one from home…it's the most recent one that I have. By the way, I * do * want that back."
Taking the picture and looking at it, Bailey said, "You'll get it back, I'll make copies and get it returned to you. We'll get the word and this picture out and let you know what we find. Let's go Vince."
As Vince and the Detective were leaving the Station, Roy looked at his friends, and said, "Detective Bailey...I don't like him, he doesn't care at all about Johnny or what's happened to 'im...this was a waste of time."
"It wasn't a waste Roy, it'll help us find him, hopefully." Marco said.
"Yeah, Marco's right. Plus Roy, we don't know that anything * has * happened to Johnny."
"I know it * has * Mike...I just know it, I can't explain it, but I feel it." Roy softly said.
Roy quietly got up and walked over and stood by the coffeepot, pouring a cup of coffee before turning around to face the others.
Looking into the cup, Roy softly said, "I've known Johnny a long time...we all have...and we all know that he isn't the irresponsible person that this Bailey is makin' him out to be. I know something has happened to Johnny... or else he'd be sitting right here with us now."
Frustrated and upset, Roy placed the cup on the counter and left the kitchen. The rest of the crew was hoping that their friend was wrong, and that nothing had happened to Johnny…but they realized that with the close bond that these two paramedics shared, one knew when the other one was in trouble.
******
August 28 th …
The next morning, A-shift re-assembled for the start of another shift. Still, no one had heard from or seen Johnny, and it was starting to really weigh heavily on everyone's mind. Coming out of the locker room, Chet found Roy sitting shotgun in the squad.
Walking over to the door, Chet leaned on it, and softly spoke, and said, "Hey Roy."
Looking up at his friend, Roy didn't say anything at first. After a few moments, he started to talk.
Looking away from Chet, Roy asked, "You know what today is?"
Chet looked blankly at Roy and shrugged his shoulders, and asked, "No...what?"
Roy answered his own question, as he softly replied, "Today's Johnny's 31st birthday."
Chet felt stupid for not remembering the significance of the day, but to be fair, he wasn't exactly thinking about birthdays.
"Ah man...I'm sorry Roy, I...I guess I wasn't thinkin'. August 28 th ."
Roy couldn't blame his friend for not remembering what the day was, they were all so concerned about Johnny's whereabouts and what may have happened to him, that the fact that today was Johnny's birthday would be something that only Roy * would * remember ...after all, * he * was Johnny's best friend.
"I miss him Chet...and I just hope wherever he is...he's okay."
"I'm sure he is Roy."
Chet wanted to believe that that was indeed the case, but like everyone else, in his heart he feared the worst. Shortly after their exchange, the rest of the crew came out to the bay for roll call. Seeing Roy sitting in Johnny's spot in the Squad, the crew was hauntingly reminded of what they were all missing.
Roy got out of the squad and closing the door he went to take his place for roll call. Hank sensed that his senior paramedic was even more down than he had been the previous few days.
Before Hank could say something to Roy, Chet jumped in.
"Cap...today's the 28 th ."
Immediately the others all knew what was bothering Roy.
"Johnny's birthday, isn't it. I'm sorry Roy...I know how tough this must be for you."
Roy loudly exhaled, and said, "Yeah it is, he's 31 today. I have his gift in my truck and I keep hoping that somehow he'll just magically appear and I can give it to him. Jennifer wants to bake a chocolate cake for him. I'm sorry Cap, I don't mean to bring you all down with me...it's just...I miss him...a lot. I'm just so afraid that something really bad has happened to him."
Hank looked sympathetically at his senior paramedic, and softly said, "We all miss him, Roy...and we're all worried. It's like I keep telling you guys...we're a family."
Johnny's friend Brett Connors was covering Johnny's shift.
"Any news from the cops, Cap…they find out anything?"
"Sorry Brett, nothing yet but Vince assures me that they're doing everything they can on their end here...but frankly, we all know that trying to find Johnny could be like looking for a needle in a haystack. We can only wait...all of us."
Chet voiced what Roy was thinking.
"So...what * are * they doin' Cap…how do we know that they're really even tryin' to find him? That Detective Bailey...he didn't even seem to care."
"Chet...we're all upset but Vince wouldn't let us down. And, I'm sorry to say this, especially given the significance of the day, but...we do have some work to do. And Chet, if it makes you feel better...you can have the honor of latrine duty...I think Johnny would expect that."
"Thanks Cap."
** Well, Cap's right…Gage * would * expect me to get it **
Hank handed out the day's chores and talked about other department business.
As the two paramedics walked away to check their supplies, Hank watched in concern, he felt for both of them. With all the paramedics in the department, he couldn't help but think to himself what the chances were that Johnny's replacement under these very difficult circumstances, turned out to be a very good friend of the missing paramedic's.
As the day went on, Roy and Brett found themselves in a nostalgic mood. They were both remembering some of Johnny's past birthdays.
"Roy, you remember Johnny's 30th birthday last year?"
Roy laughed, as he said, "Yeah. Johnny kept telling us that he didn't want a big deal made about it, so we all pretended to forget about it...then he got upset because he thought that we forgot it."
"Yeah, then we had a surprise party for him at Marco's mother's house. Your daughter made him that huge chocolate cake, and Chet gave him that eagle's feather."
"Yeah...I remember. He was really touched that Chet would actually be that sincere."
"You're right, he was touched. But I was surprised that Chet * could * be that sincere. How about his 28th birthday…your wife and kids were at your mother-in-law's and a bunch of us took him out to the Hook and Ladder Bar and Grill..."
Roy interrupted Brett, and said, "I remember Brett, one of the only times that I actually got drunk. Johnny kept ordering beers...and told me that if I didn't keep up with him, he'd call in sick for a few shifts and make sure that I ended up working with Brice...I had * no * choice."
Sensing that Roy didn't want to talk about his best friend, Brett asked, "Roy...they'll find him…right…and he'll come back home?"
Looking up at Brett, Roy softly replied, "I really hope so. Thinking about Johnny not being a part of my life any more...I couldn't imagine it."
Placing his hand on Roy's shoulder, Brett said, "Well, don't think like that, think positive ...we'll have 'im back in no time."
Hoping that Brett was right, Roy replied, "Yeah, think positive...as Johnny always says. Let's try to get some work done.
The two paramedics set about trying to do some work and to keep positive thoughts about their missing friend.
September 5 th …
It was now two weeks after Johnny should have returned home from his trip and all of his friends continued to be incredibly worried about the missing paramedic, but none more than Roy. Everyone knew that Johnny not having called, was totally out of character for him.
After the engine returned from a late night run, Hank walked to the back door when he noticed that the light was on in the back lot. Looking out the door, he spotted Roy leaning against his truck and looking up at the very dark nighttime sky.
Walking up beside his Captain, Chet quietly spoke.
"Cap?"
Placing his hand on Chet's shoulder, Hank said, "It's okay Kelly, you guys go get some sleep…I'll go talk to him."
Reluctantly the three firefighters left the bay area and headed for the dorm, where Charlie Dwyer was still asleep. Hank opened the door and quietly approached the paramedic…he knew what was on Roy's mind, but asked anyway.
"Roy?"
"Two weeks Cap...two weeks. You know as well as I do that something had to happen to Johnny. He would never be * this * irresponsible...not in a million years."
Hank looked at his paramedic with understanding.
"I hear what you're saying Roy, but you have to stay positive." The Captain glanced at his watch. "It's late, what do you say we head in and try to get some sleep."
"You can go Cap, I'm okay. I came out here because I couldn't sleep…didn't wanna bother Dwyer, he's probably asleep."
"Yeah, he might be. Roy...I understand how you're feeling...I really do...but if you're going to keep working ...you have to take care of yourself...and that includes getting enough rest. No one would blame you for taking some time off...all you have to do is say the word."
"I know...and I appreciate your concern Cap...but * I'm * not the one you should be worrying about."
Hank looked at Roy but didn't say anything right away.
"Well, don't be too long...you do need some sleep."
"I'll be in...in a few minutes Cap."
After Hank went inside, Roy's mind flashed back to a month earlier...August 7 th …Johnny's last shift before leaving for vacation.
The two paramedics were out back enjoying a cup of coffee, while the rest of the crew was out at a fire.
"Just one more day Johnny...and you'll be on the road. Excited?"
"Yeah...it'll be great to get out of the city for awhile."
"So...where are you going?"
Johnny laughed, as he said, "I don't really know."
Roy looked at his partner with disbelief.
"That's smart partner…real smart. You've been planning this vacation for four months...and you have no idea where you're even goin'…don't you think you should at least have an idea before you leave? "
"Well, not really...that takes all the fun out of it. I'll know once I get there."
"It takes all the fun out of it…that's what you just said, right? Johnny..."
"Roy, you mean to tell me that you never just got in your car and drove off into the great unknown?"
"That's a little hard to do when you have kids to think about Junior."
"You know what Roy...you have absolutely no sense of adventure."
"Yeah...and that's the way I like it."
"I'll tell you what Pally...when I do get to wherever it is that I'm goin' to...I'll call you and the guys and let'cha know...okay?"
"Junior...I admire your sense of adventure...but you know what...you're crazy."
"All this time...and you're * just * finding that out partner?"
"No comment. Are you all packed?"
"Just about. Man…I can't wait, just me and nature. I'm gonna take lots of pictures and I figure if they turn out well, I might submit them to those outdoors magazines...try to get them published. Hey...maybe I'll send some postcards to the kids."
"That'd be great Junior, Jennifer loves gettin' mail."
Roy was brought back to the present by the sound of the tones, calling the station out to an MVA.
"Station 51, traffic accident with unknown injuries, 1756 Freemont Avenue, 1-7-5-6 Freemont Avenue, timeout, 0315."
Hank quickly made his way to the mic, and said, "Station 51 10-4, KMG365."
Arriving at the squad before Dwyer, he subconsciously found himself sitting in the seat that would normally have been occupied by his partner…Dwyer was surprised, but quickly slid in behind the wheel. To everyone else, that small action alone told them how upset the normally unflappable paramedic was about his missing friend.
******
Returning back from Rampart, Charlie backed the squad into the station bay…the two paramedics were glad that it had only been a minor accident with no serious injuries.
After coming to a stop, Roy sat quietly for a few moments.
"Roy?"
"I'm alright Charlie, I...I was just thinkin' about one of my last conversations with Johnny. He said he'd call me...and that he'd send postcards to the kids. But here we are over four weeks later...no calls...and no postcards."
"Come on Roy, let's try to get some sleep. Maybe tomorrow will be the day we get some news about Johnny."
The two paramedics made their way back to the dorm but try as he may, Roy simply could not fall asleep. Instead, the quick exchange that he and Johnny shared as they were getting ready to leave on Johnny's last shift came to mind.
"Well, partner...have a safe trip. I hope you have lots of fun and take lots of pictures."
"I will and I'll be in touch...I promise. And Roy...since I won't be here to watch your back...be careful out there...and...well, thanks for being my best friend. Tell Jo and the kids I said good-bye and that I'll see 'em in two weeks."
"Will do...and Johnny...thank you, too."
"Bye Pally."
Thinking back to that last exchange, the things Johnny had said to him seemed almost haunting.
September 15 th …
A little more than a month after the attack, Nick was sitting in his wheelchair, enjoying the warmth of the afternoon sun out in the hospital courtyard. Looking up at the blue sky, he was in deep thought and didn't notice Rachel approaching him. She stood watching him for a few moments, imagining all the thoughts that he must have running through his mind.