Night
Fever
By
Disclaimer: The Emergency! Characters are not mine, however I will borrow them from time to time. I am making no money from this work of fiction.
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“I can’t wait for this weekend, Roy! I am taking Janet out to that trail I took you on last summer. She’s never been riding, so I figured that would be a nice, easy trail for her. What do you think?”
Roy was pulling his dirty uniforms out of his locker. He was only half listening to Johnny as he thought about his upcoming night off.
“What did you say, Johnny?”
“Roy, you aren’t even listening to me! Did you hear anything I’ve said to you?”
“Yes, I did. I heard you talking about taking your girl of the week horseback riding. I’m sure you both will have a great time!” Roy smiled.
“Girl of the week? Roy, I’m offended! How could you say something like that?”
“How long have you known her, Johnny?” asked Roy.
“Ah, er- Roy, now that isn’t important!”
“As I said, girl of the week. I’m sorry that I wasn’t listening. I was thinking of something. Where did you say you were going riding?”
“Thanks a lot, Pally. As I was saying, I’m gonna take her up on that trail you and I went on last summer. Up to the waterfall, remember?”
“Oh, I bet she’ll love that! I hope you have a good time!”
“So, what were you thinking about?”
“Huh? What are you talking about, Johnny?”
“When you weren’t listening to me. What were you thinking about?”
“Oh, that. Well, Joanne and I are goin’ out tonight. I’m not to sure where yet.” Roy knew exactly where they were going. He didn’t want anyone at the station to find out. He didn’t want to listen to everyone after they found out.
“I’m gonna head out, Junior. See you Friday!”
“Yeah, Roy. See you later.” Johnny thought about his partner. He had been unusually quiet lately. He remembered talking to Roy last week and remembered him saying that he and his wife were going out. Johnny wondered what they were doing. They never went out! Joanne was quite a penny pincher. Now it seemed that they were going out every time Roy had a night off. ’Who’s watching the kids?’ thought Johnny. ‘Normally, if we are off, they ask me to watch them.’
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Friday morning rolled around and Johnny Gage pulled into the back lot of Station 51. He didn’t notice Roy’s car was missing. He rushed into the station and headed for the locker room. He was surprised by Roy’s absence from the room. ‘Oh well, he must have gotten here early,’ Gage thought.
Johnny changed into his uniform and headed out for roll call. He was looking for Roy when he heard the back door open. A couple minutes later, Roy came out to the bay, tucking his shirt in as he walked.
“Sorry I’m late, Cap.”
“Try not to make it a habit, DeSoto.” Captain Hank Stanley looked at the blonde paramedic. ‘Must have been something interesting. He’s never late.’
“Yes, Sir.”
The morning chores were dished out. Roy, as a punishment for his tardiness,
inherited latrine duty from Chet Kelly. Kelly had the nickname of the ‘Shitter
Shiner’ from one of his buddies at Station 8. It seemed Kelly was always on
latrines.
“Thanks, DeSoto! I was kinda sick of becoming the permanent fixture in there!” Chet smiled at Roy.
“Shut up, Kelly. You’re back in there tomorrow.” Captain Stanley was standing behind Chet. Chet suddenly remembered he had somewhere else to be.
“Roy, what happened this morning? You are never late! Is everything okay?”
“Yeah, Cap. Everything is fine. Thanks for asking. Just a little slow this morning.”
“Well, if you need to talk, my office is open.”
“Thanks, Cap. I’ll remember that.”
The dispatch gods smiled on Roy at that moment, sending the squad on a run to the local assisted living home for a person who had fallen and couldn’t get up.
After determining the man had no injury, the paramedics assisted him up into his wheelchair. After having the man sign a refusal of treatment, Roy and Johnny headed for Rampart for supplies.
“Hiya, Dix! How are ya this am?” Johnny walked up to the desk and settled his hip on the corner as Roy made his way to the coffee pot. ‘Man, I could use a 14 gauge IV of this right about now,’ Roy thought.
“Hello, boys! What brings you into this fair neighborhood? I thought your run was a refusal?”
“Yeah, he was, but we needed some supplies and I think my partner needs a caffeine drip.”
“You got that right, Junior,” added Roy.
“What gives, Pally? You’ve been really quiet this morning and you look like something the cat drug in. Drooping shoulders, and with that luggage under your eyes, someone might think you are gonna take a trip.”
“Ha ha ha. Very funny. I just had a long night. I was a little slow this morning.”
“Oh, I see. A long night. Must be nice to be married, Pally,” Johnny added with a smirk.
“Junior, get your mind out of the gutter.”
“Uh huh. Well, Dix. We probably should get back to the station. Can we get these?”
Johnny listed off the supplies they needed and she pulled them as they went. Roy collected the items in a small box he found behind the desk. He couldn’t wait to get back to the station. He wanted to finish up the chores and relax with the guys.
Roy’s plan was thwarted by a beeping sound from the handie talkie.
“Squad 51, status?” Sam the dispatcher asked.
“Squad 51, available from Rampart,” Johnny answered.
“Squad 51, respond on a welfare check to 127 Random Lane. Caller states she hasn’t seen her neighbor for three days and can’t get her to answer the phone. Time out, 1034.”
“10-4 Squad 51 en route.”
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The morning was filled with calls, though none requiring transport to the hospital. The paramedics had gotten a chance to sit down, but had to leave an uneaten lunch behind at the station when a call came in for a boy with his hand stuck in a jar.
After a busy evening, Johnny and Roy returned to the station around nine pm. Both men were tired and hungry.
“Man, I think I could eat a horse!” Johnny was too tired to even wave his hands in the air as he normally did while he talked.
“Junior, you eat your horse and not only will you disappoint your date tomorrow, but Jen and Chris will be really pissed at you.”
“Eat A horse, Roy. Not mine!! Geez, you’re sick, ya know that?”
“It was a- oh never mind. I’m gonna hit the hay.”
“Roy, you haven’t eaten anything all day. Your blood glucose level will be in your toes somewhere and then I’m gonna catch hell from Joanne. You better eat something!”
“Alright, alright! Man alive, I tell ya! Can’t get a moments rest around this place.” Roy could be heard muttering under his breath as he walked to the kitchen.
Johnny and Captain Stanley exchanged glances as Roy walked away. They were both worried about the senior paramedic. He wasn’t usually this grumpy, even after a busy night of calls and no sleep!
“Gage, what’s up with your partner? Bad run?”
“Nothing out of the ordinary, Cap. I don’t know what it is. He won’t talk.”
“I guess I was hoping he would have told you. He won’t say anything to me either. I know this is hard for you, John. If you see any indication he can’t perform his duties as a paramedic, I expect you to tell me right away. I don’t need either of you putting yourselves or anyone else in jeopardy.”
“Right, Cap. I don’t think we’re at that point yet, but I don’t want to see him hurt, either. I’ll let you know.”
Johnny walked into the kitchen. He grimaced at the site before him. Roy was sitting at the table, sandwich and a glass of milk in front of him. However his head was resting on his folded arms and soft snoring noises could be heard as Roy exhaled.
“Partner, what are you doing to yourself?” Johnny asked softly. He walked over to the sleeping man and gently nudged his arm. Roy woke with a start and knocked the chair over as he stood. He blinked a couple times before it registered he wasn’t going out on a call.
“At least drink your milk before you go to bed. I’ll wrap the sandwich up.”
“Thanks, Junior. I’m just really beat.” Roy downed the milk in a couple gulps and headed to bed leaving a puzzled Gage in the kitchen.
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The remainder of the night was quiet and the men of Station 51 woke with the seven am test tones. Chet left to start the coffee and Mike headed off to cook breakfast. Johnny looked over at Roy. He had pulled the covers over his head and showed every sign of not moving for a while.
“Roy, come on. It’s time to get up. We get to go home soon.”
“I don’t wanna move.” Roy pulled his head out of the covers. “This was the first good night of sleep that I’ve had in almost two weeks.”
“I know we’ve been busy here at night, but what about when you go home? Don’t you get any rest?”
“With two kids and a wife that wants to go out all the time? You wanna try getting rest?” Roy asked with a smirk.
“Well, how about you come over while I’m gone this weekend and get some rest?”
“Nah, I’ve got plans.” Roy crawled out from his nest of blankets grumbling. He pulled on his bunker pants and walked to the bathroom.
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Johnny wasn’t sure if he should call Roy or not. He knew Roy had plans for Friday night, and thought Roy had mentioned something about Saturday. Janet had cancelled on Johnny and that set his mind a spinning. He thought Roy could use a night away from the family and finally decided to call him.
“Hello?” answered Joanne”
“Hi, Jo. Can I talk with Roy for a minute?”
“Yeah, hold on a sec, Johnny.” Johnny could hear Joanne calling for Roy outside. ‘He must be doing yard work’ John thought. A couple minutes later, Roy answered the phone.
“Hello?”
“Hey Roy, it’s Johnny. What are you doing later? I couldn‘t remember if you had plans for tonight or not.”
“Uh, yeah, Joanne and I are goin‘ out later.”
“Oh, okay. Well, sorry to have bothered ya. Have fun-”
“Weren’t you supposed to go out with Janet this weekend?”
“Yeah but she had something come up. I just thought you might want some company.”
“Maybe some other time, Junior. Thanks and I’m sorry about Janet.”
“Hey, no problem. Talk to you later.”
Johnny hung up the phone slightly bewildered. He had just told Roy he was free for the night, he already knew Roy was busy. Why had the DeSoto’s not asked him to watch the kids? This was highly unusual! Johnny put the thoughts to the back of his mind. He was working on plan C now. He would call some friends and go to the disco for the night.
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Johnny and three other guys packed into the Rover and headed for the disco. He was glad his buddies from his neighborhood weren’t busy. He didn’t relish the idea of Saturday night and the television. Maybe he could even find some good looking girls that might enjoy his company.
The party was in full swing when the four men arrived. There were posters up for a dance contest. This was the last night and the finalists would be judged tonight. Johnny wondered what the big prize was. ‘I wish I would have known about this sooner! The red headed nurse I was dating a couple weeks ago would have loved this!!’ Johnny read down the poster. First prize was a trip for two to Catalina Island for four days, three nights. Second was $100 and third was $50. Not bad!
Johnny and his group found a table with a clear view of the dance floor but not right up front. His eyes worked their way around the room. He thought he saw someone familiar but couldn’t place where he knew the girl from. Before he could get a second glance, she was gone. He would see her again, she had a number pinned to the back of her spaghetti strap dress. Johnny knew she was in the contest. His thoughts were interrupted by the DJ announcing the start of the show. Johnny ordered a drink from the waitress as did his friends, and settled in to watch the contest.
The first couple’s number was called and they stepped onto the dance floor. Johnny admitted to himself the couple was good. Even he couldn’t dance that well. The music ended and the next couple stepped onto the floor. Johnny recognized the girl as the one he had spotted earlier. Something was so familiar about her and he couldn’t place it!! Johnny recognized the man’s gait and build, but he couldn’t see his face. They were on the far side of the dance floor and the crowd had gathered around, partially obscuring Johnny’s view. The couple wore stylish clothes and their choice of music was great!! Johnny was really hoping this couple would win.
The next five pairs danced their hearts out but in Johnny’s mind, none had come as close as the second pair. He wished he could have gotten a better look at the couple!
The judges took a break, stating they would announce the winners in ten minutes. Johnny looked everywhere for the woman he had recognized earlier but couldn’t find her anywhere. The judges came back while he was looking around and he missed the names of the third place winners.
“Second place goes to: Alex and Marie Johnston.” Applause rounded the disco bar.
“And the moment we have been waiting for. After four weeks of hard work and competition, the winners of the all expense paid trip to Catalina Island for two is: Roy and Joanne DeSoto!!!”
Johnny’s jaw dropped as the fashionably dressed couple he had been watching stepped out onto the dance floor. That was why she looked so familiar!! It was Roy and Joanne!! ‘I didn’t know they knew how to dance, or that they listened to this music! Hell, I didn’t know they knew where this place was!’
Roy and Joanne were surrounded by well-wishers. Some of the finalists and judges stood in line to congratulate them. Johnny tried to work his way through the throng of people but by the time he reached the dance floor, Roy and Joanne were making tracks for the door.
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Monday morning A-shift was back on duty. Johnny was there about ten minutes early, waiting for his partner to arrive. He had a plan in mind and he was sure Roy would go along with it. He just needed to get him out for the night.
“Junior!!”
“Aahhh!!!! Jez, Roy! What did you do that for?”
“You were staring into space. Did you see anything interesting?”
“Oh, no. Hey, what are you doing tomorrow night?”
“Nothing.”
“Good, you’re doin’ something
now. I need to pick something up and I need you to go with me.”
“It is legal isn’t it?”
“Of course!! I wouldn’t ask you if it wasn’t! How could you think I was involved in illegal activities?” Johnny paused his ranting for a moment to look at his laughing partner. “Ha ha. Look, we’re gonna be late, thanks to you. Get your uniform on, will ya?”
The boys made it just on time for roll call. The day passed with few runs and the night was just as quiet. Johnny and Roy dressed to head home and enjoy a night off.
“Don’t forget about the plans for tonight. Wear something casual, but nice.”
“I thought we were goin’ to pick up something?”
“We are. In a nice place. Don’t ask questions, be ready at 7.”
“Okay, okay. Grump.”
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At seven pm sharp, Johnny pulled up in front of Roy’s house. Johnny wore a dark green shirt with a sport coat and a pair of dress slacks. Roy looked at his partner and ran back inside. He returned carrying a dark colored sport coat.
“I wasn’t sure if I should wear this or not, but since you have yours on, I guess I better grab mine.”
“No sweat. I don’t think I’m gonna wear it though. I’m roasting.”
Johnny looked at his partner. He was wearing a pair of dark jeans and a long sleeved white shirt. The coat he was carrying was actually blue. ’It really makes your eyes stand out,’ Joanne had said once.
Johnny drove around for a while and the two men talked about sports. Johnny thought he had Roy distracted enough, it was time to put his scheme into motion. He drove the backway to the disco bar he had seen Joanne and Roy at the Saturday before. After they parked the Rover, Johnny stole a glance at his partner. Roy was looking like a long tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs. Johnny smiled at Roy’s discomfort. ’That’s what you get for not telling me what you were up to,’ Johnny thought.
“Uh, you want me to go in there?”
“Yeah, so? You have been to a disco before, haven’t you?”
“Uh, yeah.”
“Well, come on. You need to relax and have fun. Let you hair down once in a while!!”
“Junior, I-”
“You can’t back out. I drove and we aren’t leaving.”
Johnny drug Roy inside. The place was packed for a Tuesday night. Johnny recognized some of the patrons from Saturday’s contest. They looked at Roy and then pointed to a picture on the wall as they continued their hushed conversations.
Johnny found a table and Roy ordered two beers from the waitress. Roy didn’t even have a chance to sit down before a beautiful blonde girl came up and spoke to him.
“Hey, sugar! I want to dance with you later!! Don’t leave until I dance with you at least once.”
“Uh, sure. No problem,” Roy’s face had flushed a healthy crimson.
“Me too! I get a dance as well, honey!” A lovely brunette spoke up.
“Hey, what about me?” A redheaded girl asked from behind Johnny’s seat.
“Hey…Uh…Look, I’m married. How about you dance with my friend here?”
“Oh, you’re married, huh? Well, where is your wife? How about your wedding ring?”
“I’m a firefighter, I don’t wear my ring. I don’t want to loose it or have my finger ripped off. And my wife is home right now. How about my friend here?”
“Nah, he’s too skinny. I’d still like a round with ya if you don’t mind.”
“I guess…I mean, well what do you think, Junior?”
“Go for it, Pally! Joanne already knew what I was up to.”
“You shithead. You knew about this?”
“Yeah, I was here the night you two won the contest!”
“What? Why were you here?”
“I was out with some friends. Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I didn’t want you to laugh. I didn’t want the other guys to know either.”
“Why not? I could have gotten a partner and done this with you guys. It would have been fun!! I could have at least watched the kids while you were out!”
“Yeah, but then we would have had to tell you what we were doing and we didn’t want everyone to know about this. And you can watch the kids while Jo and I head for Catalina. Anyhow, Joanne wanted to take up ballroom dancing and I couldn’t stand that idea, so I suggested disco instead. I listened to you and Chet talk about it and it sounded fun. We took a few classes and the final assignment was to enter this contest. The bar sponsored it, so it was held here.”
“So you didn’t want me to know you were doing this? Why?”
“I had heard a few of the girls saying you were a good dancer and I didn’t want you to laugh at me because I’m not that good. Joanne was great, but I thought I was holding her back. I guess we were both pretty good, huh?”
“I’d say. Every hot chick in the place wants their moment with you and I can’t even get their attention. I can’t imagine why they would pick you over me!”
“Some women like men better than boys, Junior!” Roy stood quickly and was escorted to the dance floor with a girl on each arm while Johnny sat at the table the rest of the evening, alone.
The End…Let me know if you like it!!
This was not beta read so please let me know if I need to revise it. Thanks!
