Night of the Child

The men of Station 51 silently filed into the dayroom. Mike headed toward the coffee cups, Roy toward the coffee. The slight smile that passed between them was the only visible emotion in the room.

The silence was deafening as the men sat around the table. Roy poured the coffee before sitting down. All of the men were lost – staring into their coffee cups. No one noticed Captain Stanley walk in.

Cap stood in the doorway observing the somber mood of his men. He began rubbing his hands together as he approached the table.

‘Hey guys, why the long faces? That was a great response. Not even one of those children had to go to the hospital.’

Despite Cap’s words, he was still as stunned as the rest of his men.

‘Man, Cap.’ Johnny shook his head. ‘When we rolled up and saw that school bus, I knew some were dead. I knew they were dead.’

A knowing whistle of understanding slipped between Roy’s teeth. He hated responses with children involved. They all did. But he always seemed to take these responses more personally than the other men.

‘I still don’t believe it.’ It was Chet’s turn to shake his head. ‘How does a bus get torn in two and none – NOT ONE – of the children get hurt?’

‘By the grace of God, mi amigo.’ That was the only way Marco could explain it.

Cap rubbed his hands again and stood up. ‘Well, I think we should have a celebratory dinner tonight. We should be happy. Things could have been so much worse.’

All of the men agreed and the mood lightened as dinner was being prepared.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

As Mike stood up to clear the dinner dishes, the tones sounded.

‘Station 51. Accident. Sepulveda and Connestee. Sepulveda and Connestee. Time out 18:37.

‘Station 51, 10-4, KMG365.’

The squad and the engine were off.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

‘Damn, Roy. How many times do you think that car rolled?’

As Roy brought the squad to a stop, he shook his head. ‘Don’t know, Junior. More than once. That’s for sure. I’ll check that one out. You get the other one.’

Johnny and Roy exited the squad just as the engine rolled to a stop. In seconds, Roy was peering into the totally demolished car, Johnny was trying to make his way into the other car, and Chet and Marco were washing down the leaking gasoline.

Johnny finally got the passenger door open. He looked at the man and woman in the front seat. He knew they couldn’t have survived. As he was reaching for the woman’s neck, a movement in the backseat caught his eye. He leaned over to see the big brown eyes of a scared little boy looking up at him.

‘Hey, little man, what’s your name?’

‘Billy.’

‘Well, Billy, I’m Johnny. Are you hurt?’ While talking to the little boy, Johnny frantically searched for the woman’s pulse. His eyes darted back and forth between the child and his mother. **This reminds me of another accident. Please let this child be as strong as that little girl was.** Johnny’s thoughts were racing between this accident and the one which involved Dr. Brackett. The fear he was feeling now was the same as when he had realized that the little girl’s dad was dead.

‘Billy, are you hurt?’ Johnny had been lost in his thoughts and was unsure if the little boy hadn’t answered of if he just hadn’t heard him.

‘Yes.’ The meek little voice finally answered. ‘My knee hurts a little.’

‘Hang on, Billy. I’ll look at your knee in a minute. Are you bleeding anywhere?’

‘No, Johnny. My daddy is bleeding though.’

Johnny’s heart broke. ‘You just worry about you right now. Just sit still, Billy. Pretend you’re a statue.’

Roy and Captain Stanley approached to hear Johnny’s last comment. Roy touched Johnny’s back and Johnny backed out of the car.

Cap saw the pain in Johnny’s eyes. ‘Johnny?’

‘The woman is dead. I haven’t been able to check the man yet but I’m sure he’s dead too. There’s a little boy in the backseat. He says his knee hurts.’

‘I’ll get him, Johnny. You check the father. Does the boy know about his parents?’

‘No, Roy. His name is Billy. He’s just a little tyke, Roy.’ The pain in Johnny’s voice was now as evident as it had been in his eyes. ‘He knows his dad is hurt. He hasn’t asked about his mom yet.’

Another sad glance passed between the three men before Roy began trying to open the back door.

‘Chet, help Roy get this door open, pal.’ Cap called to his fireman.

Johnny couldn’t get through the driver’s door so he reached across the woman. As he had suspected, the man was dead as well. Johnny backed out of the car and gave Roy a look that told him all he needed to know. Johnny then headed to the squad to get the bio-phone.

Roy and Chet finally popped the back door. Both men smiled at the little boy sitting on the floor.

‘Hi, Billy. My name is Roy.’

‘Where’s Johnny?’

‘He’s over by the ambulance. I’m going to get you out of here and take you over to him. My friend Chet is going to help.’

‘Did Johnny help mommy and daddy?’

The men nearly lost it. Roy was stunned into absolute silence. Thoughts of his kids passed through his mind. He saw his son in the little boy’s eyes. He saw his daughter’s innocence in the little face. He couldn’t speak – couldn’t think.

‘Johnny made sure your mommy and daddy got all the help he could, Billy.’ Chet tried to keep a smile on his face. ‘How old are you, Billy?’

Billy held up 3 fingers. ‘OH!’

The boy’s sudden cry brought Roy out of his state of shock. ‘What? Did that hurt, Billy?’

‘No, Roy. But Johnny told me to pretend to be a statue.’ The little boy giggled. ‘Statues can’t move their arms.’

Roy and Chet both smiled.

‘Let’s get you out of here, Billy.’

Roy checked Billy before removing him from the car. Other than a swollen and bruised knee and a little cut on his chin, Billy was fine.

‘Hi, Johnny. Thank you for helping my mommy and daddy.’

Everyone around heard Johnny’s gasp. He felt like he’d been punched in the stomach. He didn’t know what to say. He reached out and took the boy from Roy’s arms. All he could do was hold him.

‘What’s wrong, Johnny? Chet said you helped mommy and daddy all you could. Mommy always tells me to do my best. Sometimes I can’t make a good bow on my shoes but mommy says it’s okay as long as I did my best. Did you do your best, Johnny?’

Johnny could barely speak. His answer came in the form of a whispered cry. ‘Yes, Billy.’

A moment of silence passed as the men watched Johnny hold onto Billy for dear life.

‘Roy, why don’t both you and Johnny ride with Billy to the hospital. Chet, take the squad. We’ll follow in the engine after the scene is cleared.’ Cap gave his junior paramedic one last sad look.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Johnny silently held Billy all the way to the hospital. He carried the little boy into the treatment room while Roy updated Dixie and Dr. Brackett.

Moments later, after Dix and Brackett had entered the treatment room, a dejected looking Johnny came out. Tears immediately fell as he was finally able to release his emotions.

Roy put his arm over Johnny’s shoulder. ‘C’mon Junior, you look like you could use a cup of coffee.’

Johnny allowed himself to be guided to the doctor’s lounge. He sat silently as Roy poured the coffee. When Roy sat down, Johnny finally looked up and met Roy’s eyes.

‘Johnny, there was nothing you could do. They were killed when the cars hit.’

‘Tell that to Billy, Roy. Tell that to that innocent little child. Make him understand. And, after you make him understand, come back and make me understand. Oh, God…Oh God.’ Johnny sobbed.

‘I don’t know what to say to you, Junior.’ Tears welled up in Roy’s eyes. Some of the tears were for a little boy. Most of the tears were for a best friend with a broken heart.

The men looked at each other. Their eyes said what they couldn’t put into words.

Dixie walked into the lounge and put her hands on Johnny’s shoulders. She gave them a reassuring squeeze. Her eyes met Roy’s before she spoke.

‘Johnny. Billy is asking for you.’

Johnny jumped to his feet, his hands running through his hair. ‘No, Dix. No!’

‘Johnny, c’mon now. Billy really wants to see you before his grandparents get here.’

‘No, Dix. I can’t. I can’t.’

‘Listen, mister. There is a little boy in there who has lost his parents tonight. His only desire right now is to see you. Now, you get in there. Go!’

Dixie stood pointing to the door. Johnny glanced at Roy. Roy just shrugged his shoulders.

‘Sorry, Junior. Dixie has spoken. You’d better go.’ Roy mustered a smile.

Johnny looked back at Dixie who walked over and opened the door. ‘Now!’

As Johnny passed, Dixie motioned for Roy to follow. They both entered the room but stayed near the door.

‘Hi, Johnny!’ The little boy’s smile lit up the room.

Johnny approached Billy. Dr. Brackett turned to Johnny and gave him a pat on the shoulder.

‘Billy has been asking for you. He said he’s going to be a fireman when he grows up. Right, Billy?’

‘Right, Doctor.’ Billy turned his attention back to Johnny. ‘Dixie and Dr. Brackett told me that mommy and daddy went to meet Jesus tonight, Johnny. They said you helped them go there when they had to. Thank you. My grandma and grandpa are coming here. I’ll go home with them. I think mommy and daddy will be happy that way.’

Johnny just looked at the little boy. It took a moment before he could speak. Billy just looked at Johnny – a smile on his face the whole time. ‘Oh, Billy, you are such a big boy.’

‘I will be 4 soon. Will you come to my party?’

Johnny finally smiled. ‘If you’re grandparents say it’s okay, I’ll be there.’

Billy reached out for Johnny. Johnny hugged the boy with all of his might. Billy saw Roy standing by the door. His grip on Johnny never loosened as he asked, ‘Will you bring Roy and Chet, too?’

Johnny laughed. ‘Yes, Billy. Yes, I will.’

‘I love you, Johnny.’

Johnny started crying again. The child’s innocence and pure heart touched him deeply. ‘I love you too, Billy.’ Johnny’s voice was again reduced to a whisper.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The engine crew sat around the TV watching – but not seeing – a baseball game. They were all lost in their own thoughts. They had discussed the accident for half an hour before settling into their current silence. They had all agreed that it was strange how Johnny had been so affected by the accidents involving children this evening. It was usually Roy who took these types of rescues the hardest. They had surmised that Roy sensed that Johnny needed him to be strong tonight. They were glad that Roy was able to do just that. In their silence, they all worried about Johnny and what they would - or even could - say to him when he returned.

The men’s quiet contemplation was disrupted by the sound of the bay door opening. In a matter of moments, Johnny and Roy joined their friends.

‘Well, Chet, looks like you need to go shopping. Billy invited you, me and Roy to his birthday party in 2 weeks.’ Johnny looked at the rest of the guys. ‘His grandparents said we were all welcome if we could make it.’

It was unanimous as all the men answered, ‘Count me in’ in unison.

The men exchanged looks of relief before they turned to really watch the baseball game. Gage was okay.

Cap took the opportunity to join Johnny in getting a can of pop from the fridge. Cap spoke in a low voice. ‘If you need to talk, pal, I’m here.’

‘Thanks, Cap, but I’m okay. This has been a tough night though.’

Cap patted Johnny on the back and both men re-joined the others.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Only a short time passed before the men were brought to attention by the sound of the klaxons.

‘Squad 51. Injured child. 134 East Rutherford. 1-3-4 East Rutherford. Police responding as well.’

‘Damn it!’ Johnny’s voice had a strange, stressed tone as he yelled – almost screamed. He headed for the squad, kicked a tire, then hit the front most compartment with his open hand before climbing into the passenger seat.

As Hank Stanley handed Roy the call ticket, he softly spoke. ‘Watch him, Roy. Call me.’

Roy nodded his head at his captain. He then gave a worried glance to this partner. Johnny sat silently staring out the window.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

‘Johnny, I’ll take this one. Just stay out here until I call for the equipment.’

Johnny looked at his friend. ‘Nah, Roy. Thanks though. We’re a team. We go in together. If there’s an injured child in that house, no way am I gonna stay out. Besides, these rescues are harder on you, remember?’ Johnny forced a smile.

The attempt at humor was not lost on Roy. Roy broke into a grin as well. ‘Alright partner, here we go.’ The men climbed out of the squad.

As they reached the steps, Vince exited the house. He had a man in handcuffs.

‘Little bastard deserved everything he got.’ The man spit on the ground.

Vince looked at the paramedics. ‘You’d better hurry guys. He needs you fast.’

Roy looked over at Johnny. Johnny returned the look. A look of hatred crossed Johnny’s face.

‘I’d kill the son-of-a-bitch right now if I had the time.’ After a final glance back at the father, Johnny turned back to the house. He took the steps 2 at a time.

The scene that met the men was sickening. A badly beaten little boy lay on the floor. He seemed to be bleeding from everywhere. He was crying and talking to the policeman who knelt beside him.

‘Please, mister, he only did this because I was bad. Please don’t take him away.’ The little boy looked at his mom.

‘No honey, you were not bad. Dad is the bad one. I’m so sorry, Alex. Mom is so sorry. Dad won’t do this ever again. I promise.’ The little boy’s mother was in tears.

Roy stepped forward first. ‘Hi there. Did I hear your mom say your name is Alex.’

The little boy looked up at Roy. ‘Yes, my name is Alex. Don’t let them take my dad, okay?’

Johnny wanted to scream. That bastard had beaten this child and all the child could think about was worrying about his dad. He forced his hatred aside and knelt down opposite Roy.

‘The police are taking care of your dad, Alex. We’re going to take care of you, okay?’ Johnny’s hatred was forgotten. In it’s place, nothing but concern for the child.

‘Are you policemen too?’

Roy answered as Johnny began looking over Alex’ injuries. ‘No, Alex. We are firemen but we are a special kind of firemen. We work with the doctors at the hospital to help injured people.’

‘Man, if I was a fireman, I would want to put out fires not help injured little boys.’ Johnny’s head jerked up at the boy’s comments. He then looked at Roy.

Roy smiled at the boy. ‘Well, Alex, we get to fight fires too. But our friends who just fight fires are back watching TV right now. We get to do extra stuff like helping people who are hurt.’

‘Well, I’d rather be watching TV.’ The child’s comments made both Roy and Johnny smile.

‘Nah, nothing on but reruns anyway.’ Johnny gently touched the boy’s cheek in such a loving way that Roy wanted to cry. But the lightheartedness that his partner had somehow found brought an even bigger smile to Roy’s face. He also knew that Johnny had finished his assessment while the banter kept the boy distracted. The fact that Johnny was able to joke with the boy let him know that he hadn’t found any serious injuries.

‘I’ll call it in, Roy.’ Johnny reached for the bio-phone. ‘Get the BP, will you?’

‘Rampart, Squad 51.’ Johnny made the call to the hospital. Under his breath – or so he thought – he added, ‘Five minutes with the bastard. Just give me five minutes.’ Roy heard and so did Dr. Brackett and Dixie. The anger was back.

Roy began talking with Alex again. He didn’t want the little boy to hear the transmissions to the hospital. Johnny turned his back to Roy and the child so that it would be harder for them to hear. As was often the case with children, it was definitely better to not let this injured child hear what was being discussed – no need to frighten him further.

‘Squad 51, go ahead.’ Brackett threw a puzzled look in Dixie’s direction.

‘Rampart, we have an injured child.’ Dixie cringed and Brackett’s face twitched as Johnny continued. ‘Male, 8 years old, multiple injuries caused by…oh, hell…his dad beat him.’

Dr. Early walked up just in time to hear the last statement. He shook his head in disgust. Kelly Brackett rubbed his forehead. He hated these types of calls more than any other. He would never understand what could make a person intentionally hurt their own child. In an instant, he understood Johnny’s earlier comments. **Right there with you, Johnny. I’d like five minutes of my own!**

’51, what are the vitals?’

‘Rampart. BP 130/96. Pulse 60. Respiration 24. He’s bleeding from several cuts to his face and arms, Rampart. Pupils equal and reactive. Contusions forming on his torso but no distension at this time. There doesn’t appear to be any broken bones.’

’51, is the child fully conscious?’

‘10-4. fully conscious and coherent. And worried about his dad.’ The last statement was made at a lower level. The disgust in Johnny’s voice was clear.

Brackett shook his head. **Always. The child is always worried about the parent. Still amazes me.** ‘Okay, 51. Bandage the cuts. Transport and monitor.’ This time, the disgust and frustration in Dr. Brackett’s voice was evident.

Roy looked up as Johnny turned. He hated the quick flash of rage and pain that he saw in his partner’s eyes. Just as quickly as the hateful look had appeared, it left. It was replaced by a look of love and concern as Johnny turned toward Alex.

‘The doctor says he wants to see you, Alex. We’re going to take you to the hospital just as soon as we get all your cuts bandaged up. Okay?’ Johnny’s voice was as calm as it had ever been.

‘I guess. I’d still rather be watching TV.’ The little boy looked up at his mother. ‘Will you go with me, Mom.’

The boy’s mother began crying again. ‘Of course I will, Alex. Of course I will.’

A tear escaped Johnny’s eyes as he closed up the equipment.

‘I’ll go, Junior. You bring in the squad.’ Roy tried to take the bio-phone from Johnny.

‘No, Roy, I’ll go.’ Johnny’s voice sounded so dejected as he looked at the floor. ‘Really, I want to.’ Johnny looked up at Roy. Roy released his grip on the bio-phone.

Once again, not knowing what to say, Roy just gave Johnny a pat on the shoulder. The 2 men followed the stretcher out to the ambulance. In a matter or seconds, the ambulance and the squad were headed to the hospital.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Roy was actually glad that Johnny had ridden with Alex. This would give him a chance to call Captain Stanley without Johnny knowing it. While Johnny was in the treatment room, Roy used the phone around the corner.

Captain Stanley had watched the clock for what seemed like every second of the last 30 minutes. The tension grew as all of the men thought about the fact that another child had been hurt.

‘This is one helluva night, isn’t it?’ Even Chet was uneasy about the calls this night.

‘I hate it for Roy and Johnny – out there on this call. Wonder what’s going on?’ Mike was always quiet. But, everyone could tell that his quietness this evening had nothing to do with his nature and everything to do with the reaction they all felt when children were involved in responses.

Just as Cap was about to say something, the phone rang.

‘Station 51, Captain Hank Stanley.’…’Yeah, Roy, we’ve been waiting to hear from you.’…’Damnit! How’s Gage?’…’Yeah, yeah. I understand.’…’Yeah, I agree.’…’Take as long as you need. You can respond from there. What about you?’…’You sure?’…’Okay, pal, but it’s not just Johnny I’m worried about. This night has been hell on you too.’…’Yeah, okay, see you in awhile then.’

Captain Stanley hung up the phone and turned to find himself surrounded by his crew. He motioned for them to return to their seats and headed toward the recliner to sit down. He rubbed his hands the whole way there.

‘Well, guys, it was a case of child abuse.’ Cap started.

‘Madre de Dios.’ Marco’s reaction was followed by an inaudible prayer. His friends weren’t sure if he was praying for the child or for Roy and Johnny. Only Marco knew that it was for all three as well as the men he was seated with.

‘Roy said the boy looked really bad but wasn’t critically injured. He’ll be okay – or at least he’ll make it. I think it will be awhile before the little guy is okay.’

Chet interrupted, ‘What about Gage?’

Captain Stanley felt a slight smile pass his lips. His men may act like they don’t really care about each other at times – especially where Gage and Chet were concerned - but that single question summed up what he knew about his men – they, in fact, did deeply care about each other. ‘Roy said he’s doing okay. Said he’s showing some anger and some hurt but he’s doing okay.’

‘What about Roy?’ Mike’s question also brought a smile to Cap’s face.

‘He sounded okay.’

‘Yeah, but you know how he is about children being hurt.’

Before Cap could respond to Chet, Marco spoke. ‘How’s that, Chet? Like you?’

All of the men traded glances. It was Mike who finally spoke. ‘Yep, it’s been a helluva night.’

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Johnny emerged from the treatment room to find Roy coming around the corner.

‘Helluva night, huh Junior?’

‘Roy, I swear, if I could get my hands on that bastard, I’d rip his throat out. Well, only after I…’

‘Whoa, Johnny. Take a breath and let’s go get you some milk. Then we’ll talk.’

‘Screw the milk, Roy. And screw that bastard.’

Just then, Dixie and Dr. Brackett came out of the treatment room.

‘Well, you won’t get any argument from me, Johnny. But, we’ll leave the punishment to the law this time, okay?’ Dr. Brackett gave Johnny a nervous glance. He was relieved to see some of the anger fade from his friend’s face.

‘Hey, guys, we’re about due for a break. How about you go down to the cafeteria and we’ll meet you there as soon as Dr. Carpenter is updated about Alex.’ Dixie put a hand on Roy’s arm guiding him down the hallway.

‘Dr. Carpenter? Who’s he gonna see, Doc. The boy or his mother?’ Johnny was still fighting his anger.

‘I think they both could benefit from counseling, Johnny. But tonight, the focus will be on the little boy. What about you? Think you could use a little counseling?’ Brackett wasn’t sure how to approach the subject so he just asked the question.

At first, Johnny was a bit taken aback. ‘Nah, Doc, I’ll be okay. It’s just getting to me tonight. Just too much at once. I’ll just get a cup of coffee…’

Roy jumped in. ‘Oh no, Junior. No coffee tonight. You’re high-strung enough. Let’s go get that milk I was talking about.’

Roy and Johnny headed for the cafeteria. A short time later, they were joined by Dixie, Dr. Early, and Dr. Brackett.

‘It’s sure been a helluva night. I don’t think we’ve had anyone but children in here tonight.’ Dr Brackett was rubbing his forehead. No one liked seeing sick or injured children – but to see so many all in a row was almost unbearable.

‘Could’ve been worse. Just think if that bus accident would have ended differently.’ Roy was still grateful this evening despite the sum of the events. **The bus accident. That must be what’s getting me through this night. Johnny was right. Rescues involving children ARE usually harder on me. Thank God that’s not the case tonight. Couldn’t have both of us in a funk.**

‘Still, just 5 minutes with that bastard. I’d love to get a piece of him.’ Johnny just couldn’t let go.

‘Well, Johnny, he won’t be hurting his little boy anymore.’ Everyone turned to see Vince approach the table.

‘Bullshit! He’ll probably be home before the kid is.’ Johnny’s eyes now flashed with anger.

‘Nope. He’s dead.’ The sound of a collective gasp caused Vince to momentarily pause. ‘Yep, died of a heart attack at the station. Couldn’t have happened to a nicer guy.’ Vince knew he shouldn’t be pleased. But he was.

‘There is a God!’ Johnny’s face lit up like a Christmas tree.

‘JOHNNY!’ Dixie stood up, hands on hips.

‘Sorry Dix, but that’s the way I feel.’

‘John Gage, a little boy has lost his father. Granted the man was a bastard but Alex will still be upset. And what about Mrs. Warner? She lost her husband tonight.’

‘Oh, Dix, I’ve already told Mrs. Warner. She…ummm…seemed relieved. Gave me a hug and thanked me. It’s been a helluva night, that’s for sure!’

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

‘Johnny, you really need to stop singing that song. You know we’re all happy in a weird sort of way but the song, well, it’s…it’s just inappropriate.’ Roy looked over to the passenger seat.

‘Really? You think so, Roy? I don’t.’ After getting no further response from Roy, Johnny began singing again. ‘Ding dong the bastard’s dead. The mean old bastard’s dead.’ Roy just shook his head. He couldn’t help but smile.

Johnny was still singing as the squad rolled into the bay station.

A humming Johnny was not what any of the engine crew expected to see. They looked at each other. Mike shrugged his shoulders.

‘John, could I see you in my office please?’ Cap was walking out of the dayroom.

Johnny was close behind. This time he was singing. ‘Ding dong the bastard’s dead.’ Chet, Marco, and Mike looked at each other.

After Johnny was out of the room, Chet grabbed Roy by the arm. ‘What the hell was that about?’

‘The dad died of a heart attack in jail.’

‘No shit?!’ Chet’s mouth dropped open.

A smile crossed the face of every man standing in the room.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

‘Johnny, are you okay?’

‘Yeah, Cap. Why?’ Johnny knew why Cap had pulled him into the office. **He must be thinking I’ve gone nuts. Many more nights like this and I will but I’m just fine now. Just fine.**

‘It’s been a hard night, Johnny.’

‘Yeah, the night of the child.’ It just came to Johnny. That’s what this night was – the night of the child.

‘Hadn’t thought about it that way but you’re right. The question is are you really alright?’

‘Yep. It’s been tough, Cap. But there was just a bit of justice. The bastard that beat that little boy on the last run died. Fell over of a heart attack at the jail. I know I’m not supposed to be happy – especially at the death of someone – but I am.’

Captain Stanley sat in stunned surprise. He sat back, tapped his hands together fingertip-to-fingertip, and took a deep breath. ‘Oh.’ He really couldn’t think of anything else to say. After a bit more silence, Hank Stanley spoke again. ‘Well, okay then. Hmmm. So, you’re really okay? You know if you need to talk, I’m always available. If you don’t want to talk to me, we can find someone else. You sure you’re okay?’ The man spoke so quickly, it almost sounded like one sentence.

Johnny smiled. ‘Yeah, Cap, I’m okay. I just want to go to bed. And, I don’t want to EVER have another night like this.’

‘Amen to that, John. Amen to that.’

The men got up and headed back into the dayroom.

‘Uh, guys, it’s been a long night. We really ought to hit the sack.’ Cap knew that the engine crew wouldn’t go to bed before Roy and Johnny returned. They wanted to be there for the two paramedics. Now that the latest crisis had passed, they could all use a good night’s sleep. ‘Let’s…’

The klaxons drowned out the rest of Cap’s last sentence.

‘Station 51. Unknown type rescue. 18 Kingston Lane. 1-8 Kingston Lane. Police also responding.’

‘LA, Station 51. KMG365.’

As the engine and squad rolled, Johnny placed a call to dispatch.

‘LA, Squad 51.’

‘Squad 51.’

‘Can you give us any additional information on the Kingston Lane response?’

‘Negative, 51. Call was placed by a hysterical child. A woman could be heard screaming in the background. No other information available.’

A long pause ensued. ‘Squad 51?’

‘10-4, LA. Squad 51.’

Hank Stanley turned and looked at his engineer. They had heard Johnny’s transmission with dispatch. ‘Here we go again, Mike. Hang on, Johnny. Hang on ,everyone.’

In the squad, Johnny sat silently. Roy watched his partner from the corner of his eye. Finally, the reaction came. Johnny slammed his hands on the dashboard. ‘Goddammit! When is this night going to end?’ He turned and looked at Roy. No words were needed. The pain reflected in each man’s eyes mirrored the other’s.

The squad pulled up to the house and Johnny jumped out before it stopped moving. There was a little girl in the front yard. She was crying and screaming.

‘Mommy, Mommy, Mommy. Help Mommy. Help Mommy. Mommy, Mommy, Mommy. Help Mommy.’

Johnny picked the little girl up and held her close. ‘Shhh, little one. Are you hurt?’

‘Mommy, Mommy, Mommy. Help Mommy.’

A woman’s scream could be heard coming from the house. The police hadn’t arrived yet. The rest of the men from Station 51 joined Johnny.

‘Shhh, baby. We’ll help your mommy.’ Johnny pulled the child closer.

‘Baby.’ The little girl stopped crying.

Johnny held the little girl in front of him. ‘Baby?’

The little girl smiled. ‘Baby.’

The woman screamed again. The police still hadn’t arrived. Johnny handed the little girl to Captain Stanley and bolted for the front door.

‘Gage, get back here. Wait for the police.’ Stanley was pissed. In truth, he was scared.

‘Can’t, Cap. There’s a woman having a baby in there.’ Johnny yelled over his shoulder. ‘Roy, bring the ob setup.’

Captain Stanley still wasn’t sure. ‘Stop, men. We don’t know for sure what’s going on. I hope Johnny didn’t just run into trouble.’

‘Cap…’ Roy was torn. He wanted to follow his partner but his boss had just told him to stay put. **Damnit, Johnny. Why didn’t you give me a warning so I could have run in with you – not after you?!**

‘Roy, I’m sorry. We can’t risk it.’ Cap was torn too.

The men fell into an uneasy silence.

After a couple minutes that seemed to last an eternity, the voice of the little girl broke the silence. ‘Baby.’

‘Honey, is your mommy having a baby?’ Cap asked the little girl.

‘Mommy. Help Mommy. Baby.’

Cap looked at his men. ‘Let’s go!’

The men ran into the house. The screaming had stopped. ‘Johnny?’ Cap didn’t know where his paramedic was.

Suddenly, a baby’s cry could be heard coming from the back of the house. The men headed into the back bedroom. There stood Johnny, covered in blood, handing a baby to the woman on the bed.

Johnny turned toward his friends. His smile couldn’t have been any bigger.

‘Mommy!’

‘Come here, honey, meet your little sister.’ The woman smiled at the little girl still in the arms of Captain Stanley. The little girl wiggled to the floor and ran to her mom. She giggled and kissed first her mom then her new sister.

‘What’s her name, Mommy?’

The lady looked up at her hero – her paramedic in shining armor. A big smile crossed her face. She looked back at her little girl. ‘Johnnie Grace, honey, her name is Johnnie Grace.’

“Wha…Wha…What?’ Johnny was shocked. ‘Are you kidding?’

The woman looked back up to Johnny. ‘Johnny Gage meet Johnnie Grace.’

It wasn’t just the night of the child. All of a sudden, it was the night of THIS child. For the first time tonight, the tears these men were shedding were tears of joy. A peace finally surrounded the men of Station 51.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The End