Part 3
Montana , Later That Night
“Let me get this straight,” said Richard Johnson. “Louisa and John Gage are pretending to be fooling around just to play a prank on Chet Kelly. Is that right?”
Hank nodded, a wide grin on his face. “Chet has been a little too excited about playing tricks lately, so Lou decided to beat him at his own game for once.”
Rich mulled that over for a minute, then chuckled. “And you're okay with having another man kissing your wife?”
“I trust Gage,” replied the Captain. “Phase two of her plan was supposed to go into effect a few days ago. That should give Chet enough time to figure out something is going on, and get upset enough to call me here and fill me in on what's going on.”
Richard's son, Phillip, burst out laughing. “What are you gonna say when he calls, Hank?” he wanted to know.
“I'm planning on telling Kelly that I knew Lou would cheat on me sooner or later, since I'm not as young as I used to be. This trip figures into Lou's prank perfectly. While I'm here with the kids, she can move her ‘boyfriend' into the house.”
The men laughed. “I'm almost sorry I can't see what happening down in Los Angeles ,” grinned Rich. He looked up when his daughter-in-law, Dorothy, entered the room.
“Hank, there's a Chet Kelly on the phone for you,” she said. “He said to tell you it was urgent.”
Captain Stanley rose from his chair, rubbing his hands together in anticipation. “Showtime,” he chuckled. “Hello, Chet. What's up?”
“Cap, I hate to have to tell you this, but I think your wife is sleeping with Johnny,” replied the Irishman mournfully. “Even since you left, they have been spending a lot of time together. And today, I caught them kissing.”
Hank bit his lip to keep from laughing. “Are you sure about that, pal?” he asked. “Maybe you just made a mistake.”
“No, Cap,” answered Chet. “They acted real guilty when I saw them. Gage has been over at your place an awful lot, too. He's been calling Lou ‘honey' and ‘sweetheart', too.”
The Captain sighed. Well, you could be right, Kelly,” he said. “I've been suspicious about them for a while. And face it, I'm not as young as I used to be. I can't seem to satisfy my wife anymore. It was inevitable that she would turn to someone else for comfort.”
“You mean you know ?!?” gasped Kelly. “I'm really sorry, Cap. I had no idea you and Louisa were having problems.”
“If it wasn't Gage, it would be someone else, pal,” admitted Hank. “Have you told anyone else about this?”
“No way, man! Mike and Marco would be out for blood if they knew what was going on. I thought I should tell you first.”
“Thanks, Chet. Do me a favor, will you? Keep an eye on them for a few days. If you see anything suspicious, call me immediately.”
“Right, Cap,” replied the Irish fireman. “You can count on me. Bye.”
Hank hung up the phone and burst out laughing. “Kelly did exactly what Louisa said he would,” he said after returning to the living room. “The fish is on the hook; now all she needs to do is reel him in.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Next Shift
Chet looked up from putting on his socks and glared at Johnny. His face was filled with righteous anger and disgust. “I can't believe you would do this to Cap, Gage. This is really low, even for you.”
“What's he doing now?” asked Mike as he opened his locker. “Did he dismantle one of your water bombs again?”
“Never mind, Stoker. Sooner or later all this is gonna blow up in your face, Johnny.” Chet got up and stormed out of the locker room.
The engineer grinned and winked at his friend. “I take it Chet ‘caught' you and my sister together?” he questioned, his eyes twinkling with glee.
The paramedic chuckled. “You better believe it,” he said. “Not only that, he called Cap in Montana and told him what he thinks is going on.”
“So, what's next? Cap will be home in what, a week? By that time, Chet will be so pissed off, he'll explode.”
“It's all set up, Mike,” whispered Johnny, a crooked grin on his face. “Lou will suggest throwing a ‘welcome home' barbeque. Sometime during the party, Cap will catch me and Lou in what looks like a compromising position. He'll freak out and get into a fight with me, just for show. While Chet is thinking he's proved his point, Lou will tell him it was all a joke.” He pointed to a hickey on his neck. “We planted this to make Chet squirm even more.”
“It looks real,” commented Roy . “Did you and Louisa….?”
“Not exactly, but she did do a good job, didn't she? Don't worry, partner; I have no intention of really sleeping with Lou. Cap would have my hide. Besides, I have too much respect for her to break up her marriage.”
“Roll call, boys!” shouted Captain Stone. As the men lined up, he stared at Johnny's neck, biting back a smile. He made the day's announcement and handed out chores. “John, could I see you in my office before you start on the latrine, please?” When the door was firmly closed, he asked, “How's the plan going?”
Johnny grinned broadly. “As smooth as silk, Stoney. Chet is completely convinced Louisa and I are having a torrid affair behind Cap's back.”
“How long before all this hits the fan, so to speak?” questioned the Captain.
“About a week. If I wasn't in on it, I'd swear Lou is hot for me. She's quite a lady. If she wasn't already married, I'd be tempted to go after her myself.”
“I am very happy with my husband, Johnny, but thanks for the compliment,” said Louisa from the doorway. “If looks could kill, I'd be six feet under right now. Chet glared at me like I was an axe murderer.”
“Come on,” said Stone. “Let's get some coffee.” They left the office and went into the dayroom.
Kelly was standing near the stove, but moved away when Louisa approached. He sat on the sofa, muttering under his breath while spearing the young woman with a poisonous look. “You got a lot of nerve coming here,” he grumbled.
Louisa swallowed uncomfortably, shooting a glance at Johnny. “Uh, I think I have some errands I need to run. See you later, boys.”
“Chet, why are being so rude to my sister?” asked Marco, his forehead crinkling with confusion. “I thought you liked her.”
“Ask Gage,” shot back the Irishman. Before he could say anything more, the klaxons went off.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
That Afternoon
“Louisa, thank you so much for coming in on your day off,” said Larry Sloane, Rampart's head lab tech. “I didn't even think to call you until Kel Brackett mentioned that you had an Associate's Degree in lab technology.”
The young woman grinned. “I was talking to the Dean at Redwood and she said that I could take nursing and lab science together, so I did,” she answered. “I always liked the clinical part more than the administrative. Less paperwork.”
Sloane chuckled. “Right, you just have a bunch of doctors screaming for their test results. One in particular.”
“I don't mind that. I figured out the best way to deal with pesky doctors is to smile and tell them their labs will be ready in fifteen minutes.” They shared a laugh, drawing stares from the other lab techs.
“Well, I'll leave you alone so you can get to work. First up is a CBC and cardiac enzymes for Dr. Morton. Make yourself comfortable. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask.”
“Thanks, Larry,” replied Louisa, locating the vials of blood for the tests. She bent over her station, carefully setting up the equipment. Mike Morton entered the lab, muttering under his breath and searching for his test results. He sighed in annoyance when he couldn't locate them. “Who's doing my CBC?” he demanded crossly.
“I am, Dr. Morton,” said Louisa. “It's almost done. Don't bust a gut.”
The doctor smiled briefly. “Anything unusual yet?” he asked, leaning over her shoulder.
“Elevated leukocytes, diminished erythrocytes and the clotting time is a bit off kilter. Cardiac enzymes are a bit high, too. See for yourself,” related the young woman, handing him the almost-finished report.
Morton chuckled. “When did they start teaching lab techs to analyze test results?” he teased gently. But I can't say I'm surprised. I've heard several times that you were at the head of your classes at Redwood.”
Louisa smiled, blushing slightly. “I picked up a lot from my internship, too. Dr. Fisher gave me the opportunity to learn a lot of different things while I was training with him.”
“I promise to send you all my business,” grinned the doctor. “Thanks again.”
Tony, one of the other techs, raised an eyebrow. “You seem to know a lot about this stuff, Mrs. Stanley,” he commented. “And most of the staff, too. What gives?”
“My husband is Captain out at Station 51,” she answered. “Right after I came down here from Montana , I got pretty close to his crew and in turn, got to know Doctors Brackett and Early and Nurse Dixie. It helps that one guy in Hank's crew spends more time here than I do, too!”
“You must be talking about the infamous Johnny Gage, paramedic and klutz,” snickered Tony.
“The one and only,” giggled Louisa. She glanced up when Larry walked out of his office, carrying a stack of papers. “Should we call for a gurney or can you handle all that by yourself?” she joked.
“Nope, it's all for you two,” grinned Sloane, dividing up the pile. “The administrator wants us to log how many of each test we've done in the past week. Since it's slow, I thought you could do it in between jobs.”
“No rest for the wicked, huh?” chuckled Tony. “Guess we better get cracking or we'll be here until Judgment Day. Tell you what, Louisa. Once we get done, we'll combine our logs and make Nate's job easier.”
Three hours later, Tony and Louisa turned in their report. Larry looked it over and smiled. “Good work, you two. Louisa, could you take it up to the office on your way to lunch?”
“No problem. I promised Dix I would eat with her, if she can get away. She said she needed to talk to me about something.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The Emergency Department
“Hey, Dix. Ready for some nourishment?” called Louisa and she walked down the hall to the nurse's station.
“More than ready,” replied the nurse with a smile. “You just missed Mike Morton. He was singing your praises. What did you do? Slip him some nice pills?”
The young woman laughed. “Now would I do that?” she teased. “I finished a lab for him in record time. First time I ever saw him smile like that . I didn't even know he could look that happy.”
Dixie chuckled. “Let me tell Carol I'm leaving. Be right back.”
As Louisa waited for her friend, Johnny and Roy came in for supplies. “Hey, Lou. I thought you had the day off,” said Gage.
“I did, but Larry Sloane called and asked me to fill in for Meghan. She's out with flu.” She glanced over her shoulder to make sure no one was listening in. “Chet still giving you the evil eye?”
“You know it. He's gonna be even more impossible to live with once you tell him this is all a prank.”
Louisa giggled softly. “What's the matter, sweetie? Aren't I keeping you happy?” she joked, winking at Roy . “I didn't hear you complaining before.”
The senior paramedic burst out laughing. “Don't go any farther,” he protested. “I couldn't stomach hearing about it. Johnny told me what the climax, so to speak, of your little plan will be. I went out and bought a bunch of film for my camcorder so I can capture Kelly's reaction.”
“I would have loved to be a fly on the wall for the conversation he had with Hank!” chortled Louisa. “From what my husband told me, Chet was ready to bust a blood vessel.”
Dixie and Carol walked up, chatting quietly. “Hi, fellas,” smiled Carol. “Need some supplies? Got your paperwork filled out in triplicate?” The women laughed at the paramedic's horror-struck expressions. “I'm kidding. Just tell me what you need.”
Louisa and Dixie walked towards the cafeteria, talking and giggling. “So, when does the spit hit the fan?” grinned the nurse.
“In a week,” answered Louisa as they sat down. “I wish you could have seen the look Chet gave me this morning. He was madder than I've ever seen him!”
“Just wait until he finds out it was all a joke,” replied Dixie with a wink. “Johnny told me what happened when Chet saw you kissing him.”
The younger woman laughed. “It was priceless, Dix, I swear! I'm just glad Hank trusts me enough to allow me to do this. Johnny is adorable, but I would never cheat on my husband. I love him too much.”
“Not even for Tony the dreamboat?” questioned Dixie with a sly smile. “I heard you were working with him today.”
Louisa rolled her eyes. “Does he always flirt like that? It was so embarrassing. And to answer your question, no. He's cute, but definitely not my type.”
The women noticed a young man at the next table staring at them. When he saw them watching, he raised his glass in salute. Dixie dropped her eyes to hide her amused expression. “Glad to know that we can still attract attention, even if we are a couple of mature married ladies,” she whispered.
“Married maybe, but not mature,” Louisa whispered back. “Shh, here he comes.”
The man approached their table, a wide smile on his face. “Mind if I join you?” he asked. A hand clamped down on his shoulder from behind, making him jump with surprise.
“Dix, Louisa, have you met Malcolm Davies, our new resident?” said the doctor. “Malcolm, this is my wife , Dixie McCall Brackett and Mrs. Louisa Stanley.”
The resident gulped and turned red. “Uh, no, sir, I haven't. Pleased to meet you both,” he finished lamely. “I meant no disrespect.”
Louisa bit her lip to keep from laughing out loud. “Nice to meet you, too, Malcolm,” she sputtered. “How long have you been working here?”
“Obviously, not long enough,” grinned Davies. “Are you a nurse, Mrs. Stanley?”
“As a matter of fact, I am. If you're not careful who you proposition, you might need my services,” she chuckled. “I also work part time in the lab.”
“A woman of many talents,” replied the resident. “If you'll excuse me, I have to find Dr. Early and go over some schedules with him.” He walked swiftly for the door, casting a forlorn look over his shoulder.
Dixie burst out laughing and playfully smacked her husband's arm. “Kel, that was just awful. I feel sorry for the poor guy.”
Brackett grinned and slid into a chair. “Maybe, but I enjoyed it. Malcolm reminds me a lot of Kent Donaldson. Or John Gage.” He raised an eyebrow at Louisa. “How's the ‘romance' going, Lou?”
“Very well, thank you,” answered the young woman. “Chet took the bait hook, line, and sinker. He even called Hank just like I knew he would.”
“Dr. Brackett to Emergency. Dr. Kelly Brackett, Emergency, stat,” blared the loudspeaker mounted on the wall above their heads.
“Time to get back to work,” chuckled Kel.
“Me, too,” agreed Louisa. “I have to give Tony another opportunity to flirt with me. I'll call you with details about the cook-out later on this week, Dix.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Three Days Later
The phone was ringing when Louisa walked in the front door of her home. She rushed to answer it, smiling widely when she heard her husband's voice. “Hi, sweetheart! How's Montana ?”
“Great, but I miss my lovely wife,” replied the Captain. “I tried to call you yesterday, but there wasn't any answer.”
“Sorry about that, Hank,” said the young woman. “I got called into work. I pulled a couple of shifts in the lab this week. The kids having fun?”
“Are you kidding, with Dorothy spoiling them rotten? They're having the time of their lives. John Quincy was over the other day, too. Phil bought five head of bison from him. Gray Eagle spent most of the afternoon telling the kids how his people used them. Oh, and Clem and Stacey were over last night.”
“How are they doing, honey?” asked Louisa. “As soon as Clem started complaining about missing the country, I knew they would end up moving back.”
“Pretty good. Andy gave him his old job back and Stacey is using her medical training to help out at the reservation clinic. She told me something else, but you'll have to call her about that,” said Hank.
The young woman chuckled. “We must still be in sync, because I planned to call her tonight. So, hose jockey, when are you coming home?”
“I leave tomorrow morning, sweetheart,” answered the Captain. “The kids want to stay here a few more days, if it's okay with you.”
“I suppose I could allow that, considering what's going down after you get back. I'd rather they didn't see me fooling around with Johnny.” She glanced up when Marco came in. “Honey, I have to go. My brother just got here. See you in a few days. Love you. Kiss the rug rats for me.”
“You, too, Lou. I will. Bye.”
The Latino fireman stood there, a wicked grin on his handsome face. “Ironing out the last part of your diabolical plan, little sister?” he teased. He held out a brown paper grocery sack. “I got those items you asked me to pick up for you.”
Louisa took the bag and looked inside. A giggled bubbled up in her throat as she pulled out an embroidered silk nightgown. “Where's the rest of it?” she snickered, holding it up.
“I was going to get a leather teddy, but I thought this would suit you better,” chuckled Marco. “Chet is ready to commit murder. He goes out of his way to avoid being around Johnny unless absolutely necessary.”
“I heard. Mike filled me in when he was here for dinner last night. He said Kelly is acting like, and I quote, ‘a pissed-off grizzly bear'.”
“That's nothing compared to the explosion we'll see when he finds out it was all a prank. Then the fur will really fly!” The siblings shared a laugh. “I was wondering if you wanted to have dinner with me, brat. Unless you got plans to smooch with Gage tonight, that is.”
Louisa grinned. “Nah, my lips needed a break,” she joked. “If you're buying, hose jockey, I'm eating. Let's go.”
Part 4
Louisa jumped out of her seat on the porch as soon as she saw Hank's car pull in. A broad smile stretched across her face as her husband climbed out of his vehicle. She threw her arms around him, squeezing him joyfully.
“Well, if I get a hello like that when I come home, I think I'll go away more often,” chuckled Hank, returning his wife's embrace.
“I missed you, hose jockey,” Louisa whispered in his ear. “I'll show you how much later.”
“Even with Gage to keep you occupied?” Stanley teased playfully. “Everything set for tomorrow?”
“Yeah, but we can talk about that later, if we get around to it.” The young woman picked up a suitcase, groaning loudly. “What did you do? Stuff a buffalo in here?”
“Dorothy, Buck, and Gray Eagle sent you a few presents, that's all,” answered Hank, going into the house. He dropped into his favorite arm chair and sighed. “It's good to be home.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The Next Day
Johnny and Roy stood near the barbeque pit with their Captain, talking and laughing. “A goose landed where ?!?” snorted Gage. “Oh man! That's a riot!”
“Buck didn't think so,” chortled Hank. “He yelled so loud, he scared the horses. Good thing Rich had the video camera running. I'll show you the tape later.”
Louisa stepped out onto the deck carrying a bag of charcoal and a can of lighter fluid. “Here, you guys. Make yourselves useful. Try not to set the backyard on fire while you're at it,” she teased.
“Better keep the hose handy,” grinned Roy . “Can I help with anything?”
“How are you at making fruit salad, pal? Yes, Hank, I know. No strawberries. You say it enough.” She winked at the paramedics. “Twit!” She turned to go back into the house, Roy close behind. Joanne was standing at the counter, forming raw ground meat into thick burgers.
The front door flew open and Mike Stoker and his wife, Lara, came in. “Where do you want this stuff, little sister?” asked the engineer, holding up a package of paper plates and three boxes of plastic utensils. “Hi, Roy . Hi, Joanne.”
“On the picnic table, Michael. Hey, Lara. How you feeling?”
Lara Stoker patted her bulging belly. At five months pregnant with her second child, she was just beginning to show. “I can still see my feet, so I'm pretty good,” she replied with a smile.
Half an hour later, Marco and Chet arrived. Kelly glared darkly at Johnny, his blue eyes menacing. “I'm watching you, Gage,” he said as he passed his co-worker. “Stay away from Louisa if you what to stay healthy.”
The paramedic grinned. “That sounds like a threat, Chester ,” he challenged, playing along. “Don't worry; I'm not stupid.”
“Says who?” needled the Irishman. His eyes brightened as he greeted his superior. “Good to have you back, Cap. How was your vacation?”
Hank bit back a sarcastic remark and chuckled. “Just fine, Kelly. Thanks for asking. Help yourself to a beer.” He held his hand over the grill to rest the heat and nodded. “Lou, it's ready. Bring out the burgers and dogs.”
Chet continued to keep a close eye on Louisa and Johnny while they ate. His expression clouded when he saw them laughing and joking as if nothing was going on. His jaw clenched when Johnny playfully tickled the young woman's ribs, making her giggle. “Cut it out, Johnny, unless you want to model the new line of potato salad.”
Roy, Mike, and Marco shared a conspiratorial glance with their Captain. Desoto leaned over to whisper in Joanne's ear. The petite brunette covered her mouth with her hand and tittered.
After everyone had eaten, Louisa nudged Johnny. “Hey, buddy, can you come inside with me for minute?” she asked, winking slyly at her friend. “I have something I want to show you.” The paramedic nodded and they entered the house through the back door. Chet followed, his hands knotted into tight fists.
Louisa ran up the stairs leading to the second floor, dragging Johnny behind her. “Okay, hose jockey, Take off your shirt and make it snappy. Our victim is about ten seconds from coming in here.” She quickly slipped out of her blouse and lay down on the bed. Gage stretched out beside her and wrapped his arms around her waist. He bent his head and their lips touched.
The bedroom door crashed open and Chet launched himself into the room. “What the Hell are you two thinking?!?” he yelled, veins standing out in his neck. He crossed to the window and opened it. “Cap! I think you better get up here!” he shouted.
Louisa and Johnny frantically tried to cover themselves with a blanket. “Chet, this isn't what it looks like,” stammered the paramedic, struggling to keep from laughing.
Hank pounded up the stairs and leaned against the door frame. “Kelly, what are you hollering about?” he asked, confused. He spotted his wife and Johnny lying there half-undressed and gasped. “Oh my God! Chet was right! You are sleeping with Gage! Honey, how could you do this to me?”
The rest of the conspirators crowded into the room, varying degrees on shock on their faces. Louisa played her part to the hilt, willing tears to form in her eyes. “I'm sorry, Hank. I didn't mean to. It just kind of happened.”
Chet reached out and dragged Johnny off the bed. “Outside, Gage!” he growled. “I'm gonna whip your butt!”
Finally, the young woman could stand it no longer. She burst out laughing, holding her sides as she hooted. “Leave him alone, Chester !” she sputtered. “Nothing is going on. It was all an elaborate prank. How does it feel to be out-phantomed?” She collapsed onto her back, her snorts of glee bouncing off the walls. The crew joined in, applauding as the Irishman stood there with his mouth hanging open.
“B-but I saw you kissing him!” he protested.
“All part of the plan, Kelly,” snickered Johnny, putting his shirt on. “And you bought every bit of it!”
“Then you aren't sleeping with Cap's wife?” He turned to his shift mates, eyes blazing. “And you all knew about this?”
“Did you really think I would let John get away with fooling around with my sister, Chet?” asked Marco, his eyes dancing with glee. “How gullible are you, amigo ?”
Louisa sat up, wiping tears from her cheeks. “Face it, Kelly. We got you. It was too easy, man.”
The phone on the bedside table rang, cutting through the air with a clang. Hank reached over to pick it up, laughter deserting his face in an instant. “Yeah, she's right here. Hold on. Honey, it's Rick.”
“Ricky? What's up?” The young woman's face turned white as she listened. “How long ago? Where? Uh huh, I know where that is. Right, I'll be there in twenty minutes. What? Okay, no cops, I promise. How the Hell do I know? Sit on him or something!” She hung up, her hands trembling violently. “Hank, Paul's gone crazy, according to Rick. He's been drinking and popping pills. I have to get to them.” She jumped off the bed and yanked on her blouse as she ran down the stairs.
“Should we call Vince?” Hank shouted after her, stopping Louisa dead in her tracks.
“ No cops !” she growled. “Johnny, you and Roy come with me. Honey, call Dr. Brackett and tell him to meet me at the Shady Rest Motel as fast as he can get there. I'll be in room fourteen.” She scooped up her car keys and purse and left the house at a dead run. Gage and Desoto piled into the car with her and slammed their doors. Seconds later, the car sped out of the driveway, raising a cloud of dust as it passed.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Shady Rest Motel
“Lou's on her way, Paul,” said Rick, his voice shaking. “Hold on, man.”
“I told you not to call anybody!” slurred Paul drunkenly. “Just leave me in peace.” He staggered around the dingy room, his steps becoming more and more erratic.
Dunkirk glanced at his watch for what seemed, to him, the millionth time. A car squealed to a stop outside and a fist hammered on the door. He opened it and Louisa, followed by Johnny and Roy, burst in. The young woman's eyes widened in shock when she saw her friend sprawled on the bed, reeking of whiskey. She knelt beside him, shaking him roughly. “What the Hell are you doing?!?” she demanded.
Paul struggled to get away from her grasping hands. He spotted Gage and Desoto standing there dumbstruck and heaved a half-empty bottle at them. “Get out!” he yelled. The bottle slammed into the wall and shattered, spraying bits of glass everywhere. “I don't want do damn cops here! No freaking paramedics either!”
“Wait outside, you guys,” whispered Louisa. “Let me know when Brackett gets here.” She turned back to her friend and stared at him in disgust. “I thought you were done with this, buster. Come on, Paul, tell me what's going on,” she pleaded.
The guitarist looked at her sadly. “My life is crap, Lou,” he mumbled. “I ain't got nothing to live for. My band's going nowhere and my girl walked out on me. Just let me die. I deserve it.” He covered his face with his hands and sobbed.
The young woman bit her lip, tears streaming down her cheeks. “No, baby, you got a lot to live for. You got me, Rick, Toby, Gene, and my whole family. I'm counting on you to help me keep my kids in line. Don't you know Emma practically worships you, sweetie? How can I go back and tell her you're dead? It would break her heart and mine.” She leaned forward and wrapped her arms around the distraught man, holding him close.
Rick sat on the bed. “Yeah, man, listen to her; she's right. We all need you. You were the one who always told us to keep plugging along back in the day. If you hadn't been kicking our asses, we would have split up long before we got to the clubs. How can I even think of playing anymore if you're not around?”
Paul looked up, sniffling, mucus running over his lip. “You'd just get somebody better than me,” he moaned. “I've lost my touch, Ricky. I can't even play the notes anymore. I'm washed up.”
Louisa's jaw set. “No, Paul, that's not true! You're just going through a bad time right now. Things will get better, I promise you. Don't check out on us yet, baby. Don't make me get tough with you, pal.” A smile flitted across her lips and her tone turned playful. “Who's gonna tell me when I'm being a brat and that I need an attitude adjustment? You were always best at that, darling. Besides, if you succeed with this, I'm gonna kick your ass from here to next Tuesday!!”
Rick gaped at her, then started to snicker. “The only way you'll be able to do that is if you dig him up, sweetheart,” he giggled foolishly. “And this state frowns on grave robbing.”
Paul caught his friend's meaning and laughed softly. “That wouldn't stop her. Lou always was a stubborn little wench,” he grinned. The men howled with laughter, making the young woman glare at them sternly.
“Would you two stop carrying on like hyenas for one minute and get serious?!?” The absurdity of her comment dawned on her suddenly and she giggled. “Yeah, I would have to do that, huh?” she snorted. “Okay, okay Freudian slip. So sue me.” The trio laughed for several minutes until Paul turned a sickly green and ran for the bathroom. He dropped to his knees in front of the toilet and heaved violently. “Man, this stuff sure tasted better going down,” he groaned.
The motel room door opened and Johnny stuck his head in. “Uh, Lou, Brackett's here. Can we come in?”
Louisa wiped her eyes with a corner of the bedspread and nodded. “Rick, do you have any idea what he was taking?” she asked her friend.
Dunkirk handed her a small prescription bottle. “These I think,” he replied, struggling to contain his giggles.
Dr. Brackett entered the room and stood with his hands on his hips. His expression across between annoyance and bewilderment, set Rick and Louisa off again and they guffawed, falling off the bed into a tangled heap of arms and legs. They rolled around on the carpet laughing hysterically.
“I don't think we need a doctor,” commented Roy with a grin. “Better call the men with the butterfly nets.”
Paul stumbled out of the bathroom and collapsed on the rumpled bed. “Ignore them,” he chuckled. “They always were candidates for the funny farm. Man, Doc, I feel rotten.”
Louisa sat up and handed Brackett the prescription bottle she was holding. “He took this, Kel,” she squeaked, still giggling. “Add about a quart of Jack Daniels and you'll be able to assess him better. Start with his head. I think a CAT scan to find a brain would be a good start.” She got to her feet, hauling Rick off the floor.
“Vicodin, 5/300,” said Brackett. “Paul, how many did you take?”
“Three,” muttered the guitarist. “They all came up when I puked, though.” He glared at his friends. “Are you done cackling like a pair of hens or are you gonna take me to the hospital?”
“Cluck, cluck,” muttered Rick. “Come on, you turkey. Can you walk or do we need to carry you stupid behind?”
“We can always get Johnny or Roy to use a firemen's carry,” snickered Louisa, her eyes bright with mirth. “And I meant what I said, Paulie. You die and I'm gonna dig up your carcass for the sole purpose of kicking your sorry ass.”
Roland rolled his eyes. “Is she always this mean, guys?” he asked the paramedics as they helped him to the door. “Or does she save it up just to torture me?”
“I plead the fifth,” grinned Johnny. “I'd rather not make her mad, especially after the prank she just played on Chet Kelly.”
Brackett's mouth twitched as he tried to suppress a smile. “You can tell me later how it turned out, John. Right now, I'm more concerned about getting Paul to Rampart so I can check him out.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Rampart, Two Hours Later
Louisa looked up and elbowed Rick when Dr. Brackett came into the waiting room. “What's the verdict, Kel? Is he going to be all right?”
“Physically or mentally?” joked the doctor. “He was lucky, Louisa. Not enough of the drug got into his system to do much damage. I'd like to keep him here overnight and run some more tests in the morning. If everything comes back normal, I'll release him then.”
The young woman breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank God,” she said. “Can we see him?”
“Of course, but don't stay too long. I'd like him to talk with Dr. Franklin about this, though. What prompted this whole thing?”
“I'd rather not get into it, Kel,” answered Louisa. “It's complicated.”
“I understand. It's very lucky that you were with him, Rick. Things could have turned out differently.”
“Yeah,” said Dunkirk quietly. “Uh, Lou, if you don't have to get home right away, I'd like to talk to you.”
“Sure, Ricky,” answered Louisa. She saw Johnny and Roy waiting. “Can you guys go back to the house and tell Hank I'll be home later?”
“No problem,” smiled Roy . “Just watch out when you do get home. Chet is probably waiting to strangle you.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
After visiting their friend, Rick and Louisa drove to one of their former haunts. They sat at a table and ordered drinks. “All right, buster, spill it,” said Louisa as soon as the waitress walked away.
Dunkirk ran a nervous hand through his hair. “A lot of stuff has happened since we played our reunion show, Lou,” he began. “A couple days after the gig, Heather told Paul she wanted him to stop fooling around and get a ‘real job', as she put it. They had a fight and he walked out on her. Well, she tracked him down where we were playing and really laid it on thick, telling him he had no talent and was just wasting time. I'm sure you can imagine how that went over. To make it even worse, our manager told him the same thing and quit on us.”
The young woman's eyes widened. “When did you get a manager?” she asked. “I thought you guys did your own booking.”
“We did, until Danny, our bass player, brought a guy in to handle the business end of things.” He looked up, his eyes troubled. “He's someone you know, too, honey.”
“I'm almost afraid to ask, but if we're gonna help Paul, I suppose you better tell me.”
Rick bit his lip. “Jesse Malone. Remember him?”
Louisa stared at him in surprise. “I sure as Hell do!” she spat. “Are you out of mid getting involved with that creep again?!? He's a bloodsucker and a sleaze ball, Ricky!”
“I told Danny that, but as far as he's concerned, the sun shines out of Jesse's ass. Anyway, he told Paul that he sucks as a guitar player and started making noise about replacing him. What's worse, the rest of the band backed him up.”
“Just wait until I get my hands on that bastard!” growled Louisa. “If he thought our last meeting was rough, it'll look like a walk in the park this time! That goes double for Danny and the rest of those jerks!”
Rick chuckled. “Whatever you do, let me go with you,” he laughed. “I want a ring-side seat for this blow-out! So much for marriage taming you any, kid. You're still the same little firebrand I know and love.”
The young woman grinned evilly. “What did you expect from a girl who just fooled a guy into thinking she was having an affair with one of his co-workers?”
“Are you serious? So that's the prank Dr. Brackett was referring to. Do tell, sweetheart.”
As Louisa detailed her latest prank, Danny and Jesse walked into the bar. They spotted Rick and came over to talk to him. They stood listening as the young woman spoke. “I see you're still a bitch,” commented Malone with a smirk. “How's it going, Louisa?”
“Considering we just admitted Paul to the hospital for a drug overdose, how do you think, you son-of-a-bitch?” she snarled viciously. She got to her feet, stood nose-to-nose with the man and grabbed double handfuls of his jacket, slamming him against the wall with bone-shaking force. “Give me one reason I shouldn't crack your skull, you bastard!”
“Go ahead,” sneered Jesse. “I always said your temper would land you in hot water some day. You ain't got the guts, baby.”
Louisa smiled coldly. “You know, the last guy who said that to me ended up in a pine box,” she whispered, her voice icy. “You wanna find out if I've got the nerve to kill someone else, pal?”
Rick clamped his hand on her arm and dragged the furious young woman away. “Don't, Lou, that's exactly what he wants,” he cautioned. “Besides, this slime isn't worth even talking to. Danny, I'm quitting, effective now ,” he continued. “Paul, too.”
Danny stared at him in amazement. “What about the show case?” he whined. “It's already set up. We can't cancel at the last minute.”
Dunkirk shrugged. “That's your problem, not mine. I wouldn't play with you guys again if you paid me a million dollars. Come on, Lou. This place is starting to smell of skunk.”
“You'll regret this, Dunkirk ,” threatened Malone. “No one will hire you after I get done with you.”
“You know what, man? I could care less.” He walked to the bar to pay for their drinks and left, dragging Louisa by the wrist.
“Why did you stop me?!?” blazed the young woman angrily. “I wanted a piece of his ass!”
“Your husband would flip out if I let you get your butt tossed in the pokey, sweetheart,” chuckled Rick. “And you were well on your way, too.”
Louisa grinned. “Maybe, but it did my heart good to see that creep sweat. I'd love to see him get what he so richly deserves.”
Dunkirk mirrored her grin. “You could always turn into a vampire and bite him a few times,” he teased. “That would put the fear of God into him.” They laughed, imagining the man's reaction. “How did you ever come up with something like that?”
“It was in retaliation for getting a dead rat in my glove compartment. I just played upon Chet Kelly's love of cheesy horror movies and the rest is history.”
“I'll bet,” chuckled Rick. “I saw the pictures your friend took. Come on, Vampira. Let's get out of here.”