Station 51
“Morning, Cap,” said Roy as he came into the bay. “When are Louisa and Johnny supposed to get back?”
“Sometime late this week, pal,” answered the Captain. “She called this morning before they left. Would you believe they're driving back?”
“Better have her sanity checked when she gets home, Cap,” smirked Chet Kelly. The Irishman was still fuming over the prank Gage and Louisa had played on him and was ripe for revenge. “Three days in the same car would make anybody loony tunes.”
“Schedule an evaluation for yourself while you're at it, Kelly,” shot back Mike Stoker. “You're just mad because they got your goat.”
Chet grinned slyly. “Maybe so, Mikey, but I'll have the last laugh.”
“I don't want to know, Kelly,” admonished Hank. He looked down at his clipboard as the men lined up for roll call. “McConikee will be here sometime this morning to inspect the station. I want this place spic and span and free of water bombs,” he grumbled, staring directly at Chet. He handed out their assignments and headed for the office to make a dent in the ever-present stack of paperwork on his desk.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Somewhere in Wyoming , Later That Day
“Ready for a break?” asked Johnny, glancing at his passenger. Louisa woke with a start, her seatbelt digging painfully into her ribs. “Huh?” she muttered groggily.
The paramedic chuckled as he pulled into the rest stop. His eyebrows drew together in a frown as a familiar 18-wheeler followed. “Lou, am I being paranoid or is that the creep who bugged us before?”
The young woman turned to look and gulped audibly. “Yeah, that's him,” she confirmed. “Good thing I packed a little protection,” she muttered, opening her purse and drawing out a shiny pistol. She quickly removed the bullets from the weapon and hid it behind her back.
The semi screeched to a halt a few yards away and Lester jumped out, smiling maliciously. “Did you think I was gonna let you get away with kneeing me in the balls, woman?!?” he hissed. “You messed with the wrong guy, bitch.” He quickly closed the distance between them, his jaw tightening when Johnny and Louisa stood their ground. He smirked when the paramedic tensed. “Go on, Tonto. Run for it. Me and your whore are gonna have a little chat.”
The young woman's eyes darkened with suppressed rage. “Watch your mouth, white trash,” she cautioned. “What's the matter, man? No woman stupid enough to put up with you?” she taunted, her lips curling into a mocking sneer.
The truck driver's face reddened. “At least I don't fool around with redskins,” he retorted, hands knotting into fists. “Or maybe you like being a filthy Indian's squaw. Is that it, sweetheart?” He reached down to rub his crotch. “A couple hours with me and you'll give him up in a minute.” His other hand grabbed a handful of her hair, tugging it cruelly.
Louisa's icy smile widened as her eyes took on a cold, flat light. Johnny took a step backward, knowing that look all too well. He had seen that same expression just before she had shot Carlos Garcia several years ago. He opened his mouth to call out a warning.
Lester pulled the young woman to his chest, roughly fondling her buttocks. He froze when he felt the barrel of her pistol poke him in the ribs. The blood drained from his cheeks as he gasped in fear.
“Let go right now ,” growled Louisa between clenched teeth, “unless you want your guts splattered all over the ground. You won't be the first bastard I put in an early grave, pal.” She wrenched away, her finger tightening on the trigger.
All the fight went out of Lester as he stared at her in shock. He raised his hands to protect his face, stammering out an apology. “I-I'm sorry. I didn't mean any harm,” he sputtered.
“Sure you didn't,” replied Johnny sarcastically. “Get back in your truck and get the Hell out of here.” He paled when a Wyoming State Trooper cruiser pulled into the rest area, lights flashing. The trooper slammed on his brakes and leaped out of the vehicle, his service revolver drawn and ready to fire. “Drop your weapon and back off!” he shouted. “Keep your hands where I can see them!”
The young woman let the pistol slip form her fingers and raised her hands to shoulder level. Johnny and Lester followed suit, the latter's face damp with sweat. The officer scooped the gun up from the pavement, never taking his eyes of them. “You want to tell me what's going on here?” he boomed.
The paramedic was first to regain his voice. “My friend and I are on our way back to California . We stopped to get something to eat and this guy started hassling us. He followed us here and started threatening her,” he explained.
“Looks to me like she was threatening him ,” answered the trooper. “You got papers for this thing, lady?” he demanded, holding up her weapon.
Louisa swallowed hard and nodded. “Yes, sir, in my purse. It's on the front seat of our car. We're telling you the truth, officer.”
The officer reached into the bag and pulled out the documents. Scanning them quickly, he lowered his revolver. “Is what he said true, buster?” he asked Lester.
The truck driver's mouth worker furiously. “Yeah, I guess so,” he admitted finally. “That crazy bitch was gonna shoot me! I want her locked up!”
“License and registration, both of you,” muttered the officer tiredly. “Slowly, if you don't mind.” The men produced the papers and waited tensely. “Lester Chamberlain and John Gage.” He speared the truck driver with a heated glance. “Your registration is expired, mister. Turn around and put your hands behind your back. I'm taking you in. All of you,” he amended. After cuffing Lester and stuffing him into the back of his cruiser, he radioed for back-up. “Have a seat in your car, you two. Don't try anything funny, either.”
Half an hour later, two more Wyoming State Troopers roared into the rest stop. Louisa and Johnny were cuffed and put in the back of the cars. The officers read them their rights and drove them to the State Police barracks.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
“Once more, Mrs. Stanley. You were driving home from Montana and this truck driver, Lester Chamberlain, accosted you and your companion. What happened after that?”
Louisa sighed with exhaustion. “Mr. Gage and I finished our meal and left the diner,” she said. “After a few hours of driving, we pulled into another rest stop and Mr. Chamberlain followed us. I knew it wasn't accidental, so I got my pistol out of my bag, just in case he tried something. It wasn't loaded; I just wanted to scare him off, not shoot him.”
In another room, Johnny was telling the same story. “I swear, I had no idea Mrs. Stanley even had a gun with her. I knew she owned one, but I didn't know she had it with her.”
The officer questioning the paramedic nodded and got to his feet. “Sit tight, Mr. Gage. I'll be right back. He left the room and spoke to a deputy standing in the hall. The trooper questioning Louisa joined them and all three officers went into a third office. They compared the stories, finally coming to the conclusion that Johnny and Louisa were telling the truth.
“This Chamberlain guy has a rap sheet as long as my arm,” said the first trooper. “He's done time for aggravated assault and rape. Looks to me like he was planning on doing it again.”
The second trooper nodded grimly. “I ran a check on Mrs. Stanley. A few years ago, she killed some guy who broke into her house and tried to murder her, her brother, and her mother. She shot Carlos Garcia, a known criminal, a few years back, too.” An admiring smile flitted across his face for a brief instant. “I wouldn't want to tangle with her, that's for sure.”
The first trooper laughed quietly. “You and me both, Charlie,” he said. He turned to the deputy. “After we release her and her friend, you drive them back to their car. Oh, and give her back her pistol.” He held it up, carefully opening the chamber. “Since it wasn't loaded, we'll let her have it back.”
The deputy grinned, taking the gun from his superior. “Yes, sir. This thing looks pretty old. Wonder if it's an antique?”
“Why don't you ask her?” counseled the trooper. “Come on, Charlie. Let's get some coffee. We'll be right back, rookie.”
The deputy walked down the hall and opened the door to Louisa's interrogation room. The young woman looked, expecting to be thrown into a cell at any moment. She relaxed when she saw the young man. “So, what's the story? Are you gonna charge me with anything or can my friend and I leave?”
“No, ma'am, we aren't charging you with anything. My superior will join us shortly. He wants to tell you something about Mr. Chamberlain.” He hooked a chair with his foot and sat down, handing her pistol across the table. “Where did you get that gun, Mrs. Stanley? It looks really old.”
Louisa smiled. “It was a gift from a former employer, and you're right, it is old. According to the man who gave it to me, his great-grandfather owned it. Legend has it that Samuel Colt himself made this very gun.”
The deputy's jaw dropped in awe. “Wow! It's amazing that you would even carry it around. Good thing you had it with you; otherwise, you and your friend could have been in deep trouble?”
The young woman frowned. “What do you mean?” she asked, glancing up as the other troopers entered the room, Johnny right behind them. Max, the trooper who had arrested Lester, folded his arms and stared at her sternly.
“Mrs. Stanley, I want to thank you for helping us apprehend Mr. Chamberlain. The Montana State Police have been hunting him for quite a while.” He handed her a rap sheet. “Read this and you'll understand why.”
Louisa raised a questioning eyebrow and looked down at the paper. “He's done time?!?” she gasped in shock. “I thought he was just some creep who got his jollies harassing women.”
Max shook his head. “No, but that's his M.O.,” he replied. “If you had been alone and unarmed, things could have ended up differently.”
“I'll say. Wait a minute. If he's wanted by the Montana State cops, why didn't the officer we spoke to at the diner arrest him then?”
“I don't know, ma'am, but we'll be looking into that.” Max gestured to Charlie. “If you and Mr. Gage could leave us your names and addresses, we would like to contact you when Chamberlain goes to trial.” He tossed a note pad and pen onto the table.
Johnny wrote down the information, chuckling under his breath. “I think you should talk to Vince about joining the LAPD, Lou,” he grinned. “It's pretty funny, huh? We got to Montana for a funeral and end up catching a wanted criminal. Wait until Cap hears about that .”
The young woman groaned softly. “He's gonna have a cow when he finds out we got arrested,” she grumbled. “If that's all, could someone drive us back to the rest stop so we can get going?”
Charlie chuckled. “Of course. Deputy Simmons will drive you back. Who is this ‘Cap' Mr. Gage is referring to? Is your husband a police officer?”
“No, he's a Captain with the Los Angeles County Fire Department. I suppose you'll be contacting the police down there to let them know what happened?”
Max burst out laughing. “Well, we might contact Detective Ron Crockett,” he answered. “He and my father are old friends. Do you know him? I think he'll be very interested to hear what you two have been up to,” he teased.
“Just what I need,” joked Louisa, winking at Johnny. “The local police bugging me about this.” She got to her feet and slipped into her jacket. “Not to complain, gentlemen, but Mr. Gage and I have a very long drive ahead of us.”
“Yes, ma'am,” smiled Max. Just one question before you leave. Do you know how to use that thing?” he asked, pointing to the pistol she was holding.
The paramedic smirked. “Her old boss used to call her Annie Oakley,” he answered. “Does that answer your question?”
“All too well,” said the trooper, still laughing. “Try to stay out of trouble, will you? At least until you get out of our jurisdiction?”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Three Days Later
Johnny grinned as he drove into Carson . “Should we stop by the station and surprise everybody?” he asked, eyes twinkling with mischief.
“Why not?” giggled Louisa. “You think Chet has thought up a good revenge plot yet?”
The paramedic rolled his eyes and pulled into Station 51's back parking lot. The bay was empty except for Charlie the mechanic, who was pacing back and forth. He looked up when they got out of the car.
“Gage, what did you do to my squad this time?” growled Charlie.
“Me? I haven't even been here!” Johnny defended himself. “We just got back from Montana . If you're looking for somebody to scold, try Pistol-Whip Magee here,” he snickered.
Louisa blushed and shot her friend a furious glance. “Shut up, Junior , or you're gonna be in deep trouble,” she joked. “Hey, Charlie. How's it going?”
The mechanic shrugged. “Okay, I guess. What's he talking about, Mrs. Stanley?”
The young woman giggled. “Never mind. He's been out in the sun too long, as usual.” She walked past him and went into the dayroom. Henry greeted her with a happy woof and wagging tail. “Hey there, Henry pooch,” she said, bending down to pet the Basset hound. “Keeping the place safe from dust bunnies?”
“I heard about your grandfather, Gage,” Charlie was saying as the men came in. “Sorry for your loss.”
“Thanks, man,” replied the paramedic, heading for the refrigerator. “Lou, you want some milk?”
“Only if it doesn't have lumps,” chuckled Louisa. “Any cookies in the jar?”
“Nope, it's empty. But so is Kelly's head,” he needled.
“Maybe, but he's got a full helping of gullibility,” laughed the young woman. “Did you hear about the prank we pulled on him, Charlie?”
“You mean making him think you and Gage were having an affair?” asked the mechanic. “I sure did. I also know Chet is itching to get you back, too.”
“You better stock up on dry uniforms, then, Johnny,” snickered Louisa. “I see many water bombs in your future.”
The paramedic's reply was drowned out by the engine's return. Hank and his crew shuffled into the dayroom, reeking of smoke and covered in ash and soot. The Captain's somber face brightened when he spotted his wife. “Welcome back, sweetheart!” he greeted, hugging her tightly.
Louisa wrinkled her nose playfully. “You smell worse than Henry,” she teased, pushing him away. “But at least you aren't allergic to water.”
Marco slid an arm around his sister's shoulders. “Good to have you back, querida ,” he said quietly. “Lieutenant Crockett dropped by the house the other day,” he grinned. “Care to elaborate?”
“That was fast,” muttered the young woman. She told the men about the incident with the trucker, with numerous interruptions from Johnny. By the time they finished their tale, Mike was holding his sides, howling with laughter. “I think you were born in the wrong era, Lou,” he snorted. “The Wild West disappeared almost a hundred years ago.”
Charlie raised an eyebrow, trying hard to maintain a straight face. “Now I get it,” he chuckled. “It's lucky those cops had a sense of humor.”
Hank smiled widely. “Crockett thought the whole thing was hilarious,” he put in. “I have to say, so do I. How did you manage to get that thing past airport security?”
“I didn't, replied Louisa with a giggle. “Last time I was visiting the Johnsons, I left it there. Rich reminded me about it the night before we left. Now if you knuckleheads are done giggling, Johnny and I would like to go home and relax. Isn't that right, darling?”
“Yes, dear,” answered Gage, enjoying the dumbfounded expression on Chet's face. “After you, my love.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
“Did you see the look on Kelly's face?!?” snickered Johnny as they drove to the Stanley 's ranch. “I thought his eyes were gonna fall out of their sockets!”
Louisa burst out laughing. “It was absolutely priceless,” she agreed. “Why don't you stick around for lunch? We can return the car later. I don't know about you, hose jockey, but I'm beat.”
“Good deal,” commented the paramedic. He parked the car in front of the garage and climbed out. Buddy, Hank and Louisa's dog, jumped up from his place on the porch and ran towards them, barking excitedly. “Hey, Buddy. You miss your Mommy?” He laughed when the dog licked the young woman's face. “I'll take that as a ‘yes'.”
A short time later, they were seating at the kitchen table, enjoying a feast of thick sandwiches and milk. Halfway through their meal, Maria, Louisa's mother, showed up, laden down with shopping bags. “I had no idea you would be back today!” she said, hugging both of them affectionately.
“We got back this morning, Mami ,” answered the young woman. “I see you've been feeding my clan. Where are the hellions”?
“Spending the day with Joanne and Mrs. Brackett,” replied Maria. “Have told him yet?” she asked, pointing a delicate finger at Johnny.
“Nope, and I don't plan to. That's Dixie 's job, not mine.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The Next Shift
“I'm not so sure about this, Chet,” said Marco uncertainly. “How do you know Johnny will be the one who springs the trap?”
“Aww come on, Marco,” replied Kelly, a wicked gleam in his blue eyes. “It's perfect! We both know the first thing gage does when he returns from a run is get a cup of coffee. He opens the cabinet and pow! One water bomb in the puss!”
The Latino fireman shook his head sadly. “You're a nutcase, amigo . Completely incurable. How many of your pranks have backfired?”
“He can't count that high,” put in Mike Stoker, leaning against the doorjamb. “If this one goes sour, I wouldn't want to be in your shoes. You know what Cap said about these dumb tricks you've been pulling lately.”
“I owe Gage for setting me up to think he and your sister were playing around behind Cap's back,” whined Chet. “This can't fail.”
“Famous last words,” smirked the engineer. “Hope you bought stock in a rubber glove factory. You might be spending all your free time cleaning the latrine.” He glanced over his shoulder as the squad returned from the last run. “Here comes your prey now, Kelly.”
Roy and Johnny got out of the bright red squad, talking in low voices. Desoto saw Mike and lifted a questioning eyebrow. Stoker winked and pantomimed ‘another Chet prank'. The senior paramedic bit back a smile. He strolled nonchalantly into the kitchen, waiting for the fireworks to start.
Hank sat at the table, whispering with Louisa. The young woman smiled when she spotted the paramedics. “I brought in a fresh supply of cookies for you guys. And I made a fresh pot of coffee. Let me get you some.” She got up and reached for the cabinet's handle.
At that moment, Chet and Marco walked in. The Irishman's jaw dropped when he saw Louisa about to open the cabinet. His mouth worked helplessly as he realized that she , not Johnny, would get wet. Marco shot his friend a look and leaned against the wall near the bulletin board where he would have a front-row seat for the action.
The young woman yanked open the cupboard. As she reached for a cup, Chet's spring-loaded water bomb went off, showering her face and upper body with liquid. She blinked, droplets falling from her lashes. “Chet!” she bellowed. “I'm going to murder you!”
The Irishman tried to slink away, stopped by Roy 's hand on his arm. The paramedic dragged Chet to the center of the room, his face twitching as he fought to keep from laughing.
Louisa licked her lips, tasting the fluid running down her nose, and started to giggle. “I was thirsty, Chester , but I prefer my lemonade in a glass, thank you very much. Hmm, needs more sugar,” she commented, wiping her face with a towel that Hank handed to her. “I give you high marks for using something other than water, but I'll have to deduct points for lack of originality.”
Chet turned several shades of red and almost tied his tongue into a knot apologizing. “It was meant for Gage, Louisa, I swear,” he blustered as the other men laughed. “The Phantom would never target you.”
“What were you saying about this being fool-proof, amigo ?” sputtered Marco, tears running down his cheeks. “You know, little sister, you look especially fetching soaked in lemonade.”
Captain Stanley bit his lip, unsuccessfully hiding a smile. “Clean this up, Kelly,” he ordered, his voice squeaky with suppressed glee. “Come on, honey. I have an extra t-shirt you can borrow.”
Louisa followed her husband into the engine bay, muttering mock threats under her breath. She glared at Chet, her stern look tempered by amusement. The lemonade was starting to evaporate, leaving sticky trails behind. “I think a certain Phantom is gonna get a visit from a very special friend of mine,” she joked, sending Johnny into a fit of hysteria.
“Oh, man, Kelly,” he gasped breathlessly, “you're in for it now.” He plopped down onto the sofa, jarring Henry from his nap. The dog flashed the paramedic a long-suffering gaze, making him laugh even harder. The Basset hound growled what amounted to a doggy curse and moved away from the howling ‘medic.
Fifteen minutes, Louisa returned, clad in Hank's shirt and rubbing her wet hair with a towel. Chet scrambled out of her way, his eyes downcast. The young woman chuckled softly, smiling at the Irishman. “What's the matter, pal? You afraid I'm armed with something?”
“No, but I thought it would be better to move just in case,” answered Kelly with a blush. “By the way, who's this very special friend of yours?”
“Someone I rely on in troubled times,” replied Louisa, winking at Marco. “He only comes around when I need to each someone a lesson. If I remember correctly, the last person he visited was my big brother.”
“Oh, yeah?” questioned Kelly. “What happened, Marco?”
Lopez smirked and lifted his uniform shirt, along with the white t-shirt he wore underneath. He pointed to a slight scar on his belly. “See this? That's his calling card,” he grinned, hiding his satisfaction when his friend paled. “I'd think twice before tangling with him, amigo .”
Chet swallowed hard. “Louisa, I swear to God I didn't mean for you to get wet. I humbly beg your forgiveness.”
The young woman tapped her lip with a slender finger. “I suppose I could let you off the hook, Chester B.,” she allowed. “But, I want your word that you won't set off any more water bombs for a while. Deal?” she asked, thrusting out a slim hand.
“I promise,” vowed Kelly, shaking her hand vigorously. His face brightened. “Does that include water balloons?”
“ Anything having to do with liquid of any kind,” grinned Louisa. “Guess you better retire the Phantom for a long time, buster.”
“Don't bet on it,” snorted Roy .
Part 8
Dixie McCall Brackett smiled as her husband sat next to her in Dr. Sinclair's office. “I can't believe this is happening to us, Kel,” she said, patting her stomach. “Who thought that I would be expecting a child at my advanced age? What if something goes wrong?”
Dr. Brackett chuckled. “Everything will be fine, Dix,” he replied. “We're both healthy.”
Cheryl Sinclair agreed as she entered the office. “He's right, you know. While it's true women your age have a greater risk of complications, I don't foresee any major problems.”
The nurse breathed a sigh of relief. “I guess that's true,” she answered quietly. “I haven't been really sick in the mornings. I'm just so tired all the time.”
“That's perfectly normal, Mrs. Brackett.” The obstetrician laughed softly. “I'm still getting used to calling you that,” she joked. “We all thought Kel would stay a bachelor forever. I'm glad he proved us wrong.”
Brackett grinned. “And you didn't even have to knock me over the head with a brick!” he teased. “I just wish my parents were still alive to see how happy I am.”
His wife patted his hand. “So do I, sweetheart. I think we should consider sharing our news with our friends, don't you? I noticed Johnny giving me the oddest look the other day. Before long, he'll figure it out on their own. Especially when I start getting fat!”
“I wouldn't call it fat,” retorted the doctor. “Just blossoming with our little bundle of joy.” He stopped when the women giggled. “Yeah, yeah, I know. I sound just like an expectant father. So sue me.”
“I'll call Louisa when we get home and set everything up, Kel,” said Dixie . “Shouldn't you be getting back to work?”
“Yes, dear. Call me later with the details.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
“Hello? Hey, Dix,” said Louisa two hours later when her friend called. “No, we don't have any plans for Saturday. Why do you ask? Sure, we can come over. What time? Okay, we'll see you then. Bye.” The young woman hung up the phone, a smile touching her lips. She walked out onto the deck and waved to her husband, who was busily trimming the hedges. “Hank, Dixie just called to invite us over Saturday afternoon.”
“Oh, yeah?” answered the Captain, wiping sweat off his forehead. “Sounds good to me.” He stepped back, looking over his handiwork. “Do they suit you, General?” he joked.
“Very nice, dog-face,” she teased back. “Why don't we make good use of the peace and quiet and spend some private time together, if you get my drift,” she grinned, slowly unbuttoning her blouse. Hank dropped his clippers and swooped her up.
“Come, wench,” he growled playfully. “Let's enjoy it while we can.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Saturday Afternoon
“The picnic tables are all set up, Dix,” Kel told his wife. “What's next on the list?”
The nurse grinned. “Let's see here. Next chore is to come over here and give me a kiss,” she laughed. “Think you can handle that, Doctor?”
“We'll soon find out!” He drew her into a tight embrace, pressing his lips against hers. He jumped when a hand tapped him on the shoulder.
“At ease, Doctor,” joked a voice. “There are children present.”
Kel looked up, seeing Louisa standing there grinning at him. “Last time I checked, you were an adult, Mrs. Stanley. Come on in; we'll be done here in a second.”
“Eww, gross,” chorused Emma and Matthew. “Uncle Kel, why you kissing a girl?” went on Matthew, his face screwing up in disgust. “You guys are as bad as Mama and Daddy.”
Hank laughed, ruffling his oldest son's hair. “Your tune will change in a few years, champ. After that, girls won't be yucky anymore.”
“Don't hold your breath,” muttered the boy. “Especially if they're as ugly as Rat-Face here,” he grinned, poking his twin in the ribs.
“We'll see, little man,” chuckled his mother. “You'll be beating the chicks off with a stick with that hideous mug of yours.”
“Mama!” protested the boy, coloring to the roots of his hair.
“Okay, okay. I won't tease you about it anymore. What can we do to help, Dix?”
“Nothing; everything's all ready. We're just waiting for the rest of your motley crew.”
“That must mean Chet,” needled Johnny as he walked in the front door. He handed Kel a large paper grocery sack. “My, but you're looking lovely today, Mrs. Brackett,” he flirted.
Out in the driveway, Chet's van pulled in, backfiring twice and emitting a cloud of bluish smoke when he turned off the engine. The Irishman climbed out, waving the smoke away with his hands. “Okay, I'm here!” he called. “This party can start!”
Louisa winked at her husband and smirked. “Kel, were you planning a freak show?” she joked. “We've got the trash heap that thinks it's a van. What else you got?”
“Hey!” protested the Irishman. “Watch your mouth, Mrs. Cap, or I'll make you help me restore this one!”
Brackett chuckled. “We have the ‘Paramedic with the Bottomless Stomach',” he joked back. “And the ‘Twins Who Read Each Other's Thoughts'. Do you think that qualifies as a circus?”
“You forgot the ‘Captain Who Burns Chief Hats',” giggled the young woman.
Hank frowned. “Thanks a lot, honey,” he grumbled. “What about you ? We can call you the ‘Woman with the Ozone-Destroying Hair'.”
“Better add Dracu-Mover, too,” snorted Johnny. The Captain shot him a dark look, making the paramedic laugh. “Oh, I forgot; Dr. Brackett was the one who stitched up your finger.”
The doctor lifted a querulous eyebrow. “You told me you cut your finger trimming the hedges. You mean you didn't?”
“Are you saying my upstanding citizen husband told a fib?” snickered Louisa. “Hank, what kind of example are you setting for our children? Let me tell you how he really cut his finger, Kel. He reached under the lawn mower to knock a clump of grass loose and it bit him.”
“I thought it was a bit deep for a clipper wound,” answered Kel. “I better get the grill going or we won't eat until dark.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Dixie , Louisa, and Joanne sat at one of the picnic tables, gossiping and laughing. “Not only did the hospital administrator overhear Anne's comment, he told her right then and there that if he hears her spreading stories again, she's out of a job,” the nurse was saying.
“Is she the one that told everyone Dr. Morton was having money troubles?” asked Joanne, taking a sip of her coffee.
“The very same,” replied Dixie . “You should have heard what she said about Louisa and Tony from the lab.”
Louisa grinned. “Believe me, I did,” she said. “Carol told me what she said and I told her to tell Anne that I have so many boyfriends, I can't keep them straight. I would given a month's salary to see the look on that woman's face!” The women giggled.
“I was there,” said Dixie . “And believe me, it was priceless! Anne looked like she swallowed a bug! Ever since then, she's kept her mouth shut. !”
Kel walked up behind his wife and bent down to whisper in her ear. “Is it time yet?” he questioned.
“Oh, yeah, I guess it is,” answered the nurse. “If we could have everyone's attention, Kel and I have an announcement to make.”
The Bracketts stood shoulder-to-shoulder, identical smiles on their faces. “As you know, the little girl we were planning to adopt was reunited with her mother about six months ago,” began the doctor. “But everything worked out for the best, because Dixie and I are going to be parents after all. About three weeks ago, we found out that my lovely wife is pregnant!”
Jaws dropped. Johnny was the first to recover his voice and he let out a cheer. “That's great!” he shouted, a broad grin stretching from ear-to-ear. “I knew something was up with you, Dix.”
The rest of the guests crowded around the happy couple, adding their congratulations. Louisa hugged her friend. “That's wonderful, Dixie . I'm really happy for you. Do me a favor: the first time Kel changes a diaper, I want a front-row seat! If he's as bad as Hank was, it should be interesting to watch.”
“At least I diapered the right end, sweetheart,” joked the Captain. “And I was much better at it than Stoker was his first time.”
“It's too bad Mike and Lara couldn't be here,” mused Louisa. “Guess we know now why they call mononucleosis ‘the kissing disease'.”
Chet snickered. “Maybe you should have Dr. Brackett run some tests to see if you picked up anything from Gage, like Pigeon syndrome,” he teased.
The young woman giggled. “Chet, you're just jealous because I didn't pick you to smooch with,” she joked. “Dix, if I was you, I would limit your child's exposure to Kelly here. The results could be detrimental to his or her mental health.”
The nurse smiled. “I think he ate too much Play-Doh® as a child,” she said. “Could I borrow your pregnancy book, Louisa? I want to know what to expect.” She leaned over to whisper to her friend. “Tell me the truth: did Hank really gain weight when you were carrying Hannah?”
Louisa bit her lip to control her laughter. “Not exactly. He got fat from eating his food and mine. But he did have sympathy pains while I was in labor.”
Kel bit back a grin. “I'll be lucky if I don't lose it when Dix is in labor,” he admitted. “I deal with patients all day, but that would be too much to handle.”
Captain Stanley slid a friendly arm around his shoulders. “Roy and I will tell you everything we know, Doc. Just wait until the weird food cravings kick in. You might need to buy lots of antacids. Lou's worst one was peanut butter and mustard sandwiches.”
Brackett groaned. “That's awful,” he said. “My Dad told me that when my Mom was carrying me, she craved horseradish.”
Louisa burst out laughing. “Maybe that's why you're so sweet, Kel,” she joked. “I liked that stuff too, but I have to say the grossest thing I craved was Gummi® worms dipped in ketchup. Remember that, Hank?” she asked her husband.
“How could forget? You sent me to the market at three o'clock in the morning for those things. I prefer to use them as bait.”
As the women shared more pregnancy tales, Kel and the firemen huddled together around the grill. “Dix doesn't know it yet, but I've been planning on selling the motor boat,” said Brackett. “I'm going to use the money to add another room to the house.”
Chet grinned. “That reminds me, Cap. Did Lou ever buy Charlie's boat? I never heard any more about it.”
The Captain chuckled. “No, we're using the money to buy a new truck. Mine's about shot. Besides, she only talked about it to annoy you, Kelly. It was all part of the joke she and Gage played on you.”
The Irishman frowned. “I still owe you for that, too Johnny. Better keep your eyes peeled.”
Marco laughed. “Chet, you're really itching for a visit from my sister's little friend, aren't you? Trust me, amigo . She wasn't kidding about that.”
“Aww come on. How bad can it be?” wondered Chet. “I'm not afraid of some silly little joke.”
Roy and Johnny shared a cryptic glance. “Chet, this one makes her vampire stunt look as pedestrian as one of your stupid water bombs,” said the senior paramedic. “You remember that, don't you?”
Kel smothered a laugh. “I sure do,” he snickered. “I've never seen anyone run as fast as you did that night, Chet. It scared me and I was in on the plot.”
Lopez flashed a smile, revealing his gleaming white teeth. “My sister can be very devilish when she wants to be, my friend. Just because she's married and all, doesn't mean she's not above cooking up a whole lot of mischief.”
Part 9
Six Weeks Later
Dixie lay flat on her back, waiting for her stomach to settle down enough for her to get out of bed without throwing up. Kel bent over her, knotting his tie. “Are you sure you'll be okay, Dix?” he asked, a deep, concerned frown on his face.
“It's just morning sickness, Kel,” answered the nurse. “It'll pass. Go to work; if I need anything, I can always call Louisa or Joanne.”
“All right,” replied the doctor. Just stay in bed and rest. I'll give you a call later.”
Dixie listened as her husband's car left the driveway. She turned her head to look at the clock, a wave of dizziness washing over her. She closed her eyes, but the nausea persisted. With a tired sigh, Dixie crawled out of bed, heading for the bathroom. When her heaving body finally relaxed, she leaned against the tub, cold sweat beading on her forehead.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The Stanley Ranch
Louisa pulled back the curtains covering the bay window in her living room, her eyes widened when she saw Kelly Brackett's BMW pull up out front. She ran to open the door. “Morning, Doc,” she greeted. “What brings you by this early?”
Brackett smiled at her. “I wanted to ask you a favor. Could you drop by my place and check on Dix for me? She's feeling pretty rotten this morning.” He handed the young woman a key. “This unlocks the front door.”
“Sure, no problem,” answered Louisa. “Morning sickness sucks. I know exactly how she feels.”
Kel breathed a sigh of intense relief. “Thanks. I don't want her to be alone. If anything happens, call me at the hospital,” he said, turning to leave.
The young woman slid the key into her pocket and went back into the kitchen. Her husband glanced up from his newspaper. “Who was at the door, honey?” he asked.
“Kel Brackett,” said the young woman. “He asked me to check on Dix. I guess she's having a hard time with her morning sickness.”
“That's too bad,” commented the Captain. “Why don't you go over now? I can keep an eye on Robert for a while. Hannah won't be home from kindergarten until noon and since Maria promised to pick her up, I can handle it for now.”
Louisa smiled and planted a kiss on her husband's cheek. “Good idea. I'm kind of worried about Dix myself. I better change before I go over there, though. Samson slobbered bran mash all over me again.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Dixie slowly open her eyes, unsure what had awakened her. After a few moments, she realized someone was inside the house. Her muscles tensed when a voice called her name, followed by footsteps on the carpeted staircase. The nurse hunted for a weapon and prepared to defend herself if necessary. Her hand closed around the handle of the toilet brush beside her knee. She raised it to shoulder level, holding her breath as she waited for the intruder to appear.
Louisa jumped back in surprise when the brush sailed past her nose and bounced off the wall, landing at her feet. She grinned at her friend and arched an eyebrow. “Relax, Dix,” she chuckled. “I come in peace. Put down your plunger and come out with your hands up,” she joked.
The nurse stared at her for an instant, her mouth hanging open. “How did you get in?” she questioned. “The front door was locked.”
The young woman helped her get to her feet and smiled. “Kel stopped by my place on his way to work and gave me a key. He wanted me to check on you.”
Dixie shook her head, gasping when the motion made her dizzy. “Under other circumstances, I'd be angry, but in this case, I'm glad you're here. I feel absolutely awful.”
“I can understand that,” answered the young woman. “Have you had anything to eat today?”
“No,” replied the nurse. “My stomach is too upset. Can you help me get back in bed?”
Louisa slid an arm around her waist and guided the sick woman to the bedroom. “Are you like this all day or just in the mornings?” she asked, sitting on the edge of the bed.
“It usually goes away by mid-afternoon. Until then, I feel like I'm on a roller coaster.”
“I know that feeling all too well,” chuckled the young woman. “ Mami has a tried-and-true cure for it, too. I'll be right back.” She got up and went downstairs to the kitchen. After putting a pan of water on the stove to heat, she searched through the spice rack for the ginger and sprinkled some into a mug. When the water was hot, she filled the cup and took it upstairs.
“Here we go, Dix,” said Louisa as she came into her friend's bedroom. When the nurse didn't respond, she put the mug on the nightstand and gently shook the woman's shoulder. “Come on, Dix; stop playing possum and say something.” Louisa reached out and placed her fingers on Dixie 's neck, checking her pulse. “ Way too fast,” she muttered to herself. The young woman grasped the blanket and pulled it back. Her eyes widened in horror when she saw that the nurse's pajama bottoms were stained with blood. “Damn, just what we need,” she groaned, shooting out her hand and picking up the phone. She punched out a number and waited impatiently for someone to answer.
“L.A. County Fire Department, Captain Hookraider speaking.”
“Thank God,” breathed Louisa. “Cap, this is Louisa Stanley. I'm over at the Brackett's house over on Meadowlark Lane . Get the paramedics here on the double. Dixie 's in trouble. She's unconscious and bleeding.”
Hookraider's face paled and he swallowed convulsively. “”Consider it done,” he barked roughly. “That's 4827 Meadowlark, right? Good; don't move her. We'll be right there.” He slammed down the receiver and ran out to notify his men. “Let's go, boys. Dixie Brackett's in trouble. Seconds later, the squad and engine roared out of the bay, lights flashing and sirens blaring.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Louisa stood at the front door when the men arrived. “She's upstairs in the bedroom,” she cried, her hands shaking with fear. “I went to make her some ginger tea and when I came back, she was unconscious. I tried to wake her up and noticed that she was bleeding.”
Brice and Bellingham pounded up the stairs, carrying their equipment. “How far along is she?” asked Brice crisply.
“About nine or ten weeks,” answered the young woman. “Kel asked me to stop by and check on her this afternoon. Thank God I came when I did.”
Bellingham opened the biophone and radioed the hospital. “Rampart, this is Squad 16. How do you read?”
“Loud and clear, 16. Go ahead,” came the calmly efficient voice of Dr. Joe Early.
“Rampart, we have a 45-year old female in the first trimester of pregnancy. She is unconscious and experiencing vaginal bleeding. The vitals are, pulse 130, respirations 26 and labored, BP 148/98. Be advised that the patient is Mrs. Dixie Brackett.”
Joe gasped harshly. “Squad 16, start an IV with normal saline and transport. Do you have an ambulance at scene?”
“Affirmative, Rampart,” replied Bellingham . “Our ETA is approximately fifteen minutes.”
“Acknowledged, 16. I want a new set of vitals in ten minutes. Rampart out.” The silver-haired neurosurgeon's shoulders slumped. “Carol, set up Treatment Three. Page me the second Squad 16 arrives.” He bit his lip and walked to Brackett's office, trying to figure out a gentle way to tell Kel what was happening. He steeled himself and knocked on the door.
“Come in,” called Brackett. “Hi, Joe. What's going on? We got a patient coming in?”
Early nodded and reached out to squeeze his friend's shoulder. “Squad 16 is bringing Dixie in, Kel,” he said softly. “It doesn't look good.”
Kel's face blanched and he shuddered. “Did she fall?” he whispered.
“I'm not sure, but she's bleeding. It's possible that she could be losing the baby.”
“Dr. Early to Emergency, ” blared the loudspeaker. “Dr. Joe Early, Emergency stat.”
The doctors sped out the door, meeting the gurney as it was wheeled into the ER. Louisa was running beside it, holding Dixie 's hand. She saw the men and shook her head slightly, her eyes moist with tears. She grasped Brackett's arm as his knees buckled. “I'm so sorry, Kel,” she said quietly. “I know you don't feel like it right now, but let's get some coffee.”
The doctor allowed himself to be led into the lounge. “What happened, Louisa?” he questioned, his voice raw.
The young woman ran a shaky hand through her hair and sat down next to him. “I went to make her a cup of ginger tea to settle her stomach. When I got back, she was passed out. I tried to wake her up. It was then I saw the blood. I never should have left her alone!” Her composure broke and she burst into tears.
“I'm just glad that you were even there, Louisa,” said Brackett woodenly. “If anyone is to blame, it's me for not staying with her.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Forty-five minutes passed before Carol poked her head into the lounge. “Dr. Brackett? Joe sent me to find you,” she said, her voice husky with suppressed grief. “ Dixie 's awake and asking for you. She wants to see you, too, Louisa.”
The young woman stepped aside as Kel shot out of the room and into the hall. “Carol? Did she lose the baby?”
The nurse nodded, tears spilling over her lashes. “I'm afraid so,” she answered. “If you hadn't been with her, she probably would have bled to death.”
Louisa stopped short, her eyes widening in disbelief. “She was bleeding that heavily?” she asked. “My God.” She followed Carol into the hallway, making a detour to the telephone. She dialed a number and leaned against the wall for support. “Hank, it's me. No, I'm not okay. I'm at Rampart. Can you call the guys and have them meet me here? Yeah, it's real bad. I'll tell you when you get here.” She hung up and went to join her friends. “Dix? Can I come in?” she whispered.
Dixie glanced up, her face raw from crying. She nodded, extending a hand to her friend. Louisa squeezed the offered hand, unable to contain her sorrow. “I'm so sorry. Is there anything I can do?” She hooked a stool with her foot and sat down. “I called Hank and asked him to call the guys. They should be here soon.”
“Thank you,” said Kel, wiping his cheek with the back of his hand. “Can you sit with her for a minute? I need to find Dr. Sinclair.” He got up and left the room, his face lined with deep sadness.
The nurse turned her head, staring directly into her friend's eyes. “Level with me,” she rasped. “How do you deal with losing a child? I'm feel so empty I just want to curl up and hide from the world.”
“I know,” answered Louisa, her words edged with pain. “It's against the natural law for a child to go before his or her parents. When I had my miscarriage, life lost all meaning for me. The pain doesn't go away completely, but it does lessen over time. I know it doesn't seem that way now, but you will get through this, Dix. You told me that, remember?”
Dixie smiled slightly and sighed. “Yes, I remember. But why did this have to happen?!?” she wailed. “I'm so angry I just want to hit something! Kel and I wanted a child so much! It's not fair that God took away our one chance! Why would He do something so cruel?!?” She covered her face and wept bitterly, her body shaking with sobs.
“I don't know,” replied the young woman, her heart aching. “I'm not very religious, Dix, but I've always believed that when God closes a door, He opens a window. My Mami and Papi convinced me of that when they adopted me. You have every right to be mad as Hell, but don't let it destroy you.” She laughed softly. “Just don't do what I did after my Papi died. I'm not sure Kel could handle you joining a rock band.”
The nurse lowered her hands, staring at her friend with an incredulous expression. All at once, a vision of herself clad in leopard-skin pants flashed before her eyes. She started to giggle as she imagined her husband's reaction. Before long, both women were caught up in a fit of hysteria, unable to control themselves.
Outside the treatment room, Kel stood talking with Hank and his crew. Peals of helpless laughter filtered through the thick wooden door, making him frown in confusion. “What in the world?” he said, pushing into the room. His jaw dropped when he saw Dixie and Louisa howling like a pair of drunken hyenas. “Would you mind telling me what is so damned funny?!?” he growled.
His wife waved a delicate hand at him, gasping for breath. “Never mind,” she wheezed. “You wouldn't understand.”
Captain Stanley raised a questioning eyebrow at his own wife. Their eyes met for an instant before she looked away, trying desperately to regain her composure. His bewildered expression made her laugh even harder, clutching her ribs as she shrieked with glee. “I think they've flipped out,” he commented, rolling his eyes in exasperation.
Gradually, the women choked back their amusement. “We're fine, Kel,” grinned Dixie . “Something Louisa said struck me funny.” She extended her arm, giving the young woman a playful swat. “That's enough,” she snickered. “Cut it out before they put you in a padded room.”
Louisa wiped her streaming eyes with her sleeve. “Call it temporary insanity,” she joked, flashing a charming smile at Brackett.
“Some day, medical science will come up with a treatment for you,” chuckled the doctor. “Go on; make yourself scarce. Dix needs her rest.”
The young woman leaned over and whispered loudly to Dixie . “I'll be back later with a file and spring you from this joint, Mugsy,” she growled, adopting a rough Brooklyn accent. “Me and de boys will have a car ready. We can make de border in a couple hours.” She stood up, winking broadly at her husband and walked out into the hallway. Hank stared after her, trying to maintain a straight face. He turned with almost-military precision and followed his wife. The second he cleared the door, he burst out laughing. A woman seated in the waiting room gawked at him in amazement. She watched the Captain for a brief moment, then shook her head. “Everybody in this place is nuts,” she commented to her companion, shaking her head.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Dr. Sinclair's Office, Later That Day
Cheryl Sinclair, staff obstetrician at Rampart General, folded her hands on her desk and stared thoughtfully at her visitor. “Say that again, Mrs. Stanley. I'm not sure I heard you correctly.”
Louisa repeated her statement. “Would it be possible for me to be a surrogate for Kel and Dixie Brackett?”
“Theoretically, yes, but why do you want to carry a child for them? I know you're close to them, but I don't get your reasoning.”
The young woman rolled her eyes. “You saw yourself how devastated they were when Dix miscarried. I'm young and healthy, so why shouldn't I want to give them the baby they want so badly?”
Dr. Sinclair leaned forward. “The question is, will Kel and Dixie go along with it?” she asked.
Louisa shrugged. “I don't know. I just wanted to know if it was possible . I know exactly how Dixie feels right now. Losing a child before he or she is even born is heartbreaking. Is it a crime to want to ease their grief?”
The doctor shook her head slowly. “I suppose not, but, as you recall, your last pregnancy was high-risk. Are you willing to jeopardize your own health in the process?”
“I would do anything for the Bracketts,” answered the young woman. “As long as my health was monitored closely, is it possible for me to carry another child to term or not?” she demanded, her voice filled with frustration.
“Yes, I believe it is,” replied Sinclair after a brief pause. “If the Bracketts agree to use you as a surrogate, I'll begin the process. Just be sure this is really want you want to do. Once the embryo has been implanted, there's no turning back.”
“I'm fully aware of that!” retorted Louisa. “I've already talked to my husband about this, and he said he will support me all the way.” She stood up and scooped up her purse. “I'm going to talk to Kel and Dix. If they agree, I'll be back.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
“You want to what ?!?” asked Dixie incredulously. “You can't be serious!”
Louisa smiled grimly. “I am, believe me. I saw the look in your eyes when Joe told you that you had lost the baby, Dix. I know how much you and Kel want a child of your own. I'm offering to be your surrogate.”
“I'm flattered that you would offer, Louisa, but wouldn't you be putting yourself in jeopardy?” asked Kel. “You had a hard time with Robert. Are you sure you want to take the risk?”
“Positive. Dr. Sinclair said that she would monitor me closely,” replied the young woman. “Before you ask, Hank is okay with it. What do you say?”
Kel looked at his wife, trying to figure out what she was thinking. Dix met his gaze and nodded. “All right,” the doctor said finally. “You can be our surrogate.” He chuckled softly. “Just be aware that we'll be making sure you do everything Dr. Sinclair tells you to. Set up the appointment.”
Louisa grinned widely, her eyes shining. “I wouldn't expect anything less, Kel.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Two Months Later
Louisa perched on the edge of her chair, anxiously waiting for Dr. Sinclair to return with her test results. After a series of hormone injections, Kel and Dixie 's embryo had been implanted in her womb. Today was the day that they learned if it had been a success.
Dixie smiled at her friend. “I'm so nervous,” she said. Before she could say more, Dr. Sinclair entered the office, carrying a manila folder. She took a seat behind her desk and opened the file. Her eyes flew over the results, nodding satisfaction. “Congratulations, Louisa. You're pregnant.”
The young woman breathed a hearty sigh of relief. She gently patted her still-flat belly, her eyes moist with happy tears. “Hello in there, Baby Brackett,” she whispered.
“Everything went according to planned?” questioned Kel. “The tests all came back normal?”
The obstetrician beamed. “So normal it's almost disgusting,” she joked. “By this time next year, you'll be parents.” She quickly wrote on a pad and tore off the top sheet. “I'm sure I don't have to tell you what this is for, Louisa. I want to see you again in one month.”
“We'll be here, all four of us,” grinned Louisa. “Better start getting the nursery ready, Dix,” she teased. “I have a really good feeling about this.”