Watch What You Say
by
“What I have to say won't, either,” replied Louisa, her eyes dark with pain. “Emma, take your brother and go upstairs for a while,” she murmured quietly, handing the boy to her daughter. “Hannah and Matthew, you, too. I don't think you need to hear this.”
Hank stood in the doorway, unnerved by the suppressed anger in his wife's voice. “Honey, what's going on?” he asked.
The young woman ignored him, turning to face Joanne squarely. “I knew you were mad at me, but that doesn't justify what you did,” she said. “You lecture me about trust and then pull something like this!”
Roy laid a hand on his wife's shoulder. “Jo, what is she talking about? You can tell me; it's all right.”
The petite brunette bit her lip and shook her head. “I can't,” she whispered, tears welling up in her eyes.
“If you don't, I will,” warned Louisa. “Fine, have it your way. I had lunch with Grace McConikee and Darla Houts a few days ago and they told me something very interesting. I always thought you were my friend, but I guess I was too much of a country hick to see the truth. That was the epithet you used, right? Let me tell you something, Mrs. Desoto! I'd rather be a dumb hayseed than a backstabbing bitch!”
The blond paramedic gasped, his face pale with shock. “My God, Jo! Is that how you really feel?”
“Of course not!” she wailed. “Grace just misunderstood!”
“I doubt that,” retorted the young woman. “Darla said you told her the same thing! Why would she lie?”
“All right, I admit it!” shouted Joanne. “Every time I turn around, you're making some comment about how Los Angeles can't measure up to Montana ! If you miss it so much, why don't you just go back?!?”
“Because my family is here,” answered Louisa, her eyes glinting dangerously. “Maybe I should leave and take Johnny with me. He grew up in Montana , so he must be a country hick, too. Why not label us savages while you're at it? After all, we do have Lakota blood. I'm so sorry if my mixed racial heritage offends you,” she muttered sarcastically.
Johnny stepped forward and slid an arm around her shoulders. “ I'm not sorry,” he growled. “I'm damn proud to be what I am. Jo, if that makes me inferior in your eyes, then you can go to Hell. Cap, thank you for inviting me for dinner. It's nice to know who my friends are.” The paramedic looked at his partner's wife, his lips twisting in disgust. “Hypocrite,” he spat. “I'll still come around to visit the kids, but, as of right now, our friendship is over.”
Rachel's hands clenched into tight fists. “I can't believe you would say something so cruel, Joanne!” she raged, her cheeks flushed. “Come on, Chet; we're leaving!” The Irishman mumbled an apology and followed her to the door, Gage right behind him.
“I thought fireworks were reserved for Independence Day,” commented Mike lamely, blushing when Lara glared at him. “That's not funny, Michael,” she scolded.
Hank cleared his throat nervously. “Uh, Roy , I think it would be best if you and Joanne went home,” he said quietly. “We'll discuss this further after everyone has had a chance to cool off.”
“Yeah, okay,” answered Desoto. “I'm really sorry about this, Louisa.”
The young woman shrugged. “It's not your fault that you married a bigot,” she replied coldly.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Station 51, Two Days Later
Roy stood in front of his locker, buttoning his shirt, when Rick Collins walked in carrying a small duffle bag. “Morning, boys,” he greeted. “Desoto, the Captain wants to see you.”
“Thanks,” muttered the senior ‘medic. He crossed the engine bay and poked his head into the office. “Collins said you wanted to speak to me?”
Hank nodded and waved him in. “Yeah, have a seat, pal. McConikee was just here,” he said. “Gage called him a few days ago and requested a leave of absence, effective immediately.”
“I was afraid this was going to happen,” murmured Desoto. “Johnny wouldn't even talk to me when I went over yesterday. How much time did he ask for?”
The Captain stared down at his hands. “However long it takes for him to hear from Clive Silver Thorn,” he replied in a near-whisper.
“Who's that?” questioned Roy . “I don't think I know him.”
“You don't,” Louisa said from the doorway. “He runs the free clinic in Lame Deer,” she added. “Johnny applied for a job there.”
“”He's not licensed in Montana ,” answered Desoto. “Don't you have to be a resident for that?”
The young woman sighed and rolled her eyes. “Use your head,” she retorted. “Johnny will have to move if Clive hires him. He can work as an EMT until he passes the certification exam.”
“But why would he want to? He has a good job here.”
“Are you being dense on purpose? Because of your wife and what she said!” Louisa screamed, finally losing her temper. “It's a matter of pride, Roy ! When you cross a Lakota, you damn well better be ready to deal with the consequences! Custer was too stupid to understand that and he paid with his life!”
“Honey, I think you're being a little melodramatic,” put in Hank.
“Be quiet, Henry! I spoke to Johnny before I came here and what he told me broke my heart. He sincerely believes that he can't trust you anymore, Desoto! I tried to convince him otherwise, but he said you would side with Joanne because she's your family and he's not!
Roy 's jaw dropped. “That's not true and you know it!” he replied. “I think Jo was way out of line and I told her so!”
“I'm glad you feel that way because otherwise I'd have to challenge you to a duel in order to defend my cousin's honor,” grinned the young woman, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “Good thing I left my pistols in Montana . I've seen you shoot, pal, and you're terrible! But still, I understand where Johnny is coming from.”
“Thanks a lot,” grumbled the paramedic with a smile. “I'd prefer to stay alive as long as humanly possible,” he joked. “Seriously, how can I get him to talk to me?”
“Get someone to make him an offer he can't refuse,” she answered. “If that doesn't work, I can always tie him to a chair and force him to listen.”
“Nothing like a little strong persuasion,” laughed the Captain. “But that doesn't solve the problem between you and Joanne. What about that? You can't even stand to be in the same room with her.”
“Don't worry, hose jockey. I promised Rachel I wouldn't do anything to spoil her wedding,” reassured Louisa. “I'll hold my tongue even if it kills me!”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
One Week Later
“Yeah, I understand,” said Johnny. “Thanks anyway, Clive.” He hung up the phone, his shoulders slumping in discouragement. “Now what do I do?” The paramedic eyed his messy living room and sighed. “Might as well start cleaning this dump. Looks like I'm not going anywhere.
Half an hour later, the apartment was spotless, the magazines and newspapers that had been scattered across the floor stacked neatly on the coffee table. Gage picked up his keys and was about to head to the grocery store for supplies when someone knocked on the door. He pulled it open to confront Joanne Desoto. “What do you want?” he growled.
The woman bit her lip and flashed a tentative smile. “I'd like to talk to you, if you're not busy,” she said quietly. When he didn't reply, she plunged ahead. “Johnny, I'm so sorry if what I said upset you. That wasn't my intention at all; I was just blowing off steam. Please don't make Roy pay for my actions.”
The paramedic stepped back and allowed his former partner's wife enter. “I figured you find out I applied for a job back home. Doesn't matter, anyway. Clive had to lay off most of his staff because the Government slashed his budget.”
“I'm glad,” answered Joanne. “Things wouldn't be the same without you around. Chet would have to break in a new pigeon,” she teased gently.
Johnny lips twitched and he chuckled. “I guess,” he replied. “The next guy might get mad and strangle him. Jo, did you really mean it when you said you wished Louisa would go back to Montana ?”
The brunette shook her head and blushed. “Of course not,” she whispered. “ Roy may have told you, but we had a fight. After he stormed out, I finally realized why Louisa kept me in the dark about the search. She was trying to protect me in case it didn't turn out the way she hoped.”
The paramedic smiled and patted her shoulder. “We've been saying that all along,” he murmured. “Lou didn't want you to go through the pain of losing Roy twice.”
“I understand that now,” answered Joanne. “God, when I think about how I treated her, it makes me physically ill. I've never been so ashamed.”
“And you were going to apologize,” deduced Gage. “That's why you wanted to talk to her, right?”
“Uh huh, but what I said to Grace and Darla came back to bite me in the ass. The way I'm going, she'll hate me for the rest of my life!”
“Nah, just for the next twenty years,” he joked. “Don't give up, Jo. Things will return to normal eventually. That reminds me; I have to do something before it's too late.” he picked up the phone again and dialed. Joanne watched him curiously, wondering what he meant. After she heard his half of the conversation, the meaning was clear. “Chief McConikee, please; tell him it's John Gage. Chief, about those transfer papers? No, tear them up; I'm staying!”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
December 11th
“Red is definitely your color, Joanne,” complimented Dixie .
The petite brunette smiled modestly and waved a dismissive hand. “I doubt anyone will notice,” she replied. “They'll be looking at the bride.”
“Not Roy ,” said Louisa. “He won't be able to take his eyes off you. Dix is right; you're beautiful.”
Joanne raised an eyebrow, confused by the sincerity in her voice. “Thanks,” she stammered. “I could say the same thing about you.
The young woman grinned and turned when Emma and Jennifer emerged from the dressing room. “Get a load of you two. Jo, I think we've got a couple heartbreakers on our hands. In a few years, they'll be attracting boys like flies to honey.”
“Who says we aren't already?” teased Jennifer. “My friend Katie said Bobby Wheeler told her he thought I was cute.”
“Adam Carlton asked me to go to the movies with him,” put in Emma with a giggle. “I might even let him hold my hand.”
“Keep it up, neita , and the only place you'll be going is the convent,” chuckled Maria.
“I was only kidding, Grandmother,” said the girl. “I still think boys are disgusting.”
“Not for long,” tittered Rachel. “Before your Mama knows it, she'll be planning another wedding.”
“How would you like to walk down the aisle sporting a black eye, Spunky?” muttered Louisa, playfully shaking a fist at her friend. “Can we at least get her Uncle Marco married off first? A little birdie told me he's been spending a lot of time mooning over a particular nurse we all know and love. My spies say that she feels the same way about him.”
“Don't keep us in suspense!” exclaimed Lara. “Who is she?”
“Her initials are S. W.,” the young woman answered, enjoying the game. “And she once had a very serious case of Bracketitis. Fortunately, we were able to find a cure in time.”
“There is only one person who fits that description,” said Dixie , covering her mouth to muffle her giggles. “Sharon Walters!”
“You mean that mousy little brunette with the pixie haircut?” questioned Lara. “I thought she was dating one of the orderlies.”
“She was, until my sweet-talking brother wound up in the hospital and pulled his ‘injured and helpless' act on her.”
“A trick he learned from a certain paramedic, I'll bet,” snickered Joanne. “And I mean that in a good way,” she added hastily. Even though she had Johnny had settled their differences, she and Louisa were still at odds.
“I'm just glad Sharon gave up on pursuing a guy she used to have a crush on,” commented Louisa, winking at her mother. “Or I might have ended up related to her.”
Rachel looked confused when the other women burst out laughing. “What's so funny?” wondered the redhead. “It can't be Hank or Roy , because they're married. It better not be Chet and I know it's not Marco. That leaves Johnny, who isn't Sharon 's type, and……” Her eyes lit up when she figured it out. “Are you serious ?!?” she howled. “Sharon Walters had the hots for Stoker ?”
“You got it!” sputtered Dixie between giggles. “I can't blame her, though. Mike's adorable!”
“Talk about embarrassing. Did he ever find out?” asked Joanne, wiping her eyes with a tissue.
“Yeah, but not until the Fireman's Picnic a couple months later,” chuckled Maria. “The steamed lobster wasn't the only thing that was red that day.”
“I may be prejudiced, but I think she's got great taste,” quipped Lara.
“Mama, what does prejudiced mean?” questioned Emma solemnly.
“It's when you form an opinion about something before you know anything about it,” replied Louisa.
“Like if I say I hate asparagus even if I never ate it?” persisted the little girl.
“Sort of,” answered her mother. “Try this scenario. The Civil War has just ended and a soldier, let's call him Gus, has returned to his home in Virginia . He tries to find work to support his family, but there aren't any jobs available. One day, Gus is walking down the street when he runs into a friend he hasn't seen for a long time and invites him home for dinner. During the course of their conversation, this friend mentions that he has just returned from the West and goes on and on about how beautiful and spoiled the land is. After thinking about it, Gus decides that it might be a good place to start over and leave behind the devastation brought on by the War.”
“A lot of men felt that way,” interrupted Joanne. “That's how the Johnsons ended up n Montana , wasn't it?”
Louisa nodded. “Jasper Johnson, Isaiah's father, was a Captain in the Palmetto Rangers, a regiment from South Carolina ,” she replied with a smile. “After he was mustered out, he spent some time in the Seventh Cavalry under General Custer. Back then, most Southerners were regarded as traitors to their country, especially those from the Charleston area. Can you tell me why, Jennifer?”
“Because that was where the War got started?” she guessed.
“Exactly. South Carolina was also the first southern state to secede from the Union , in December of 1860. Now, where was I? Gus packed up his wife and sons and used most of what little money he had saved to buy a covered wagon. They traveled to St. Louis and crossed the Mississippi River into Kansas . After a while, they joined a wagon train headed for Colorado .” The young woman paused, aware that other customers in the dress shop were listening to her story as well. “I feel like I'm giving a lecture,” she joked.
“Go ahead, dear,” said an elderly matron. “I taught American history for close to thirty years and I'm learning things even I didn't know!”
“One night, a group of soldiers from a nearby fort visited the wagon train,” Louisa continued. “The Major in charge told the men that he had seen signs that an Indian tribe was in the area and warned them to keep their eyes open. He offered to escort the women and children to the fort, but most refused, saying they weren't going to run like a bunch of whipped puppies. Gus said if any damn redskins showed up, he'd show them a thing or two. To him, all Indians were nothing but a bunch of murderers and thieves. Unfortunately, a lot of people shared his opinion, even though they wouldn't know the difference between a Kiowa and a Lakota if they tripped over them.”
“What is the difference?” asked another spectator. “They both killed white people, right?”
The young woman's eyes flashed. “No, sir, that's not true,” she answered, her soft tone masking her anger. “Kiowas were a peaceful tribe who got along with almost everyone.”
“But, I've heard stories about what the Indians did to any settler they encountered,” the listener shot back. “They slaughtered the men, raped their women, and carried off the children.”
“In some cases, maybe, but not all,” murmured Louisa. “The majority of the tribes were fighting to prevent the wasichu from stealing their land and destroying their way of life. I'm sure you would do the same if you were in their shoes. I know I would have.”
The man who had spoken scoffed. “The Government didn't steal one single acre,” he declared. “It's called progress, sweetheart. If the Indians were in the way, the soldiers had a right to deal with them in any way they saw fit.”
“Oh, and if your house was in the way if the Government wanted to build a new highway, you'd step aside without a fuss and allow them to tear it down?” retorted the young woman sharply. “After all, you can't stop progress.”
The man's companion laughed. “She's got you there, Harold!” he crowed. “Go on, darling. What happened to Gus and his family?”
“They bought a plot of land in Northern Wyoming and started a lucrative sheep and cattle ranch,” said Louisa. “A few years later, Gus's wife, Lucinda, contracted typhoid from a tin peddler and died. The man had wintered with a tribe of Lakota Sioux and was on his way to Denver when he stumbled upon their farm. Gus believed the Indians were responsible for his wife's death and hated them for a very long time.”
“That's ridiculous!” exclaimed Rachel. “The trader could have been exposed somewhere else! Gus should have realized that.”
“Yeah, but he was out of his mind with grief and that clouded his judgment. Not long before he died, Gus revealed that there had been an outbreak at a military post close to their ranch. He purchased a supply of blankets and took them home, unaware that they were contaminated with the disease until it was too late. According to his diary, he was the one who was responsible for Lucinda's death.”
“Diary? You mean all this really happened?” asked Dixie . “How do you know so much about them? Who were they?”
“Gus was Jasper's younger brother,” answered the young woman. “After Lucinda's death, he went back to Virginia to raise their sons, Isaiah and Peter, who were five and two years old, respectively. When Isaiah was old enough, he returned to the West and turned his father's dream into reality. The ranch he started is still owned by his descendents.”
“So Gus was prejudiced against Indians because he thought they made his wife sick, Mama?” questioned Emma. “But it was really his fault! And if Isaiah's mother died in the West, why did he go back?”
“Yes, Princess,” replied her mother. “Isaiah never wanted to leave in the first place. He didn't share his father's low opinion of my people. In fact, he traded with the Lakota, who considered him a friend.”
Harold stared at her in disgust. “It's only fitting that you would defend those murdering bastards if you're one of them!” he growled.
“And damn proud of it!” grinned Louisa. She nudged Dixie with her elbow and snickered. “Maybe I should show him what us redskins do to wasichu men who make us mad. Got a nail file on ya, Dix?”
“I think so,” answered the nurse, rummaging through her purse. “Are you sure he's worth it? He's a little thin on top, if you know what I mean.”
“That wasn't the part I was planning to harvest, but I suppose it will have to do,” she said, an evil cackle forming in her throat. “Hold still, honey. This won't hurt………..much.”
The spectators laughed when Harold bolted for the door, dragging his friend with him. “Aw heck,” muttered Louisa. “I wasn't really gonna scalp him.”
Rachel giggled and hugged her friend. “I think we better take you home before you make any more mischief. Hank would have a cow if he had to bail you out of the pokey.”
Part 2
Later That Afternoon
“She did what ?!?” howled Roy when his wife told him about the dress-shop incident. “I'm sorry I missed it!”
Johnny flashed a crooked grin. “Me, too,” he snickered. “Good thing Vince wasn't around at the time. He would have arrested Lou for possession of a deadly manicure tool with intent to scalp a jackass!” He glanced at his partner and started to giggle. “Man, what did Cap say when he found out?”
“He was laughing too hard to speak,” smiled Joanne. “I wouldn't worry about Officer Howard, though. He was at the house when we got there and thought the whole thing was hysterical. Frankly, so do I,” she admitted with a chuckle.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
December 16 th
“That takes care of the flowers and the catering,” sighed Rachel, checking them off her list. “Mrs. Kelly ordered the cake, so now the only thing left to do is decide upon the music for the reception. Chet, do you have any ideas?”
“One or two maybe,” replied the Irishman with a smile. “Louisa, I know it's short notice, but do you think your old band would play at our wedding?”
The young woman grinned. “Are you kidding?” she answered. “They'd be thrilled! I've never done a gig in a bridesmaid's dress, but there's a first time for everything! I wouldn't try getting the rest of the band to wear tuxedos, though. That's an argument you definitely won't win, Chester !”
“I won't, but I'll bet my bride-to-be will,” snorted Kelly. “She got the Pigeon to wear a monkey suit, didn't she? Wish I knew how she pulled it off.”
The women giggled. “It's better if you don't,” joked Rachel. “At least until after the wedding!”
“That's my cue to get lost,” said Louisa, pushing back her chair. “I'll call the guys as soon as I get home and let them know they're wanted. What should I tell them to wear, Spunky?”
“Lots of tight, black leather, especially Paul,” answered the redhead. “He's got the cutest little butt I've ever seen, next to Sweet Cheeks here.”
“Sweet Cheeks?!?” snorted the young woman. “So, the Phantom has another alias, huh? The information could prove to be very useful to a certain paramedic,” she teased. “Don't worry, Irish. Your dirty secret is safe with me, unless Johnny makes me an offer I can't resist.” She laughed when Kelly blanched. “Just kidding. I won't breathe a syllable.”
“You better not, or I'll be forced to tell the world about your little mishap in Clinical Lab,” put in Rachel. “What would your boss say about that?”
“My lips are sealed!” she promised. “I always said you fought dirty, Potter.”
“All part of my charm. Do something else for me, okay?” She bent and whispered in her friend's ear. “Consider it a personal favor.”
“You got it,” chuckled Louisa. “I'll take care of it this afternoon. Anything else, My Queen?”
“Nope, I'm all out of demands for today. Just do it and no one will know what you did to that microscope.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Three Days Later
“Why do we have to dress like this?” complained Rick Dunkirk, pulling at his ruffled shirt with a sour expression. “I feel like a jackass!”
“And the rest of us don't?” grumbled Paul Roland. He ran a finger around the inside of his tight collar and frowned. “This damn thing's liable to strangle me before the night's over,” he muttered, holding up a red satin bowtie.
“Want some cheese to go with that whine?” chuckled Louisa. “You guys are worse than my kids!”
“Very funny,” muttered the guitarist. “At least you don't have to wear a noose!”
“No, just a corset and high heels,” she replied. “Wanna trade? Rachel said you could remove the ties after the photographer gets done breaking his camera on your ugly mugs.”
“I guess I can hold out that long,” answered Paul. He glanced at the paper she was holding. “Is that the set list? Let me see.”
Louisa handed it over. “The last three are Chet's special requests.”
“We better not tell Rachel that or she might divorce him before they even get to the honeymoon,” cracked Toby Wilder, reading over his buddy's shoulder. He pointed to four lines written near the bottom of the page. “Weird lyrics for a song. Where'd you find it?”
“I saw it carved on a grave marker in Mount Hope Cemetery ,” admitted the young woman. “Don't give me that look, Tobe. So it's a little morbid. But there's something beautiful about it, too.”
“If you say so, Morticia,” teased Dunkirk , snatching the paper from Paul's hand. “You know, it is kinda nice. Her husband must have really loved her.”
“Ricky, I never realized you knew what it meant to be romantic,” giggled Louisa. “Come on, darling; give us a smooch.” She made exaggerated kissing sounds, sending Paul and Toby into a fit of hysteria.
Gene Simpson folded his arms across his chest and pouted. “Where's my kiss?” he muttered. “Or are they reserved for big, dumb, palookas?”
“Watch what you say about my husband, monkey face,” she retorted with a wink. “He happens to be very intelligent.”
“Well, excuse me,” answered the drummer. “Where is old Hank anyway?”
“Right behind you, sonny,” wheezed the Captain. “Sorry I'm late, honey. I had to find my dentures and bifocals. And who are you calling old, pal?”
“Just kidding, sir,” stammered Gene, his face turning red. “I didn't mean it, really.”
Stanley grinned. “Uh huh, sure you didn't,” he said. “What's with the fancy shirts? I know! There's a pirate schooner in port and you boys jumped ship! Naughty, naughty. You'll all walk the plank for that, you mangy sea dogs!”
“We had to, sir,” chuckled Rick. “You see, our parrot escaped from his cage and flew here to be with the rest of the bird brains.”
Louisa rolled her eyes and slapped the guitarist's arm. “If that's true, Johnny would be here. After all, he is the Phantom's Pigeon.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The Next Day
Louisa approached the Desoto's front door, biting her lip as she raised her hand to knock. “That's strange. Joanne's car is in the driveway, but she's not answering.” The young woman was about to leave when she heard a crash from inside the house. She tried the door and found it unlocked. “Hello? Is anyone there?” She crept into the room and found Joanne sprawled on the kitchen floor, unconscious. “Oh, my God!” she whispered, picking up the phone and dialing the station. “Johnny, it's Louisa. I'm here with Joanne and she needs help. I don't know; she passed out or something. Yes, she has a pulse. Now, stop asking questions and get over here!” She cradled the receiver and knelt beside her friend. “Jo, Roy and Johnny are on the way. You're gonna be all right.”
Ten minutes later, the paramedics burst into the house. Roy 's face was white as he dropped to his knees next to the women. “How long has she been like this?!?” he barked.
“I'm not sure,” answered the young woman, close to tears. “I stopped by to talk to her, but she didn't answer when I knocked on the door. I heard a crash and came in to investigate and found her on the floor.”
Johnny pulled Louisa to her feet. “Calm down,” he whispered, giving her a quick hug. “Rampart, this is Squad 51; how do you read me?”
“Loud and clear, 51,” replied Dixie 's voice.
“Rampart, we have a female, age about thirty-five. Victim has had what appears to be a syncopal episode. Examination shows no other sign of injury. Vital are as follows: Pulse, 80, BP, 138/68, respirations, 18 and regular. Stand by, Rampart; she's starting to come around.”
Joanne moaned and tried to sit up. “What happened? Where am I?”
Roy breathed a sigh of relief. “Take it easy, honey,” he murmured. “You fainted. Did you hit your head when you fell?”
The petite brunette stared at him in surprise. “I don't think so,” she replied. “Who called you?”
“I did,” said Louisa, squeezing her hands. “Luckily, they weren't out on a call.” She chuckled, the color returning to her cheeks. “All my training and I still panicked! Some nurse I am, huh?”
“I'm glad you're here,” answered Joanne. “ Roy , will you stop mauling me? I'm all right!” she grumbled crossly.
Gage smiled and spoke into the biophone. “Rampart, our patient has regained consciousness and is alert and orientated. Will resume transmission after she stops abusing my partner.”
The senior paramedic leaned back. “You should get checked out, Jo,” he scolded gently. “Will you go quietly or do we have to sedate you?” he grinned.
“Try it and you'll be taking your next meal through a straw, buster,” muttered his wife. “Louisa can take me to the hospital. I have a feeling she wanted to talk to me anyway.”
“I guess we're not wanted, Pally,” snickered Johnny. “Rampart, patient will be transported to your location in her own vehicle. Squad 51, out.”
Once the paramedics had left, Louisa helped Joanne to her feet. “Easy now,” she cautioned, leading the woman out to her car. “I suppose you're wondering why I dropped by,” she said.
“The thought did cross my mind,” replied Joanne quietly.
The young woman waited until they were stopped at a red light before answering. “I came over to apologize,” she began. “After Grace told me what you said, I wanted to drive straight to your house and give you a piece of my mind, but she convinced me not to. I tried to forget about it, but the words just cut too deep. The more I thought about it, the madder I got, and when you showed up on my doorstep, all the anger that had been building up inside of me reached the boiling point. I lost my temper and said some things I was sorry for later.”
“So did I,” replied the brunette, her eyes moist. “You had every reason to be furious with me. What I said was inexcusable.”
“Maybe, but I understand where you were coming from,” sighed Louisa. “I should have come to you as soon as I thought Roy and Hank might have survived the fire. If I had been up front with you, none of this would have happened and we'd still be friends.”
“Actually, we never were,” murmured Joanne. “Before you flip out, let me explain. You became my sister the day you married Hank. Nothing we say or do will change that. We're stuck with each other for life, just like any family.”
The young woman pulled her car into the hospital parking lot and turned to look at her passenger. “Do you mean that?” she asked timidly. When Joanne nodded, her face lit up. “Does that mean I can borrow your clothes, seeing as we're sisters and all?” she giggled.
The older woman burst out laughing. “Yeah, but you're still not allowed to touch my stuff,” she teased. “Before we go in, I want to tell you something, but you have to promise to keep it a secret. I fainted because I'm going to have another baby.”
“Jo, that's wonderful !” Louisa squealed, leaning forward to embrace her friend. “I take it Roy doesn't know yet? When are you due?”
Joanne smiled and patted her stomach. “Around mid-July,” she answered happily. “He'll find out Christmas morning when he opens the card I bought. That should give him enough time to get used to the idea.”
“And time to come up with an excuse to get out of the delivery room?” quipped the young woman. “Maybe you should start looking for a back-up coach now , just in case.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
December 23rd
“Okay! Places, everyone!” shouted Mrs. Kelly. “This is a rehearsal! Maggie, start the Processional.”
Hannah skipped down the church's central aisle, trailed by Emma and Jennifer. Chet craned his neck as he waited for the bridesmaids to appear. “Where are they?” he muttered.
“Probably off in a corner someplace watching you sweat,” snickered Johnny. His jaw dropped when Lara, Joanne, Maria, and Dixie appeared dressed in tight jeans and low-cut blouses. They strolled towards the altar, swinging their hips suggestively. Roy and Mike choked back their laughter as the paramedic's eyes bugged out. “Whoa, check out the girls!” he breathed.
“See anything green?” husked Dixie , blowing him a juicy kiss.
Marco's face turned red when he saw his mother's revealing attire. “I can't believe she agreed to this,” he groaned. “And in church , too!”
“Doesn't Mom look good?” Chris whispered to his father. “She never dresses like that at home!”
Before Roy could respond, Louisa walked into view clad in a tight mini-skirt, complete with fishnet stockings and spike-heeled shoes. She winked at Hank as she took her place next to Maria, then turned to face the rear of the church. “It's a good thing we have trained professionals on hand,” she said under her breath, nudging Mrs. Lopez with her elbow. “Chet will probably go into cardiac arrest when he sees his bride! I should have brought my camera!” The Latino woman nodded, her dark eyes twinkling.
“Wonder what they're whispered about,” hissed Mike. Mrs. Kelly heard and covered her mouth with her hand to muffle her gleeful snorts.
A collective gasp rose from the men when Rachel made her entrance on Chief McConikee's arm. The redhead wore a skimpy, white lace teddy and an innocent smile. Father Thomas Ryan, the Kelly family's priest, gaped at her, his mouth twitching as he struggled to maintain his composure. “Shall we begin?” he stammered. He outlined the ceremony, ignoring the muted giggles coming from the wedding party. “Any questions? All right, then I'll see you all tomorrow, but hopefully in more suitable attire.”
“We'll be here,” answered Rachel. “Come on, girls. Let's change so we can start my bachelorette party! Lordy Lord, it's gonna be a hot time in the old town tonight!” She kissed her groom's cheek and ran for the bride's room with her attendants and Mrs. Kelly close behind.
Hank watched them go, shaking his head in amusement. “How much you want to bet our wives were responsible for that little stunt, Desoto?” he grinned.
“I wouldn't doubt it, Cap,” chuckled Roy . “Especially since I overheard them planning the whole thing.”
“What are we hanging around here for?” put in Johnny. “We should be out celebrating Kelly's last night as a free man!” He slapped the Irishman on the back and dragged him towards the door. “Enjoy while you can, ‘cause after tomorrow, your life will never be the same!”