New
PATHS
by GCS
Chapter One
DISCLAIMER: "Emergency!" and its characters © Mark VII Productions, Inc. and Universal Studios. All rights reserved. No infringement of any copyrights or trademarks is intended or should be inferred. This is a work of fiction, and any similarity to actual persons or events is purely coincidental. This story is only written for entertainment. No financial gain is being realized from it.
The story, itself, is the property of the author.
Stepping from the taxi he paused in the driveway.
He turned slowly looking in every direction,
resting his eyes on the barn,
the pasture,
the house,
his house.
He had closed the deal on the property, packed up his belongings and prepared to move in after his next shift at the station, but fate stepped in and his plans were side tracked. Suffering yet another on the job injury, he had spent the last week at Rampart.
Thankfully his shift mates had graciously moved his things here from the apartment so he would not have to pay an extra month's rent. They would have gladly given him a ride here today, but this he needed to do by himself. He had fooled his friends telling each one that he had a friend giving him a ride, but not revealing to any that he was coming home alone by way of a cab. Fooling Dixie McCall had been the hardest. She insisted on escorting him to the hospital main entrance to wait for his ride. Luckily she was paged back to the ER for an incoming trauma patient. As soon as she had disappeared into the entrance he had slipped from the wheelchair and hailed a cab.
Now he had finally arrived.
Smiling, he slowly ambled towards the front door, swaying slightly as he topped the steps onto the front porch that spread the entire length of the house.
He turned once again to take in the view from the porch.
Once again his eyes rested on the barn,
the pasture,
the long drive,
the mailbox,
his mailbox.
He took the keys from his pocket and reached for the door knob. Twisting the key in the lock he could not help but feel the anticipation and excitement in his very bones. He was finally home.
Stepping into the great room he expected to find everything still in boxes but was once again reminded of how lucky he was to have his friends. They had arranged the furniture from his apartment. Someone had hung some sheers on the windows. His stereo was set up. The sunset picture that he had taken, enlarged and framed was hanging over the large rustic mantle on the fieldstone fireplace. On the mantle were photos of his friends, his parents, and his Aunt Madge.
He stood in amazement at the generosity of his friends.
Walking slowly across the vast room and into the hall he moved from room to room. In the first room he found a set of oak bunk beds that he had no idea where they had come from. There was also a matching oak dresser and chair. The next room revealed a brass double bed, white night stand with a brass lamp and a white chest of drawers again from where he did not know. The third bedroom was set us as an office with a very nice desk and book shelves. Finally he reached the master bedroom where he recognized his own furniture. The bed was made and as in all of the rooms sheers were on the windows, except in this room blinds had been added to shut out the light when he needed to sleep. He put his duffle bag his mother's simple cedar chest at the end of the bed and looked in the closet where he found his clothes and uniforms put away. Smiling again he shook his head in disbelief at the thoughtfulness of his friends.
I wonder if they left anything surprising in the kitchen. He thought to himself rubbing his growling stomach.
He went back down the hall to the kitchen. Stepping into the room he noticed that his few appliances and breakfast table were in place. Stepping to the refrigerator he paused hoping that when he opened the door he would be blessed with something to eat and drink. He opened to door to a well stocked array of epicurean delights. Wow! I have never had so much food at one time in my own refrigerator, he stared in amazement. Reaching for the milk he went to the cabinets to see how his few dishes were arranged. Getting a glass he poured the milk and drank the full glass before pouring more and putting the milk back. He reached for the freezer door to investigate its contents and found precooked meals wrapped in foil and in Tupperware bowls with heating instructions attached to each.
Smiling he knew that Momma Lopez, Joanne Desoto, Beth Stoker, and Emily Stanley had planned at least his next week of meals. Roy, Chet, Marco, Mike and Captain Stanley had obviously helped move in all of his things. I hope Mike set up the stereo, he thought, at least then I know it will work. The furniture must have come from the garages and attics of his friends. How had he been so lucky to have found such good people to call friends?
Drinking his second glass of milk, Johnny Gage suddenly felt exhausted, overwhelmed, and very at ease all in the same instant. He was home.
Having spent the last week in bed, Johnny decided to lounge in the great room. Stopping by the stereo he cranked up the volume to a very high level and reclined on the rug in front of the speakers. It had been a long time since he had been able to crank the volume up the way he liked when he wanted to escape into the beat. Living in an apartment he had not been at liberty to do that. There were two kinds of relaxation that Johnny enjoyed. One was getting away from the city into the woods camping, hiking, fishing or riding horses. The other was relaxing in the floor in front of a very loud stereo where he could block out the harsh realities that he faced at work.
When Johnny's parents had been killed in a car accident when he was just 16 years old he had been left for several days alone at his parent's ranch, forgotten and ignored by everyone until his Aunt Madge had arrived for the funeral. During that time whether from sadness, fear, or escape Johnny had begun his love for very loud music. He had spent those days camped out in front of the stereo turning it up to tune out the world. Somewhere he had heard or read that many people who have lost a loved one turn to loud music as a form of release of their grief. He suspected that he had found a sort of companionship to the loneliness in the songs. Somehow he did not mind being alone as long as he had his music. Today at the age of 25 his love for music had not diminished.
After several songs Johnny drifted to sleep.
Some time later Roy drove up the ranch to check on his friend; getting out of the car he was taken aback by the music flowing from the house. What are you doing Junior? He shook his head smiling. Guess you are exercising your rights as a home owner with no close neighbors. Laughing to himself he went up to the door and knocked, and knocked, and knocked. Knowing that Johnny could not possibly hear him with the music so loud he decided to use the spare key that he had kept to let himself in.
Opening the door slowly Roy noticed Johnny stretched out in the floor. He would have been alarmed at finding his best friend in the floor except that Johnny had his arm across his eyes and his legs crossed at the ankles in the way he always slept. Walking to the stereo Roy turned the music off which immediately caused Johnny to stir. "Roy?"
"Yeah Johnny, you okay?"
"Huh? Yeah, I was just resting." Johnny yawned and stretched as he tried unsuccessfully to get up from the floor. Roy reached out a hand to assist his partner. "What are you doing here?"
"Well I thought I might check on you this morning after I got off shift. I knew you were coming home and might not feel like fixing yourself lunch. How about I fix us some soup and sandwiches?"
"Okay Roy, but I feel pretty good, just got kinda tired getting home and taking all of this in."
Smiling at his friend again Roy went into the kitchen to prepare their meal. "How about we eat out on the back deck?"
"The deck, I forgot all about the deck, but I don't have any furniture for the deck yet. Do I?" Johnny thought about all of the other new things he had discovered earlier and practically ran to the back door.
"Yes Johnny you have some deck furniture. I brought mine over here. Joanne and I got a new set that she had been wanting for some time, so you got the old stuff."
"Wow thanks Roy!" Johnny opened the French style double doors that led to the deck and went out to inspect the view from there. Looking out over his property he could see the mountains in the distance beyond the woods behind the house. What a beautiful sight it was to him. "This will be a great place to have coffee and watch the sun rise."
"Yep it sure will. Here you go Johnny lunch is served," Roy said as he stepped out carrying a tray of food and two glasses of milk. "Let's eat."
The two friends sat together and talked about the events of the past week both at the station and here at the ranch. Roy told Johnny about all the help everyone had given moving his things and setting up the house. The bunk beds had come from Captain and Emily Stanley, the brass bed and chest of drawers from Momma Lopez, the desk from Mike and Beth Stoker, and of course the deck furniture from Roy and Joanne. The ladies had worked together on getting the window sheers knowing that Johnny liked natural light, and Marco and Chet had done the blinds in the master bedroom. Mike of course had moved and reassembled the stereo system. Johnny was once again overwhelmed with the love his friends had shown him.
"Roy I don't know how I will ever repay everyone for all of this."
"No one wants to get any payment Johnny. We are all glad that you were able to use your trust fund to get this place and that you were not more seriously hurt last week when that ceiling collapsed on you. Welcome home partner."
"Thanks Roy, I don't know what to say."
"Then don't say anything. Just enjoy this. Enjoy your ranch Johnny. You deserve it."
The two friends sat in companionable silence as they drank coffee after their meal.
"Well Johnny I guess I better head home now. I am sure Joanne has a list of things that need to be done around our place. Call if you need anything and I'll see you at the station next shift."
"Yeah, thanks again Roy. See ya in a couple of days."
Roy went around the house to his truck. Johnny could hear the tires crunching across the drive as his friend left. Johnny reveled in the peace and quiet he found on his back deck. He could hear the birds and sounds of nature. He could smell fresh air. He could see the clouds high in the sky and thought that he would surely see the stars at night.
The next couple of days flew by for Johnny as he settled in his new home. Having to take regular rest breaks since he was still recuperating from his injuries he had managed to begin the work needed to prepare the barn for horses. Cleaning out the stalls and organizing the work room with his tools and storing his camping gear took a lot out of the man. Deciding that he needed to be well rested for his return to work the next day Johnny spent most of his last afternoon off relaxing on the deck.
Arriving at the Station early the next day Johnny backed his Rover into his parking space and sat for a few minutes with his hands crossed on the steering wheel. He had not seen anyone from the station except Roy since he had gone home from the hospital. His thoughts drifted to their help in getting him settled in his new home. He wanted to be sure that he told each and every one of his friends just how grateful he was for their kindness. Smiling as he got out of the Rover he reached across to grab the donuts that he had picked up on the way in. The commute from his ranch took a lot longer than the short trek from his apartment, and he did not want to be late on his first day back. He had actually made better time than he had thought he would until he got into town, but he still had enough time to stop for the sweet treats. He had worn his uniform in just in case the drive took longer than planned, so he had time to make a fresh pot of coffee before the others arrived. Whistling off key as he entered the kitchen the guys from B shift were all seated around the table finishing their breakfast. Grabbing a slice of bacon from the platter in the center of the table Johnny greeted them. "Hey guys how are ya?"
"Welcome back Johnny," they greeted him in return.
"Good to see you up and around," Charlie Dwyer told him. "I need a day off after all of those extra shifts I put in covering for you." He reached over and slapped Johnny's back with a chuckle.
"Oh I thought Roy got stuck with the walking rule book again," Johnny replied.
"Nah, I needed to put up some extra cash for that vacation I have coming up in a few weeks. I was really glad to be able to put in the overtime on our squad at our station with the county's best paramedic."
"Yeah, well thanks Charlie."
"No problem Gage. Uh since you're here I think I'll head on out now."
"Okay, see Ya Charlie."
Johnny busied himself making the coffee as he waited for his crew.
"Hey Johnny," Mike said to his friend as he came into the day room.
"Well John good to have you back, and thanks for the coffee," Captain Stanley said as he grabbed a donut from the plate in the center of the table, "Oh and breakfast."
"Alright Gage! Donuts!" Chet smiled as he entered the dayroom and headed straight for the plate grabbing two jelly filled delights. "I'll have to put in a good word for you with the Phantom. He might even give you a break this shift."
"See that he does Chet," Captain Stanley said as he gave Chet a knowing look.
"Morning everyone," Marco said as he entered the room and made his way to the coffee pot. "Welcome back Johnny."
The last to join the group was Roy. He smiled at his partner as he grabbed for a donut. "Hey Johnny glad to have you back."
"Thanks partner," Johnny smiled at his friends. "I uh I wanted to let you guys know…uh…well just…um…thanks for helping me get moved and….uh…for the…um…furniture and…well….just Thanks. It really means a lot to me how first you….um….came for me in Fort Peck and now….well….the move and all. Thanks." Johnny stumbled over his words as he gave the heartfelt thanks to his friends.
"John, we were all glad we could help. Now men roll call in 5," Captain Stanley put his youngest crewman at ease by changing the subject at just the right time. It was always hard for Johnny to put his feelings into words. He was not accustomed to having people care about him the way these friends did. For such a long time he had only had his Aunt Madge, but since her death he thought he was alone until his friends came to his rescue when he was attacked on his visit to Fort Peck Indian Reservation in Montana where he had grown up. It had been two months and a lot had changed for Johnny since that trip. He had recuperated from the deep gash on his right arm and other injuries. He still had to do the exercises to strengthen his muscles in the arm, but had returned to work a month ago and suffered yet another on the job injury. That is when his friends had shown him again how much he meant to them by moving his things into the ranch that he had purchased upon his return from Fort Peck.
"Johnny you still with us?" Roy asked as he stood in the doorway to the dayroom.
Johnny was stirred from his thoughts about how much had changed in the past two months. "Coming Roy."
The men assembled in front of the engine to begin their shift. Captain Stanley gave out the duties and covered the department memos with the men. Just as they were about to break up the tones sounded sending them on their first run of the day.
Arriving on the scene the crew found themselves at a house explosion caused by a natural gas leak from the stove. "Wow, there's not much left of that house Roy."
"Yeah, hope there was no one at home."
"John, Roy the neighbors said they think that there was a woman at home when she blew. Get your gear. Chet, Marco let's get a 2 ½ on the front." Speaking into the handy talkie Captain Stanley directed the other engine responses to the back of the structure. "Okay Chet, you and Marco clear a way for John and Roy to enter through the garage. That looks like the best way in."
The crew worked flawlessly to battle the blaze and clear a path into the home. Johnny and Roy were able to enter the garage within minutes and found that there was one car there. They made their way around the car and to the entrance to the house. Forcing their way in was no easy task since the upper floor and roof had collapsed in on the first floor. Using their pry bars and axe they cut a way through the door that led into the kitchen. Blackened by the blast and resulting fire they could tell that the stove was the point of ignition. If the woman had been in this room when the explosion occurred there would be no hope of survival. Chet and Marco entered behind the paramedics and worked to put out the remaining flames. The blast had knocked out the walls to the adjoining rooms. Hunkering low to the floor the two rescue men went about searching through the debris. A short while later Roy stumbled across something sticking out from underneath a bed that had made its way from above into what was left of the family room. Lifting his face mask he yelled to the other men. "I've got her. I need a hand over here Johnny."
Together the two men were able to move the bed enough to get her out from under it. Performing a quick spinal assessment and putting his air mask over her face Roy was able with Johnny's help to hoist the small woman over his shoulder in a fireman's carry and move to get her out of what was left of her home. Johnny followed closely behind ready to assist Roy if he was needed. As they came outside Johnny ran ahead to get their gear. Arriving at the squad he was pleased to find that Mike and Captain Stanley had already spread a blanket and pulled out their supplies. Setting up the bio-phone Johnny smiled at how well this team of men worked together. Roy gently placed the woman on the blanket and the two paramedics started getting vitals. Their eyes met in understanding of how dire the situation was with their patient. She could have internal blast injuries. Burns were apparent on her face and arms. She was unconscious. Her eyes were unequal and sluggish indicating possible head injury. "Rampart this is Squad 51 how do you read me?" Johnny started the transmission. It felt good to be back at work, but he wished that his first run had not been to such devastation.
"Read you loud and clear. Go ahead 51," Dr. Joe Early responded.
The vitals and list of apparent injuries were transmitted and the treatments administered the two men lifted the critically injured housewife onto the awaiting gurney. With professional fluidity the patient was loaded into the waiting ambulance, and Roy jumped in to ride with the patient. Johnny closed the doors and gave the customary taps to the back door indicating that they were ready to roll.
"How is she doing?" Captain Stanley asked.
"Not good Cap. She may have internal blast injuries and severe lung damage from the smoke inhalation. She definitely has a broken femur and several cracked ribs as well as some burns to her face and arms. She probably has about a 50/50 chance of survival." Johnny explained as he gathered the gear.
"Well I hope things turn out okay for her."
"Yeah me too Cap. See ya back at the Station." Johnny waved as he got behind the wheel of the squad.
The two paramedics didn't make it back to the station for several hours. They were called out on runs every time they got back into the squad. Finally around 3 pm Roy backed the squad into the apparatus bay. The two men lumbered into the day room and headed straight to the coffee pot. Johnny grabbed an apple from the fruit bowl and slumped onto the sofa. Henry immediately padded over and rested his big puppy dog head on Johnny's lap. "Hey fella," Johnny greeted the pooch. "I hope you aren't as tired as I am."
"John are you doing okay? This has been a rough way to start back to work after an injury," Captain Stanley asked with concern about how well Johnny was holding up.
"Sure Cap. Just been a lot of runs already. I'm a little sore and tired, but I'm doin' okay."
Before they could carry on the conversation the tones called the station out to a car over the cliff. Arriving on the scene Captain Stanley sent his men into action setting up for Johnny and Roy to rappel down to the overturned car. "John are you up to this or do I need to send Chet or Marco to help Roy?"
"No way Cap. I'm ready," Johnny loved anything to do with climbing and did not want to miss out on this opportunity.
Shaking his head in approval Captain Stanley let the youngest member of his crew take the lead on this rescue. Watching his men in action brought about a strong sense of pride for him. He had twin daughters, but no sons. These men were like sons to him. They were a fine bunch.
"Slack!" Johnny yelled from below. "I need slack. Roy I can see two people in the car. We're gonna need a pry bar."
"Okay Johnny. Do you want to get them topside to treat them?" Roy asked.
"Don't know yet. Give me a minute." Johnny disappeared into the window of the car to assess the injuries. "We have one Code F and a young girl. She doesn't seem to be too bad, head trauma and some minor cuts and abrasions to her face and arms. I need a C-collar, back board, and stokes."
"Be right down Johnny." Roy packed the needed supplies into the stokes and proceeded it down. Together the two men were able to extract their victims from the vehicle. First they sent the Code F up to wait for the coroner having had to get him out first since he was blocking access to the girl. Then a second stokes was lowered for the young girl. Chet, Mike, and Marco worked together like a well oiled machine pulling the victims and their shift mates back up the side of the steep cliff. After everyone was topside and the patient loaded into the ambulance Johnny climbed aboard. It was his turn to ride in with the victim. "See you at Rampart," Roy said as he closed the ambulance doors.
"Keep an eye on him Roy. This has been a tough day on all of us. I can only imagine how tired he must be," Captain Stanley requested of his senior paramedic.
Later after dinner the station was called out once again to a warehouse fire. Arriving on the scene as part of the second alarm Captain Stanley was relieved that he would not have to direct this one, however, there were reports of two security guards still unaccounted for. "Roy, Johnny suit up, make a quick sweep, In and out. It looks pretty unstable in there," Stanley directed his paramedic team.
The smoke was thick. Visibility was almost zero. The two men made quick work of searching the main part of the warehouse then moving to the offices. That is where they found the two men unconscious. Roy and Johnny each lifted a man in a fireman's carry and they hurried from the burning structure. Administering oxygen and IV's to each of the two victims they were once again Rampart bound. Johnny brought in the squad this time.
By the time he got to Rampart Johnny felt that he could barely stand up. Soot covered and nearing exhaustion he made his way to the nurses' station. "Wow Johnny you look terrible," Dixie told the tired man. "Why don't you come on into Kel's office and lay down on the sofa until Roy is finished helping in the treatment room?" She took him by the arm and led him down the hall.
"Okay Dixie. Would you tell Roy where I am?"
"Of course sweetie," she smiled at him.
Johnny lay down on the couch in his full turnout gear. Soot covering his face and hair. He was too tired to care. He fell asleep right away.
A short time later Dr. Kelly Brackett entered his office with a woman applying for a nursing job in the ER department, "Come in and have a seat," he said as he ushered her into the room. "Oh excuse me I didn't know that my office was in use."
Before Dr. Brackett could say anything else Roy poked his head into the room, "Um excuse me Doc. I came to retrieve Rip Van Winkle."
"No problem Roy. How is he holding up?"
"He's doing well, but we have had an extremely busy shift with no down time. I think he is feeling it now." Roy looked over at his friend fondly.
"Oh excuse me Roy I would like to introduce you to Ms. Camille Lawson. She is a candidate for the nursing position here in the ER. She is currently a stewardess, but has kept her nursing certification up. She has worked with us on medical flights for several years now."
"Yes we've met Doc. Hi Cammie. She worked on the flight that we brought Johnny home on." Roy waved at the beautiful woman. "Johnny here got hurt on the job again and today is his first day back."
Ruffling Johnny's hair Roy whispered to his friend, "Come on Junior. It's time to get back to the station."
"Huh?" Johnny stirred. "Come on Roy just let me sleep. I'll get up if we get toned out."
"Come on Johnny remember we are still at Rampart. You are trying to sleep on Brackett's coach, and he has an appointment here in his office."
Slowly sitting up and rubbing his eyes with his hands Johnny became aware of the others in the room. "Oh sorry doc." Then he turned towards the woman. Seeing her alluring blue eyes he instantly remembered the stewardess who had been on both flights to and from Fort Peck. "Cammie?" His face broke into one of his lopsided Gage grins.
"Hello Fireman Gage," she smiled back at him.
"Cammie I thought I wouldn't get to see you again. What…..um…what are you doing here?" he asked her.
"It's okay Johnny. I told you I didn't want to be too forward."
"No you don't understand. I….um…..I lost your number." He shrugged his shoulders timidly, "Then I was here at Rampart with my arm and ribs. Well you know. I got my ranch." His demeanor visibly lifted when he mentioned his new home. "Then I got hurt again. The guys moved me in while I was here in the hospital. I lost your number. I have been trying to find you. I thought we might do that dinner we talked about. But I haven't been working much and money…well….maybe I could invite you to my new home."
Smiling at the nervous man Camille wanted to put him at ease. "Well Fireman Gage. I thought you would never ask."
Looking back at Dr. Brackett Camille realized that all of this had transposed while she was supposed to be interviewing for a position and had instead just landed a date with the man she had dreamed about for the past two months. "I'm very sorry Dr. Brackett. Johnny and I met on his flight out to Montana and then as luck would have it I was asked to assist with the medical flight that brought him home. As a matter of fact I met the whole crew of Station 51. They are a great group of men. May I borrow your pen Dr. Brackett?"
"Certainly Ms Lawson," Dr. Brackett chuckled at the group before him.
Taking the pen and paper Cammie wrote down her number for Johnny. "Here you go Johnny call me sometime soon."
At that Roy took his very excited friend by the arm and ushered him into the hall. With a renewed energy and the biggest Gage grin on his face Johnny bound out of the emergency entrance and jumped into the squad. Roy rounded the back of the vehicle laughing out loud at his friend. I like this girl. I kind of hope she is the one for Johnny. He deserves some happiness like I have with Joanne. She is settled and independent. She would be good for him." Roy's thoughts raced through his head as he got into the squad and looked over at Johnny. He looks so happy.
Thankfully the rest of the shift was fairly quiet.
The next morning dawned to the tones calling the men to an MVA on the 405. To their surprise there were no major injuries and no patients to transport to Rampart. Rolling back in to the station the shift was finally over. Meeting the crew from C-shift as they headed into the locker room to change out of their uniforms the men from A-shift gladly turned over the station to the next group of guys.
"Hey Roy do you think I should call her today? I don't want to look like I am desperate, but I would really like to get to know her. There is just something about her that I can't explain."
"Sure Johnny I think she would like that. Maybe you could invite her to dinner or something."
"Well I don't know if she likes burgers or canned soup. I can't afford to take her out this month. The move and expenses along with the repairs that I have to make have my funds pretty tight; I guess I could invite her for a picnic. Some fruit and sandwiches would be okay for that." Johnny looked like he was deep in thought when Chet decided he had to find out who Johnny was talking about.
"What's a matter Johnny boy? Trying to get a new nurse to waste her day off with ya?"
"Shut up Chet. I'll have you know that I ran into Camille Lawson yesterday at Rampart. I'm gonna give her a call. She gave me her number again." Johnny fell hook line and sinker into Chet's trap.
"You mean that hot stewardess that you LOST her number the first time? Why would she give you a second chance? You can't even keep up with her number Gage." Chet snickered as he headed out the door.
"She gave it to me again Chester B. What do ya say to that? She likes me!" Johnny yelled towards the closed door.
"He got you again Johnny," Roy laughed.
"Well I don't care Roy. I'm not gonna let Chester B. Kelly ruin my mood. I have a woman with the most beautiful blue eyes I have ever seen who wants me to give her a call." He smiled as he grabbed his duffel bag and strutted out the door. "See ya partner."
Arriving at the ranch Johnny could not wait to make the phone call he had been thinking about since his meeting Camille at Rampart. He had just about given up finding her again and then there she was, and she was not even upset with him for losing her number. Pulling out the paper she had given him he reached for the telephone and dialed. Several rings later a soft voice said "Hello."
"Uh could I please speak to Ms. Camille Lawson?" Johnny asked not sure if it was Camille on the other end of the line.
"This is she."
"Oh. Hi Cammie, this is John Gage, Uh Johnny."
"Good morning Fireman Gage. I'm surprised to hear from you so soon. I thought you would be sleeping after shift."
"I just got home and wanted to call you before I took a nap. I was….Uh….I was hoping you…uh…you might want to….well come out to my ranch…and…Uh…have a….a picnic with me. Would you um…like to come out this afternoon?" He was so nervous he couldn't seem to get the words to come out. This was not going the way he had imagined the call to go. In his thoughts he was very confident and in control. He thought to himself that he sounded goofy. Why would she want to go out with him if he couldn't even get the words out?
Camille thought he was very endearing and cute. Looking at Johnny Gage a girl would think that as gorgeous as he was he must be very conceited and arrogant, but to her delight he was just the opposite. She couldn't wait to accept his offer. "Well Fireman Gage I would love to join you at your ranch for a picnic. What time would you like for me to be there, and what can I bring?"
Gaining confidence with her positive answer he responded more quickly and with more control of his words. "How does 5:30 sound? We can hike out to the brook. There is a huge oak tree beside a clearing that will be perfect. I have everything we need for the meal. You just bring yourself." He was grinning and she could tell it through his voice.
Camille was very pleased that he was happy she had accepted his invitation. "Okay Johnny tell me how do I get there?"
After explaining the directions to his ranch and confirming the time they concluded their phone call. Johnny hurried into the bedroom, stripped down to his t-shirt and boxers, pulled down his new shades to darken his bedroom and slipped under the covers for a much needed nap. True they had a quiet night at the station, but his first shift back from sick leave was very tiring for the still healing man. He was blissfully asleep within minutes.
Camille who had still been in bed herself pulled her blankets back up snugly under her chin and smiled. She thought she had turned the man off with her having given him her number after having just met him on a flight that he slept on practically from takeoff to landing. God he was a beautiful man. He was very tall 6 foot at least. His thick black hair was very wavy and unruly. His expressive brown eyes were to die for and his smile; that crooked grin would melt any woman's resolve. Camille drifted off to sleep thinking about how lucky she was to have even one date with the man.
Johnny awoke around 3 o'clock very stiff and sore. Getting up slowly he decided he needed a hot shower before doing anything else, a very hot shower. His arm was still somewhat stiff from the damage to his muscles when it was cut back in Fort Peck and his more recent injuries from the ceiling collapse had him still needing to work out the kinks. He had been released to return to work with the understanding that he needed to continue the exercises prescribed to him by the physical therapy team at Rampart. He could do the exercises at home and had continued them as instructed. Johnny thought he did not have time to exercise today since Camille was coming over. Surely one day would not make that much of a difference. After all he had gotten a lot of exercise yesterday. So he headed into the shower to try to ease his stiffness with the hot water.
A short while later he was showered and shaved and dressed in a pair of tight jeans and a dark green short sleeve button down shirt which he rolled the sleeves up on making them hug the muscles in his upper arms. He decided to make the sandwiches and prepare the fruit now so he would not be rushed later. Packing the food and some drinks into a cooler Johnny was ready for their picnic. He placed the cooler and a blanket beside the French doors leading to the deck. Now all he had to do was wait. Stepping out onto the deck he stretched trying to loosen up his tight muscles. It was not long before he could hear the crunch of tires on his drive. Deciding to walk around the house instead of through it he rounded the corner just as Camille pulled her vehicle up beside his Land Rover. Camille Lawson stepped out of her burgundy Land Rover and the two new friends both laughed. "Well I do like your choice of vehicle Ms. Lawson."
"And I yours Fireman Gage," she replied as she walked over toward the man. She liked what she saw. He looked great.
Johnny also noticed how he liked the vision before him. She was dressed in a tight pair of faded jeans and a loose pastel yellow button down shirt tied at the waist and open in the front revealing a slightly darker yellow tank top. Her beautiful wavy hair was pulled up into a pony tail. "Come on in the house. I will show you around and you can put your things inside."
The two went in the front and Camille was very pleased to find Johnny's home very neat and orderly. His home reflected his simple taste and was sprinkled with his Indian heritage by the beautiful blankets draped across the sofa and easy chair. She was drawn to the picture over the fireplace. "What a beautiful sunset. Where ever did you find this picture Johnny?"
"Um well actually I took that picture myself from a cliff outside the city. I had it enlarged and made the frame myself. Of course I had to get the glass cut to fit."
"Wow Johnny this is beautiful and the work on the frame. I am very impressed."
"I like to fiddle around with a camera. It's just a hobby, but I really like seeing the way my pictures turn out. I have done some portraits of Roy's children too. These are some of the ones I have taken of them and my aunt." He showed her the pictures on the mantle.
"They are very nice Johnny. Who is this couple?" she asked pointing to the old black and white photo.
'That's my parents."
"Oh I'm sorry Johnny I didn't mean to bring up sad things today. They were a lovely couple. I know you miss them."
"It was a very long time ago," he said as he looked longingly at the photo. After a few minutes he changed the subject and directed her down the hall showing her the rest of the home. As they moved from room to room Johnny explained how his friends had helped him furnish the house. They finished the tour of the house and moved out onto the deck where he showed her his new deck furniture that came to him by way of his partner. Camille was very touched by the generosity his friends shared with him. She had seen it first hand on the flight home from Fort Peck. These men were very protective of Johnny and went to great lengths to help him. "I'll just lock up and get the cooler. Are you ready to go?"
"Yes Johnny I would love to go now. I can't wait to see this picnic spot you have picked out for us."
They walked at a good pace towards the clearing. Johnny carried the cooler and Camille carried the blanket. They talked about the property around Johnny's home. He told Camille about his plans to repair the coral and stalls in the barn and hopefully have some horses in the next few months. He pointed out the area that he hoped to have a small garden in the spring. She was very moved by the depth of his love for the lifestyle on a ranch. John Roderick Gage bared his soul to her in his words about the hopes he had for his new home. He dreamed that someday he would be the rancher that his father had been. "So now you know what my plans are. Let me ask you Cammie did you get the job at Rampart?"
"Well to tell you the truth I don't know yet. I know I have the qualifications, but I am not sure our encounter in Dr. Brackett's office was very good for the interview," she couldn't help but laugh at the memory.
"Well Brackett is a fair man. I don't think he will hold our little reunion against you." Johnny smiled back at her and they both laughed. He felt very relaxed around Cammie.
Once they arrived at the great oak tree Johnny spread the blanket and set out the food. Camille walked over to the brook that ran through Johnny's property. The water rushing over the stones made a very relaxing rippling noise. "This is beautiful Johnny."
"I like it," he said. "Are you hungry?"
"Yes I could eat a horse," she said without thinking. "Oh sorry I mean yes I am a bit hungry."
"Well then let's eat," Johnny said as he took her by the hand and led her back to the blanket. "I hope you like ham sandwiches, chips and fruit. I brought some sodas to drink."
"This is fine Johnny, a perfect picnic."
The couple sat and talked as they ate not realizing the time. Before they knew it the sun was setting and darkness was approaching fast. "I think we had better head back while we can still find our way. I haven't lived here long enough to know it in the dark." Grabbing the blanket and cooler the two set out towards the house. They came out of the woods just as darkness descended on them. "Wow that was close. I don't know if we would have ever gotten back in the dark," Johnny stated as they climbed the deck stairs. "Would you like some coffee?"
"I would love some," Camille said as she sat in one of the deck chairs looking at the beautiful spectacle of stars above her head. "I'll wait right here."
Johnny chuckled at how much she looked like a school girl looking up at the stars for the first time in her life. He went into the house stored the cooler and blanket and started making the coffee. Stepping outside the doors he asked if she took cream and sugar.
"No I take it black please."
"Woman after my own heart," he said as he went back inside to get the coffee.
"You already have my heart Fireman Gage," she whispered to herself.
"Here you go my famous Gage coffee."
"What makes it famous?"
"Well some of the guys at the station make coffee so weak you almost have to add instant grounds to it to even taste the beans. I prefer to grind my own beans and make it very strong. I don't like it so strong that it is bitter, but strong enough that you can smell and taste the beans. Captain Stanley and Mike Stoker our engineer really like it when I make the coffee in the morning."
"Well I like my coffee strong too. Sometimes a strong cup of coffee is the only thing that keeps me going on a long flight. Thank you Johnny this is heavenly."
Thinking that the date could not go any better Johnny took the chair next to Cammie. They sat in companionable silence and looked up into the sky at the stars sipping their coffee.
"Johnny I have had a wonderful time. I want to thank you for inviting me to your new home. It is a lovely comfortable place. I would love to come back and see your horses once you get them."
"Well Ms. Lawson, I would like for you to come back."
They both stood up from their seats. Johnny moved closer to Camille. She could feel her heart flutter at his closeness. "Thank you for coming today Camille," Johnny said as he gazed into her beautiful blue eyes.
"Thank you Johnny," she said as she gazed back into his deep brown eyes.
They stood looking into each other's eyes for what seemed like a lifetime, but was in fact only a few minutes. "I'll walk you to your car. Do you want to get your things?"
"No Fireman Gage I want to kiss you," she said as she leaned into him and brushed her lips across his. He instinctively wrapped his arms around her waist and pressed her closer to him. They shared the gentlest passionate kiss that he had ever had. The two parted breathless. "I think I should get my things now."
"Okay."
The two went into the house. Camille got her purse and keys. Johnny walked her out onto the porch and just as she was about to start down the stairs he pulled her into another kiss. "I'll call you okay?"
"You better Fireman Gage. I'll be waiting," she smiled up at him held closely in his embrace.
Johnny walked her to her Land Rover opening the door to let her in. She climbed in behind the wheel and they said their goodbyes. He watched her as she drove away.
Johnny was very pleased with this beginning to a new chapter in his life. He had his new home, a ranch like he grew up on; he had his friends at Station 51 and their families, and now he thought that maybe he had found the woman that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. His life was definitely headed down a new path, and he couldn't wait to see where it might lead.
The story, itself, is the property of the author.
Stepping from the taxi he paused in the driveway.
He turned slowly looking in every direction,
resting his eyes on the barn,
the pasture,
the house,
his house.
He had closed the deal on the property, packed up his belongings and prepared to move in after his next shift at the station, but fate stepped in and his plans were side tracked. Suffering yet another on the job injury, he had spent the last week at Rampart.
Thankfully his shift mates had graciously moved his things here from the apartment so he would not have to pay an extra month's rent. They would have gladly given him a ride here today, but this he needed to do by himself. He had fooled his friends telling each one that he had a friend giving him a ride, but not revealing to any that he was coming home alone by way of a cab. Fooling Dixie McCall had been the hardest. She insisted on escorting him to the hospital main entrance to wait for his ride. Luckily she was paged back to the ER for an incoming trauma patient. As soon as she had disappeared into the entrance he had slipped from the wheelchair and hailed a cab.
Now he had finally arrived.
Smiling, he slowly ambled towards the front door, swaying slightly as he topped the steps onto the front porch that spread the entire length of the house.
He turned once again to take in the view from the porch.
Once again his eyes rested on the barn,
the pasture,
the long drive,
the mailbox,
his mailbox.
He took the keys from his pocket and reached for the door knob. Twisting the key in the lock he could not help but feel the anticipation and excitement in his very bones. He was finally home.
Stepping into the great room he expected to find everything still in boxes but was once again reminded of how lucky he was to have his friends. They had arranged the furniture from his apartment. Someone had hung some sheers on the windows. His stereo was set up. The sunset picture that he had taken, enlarged and framed was hanging over the large rustic mantle on the fieldstone fireplace. On the mantle were photos of his friends, his parents, and his Aunt Madge.
He stood in amazement at the generosity of his friends.
Walking slowly across the vast room and into the hall he moved from room to room. In the first room he found a set of oak bunk beds that he had no idea where they had come from. There was also a matching oak dresser and chair. The next room revealed a brass double bed, white night stand with a brass lamp and a white chest of drawers again from where he did not know. The third bedroom was set us as an office with a very nice desk and book shelves. Finally he reached the master bedroom where he recognized his own furniture. The bed was made and as in all of the rooms sheers were on the windows, except in this room blinds had been added to shut out the light when he needed to sleep. He put his duffle bag his mother's simple cedar chest at the end of the bed and looked in the closet where he found his clothes and uniforms put away. Smiling again he shook his head in disbelief at the thoughtfulness of his friends.
I wonder if they left anything surprising in the kitchen. He thought to himself rubbing his growling stomach.
He went back down the hall to the kitchen. Stepping into the room he noticed that his few appliances and breakfast table were in place. Stepping to the refrigerator he paused hoping that when he opened the door he would be blessed with something to eat and drink. He opened to door to a well stocked array of epicurean delights. Wow! I have never had so much food at one time in my own refrigerator, he stared in amazement. Reaching for the milk he went to the cabinets to see how his few dishes were arranged. Getting a glass he poured the milk and drank the full glass before pouring more and putting the milk back. He reached for the freezer door to investigate its contents and found precooked meals wrapped in foil and in Tupperware bowls with heating instructions attached to each.
Smiling he knew that Momma Lopez, Joanne Desoto, Beth Stoker, and Emily Stanley had planned at least his next week of meals. Roy, Chet, Marco, Mike and Captain Stanley had obviously helped move in all of his things. I hope Mike set up the stereo, he thought, at least then I know it will work. The furniture must have come from the garages and attics of his friends. How had he been so lucky to have found such good people to call friends?
Drinking his second glass of milk, Johnny Gage suddenly felt exhausted, overwhelmed, and very at ease all in the same instant. He was home.
Having spent the last week in bed, Johnny decided to lounge in the great room. Stopping by the stereo he cranked up the volume to a very high level and reclined on the rug in front of the speakers. It had been a long time since he had been able to crank the volume up the way he liked when he wanted to escape into the beat. Living in an apartment he had not been at liberty to do that. There were two kinds of relaxation that Johnny enjoyed. One was getting away from the city into the woods camping, hiking, fishing or riding horses. The other was relaxing in the floor in front of a very loud stereo where he could block out the harsh realities that he faced at work.
When Johnny's parents had been killed in a car accident when he was just 16 years old he had been left for several days alone at his parent's ranch, forgotten and ignored by everyone until his Aunt Madge had arrived for the funeral. During that time whether from sadness, fear, or escape Johnny had begun his love for very loud music. He had spent those days camped out in front of the stereo turning it up to tune out the world. Somewhere he had heard or read that many people who have lost a loved one turn to loud music as a form of release of their grief. He suspected that he had found a sort of companionship to the loneliness in the songs. Somehow he did not mind being alone as long as he had his music. Today at the age of 25 his love for music had not diminished.
After several songs Johnny drifted to sleep.
Some time later Roy drove up the ranch to check on his friend; getting out of the car he was taken aback by the music flowing from the house. What are you doing Junior? He shook his head smiling. Guess you are exercising your rights as a home owner with no close neighbors. Laughing to himself he went up to the door and knocked, and knocked, and knocked. Knowing that Johnny could not possibly hear him with the music so loud he decided to use the spare key that he had kept to let himself in.
Opening the door slowly Roy noticed Johnny stretched out in the floor. He would have been alarmed at finding his best friend in the floor except that Johnny had his arm across his eyes and his legs crossed at the ankles in the way he always slept. Walking to the stereo Roy turned the music off which immediately caused Johnny to stir. "Roy?"
"Yeah Johnny, you okay?"
"Huh? Yeah, I was just resting." Johnny yawned and stretched as he tried unsuccessfully to get up from the floor. Roy reached out a hand to assist his partner. "What are you doing here?"
"Well I thought I might check on you this morning after I got off shift. I knew you were coming home and might not feel like fixing yourself lunch. How about I fix us some soup and sandwiches?"
"Okay Roy, but I feel pretty good, just got kinda tired getting home and taking all of this in."
Smiling at his friend again Roy went into the kitchen to prepare their meal. "How about we eat out on the back deck?"
"The deck, I forgot all about the deck, but I don't have any furniture for the deck yet. Do I?" Johnny thought about all of the other new things he had discovered earlier and practically ran to the back door.
"Yes Johnny you have some deck furniture. I brought mine over here. Joanne and I got a new set that she had been wanting for some time, so you got the old stuff."
"Wow thanks Roy!" Johnny opened the French style double doors that led to the deck and went out to inspect the view from there. Looking out over his property he could see the mountains in the distance beyond the woods behind the house. What a beautiful sight it was to him. "This will be a great place to have coffee and watch the sun rise."
"Yep it sure will. Here you go Johnny lunch is served," Roy said as he stepped out carrying a tray of food and two glasses of milk. "Let's eat."
The two friends sat together and talked about the events of the past week both at the station and here at the ranch. Roy told Johnny about all the help everyone had given moving his things and setting up the house. The bunk beds had come from Captain and Emily Stanley, the brass bed and chest of drawers from Momma Lopez, the desk from Mike and Beth Stoker, and of course the deck furniture from Roy and Joanne. The ladies had worked together on getting the window sheers knowing that Johnny liked natural light, and Marco and Chet had done the blinds in the master bedroom. Mike of course had moved and reassembled the stereo system. Johnny was once again overwhelmed with the love his friends had shown him.
"Roy I don't know how I will ever repay everyone for all of this."
"No one wants to get any payment Johnny. We are all glad that you were able to use your trust fund to get this place and that you were not more seriously hurt last week when that ceiling collapsed on you. Welcome home partner."
"Thanks Roy, I don't know what to say."
"Then don't say anything. Just enjoy this. Enjoy your ranch Johnny. You deserve it."
The two friends sat in companionable silence as they drank coffee after their meal.
"Well Johnny I guess I better head home now. I am sure Joanne has a list of things that need to be done around our place. Call if you need anything and I'll see you at the station next shift."
"Yeah, thanks again Roy. See ya in a couple of days."
Roy went around the house to his truck. Johnny could hear the tires crunching across the drive as his friend left. Johnny reveled in the peace and quiet he found on his back deck. He could hear the birds and sounds of nature. He could smell fresh air. He could see the clouds high in the sky and thought that he would surely see the stars at night.
The next couple of days flew by for Johnny as he settled in his new home. Having to take regular rest breaks since he was still recuperating from his injuries he had managed to begin the work needed to prepare the barn for horses. Cleaning out the stalls and organizing the work room with his tools and storing his camping gear took a lot out of the man. Deciding that he needed to be well rested for his return to work the next day Johnny spent most of his last afternoon off relaxing on the deck.
Arriving at the Station early the next day Johnny backed his Rover into his parking space and sat for a few minutes with his hands crossed on the steering wheel. He had not seen anyone from the station except Roy since he had gone home from the hospital. His thoughts drifted to their help in getting him settled in his new home. He wanted to be sure that he told each and every one of his friends just how grateful he was for their kindness. Smiling as he got out of the Rover he reached across to grab the donuts that he had picked up on the way in. The commute from his ranch took a lot longer than the short trek from his apartment, and he did not want to be late on his first day back. He had actually made better time than he had thought he would until he got into town, but he still had enough time to stop for the sweet treats. He had worn his uniform in just in case the drive took longer than planned, so he had time to make a fresh pot of coffee before the others arrived. Whistling off key as he entered the kitchen the guys from B shift were all seated around the table finishing their breakfast. Grabbing a slice of bacon from the platter in the center of the table Johnny greeted them. "Hey guys how are ya?"
"Welcome back Johnny," they greeted him in return.
"Good to see you up and around," Charlie Dwyer told him. "I need a day off after all of those extra shifts I put in covering for you." He reached over and slapped Johnny's back with a chuckle.
"Oh I thought Roy got stuck with the walking rule book again," Johnny replied.
"Nah, I needed to put up some extra cash for that vacation I have coming up in a few weeks. I was really glad to be able to put in the overtime on our squad at our station with the county's best paramedic."
"Yeah, well thanks Charlie."
"No problem Gage. Uh since you're here I think I'll head on out now."
"Okay, see Ya Charlie."
Johnny busied himself making the coffee as he waited for his crew.
"Hey Johnny," Mike said to his friend as he came into the day room.
"Well John good to have you back, and thanks for the coffee," Captain Stanley said as he grabbed a donut from the plate in the center of the table, "Oh and breakfast."
"Alright Gage! Donuts!" Chet smiled as he entered the dayroom and headed straight for the plate grabbing two jelly filled delights. "I'll have to put in a good word for you with the Phantom. He might even give you a break this shift."
"See that he does Chet," Captain Stanley said as he gave Chet a knowing look.
"Morning everyone," Marco said as he entered the room and made his way to the coffee pot. "Welcome back Johnny."
The last to join the group was Roy. He smiled at his partner as he grabbed for a donut. "Hey Johnny glad to have you back."
"Thanks partner," Johnny smiled at his friends. "I uh I wanted to let you guys know…uh…well just…um…thanks for helping me get moved and….uh…for the…um…furniture and…well….just Thanks. It really means a lot to me how first you….um….came for me in Fort Peck and now….well….the move and all. Thanks." Johnny stumbled over his words as he gave the heartfelt thanks to his friends.
"John, we were all glad we could help. Now men roll call in 5," Captain Stanley put his youngest crewman at ease by changing the subject at just the right time. It was always hard for Johnny to put his feelings into words. He was not accustomed to having people care about him the way these friends did. For such a long time he had only had his Aunt Madge, but since her death he thought he was alone until his friends came to his rescue when he was attacked on his visit to Fort Peck Indian Reservation in Montana where he had grown up. It had been two months and a lot had changed for Johnny since that trip. He had recuperated from the deep gash on his right arm and other injuries. He still had to do the exercises to strengthen his muscles in the arm, but had returned to work a month ago and suffered yet another on the job injury. That is when his friends had shown him again how much he meant to them by moving his things into the ranch that he had purchased upon his return from Fort Peck.
"Johnny you still with us?" Roy asked as he stood in the doorway to the dayroom.
Johnny was stirred from his thoughts about how much had changed in the past two months. "Coming Roy."
The men assembled in front of the engine to begin their shift. Captain Stanley gave out the duties and covered the department memos with the men. Just as they were about to break up the tones sounded sending them on their first run of the day.
Arriving on the scene the crew found themselves at a house explosion caused by a natural gas leak from the stove. "Wow, there's not much left of that house Roy."
"Yeah, hope there was no one at home."
"John, Roy the neighbors said they think that there was a woman at home when she blew. Get your gear. Chet, Marco let's get a 2 ½ on the front." Speaking into the handy talkie Captain Stanley directed the other engine responses to the back of the structure. "Okay Chet, you and Marco clear a way for John and Roy to enter through the garage. That looks like the best way in."
The crew worked flawlessly to battle the blaze and clear a path into the home. Johnny and Roy were able to enter the garage within minutes and found that there was one car there. They made their way around the car and to the entrance to the house. Forcing their way in was no easy task since the upper floor and roof had collapsed in on the first floor. Using their pry bars and axe they cut a way through the door that led into the kitchen. Blackened by the blast and resulting fire they could tell that the stove was the point of ignition. If the woman had been in this room when the explosion occurred there would be no hope of survival. Chet and Marco entered behind the paramedics and worked to put out the remaining flames. The blast had knocked out the walls to the adjoining rooms. Hunkering low to the floor the two rescue men went about searching through the debris. A short while later Roy stumbled across something sticking out from underneath a bed that had made its way from above into what was left of the family room. Lifting his face mask he yelled to the other men. "I've got her. I need a hand over here Johnny."
Together the two men were able to move the bed enough to get her out from under it. Performing a quick spinal assessment and putting his air mask over her face Roy was able with Johnny's help to hoist the small woman over his shoulder in a fireman's carry and move to get her out of what was left of her home. Johnny followed closely behind ready to assist Roy if he was needed. As they came outside Johnny ran ahead to get their gear. Arriving at the squad he was pleased to find that Mike and Captain Stanley had already spread a blanket and pulled out their supplies. Setting up the bio-phone Johnny smiled at how well this team of men worked together. Roy gently placed the woman on the blanket and the two paramedics started getting vitals. Their eyes met in understanding of how dire the situation was with their patient. She could have internal blast injuries. Burns were apparent on her face and arms. She was unconscious. Her eyes were unequal and sluggish indicating possible head injury. "Rampart this is Squad 51 how do you read me?" Johnny started the transmission. It felt good to be back at work, but he wished that his first run had not been to such devastation.
"Read you loud and clear. Go ahead 51," Dr. Joe Early responded.
The vitals and list of apparent injuries were transmitted and the treatments administered the two men lifted the critically injured housewife onto the awaiting gurney. With professional fluidity the patient was loaded into the waiting ambulance, and Roy jumped in to ride with the patient. Johnny closed the doors and gave the customary taps to the back door indicating that they were ready to roll.
"How is she doing?" Captain Stanley asked.
"Not good Cap. She may have internal blast injuries and severe lung damage from the smoke inhalation. She definitely has a broken femur and several cracked ribs as well as some burns to her face and arms. She probably has about a 50/50 chance of survival." Johnny explained as he gathered the gear.
"Well I hope things turn out okay for her."
"Yeah me too Cap. See ya back at the Station." Johnny waved as he got behind the wheel of the squad.
The two paramedics didn't make it back to the station for several hours. They were called out on runs every time they got back into the squad. Finally around 3 pm Roy backed the squad into the apparatus bay. The two men lumbered into the day room and headed straight to the coffee pot. Johnny grabbed an apple from the fruit bowl and slumped onto the sofa. Henry immediately padded over and rested his big puppy dog head on Johnny's lap. "Hey fella," Johnny greeted the pooch. "I hope you aren't as tired as I am."
"John are you doing okay? This has been a rough way to start back to work after an injury," Captain Stanley asked with concern about how well Johnny was holding up.
"Sure Cap. Just been a lot of runs already. I'm a little sore and tired, but I'm doin' okay."
Before they could carry on the conversation the tones called the station out to a car over the cliff. Arriving on the scene Captain Stanley sent his men into action setting up for Johnny and Roy to rappel down to the overturned car. "John are you up to this or do I need to send Chet or Marco to help Roy?"
"No way Cap. I'm ready," Johnny loved anything to do with climbing and did not want to miss out on this opportunity.
Shaking his head in approval Captain Stanley let the youngest member of his crew take the lead on this rescue. Watching his men in action brought about a strong sense of pride for him. He had twin daughters, but no sons. These men were like sons to him. They were a fine bunch.
"Slack!" Johnny yelled from below. "I need slack. Roy I can see two people in the car. We're gonna need a pry bar."
"Okay Johnny. Do you want to get them topside to treat them?" Roy asked.
"Don't know yet. Give me a minute." Johnny disappeared into the window of the car to assess the injuries. "We have one Code F and a young girl. She doesn't seem to be too bad, head trauma and some minor cuts and abrasions to her face and arms. I need a C-collar, back board, and stokes."
"Be right down Johnny." Roy packed the needed supplies into the stokes and proceeded it down. Together the two men were able to extract their victims from the vehicle. First they sent the Code F up to wait for the coroner having had to get him out first since he was blocking access to the girl. Then a second stokes was lowered for the young girl. Chet, Mike, and Marco worked together like a well oiled machine pulling the victims and their shift mates back up the side of the steep cliff. After everyone was topside and the patient loaded into the ambulance Johnny climbed aboard. It was his turn to ride in with the victim. "See you at Rampart," Roy said as he closed the ambulance doors.
"Keep an eye on him Roy. This has been a tough day on all of us. I can only imagine how tired he must be," Captain Stanley requested of his senior paramedic.
Later after dinner the station was called out once again to a warehouse fire. Arriving on the scene as part of the second alarm Captain Stanley was relieved that he would not have to direct this one, however, there were reports of two security guards still unaccounted for. "Roy, Johnny suit up, make a quick sweep, In and out. It looks pretty unstable in there," Stanley directed his paramedic team.
The smoke was thick. Visibility was almost zero. The two men made quick work of searching the main part of the warehouse then moving to the offices. That is where they found the two men unconscious. Roy and Johnny each lifted a man in a fireman's carry and they hurried from the burning structure. Administering oxygen and IV's to each of the two victims they were once again Rampart bound. Johnny brought in the squad this time.
By the time he got to Rampart Johnny felt that he could barely stand up. Soot covered and nearing exhaustion he made his way to the nurses' station. "Wow Johnny you look terrible," Dixie told the tired man. "Why don't you come on into Kel's office and lay down on the sofa until Roy is finished helping in the treatment room?" She took him by the arm and led him down the hall.
"Okay Dixie. Would you tell Roy where I am?"
"Of course sweetie," she smiled at him.
Johnny lay down on the couch in his full turnout gear. Soot covering his face and hair. He was too tired to care. He fell asleep right away.
A short time later Dr. Kelly Brackett entered his office with a woman applying for a nursing job in the ER department, "Come in and have a seat," he said as he ushered her into the room. "Oh excuse me I didn't know that my office was in use."
Before Dr. Brackett could say anything else Roy poked his head into the room, "Um excuse me Doc. I came to retrieve Rip Van Winkle."
"No problem Roy. How is he holding up?"
"He's doing well, but we have had an extremely busy shift with no down time. I think he is feeling it now." Roy looked over at his friend fondly.
"Oh excuse me Roy I would like to introduce you to Ms. Camille Lawson. She is a candidate for the nursing position here in the ER. She is currently a stewardess, but has kept her nursing certification up. She has worked with us on medical flights for several years now."
"Yes we've met Doc. Hi Cammie. She worked on the flight that we brought Johnny home on." Roy waved at the beautiful woman. "Johnny here got hurt on the job again and today is his first day back."
Ruffling Johnny's hair Roy whispered to his friend, "Come on Junior. It's time to get back to the station."
"Huh?" Johnny stirred. "Come on Roy just let me sleep. I'll get up if we get toned out."
"Come on Johnny remember we are still at Rampart. You are trying to sleep on Brackett's coach, and he has an appointment here in his office."
Slowly sitting up and rubbing his eyes with his hands Johnny became aware of the others in the room. "Oh sorry doc." Then he turned towards the woman. Seeing her alluring blue eyes he instantly remembered the stewardess who had been on both flights to and from Fort Peck. "Cammie?" His face broke into one of his lopsided Gage grins.
"Hello Fireman Gage," she smiled back at him.
"Cammie I thought I wouldn't get to see you again. What…..um…what are you doing here?" he asked her.
"It's okay Johnny. I told you I didn't want to be too forward."
"No you don't understand. I….um…..I lost your number." He shrugged his shoulders timidly, "Then I was here at Rampart with my arm and ribs. Well you know. I got my ranch." His demeanor visibly lifted when he mentioned his new home. "Then I got hurt again. The guys moved me in while I was here in the hospital. I lost your number. I have been trying to find you. I thought we might do that dinner we talked about. But I haven't been working much and money…well….maybe I could invite you to my new home."
Smiling at the nervous man Camille wanted to put him at ease. "Well Fireman Gage. I thought you would never ask."
Looking back at Dr. Brackett Camille realized that all of this had transposed while she was supposed to be interviewing for a position and had instead just landed a date with the man she had dreamed about for the past two months. "I'm very sorry Dr. Brackett. Johnny and I met on his flight out to Montana and then as luck would have it I was asked to assist with the medical flight that brought him home. As a matter of fact I met the whole crew of Station 51. They are a great group of men. May I borrow your pen Dr. Brackett?"
"Certainly Ms Lawson," Dr. Brackett chuckled at the group before him.
Taking the pen and paper Cammie wrote down her number for Johnny. "Here you go Johnny call me sometime soon."
At that Roy took his very excited friend by the arm and ushered him into the hall. With a renewed energy and the biggest Gage grin on his face Johnny bound out of the emergency entrance and jumped into the squad. Roy rounded the back of the vehicle laughing out loud at his friend. I like this girl. I kind of hope she is the one for Johnny. He deserves some happiness like I have with Joanne. She is settled and independent. She would be good for him." Roy's thoughts raced through his head as he got into the squad and looked over at Johnny. He looks so happy.
Thankfully the rest of the shift was fairly quiet.
The next morning dawned to the tones calling the men to an MVA on the 405. To their surprise there were no major injuries and no patients to transport to Rampart. Rolling back in to the station the shift was finally over. Meeting the crew from C-shift as they headed into the locker room to change out of their uniforms the men from A-shift gladly turned over the station to the next group of guys.
"Hey Roy do you think I should call her today? I don't want to look like I am desperate, but I would really like to get to know her. There is just something about her that I can't explain."
"Sure Johnny I think she would like that. Maybe you could invite her to dinner or something."
"Well I don't know if she likes burgers or canned soup. I can't afford to take her out this month. The move and expenses along with the repairs that I have to make have my funds pretty tight; I guess I could invite her for a picnic. Some fruit and sandwiches would be okay for that." Johnny looked like he was deep in thought when Chet decided he had to find out who Johnny was talking about.
"What's a matter Johnny boy? Trying to get a new nurse to waste her day off with ya?"
"Shut up Chet. I'll have you know that I ran into Camille Lawson yesterday at Rampart. I'm gonna give her a call. She gave me her number again." Johnny fell hook line and sinker into Chet's trap.
"You mean that hot stewardess that you LOST her number the first time? Why would she give you a second chance? You can't even keep up with her number Gage." Chet snickered as he headed out the door.
"She gave it to me again Chester B. What do ya say to that? She likes me!" Johnny yelled towards the closed door.
"He got you again Johnny," Roy laughed.
"Well I don't care Roy. I'm not gonna let Chester B. Kelly ruin my mood. I have a woman with the most beautiful blue eyes I have ever seen who wants me to give her a call." He smiled as he grabbed his duffel bag and strutted out the door. "See ya partner."
Arriving at the ranch Johnny could not wait to make the phone call he had been thinking about since his meeting Camille at Rampart. He had just about given up finding her again and then there she was, and she was not even upset with him for losing her number. Pulling out the paper she had given him he reached for the telephone and dialed. Several rings later a soft voice said "Hello."
"Uh could I please speak to Ms. Camille Lawson?" Johnny asked not sure if it was Camille on the other end of the line.
"This is she."
"Oh. Hi Cammie, this is John Gage, Uh Johnny."
"Good morning Fireman Gage. I'm surprised to hear from you so soon. I thought you would be sleeping after shift."
"I just got home and wanted to call you before I took a nap. I was….Uh….I was hoping you…uh…you might want to….well come out to my ranch…and…Uh…have a….a picnic with me. Would you um…like to come out this afternoon?" He was so nervous he couldn't seem to get the words to come out. This was not going the way he had imagined the call to go. In his thoughts he was very confident and in control. He thought to himself that he sounded goofy. Why would she want to go out with him if he couldn't even get the words out?
Camille thought he was very endearing and cute. Looking at Johnny Gage a girl would think that as gorgeous as he was he must be very conceited and arrogant, but to her delight he was just the opposite. She couldn't wait to accept his offer. "Well Fireman Gage I would love to join you at your ranch for a picnic. What time would you like for me to be there, and what can I bring?"
Gaining confidence with her positive answer he responded more quickly and with more control of his words. "How does 5:30 sound? We can hike out to the brook. There is a huge oak tree beside a clearing that will be perfect. I have everything we need for the meal. You just bring yourself." He was grinning and she could tell it through his voice.
Camille was very pleased that he was happy she had accepted his invitation. "Okay Johnny tell me how do I get there?"
After explaining the directions to his ranch and confirming the time they concluded their phone call. Johnny hurried into the bedroom, stripped down to his t-shirt and boxers, pulled down his new shades to darken his bedroom and slipped under the covers for a much needed nap. True they had a quiet night at the station, but his first shift back from sick leave was very tiring for the still healing man. He was blissfully asleep within minutes.
Camille who had still been in bed herself pulled her blankets back up snugly under her chin and smiled. She thought she had turned the man off with her having given him her number after having just met him on a flight that he slept on practically from takeoff to landing. God he was a beautiful man. He was very tall 6 foot at least. His thick black hair was very wavy and unruly. His expressive brown eyes were to die for and his smile; that crooked grin would melt any woman's resolve. Camille drifted off to sleep thinking about how lucky she was to have even one date with the man.
Johnny awoke around 3 o'clock very stiff and sore. Getting up slowly he decided he needed a hot shower before doing anything else, a very hot shower. His arm was still somewhat stiff from the damage to his muscles when it was cut back in Fort Peck and his more recent injuries from the ceiling collapse had him still needing to work out the kinks. He had been released to return to work with the understanding that he needed to continue the exercises prescribed to him by the physical therapy team at Rampart. He could do the exercises at home and had continued them as instructed. Johnny thought he did not have time to exercise today since Camille was coming over. Surely one day would not make that much of a difference. After all he had gotten a lot of exercise yesterday. So he headed into the shower to try to ease his stiffness with the hot water.
A short while later he was showered and shaved and dressed in a pair of tight jeans and a dark green short sleeve button down shirt which he rolled the sleeves up on making them hug the muscles in his upper arms. He decided to make the sandwiches and prepare the fruit now so he would not be rushed later. Packing the food and some drinks into a cooler Johnny was ready for their picnic. He placed the cooler and a blanket beside the French doors leading to the deck. Now all he had to do was wait. Stepping out onto the deck he stretched trying to loosen up his tight muscles. It was not long before he could hear the crunch of tires on his drive. Deciding to walk around the house instead of through it he rounded the corner just as Camille pulled her vehicle up beside his Land Rover. Camille Lawson stepped out of her burgundy Land Rover and the two new friends both laughed. "Well I do like your choice of vehicle Ms. Lawson."
"And I yours Fireman Gage," she replied as she walked over toward the man. She liked what she saw. He looked great.
Johnny also noticed how he liked the vision before him. She was dressed in a tight pair of faded jeans and a loose pastel yellow button down shirt tied at the waist and open in the front revealing a slightly darker yellow tank top. Her beautiful wavy hair was pulled up into a pony tail. "Come on in the house. I will show you around and you can put your things inside."
The two went in the front and Camille was very pleased to find Johnny's home very neat and orderly. His home reflected his simple taste and was sprinkled with his Indian heritage by the beautiful blankets draped across the sofa and easy chair. She was drawn to the picture over the fireplace. "What a beautiful sunset. Where ever did you find this picture Johnny?"
"Um well actually I took that picture myself from a cliff outside the city. I had it enlarged and made the frame myself. Of course I had to get the glass cut to fit."
"Wow Johnny this is beautiful and the work on the frame. I am very impressed."
"I like to fiddle around with a camera. It's just a hobby, but I really like seeing the way my pictures turn out. I have done some portraits of Roy's children too. These are some of the ones I have taken of them and my aunt." He showed her the pictures on the mantle.
"They are very nice Johnny. Who is this couple?" she asked pointing to the old black and white photo.
'That's my parents."
"Oh I'm sorry Johnny I didn't mean to bring up sad things today. They were a lovely couple. I know you miss them."
"It was a very long time ago," he said as he looked longingly at the photo. After a few minutes he changed the subject and directed her down the hall showing her the rest of the home. As they moved from room to room Johnny explained how his friends had helped him furnish the house. They finished the tour of the house and moved out onto the deck where he showed her his new deck furniture that came to him by way of his partner. Camille was very touched by the generosity his friends shared with him. She had seen it first hand on the flight home from Fort Peck. These men were very protective of Johnny and went to great lengths to help him. "I'll just lock up and get the cooler. Are you ready to go?"
"Yes Johnny I would love to go now. I can't wait to see this picnic spot you have picked out for us."
They walked at a good pace towards the clearing. Johnny carried the cooler and Camille carried the blanket. They talked about the property around Johnny's home. He told Camille about his plans to repair the coral and stalls in the barn and hopefully have some horses in the next few months. He pointed out the area that he hoped to have a small garden in the spring. She was very moved by the depth of his love for the lifestyle on a ranch. John Roderick Gage bared his soul to her in his words about the hopes he had for his new home. He dreamed that someday he would be the rancher that his father had been. "So now you know what my plans are. Let me ask you Cammie did you get the job at Rampart?"
"Well to tell you the truth I don't know yet. I know I have the qualifications, but I am not sure our encounter in Dr. Brackett's office was very good for the interview," she couldn't help but laugh at the memory.
"Well Brackett is a fair man. I don't think he will hold our little reunion against you." Johnny smiled back at her and they both laughed. He felt very relaxed around Cammie.
Once they arrived at the great oak tree Johnny spread the blanket and set out the food. Camille walked over to the brook that ran through Johnny's property. The water rushing over the stones made a very relaxing rippling noise. "This is beautiful Johnny."
"I like it," he said. "Are you hungry?"
"Yes I could eat a horse," she said without thinking. "Oh sorry I mean yes I am a bit hungry."
"Well then let's eat," Johnny said as he took her by the hand and led her back to the blanket. "I hope you like ham sandwiches, chips and fruit. I brought some sodas to drink."
"This is fine Johnny, a perfect picnic."
The couple sat and talked as they ate not realizing the time. Before they knew it the sun was setting and darkness was approaching fast. "I think we had better head back while we can still find our way. I haven't lived here long enough to know it in the dark." Grabbing the blanket and cooler the two set out towards the house. They came out of the woods just as darkness descended on them. "Wow that was close. I don't know if we would have ever gotten back in the dark," Johnny stated as they climbed the deck stairs. "Would you like some coffee?"
"I would love some," Camille said as she sat in one of the deck chairs looking at the beautiful spectacle of stars above her head. "I'll wait right here."
Johnny chuckled at how much she looked like a school girl looking up at the stars for the first time in her life. He went into the house stored the cooler and blanket and started making the coffee. Stepping outside the doors he asked if she took cream and sugar.
"No I take it black please."
"Woman after my own heart," he said as he went back inside to get the coffee.
"You already have my heart Fireman Gage," she whispered to herself.
"Here you go my famous Gage coffee."
"What makes it famous?"
"Well some of the guys at the station make coffee so weak you almost have to add instant grounds to it to even taste the beans. I prefer to grind my own beans and make it very strong. I don't like it so strong that it is bitter, but strong enough that you can smell and taste the beans. Captain Stanley and Mike Stoker our engineer really like it when I make the coffee in the morning."
"Well I like my coffee strong too. Sometimes a strong cup of coffee is the only thing that keeps me going on a long flight. Thank you Johnny this is heavenly."
Thinking that the date could not go any better Johnny took the chair next to Cammie. They sat in companionable silence and looked up into the sky at the stars sipping their coffee.
"Johnny I have had a wonderful time. I want to thank you for inviting me to your new home. It is a lovely comfortable place. I would love to come back and see your horses once you get them."
"Well Ms. Lawson, I would like for you to come back."
They both stood up from their seats. Johnny moved closer to Camille. She could feel her heart flutter at his closeness. "Thank you for coming today Camille," Johnny said as he gazed into her beautiful blue eyes.
"Thank you Johnny," she said as she gazed back into his deep brown eyes.
They stood looking into each other's eyes for what seemed like a lifetime, but was in fact only a few minutes. "I'll walk you to your car. Do you want to get your things?"
"No Fireman Gage I want to kiss you," she said as she leaned into him and brushed her lips across his. He instinctively wrapped his arms around her waist and pressed her closer to him. They shared the gentlest passionate kiss that he had ever had. The two parted breathless. "I think I should get my things now."
"Okay."
The two went into the house. Camille got her purse and keys. Johnny walked her out onto the porch and just as she was about to start down the stairs he pulled her into another kiss. "I'll call you okay?"
"You better Fireman Gage. I'll be waiting," she smiled up at him held closely in his embrace.
Johnny walked her to her Land Rover opening the door to let her in. She climbed in behind the wheel and they said their goodbyes. He watched her as she drove away.
Johnny was very pleased with this beginning to a new chapter in his life. He had his new home, a ranch like he grew up on; he had his friends at Station 51 and their families, and now he thought that maybe he had found the woman that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. His life was definitely headed down a new path, and he couldn't wait to see where it might lead.
