Seeking
Solace
by GCS
Chapter Thirteen
By the time Hank had found some coffee and aspirin, called his wife and made his way to the surgery waiting area Roy was already pacing the room. "Cap, I just got here. I couldn't find Dixie or Dr. Brackett. I didn't get any real information from the nurses. What's happening?"
"Calm down Roy. Dixie and Dr. Brackett went up to surgery with John. I'm sure one of them will be updating us soon. I called Mike and I'm sure the rest of the guys will be here shortly. John's in good hands." Captain Stanley walked over to a bank of chairs and slowly sat down sipping his already cooling coffee. He made a face when he realized it was not hot enough for his liking and he sat the cup on the nearby table. "Man I hate cold coffee."
"Well it's a good thing I brought you some fresh coffee and a snack then," Mike said as he entered the waiting area with a drink tray and bag from McDonalds. "I figured you would be here too Roy. I got you something too."
"Thanks Mike," Roy said as he took the tray from Mike and handed out the welcomed hot liquid. Mike handed Captain Stanley a Big Mac and fries. He handed the bag containing another meal to Roy. Taking the warm food from the bag Roy sat next to his Captain and together they ate in silence. Mike sipped his coffee and studied the two worried friends. Mike had learned that sometimes observation could tell you a lot more than conversation. He could see that the situation was not good just by the mannerisms from his friends: the slumped shoulders, the slow nibbling, and the almost empty stares at the food spread out on the table. Yes things with Johnny were very serious.
Mike settled in for what he knew might be a very long wait. A short time later Marco and Chet joined them in their vigil.
"I guess this is how Gage felt when his friend Drew was hit by that car. Not know what would happen and all. Waiting to see if his friend would make it or not. This waiting…I…I don't like it," Chet commented from his slumped position in a chair next to Mike who proceeded to elbow Chet in the ribs. "Hey what was that for?"
"Why would you bring up something about Johnny's friend Drew who died from his injuries at a time like this?" Mike asked him with anger spread across his face. "Man Chet think about what you are saying."
"Oh…" Chet's eyebrows rose in understanding of what he had just said. "Um….sorry." If it was at all possible he slumped further in his chair.
Hoping to lighten the mood Marco talks about another memory about Johnny, "Hey guys remember that time those people wanted to do a photo shoot of the ideal fireman?" The guys smiled and shook their heads in memory.
Chet picked up the story at that point, "they thought that Gage was the perfect model material."
Then Mike chimed in, "he got so nervous between those pretty models. He posed for all of those pictures."
Chet continued, "man he got the big head over all that attention. Then in the end the photographer decided Johnny was too skinny to be a good example of a tough fireman, and he decided to use Roy instead. Johnny was so upset over that. It was hilarious." The group of firemen laughed at the memory. Slowly they sobered and remembered why they were all there and the silent waiting continued.
"People do tend to think he is a little soft, because he is so skinny. If they only had to carry him out of a fire unconscious one time they would realize just how solid and heavy he really is," Roy said shaking his head.
"Yeah and if they could only watch him eat," Captain Stanley agreed.
"Remember the time he decided that he could make some extra money in the rodeo?" Chet asked. "He had to sit on a pillow for a week." They all chuckled again at another funny memory. "Johnny has to be okay. He just has to."
The Battalion Chief came in just then and found the men in somber spirits. "Hank how's our boy?"
"He's still in surgery. We haven't heard yet."
"Well I came by to let you know that the Captains from B and C shift at your station heard about Gage and have called me to insist you stay here. They have offered to both take half of your shift Hank. Unfortunately, I have not been able to arrange for any of the rest of you to be relieved of duty tomorrow. With Gage out and another man from 32's we have a shortage of paramedics. Desoto, I know how close you and Gage are, but I will need you on shift."
Roy was visibly upset at the idea of working when Johnny was so sick, but he respectfully gave a "Yes Sir" to the Chief.
"Well Hank please keep me posted," the Chief said as he rose to leave. "We are all praying for your man."
Hank rose from his seat and shook hands with his superior. "Thank you for stopping by Chief and for allowing me to stay with John." Soon the group of men was getting restless just sitting and waiting to hear any kind of report on their friend. Mike stood up and offered to go for coffee. Marco and Chet decided to join him and stretch their legs leaving Roy and Hank alone for a few minutes. "Roy I'm sorry the Chief couldn't find a replacement for you."
"It's okay Cap as long as you can be with him. Joanne will probably be here tomorrow as well. Speaking of Joanne I expected her to show up. I think I'll call the house and see what is keeping her."
Before long the six men were back waiting and sipping hot coffee. Joanne had not been able to reach her sister. She and Roy decided that it would be best for her to wait at home for news. They had been waiting for about an hour and a half now, but it seemed like much more than that to the weary bunch.
Dr. Brackett neared the surgery waiting room with his surgery cap in his hand. Still dressed in his sweat soaked scrubs he stopped momentarily in the doorway and took in the grave looking group of men before him. He cleared his throat and entered the room only to be surrounded by the worried group. "Doc?" they all asked in unison.
"Relax guys. Johnny made it through the surgery. I think we stopped all the bleeding this time. As a matter of fact I think he will perk up rather quickly. I suspect we had missed a bleeder during the first surgery or he aggravated something with his first bout of coughing right after. Anyway he will regain his strength with the transfusions he is now getting. We'll be moving him to recovery in a few minutes. He should be back in his room in a couple of hours. He's going to be fine. Now if you will excuse me I need to get cleaned up and back to the ER." After a round of praises and thank you Dr. Brackett left the men.
Dixie McCall had stopped at the nurse's desk to update the staff on getting Johnny moved and settled in recovery. She turned to walk over to the waiting area and speak with her friends when she stopped at the sight before her.
Without prompting the group of strong firemen formed a circle and took hands. With heads bowed Marco led them in a prayer of thanks for the successful surgery. He also added a request for a speedy recovery and strength and protection for the rest of them who would be on shift the next day. Dixie was moved to tears seeing the group offer shoulder hugs and back slaps of congratulation that Johnny would recover once again. She turned from her intended destination, squared her shoulders and went back to her duties as head ER nurse. These men had each other. They had the strength of a compassionate, caring leader in Hank Stanley. A man they could turn to in their jobs as well as in their lives. She did not need to interrupt. Not only would Johnny recover he would be cared for by the best group of firemen LA County had to offer.
"Calm down Roy. Dixie and Dr. Brackett went up to surgery with John. I'm sure one of them will be updating us soon. I called Mike and I'm sure the rest of the guys will be here shortly. John's in good hands." Captain Stanley walked over to a bank of chairs and slowly sat down sipping his already cooling coffee. He made a face when he realized it was not hot enough for his liking and he sat the cup on the nearby table. "Man I hate cold coffee."
"Well it's a good thing I brought you some fresh coffee and a snack then," Mike said as he entered the waiting area with a drink tray and bag from McDonalds. "I figured you would be here too Roy. I got you something too."
"Thanks Mike," Roy said as he took the tray from Mike and handed out the welcomed hot liquid. Mike handed Captain Stanley a Big Mac and fries. He handed the bag containing another meal to Roy. Taking the warm food from the bag Roy sat next to his Captain and together they ate in silence. Mike sipped his coffee and studied the two worried friends. Mike had learned that sometimes observation could tell you a lot more than conversation. He could see that the situation was not good just by the mannerisms from his friends: the slumped shoulders, the slow nibbling, and the almost empty stares at the food spread out on the table. Yes things with Johnny were very serious.
Mike settled in for what he knew might be a very long wait. A short time later Marco and Chet joined them in their vigil.
"I guess this is how Gage felt when his friend Drew was hit by that car. Not know what would happen and all. Waiting to see if his friend would make it or not. This waiting…I…I don't like it," Chet commented from his slumped position in a chair next to Mike who proceeded to elbow Chet in the ribs. "Hey what was that for?"
"Why would you bring up something about Johnny's friend Drew who died from his injuries at a time like this?" Mike asked him with anger spread across his face. "Man Chet think about what you are saying."
"Oh…" Chet's eyebrows rose in understanding of what he had just said. "Um….sorry." If it was at all possible he slumped further in his chair.
Hoping to lighten the mood Marco talks about another memory about Johnny, "Hey guys remember that time those people wanted to do a photo shoot of the ideal fireman?" The guys smiled and shook their heads in memory.
Chet picked up the story at that point, "they thought that Gage was the perfect model material."
Then Mike chimed in, "he got so nervous between those pretty models. He posed for all of those pictures."
Chet continued, "man he got the big head over all that attention. Then in the end the photographer decided Johnny was too skinny to be a good example of a tough fireman, and he decided to use Roy instead. Johnny was so upset over that. It was hilarious." The group of firemen laughed at the memory. Slowly they sobered and remembered why they were all there and the silent waiting continued.
"People do tend to think he is a little soft, because he is so skinny. If they only had to carry him out of a fire unconscious one time they would realize just how solid and heavy he really is," Roy said shaking his head.
"Yeah and if they could only watch him eat," Captain Stanley agreed.
"Remember the time he decided that he could make some extra money in the rodeo?" Chet asked. "He had to sit on a pillow for a week." They all chuckled again at another funny memory. "Johnny has to be okay. He just has to."
The Battalion Chief came in just then and found the men in somber spirits. "Hank how's our boy?"
"He's still in surgery. We haven't heard yet."
"Well I came by to let you know that the Captains from B and C shift at your station heard about Gage and have called me to insist you stay here. They have offered to both take half of your shift Hank. Unfortunately, I have not been able to arrange for any of the rest of you to be relieved of duty tomorrow. With Gage out and another man from 32's we have a shortage of paramedics. Desoto, I know how close you and Gage are, but I will need you on shift."
Roy was visibly upset at the idea of working when Johnny was so sick, but he respectfully gave a "Yes Sir" to the Chief.
"Well Hank please keep me posted," the Chief said as he rose to leave. "We are all praying for your man."
Hank rose from his seat and shook hands with his superior. "Thank you for stopping by Chief and for allowing me to stay with John." Soon the group of men was getting restless just sitting and waiting to hear any kind of report on their friend. Mike stood up and offered to go for coffee. Marco and Chet decided to join him and stretch their legs leaving Roy and Hank alone for a few minutes. "Roy I'm sorry the Chief couldn't find a replacement for you."
"It's okay Cap as long as you can be with him. Joanne will probably be here tomorrow as well. Speaking of Joanne I expected her to show up. I think I'll call the house and see what is keeping her."
Before long the six men were back waiting and sipping hot coffee. Joanne had not been able to reach her sister. She and Roy decided that it would be best for her to wait at home for news. They had been waiting for about an hour and a half now, but it seemed like much more than that to the weary bunch.
Dr. Brackett neared the surgery waiting room with his surgery cap in his hand. Still dressed in his sweat soaked scrubs he stopped momentarily in the doorway and took in the grave looking group of men before him. He cleared his throat and entered the room only to be surrounded by the worried group. "Doc?" they all asked in unison.
"Relax guys. Johnny made it through the surgery. I think we stopped all the bleeding this time. As a matter of fact I think he will perk up rather quickly. I suspect we had missed a bleeder during the first surgery or he aggravated something with his first bout of coughing right after. Anyway he will regain his strength with the transfusions he is now getting. We'll be moving him to recovery in a few minutes. He should be back in his room in a couple of hours. He's going to be fine. Now if you will excuse me I need to get cleaned up and back to the ER." After a round of praises and thank you Dr. Brackett left the men.
Dixie McCall had stopped at the nurse's desk to update the staff on getting Johnny moved and settled in recovery. She turned to walk over to the waiting area and speak with her friends when she stopped at the sight before her.
Without prompting the group of strong firemen formed a circle and took hands. With heads bowed Marco led them in a prayer of thanks for the successful surgery. He also added a request for a speedy recovery and strength and protection for the rest of them who would be on shift the next day. Dixie was moved to tears seeing the group offer shoulder hugs and back slaps of congratulation that Johnny would recover once again. She turned from her intended destination, squared her shoulders and went back to her duties as head ER nurse. These men had each other. They had the strength of a compassionate, caring leader in Hank Stanley. A man they could turn to in their jobs as well as in their lives. She did not need to interrupt. Not only would Johnny recover he would be cared for by the best group of firemen LA County had to offer.
Epilogue
Johnny woke the next morning after his surgery to find Hank asleep in the chair beside his bed once again. He felt better, stronger than he had since his surgery. He stirred in the bed waking Hank. "John are you okay?"
"Yeah Cap. I feel a lot better."
"Can I ask you something?" Cap asked and Johnny nodded yes. "What was it about your anniversary at the department that had you so bugged?"
"I don't know Cap. I guess I just thought maybe like so much in my life my time here was up. I mean I really like being a fireman and a paramedic. It just seems like every time I think things are going good for me something happens. I don't want my career to end on a bad note. Ya know?"
"Well John you are a valuable asset to the department. We wouldn't let you go without trying to discourage from doing that."
"I know Cap, but then the accident. I felt like it was an omen. You know my people believe strongly that the spirits lead us. I thought the spirits were telling me my career was over. That it was time to move on before something worse happened."
"Well John consider this. Maybe the spirits thought you needed to be reminded how important you are to the rest of us. You are like a son to me John. I like having you on my team. You are very proficient at your job as both a fireman and a paramedic. I consider you and the rest of our crew to be the best LA has to offer. Couldn't it be possible that the spirits wanted you to be reminded that you have made the right choices and are doing what you were born to do?"
Johnny smiled one of the biggest Gage grins he had ever smiled. "Yeah Cap. Yeah I think you're right." He shifted trying to sit up higher in the bed. "Thanks Cap. Thanks for helping me to see that. I…Uh…I think of you as….well I…you…you mean a lot to me too Cap."
"I know son. I know."
"Cap?"
"Yes John?"
"Do you think you could read me some more of that novel?"
"Sure John I'd be glad too."
10/11/09
"Yeah Cap. I feel a lot better."
"Can I ask you something?" Cap asked and Johnny nodded yes. "What was it about your anniversary at the department that had you so bugged?"
"I don't know Cap. I guess I just thought maybe like so much in my life my time here was up. I mean I really like being a fireman and a paramedic. It just seems like every time I think things are going good for me something happens. I don't want my career to end on a bad note. Ya know?"
"Well John you are a valuable asset to the department. We wouldn't let you go without trying to discourage from doing that."
"I know Cap, but then the accident. I felt like it was an omen. You know my people believe strongly that the spirits lead us. I thought the spirits were telling me my career was over. That it was time to move on before something worse happened."
"Well John consider this. Maybe the spirits thought you needed to be reminded how important you are to the rest of us. You are like a son to me John. I like having you on my team. You are very proficient at your job as both a fireman and a paramedic. I consider you and the rest of our crew to be the best LA has to offer. Couldn't it be possible that the spirits wanted you to be reminded that you have made the right choices and are doing what you were born to do?"
Johnny smiled one of the biggest Gage grins he had ever smiled. "Yeah Cap. Yeah I think you're right." He shifted trying to sit up higher in the bed. "Thanks Cap. Thanks for helping me to see that. I…Uh…I think of you as….well I…you…you mean a lot to me too Cap."
"I know son. I know."
"Cap?"
"Yes John?"
"Do you think you could read me some more of that novel?"
"Sure John I'd be glad too."
10/11/09
To continue on to the sequel The Right Choices click here.
