Seeking
Solace
by GCS
Chapter Ten
Hank returned in a few minutes with his coffee and settled in to wait for Johnny to get his nap in. Johnny seemed to be sleeping a lot but usually in short spurts like cat naps. Thirty minutes after he drifted off he was awake again. Blinking his eyes to clear the sleep away he looked over at his Captain. "Um Cap?"
"You awake again? Can I get you something John?"
"Kinda thirsty."
"Here's some juice." Captain Stanley bent the straw and slipped it into Johnny's open mouth. Johnny sucked almost all of the offered juice down before pushing the straw from between his lips. "Good John. You almost finished it this time. Now we need to try this gadget again." He raised the head of the bed slightly and helped Johnny with the spirometer. After the third attempt to blow into the device Johnny was overcome with a bout of coughing. The coughing caused pain from the exertion in his abdomen around his surgery site. The pain was so severe it brought tears to Johnny's eyes. Slightly alarmed Captain Stanley pressed the nurse's call button. Since they were still in the SICU the nurse came immediately. "He was using this thing and it caused him to cough. He's really hurting." Hank held his hand on Johnny's shoulder to calm him. Johnny's breathing was short and rapid and he moaned from the pain in his belly.
"Mr. Gage you need to slow your breathing. Take deeper breaths or you'll hyperventilate. I'm going to page Dr. Brackett. I'll be right back."
"Okay son you heard the lady." Hank bent down beside Johnny so he could look him in the eye. "Slow it down now. Take a few deeper breaths." Johnny's eyes met Hank's and together they slowed his breathing. Johnny matching Cap's breath for breath. "Good. Now I know you're hurting. Dr. Brackett will be here in a minute."
About that time Dr. Brackett came striding into the room. "Hank, what's wrong?"
"He was using the breathing thing and started coughing. He couldn't stop. It was really hurting him where you did the surgery. He was hyperventilating, but we slowed his breathing."
"Johnny, can you tell me what happened?" Dr. Brackett leaned close to Johnny so he could hear what he said.
"I don't know. I couldn't get my breath. It hurts…m…my st...stitches pulled inside."
"Okay Johnny that's understandable. Let me check you out to be sure you didn't rip anything apart. Actually the coughing is good for breaking up the congestion that is probably building up in your lungs. Not so much that it strangles you like this time, but some coughing is good." Dr. Brackett pulled the covers down past Johnny's waist so he could look at the surgery site. He pulled the bandages back and probed around the stitches. Satisfied that he didn't find any evidence of bleeding or pulled stitches he asked the nurse to redress the injury. "Everything looks good here Johnny. Are you still in any pain right now?"
"No more than before."
"You've been having pain before? You didn't say anything." Johnny didn't answer but shifted his eyes away from Dr. Brackett. "John if you don't tell me what is happening I can't treat you appropriately. If you are in pain I need to know okay? Now I don't want to give you anything too strong for pain, because you are already sleeping more than I like. I'm going to get you some Tylenol. We'll see if that helps enough." Dr. Brackett made some notes on the chart hanging on the end of the bed and instructed the nurse to get the requested meds. "Hank I still want him to use the spirometer. I know it may make him cough some, but he needs it. Has he been eating?"
"He had a full cup of broth about an hour ago and a little jello. He drank almost that entire cup of juice when he woke up."
"Good. I think he can try a little more of that broth and juice tonight. I'll be back up in about an hour."
"Thank you Dr. Brackett," Hank patted Johnny on the shoulder and sat back down in the chair. The nurse brought the meds and Johnny took them. He was exhausted from the episode. "John I'm going to read you a little of this novel. You just relax and listen. Hank picked up the book and started reading to his friend like a father reads to his children. Johnny settled deeper into his pillow and watched Hank read to him. Hank was only able to get through a few pages of the first chapter before he looked over and saw Johnny's brown eyes closing. Johnny was once again asleep.
Johnny's nap lasted a little longer this time. Hank suspected that the Tylenol had helped him relax. 'Why wouldn't you tell us you were hurting some? I just don't understand that John. Are you afraid we'll think you're weak or something? Were you taught to conceal your pain for some reason? For a guy that can complain about the least little paper cut or scratch you sure do keep quiet when it really matters. I'm going to have to keep a closer watch on you my friend. Obviously you are hiding some pretty serious pain. I think you've done this before.' Hank was watching Johnny sleep deep in thought about Johnny's behavior when he looked up to see Dixie standing in the doorway with two steaming mugs of coffee. "He's sleeping again."
"He'll be okay Hank."
"I hope so. He had a bad coughing spell earlier. I was worried he was going to tear out his stitches."
"I know I spoke with Kel. He needs to cough some. It's normal. Here have some coffee. You look like you could use it. If you need to head home I promise he'll be in good hands." Dixie smiled as she handed Hank his coffee.
"No I'll stay. I really think John will heal better if he knows we're here for him. He hasn't had that in a while."
Dixie could see that an argument with the determined Captain would be a waste of her time. "He's a very lucky man to have such good friends. I'm sure it will help with his recuperation."
"He'd better get used to having us around. I plan to help him through this until he's back on his feet. The rest of the guys feel the same way. We thought we had lost him this time. There was so much blood." Hank shook his head as he remembered. "I know it will take a few weeks for him to get his energy back. We plan to stay with him until he can at least feed himself. Right now he is as weak as a new born kitten. He needs us."
"I think you all need him as much as he needs you."
"Yeah. Thanks for the coffee Dixie." He drank his coffee as Dixie checked Johnny's IV. She brushed the hair from his face and pulled the blankets more securely around her patient.
"Well I'm about to head out for the night. Do you need anything else Hank? Did you eat?"
"Um no I…well actually I hadn't thought about it. I was so worried about…um is the cafeteria still open?" Hank nervously answered her.
"I'll have a tray sent up if you like. I think the cafeteria has already closed. I'll have some juice and broth added to your tray for Johnny. Maybe some milk this time. How does a sandwich and iced tea sound?"
"That would be great."
"Take care of yourself too Hank. You won't be any good to Johnny if you make yourself sick trying to take care of him." Dixie left after giving her last bit of advice.
A short while later the tray arrived. Johnny was once again awake and drank most of his broth and all of the milk. "Okay John how about we read a little more?" Johnny nodded his head in agreement. He was enjoying the novel. "Pitt had requested the purchase of the craft after he had transferred from the Air Force to the National Underwater Marine Agency at the request of the Agency Director, Admiral James Sandecker. Pitt still retained his rank of Major and, according to the paperwork, was assigned to an indefinite tour of duty with NUMA. His title was that of Surface Security Officer, which was nothing to him but a fancy term for trouble shooter." Hank read from Clive Cussler's novel. "This Pitt guy sounds like some kind of expert." Hank looked over to see Johnny's reaction.
Johnny smiled, "Yeah this is a good book."
"Okay then let's read on." Hank shifted in his seat and continued to read. "Whenever a project ran into unknown difficulties or unscientific problems, it was Pitt's job to unravel the difficulty and get the operation back on the track. That was the purpose behind his request for the PBY Catalina flying boat. Slow as it was, it could comfortably carry passengers and cargo, and what was most important, land and take off in water; a prime factor since nearly ninety percent of NUMA's operations were miles at sea." That plane sounds like some of the sea planes the coast guard uses. I know you and Roy have been on several of the choppers, have you ever been on a sea plane?"
"No never a plane. Lot's of rescues by chopper."
"John can I ask you a question?"
"Sure Cap."
"I went by your apartment today to get you some things. I took your stuff home from your locker. I noticed that you don't have a lot. I mean I'm not judging you okay, but your place is kind of bare. I know it's none of my business, but I was just wondering if you are in some financial difficulty."
Johnny hadn't expected his boss to ask him that kind of personal question. He didn't talk about his personal life with anyone. He had never thought anyone would care. "I'm fine Cap. I don't need much." He averted his eyes from Cap's.
"Well John I know firemen are not paid that well, but I you should be able to provide more for yourself than you seem to have."
"It costs a lot to pay for a nursing home. My aunt took care of me when no one else wanted me. I wanted her to be in a nice place. She couldn't afford it, so I pay for it. I'm also trying to save for a ranch someday. I really want to raise horses. My Rover isn't paid for yet. It's no big deal Cap. I'm fine." That was the most he had said in days and it left him breathless.
Captain Stanley was once again impressed with his youngest crewman. "I didn't mean to upset you John. I'm just concerned about you."
"I know." Johnny softly answered.
"You don't have much food in that place of yours either."
"I was waiting until payday to go to the grocery. I haven't been in a couple of weeks. I eat Cap. Don't worry about it." Johnny was clearly uncomfortable discussing himself.
"Okay John. We won't talk about it any more for now. I just want to help. I do care about you son. Not just as one of my crew. You're a good man. I want you to know that you can come to me for help if you need it. Understood?"
Johnny found it hard to answer his Captain. He had a lump in his throat that threatened to come out if he tried to speak. It had been a long time since anyone had taken such an interest in his well being. Sure he had Roy and his family. His landlady was nice to him too, but this was different. This made him feel like he did when his parents were alive. "O..okay."
"Good. Now I think it's time we tried this breathing contraption again."
"You awake again? Can I get you something John?"
"Kinda thirsty."
"Here's some juice." Captain Stanley bent the straw and slipped it into Johnny's open mouth. Johnny sucked almost all of the offered juice down before pushing the straw from between his lips. "Good John. You almost finished it this time. Now we need to try this gadget again." He raised the head of the bed slightly and helped Johnny with the spirometer. After the third attempt to blow into the device Johnny was overcome with a bout of coughing. The coughing caused pain from the exertion in his abdomen around his surgery site. The pain was so severe it brought tears to Johnny's eyes. Slightly alarmed Captain Stanley pressed the nurse's call button. Since they were still in the SICU the nurse came immediately. "He was using this thing and it caused him to cough. He's really hurting." Hank held his hand on Johnny's shoulder to calm him. Johnny's breathing was short and rapid and he moaned from the pain in his belly.
"Mr. Gage you need to slow your breathing. Take deeper breaths or you'll hyperventilate. I'm going to page Dr. Brackett. I'll be right back."
"Okay son you heard the lady." Hank bent down beside Johnny so he could look him in the eye. "Slow it down now. Take a few deeper breaths." Johnny's eyes met Hank's and together they slowed his breathing. Johnny matching Cap's breath for breath. "Good. Now I know you're hurting. Dr. Brackett will be here in a minute."
About that time Dr. Brackett came striding into the room. "Hank, what's wrong?"
"He was using the breathing thing and started coughing. He couldn't stop. It was really hurting him where you did the surgery. He was hyperventilating, but we slowed his breathing."
"Johnny, can you tell me what happened?" Dr. Brackett leaned close to Johnny so he could hear what he said.
"I don't know. I couldn't get my breath. It hurts…m…my st...stitches pulled inside."
"Okay Johnny that's understandable. Let me check you out to be sure you didn't rip anything apart. Actually the coughing is good for breaking up the congestion that is probably building up in your lungs. Not so much that it strangles you like this time, but some coughing is good." Dr. Brackett pulled the covers down past Johnny's waist so he could look at the surgery site. He pulled the bandages back and probed around the stitches. Satisfied that he didn't find any evidence of bleeding or pulled stitches he asked the nurse to redress the injury. "Everything looks good here Johnny. Are you still in any pain right now?"
"No more than before."
"You've been having pain before? You didn't say anything." Johnny didn't answer but shifted his eyes away from Dr. Brackett. "John if you don't tell me what is happening I can't treat you appropriately. If you are in pain I need to know okay? Now I don't want to give you anything too strong for pain, because you are already sleeping more than I like. I'm going to get you some Tylenol. We'll see if that helps enough." Dr. Brackett made some notes on the chart hanging on the end of the bed and instructed the nurse to get the requested meds. "Hank I still want him to use the spirometer. I know it may make him cough some, but he needs it. Has he been eating?"
"He had a full cup of broth about an hour ago and a little jello. He drank almost that entire cup of juice when he woke up."
"Good. I think he can try a little more of that broth and juice tonight. I'll be back up in about an hour."
"Thank you Dr. Brackett," Hank patted Johnny on the shoulder and sat back down in the chair. The nurse brought the meds and Johnny took them. He was exhausted from the episode. "John I'm going to read you a little of this novel. You just relax and listen. Hank picked up the book and started reading to his friend like a father reads to his children. Johnny settled deeper into his pillow and watched Hank read to him. Hank was only able to get through a few pages of the first chapter before he looked over and saw Johnny's brown eyes closing. Johnny was once again asleep.
Johnny's nap lasted a little longer this time. Hank suspected that the Tylenol had helped him relax. 'Why wouldn't you tell us you were hurting some? I just don't understand that John. Are you afraid we'll think you're weak or something? Were you taught to conceal your pain for some reason? For a guy that can complain about the least little paper cut or scratch you sure do keep quiet when it really matters. I'm going to have to keep a closer watch on you my friend. Obviously you are hiding some pretty serious pain. I think you've done this before.' Hank was watching Johnny sleep deep in thought about Johnny's behavior when he looked up to see Dixie standing in the doorway with two steaming mugs of coffee. "He's sleeping again."
"He'll be okay Hank."
"I hope so. He had a bad coughing spell earlier. I was worried he was going to tear out his stitches."
"I know I spoke with Kel. He needs to cough some. It's normal. Here have some coffee. You look like you could use it. If you need to head home I promise he'll be in good hands." Dixie smiled as she handed Hank his coffee.
"No I'll stay. I really think John will heal better if he knows we're here for him. He hasn't had that in a while."
Dixie could see that an argument with the determined Captain would be a waste of her time. "He's a very lucky man to have such good friends. I'm sure it will help with his recuperation."
"He'd better get used to having us around. I plan to help him through this until he's back on his feet. The rest of the guys feel the same way. We thought we had lost him this time. There was so much blood." Hank shook his head as he remembered. "I know it will take a few weeks for him to get his energy back. We plan to stay with him until he can at least feed himself. Right now he is as weak as a new born kitten. He needs us."
"I think you all need him as much as he needs you."
"Yeah. Thanks for the coffee Dixie." He drank his coffee as Dixie checked Johnny's IV. She brushed the hair from his face and pulled the blankets more securely around her patient.
"Well I'm about to head out for the night. Do you need anything else Hank? Did you eat?"
"Um no I…well actually I hadn't thought about it. I was so worried about…um is the cafeteria still open?" Hank nervously answered her.
"I'll have a tray sent up if you like. I think the cafeteria has already closed. I'll have some juice and broth added to your tray for Johnny. Maybe some milk this time. How does a sandwich and iced tea sound?"
"That would be great."
"Take care of yourself too Hank. You won't be any good to Johnny if you make yourself sick trying to take care of him." Dixie left after giving her last bit of advice.
A short while later the tray arrived. Johnny was once again awake and drank most of his broth and all of the milk. "Okay John how about we read a little more?" Johnny nodded his head in agreement. He was enjoying the novel. "Pitt had requested the purchase of the craft after he had transferred from the Air Force to the National Underwater Marine Agency at the request of the Agency Director, Admiral James Sandecker. Pitt still retained his rank of Major and, according to the paperwork, was assigned to an indefinite tour of duty with NUMA. His title was that of Surface Security Officer, which was nothing to him but a fancy term for trouble shooter." Hank read from Clive Cussler's novel. "This Pitt guy sounds like some kind of expert." Hank looked over to see Johnny's reaction.
Johnny smiled, "Yeah this is a good book."
"Okay then let's read on." Hank shifted in his seat and continued to read. "Whenever a project ran into unknown difficulties or unscientific problems, it was Pitt's job to unravel the difficulty and get the operation back on the track. That was the purpose behind his request for the PBY Catalina flying boat. Slow as it was, it could comfortably carry passengers and cargo, and what was most important, land and take off in water; a prime factor since nearly ninety percent of NUMA's operations were miles at sea." That plane sounds like some of the sea planes the coast guard uses. I know you and Roy have been on several of the choppers, have you ever been on a sea plane?"
"No never a plane. Lot's of rescues by chopper."
"John can I ask you a question?"
"Sure Cap."
"I went by your apartment today to get you some things. I took your stuff home from your locker. I noticed that you don't have a lot. I mean I'm not judging you okay, but your place is kind of bare. I know it's none of my business, but I was just wondering if you are in some financial difficulty."
Johnny hadn't expected his boss to ask him that kind of personal question. He didn't talk about his personal life with anyone. He had never thought anyone would care. "I'm fine Cap. I don't need much." He averted his eyes from Cap's.
"Well John I know firemen are not paid that well, but I you should be able to provide more for yourself than you seem to have."
"It costs a lot to pay for a nursing home. My aunt took care of me when no one else wanted me. I wanted her to be in a nice place. She couldn't afford it, so I pay for it. I'm also trying to save for a ranch someday. I really want to raise horses. My Rover isn't paid for yet. It's no big deal Cap. I'm fine." That was the most he had said in days and it left him breathless.
Captain Stanley was once again impressed with his youngest crewman. "I didn't mean to upset you John. I'm just concerned about you."
"I know." Johnny softly answered.
"You don't have much food in that place of yours either."
"I was waiting until payday to go to the grocery. I haven't been in a couple of weeks. I eat Cap. Don't worry about it." Johnny was clearly uncomfortable discussing himself.
"Okay John. We won't talk about it any more for now. I just want to help. I do care about you son. Not just as one of my crew. You're a good man. I want you to know that you can come to me for help if you need it. Understood?"
Johnny found it hard to answer his Captain. He had a lump in his throat that threatened to come out if he tried to speak. It had been a long time since anyone had taken such an interest in his well being. Sure he had Roy and his family. His landlady was nice to him too, but this was different. This made him feel like he did when his parents were alive. "O..okay."
"Good. Now I think it's time we tried this breathing contraption again."
Chapter Eleven
Hank held the spirometer for Johnny again as he blew into it. After the third attempt to make the ball move, Johnny was again overcome with coughing. Dixie had brought in a small pillow and instructed Johnny to hold it over his incision site to help from straining himself when he coughed. Hank handed him the pillow. "Here Johnny try this." Johnny took the pillow and held it close as his body was wracked with coughing.
"Oh man, that hurts." Johnny was finally able to stop coughing. "I hope that doesn't happen every time I use that thing. I can't take much more of that."
"I don't think it's supposed to make you cough that much." Hank scratched his head as he looked at the breathing device. He placed it back on the table and helped Johnny pull his covers back up over his chest. "You okay?"
"Yeah I…I think so." Johnny sunk lower in the bed and yawned.
"Get some rest John." Captain Stanley patted his youngest paramedic on the shoulder and resumed his seat in the chair.
"Cap you don't need to sleep in that chair again. Go on home. I'll be fine tonight. The nurses will get me anything I need," Johnny whispered weakly.
"No John and no arguments. I'm staying."
Johnny nodded, yawned again and his eyes slid closed.
About two hours later Johnny began stirring in the bed. He moaned slightly and turned his head from side to side. Hank was awakened by the noises coming from Johnny's bed. He reached out and placed his hand on Johnny's forehead to calm him. When he did he immediately noticed the warmth emanating from the injured man. Johnny was running a fever. Hank reached over and pressed the call button. The nurse stuck her head into the door, "Can I get you something Captain Stanley?"
"He's running a fever. He's restless and coughing more than he was."
"Okay, let me get some new vitals and then I'll page Dr. Brackett." The nurse made quick work of getting Johnny's vitals. Making notes in the chart she turned to the captain. "His fever is 101.6. It's not high, but he doesn't need it right now. I'll be right back with whatever Dr. Brackett prescribes. I'll also bring a bowl of cool water and some rags. We can bathe him down to help bring the fever down."
"Okay. Thanks."
Instead of the nurse returning with the items she mentioned Dr. Brackett came into the room. "Here's the cool water Hank. Let me get a listen to his lungs. I hope he isn't trying to come down with pneumonia. We don't need any complications. Hopefully this fever is just from stress and fatigue. I think we'll run some more blood tests to see if any infection shows up. I'll be right back." Dr. Brackett left the room to order the blood work. Hank took the rag and began to bathe Johnny's face with it. Dr. Brackett returned a few minutes later. "I've ordered a change in his antibiotic. His lungs don't sound too bad, but I don't want to take any chances. How was he before you went on that run?"
"Well he was really quiet. For Johnny I mean. He was talking about it being his sixth anniversary since graduating from the academy. He spent a lot of time sitting on his Rover alone in the parking lot. I don't remember him being sick though if that's what you're asking."
"Well then maybe this blood test will tell us what we need to know. I'll have the results in about an hour. I'll be back." Dr. Brackett left to take the blood samples to the lab himself. Johnny relaxed under the care Hank was giving him.
After another cat nap Johnny awoke from sleep.
Johnny stared at the ceiling deep in thought for a long time before Captain Stanley noticed he was awake. "John are you okay?" Johnny didn't answer. More than a little worried Hank came up next to the bed and placed his hand on Johnny's shoulder. "What is it son? Are you hurting?"
Turning to face his Captain Johnny blinked several times. Suddenly he realized that his Captain had been talking to him. "Huh?"
"Are you all right Johnny?"
"All right?"
"Yes John, I've been talking to you for five minutes and you haven't heard me."
"Y…you…you have? I..uh.." Johnny turned away from his friend. "Uh..'m okay Cap. It's just. I don't. Why Cap? Why'd this..h..ave to..hap…happen?"
"I'm not sure I understand what you mean John, but if you're asking why did you get hurt I don't have an answer for you. Is that what you want to know?"
"Yeah. Why on m…m…my anniversary w…with…t..t..the department. It…it was…such a g…good d..."
Hank patted Johnny on the shoulder. "John you know as well as I do that in our line of work anything can happen. Don't beat yourself up over why it happened. Don't read too much into the date of your accident. If anything you should try to remember that because of your training you knew what to do when it did happen. You should be very proud of yourself for your ability to grab hold of that catwalk and with Chet and Roy's help pull yourself up. You also knew to try to stay alert as long as possible to prevent going into shock."
"Y…yeah?"
"Yes you should be very proud."
"Cap?"
"What is it son?"
"I..um…I don..don't feel s..s…so good."
"What's wrong John? Are you hurting?" Hank reached for the nurse's call button.
"Ss..sick. Mmm…my head hurts."
"Oh man, that hurts." Johnny was finally able to stop coughing. "I hope that doesn't happen every time I use that thing. I can't take much more of that."
"I don't think it's supposed to make you cough that much." Hank scratched his head as he looked at the breathing device. He placed it back on the table and helped Johnny pull his covers back up over his chest. "You okay?"
"Yeah I…I think so." Johnny sunk lower in the bed and yawned.
"Get some rest John." Captain Stanley patted his youngest paramedic on the shoulder and resumed his seat in the chair.
"Cap you don't need to sleep in that chair again. Go on home. I'll be fine tonight. The nurses will get me anything I need," Johnny whispered weakly.
"No John and no arguments. I'm staying."
Johnny nodded, yawned again and his eyes slid closed.
About two hours later Johnny began stirring in the bed. He moaned slightly and turned his head from side to side. Hank was awakened by the noises coming from Johnny's bed. He reached out and placed his hand on Johnny's forehead to calm him. When he did he immediately noticed the warmth emanating from the injured man. Johnny was running a fever. Hank reached over and pressed the call button. The nurse stuck her head into the door, "Can I get you something Captain Stanley?"
"He's running a fever. He's restless and coughing more than he was."
"Okay, let me get some new vitals and then I'll page Dr. Brackett." The nurse made quick work of getting Johnny's vitals. Making notes in the chart she turned to the captain. "His fever is 101.6. It's not high, but he doesn't need it right now. I'll be right back with whatever Dr. Brackett prescribes. I'll also bring a bowl of cool water and some rags. We can bathe him down to help bring the fever down."
"Okay. Thanks."
Instead of the nurse returning with the items she mentioned Dr. Brackett came into the room. "Here's the cool water Hank. Let me get a listen to his lungs. I hope he isn't trying to come down with pneumonia. We don't need any complications. Hopefully this fever is just from stress and fatigue. I think we'll run some more blood tests to see if any infection shows up. I'll be right back." Dr. Brackett left the room to order the blood work. Hank took the rag and began to bathe Johnny's face with it. Dr. Brackett returned a few minutes later. "I've ordered a change in his antibiotic. His lungs don't sound too bad, but I don't want to take any chances. How was he before you went on that run?"
"Well he was really quiet. For Johnny I mean. He was talking about it being his sixth anniversary since graduating from the academy. He spent a lot of time sitting on his Rover alone in the parking lot. I don't remember him being sick though if that's what you're asking."
"Well then maybe this blood test will tell us what we need to know. I'll have the results in about an hour. I'll be back." Dr. Brackett left to take the blood samples to the lab himself. Johnny relaxed under the care Hank was giving him.
After another cat nap Johnny awoke from sleep.
Johnny stared at the ceiling deep in thought for a long time before Captain Stanley noticed he was awake. "John are you okay?" Johnny didn't answer. More than a little worried Hank came up next to the bed and placed his hand on Johnny's shoulder. "What is it son? Are you hurting?"
Turning to face his Captain Johnny blinked several times. Suddenly he realized that his Captain had been talking to him. "Huh?"
"Are you all right Johnny?"
"All right?"
"Yes John, I've been talking to you for five minutes and you haven't heard me."
"Y…you…you have? I..uh.." Johnny turned away from his friend. "Uh..'m okay Cap. It's just. I don't. Why Cap? Why'd this..h..ave to..hap…happen?"
"I'm not sure I understand what you mean John, but if you're asking why did you get hurt I don't have an answer for you. Is that what you want to know?"
"Yeah. Why on m…m…my anniversary w…with…t..t..the department. It…it was…such a g…good d..."
Hank patted Johnny on the shoulder. "John you know as well as I do that in our line of work anything can happen. Don't beat yourself up over why it happened. Don't read too much into the date of your accident. If anything you should try to remember that because of your training you knew what to do when it did happen. You should be very proud of yourself for your ability to grab hold of that catwalk and with Chet and Roy's help pull yourself up. You also knew to try to stay alert as long as possible to prevent going into shock."
"Y…yeah?"
"Yes you should be very proud."
"Cap?"
"What is it son?"
"I..um…I don..don't feel s..s…so good."
"What's wrong John? Are you hurting?" Hank reached for the nurse's call button.
"Ss..sick. Mmm…my head hurts."
Chapter Twelve
Before the nurse could answer the call Johnny began to cough and gag. His eyes grew wide and he started swallowing and licking his lips trying not to throw up. Hank had seen him this way before and knew what was about to happen. Just as the nurse entered the room Johnny lost his struggle and started retching. She rushed over to the bed, but before she could get there he started to vomit. Hank and the nurse grabbed Johnny by the shoulders and gently turned him on his side, but they both feared that he had aspirated some. Shortly after they got him on his side Dr. Brackett and Dixie burst into the room. "What happened?" Dr. Brackett asked as he and Dixie began trying to clear Johnny's mouth and airway.
"He said he didn't feel very well. He um said his head hurt. He got sick really fast." Hank was clearly upset his calm captain's exterior nonexistent at the moment, but he tried to explain the best he could. He had backed away giving the doctor and nurses room to work. Johnny continued to dry heave and was clutching his side moaning and gasping for air. Dr. Brackett noticed that Johnny was holding his surgery site and pulled the sheets down to check. Immediately Dr. Brackett could see that Johnny was bleeding again.
"Dixie." He pointed to the bloodied bandages. "Get me an OR."
Dixie nodded her understanding and left the room.
"Johnny I need you to calm down. Take some deep breaths. We're going to have to take you back to surgery. You've torn your stitches. Everything will be all right. Do you understand?" Johnny didn't seem to hear Dr. Brackett. He continued to try to get air into his lungs. The paramedic in him knew he had aspirated some. He knew that he was having trouble breathing, but he couldn't get enough air to speak. "Johnny are you having trouble breathing?" Johnny nodded his head. "Okay we'll take care of that in just a second." He reached for the oxygen mask on the wall above the bed and secured it in place over Johnny's nose and mouth and then set the air flow.
Dixie had returned to the room with some medications that were quickly inserted into the IV port. Johnny's dry heaving slowed almost immediately, and he began to relax. "C Ca ap?"
"I'm right here John." Hank stepped around the bed so Johnny could see him. Johnny reached out his hand. Hank took it. "I'm right here son." Johnny's eyes slid closed. "Doc is he going to be all right?"
Dr. Brackett looked up at Hank and nodded his head toward the door letting him know he wanted to speak with him outside. "Dixie we need to call Roy. He is listed as next of kin. He needs to know what's going on." Dixie slipped from the room again. "Johnny we will be right back."
Hank let go of Johnny's hand and turned to follow Dr. Brackett from the room. Johnny stirred and his hand opened and closed looking for the comfort his Captain's hand offered him. Hank patted Johnny's hand and leaned down to whisper in Johnny's ear. "I'm still here son. I'm going to step outside and talk to Dr. Brackett. I'll be right back. Take it easy for me until I get back." Johnny's hand stopped searching.
The floor nurse continued trying to clean Johnny up as best she could washing his face and arms while the others left the room.
Outside Hank wasted no time in asking his question again. "Doc is he going to be all right?"
"Hank I have to be honest with you. This is a serious setback. I am almost positive that Johnny aspirated some and that will compromise his already weakened lungs. Pneumonia is almost certain at this point. He has not regained his strength from the previous blood loss and now we are dealing with more. I suspected that he had been bleeding internally already from the coughing yesterday. The symptoms are all there. The continued weakness, nausea, and headache. I was hoping it would clear up on its own, but have already been considering additional surgery. He is a very sick man. Johnny is extremely important to all of us, and I assure you we will do everything we can, but I think you should call his friends and let them know what is going on."
"Thank you for your honesty Doc. I'll call them once you take Johnny back to surgery. I'm going to stay with him until you do." Hank turned and went back into the room. Walked back to Johnny's bedside and took Johnny's hand in his. "I'm back son. I'm right here." Johnny lightly gripped Hank's hand.
Out at the nurse's desk Dixie got Roy on the phone.
"Hello Desoto residence."
"Roy, this is Dixie."
"Dixie what's wrong?"
"It's Johnny. He's had a turn for the worse. He got sick. We're almost certain he aspirated and he's torn his stitches. We need to take him back to surgery. Kel wants you here."
"Is he going to be all right?"
"I'm really worried Roy. Can you come?" Dixie's voice wavered. She reached up and wiped away the tears that threatened to fall from her sad eyes.
"I'm on my way." Roy hung up the phone and turned to his wife taking her into his arms.
"Roy what's wrong?"
"Honey Johnny's going back to surgery. Dixie sounded. Well she sounded like they didn't know. I have to get up there. God Joanne if…"
"Roy Desoto don't you even think that. John Gage is a fighter. He will fight this. There are too many people who love him for him not to. Now you go up there and let him know he has our support. I'll call my sister to come watch the children and meet you there as soon as I can. Go Roy. Go to Johnny."
Before Roy could even get his car keys out of his pocket things had progressed rapidly at Rampart. Johnny was whisked away to surgery, and Hank was left to make his phone calls. He called Mike Stoker first. Mike had become Hank's closest friend some time ago. It was unusual for a Captain to become so close to his crew, but Hank Stanley was no regular Captain. He loved his men. He bonded with them on the first day. He would do anything for them. He and Mike confided in each other when they needed a friend. Hank needed Mike now. "Hello Michael."
"Cap is that you?" He knew if Hank called him Michael something had him very upset.
Hank cleared his throat. "Um yeah."
"Cap I was about to head up there to relieve you for a while with Johnny." There was a pause. Neither man spoke. "There's something wrong isn't there?"
"Johnny got sick. He um he's on his way back to surgery. He tore his wound open again. I…I don't. I don't know Mike. It's pretty bad." Hank rubbed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose. He had his own headache right now.
"He'll be okay Hank. I'll be there as fast as I can. Will you be in the surgery waiting area?"
"Yes."
"Hank have you eaten anything?"
"I'm not hungry Mike. I'll get something later."
"You want me to call Chet and Marco?"
"That would be great. I'll see you when you get here. I think I'll get some coffee and go on up there to wait. In case…"
"Don't Cap. Johnny will be okay." The two men hung up the phone. Mike set about calling Chet and Marco. Hank went to find some coffee and hopefully some aspirin. He knew that he was in for another long wait.
"He said he didn't feel very well. He um said his head hurt. He got sick really fast." Hank was clearly upset his calm captain's exterior nonexistent at the moment, but he tried to explain the best he could. He had backed away giving the doctor and nurses room to work. Johnny continued to dry heave and was clutching his side moaning and gasping for air. Dr. Brackett noticed that Johnny was holding his surgery site and pulled the sheets down to check. Immediately Dr. Brackett could see that Johnny was bleeding again.
"Dixie." He pointed to the bloodied bandages. "Get me an OR."
Dixie nodded her understanding and left the room.
"Johnny I need you to calm down. Take some deep breaths. We're going to have to take you back to surgery. You've torn your stitches. Everything will be all right. Do you understand?" Johnny didn't seem to hear Dr. Brackett. He continued to try to get air into his lungs. The paramedic in him knew he had aspirated some. He knew that he was having trouble breathing, but he couldn't get enough air to speak. "Johnny are you having trouble breathing?" Johnny nodded his head. "Okay we'll take care of that in just a second." He reached for the oxygen mask on the wall above the bed and secured it in place over Johnny's nose and mouth and then set the air flow.
Dixie had returned to the room with some medications that were quickly inserted into the IV port. Johnny's dry heaving slowed almost immediately, and he began to relax. "C Ca ap?"
"I'm right here John." Hank stepped around the bed so Johnny could see him. Johnny reached out his hand. Hank took it. "I'm right here son." Johnny's eyes slid closed. "Doc is he going to be all right?"
Dr. Brackett looked up at Hank and nodded his head toward the door letting him know he wanted to speak with him outside. "Dixie we need to call Roy. He is listed as next of kin. He needs to know what's going on." Dixie slipped from the room again. "Johnny we will be right back."
Hank let go of Johnny's hand and turned to follow Dr. Brackett from the room. Johnny stirred and his hand opened and closed looking for the comfort his Captain's hand offered him. Hank patted Johnny's hand and leaned down to whisper in Johnny's ear. "I'm still here son. I'm going to step outside and talk to Dr. Brackett. I'll be right back. Take it easy for me until I get back." Johnny's hand stopped searching.
The floor nurse continued trying to clean Johnny up as best she could washing his face and arms while the others left the room.
Outside Hank wasted no time in asking his question again. "Doc is he going to be all right?"
"Hank I have to be honest with you. This is a serious setback. I am almost positive that Johnny aspirated some and that will compromise his already weakened lungs. Pneumonia is almost certain at this point. He has not regained his strength from the previous blood loss and now we are dealing with more. I suspected that he had been bleeding internally already from the coughing yesterday. The symptoms are all there. The continued weakness, nausea, and headache. I was hoping it would clear up on its own, but have already been considering additional surgery. He is a very sick man. Johnny is extremely important to all of us, and I assure you we will do everything we can, but I think you should call his friends and let them know what is going on."
"Thank you for your honesty Doc. I'll call them once you take Johnny back to surgery. I'm going to stay with him until you do." Hank turned and went back into the room. Walked back to Johnny's bedside and took Johnny's hand in his. "I'm back son. I'm right here." Johnny lightly gripped Hank's hand.
Out at the nurse's desk Dixie got Roy on the phone.
"Hello Desoto residence."
"Roy, this is Dixie."
"Dixie what's wrong?"
"It's Johnny. He's had a turn for the worse. He got sick. We're almost certain he aspirated and he's torn his stitches. We need to take him back to surgery. Kel wants you here."
"Is he going to be all right?"
"I'm really worried Roy. Can you come?" Dixie's voice wavered. She reached up and wiped away the tears that threatened to fall from her sad eyes.
"I'm on my way." Roy hung up the phone and turned to his wife taking her into his arms.
"Roy what's wrong?"
"Honey Johnny's going back to surgery. Dixie sounded. Well she sounded like they didn't know. I have to get up there. God Joanne if…"
"Roy Desoto don't you even think that. John Gage is a fighter. He will fight this. There are too many people who love him for him not to. Now you go up there and let him know he has our support. I'll call my sister to come watch the children and meet you there as soon as I can. Go Roy. Go to Johnny."
Before Roy could even get his car keys out of his pocket things had progressed rapidly at Rampart. Johnny was whisked away to surgery, and Hank was left to make his phone calls. He called Mike Stoker first. Mike had become Hank's closest friend some time ago. It was unusual for a Captain to become so close to his crew, but Hank Stanley was no regular Captain. He loved his men. He bonded with them on the first day. He would do anything for them. He and Mike confided in each other when they needed a friend. Hank needed Mike now. "Hello Michael."
"Cap is that you?" He knew if Hank called him Michael something had him very upset.
Hank cleared his throat. "Um yeah."
"Cap I was about to head up there to relieve you for a while with Johnny." There was a pause. Neither man spoke. "There's something wrong isn't there?"
"Johnny got sick. He um he's on his way back to surgery. He tore his wound open again. I…I don't. I don't know Mike. It's pretty bad." Hank rubbed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose. He had his own headache right now.
"He'll be okay Hank. I'll be there as fast as I can. Will you be in the surgery waiting area?"
"Yes."
"Hank have you eaten anything?"
"I'm not hungry Mike. I'll get something later."
"You want me to call Chet and Marco?"
"That would be great. I'll see you when you get here. I think I'll get some coffee and go on up there to wait. In case…"
"Don't Cap. Johnny will be okay." The two men hung up the phone. Mike set about calling Chet and Marco. Hank went to find some coffee and hopefully some aspirin. He knew that he was in for another long wait.
