The Fire
Talks
Chapter Twenty Eight
by GCS and Hotshow
Roy joined the others back in the living room. "He'll be right out."
"Isn't he dressed yet, Roy? It's been at least thirty minutes since he went to get ready." Joanne was not the least bit impressed with Johnny keeping their guests waiting.
"He fell asleep." Roy shrugged.
"Oh, poor thing is just so tired since the accident." Feeling bad about her impatience, Joanne made excuses for her house guest.
"It's no problem Joanne. We're here to visit with you and Roy as well. Thank you for inviting us to breakfast." Dixie tried to put Joanne at ease.
"So, Roy, before he gets in here, why don't you fill us in on what happened last night when he fell?" Dr. Early sat forward and requested softly. Kel and Dixie also leaned forward conspiratorially.
Roy mimicked their posture as did Joanne. "Well he seemed okay most of the day. You know he moved slowly, but managed. When we were over at Cap's he got a headache. He said his head was really swimming. The guys helped him to the car. He fell asleep as soon as he sat down." He chuckled. "I even had to buckle him in like I do with the kids." He looked up at the medical professionals and smiled. "He slept all the way home. Joanne and I helped him to bed, but he didn't stay there long. He woke up dizzy again, but I didn't know how dizzy until I heard him hit the floor in the hall." He paused and sighed deeply. "We didn't see him fall, but by the sound of it, he fell hard and fast."
"It wasn't your fault." Dixie reached over and patted Roy's arm. "You know that right?" She knew Roy always blamed himself when Johnny was injured or sick. Johnny did the same thing when it came to Roy.
Roy looked at Dixie and smiled. "Yeah. Anyway, we helped him up and back to bed. His vitals were elevated, but he said he didn't hit his head again. That's when I called you guys."
"Well, it certainly sounds like he said…" Dr. Early started, but Johnny entered the room before he could finish his statement.
"It is exactly like I said." Johnny stood behind Roy with his arms folded. "What is this a secret pow wow? I'm fine. I just got a little dizzy and there wasn't anything to hold on to. That's all. Simple as that." He waved his hand in the air. "Now if I remember correctly, Pally, you and Joanne invited these people over for breakfast, and I'm hungry." He patted his flat tummy.
Everyone laughed at Johnny's silliness. "Of course you are sweetheart." Joanne hooked her hand into the bend of his arm and led him to the table. "Now you just sit right here and I'll get things right out."
Dixie stood and followed Joanne into the kitchen, "Let me help you Jo."
Everyone found a seat around the dining room table as the women brought out the food. Plates were filled and a relaxed discussion about the many cases seen in the ER the past night.
As all the plates were cleared and more coffee poured, Johnny cleared his throat and began. "I uh…I'm glad you all came to breakfast. There are some things I wanted to tell you."
Dixie, Kel and Joe exchanged worried glances. "Look Johnny, I know this head injury has been much worse than any you've had in the past, but that is no reason to give up on a career we all know you love." Kel broke in before Johnny could continue.
Johnny's eyes widened and he quickly cleared that up. "Oh no…I'm not quitting. I…well…" He hesitated, not sure of how to proceed. He looked at Roy and Joanne for courage.
Roy smiled at him and nodded his head. Joanne winked at him and smiled.
Johnny cleared his throat again. "Remember that novel everyone has been reading?"
"Yes," they all responded together.
"Well the author, Chris J. Bean, that's me." He smiled broadly and waited before continuing to give that time to sink in.
Dixie's eyes lit up and she smiled, "I knew it!"
Kel and Joe looked at her incredulously. "How did you know that?" Kel leaned back and crossed his arms over his chest.
"I just know my favorite paramedics. The stories in the book about the fires were some of the many stories these two have shared with me after bringing in patients. I just knew one of them, or both of them had to have had something to do with that book." She looked at Roy to see if he had been involved. He nodded his head no and shifted his eyes in Johnny's direction as he tilted his head that way.
"Roy?" Joe verbalized the question.
"No, I didn't even know he wrote it until this week myself. It's pretty incredible isn't it?" Roy was beaming with pride for his partner.
Kel, who had been against the paramedic program in the beginning was suddenly worried that he might be about to lose one of his best. He spoke up with concern in his voice. "So you say you're not quitting. What exactly are your plans?"
"Well, I…I don't really know. Maybe another book someday, but that's part of what I wanted to talk to you about." Johnny started again, but was interrupted by Dixie's excitement about his being the author of a bestselling novel.
"You must have made so much money! You did get a good deal on it didn't you? Oh Johnny this is wonderful. You need to invest your money. I know a good financial advisor. He's a good friend of mine. I'll get you his number." She sounded like Johnny when he was on a rant, talking so fast she barely took a breath between comments.
"Whoa, Dixie, slow down." Johnny held up his hand. "I got a good deal and the financial details are already handled. That's what I wanted to tell you."
The occupants of the Desoto dining room leaned forward and placed their elbows on the table and listened intently to the next part of his story.
"I have divided the earnings among several accounts. I've already told the guys about theirs. Now I wanted to tell you guys about what I want to give the hospital." He reached into his pants pocket and pulled out an envelope addressed to Dr. Brackett and slid it across the table to him. "I think this will explain things." Dixie and Joe looked to Kel as he opened the envelope and flipped through the papers.
Kel's eyes stopped at the number on the bank statement. "Johnny this is extremely generous of you." He slid the statement toward Joe who in turn held it out to Dixie.
"Oh Johnny." Dixie's eyes suddenly became watery. She dabbed at the corner's with her napkin.
"I don't know what to say, except Thank you." Dr. Brackett stood and walked over beside Johnny with his hand outstretched. "You have no idea how much benefit will come from these donations. The equipment we can purchase for the various departments you have designated. This is amazing. Thank you!" In a gesture so unlike the normally stoic doctor, he pulled Johnny into a quick hug and then pulled back placing both hands on his shoulders, giving them a squeeze. "Thank you."
Johnny's crooked grin spread across his face. "Well I do have some idea. I'm glad I could do it."
Dixie, always the voice of reason, suddenly realized that Johnny had said something about the guys. "So did you keep anything for yourself?"
"Yeah, I'm going to invest in some property, a ranch and some horses." Johnny sat back down. All the excitement had his head spinning again.
"And my kids now have a college fund." Roy stated through his smile. "And Joanne and I have a little nest egg to fall back on when needed. All the guys have one too."
"Johnny has taken care of all of us." Joanne sniffled through tears of joy, dabbing her own eyes with her napkin.
Johnny dipped his head in shy embarrassment. "Well if it hadn't been for all of you and the job, I wouldn't have had a story to tell." He raised his hand and rubbed his temple.
"Are you okay, Junior?" Roy noticed the slight tension around Johnny's eyes.
"Yeah, I'm just a little dizzy."
Joe was the first to stand. "I think we need to do that exam we came over here to do. How about we move over here to the couch or to your bedroom and let you lie down."
"Isn't he dressed yet, Roy? It's been at least thirty minutes since he went to get ready." Joanne was not the least bit impressed with Johnny keeping their guests waiting.
"He fell asleep." Roy shrugged.
"Oh, poor thing is just so tired since the accident." Feeling bad about her impatience, Joanne made excuses for her house guest.
"It's no problem Joanne. We're here to visit with you and Roy as well. Thank you for inviting us to breakfast." Dixie tried to put Joanne at ease.
"So, Roy, before he gets in here, why don't you fill us in on what happened last night when he fell?" Dr. Early sat forward and requested softly. Kel and Dixie also leaned forward conspiratorially.
Roy mimicked their posture as did Joanne. "Well he seemed okay most of the day. You know he moved slowly, but managed. When we were over at Cap's he got a headache. He said his head was really swimming. The guys helped him to the car. He fell asleep as soon as he sat down." He chuckled. "I even had to buckle him in like I do with the kids." He looked up at the medical professionals and smiled. "He slept all the way home. Joanne and I helped him to bed, but he didn't stay there long. He woke up dizzy again, but I didn't know how dizzy until I heard him hit the floor in the hall." He paused and sighed deeply. "We didn't see him fall, but by the sound of it, he fell hard and fast."
"It wasn't your fault." Dixie reached over and patted Roy's arm. "You know that right?" She knew Roy always blamed himself when Johnny was injured or sick. Johnny did the same thing when it came to Roy.
Roy looked at Dixie and smiled. "Yeah. Anyway, we helped him up and back to bed. His vitals were elevated, but he said he didn't hit his head again. That's when I called you guys."
"Well, it certainly sounds like he said…" Dr. Early started, but Johnny entered the room before he could finish his statement.
"It is exactly like I said." Johnny stood behind Roy with his arms folded. "What is this a secret pow wow? I'm fine. I just got a little dizzy and there wasn't anything to hold on to. That's all. Simple as that." He waved his hand in the air. "Now if I remember correctly, Pally, you and Joanne invited these people over for breakfast, and I'm hungry." He patted his flat tummy.
Everyone laughed at Johnny's silliness. "Of course you are sweetheart." Joanne hooked her hand into the bend of his arm and led him to the table. "Now you just sit right here and I'll get things right out."
Dixie stood and followed Joanne into the kitchen, "Let me help you Jo."
Everyone found a seat around the dining room table as the women brought out the food. Plates were filled and a relaxed discussion about the many cases seen in the ER the past night.
As all the plates were cleared and more coffee poured, Johnny cleared his throat and began. "I uh…I'm glad you all came to breakfast. There are some things I wanted to tell you."
Dixie, Kel and Joe exchanged worried glances. "Look Johnny, I know this head injury has been much worse than any you've had in the past, but that is no reason to give up on a career we all know you love." Kel broke in before Johnny could continue.
Johnny's eyes widened and he quickly cleared that up. "Oh no…I'm not quitting. I…well…" He hesitated, not sure of how to proceed. He looked at Roy and Joanne for courage.
Roy smiled at him and nodded his head. Joanne winked at him and smiled.
Johnny cleared his throat again. "Remember that novel everyone has been reading?"
"Yes," they all responded together.
"Well the author, Chris J. Bean, that's me." He smiled broadly and waited before continuing to give that time to sink in.
Dixie's eyes lit up and she smiled, "I knew it!"
Kel and Joe looked at her incredulously. "How did you know that?" Kel leaned back and crossed his arms over his chest.
"I just know my favorite paramedics. The stories in the book about the fires were some of the many stories these two have shared with me after bringing in patients. I just knew one of them, or both of them had to have had something to do with that book." She looked at Roy to see if he had been involved. He nodded his head no and shifted his eyes in Johnny's direction as he tilted his head that way.
"Roy?" Joe verbalized the question.
"No, I didn't even know he wrote it until this week myself. It's pretty incredible isn't it?" Roy was beaming with pride for his partner.
Kel, who had been against the paramedic program in the beginning was suddenly worried that he might be about to lose one of his best. He spoke up with concern in his voice. "So you say you're not quitting. What exactly are your plans?"
"Well, I…I don't really know. Maybe another book someday, but that's part of what I wanted to talk to you about." Johnny started again, but was interrupted by Dixie's excitement about his being the author of a bestselling novel.
"You must have made so much money! You did get a good deal on it didn't you? Oh Johnny this is wonderful. You need to invest your money. I know a good financial advisor. He's a good friend of mine. I'll get you his number." She sounded like Johnny when he was on a rant, talking so fast she barely took a breath between comments.
"Whoa, Dixie, slow down." Johnny held up his hand. "I got a good deal and the financial details are already handled. That's what I wanted to tell you."
The occupants of the Desoto dining room leaned forward and placed their elbows on the table and listened intently to the next part of his story.
"I have divided the earnings among several accounts. I've already told the guys about theirs. Now I wanted to tell you guys about what I want to give the hospital." He reached into his pants pocket and pulled out an envelope addressed to Dr. Brackett and slid it across the table to him. "I think this will explain things." Dixie and Joe looked to Kel as he opened the envelope and flipped through the papers.
Kel's eyes stopped at the number on the bank statement. "Johnny this is extremely generous of you." He slid the statement toward Joe who in turn held it out to Dixie.
"Oh Johnny." Dixie's eyes suddenly became watery. She dabbed at the corner's with her napkin.
"I don't know what to say, except Thank you." Dr. Brackett stood and walked over beside Johnny with his hand outstretched. "You have no idea how much benefit will come from these donations. The equipment we can purchase for the various departments you have designated. This is amazing. Thank you!" In a gesture so unlike the normally stoic doctor, he pulled Johnny into a quick hug and then pulled back placing both hands on his shoulders, giving them a squeeze. "Thank you."
Johnny's crooked grin spread across his face. "Well I do have some idea. I'm glad I could do it."
Dixie, always the voice of reason, suddenly realized that Johnny had said something about the guys. "So did you keep anything for yourself?"
"Yeah, I'm going to invest in some property, a ranch and some horses." Johnny sat back down. All the excitement had his head spinning again.
"And my kids now have a college fund." Roy stated through his smile. "And Joanne and I have a little nest egg to fall back on when needed. All the guys have one too."
"Johnny has taken care of all of us." Joanne sniffled through tears of joy, dabbing her own eyes with her napkin.
Johnny dipped his head in shy embarrassment. "Well if it hadn't been for all of you and the job, I wouldn't have had a story to tell." He raised his hand and rubbed his temple.
"Are you okay, Junior?" Roy noticed the slight tension around Johnny's eyes.
"Yeah, I'm just a little dizzy."
Joe was the first to stand. "I think we need to do that exam we came over here to do. How about we move over here to the couch or to your bedroom and let you lie down."
Chapter Twenty Nine
"Come on Johnny, I'll help you over to the couch." Roy pushed his chair back and came over beside Johnny.
"I can do it." Johnny groused. "But I think I would rather do this in the bedroom." He waved his hand up toward his head. "That way you guys can visit out here." Johnny slowly slid his chair back. Roy moved up closely and gently took a hold of his arm. Johnny sighed. "Roy, I told you I can make it down the hall."
"Humor me." Roy smiled. Dr. Early smiled too at the way Roy handled Johnny. Their friendship was legendary among the doctors and nurses at Rampart. Roy could handle Johnny better than anyone. Their friendship appeared stronger now than ever, if that was possible. Dr. Early followed the two men to Johnny's room.
Dixie slid her chair back and reached for Joe's empty plate. "Breakfast was divine Joanne. Thank you so much for having us." She stacked his plate on top of her own. "I'll help you clean up."
Joanne smiled at Dixie. "Nonsense, I'll do this later. How often is it that we get to visit outside of Rampart's emergency room? Let's move to the living room." She pushed back her chair. "Dr. Brackett, would you like some more coffee or juice?"
"Coffee sounds good, and it's Kel." He stood and picked up his cup. "Just point me to the pot."
Joanne's smile grew, "Give me that cup. I'll not have my guests fending for themselves."
Kel handed her his cup, "It's not a problem, Joanne. I think we've all known each other long enough to be casual. You don't have to wait on me."
"Thank you Dr. Um I mean Kel. I'm glad you feel that way and at one of our barbeques or picnics I would agree, but I invited you all to breakfast. You've all worked a long and no doubt, tedious shift at the hospital. I want you to go in the living room and relax while I get you a fresh cup of coffee. Dixie, would you like some?"
"Thank you Joanne, I would, but I'm going to help you. I'm sure Roy would like a fresh cup as well." Dixie followed Joanne into the kitchen while Kel went into the living room. Walking around the modest room he noticed several photographs on a shelf beside the fire place. There was a black and white photo of two young children about the age of nine or ten. The girl appeared to be very petite with long hair pulled up in pig tails. The boy, there was no mistaking as a miniature version of Roy.
"That was taken about the time I met Joanne." Roy said as he walked up beside Kel.
"How old were you?"
"Oh we were in fourth grade…I think. She really was the prettiest girl in school. I think I fell in love with her the first time I laid eyes on her, but she had this boy that took up most of her time. I didn't think she liked me at all. Then one day she turned around and told that other kid to get lost. She walked right over to me and kissed me on the cheek, told me I was her boyfriend and ran over to her bus. I was left standing on the sidewalk in amazement." He chuckled. "I was so shocked I stood there and watched as her bus pulled away and then mine. I walked all the way home. It took hours to get there. My mother was so mad at me. She was at work. When she got home and I hadn't gotten home yet she panicked and started calling the school, which was closed, the hospitals and my friends. That's when I got home. I was so tired. She just looked at me, her mouth open and tears in her eyes. She never punished me for missing the bus, but I got the lecture of my life. Man, I gotta tell ya, I didn't even care. I had just been kissed by the girl of my dreams."
"Oh Roy," Joanne beamed as she handed Kel his coffee.
"Don't 'Oh Roy' me. You were." Roy reached over, put his arm around Joanne's shoulder and pulled her against his side kissing the top of her head. "And still are."
"Who is this?" Dixie picked up another black and white photo of an older couple. The man resembled Roy.
"That's my parents before my dad died. He had a heart attack when I was little. It wasn't long before I met Joanne. Mom and I had to move after he died. We couldn't afford to stay in the house we lived in when he was alive. Mom had to get a job too. It was really hard on her. We lived in a lower income area of town, but we managed. I started cutting yards as soon as I was old enough to help out. Plus by then I had a steady girl and needed my own money."
"Roy Desoto you were twelve years old. My dad wouldn't even let us hang out together outside of school until I was sixteen." Joanne punched Roy in the side which made everyone laugh. "And this one is my parents." Joanne pointed to another black and white photo.
Dixie picked up another photograph that was in color. "Look at those kids here with their Uncle Johnny."
"Yeah that was at the Fireman's picnic last year. This one…" Roy picked up another picture of Johnny and the kids. "…was at the Halloween carnival." Johnny smiled broadly kneeling between Jenny the princess and Chris the Musketeer. Johnny was dressed as a doctor in a pair of green scrubs and a lab coat. He had his stethoscope hanging around his neck.
Dr. Brackett picked up the photo and squinted at it. "Is that my name badge?"
Everyone laughed as they passed the photo around looking at Johnny. Roy's mouth hung open and his eyes were wide. He knew he might have just gotten Johnny into hot water with their boss. "Uh…I forgot about that. He…uh…he put it back the next day. He tried to find you to ask, but you had already left. He promised the kids he would dress up and forgot until the last minute. We ran by the hospital on our last run that morning. We were late already picking up the kids. He changed in the bathroom at the hospital. You know Doc; he would never let my kids down if he can help it."
"Well yeah, but that's my name badge and my lab coat!"
Dixie was smiling at Kel's reaction. "Doctor Brackett, would you want to stand in the way of those beautiful children and their Halloween fun?"
"Well no, but…"
"Well no, but nothing. You know Johnny looks pretty good in your lab coat." She winked at Roy and Joanne.
"He does not." Kel almost whined.
Hoping to change the subject Roy moved over to his chair, "It's pretty amazing what he's done. Donating all that money, I mean."
"Yes…" Kel put the picture back on the shelf. He walked over to the sofa and glanced back at Johnny in 'his' lab coat. "…yes it is. I can't believe he gave such a sizeable donation to the hospital, and to all of you guys. That's really something."
"He's got a heart of gold." Joanne sat on the arm of Roy's chair and rested her hand on his shoulder.
"We, the guys and I, are going to donate one percent each of what he gave us to the Fireman's fund as well. Johnny doesn't know about that yet. It's going to be a surprise to him at the presentation ceremony. Jo and I decided not to use the kid's money. He wouldn't want that. I think Cap is talking to the department about publishing a challenge in our next department newsletter for every man in the department to pool a donation and try to match his." Roy scratched his head. "I don't think they can do it though. He's giving them a large amount, but it's a good way to up the ante."
"Hey Kel," Dixie had a look on her face that said she had an idea. "What if we all pitch in and up the ante on the hospital donation as well? You, me, Joe, Mike and the other doctors and nurses from the Emergency department could pitch in and see what we can come up with. I'll make a few phone calls."
"That's a great idea Dixie, I'll call Captain Stanley; find out who we need to talk to about making that announcement at the ceremony as well." Kel glanced at the photo one last time. "He is certainly full of surprises."
In the bedroom/exam room Dr. Early flashed his pen light into Johnny's eyes. "Reactions look good Johnny."
"Doc, why do you think I'm still having these dizzy spells? I thought I would be better by now. Do you think there's something else wrong?" Johnny rubbed his temple. "And these headaches are killer."
"On a scale from one to ten how would you rate the pain?" Joe asked as he looked deeply into Johnny's eyes; their foreheads almost touching.
"Maybe an 8, I mean I can function and all, but it's kind of constant."
Joe moved to the other eye. "So tell me what have you been up to this week?"
"Not much until yesterday." Johnny sighed.
"Not much?" Joe stood back and asked.
"Well…I mostly relaxed around here. I read the book…until I remembered writing it. Then memories kind of flooded back in. I've been sorting things out ever since."
"So let's see…just after the accident you couldn't remember anything…right?"
"Yeah" Johnny tilted his head to the side and raised an eyebrow.
"Then you came home with Roy and the kids had changed a lot…from what you remembered…right?" Joe folded his arms in front of his chest and leaned against the small chest of drawers Joanne had put in the room for Johnny to use.
Johnny nodded his head from side to side. "You just wouldn't believe how much kids can change in such a short time." They both chuckled.
"Okay…so then you started remembering."
"That's right."
"You remembered writing the book. That had to be quite a shock." Joe held out one finger. "Then you realized that you had cut a pretty good deal and had set up the accounts for your friends." He held out two more fingers. "And the money for the fireman's fund," four fingers were up. "And let's see…there's the donation to the hospital." Five fingers were waved at Johnny. "That's quite a bit to take in even on a good day. Don't you think?"
"Well…if you put it like that." Johnny looked across the room. By the expression on his face Joe could tell he was thinking about the things he had mentioned.
"Now let's think about this." Joe tilted his head as though he were thinking about something. "Once you remembered all of these amazing things you had to consider why you had kept it secret to begin with. You had to decide if the time was right to share your news. You had to find the right time to tell everyone. I know you probably were a little worried about what Roy would think about your not telling him. Right?"
"That scared the hell out of me. I…I thought he would be mad about that, but you know Roy." Johnny shrugged. "He was happy for me. I mean I kept this huge secret from him and all he did was tell me how proud he was of me. You know he found out by accident. He went over to my place to get some things for me, clothes and stuff. He saw the letter on the table, found the box of books the publisher sent me to give to my family and friends. Hey Doc, do you want one? I could give you one. I can sign it…I guess." The thought of autographing books suddenly sunk in making Johnny uneasy again. "Man," he ran his fingers through his hair. "I wrote a book that people might actually want me to autograph. Far Out!"
Joe smiled at his friend. He waited a few minutes for Johnny to enjoy his moment and then continued. "Johnny, not only did you suffer a severe head injury that if you will remember I told you would cause you to have lingering dizzy spells and nausea for an extended period of time, a week, two weeks, maybe more. But you also had all of this excitement to deal with that is a bit dizzying all on its own." Joe put his hand on Johnny's shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze. "I've known you a long time, Johnny, since you were a boot at Station 10. I've seen you through your years with Tony on the rescue squad and then with Roy when you went through the paramedic training. Kel and I have stitched you up and reset your bones more times than I like to remember. This head injury may have left you a little unsteady for now, but I promise you, just like the first time Dixie and I nursed you through pneumonia after you dove in that nasty water to pull Cody Graves out, we will get you through this. Okay?"
"So you think I'm gonna be all right?" Johnny looked to his old friend for reassurance. He needed to know that he was going to be all right and able to work again.
Joe smiled and nodded. "Yes I think you are going to be good as new in a few weeks, but I'm afraid all of this excitement has added to your recovery time."
Johnny smiled his trademark crooked grin. "Well Doc," he lowered himself on the pillows and crossed his arms behind his head. "I guess at least this time I can afford to take the time off."
"I can do it." Johnny groused. "But I think I would rather do this in the bedroom." He waved his hand up toward his head. "That way you guys can visit out here." Johnny slowly slid his chair back. Roy moved up closely and gently took a hold of his arm. Johnny sighed. "Roy, I told you I can make it down the hall."
"Humor me." Roy smiled. Dr. Early smiled too at the way Roy handled Johnny. Their friendship was legendary among the doctors and nurses at Rampart. Roy could handle Johnny better than anyone. Their friendship appeared stronger now than ever, if that was possible. Dr. Early followed the two men to Johnny's room.
Dixie slid her chair back and reached for Joe's empty plate. "Breakfast was divine Joanne. Thank you so much for having us." She stacked his plate on top of her own. "I'll help you clean up."
Joanne smiled at Dixie. "Nonsense, I'll do this later. How often is it that we get to visit outside of Rampart's emergency room? Let's move to the living room." She pushed back her chair. "Dr. Brackett, would you like some more coffee or juice?"
"Coffee sounds good, and it's Kel." He stood and picked up his cup. "Just point me to the pot."
Joanne's smile grew, "Give me that cup. I'll not have my guests fending for themselves."
Kel handed her his cup, "It's not a problem, Joanne. I think we've all known each other long enough to be casual. You don't have to wait on me."
"Thank you Dr. Um I mean Kel. I'm glad you feel that way and at one of our barbeques or picnics I would agree, but I invited you all to breakfast. You've all worked a long and no doubt, tedious shift at the hospital. I want you to go in the living room and relax while I get you a fresh cup of coffee. Dixie, would you like some?"
"Thank you Joanne, I would, but I'm going to help you. I'm sure Roy would like a fresh cup as well." Dixie followed Joanne into the kitchen while Kel went into the living room. Walking around the modest room he noticed several photographs on a shelf beside the fire place. There was a black and white photo of two young children about the age of nine or ten. The girl appeared to be very petite with long hair pulled up in pig tails. The boy, there was no mistaking as a miniature version of Roy.
"That was taken about the time I met Joanne." Roy said as he walked up beside Kel.
"How old were you?"
"Oh we were in fourth grade…I think. She really was the prettiest girl in school. I think I fell in love with her the first time I laid eyes on her, but she had this boy that took up most of her time. I didn't think she liked me at all. Then one day she turned around and told that other kid to get lost. She walked right over to me and kissed me on the cheek, told me I was her boyfriend and ran over to her bus. I was left standing on the sidewalk in amazement." He chuckled. "I was so shocked I stood there and watched as her bus pulled away and then mine. I walked all the way home. It took hours to get there. My mother was so mad at me. She was at work. When she got home and I hadn't gotten home yet she panicked and started calling the school, which was closed, the hospitals and my friends. That's when I got home. I was so tired. She just looked at me, her mouth open and tears in her eyes. She never punished me for missing the bus, but I got the lecture of my life. Man, I gotta tell ya, I didn't even care. I had just been kissed by the girl of my dreams."
"Oh Roy," Joanne beamed as she handed Kel his coffee.
"Don't 'Oh Roy' me. You were." Roy reached over, put his arm around Joanne's shoulder and pulled her against his side kissing the top of her head. "And still are."
"Who is this?" Dixie picked up another black and white photo of an older couple. The man resembled Roy.
"That's my parents before my dad died. He had a heart attack when I was little. It wasn't long before I met Joanne. Mom and I had to move after he died. We couldn't afford to stay in the house we lived in when he was alive. Mom had to get a job too. It was really hard on her. We lived in a lower income area of town, but we managed. I started cutting yards as soon as I was old enough to help out. Plus by then I had a steady girl and needed my own money."
"Roy Desoto you were twelve years old. My dad wouldn't even let us hang out together outside of school until I was sixteen." Joanne punched Roy in the side which made everyone laugh. "And this one is my parents." Joanne pointed to another black and white photo.
Dixie picked up another photograph that was in color. "Look at those kids here with their Uncle Johnny."
"Yeah that was at the Fireman's picnic last year. This one…" Roy picked up another picture of Johnny and the kids. "…was at the Halloween carnival." Johnny smiled broadly kneeling between Jenny the princess and Chris the Musketeer. Johnny was dressed as a doctor in a pair of green scrubs and a lab coat. He had his stethoscope hanging around his neck.
Dr. Brackett picked up the photo and squinted at it. "Is that my name badge?"
Everyone laughed as they passed the photo around looking at Johnny. Roy's mouth hung open and his eyes were wide. He knew he might have just gotten Johnny into hot water with their boss. "Uh…I forgot about that. He…uh…he put it back the next day. He tried to find you to ask, but you had already left. He promised the kids he would dress up and forgot until the last minute. We ran by the hospital on our last run that morning. We were late already picking up the kids. He changed in the bathroom at the hospital. You know Doc; he would never let my kids down if he can help it."
"Well yeah, but that's my name badge and my lab coat!"
Dixie was smiling at Kel's reaction. "Doctor Brackett, would you want to stand in the way of those beautiful children and their Halloween fun?"
"Well no, but…"
"Well no, but nothing. You know Johnny looks pretty good in your lab coat." She winked at Roy and Joanne.
"He does not." Kel almost whined.
Hoping to change the subject Roy moved over to his chair, "It's pretty amazing what he's done. Donating all that money, I mean."
"Yes…" Kel put the picture back on the shelf. He walked over to the sofa and glanced back at Johnny in 'his' lab coat. "…yes it is. I can't believe he gave such a sizeable donation to the hospital, and to all of you guys. That's really something."
"He's got a heart of gold." Joanne sat on the arm of Roy's chair and rested her hand on his shoulder.
"We, the guys and I, are going to donate one percent each of what he gave us to the Fireman's fund as well. Johnny doesn't know about that yet. It's going to be a surprise to him at the presentation ceremony. Jo and I decided not to use the kid's money. He wouldn't want that. I think Cap is talking to the department about publishing a challenge in our next department newsletter for every man in the department to pool a donation and try to match his." Roy scratched his head. "I don't think they can do it though. He's giving them a large amount, but it's a good way to up the ante."
"Hey Kel," Dixie had a look on her face that said she had an idea. "What if we all pitch in and up the ante on the hospital donation as well? You, me, Joe, Mike and the other doctors and nurses from the Emergency department could pitch in and see what we can come up with. I'll make a few phone calls."
"That's a great idea Dixie, I'll call Captain Stanley; find out who we need to talk to about making that announcement at the ceremony as well." Kel glanced at the photo one last time. "He is certainly full of surprises."
In the bedroom/exam room Dr. Early flashed his pen light into Johnny's eyes. "Reactions look good Johnny."
"Doc, why do you think I'm still having these dizzy spells? I thought I would be better by now. Do you think there's something else wrong?" Johnny rubbed his temple. "And these headaches are killer."
"On a scale from one to ten how would you rate the pain?" Joe asked as he looked deeply into Johnny's eyes; their foreheads almost touching.
"Maybe an 8, I mean I can function and all, but it's kind of constant."
Joe moved to the other eye. "So tell me what have you been up to this week?"
"Not much until yesterday." Johnny sighed.
"Not much?" Joe stood back and asked.
"Well…I mostly relaxed around here. I read the book…until I remembered writing it. Then memories kind of flooded back in. I've been sorting things out ever since."
"So let's see…just after the accident you couldn't remember anything…right?"
"Yeah" Johnny tilted his head to the side and raised an eyebrow.
"Then you came home with Roy and the kids had changed a lot…from what you remembered…right?" Joe folded his arms in front of his chest and leaned against the small chest of drawers Joanne had put in the room for Johnny to use.
Johnny nodded his head from side to side. "You just wouldn't believe how much kids can change in such a short time." They both chuckled.
"Okay…so then you started remembering."
"That's right."
"You remembered writing the book. That had to be quite a shock." Joe held out one finger. "Then you realized that you had cut a pretty good deal and had set up the accounts for your friends." He held out two more fingers. "And the money for the fireman's fund," four fingers were up. "And let's see…there's the donation to the hospital." Five fingers were waved at Johnny. "That's quite a bit to take in even on a good day. Don't you think?"
"Well…if you put it like that." Johnny looked across the room. By the expression on his face Joe could tell he was thinking about the things he had mentioned.
"Now let's think about this." Joe tilted his head as though he were thinking about something. "Once you remembered all of these amazing things you had to consider why you had kept it secret to begin with. You had to decide if the time was right to share your news. You had to find the right time to tell everyone. I know you probably were a little worried about what Roy would think about your not telling him. Right?"
"That scared the hell out of me. I…I thought he would be mad about that, but you know Roy." Johnny shrugged. "He was happy for me. I mean I kept this huge secret from him and all he did was tell me how proud he was of me. You know he found out by accident. He went over to my place to get some things for me, clothes and stuff. He saw the letter on the table, found the box of books the publisher sent me to give to my family and friends. Hey Doc, do you want one? I could give you one. I can sign it…I guess." The thought of autographing books suddenly sunk in making Johnny uneasy again. "Man," he ran his fingers through his hair. "I wrote a book that people might actually want me to autograph. Far Out!"
Joe smiled at his friend. He waited a few minutes for Johnny to enjoy his moment and then continued. "Johnny, not only did you suffer a severe head injury that if you will remember I told you would cause you to have lingering dizzy spells and nausea for an extended period of time, a week, two weeks, maybe more. But you also had all of this excitement to deal with that is a bit dizzying all on its own." Joe put his hand on Johnny's shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze. "I've known you a long time, Johnny, since you were a boot at Station 10. I've seen you through your years with Tony on the rescue squad and then with Roy when you went through the paramedic training. Kel and I have stitched you up and reset your bones more times than I like to remember. This head injury may have left you a little unsteady for now, but I promise you, just like the first time Dixie and I nursed you through pneumonia after you dove in that nasty water to pull Cody Graves out, we will get you through this. Okay?"
"So you think I'm gonna be all right?" Johnny looked to his old friend for reassurance. He needed to know that he was going to be all right and able to work again.
Joe smiled and nodded. "Yes I think you are going to be good as new in a few weeks, but I'm afraid all of this excitement has added to your recovery time."
Johnny smiled his trademark crooked grin. "Well Doc," he lowered himself on the pillows and crossed his arms behind his head. "I guess at least this time I can afford to take the time off."
Chapter Thirty
Joe couldn't help but laugh as he packed up his black bag. "So tell me Johnny, how does it feel to be famous?"
Johnny pulled his arm from behind his head and rose up on his elbows staring wide mouthed at the doctor. "Famous?" He nodded his head. "I'm not famous." He paused and looked in earnest at the doctor. "Am I? I mean…I know the book is doing well, but that doesn't make me famous. I don't want everyone knowing who I am! That's why I used the pen name."
"What about the presentation tomorrow? Won't everyone find out who you are then?" Noticing that the color had drained from Johnny's face, Joe sat down in the bedside chair to try to calm his friend.
Johnny slumped back against his pillow. "Man, I guess you're right." He became quiet for a few minutes and then continued. "I don't even want this…" He waved his hand in the air for emphasis. "…this presentation. I hate all this attention."
"Well Johnny, why don't you tell them not to do it? They could still cancel it." Joe sat back, crossed his legs and folded his arms across his chest. "I mean it is your decision right?"
Johnny looked back at Joe taking a minute to pull his thoughts together. He took a few deep breaths. "No Doc, I can't do that." He ran his hand through his hair. "Cap and the guys are really excited about being a part of it. The Chief practically made it an order. Cap was even afraid to tell him that I might not be well enough to even attend it tomorrow. For some strange reason that none of us can figure out, Cap gets really anxious about dealing with the chief. I couldn't do that to him. Not to mention that the department is counting on the good publicity. Besides now Chris and Jennifer are excited about it too." He paused again in thought. "No I don't think I could cancel now even if I wanted to."
"I could tell them you're not up to it if you want me to." Joe uncrossed his legs and leaned forward.
"Could you?" Johnny brightened. Then he had second thoughts. "No…no I just can't do that to them. Everyone has gone to so much trouble to put it all together. I'll just go along with it."
"Okay Johnny, if you change your mind all you have to do is ask. I'll make your excuses for you." Joe patted him on the shoulder. "Now I think you've had enough excitement for today." He stood up and reached for the covers at the end of the bed. "I want you to rest as much as possible for the rest of the day."
"Aw Doc, I've been in bed too much lately. I'm all right. I can get up." A yawn escaped giving Johnny's tiredness away.
"I can see that you are all right." Joe chuckled.
"Well maybe just a little nap." Johnny pulled the covers up to his chest and yawned again. "Tell Dixie and Dr. Brackett thanks for coming over this morning." He yawned deeply and his eyes slowly closed. "I enjoyed visiting with all of you."
"Sure thing," Joe smiled. Johnny had fallen asleep already. Joe slipped from the room and joined the others. When he softly pulled the door to Johnny's room closed and turned down the hall, he noticed that everyone had stopped talking and were now looking at him with questioning eyes. "He's doing well."
"That's great!" Roy smiled. "He'll be back in the squad in no time."
"Now slow down a minute Roy. He's doing well, but he's still having headaches and dizzy spells. Now they are better than they were, but it may be another week before we can even consider a date for him to return to work. And with tomorrow's ceremony and all the stress he's feeling about that his recovery could be longer."
"Why is he stressed about tomorrow? I thought he was excited about it." Joanne looked at Roy in confusion.
"He hates attention, Jo. He never meant for anyone to know about the book except us, and the guys of course. That's why he didn't use his real name." Roy explained. He knew his partner well enough to know his reasons without even being told. "He hates to be the center of attention."
"Unless you're a pretty young nurse." Dixie joked. Everyone laughed.
"Well, as long as he's going to be the center of attention." Dr. Brackett started explaining to Joe their plans to add to the hospital donation.
"That's a wonderful plan. What do we need to do now?" Joe asked.
"I've already made a couple of phone calls, but we have a lot to do and not a lot of time to do it. I have a meeting with the fire department at two o'clock. I'd like you and Dixie to join me."
"Okay, let's go." Always ready to get the job done, Joe was moving toward the door. "Joanne, breakfast was wonderful. Thank you for inviting us to come. I think it was much less stressful for Johnny to do his check up here instead of at the hospital.
Dixie hugged Joanne and kissed Roy on the cheek. "Johnny is very lucky to have friends like you. Breakfast was divine."
Kel shook hands with Roy and hugged Joanne, "We'll call you as soon as we have all the details about tomorrow."
"Please do." Joanne said, "I'm glad you all came. You are always welcome in our home."
Roy walked the group out onto the porch. "Let me know if there is anything we can do to help today."
"You're doing enough already, Roy. The two of you have the most important job and from what I can see you're doing a wonderful job of caring for our friend." Dixie said just before ducking into the passenger seat of Kel's car. Joe waved as he slid into the back seat, and Kel waved as he walked around the front of the car.
Roy slid his arm around his wife's shoulder and pulled her close. "Well Mrs. Desoto, I guess we have a kitchen to clean."
"Oh Roy, how about we have one more cup of coffee first." She poked him in the ribs making him laugh. They waved one last time as the medical team backed from the drive and turned down the street. "Besides, Johnny's asleep and the kids aren't here. We have a few minutes to ourselves." She smiled up at her husband. "I bet we can find something more fun to do than the dishes."
"Well what are we waiting for?" Roy pulled his wife into his arms and nuzzled her neck.
"Not on the porch Roy! The neighbors will see." She pushed him into the open door.
Johnny pulled his arm from behind his head and rose up on his elbows staring wide mouthed at the doctor. "Famous?" He nodded his head. "I'm not famous." He paused and looked in earnest at the doctor. "Am I? I mean…I know the book is doing well, but that doesn't make me famous. I don't want everyone knowing who I am! That's why I used the pen name."
"What about the presentation tomorrow? Won't everyone find out who you are then?" Noticing that the color had drained from Johnny's face, Joe sat down in the bedside chair to try to calm his friend.
Johnny slumped back against his pillow. "Man, I guess you're right." He became quiet for a few minutes and then continued. "I don't even want this…" He waved his hand in the air for emphasis. "…this presentation. I hate all this attention."
"Well Johnny, why don't you tell them not to do it? They could still cancel it." Joe sat back, crossed his legs and folded his arms across his chest. "I mean it is your decision right?"
Johnny looked back at Joe taking a minute to pull his thoughts together. He took a few deep breaths. "No Doc, I can't do that." He ran his hand through his hair. "Cap and the guys are really excited about being a part of it. The Chief practically made it an order. Cap was even afraid to tell him that I might not be well enough to even attend it tomorrow. For some strange reason that none of us can figure out, Cap gets really anxious about dealing with the chief. I couldn't do that to him. Not to mention that the department is counting on the good publicity. Besides now Chris and Jennifer are excited about it too." He paused again in thought. "No I don't think I could cancel now even if I wanted to."
"I could tell them you're not up to it if you want me to." Joe uncrossed his legs and leaned forward.
"Could you?" Johnny brightened. Then he had second thoughts. "No…no I just can't do that to them. Everyone has gone to so much trouble to put it all together. I'll just go along with it."
"Okay Johnny, if you change your mind all you have to do is ask. I'll make your excuses for you." Joe patted him on the shoulder. "Now I think you've had enough excitement for today." He stood up and reached for the covers at the end of the bed. "I want you to rest as much as possible for the rest of the day."
"Aw Doc, I've been in bed too much lately. I'm all right. I can get up." A yawn escaped giving Johnny's tiredness away.
"I can see that you are all right." Joe chuckled.
"Well maybe just a little nap." Johnny pulled the covers up to his chest and yawned again. "Tell Dixie and Dr. Brackett thanks for coming over this morning." He yawned deeply and his eyes slowly closed. "I enjoyed visiting with all of you."
"Sure thing," Joe smiled. Johnny had fallen asleep already. Joe slipped from the room and joined the others. When he softly pulled the door to Johnny's room closed and turned down the hall, he noticed that everyone had stopped talking and were now looking at him with questioning eyes. "He's doing well."
"That's great!" Roy smiled. "He'll be back in the squad in no time."
"Now slow down a minute Roy. He's doing well, but he's still having headaches and dizzy spells. Now they are better than they were, but it may be another week before we can even consider a date for him to return to work. And with tomorrow's ceremony and all the stress he's feeling about that his recovery could be longer."
"Why is he stressed about tomorrow? I thought he was excited about it." Joanne looked at Roy in confusion.
"He hates attention, Jo. He never meant for anyone to know about the book except us, and the guys of course. That's why he didn't use his real name." Roy explained. He knew his partner well enough to know his reasons without even being told. "He hates to be the center of attention."
"Unless you're a pretty young nurse." Dixie joked. Everyone laughed.
"Well, as long as he's going to be the center of attention." Dr. Brackett started explaining to Joe their plans to add to the hospital donation.
"That's a wonderful plan. What do we need to do now?" Joe asked.
"I've already made a couple of phone calls, but we have a lot to do and not a lot of time to do it. I have a meeting with the fire department at two o'clock. I'd like you and Dixie to join me."
"Okay, let's go." Always ready to get the job done, Joe was moving toward the door. "Joanne, breakfast was wonderful. Thank you for inviting us to come. I think it was much less stressful for Johnny to do his check up here instead of at the hospital.
Dixie hugged Joanne and kissed Roy on the cheek. "Johnny is very lucky to have friends like you. Breakfast was divine."
Kel shook hands with Roy and hugged Joanne, "We'll call you as soon as we have all the details about tomorrow."
"Please do." Joanne said, "I'm glad you all came. You are always welcome in our home."
Roy walked the group out onto the porch. "Let me know if there is anything we can do to help today."
"You're doing enough already, Roy. The two of you have the most important job and from what I can see you're doing a wonderful job of caring for our friend." Dixie said just before ducking into the passenger seat of Kel's car. Joe waved as he slid into the back seat, and Kel waved as he walked around the front of the car.
Roy slid his arm around his wife's shoulder and pulled her close. "Well Mrs. Desoto, I guess we have a kitchen to clean."
"Oh Roy, how about we have one more cup of coffee first." She poked him in the ribs making him laugh. They waved one last time as the medical team backed from the drive and turned down the street. "Besides, Johnny's asleep and the kids aren't here. We have a few minutes to ourselves." She smiled up at her husband. "I bet we can find something more fun to do than the dishes."
"Well what are we waiting for?" Roy pulled his wife into his arms and nuzzled her neck.
"Not on the porch Roy! The neighbors will see." She pushed him into the open door.
