Damned If. . .

Part 3

Part 14 

Half an hour later, Roy pulled up in front of Johnny’s place.  He opened the door to get out but saw that Chris hadn’t moved.  “You ready to talk yet,” he asked softly. 

Chris shrugged not sure of what he should do. 

“Whatever it is, you can tell me.  You know that, right?” 

The boy’s head nodded. 

Roy sighed when nothing else was forthcoming.  He didn’t know what had happened but something back in the store had frightened his son. 

“Well, if you don’t tell me then I can’t do anything about it, Chris.” 

Chris opened his mouth to responded when Johnny came out.  “I thought you guys got lost,” he joked.  He bent over and looked through the open window at Chris.  “Hey, kiddo.  What’s shakin’” 

“Don’t call me that,” Chris responded angrily. 

Johnny looked at Roy and then back at Chris.  “Don’t call you kiddo,” he asked and Chris nodded. 

Johnny looked back at Roy.  “What’s up with him,” he mouthed.   

Roy shrugged. 

“Chris, that wasn’t very polite, you know.  Just cause you’re upset about something doesn’t mean you take it out on other people.  Now I want you to …” 

Johnny stopped him before he could finish.  “Nah, that’s all right, Roy.  What’s he upset about?  His team lose,” he whispered turning to Roy. 

“I have no idea.  We stopped at this liquor store.  It was my mistake.  Not a good neighborhood, you know, and I guess it kind of spooked him.  I’ve never seen him act this way before.  First, he’s white as a sheet, then he’s shaking like he’s got ants in his pants and then nothing.  Won’t say anything else.” 

Johnny blanched.  At first he refused to think it but he couldn't stop himself.  “I’ve seen him get like that, Roy.  That’s exactly what he did when we got held up.” 

Both men became very concerned.  Roy opened the door and knelt down next to the seat.  “Chris,” he said calmly.  More calmly then he thought he could.  “Did something in that store bring back a bad memory?” 

A lone tear slid down Chris’ cheek.  Roy reached up and wiped it away with his thumb.   

“Chris, you need to tell me.  Right now, you need to tell me what you saw.”  Roy’s voice carried an authoritative tone and was more forceful than Roy had intended but for some reason, Chris responded to it. 

“I heard him,” he whispered.   

Roy was confused but something about the way he said the word ‘him’ gave Johnny goose bumps.  He bent over and leaned on the door frame so that his head was peeking through the open window again.  The door was open but it still gave him access to Chris. 

“You heard who, Chris,” he asked.  “Who’d you hear?” 

“That bad man.  The one that robbed us.” 

Roy’s face was one of complete and utter shock.  “He was in the store?”  Things started falling into place for Roy. 

“God, Chris, why didn’t you tell me,” he asked as he pulled his son close to him.  Jesus, but he was standing right next to me, Roy thought.  He recalled apologizing to the guy for Chris’ behavior, and he realized now that all Chris had wanted to do was to get away from him.  To get away from that store.  Roy wanted to scream, to shout, or to hit something but he had to keep cool in front of Chris.  If I go off now, it’ll only scare him more and it occurred to him that it must have been how Johnny felt that night.  He’d had to think of Chris. 

“I thought he might hurt you,” he said as the tears came more quickly.  Now that he had finally confessed, he didn’t have to hold back anymore. 

Roy looked at Johnny but he was already moving towards the house and a telephone.  He knew he was going to the police, so Roy, still holding tight to his son, picked him up and carried him into the house.  Chris hadn’t needed to be carried for years, unless it was a piggyback ride, but for once he didn’t complain. 

Roy sat him on the sofa as Johnny was dialing, and silently berated himself for shooting the breeze with the man who’d held the gun to Chris’ head just a month ago.  He’d been so full of anger about it, he’d almost lost his best friend because of it, and now he’d been nice to guy.  He could feel his blood boiling again.  Chris, he thought, why didn’t you tell me sooner.  The guy was probably long gone by now. 

Looking at his son, though, he knew why.  Chris had been scared – scared for his father.  Roy’s throat constricted at the thought.  He’d been there.  Inside that store.  Standing right next to him, and Roy wanted to kill him. 

After what seemed an eternity, Johnny hung up the phone.  “The two detectives on the case, aren’t working today,” he informed his friend.  “But they’re sending someone over.” 

Roy nodded and they waited.   

Officer Vince Howard responded to the call.  Roy sat next to Chris on the sofa and Johnny and Vince occupied chairs across from them.   

“So, let me understand this,” Vince said as he pulled out his notebook, “Chris recognized the voice of a man in the liquor store and he thinks it’s the same guy who robbed you?”  He posed it as a question not because he was dubious, but merely to get the facts straight. 

“Yeah, I should have picked up on something.  He was so scared. I’ve never seen him like that before.”  Roy’s face tightened.   

“And he didn’t say anything to you at the time?” 

“No.” 

Vince proceeded to ask a number of questions about where they had stopped, the clerk, the verbal exchanges that were heard, and so on until Roy thought he was going to scream.  He knew Vince was just doing his job, but every second that was wasted could be crucial to finding this asshole. 

Finally, Vince stood, but he asked to speak to Roy alone for a minute in the kitchen and Johnny had nodded letting him know that he would stay with Chris. 

When they were out of earshot of the boy, Vince asked a question that neither Roy nor Johnny had even thought of, “Do you think that this guy, Rick, recognized Chris?” 

Roy felt the first pangs of panic began to take hold.  Behind him, he could hear Johnny and Chris talking.  “I don’t know,” he stammered.  “I don’t think so, but I don’t know.” 

Vince put his hand up.  “Don’t go getting all worked up, Roy.  He probably didn’t, but I had to ask.  You said yourself you didn’t know why Chris was behaving so strangely.” 

Roy nodded but the worry this new idea caused was gnawing at him.  What if Chris had been recognized?  What if he’d been followed to Johnny’s?  How much danger were they all in now?   

“Look, Roy, go home, have your cookout and try not to worry.  We’ll get someone looking into this right away,” Vince said starting for the door.  “They don’t know Chris’ name or anything about him,” he assured him.  “Even if he did recognize Chris, he doesn’t know who he is or where he lives.” 

Roy nodded.  “But what about Johnny?  They took his wallet, they …” 

“Johnny’s wallet was found on the street, and is in police custody, and anyway I’m sure that they just took the money out and tossed the wallet aside.  It wouldn’t have been any good to them after that so don’t let it worry you.” 

Roy unconsciously shook his head as he mulled this over.  “In the meantime,” Vince added as he stepped outside, “it wouldn’t hurt to take some extra precautions.  Make sure your doors and windows are locked; check out the area when you’re outside.  You know, common sense stuff that we often take for granted.  And I’ll see what I can do about getting a unit to cruise your street a couple of times tonight.” 

“Thanks, Vince.  I appreciate that,” Roy said shaking the older man’s hand. 

Johnny and Roy agreed that they should still have the cookout.  It wasn’t going to do any good not to and hopefully it would help relieve some of the tension that had been building up for the last month. 

So, they got themselves together and headed over to Roy’s house.  Joanne would be worried by now anyway, and although Roy didn’t relish the idea of telling her what had happened, he couldn’t keep it from her.

Part 15 

The events of the early afternoon lent a somber mood to the DeSoto’s cookout, but everyone did their best to make the most of the day.   

Roy and Johnny had decided to fill the rest of the guys in on the day’s happenings and they all expressed concern at the twist of fate that caused Roy’s path to cross that of the gunman. 

“When they catch him, I hope they lock him up for a long, long time,” Mike said. 

If they catch him, Roy thought. 

“The police are checking out the liquor store now.  The clerk seemed to know him so keep your fingers crossed that they find out who he is,” Johnny said as he watched the kids playing on the swing set. 

“I should have never stopped there,” Roy said with regret. 

Chet sat his beer down and leaned forward.  “That’s not necessarily true, Roy.  At least now, you’ve given them something to go on.  Before now, the police had no leads.  Don’t look at it as a bad thing.” 

“I don’t think Chris and Johnny are safe anymore, though.  If Chris could recognize him, then he could have recognized Chris,” Roy replied. 

Six pairs of eyes automatically scanned the yard.   

“I think I’m gonna have Joanne take the kids and go to her mother’s for awhile.  Just till we know what’s going on.” 

“That’s not a bad idea, Pal,” Hank commented.  “When?” 

“Well, since we’re on duty tomorrow, and I don’t want them in the house alone, she’ll probably drive down in the morning. 

“I could stay here,” Johnny offered.  He still had another week off for his injury.  The leg was healing fine and the stitches had been removed.  It was still sore some of the time but not enough to cause him any concern.  “It’d be a shame to send them down there if you didn’t have to.” 

“It’s a shame to have to send them down period,” Roy said trying to lighten the mood.  “But I think I might take you up on that.  It’ll give me time to see what the police have found and then if I still want her to go, I can drive them down myself.” 

Johnny nodded his agreement.  “I’ll come over in the morning then and hang out until you get home.” 

“Thanks.” 

“No problem,” Johnny assured him.  “I’m glad to do it.” 

Chet chuckled.  “You’re just glad to do ‘cause you’ll get a couple of free meals out of it.”  He glanced at Roy.  “Just tell me, Roy, do you think Joanne can handle an extra kid for the day.”  He laughed at his joke. 

Johnny gave him a dirty look.  “Ha ha ha,” he said.   

The guys and their wives and children, well those that had them, stayed well into the night.  It had been a cookout to celebrate life and none of them were anxious for the evening to end, but they all knew that they had to be up early in the morning, and that they had to leave some time. 

Johnny had asked Chet to drive him home so that Roy wouldn’t have to do it, and it was late when he dropped him off.  Neither of them noticed the dark blue Camaro parked down the street. 

Johnny thanked Chet for the ride as he opened the door.  “You want me to wait until you get inside,” Chet asked in all seriousness. 

But Johnny just laughed.  “I think I can handle it, Chet,” he said shaking his head.  Chet never ceased to amaze him.  He’d cut him down to the quick one moment but when something happened, you could always count on Chet to be there.  “I’ll see ya.” 

Chet nodded.  “Yeah, see ya, Gage.” 

Johnny made his way up the walk and though he didn’t turn around, he could still hear the sound of Chet’s bus as he waited for Johnny to get inside.  He laughed again thinking that Chet probably didn’t even know how much of a softie he was. 

= = = = = =

“Hey, Hey.  What’ve we got here,” Frankie asked hitting Rick on the arm.  The two men sank low in their seat as the Volkswagen bus passed by.  It stopped just down the street. 

“I think we just hit the jackpot, my man,” Rick said dryly.  

“So, that’s your guy?” 

Rick strained his eyes.  “Well, it’s dark, but it looks to be,” he answered.  The streetlights gave off just enough illumination for him to see Johnny as he limped up the sidewalk. 

They watched as Johnny let himself in the house, and then the bus pulled away from the curb.  Rick had been pretty sure that they’d had the right house when he saw the funny looking truck parked out front but now he was positive. 

“You wanna do him now,” Frankie asked. 

Rick shook his head.  “Nah, I still gotta think about that kid.  Without him” he said pointing at Johnny’s place.  “I don’t know where the kid is.” 

They’d already checked out the house and had even been inside.  Rick was a pro at getting in and out of people’s houses undetected.  The arrest last year had been an unlucky coincidence.  There were a couple pictures of the kid; one obviously a school picture and then another with John Gage and a little girl who was most likely the kid’s sister.  Then there was one with what Rick assumed was the kid’s family; dad, mom, sis and bro, he thought.  Mom was one good-looking lady and he wouldn’t mind having some fun with her, under other circumstances. 

“You’re the boss,” Frankie replied. 

“Yeah.  Look, I don’t think he’s goin’ anywhere tonight, so let’s go catch up with Al and Davey.  We’ll hang at your place and come back in the morning.  Dude looks like he’s got a bum leg, this should be fairly easy.” 

Franky nodded remembering what Rick had done to Davey’s step-father.  He shuddered at the thought.  Rick had dropped in one night and caught him beating on Davey, so he decided to give him a beating he’d not soon forget.  The body was unrecognizable when he was done.  The blood, the broken bones…but the police couldn’t connect either Rick or Dave to it, they’d had airtight alibis.  And Davey’s step-father never bothered him again.  In fact, he never bothered anyone again.  And Frankie had learned that night, you never crossed Rick Johnson, and you never messed with his brother. 

Part 16 

Johnny was just leaving the house when his phone started to ring.  Anxious to get over to Roy and Joanne’s before his friend would have to leave to go to work, he was tempted to let it ring.  He hesitated for a few seconds before deciding that he should answer it. 

He picked it up on the fourth ring.

 “Hello.” 

“Mr. Gage, this is Detective Reilly.” 

“Oh.  Hey.  Any news,” he asked hopefully.   

“Yes, actually, but it’s not necessarily good,” the detective replied honestly. 

“Oh,” Johnny paused not knowing what to say. 

“We had our people check out the liquor store where your friend and his son say they saw the guy that held you up.” 

“And…,” Johnny asked impatiently. 

“Well, it wasn’t hard to convince the clerk to give up his name.  He’s on parole and we could haul him in on a couple of violations.  Anyway, says the guy in the store yesterday was Richard Johnson.  We know him well, unfortunately.  This is where the bad news comes in.” 

Reilly paused to let Johnny digest what he’d heard so far before speaking again.  “Remember when we had you come in for a line-up?” 

Johnny nodded unconsciously. 

“We had recovered your wallet and driver’s license.  The guy that we had in custody that day was David Johnson.  Rick Johnson’s brother.  We haven’t been able to locate either of the brothers since yesterday afternoon.  No one’s seen them since your friend ran into them at the liquor store.  We have reason to believe that Johnson may have recognized the kid.” 

Jesus, Johnny thought.  He looked at the clock.  Roy should have left by now.   

“What happens now,” he asked. 

“We think they may know where you live.  They did have your license on them for a while after the robbery.  Doesn’t mean they do but they might.  We’ve got units watching their house and a couple of known hangouts, as well as the liquor store.  And we’re going to put someone on your house just to be on the safe side.” 

“I’m not gonna be here,” he said automatically.  “I’m going to the DeSotos'.  Roy and I were worried about this happening and we don’t want to leave his family unprotected while he’s at work. 

“Umm, hold on a minute.” 

Johnny could hear muffled conversation as the detective conferred with someone else.  “Gimme their address.” 

Johnny complied and listened again while the detectives conferred.  “My partner and I don’t think the DeSotos are in any danger.  The Johnson crew can’t possibly know where they live – just you.  You go over there and you could be putting them in harms way.” 

“What if they were followed when they left the store,” Johnny’s voice was raised in alarm.   

“According to the clerk, Johnson went towards his house when he left the store.” 

“He could be lying.” 

“We don’t think so.” 

“What’re we supposed to do then?” 

“Look Mr. Gage.  We’re doing everything we can.  We want to catch these guys just as much as you want them caught.  Now, we’re gonna dispatch a car to the DeSoto house so don’t worry about that.  We’ll make sure they’re safe.  I promise you.” 

“All right.  Well, I gotta call my partner and let him know what’s going on,” Johnny said urgently. 

“Yeah, all right.  Just sit tight today and we’ll keep you posted,” Reilly assured him. 

Johnny hung up the phone shaking his head.  He didn’t like it.  Didn’t like it one bit and he knew Roy wasn’t going to either.  He picked up the phone again and called Roy.  After a quick explanation as to why he wasn’t there, Johnny filled Roy in on what was going on. 

“They may have a point, Johnny,” Roy said surprising Johnny. 

“Whatta ya mean?” 

“The only information they had access to was your name and address on your license,” Roy stated.  “I think the detective is right.  If you come over here, you’ll lead them straight to Chris if they’re following you.  I think I’m gonna have to ask you to stay away for now, Johnny.  You understand, don’t you?” 

“Yeah, I guess,” Johnny responded despondently.  He certainly didn’t want to put Chris in any danger or Joanne and Jennifer, for that matter, but this could go on definitely he reasoned, and how long was he expected to stay away. 

“I gotta run, Johnny.  I’ll talk to you later,” Roy said as he hung up the phone and Johnny did the same on his end. 

Well, great, he thought, what am I supposed to do now?  Stuck in the house all day.

 = = = = = = 

The blue Camaro cruised slowly past Johnny’s house and pulled to a stop a bit down the road.  From their vantage point, Rick, Davey and Al could see Johnny’s house perfectly. 

“We gonna wait here all day,” Davey asked whining. 

“We shoulda took him out last night, Rick,” Al said.  He had pulled out a pocketknife and was cleaning his nails. 

“I want the kid, too,” Rick replied for what he thought was the hundredth time.  That was all he heard last night and he was getting sick of it.  Granted, the kid alone probably couldn’t hurt him but he hated to have loose ends and these two for some reason had really gotten under his skin.  It wasn’t good to work like this, he knew, but he had a job to finish, and like it or not, the kid was gonna have to go.  Only problem was, he needed the dark-haired dude to give him up. 

“The kid’s no use to us.  He can’t hurt us.  You said yourself he never even saw you,” Davey chimed in. 

Rick spun around in his seat and grabbed Davey by the collar.  “Don’t you tell me what to do, you hear me?” 

Once Davey meekly nodded his head, Rick thrust him backwards and let go. 

“We got company,” Al said slinking down in the seat.  Rick turned and saw the dark blue sedan pull to a stop in front of Johnny’s.   

“Fuzz,” he muttered.  An unmarked car had just situated itself outside of the house they were watching. 

“Look, Rick, we need to just leave town for a while.  You know, lay low somewheres till the heat dies down,” Davey suggested. 

Rick glanced at him threw the rearview mirror.  “Didn’t I tell you to shut up?” 

Al shook his head.  “I think I gotta agree with the kid on this.  Either way – we can’t hang around here all day with the cops outside. 

Rick nodded and very nonchalantly pulled back out onto the road and drove away.  Like it or not, he might have to content himself with just taking out the only visual witness.  John Gage could definitely put him back in the slammer and that was not going to happen.   

They’d have to come back tonight when it was dark and end this thing once and for all.  He pounded his fist on the steering wheel as anger set in.  He didn’t like it when things didn’t go his way. 

Part 17

”The phone line’s cut,” Al announced.

The trio stood in the yard behind Johnny’s house.  “You stay out here, Davey.  I don’t want you involved unless you have to be.  Understood?” 

Davey nodded but inside he was fuming.  Rick never let get fully involved.  He knew that his brother was trying to keep him out of it for his own good but because of it, the other guys never gave him the respect that he deserved. 

“Take this,” Rick said holding out a gun.  “Stay out here and make sure no one comes in.  Dude’s probably sleeping” 

Rick and Al made their way to the door and it didn’t take long for Rick to pop the lock.  He smiled at Al as they quietly crept in. This was going to be too easy, he thought.

= = = = = = 

Johnny couldn’t sleep.  It was warm inside the house despite the air conditioning.  He’d been tossing and turning for the last half an hour and couldn’t get comfortable.   Finally, he decided to give up and rolled out of bed.  He pulled on a pair of jeans and padded to the bathroom.   

He didn’t like being cooped up like this especially since he had just gotten his freedom back after his last injury.  In another week, he’d be back at work and he couldn’t wait.  He finished his business in the bathroom, and was reaching for the handle on the toilet to flush it when he heard the floorboard squeak.  Immediately the hair on his arms stood up.  He’d been meaning to fix that board for some time but hadn’t gotten around to it.  But now it alerted him to the fact that someone was in his house.  He hit the light switch enveloping him in darkness. 

 = = = = = =

Al was about halfway down the hall when it squeaked, and both men froze.  Rick was a few steps behind him. 

After a few seconds passed, they breathed a sigh of relief that they’d gone undetected. 

“Damn, Al, watch what you’re doin’,” Rick hissed.   

Al smiled and shrugged as if to say, ‘not my fault’.    

= = = = = = 

Davey stood on the back deck with the gun in his hand.  He didn’t like being left outside.  He wanted to be in there, helping to take care of business.  He didn’t think it was fair that he constantly be left out of the more dangerous jobs.  Just like the holdups, Rick made him drive and wouldn’t allow a more active role than that.  Well, shit on this, he thought, I’m gonna get involved.  I’m gonna show them all that I can handle this. 

As quietly as he could, he went in through the back door to meet up with his brother and Al. 

 = = = = = = 

Johnny heard a door open down the hall and he made a dash for the phone on the nightstand by the bed.  He picked it up but soon realized that the line was dead.  Damn, he thought, they cut the line.  For a moment, he was immobilized.  His eyes searched the room and landed on the baseball bat propped up in the corner.  He rolled across the bed and grabbed it.  The wall that his closet was on would provide him some protection as he waited.  He was poised and ready to swing as soon as someone crossed the threshold into his room. 

= = = = = =

“I guess I know which room you want,” Al whispered as they got to the last two doors.  One was to Johnny’s room and one was to the guest bedroom that Johnny used for Roy’s kids when they came over to visit. 

Rick nodded and gave a wicked smile.  They’d been in this house before and knew the layout but experience had told Rick that you don’t leave any room unchecked so you don’t have any surprises.  It was late and they knew the guy they were after was sleeping.  They’d been quiet too, well, except for the squeaky floorboard but he hadn’t heard any movement or indication that they’d given themselves away. 

Rick had his gun drawn as he walked into the room.  The light from the moon was just enough to cast his shadow on the wall.

 = = = = = = 

Johnny saw the shadow and he knew it was the moment of truth.  He pulled the bat back a little further and as soon as the figure came into view, he swung with all his might.  The bat connected with Rick’s midsection and Johnny could almost hear the ribs breaking but he pulled the bat back again.  He knew there was at least one more intruder.  He watched as the man he’d just hit staggered further into the room and fell to his knees. 

Rick cried out as the pain exploded in his chest.   He couldn’t breathe, and he felt like his entire rib cage had just been crushed.  Each breath he took felt like a hammer hitting against his ribs.  He collapsed to the ground and rolled onto his side.  He glanced up and saw Johnny standing ready to strike again.  He heard Al call out to him and he wanted to warn him but he couldn’t make a sound. 

“Rick,” Al shouted as he heard his friend cry out.  He knew something had gone wrong and he rushed towards the master bedroom.  As he reached the doorway, though, he slowed himself.  It wasn’t wise to rush in without knowing what he was rushing into.  He spied Rick lying on the floor with his arms wrapped around himself.  What the hell, he thought.  He pulled his own gun and advanced further into the room. 

Rick turned his eyes up toward his friend.  “Watch…,” he croaked out as Al took that fateful step into Johnny’s path. 

Again, Johnny saw the shadow on the wall at the same time that he heard the feeble warning.  He swung again and this time the sound made him sick to his stomach.  He had to battle back the bile that rose to this mouth. 

Al was several inches shorter than his friend and by the time he saw the bat coming, it was too late.  He instinctively tried to duck when he felt the bat crash against his skull.  Pain radiated throughout his head and the room went bright with light before he ascended into darkness.  He never had time to make sound. 

Rick was struggling to get to his feet as Johnny stepped over Al.  Blood was running down Rick’s head and pooling in his ear.  Rick vowed to make Johnny pay for what he’d done.  The pain was excruciating but he forced himself up. 

Johnny took one last look at the two men as he made his way from the room.  “Stop,” Rick ordered but Johnny paid him no heed. 

He hurried down the hallway.  He was intent on getting to the two cops stationed outside his house.  He prayed that they were still there and that no harm had come to them. 

He could hear Rick’s footsteps behind him but he knew that he wasn’t moving very fast. 

Davey came in through the back door.  The house was dark and only the light from the moon coming through the windows illuminated the house.  He knew that Rick and Al had been in the house before but he hadn’t.  He had been the look-out that day.  He found himself in the kitchen and went through the archway that lead to the rest of the house.  He hurried through the dining room and living room, which was actually a large L-shaped area and turned into the hallway. 

Johnny stopped short when he saw Davey turn the corner.  Both men had looks of surprise on their faces.  Johnny hadn’t expected to encounter anyone else  and he looked from Davey back to Rick and back again.  He still had his bat with him and he wouldn’t hesitate to use it again.   

Davey had the gun tucked into the back of his pants like he’d seen Rick do any number of times, and he reached for it now.  Johnny knew he didn’t have much time.  He dropped the bat and charged Davey knocking the gun out his hand. 

Rick saw Johnny move and instinctively he knew that Davey had come into the house.  He raised his gun and pulled the trigger.  The bullet sailed over his head as Johnny tackled his brother. 

Johnny hit into Davey like a ton of bricks.  The force carried them both out into the living room.  The gun flew from Davey’s hand and Johnny landed on top of him.  Davey flailed wildly, but Johnny had the upper hand.  A struggled ensued with both men getting in a few good punches.  Davey’s fist connected with Johnny’s throat taking his breath away.  Davey used the hesitation to flip his opponent onto his back.   

Rick stumbled down the hallway.  Each breath in and out was like a knife cutting through his chest but his brother was in trouble, and he be damned if he let anyone hurt Davey.  He raised the gun and fired again. 

Davey felt the fire in his back, pain shooting in all directions and then climbing the spine.  His legs went still and his body weakened and Johnny shoved him off.  He rolled over behind the sofa out of Rick’s line of sight. 

Rick saw his shot hit the mark and he felt a sense of righteousness.  He’d saved his brother once again.  It was high time that people learned that you didn’t mess with Dave Johnson unless you wanted to tangle with his brother.  The pain from his ribs was still intense and his breathing was still labored but he staggered down the hallway. 

“Davey,” he called out when he saw him roll away.  “I got him for ya, Davey.” 

When the darkness of the hallway gave way to the dim light of the living room, Rick gasped in horror.  It was Davey’s body that lay before him.  Blood pooled around his brother’s body as it pumped out of his body. 

“No,” he cried dropping to his knees.  “No, Davey, no.” 

Johnny took advantage of the momentary diversion and started for the door, but Rick whirled on him. 

“You killed my brother,” he screamed and he raised the gun again and pulled the trigger.  His body still moving caused the bullet to sail off to the left and shattered the front window.  “You sonofabitch, I’ll kill you,” screamed again. 

Johnny had nowhere to hide and nothing to use as protection.  Rick raised his gun again and looked Johnny square in the eye.  “I should have killed you the first time around,” he hissed. 

Johnny didn’t flinch or look away, but held the other man’s stare.  He was attuned to every moved that Rick made.  He could even see Rick’s eye twitching.  He saw his finger tighten on the trigger and he heard the shot.  His eyes met Rick’s and he watched the other man’s body collapse in a heap on the floor.   

He spun towards the window and saw Detectives Reilly and McKay with their guns drawn.  Johnny’s adrenaline had been running high, but now he fell back against the wall in relief. 

How could a night out at Dodger Stadium have led to this, he asked himself.  It was surreal, as if it should be happening to someone else.  This was something you might see on the Saturday night movie of the week, he thought, but yet it had happened to him. 

There was a flurry of activity afterwards and other police officers came and went.  The paramedics came and went.  All three men were alive when they left Johnny’s house, but it was doubtful if Rick would remain so and there was the high chance that if Davey Johnson survived his gunshot wound, he would be paralyzed for the rest of his life.  He had no idea as to Al’s condition.  If he died, Johnny would feel responsible for the rest of his life even if he knew it was self-defense.  He knew that he'd had no other choice.  He either took a life or he lost one.  His choice was that simple. He chose life.  His life. 

And as he looked at the floor where the bodies of Rick Johnson and his brother Dave lay only a short time ago, he was thankful that he hadn’t gone to the DeSotos that day.  He wouldn’t have wanted any of them to experience or even witness what had happened in his house that night. 

“You okay, Junior,” Roy asked coming up behind him.  He'd been one of the paramedics called to the scene but he had wisely chosen to allow the others to offer the primary care to the patients and accompany them to the hospital.  He wanted Johnny to go to Rampart to get checked even though Johnny assured him that he hadn't sustained any major injuries.  He had quite a few bumps and bruises from his struggle with Davey and Roy wanted him to be looked over just to be safe. 

Johnny jumped but only slightly and Roy apologized for scaring him.  “I will be,” he answered.  “I will be.”

Stories By Terribv     Guest Dispatchers