The Double Surprise

“THE DOUBLE SURPRISE”

“Hank, this just isn’t like you!”

Captain Stanley laughed as his wife gave him her usual good-bye kiss. “Of course it is; the guys just haven’t seen this side of me very often. You do remember our plan, in detail, don’t ya?”

Normally Hank Stanley would never single out a member of his crew for a personal prank. He had gone along with the other guys on pranks, but never orchestrated one on his own. However, he had witnessed Chester B. Kelly, alias the Phantom, torture John Gage too many times with surprise water bombs. Then, it became personal when Hank became the victim of the Phantom’s work. He opened a cabinet door in the kitchen and was doused with water meant for Gage. This changed everything. Now it was his turn to get the Phantom and put an end to his escapades.

“Of Course, Sweetie, I remember it to the letter. We only went over the plan about a hundred times.” She rolled her eyes at her husband’s assumption that she could forget any of the details. “I’ll see you later,” Beverly winked as her husband left for work.

Even after years of marriage and children, both Hank and Beverly remained very much in love, and very excited to spend time together. Captain Stanley still saw his wife as the most beautiful lady on the planet. He so appreciated the years of dedication, along with the countless hours she spent raising the girls, and without any complaints. The man smiled as he enjoyed a walk down memory lane during his commute to the fire station.

<~~>

When he arrived at Station 51, Hank realized that he had to act very sincere in order to make his plan work. After roll call, he asked the crew to hang around for a few minutes. None of the guys disliked his idea, as it only meant that their work for the day would be put off a bit longer.

“I just want each of you to know how much I appreciate all that you do, both as individuals and as a team. As Station 51 A-Shift, we can be proud of the job that we do, and as far as I’m concerned, you are the best crew in the county. Now on to the other matter at hand, Chief McConnike wants one hundred percent of fire and rescue personnel to help with the children’s benefit fair this year.”

There were audible moans from everyone. Cap knew that everyone in his crew enjoyed doing good deeds, but this benefit was a thorn for each of them every year. At least this year it would be in the form of a fair. He knew this wasn’t going to be easy.

“Okay, I know, don’t let it outta this room, but I feel the same way you do. So, I’m gonna throw in an extra incentive for everyone this time. We’re gonna have fun, and you’ll feel great because you are helping needy children, plus, I’ll make it worth your time. Then after it’s all over, we have our costume party to look forward to. Beverly is already planning the decorating.”

Smiles leapt to the faces of his crew. John Gage had his usual crooked grin, while eyeing each of his comrades, determining who might pose the greatest threat if this was going to be a competition.

“First of all, I’ll need each of you to draw a number from this bowl which will be sitting on my desk. I have jobs that match the numbers, so at some point during the day, stop by the office. I’ll assign a job to each of you according to the number that you drew. As for prizes, everyone will receive something. Some presents will be better than others, but they will all be worthwhile. My problem was to pick someone who would be completely unbiased to judge your job performance. So, my wife has agreed to examine your work, and she’ll give out rewards corresponding to the jobs you do, and how well you do them. Does anyone have any questions? Okay, Chet, what’s your question?”

“What about Henry, Cap? You said that the chief required one hundred percent cooperation.” Chet knew that his point was anything but valid, but he could not tolerate the way Johnny had been eyeing him.

“Well, Kelly, are you volunteering to do both your job and Henry’s?” Captain Stanley always had a very quick wit.

“Never mind, Cap, it was just a joke,” the young man said squeamishly.

<~~>

Each man drew a number at various times during the day, and to no one’s surprise, both John and Chet hid their numbers and assignments as if they were on a secret mission for the FBI. Both were constantly shifting their eyes suspiciously at their fellow firefighters, but considering the sources, no one allowed them to reach their goal of bugging everyone in the department. The only ones who were uncomfortable were John and Chet.

“Hey, Johnny…”

“No way, Chester B. You’ll never know my number, and I’ll never tell ya’ about my job. The only prayer you’ll have is if ya’ just happen to see me! Don’t think you’ll beat me, ‘cause it ain’t happenin’! Cap’s wife is gonna’ take one look at my work and the decision’ll be made. She’ll not even look at anyone else’s, especially yours. I’ll get the best prize. You can congratulate me now if ya’ want.” The dark-haired paramedic winked at the mustached man while giving him a friendly tap on the arm. The other guys saw Gage’s gesture, and heard his words. Everyone knew about Johnny’s relationship with Chet, so Marco just rolled his eyes, Mike totally ignored them, and Roy made mention of what he had to put up with daily.

<~~>

Their shift went well, and was fairly typical. Station 51 answered calls to a couple of house fires, (one with victims trapped) several MVA’s, three calls for broken bones, two false alarms, a heart attack, and a call on a little girl who had wrecked her bike. Johnny Gage was known for his injuries and this shift was no different. The dark- haired man managed to get his fingers caught in the bicycle chain, and had to go to Rampart for treatment of minor abrasions and contusions. Ever the faithful partner, Roy was there to help Johnny out, and this time even he was amazed that his younger friend had gotten hurt. He was just as relieved that the injuries were not worse. Gage shrugged it off, blaming the bike and a faulty chain. The engine crew was also relieved as they had been called out too, because of a false report that a car was also involved. The entire crew enjoyed teasing John Gage relentlessly.

<~~>

When the shift was over, each man began to ready himself to do his “good deed” at the county fair. This was always a great place to raise money, and since it was for a good cause, deep down they didn’t mind at all. This fair was held just after the holiday season, which was when the guys at 51 usually had their annual party. This year they had decided on a costume party for a little different twist, and were all looking forward to it. Some of the single guys were more interested in who the other guys would be bringing as dates than they were in the party or costumes.

Hank Stanley had some very interesting jobs for the guys at the fair. He had received a list from the coordinator and had gotten with Beverly so she would have an idea of what she would be inspecting. So far, no one had a hint that the Stanleys had a plan.

Appropriately enough, Chet Kelly was going to be a clown. Johnny had to help with the horses doing some grooming, and getting them into costume. Marco had one of the more thankless jobs of being stuck inside the dunking booth, but he took it with a nice smile. Everyone agreed that Mike had the easiest job of all. He got to show off “Big Red” to the kids, and explain how she worked. Roy ended up with the booth in which he had to guess the ages and weights of people. JoAnne especially loved this assignment as her fair- haired husband was horrible at guessing ages and weight. Roy was the only person who went to Cap and asked if he could change his position.

“Sorry Pal, it was just the luck of the draw. I’m sure you’ll do well. If the person is female just guess low on both age and weight, and if it’s a guy who looks like he works out, make a remark about what great shape he’s in.” With a wink, Hank Stanley left the building to go home to his wife. He was a greeter at the fair, and Bev had decided to help him. The captain was very pleased with his job.

<~~>

Each man did his job very well; after all it seemed that the assignments fit the fireman, that was for the most part. However, Mrs. Stanley had to make a “fair” choice for the winner of best job performance. She and Hank had pulled off their surprise perfectly so far, as none of the crew suspected anything more was going on than a few hours of helping raise money for kids. Glancing at her husband with a faint smile, while attempting to keep a straight face, Beverly began to praise each individual about his work. She went all around the fair and examined each mans work as if she were really a judge. Finally, she had to make a choice, and began to explain that although it was a very tough decision, (At this point Beverly Stanley nearly blew her cover as she giggled, but covered nicely with a clearing of the throat. She was so believable that Marco brought her a glass of water.) Chet had been the most entertaining clown she had ever seen, plus there was some danger in his job, as he received a small wound from a bull. Upon the announcement, the Phantom looked at Gage and winked, while the paramedic made a face and rolled his eyes.

“Okay. Guys, I have a little something for each of you in appreciation for your time and hard work. Also, I want you to know that I appreciate you for being the best station in the county, and that isn’t only my opinion. Everyone at the fair was talking about how great you guys were, and well, I was proud.” Captain Stanley looked down a bit as he made the last statement.

All the guys knew that Cap was proud of them, and he was the best captain in the country as far as they were concerned, but it was nice to hear him say those words. Hank Stanley wasn’t known as an emotional man, and didn’t praise his men verbally daily, but he made sure they always knew how he felt about them. Everyone says that a fire station crew becomes like family, and in most cases it is true, but none more than Station 51’s A-Shift.

“Bev, will you do the honors?” Hank could hardly keep a straight face as their plan was about to come to fruition.

<~~>

Beverly Stanley had purchased and wrapped the gifts per her husband’s request. Looking in the box of presents, her face showed both horror and disbelief. The elaborate plan that she and Hank had so carefully guarded to get the Phantom was now in serious jeopardy. Hank’s eyes met his wife’s, and he had no idea what was wrong, but knew that something was up. He told the guys that he needed a moment with his wife. Of course, this met with muffled laughter from the crew, and Hank uttered under his breath what twits they were being.

“Bev, what’s wrong? You look like you’ve just seen a ghost or something. Are you okay, Honey?”

“Oh, Hank, I’m terribly sorry. I don’t know how this happened. I’ve never felt so stupid in my entire life.” At this point a single tear ran down Beverly’s cheek.

“Hey, it can’t be that bad. Whatever it is, I’ll help you fix it. You need to calm down and explain what’s going on to me. Can you do that?”

“Just look, Hank. I can’t believe I did this.”

The loving husband looked down into a box of perfectly wrapped packages. They all seemed wonderful to him, but obviously something was wrong. “Uh, Bev, they look great, so what’s upsetting you?”

“Oooooo, men,” Beverly Stanley had her hands on her hips and was literally gritting her teeth. “Hank…look at them! “

“Bev, now calm down. The packages look wonderful. They’re all the same size, and even look professionally wrapped. Honey, they all look the same. The guys’ll never have a clue what’s goin’ on!”

“Exactly my point. They’re all the same. Not only will the guys not have a clue, but neither will we! I can’t believe I was so stupid.”

“You mean you don’t…” Cap suddenly became pale with anticipation of his wife’s answer. Before she could get out the dreaded words, they were interrupted.

“Cap, can we get on with the show? I can’t wait for Gage to see my special reward for the hard work that I did!” Chet was even more obnoxious than normal in his endless competition with Johnny. He looked toward the kitchen, beaming, knowing that the others were in there. When he saw Johnny, the dark- haired paramedic was mocking him.

Hank Stanley and his lovely wife walked into the kitchen as he asked the guys to wait just a bit more. He needed a little more time to talk to Beverly. Again, the guys chuckled and under his breath Marco stated that he never knew a married couple that talked that much, with a sly wink.

Hank and Beverly went into his office to begin a new strategy. “Do you have any idea which package it is, Bev?”

“Oh, Hank, I’m so sorry. It’s a total shot in the dark. I honestly have no idea which package it’s in. Now what are we gonna do? Chet just has to get the right package.” A tear began to sweep down the fair skinned lady’s face, and her husband sweetly kissed it away.

“Just shake ‘em, and we’ll hope for a miracle. Chet wants his gift, so we’ll have to produce one. Shake each box, and don’t forget to feel the weight too. Cross your fingers, and with any luck, we can still pull this off. Ya’ ready to give the man his present?”

“Okay, let’s do it!” The auburn haired lady was shaking inside, but she could not allow any of the crew to sense her fear. She was Mrs. Santa for the next while and she was going to be the best ever to play the role.

<~~>

Beverly Stanley surprised herself when she realized just how similar the five boxes felt. The presents varied in size and weight, but she had managed to make them all feel the same. She shook each one with care and thought perhaps she had found the gift. Catching a glimpse of his wife, Hank knew that she thought she had found just the package for Chester B. Kelly.

With a smile, Beverly handed a perfectly wrapped package to Chet along with congratulatory words. Beaming, the fireman took the package and looked at each of his crew mates, holding it up in the air in victory. As he opened the gift, the Stanleys held their breath, hoping for the best.

Chet would hold the box at an angle so I would have no idea what it contained. Hank Stanley didn’t want to think about what could happen if Chet didn’t get the present intended for him.

“Well, what is it already, Chester B.?” Johnny had decided that pretending to be happy for his colleague would bother Chet more than not noticing him or being angry at him.

“Oh, Cap, you guys outdid yourselves with this. Thanks so much! I always wanted a belt buckle with an engine. Look, Mike, it looks just like Big Red.” Chet held up his prize with pride and the other guys thought that maybe all their hard work would pay off after all. Any one of them would love this present.

Both Hank and Bev Stanley had a sick look about them. They knew that particular present was intended for Mike. Now not only was one of four undeserving men going to get a surprise that wasn’t very nice, but the Stanleys would also get a surprise when the gift was opened. Beverly had to just wing it from here and hope for the best.

Next, she handed a package to Roy. Both Cap and his wife were holding their breath, as Roy was one of the crew who least deserved the surprise.

“Oh, gee, thanks Cap, Mrs. Stanley, this pen and pencil set is really nice! JoAnne’s always tellin’ me that I need to keep up with my pen better, and now I’ll have a good reason to do it.” The fair- haired paramedic smiled and was most appreciative. He gave a handshake to Hank and a quick hug to Beverly. All the crew was impressed, and Roy could hardly believe how appropriate the gift was. He really needed a nice set like this.

Next Johnny was up, and both the captain and his other half knew how sensitive the young paramedic could be. His gift was a fun one if Bev could only pick the right one. This one was even harder than the rest, but she reached in the box and crossed her fingers behind her back.

Crooked grin in tow he replied, “Thanks, Bev, Cap, I’m sure this is gonna’ be wonderful!” Quickly opening his package, Johnny’s grin became less crooked and more of a confused grin. “Well, a cookbook…that’s, uh, nice. I hope this isn’t a hint, Cap!” Johnny couldn’t understand why he would be getting a cookbook from the Stanleys, but decided that he would cook something from the book that would even be better than Marco’s chili and Cap’s clam chowder combined.

<~~>

Excusing himself, Cap took his wife by the arm, and to the office they went again to confer.

“I can’t believe this, Bev. What are we gonna’ do?”

“Oh, Hank, I’m afraid I have a confession to make. You know how frustrated I get every year when you guess every gift that I get you, even before you open any of them. Well, I took a class in wrapping and disguising packages so that no one could guess the contents. Anyhow, I suppose I got carried away and used some of the techniques that I learned when I wrapped the guy’s gifts. I’m so sorry, Hank.”

“Wow, you must have graduated valedictorian.”

“Okay, enough…I feel badly enough without you rubbing salt into my wounds. I think we have two choices. Either we come clean, or you take the one aside that gets Chet’s gift, and explain the situation. Maybe we can even get a nice replacement gift for the poor, unlucky guy.”

Just as his wife was giving her opinions, Hank glanced into the other room and noticed that Johnny was actually looking through the cook book as though he wanted to try some of the recipes out. Also, Roy was thrilled with his pen and pencil set and trying them out. Of course, he received the correct gift. As for Chet, he had even put his new belt buckle on and was showing it off to the other guys.

“Okay, Honey, what’s done is done. Here’s the plan. We’ll get a surprise when we find out whether Marco or Mike gets the gag gift, and I’ll do as you suggested. I can talk to any of my guys. We’ll just have a chat, and I’ll get a replacement gift suitable for whoever gets the Phantom’s real gift, and no one else needs to know. What do ya’ think?”

“I’d say it’s the most logical choice. Are you sure the other guys are happy with their gifts?”

“Sure seems that way. Well…let’s get this surprise over. As far as I’m concerned, the sooner this is over, the better I’ll feel. At least that’s how I’m hoping I’ll feel.”

<~~>

Returning to the kitchen, the Stanleys just wanted to get this over, while both Marco and Mike anxiously awaited their presents. Bev reached into the box as Mike came forward. She really thought that Marco could take the gag better than Mike. The engineer was just so quiet and would be humiliated, so she hoped that he got the gift that was intended for Johnny. Mrs. Stanley reminded Mike of the wonderful job he had done displaying the engine to the children and all the lessons about firefighting he had taught. Then, slowly, she gave him the beautifully wrapped present and held her breath.

As Mike opened the gift, all eyes were glued to him, but none more than Bev’s and Hank’s.

When the box was opened, Mike’s jaw fell to the floor as the Stanleys simultaneously gasped. Their worst nightmare was very likely coming true.

“Well, uhmmm, I don’t really know what to say, Cap. I guess thanks would be the right thing, but what is this?” Mike looked dazed and confused.

“Let’s see it, Mike!” Johnny was like a child at Christmas.

Red faced, Mike pulled his present out of the box, and held it up. There stood the engineer…likely the best engineer in the company…a mild mannered, quiet, very nice guy with a costume. Not only was it a costume, but it was a costume for a human whoopee cushion. Mike’s head dropped as laughter became prevalent.

“That’s the funniest thing I’ve ever seen. Put it on, Stoker. Come on, be a model for us!” Chester B. was in all his glory.

You twit, you wouldn’t have thought it was so funny if you had gotten it as intended. Cap was livid at Kelly’s response.

Mike didn’t want to be unappreciative, but he had no clue why he would get such an odd gift, especially when the other guys had gotten nice gifts. He looked at Hank like a deer would if it was caught in the headlights of Big Red. No one said anything, and Hank knew that he had to get the last gift given out so he could explain the situation to the young man whom he counted on every day.

“Marco, pal, it’s your turn.”

With those words from her husband, Bev gave Marco the last gift, knowing that he would be happier than his predecessor.

“Oh, la, la, muchas gracias! This will get me exactly what I want! How did you know, Cap? There’s this girl in the barrio that I can’t get anywhere with, and I was about to give up, but not now.” Marco help up a book entitled “How to Pick Up a Girl, and Keep Her.” He smiled widely as he began flipping through the pages for answers to his situation with the girl that he wanted to date.

<~~>

With all the gifts given out, Hank had to act quickly. He mentioned once again how much he appreciated everyone. As he said that, he glanced at Mike who was obviously still in shock with his gift, or lack thereof. Then Hank stated that he looked forward to seeing everyone at the costume party this weekend when they were off. Those words being said, he asked Mike to come into his office.

“Pal, I’ve got some explaining to do. Have a seat, and I’ll see if I can help make some sense of this gift. You see, it wasn’t intended for you.”

“That’s a relief, Cap. So, why am I sitting here with this, uh, costume?”

“Bev and I had purchased that for Chet. The Phantom unknowingly struck a few weeks ago, except this time he didn’t get Gage…I was the victim. So, I decided to finally end his pranks once and for all. My wife shopped and found this silly costume and we were even gonna ask him to wear it to the party. Actually you were supposed to get the belt buckle, but Bev took a wrapping class. Oh, what a mess…anyway, she’s learned how to disguise gifts and without thinking she used her new skills with your gifts. I’m really sorry, Pal, and I promise I’ll make it up to ya’. I didn’t know whether to tell everyone about the mix ups or just tell the unfortunate guy who ended up with Chet’s gift. Bev and I discussed it and we decided that it would be best to just let one person in on the goof. Stoker, I’d rather any of the guys have gotten this than you. I’m really sorry.”

“Oh, Cap, it’s okay. I’m cool with it now that I know what happened. Boy, I wish Chet could’ve gotten it. That would have been somethin’ Johnny would never let him live down!” They both chuckled at the thought, and Hank patted his right hand man on the back, thanking him for his understanding.

<~~>

While Cap and Mike were in the office, the other guys were wondering why their engineer would get such a gift.

“Maybe he’s not as tight with Cap as we all thought.” Chet beamed at the thought of his comment.

“Nah, I think it was a fluke. I mean, Mike’s a good guy. Chester B., why would ya’ even make a comment like that? Ya’ know, you’re a sick individual.” Johnny had to get comments in when he could because Chet seemed to have the upper hand lately.

“I’m sure there’s an explanation for it. That costume just isn’t somethin’ Cap would give Mike.” The older paramedic wondered what could have happened. He could see Chet, or even Johnny getting the gift, but not Mike. He was hoping that Cap and the engineer were making sense of it behind the office door.

“Hey, ya’ don’t think it was meant for someone else, do ya?’’

Marco was onto something and the others realized it as soon as the words flowed from his mouth. Roy was thinking the same thought, but just didn’t voice it.

Beverly Stanley overheard the guys speculating and had to turn her back when Marco was right on the bull’s-eye. She smiled to herself. I suppose they know my husband better than I gave them credit for. I just hope that Mike’s as understanding as he seems. She would love to be able to hear the conversation that was going on in the office. Bev loved her husband so, and she would be more than willing to back up his story to Mike if he had any doubt. She looked up as the door opened, and was relieved to see smiles on the faces both men while exiting.

<~~>

After a slow shift, the guys were preparing for the costume party. Hank was thankful for the less busy pace because lots of cleaning and training was completed. More often than not, the captain was squeezing in time for hose hanging, cleaning, and new procedures. Roy and Johnny even had time to check all the local hazards and issue warnings. Over all the crew felt good about their contributions.

“So, Chester B., what are ya’ gonna be, a clown?” Johnny couldn’t resist attempting to find out what costume the Phantom would be wearing.

“As a matter of fact, Gage, my date is a classy lady, so no; we’ll not be a pair of clowns. I kinda thought you and your date had that one covered anyhow.” With that remark the mustached man elbowed the paramedic and walked away.

“Uhhhh, Roy, why do I let him get to me?”

“I have no idea, Johnny, but don’t let him ruin this for ya’. You have a great date, and really nice costume ideas, so just have fun!”

“Thanks, Pally, you’re usually right! I’ll take your advice, and me and my gal will have a blast. We’ll see ya tonight. Tell JoAnne and the kids that I said hi.”

“Okay, will do. See ya’ tonight.”

<~~>

Hank and Beverly Stanley had decided to host this year’s party. She had been busy most of the day, decorating the house. Bev was making some of the snacks and JoAnne had volunteered to make others so each of them would not have too much to do. Hank and Beverly had decided to have some food catered in, so that took care of all the necessities. Bev thought of decorating the house in a theme, but since it was a costume party, she had no idea what everyone was wearing. She decided to go with gold and silver bows, streamers, and balloons. Bev was a natural decorator and enjoyed throwing parties, so this was just the kind of thing she loved to do.

“Hon, the house looks great!”

“Thanks, Hank, but you helped a lot. Your work before this last shift saved me. I’d have never gotten the streamers hung from the ceiling. I really appreciate all you’ve done. Have I told you lately how handsome you are?”

“As a matter of fact, you told me just this morning on the phone. Bev, I do have a favor to ask.”

“Sure, you know I’d do anything for you.”

“Please don’t say anything to anyone about me decorating the house. I do have a reputation to keep, ya’ know.”

“You men and your fragile egos! Okay, I’ll not say a word.” Bev teased as she walked away. “I’m going upstairs to get into costume. Our guests will arrive before ya’ know it.”

“Good idea, but I’m just not too sure about my costume. I don’t think I’ll be comfortable.”

“Oh, Hank, just do it for me. You’ll be so handsome, and I promise I’ll make it up to ya’!”

With that comment they both went upstairs. Hank Stanley was no longer dreading getting into costume, but looking forward to his reward after the party.

<~~>

Getting into costume is never easy, especially for men. Hank knew that Bev was going to be absolutely beautiful, but he wasn’t really happy about being Rhett. He managed to get his suit on, but needed Bev to help with his tie. When she came into the room as Scarlet, she looked absolutely beautiful. The captain could not remember his wife looking as lovely since their wedding day. Beverly carefully helped her husband with his tie, noticing his eyes seemed glued to her.

She twirled around, and said, “You like?”

“Very much, Hon, you take my breath away.”

“Well, Hank, that was the plan!” Beverly winked at her husband as she went downstairs, preparing to greet their guests.

<~~>

Mike had told his date the entire story behind the gag gift and she thought it was totally hilarious. He did not want to ruin her plan to go as Cinderella. (She was a model, and had chosen their costumes.) However, he thought he would play a prank on the crew that no one would expect from him. Linda was the best date that Mike could have because she loved a practical joke as much as anyone and this was a side of Mike that she had not discovered. He was really happy to be taking her. They decided to leave a little late so the engineer could make his grand entrance. Mike and Linda planned it down to the second.

<~~>

Beverly Stanley was peeping out of the window, really wanting to know what everyone would be wearing. She was so excited.

“Hank, our first guests are here!”

Arriving first were Roy and JoAnne dressed as Bonnie and Clyde. Both of the Stanleys were surprised with the choice of costume of the DeSotos.

“Come in! I love your costumes. Jo, I had no idea that you and Roy could look so comfortable with guns.” Beverly winked as she let them in.

“Neither did I, but this is fun, isn’t it Roy?” The paramedic just rolled his eyes and slightly smiled. He had a feeling that the women would enjoy this much more than the men, but for his wife, he would make the best of it. At least they would all be dressed in costume, plus the food would be wonderful. Both men were attempting to look on the positive side of the evening.

Looking out the window, the captain could hardly believe his eyes. “Hey pal, ya’ think we’ve got it bad with our costumes…get a load of this.”

Roy went to the window and opening the car door for his date was Chet Kelly, wearing a tuxedo. The two firemen looked at each other in disbelief when the mustached man’s date exited the car. She was indeed beautiful and wearing an evening gown.

“Who are they suppose to be, Cap?”

“Your guess is as good as mine. We’ll find out soon enough though.” Hank opened the door and said, “Hello Chet and…Dinah; is that right? Welcome to our humble abode.”

“Thanks, Cap, and you’re right, this is the beautiful Dinah. Dinah, this is Roy DeSoto, one of our paramedics.”

“Nice to meet ya’, Dinah. By the way, Chet, I was wonderin’ who are you two dressed as? You sure look sharp.”

“Well, Roy, Dinah is a ballroom dance instructor and we’re Fred and Ginger.” Chester B. had a smile that stretched all the way across his face, and rightly so; neither Hank nor Roy could ever remember Chet being with a lady neither this beautiful, nor this classy.

JoAnne and Beverly came to the door and introductions were made. They were both impressed with the costumes, and with Chet’s date. “Okay, did he pay her, or what?” Bev laughed as she gave JoAnne a push for her comment.

“Poor Johnny, Jo, do you know who he’s bringing?”

“Yes, Sherry is his date, and she’s wonderful. She’s really cute, plus she will fit right in with everyone; I’m not so sure we can say that about Dinah.”

“Oh good, if Johnny’s date wasn’t pretty and nice, Chet would never let him hear the end of it.” Beverly was relieved that John Gage had a great date. “Look, here they come now, and I absolutely love their costumes.”

Johnny and Sherry got out of the Rover dressed as a cowboy and cowgirl. Their outfits were western to the max. Sherry had on a black dress trimmed in white lace with white boots; John was color coordinated in a black western suit and white shirt along with a nice bola and white Stetson hat. Sherry also had on a white western hat. They looked wonderful, and both Bev and JoAnne were thrilled. Introductions were made, and Chet’s smile narrowed a bit.

Just behind John and Sherry came Marco and Maria. They also had nice costumes. Marco was Zorro, while Maria was his damsel in distress. Both costumes were very Latina and nicely unique. They had been dating for several months, but no one could figure out if it was a serious relationship, or if they just enjoyed spending time together as friends. Chet had asked Marco repeatedly, but had gotten no where. Marco would simply say that time would tell.

“Let’s eat, I’m starvin” Johnny was never one to stay away from food for very long.

“Mike isn’t here yet, Gage. We’ll eat when he and his date arrive.”

“That’s odd, Mike’s always early. Cap, should ya’ go call him?”

Johnny was right, but Hank was not ready to make a phone call just yet. He still felt horrible that Mike had gotten Chet’s gift. He would make it up to his engineer today though. Hank had a replica of Big Red made and was going to give it to Mike in private as soon as he got a chance.

<~~>

Soon Bev noticed a beautiful young lady standing alone in the foyer dressed like Cinderella. “Hello, I’m Beverly Stanley; you must be Mike’s date.”

“Yes, I’m Linda Tilley, and Mike is on his way in. Thanks for having us, and it’s very nice to meet you. Mike has told me so many great things about you and your husband.”

“Everyone, Mike is on his way in, and this is his date, Linda Tilley. Looks like we are almost ready to eat.” Just as Bev ended her thought she looked at the door which had opened while she was introducing Linda. “Oh my…”

Everyone looked up, and simultaneously gasped. Inside the door stood Mike in his whoopee cushion costume. He had a very serious look on his face, and said hello, looking at everyone as if nothing was odd.

“Stoker, what the…I mean, why would ya’ wear that hideous thing?”

“Cap, I’m just showin’ my appreciation for my gift!” Mike couldn’t hold his composure any longer, and burst into laughter. Linda was so relieved because she couldn’t hold her laughs much longer either.

“Who is this guy? Does he belong here?” Dinah was questioning her date when Linda overheard. Chet was obviously speechless, so Linda stepped in.

“This guy is the crew’s engineer, and yes, he totally belongs here.”

“Hey, do I know you? Have I seen your photo in a magazine or somewhere?” Dinah could not put her finger on it, but she knew she had seen this lady before today.

“Maybe, I’ve done some modeling, so you could have seen a photo of me.”

As everyone gathered themselves, Mike excused himself to the bathroom, and when he returned, he was dressed as Prince Charming. Now he and Linda looked like the perfect couple.

Everyone began eating and talking about work, and life, but most of the conversation was about the quiet engineer and his surprise. No one could believe that he showed up in the costume that he “won.” He was always so quiet and most of the guys couldn’t believe that Mike of all the crew would show up as a human whoopee cushion. The young engineer had no regrets and his lovely date was proud of him, knowing that he had gone against the grain in wearing the costume.

As the crew was finishing their food, Hank asked Linda if he could borrow Mike for a minute. He took his engineer into the den, and laughed about the surprise Mike had given them all. Then, the man whom Mike Stoker looked up to the most in the department gave him the gift that he deserved. The brown-haired man could hardly believe his eyes when Cap pulled an exact replica of their beloved Big Red out of a drawer, and told him that the engine was his real present. The engineer held the engine, looking at every detail. He could hardly believe it was his.

“Just keep this between us, okay, pal?” Hank did not want the rest of his crew to feel slighted in any way, but he felt that his engineer deserved this present.

“I’ll not say a word, Cap, and I’ll cherish this forever. Hey, I’ll wear a crazy costume again if this is the payoff I get for it!”

“Stoker, I don’t think my heart could take it.”

<~~>

After eating, and talking, the party was ready for something else. Hank put on some soft music and each couple danced for a while. When a few hours had gone by, couple by couple left the party. Everyone agreed that this was the best one they had attended, and each would have a story to tell about the party, but none like Mike Stoker. Mike and Linda were the last couple to leave and he whispered his thanks once again to his captain. Hank finally felt that he had made up for the horrible mistake that he would never forget.

“Honey, I think this party was a success, don’t you?” Bev had very little to do now as most of the other women had helped with the clean up. All of them except for Dinah helped, and both Beverly and Hank felt that Chet ended up being embarrassed by his date’s behavior. While laughing to himself, Hank thought about Chet and everything turning out for the best in the end. It seemed that even when he had the outstanding date, she wasn’t all she appeared to be.

“Yes, Sweetheart, the party was a huge success. Everything turned out well.”

“How about Mike…did he like the engine?”

“He fell in love with it, and now I feel that I’ve finally made amends for our little mistake. Can you believe that our quiet Mike actually wore that silly thing tonight?”

“I thought I would faint when I saw him. I was so hoping that he didn’t feel as if he had to wear it. It’s nice to know that your engineer has a wonderful sense of humor.”

“Yes it is, now how about going up to bed, Scarlet?”

“Oh, Rhett, I couldn’t think of anything I’d like more.” As the bedroom door shut, Beverly gently kissed her husband on the cheek.

* The usual disclaimers apply; I do not own the characters of this story, but am thankful for the show Emergency!, and I really love playing with the crew! Also, thanks to Audrey for the beta.

*Click above to send Wanda CH feedback

*The Whoopie Cushion costume and many other fun things can be found at http://www.harrietcarter.com/

Stories by Wanda CH Guest Dispatchers