Flashbacks - part 2

Johnny and Shawna Gage had celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary on June 16, 2004. Their eight children, that they had adopted, had arranged for a wonderful celebration for them and their friends. They renewed their wedding vows in front of their family and friends, and at different times, each reminiscing about the days that had led up to them getting married. Each also remembered how they all lost Chief Hank Stanley and Dr. Joe Early. The holidays had passed with all of the chaos that Shawna loved. She and Johnny had their kids and grandkids home for the Christmas holiday and she loved it. They were taking pictures and videos of the kids having a blast. The California weather was perfect. It was 80 degrees every day and the grandkids loved being able to play outside. Shawna was fixing dinner when she heard ‘Gramma’.

“Grandpa has an owie.” Jake, her eight year-old grandson, remarked when she walked into the living room. She couldn’t help but hide a smile when walked into the living room and saw four of her grandchildren piled on Johnny.

“What are you kids doing?” She asked.

“Grandpa said that we couldn’t drag him down and keep him down.” Bryson, her nine year-old grandson replied.

“So we all ganged up on him and pulled him down and now he says that he can’t get up.” Amanda, her 10 year-old granddaughter replied..

“OK, everyone off of grandpa.” They all scattered and Shawna knelt down beside Johnny. “Are you OK?”

“No and it’s not funny.” He remarked when he noticed the smile she had on her face.

“Well, you should know better then to dare your grandchildren to do something like this. Where are you hurt?” She asked as she ran her hand over his lower back and then felt the muscle spasm.

“Right there.” He winced as she applied a little bit of pressure. “Ouch.”

“I know that it hurts, but I think that I can massage it out and get the muscle to relax.” She leaned over and gently began to massage Johnny’s lower back to help relax the muscle.

“Mom is dad OK?” Katie asked as she and some of the others came through the front door.

“He’s fine. He was wrestling with the kids and had a muscle spasm. How are you doing?” She asked her six-month pregnant daughter.

“I’m doing fine. Dr. Stevens said that the baby and I are just fine and that I’ll still be able to fly home after the first of the year.”

“That’s great sweetheart. Ouch.” Johnny replied. “Mom and I want you to take it easy while you are here. You are not to do anything stressful or any heavy lifting.”

“Daddy, I’m pregnant, not incapacitated. Dr. Stevens said that I could still do my daily three-mile walks, just as long as I don’t do the brisk walking. He said that the baby’s heartbeat it really strong.”

“As long as you’re here, and as long as you’re pregnant, you’re going to listen to me. Do I make myself clear? Ouch.” He asked as he looked at his oldest daughter who would be having her third child around the end of March or beginning of April.

“Yes, daddy. I understand.” She replied and blew him a kiss. “I’m going to grab an apple.”

“Don’t eat too much. I have a meatloaf in the oven and the potatoes are on the stove.” Shawna told her kids as she continued to work the muscle in Johnny’s lower back.

“Anything that we can do mom?” Kelsey asked.

“Sure, if you want to finish dinner, I’m going to help daddy upstairs to the bedroom so he can rest his back.” She told them as she helped Johnny to his feet.

“I’m fine.” Johnny told her and winced when he tried to straighten.

“No, you’re not fine. Now you’re going to go upstairs and stretch out on the bed. Then when dinner is ready, I’ll bring you a tray up.”

“Grandpa, we’re sorry.” Bryson and the other grandkids stood at the door and they noticed that the kids were crying.

“What’s wrong Bryson?” Shawna asked as she walked over to the kids.

“We hurt grandpa.” He replied as he sniffed and wiped a tear away.

“I’m going to be fine, Bryson.” Johnny told the kids. “My back will work itself out. Don’t you kids worry about me.”

“Grandpa is tough. Now you kids go on outside and behave. Dinner will be ready in about an hour.” She told her grandkids and wiped the tears from the little boys’ cheeks.

“Do you need us to help dad upstairs?” Rick asked.

“No that’s OK. I can get him up there. Thanks anyway. Now don’t let the meatloaf burn.” Shawna told the four kids that were standing in front of her. She turned and slowly helped Johnny upstairs to their bedroom. The log cabin was a very spacious place but it was also homey. Windows lined the front of the house, at night you could see the warm glow of soft lights, or on occasions, a roaring fire as you pulled into the yard.

“Here we go.” She replied as she opened the door to their master bedroom. Johnny had loved the way that Shawna had decorated her home once she rebuilt it. She had lost the house while they were dating and had almost died when some timbers fell and pinned her in the basement. She was lucky when some of her officers came by the house and found her unconscious. Johnny thought that he was going to lose her when she remained in a coma for a week. He stayed by her bedside until she opened her big brown eyes.

“Thanks.” He replied as he leaned in and kissed her on the lips. He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her in closer for a deeper kiss. He began to untuck her shirt and she stopped him.

“Johnny, we can’t.”

“Why not?” He asked as he started to kiss her again.

“The kids are downstairs, your back is bothering you, and it’s almost dinner time.”

“Those are excuses.”

“They might be excuses but to me they are pretty good excuses..” She replied with a smile. “Now, I want you to stretch out on the bed and relax. I’ll bring you up a tray when dinner is ready. And if you’re good, I’ll bring a plate for me too.”

“OK, I’ll be good.” He replied with that boyish grin that she loved since the first time that she met him at the orphanage fire.

“Now, I want you to relax and I’m going to go check on dinner.”

“I have a better idea, why don’t you let the kids handle dinner and you stay here with me and we can both relax.”

“Only,” she replied as she pointed a finger at him, “if you promise to behave yourself.”

“I promise.” He told her with his boyish grin. Shawna cuddled with Johnny until she heard his breathing ease into a slow pattern and then he started to snore softly. She laid there beside him with her hand on his chest, just listening to him breath and listening to his heartbeat. Once she was sure that he was asleep, she gently eased off the bed and came back downstairs.

“Where’s dad?” Rick asked when she walked into the kitchen.

“He’s upstairs asleep.”

“We’re going to talk to the kids and tell them that they can’t be wrestling with grandpa like that anymore.” Steve replied as he pulled out the thick paper plates.

“You’ll do no such thing. If I know Johnny, and I do, he was just as much to blame for this as the kids were. He’s going to be fine. He just had a muscle spasm. I don’t want to hear any of you say one word to those kids.” Shawna reprimanded as she checked on the meatloaf.

“Mom, you are always defending the kids.” Michelle replied as she grabbed the plastic cups and forks for the kids. It was 80 degrees and the kids wanted to eat outside and so did a few of the adults.

“Of course I’ll defend those kids the same way that I always defended you kids when you weren’t in the wrong. Besides, they were just playing..”

“Yes but you and daddy aren’t…” Morgan started to reply.

“Watch it Morgan.” Shawna stopped her daughter in mid sentence. “I know what you’re about to say and even though I am older than Johnny, I can still kick anyone’s butt here.”

“And trust me she has.” They heard and then turned and saw Johnny standing in the doorway.

“What are you doing up?” Shawna asked as she walked over to her husband.

“I woke up and you were gone. Besides, I haven’t missed a family dinner at this table and I’m not about to start. Now what’s this I heard about the grandkids?”

“I told them that they are not to say a word to those kids for you having the muscle spasm.”

“Your mother is right. You are not to say one word to those kids. This was my fault when I dared them to try and keep me down.” Johnny replied as he made his way to the table.

“Daddy really.” Morgan replied. “You and mom shouldn’t be wrestling with the kids. You two aren’t…”

“Morgan, I’m warning you.” Shawna replied not too nicely. “If you say that we aren’t spring chickens then I’m going to turn you over me knee.”

“Well, mom you are in your early 60’s and daddy is in his mid-50’s.” Kelsey replied for her sister.

“I know how old we are young lady. However, if I’m capable of keeping up my certification with the LAPD, then I think I can take on a few grandkids. Besides, I may be a captain but I still get out on the streets and arrest the criminals just like the guys I help to train.” Shawna replied as she took the meatloaf out of the oven and set it on the counter. “Now why don’t you all get the kids in here and get them washed up for dinner.”

“Yes ma’am.” She heard all eight of her children reply. Fifteen minutes later all 16 of their grandkids were standing in line as Shawna handed them a plate. All of the grandkids went outside to eat and so did some of the kids and their spouses. Four of the kids and their spouses stayed inside with Johnny and Shawna. They all had a pleasant dinner, talking about how they were going to start the preparations for the Christmas dinner tomorrow.

After the tables were cleared, the trash gathered, and the food put away they all went outside to watch the kids play. They had a big enough front yard and the kids had started a game of baseball. Shawna and some of the others joined in on the game. All of the grandkids wanted Gramma to pitch. Shawna pitched and everyone was surprised when one of the older kids hit the ball right at her and she caught it right in front of her face.

“Mom, that was close.” Steve replied as they changed sides.

“Tell me about it. Good thing I have such good reflexes.” She replied with a smile. Steve pitched to them and they had the bases loaded when Shawna stepped up to bat. She hit a home run and as she was running the bases, she picked her littlest granddaughter, Alexis, and helped her run the bases. As she would round a base, she would set Alexis on the base, then she would touch the base and they would take off again. Alexis’ laugh was so loud that everyone started laughing.

“Again Gramma. Again.” Alexis giggled as they touched the home plate.

“We’ll see sweetheart.” She told her granddaughter as she kissed her forehead. They finished the game and Shawna’s team won. Alexis was tickled when she was picked up and run around the bases two more times. They kissed half of the family, who was staying out at Johnny’s house, good night and kissed the grandkids too. All of the others gave their mom and dad a good night kiss and went to their bedrooms for the night. Johnny and Shawna stayed downstairs snuggled on the sofa for about half an hour and then they went upstairs.

“How would you like a nice massage?” Shawna asked Johnny as she leaned in and kissed him deeply. He loved kissing his wife and he began to untuck her shirt. “I said a massage.” She replied as she grabbed his hands to stop him.

“But I’d love to make love to you.” He replied as he leaned in and kissed her neck.

“I’d love that too but I don’t want you to hurt yourself tonight. I’ll make a deal with you.” She told him as she took his hand out from under her shirt and then she began to unbutton his shirt.

“What kind of deal?”

“I’ll give you a really nice massage tonight and then tomorrow while everyone is gone to the movies, we’ll have a nice long love making session.” She replied with a wink.

“Promise?”

“I promise. They are going out to eat tomorrow afternoon and then they are going to take the kids to one of the Christmas movies. We’ll have at least three or four hours together.”

“I forgot about the movies.”

“OK.”

“No, I promised Tyler and Jackson that I’d go with them to the movies.”

“That’s OK. You go with the boys and then maybe the day after Christmas we can have some fun. Now I’m going to go and get the massage oil. You go ahead and get undressed down to your boxers and then I’ll give you a really relaxing massage.” She told him as she leaned in and kissed him again. She changed into her satin pj’s, grabbed her warming massage oil, a couple of candles, and came out of the bathroom. Johnny was lying on the bed with the covers pulled up to his lower back. He had put on some soft music, and was lying on his stomach with his arms under his neck.

Shawna lit the candles, turned their lights out, and climbed onto the bed beside Johnny. She opened the bottle of warming massage oil, rubbed it in her hands to warm the liquid, and then gently started working on Johnny’s shoulders. She then began to work on his toned back. Johnny was part Indian so he had a tan to his skin.

“MMM.” He moaned as she gently applied pressure to his back.

“Feel good?”

“MMM, yes.. I’ve always loved getting a massage from you. I remember when I told the guys at the station how good you could give a back massage and they were all jealous.”

“Really?” She replied as she gently began to work on the right side where he’d had the muscle spasm early. She felt him flinch a little when she hit the muscle. “Still sore?”

“A little.” She remembered one time when they had gone out to a local bar and someone wanted to pick a fight with Johnny over her. They were playing pool when this guy decided he’d pick a fight with Johnny.

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“Hey Injun. What are you doing off the reservation?” He had asked and then he hit Johnny’s cue stick. “I’m talking to you.”

“I heard you. You know we Injun’s are allowed off the reservation now.” Johnny replied calmly. Suddenly the guy grabbed him by his shirt and jerked him closer.

“So you’re a wise guy huh? You know I don’t like wise guys.” He replied and I saw him grab Johnny’s cue stick. I reached into my purse, pulled out my badge, and flashed it behind Johnny’s head. The guy and his friends saw the badge and he decided to back off. Things had been fine after that until we left and one of the guys said ‘Night officer.’ and then Johnny realized what had happened.

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“MMM babe that feels wonderful.” She heard and then snapped back to the present.

“I told you that you would like a massage. Why don’t you go ahead and close your eyes. Try to get some sleep. You tossed and turned all night last night.”

“MM. Ok..” She kept up the massage and then remembered what happened when they left the bar.

*******************************************************************

“How did he know that you were a cop?” Johnny asked once we were outside.

“I don’t know, maybe I’ve arrested him before.” I replied as we walked toward Johnny’s Land Rover.

“I don’t think so; otherwise, he would’ve recognized you while we were playing pool.”

“I don’t know why he suddenly backed off.” I replied nervously.

“I think you do. I think that you flashed your badge and that’s why he and his buddies backed off.”

“And if I did would that matter?”

“Yes, it would matter. I was ready to defend myself in there and I was ready to defend your honor.”

“It wasn’t my honor that I was worried about. I didn’t want to have to spend the rest of the evening in the ER and then at the police station filling out a police report.”

“So you admit that you flashed your badge in there.” He asked angrily.

“What if I did Johnny? I was thinking about those three guys ganging up on you, beating the living daylights out of you because you’re with me, and then maybe trying to gang up on me. I’m sorry if I hurt your pride.”

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She was suddenly jolted back to the present by the ringing of the telephone.

“Hello. Yes, this is Capt. Gage. OK, I’ll be right there.” Johnny rolled over and barely opened his eyes.

“Who was that?”

“The station. There’s some kind of problem down there and they need me to come down.” She replied as she started changing clothes.

“Do you want me to go with you?” he asked groggily.

“No. Listen, you just go back to sleep and I’ll be back before you know it.” She told him as she leaned over and kissed him. “Go back to sleep.”

“OK. Be careful.” He replied as he closed his eyes again.

“I will.” She whispered and then left to go to work. It took her about thirty minutes to drive to the station and when she arrived there was all kinds of chaos happening. “What the…” She stopped mid-sentence when she saw about 100 people standing in the station.

“Capt. Gage. I’m sorry that I had to call you but I didn’t know what else to do.” Officer Jason Kelly replied. He looked so much like his dad Chet did 25 years ago.

“What’s going on Kelly?”

“There was a concert at one of the clubs. Some of the patrons started getting out of hand and then several fights started breaking out.”

“I’m going to kick your teeth down your throat.”

“Try it you punk.” Shawna turned toward the disturbance and saw the two guys about ready to go for round two.

“If either one of you even throws the first punch I’ll put both of your butts in a cell together for 24 hours. Now sit down and shut up.” Shawna told the two men rather loudly and when she did, everyone shut up and the station became quiet.

“Nice technique. I’d like to learn that one day.” Kelly told his boss.

“You will. Show them who the boss is but still be respectful. They respect you and you respect them. Now, I want everyone processed, and then sent home.”

“What about bail?”

“Just process them and let them go for now. Ladies and gentlemen, can I have your attention?” She stood in front of a station full of half-drunk people.

“What’s up lady?” One of the men stuttered.

“The name is Capt. Gage not lady. We are going to process all of you tonight, call cabs for those of you who shouldn’t be driving, and then sending everyone home. I am going to make one stipulation to your release tonight.”

“What’s that, Capt. Gage?” The man asked.

“I want everyone to post a $100 bail tonight.”

“Ooh.” Everyone moaned.

“It’s either that or you spend the night in jail. You decide.” She heard more moans. “Look, I’m giving you the option of either paying $100 in bail or cooling your heels in a cell. NOW, WHAT’S IT GOING TO BE?” She asked raising her voice enough that the room went silent.

“We’ll pay the bail.” Someone responded and then everyone got into several lines where the officers began processing everyone, calling cabs, collecting bail, and sending everyone home. Shawna had gone to her office to finish some paperwork and about two hours later, there was a knock on her door.

“Come in.” She looked up and Jason came in with the processed papers and everyone’s bail money.

“Here you go captain. $10,000 in bail money and a processed report on all 100 people that were arrested tonight. We just have one problem.” He said hesitantly.

“What kind of problem?”

“We have just one person who says that he has nowhere to go tonight.”

“And who would that be Jason?”

“This young man.” He replied as he opened her office door and she saw a boy standing there. She looked at him for a minute.

“Billy Bradshaw, is that you?” She asked as she got up and walked around her desk.

“Yes, Mrs. Gage, it’s me.”

“Come on in Billy. It’s OK Jason, I’ll see that he gets home.”

“Yes ma’am.” Jason turned and left Shawna’s office as she motioned for Billy to have a seat.

“So what’s going on Billy?”

“Nothing really. I just don’t have any place to stay until the campus opens back up after the first of the year.”

“What about your parents place?”

“Dad and I got into an argument and he threw me out. Told me that I was never welcome there again.”

“What about your mom? What did she say when he threw you out?”

“Mom wasn’t home and there was no way that I could tell her.. Look, Mrs. Gage, I didn’t mean to get into a fight at the club. I was minding my own business when everything happened. Just ask the bartender.”

“It’s OK Billy, I believe you. Have you been drinking tonight?”

“No ma’am. I don’t touch the stuff. I’ve had nothing but plain cola.”

“OK, I’ll tell you what I’ll do. I’ll take you back to the bar to pick up your car and then you can follow me back to my place. I’ve got a couch that you’re welcome to crash on until classes start back.”

“I can’t do that, Mrs. Gage.” He objected.

“And just why not? If you think that I’m going to let you stay in your car or in a shelter then you’re crazy.”

“But I can’t intrude on you and your family. It’s Christmas and I’m sure that they don’t want someone else around for the holidays.”

“Nonsense. Besides, I have other people coming over for Christmas dinner and one more person isn’t a bother. Now, let’s go get your car and go home.” She told him as she grabbed her jacket and keys. “Jason, are you guys still coming over for Christmas dinner?”

“Yes ma’am. That’s all dad has talked about this week.”

“Good. Tell your parents to be there about 1 pm.”

“I will. Have a good night captain.” Shawna and Billy left and went back to Denim & Diamonds to pick up his car. When they arrived, the owner was walking out.

“Hello Shawna.”

“Hello Jack. I can’t believe that you had trouble here tonight..”

“I can’t believe that they called you to the station. Hey kid, you got a place to stay tonight?” He asked as he looked at Billy.

“Yes sir. I’m going to stay with Mrs. Gage and her family.”

“That’s good. I was worried after I posted your bail where you’d go. You two have a Merry Christmas”

“You too Jack.” Shawna and Billy left the bar and arrived back at her place around 1:30 a.m. They walked in and Katie was in the kitchen getting a glass of milk. “Hi sweetheart.”

“Hi mom. Hello.” She said to Billy.

“Katie this is Billy. Billy this is my daughter Katie.”

“It’s nice to meet you.” Billy replied as he held out his hand.

“It’s nice to meet you too.” Katie replied as she shook his hand.

“Billy, I’m going to get a quilt and pillow from the closet, you can sleep on the couch. The bathroom is right down the hall.” Shawna led the way and Billy followed her. Once she came back into the kitchen, she was cornered by Katie.

“Mom, are you crazy bringing a stranger in here?”

“Katherine Elizabeth don’t you dare talk to me like that.”

“Well mom he is a stranger.”

“Billy is not a stranger. Your dad and I have known his parents for over 20 years and I’ve known Billy ever since he was a baby. Now I want you to be nice.” Billy came walking back into the kitchen.

“Mrs. Gage thanks for the offer to stay but I really don’t think that I’m going to stay where I’m not welcome.” He told her and then looked at Katie.

“That’s nonsense. You’re going to stay here until the dorms open back up after the first of the year. You can sleep on the couch and still work at the pizza parlor. Now let’s all go to bed. I have a long day ahead of me tomorrow preparing the food for our Christmas dinner. She kissed Billy on the cheek and then kissed Katie on the cheek. “Good night you two.”

“Good night.” They both replied. Shawna turned the lights out and went upstairs to her bedroom. She eased inside the room and went to the bathroom to change. When she came back out, Johnny rolled over.

“What happened at the station?”

“Nothing much. I’ll tell you later. Now go back to sleep.” She climbed into bed, kissed him on the lips, and cuddled with him. It wasn’t long until she heard him softly snoring. The next morning Shawna was downstairs making breakfast with Billy sitting at the counter when Johnny came down.

“Hello Billy. What brings you here?”

“Hello Mr. Gage. I was at Denim & Diamonds last night and they had a fight. Everyone was arrested and Mrs. Gage said that I could crash on your couch for a few days.”

“Billy how many times have I told you that it’s Johnny and Shawna and not Mr. and Mrs. Gage?” Johnny asked with a serious look and then he smiled.

“I know. That’s what Mrs. Gage said, but I was taught to call my elders Mr. and Mrs. I told Mrs. Gage last night that I didn’t feel right staying here and she told me that was nonsense that you had plenty of room.”

“And she is right. As long as we have a couch, then we have room.” Everyone started filtering into the kitchen for breakfast, introductions were made and then a lot of food was eaten. Shawna took Johnny aside and had a quick talk with him.

“Listen, I think that Billy is about Brandon’s size, why don’t you and Brandon pick him up a couple of pairs of jeans, some t-shirts, and maybe some nice button-up shirts. This way he doesn’t feel left out tomorrow.”

“I was thinking the same thing.” Johnny replied as he kissed her hard on the mouth.

“You never cease to amaze me Johnny.”

“I could say the same thing about you. Are you sure that I can’t stay here with you and let the other’s go shopping?” He asked with that boyish grin again.

“I’m sure Johnny. You promised the boys that you would go with them. Besides, why don’t you all ask Billy if he wants to go.”

“Hey Billy.”

“Yes, Mr. Gage.”

“How would you like to go to the mall with all of us?”

“Thanks but I’d really like to stay here.”

“Are you sure Billy? The kids are going to see one of the movies and this way it gets everyone out of my house so I can fix the meal.”

“Are you sure that you don’t need help?”

“I’m sure. Look, you go with them, stay out of trouble and have fun.” Johnny and the others all left to go to the movies leaving Shawna there to start the preparations for the Christmas meal. She had everything chopped, mixed and ready when everyone got home.

The Christmas holidays were a blur for Shawna. She loved all of the chaos and never complained about all of the cooking that she was doing. New Year’s came and went and then all of her family had gone back home on January 3, 2005. They hosted their annual Super Bowl party with all of their friends and watched the New England Patriots beat the Philadelphia Eagles. Valentine’s Day was there two weeks later and Johnny had made plans to take Shawna back to the Italian restaurant where he had proposed to her 25 years ago. They had a romantic dinner at Little Sicily in Los Angeles. They were on their way home when they heard the trouble on the police radio in Shawna‘s truck.

“Attention, all units in the vicinity of Hollywood Park Race Track. We have a report of shots fired. Units in the area respond.”

“Johnny, we’re just three miles from there. I need to roll since I’m the Captain.”

“OK.” He replied, hit the red light on the dash and began speeding toward the race track.

“Dispatch, this is Capt. Gage, I’m three miles from the track and I’m responding Code 3 (lights and sirens).”

“10-4 Capt. Gage.. Be advised that we do not know how many perps are on the property.”

“10-4 dispatch. Advise all units that I’m arriving undercover at the scene.”

“10-4.” Shawna pulled her 9mm Glock from the glove compartment and checked the clip as Johnny sped toward the race track. She then pulled her badge from her purse and clipped it to her belt.

“Johnny, when we get to the track, I want you to stay in the truck. You heard the dispatcher, we don’t know how many people are at the track or what exactly is going on.”

“Don’t worry about me. I just want you to be careful.” He told her as he pulled up behind a squad car.

“I will.” She promised as she kissed him and then got out of the truck.

“What’s going on Kelly?”

“We received a call about shots being fired here. Dispatch said that a security guard called in that there are some people on the grounds that shouldn’t be here.”

“OK. You and Jenkins come with me. Henderson and Miller take the left side. Ryans and Adams take the left. I want everyone to keep in radio contact and no heroics.”

“Yes ma’am.” They all replied. Johnny watched as the officers scattered and went looking for the offenders. He could hear a shot ring out every now and again. Shawna, Jason Kelly, and Tommy Jenkins were the lucky ones to find four guys spooking the horses at the track.

“Freeze, police.” Shawna called out to the guys. A few shots were fired their way and they returned fire. “This is the police. We have the place surrounded. Throw down your weapons and come out with your hands up.” She told them as she noticed the other four officers moving into position.

“No way cop.” One of the guys replied and then began firing again.

“All officers return fire.” She ordered through the walkie talkie. Five officers began to return fire on the four perps.

“OK, we surrender.” Someone shouted.

“Hold your fire.” She ordered. “Throw down your weapons and come out with your hands up.” The four men stood up. Shawna, Jason, and Tommy started walking toward them. She saw one of the men move and before she could get off a shot, she was hit with a bullet from a .357 Magnum. “Son of a …” She replied as she went down and Jason shot the guy.

“Officer down. I repeat we have an officer down at the Hollywood Park Race Track. Requesting paramedics and an ambulance at the scene near the stables.” Jason called over the walkie talkie. Johnny heard the call go out and raced off in the truck toward Shawna. When he pulled in, he grabbed the medical bag from the back seat and raced over to the officers.

“Who has been…” He stopped in mid sentence when he saw Jason leaning over Shawna. “What happened?” He asked as he leaned down over Shawna and saw Jason applying pressure to her chest.

“We were going to take them. They had thrown down their weapons, at least we thought they had, and one of them pulled a .357 and shot her. That’s when we all opened fire on him.” Johnny looked over and saw the body of one of the men laying there motionless.

“Hang on Shawna. Help is on the way.” Johnny told her as he started taking her vitals. “Jason, keep applying pressure to her chest.”

“Johnny. It..hurts.” She gasped as Jason kept pressure on her chest.

“I know it does sweetheart. You just hang in there. We’ll get you to the hospital soon.” He heard the sounds of the squad and the ambulance arriving.

“So…c-c-cold.”

“She’s going into shock.” Jason replied as one of the paramedics raced up to them.

“Vitals are BP is 90/60. Pulse is weak and respirations are 10.” Johnny told one of the paramedics from Station 19.

“We’ve got her Johnny.” One of the paramedics replied as he hooked her up to the portable EKG monitor and then called Rampart.

“I’m going with her.” He told them as they began to load her in the ambulance..

“J-J-Johnny?”

“I’m right here.” He told her as he squeezed her hand.

“I’m s-s-sorry.” She told him as a tear escaped from her eye.

“You have nothing to be sorry about.” He told her as they loaded her in the ambulance and raced off toward Rampart.

Part 3