Fortuitous

By Caressa

Chapter 1 - Fortuitous

Dani Stewart had no idea what she was getting into.  Ages ago she fell in love with idea of becoming a Cop, but she now knew that prospect was likely over.
 

The LAPD didn’t take kindly to women in the 70’s, much less women who shot themselves in the foot.  Literally.   Her only solace was the steady hands of the paramedic examining her left ankle.  His eyes were as dark as his hair, and his body tanned to perfection.  He was currently squinting, and since the sun was behind him, she guessed he was deep in thought. 
 

“Something wrong?”  she ventured.
 

He hid a brief smirk, and she realized how ridiculous her question sounded.  I’m shot in the damn foot, she thought, everything is wrong.    Her eyes rolled and cheeks flushed.  Dani caught the whisper of his well-hidden smile.  She quieted when John attempted to flex her ankle.
 

“Stop!”  she hissed, snapping out to grab his forearm.
 

Johnny ceased all movement, “Sorry, sorry,” he whispered, leaning toward her.
 

That was the moment. The moment that despite the gnawing, burning pain she felt, despite the humiliation she suffered, despite the mountain of incident reports she would write, despite the dreamy brown worrying eyes staring at her, that she fell.
 

Literally. Toppled face first like a tin can on a wall in a slingshot contest.
 

Johnny was only half ready for the development, lost his balance, and fell onto his back, protectively pulling her to his chest. She could hear distant footfalls hitting the pavement, and a small snicker escape from the man whose boots were instantly inches from her right eye.
 

She felt Johnny’s arms tighten around her, and rolling over, he laid her gently on the ground. 
 

If I wasn’t so dizzy, I’d enjoy the heck out this mess. 

But insult always adds to misery, and given her consistency in life, she leaned over and threw up.   Dead center on the gorgeous, brown-eyed-cutie-pie with the crooked smile.
 

Damn. 
 

Somehow he had guessed what was coming, and while he had avoided a face full of her old lunch, remnants of her salad skipped its way down his torso and stuck to his boots.
 

Some impression.
 

But despite her despair, his gentle hands laid her back down, turning her on her side.
 

“I’m so sorry,” she whispered.
 

“No worries, happens at least once a week.”
 

“If that’s the case, you need a new job.” 
 

His quiet snicker followed, drawing a smile from her, despite her bloody mess.
 

She looked up at him, and saw his expression shift, his left brow wrinkling in concern. 
 

“Whaa?” she whispered, feeling suddenly drowsy.    She heard him calling her in the distance.

“Dani, Dani, stay with me now, stay with me.”
 

“Any day,” she whispered, as his face faded into a narrow black tunnel. Her last thought before the day dimmed to a silent night, was it would be quite nice to stay anywhere with him.

Chapter 2 - Understanding

The next time Dani saw his face, she was jostling on a thin lumpy mattress with sirens blaring in the background.  His brow was wrinkled, a stethoscope swinging from his neck as he scribbled on a clipboard.
 

Sensing her gaze, Johnny looked up.  He leaned forward, “Hey,” he said, breaking into a smile.  “How ya feeling?”
 

Dani thought for a long moment, the jostling movement of the ambulance the kick starting her sour stomach.
 

“Still feel sick?”  he asked.

“It’s boiling.”
 

“Okay, we’re almost at the hospital.”
 

“I’m sorry.”
 

“Nothing to be sorry for.  Just relax, we’ll be there in about two minutes.”
 

“I don’t feel so good.”
 

Instantly alert, he took her hand and measured her pulse.
 

“You know,” she started, “this stopped being fun about 15 minutes ago.”
 

“Five.”  He replied.
 

Dani’s brow lifted in confusion.

“You weren’t awake for the last 10.  Doesn’t count.”
 

“You’re mighty fresh,” she squinted to read his nametag. “Paramedic John Gage.”
 

“I have the feeling you’re a bit of a spitfire yourself.”  Johnny laughed softly, and then looked out the back as the ambulance turned the corner into the driveway of Rampart.  “Your chariot has arrived.”
 

“Got that one backwards.  You were supposed to announce it when we left.”
 

She could hear Johnny chuckling again, and despite her feeling as close to a discarded wet mop as she could, Dani smiled at the sound of his sweet laughter. She hadn’t teased a man in a long time, and while her predicament was a bad one, it was nice to share it with someone uplifting amidst the mire. Must be the drugs. Handsome certainly didn’t hurt either.
 

  Johnny gathered the equipment and rested a box between her legs.
 

“I’m charging rent for that space,” she said, smiling when she heard him snicker.
 

“I’ll owe ya.”
 

Dani’s brightness faded away.
 

“Paramedic John Gage?”
 

“Yes, Dani?”
 

“Thanks for not laughing at me.”
 

Johnny looked at her for a long moment. “Getting shot isn’t a laughing matter. Regardless of how it happened, anyone, especially me, knows that accidents and mayhem can occur at any moment in our jobs.  We pick up and move on. Regardless of what anyone else thinks.”
 

Dani was momentarily shocked into silence, and tears welled in her eyes.  “Thanks John Gage, you’re definitely one of the good guys.”
 

“I’ve been there my friend.  It’s rough, but don’t let snide comments or intentional roadblocks change what you want for your life.  Fighting isn’t easy, but I can tell you can take it.”
 

Johnny pulled out some tissues just as the ambulance backed up and stopped at Rampart’s ER entrance.    “My advice?  Never let ‘em see you cry.”
 

He handed the tissues to her, looking to the doors as the attendant pulled them open.
 

“You ready?”
 

She dried her eyes and stared at him for a long moment. “You bet.”
 

“Good girl.”
 

The attendant tugged the back doors open. Johnny jumped out, the drug box in his hand.  Once the stretcher touched down, he took up the spot by Dani’s head. 

“Don’t look so worried.  My favorite nurse is on today.”
 

Dani felt an unexpected streak of jealousy.  “Oh, a girlfriend of yours I suppose, Mr. Paramedic?”
 

Johnny laughed, “A friend.”
 

Dani’s eyes narrowed at the tone of his voice.  “There should be no laughing at shot jealous women.”
 

Johnny’s expression fell into one of concern. “I think you know by now, I wouldn’t do that.”
 

Johnny walked beside the stretcher as the attendants pulled it forward and into the treatment room.  He assisted in her transfer to the hospital stretcher.
 

“You really are a hero, aren’t you?”
 

Johnny immediately blushed. “Well, I don’t know about that,” he began, but was interrupted by Dixie as she leaned over to begin checking Dani’s vitals.
 

“He is a true honest to goodness hero, who, for some odd reason, is being uncharacteristically modest.”
 

Dixie looked over at Johnny, her brow raised in curiosity.
 

Johnny ignored the conversation and Dixie’s  ‘look’. The only clue of acknowledgement was a hint of blush on his cheeks.  He assisted the attendants in settling Dani on the ER bed, and transferred her cannula to the hospital’s oxygen supply.
 

He stepped back, and placed a gentle hand on Dani’s shoulder.

“Hang in there, Dani.  Don’t let the boys get you down.”

“Paramedic John Gage,” she said, her voice fading. “You’re an okay guy.”
 

Johnny laughed, and offered a brief wave before heading out to the Squad.
 

He paused before turning the corner to the ambulance bay, looking back toward the closed treatment room door.  He smiled thoughtfully at her spunk in handling her predicament.   With a shake of his head, he went out to meet Roy. 

Chapter 3 - Promise

It was seven months later that an official looking cream-colored envelope arrived at the station addressed to “Paramedic John Gage.”   Johnny accepted the envelope from Cap, contemplated who he knew who might be getting married, and coming up with no names, tore it open.
 

He recognized the LAPD seal, and instantly smiled.   She made it, he thought.  I’m kind of surprised, but then again, maybe not. Pleased she would remember him fondly enough to send the announcement, he opened the envelope and smiled at her neatly curled script.

Paramedic John Gage, you better show up.  
 

p.s. Thanks  for everything you did for me...and said to me.
 

See you there,

Dani

Johnny settled on the couch next to the Boot, who squirmed his way up John’s legs and settled on his chest. Johnny unconsciously rubbed the dog’s ears, and Boot’s eyes closed with a satisfied sigh.   Johnny smiled when he reread the invitation.  While he initially felt awkward, since he really didn’t know her at all, she certainly was memorable, and he admired that she stuck it out.  Spitfire, he thought, his smile reemerging at the memory of their encounter.  Might be fun, and she deserves some support. Johnny was pleased she thought of him when the event arrived.  He recalled their conversation, wondering what it was about her that made him say such heartfelt things to a complete stranger.  Life had been tough for him early on, and he rarely shared the details, but in some way, while her life and his were entirely different, the struggle was parallel. He admired her bravery, and more so that she had prevailed, despite her unfortunate setback.  But his past experience made him realistic, and knew it was likely only the beginning of her fight.  He thought he might talk to Reed or Malloy, and see if they had some pull to get her a decent partner.  Johnny headed for the phone, as it was about time he had a few beers with old friends.
 

Two days later, John sat in a dark bar aptly called “The Cellar”.  He wasn’t sure why Reed and Malloy liked this bar, other than it was full of off duty cops and a few scattered firefighters.  It wasn’t Johnny’s typical kind of place, and he could feel an undercurrent of tension.  He wondered what time the fights usually broke out.
 

“Johnny! Hey Pal,” Pete Malloy slapped Johnny on the back. “Been a while.  How ya doing?”
 

“Hey Pete, Jim, doing okay, doing okay. Good to see yah.  What’ve you been up to?”
 

Pete gestured to the bartender, pointing to a tap and holding up three fingers.  The Bartender nodded, filled the glasses, and pushed them across the bar.
 

“There yah go John. So tell me, any good prospects lately?”
 

“Ah, you know how it is Pete.  I’m keeping my options open."
 

“Smart man, Johnny.  Don’t want to end up like Jim, all under the thumb and everything that goes with it.”
 

Jim rolled his eyes, and Johnny could tell it was a familiar jab.  The night continued, and Johnny was happy to catch up with his friends.  At 11 pm, Jim Reed, stood and threw a few bills on the bar.  “Time for me to go, guys.  Good to see you Johnny. Pete, see you bright and early.”
 

“Yup, I’ll pick you up around 6:30.”
 

Reed waved in acknowledgement, and made his way though the crowd to the exit.
 

Pete turned back to John.  “So what’s up?”
 

Johnny studied his beer, turning the glass around in his hands. 
 

“Is it a girl?”
 

Johnny snickered. “Ain’t it always?”
 

Pete laughed. “Yes it is, my friend, yes it is.”
 

“It’s actually not my girl, just one I know.  She was in the police academy, had an accident, but finished and is about to graduate, and I was hoping maybe you could help her be paired up with a decent partner.”
 

Pete looked a Johnny for a long moment. “You aren’t talking about Dani, are you?”
 

Johnny nodded.
 

“She shot herself in the foot when she was in the academy.”
 

“I know.  I took care of her.”
 

Pete’s eyebrows rose.  “That’s a tall order.”
 

“I think she’ll be good Pete. I really do.”
 

“Because she’s curvy with a sweet face and you’re looking for a date?”
 

Johnny couldn’t help but scowl. “No.  I haven’t talked to her since she was shot.   She sent me a note a bit ago. That’s all.”
 

“Why do I feel like there’s something more going on here?”
 

“Look, it’s rough being on the outside. I just want her to get a fair shake.”
 

Pete studied his friend for a long moment, and then took a swig of his beer.  Johnny wasn’t one to ask for a favor. 
 

 “What got to you?”
 

Johnny looked at Pete, collecting his thoughts. “Most recruits, male or female, would’ve given up after that.  It’s not easy running on the fringe.  I just want her to at least have a chance to prove herself without being purposely tripped up.   I’m asking a lot, I know.  If you don’t want to help, no worries, I completely understand.”
 

“And you’re not dating her?”
 

“Haven’t seen her since I dropped her off at Rampart.  She did invite me to her graduation, though.”
 

“You going?”
 

“Haven’t decided yet.”
 

“Cops are tough to live with.”
 

“So are firefighters.”
 

“I’ll give you that.”  Pete sipped his beer thoughtfully. 
 

Johnny slowly spun his glass in his hands.  He stared at the bar, wondering if he’d gone too far by asking for what he knew would be huge favor, fraught with risk.
 

“I’ll see what I can do.”  Pete lifted his glass, and John raised his as well, tapping the mug.

“Thanks Pete. I hope I don’t cause any trouble for you.”
 

“Nah, I’ve been around a long time.  I can take some ribbing if it doesn’t work out. Besides, I’ll just tell ‘em you were sweet on her, and if she got a job, you’d finally get a date.”
 

Johnny laughed and rolled his eyes, raising his glass. “Deal.”
 

“I hope it works out John.  I’ll let you know.”

Johnny nodded thoughtfully.  “I think with the right person, it will.”
 

Pete was silent for a moment.  “I’ve got a good idea of who to talk to. I’ll let you know.  Do you want her to know you have a hand in this?”
 

“Not sure.”
 

Pete knew Johnny well, and the guy couldn’t bluff to save his own life.
 

“Well, if she ever asks me, I’ll just say we talked, and I did the rest.  Otherwise, it’s between us.”
 

“Thanks Pete.”
 

“Anytime Johnny, quite a few of us owe you big-time.”

Chapter 4  - A Test

She didn’t disappoint him. Pete called him three weeks in, and when Johnny heard his voice on the phone, he froze, instantly worried about what had gone wrong.
 

“Gage?”
 

“Pete, what’s wrong? What happened?”
 

“Don’t you have a TV?”
 

“Oh my God, Pete, just tell me.”
 

“Nope. Turn it on.  Any station.  I’ll wait.”
 

Johnny put the phone to his chest.  “Chet! Chet!  Turn on the TV will yah, right now!  Go on, turn it on!”
 

One look at Johnny’s expression sent Chet hurrying across the room. 
 

When the TV finally warmed up, Johnny could see police cars and mayhem.
 

Oh my God, he thought, what the heck happened.
 

“Pete, you’re freaking me out.”
 

“Just watch,  Gage.”
 

Johnny pulled the cord to its full length and stood staring at the screen.  The phone was gripped tightly in his right hand, and his jaw was tense.  The camera swung to a newswoman, who was far too polished amidst the mayhem surrounding her.
 

That’s when Johnny saw her.  Dani, in her dark blues, gun drawn, running full speed after a hulk of a man dragging a small child behind him.  She easily caught up to him, and in a flying leap knocked him to the ground, pulling the child free, yelling at her to run.  The little girl took off, jumping into the open arms of a nearby woman.
 

 Johnny saw the suspect slug Dani in the face, but she didn’t let go.  Instead, she drove her knee into his groin and slammed her steel-toe boot into his leg.  He lurched up, and Dani lost no time wrapping her arm around his neck and throwing him face first to the ground, pinning him with a knee to his back.  She pulled his hands together and cuffed him, and then leaned forward.  The camera focused in, and while Johnny couldn’t make out what she whispered, anger was clearly painted on her face.  She yanked him to his feet, and pushed him forward through the gathering crowd.  Her partner had scooped up the child, and handed her over to Squad 38.  The scene panned back to the news desk.  
 

Johnny felt sick. Color drained from his face, and a cold prickling chill washed over him.  He looked at the phone in his hand, raising it slowly, and paused until he found his voice.
 

“Pete,” he paused, “is she all right?”
 

“Few stitches on her arm.  Cut under her eye.  You should see the other guy.  She did good, Johnny.  Nobody’s gonna mess with her now.”
 

“Yeah.”
 

“Gage, you okay?”
 

“Yeah, yeah, I’m okay.”
 

“Gage?”
 

“Yeah?”
 

“Kind of a shock to see for the first time.”
 

Johnny nodded silently. “Yeah, I guess so. Thanks Pete.”
 

“Be proud of her Johnny.  Today’s big day for her.”
 

“I...I am...I will, I just...”
 

“I know it looks bad, John, but she was in control. Like I said, nobody will give her any crap now.  She's really good, John.  I just thought you’d want to know, since you were the one who got her a chance, and she ran with it.  You okay?”
 

“Yeah, yeah, I’ll give her a call after the fanfare dies down. Thanks for letting me know Pete. And thanks for getting her in.”
 

“No problem.  Anytime, Johnny, anytime.”
 

Johnny hung up the phone, and wandered over to the TV and turned it off. He sat down on the couch without a word, closed his eyes.    

“Gage, you okay?”
 

“Yeah, Chet.”
 

“That’s some chick you got there.”
 

Johnny nodded.
 

“Guess you know how she feels now.”
 

Johnny’s eyes flew open and he looked up at the firefighter,  meeting his solemn gaze. “I suppose so.”
 

“Lousy ain’t it.”
 

“Yeah. Yeah, it is.”
 

Johnny leaned back on the couch, throwing his feet on the table.  Just as he closed his eyes, the phone rang.  He jumped up and ran to get the call.
 

“Station 51, Gage.”
 

“Johnny?”
 

“You all right?”  His legs felt weak at the sound of her voice.
 

“Yup, fine and dandy.”
 

Johnny paused, unsure what to say.
 

“You upset with me, Johnny?”
 

“No, no, just worried.  I’m proud of you. I knew you could do it.”
 

He could hear her smile through the phone.  “Thanks.  Means a lot coming from you.”
 

“You sure you’re okay?”
 

“Nothing a visit from my favorite Paramedic wouldn’t fix,” she replied.
 

Johnny couldn’t help but smile.  “Where you gonna be?”
 

“Rampart.”
 

“Why?” he asked, immediately concerned. 
 

“Need a few stitches.  Cut myself shaving my legs,” she said, laughing.
 

“I’ll see if we can come that way.”
 

“It’s no big deal.”
 

“Is to me. See you in a few.”
 

“Okay.  Don’t worry.  I do enough worrying for both of us.”
 

Johnny said goodbye and called to Roy, who was already standing two feet away. 
 

“Chet told me what happened.  Is she okay?”
 

“Yeah.”
 

“You want to go to Rampart?”
 

“Yeah.”
 

“I’ll tell Cap. Meet you in the Squad.”
 

John nodded and grabbing his coat, he headed for the squad. A few seconds later Roy jumped in.  Captain Stanley leaned on Johnny’s window.
 

“You okay, Pal?”
 

“I am, Cap.”
 

“Let us know how she’s doing.  Take your time.  I’ll let dispatch know you’ll be responding from Rampart.  If you need a replacement, let me know.”
 

“Thanks, Cap. I think it will be okay.”
 

“All right, John,” he replied, briefly laying a hand on John’s shoulder.  “Talk soon.”
 

Johnny gestured to Roy, and who immediately pulled out of the station and headed to Rampart.   They rode in silence.  
 

Roy stole quick glances at his partner.  He knew Johnny was involved with her, but his reaction to the incident told Roy a lot more was going on than he realized.    Johnny had never been this serious about a woman.   “You okay?  Sounds like it’s minor.”
 

“I know.  I just need to see for myself.”
 

Roy inwardly smiled.  Johnny had never shown this kind of concern for a woman before.  Roy thought they were the perfect match, but wasn’t sure if Johnny would be able to handle her job.  He could read it on his face.  Fear ... and anger.  Roy could feel the sharp edge of fury growing by Johnny’s clipped answers, taut jaw, and squinted eyes.  Roy knew that every good man intends to protect his wife.  But in Johnny’s case, Dani’s trouble would always be well beyond his control.  How you deal with that, Roy really didn’t know. 

Roy hadn’t fully stopped the squad when Johnny jumped out and headed through the ER doors.
 

Johnny rounded the corner quickly, his eyes searching for Dixie.  He finally caught sight of her exiting treatment room four.  Johnny headed straight for her, and Dixie stopped in the hall when she saw him.
 

“She’s okay, Johnny.”
 

“She in there?” he asked gesturing to the treatment room.
 

At her nod, he immediately stepped forward, but stopped abruptly when Dixie caught his arm.

“Dix,” he started, but was silenced by her expression.  It was a long moment before he could speak, and his voice was a mere whisper.  “Is it bad?”
 

“No, no, its not at all,” she said.  “Brackett is stitching her up now. She’s a little banged up, but fine.”
 

Johnny closed his eyes tightly, his expression clearly one of pain.  Dixie was surprised, and gently rested her hand on his shoulder.  Lets go sit for a few minutes until Brackett finishes up.”
 

“Dix, no please, I...”
 

Dixie looked at him with a soft smile.  “Johnny, can I be straight with you?”
 

“Yes.”  His brow wrinkled with worry.
 

“You can’t go charging in there when you’re upset.  She needs to know you trust her with what she does for a living, just like she trusts you.  You already know yourself that bad things can happen in your job, and you’ve proven it by ended up here enough times to make me gray.  Come have a little coffee and relax, and then we will see her.  Five minutes, I promise.”
 

Johnny looked like he was going to argue, but Dixie’s motherly hand patted his shoulder and she steered him toward the break room. 
 

He didn’t sit when they arrived. Dixie made him the promised cup and sat down at the table.  Johnny eventually followed, dropping wearily into the seat.
 

He took a sip, his face momentarily twisting in distaste as he swallowed.  “Is this decaf?”
 

Dixie laughed.  “Thought maybe you had enough adrenaline running through you.”
 

Johnny smiled, but the grin was short-lived. “This is rough.”
 

“It is Johnny, but you both are going to have to learn to deal with it if things are going to work out.  My advice...don’t think about it now.  Just be happy she’s okay.  Think for a day or so, and then talk.  It’s important to discuss, if things are going to go further between you two.”
 

Johnny nodded, took his cup to the sink, washed it, and turned it over to dry.
 

“Thanks, Dix.”
 

“My pleasure, Johnny.  What do you say we go see your girl now?”
 

Johnny smiled, and while Dixie could tell the feeling didn’t reach his eyes, at least he was more settled and his emotions were under better control.
 

“Let’s go, my friend.”  Dixie patted him lightly on the back, and they walked back to the treatment room.
 

Dixie entered first, ensuring all was okay before she moved out of the way for John to enter.
 

Johnny stepped forward, halting for a moment at the bruising surrounding her left cheek and eye. He swept her body for indication of other injuries, but found none.
 

Taking her hands in his, and leaned over kissing her gently on the forehead.
 

Dixie could see his eyes glistening. “I’ve got to get the instructions from Kel, so I’ll be back a few minutes.  You know where to find me.”
 

Johnny nodded without turning around.  His eyes were locked on Dani’s.
 

“Are you really okay?”
 

“Yes, silly boy,” she whispered. “Sore, but fine.”
 

He leaned over and kissed her forehead, then gently kissed the bandage covering her left cheek.
 

Johnny stared at her and a smile broke out on his face.  Dani’s couldn’t help but smile as well, but winced, forgetting the new stitches for a moment.
 

“I’m proud of you, girl.”
 

“Thanks, Johnny.”
 

“You’re not gonna make me gray early are you?”
 

“My friend,” Dani said, “with your record, I think I’m the one that should worry.”
 

Johnny smiled again, and sat down on the edge of her bed.  He leaned over again, brushing his lips over hers.

“Don’t scare me like that again,” he whispered.
 

“Only if you can promise the same.”
 

Johnny’s gaze fell to the floor.  He studied the worn tiles for a long moment.
 

“I’ll try.”
 

“Me too.”
 

They fell silent, both understanding that the promise was an empty one.
 

Johnny leaned over and ran his fingers through the stray strands of hair that fell onto her forehead.  
 

She poked at his chest with her finger, and offered a bright smile when he finally looked up.
 

“Well, what do you think?”
 

“I think you taught that guy a lesson.  And maybe some old timer cops too.”
 

Dani smiled widely.
 

“And you didn’t even shoot yourself in the foot.”  Johnny couldn’t help but snicker.
 

Dani’s eyes narrowed to small slits.  “And here I thought you were a nice guy.”
 

“I am. I was just commenting on the depth of your improvement.”
 

“So-not-funny.”
 

“I guess.  Kind of.”
 

“No.”  She scowled at him, but couldn’t hold back her laughter.   “Think I’ll ever live that down?”
 

“Nope. No more than I will from the girdle of a 40 year old woman that almost snapping my eye out.  Gets mentioned at every party, every official event, heck, even at funerals.  Some things just never go away.”
 

Dani laughed softly.
 

Johnny leaned over, wrapped his arms around her, and pulled her to his chest.  “I love you, Dani.”

Dani’s eyes grew wide, and suddenly filled with tears.  She looked up at Johnny, who gently wiped a stray tear from her cheek.
 

“I love you too, Johnny. With all my heart.”
 

Johnny kissed her gently on the cheek, and then brushed her lips with his.  He straightened, fighting his emotions.

His voice was hoarse when he spoke.  “You sure you’re okay?” 
 

Dani nodded. “I promise.”
 

“I’ll see if Roy and I can bring you home.”
 

“That would be great.  If not, my partner will.”
 

Johnny’s expression hardened.  “Where is Jake anyway?”
 

“He’s upstairs, catching some lunch.”
 

“Where was he at the scene?”
 

“Chasing the other guy,” she eyed him closely.  “This feels like an inquisition.”
 

Johnny’s expression shifted. “Just making sure your partner is taking care of you.”
 

“He is.  Just like I am for him.” Her voice was sharp, but softened when she saw his contrite expression.
 

Johnny nodded. “Sorry, not everyone has a good partner.”
 

“I understand, but you know he’s a good one.”
 

“Fair enough.”
 

Johnny heard the HT tones go off. “Damn, I gotta go, but I’ll be back for you.”
 

“Okay Johnny, if not, then Jake will take me home.”
 

Johnny felt a twist of jealousy, despite how ridiculous he knew it was. “I’ll call you if you aren’t here when I get back.”
 

Johnny turned to leave, and he heard her call to him.  “Be careful.”
 

He looked back at her, and catching her eyes, they both smiled. “See you later."
 

Demi watched the door slowly close.  She settled back on the stretcher, a chill setting into her bones.  Truth was, now that it was all over, and the adrenaline was winding down, she knew her dreams would be restless.  She had done well today, and she was confident that she could again.  But the ‘what ifs’ started to break free with her growing fatigue, and while this time she was successful, she couldn’t shake the feeling that inevitably one day, luck wouldn’t fall her way, and regardless of her skill, she would lose. She sat upright on the stretcher and swung her legs over.  One day at time, she thought, one day at time.

Chapter 7  - Fire

“Johnny climbed halfway up the ladder, hauling the hose over his right shoulder.  Chet was behind him, a hand pressed to his back as they ascended.
 

“Remember what to do Gage?” Chet yelled over the sirens and the roaring fire.
 

“I was a boot before you Chester B!”  Johnny tugged on the line and stepped up the ladder.  Pulling his axe from his coat, Johnny, called back to Chet. 
 

“Ready for glass!”  
 

As soon as Chet answered in the affirmative, Johnny smashed the window, and cleared the shards from around the sill.  Grey-black smoke billowed from the opening.  Johnny snapped his axe back to his coat and pulled the charged hose into position.  “Ready Chet?”
 

Chet tapped Gage’s back, and with affirmation, Johnny opened the nozzle, aiming a deluge of water through the window.  The smoke thickened, obscuring the two firefighters from view.  Eventually the smoke lessened, and Chet signaled to Johnny, who closed down the spray.
 

“Let’s go in!”
 

“ ‘kay!” Chet yelled back, slapping John’s back twice in confirmation.
 

Johnny climbed to the top and swung his leg over the sill, tugging on the charged line, hauling through the window.  Chet was close behind.
 

The flames rose through the grey smoke, reaching for the ceiling in flickering orange streaks.  Johnny and Chet stayed low, the heat of the fire filling their bunkers with sweat. 
 

“Heat’s bad!”  Chet yelled to John, who smoothly continued to work the hose through the room.
 

The smoke banked down on them, and Johnny was now flat on his belly, inching forward.  Oppressive heat churned the growing nausea in his stomach, and he regretted stuffing in one last morsel of dinner on the way to the call. 
 

A small explosion shook the room, sending patches of ceiling raining down on the men.  Johnny continued to push forward, hoping to extinguish the fire still burning around them.  But progress was slow, and with each inch they pushed on, the fiery heat drained their energy. 
 

Chet was lightheaded, and tapped Gage on the back. 
 

Johnny stopped advancing and glanced back. He could barely make Chet’s mask out, despite knowing the firefighter was a mere inches from his face.
 

“We gotta pull outta here Gage!”
 

Johnny hesitated, but given his head was still spinning from the change in direction, he knew Chet was right.   “Okay!”  Johnny shifted the nozzle to Chet, waiting for him to turn around.  Johnny followed, hauling the heavy hose in one gloved hand, his other firmly gripping the back of Chet’s coat.  All vision lost, Johnny closed his eyes envisioning their route into the room.  They followed the hose back toward the window, which only became evident when Chet crashed into the wall a minute later.
 

“Found it!” he yelled.
 

Johnny couldn’t help but snicker.  He was relieved to get out of the heat.  Drenched in sweat, Johnny felt the last of his energy drain.  He pulled up onto his hands and knees and crawled forward, ensuring that Chet was right in front of him.  They shuffled along the wall.  He heard Chet call that he had found the window, and Gage tapped his back in acknowledgement. 
 

Chet stood and threw his leg over the edge of the sill, placing his foot firmly on the first rung.  He reached back into the room and grabbed Gage’s coat, ensuring that he was still with him.
 

“Go ahead, Chet, I’m all set.”
 

Chet nodded, and slid from the sill, carefully descending the ladder.  He looked up a few seconds later to see Gage’s boot touchdown on the second rug and John swung out the window pulling the hose with him.

Perhaps it was bad luck, or maybe divine providence. At the moment Johnny was halfway down, he felt a rumble vibrate through the ladder. Looking back at the window, he saw tendrils of smoke being drawn into the building. He knew exactly what was coming.  Johnny immediately hooked his feet to the edges of the ladder and slid down the next 10 feet within seconds, yelling “Flash, Flash!” sending the firefighters scattering away from the building.  It blew a few seconds later, and while Gage only had another 15 feet to go, he was thrown from the ladder along with a heap of glass and wood to the pavement.
 

Johnny covered his head with his arms, protecting himself from the debris pelting his body.  Hands were suddenly on him, beating his coat, followed by a frigid drenching wash of water that suffocated his breath.

Chet was yelling at him. “Gage!  You okay man?” Chet shook him. “Comeon, Gage!  You all right?”
 

“Chet, quit your yellin’!”   Johnny hissed.   He rolled over slowly, and lay on his back.
 

“Got your clock cleaned, eh Gage?”
 

Johnny didn’t move.
 

“Hey man,” Chet shook him again, and then turned toward Cap. “Cap, I think we need Roy!”
 

“Chet! I don’t need Roy . . . Gimme a second, man....”
 

Johnny tentatively pushed up onto one elbow, but Chet didn’t miss his body wobbling or his eyes slamming shut.  Chet laid a steadying hand on his shoulder. Johnny didn’t shake it off.
 

Johnny recognized the sharp footfall of Cap’s boots.   “I’m okay, Cap.  Just a little shook up.”
 

Cap squatted down, eying him suspiciously, and lifted the HT.  “Engine 51, I need a medic for a possible code I.”
 

“Cap...” Gage started to argue, but the Captain silenced his protest with a scowl.
 

“Sit. Stay.”
 

If Cap’s expression didn’t appear so foul, Chet would have offered up serious razzing of his pigeon, but even Chet recognized Cap’s sour mood.  Chet suspected he was a bit unnerved by Gage’s quick flight down the ladder.  Not to mention the paperwork that would be involved with this latest injury.
 

Roy pulled up short a few feet before the Captain.  Cap pointed to Gage, who was sitting up with an oxygen mask hanging on his chest, obviously annoyed with the attention.  Roy acknowledged his Captain with a nod, and then headed over to Johnny. 
 

“Have a good trip?”
 

“Funny, Roy.  It’s Chet’s fault. He was too slow climbing down the ladder. It’s all that pasta he’s been chowing on.”
 

Roy couldn’t help but laugh. His eyes studied Gage, who while appearing ragged, didn’t look too worse for the wear.  “How you feeling?  Anything broken?”
 

“I think just his feelings, Roy.”
 

Johnny glared at Chet then sighed.  “I’m okay. Cap’s overreacting.”
 

“What do you think, Chet?”
 

“Roy!”
 

Roy shushed Johnny with a raise of his hand. He looked at Chet.
 

“He was out of it for a few minutes after he landed. He was laid out until I told him you were coming.  Hasn’t gotten up yet either.”
 

Roy pursed his lips and nodded. 
 

Johnny scowled.

“I’m okay, Roy.”
 

“Can you get up?”
 

“Yup.”

“Okay, go ahead.”
 

Roy stood and took a step back.  His eyes slid to Chet’s, and Chet, much to Roy’s surprise, understood, quietly stepped to Johnny’s side.
 

Gage moved with deliberate care, leaning forward, bracing his hands on the ground, much like a toddler attempting its first steps.  Gathering his legs under him, he stood slowly, wobbling for a few seconds before he steadied. 
Roy didn’t miss Johnny’s eyes slamming shut when he was upright. 

“See.” Johnny said, his eyes opening briefly, before closing once more.
 

“Oh yeahhhh. You look great.”  Roy frowned. “Come over here and sit on the back of the Engine.”

Johnny walked slowly, averting his eyes from the ground, as the motion made him feel vaguely nauseous.  He staggered, and Roy caught his arm, steadying him until Gage was firmly settled on the back step. 
 

“I’m all set, Chet, thanks.” Roy stated, and it was clear that he was dismissing Chet to go back to the fire.
 

“Oh, okay, Roy.  Johnny, go easy, man.”
 

“Thanks, Chet.”
 

Roy watched Chet walk back to the building, and take up the hose with Marco.

When Chet was out of sight Roy turned back to his friend.
 

 “What’s up?”
 

“Nauseous.  Headache.  Too much smoke.  Otherwise, I’m okay.”
 

“It was a pretty long fall.”
 

“I slid down the frame until the last 15 feet.”
 

“How’d you land?”
 

Johnny hesitated.
 

“Do you know?”
 

“Not really.”
 

“You don’t think you blacked out?”
 

“No, got my clock cleaned a little, but it was a quick trip.”
 

“How’s your head.”
 

“Okay.  Minimal pounding. More smoke than anything else.”
 

“Stomach?”
 

“Firmly in place.”
 

“You’re not feeding me bull, are you?”
 

“Nope, you know I wouldn’t.”
 

Roy’s eyebrows arched.
 

Johnny’s eyes rolled. “Okay, okay, really, I’m not.”
 

“Alright.  I’ll get some vitals so Cap doesn’t kill us both.”
 

Johnny stuck out his arm, his eyes falling closed in fatigue while Roy completed his ministrations.
 

When Roy looked up, he studied John’s furrowed brow. Guessing a headache was coming on, Roy was momentarily concerned. He let the air out of the cuff slowly, taking note of his pressure.
 

“Okay.”
 

“Look good?”
 

“Not what I was looking for.” 
 

“What’s that supposed to mean?”
 

“Pressure’s a little on the low side for you, and you’re tachy at 90.”

“Last time I checked, 90 was within normal limits.”
 

Roy signed, his lips drawing into a thin line.
 

“Not for you, and you know it.  Don’t BS me, Johnny.”
 

“Awww, I’m alright, Roy.”
 

Roy stared at him for a long moment.
 

“You’re out for the duration.”
 

Johnny frowned, but didn’t argue.
 

That, in and of itself, made Roy worry.  “Come on.  We’ll go get you something to drink from the Squad.  You can hang out there, and I’ll see what Cap wants me to do next.”
 

“Alright.”
 

Roy walked with Johnny to the Squad.  He opened the passenger door, and Johnny settled himself in the jump seat.  Roy pulled open a cabinet, grabbed a canteen of water, and brought it to John, whose eyes were already closed. 
 

“Johnny.”
 

“Yeah,” he said, settling further into the seat.
 

“Here’s some water. I want it half gone by the time I get back.”
 

“Yeah, yeah, Okay,” he groused, twisting the cap off and taking a swig.
 

“You sure you’re alright?  You look like crap.”
 

“Thanks.”
 

“My pleasure.  See you in a few.  Stay put.”
 

Minutes later, Johnny fell into quiet slumber despite the nearby mayhem.  He slumped in his seat, his head resting against the door.  Only a soft wheeze of his smoky lungs disturbed the silence of the squad.
 

Roy found him that way thirty minutes later.  The wheezing had diminished, but Roy was concerned by its persistence in combination with his lethargy.
 

“Johnny?”  Roy shook his shoulder. “John, wake up!  Come on, it’s time to go, wake up.”
 

Johnny stirred slowly.  “What Roy!  Gosh, can’t you let a guy sleep?”
 

Roy ignored the question. “How’s the breathing?  I hear wheezing.”

Johnny sat up slowly, and rubbed his eyes.  He remained still for a moment, took a deep breath and sighed.

“Aww, I’m okay."
 

“I could hear you wheezing when you were sleeping.”
 

“A little tight, but not bad.”
 

“Sounds bad to me.”  An unexpected voice boomed from driver’s window.
 

Both paramedics jumped.
 

“Ah, hey, Cap.” Johnny said.
 

“John, I’m not even a paramedic and I could hear you from four feet away. Roy, take him in. Let me know how it pans out.”
 

Johnny’s head fell forward in defeat.  “Cap, really, I’m...” Johnny cut off his protest with a steely look from his Captain.
 

“Yes, Sir.”
 

“Good, now that’s settled, you are released to Rampart.”
 

“Sorry, Cap.” Johnny replied, recalling his superior’s earlier exasperation.
 

“Not your fault John.  Comes with the territory.”  Cap turned to go, then paused.  “The Chief complemented you all for your work today.  He also liked your fancy footwork on the ladder Gage.  Called you a ‘cat’, couldn’t believe anyone would be agile enough to stay on as long as you did after that blast. Amazed you walked away.  Chalked it up to all my drills.”  Cap smiled proudly. “He wanted to be sure you were okay, so head on in and let me know.”
 

Johnny signed, relieved by Cap’s improved mood. His eyes looked heavenward, thanking whoever was watching over him for the break.
 

It was 10:30 pm when they arrived at Rampart, and the ER was deserted. Johnny was thankful, because all he wanted was to turn around and go to bed.  But destined for an exam room, he figured the sooner he was seen, the sooner he’d get the heck out.  He longed for the comfort of his bed.
 

“Johnny?  You look terrible!”
 

John smirked at Dixie, and nodded.   “I feel terrible.” He promptly broke into a coughing jag, and steadied himself with one hand against the wall. 
 

Dix looked to Roy, and her concern was confirmed by his brief nod and a frown.

Dixie grabbed a free wheelchair, and was surprised when Johnny dropped into the seat without a word.  Her brow furrowed at his out of character cooperation.  She rolled him immediately to the treatment room, catching Carol along the way, to page Dr. Brackett.

Once in the room, Johnny slowly stood with tenuous balance.  Dixie took his arm and helped settle him on the stretcher. Roy raised the head of the bed, and Johnny laid back, his eyes closing without a word.  The oxygen was transferred to the hospital’s port, and Roy turned off the portable canister.
 

Dixie pulled out a cuff, and placed it on Johnny’s arm.
 

“What happened, Roy?”
 

“Apartment fire.  Caught too much smoke.  There was a flashover, and Johnny escaped it, but the blast threw him from the ladder.  He was up about 15 feet or so when he fell.”
 

“How did he land?”
 

“Pretty much like any cat would.”
 

“On his feet?”
 

Roy nodded.
 

Dixie turned to John, shaking his shoulder to rouse his attention. “Johnny, does your back hurt?”
 

“Huh?” he said, half in slumber.
 

“Johnny, pay attention.  You can sleep soon, okay?  Do you have pain in your back?”
 

“Hell Dix, I got thrown down a ladder.  Everything hurts.”
 

“I asked about your back. Especially your lower back.”
 

“No worse than anywhere else.”
 

Dixie sighed. “I’ll take it as a no for now.”
 

She gathered his vitals, prodding him awake every few minutes.
 

“Roy, did he hit his head?  He seems too sleepy and kind of out of it.”
 

“You mean beyond the ordinary?”
 

Dixie couldn’t help but roll her eyes, followed by a deep scowl.
 

“Yeah, yeah, I guess he is. I don’t know about his head. I don’ think so.  Like I said, landed like a cat, then was thrown over.”
 

“It was a rough fall?”
 

“Oh yeah, yeah... it was a fire-driven-explosion kind of ride to the ground floor.”
 

Dixie finished her vitals in silence, and then looked up at Roy.  “His pressure’s low for him.  What was it at the scene?”
 

“116/74.”
 

Dixie frowned.  “112/70.   Prime a normal saline for me will you, and get a set up.  I’ll stick him in a minute.”
 

Dixie walked directly to the phone, and asked the operator to page Dr. Brackett to Treatment 2.
 

When she returned to the bedside, Dixie took the IV set up from Roy, swabbed Johnny’s arm, and softly called out, “little stick, Johnny.”
 

“K,” he replied, his eyes falling closed.
 

Dixie adjusted the saline to run wide. “Well, that should help. Dr. Brackett will be here in a few minutes.

At that moment, Brackett pushed through the door, gave Johnny a visual once over, then looked up at Roy.
 

“What happened, Roy?  Dixie said he fell from a ladder?”
 

“Not exactly, Doc,” Roy glanced at John, “there was a flashover, and he got blown down the last fifteen feet or so.”
 

“Dix said he landed on his feet, that he was standing when he landed?”
 

“Yeah.”
 

“He didn’t complain of lower back pain?”
 

“Nope, but he’s really not complaining about much. Moving slow. He’s kind of out of it.”
 

“Thanks, Roy,” Brackett replied, placing the stethoscope to Johnny’s chest. “John, do you think you can sit up?” 

When the firefighter didn’t reply, Brackett rubbed his sternum with his knuckles. John instantly threw out his arm, grabbing Brackett’s wrist.
 

“What the heck!” he rasped, his squinting eyes looking for the source of irritation.
 

“John, I need you to wake up for a minute.”  Brackett’s eyes darted to Dixie’s.  Dixie turned and walked to the phone and called for X-ray.
 

Johnny stirred. “Hey, Doc.  Sorry.  Tired.”
 

“Johnny, does your back hurt?”
 

“Ah, yeah, achy.”
 

“Lower back?”
 

“Yeah, it’s not too bad.”
 

Brackett frowned and glanced at Dix, who nodded, confirming that x-ray was on the way.
 

“I’m all right, Doc. Just need sleep.”
 

Bracket didn’t reply despite the thoughts running through his head. And oxygen, and fluids, and x-rays . . . and hopefully nothing else.

 Chapter 6 - Wavering

It was hours later that Johnny was finally settled in bed.  And while it was not his own, at this moment he really didn’t care, as long as everyone left him alone.
 

Poked, prodded, and x-rayed, he was in no mood for talking, testing, or niceties.  It was rather unfortunate, that Dani walked in at that exact moment.
 

“Johnny?”
 

“What!”
 

Dani stepped back, momentarily startled by his outburst.
 

“It’s me, Dani.”
 

“Oh, oh, sorry, sorry.”   His words slurred with fatigue. “They won’t let me sleep....tired...achy...gotta sleep.”

Dani stepped closer, gently brushing her hand along his arm. He didn’t react, but seemed to settle down, and the lines of tension marring his normally carefree expression fell away to slumber.
 

Dani frowned.  She was sick with worry, and had been since dispatch contacted her to inform her about John’s injury. While she wasn’t the kind of woman to cry at a moment’s notice, she cursed herself for her weakness.  Tears burned her eyes, finally spilling over onto her flush cheeks. 
 

Dani brushed back the unruly hair from his eyes,  she thought back to the first day she started to worry about him.  Her partner was talking about a friend who was a medic in the LAFD.   “Crazy” was the word he used for his friend, as well as “the whole lot of them medics.”  He told her they were always “first in, last out, and first over the edge of mountains, high rises, and any kind of steep step that normally leads to sure disaster.”
 

Dani had laughed at the time, but looking a Johnny’s wan complexion, she could easily see that his expression clearly reflected his discomfort.  Studying the array of bandages spattered over his body, Dani was left breathless.  Nothing was funny now.
 

She had trusted him.  He promised he would be safe.  But nature and bad luck had intervened.  She didn’t know what to think.
 

Johnny shifted in the bed, and tears pushed their way to her eyes.   His distressed expression was clearly evident, even in sleep.   The rent in her heart grew seeing him in pain, and she wasn’t sure how to comfort him.  Finally she brushed her hand over his cheek, leaned over and kissed him on the forehead.
 

“Babe,” she whispered, “it’s me.  I’m right here with you.”
 

Johnny didn’t stir, and while Dani didn’t want to disturb his slumber, she wanted some kind of confirmation that he was there, that the man she had grown to love would survive to love her for life.
 

The thought shocked her, and at that moment, she realized what she had been denying for so long.  All along, she never thought she would find ‘the one’ given her aspirations, and she was shocked at the depth of her feelings.  When she first met Johnny, she wondered if it could happen, and the days and eventual nights bound them together, inseparably since then.
 

What will I do without him?
 

Dani settled down in the chair, and waited.
 

Roy found her by Johnny’s bedside hours later.  She was asleep, slumped sideways in the chair, her hand resting on Johnny’s.   Roy couldn’t help but smile, thinking that perhaps Johnny had actually found the ‘right one’, and hoping, since she was a police officer, that she could easily understand and tolerate the risks of his job. 
 

Dani stirred when Roy stepped forward.
 

“Dani?”  he asked softly, touching her lightly on the shoulder.
 

Dani started, and upon awakening, her eyes darted to Johnny, confirming his wellbeing.   She looked up at Roy.
 

“Hey, Roy.”
 

“How is he?”
 

“Comfortable, breathing better.”
 

“Good. You doing okay?”
 

“Yeah.”

There was something in her voice that caused him pause.
 

“Something’s wrong.”
 

Dani laughed mirthlessly.
 

“You know what I mean,” Roy replied, his fatigue allowing his annoyance to surface.
 

“Sorry,” she whispered.   Dani ran a gentle hand over Johnny’s forehead.  Studying him, she didn’t look to Roy when she spoke.
 

“I guess it’s rough being on this side.”
 

“It is.”  Roy’s heart sank, he thought of all women, she would understand risks given her profession. 
 

“I heard one of the nurses saying he’s been hurt worse before.”
 

Roy hesitated, hoping she wasn’t going to bail on Johnny.  It would devastate him.  Roy knew Johnny wanted to make this permanent.  It was the first time he seriously felt that way, and Roy understood that this woman could easily crush his soul. Roy wasn’t sure Johnny could ever be the same if that happened.
 

“Brackett said he’d be fine, it will just take a while.”  Roy paused, and when she looked up at him, he continued. “I’m glad he has you Dani, he really cares about you.”
 

“And I do him.”
 

Roy was silent, and was grateful to hear her continue without prodding.
 

“It’s scary, Roy, to think I could lose him.”
 

“He thinks the same about you, but he understands your job. It’s not much different than ours.   He also knows that most of the time, things work out just fine.”
 

“This is far from “fine”, Roy.”
 

“I know, I know that, but he’s going to be okay.  Brackett’s confident about his recovery.  All he needs is a little time, and . . . ”
 

“And what?”
 

“And you to support him.”
 

Dani’s eyes filled with tears anew. “I’m scared,” she whispered, “but I love and need him, as much as I think he needs me too.”
 

Roy nodded in affirmation.  “He does, Dani.  He’s been looking for you for a long time.”
 

“This is rough.  But I’m trying to remember the worrying is just as bad for him as well.  This was an odd thing to happen, right?  I’m trying to remember that. It’s just hard to do right now.”
 

Roy held his peace. He knew that injuries in the fire department were not necessarily atypical, and Johnny surely had had more than his share of misfortune.   He’d have to give Johnny some advice about how much to share with a spouse when he was better.  He learned that lesson long ago with Joanne.  She suspected more occurred then was said at times, but trusted him enough to let it go.  Likely for her own sanity as well as for preservation of their relationship.
 

“It’s gonna take time, Dani, but I know he’ll be the same guy driving us crazy pretty soon.”
 

Dani half smiled at Roy’s attempt to relieve her worries.
 

Dani nodded thoughtfully.  “I hope so Roy.  I can’t bear to lose him.”
 

Roy didn’t want to think of the alternative, rather tried to be positive. “I think he looks better.”
 

Dani leaned closer to the bed. “I’m not sure Roy.  I hope you’re right.”
 

Hours after Dani had been ushered away from John’s bedside, with a promise from Dixie to call with any changes, Dani was home.  She sat on her couch, without even removing her coat.  She looked around her apartment, and only now noticed how Johnny was already incorporated into her home.  On the table were her favorite lilies, a gift on his way home from work.  On her refrigerator, a picture of them on a hike.  Another image of the two of them laughing while dancing at a friends wedding.  And while she wanted to cry, her eyes were dry.     Dani was exhausted, and when she settled into bed, she pulled his pillow to her chest, offering her brief comfort.  Only then, in the silence of the room she shared with him, did a chill fall over her, and with it, tears fell in shuddering waves.  The heavy weight of worry was eventually spent by her tears, and Dani fell into restless sleep.

Chapter 7 – Recovery

Good news, Roy thought, when he arrived at Rampart the next day.  Dixie offered him a bright smile as he passed by her, trailing the stretcher while the attendants swung into the treatment room.
 

“He’s good?” Roy whispered.
 

Dixie nodded before following Roy into the room.  It was business from there, and Dixie concentrated on the patient update Roy offered while he disconnected the oxygen and transferred the patient’s IV to the pole attached to the ER stretcher.   Once he reported the patient’s story to Morton, Roy gathered his equipment and left the room.  Dixie followed a few minutes later, joining him at the nurse’s station.
 

“What’s happening?  How’s Johnny?”
 

“Good.  Still in considerable pain, but thankfully his back looks okay.”
 

“The x-rays were clear?”
 

“Yes, and a repeat was good too.”
 

“Thank God.”
 

“Yes, I was really worried.”
 

"The look on Brackett’s face wasn’t reassuring.  I’m glad it’s okay.”
 

“Well, not quite ‘okay’.”
 

“What’s wrong?”  Roy’s brow gathered in concern.
 

“Muscle spasms. Some pretty strong.  Kel started relaxants.  Hopefully  will help.”
 

“They’re that bad?”
 

“Twisting him like a pretzel.”
 

“That’s bad.”
 

“It’s terrible.”
 

“How long will it last?”
 

“Not sure.  Brackett hopes it will work out in the next few days.”
 

“Days?”
 

Dixie frowned, and nodded. “Yeah, it’s pretty rough.  He’s tiring now too. The meds are making him sleepy, so that’s a good thing.  He’s dozing in between.  Kel just started a new medication, and he thinks it will do the trick.  Johnny’s pretty out of it though.”
 

“Sleepy or Goofy?”
 

Dixie threw Roy an admonishing look.  “Sleeping Roy.”  Dixie saw Roy’s contrite expression.  “And maybe a little goofy when he’s awake.”  She smiled and Roy laughed.
 

But as soon as a smile crossed his lips, it turned downward.
 

Dixie noticed the shift, and laid a gentle hand over his.  “He’s improving, Roy.  It’s all we can ask for.”
 

‘Can I go up for a minute?”
 

“Sure, but if he’s sleeping, don’t awaken him. Sleep has been elusive. Dani just left. She spent the morning with him. He’s much more relaxed now.”
 

“That’s good, Dix.  I’ll head up now.” Roy signaled to Drake, his most recent partner in a string of paramedics.

He couldn’t help but feel apprehensive heading up in the elevator, hoping that Johnny would be resting comfortably when he arrived.  He stopped by the nurses station, and Katy, John’s nurse for the day walked with Roy to his room.
 

“If he’s sleeping, Roy, you’ll have to postpone the visit.  He’s having a rough time, and the spasms are making sleep elusive.”
 

Roy nodded, and pushed the door open a few inches, peeking around the corner.  He frowned.   Even in sleep, it was easy to see the tight lines of discomfort marring what Roy hoped wasn’t overt pain.  Johnny was sleeping nonetheless, and for that Roy was grateful.
 

Roy backed away from the room, guiding the door silently shut.  Katy was walking toward him.
 

“Is he still sleeping, Roy?”
 

“Yeah, looks pretty good compared to before.”
 

“He is.”
 

“How long do they think this will last?”
 

“Few days.  Therapy should take care of it.  Hopefully he’ll be upright and comfortable in the next week.”

Roy sighed. It was a freak incident, but not unheard of.  Roy pondered the luck of it, or lack thereof. It could have been anyone, and Roy was just glad that Johnny was in good shape to start.  Some of the older guys might not have fared as well, including myself, he thought.
 

“Roy?”
 

Roy started, not realizing Katy was still beside him.
 

“You okay, Roy?”
 

“Yeah, sorry.  Just thinking it’s a miracle he’s still here in relatively one piece.”
 

“I heard it was pretty rough.”
 

“One of a firefighter’s worse nightmares.”
 

“Lucky he made it then.”
 

“Saved himself.  Only by pure instinct and quick action.  Lots of guy’s wouldn’t have seen it coming.   I didn’t.  He could feel it somehow.  He’s like that.  Reads a fire like nobody I’ve ever known.  He has this particular ‘look’, and when I see it, I  pay attention, because something big is definitely going to happen.”
 

“Eerie.”
 

“Yup, but its saved our lives more than once.  I don’t question it.  When I see that look, I do what he says.”
 

“Anybody else hurt?”
 

“Only minor stuff.  He saved a lot of guys that day.  He definitely felt it coming, because he was hollering out warnings the whole way down.  The guys trust him too.  If he says to scramble, they scatter. No hesitation.  No questions.”
 

Roy set his eyes on the door to John’s room.
 

“You okay, Roy?”  Katy said, softly resting a hand on his shoulder.
 

“Yeah.  Yeah.  I’m okay.  Tell him I was here, will you?  I’ll try and come back next time I drop someone off.”
 

“Sounds good, Roy.”
 

Roy slowly walked down the hallway, and Katy saw him pause, and look back at the door to John’s room.  He stood there for a long moment, shook his head, then turned and headed out.
 

Katy watched him disappear into the elevator.  She thought about what Roy had told her.  Some men are full of surprises, she thought.  She knew John was well regarded, but the first hand account of the incident was frightening and she was amazed he made it out, much less managed to save other firefighters along the way. 

Chapter 8 - Healing

One week later, John was sitting on the edge of his hospital bed, worn out but happy to be leaving.  His back had improved with medication and therapy, and he held a card in his hand listing his upcoming appointments.  He couldn’t wait to go home, and had been waiting for Dani for over 30 minutes.  Slightly irritated, he tipped back onto the bed, staring at the ceiling.
 

Johnny closed his eyes and ran though the choppy memories of the week since the explosion.  The fire. The pain. Dani’s expression.  That’s what was worrying him most.   Initially, she came to see him daily, but she was absent the last few days, and he worried about the distance between them.  In quiet moments like this, his heart ached, thinking that perhaps the severity of his injury, or the threat of another one, was too much to ask of her.  He wasn’t sure which home he’d be going to when he was discharged.
 

Guess that will tell all, he thought.  Tears threatened his eyes, but he willed them away.

At that moment the door swung open and Dani walked in with a big smile, which promptly fell when she saw his distress.
 

“Johnny, babe, what’s wrong?  Are you in pain?  What’s wrong?”
 

Her concern was salve to his soul, and words he normally would hold back rushed out.  “I didn’t think you were coming.”
 

Dani looked shocked, and her brow twisted in concern. “Of course I came.  I’m bringing you home.  The apartment is all ready.  I made all your favorites.  I traded shifts so I could be help you this week.”
 

“That’s why you weren’t here.”
 

“Yes, silly boy,” she said, settling down on the edge of the bed.  “That’s why I wasn’t here.  I’ve been pulling 12’s all week so I could have the time off.”
 

She leaned over and kissed him gently on the cheek, then on the mouth, her lips lingering for a long moment.  
 

“I love you, John, and that’s forever.”
 

Johnny’s eyes filled again.  He wrapped her hands in hers and smiled, his cheek resting against hers.  The worries of the last few weeks faded away. He could feel the warmth of her arms around him, and he rested his head on her shoulder.   His eyes fell closed.
 

“Lets go home,” he whispered. “Forever.”

Finit 10/2013

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