"Just Hangin’ Out"

By Ross

Roy rested a hand on his partner’s right wrist. "You got everything you need?"

His partner nodded, but then proceeded to say, "I wish the Department would issue us some ‘grippier’ soled shoes…and put some lights on the front of our helmets. You know, like the kind the coal miner’s wear? Oh…and I could really use a pouch of climbing rosin, too. Every squad should prob'ly start carryin’ some a’ that stuff."

"Johnny, I really think we should wait for the chopper."

"You heard the dispatcher. It’ll be dark before it gets here. Besides, his girlfriend says he’s bleeding real ba-ad."

'Slippery shoes…slippery fingers…no light on his helmet.' DeSoto didn’t like it—and he said as much. "I don’t like it. What if something happens?"

"Nothing’s gonna happen. I climb rocks all the time. Remember?"

Roy pointed up. "So does he. That didn’t stop him from falling."

"Yeah. Well…he didn’t have you for a partner."

"How is having me for a partner gonna prevent you from breaking every bone in your entire body?"

"Gee, Roy…I really can’t tell you how much I appreciate your confidence in my climbing ability."

"It’s not your climbing ability that concerns me. It’s your landing ability. And don’t dodge the question. How does having me for a partner make you invincible?"

Gage flashed his worried buddy a broad, cocky grin. "If something were to happen—which it won’t—you’ll be here to ‘break my fall’."

"Yah mea-ean, I’ll be here to ‘pick up the pieces’."

John feigned disappointment. "Are you sayin’, you won’t at least try to catch me?"

"Are you sayin’, you would try to catch me?"

"No-o…but you’re a lot heavier."

Roy reached out and shoved his incorrigible companion toward the cliff.

Johnny began his arduous journey up the mountainside.

"Be careful!" his concerned colleague called up.

"That goes without saying!" the climber shot back.

"Not when I have you for a partner, it doesn’t!" DeSoto reminded his fearless friend.

"Sheesh, Roy! Sometimes, I wonder why I even bother to hang out with you," the rescuer grumbled, as his sweaty fingers fumbled for a more secure hold on a rocky outcrop.

"Probably, because I’m a paramedic!"

"Undoubtedly!" Gage agreed. "But that’s not the only reason…I also hang out with you cuz’ you’re just so gosh darn...supportive!" He glanced down the treacherous slope, and the two partners traded grins.