The characters of Emergency! are owned by Universal and Mark VII. No copyright infringement is intended. Becky Moren and Karan Jasper have ownership of their own names. I thank both ladies for allowing me to take them into the past. LaJuan
ORDER UP: TALL, DARK AND HANDSOME
By LaJuan
"Karan, Karan. I'm so glad you came in. I have a terrific assignment for you. I promise you are going to absolutely enjoy this one."
"Yeah, yeah, Alvin. Just like the last assignment you gave me that I was 'absolutely' suppose to love."
Alvin was a big balding man with ample fat around his waist. He splayed his sausage size fingers against his chest asking, "Now Karan. Would I mislead you?"
"In a heartbeat, you big jerk."
"Karan, Karan. Trust me. You will find this fun and enjoyable. I need a certain type of man for an upcoming project and since you are the best casting agent in these parts…"
"Alvin, now you flatter yourself if you think I'm going to fall for your praise."
"Okay, okay. Hear me out and if you don't want to do it, it's fine. Please Karan, hear what I have to offer."
"All right, Alvin. I'll listen and there had better be something good in it for me."
"Oh, there will be, there will be. Here's the deal. I need you to find me a man that's tall, dark, and handsome."
"Easily done. They are on every street corner."
"Not so fast, my sweetie. This man is a special man. He has to be a fireman."
"Well, that narrows the field some. Why a fireman?"
"The studio executives want one by fall for an upcoming series."
"Huh. Tall, dark and handsome. Muscular or skinny? Smart or dumb? Loud or quiet?"
"Doesn't matter. As long as the guy is tall,…"
"Dark and handsome. Got it. Okay, Alvin. What's in it for me?"
"All expenses paid, plus 10% commission when he signs on the dotted line."
"30%."
"20%."
"25% commission, expenses paid and four tickets to the Emmy's. I won't do it for anything less."
"Ah. Alright, but do you know how much those tickets are worth?"
"Alvin, if you want your fireman, the tickets are a must."
"Okay. You have to have his signature within three months."
"I'll be in touch Alvin." With that remark, Karan left his office to set out on her quest for the perfect man.
********************
As the men lined up for morning roll call in the apparatus bay, their Captain Hank looked at his senior paramedic Roy and raised an eyebrow. "Cap, I don't know where Johnny is. He was fine when I talked to him last night." The object of their discussion tossed open the locker room door and slid into line.
"Gage, you're late. See me in my office after roll call."
"Yes sir, Cap."
"You too, Roy."
Roy looked up with puzzlement and glanced at his partner as he replied, "Yes sir."
The Captain finished handing out work assignment, announced some upcoming training opportunities and told of the promotional exams scheduled the next month. The men were dismissed to their chores and the two paramedics trudged into the office.
"Sit down men. Gage, you were late again. What happened?"
"There was more traffic than I anticipated. I'll be on time tomorrow, Cap."
"And for the rest of the week as well. Beginning next shift you will have two weeks of latrine duty, Pal. But, this isn't why I wanted you in here. The Chief has sent tickets for you two for the Fireman's Ball and Awards Dinner. You can bring one guest with you." Hank handed both paramedics their tickets and with a piercing glance to each of them, he continued, "I expect you there in your dress blues. Now get back to your assignments."
The puzzled look was still on Roy's face as they came out and headed to the squad to check their supplies and to calibrate their equipment with Rampart Hospital. Johnny contacted the hospital base station on the biophone and got a confirmation on calibrations. "Hey Roy. What do you think is going on?"
"Not now Johnny." As he looked through the drug box, Roy noted that supplies were low. C shift must have been busy last night. "Let's talk on the way to Rampart. Hey Cap. We need to do a supply run to Rampart."
Captain Stanley stuck his head out of his office, thinking any interruption would be welcomed over paperwork. "Okay. Just be sure to keep your handy talkie with you. You might as well stop by the market on your way back. I'm fixing clam chowder tonight and I need these items." He handed a list to Roy as the two paramedics opened the doors to the squad and slid in.
Roy looked both ways and made a right turn into traffic. As Johnny gazed out the passenger window, Roy spoke in a quiet voice. "Okay Junior. Let's talk while we are away from the others. Frankly, I don't know why the Chief singled us out. Maybe it's just our turn on his rotation list to attend."
"Or maybe we're getting an award?"
"Maybe. I feel awkward over the fact that we are going and the rest of the guys haven't been invited. When is the Awards Dinner?"
Johnny pulled his ticket out of his pocket, glanced at it and replied, "one week."
"I think I'll go talk to Cap about the other guys. But… maybe when he's in a better mood. What are you doing when shift ends?"
"I thought about going hiking in the mountains, but the nursing home called and I need to go check on my aunt."
"How about coming over for dinner afterwards? Joanne called. The kids are asking for you and Joanne is in a cooking mood. What about it, partner?"
"Sure, Pally. You can count on me when it comes to your wife's cooking."
They pulled into Rampart
Hospital and went in to get supplies. Dixie, the head nurse of the Emergency
Room looked up from the table in the break room as they walked in. "Hi guys.
How are my favorite paramedics doing? Need a cup of coffee?"
"Sounds great, Dixie. Why don't you get the supplies while I get the coffee Junior?" said Roy as he pushed the requisition list over to Dixie.
"Ah, Roy. Just don't drink all the coffee up before I get back or next time you do supplies and I get coffee," Johnny retorted as he went off to the supply closet. Roy looked over to Dixie and grinned as he poured two cups of coffee, hid one behind the coffeepot and set an empty cup out on the table. When Johnny returned in a few minutes, he saw the empty cup and his partner sipping hot coffee. He turned his puppy dog eyes toward Dixie in hopes of her making a fresh pot. Dixie laughed and took the full cup from its hiding place and handed it to Johnny. Gratefully, he took a couple of sips when the tones sounded on the handy talkie in Roy's hand.
"Squad 51, what is your status?" Roy looked at Johnny and raised his eyebrows. Johnny nodded as he gulped the coffee and reached for the supplies. "Squad 51 available."
"Squad 51, Engine 51, MVA at Division corner, cross street Malibu, Division corner, cross street Malibu. Time out 09:45."
"See you, Dix. Thanks for the coffee, " Johnny said as he glared at his partner while they ran to answer the call.
********************
Karan had worked the cattle calls of LA long enough to know where the hunks were and which ones were all brawn and airheads. Finding her fireman was going to be challenging.
"Okay, Princess. Now how are you going to pull this one off? Who do I know in the Fire Department? Zilch. Nada. So how do I find someone? Telephone book, County Fire Department headquarters, nosy librarians, Arnold the Detective, now which shall I use to dig up the dirt I need. Hmm. Now back up, Prima Dona. Think this out and go from a different direction. What's the best and fastest way? Free nosy librarians who brag they can find anything may be the way. I think I'll sic them on the trail of tall, dark, and handsome."
With that she was off to the downtown library. Now Karan had grown up in the acting field both in New York and California. She had found the best way to get free acting lessons was to hang around actors daily. One thing led to another and she wound up becoming a casting agent. She could rub shoulders with the elite, the flower people, the pretend farmers, and the homeless. In one day she could go from champagne, to wine, to whiskey, and to beer. Her favorite source of information was the homeless. Yes, it was amazing what the homeless people observed and with the right amount of grease in their hand, they would cough up good information. Karan was not an intimidating type of person. She looked like everyone's favorite aunt, blonde headed with twinkling blue eyes, Betty Boop lips and an infectious laugh. People were just naturally drawn to her easygoing demeanor. However, with her disarming smile and laugh, no one that first met her, including detective librarians, were armed against her directness.
As she came into the building, she looked around and observed carefully to find her victims at the reference desk. An astute observer of people, she mentally eliminated some staff members. She wanted the bloodhounds that thirsted for the challenge. Zeroing on her targets, she waited until she saw the two ladies together. Sidling up to the desk, she went into her act.
"Oh, I hope you two can help me."
"Of course, that's part of our jobs."
"Well, I really don't know where to start and I just have such a short time to accomplish it." Karan wrung her hands and allowed her lips to pout.
"That's okay ma'am. I'm sure we can help you out. What exactly do you need done?"
"Well, I've just got an assignment from my boss and I just don't know where to start."
"Tell us about it."
"My boss is in television and he needs to cast a man in an upcoming show."
"And…"
"He wants him tall with dark hair. Of course, he has to be handsome. Everyone in Hollywood is handsome."
"Why doesn't he call talent agents?"
"He's tried that."
"I would think there would be plenty of tall, dark and handsome men out there."
"On every street corner and in every restaurant, mainly masquerading as your waiter."
"So what's the problem?"
"My boss wants only a genuine fireman. He wants me to find him and I have only a short time to do it. I just don't know where to start. Do they carry cards or badges?"
"They have badges. In fact, some of our friends are firemen. With this old building, they have to check it periodically to make sure it's up to code. We've gotten acquainted through those inspections and through dating some of them. Maybe they can help you."
"That would be wonderful, but do you think their General would be upset?"
Both ladies laughed. "The top fireman would be called Chief. I think we can find a listing of the Fire Department Administration and see who is the right person to get you permission to speak with the men."
"Oh no. I don't want to speak to them. I just want to watch them."
"What?"
"Oops. That sounds like I want to stalk them. Ah, well I guess I do, only with permission. I want to get the Fire Department to okay me watching the men as they go about their daily life. I need them to be natural and act without knowing about the television show. I want to be able to pick the absolute best fireman for the job."
"Okay. I think we can help you." Within ten minutes the two librarians had amassed lists of rank in the Fire Department with names, Station assignments, and work telephone numbers.
Karan's brain had been in high gear and she had come up with her plan in seconds. "I think I want to start at the top. With what you have given me, I'm sure I will do fine on this assignment. May I have your names?"
"I'm Jamie."
"And I'm Sandra."
"Thanks, ladies. I'm off to see the Wizard, ahh… I mean the Chief." That brought a giggle from the pair as Karan left to find her man.
********************
Roy had gotten his chance to talk to Cap and found that Captain Stanley had already talked to the Chief. Roy was told it was under control, just make sure he and Johnny showed up and would he please shut the door on the way out. Roy made himself scarce and warned Johnny to stay outside of the Cap's radar for the rest of their shift. It was easy to do, since the squad experienced run after run until B shift took over.
As they were changing into their civvies, Roy talked to Johnny. "When are you going to see your Aunt?"
"As soon as I get out of here."
"Is she okay?"
"Yeah. The Doctor wants to talk to me about a new treatment they want to try. Since I'm next of kin, they want my permission."
"Why don't you give me a call afterwards and let me know how it went. Don't forget you're coming over tonight for dinner."
"Are the kids going to be
there?
"Yeah. They've been at me all week to get you over - especially Jennifer. She's made something for you and wants to give it to her Uncle Johnny personally. What is it with you Johnny? You've even got my daughter fawning over you."
"Ah, Roy. It's just the Gage charm. Girls just can't resist." Johnny gave his lop sided grin as he went out the door and left Roy shaking his head in disbelief.
Roy couldn't help the twinge of jealousy that went through him as he watched his youngest twitching at the window while waiting for his partner. As Joanne went through the room on her way to the kitchen, she saw her daughter in the curtains. "Jennifer, why don't you come help in the kitchen? Uncle Johnny will get here faster if you're busy."
"Ah, Mom. I want to stay here so I … He's here! Uncle Johnny's here!" She ran to the door, flung it open and raced down the sidewalk to fling herself into Johnny's arms.
Roy strolled to the door, checked to make sure the doorknob hadn't put a hole in the wall, and glanced out to his partner. With her long blonde hair waving, Johnny was swinging Jennifer in a tight circle as she squealed in delight. The jealous thought fled as he watched the adolescent behavior of his best friend. He was amazed at the full spectrum of Johnny's shifting personality: the consummate professional to the best playmate of a five-year-old girl. His zest for life and boundless energy was tiring to observe and yet a source of daily entertainment for Roy. With a grin on his face, he stood aside and held the door open as Johnny put down the child and was immediately dragged by Roy's offspring to and through the doorway. Leading Johnny to the sofa, Jennifer pushed him down and pecked a kiss on his cheek. Requesting him to stay, she skipped down the hallway to retrieve her gift.
"Good to see you Johnny, and guys, dinner will be ready in 20 minutes," Joanne warned as she continued her journey to the kitchen.
Jennifer came waltzing into the room hiding something behind her back. "Uncle Johnny, I have my surprise for you. Close your eyes." She shifted a construction paper from behind and held it up with both hands in front of his face. "You can open your eyes now."
Johnny opened one and then the other eye and saw the pretty blonde child with her nose hanging over the hand-drawn picture in her hands. "I drew you and our family at the lake in the mountains you took us to last month. Do you like it?"
"Of course I do, Jenny Bean. This will look real good over my fireplace mantel. Can I put it on your Dad's mantel until I go home tonight? Then I'll be sure to take it." She nodded her approval and with a wide smile she skipped into the kitchen.
Looking at Roy, Johnny opened his mouth to speak, but was interrupted by the loud bang of the front door shutting as Chris, Roy's son, started to run up the stairs.
"Chris, come back down here."
"Yes, Dad."
When Chris came back in front of Roy's chair, Roy gave him a stern look and said quietly, "I think you need to practice quietly opening and shutting the door. Go to it, Chris."
"Ah, Dad. I won't do it again."
"I know you won't after you've practiced. Open and shut the door five times. I don't want to hear any noise from it."
Chris looked at his father and interpreted Roy's face as unmovable. Chris went and did as bidden. When he finished, he came back to his father. "Chris, you did that real quiet and you did it well. Now greet Johnny and go help your Mom in the kitchen."
"Hi, Uncle Johnny. Sorry I was so loud. See you."
"Good to see you, Sport. Something sure smells good in there."
"I'll go see what Mom's cooking."
Dinner was ready within minutes and Johnny paid special complements to Joanne's cooking by satisfying his huge appetite. He and Roy retired to the back deck and left Joanne to monitor the children's baths before bed.
Nighttime stars bring a certain type of relaxation and tend to open up trains of thought. Johnny yielded to their influence and expressed his thoughts to Roy. "Roy, you make a pretty good father. You're patient with Chris, but firm. Where did you learn to do that?"
"I don't think its something I learned. My Dad wasn't around long enough to teach me anything."
"Then, how do you know what to do?"
"It comes naturally. From the moment you hold them in your arms, you want to do the best you can in raising them."
"I'm not sure I could ever be like you."
"When you have your own, you will be. I've seen how you are with my children."
"At the rate I'm going, I'll never have a chance to be a father."
"Lost another girlfriend?"
"Yep. She dumped me last shift."
"Another nurse?"
"Yes."
"Maybe you've been looking in all the wrong places."
"Where's that?"
"Well, they say you look in schools or churches."
"Where did you meet Joanne?"
"In the fourth grade in school."
"Hmmm. Not sure I want to try the fourth grade again, but maybe a class at the community college will test the waters. I think I'll look into that tomorrow."
********************
Karan came out of the Chief's office and shut the door carefully. She walked away with a grin on her face. Alvin had called earlier in the day and had set up an appointment with her in the afternoon. She was on her way to share her progress with him.
Pulling up to his office, she saw Alvin peering at her between the blinds. He had a worried look on his face. She took her time getting out of the vehicle and going in.
"Karan, Karan. What have you done?"
"Just what you requested, finding the fireman you specified."
"Okay, okay. But did you have to go after him in such a direct way? I just got off the phone with the Chief of the Los Angeles County Fire Department."
"And I'm sure you had a very pleasant conversation. He was such a nice and friendly man."
"Friendly, friendly? The man's a barracuda when he wants something." There was a pause while the wheels turned in his brain. "Oh Karan, Karan. You didn't happen to give him lessons?"
"Lessons on what, Alvin?"
"What, what? Lessons on getting your way. I've never known anyone better than you who could find and get what they want."
"Would I do that, Alvin?"
"In a heartbeat, sweetheart."
"Seriously Alvin. I just went in to see the Fire Chief. I told him what I wanted, why I wanted to do it a certain way and how it could help out in their marketing. He told me I reminded him of his daughter and he could never turn down a request from her." Karan raised her hand to her hair and patted it and smoothed it with her fingers. She then took out her compact and checked her lipstick. Looking at Alvin, she batted her eyes.
"Karan, Karan. I know your tricks and they won't sway me. Why did you have to go so far as to promise him two tickets to the Emmy's?"
"Because that's the deal I made with him. I told you that I wouldn't do this without the tickets. Are you backing out of our deal?"
"No. No. So what is he doing for you?"
"The Chief is making arrangements for you and I to attend the Fireman's Ball and Awards Dinner. It's their big event for the year and one of the best ways to move among firemen. He assured me some likely candidates should be there."
"Why, why do I have to go?"
"Because I need a date, silly. Here's your ticket. It's next Tuesday night at seven o'clock. Be sure to wear your tux and pick me up at six." With that she turned, waved and walked out of the office.
********************
Johnny went to the community college the next day to see what was offered. He thought the blondes were the best ones to look at, but knew he would have to register in order to stay on campus. So he went to the registrar's office to pick up a catalog of courses and a schedule of classes.
Wandering around, he noticed a group of lovely ladies purposely walking down the hallway. Like a bloodhound on the trail, he followed them into the cafeteria. He always had an appetite, so he had no problem going through the line and sitting close to the women. As he ate, he shamelessly listened to their conversation. Finishing up his meal he rose from the table and left the cafeteria with a smug smile on his face. He now knew the one class he needed to attract the girls.
Sitting down on the bench under a tree, he looked carefully at the schedule of classes and fished his work schedule out of his wallet. The class he wanted to take fitted closely with work. There would be only one afternoon class that he would have to skip due to his shift. The class was a babe magnet.
He went back into the building, filled out all his paperwork, paid for the class and came out a college student. Rubbing his hands together he thought, "Oh, Roy were you ever so right. The best place to meet chicks is at school."
After going back to his ranch, he made a beeline to the telephone. Knowing the number by heart, he dialed and listened carefully as the other end rang.
"Hello."
"Hey, Joanne. Is Roy busy?"
"Johnny, you know I always keep Roy busy, but he can stop to talk to you. Hold on and I'll get him."
While waiting, Johnny aimlessly started whistling off key a song he had heard over the radio that morning. When Roy picked up the phone a particularly loud whistle blasted him.
"Is this Whistler's Mother?"
"Huh? Nah, Roy. It's Johnny."
"Okay, Junior. So what's up?"
"I just called to say you are a genius."
"That's been established before. I'm glad you recognize it."
"What? Roy, you really are a genius."
"You've said that. So tell me how."
"I went out to the community college today and signed up for a class. It's everything you said it would be."
"I did?" "Oh Johnny. Where are you going with this? You've definitely have me puzzled," thought Roy.
"Sure you did, Pally. You said the best place to meet girls was in churches or schools. Boy were you right. It's like a motherlode of leggy blondes."
"Uh… I'm glad you took my advice. Did you sign up for a class?"
"Sure did and it's a babe magnet."
"Ah… What are you taking?"
"Track."
"How can that attract girls?"
"Think about it Roy. You get to show off your body while these beautiful ladies are sitting in the stands watching your every move. It's heaven for…"
Roy turned as his wife walked into the room. Her eyebrows rose as she saw the pained look Roy wore and heard Johnny's prattle as Roy held the phone away from his ear. Johnny was well on his way to a full rant.
Taking pity on her husband, she said in a loud voice, "Roy, I really need you to get back to work. I still need you to help me clean out the shed, turn the mattresses and you can clean the outside of the windows while I clean the interiors.
A chuckle could be heard from the phone. "Sounds like the little lady has big plans for you, Pally."
"Yeah, why don't you come over and help me out, Junior?"
"Sorry friend. I'm a college kid now. I think I'll go play tennis on campus. Ciao."
As he hung up the phone a frown crossed Roy's face. "Tennis? Johnny doesn't know the first thing about tennis.
His wife came up, gave him a hug and kissed his cheek. "Come on honey. Let's get busy."
"Ah. Yeah. Right."
The next Tuesday at the end of their shift, Roy and Johnny were called into their Captain's office. Both men were reminded that they were to show up that night in their dress blues.
*********************
After she came to the door, Karan ran her eyes over Alvin. "Alvin, you look magnificent in the tux."
"Ahh Karan, Karan. I bet you tell all the guys that."
"Nope. Only one guy and only right now. Come on, let's go."
She grabbed his arm as she reached in the house, found her purse and slammed the door behind her. She dragged him down the sidewalk as he muttered, "Karan, Karan. Do I have to go? You know I can do some first class work if you would only let me go back to the office." One icy glare from her and his attempted whine stopped cold.
"Let's go big man. I wanted a date and you're it. Now drive."
The ball was a manhunter's delight. Karan looked around and found all types, shapes and sizes of firemen mingling. It was a sea of blue uniforms for a female shark. She wasn't the only female in the room with a toothy grin. Johnny's date, a long legged blonde he had met in the stands above the running track, was grinning over her luck. She had walked in with him holding her elbow and was overwhelmed with delight over the selection of men. She could never resist a man in uniform, especially one that was physically fit. Sure, Johnny was okay, but she preferred them taller and with brawn written on their chest.
Roy and Joanne came in and were greeting other friends as Johnny moved closer. Introductions were made and the foursome retired to their table as the awards ceremony began. Shortly afterwards, Jessica, Johnny's date excused herself to go to the bathroom. Johnny waited for a while, made his excuses and went to find his date. He found Chet instead. "Hey Gage. Isn't that your date over there hanging all over Tom Collins? Looks like you got dumped again, pal."
"Shut up Chet." Johnny went back to his table with a scowl on his face.
It was well into the event when Roy and Johnny realized that the Chief was talking about some of their runs. Their Captain's grin that was directed to them from the next table caused them to sit up straight and pay attention.
"Due to all I've told you and the outstanding commendations coming from the citizens they have saved, I give you the co-winners of the Firefighters of the Year award. Will Firefighter/Paramedic Roy DeSoto and Firefighter/Paramedic John Gage come up on the stage to receive their award?" said the Chief as the crowd applauded.
As Roy and Johnny went on the stage, accepted their award and shook hands with the Chief, camera lights were flashing. A newspaper reporter waited impatiently for them to return to their table.
She wasn't the only one who wanted to see the men at their table. Karan wanted to take a closer look at John. The men made their way back to their table while receiving the back slapping of their fellow firefighters. Their coworkers from Station 51 stood up from their table in the back of the room and let out whistles of appreciation.
With the pretense of deciding whether to go to the bar to refresh her drink or to go toward the ladies room, Karan stopped by Roy and John's table and got a close look at John as he animatedly talked to the reporter. Making up her mind, Karan turned to return to her table and Alvin. She noticed the librarian Jamie standing and talking over to the side with a tall blonde man gazing into her eyes. "Hmm. It looks like those librarians weren't kidding when they said they dated firemen. May be a very good source of information," thought Karan.
She sat down with Alvin and fished out her notebook from her oversized purse. Quickly she wrote down John's name and station number on her list of men. With a self-satisfied grin, she closed up the notebook.
"Well, well. If that isn't a predator look on your face. Have you gotten what you want? My feet hurt, my back hurts and this food is tasteless."
"Alvin. Shut up about your aches and pain. You know it's just an excuse to get me out of here. I'll go when I'm ready."
"Karan, Karan. It's worked in the past. I just thought it was worth trying again. Are you ready now?"
"Yes Alvin. I'm ready. Take me home."
The next day Karan went to work. She went to her favorite electronics shop and had a police/fire scanner installed in her car and purchased a portable unit for her home. She had a list of three men she was going to track and she needed all the help she could find. It wasn't long before she heard the call for one of the three stations. She grabbed her camera and left to go to the location of the fire.
********************
Ralph Anderson was furious. His wife changed the locks on his house and filed for divorce. He had been served the papers less than an hour before. He had slung them onto the table in his cheap motel room after reading that she wanted full custody of their children, child support and no visitation rights for him.
Nothing had gone right since he had come home from Vietnam. He was sure his wife had been sleeping around behind his back while he was serving his country. He had gone down to the bar joint to drown out the memories of the war, but even that didn't seem to help much anymore. His memories kept returning to the face of the commander of his squad in Vietnam - Captain Dan Sawyer. Captain Sawyer was the type of man who understood his men and was a natural born leader.
While on patrol the Captain had taken a bullet meant for Ralph. The squad had drugged the Captain away from the area and rushed him back to the medics. A sandy hair medic had worked on the Captain, but had said there was too much damage. The Captain was bleeding internally and there was limited amount that could be done in the field. Ralph committed the medic's face and nametag to memory. He vowed to kill that medic, R. DeSoto, for letting his Captain die.
He had gotten his chance two weeks later when another of his squad was brought into the medic area. Ralph quietly went into the surrounding woods and used a captured weapon; he shot DeSoto. DeSoto had shifted at the last moment and his wound became a ticket home to the states. Ralph lost track of DeSoto after that.
He stepped out of the room and went down to the motel office to the newspaper stand. He bought the local paper and on a whim the Los Angeles paper. He wanted to find a better job and was willing to relocate. Going next door to the local diner, he ordered breakfast. While waiting he went through the local newspaper. Nothing was appealing. After the waitress brought the food, he started going through the LA paper. He circled with his pen six different jobs that looked good. As he ate, he went through the rest of the paper. Going through one section, he found a picture of two firemen accepting an award. Something was very familiar about one of the men. Ralph looked at the caption and then read the accompany article. It told of two Firefighter/Paramedics from Station 51 in Carson City accepting the Firefighter of the Year award at the Fireman's Ball and Awards Dinner. Their names were Roy DeSoto and John Gage. Ralph looked again at the picture and with a wolfish grin, he got the attention of the waitress, paid his bill and hurried back to the motel room to check out. Relocation to LA was looking very good.
********************
Karan stood among the crowd of onlookers at the warehouse fire. She was watching the firemen and looking for Jeff Morton from Station 26. He was the first man on her list to look over. Hearing additional sirens in the distance, she watched as Engine 51 and Squad 51 pulled in. John Gage was on her list as well. He was easier to spot when he came out of the squad. He and his partner pulled on their air tanks and ran over to the man in charge. Karan couldn't believe her eyes when the man waved the two into the burning warehouse. Other firemen holding a large hose followed them into the inferno. She looked around trying to find Morton from 26. Other names were on the back of the jackets she saw, but not his.
Time was slow. What felt like an hour was actually five minutes when she saw two firemen carrying over their shoulders two other firemen. As they came closer, she saw Morton written on the back of the man that John Gage was carrying. She brought her hand up to cover her mouth and was bumped on the chest with her camera dangling from its strap. Recovering from her momentary shock, she aimed the camera and took a picture of John lowering Morton to the waiting blanket on the ground. Morton's helmet with 26 on it was dislodged from his head and rolled slowly toward the crowd. She picked it up and stared at it. A police officer took it from her and returned it to the ground next to Morton. Looking down at her hands, Karan found blood staining her fingers.
The rest of the crowd faded away and the only thing in her world was the redness of her fingertips. Time again stood still until she was jostled from behind and reality came crashing back. A shiver went through her body and she reached into her pants pocket for a tissue. As she wiped her fingers, she noticed the hectic movements of the two paramedics with their patients.
Johnny had uncovered Morton's bare chest and was doing CPR. Between breaths he had yelled at Chet to contact Rampart Hospital. Vitals were taken and relayed. Instructions were received to shock Morton and John asked Roy for help. One of the paramedics from squad 26 took over Roy's patient as Roy prepared the paddles of the defibrillator. When the paddles were charged, Roy yelled, "Clear." John pulled his hands from Morton and kept them up within Roy's sight. Morton's body jerked. Johnny returned to his CPR until the paddles charged again. The process was repeated twice more without results. Johnny returned to CPR, but was obviously tiring and gasping for air. Roy kneeled down and started looking closely at Morton. Reaching out his hand to the back of Morton's head, he brought his hand back with blood and brain matter on it. "Johnny, stop," Roy said in a quiet voice, "he's gone."
"No," gasped Johnny.
"Johnny, stop and look at me." The seriousness in Roy's tone of voice caused Johnny to look up at Roy. Roy held up his bloody hand. Looking down at the same sight of brain matter on his own hands, Johnny knew that there had been no hope for his friend Jeff Morton from the beginning. His emotions had just refused to give up the fight until Roy had forced him to see reality. Johnny rocked back onto his heels, wrapped his arms around his legs and laid his head onto his knees. Roy went to the squad, opened a blanket pack, and brought it back. Tenderly he covered Morton's body.
Slowly Karan raised her camera and took the picture of the grieving paramedic with the yellow covered body in the background. She watched as the man in charge came up behind the paramedic and put his hand on John Gage's shoulder. John looked up with the grief on his face and listened to his superior. Again Karan captured the moment on film. Standing up, John's face changed to one of determination and headed back to the inferno.
Karan went home and developed her film that night. The next morning she went to Alvin's office. "Alvin, I want out of this assignment. I thought it was going to be challenging and fun."
"Karan, Karan, what's wrong sweetie? I can see you are upset."
"Alvin. I saw a man die yesterday. He was my first candidate. There was a warehouse fire and he got caught in falling debris. I took pictures, Alvin. It was the hardest thing I've ever done."
"Why, why, Karan?"
"Because, the paramedic that tried to save him was another candidate."
"Karan, Karan. Did you develop the film?"
"Yes, while my tears were falling into the developer solution."
"Darling, darling. Let me have the pictures."
Karan reached for her purse and pulled out the pictures. Alvin took them and spread them out on his desk. He knew of the quality of her work and the procedure she went through when she was casting a part. He could see why this assignment was upsetting. The pictures were tearjerkers and told a story. They told of the brotherhood of firefighters, their loyalty to each other and their determination to win the battle with fire.
"Karan, Karan. Grab your bag and I'll take you out for an early lunch and we'll talk about how to handle this."
Later after a long talk with Alvin, she was able to continue and set out to track down her man for the role of the TV firefighter.
********************
Ralph had made it to LA, found a place to live and was interviewing on two of the jobs he had circled in the LA newspaper. He had a map of Los Angeles and was looking for directions to Station 51. He had to see Roy DeSoto in person. It was necessary to be sure the man in the picture was the murderer from his Vietnam days. He drove to Carson City and inquired at a local gas station for directions. Driving to Station 51, he arrived just as A shift was ending. Ralph had parked so he could see the parking lot and watched as Roy and Johnny walked across the parking lot to their vehicles.
"Roy, I sure appreciate you coming out to the ranch to help me out. I'll fix you breakfast before we get started clearing out the pasture. It will be nice to let the horses loose in that area after we get rid of those loco weeds."
Knowing Johnny's appetite, Roy chuckled at the image of the large breakfast in his future. "Well you've helped me out enough times. With Joanne and the kids at her mom's this week, it'll be nice for someone else to do the cooking. I'll meet you out there."
As they drove away from the station, the two men didn't notice Ralph's white van following them at a discreet distance. But Karan did. Parking out front of the station, she took pictures as Johnny and Roy drove off in the direction to Johnny's ranch. She wanted to see what Johnny did during his time off. As she started up her car and drove to follow, she was cut off by a van that turned onto the road directly behind Roy's red convertible.
Karan knew where Johnny lived. He was listed in the phone book and she had the librarians do a crisscross search to match his occupation to his telephone number. As she drove, her curiosity was aroused. The white van ahead of her was following the paramedics also. Relying on her instincts, she snapped open the glove box removing pen and paper and quickly wrote down the tag number of the van.
She had visited Johnny's ranch the day before while he was on duty. She knew a good place to watch the ranch. As the paramedics pulled into Johnny's drive, she went past and pulled into the next road. Making her way past the south end of the ranch, she parked off the road. Grabbing her binoculars and camera, she hurried to her lookout spot.
An hour later the two men emerged from the ranch house going to the barn and walked out into the pasture. Karan was close enough that she could hear Roy and Johnny talking to each other as they worked.
"Hey Roy. How's your love life?"
"Uh?"
"Roy, how's your love life been lately with Joanne?"
"Just fine Johnny. Why?"
"Well, I was just thinking."
"Watch it Junior. Thinking gets you into trouble."
"Ah, yeah. No, now seriously, Roy. I think I'm onto something here."
"And how does my love life figure into this equation?"
"Well, mine hasn't been too good lately and I think I know what to do to fix it."
Trying to figure out where Johnny's mind was going was like trying to find the bottom of a bottomless pit. Roy knew he was in for a ride on Johnny's latest rant.
"Lately every time that I ask a nurse out, they usually drop me in two to three dates. That's why I asked where you met Joanne and I took your advice and went looking at the community college. I thought I found the perfect lady with Jessica."
"Jessica?"
"Yeah Roy. The blonde I brought to the Awards Dinner."
"Oh, yes. What happen to her? She excused herself to go to the bathroom and I never saw her again."
"Well I did, on the arm of Tom Collins from Station 110. She couldn't keep her hands off of him and I went home alone that night."
"Oh. Sorry, partner."
"So… I've been thinking it over and I've got it figured out."
"And how do Joanne and I play a part in this?"
"Well, you know, uh, uh…" Johnny's face blushed as he stuttered.
Roy grinned as he looked at his embarrassed partner. "Untie your tongue and spit it out, Junior. What kind of scheme do you have in mind?"
"There's a football game Saturday night on campus and I wanted to take your kids to it."
"And how does my love life have to do with that?"
"Well I always take the kids when you have your anniversary so you and Joanne can have time together."
"Uh, huh. And how is your love life affected by that?"
"Chicks like kids and they will naturally take to your two."
"Leaving you the opportunity to get a few more dates."
"Yeah! What do you think Roy?"
"Well, you're using my children to get a date, but they love going out with 'Uncle Johnny'. It's been a while since Joanne and I have had the house to ourselves. Tell you what. I'll call Joanne when we go back to your house, but I'm not going to tell her you are using our kids for your own purposes."
"Thanks, Roy. When it comes to her kids, I don't want to tangle with Joanne."
Karan knew that was one football game she wanted to attend. It shouldn't be too hard to get tickets. Putting her binoculars down she caught the flash of light bouncing off of a metallic surface across the pasture from her. Grabbing the binoculars, she focused on the scene and saw a man with a rifle pointing at the paramedics. She picked up a rock, threw it over the heads of Johnny and Roy and ducked out of sight.
Glancing over at the noise, Johnny caught sight of the rifle and yelled at Roy to drop. Johnny jumped to push Roy down as he heard the crack of the rifle shooting. The bullet pulled at Johnny's shirtsleeve as he went down on top of Roy. They heard a crashing noise in the trees and seconds later heard a vehicle starting up and peeling out.
"Are you okay, Roy?"
"Yeah. Can you get off of me?"
"Sure."
As Johnny rolled over, Roy got up and looked at his partner. He had heard the bullet whizzing by, but wanted to be sure Johnny was okay. He saw a hole in the rolled up portion of Johnny's sleeve and blood trickling out from under it.
"You got hit, Junior. Let me help you up and we'll go back to the ranch and patch you up."
"Huh. Oh. I think it's just a flesh wound. I'll be okay."
"Probably so, but let's do it anyway. We'll call the police while we're at it."
That was Karan's cue to leave as soon as the men left to return to the ranch house.
As the two men entered the door, Roy pushed Johnny down on a kitchen chair and went to the cabinet that contained the first aid kit. As he reached in to get the kit Roy looked over his shoulder at Johnny. "As soon as I have you bandaged, we need to call the police."
"Nah. Don't do that Roy. It was probably just a kid out hunting for deer. It's deer season and I've been hearing shooting out in that pasture. We probably scared him as much as he scared us."
Roy used his bandage scissors to remove Johnny's sleeve. Looking closely at the wound, Roy replied to Johnny. "You're going to need stitches. You know what happens when a gunshot wound is brought to the Emergency Room at Rampart."
"We don't have a choice. Rampart always calls the police."
"Right you are, Junior. Now why don't you hold still while I apply the bandages."
When Johnny spoke to the police he voiced his opinion of a teen hunter. Without other clues, his opinion was duly noted in the records. Roy drove Johnny home, gave him some pain medication and left after Johnny drifted off to sleep.
********************
Ralph was fuming. "If that dark headed man hadn't pushed DeSoto down, I would have gotten my revenge. Don't think I'm going to give up. Oh no, DeSoto. If I have to separate your friend from you I will!" Ralph drove off to make his plans. He knew what he needed to get, but had to have ready cash. He had patience. He had waited these many years; a few more days wouldn't make a difference.
********************
Karan was also making plans. Knowing that Johnny would probably be placed on light duty, she thought it was time to look at her second candidate, Tom Collins from Station 110. She had noticed him at the Awards Dinner with a tall blonde sweet thing hanging onto his arm. Tom had unusual gold fleck green eyes. They had sparkled when Karan saw him looking down onto his date. Karan knew that the female population would drool when they saw him on their TV sets.
Flipping on her scanner, she listened to the chatter on the police and fire channels. The late afternoon was quiet and she didn't hear any call outs for Station 110. She gave up for the evening and went home to have a long relaxing bubble bath with candlelight and music to suit her mood.
The next morning Karan listened to the scanner as she puttered around the house straightening up each room. Most of her time was taken up with dusting all the bunny figurines she had scattered throughout her home. When she finished, Karan stood in the center of her house and slowly turned around and looked at the panorama view. The bunny figurines shone from their fresh dusting. The bunny wall pictures glowed from the window cleaner she had used. The bunny curtains gave off the scent of fresh air from hanging out to dry. Her plush bunnies adorned her sofa and love seat. Even her bunny garden tools she saw outside her screened back door gleamed from her loving touch. She was pleased. Her bunny house was clean.
The scanner went off with the fire dispatcher calling out a list of stations to fight an office building fire. Station 110 was among the list. Grabbing her purse, keys and camera, Karan dashed out of the house thumbing her door lock on the way. Being careful and driving steadily, she was within a block of the office building within fifteen minutes. She walked rapidly to the police line and watched with the rest of the on-looking crowd at the ten-story building as it burned. Spotting engine 110, she looked around until she saw Tom Collins manning a fire hose further down the street. He was easy to find as his 6'5" height towered over his co-workers. Karan took pictures as he worked. Catching sight of Roy and his temporary partner running by, Karan knew that Squad 51 was there and Johnny was not.
Hearing the inhaled gasp of the crowd, she looked up to see the slow motion fall of the front of the building. The fourth through the tenth floor wall came tumbling down. The firefighters in its path scattered like angry ants but unfortunately several firemen were too slow.
"This can't be. Once again one of my candidates is injured on the job. I can't believe what I'm seeing," thought Karan as she watched the firefighters go into recovery mode and begin unburying their co-workers.
Several were pulled free and taken on backboards to a triage area. Karan watched Roy as he treated one firefighter. Noticing the length of the victim, she knew she was looking at Tom Collins. Roy worked fast and soon had Tom bundled up, stuffed into an ambulance and on his way to Rampart Hospital. Roy had gone with Tom and Karan had a strong desire to go also. Never to let a desire go unfulfilled, Karan ran to her car noticing a familiar white van parked nearby. She was fast on her way to Rampart.
Pulling in, she saw the ambulance backed into the entrance to the ER. Karan went in and sat down in the waiting area. She figured with patience and big ears to hear the conversations around her, she would soon be caught up on the condition of Tom Collins. Other ambulances pulled in and she begun to see firefighters and paramedics milling around the room. Like her, they were waiting for reports on the injuries of their co-workers.
A tall blonde young lady walked into the waiting room and went over to Station 110's Captain. Within minutes, Karan knew that this woman was Jessica, Tom's girlfriend. Jessica wasn't very happy; in fact, she was very angry. She was determined that Tom Collins was going to leave his dangerous job and join her father's construction firm. Tom's co-workers were trying to calm Jessica down when Roy DeSoto and Dr. Joe Early walked into the room.
"Captain?"
"Tom's girlfriend, Jessica. She's upset."
"Well, we've just came from Tom," said Roy. Everyone turned and looked at the pair. The room grew quiet.
"Captain. Ma'am. I'm Dr. Early. I've just finished examining Tom. He's going to be fine. He's going to be sporting a good size headache for the next several days. Other than the concussion, he has some bruising on his back. I'm going to keep him overnight for observation as a precaution. He should be going home tomorrow morning. I suggested he take it easy until his next shift."
"He won't have to show up for a shift if I have my way," piped up Jessica. "When can I see him?"
"The nurses are going to take him up and get him settled in his room. I'll instruct them to come get you so you can see him. But only if you are calm. If you are as upset with him as you are now, you won't do him any good."
"I will calm down Doctor," said Jessica.
Looking at the Captain, Doctor Early continued. "His co-workers can see him also, but no more than two at a time and the same rule applies to them. Everyone stay calm."
"You have my word," replied the Captain.
"Captain. My partner's here with the squad. I'm going to put the squad available and go back to Station 51."
"Thanks DeSoto for your help."
"Just doing my job, Captain."
Roy and Early walked out. Karan looked again at Jessica and saw a very determined woman. Firefighter Tom Collins would soon be looking at a wedding ring through his nose and a job with dear old dad's construction business. Mentally, Karan crossed him off her list of potential perfect firefighters.
Karan saw a pretty brunette woman staring out the window down the hallway from the waiting area. The woman was staring off into the distance with tears streaming down from her eyes. Sensing a person in need, Karan strolled over to the coffeepot and poured coffee into the cup she had taken from the shelf. She walked over to the woman with the coffee and two tissues she had snatched from the box on the counter.
Sitting down next to the woman, Karan leaned forward holding out her hands. "Here you are. I think these will help." The woman stared at Karan a long time, reached out for the tissues and dabbed at her tear stain eyes. Then she gave a small shudder, sat down by Karan and reached out for the coffee.
Karan gently began to console the woman. She found out that the woman was Becky Moren and was a new widow. Becky's husband had been a construction worker who had fallen off of scaffolds at a site. He had died at Rampart in the Emergency Room. Becky's uncle had died a year before from a stroke and now her aunt, Anne Moren, was in the treatment room with a heart attack. Becky was alone. Her mother was dead and her dad and brother were in Texas. Her fears were showing and Karan had sensed it. A doctor walked up to the nurses station and asked where Miss Moren could be found. Becky looked up and got his attention. He walked over and sat down opposite Karan and Becky. "I'm Doctor Brackett. I'm sorry, but your aunt didn't make it. It was a massive heart attack and there was just too much damage."
With tears flowing steadily down her cheeks Becky quietly replied, "I understand, Doctor. She's at peace now and with God and my uncle. Can I see her?"
"The nurses are getting her prepared now. There will be some paperwork that they will want you to fill out. They will come for you in a little while. Is there anything we can get you?"
"No, I will be fine. Thank you Doctor."
As Brackett stood to leave, he heard Karan talking to Becky. "You've been waiting here too long. Why don't we go to the cafeteria for a few minutes? I'm sure the good doctor's nurses can find you there."
Turning back, Brackett nodded. "That's a good idea. I'll tell the nurses to look for you there."
Pulling on Becky's arm, Karan took her new friend from the area and went in search of the cafeteria.
The next Saturday Karan was in the stands at the college football game with her binoculars trained on the ticket booth. She had seen the Land Rover pull in with two excited children tugging on their Uncle Johnny. As she watched Johnny and the kids make their way into the stands, two single ladies went over to Johnny. He was loaded down with drinks, hot dogs, and popcorn. Their offer to help was gratefully accepted by Johnny and the party of five found their seats.
Throughout the game Karan kept her binoculars on Johnny. She saw how he handled the children while having animated conversations with the two ladies. Periodically she took pictures of him in action. She watched as he stopped talking, turned his head to look around and stared directly across the field at her as she snapped his picture. He shuddered and went back to talking. As the evening wore on, she noticed that he was more alert to his surroundings and would take time to look around.
Karan became uneasy over his alertness and decided to call it a night and leave. She had enough pictures to prove his worth.
On their next shift, Roy noticed quietness from Johnny. He had tried to talk to Johnny about how much the kids had enjoyed the football game. All he got back was one-word responses. Sighing deeply, Roy resigned himself to silence until Johnny decided to open up and spill what was bothering him. That flood of words came as they were driving back from their latest run.
"Roy, do you feel like you're being watched?"
"From who?"
"I don't know."
"Why do you ask?"
"I've been feeling this way ever since you helped me in the pasture. At the football game, on our runs, at Rampart, even when we stop to eat, I think I'm being watched. The hair on the back of my neck has been standing up so much I feel like it's permanently at attention.
"Yeah Johnny. I know what you mean. I've had some moments of being watched. At first, I thought it was from the crowds watching during our runs. You know, the usual gawkers at fires and emergencies. Lately, it's happen when I've run errands for Joanne or gone shopping for the station. I'm getting the feeling I'm being followed, but when I turn to look no one is there."
"What should we do Roy?"
"I think we need to talk to the Captain when we get back. Maybe if the station is on alert we can find out what's going on."
"Ah, Roy. Chet will think I'm seeing things."
"Maybe so, but I'm not going to let what Chet thinks bother me and you shouldn't either."
"Okay, you're the senior partner."
"And don't forget that Junior," Roy said with a grin on his face.
Even before Roy had finished backing the squad in the apparatus bay at the station, Johnny was getting out. Spotting Captain Stanley coming out of the dayroom, Johnny hollered, "Hey Cap. Can we see you for a few minutes?"
"Sure Pal. Come on into the office." Both Roy and Johnny went into the office and closed the door behind them. Chet came out of the dorm room in time to see the office door closed. Creeping up quietly, he put his ear against the door.
"Chet! This is none of your business," yelled Johnny.
"Johnny, do you have ears in the back of your head?"
"When it comes to you pal, I have ears everywhere. Now go away." Chet could hear chuckles coming from Cap and Roy. "Go Chet!" Making sure that Johnny heard him leaving, Chet stomped away.
"Okay men. What's up?"
As the paramedics finished telling their Captain of their feelings of being watched, the klaxon went off. "Station 51, Station 36, Station 110, Ladder 8, warehouse fire, 11451 Alameda Drive, cross street Veda Avenue, 11451 Alameda Drive, cross street Veda Avenue. Time out 11:15.
Mike, Marco and Chet came running out of the dayroom and jumped into the engine as Johnny and Roy headed for the squad. Captain Stanley wrote down the address and gave a copy to Roy who handed it to Johnny. Captain Stanley barely got into his seat before Mike was pulling out of the bay with sirens howling.
********************
Ralph Anderson opened the back door of his van and shoved the last empty gas can in. Shutting the door, he ran around, slid into the driver's seat and moved the van around the block. Walking back casually, he watched as smoke lazily drifted out of the abandoned warehouse. He backed into the darkened alcove of the door across the street as Engine 51 and Squad 51 pulled in. Slowly a crowd of onlookers gathered as the police arrived. Ralph joined the crowd as he watched the two paramedics of Squad 51 put on their air tanks and masks. The two men were sent into the burning building and during that time Ralph hoped that his plan would work. If he didn't get Roy maybe he would take Johnny out of the picture. Without Johnny protecting Roy, it should be easier to get to Roy.
Within the burning structure, Roy and Johnny were doing a sweep of the upstairs office area to determine if anyone was inside. They split up and went to different doors. As they cleared a room they would chalk a big X on the door. The area was empty so they started back down the stairs. Roy was ahead of Johnny and was on the landing below when an explosion came from above. It picked Johnny up and shoved him down the steps toward Roy. Johnny's body slammed into Roy knocking him down on the landing.
Roy turned over looking for his partner and found Johnny wrapped around a vertical bar on the side of the stairs. Johnny's right leg was jammed between the bars and was bent the wrong way. Johnny was quiet but his eyes were open and tracking Roy's movements. Softly Johnny queried, "I'm sorry I hit you. Are you alright?"
"Yes Johnny, but I've got to get you out of here. Are you hurt anyplace else but your leg?"
"Ah, I don't think so. Guess I won't be able to finish my track class this semester."
"I think a man with crutches and in a cast will attract the same amount of attention. I'm going to get us some help. HT51 to Engine 51. Cap. I need a leg splint and some help in here. Johnny's down."
"10-4 HT51, where are you?"
"We're on the south side on the staircase landing."
"Help's on the way."
"Johnny, I'm going to check you over and then I'm going to unwind you from that bar. It's going to hurt."
"Just hurry Roy. It's getting very smoky in here."
"I know Junior and the fire's getting closer. Just keep your breathing mask on. I'm going to look you over now." Roy rapidly checked Johnny's head, neck, chest, back, arms, hips and the left leg. Other than a few deep bruises, the only injury was the broken right leg.
"Okay Johnny. Looks like Mike's here with the leg splint. We'll get you out shortly."
Roy heard Johnny's sharp intake of breath followed by a gasp when Roy put the splint on the leg. Johnny let out a short scream when Roy pulled him away from the bar.
Looking around, Mike said, "Roy we need to get out of here fast. I brought the stokes."
"Right. Let's get him bundled. I'll call Rampart once we have him near the squad."
Ralph watched closely as he saw the stokes being carried from the building. He inched his way through the crowd so he would be close to the squad. He received a jolt of pleasure to recognize the injured firefighter was Roy's partner. His plan worked. Roy's protector was down and Roy would be alone. He watched as Johnny was put into the ambulance and Roy followed him in. Marco was told to drive the squad to Rampart and to wait for Roy.
********************
Karan was sick of her stomach as she watched the ambulance pull away. She had heard Station 51 dispatched to the warehouse fire and quickly drove there. As she despaired over Johnny's injury and on the loss of the last fireman on her list, Karan noticed the man standing nearby. He had a large grin on his unshaven face as he too watched the ambulance. Karan thought it was very weird to be smiling at a fire as she moved to her car.
Before going off shift the next morning, Captain Stanley called his men together and asked them to be on the look out for anything suspicious on their runs. Someone was following Gage and DeSoto and had been for several months. The men were planning to go to Rampart Hospital to see Johnny so they were concern that he needed police protection. Hank Stanley agreed that it was a concern of his also, so he was going to talk to Vince and the Chief before he left the shift. Captain Stanley's conversation with the Chief derailed the thought of calling their policeman friend, Vince.
After Captain Stanley explained his paramedics concern about being followed, the Chief cleared his throat and said, "Ah, I know about them being followed. I authorized it."
"You what?"
"Gage was one of the men that was being considered for a television show part. A local casting agent was watching him. She came to me several months ago needing to observe the men working before she approached them."
"So how many men were being followed?"
"Three. Gage, Collins and Morton. She has been reporting regularly with me."
"Chief, Gage just got admitted to Rampart last night with a broken leg."
"Yes. I'm sorry. How bad was it?"
"Clean break. He'll be out about seven weeks."
"Well with Gage laid up, Morton dead and Collins quitting the force, I guess I need to call her and call off her activities."
"Collins is leaving?"
"Yes. I got his resignation papers yesterday. He's going into the construction business with his girlfriend's father. A coach where the girlfriend goes to college also approached him. Collins is going to try out for the college basketball team."
"I hate to see a good firefighter leave the family."
"Me too. Well Stanley, I need to call that casting agent. I think I will have her visit Gage at Rampart to calm him and DeSoto down about being followed."
"Thanks Chief."
********************
Karan got the call from the Chief and after calling Alvin, she went to Rampart Hospital. She knew when visiting hours were and she wanted to get this visit over fast. After stopping at the information desk to get Johnny's room number, she went up the elevator to the fourth floor. She was despondent. The Chief would only agree to her continued search if she told the firefighter up front what she was doing. He wanted no more of his men looking over their shoulders while on the job. He didn't want them distracted and feeling like they were being followed.
Walking into Johnny's room, she saw all of Station 51 A-Shift in the room. Inquiring eyes turned to her as she came to a stop. Karan decided to take the blunt and truthful path this time, no theatrics. "Mr. Gage. I'm Karan Jasper, an independent casting agent. I came to visit you to tell you a story and make a confession. It's perfectly fine for your co-workers to stay and listen."
She took a deep breath and plunged in. "Two months ago I was commissioned to find a firefighter for a major part in an upcoming television show. I went to the Chief and got permission to look at the men and to follow them to determine if they fit the profile needed. You, Mr. Gage, fit the profile and you were on my list of firefighters that I was following. I've talked to the Chief and because of your injury I will have to take you off the list and start all over again. Only now I have to get the firefighter's permission to follow him. I'm sorry Mr. Gage that this has caused you and your partner Mr. DeSoto undue stress."
"Miss Jasper. Thanks for letting me know. I will admit I'm curious as to the profile you were hunting."
"The firefighter had to be tall, dark and handsome. He had to show his concern for others and be loyal to his co-workers and determined to do his job."
"Wow. And I'm all that?" Johnny asked as he pressed his hand to his chest.
"And they have to stay healthy and accident free."
"She's got you on that one Gage," said Chet. "He's our one and only walking, talking disaster magnet doll." This brought chuckles and nods from the Station crew.
"Shut up Chet," said Johnny.
"Well thanks for hearing me out Mr. Gage. I'll be going."
"The name's Johnny and why don't you come over here a moment. I've got an idea for you Miss Jasper."
"Call me Karan and okay…Johnny." Karan went over to Johnny and bent down to hear what he was whispering in her ear. Karan giggled. His friends had puzzled looks on their faces. "Yes Johnny. That's a great idea. I'm sure we can work out something beneficial to us both. Thanks," replied Karan as she whispered back into his ear.
As she straighten up, the door to the room was thrown open and in strolled Alvin. "Karan, Karan. My dear. Why did you hang up on me like that? You know I was only trying to console you in your hour of need and then I had to track down where you were by calling that absolute horrid Fire Chief. I mean what you see in that guy is beyond me. Why I…"
"Alvin. Shut up. What are you doing here?"
"Karan, Karan. I can't shut up if you are requiring me to answer your questions."
"Its not questions you big lug. It's one question. Now. I repeat. What are you doing here?"
"I'm …I'm just trying to save you from making a mistake, my love."
"I'm not your love, you big oversize lummox and I don't make mistakes. You're off topic buster. We're having a decent business argument and you're bring up romance."
"Sorry, sorry. I just thought that you didn't need to confess all to these firemen. You still have a month on your commission. I'm sure you can find a decent fireman for the job."
"If you hadn't decided to barge in on my conversation I might have gotten further along on that job. Why don't you just bite my butt, Alvin!"
"Love too, but you're always sitting on it."
The firefighters were rolling their eyes and casting grins to one another as they witnessed the word fight. Chet just had to get involved. "You two are fighting like old married couples."
Karan turned to Chet, shot a glare at him and snapped, "That's because we are married." As Chet's jaw dropped, Karan returned to the spat with her spouse.
"Listen Alvin. I know my job and I can do it very well if you will just stay out of my way and let me do it. Now, why don't you stay here and let me do my work?" With that spoken, Karan went around Alvin and approached Johnny's co-workers who were standing against the wall. They had been edging away from the spat and were inching their way to the door to escape. "Hold off guys," said Karan. "I need to look you over."
Glancing at each other, they stood still while Johnny broke out in a huge grin and chuckled. Karan went up the line and settled her eyes on Mike Stoker. She looked at Johnny and got a slight nod from him. Speaking to Stoker again, "Well you definitely fit my profile from what Johnny told me and as an engineer you don't get into many accidents. When do you go back on shift again?"
"In two days," replied Mike as he ducked his head.
"Well, tall, dark and handsome. I'll see you in two days and we'll discuss this television show I want to cast you in. Here's my card. In fact, here's one for all of you." She passed a card out to all of the firefighters, including Johnny.
She reached over to Alvin, grabbed his arm and pulled him toward the door. "Come on Alvin. Let's go talk about our future retirements. If we can get some more juicy assignments like this one, we could buy a country house and turn it into a bed and breakfast inn. We could call it The Bunny House. I can be the hostess and you can be the caretaker."
"But, but. Karan dear."
"Don't dear me Alvin. We're still on business time. Dear me afterwards when you take me out to a nice restaurant tonight."
"Hey Karan," yelled Johnny. "What's the name of the TV show?"
"Emergency! It's going to be a hit with Mike Stoker in it."
"Gage! What did you tell her?" questioned Mike.
"Just that you were the right man for the job and the chicks will drool over you."
"Gage! I don't need your help."
"No. I guess not since you are tall, dark and handsome. Now Chet definitely needs my help when it comes to chicks."
Roy's snort encouraged all the rest to chuckle as they waved at Johnny and left the room.
To be continued in "Order to Go: Steady and Sandy Blond"
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