*Proving Ground was in progress months before the fires raged in Southern California during the fall of 2003.  Any incident depicted in this story that might mirror actual events is strictly a coincidence.  Sympathy is extended to all those who experienced a loss due to the fires.

Proving Ground

By JackeE!

"Mommy, it's snowing."

Joanne DeSoto glanced up to look out the sliding glass door into the back yard. It was a sweltering August afternoon and the kids were playing in the small, blow up pool. She wiped a hand across her sweaty forehead, knowing she could have it much worse. Her sister, Eileen, lived out in the Valley where they broiled every summer. At least here, closer to the ocean, it rarely broke the hundred degree mark. Joanne took a moment and smiled to herself at her daughter's active imagination, then returned her attention to the stack of bills she was working her way through. It would be a relief to have a little snow right now.

"That's nice, dear," she answered absently as she signed her name to yet one more check.

"Come and see, Mommy," five year old Jennifer persisted.

"I'm busy right now, Jen," Joanne said. She sighed at the small amount of money left in her checkbook. They would make do until Roy’s next paycheck. Somehow they always did. But it wasn't easy sometimes. If Roy had taken the promotion to engineer, life might have been a little more comfortable. And there was more to it than money. Being married to an engineer would have been less nerve wracking. Engineers had a lot lower injury rate than paramedics. But Joanne was a pragmatist and tried not to dwell on the "what if's." She knew how much Roy loved being a paramedic. She'd vowed a long time ago to never try and unduly influence his career decisions. So she kept her worries to herself and worked harder at finding ways to tighten the budget.

"Mom-my! Come out and see the snow."

Jennifer was now pressed up against the screen door, her wet bathing suit dripping water on the deck. Chris came up behind her to add support.

"She's not making it up, Mom," he said earnestly.

Joanne sighed and set her pen down. "Kids, you know we don't get snow here... and certainly not in the middle of a heat wave in August." She got up and walked outside, then stopped at the edge of the deck, staring at the white and gray fluff that was floating into the back yard.

"See, Mommy. I told you it was snowing." Jennifer's voice was smugly triumphant.

"Is it snow, Mom?" Chris asked hopefully, though at seven, he was aware that it couldn't really snow in California in the middle of summer.

"Sorry, guys, it's not snow." Joanne stepped down into the yard, holding out her hand to let the stuff fall there. She rubbed some of the gritty particles between her fingers.

"Then what is it?" Jenny asked in disappointment.

"It looks like ash," Joanne told them. She looked up and sniffed the air. It was there - a definite smell of wood smoke. "There's a fire somewhere."

"A fire?" Chris's eyes danced with excitement. "Wow! It must be huge. You think Dad'll be there?"

"I don't know, sweetie," Joanne answered distractedly. "It might not be that big. This stuff floats on the air, and it probably just ended up heading our way."

Joanne scanned the horizon and didn't see any smoke. Maybe if she went out to the front yard she could see better.

"Can we pretend it's snow?" Jenny persisted.

Joanne smiled and brushed her hand through her daughter's wet hair. "You can pretend anything you want."

"Yah! I'm gonna make a pretend snowman."

"Aw, that's dumb," Chris informed his sister as both children returned to their play.

Joanne walked around to the side of the house, then stepped out the gate. Sure enough, from this vantage point, she could see the distant brown smudge that could only be a brush fire. She bit her lip and said a silent prayer that it would be contained quickly. And like Chris, she wondered if Roy would be called upon to work the blaze.
 

~*~

"Man, I'm starving," Johnny complained for at least the tenth time as Roy backed the squad into the station beside Big Red. "I can't even remember when I ate last."

"Well, the engine was released over an hour ago and Cap was cooking, so hopefully that means there's something edible for us."

Roy shut off the motor and climbed wearily out of the squad. It had been a long, hot day; the small house fire they'd responded to only the last of a string of runs for both the squad and the engine. They'd had a couple of cases of smoke inhalation to take to Rampart, and this was the first time the paramedics had been back to the station since early this morning.

Johnny rounded the back of the truck, coming up beside Roy. He gave an exaggerated sniff. "I don't smell anything. That's not a very good sign."

Roy merely shrugged. "Well, there's always peanut butter and jam."

"Peanut butter?" Johnny sputtered indignantly. "You expect me to settle for peanut butter sandwiches when those clowns probably stuffed themselves with barbecued hamburgers, or chicken, or..." He paused only long enough to push open the door to the day room. "...or clam chowder, or..."

"Tacos."

"Huh?" Johnny stopped abruptly, and Roy nearly ran into the back of him.

"We had tacos," Chet supplied from where he was wiping off the table.

Johnny moved toward the fridge and opened it. "Did you save us any?" he demanded as he peered around the milk and eggs looking for leftovers.

"Nope. We ate 'em all."

Roy smiled at Chet's obvious attempt to get Johnny's goat. His partner, true to form, fell for the ploy.

"You ate 'em! All of 'em?" The dark haired paramedic stood holding a carton of milk, his face indignant.

"They didn't eat them all," Roy stated quietly at the same time Chet chuckled and shook his curly head.

"Gage, you're so gullible." He nodded toward the oven. "Meat and shells are in there staying warm. The rest of the fixings are on the last shelf.”

Johnny put the milk back and bent to the bottom of the refrigerator, smiling as he pulled out small containers of cheese, lettuce and tomatoes. He carried them to the table. Roy retrieved the hot stuff from the oven and brought it over as well. In a few minutes both men were happily feeding their empty stomachs. Chet stayed only long enough to finish his kitchen chores, but when it became obvious that food was more important to Johnny at the moment than sparring, the Irishman left the day room.

"I'm not gullible," Johnny mumbled around his third taco as soon as Chet was gone.

Roy didn't answer. He merely concentrated on the food in front of him. He was too hungry to get into a philosophical discussion with his partner, especially since those kinds of conversations usually ended up with Johnny mad at him instead of Chet.

Johnny, however, wasn't willing to let it drop. He took a long drink of milk, then nudged Roy in the arm.

"Do you think I'm gullible?"

Roy sighed, knowing some things were unavoidable. He made sure he chewed the food in his mouth slowly, to give himself time to think of an appropriate answer - one that was mostly truthful, but would still satisfy his partner.

"Roy?"

Time was up. Roy swallowed and tried to frame his reply cautiously. "You're not gullible... most of the time."

Johnny's eyebrows shot up and he opened his mouth, but Roy held up a hand to keep him quiet for a moment.

"I said most of the time. It just seems that when Chet's involved.... well, you... you kind of lose your perspective."

The younger man's face grew perplexed, and Roy knew his partner well enough to know he was trying to figure out if he should be insulted. Fortunately, he was saved any further explanation by Marco and Mike pushing through the door and heading toward the television.

"You guys gotta see this," Marco told them as he turned the set on and sat back, waiting for it to warm up.

 

"What?" Johnny asked, shoving yet another taco into his mouth.

"That fire up near Ojai," Mike answered. "It's on the news."

Johnny scooted back his chair. He grabbed his plate and moved closer to the T.V. to see better; the discussion he’d been having with Roy apparently forgotten. Roy downed his last bite and followed his partner.

The picture had come on, and what was being shown didn't look good. Flames were rampaging wildly across the summer-dried brush that covered the hills and rugged terrain. As they watched, a plane emerged from the smoke, laying down a cover of Phos-Chek.

"Man!" Johnny exclaimed. "Would you look at that."

"It's working itself up to be a real bad boy," Marco observed. "Cap's on the phone right now with headquarters.  Looks like some of our guys might be going up there."

Roy silently watched the news coverage, already rehearsing in his mind how he would break the news to Joanne that he might not be home tomorrow - or the next day.

~*~

Unbeknownst to Joanne, she had the small black and white T.V. in her kitchen tuned to the same station the men of 51’s A-shift were watching.  She’d turned the television on after she’d come in the house to see if there were any news reports regarding the fire, and more importantly, to attempt and discover its location. 

The anchorman had just said the raging brush fire was in the hills surrounding Ojai.  That news caused Joanne a measure of relief.  Ojai was in Ventura County and approximately two hours away by car.  She couldn’t fathom Roy being called upon to work up there unless the fire grew so large and out of control that the Ventura County Fire Department needed additional support.  And even at that, what were the chances that Roy would be amongst the men from L.A. County who would be sent there?  This was one time when Joanne was glad her husband wasn’t an engineer.  She assumed an engine crew had a greater chance of pulling duty at the fire than paramedics did.

Joanne turned around when the screen door slid open and the kids ran into the house.

“Hey, hey! No running,” the woman ordered. “Your feet are wet.  You’ll slip on the floor if you’re not careful.”

The kids were dripping water everywhere, which was one reason Joanne’s dream of oak hardwood floors for her kitchen and dining area would have to wait until they were grown.  Vinyl flooring was far more childproof than wood. 

“Mom, can we have a snack?” Chris asked.

They’d just eaten lunch two hours earlier, but Joanne had learned long ago that frequent snacks were part of the summertime routine every mother dealt with.  She loved her kids, but would be glad when school resumed in three weeks.  Chris was entering second grade, and Jennifer was starting kindergarten.  The busy young mother was looking forward to finally having some time alone during the morning hours when both children would be in school. 

Joanne walked over to the dining area and slid the screen shut.  “Are you done swimming?”

“Nah.” Chris climbed onto a chair that was upholstered with vinyl, its beige speckled pattern matching the beige, brown, and rusty orange in the floor.  “We’re gonna swim some more.”

“Mommy?” Jennifer asked as she copied her brother’s body language and sat on her knees on her chair, “Will you come swimming with us?”

“Mommy’s kind of big for your pool, don’t you think?” Joanne put graham crackers on a plate and poured two glasses of cherry Kool-Aid.  “I’ll look like a giant fish in a tiny pond.”

Chris laughed at his mother’s words as he grabbed two graham crackers.  “That’s okay.  Me and Jen’ll make room for you.”

“Yeah,” Jenny agreed between gulps of her cold drink. “We made room for Uncle Johnny last week, remember?”

Joanne chuckled.  “Yes, I sure do remember.” 

It had been a sweltering day just like this one was, when Johnny had come over for a few hours on his day off to go with Roy and pick up the new washing machine.  Joanne and Roy had bought their old washer from a second hand appliance store when they’d purchased this house. Chris had been just thirteen months old at that time.  Too many diaper washings, combined with the laundry a family of four generates when it includes two active children, had caused the washer to die a slow death during the past year.  When it reached the point it was costing more for parts than it was worth, Roy decided it was time to replace the appliance.

“There goes some of the money I’ve been putting away for central air conditioning,” had been Joanne’s only comment the day Roy declared the washer deceased.

Roy wrapped an arm around his wife and pulled her close.  “We’ll get that central air one of these days.”

“Before the next heat wave?” Joanne had teased with false hope.

“Well…maybe not before the next heat wave, but some day.  I won’t be a paramedic forever, you know.”’

Joanne resisted the urge to say anything about the promotion Roy had turned down that might have allowed her to put more money in their savings account each time he got paid.  Again, she was too much of a pragmatist to live her life by “what if’s,” and she’d vowed a long time ago that she’d never harp on Roy about the decisions he made concerning his job. Until the kids were older, Joanne and Roy had agreed that he’d be the sole breadwinner.  Just like Joanne knew Roy would respect any decisions she made when she was ready to return to the work force, she felt it was important to extend that same respect to him.  Therefore, when thoughts of the by-passed promotion did come to her mind, Joanne made sure she never voiced any of those thoughts out loud.

“Mommy,” Jennifer demanded Joanne’s attention again. “That was sure funny when Uncle Johnny was in our pool, wasn’t it?”

Chris nodded despite the glass he had to his lips. After he’d taken three long swigs of Kool-Aid, he said, “It was haaaaa-larious.”

Hilarious was a new word Chris had begun using recently, and whenever he said it he drew out the sound of the first syllable, which Joanne assumed he’d heard on some T.V. show or another.

By Roy picking up the new washer himself, rather than have Sears deliver it, the DeSotos had saved twenty-five dollars.  Roy had asked Johnny to go with him since loading a washer on a pickup truck, and then unloading it and carrying it into a house, was a two- man job.  The kids had been in their pool that afternoon. Once the washer was in place and hooked up, Johnny had wandered away while Joanne and Roy tested the new appliance by cycling a load of clothes through it.  A commotion coming from outside drew the couple to the patio screen.  Johnny’s tennis shoes and shirt were on the deck, and he was in the pool splashing the kids.

Jennifer giggled at the memory. “Uncle Johnny wore his shorts in the pool! He didn’t put on a swimming suit.”

“Yeah,” Chris said. “His shorts got soaked.  Mom, can I wear my shorts in the pool?”

Joanne smiled.  Chris was at the age where he loved to imitate the actions of the grown men he admired, and right now John Gage was just a notch below Daddy when it came to Chris’s list of men he most wanted to be like when he grew up.  Johnny had been wearing cut-off denim shorts that day, and because kids find things amusing adults would never think twice about, Chris and Jennifer had thought it was funny that Johnny would get in the pool wearing something that wasn’t considered to be bathing trunks.

“I guess you could,” Joanne told her son. “But since you already have your swimming trunks on, why don’t you wear your shorts in the pool on another day.”

“Aw, Mom,” Chris pouted. 

“Your trunks are just like the pair Daddy wears,” Joanne reminded, trying to avoid another article of dirty clothing to add to the laundry basket before it was necessary. “Except yours are blue, and Daddy’s are green.”

“Yeah,” Chris nodded. “I guess so.  Okay, I’ll wear my shorts in the pool tomorrow.”

“To the beach,” Jennifer corrected as she wiped a bare arm across her cherry-stained lips. “Daddy said if it’s still hot when he comes home, we’ll go to the beach. You can wear your shorts there, Chris, and swim in the ocean with ‘em on.”

Joanne couldn’t dispute what Jenny said.  Before Roy had gone to work that morning, he’d promised the kids that if the heat wave was still hanging on when he arrived home tomorrow, they’d pack a picnic lunch and spend the day at the beach.

Chris’s eyes were drawn to the T.V. The flames shooting into the air momentarily made him forget about the promised trip to the beach.

“Wow! Look at that fire!  Where’s it at?”

“Near Ojai.”

“How close is that to us?” Chris asked, followed by Jennifer’s, “Is our house gonna burn down?”

“No, sweetie, our house isn’t going to burn down.”  Joanne’s eyes went to the screen.  The cameraman was providing the viewers with shots of a wall of fire climbing a hillside.  “Ojai’s not close to us at all.  The fire won’t come here.”

“Maybe Dad and Uncle Johnny will get to go up there, huh, Mom?”

Joanne took a clean washcloth from a drawer, dampened it with warm water, and walked over to her children. She shut the T.V. off as she passed by it.  While she washed the cherry-colored rings from around the kids’ mouths and wiped the graham cracker crumbs from their hands, she assured, “No, Chris, I don’t think Daddy and Uncle Johnny will be going up there.  It’s too far away.”

“Oh darn it.” Chris’s voice was filled with the type of disappointment only a boy can understand.  “That’s a giant fire!  I bet Dad and Uncle Johnny would have some neat stories if they went there.”

Joanne playfully swiped the end of Chris’s nose with the washcloth.  “Neat stories about fires are the kind of stories your mom can do without, Christopher.”

The woman helped Jennifer off her chair, then slid open the screen door. “Now go on.  You two go back outside.  I’ll be out in a little while.”

“And you’ll get in the pool with us?” Jenny asked; her eyes filled with hope.

“I don’t know about that, but maybe I’ll dangle my feet in the pool while I read a book, how’s that sound?”

“Oh, Mommy, you’re not as much fun as Uncle Johnny.”

Joanne laughed. “Jenny, no one is as much fun as your Uncle Johnny.”  Joanne waved a hand toward the blow-up pool and urged the kids through the doorway. “Now go on.  I’ll be out in a few minutes.”

After the kids had returned to their pool, Joanne collected the glasses and plate. She deposited the items in the dishwasher, then wiped off the table.  She resisted the urge to turn the T.V. back on and watch further news of the fire.  After all, as she’d just told the children, there was little chance that Roy and Johnny would be sent to Ojai, so there was no reason for her to stay in the house worrying about something that wouldn’t come to pass.

The woman grabbed a book she’d been reading from an end-table in the living room, poured herself a glass of lemonade, kicked her sandals off by the patio doors, grabbed a lawn chair from the deck, and joined her children by the pool just as she’d promised.  While Chris and Jennifer splashed, paddled, played with plastic boats, and poured water over each other’s heads using the red bucket Chris had gotten from the sandbox, Joanne lost herself in the pages of her novel.  Other than those times when an ash would slowly float to the ground, Joanne forgot about the fire raging in the hills far from her home.

~*~

Chet entered the day room and headed straight for the refrigerator. He grabbed an apple out of the crisper while saying, “Roy.  John. Cap wants to see you guys.”

Johnny turned around.  He was seated in a chair in front of the T.V., with Roy seated next to him.  Marco was on the couch with Henry lounging in his lap, and Mike stood leaning against the wall.  All four men had been focused on the news of the fire, and had paid no attention to Chet’s arrival.

“What’s Cap wanna see us for?”

“You two are being sent to help out at Ojai.”

“Oh, we are not,” Johnny scoffed.

“Yeah you are.  Cap just told me so. He said to tell you guys he wants to talk to you in his office.”

Johnny shot Roy a smirk, then looked at Chet again.  “Chet, you must really think I’m gullible.”’

“What’s that got to do with anything?”

Johnny pointed a finger at the Irishman.  “First of all, I’m not gullible.  And second of all, because I’m not gullible, I know Cap doesn’t really wanna see us.”

“John, I’m not kiddin’ ya’ here, pal. Cap really does wanna see you and Roy.”

Johnny turned back around his chair. “Yeah. Right.”

“John--”

Johnny raised a hand, as if using it as a barrier to stop Chet’s words. “I’m not ole’ Gullible Gage like you seem to think, Chet.”

“Johnny, I’m serious. Cap wants to see you and Roy.”

“Tell Cap to sit on a fire hose.”

“I don’t think you want me to do that, man.”

“Sure I do.  Go ahead. See what I care.”  Johnny grinned and leaned into Roy.  “See?  I’m callin’ his bluff.”

Roy watched as Chet shrugged and walked out of the day room.

“I hope you know what you’re doing.”

“I do.”

“Well, in the event you don’t, I’d better follow Chet and see if Cap really wants us or not.”

Johnny grabbed Roy’s arm and urged him back to his seat. “No! You can’t do that.”

“Why not?”

 

“ ‘Cause you’ll only play right into Chet’s hand.”

Roy removed Johnny’s hand from his arm and stood. “I’m willing to risk it.”

“Roy, now don’t go doin’…Roy!  Hey, Roy, now get back here!”

When Roy ignored his partner and kept on walking, Johnny looked at Marco and Mike.

“Man, is he gullible.”

Marco and Mike exchanged smiles after Johnny’s eyes had returned to the T.V. screen, but neither of them made a comment.

A minute passed, and then Johnny heard, “Gage!  Get your butt in here!  What do I need to do?  Send an engraved invitation?”

 

Johnny turned to see Hank standing in the doorway. He placed a hand on his chest.

“Me, Cap?  You wanna see me?”

“Is there anyone else here named Gage?”

“Well…no, but--”

“And the next time you have Chet tell me to sit on a fire hose, you’ll pull latrine duty for a month.”

“But, Cap, I didn’t…I mean, well…I did, but see, it wasn’t like that. I…Chet…he…”

Damn that Kelly.  I’m gonna kill ‘im when I get my hands on him.

“Just get a move on, Gage,” Hank urged. “I don’t have all day. Roy’s already in my office, just like you should have been five minutes ago.”

Johnny jumped up from his chair.  “Yes, Cap.”

As Johnny followed his captain through the apparatus bay, he caught sight of Chet studiously polishing the engine.  Chet grinned, pointed at Johnny, and mouthed, “Gullible.”

Johnny glared at the Irishman, then flipped him off.  That action only made Chet double over with laughter, rather than having the desired effect of an insult as Johnny had hoped for.

Johnny caught the twinkle in Roy’s eyes as he sat down next his partner, and he swore he saw a twinkle in Cap’s eyes too, which likely meant Hank knew exactly what had gone on between Chet and Johnny. 

Oh, so now the joke’s on me, and both Roy and Cap think I’m gullible.

Johnny didn’t have time to dwell on his thought.  Hank immediately told the paramedics why they’d been summoned to his office.

“I saw you guys had the T.V. on, so you know about the fire up at Ojai.”

“Yeah, Cap,” Roy said, while Johnny nodded.

“Headquarters just notified me that resources are strained up there.  Ventura County could use some additional support from paramedic units.”

“Additional support in what way?” Johnny asked.

“For now, at fire department rest stations where you’ll offer aid for minor burns, smoke inhalation, heat exhaustion, things of that nature.  Of course, if more extensive medical care is needed, you’ll give that as well, to both firefighters and civilians.  You might be called upon to help fight the fire if they can’t get it under control. At this point, your guess is as good as mine.”

“What about you and the rest of the guys?” was Johnny’s next question.

“For now, our orders are to remain here.  Headquarters called a couple of paramedics to take your places who put in for over time.”  Hank looked at a piece of paper he’d scribbled on.  “Dwyer’s coming in, along with some guy I don’t know.  Larry Kessler?”

Roy nodded. “He’s from 24’s.  I don’t know him, but I’ve seen him at Brackett’s paramedic meetings.”

“Since the two of you pretty much keep in a standing request for overtime, headquarters wants you guys to head up there.”

“Why us?” Johnny asked. “Why not Dwyer and Kessler?”

Hank shrugged. “Beats me. But I suspect it’s because the two of you are amongst the most experienced paramedics the county has, and that maybe…just maybe…someone has spoken highly of you on occasion to the higher-ups.  The paramedic program in Ventura County is still in its infancy.  I have a feeling Chief Raymonds wants to show off a little by sending some of his best men up there.”

Johnny grinned with pleasure, while Roy offered his captain a reserved smile that was difficult to interpret.  It could have been anything from shy humbleness, to Roy not being nearly as excited about this assignment as Johnny was.

Hank asked his paramedics if they had any questions.

“How long will we be there, Cap?” Johnny asked.

“I don’t know.  Until the job is done, I guess.  You’d better plan on several days at the very least.”

“When do we go?”

“As soon as Dwyer and Kessler get here. You’re to go home, pack a bag, and then head up there.”  Hank handed another slip of paper to Roy. “This is the address of the school they have set up as a command post, along with directions to it and the name of the chief you’re to see.  You’re supposed to report there to check in and get your assignment.  Take your turnouts, boots, and helmets. Stop at headquarters on your way out of the city.  They have a squad there you can take.”

“Fully equipped?” Roy asked.

“Yeah,” Hank said.  “As I said, Ventura County is taxed for resources right now, so we’re helping out in any way we can.”  Hank’s gaze took in both men. “Any further questions?”

“No.”

“Can’t think of any.”

“Okay, then, get your stuff together. I’m sure Dwyer and Kessler will be here in a little while.  As soon as they’re ready to go on-duty, you two can head out.”

“All right,” Roy said as he stood.  Johnny followed suit.  As the pair headed for the door, Hank’s voice stopped their progress.

“Guys?”

The paramedics turned as one.

“Yeah, Cap?” Johnny said.

“Be careful up there.”

“Don’t worry,” Roy assured.  “We will be.”

“Maybe I’ll see you in up there in a few days,” Hank said.

“If you do get sent up, Cap, will ya’ do me a favor?”

“Sure, Gage.  What is it?”

“Leave Chet here.”

Hank chuckled.  “Now come on, John, what would this station be without Chet Kelly?”

“Peaceful.”

Hank laughed again as Johnny and Roy exited his office.  When they were out of their captain’s hearing range, Johnny said, “That’s something that Chief Raymonds asked for us specifically, huh?”

“Yeah, it’s something all right,” Roy agreed, as he and Johnny began retrieving their helmets and turnouts from the squad.

“You don’t sound too happy about it.”

“I might be, if I wasn’t busy thinking over how I’m going to break this news to Joanne.”

“I didn’t think Joanne usually interfered with decisions you make about work.”

“She doesn’t.  But a wife can still have an opinion without interfering.”

“And that’s exactly why I don’t have one.”

“An opinion?  Or a wife?”

“Roy, I always have an opinion.”

Roy couldn’t disagree with that. If there was one thing John Gage never ran short of, it was opinions.

By the time the two men had gathered their things from the squad, Charlie Dwyer had arrived.  Ten minutes later, Larry Kessler pulled into the parking lot.  The man was already dressed in his uniform and ready to go on duty. 

Roy turned the keys to the squad over to Charlie, while Johnny told Larry what supplies they were running low on.  DeSoto and Gage then said goodbye to their shift-mates before heading out the backdoor into air so hot and heavy it was almost hard to breathe.  The contrast between the cool temperature within the station, and the broiling heat, made Roy wish his wife and kids could enjoy the comfort of that central air conditioning Joanne wanted to badly.  It was sure nice having it in the station.  Roy remembered all too well when they didn’t have it, and no one could get any sleep on hot summer nights.

“I’ll be at your place in a couple of hours,” Johnny said, as he climbed in the Land Rover.

Roy nodded.  They’d agreed that Johnny would pick up Roy, since L.A. Fire Department headquarters was north of Roy’s home about eight miles, and therefore in the direction the men had to head as they left Los Angeles. By doing things this way, both of them didn’t have a vehicle taking up the limited parking space available in the lot surrounding headquarters.

Before the men pulled out of the Station 51 parking lot, Chet came to the back door.

“Hey, Gage!  You should see what’s on the T.V.!”

Johnny leaned out his window.

“What?”

“They’ve got cheerleaders up at the fire cheering the guys on!”

“Cheerleaders? Aw, Chet, you’re fulla’ sh--”

“No, really! I’m not kiddin’!  You gotta come in here and see this.  They’re hardly wearing anything, and they’re blond, and tall, and gorgeous, and man, you should get a load of their ti--”

Johnny scrambled out of the Land Rover, only to have Chet burst out laughing.

“Gage, you are gullible.”

Johnny shook his fist at Chet, but before he could get close to the Irishman, Chet had reentered the station.  John stood there a moment and scowled before returning to his vehicle.  As he passed Roy’s Porsche he paused. “Roy, tell me the truth. Am I gul--”

Since Roy didn’t want to listen to Johnny rant the entire drive up to Ojai, he decided a change of subject was in order.

“I need to get home so I can spend some time with Joanne and the kids before you pick me up.  See ya’ in a couple of hours.”

Johnny waved a hand.  “Yeah, see you then.”

Roy pulled out of the parking lot and headed north to the home where a wife and children awaited him, while Johnny headed south to his apartment where there would be no tearful goodbyes from a couple of little kids, no wife to offer her opinion of his assignment, and where he just might be able to catch a thirty minute nap in the comfort of his air conditioned bedroom before leaving to pick up Roy.

~*~

Hearing the yells and squeals of his kids having fun in their pool, Roy slid the screen open and stepped out on the patio. Joanne put a bookmark in the novel she’d been reading, and closed it as her husband approached her lawn chair.

“What’re you doing home? Hank Stanley fire you or something?” she teased. Her mood quickly shifted from lighthearted to more serious when the fire on the horizon came back to mind.

“Dad, are ya’ gonna fight that fire?” Chris asked. “Look!” he said, pointing at the white ashes on the ground. “It’s even comin’ here!”

Joanne looked expectantly at her husband, waiting for an answer. “Roy. . .?”

“Johnny and I are being sent up to help.”

There. It was out. He waited for what would come next.

“But it’s so far from here! Why you?”

This was the reaction Roy feared he’d get from his wife. He shrugged. “Because Johnny and I are more experienced than a lot of other paramedics. And...well...it seems Cap’s put in a few good words for us.”

Joanne sat in disbelief. She had concerns she wanted to discuss with her husband, but not in front of the kids. For now, she sat in worried silence as Roy briefly explained to Jenny and Chris where he was going, while at the same time assuring them he’d be back home in a few days.  Chris was far more excited than he was concerned over the thought of his father helping with the huge fire, as was normal for a boy his age, and Jennifer was too young to understand the dangers of a brushfire burning out of control  – for that, Joanne was thankful. 

“When will you be back, Daddy?”

“In a few days, Jen.”

“How long is a few days?”

“Well…that’s a good question.  I’m not sure.  I’ll be back when the chief up in Ojai tells me I can come back.”

“Will he let you use his phone?”

“His phone?”

“Yeah. To call us.”

Roy smiled. His daughter was accustomed to him calling home each evening when he was on duty in order to say goodnight to her and Chris. 

“I don’t know, honey.  If I can get to a phone, I’ll call home every day.”

“Promise?”

“Promise. But if you don’t hear from me, that doesn’t mean something’s happened.” Roy’s eyes slid to Joanne as he emphasized, “It just means I couldn’t find a phone, or didn’t have time to call. Okay?”

“Okay.”

Roy kissed the top of Jennifer’s wet head, then reached his hand in the water and playfully tossed a scoopful of the cold liquid at Chris’s bare chest before heading inside to pack.

~*~

Johnny had taken a twenty-minute catnap upon arriving home, and then gulped down a bologna sandwich and a cold Pepsi before getting to the business of packing. He tossed his shaving kit into his duffle bag, then moved over to his dresser. He pulled out the top drawer, stood for a moment debating just how much clean underwear and socks he might need, then decided better safe than sorry, and tossed in half a dozen of each. He'd already packed two clean uniform shirts, a couple pairs of uniform trousers, and several dark blue L.A. County Fire Department T-shirts. Uniforms looked good for the press, but more casual dress was usually the standard for working brush fires, and were cooler under hot, heavy turnout coats.

Cap had said they were being sent for their paramedic services, but Johnny knew that when push came to shove, manpower was manpower. Chances were good he and Roy would be seeing some of the action. He grinned as he stuffed an extra pair of boots into his bag. As much as he enjoyed being a paramedic, he didn't want to go all the way up to Ojai just to sit around in a first aid tent.

Johnny glanced at his watch. He needed to get a move on so he would be on time when picking Roy up. Headquarters would be expecting them in about an hour. Cap had informed them that the county had already sent seven strike teams, with five engines in each team, and six helicopters up to the fire. Johnny and Roy would be one of three paramedic teams on loan for the duration. The other two teams were from stations 73 and 126. There were located in Valencia and Newhall, at the extreme north end of the county, much closer to the fire area. Johnny wasn't acquainted with any of the other four paramedics, but had been told they were already on the scene. Odds were they wouldn't even see each other. The fire had spread over a huge area, and there were probably several bases where they might be stationed.

He shook his head, remembering when there were so few paramedics certified that they were all on a first name basis. Now, in just two and a half years, there were enough of them that Johnny and Roy only really knew well the men in their own battalion, and were only vaguely familiar with the guys working out of a few neighboring areas.

Guess that's a good thing, he decided, remembering the days when they were spread far too thin and would respond to calls many miles out of their district.

Johnny closed the duffle bag and tossed it over his shoulder, thoughts of the growth of the paramedic program driven out of his head as he locked the door to his apartment.  He stepped across the hall and banged on Mr. and Mrs. Glenbrooks’ door, so the sound could be heard over that of the blaring T.V. set. 

Most of the residents in Johnny’s building were young and single, or young and newly married, meaning the majority of them worked full time.  But there was a smattering of retirees, and Johnny’s neighbors, Harold and Edna Glenbrook, fell into that category. Johnny knew Mr. Glenbrook was eighty-four, and he doubted Mrs. Glenbrook was much younger than that.  Mr. Glenbrook didn’t get around very well, and used a cane when he left the apartment, so it didn’t surprise Johnny that it was Mrs. Glenbrook who answered the door.

“Johnny!” the woman smiled.  Even when just spending the day in her apartment, Edna Glenbrook always had every gray hair on her head neatly in place, and wouldn’t think of starting her day without putting on her makeup. “Well, hello. What are you doing home in the middle of a day when you’re on-duty?”

Johnny smiled in return. You could always count on Mrs. Glenbrook to know what everyone in the building was up to, and where he or she was supposed to be at any given time. 

“I’m headed up to Ojai for a few days.”

“But that’s where the big fire is.  Harold’s been following the news about it on television.” As if to prove the truth to her words, the short, rosy-cheeked great grandmother opened the door all the way so Johnny could see Mr. Glenbrook sitting on the sofa, his eyes on the screen of the big Zenith console.  “I don’t think you’d better go to Ojai, dear.  It could be dangerous.”

Johnny chuckled. “I’m being sent up there to help out, Mrs. Glenbrook.”

“Being sent up there by whom?”

“The fire department is sending me and my partner there.”

“Oh…the man who has the cute little blond boy and girl who visit you now and again?”

“Yeah.  That’s him. Roy.”

For the first time, Mr. Glenbrook took notice of Johnny.  He lifted a wrinkled hand dotted with liver spots.  “Hi, Johnny!  Sure is a big fire up in Ojai!”

“Yes, sir!” Johnny shouted.  Aside from arthritis in his knees, Mr. Glenbrook was hard of hearing.  The old man stubbornly refused to acknowledge that fact, however, and also refused to get fitted for a hearing aid.

“Lots of trees burning, and they’ve lost some houses too!  Sure looks like it’s gonna be a bad one!  Could lose lots of houses before it’s over with!”

“Yes, sir!” Johnny shouted again.  He returned his attention to Mrs. Glenbrook, since the last thing he felt like doing was shouting back and forth with her husband.    “I stopped by to ask if you’d mind getting my mail for me and keeping it here until I get back.”

“No, dear, we don’t mind.”  The woman turned toward her husband. “We don’t mind, do we, Harold?”

“What?  The time?  I don’t know what time it is!  Go look at the kitchen clock if you need to know the time!”

The old woman shook her head as she looked at Johnny again. “See what I have to put up with?  All day long he shouts at the top of his lungs like it’s me who’s deaf as a post.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Johnny took a step back in order to make his exit.  “So, you don’t mind getting my mail?”

“Not at all.  I’ll pick it up each afternoon when I get ours, and bundle it with a rubber band.  You stop by for it whenever you get home.”

“Thanks, Mrs. Glenbrook, I appreciate it.”

“You’re welcome.  You be careful up there fighting that fire.”

“I will be.”

The old woman turned to her husband. “Harold, tell Johnny to be careful!”

“Fearful! What’s he got to be fearful of?  Leave the boy alone, Edna!  He knows how to do his job for cryin’ out loud!”

Edna shook her head again. “See what I mean?”

“Yes, ma’am.  I need to get going.  I’ve gotta pick up Roy.”

“Bye, Johnny.  Since Harold won’t, I’ll say it again. Be careful.”

“Don’t worry,” Johnny smiled.  “I’ll be fine.”

Johnny heard Edna close her apartment door as he trotted down the steps to his carport. He knew brushfires were dangerous propositions, and that Mrs. Glenbrook’s concern for his safety was valid, but he couldn't completely quell the anticipation at the thought of what he and Roy were going to face. He knew it wasn't right that something so destructive could cause him this kind of excitement, but as he pulled out of his driveway, Johnny began to whistle.

~*~

The drive to Roy's only took about fifteen minutes. This time of day traffic was minimal. As he drove, Johnny could see the brown smudge on the North Eastern horizon, an ominous sign if it was visible from this far away. But as he turned onto Roy's street, he couldn't see it anymore and he put it from his mind.

As Johnny got out of the Rover, he grinned as Chris and Jennifer ran out of the house to meet him. They'd obviously been swimming, and he realized their bathing suits were still wet when he lifted Jenny into his arms.

"Hi, Uncle Johnny," the little girl greeted happily. "Are you gonna go swimming with us?"

" 'Fraid not, Jenny Bean," he told her with a regretful smile. "Me and your dad have to go back to work."

"You goin' up to the fire too?" Chris asked, his blue eyes dancing with excitement. "Dad says it's a big one."

"It sure is," Johnny agreed with a laugh. "They need your dad and me to go up and put it out." Chris giggled at the paramedic's exaggeration.

Johnny put Jenny down and they walked up the front lawn. Before they reached the door, it opened, and Roy and Joanne stepped outside. Roy had a duffle similar to Johnny's slung over his shoulder. His other arm was around his wife.

"Hey, Joanne," Johnny hailed with a grin. "You ready to get rid of this guy for a few days?"

"Hi, Johnny."

Joanne greeted the younger man with a smile, but Johnny could see the strain behind her expression, and he wondered if he'd unknowingly managed to put his foot in his mouth. He glanced over at Roy for a hint of what might be going on, but his partner merely shook his head to let him know he hadn't done anything wrong. Feeling a little uncomfortable, Johnny held out his hands to take Roy's bag.

"Here, let me put that in the Rover."

"Thanks, Johnny." Roy handed it over with a grateful look.

As Johnny walked to the car, he heard Joanne tell the kids to come tell their dad goodbye. The younger man glanced over and took in the sight of his partner stooped down, both children hugged firmly against him. He kissed Jennifer's forehead, then tousled Chris' blond hair. When Roy stood back up straight, Joanne moved into his open arms, holding her husband tightly.

Johnny turned his attention back to stuffing Roy's gear into the back of the Rover, giving his partner some privacy. It was obvious to him now what was wrong with Joanne. She was scared - and trying to be brave in front of the children. John tried not to let his eyes move in that direction, but he couldn't help it once or twice, and the sight of Roy trying to reassure his wife that everything would be fine, left Johnny feeling a little guilty for the eagerness he'd felt earlier.

The goodbyes eventually ended, and Johnny glanced up as he heard the DeSoto family approach his car. As he lifted his head, he plastered on a big smile, to try and allay some of Joanne's fears.

"We'll probably be back in a couple of days," he said confidently.

Joanne returned his smile with one of gratitude for what he was trying to do. "I'll hold you to that," she said with mock sternness.

Johnny laughed and closed the Rover's hatch. He climbed in behind the wheel, as Roy moved around and got into the passenger's seat. As he started the engine, Johnny felt Joanne's hand on his arm. He looked up and saw her expressive blue eyes holding worry and concern - for both of them.

"You guys be careful," she said softly, then stepped back away from the car.

"Don't worry," Johnny assured her, then flashed a grin. "I'll make sure he stays outta trouble."

"Who's gonna keep who outta trouble?" Roy demanded a little indignantly, making Joanne laugh as she pulled the kids back off the driveway.

Johnny winked at her, then glanced at Chris and Jennifer. "I'll come swimming with you when we get back."

Both kids beamed at the promised fun and Jennifer jumped up and down.

"Maybe then you can see the snow."

Johnny smiled indulgently. "You pretending it's winter again, Jen?"

The girl shook her wet head. "Oh, no, Uncle Johnny. There really and truly is snow in our back yard."

The paramedic frowned as Joanne nodded. He glanced over at Roy, whose eyes were twinkling in amusement.

Johnny's frown turned slowly into an expression of smug understanding. "Oh, noooo... you're not gettin' me again. I'm not gonna fall for that. No siree."

Roy never said a word as Johnny backed the Rover out of the driveway, but for some reason, the younger man couldn't shake the feeling that his partner was trying hard not to laugh.

~*~

Chet sat on the edge of his chair, watching intently as more pictures of the brush fire were shown on T.V. It was obvious that the fire was growing rapidly, the smoke so thick that it was hard to see the terrain, even as the cameraman panned across the horizon. There was one view of a group of firefighters battling the blaze, the bright, reflective strips on their turnout coats gleaming in the afternoon sun.

“Man, I sure don’t envy those guys. As hot as it is today, then to be fighting a beast like that.”

From his chair nearby, Marco nodded his head in agreement.

“Yeah, and from what that weather forecaster was saying, it doesn’t look like it’s going to get any better.”

Cap entered the dayroom just in time to hear Marco’s last words.

“What’s not going to get any better, Marco?”

Marco turned in his chair.  “Oh, hi, Cap. The weatherman was just predicting several days of high winds with no relief from this heat wave in sight. That sure isn’t going to help the guys fighting this one.”

“You’re right, pal. That’s not the best news in a situation like this. I was just talking to headquarters, and they’re losing ground. We’ve already sent seven strike teams up, and they’re talking about sending two more.”

“Are we one of them, Cap?” Chet asked.

Hank could see the excitement in Chet’s eyes, and saw the look anticipation on Marco’s face.  Kelly and Lopez were excellent firefighters, and neither would be foolish enough to consider what was going on in Ojai to be fun.  Yet, typical of men who fought fires for a living, they were anxious to be called into service if needed.

“No. We’re staying put, at least for now.”

The three men stared at the television set, their attention focused on the scene playing out before them. None of them mentioned what they were all silently wondering: Would they eventually end up on the fire line too? And yet at the same time, did they really want to be a part of this fire that could end up being the worst in California’s history, or should they be content to remain at Station 51 while counting themselves lucky that they hadn’t been sent to Ojai yet?

Hank wasn’t sure which was the correct answer. He chastised himself with a, Be careful what you wish for, as he leaned against the wall and watched the latest updates on the fire.

~*~

Johnny kept up his solitary chatter, chancing an occasional look towards his silent partner. Roy had barely spoken a word since they left his house.  He was leaning back in the seat, his eyes staring out across the landscape as they sped north towards the fire. It had only taken a few minutes to check in at headquarters and transfer their bags to the squad, but even through that process, Roy had been quiet. It had surprised Johnny when the keys were placed silently in his hand, but one look at his friend’s face had assured Gage that he was the best man to drive. Evidently, Joanne’s worry had made quite an impact on Roy.

An hour and a half into the drive, he found his one sided conversation was wearing thin, so Johnny fell silent as they grew closer to their destination. He needed to say something to Roy, but didn’t really know what. After all, who was he to tell Roy how he should act or feel? A confirmed bachelor trying to counsel a family man...yet Johnny knew that it was better for Roy to talk it out.  Holding it in would only make the problem worse, and they needed to remain focused on the job at hand, especially if they ended up on a fire line somewhere.

“Roy?”

”Yeah.”

“I just wanted to say...well...listen, I know Joanne’s worried, but you can’t let it get to you.”

Oh, that was a great one, man. Perfect way to get your partner to relax -  tell him his wife’s concerns don’t matter. What an idiot you are sometimes, Gage!

Johnny was so busy chastising himself, he didn’t notice that Roy had changed positions and was now looking at him.

“You’re right.”

Caught unaware, Johnny stammered as he answered. “I …I am?”

“Yeah. And I’m not letting it get to me. Not really, anyway. Guess I was just thinking about a lot of things.”

“Like what?”

”Oh, Joanne . . the kids . . our job. You know, Chris and Jennifer are growing up fast, but they’re still so young. They depend on Joanne and me for everything, and I wonder sometimes what it would be like for them if their dad wasn’t there anymore.”

“You can’t do that to yourself, Roy. You can’t go into this fire thinking the worst.”

Roy offered a thin smile at his partner.

“I’m all right.  Like I said, I’m not letting it get to me. It’s just that sometimes I have to think it over a little in order to keep things in perspective. Especially times like this. You know, Joanne has a right to be concerned; after all, we do get into some pretty dangerous situations. And just because I love what I do, that doesn’t mean that she has to like it. I know I can’t dwell on it, but I can’t dismiss it either. Jo and the kids are my responsibility, Johnny.”

“Yeah, I know.”

As they reached the city limits of Ojai, it was Johnny’s turn to grow quiet. Unsure as to how much more he should say to his partner, John forced himself to concentrate on finding the right road instead.

Ojai was a small resort town with a population of six thousand, five hundred and twenty-three according to the sign Johnny had caught sight of, but with the extra firefighters and news reporters, the traffic was incredible. The streets were lined with every kind of vehicle from fire trucks, to vans belonging to T.V. stations, to civilians’ cars, to kids on bicycles, plus the sidewalks were full of reporters, off-duty firefighters, and curious onlookers. If the situation wasn’t so serious, Johnny might’ve found some humor in the scene.

Roy kept an eye out for any children who might dart into the street, while Johnny deftly maneuvered the squad through the crowded streets as a helicopter flew overhead.  He glanced through the passenger side window, but wasn’t able to tell if the chopper belonged to the fire department, or to a T.V. station.

Roy appreciated the concern Johnny had for him, but he didn’t want his personal problems to become an issue, or affect their work in any way. Suddenly, Roy knew he needed to reassure Johnny. He wanted John to know that he could count on his partner, and that they would function as a team, just as they always had.

Minutes later, Johnny pulled the squad into the parking lot of the local high school, which had been designated as the command center. Turning off the engine, he fumbled with the keys for a moment, not sure if he should say anything else, or simply let the subject drop. Roy took care of that decision when he spoke quietly.

“Don’t worry about it. I’ll be okay, Junior. It’s just something you have to deal with when you’re an old married man with a family to watch out for.”

Roy’s smile was genuine, if somewhat weak. Johnny responded in kind, and flashed his crooked grin.

“Sure you will. Heck, we both will. Can’t let anything happen to the best paramedic team in LA county, now can we?”

But as he climbed out of the squad, Johnny couldn’t help making his own silent pledge.

 I won’t let anything happen to him, Joanne. You’ll have your husband back home safe and sound, I promise.

~*~

Johnny paused in the act of closing the driver’s door and looked up.  “Jennifer would really think it was snowing if she saw this.”

Roy slid from the passenger seat of the air-conditioned cab, and stepped into the oppressive heat.  Ash was falling as though a volcano had ignited nearby.  Roy had vague memories of a big fire in this area when he was twelve or thirteen.  The news reports at that time had said the town of Ojai, while spared from the flames, had been covered with ashes. 

“Yeah,” Roy agreed with his partner’s words. “She sure would.”

Dark clouds hung low in the sky, but Roy knew these clouds didn’t mean a storm was on the way, but rather, were clouds composed of smoke, as opposed to clouds holding rain.  The air smelled like a thousand campfires were burning at once.  Roy pitied anyone with breathing difficulties caused by asthma, allergies, or emphysema, and wondered how many of Ojai’s residents with these types of ailments he and Johnny might treat in the coming days. 

The Edward D. Libbey High School had a Spanish-style facade and a red tile roof. Its architecture matched that of many of the buildings that made up Ojai.  Johnny glanced at the lettering across the front of the building.

“What kid wants to go to a place called Edward D. Libbey High School?”

“What’s wrong with it?”

“Sounds stupid.”

The two men walked toward the main entrance doors they’d seen other firefighters going into and coming out of.  The parking lot was filled with fire trucks of all shapes, sizes, and purposes, station wagons belonging to battalion chiefs, and rows of cars and pickup trucks of various makes and models that Roy surmised belonged to men who had been off-duty when summoned to report to the fire lines.

“What sounds so stupid about it?” 

“I dunno, it just sounds dumb.  What the heck kinda mascot do ya’ have if you go to Edward D. Libbey High School? A can a’ vegetables?”

“A what?”

“You know, Libby’s Vegetables.  They make canned corn, canned peas, canned carrots, canned...”

“Okay, okay. I get the picture.”

“So anyway, why would someone give a school such a stupid name?”

“For the same reason there’re schools named after Franklin Roosevelt and John F. Kennedy.”

“Yeah, but those guys were presidents.  Who the hell was Edward D. Libbey?”

A voice that wasn’t Roy’s replied with, “A wealthy glass manufacturer who set out to make Ojai into a dream city of soft harmonies, smooth flowing lines, and warm colors. ”

Johnny turned around to see a firefighter wearing a Ventura County uniform walking up behind them.  The man looked to be somewhere in his late thirties to early forties.  He was thin, yet had the muscle tone of someone who’d done his fair share of physical labor for a living.  His light brown hair was just long enough to curl as a result of the heat, making for the appearance of a tidy cap covering his head, and his blue eyes sparkled as though he loved nothing more than a good round of teasing.

It was because of that glint in the man’s eyes, that Johnny snorted and said, “Yeah, right,” as though he was dealing with another one of Chet’s attempts to prove he was gullible.

“No. Seriously.”

“Come on. No one names a school after some guy who blew glass for a living.”

The man shot Johnny a smug smile while pointing to a bronze plaque hanging on the outside of the school. “Read that.”

Johnny took four steps forward and read the engraved words out loud.

“Edward D. Libbey arrived in Ojai in 1923. Mr. Libbey was a wealthy glass manufacturer who set out to make Ojai into a dream city of soft harmonies, smooth flowing lines, and warm colors.  Without his vision of preserving the area’s natural beauty, Ojai would be just another little Western town.”

As Johnny straightened, the man asked, “Now do you believe me?”

“Uh...yeah. Sure. Thanks for filling us in.”

Roy bent his head in order to hide his smile over his partner’s embarrassment.  It was one thing for Johnny to rattle on to him while making a mountain out of a mole’s hill, but even Johnny usually recognized how weird he was coming across if a stranger ventured into hearing range.

“There’s also an Edward D. Libbey park just down the road if you’re interested.”

“Uh…thanks.  We probably won’t have time to see it considering we were sent here to work, but uh…thanks for lettin’ us know.”

“No problem.”

The man shared a smile of amusement with Roy as he stuck his hand out.  “Halden Peterson.”

Roy shook the man’s hand.  “Roy DeSoto.”  He pointed to Johnny. “And the man who possesses enough curiosity for all three of us, is my partner, John Gage.”

Johnny exchanged handshakes with the fireman. “Nice to meet ya’, Halden.”

“Call me Pete.  Everyone does. Half the guys won’t know who you’re talkin’ about if they hear you say Halden.”

“Pete it is,” Johnny agreed.

Pete took note of Johnny and Roy’s uniforms, then glanced back at the squad he’d seen them get out of.   “You guys are from L.A., huh?”

“Yeah,” Roy said.

“Paramedics?”

Johnny nodded. “Yep.”

“Don’t know how many paramedics we’re gonna need, but before this is all over, we sure might need some more men to fight the fire.”

“Well,” Johnny said, “we can do that too.” 

“Glad to hear it.  The wind is making it impossible to stop this beast, and the heat,” Pete wiped at the sweat running down the right side of his face, “I’m tellin’ ya’, it about kills a guy after just a few minutes of work. Can’t seem to get enough to drink, and you feel like you’re sweating off twenty pounds inside your coat.”

Roy knew Pete meant the air temperature was making things hard on the men, as opposed to the heat from the fire.

“I know,” Roy acknowledged. “It would be a big help if it got about twenty-five degrees cooler.”

“Yeah,” Johnny said as Pete led the way into the building through the double doors that were propped open. “Along with some rain.”

The school wasn’t air conditioned, and though every window and door was open, it was stuffy and uncomfortably warm. The breeze that blew down the corridor was hot, smelled of smoke, and offered little relief. Johnny was glad they’d left their turnout coats and helmets in the squad.

The paramedics glanced left and right as Pete led them down a long corridor that was typical of most high schools.  A trophy case was mounted on the left, and a large open office area on the right had a counter about the height of Johnny’s waist. Behind the counter were filing cabinets and three metal desks, with another smaller office behind them that the dark headed man assumed belonged to the principal.  Johnny could picture kids filing into this office to buy lunch tickets, get hall passes, and turn in detention slips signed by their parents.

Groups of firefighters sat in the cafeteria eating food that had been provided by local restaurants, grocery stores, and the Ventura County Fire Department’s Women’s Auxiliary.  Numerous classrooms had the desks pushed to the sides. Cots were now set up in the center of their floors where the desks had once resided.  Johnny counted fourteen firemen catching some sleep, their exhaustion so heavy that even the stifling heat in the rooms didn’t bother them.   If nothing else, it was nice to know there’d be a place to shower, grab a meal, and rest when time allowed.

Roy was glad to see all these amenities as well, along with the two pay phones he’d spotted in the school’s foyer.  Maybe he’d be able to keep his promise to Jennifer of calling home on occasion.

Pete led the two men past the boys’ locker room, and to the threshold of the open doors leading into the gymnasium.  Before he could take the paramedics into the gym, Pete was summoned by a voice calling from down the corridor.

“Hey, Pete! Cap’n Spencer says we’re pullin’ out in five minutes!”

Johnny and Roy turned to see a dark headed young man of no more than eighteen or nineteen years old. His face was smudged with soot, and his turnouts hung from a frame even leaner than Johnny’s.

“Be right there, Bobby!” Pete called in return. 

As the young man turned and jogged out of the building, Johnny said, “You start ‘em young around here, huh?”

“Yeah, sometimes. Baby Bobby, as we call him, started with the department right outta high school back in early June.  He gets a lotta razzin’, but he’s not a bad kid.  He’s eager to learn, so in this business, that counts for something.”

“Sure does,” Roy agreed.

“Guess I’d better get goin’, or Spence is liable to take off without me, and then dock my pay for it.  This is where I’ll leave you guys.”

Pete pointed straight ahead to a cafeteria table.  Behind it, a map was mounted on a wall, and a magnetic command board stood on a wooden tripod.  Johnny and Roy were too far away to see what stations were labeled as being where on both the map and the command board, but they could make out the red, blue, pink, green, yellow, purple, and orange magnets on the board, as well as colored push pins sticking into the map.  A gray headed man with a barrel chest and the early swelling of a pot belly stood behind the table scribbling notes on a piece of paper attached to a clip board.  Other firefighters stood around him studying the map and command board, but the older man appeared to be oblivious of their presence.  That is, until something was said that made him smile, or murmur a couple of words in response, all while remaining focused on what he was writing.

“That’s Chief Smitz. Leonard Smitz. Everyone calls him Smitty.  Check in with him.”

“Got it,” Johnny said, followed by Roy’s, “Thanks, Pete.”

The man turned to hurry toward the main doors, only to turn around again and point at the east wall of the gymnasium. It was dominated by a massive painting of an oak tree.

“By the way, Johnny, the mascot is an oak tree.”

“An oak tree?”

“Yeah.  We’re the Edward D. Libbey Mighty Oaks.”

“Guess that’s better than being the Glass Blowers.”

Pete laughed.  “Yeah, guess so.”  He sobered, though the smile never left his blue eyes. “Maybe I’ll see you guys around later.”

“Yeah,” Johnny agreed, thinking it would be a plus to get hooked up with a guy who knew the area.  “Maybe.”

“Thanks again, Pete,” Roy said. 

The paramedics turned and entered the gymnasium.  They walked across the gleaming wood floor to check in with the chief, and then find out what their assignment would be.

~*~

"Hey, Smitty, looks like we got some more help."

Chief Leonard Smitz glanced up from the latest updates. Something in Tellar's tone made him doubt he was going to like what he saw. He followed his assistant's gaze to find two young men wearing the pale blue shirts of the Los Angeles County Fire Department approaching them.

Two? They sent us two more men? When we asked for at least two dozen. What shit-for-brains is coordinating things down there?

He kept those thoughts to himself, however, and managed to greet the newcomers with a smile. It wasn't these guys' fault their commanders were all idiots.

"Chief Smitz?" the one on the right asked, his hand outstretched.

"That's me." He shook the fireman's hand. "Call me Smitty. We don't stand on too much protocol during a time like this."

The man smiled a little uncertainly, and the chief chuckled to himself. These big cities guys just couldn't get used to the more casual attitude out here in the sticks. After a moment, the man continued.

"Uh... I'm Roy DeSoto." He turned to his companion. "This is my partner, John Gage."

Smitty thought the darker haired man could stand a hair cut, but he seemed an outgoing sort and shook hands with an easier smile than his friend. "Nice to meet ya, Chief... uh, Smitty. We're paramedics from L.A. County. Our chief sent us up to see if you could use a hand."

"He did, huh?" Smitty let the smile fade a bit, as he studied the men in front of him with a critical eye. "He didn't happen to send an engine crew with you, did he?"

"Well... uh, no." The eager grin lost some of its energy as the man glanced at his partner for some guidance. "Uh... well... I guess L.A. just kinda thought... maybe you could see some of us work and..."

"What does L.A. think I'm running up here?" The chief exploded in aggravation, "A hospital? I'm trying to fight a fire, damnit all. I've already sent the other two squads your department loaned us out to the base camps. What the hell am I supposed to do with you two?"

There was a brief, uncomfortable moment of silence, as Smitty and the two paramedics locked gazes. The dark headed one looked ready to spit nails, but was obviously restraining himself. It was the other one who straightened up, ready to defend their jobs.

"We're rescue men, Chief... fully trained. And we're firefighters. We'll do whatever you need us to." That was all. His demeanor was calm and confident, yet managed to convey a challenging note.

No one said anything. Smitty was aware his views on the growing paramedic program were well known to his men. Some agreed with him, some didn't. He also knew Ventura County's Chief Engineer, Ken Draper, was totally in favor of the advanced training for their rescue men. He was probably dancing a jig to have a chance to see these wonder boys from Los Angeles in action.

Smitty sighed and shook his head, realizing he'd taken his frustration out on these young men. "Hey... don't mind me, fellas. It's not your fault. We just need about a hundred times more men and equipment than we've got." He rubbed a hand over his weary eyes. "I'm sure we can find something for you to do." He waved Tellar over, while at the same time returning his attention to his clipboard. Without actually indicating to the paramedics, he said with a distracted air, "Robbie, this is Gage and DeSoto. Assign them a locker so they can stow their gear, then take 'em to the first aid station."

"Sure, Chief." Tellar moved around to the front of the table. "This way, guys."

The fireman started to move away, but the men from Los Angeles both stood for a moment, as if debating whether to say more. Finally, though, they followed after their guide.

Smitty heaved another sigh and turned his attention back to his clipboard. He made a mental note that the paramedics were here and where he'd put them. Despite his disappointment that Gage and DeSoto were about four men short of a well-skilled engine crew, he never knew when he might find a way to use them.
 

~*~

"Damn, it's hot," Johnny complained as he hefted up another air tank for Roy to stow on top of the squad. His shirt was sticking to his back, and he had to stop every few minutes to wipe the sweat from his face. "Tell me again why we were sent up here?"

Roy took the tank and secured it next to the others. He smiled wryly at Johnny's sarcasm. "To show off our wonderful skills as paramedics," he reminded his partner.

"Oh, yeah. I almost forgot."

They'd spent the remainder of yesterday afternoon and most of the evening in the aid station, along with several Red Cross volunteers. They'd had a few mild cases of smoke inhalation, washed out some eyes, even treated a couple of minor burns. But they were far enough removed from the actual fire lines that they hadn't gotten any serious calls. The few more significant injuries had been taken care of by the squads at the base camps.

By nine o'clock, with nothing to do and no one to treat, they'd been told to return to the school, grab something to eat, find a cot, and call it a night. As they got ready to hit the sack, Johnny had complained nearly non-stop about how they were being wasted and they might as well have stayed home.

"We're not doing anything those Red Cross ladies aren't doing," the younger man had griped, pulling off his boots and setting them beside his cot. "I thought headquarters wanted us to show everybody what great paramedics we are."

Ever willing to look on the practical side, Roy merely shrugged it off. "Well, I'm glad we haven't had to put those skills to use," he replied.

"Well, yeah... but, Roy...what's the point of being here if all we're doing is..."

"Good night, Johnny." Roy climbed onto his cot and pulled up the sheet, effectively tuning out any further complaints.

"Sheesh," was the muttered response from his partner.

Roy smiled as Johnny lay down on his cot, quiet for now.

They'd spent a restless night, bedded down with a half dozen other firemen. It was too warm in the small classroom to sleep easily, even if the cots had been more comfortable. Knowing the fire was still raging close by added to the all the men's restlessness. The ever-present smell of smoke even permeated the school walls, making it impossible to put the fire from their minds. About three a.m. the wind picked up, whipping through the trees and whistling against the windows. Knowing it would make fighting the fire even more hazardous, and the job of containing it nearly impossible, only made it that more difficult to sleep soundly.

Roy spent most of the night tossing and turning. He could hear Johnny doing the same in the cot next to him. Finally, at dawn, he got up and got dressed. His partner wasn't far behind him. After a quick breakfast they had headed toward the aid station again, but the chief's assistant, Tellar, had collared them and set them to hauling air bottles up to the different camps.

At first they'd been pleased to be more actively involved in the fight against the fire, but after a few hours of bumping back and forth over the hot, dusty fire roads, this job had lost some of its glamour.

"How many more ya’ got room for?" Johnny asked as he stood in the high school’s parking lot and lifted one more tank up.

Roy took the bottle and set it in place. "I think we can take a couple more."

"That's not the answer I was lookin' for," the younger man muttered ruefully. He leaned down to pick up another one. "I think they're puttin' more air in these things. I swear they're heavier than they were this morning."

"That's just your imagination," Roy advised with a chuckle as he took the tank from Johnny's hands.

"I don't think so." The sweat streaked paramedic paused in mid lift and stood with the air bottle in his hands. "You don't think Chet could have masterminded any of this, do you?"

Roy couldn't tell from the expression on his partner's face whether he was kidding or not. He decided it would be better to just ignore the question.

"Let's just get this done. After this load, we can eat lunch. Then I wanna try and call Joanne."

"I thought you were gonna do that this morning."

"It was too early. I didn't want to wake her up."

"Well, you certainly didn't mind wakin' me up, with all the noise you made getting dressed..."

"Gage... DeSoto...hold up a minute."

Both paramedics looked up to see Chief Smitz trotting toward the squad. He still held the ever-present clipboard in his hand.

"You going up to Base Camp 4?"

"Yeah," Roy nodded, then gestured to the supply of air tanks. "Replacements."

The chief nodded distractedly. "Okay, Gage. You fellas go ahead and stay up there for now. The fire's gotten pretty intense on that ridge. Base tells me they could use some medics."

"Sure thing, Chief," Roy answered and jumped off the back of the squad.  He didn’t bother to correct the man regarding the name mix-up, and neither did Johnny.  First of all, Roy knew Smitty had a lot on his mind, and second of all, it wasn’t like they were going to be working for Chief Smitz – or ever see him again for that matter - after this fire was out. "Anything else you need us to take up there?"

The chief shook his head. "We're sending up a busload of reliefs for the firefighters up there. It'll have all the supplies they need."

With that the man turned and walked away, pulling a Handie Talkie from his belt and talking into it.

"Did you hear that?" Johnny sputtered indignantly. "They're sending reliefs for the firefighters. What does that make us?"

"Paramedics, Johnny," Roy reminded his friend. "That's what we were sent up here for, remember? We just do our jobs. And maybe before this is all over, we can make guys like Smitty see that we're both."

~*~

Base Camp 4 was set up so it could be moved quickly if the wind shifted suddenly, and brought with it the danger of fire.   A white canopy sheltered the camp’s command center, though since there was no sign of rain, erecting the canopy had proven to be wasted effort thus far. A cafeteria table sat under the canopy, along with a few beige metal chairs and the same type of map and magnetic board that Chief Smitz was using in the high school’s gym.  This time, though, the map and board contained only information about the Ventura County stations that were fighting the fire in the immediate area, as opposed to containing information regarding the locations of every station deployed in the effort to stop the burning beast that was gaining strength by the hour.

A white panel truck with a crank-out green awning and hot-dog stand type of counter served as the chow wagon.  It sat on a flat piece of barren ground, and enabled hungry men on the run to grab a sandwich and a cold drink.  A half a dozen portable toilets had been hauled in as well, along with a water wagon – a three hundred gallon tank of water mounted on the back of an ancient fire truck that had long ago been retired from active duty - where grimy firefighters coming in for a short break could wash the dirt and soot from their hands and faces.

A Ventura County firefighter with sweat trickling down his dusty face turned away from the first aid table where Johnny and Roy were stationed. 

“Thanks, man. Appreciate it.” 

“ ‘Welcome,” Johnny responded, as he watched the soot covered man whose eyes he’d just irrigated trudge back for the fire line.

 The paramedic tracked the movements of other men coming and going. Some were reporting for duty, while others were taking a break, while others were checking in with the camp commander for new assignments.  Suddenly, Johnny felt like he and Roy were the little kids in the schoolyard full of big kids – the little kids who weren’t allowed to do anything but stand around and watch everyone else have fun. Not that fighting a fire should ever be thought of as fun per se, but John was appreciating less and less being out of L.A. County’s territory, where his and Roy’s skills as paramedics, and as firefighters, were recognized, valued, and put to good use.

Johnny wasn’t certain how many eyes he’d irrigated since arriving at the base camp, but he figured more than he’d irrigated in his entire two and a half year career as a paramedic.  He looked at his watch, the disgust evident in his voice when he said to Roy,

"Two hours."

"What?"

"It's been two hours since we got here, and we haven't done anything but wash out eyes, bandage a cut, and treat three cases of minor smoke inhalation." He waved an arm at the thick plume of smoke billowing in the distance. "We could be doing so much out there, but instead we're stuck at this base camp."

Normally, Roy would agree with his partner, but right now he was satisfied with their current assignment. He was more concerned with getting home as soon as possible, than with proving anything by being in the thick of the action. He and Johnny already knew they were skilled at their job, and that was enough for Roy. 

As Johnny let out another frustrated sigh, a captain wearing a Ventura County uniform burst through a thicket of bushes at a run and hailed the paramedics. The man didn’t know their names, but by their uniforms and medical insignias, he knew they were paramedics from L.A.

“Hey! Over here! I need you two!”

 It was the call Gage had been waiting for. Although it wasn't good news that they were needed, he was glad to finally be put to use at some job that went beyond washing out irritated eyes. 

  
The paramedics slipped on their helmets, grabbed their medical equipment from the table, and followed the captain up a dirt slope and into the brush.
 

~*~

The three firemen pushed their way through the heavy growth of manzanita, the summer dried brush snapping against the force of their intrusion. With the drug box and bio-phone in either hand, Johnny had no way to protect his legs and thighs against the sharp jabs of broken branches, but he managed to ignore the discomfort.

"What's the problem?" Roy asked, as he struggled along beside Johnny. He was carrying the trauma box, leaving him one free hand, but that didn't help much as the brittle bushes gave way reluctantly.

The captain turned slightly, and Johnny could see the exhaustion in the man's sooty face.

"There's a small bus down in a ravine," he answered breathlessly. "Driver's hurt... maybe some kids too."

That was all they needed to spur them on. As the path grew steeper, the acrid smell of smoke grew harsher, causing Johnny’s lungs to protest the exertion he was causing them. He coughed a couple of times, wishing he'd had the time to at least grab a neckerchief to put over his mouth and nose like the Ventura man was doing. He could hear Roy coughing too, and knew he wasn't the only one being affected. Just as Johnny was wondering if they would have been better off bringing the squad, the brush thinned out, and soon they had reached the top of a small ridge.

"God damn," Johnny breathed out in awe, as he got his first full glimpse of the total acreage involved in the fire. It spread out as far as he could see, roiling black smoke that blotted out the horizon, rising to the sky to filter the sun with a brown haze, and every now and then a flicker of wildly dancing orange flame. He'd worked a few big brush fires, but the sheer unharnessed fury never ceased to take him by surprise.

"It's a bitch, and that's for sure," the captain replied earnestly.

"Got any time tables on it?" Roy inquired, his face reflecting his own reactions to the fire.

The Ventura captain shook his head. "Not even close yet," he murmured, then waved them forward. "The bus is over here. It's from a private school up over the hill."

They moved a few yards to the east, and Johnny could finally see down the sloping incline to where a small yellow bus lay on its side. There were a couple of firemen on top, working at the driver's side door with what looked like a crowbar. Two other men were manning a line to keep the dry grass from igniting from the hot engine or the leaking fuel. Their hose line snaked its way up the ravine to the top of the hill where their engineer stood by the pumps on the crew's rig.

Without a word, Johnny and Roy followed the captain down the hillside, slipping and sliding on loose dirt and rocks, the dust clinging to their sweating faces and arms. Finally, they reached the overturned vehicle, and the sound of frightened crying reached their ears.

The paramedics set down their gear and moved to assess the situation. The vehicle was a converted van, not a full sized bus, and therefore had no emergency exits. It was lying on its passenger's side, thus sealing off any use of the sliding door.

"What about the back?" Johnny asked as he bent to peer in the rear windows. Everything was topsy turvy inside, making it hard to tell how many victims they were dealing with.

"Jammed," the captain explained. "We already tried. Figured the front would be our best bet."

"Probably so," Johnny agreed. He grabbed his gloves from his back pocket and slipped them on, then took hold of the crumpled side panel and pulled himself up onto the side of the van.

"Why were they still here?" he heard Roy ask, then heard the captain saying something about a summer boarding school program, and the damn fool idiots who always waited too long to evacuate.

Johnny dismissed the words from his mind. It didn't matter now why these people were here. They needed help. He reached the men with the crowbar and raised a hand in greeting. They looked like they were sweltering inside their turnouts and, like their captain, their faces were soot streaked and weary.

"How's it going?"

"We're gettin' there," a stocky, red head answered, his freckled face dripping with dirty sweat. "This thing is really tweaked." He and his companion gave another shove with the bar, and were rewarded by a grating screech as the metal in the door twisted and began to give way.

Johnny stood back and let them work. It was really only a two-man job anyway. "You talk to anybody?" he asked.

The second man shook his head. "Driver's unconscious. There's at least two kids in there we can hear. We don't know where they are exactly."

While they worked, Johnny crouched down on all fours to peer into the darkly tinted passenger windows. He would make out some movement and he could still hear the crying.

"Hold on!" he called, hoping the kids could hear him. "We're gonna get you out, so just hold on."

"Johnny?"

It was Roy. Johnny turned to find his partner standing beside him.

"Do you know what we've got?" he asked.

"Nah. Not yet. But they've almost got that door licked." He pressed his ear against the dark glass. "I can hear at least one kid... maybe two." He met Roy's gaze and shook his head. "I can't see 'em, but they sound pretty scared."

"Got it!" The shout of the red headed fireman was matched by the crunch of the door as it popped and was shoved open as far as it would go.

Johnny was at the opening in a flash. What he found wasn't pretty. The driver was slumped over to the side, held in place only by her seat belt. There was a large, bleeding gash over her left eyebrow, and her left arm was bent in an unnatural direction. It was hard to see the color of her skin in the fire darkened late afternoon. The paramedic reached a hand down to feel for a carotid and blew out a breath of relief when he found it there, weak and rapid. Johnny looked up, knowing he would find Roy beside him.

"She's alive. I'm going to go back and see where the kids are. You got her?"

"Yep," Roy nodded and pulled the trauma box closer to the edge of the door.

Confident the woman was in the best hands, Johnny eased his lean form down in to the van, carefully avoiding the injured driver, until he was standing on the passenger side door. After that, he stooped down and pushed his way past several boxes and suitcases and crawled into the back seat.

It was quiet now. He could hear Roy barking orders to someone to go back to the squad and bring a backboard and the jaws. The poor driver must really be pinned in there good. But Johnny didn't dwell on that. Instead, he tried to thread his way through the mess that must have been personal belongings thrown in at the last minute in the rush of evacuation. He wasn't sure where the kids might have ended up, and he didn't want to inadvertently step on one of them.

"Okay, guys, you need to holler and let me know where you are," Johnny said in his most calm and reassuring tone of voice. "We're gonna get you outta here, but I need to find you first."

"Here," came a small, hesitant voice. "We're back here."

The voice sounded like it was farther back, and Johnny shoved a heavy suitcase aside with his shoulder so he could climb over the bench seat. The first thing he saw was two sets of wide, frightened eyes belonging to a pair of identical little auburn haired girls. They were huddled together around another girl, a little older, who was lying still in a crumpled heap.

"Hey, there," Johnny called softly as he climbed over to join them. "You girls all right?"

"I am," one of the twins spoke up raggedly, "but Stacey hurt her arm... and Lisa won't wake up."

"She won't, huh?" Johnny settled carefully beside the girls. He reached a hand in to check the unconscious child's pulse. It was there and reassuringly steady. He gave her earlobe a slight pinch and was rewarded with a small moan. At least she was responsive to pain.

He pulled his penlight out of his shirt pocket and did a quick check of the girl's eyes. The pupils were slightly dilated, but were reactive to the light. Satisfied she was okay for now, Johnny turned his attention to the twins. He gave them an encouraging smile.

"Okay, then, let me take a look at you two. I know you're Stacey," he pointed to the girl on the right who so far hadn't said anything, then turned to her sister. "But I don't know your name."

"I'm Suzanne," the girl offered.

"Well, hey there, Suzanne. I'm Johnny, and I'm a paramedic. Do you know what a paramedic is?"

Both girls nodded. "Our teacher told us," Suzanne answered.

Johnny's smile widened. "Well, then you know I'm here to help you, right? And right now I need to see where you're hurt and make sure you're okay."

He started with Suzanne since she appeared more at ease with him, hoping to assure her sister that he wouldn't hurt her. As he used his light to check her eyes and ears, he kept up a dialog with her.

"So, Suzanne... how old are you?"

"Seven."

"Seven? Why that's almost all grown up." He got a snicker for that. "And how old is Stacey here?"

"She's seven too."

Johnny let his eyes grow big in exaggerated surprise. "She is? You have a sister the same age as you are?"

Both girls giggled at his ignorance. "We're twins," they both exclaimed. "That's why we look alike," Suzanne went on to educate him.

Johnny put his hands on his hips. "We'll, I guess you do, don't you." He showed Stacey his light. "Do you think I can see if your eyes are exactly like your sister's?"

"O...okay," she agreed hesitantly.

Johnny did a quick check to satisfy himself she didn't have a head injury, then he put his light away and reached for the arm she was cradling.

"Is this the only place you hurt, Stacey?"

"Yeah," she sniffled. "It hurts really bad."

"I know, sweetie," Johnny told her as he gently palpated her injured limb. When he reached her forearm, she winced and pulled away from him. "Okay, I won't touch it any more. We're gonna get you fixed up real soon." He glanced at the unconscious girl. She bore a strong resemblance to the twins. "Is Lisa your sister too?"

"Uh huh," Suzanne answered. "She's ten."

"Ten, huh? Ten can be a bossy age. Does your sister boss you around?"

"She sure does."

Johnny laughed lightly. "Well, if you two can scoot back just a little, I can get in here and take a better look at your bossy sister."

The girls moved as much as they could in the small confines of the crowded back seat. Johnny shifted closer to Lisa and rechecked her responses, then did a quick check for other injuries. He didn't find any obvious fractures, but there was a fairly large bump on the girl's right temple. She moaned again when his fingers brushed over it.

"Hold on, sweetheart. We're gonna take care of you." He moved forward to lean over the middle seat. "Hey, Roy? How's it going up there."

Roy's flushed face peered around the blocked driver's seat. "She's still unconscious," he informed his partner. "I really can't do much 'til we get her outta here. They're settin' up the jaws right now. What about the kids?"

"Three girls, all sisters. The ten year old's unconscious... probable concussion. The other two seem to be minor. One of 'em has a possible fractured arm. You need me up there?"

Roy shook his head. "I got enough help for now. Stay with the kids." Roy glanced over his shoulder and said something to someone Johnny couldn't see. Then he turned back. "It's gonna get a little noisy."

"Gotcha."

Johnny moved back to sit beside the sisters. "Okay, better cover your ears. They have to use a pretty loud machine to help get the driver out."

"Is Mrs. Kenney hurt too?" Stacey asked fearfully.

"A little," Johnny told her, "but my partner up there is takin' good care of her. Now, we're gonna plug our ears, 'cause it's gonna get awfully noisy."

Suzanne lifted both hands to cover her ears, but Stacey couldn't use her injured arm, so Johnny reached out and covered the child's ears with his hands. In a few moments the sound of the jaws reverberated through the car's interior, Johnny's shoulders hunching at the jarring sound.
 

~*~

It took nearly thirty minutes to get the woman free from the wreckage. Once the men working the jaws had pulled the dash back enough, Roy had his work cut out for him. Pausing only long enough to toss Johnny a splint and a C collar, the older paramedic worked as quickly as he dared, getting a collar on the driver and then splinting her left arm. It then took some time to situate her on the backboard. The Ventura men helped as much as they could, but Roy was the one trained and he did most of the actual maneuvering.

The whole time they worked, Roy’s nose kept telling him the smell of smoke had gotten stronger and they needed to hurry, but he tried not to think about it. He couldn't rush the extrication without risking injuring this woman any further than she already was. Once they had her out of the van, he had the men put her down on the ground and then retrieved the bio-phone.

"Ventura County, this is L.A. Team 3. How do you read?"

After a moment of silence, a woman's voice crackled over the line. "Team 3, this is Ventura County, go ahead."

Roy was grateful the logistics of working outside of their own jurisdiction had been worked out ahead of time. During times of mutual aid, their paramedic certification was given emergency status. They'd been briefed at headquarters on what hospital they'd be working with. Ventura County Medical Center was where this county’s minimal number of paramedics were trained.

"Ventura, we have an MVA with four victims... all female. Victim one is the only one extricated at this time."

"Go ahead with the first victim, Team 3."

As Roy relayed the driver's vitals to the hospital, he saw the first of the girls being lifted out of the van. The red headed fireman who'd worked on the door carried her over to Roy.

"Your partner says this one looks okay," he relayed as soon as Roy broke his connection with the hospital. "They're bringing the one with the broken arm out next."

Roy nodded as he worked at setting up the I.V. that had been ordered. He smiled when he noticed the little girl had reached over to take hold of the unconscious woman's hand.

"We're gonna get her to the hospital and the doctors'll fix her right up. You'll see."

The child flashed Roy a brief smile, but her concern was all for the driver. "Mrs. Kenney is the nicest of all the bus drivers. She gives us candy sometimes."

Roy finished taping down the I.V. "Well, then we're gonna work extra hard to make sure she's okay."

A tall, dirty fireman trotted over with the second little girl. Johnny had already splinted her arm.

"Your partner says he could use your help to get the last one out."

Roy nodded. "Okay. Can you stay with them? They should be all right for now."

"Sure thing." The man gave the girls a grin that showed a chipped front tooth, then sat down between them.

Roy hurried back to the van. As he climbed inside he cast a worried glance at the sky. It had suddenly grown darker. "Johnny?"

"Yeah, back here," Johnny answered from the rear of the bus.

Roy made his way back and found his partner sitting beside an unconscious girl with a C collar around her neck. He glanced up as Roy appeared over the middle seat.

"I wanna take it a little easier with her," Johnny told him. "I think I found some rigidity in her abdomen."

"You want me to send for the other backboard?"

"No. Don't wanna take the time. Her breathing's gotten a little more labored." Johnny used his forearm to wipe at the sweat that plastered his dark hair to his forehead. Roy hadn't realized how stuffy it was inside the van.

"All right. You wanna pass her to me?"

"Yeah, lemme get her up and over."

Johnny shifted and slid his arms under the child, lifting her carefully up into his arms. He moved the few feet to the seat back and raised her just a bit higher. Roy was able to take the girl easily, taking care not to jostle her too much.

As he was making his way to the front, he saw the captain lean into the bus, his face all business.

"Get a move on," he ordered sternly. "Wind shifted. We gotta get outta here fast."

"What about the victims?" Roy asked.

"My men are moving them up to the ridge. I've got a chopper coming in to take them to the hospital. But we gotta move... now."

"Gotcha, Cap." Roy watched the man's head disappear then half turned. "Johnny?"

"I heard. I'm right behind ya’."

Even though speed was crucial, the paramedics still took every care getting the girl out of the van. Between the two of them, they managed to keep her fairly flat. When they got up to the front, Johnny crawled out first, then leaned in for Roy to pass Lisa out. As the younger man took the child, he swore under his breath.

"Man, he wasn't kidding. We gotta run. You out?"

Roy reached for the opening, hardly able to see for the smoke in the air.

"I'm good. Get her outta here."

Johnny turned to run, but still hesitated long enough to see Roy climb completely out of the bus before he took off towards the hill. Roy spared one glance behind him at the approaching wall of flame and headed off after his partner.

Choking and coughing on the smoke, his eyes stinging from ash and heat, Roy kept his sights on Johnny's back, using the blue of his partner's shirt as a beacon in the smoky air. He couldn't tell how far they'd come until the dirt under his feet started an incline, and then he had to use hands and feet to scramble to the top. Roy wasn't sure how Johnny made the climb with the girl in his arms until he looked up and saw the Ventura guys half way down, helping him the last few feet. Those same helping hands were there for him as well.

There was a mad dash to the engine. Roy could see better now, up out of the valley, and he saw the bus driver and the twins up on the hose bed. He climbed up himself, then turned to allow Johnny to pass Lisa to him. Before he even had her laid down, Johnny was up on top and yelling for the engineer to take off.

The ride was rougher than was probably good for the victims, but then, Roy decided burning to death would have been worse, so he busied himself by checking the I.V. line on the driver, then wiping his gritty eyes.

"You okay?" Johnny asked, looking up from where he was doing a check on Lisa.

"Yeah," Roy assured him with a cough. "Just got crud in my eyes."

They didn't have to travel far to the clearing where the helicopter was waiting for them. As they made the transfer to the chopper, a man in a jumpsuit, with headphones on, stuck his head out the door.

"You guys are from L.A., right?" he shouted above the whirring of the blades.

"Yeah," Roy answered loudly. "Why?"

The man pointed at the insignia on his sleeve. It was hard to read the lettering, but the Caduceus was easily recognized. "Jenkins, paramedic with Ventura County. We'll take these people from here. You guys are supposed to go back to the command center." He tapped his headset and shrugged. "Orders."

The patients were loaded on the chopper, then Roy and Johnny moved back as the door was closed and the craft lifted off. They watched it veer off, then turned back to the engine company.

"You guys going back to Base Camp?" Johnny asked.

"Only for a short time," the captain said. "They're moving camp to another location. We can take you back to get your squad."

"That'd be great, Cap," Roy said wearily. Now that the adrenaline rush had stopped, he realized how winded he was.

He and Johnny hopped on the back of the engine and endured the bumpy ride back to camp. When they got there, the place was almost dismantled. Trucks were heading out, laden with men and equipment. The crew they were with stopped only long enough to let them off, then headed down the road toward the fire. It wasn't until they were out of sight that Roy realized he had never learned any of their names.

Guess it doesn't really matter, he told himself as he slid behind the wheel of the squad. We're all just here to do a job.

"You up to driving?" Johnny asked, breaking into Roy's musings.

"What? Oh, yeah.... just tired.... and hot... and dirty..."

"And hungry," Johnny added.

Roy chuckled. "You're always hungry," he replied, shaking his head.

"Well, all I know is, it will be nice to sit at a table and eat like a human being."

Roy refrained from the obvious comeback about Johnny's table manners. He headed down the hill and rubbed at his eyes again.

"I'm just gonna take a shower... then call Joanne."

Johnny shook his head. "It'll never happen," he predicted. "Our luck, we'll be hauling air bottles again."

~*~

The bells of the local church played an unfamiliar tune as the two paramedics trudged into the command center, each looking for a little relief from the heat, yet knowing there was slim chance they’d find any.  Hot, hungry, and longing for a shower, Roy and Johnny stopped just inside the doorway as they gazed about the busy gymnasium.  Immediately, a harried looking young man approached them, battered clipboard in-hand.

“Are you guys Gage and DeSoto?”

“Yeah.”  The two answered in unison.

“I have your new assignment here.  The chief wants you to follow Kern County’s Station 15 up to a new base camp.  There’s some hotspots northeast of us, and you’ll be needed up there.”

“How long before they leave?”  Roy answered, looking unsuccessfully for a nametag, or anything defining who he was speaking to. 

“They’re scheduled to leave in about an hour; should give you enough time to clean up and eat, if you’re interested.”

“Thanks!”  Johnny grinned in relief as the man walked away.  He watched as the frazzled man turned back to face them.

“Oh, by the way. The chief wanted me to tell you guys that you did a good job on that last one.  He also wanted you to know that he’s decided paramedics might not be such a bad idea after all.” 

Before the man walked away, Johnny couldn’t resist a pointed question. 

”What made him change his mind?”

“We just got word from the hospital that the bus driver and the little girls are going to be okay. The engine crew said that you two made all the difference.”

Johnny slapped Roy on the back as they turned to walk toward the locker rooms.

“See, partner, all we had to do was show ‘em how it’s done.”

Roy simply rolled his eyes in response.

“Come on, Johnny, let’s get that shower.”

~*~

Twenty minutes later, Roy was dressed in clean clothes, and went in search of  a pay phone.  With so many men, and little time to waste, his shower had been a quick one, though appreciated.  He knew his partner felt the same way, and grinned as he recalled Johnny’s off-key singing from the crowded shower.  Even in a high school locker room, with numerous firemen sharing the accommodations, his friend could find a reason to be happy.  Simply being able to shower and eat had improved Johnny’s mood, and Roy hoped the change would hold.

Even though Roy felt as Johnny did about filling air bottles and offering endless first aid for minor wounds, he was tired of his partner’s grousing.  Not that he blamed him really; it was just Johnny’s way of relieving stress.  But Roy was more comfortable with keeping his feelings inside, and getting on with the job.  Maybe, now that the chief had heard about their talents, they’d be allowed to do the work they’d come here to do.

But now his focus turned to contacting his family, because there was no way of knowing when he’d be able to call them again.  It took several minutes, but Roy finally located several payphones against an outside wall of the gym.  After dialing the number, he dropped the specified number of coins in the slot, and then waited impatiently for his wife to answer.

“Come on, Jo, I don’t have much time, here.”

~*~

The ringing phone was like music to Joanne’s tired ears, but she strove to keep her excitement in-check as she hurried to answer it.  Stepping over and around Jennifer’s makeshift Barbie city, and Christopher’s Hot Wheel course, Joanne was finally able to lift the receiver.  She beamed with delight as she recognized the deep voice on the other end.

“Hi, honey.”

“Roy!  Oh, sweetheart, I’m so glad you called.”  Joanne stammered breathlessly.

“What’s wrong?  Did something happen?”   Roy’s sudden change of tone, from that of happy husband to worried father, was unmistakable.  “Are the kids okay?” 

“No, there’s nothing’s wrong. Everything’s fine.  I’m just so happy to hear your voice.  I miss you!”

“Oh, good. Well, I miss you too.  You had me worried there for a minute, though.  Are you . . “

“Chris!  Jennifer!  I told you two to keep it down while I’m on the phone.  Yes, it’s Daddy, but I get to talk to him first.” 

Even with her hand over the receiver, Joanne was sure her voice could be heard clearly on the other end.

“They giving you trouble?”  The sound of laughter was barely concealed in Roy’s question.

“No.  Well...maybe a little, but I can handle it.  How’s it going up there?” 

“Pretty good.  We’ve mostly been on housekeeping detail, but we did have a little excitement this afternoon. 

Joanne could almost imagine the look on Roy’s face as he drew in a sharp breath.  He must’ve realized how he just slipped up, but Joanne wasn’t going to let him off the hook that easy.  She wanted to know what was happening, and was determined not to let him gloss over the situation. 

“What happened?  Are you and Johnny all right?”

“Sure, we’re fine. We were just happy to be doing something useful.  It was an easy rescue. Nothing unusual.”

“Mmmm.”  Joanne would’ve laughed if she hadn’t been so concerned.  Everything about her husband’s job was unusual in her opinion, or at least when compared to the jobs of most other men, but she didn’t want to spend their brief time on the phone debating his career choice, so she agreed to play his game.

“An easy rescue, huh?”

“Yeah, well . . not necessarily easy. . .” 

Roy’s voice trailed off, and there was a slight pause. Joanne was certain Roy was trying to pick his words carefully.  She appreciated his attempts to reassure her, yet couldn’t help being a bit frustrated.  Didn’t he know that she could see through his cover?  There was no sense in trying to protect her, and he certainly couldn’t stop her imagination; it was already working overtime.  But she didn’t have a chance to explain that, as he finally gave her a few general details, before changing the subject.

“It was an overturned bus.  There was a driver and several students, but they’re all okay.  What’s happening there?”

“The usual.  Laundry, cleaning, making lunches and snacks. . you know, the fun stuff.”  

Joanne hoped the frustration in her voice wasn’t as obvious to Roy as it sounded to her.  She really didn’t mind the normal routine of her life, but when something like this came along, she couldn’t help worrying about Roy, thus changing her everyday routine into an annoyance. 

“What are Chris and Jen doing?”

“You’d have to see it to believe it.  Chris has every piece of his Hot Wheel track out in the front room.  We have ramps attached to chairs and end tables, and little cars going in every direction.  On the other side of their imaginary line, Jennifer has built her very own Barbie house and city.  Barbie can sleep under her little quilt one minute, and be off shopping the next.  I tell you, Roy, this room doesn’t even look like part of our house anymore.” 

Roy grinned as he imagined the scene.  “Have you been home all day?”

“Yeah.  The kids spent most of the morning and early afternoon outside, but we came in for a while.  It’s not any cooler inside, but at least they’re out of the sun, and I do have the fan running, so there’s a little relief from the heat.”

Joanne realized she was sounding a little more normal as she relayed the familiar details to her husband.  Familiar details must have been the key to calming Joanne’s fears for Roy, because the rest of their conversation was light and relaxed.  But all too soon, he was saying goodbye to her and asking to speak to the kids.  With her head bent close to the receiver, Joanne was able to hear Roy’s stern warnings to first Chris, and then to Jennifer, about making sure they cleaned up their mess so ‘Mom’ didn’t have to, followed by his gentle voice saying, “I love you,” to each of them.

Finally, the phone was back in her hands, but Roy’s tone had changed again.

“Jo, I’ve gotta hang up.  I see Johnny waiting for me, and we’re supposed to get a bite to eat before . .”

“Before what?”  Joanne waited anxiously for an answer.

“We’re going to a new base camp . . probably more housekeeping.  It’s a lousy job, but somebody’s gotta do it.”

Roy’s humor was a thin cover, but she picked up on it anyway.  The last thing Joanne wanted to do was end their conversation with a sense of doom and gloom between them.

“Well, if you and Johnny get any good references up there, bring ‘em home with you.  I know of a job you can get back here in Carson.  Pay’s not so great, but the hours are pretty good – at least they are if you can get the kids in bed by eight, and there’s all the free peanut butter and jelly sandwiches you can eat.”

“Hey, we might just do that.”

“Well, until then, go get your partner something to eat.  You know how grumpy he gets when he’s hungry.”

“I sure do!”  Roy laughed.  Then quietly, he said his goodbyes, finishing as always with,

“ I love you.”

“I love you too, Roy.”

Joanne almost added ‘and be careful’, but a moment’s hesitation made that decision for her.  With a click, her husband was gone, and her heart sank.  Slipping the receiver back into place, she bowed her head as she struggled to regain her composure.

“What’s wrong, Mommy?”  

“Wrong?”  Joanne smiled at her daughter.  “Nothing’s wrong…except that I’m going to be so lonely playing in that big backyard by myself.  So if you want to keep me company, you’d better get your toys cleaned up, right now!”

With squeals of delight, Chris and Jen hurried to pick up their treasures, anxious to finish the work and return to their swimming pool.  Watching from her vantage point, Joanne couldn’t help but smile over her children, and hope that her husband would be back home very soon.

Part 2