"Picking Up The Pieces" © January 2001 Nancy F. Thysell. "Emergency!" and its characters © Mark VII Productions. All rights reserved. No infringement on any copyrights or trademarks is intended or should be inferred. This is a work of fiction, and any similarity to actual persons or events is purely coincidental.

TITLE: Picking Up The Pieces-Part 3

AUTHOR: Nancy, the Nifty Lady (Niftylady51@aol.com)

Picking Up The Pieces-Part 3

JoAnne DeSoto waited impatiently for Johnny and his date to arrive, which amused Roy to no end. He knew she was dying of curiosity to learn what type of young woman Johnny was dating that he wanted his "family" to meet.

"Jo. Calm down sweetheart," Roy advised. His wife rolled her eyes at him.

"I'm calm. I'm calm. I just wish they'd get here. I'm...I'm hungry!" she tried to explain, unsuccessfully. Roy chuckled.

"Yeah. Me too."

Just then they both heard Johnny's Land Rover pull up to the curb. JoAnne and Roy peeked through the blinds to get an advance look at Johnny's date. Jessica was wearing powder blue slacks with a matching silky blouse. Johnny took her hand as they came up the sidewalk to the DeSoto's front door. JoAnne and Roy quickly stepped away from the window and waited for Johnny to ring the bell.

# # # # # # #

After dinner and a movie, the two couples stopped at Bob's Big Boy for dessert. They seated themselves in a corner booth. JoAnne and Roy split a piece of strawberry pie while Johnny shared a hot fudge brownie sundae with Jessica. Roy thought how relaxed and content his partner looked and had to admit that Jessica Reynolds was just what the doctor ordered.

Later that evening the two couples made their goodbyes in front of the DeSoto's home. Roy put his arm around his wife as they watched Johnny's car disappear into the darkness.

"Well, what did you think of her," he asked his wife, now that they were alone.

"I liked her a lot," JoAnne commented.

"But?"

"But what?"

"I hear a 'but' in your comment," Roy explained as they entered their house.

"You know me too well," JoAnne admitted.

"So?"

"I don't know. I think she's a very nice girl. Very sweet. But I just don't see Johnny spending the rest of his life with her."

"Why is that?"

"Oh, Roy! I'm not sure. It's just a feeling."

Roy nodded. Having known his bride since they were in the fourth grade, he had learned to bow to his wife's intuition. He wondered if she might be wrong this time. His thoughts were interrupted as JoAnne took his hand and headed for the bedroom. He smiled at his wife when it occurred to him that they had the house to themselves as both kids were spending the night with friends.

# # # # # # #

Johnny pulled up to the curb by Jessica's apartment building. He jumped out and rounded the front of the Rover to the passenger door and opened it. Jessica held out her hand and he assisted her out of the vehicle. Hand and hand they walked to her apartment. Jessica fumbled nervously with her keys and smiled timidly at Johnny as he took them and unlocked the door.

"Thank you," Jessica said as he handed the keys back to her. She leaned against the doorjamb.

"You're most welcome," Johnny said with a grin. He leaned in and captured her lips in a kiss. When they finally surfaced for air, Jessica brushed the hair away from her face.

"You wanna come in?" she asked somewhat breathlessly. Johnny smiled and glanced toward the interior of the apartment before shaking his head.

"Not tonight."

Jessica couldn't quite hide her disappointment from Johnny and he lifted her chin gently.

"It's not you. I'm just not ready. Okay?"

She nodded as he enveloped her into his arms and kissed the top of her head. He stepped back and looked into her eyes, searching.

"You okay?" he asked again.

"I will be," she sniffed slightly.

"I'll call you tomorrow," Johnny told her.

She smiled. "Okay."

Jessica watched as Johnny retraced his steps down the hall until he turned the corner and then she sadly closed the door and turned into her apartment. Was she missing something? Something felt out of place but she wasn't sure what it was.

# # # # # # #

Roy straightened up in front of his locker to button his uniform shirt as Johnny breezed in.

"Morn'n Pally," the younger paramedic greeted.

"Morn'n Junior," Roy responded. Johnny glanced at his partner and stopped and stared. Roy looked up from buttoning the last button to see Johnny staring.

"What? Do I have something on my shirt?"

"Nah. I just never noticed how grey your chest hair is becoming," he teased.

"Watch it Junior," Roy cautioned his partner. "I think you gave me every one!"

Johnny chuckled in return and he dressed in his own uniform.

"Yeah. Yeah. Just like you to blame that on me! What about that bald spot on top of your head you've been trying to comb over?" Johnny baited his friend. Roy glared at his junior partner.

"I think you're skating on thin ice," Roy replied tersely but not totally unfriendly.

"Hey guys! What's up?" Chet asked as he entered the locker room.

"Nothing." Johnny answered and then leaned over to Roy as he attached his badge and pins. "Sorry Pally. I was just teasing."

Roy placed his hand on Johnny's shoulder. "I know but that doesn't mean I won't get even," he assured him in a tone that brooked no doubt that he would. Johnny gulped. Maybe he had stepped over a line. He quickly tucked his shirt into his pants and rushed to join the others in the day room. He hadn't expected on spending the rest of the day apologizing but he felt that's exactly what was going to happen.

# # # # # # #

The shift passed without any horrendous calls. It was mid afternoon before Johnny finally asked Roy what he and JoAnne thought of Jessica.

"She's nice. Really sweet. You two becoming an item?"

Johnny shook his head. "I don't know. I really like her but..."

"Well, maybe it's too soon to be dating."

"Maybe," Johnny answered thoughtfully as he twirled the ring on his finger.

Later when they turned in for the night, Johnny wandered out to the day room and got himself a tall glass of milk. He looked over at the phone and wrestled with himself as to whether or not he should call Jessica. He downed the milk and rinsed out the glass in the sink and turned around. Again he looked at the phone before bypassing it and returning to the dorm.

# # # # # # #

Johnny tossed and turned in his bunk, waiting for sleep to claim him. The engine was toned out around one. Both paramedics had responded with the rest of the crew until it was apparent they weren't included on this run. They both settled down. Finally Johnny fell asleep.

He was walking down the trail only this time he knew where he was and he broke into a run to reach the cottage.

"Shannon! Raven!" he called as he entered the yard. In a moment, Shannon appeared at the door.

"Hi Johnny," she called back. She turned into the interior of the cottage. "Raven. Your daddy's here."

Johnny waited as the door swung wide and Raven ran to his arms.

"Daddy!" she cried.

"Baby! Oh my sweet baby!" Johnny murmured. Shannon was soon standing beside him. She led them over to the glider and they all sat down with Raven snugly in Johnny's arms.

"Why are you here?" she asked softly.

"I wanted to see you...Both," he responded just as softly.

Shannon took his free hand and held it a moment.

"You've started dating again. That's good," she finally said. Johnny looked at her in surprise.

"What? How do you know that?" he asked in a startled voice.

Shannon smiled. "I watch over you John Roderick Gage. It's my job."

He eyed her carefully. "All the time?" he asked nervously.

Shannon laughed. "Well, not every minute. I'm there when you need me."

He smiled nervously. "I guess that's good to know."

"Do you love her?" Shannon asked after another bit of silence.

Johnny shifted Raven in his lap. She had fallen asleep, sucking her thumb.

"No. I like her but I'm not in love with her."

"Then don't drag it out, John Gage. I want you to find the happiness you deserve," she said plainly.

"I don't think I'm ready," he admitted.

"You're ready, John. It's time to find the love of your life."

"But what about you and Raven?"

"We'll always be here. Always."

The vision began to blur.

"No! I'm not ready to go!" he yelled. The scene became black and Johnny was pulled in another direction. He searched for his grandfather but the darkness remained and it was oppressive. A reddish glow appeared on his left and he headed toward it. The glow grew in size until he found himself in a small dark room. He was confused. He didn't know where he was. A man entered the room and Johnny turned in his direction.

"You bastard!" the vision screamed at him. "You took away my life! You killed them both!"

"Doc?" Johnny asked in a strangled voice. The trial hadn't begun yet for Dr. Taraboli and Johnny was hoping he'd cope a plea so he never had to see the man again.

"It's your fault! It's all your fault," the doctor's image screamed unmercifully at the young paramedic.

"No! It isn't! You're to blame! How could you do that to your own granddaughter?" he screamed back. He found himself lunging at the vision, his hands tightening around the man's neck.

"Johnny wake up!" Roy cried out hoarsely as he tried to pry Johnny's fingers from his neck. The engine crew returned just in time to find the two paramedics struggling. It took all four of them to release Johnny's grip on his partner.

"John! Pal! Wake up!" Cap commanded the younger man. Roy was eased to his bunk, rubbing his neck.

"He's having a nightmare," Roy squeaked out. The captain glanced concerned in Roy's direction. A quick nod from Roy assured him that was he okay.

"John! Wake up!" Hank repeated.

Johnny's glazed eyes seemed to focus and recognize his surroundings. He stared at his coworkers in confusion.

"What...what's going on?" he asked.

"You've had a nightmare Pal. Are you okay now?" Hank asked quietly. Johnny nodded his head. His dark hair matted with sweat. He looked over at Roy. Mike was handing him a cup of water.

"Roy?"

"I'm okay, Johnny. Don't worry about it," he tried to reassure his partner.

"What did I do?" he asked in alarm.

"You tired to choke me...well, you were choking someone. I just hope it wasn't really me," Roy explained as he rubbed his throat gingerly.

Johnny stared at his bed, trying to remember. He could recall bits and pieces. He could remember being with Shannon and Raven. And the red glow. He felt confused and couldn't remember more.

"When's your next appointment with Dr. Shields?" Hank asked in his capacity as both a friend and superior. Johnny raked his hand through his hair.

"Tomorrow."

"Good." With that the discussion was closed. Hank turned to his crew. "I want everyone to turn in. We still have a long night ahead of us. Let's get some sleep."

The men dispersed to their bunks. Johnny lay staring at the ceiling as he heard the steady and regular breathing of his shift-mates as they drifted off to sleep. He rolled uncharacteristically onto his right side and closed his eyes. He wanted to sleep but he didn't want to dream.

# # # # # # #

Johnny entered Rampart through the ER. Habits die hard. He turned and walked toward the base station. The emergency room hummed with its normal activity. He stopped at the counter and looked inside the command center where Dr. Early was instructing a set of paramedics in the field. A student nurse was at his side taking notes. Johnny couldn't help but check her out from his advantage point. Dixie McCall came up behind him and slid a clipboard in the rack.

"Well, Johnny. What brings you to the ER today?" she wondered as she rounded the counter. She picked up the coffee pot from the warmer and began to pour a cup. "Coffee?"

"Thanks Dix," Johnny responded as he took the Styrofoam cup. He nodded with his chin at the command center.

"Who's..."

Dixie glanced into the closed room and smiled. It sounded like the old John Gage was back.

"That's one of our new student nurses," she explained. "Her name is Judy Mitchell and I'm sorry to report, engaged."

Johnny's smile sagged a bit. "Oh? Too bad." He sighed after another sip of coffee.

"Well, you never did answer me," she scolded him. He looked at her with confusion.

"What?"

"I asked you what brought you to the ER today. You're obviously not working."

Johnny glanced down at his street clothes and chuckled. Yeah, there was no mistaking his red-print, western shirt with the sleeves rolled up, or the blue jeans and boots as being work attire.

"Well, you've got me there," he admitted with his infamous grin. "I have an appointment with Dr. Shields in a while. I guess I was on autopilot when I wandered in here."

Dixie smiled as she placed her cup on the counter. "I understand. How are things going? With Dr. Shields I mean."

Johnny's countenance clouded a moment. He picked at a nonexistent smudge on the counter. "Okay, I guess."

He lifted his gaze to meet Dixie's. She noted the sadness there. "I'm tired of it all, you know? I just want my life back to normal."

"I know." Dixie put her hand over his and squeezed it gently. "You'll get there."

Johnny smiled at her. "I guess. I get so impatient at times."

Dixie laughed. "Now that sounds like the John Gage I've always know."

Johnny laughed too as a young nurse approached the counter.

"Miss McCall?" she interrupted. "Dr. Brackett needs you in Treatment Six."

"Thank you Sherry. Uh Sherry? Have you met John Gage? Johnny here is one of our top paramedics. Johnny this is Sherry Evans. She's new to the ER." Dixie explained as she introduced the two.

"Hi," Johnny said shyly as he extended his hand to the attractive nurse. Hazel eyes stared into his as she took his proffered hand.

"Hello. I've heard a lot about you Mr. Gage."

"Uh...Johnny...all good I hope," he said hopefully as leaned his elbow on the counter. Dixie had already disappeared down the hall. Sherry hesitated slightly. Her brunette hair was swept up and pinned beneath her nurse's cap. Johnny wondered how long it might be as he waited for her to speak.

"Let's say it's been interesting."

A panicked look crossed Johnny's features. "What do you mean?"

Sherry laughed and he liked the sound of it.

"Nothing too horrendous. Perhaps we could get together sometime and you can tell me the real story?" she suggested lightly. Johnny straightened up and smiled

"I'd like that. I'm off duty today and tomorrow. Would dinner either night be good for you?"

The young nursed thought a moment before responding. "I'd love to have dinner with you tomorrow."

She scribbled her address and phone number on a slip of paper and handed it him. Johnny glanced at the information before tucking it in his pocket.

"Great. What time should I pick you up?"

"Seven?"

Johnny nodded. "Seven it is." He pushed himself away from the counter and stepped around her to head to the elevator. "I'll see you then."

"Great. I'm looking forward to it," she smiled.

"Me too." He smiled back and watched as she turned and hurried across the hall to a treatment room. He punched the button to summon the elevator and rocked happily on his heels.

# # # # # # #

Johnny waited nervously after he finished telling Dr. Randall Shields about his most recent nightmare. The doctor made a few notes, set down his pen and looked over at his patient.

"Hmm."

"Hmm? Hmm? That's ALL you have to say is hmm?" Johnny snapped angrily.

"Whoa, John! Where's all that coming from?"

"I'm angry! I nearly choked my best friend to death!"

"But you didn't..."

"I might have if the rest of the guys hadn't returned when they did. Damn it Rand! I don't feel like it's safe for me to go to sleep. What will I do the next time? I feel like I can't trust myself. I don't think the others are too confident about me either!"

"John...it was a dream. You subconscious is trying to work through it. I'm going to suggest again that you consider hypnosis. No. Don't protest to me because that's what happened to you during your captivity. It's a useful tool."

"I don't care. I never want to be hypnotized again!" he stated adamantly.

"John..."

"No! Don't you understand, Rand? When you're hypnotized, you lose control. I can't give that up to anyone. Not ever again."

"It doesn't have to be that way, John. I can hypnotize you so that you stay in control. I'd only be your guide."

Johnny shook his head. "I don't know. It scares me."

"I understand but you're unable to remember the nightmares. Whatever your subconscious is trying to tell you, you're blocking it out when you're awake."

Johnny shook his head again, still uncertain.

"John. What if Roy were with you? Would you agree to it then?" Rand Shields asked hopefully. Johnny considered this for a few minutes and finally relented.

"If Roy's with me. Maybe I'd feel safe enough."

"Good. Let's call him now. I want to set this up for as soon as possible."

Reluctantly, Johnny rose to his feet and picked up the telephone and dialed Roy's number. He was hoping that his partner wasn't home but after three rings, he heard his partner's harried hello.

"Roy. Did I get you at a bad time?"

"No. No. Not at all. What can I do you for?"

"Uh. I'm at Dr. Shield's office. He wants to put me under hypnosis."

"Oh?"

"I said I wouldn't do it unless you agreed to be here with me."

"Me? Why?"

"I'm afraid to submit..."

"Because of what happened at the cabin?" Roy jumped in, finally understanding.

"Yeah. So can you?"

"When do want me?"

Johnny looked over at the doctor. "He said yes. When do you want to do this?"

Dr. Shields opened his appointment book and perused the open time slots.

"Tomorrow at ten a.m."

Johnny relayed the information to his partner. "Thanks Pally. I owe you one."

"One!" Roy snorted. "I think it's a lot higher than that."

Johnny laughed. "You're probably right."

"Jo wants you to come to dinner tonight if you don't have any plans," Roy told him before he could hang up.

"Tonight? Sure. I'd love to. Haven't had a chance to spend much time with Jen and Chris in quite some time."

"Great. Come early and we'll fix that railing on the deck."

"Okay. I'll see you in a while," he agreed and then hung up the phone.

"You're very fortunate to have such a good friend in Roy," Rand pointed out.

"You don't have to tell me. He's the best," Johnny said fondly. "He's not only my partner and best friend, he's the brother I never had."

"I understand. Okay. I've have you down for ten in the morning. Go enjoy yourself at Roy's and get a good night's sleep. Don't worry about anything. I'm sure this session will enlighten us."

Johnny nodded. He hoped so too. Dr. Shields rose to his feet and walked Johnny to the door. Somehow, Johnny felt oddly relieved that they were going to be doing this.

# # # # # # #

It was early afternoon when Johnny parked in front of Roy's house. They spent the hour before school let out to work on Roy's deck railing. They had just settled on the patio chairs with a couple of cold beers when the school bus dropped Chris and Jennifer off.

"Uncle Johnny!" they cried out happily as they plowed across the deck to hug their favorite "uncle."

"Hey guys!" he greeted them. Jennifer crawled into his lap and planted a wet kiss on his cheek. Then they bombarded him with questions and requests.

"You coming to dinner? Read me a story. Play catch with me! Play Barbies with me. Please! Watch me Uncle Johnny!"

"Whoa guys. Give Johnny a break, okay? He'll be here all evening so you'll have plenty of time," Roy admonished his children. "Now, go change out of your school clothes and start your homework."

"Aw Dad."

"Daddy!" Jennifer whined.

"Go on. The sooner you start, the sooner you're done. Now." Roy's tone brooked no argument and reluctantly his offspring headed dejectedly into the house. Johnny chuckled and shook his head. Roy glared at him.

"Just you wait until you have your own," Roy warned and then realized what he said. "Oh. I'm sorry. I didn't mean..."

"It's okay, Roy. I know what you meant. And someday, I hope to find a great girl like JoAnne and settle down and have a bunch of babies."

Roy raised a suspicious eyebrow. "A bunch? You?" Then it was Roy's turn to laugh.

Johnny tried to look injured. "Yes me. Why not?"

"I just never figured that you settle down that much," he admitted.

"Well, it could happen. Especially if I met the right girl. And speaking of girls, Dixie introduced me to a new ER nurse. We're having dinner tomorrow night."

"Really? What about Jessica?"

Johnny shrugged his shoulders. "I don't know. I guess the chemistry wasn't right. I think I'd be better off seeing a lot of ladies right now."

"Well, it sure doesn't sound like you're going to be settling down and raising a big family any time soon," Roy observed.

"Hi guys!" JoAnne interrupted merrily as she rounded the house, carrying a sack of groceries.

"Hi Sweetheart! Here let me take that for you," Roy offered as he jumped up. He kissed JoAnne on the cheek and tried to relieve her of the bag.

"Hi Honey. No. I'll take this in. You and Johnny can get the rest in the car," she explained as she headed into the house.

"Okay Jo. The kids are home. I sent them to do their homework," Roy called out as he and Johnny headed for JoAnne's station wagon.

"Thanks," she called back. Johnny stuffed his hands into his jean pockets and grinned. He loved being around the normal family life of his partner. Yeah, he wanted the same thing and he knew Shannon was right. He needed to find the love of his life and start a family.

# # # # # # #

Roy waited quietly in an overstuffed chair as Dr. Shields prepared Johnny for the hypnosis. Johnny was nervous and had a hard time calming his body down.

"Just relax John. Take some deep breaths."

Johnny did as he was instructed. He listened patiently as the doctor explained how they would proceed. Before long, Dr. Shields had Johnny under and they began.

"John. You know Roy is here with you, right?"

"Yes."

"How do you feel?"

"Nervous."

"I want you to relax. You have nothing to fear. There's nothing here. No one here that can hurt you. Roy won't let that happened. Do you understand?"

"Yes."

Johnny's breathing slowed and Roy could have sworn his partner was asleep, except that his eyes were wide open.

"Now, John. I want you to remember the last dream you had. Can you recall it?"

Johnny made a face as he tried to remember. Then he smiled.

"I went to see Shannon and Raven."

"Tell me about your visit."

Roy watched in amazement as Johnny related the details of his dream visit. He could almost see them himself in the way Johnny spoke of them. Then he saw the panic in Johnny's face as his vision vanished.

"Tell me what's happening," the doctor urged.

"It's dark. I can see a red glow. I want to go back to Shannon and Raven but I can't. It's pulling me! Stop! I don't want...I..."

"What is it John? What do you see?"

"Doc. It's Doc. He's blaming me for Shannon and Raven's deaths! That SOB! Blaming me!"

Fury filled John's face. He held up his hands and began to choke the vision in front of his eyes. "Damn you! I'll kill you!" Roy started from the chair but Shields motioned him to stay put.

"John. You don't want to do that. You're angry but you really don't want to kill Doc," Shields told the young paramedic. Johnny lowered his hands and looked at them his lap.

"But I do. I want to kill him for what he did to Shannon. For what he did to me." Johnny spoke so softly that Roy could barely hear him.

"John. Listen to me now. Doc isn't worth it. He's going to pay for his actions for an eternity. You would do Shannon and Raven a disservice to do otherwise. The best thing you can do is be here and now and testify against him in court. Send him to jail for the rest of his days." Rand Shields' words were encouraging. Johnny looked up with unshed tears in his eyes.

"I don't know if I can," he said honestly. He grabbed his arms to his chest, like he was cold. "I hate him so much."

"Hate is a strong emotion, John. And it's against your nature to hate. You're a caretaker, John. It's time to let go of that hate. It's time to get on with your life. Don't give his man any more of your energy," the doctor counseled. "I need you to wake up now. You'll remember everything that we've discussed. When I count to three, you'll come out of the hypnosis. One...two...three."

Johnny shook his head to clear it. And then looked at the doctor before looking over at Roy.

"Wow. Man! That was it?"

"That was it. How do you feel?"

"Like the weight of the world is off my shoulders! I had no idea I hated Doc so much."

"That's understandable. Hate is not an emotion that you entertain that much. As a matter of fact, I'd venture to say, it's fairly alien to you."

"But..." Johnny tried to protest.

"No. I know you have strong feelings about things. And I'm sure there are plenty of things you strongly dislike but it's rare for you to hate. You've stuffed that feeling deep inside you. It's okay to hate Doc. Just don't waste your energy doing so."

"What do you mean?"

"Just that. You can hate him. Move on. Nothing you do will change what that man did. Don't give him any more power over your life."

Johnny glanced over at Roy and his partner shrugged.

"I guess I can try," he promised.

"Good. I think we've made a lot of progress today," Rand Shields commented.

Johnny raked his fingers through his hair and sighed. "I hope so, Rand. I sure hope so."

# # # # # # #

Roy marveled at how his partner seemed to be bouncing back. It had been nearly a month since his hypnosis session with Dr. Shields. He seemed to be back to the old Gage. Chasing after every new face he met. Even Chet was able to start harassing his partner about being shot down by yet another woman. But Roy knew that there was a difference. This time his partner was looking...really looking...for more than a casual relationship. But no one seemed to measure up. At least he seemed like he was enjoying the pursuit.

They were on their way back to the station after a run to Rampart, when Roy looked over and saw a faraway look on his partner's face.

"What's up Junior?"

Johnny gave his partner a distracted look. "What?"

"Where have you been? You seem to be a million miles away."

Johnny leaned against the open window and let the breeze ruffle his hair.

"Just thinking." He looked over at Roy. "You know I haven't had any dreams I could remember now for a month."

He twirled his wedding band.

"I miss seeing Shannon and Raven," he said softly.

"Maybe it's because you're dating so much," Roy suggested. Johnny gazed out the window.

"Maybe. You know what I want, Roy?"

"No. What do you want?"

"I want what you have with JoAnne."

Roy seemed surprised when he looked over at his partner. "What?"

"You know what I mean-a loving, lasting, committed relationship. Kids. The whole nine yards."

Roy smiled. "Yeah. I guess I do know what you mean. But it's not always a bed of roses you know. You make it sound like Jo and I never fight or have problems."

"I'm not that naive. But I see how much you care about Jo and the kids. Problems are a part of life but despite everything, you two love each other."

"Yeah. I can't imagine what my life would be like without her," Roy admitted.

"See! That's what I want. Sometimes I wonder if I'll ever find it."

"You will. When you least expect it."

Roy backed the squad into the truck bay and killed the engine. Johnny didn't move right away to get out.

"Sometimes I wonder if Shannon was it. My one true love."

Roy shook his head. "No. Somehow, I don't think she was. Don't forget you've told me a lot about your dreams of Shannon. Didn't you tell me that she wanted you to find the love of your life?"

Johnny stared at his friend a moment. "I guess I did. I guess I just have to keep looking then."

He opened the door as Chet approached.

"Looking? What did ya lose this time Gage?" he inquired.

"My patience with you!" he groused at Chet. The fireman stepped back as Johnny slammed the door on the squad.

"Me? What did I do?" he called after Gage's disappearing form into the day room. Roy chuckled to himself as he closed his door and followed Johnny and Chet into the kitchen.

"Come on, Gage. Give!" Chet implored.

"Chet. I'm warning you! Leave me alone," Johnny hissed as he poured himself a cup of coffee. He turned toward his partner with Chet on his heels, anxious to know what he did. The twinkle in Johnny's eyes and a barely suppressed grin, let Roy know that he was yanking Chet's chain.

"John? Johnny? What? Tell me!" the firefighter pleaded. Roy sat down at the table and picked up a section of the newspaper.

"Better leave him alone Chet," Roy cautioned. Chet's eyes almost begged Roy for an explanation. Marco entered the room.

"Hey Chet. Cap wants us to hang some hose, remember?" he reminded his coworker.

"Yeah. Yeah. I'm coming. I catch you later, Gage!" he announced and then followed Marco out to the parking lot. Johnny couldn't contain himself any longer and burst out laughing.

"Did you see the look on Chester B.'s face?" he laughed. Roy smiled in agreement.

"You had him going. How long you gonna string him along?"

Johnny shrugged his shoulders. "Who knows? Maybe forever."

The wall phone rang and Roy stood to answer it.

"It's for you, Johnny," he said after the caller identified himself.

Johnny took the phone from his friend.

"This is John Gage...Oh hello Mr. Ralston...Okay...When do I need to be there?" Roy listened with interest to Johnny's side of the conversation. He thought the name of the caller sounded familiar. Johnny retrieved the notepad from his pocket and clicked his lime green pen to the ready. He wrote something quickly on the paper and listened intently to the caller for another few minutes.

"Well, thank you for calling and letting me know. Bye." He hung up the phone and looked at his partner.

"Who was it?" Roy asked.

"That was the DA for Palm Springs. They're going to trial in three weeks. He said I'm going to have to be there to testify." Johnny sat down at the table, feeling numb.

"You okay?" the senior partner asked with concern.

"Yeah. I guess. Man! I thought...I mean, I hoped that I wouldn't have to go through this."

"Do they have any idea how long the trial will last?"

Johnny shook his head. "No idea. He said I should plan on a couple of weeks, minimum."

"Oh man. Can I do anything?" Roy offered not knowing what he could actually do.

"I don't know. Maybe you can come down when you can. I don't want to be alone down there. By the way, he did mention that all you guys might be summoned as well."

Roy nodded. He figured that they might be called upon to testify as well. He fervently wished that his friend wouldn't have to go through the trial but that didn't seem possible at this juncture.

"Well, I guess I'd better go tell Cap."

"Yeah. I guess."

Johnny nodded and turned to seek out Captain Stanley in his office.

# # # # # # #

To be continued in Part 4