Disclaimers: Nothing particular in this chapter, but in the story there are interactions with Hispanic street gangs. I, personally, have no experience with gangs and tried to stick with 1970 research, which is a bit difficult to find. I am hoping the story at least has some semblance of realism, but please keep in mind it is fiction; and I was trying to stay at a T-rating. I also tried to incorporate a few Spanish phrases, but don't speak Spanish. I used Google Translate, so please forgive any errors.
E
The men of Station 51's A shift congregated around the table in the kitchen. Ashley James, the temporary paramedic working with them should be in soon, to change for her shift. It was the guys turn to get in early and get ready, so she could have the locker room. Roy and Mike were just entering the kitchen when Ashley came flying in the back door of the station.
"I got in!"
Johnny jumped up from the table, with a clap of his hands, "Woot!". He grabbed her into a hug, picking her up off the ground, as he spun her around. He dropped his head, his lips just touching hers before she was ripped out of his arms. Mike pulled her into a hug. "I knew you could do it!"
"Congratulations, Ashley," Marco came up for his hug next.
"You're gonna do great!" Chet said, when she hugged him.
"I'm really happy for you, Ash," Roy said, as he hugged her.
Captain Stanley walked into the kitchen and Ashley grabbed him into a hug. "Uh, did I miss something?" Captain Stanley asked, looking puzzled.
"I got accepted to the Fire Academy," Ashley said, as she released him. The men had been working with her for a couple of months to help her be eligible for admission. She had come to them almost 5 months ago, and after a very rocky start that had involved a flirtation with Roy, disobeying the Captain on a run in an attempt to save Johnny and her attempted suicide, she was now officially one of the family.
"Congratulations, I knew you could do it," Captain Stanley said, pulling her back into another hug.
"I gotta go get changed for roll call," Ashley practically skipped toward the locker room.
"That's really incredible. I'm so proud of her," Johnny said, watching her leave the room, his hands on his hips.
Mike looked over at him. "She'll need to keep her head on straight. This isn't going to be easy. Getting accepted was probably the easy part," Mike said, giving Johnny a stern look.
Johnny looked confused at Mike's stare, but let it go. Ashley re-joined the men as they prepared for roll call.
"First, let me officially say congratulations to Ashley for being accepted into the fire academy. I know you'll do 51 proud. You technically have a month left with us, but when do you leave for the academy?" Captain Stanley asked.
"In three weeks, so my time with all of you will end a week early, but hopefully once I get through the academy I won't be stationed too far away. I couldn't have done this without each and every one of you. You've been like family to me," Ashley said, her eyes getting misty.
"That doesn't stop just because you're going to be a fire fighter," Johnny said, slipping his arm around her waist. "We won't get to see you quite as much while your training, but you'll get days to come home and we'll be anxiously awaiting your return," Johnny smiled, his most flirtatious smile. Ashley blushed at his look.
Mike's eyes narrowed slightly.
"On to less joyful news. The flu is still making its way among the ranks with a ferociousness that is causing issues. 116s is very short on men and has desperately asked for help. Marco, they're really hoping you can help out given the predominately Spanish speaking population in their area. They need someone for tomorrow's shift; it means a double, but their desperate."
Marco frowned. "Cap, I'd rather not."
Captain Stanley looked up, surprised by the answer. "Well, Marco, I can't force you to take overtime, but I know the men would really appreciate it. They've been working double shifts for a while now. The men that haven't gotten sick, are tired enough they're at risk for injuries, due to sleep deprivation."
Marco looked at the ground, but didn't say anything for a long minute. "Okay, Cap. I'll do it."
"Johnny, Roy, they need a paramedic for tomorrow as well, are either of you willing to help out?"
"Cap, I would, but I already agreed to work over at 10s," Johnny said.
"They tagged me for 24s," Roy said.
Captain Stanley looked at Ashley. "They're pretty desperate, Ashley, do you think if they would be okay with your not being able to function as a rescue man, you could help them as a paramedic?"
Marco shook his head. "Cap, that's a bad idea. 116's in a bad area; I don't think we should send Ashley there."
Ashley looked over at Marco. "I can handle myself, Marco."
"She'll be riding with Bryan Peterson; I'll sure she'll be fine," Captain Stanley said. "Plus, you'll be there to help keep an eye on her.
Marco looked like he wanted to say something else, but at the Captain's stern look he closed his mouth.
Johnny looked over at Ashley. He didn't like the idea of her going to 116 either. He had worked over there a few times and knew the area could be really rough. Several competing gangs claimed that territory; normally they kept to themselves, but over the last few months there had been some random attacks on ambulance crews, police and innocent bystanders. It was a disturbing trend in escalating gang violence.
Captain Stanley finished assigning chores and the men began to disperse to their duties. Johnny, Roy and Ashley moved over to the squad. Ashley pulled out the biophone and performed the radio check, sending an EKG test strip. Johnny and Roy checked out the drug box and made a list of supplies that were needed.
Roy moved into the kitchen for coffee, but Johnny stopped Ashley before she could follow him. "Tomorrow, you stick close to Peterson when the Squad's on a run, and him or Marco when the station's on a run. I don't think any of the local gangs would target a woman paramedic, but there's been an increase in violence in that area."
"Johnny, relax," Ashley laughed.
"I'm serious. You get caught up in a rescue and don't always see the full scene. It's one of the areas Roy and I wanted to work with you on this month. We still will, but keep that in mind tomorrow. Be aware of your surroundings, who's coming and going near the scene; not just the victim you're working on."
Ashley furrowed her brow. This was the first time Johnny had mentioned this deficiency. Of course, there had been a lot of areas they'd been working with her on, trying to get her ready for the academy admissions exam. The primary focus had been on getting her strength, endurance and skills up to par. Apparently, there were some finer points they hadn't gotten to yet.
Ashley walked into the kitchen and filled a mug with coffee. She was chewing on her bottom lip, thinking about what Johnny had said to her. Roy looked her over. "It's just one more area to work on, Ash. Don't let it get to you."
Ashley smiled at him. She and Roy had only known each other 5 months, but she had bonded with him right away. A bit inappropriately at first, but that had long since been put in check. Now, Roy was starting to fill the role of older brother; and Ashley was even getting to know his wife and kids. There were times it seemed like he could read her mind, this being one of them.
"If it makes me less efficient at helping someone, it's a problem to worry about," Ashley said quietly.
"This isn't about helping the victim. This is about you staying safe. Not all rescues are as simple as getting to the victim and helping them out. Sometimes the reason you have a victim is still an active threat to you. You know to watch out for the live power line, but what about the drunk guy with the beer bottle? You need to learn to stop, assess a scene and then decide if it's okay to go assess the victim."
The tones sounded, "Squad 51, man down, 2568 Briarwood, cross street Plymouth Rd. Time out 8:22"
Ashley slid into her seat in the middle of the squad and slipped on her helmet. She was still thinking about what Johnny and Roy had said when they pulled onto the street.
"Okay, what do I need to be aware of?"
"Who's at the scene?" Johnny asked. "What do you see around us?"
"Some kids playing, the woman standing at the end of the driveway, that's our destination."
"What about the teenagers leaning against the car, two houses down?"
"What about them?"
"You should know they're there," Johnny said, opening the door as Roy pulled the squad to the shoulder.
Ashley slipped out grabbing the drug box, as Johnny grabbed the oxygen and biophone. Roy took the defibrillator and the three followed the woman into the house. A middle aged man was on the floor, holding his left arm and complaining it was difficult to breathe. The paramedics quickly got to work, after several months they worked easily together, knowing what each person needed and was thinking with very few words passing between them.
Ashley helped the wife into the front seat of the ambulance as Roy loaded up in the back. Ashley and Johnny followed in the squad.
When they got back to the station, Mike was just serving up lunch. Marco was sitting quietly at the end of the table. Ashley slid into a chair next to him. "I don't know where 116 is located. Do you think I can leave my car here and just ride over with you? It'll mean you need to drive me back in the morning, so I can just follow you, if you prefer."
"No, you should ride over with me. It really isn't a good area; you make sure you stay with Peterson on runs. And near me, if possible," Marco warned.
Ashley laughed. "Johnny already gave me this lecture. Want to try for another one?"
"This isn't a joke, Ashley," Marco said with an intensity that caught her off guard. He was usually pretty easy going about things.
"Okay, Marco. I'll be careful."
E
Marco could feel the heat from the fire on his skin. He knew Rico was in trouble and he needed to go find him, but he couldn't move. He couldn't see through all the smoke. He felt this throat tightening as the oxygen supply disappeared. He saw her then, standing in the distance, clear as day. The flames reflecting in her deep brown eyes, the light illuminating her caramel colored skin. He tried to reach her, but she started screaming; he watched as the blood soaked her white shirt.
Marco sat up with a start. He tried to swallow, but his throat was too dry. He could feel the sweat dripping down his back. He turned and slipped his feet into his boots, pulling his bunkers up and strapping the suspenders over is shoulders. He made his way into the locker room, splashing cold water onto his face.
He hadn't dreamed about Rico and Marisol in years. The nightmare had haunted him for years, but that was a long time ago. He knew it was triggered tonight because he had agreed to go work at 116. He should have told the Captain no. But, he would have had to explain why and he just couldn't talk about it. Not this, not ever.
Marco wandered into the kitchen and reached for a glass to get some water. He noticed his hand shaking as he reached up toward the cupboard. He dropped his hand and his head, drawing in a few deep breaths trying to calm his nerves. He moved over to the stove and started a pot of coffee. He knew from past experience there would not be any more sleep tonight. He'd need the caffeine to get through his shift tomorrow. He said a silent prayer for a quiet day.
E
The next morning the men let Ashley change first, so she was waiting for Marco in the kitchen when he came out to go over to Station 116. He looked tired, even though they'd only had 2 brief calls the night before. Stress was evident in his eyes and he really didn't look happy.
When they got in his car, Ashley twisted in her seat, so she could look over at her friend. "Marco, what is it about this station that bothers you so much?"
"The station's fine," Marco said tersely.
"Okay, then what is it about the guys or the area that bothers you so much?"
"Butt out, Ashley. It's none of your business," Marco snapped.
Ashley pulled back into her seat a little bit, but didn't stop looking at Marco. He never snapped at her, even when she was driving him crazy asking all kinds of questions about his heritage, the language, or even his cooking. Marco was the most patient person she'd ever met.
Marco stole a quick look at her out of the corner of his eye. "Look, Ash, don't mind me. I've got bad memories about this neighborhood; but I don't want to talk about it."
"Okay, Marco, but if you need to talk, you know I'm always here," Ashley said, laying her hand on Marco's arm as he drove.
Marco parked the car. They were the last to arrive, but the shift knew they'd be a bit late and one paramedic from A shift and one linesman had waited for them to arrive. Ashley briefly met with Peterson, her partner for the next 24 hours and Johnson to get the handoff from the previous night. Marco relieved the linesman who told him how grateful he was for a break. "We've been working 48 to 72 hours on, with only 24 hours off for almost 2 weeks. I desperately need the 2-days off."
Marco just nodded. He hoped it was a quiet 24 hours.
His hopes were quickly dashed as the Station was called out for a multi-vehicle car accident and warehouse fire before they even made it to lunch. Ashley and Bryan Peterson had ridden with them on both those calls and were now on a call with a sick child, while the engine crew tried to get lunch together.
Marco kept an eye on the clock. There had not been any issues with gang activity on their first two calls; but he would be concerned until Ashley was back at the station.
E
"Ashley," Bryan handed her the bp cuff. Ashley was kneeling beside the child checking for respirations and pulse. The little girl was so thin. No parent had been found, but the police officer on scene had taken the child into protective custody, so they could start treatment. He had gone back down to the squad car to call Child Protective Services to meet them at the hospital. The little girl couldn't have been more than 5 years old and had been left home alone.
Ashley took the bp cuff and wrapped it around the child's arm. She was scanning the room trying to see what the child might have gotten into. "Bp is 90/60, respirations are 12 and shallow, pulse is 55. Stomach is hard," Ashley relayed to Bryan. He opened the biophone and connected with Rampart; providing Dr. Brackett with the information about the child. "We don't know the cause, Rampart. A neighbor called when she heard the child crying and knew the mother had gone to work. By the time we arrived, the child was unresponsive."
"Squad 116, start an IV with D5W TKO, draw blood samples and transport immediately," Dr. Brackett said.
Bryan started the IV and drew the blood, while Ashley made another sweep of the apartment. She opened the fridge and found an empty milk carton and a few pieces of bread. She opened a few cabinets and found an almost empty container of peanut butter. She moved back toward the couch, where they had found the child. She knelt down looking under the couch and then on the side of the couch, near the table. She found a small open box of rat poison. She picked it up, turning toward Bryan. "There's hardly any food, do you think…?" Ashley couldn't finish the question.
"Bring it," Bryan said, helping the ambulance attendants load the child onto a gurney. They were moving out of the apartment when they were stopped by two men in the hallway. "Where do ya think you're goin'?" They asked, blocking the attendants from proceeding down the hall. Bryan was still in the apartment and Ashley had just stepped into the hall.
"This kid doesn't get help; the mother didn't pay," a large man with the number 18 tattooed on his neck moved to take the lead.
"What are you talking about?" Ashley said. "Paramedic services are free and available to all citizens."
The man with the 18 neck tattoo took another step forward. "Not this one."
Ashley heard Bryan in the apartment sending the necessary message to alert the police to a problem. "Squad 116, we have a Code L at scene."
Bryan stepped out into the hallway and grabbed Ashley's arm, trying to move her behind him. "What's wrong with you?" Ashley asked, yanking her arm free of Bryan's grasp. "This little girl is going to die if she doesn't get to the hospital, RIGHT NOW," Ashley emphasized the last two words, glaring at the large man.
"Her mother shoulda paid," the man said with a smirk.
"How? There isn't even any food in there," Ashley gestured toward the apartment. "What kind of a monster do you have to be to care more about money, than the life of a child?"
"Ashley, shut up," Bryan hissed.
"Gringa needs to be taught to keep her mouth shut," the smaller man said from his position a few feet away. He had the number 18 tattooed on the back of his hand.
"Ya wanna see a monster, Gringa," the large man started to move toward Ashley.
"We have a problem here?" A police officer asked as he rounded the corner.
"Just checkin' on the girl," the larger tattooed man said.
"The girl needs a doctor to check on her. She's leavin' with the paramedics, now," a second police officer joined the group.
Bryan turned to Ashley. "Stay on my left, between me and the police officers," he whispered.
He and Ashley moved with the two ambulance attendants out of the building. "Get in the ambulance," Bryan said moving Ashley toward the back ambulance doors. She turned to him, he had radioed in the call, he should be the one riding in the ambulance and she should be driving the squad. "Get in," he said firmly.
Ashley climbed in with the young girl. Bryan moved over to the squad and followed behind to the hospital.
E
Bryan took Marco aside as soon as they arrived back at the station. "You'd better have a talk with her, Marco," Bryan hissed. "She nearly got us into a bad spot with the 18th Street gang."
"Oh Dios Mio!"
"She needs to learn to keep her mouth shut," Bryan was boiling mad. Ashley had no idea how much trouble she almost cost both of them.
"I got it," Marco said. "I'll talk to her."
"Right now, Marco. Before the tones sound again," Bryan pushed.
"I said, I'll handle it," Marco snipped, in an uncharacteristic fashion.
Bryan walked away and Marco took a minute to draw in a deep breath. He rolled his shoulders and stretched his head to the side, using his right arm to pull his left ear closer to his left shoulder, stretching the muscles in his neck and shoulder. He could feel the tension building. He would be very glad when this shift was over.
Marco walked into kitchen and tapped Ashley on the shoulder. When she looked up, he merely jerked his head back toward the bay, indicating she should follow him. Ashley shot a look at Bryan and pushed back her chair, obediently following Marco out into the bay.
"Ashley," Marco started.
"They were stopping a sick child from getting treatment," Ashley interrupted.
"So, what, you're gonna make yourself victim number 2?"
Ashley rolled her eyes. "They're bullies, Marco. Someone has to stand up to them."
"They're gang members, Ashley. From the 18th Street gang, they're very dangerous. These are not bullies you stand up too. These are men you avoid. For the rest of this shift, you don't speak to anyone, but the victim. Do you understand me? You let Bryan handle any other conversations," Marco said firmly.
"Marco," Ashley started, her tone one of exasperation.
"This is not open for discussion. How many gang members have you even seen, Ashley? Before today?"
Ashley sighed. "None."
"You don't know what you're getting into. Just stick to helping the victims and let Bryan work the scene. You do exactly what he says. You put him in danger too, with that stunt," Marco pointed out.
"I'll keep my mouth shut," Ashley conceded.
E
The rest of the day went by without any incidents. Marco knew he only had to get through the night and he would be done with his shift at 116. So far, it had gone alright, except for the incident with Ashley and two members of the 18th Street gang; but Bryan had kept her in check. Ashley had agreed that a bunk at the end of the row next to Marco would be fine. Unlike 51, there were no walls to provide her any privacy, but she was dressed in shorts and a t-shirt, like she did when she was on shift with the men of Station 51, and was not uncomfortable. Some of the men seemed a bit uneasy as they prepared to slip into bed in only their boxers and t-shirts; but Marco broke the tension by letting out a long, loud whistle as Ashley stepped out of the locker room and moved toward her bunk.
"Look at them legs," he teased, knowing that all the men would be looking anyway.
Ashley laughed. "Almost as good as yours," Ashley teased back.
"Almost," Marco smiled at her and noticed the men had laughed and the tension in the room had dropped a bit. The guys had been nice to her all day and seemed to just be appreciative of the help. It wasn't until the sleeping in the same room as a woman became a reality that there had been any issues with a woman in the station.
Ashley was taking the easy acceptance as a good sign for her upcoming admission to the fire academy. Her first assignment as a fire fighter in North Carolina had been a disaster. The men had been unwilling to accept a woman as a fire fighter. Of course, she thought as she slipped under the blanket, she wasn't functioning as a fire fighter here, or even at Station 51.
It was just after 5:00 AM when the tones sounded for a house fire. The men scrambled into their bunkers, Ashley slipped on her uniform pants, and slid her feet into her shoes as she pulled on her shirt, buttoning it as she moved toward the squad.
Marco stopped her progression briefly. "Stay near the squad. Don't talk to anyone other than the victims. Don't wander away from the perimeter the fire trucks make," Marco instructed.
Ashley noticed this response was different than ones that had occurred during the day. Police were already responding to the scene and the fire trucks and squad parked with the police cars to create a semi-circle around the burning home. Police moved to the outside perimeter, and were watching the crowd.
It was believed the family was still inside the home. Bryan moved to put on his air tank, while Ashley worked on setting up a triage area. Bryan joined Marco and Jack on the line to enter the inferno. Ashley let her gaze wander over the crowd watching the fire. On one side she saw many of the men, more accurately boys, had 18 tattooed somewhere visible on their bodies. They were dressed in dark clothing and many wore an expression that Ashley would have almost classified as proud, or triumphant. Most were silent, but a few were talking and gesturing to each other. Ashley turned to follow their stares to the other side of the semi-circle barricade created by the vehicles. Furious looking young men stood on that side of the perimeter; but instead of the number 18 tattooed on them, many wore C14 visibly inked onto their bodies. They also were dressed in dark colors. They did not seem silent; many were talking angrily with others around them. More police officers were being moved to that side of the perimeter. Ashley noticed all of the police officers were holding night sticks.
She turned her attention back to the house, as someone exited carrying a victim over their shoulders. Ashley knelt down to attend to the young boy laid on the ground by Jack, one of the linesman. "Marco and Bryan are on their way out," he said quickly, before heading back toward the house.
Ashley positioned an oxygen mask on the young man, noting he also had C14 tattooed on his forearm. She started checking for pulse and respirations; her back to the group of men displaying the number 18. She was pumping up the blood pressure cuff when she was suddenly knocked forward by something hitting her hard on the back of her head. For just a moment, her vision blurred and she felt sick to her stomach.
She reached back feeling something wet in her hair, the smell of beer making her stomach lurch a second time. Her eyes focused on the beer bottle laying a few feet to her right. She became aware of the commotion behind her as multiple police officers moved toward the members of the 18th Street gang; someone had thrown the bottle at her for trying help the person they considered their enemy. Ashley felt her head again, the moisture appeared to be beer, not blood.
Ashley forced herself to return to her job, as Marco and Bryan rushed out of the house; each carrying another victim.
"Are you okay?" Marco asked, laying a man on the blanket next to the young boy.
"Yeah," Ashley said, trying to concentrate on listening for the blood pressure change to get an accurate reading.
She felt Bryan touching her head. She tried to swat at his hand, but Marco stopped her arm mid-air. "Let him check you out."
"Vision blurry?" Bryan asked, feeling the bump already forming on the back of her head.
"It was momentarily," Ashley answered honestly, writing down the victims bp in her notebook. "A wave of nausea too, but both have passed."
"We'll get you checked out, when we bring the victims in. If you start having any symptoms, you tell me right away, you hear me?" Bryan said, moving away from her, to go check the woman he had carried out.
"Understood," Ashley said, moving to the man she guessed was the father of the boy she had just been working on.
Squad 24 arrived to help on scene and Roy, who was filling in that night as well, quickly joined Bryan and Ashely to assess victims. Bryan looked at Roy and his partner for the day, Daniel, and asked them to take over care of the father and son. "Ashley took a blow to the head with a bottle and probably has a minor concussion. I prefer she not be treating victims."
Roy quickly moved to Ashley's side. "Where are you hurt?"
"Bryan already checked me. I'm fine."
Roy just looked at her for a moment. "Back of my head," Ashley said, knowing she was not going to get away without Roy checking her out.
"Your hair is wet, but I'm not seeing any blood," Roy said, moving her, so the back of her head was facing a street light and he could see better.
"I think the bottle still had beer in it," Ashley said.
"Let the Captain know that we'll be sending Bryan in with the boy and the mother. You and I will take the father in. He'll need someone to drive the squad to meet you at Rampart," Roy said, moving to start working on the older gentleman.
Ashley stood up and leaned against the squad as the world tilted slightly. She looked around for the Captain. He was walking near Marco, moving around the edge of the perimeter, where the boys with C14 tattooed on their bodies were congregating. The Captain was watching, as Marco hosed down the neighboring house to avoid the risk of blowing embers starting a second fire.
Ashley moved over near the Captain. "We're getting ready to move out the victims. Bryan will take in the boy and his mother. Squad 24 is going to take in the father, but want me to ride along. It appears the group of boys over there were less than thrilled with my helping the teen and hit me with a bottle. Bryan wants me to get checked at Rampart. Can you have someone bring in the squad?"
The Captain looked over at the fire and at Marco. "Let Lopez know, he can drive the squad into Rampart to get you and Bryan. This fire's pretty much under control. You gonna be okay?" The Captain looked at her briefly.
"Yes, Sir," Ashley said, moving toward Marco.
He had just turned off the water to the line and laid down the hose. He slipped off his helmet and ran his arm across his forehead.
"Marco! Marco Lopez!" A woman just outside the perimeter screamed his name in disbelief. Out of reflex, Marco turned to look.
A beautiful woman with long, dark hair and dark eyes moved between two fire trucks, throwing her arms around Marco's neck. "No lo creo!"
"Marisol?" Marco said, his eyes wide.
"Marco, it's been so long. I thought you…," Marisol didn't get a chance to finish her statement. A man moved away from the back of the gang, and quickly approached the two of them. He was older than the boys that had been congregating in the front of the crowd, and looked much scarier, in Ashley's opinion.
"Marco Lopez? Acabo de ver a un muerto andante," the man said to Marisol, getting very close to Marco.
"Jose," Marco said, coldly.
"Marco?" Ashley moved closer to her friend. She was worried about the look on Marco's face. It was a mixture between fear, disbelief, and pure hatred.
"Get in the squad," Marco said sharply, without turning to look at her.
Ashley looked around and saw a familiar police man standing not too far away. "Vince!"
Marco and the man he called Jose continued standing nose to nose, neither saying anything, but the tension in the air was thick. The woman, Marisol, looked horrified by the situation in front of her.
Ashley moved to stand closer to Marco. Jose glanced her way, just briefly.
"I told you to get in the squad," Marco hissed, through clenched teeth.
Ashley didn't speak, but stood her ground, watching both Marisol and Jose. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see Vince moving in their direction.
"Is there a problem here, Jose?" Vince addressed the older man with C14 tattooed on his hand.
"Just catching up with un viejo amigo," Jose said, taking a step back, as he grabbed Marisol's arm and moved her with him.
"We need you to drive the squad back to the hospital. Both Bryan and I are going with ambulances," Ashley said, taking a hold of Marco's arm.
Marco moved back with Ashley, but didn't take his eyes off Jose until they were quite a distance apart.
"Who was that, Marco? And what did he say about a dead man?" Ashley asked, looking over at Marco, who looked unusually pale.
"Drop it!" Marco looked over at Ashley and she actually stopped walking, stunned by the look in his eyes and anger in his voice. She wanted to ask who the two people were, how Marco knew them, and why he would know members of an obvious gang, but Marco's look froze those questions in her throat.
Marco took a few steps back and grabbed Ashley by the elbow when he realized she had stopped walking. "Look, Ashley. It's all in the past. Just let it drop," Marco softened his voice, as he led her toward the ambulance.
Marco saw Roy standing by one of the ambulances. "Why is Roy riding with you?"
"I got hit with a bottle. Bryan wants me to get checked out," Ashley said. "What's going on, Marco?"
"You got hit with a bottle, where?" Marco stopped her.
"Ashley! We gotta go!" Roy called out.
"I'll see you at the hospital. I'm fine, Marco," Ashley called back, as she jogged over to join Roy.
Ashley got into the ambulance and felt her head begin to throb as she sat down. She definitely should not have jogged.
"Are you okay?" Roy asked.
Ashley simply nodded, her thoughts already back on Marco. "Roy, two of those gang members, with the C14 tattoos, knew Marco."
"I think Marco may have grown up in this area," Roy said.
"Do you think he used to be part of that gang?" Ashley asked quietly.
"No way," Roy shook his head. "The C14, stands for Clanton 14, it's a Hispanic street gang that's been around for a very long time. They are loyal to the Mexican Mafia. There is no way Marco was a member of that gang. The don't have "former" members, they have members and dead members."
"The guy, Jose, said something to Marco in Spanish. I didn't understand it all, but it was something about a dead man," Ashley said, her eyes widening slightly.
"Ashley," Roy dipped his head to hide his smirk. "By dead members, I mean members that were killed. Either doing something wrong, or because they wanted to leave and the gang killed them."
"Oh," Ashley said, biting her lip. "Something isn't right, Roy. I'm worried about Marco."
The ambulance started backing up into a spot at the Emergency entrance to Rampart. "He'll be fine, Ashley. If he needs help, he knows he can ask us."
Roy climbed out of the ambulance and met Dr. Morton. Dr. Brackett and Dr. Early had met the earlier ambulance with Bryan. It was already almost 7:00 AM and the day shift was already in full swing. Roy moved down the hall near the gurney, Ashley tailing behind him. "Hey, Dix! Ashley got hit by a bottle and needs to get checked out. Can you find her a room?" Roy called to the nurse, just before he entered Treatment room 2 with his patient.
"Sure," Dixie moved toward Ashley. "Come on in Room 3. I'll send Kel or Joe in, as soon as their free."
Ashley had a minor concussion, but was approved to go back to work with Station 51 for her next shift. Dr. Brackett had advised Roy to keep an eye on her, but he thought she would be okay. Ashley rode back to Station 116 with Marco, so they could return the squad and Marco could drive her back to get her car.
Neither of them noticed the three people sitting in the car across the street watching them. Nor did they notice when the car followed them back to Station 51. Fortunately for Marco, as traffic increased they lost Marco before he made it home.
The young man driving was cowering in his seat as Jose swore when they lost sight of Marco. "But, we know where he works," he said, his voice quivering slightly. Jose was not a man you let down.
"For your sake, you'd better hope I see him again soon. Get me back," Jose barked.
EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
Translation – First, let me say if I messed anything up with my attempted use of Spanish, I am VERY sorry. I actually don't speak any Spanish, and used Google to research everything I did.
"Oh Dios Mio" – Oh my God
"No lo creo" – I don't believe it
"Acabo de ver a un muerto andante" – I've just seen a dead man walking
"un viejo amigo" – an old friend
