I don't own these characters. I also do not earn any money for my stories. Just playing with them for a bit. I promise to return them in good working order when I am finished.
Chapter 1: The Call
It was a dusty, dry, hot Monday morning. Roy and Johnny were at the station checking the squad's equipment. "So Johnny how was your day off?" inquired Roy.
"Fine," Johnny answered tersely.
"So the date went well?"
"It was fine," he answered with no further comment. "Yeah," thought Roy; "I'll bet it wasn't." He knew if it had been a good date, he'd have seen his partner's sly grin, and Johnny would have most likely rubbed his hands together in glee dropping vague, but somehow lurid hints. He let the subject drop. He knew Johnny struggled at times with women. Johnny loved them, no LOVED them, but had no clue how to really connect with them. He just tried too hard. Roy reasoned Junior will figure it out eventually. Some lady will see what a great man he is, right?
"Joanne, I and the kids spent time at the park. It was a nice day to be out," he offered changing the subject to alleviate his partner's foul mood.
"Yeah, which park?" replied Johnny quickly taking the bait to change the subject to something less upsetting. They continued to discuss the details of where the DeSoto's' went and who threw the Frisbee where, when they were suddenly interrupted.
The klaxon sounded. "Squad 51, man down. 1134 Canyon Road, 1134 Canyon Road. Cross street County Road 5. Time out 9:54." Cap was already at the mike writing down the information and replying, "Station 51 KMG365."
While Cap took down the information, Johnny quickly closed and locked the doors to the equipment on the squad after replacing the bio-phone and was already sliding onto his seat and putting on his helmet. Any irritation was replaced by Johnny's work demeanor and he was already trying to picture where they were going in his mind. Roy had jogged around the back side of the squad pulling the keys from his pocket as he went. He pulled open the door on the driver's side and slid in putting the key smoothly in the ignition. As he pulled the door shut with one hand, he turned the key with the other. As soon as the door clicked shut he held out his left hand for the note Captain Stanley was holding up for him. Roy quickly passed it Johnny without even looking at it, hit the siren and lights switch, drove out of the bay and turned onto the street.
As they drove, Johnny gave directions. Any time he was unsure, he would consult a map or discuss the best way with Roy and they would quickly and efficiently decide the quickest, safest route. They headed out of LA proper into the surrounding countryside and soon were traveling along dirt roads. Puffs of dust blossomed around the squad and hung in the air long after they had passed by. Johnny watched as they drove reading addresses on the clusters of mailboxes along the road in order to gauge how close they were. "We should be pretty close," he remarked as he craned his neck for a better view of the passing mailboxes and driveway entries, "It should be on the right up here", Johnny said pointing. They spotted a police car that just arrived and saw the sheriff officer hop out of his vehicle. He began a fast lope up the driveway entrance leaving his car door ajar. Roy pulled up into the driveway closer to where the sheriff now stood. He waved the squad closer. A young woman with long brown hair and of slight build motioned them toward the barn. They grabbed the equipment from the squad and hurried toward the open barn door. The woman met them right inside.
"Right in here. Our farrier was kicked in the arm and side while trimming Hobo's hooves. A gopher snake spooked Hobo. He never kicks, never. I think Sam's arm is broken, but it isn't a compound fracture. I am mostly worried he might have internal injuries. The second kick hit him in the side."
Roy was first into the stable area. The victim was lying on his back with a saddle blanket under his head and a windbreaker draped over his torso. Off to the side they saw a motionless snake, now in two pieces. A grain shovel was lying on the floor. A few feet away, a pinto stood tethered, now calm. The farrier was cradling his arm and moaning. Roy quickly knelt to evaluate the man. "What's your name?"
"Sam, Sam White," he replied through gritted teeth. "I should have checked the stall better. Hobo's a pussycat." Then he addressed the woman. "JJ, this was just an accident." The woman just nodded. In response to the question from Roy about his age Sam replied," I'm 50."
Roy got vitals while Johnny set up the bio-phone. Johnny turned to the woman, "When did this happen?"
"Um, about 15 minutes ago," she responded as she checked her watch. "I got him away from the horse, killed the snake, and made him comfortable. My dad called for you," JJ replied. Just then, an older man came in to the barn.
"JaneLee, is he okay? I was worried. I know you told me to stay on the porch, but… He was here by my invitation you know," said Joe Jamison concern creasing his brow. "I'm so sorry Sam." Sam gave a dismissive wave with his good arm.
She turned towards her dad. "Dad, he's fine," she said impatiently. She worried about her dad becoming too agitated. "He probably has a broken arm and they are checking him out." She could see her dad was upset. "You need to watch your blood pressure, Dad. These guys have it under control. As soon as I can come join you, I will. You going to the porch or down to start fishing?" JJ hoped she could shoo him out.
He grinned good-naturedly relieved a bit to see Sam would probably be fine. "Okay, okay boss, I'll meet you at the pond," he teased. He knew JaneLee would react to that comment. She hated to be accused of bossing people around. She shot him an irritated look. He just laughed and exited the barn.
She turned to the paramedics. "If you don't need me anymore, I'd like to keep an eye on my dad. He has heart issues and, well I would feel better if I stayed close to him. Sam has tended his horses for a while and he was pretty upset when this all happened."
Johnny had just set down the bio-phone receiver after repeating the instructions from Rampart to Roy. He turned to the young woman. "I think we have all we need so it is fine if you need to go. Should I come and check his blood pressure?" Now Johnny was concerned for another potential victim.
JJ shook her head. "No, I have a cuff up at the house. I checked it a bit ago. Thanks though." She flashed an appreciative smile. JJ hurried off to see to her dad. Johnny wondered how she had learned to use a cuff.
Sam didn't need an IV and the sheriff's officer volunteered to drive him to the hospital. So the men were finished with the run. Roy and Johnny cleaned up their mess in the barn. Johnny took a minute to pet the horse and crooned into its ear. Roy gave it pat. As they walked out to the squad to put up their equipment Roy looked around. "Nice place," Roy remarked. "Did you see the pond to the right of the house? Looks like a great place for fishing; it's a pretty nice setup."
Johnny replied, "Yeah it is a far out set up. Got it all: horses, a pond and the land…very nice. It looks like a super place to fish or camp." JJ was just rounding the corner of the cabin as she returned from the pond. Her dad had cast out and was watching his line. Nothing better for lowering his stress level than that she thought. JJ had heard one car leave and wondered what the hold-up was on the other vehicle so she had come back to check. She smiled when she overheard their comments. Her parents' place was a little piece of heaven for sure.
"Hey, I wondered who was still here. Thanks so much for coming out," JJ called out as she walked towards them.
Johnny finished up placing equipment into the squad and latched the doors. Roy took a few steps towards JJ. "Yeah, we were just getting ready to leave. Glad Sam will be okay, ma'am."
JJ grimaced at ma'am. "The name is JJ," she said holding out her hand.
Roy shook it replying, "Fireman Roy DeSoto and this is Fireman John Gage." JJ shook John's hand as well. Both men had kind eyes and firm handshakes. She had heard great things about the local paramedic program and from what she saw, they were true.
"Nice to meet you both and thanks again," she said as the two men got into the squad and backed out of the drive onto the road.
John picked up the mike, pushed the button and reported, "Squad 51 available."
"Squad 51."
They were about half way back to the station when their alarm sounded again. "Squad 51, heart attack. 1134 Canyon Road, 1134 Canyon Road. Cross street county road 5. Time out 10:58."
John responded, "Squad 51, 10-4." "Must be Janey's dad," John stated with concern.
"Yeah, most likely," Roy returned. He didn't add it was JaneLee or JJ not Janey.
It took 10 minutes to get back to the ranch, grab equipment and run to the pond. Both John and Roy saw someone lying very still on the ground. Over the man was JJ, performing CPR. She was sweating heavily and even from afar it was obvious she was worn out by the quivering of her upper arms. Her lips moved silently as she counted to herself and then she stopped to puff air into her dad's mouth before she started compressions again. Johnny squatted down by her as he set down the drug box and bio-phone. Roy was across from him on the other side of the victim with the oxygen and EKG machine. "What happened?" asked John to the young women.
She answered as she continued to do CPR, "He just grabbed his chest and fell. He didn't say anything. I am a nurse and I have been caring for him. He has been non-responsive since it happened. When I didn't find a pulse I started CPR. I only stopped long enough to make the call for help. I am only getting a slow, faint pulse and he isn't breathing."
"When did it happen?" asked Roy.
She answered, "What time is it now?"
"11:09 am," answered John as he checked his watch.
"It's been about 20 minutes then", she replied. John knelt to take over and she moved smoothly back grateful for the respite.
"Let me take over," John said. She wrapped her arms around her torso and rubbed her biceps. "What's his name and age?"
"His name is Joe Jameson. He is 56 years old. He does have a history of heart issues. That's why I moved here, to help him out," she stated with disbelief in her voice. "He was doing so much better."
Roy had been taking blood pressure, pulse and respiration. He inquired, "Is he taking any medications?"
She said, "Yes, heparin, water pills, and statins. I was also helping him through his diet and moderate exercise. He improved these past three months. I was hopeful." The young women had slumped to the ground, her eyes welling up. Her adrenalin rush waned and the reality of the situation hit her hard.
Johnny stopped CPR to report to Rampart on the bio-phone Mr. Jameson's stats and information while Roy quickly set up to send an EKG. "Sending a strip now." Johnny turned to the woman and noted the stress and concern. Your name is Janey, right?" he asked.
"Yes ….Jamison, JJ for short. That's my dad, Joe. He's all I have," JJ answered choking back worry. "I've been here three months. I came from New York."
"Janey, you did a great job with him. CPR for 15 minutes is grueling. We'll take good care of him," Johnny said reassuringly. He turned back poised to restart CPR if Rampart ordered it. They all watched the screen measuring the heart activity.
"Squad 51, this is Rampart. Patient is in sinus rhythm but I am still seeing some occasional arrhythmia. Is he on O2?" inquired Dr. Brackett.
"Affirmative Rampart," replied Johnny.
"Start an IV with D5W and transport as soon as possible. Monitor him closely and send another strip in 10 minutes." Dr. Brackett's voice said over the bio-phone.
"10-4 Rampart," John said as he replaced the phone. Roy had already retrieved the D5W from the drug box and handed it to John.
The sheriff officer walked up and took information down from JJ. She answered succinctly, and never took her eyes off her father. Roy packed up as the ambulance arrived. Two men in white quickly retrieved the gurney from the back and wheeled it toward the man on the ground. They gently lifted him onto the gurney and Johnny stood holding the IV bag. His attention riveted on the patient. Roy slowly stood and looked directly at JJ. "Ma'am…." he began.
"JJ, please." she replied.
His face softened. "JJ, you can follow the ambulance or ride along with me."
"I'd rather ride with you. I am not sure driving is such a great idea for me right now," she answered her brown eyes full of worry.
Roy smiled kindly. "I kinda wondered about that too. You have had a rough morning. Come on and we'll go." He stooped to pick up the equipment. JJ ran to the door of the cabin and stepped in long enough to grab her purse and her dad's medication bottles. She quickly trotted to the squad, opened the door and got in before Roy finished closing the equipment doors on the squad. He jogged to the driver's side, opened his door and slid in. "Uh, be sure…," he began. He had meant to instruct her to put on her seat belt, but she already had it fastened. "Never mind," he said and pointed his eyes to the seat belt.
"A habit, Dad was a real nag about it so it was just automatic," JJ explained with a shrug.