Thanks for your patience. I have many stories in my head that have to come out. I write as stress reliever and well just because I have to write!! Anyway, I promise to finish all my stories in their own sweet time. They are my babies and call to me. Thanks for your patience.

The Prodigal Son

Roy DeSoto was reading the sports section looking at the horses and mentally placed his bets. It had been a slow day for calls and he hated slow days now. Days like these made him think of what if's and how comes.

"Roy," Cap'n Stanley called.

"Uh, yeah Cap," DeSoto looked up from his paper.

"There's someone here to see you. He's in my office." Hank frowned.

"Sure Cap," Roy stood up and his chair scraped the floor as he headed to the office. His other crew mates looked up from their various amusements and then went back to them.

"Uh, Mr. Conner," Roy put his hands behind his back and rocked on his heels.

"Mr. DeSoto," the lawyer said calmly setting his briefcase on one of the desks. "Um, long time no see."

"Yeah," the paramedic said tightly. "Is there a reason you're here?"

"Well yes. I know you and Mr. Gage were friends and well," Conner reached into his briefcase and pulled out a manila envelope. "You'll read it soon enough in the papers. We were hoping you could contact Mr. Gage and give him this."

"What you were his lawyer, you couldn't contact him?" Roy was pissed.

"I'm doing this as a courtesy Mr. DeSoto we don't have the resources to contact your friend since…"

"You took all his money defending him. So his retainer ran out did it?" Roy seethed but kept his voice calm.

"Yes in a manner of speaking Mr. DeSoto. IT has been a year. Anyway, the main witness recanted and Mr. Gage's name has been cleared. My firm did make sure that Mr. Gage can and will be reinstated at his original position, they can't deny him that," Connor spoke proudly. "So here," the attorney thrust the envelope at him and he grudgingly took it.

"Well thank you very much Mr. Conner," Roy grabbed the envelope and held it closely. "You have a good day now." DeSoto turned and headed back towards the squad.

"You too Mr. DeSoto," Conner turned the door banging behind him.

"Roy," Hank placed his hand on his right shoulder, "everything okay."

"Yeah, everything's just peachy Cap. Johnny's name is cleared a year too late and that damn lawyer wants me to find him. The SOB doesn't even have the courtesy to find him. OH and Johnny can have his job back." Roy snapped his fingers, "just like that."

"Sorry pal, let me know if you need any help."

Tones sounded as Roy threw the envelope in the squad as Craig Brice his partner joined him.

*****

"What are you going to do honey," Joanne looked at her husband.

Roy had read everything in the envelope, carefully put it back and now was turning the envelope over a few times before placing it on the table. The kids were in school so it was him and his wife.

"I wouldn't even know where to look Joanne. I mean Johnny disappeared off the planet, you know," Roy said sadly.

"Do you blame him? After his name was dragged through the mud and the way the department treated him," Joanne lamented. "I'm surprised he stuck around as long as he did after. The kids sure still miss him."

"Yeah, along with me. But honey, short of a private detective there's no way I'm going to find Johnny," Roy put his chin on his raised hand.

"Then hire a private detective Roy," Joanne held her husbands other hand. "You were, are friends. Johnny needs to know the truth."

"All right Joanne I will," Roy smiled.

****

At the private detective's office Roy squirmed in his seat and looked at the older man. After the few short years of knowing John Gage he really didn't know him. Gage knew all about him, but Gage's life was a mystery, he knew he wrote for the school paper, ran the 440, lived on a ranch at a reservation and joined the department six years ago. There were no family photos at his apartment other than with the guys and his family. His aunt called a few times but then there was nothing.

"I'm sorry I don't have much else to tell you. I do have his social security number, he gave it to me since I was his next of kin contact," Roy sighed heavily.

"Well Mr. DeSoto you gave me a lot more than other people have for finding people. It will take me awhile and I'll give you a discount since my old man was a hose jockey," the detective's eyes spoke volumes of respect.

"Uh, thanks a lot," Roy stood up and shook hands with the detective.

"Well be in touch," the man winked at him as he left.

********

AT the station, five sets of eyes looked at him after roll call.

"So?" Chet didn't hold back. "What did the detective say?" Kelly was leaning against the counter, the rest of the guys sat at the table.

"Well," Roy inhaled and crossed his arms. "I gave him a lot more to go on then other missing persons and he assured me it would take some time is all."

"What will you do if he finds Johnny?" Hank looked at his paramedic.

"I dunno yet. I could just mail him the envelope or call him. I haven't got that far yet. I mean I only hired the guy two days ago you know," Roy felt the pressure from his shift mates and was glad tones sounded.

In the cab back from the call, Brice looked at his partner.

"You know Roy mailing that envelope or a phone call sounds pretty cold to me," Craig stared out of the window.

"Cold? Cold! This from…"

"The walking rule book. Yes I know what they call me DeSoto and I knew all about the pool when I took Gage's place. But you know I'm right. I know Gage would do the same for you," Brice stated it simply.

Backing the squad into the bay, Roy turned off the engine and looked at his partner.

"But what would I tell him? What…"DeSoto threw his hands up. "I mean I wouldn't know where to…. You just don't understand Brice. You never will," Roy opened the door.

"Tell him the truth Roy. John will respect that if nothing else. Let him know he has to fight back to get his job back. You know he was railroaded for the good of the department."

DeSoto closed the squad bay, looking at his partner his mouth open.

"Better close that mouth DeSoto, you might draw flies," Brice exited the squad and headed towards the day room.