Perception is Reality-anon
Roy could see the debris falling, turned he saw his captain, laying out flat, like a sacrifice as wood, brick, ash and fire covered him. Trying to call out he felt his limbs impaired and tried again.
"Roy," a soft voice whispered. "Please calm down. Roy, honey please."
DeSoto opened his eyes to stare at the worried look of his wife.
"Johnny he's dead Joanne. I killed him," Roy shut his eyes as tears flowed.
2 YEARS AGO
Roy again looked at the budget. They just couldn't make it. With two growing children, the only way they could make it if Joanne went back to work and he wouldn't allow that. The engineer's job was looking better and better. But then he thought of his partner, John Gage. How would you describe Johnny? A kid? An exceptional paramedic? No, he was an adult besides he had made him promise to take the engineer job and he would.
Coming in early, he filled out the necessary paperwork and alerted Cap of his decision only he couldn't quite face his partner. For the next few weeks, he avoided any deep conversation with John and tried to distance himself, just in case he went on a different shift.
But John could tell something was on his mind, he couldn't tell him until he knew he would get that promotion. Yes it was good for a year and yes, he would probably qualify, there were just too many ifs.
One day after shift, John barely caught him before he made it to the car.
"Hey Roy how about I buy you breakfast," John asked innocently.
Staring at him, Roy had just gotten the word; he had gotten a new posting for his promotion and was going home to tell his family. His real family, not the station family.
"Um, I'm busy Johnny," he lied, not wanting to tell Gage until it was official.
Gage tried to hide his hurt, but didn't to a very good job. "C'mon Roy I know this joint real close by they make a mean Denver omelet."
Roy looked at the parking lot and then at his shaggy haired partner.
"Johnny I'm taking my promotion, for engineer." DeSoto held his breath.
"That's great Roy, then let's celebrate," John smiled but his eyes reflected pain.
"You know you made me promise Johnny," Roy got defensive. Gage wasn't a child.
"I meant every word Roy so let me buy you breakfast," John asked quietly. "To celebrate, k."
"No I've got to get home. Some other time k?" Roy climbed into his car and sped away. In his rearview mirror he saw John stand there his hands on hips and a deep, furrowed frown.
For the next month he had to endure John go on about how great an engineer he would make. Reminding him of leaving the paramedics for the all mighty dollar and a screwed up civil service system. But Roy let John ramble where he countered.
"Yeah, Johnny you'll finally get that decent partner you've been talking about. Hell, you'll probably get to choose them yourself," Roy smiled as they drank coffee in the dayroom.
"Sure Roy a decent partner,' John stood up stretched and poured his coffee down the sink then disappeared until they were toned out.
So Roy waited until he left the 51, just another station in your career with the fire department he told himself. Off to 36 and a new life, engineer to one of the finest captains in the department. Captain Hodge was a legend and he planned on learning all he could.
The men on his new shift weren't so receptive. Old school, they treated him like a boot and razed him like hell. Now he knew where Chet learned all his tricks. But he wouldn't give in and then finally grudgingly accepted him until he got a phone.
"Hey Roy phone for you," one of the guys winked.
"Hey Roy," Johnny's voice threatened his existence.
IT was about the damn engine. The stupid $80.00 investment and Gage's big plans. Cutting him off he made no plans, their shifts didn't mesh and he needed to get along with his new shift mates, his financial future depended on it.
Forced to talk, the men of 36 thought it would be a good joke to bring the engine to the station and surprise their engineer.
Roy found it in the parking lot of his next shift with no explanation, thinking Johnny had decided to give it to him. So much for the big plans of Johnny and his commitment to refurbishing it.
Another few phone calls and Roy learned 51 didn't exist anymore unless they were at a fire or other fire department function. 36 had a reputation to maintain and Roy had to fit in.
"Hey Roy did you hear," Hodges told him as he shined the engine.
"What Cap?" Roy stopped his work.
"I hear your former paramedic partner took the Captain's exam. Damn their getting younger and younger," Hodge's left the puzzled engineer.
"Oh Johnny," Roy whispered wondering what mistake his former partner just made.
After a few runs, Roy went to the dorm only to find Johnny not answering.
