Title: Reservations Confirmed – Pt. 10

By: FanofRandy

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Johnny walked into the Sheriff office in Wewoka and was grateful that the place had been remodeled. He had driven around town for nearly two hours and barely recognized anything. "Lot's of things change in 10 years..." Johnny thought to himself as he walked up to the service desk at the station.

The small-town pace felt even slower than usual since he was used to the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles. He waited for a few minutes, un-noticed. He finally cleared his throat and a young woman looked up from her work. "Oh, I'm sorry. How can we help you?" She got up and walked over toward the tall desk.

"I'd like to see Sheriff Jones, if he's in." Johnny said, smiling at the attractive young woman.

"He's not in right now. 'm sorry. Should be back in about an hour. Did you want to wait?" She asked as her cheeks blushed bright red.

"Uh…no. I guess I can come back. I have a few more places to visit. Can you just let him know that John Gage stopped in to see him?"

The young girl's face went blank and she stared at the man before her. She barely moved as a Deputy stepped up beside her. "Pardon her shock, Mr. Gage. Rob's told us a bit about you…and, it's just a surprise to see you, is all." The Deputy explained. "I'm Deputy Ray Crandall. Nice to meet you." He offered his hand to Johnny.

Johnny shook the man's hand with apprehension. "Thanks." He said. "I'm in town for a few days and I wanted to try to see the sheriff while I'm here. I'll just come back later." Johnny turned to go.

"I will call Sheriff Jones and let him know you were here. I am sure he will want to see you while you're in town, too." The deputy confirmed as he watched Johnny walk out the door. All those in the office stood staring at the slowly closing door and the deputy muttered, "That was him."

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Johnny drove to Wanette and found the lawyer's office. It was easy to locate as it was near a track arena where his school team once had a meet. He drove around Wanette awhile and then he started the hour drive back to Wewoka. Johnny always loved the country, nature, camping, and doing things outdoors. It was very cool and there was a threat of snow, but he loved the drive as it was very different than he was used to driving in the city.

He took his time and thought about his life before his parents' deaths. He had recalled few years ago that his mother had been pregnant when she died. He thought of the life they might have had—his parents, a sister or brother, and him—living 'happily ever after.' * Before he knew it, he was back in Wanette and driving up to the Sheriff office once again.

As he stepped out of the Jeep, he heard a door open and glance up. The man had added 12 years and at least that many pounds to his frame, but John recognized him immediately. Sheriff Jones loped down the stairs and met John at the front of his vehicle…"Mr. Gage. They told me you were here earlier….glad you came back." The sheriff pushed his hand out and caught John off guard when he pulled him into a bear hug. "You made it, Boy…against all odds…you made it." The man whispered as he let Johnny go.

"What brings you back here, Mr. Gage?" Sheriff Jones asked as he continued to regard the man before him.

John pensively answered, "Uh…I have to settle some legal matters in Wanette and I'm stayin' with the Garner's for a while…and, please, call me Johnny." John wanted to say more, but got tongue-tied. Sheriff Jones helped him along…

"It's good to see you again. When I was there a couple years ago, you were still in a bad way before I left. I hoped things got better for you…looks like you made it through alright."*

"Yeah, I've had a few more scrapes here and there, but I guess someone 'up there' is watchin' out for me." John pointed up toward the sky as the men continued to talk on the steps of the Sheriff office.

"Is there anything you need from me, Johnny? Can I help with these 'legal matters' at all?" The Sheriff was still feeling guilty for not helping the 12-year-old boy he pulled from the wreckage that claimed the life of his parents all those years ago. "I feel like I need to do…something."

"All's forgiven, Sheriff. You did what what you did and we can't go back and change it. I can understand the situation you were in...Don't give it another thought. I am doing okay now." John felt as if he were trying to convince himself more than the Sheriff.

The two men talked a few more minutes and promised to talk again before John returned to California. As John hopped into the Jeep as the sky began to dim. John knew he shouldn't be late for dinner…and, he had told Karen he'd be back by 6 and he had a half an hour to make it back. If he hit all the lights just right, he'd make it in time.

He pulled into the driveway with three minutes to spare. He parked the Jeep and got out. He pulled two grocery bags from the back of the Jeep as he made his way inside. That was John Gage…always thinking of others more than himself.

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Tuesday held many mysteries and wonders for John Gage and the children in Rampart's Pediatric Ward. Just as John woke up feeling nervous and anxious, the children all woke to a feeling of excitement and joy. This was going to be a day of surprises for all.

In Los Angeles, Dixie McCall stepped up to help Chet, Mike and Marco sort through the gifts and place them on the table in the middle of the Pediatric Ward. The children, most still in their beds, were 'oohing' and 'ahhing' with delight. They were peering over the sides of their beds and trying to guess at what was in the boxes and bags. One little girl whispered, "Look, Mr. Johnny said we'd get presents…he's always right."

Chet heard that comment and chuckled. Dixie and Marco both glared at him before he was able to say anything to contradict the little girl's opinion of Johnny. Chet just cleared his throat as he feigned innocence with a, "What did I do?"

"Just leave it be, Chet." Marco commented as they continued to place the gifts. "Johnny planned all this so the kids would have a nice party…don't go spoiling it now by sayin' anything stupid." Chet smirked and returned to his tasks. He missed Johnny nearly as much as the children did…but, he would never say so.

TBC

*from my story "Helpless"