An Act of Friendship

Chapter 10

Roy awoke in the morning surprised and embarrassed to find that he had slept the whole night through, even Joanne's neuro checks hadn't disturbed him. When he looked over and found Joanne's bed empty, he sat up instantly alarmed. He rubbed his face as he tried to think of where she might be. He was just about to go check with the nurse when he heard the toilet flushing. 'Get a grip DeSoto, where else did ya think she'd be,' he chastised himself as he tried to relax. Joanne walked out and mumbled, "Morning," half-heartedly. Roy went to her and gently gave her a big hug. "How do you feel this morning, sweetheart?" he asked softly. He sympathized as he was pretty certain what his wife's answer would be.

"Roy, my head feels bigger than this building," she admitted miserably.

He kissed her tenderly on the forehead then on the lips then gazed lovingly into her eyes. "How are your ribs?" he inquired as he rubbed his hands gently up and down her back.

She rested her head on his shoulder as she enjoyed the strength and security of his arms. "They're sore but I'm okay as long as I don't move too fast," she replied as she snuggled closer.

He gave her a gentle squeeze. "Let's get you back in bed," he said then guided her to the bed. As she lay back, he pointed at her arm and said, "I see you lost the IV."

"Yeah and boy am I glad. Between the nurses waking me up every two hours for neuro checks and the bathroom runs from all that fluid they pumped in me, I'm not sure if I slept more than 45 minutes at a time. No wonder my head's pounding." Roy chuckled as she grinned ruefully. A pensive look swept her face and her brow furrowed as she asked, "Roy…how's Johnny?"

Roy was hoping to avoid this conversation until later, but knew Joanne wouldn't be put off. He sat down and reached for her hands. Looking deeply into her eyes he replied honestly, "Jo, he's pretty sick right now." Her eyes widened as he continued, "Brackett said his lungs were a mess…" He scrubbed a hand over his face. "The collapsed lung was damaged more than he originally thought," he sighed as Joanne visibly paled. He looked down as he squeezed her hands comfortingly. "Add to that the near drowning…" He bit his lower lip then proceeded, "Brackett thinks it's just a matter of time until he develops pneumonia…" He heard a hitched breath and looked up into watery green eyes.

"Oh Roy, I'm so sorry. It's all my fault," Joanne cried out as her face crumpled. Gut wrenching sobs erupted from her.

Roy pulled her into his arms and stroked her back as he rocked her gently, trying to calm her. He rested his cheek on her hair as he whispered soothing words of comfort. As the sobs slowed then stopped, he held her tightly. He calmly whispered, "Shhh..honey, it's not your fault," as he tried to reassure her.

Joanne nodded vehemently. "If…if I hadn't pulled over to…to th…the side of the road…"

"Joanne! It was an accident; it wasn't anybody's fault. There was no way you could have known the shoulder was gonna give way." He cupped her face with his hands, forcing her to look at him. As red rimmed eyes gazed at him remorsefully, he said, "An accident, Jo. I know it feels like there should be someone to blame, but there's not." He ran his hands down to her shoulders and gave a gentle shake. "You know, sometimes I have this habit of blaming myself for my partner's accidents," he said as he gave her a pointed look. "And I know this really wise woman who always gives me wonderful advice. Do you know what she always tells me?"

Joanne rolled her eyes and replied, "Sometimes what your mind knows and your heart tells you are two different things, but guilt isn't going to solve or change anything." She sighed heavily.

"What else does this wise woman say?" Roy asked with a mischievous look in his eye.

Giving Roy an annoyed look, Joanne replied, "You should concentrate on being there for your friend and helping him to get well. He needs your support and encouragement, not remorse."

"Sounds like some pretty good advice to me." Roy grinned and pecked her on the cheek. He knew Joanne had gotten the point. "Besides, you know Johnny wouldn't want you blaming yourself," he said seriously.

"I know he wouldn't." Joanne admitted as a single tear rolled down her cheek at the thought of her forgiving friend.

He pulled her head into his shoulder and held her tightly as he fought his own watery eyes. "He's gonna be okay, Jo. We have to believe that," he said as he stroked her hair. "For his sake—and ours," he whispered as he closed his eyes. They stayed locked in each other's arms, seeking and accepting comfort from each other for quite some time.

When they finally pulled apart, Roy saw that Joanne was utterly exhausted. Her head drooped and her eyes had a pain filled, pinched look to them. He surreptitiously pressed the call button as he explained the meeting he was to attend at the station. A nurse came in to check. She did a quick vitals check and gave Joanne her meds. Roy was helping her get settled when Dr. Brackett entered the room. "Doc?" Roy questioned anxiously.

Kel raised a hand. "Relax Roy. There's been no significant changes," Kel reported as Roy's brow rose questioningly. He put his hands in his lab coat as he continued, "His urine output is on the low side and he's running a low-grade fever. I have to be honest. I'm a little surprised by how quickly the fever is presenting." His mouth twitched as he imparted his news.

"Dr. Brackett, I think he was already sick," Joanne interjected.

Brow furrowing, Kel asked, "What makes you say that?"

Joanne explained, "Yesterday, before we left to come here, I noticed Johnny looked pale and tired. I asked him about it, but he said he hadn't slept well. I really think he wasn't feeling well but didn't want to admit it. Jenny's been home sick the last few days and he could've picked something up from her." Joanne shook her head as she recalled the dark circles under Johnny's eyes.

As he listened to Joanne, Roy thought about how Johnny had acted the last day or so. "I think you're right Joanne. I heard Johnny cough several times during the past two nights, but didn't think anything of it at the time," Roy recounted.

"It really doesn't change anything but it would explain the quick onset," Kel confirmed, relieved to have a plausible explanation for how quickly the fever was setting in. That question answered, he focused on his next priority. "I also wanted to check on how you're feeling," he said as he smiled kindly at Joanne. He walked to the foot of the bed and pulled her chart.

"Sore and a slight headache," Joanne responded as she shifted to a more comfortable position.

Scanning over the notes quickly Kel replied, "Everything looks good on this end." He closed the chart and placed it back in its slot then crossed his arms as he visually assessed her.

Her eyes were growing heavy as her medications kicked in, but she had a question she wanted answered first. "When can I see Johnny?"

"How about if you get some rest right now and we'll see about a visit this afternoon?" Kel looked at Roy for confirmation.

Roy nodded briefly as Joanne yawned sleepily. She murmured an 'okay' before her eyes closed and the battle was lost. Roy reached over and tucked the covers securely. He gave her a quick kiss on the forehead and whispered that he'd be back later then straightened and followed Brackett out of the room. He really wanted to see Johnny, but knew he was already tight for time. He still had to stop at home to shower and pick up a few items for Joanne. He assured Brackett that he would be up as soon as possible before rushing down the hall.

XXXXXXX

Roy entered the day room just in time. His hair was still damp from his mad dash home and into the shower. Everyone was seated, including Brice and Dwyer, awaiting the Chief. B-shift was waiting in the locker room so A-shift could have some privacy. Roy poured himself a cup of coffee, took a quick but hot sip then sat down.

When morning tones had sounded, Cap tried to call Brackett for an update, but was unable to reach him. They were all on edge and anxious for word on Johnny. Before anyone could question Roy, the Chief entered the room.

"Good morning gentleman. Thank you for staying or coming as the case may be," Chief McConnikee said as he set his hat on the table and looked over the men. "I'll make this brief as I know you are all anxious to get over to Rampart. I've already spoken to Dr. Brackett this morning. He's assured me that Gage is doing as well as can be expected."

Some of the tension in the room dissipated at his words. Chet glanced over at Roy, seeking confirmation. At Roy's slight nod, Chet relaxed back into his seat.

"I will be keeping in close contact with Dr. Brackett over Gage's condition," McConnikee assured. "Now, I know yesterday was a very stressful and difficult situation and, unfortunately, that might not change in the near future." He looked solemnly around the room at the assembled men. "I know that you are a tightly-knit group. But if any of you feel the need to talk, Dr. Gardiner, the staff psychologist, is available to talk to you individually or as a group." He looked directly at Cap. "I could make it an order for you to debrief as a group, but at your captain's recommendation, I've decided to forego that option." McConnikee tried not to smile at the sighs and looks of relief that swept the room. "The department will support each and every one of you in your decision."

"Thank you Chief," Cap responded relieved his men would not be pressured into attending sessions. He had always found that his men were more open and did better when they could meet casually as a group and talk about an event. Anytime the staff psychologist had to be involved, his men withdrew and clammed up so quickly that nothing was accomplished. If anything, it only added to their tension.

McConnikee cleared his throat. "The other reason I wanted to talk to you was to assure you of Gage's financial solvency."

Mike gave Marco a sidelong glance. They had all talked about Johnny's financial situation after they returned to the station last night. Mike was worried that Johnny would lose his ranch if he was off for an extended period of time, which it looked like he now would be. Marco and Chet had offered to put together a fireman's benefit dinner, with the help of their mothers. But before the two men could go off on a tangent, Cap had suggested that they wait for a while to see how Johnny was. It was determined that no matter what happened, Johnny would not lose his ranch. They all knew how hard he had worked to buy the ranch and get it up and running. It was his pride and joy, and none of them would be a party to it being taken away from him.

Marco said a silent prayer when he heard McConnikee's statement.

"I've spoken with the other chiefs and our insurance carrier. Since Gage was strictly following doctor's orders under a workers' comp. claim, the second accident falls under workers' comp. jurisdiction," the Chief informed them.

As Mike smiled in satisfaction, Roy looked startled at this revelation. He had not even considered the possibility.

McConnikee continued, "He will continue to have all medical bills paid and will receive full pay until he is signed off to return to work." He looked at Roy as he said, "DeSoto, your wife's medical bills also fall under workers' comp. and will be paid accordingly."

Roy nodded as he stammered, "Thank you." He had assumed that his health insurance would have to cover Joanne's bills and anything not paid would come out of pocket. It was a relief to know that everything was taken care of.

Hank looked around the room at his stunned but relieved men. He clapped his hands and rubbed them together as he turned toward the chief. "Chief, I can't begin to tell you how relieved my men and I are to hear that. John's going to have a lot to deal with as he recuperates. Being able to tell him he doesn't have to worry about his ranch will go a long way towards his physical and mental attitude." Cap glanced over and saw Mike and Marco both nodding their heads in agreement.

"I understand Hank," McConnikee said kindly. He picked up his hat as he said, "Make sure you tell Gage just to concentrate on getting better."

Cap swallowed noisily then cleared his throat. "I will Chief. I promise," he said then held out his hand. "Please tell the other chiefs how much this is appreciated," he said as he shook the chief's hand vigorously.

"I will Hank. Go on now, you all have someplace you need to be."

The sound of chairs scraping and feet jostling was the only sound that could be heard as the men made their way out to their respective cars. McConnikee said a silent prayer for the men of 51s A-shift as he headed for the locker room to fill in B-shift on Gage's condition.