STORM RIDERS
These good fellows don't belong to me, but I promise when I'm done to pick um up, dust um off and with a kiss on the cheek return them safely home.
We flatter those we scarcely know, We please the fleeting guest And deal full many a thoughtless blow To those who love us best. ~Ella Wheeler Wilcox
A/N Thank you so much for reading along with me. Hope you enjoy this next chapter.
Chapter 10
Saying he was anxious was like saying Mike was quiet, or Chet was a terrible cook. It was so obvious he almost put the truck in reverse and headed back home. His mind kept going back to the story of Grace and Sarah with all its twists, turns and outright surprises, their history so thick with drama and pain it was enough to make his head spin. Now that he knew how Earl had treated Grace and what he had done to her life, could he just sit down and have a friendly dinner like nothing had changed? The single encounter with this family had been during the cattle drive, and then his short interactions with Mrs. Ruth had left him with a great respect for the family. But now? Now all he could see were dark secrets and unburied hate.
"You've got this Johnny, just eat and excuse yourself," he encouraged himself as he looked in the rearview mirror and finger combed through his unruly hair. Intrigue had won the argument, at least for now so with a deep cleansing breath he climbed out of the truck. The first thing he saw was Karl standing on the front porch waiting for him. Without realizing it, he found himself studying the man as he approached. Clearly, he was on edge too.
Karl reached out to shake his hand. "Glad you decided to still come, thank you."
The worry rang loud in his tone. Of course, since Karl knew that Johnny had heard all about their sorted past now.
"Hey, I never turn down a homecooked meal." Johnny tried to relax his body and his voice. His gut feeling was that Karl was a good guy, despite the lingering concerns, and half-truths.
"I wanted to talk to you before we went in, you know, with the rest of the family." Karl slid his hands into his back pockets.
"Look, man, you don't have to explain anything to me." Yes, Johnny wanted explanations. He wanted to understand how a family could have such a change of heart to take their grief and spend years doing harm with it. Especially, between families that had been so close.
Karl shook his head. "I'm happy to answer any questions you have after tonight. I just ask that you not talk about or even mention anything about Grace or Sarah please." His eyes pleaded with Johnny.
There was no way he could even begin to understand all the dynamics going on in this town, so he just nodded his head. "Of course."
Karl seemed to relax a little bit after that. "Thanks, Johnny."
They stepped off the wide open front porch and into the aged farmhouse. The first area to greet visitors was the living room. It was open and roomy with large front windows that let the morning sun come in. There were two large couches, each covered in a light blue cotton print with small yellow flowers, along with a couple of lounge chairs in contrasting sunshine yellow with small pillows to match the couch pattern. Heavy oak furniture lined the walls, a curio cabinet full of figurines, and a bookcase so full of books they were now stacked on the floor beside it. In the center was a large oak coffee table, nicely handmade with detailed carvings along the sides of a wild coursing river through a field of flowers and trees. The room spoke of special guests and afternoon teas.
He followed Karl into the kitchen, where Ruth donned an apron and was busy cooking along with two other women he had not yet met. Here, the walls were lined with white cabinets, encased by glass doors which revealed rows of canned homemade creations, along with colorful dishes and glassware. Every counter was covered from one end to the other with plates and bowls of all kinds of foods. The smell was enough to make your mouth water.
"Momma?"
She turned around, then beamed at seeing them. "Johnny!"
Quickly, she patted her floured hands on her apron before reaching out to take his hand. "We're so happy that you could join us today."
There was nothing to dislike about this woman. "It's a pleasure to be here ma'am. Thank you for inviting me."
Her face grew serious. "And what you did for Nicholas. Why everyone is talking about it and there just aren't enough words to say thank you."
"I'm just glad I was able to help out," he answered, now feeling self-conscious about all the attention to him, especially when he still felt so inadequate about it all.
"Now, we're still busy in here so scoot out you both until the dinner bell is rung. Karl, make sure he meets everyone." She shooed them both away from the kitchen.
"Yes, ma'am," they chimed in together.
From the kitchen, the hallway headed into two different directions, to the left was a short hall, ending at a closed door, the other direction to more of the house. They passed what appeared to be the family room. This was the place where everyone hung out, a place of comfort and relaxation. The walls were covered with pictures, handmade quilts were draped over the couches and in the center was a large stone fireplace. From here you could get back to the dining room which looped into the kitchen again.
Working their way through the dining room, Karl began pointing out features.
"The stairs go to three bedrooms and a bath up there, that's where us boys stay. Momma and dads room's on the other side of the house, and there's a restroom right here by the kitchen if you need one and right through here," he paused as they entered a huge back porch, "is what we call the living area." He laughed. "Come'on, I'll introduce you."
Johnny was actually surprised at how many people were milling around. He had been so worried about coming down the driveway that he hadn't paid attention to how many other vehicles were parked around the grounds. Maybe, with him not being the only guest, he wouldn't have to worry about keeping the conversation away from Grace.
The first couple they approached stood up, from the porch rockers, to greet them.
"Johnny, this is Dean and Kate Nordstrom. They own that big dairy farm just past the fire station."
He shook their hands. "Very nice to meet you."
Kate reached out and clasped her hands around his. "We heard about the wonderful thing you did for Nick and MaryAnn. You were a sent miracle."
Johnny blushed at the woman's words. "Thank you."
"I don't know what she would do without him. Even if he's hard headed sometimes."
Kate just laughed, making a point that Dean's words were in jest. Johnny just smiled back.
"I hear you have a good cattle horse, son." Dean's voice was deep and gravely.
"Well Sir, I'm working on it. I haven't had him long, but he's turning out to be a great ranch horse."
The older man nodded his head. "Good, good. Best he learns his way around the backcountry around here, never know when you need to be somewhere that a car can't get you."
Johnny grinned, yes, he could picture that here. "Yes, Sir. I'll remember that."
"And you feel free to come by the farm anytime you want. We have fresh eggs and milk for sale every day," Kate added.
Now, that was worth getting up early for in Johnny's mind. "I may just do that ma'am. Sounds delicious," he said rubbing his stomach.
She laughed. "Glad to hear. It's really nice meeting you, Johnny."
Karl then headed him to the edge of the porch and started pointing at the kids playing in the yard, on a large wooden playset. "Those four belong to Dean and Kate, Jacob, Joseph, Jeremy, and Jonathon." He looked back to Johnny and chuckled. "They have three older girls, teenagers, too busy to come today."
Seven. Nice size family for a farm.
"The two redheads belong to Eddy, over there," he pointed beside the slide. "He's the manager of the grocery store, have you met him yet?"
Johnny chuckled. Yes, Mrs. Rose and the tea protector. "Yeah, we met a while back."
"Good, and his wife Cara over there with Abby and Steven, their kids. The latest kiddo is coming in a couple of months or so." Karl kept walking down the porch stairs until they were in the yard.
The backyard was wide open with the large cattle barn off to the side, there was nothing to block the incredible mountain view from here. It was clear that kids had grown up here because the yard still had a swing set, sandbox, see-saw and the ground was littered with everything from dolls to jump ropes. When his mind came back to Karl, he found himself face to face with Sheriff Brian Wilson.
"Johnny, this is Suzanne, Brian's wife and their daughter Lizzy."
The older man was beaming with pride as his family was introduced, Johnny returned the warm smile despite the knot in his stomach. He had to remind himself that here, Brian Wilson was family.
Karl leaned in and tickled the tummy of the little girl Lizzy was holding. "And this here is SJ, and she just turned one, didn't you, didn't you?"
SJ giggled at the familiar face and smile of her Uncle.
Suzanne immediately wrapped her arms around him in a hug. "Thank you for what you did, we all thank you."
Johnny was startled by the warmth of the hug. He was beginning to feel a little overwhelmed.
"Just glad I could help," Johnny stumbled out.
"Lizzy's husband is Dillan, one of the firefighters over at the station. Have you had a chance to meet him yet?"
Johnny shook his head, clearing his throat. "No, I've not gotten over there to meet all the crew yet."
"They're all good guys, you'll like them," Lizzy told him as she passed SJ over to her grandmother. "Be right back," she excused herself.
"Dr. Ferrin," Johnny said as the man approached the gathering.
"Michael," he answered Johnny. "Please, call me Michael. Heard good things about you today from Carole."
Johnny nodded and was happy to hear him in a much better humor. Maybe, his first meeting had just been a stressful day.
"I was very impressed with the teamwork in the ER. They made all the difference in Nick pulling through."
"That's not the way we heard it."
Johnny looked over to the left and saw Ed and Cara walking up to him, where they quickly grabbed his hand and shook it.
"We're all grateful for you being there," Cara told him.
The medic in Johnny couldn't help but take in her well-advanced pregnancy. She looked happy and glowing. "Just glad I could help."
While Johnny talked to Ed and Cara, Karl and Brian excused themselves for a moment to help his father move some tables. Meanwhile, people kept coming up to him and thanking him, welcoming him to the community, husbands, brothers, aunts, and more. They said their names and where they worked or lived, and he knew there was no way he would remember them all. It was an assault on his senses, their appreciation and thankfulness were staggering. He knew it was something that some people never got the chance to encounter.
"Glad you made it."
This voice he recognized instantly. "Dr. Carole." Turning, he gave the man a hearty handshake.
"Eli."
Johnny nodded. "Eli."
"Amazing isn't it," the older doctor said as they watched the people milling around.
Yea, it was for him though he wasn't sure if they meant it in the same way. "What?"
"I've lived in small towns before, and you're either in or forever a visitor, stranger. This place? There's something kinda magical here. Not sure how to describe it."
Johnny nodded. He knew exactly what the man was trying to say. "I've been in LA for so long I forgot that places like this existed."
"They can give back so much to your life." The man chuckled. "Then sometimes it's amazing how fast they can turn on ya."
Johnny's head snapped around to him. "What?"
"Don't get me wrong, I'm happy to bring my family here, but small towns have a lot of secrets."
Damn, those secrets again. "I'm finding that out."
Eli sipped his beer. "I brought my daughter back here to her roots you might say. The first impression wasn't exactly what I expected, but I want to make it work for her."
His curiosity was up now. "What happened?"
They both saw Karl approaching again.
"Perhaps a story for another time, son. Enjoy the evening."
Before Johnny could inquire more, Eli wandered off in another direction. Now, Johnny felt frustrated again, but he brought up a smile as Karl walked up.
"Everything okay?"
He nodded. "Doing great."
"Good! So, I guess that's pretty much everyone, everyone except for the Elrods over there by the garden. That's Mason and Sophia. They own the Gas N Go in town."
"Beer?"
Johnny turned to find Dean from the dairy farm passing him a cold one. "Thank you."
The group stood and chatted as the kids ran around the yard and played. Johnny easily fell into a comfortable conversation, and without realizing it, his anxiety had left him at ease with those around him. As they talked the sunset lit up the sky around them with bold colors of orange, yellow, mauve, and purples dappled along the horizon. Beyond the pastures, he could see the shimmering lake revealing itself just behind the tree line, mirroring the sky above. It was like something from a painting.
Soon, a loud bell was rung from the porch calling everyone to the dinner table. The little ones raced past almost knocking everyone over as Johnny spun a couple of circles in a playful dodge with them, sending fits of laughter into the evening air. Tables had been set up in their absence, lined with red-checkered cloths, centerpieces of candles and fresh flowers with pitchers of iced tea waiting. The only face he hadn't seen yet was the one that sat across from him.
He beamed. "Mrs. Rose, it's good to see you again."
"And you too young man. Have you enjoyed your evening so far?"
"Absolutely." He looked around at the friendly faces around the table. "It's been great to get to know everyone a little better."
She nodded at him. "It's a good place to call home, isn't it?"
With a softly serious expression, he nodded. "Yes, ma'am, it sure is."
A knife clanging on a glass drew their attention to the head of the table where Earl and Ruth now stood.
"Once again, we welcome our friends, neighbors, and family to dine with us this evening. This has been a proud tradition at the Weber Ranch for going on ten years now. There are a lot of reasons to celebrate the changing of the seasons, our Fall Equinox, but today we have a special reason. We give thanks to each other, as neighbors and family, to those who are there for us when times are hard. So, today, I'd like to give special thanks to our new neighbor, Johnny Gage. For his heroism in saving one of our own. Johnny, we welcome you to our community."
He tipped his head, feeling speechless. "Thank you."
"Now, enough of this talk. Let's eat," Earl finished up with a round of laughter from the tables.
The Weber boys, Patrick and Thomas, helped serve the meal then quietly took their seats near their parents. Johnny had noticed the tight bond between the family while spending the day with them and it was clear the boys had a lot of respect for their parents.
"Johnny, what brought you from the city to way out here?" Suzanne Wilson asked.
"I grew up on a farm and was just ready to get back to some of that. And, I like how close I am to the city too."
"I understand that," she smiled. "I grew up in Seattle and had never set foot on a farm until I met Brian. It didn't take much to convert me to small-town life. And I'm looking forward to raising little Sarah Jane here next."
"Johnny will raise all his children here."
As everyone turned to look at Mrs. Rose, Johnny went two shades paler. "What?" He stuttered out.
"Don't fret, boy. The tea leaves said so. Therefore it will be."
Johnny wasn't sure how to answer that. Kids? ALL his kids?
Karl smacked him on the shoulder. "Don't panic yet, we'll give you some time to find a wife first." He laughed out loud then leaned in close and made a straight face. "Seriously though, her tea leaves are always right."
The look on Johnny's face had everyone around him laughing now as Mrs. Rose just sipped her tea and looked unconcerned.
When dinner was over, cleaning the tables became a joint event as the dishes were moved to the kitchen, while the men broke down the tables and put the chairs away. Johnny just followed Karl's lead, and he had to admit he was in awe of how the close the community seemed. When he put the last chair in the hall closet he walked down the hallway slower, looking at all the pictures on the wall.
Rows and rows of family shots, some formal but most of them were casual and candid at their best. It was easy to see Sarah and her blonde hair contrasting to the rough and tumble dark headed brothers beside her. As he moved from one to the next, he thought it odd how some of them were cut in the frames. Not your typical rectangle shot but angled at the side or near the bottom. Then it dawned on him, and his heart sank.
They had cut Grace out of them all.
So many pictures of the girls together, so much life lived, games played, dinners shared, sleepovers, and celebrations. And they had eliminated her from them all. From their lives.
"We were always getting into something," Karl beamed, as he walked up beside him. "Momma said she never knew four kids could get into so much trouble." His voice trailed off, then he cleared his throat.
"She's not here."
Karl's eyes changed. Was it sadness? "I know, and I didn't have any say about it. It was dad's decision and we were just kids so we abided by it."
Johnny was trying really hard to understand this family. It was getting more confusing by the minute. "So, where do you stand in all this?"
"John Gage."
He looked down the hall to see Earl standing there. "Yes, Sir?" He moved closer to him.
"Me and the boys will be moving our meadow herd to the winter camp next month. I could use another good man and horse."
He couldn't help but feel flattered. "Yes, sir, I'd be glad to help out. Just let me know the dates so I can make sure I'm off then."
"Karl."
"I'll make sure he has the dates, sir."
With a grunt and a nod, the older man turned and left them standing alone in the hall.
"Wow."
Johnny had to admit that he was looking forward to helping with another cattle drive. "That was nice to invite me."
Karl shook his head. "Nice? Try never happened before."
"Really?"
"Yeah, man. These cattle drives are family only."
Johnny wasn't exactly sure if Karl was keen on the idea of him coming along with them.
"Oh, well, I can always say I have to work. I don't want to intrude or anything."
Karl laughed. "Wouldn't hear of it. I'm looking forward to someone to talk to other than my brothers."
Johnny relaxed and decided he would make it happen with his work schedule. His curiosity about this family was just continuing to grow.
The air was cool, and the crickets chirped in the background as Johnny stood on the front porch watching the last truck head down the driveway. He was the last to leave, having stayed after dinner to help Karl out at the barn with evening chores. There had been a hope for some quiet time so he could ask more about Earl and Grace, but the constant interruptions by brothers and farm hands had never allowed the opportunity. Now, he was just ready to head home and to a hot shower. He felt a hand on his arm.
"Mrs. Weber?"
"Ruth, please. I just wanted to say thank you for coming and for, well, being so kind to us."
Johnny was confused. "This evening was really amazing. It gave me a chance to meet more folks."
She smiled softly but shook her head slightly. "No, I mean, I know it must have been difficult to be around us after talking to MaryAnn."
He tried to not tense up, but she moved her hand off his arm in response to his reaction. "It wasn't difficult. I was a little nervous, but everyone was very nice and the evening was perfect."
"We're not bad people. I just wanted you to know that about us."
"I never thought that I promise. I still don't understand everything, and it's not really my place to say anything."
"Momma," Karl came up beside her and kissed her on the cheek. "Johnny's a good guy. Everything's going to be okay."
She patted his cheek and smiled lovingly at him. "Thank you, honey. Goodnight Johnny, I hope we see you again soon."
"Good night, Mrs. Ruth."
Karl walked Johnny out to his truck. "My mom worries a lot. She was worried you wouldn't want to be around us after talking with MaryAnn. And she really likes you," he chuckled. "When Grace came back to town, so messed up and asking MaryAnn for help, no one knew but us, and my mom."
Johnny quietly wondered when Karl did come back into the picture of Grace's life. "Was she upset that Grace came back?"
He shook his head. "Dad and my brothers, they were furious and kept Grace shutout. But, my mom, she always loved Grace." He lowered his head and pushed the tip of his boot into the dirt. "She was another daughter to her, and it hurt her a lot, all that happened after we put Sarah in the ground."
"I can't imagine what she went through."
"I know MaryAnn told you some, but one thing she didn't tell you was that when Grace decided to go back to school and get her life together, my momma paid for her college. She took the money she had put away for Sarah and gave it to Grace. Even dad never knew the money was saved away, so he never found out." His eyes almost pleaded with Johnny. "We're not bad folks and my dad, well, he's a good man that's made some mistakes."
Johnny still held some reservation on that. He knew that Earl's actions had driven Grace off the edge of the proverbial cliff. "It's not my place to judge your father."
"And I'm not saying you are. I'm just asking that you give us a chance to show you who we really are."
There was a lot to think about, but for tonight it was time to go home and make sure his own place was doing okay before work in the morning. With final goodbyes, he headed back home.
"How's Nicholas doing?" Roy asked as they checked the squad boxes for stock.
"I called this morning before leaving, and MaryAnn said he had a quiet night."
"Good." Roy watched his friend and work partner this morning with extra scrutiny. His preoccupation had him distracted. "Anything else going on?"
Johnny looked up and wrinkled his forehead. "Like what?"
Roy shrugged. "Just asking, your distracted today."
"I'm not distracted, who said I was distracted?" He stood up and put the last box back in the truck.
"You counted the OB box three times and just put up the drug box that we've not checked yet. What's going on?"
Pulling out the med box again, he let out a sigh. "Can I ask you a question?"
Roy leaned against the squad, knowing he had asked, so it was time to hear him out. "Go ahead."
"I don't know Roy, there's just more to living in a small town than I realized."
"I thought things were going pretty well." Roy could tell that something was eating at him. "What's changed?"
Johnny sat down on the bumper of the squad, stretching his long legs out and crossing them. "It's Grace."
Of course, Roy thought. A girl. Especially an unobtainable girl. "And?" He knew he would regret this, but it was going to be an incredibly long shift if he didn't get his partner less stressed.
"It's so complicated, childhood friends, one died, and apparently the entire town blames Grace. But, it's not the town's fault, it started with Earl, and I get along with Karl, I mean he seems like a decent guy, but then he grabbed her and…" he paused long enough to look up.
Roy's brow was furrowed, trying to follow the rambling story.
"Look," Johnny put his hands out. "I might like her. I mean I don't know, but how am I supposed to know when I can't even get anyone to say a single nice thing about her. Is she really as bad as everyone makes her out to be? I mean, Rose likes her, and you know, I like Rose."
Roy leaned against the corner of the truck. "Rose?"
"The tea lady."
Roy just nodded. Sure, the tea lady.
He kept going. "And then I find out that Ruth gave her money, meant for Sarah, so obviously she's not buying into the evil Grace story."
"Ruth?"
"Earls wife."
"Okay. And Sarah?"
Johnny looked up, his brow furrowed with annoyance. "The friend that died, Roy. Do you ever listen to anything I tell you?"
Roy wanted to chuckle but held it in for now. "Keep going." He was still waiting to hear what the problem was.
"Keep going. I could keep going all day, this stuff is complicated. I can't even keep up when I'm there right in the middle of it." He stood up and walked around Roy to close the side compartment door before turning back. "I just don't know."
Roy was pretty sure he didn't either. "Look, let's go get supplies at Rampart, and we'll figure out small-town politics later."
"So, when's the next fishing trip, Johnny?" Marco asked as he sliced tomatoes for lunch.
Johnny swung his leg over a chair and sat backward in it. "Anytime Marco, anytime."
"I was telling my neighbor about your new place, and he had a couple of great camping spots in that area that he recommended."
Johnny nodded. "Sounds good. We can check them out, like a new place each time."
Marco smiled. "And since I'm the only one that hasn't met Sheila yet," he laughed since everyone now knew who Sheila was now.
Hank strolled in and stood by the table. "I've not met her yet." He looked between the two men. "What? Just because I'm the Captain doesn't mean I don't want to meet important girlfriends."
Marco looked at Johnny with a furrowed brow.
"Uh Cap," Johnny started.
"No, no, next time is fine. Saving the best for last. I get it." He tucked his hands in his pockets and strolled back to his office.
"You've not told Cap yet?!" Marco whispered across the table.
Johnny threw his hands up in the air. "I thought he knew!"
"Knew what?" Chet asked, stumbling into the conversation. "Who?"
Marco pointed the knife towards Johnny. "Apparently, everyone knows about Sheila except for Cap."
His jaw dropped, then Chet smiled largely. "Johnny, I'm really surprised that you'd deceive Cap like this."
Johnny stood up and pushed the chair under the table. Throwing his arms in the air. "I didn't deceive Cap, we all just assumed he'd heard."
"Especially, with your big mouth," Marco added with a glare to Chet.
Before he could get a retort in the alarm sounded, and everyone froze to hear the call.
Squad 51, Man injured 4121 East Coleman Road. Police are on scene. Timeout 1128.
Roy pulled into the small strip mall lot and parked along the curb. There were already two police cruisers there and an ambulance waiting. As soon as they climbed out of the squad, Vince greeted Johnny by the sidewalk.
"Whatcha got Vince?"
Vince nodded towards the man sitting on the sidewalk in handcuffs. "Attempted robbery, except he didn't count on the guard dog behind the meat counter. He's got a couple good tears to the leg that I wanted you to check out, to see if he needed to go to Rampart or not."
Roy was now helping him pull the trauma boxes from the rig as Vince finished the story. Two other officers were keeping the small, but nosey crowd back and the most likely owner of the store was standing beside him. Johnny was slightly grateful that no dog could be seen at the moment, even though the owner was doing his best to be intimidating on his own.
"Is the dog up to date on his Rabies?" Roy asked the man.
"Of course, he has his shots. He's a good dog," the man huffed. "And did exactly what he was trained to do."
"Crazy dog!" The handcuffed man yelled, then turned to Vince. "You should make him put that dog down, there was no reason for it to attack me!"
Roy pulled up the man's right pant leg to get a better view of the bite marks. There were clear and deep teeth marks and scratches all over his calf. Some bleeding was present, but nothing concerning.
Johnny was working on vital signs as Roy pulled out some saline and gauze to clean the wound up. Every time he touched the man he jumped.
"Sir, if you could just hold still for a minute I'll get this cleaned up for you."
"Cleaned up? I need to be in a hospital. Obviously, that dog is rabid!"
Johnny and Roy both looked up to Vince who shook his head.
The butcher laughed out loud. "I think the only one rabid around here is you. Crazy enough to walk behind my counter and try to empty the cash register." He looked at Roy. "Then, he met Thor." He laughed again.
"Thor?" Johnny asked. "How big is this dog?"
"Big enough to take down this moron," the man continued to laugh.
"That dog is a killer!" He glared at Johnny with giant wide eyes. "A killer I'm telling ya."
Roy put in the call to Rampart who recommended a run into the hospital but no IV, allowing them to send him in the police car with an officer instead of an ambulance.
"Our poor baby!" Everyone looked up to see a grey headed woman run out of the butcher's market carrying a chihuahua.
"That's your killer dog?" Johnny asked the injured man sarcastically.
The robber just lowered his head as they pulled him up and guided him to the patrol car.
Johnny laughed as he stood beside the lady. "Why, you're just a cute little thing."
The little dog snapped and growled at the extended hand, and Johnny rapidly jerked it back, looking at them with surprise. Guarding his hand, he took at least three steps backward. "Feisty little thing, huh?"
Roy had gathered up the boxes and just stared at Johnny. "Are you ready?"
The couple turned back to their store, taking Thor with them.
"I'm ready, I'm ready."
Roy slid the boxes into the side compartment. "Didn't know if you needed more time, dog whisperer."
Johnny scoffed at him. "I get along fine with dogs." He closed the door and turned the latch to lock it. "Dog whisperer," he muttered as he climbed back into the truck.
He glared over at Roy. "I could have a dog if I wanted one."
Roy instantly regretted his wording. Johnny was already in a funk, there was no reason to add to it.
"I never said you couldn't have a dog."
"Well," he huffed, "just don't act like I don't know how to take care of things."
Roy turned in his seat. "Look, I may not get all that you're dealing with at home, but no one doubts your ability to take care of things."
Johnny hesitated with the radio in his hand. "Squad 51 available." He leaned back in the seat. "It's nothing. I mean it's a lot, but nothing I can do anything about." He turned in his seat to face Roy. "I mean it's not like I have any control over how other people act or what they say. That's their problem, right?" He looked over to Roy who just watched him.
"Small town problems."
"Small town problems. If you had any idea, Roy." He turned towards him. "I've never in my life seen so much drama in such a small place. I mean the people are nice, and they're welcoming, but every time I meet someone, there's a new multi-generation story that comes with them. Do I need to know all those details? The details are driving me crazy, I'm telling ya."
Obviously, the question was rhetorical since he barely paused for breath. Roy just shrugged his shoulders.
"I don't need all those details, Roy," he said with exasperation. "I mean if you tell me that stuff I'm gonna feel a need to try and fix it. And I can't fix all that's going on in that place. It's just asking too much of me."
"Maybe, they're not asking you to fix it, and they're just sharing stories?"
His eyes got wide. "The stories Roy, you wouldn't believe the stories."
Station 51, Woman down…
Johnny just lets out a large huff and answered the radio call. Roy knew the conversation was long from over and pulled into the street.
Five runs later, and lunch missed they made it back to the dayroom with grumbling stomachs and paperwork left to complete.
"Thought you guys had gotten lost," Chet welcomed them back in.
"Lost, we wish," Johnny mumbled, heading straight for the refrigerator. "What was for lunch?"
"There's a plate of chicken towards the back," Mike called out from the couch.
Johnny pulled it out and immediately removed the plastic wrap then shoved a drumstick in his mouth. There was little better than Mikes fried chicken, even if it was cold.
Roy just sat down and watched him. The entire morning, it was clear he was off kilter, and Roy found it very unsettling. Moving out to the bay Roy climbed up on the rig and began checking tanks.
"No lunch?"
He looked down to see Johnny glaring up at him, still chewing on some chicken.
"I'll get something later. How about a Rampart run?"
Johnny shrugged. "Sure."
The ride was quiet, and Roy knew he had to keep him talking about his small-town life. "So, how's Grace doing now?"
It was clear that Johnny was very interested in her and she was apparently a big part of the town drama.
Johnny glared at him with an incredulous look, then released a breath and let his shoulders slump down.
"Grace."
They sat in the parking lot of the ER as Johnny finished his more detailed, but still mildly abbreviated version of Grace's tale. Roy had to admit, he was speechless. He'd never even met the woman, having only heard about her through Johnny's stories. Now, his vision of her had completely changed. Johnny then moved from her to the unsure and complicated relationship with Karl, and family. So many twists in relationships and honestly, he probably only knew a fraction of the truth in that town.
"Johnny, it's not your job to fix everything or anyone."
"Then what am I supposed to do?" He felt exasperated.
Roy pulled the keys from the ignition and turned to him. "You're the new kid on the block. Keep your head down, and take care of your place. Get to know people and don't try to fix them."
"You make it sound easy."
Roy shook his head. "Nothing about it is easy, but this is your new home, so you have to make it work."
Johnny opened his door and slid out, prompting Roy to do the same since apparently, the conversation was over. Still, his mind continued to ponder the possibilities.
Inside, the ER was quiet, and they found Dixie at the nurses' station going through some charts.
"Dix," Roy greeted her.
"Johnny, Roy, what's up?" She smiled at seeing her two favorite medics.
"Supply run," Roy glanced around. "Quiet day?"
She looked at him with wide eyes. "That was uncalled for!"
Johnny laughed. "You're in hot water now, pally."
Roy smiled when he realized what he had done. Of course, the "q" word was equivalent to a curse word in the hospital. "Sorry, Dix."
Dixie eyed him closely, before smiling. "Don't worry, I know where to find you when things start falling apart around here."
Johnny leaned on the desk. "Aww Dix, we know you can handle anything that walks through the doors here."
Her smile was more sarcastic than flattered as she leaned in closer to him. "Don't think I'll do it?"
Roy chuckled as Johnny took a step back. "I'm not the one that said it."
"Roy?" She said with a side glance.
He just shrugged. "Partners."
Johnny looked exasperated. "I have no idea how I got drug into this, to begin with."
Picking up the supply box Roy gave Dixie a smile. "We better leave before he has us working on our days off."
"Speaking of days off," she asked. "When do I get to see this new place of yours?"
His worried smile changed to one of excitement. "Soon, I promise. I have another long weekend coming up, and Roy and I were talking about having a cookout again, with the station and inviting you and the docs."
She was so proud of all he had accomplished. "I'm looking forward to it."
Roy's HT sounded and sent them running back to the squad with future plans left for another day's discussion.
Pulling into the marina, Roy proceeded down towards the boat dock, where police cars and Engine 110 was visible. The initial call had been vague, telling them to simply meet the Coast Guard for a water rescue. Once parked, they hopped out of the squad and met Captain Murphy from 110.
"What we got, Cap?" Johnny asked him.
"Boat wreck off the breakaway sounds like three are hurt pretty badly with one still trapped in the water." He motioned behind them. "They're ready for you."
Both men nodded and began pulling out the trauma and resuscitation boxes as the Captain continued to share what little details were available. Quickly, they proceeded down the dock to the waiting boat and loaded their equipment, then themselves. After brief introductions, the boat was underway to the accident.
As they approached the scene, Johnny just looked over to Roy with shocked eyes and the unasked question of 'how in the world'? Roy just shook his head. If there were only three victims in this mess, then they would be lucky.
What they approached was a large houseboat, older looking and deeply listing to the side speaking that it would soon be underwater altogether. The reason for the sinking boat was clear. Deeply impacted into its side was a sleek powerboat.
Roy shook his head. The powerboat must have been at high speed to have caused so much damage.
The smaller vessel was still ablaze, and the fire boats were working steadily to extinguish the gas-fueled flames. Even the surrounding water was still burning hot. Their small boat maneuvered around to the far side of the houseboat and pulled up beside another one from the fire department. Just as they arrived, another victim was being brought up out of the water. Roy quickly jumped over to the other boat and helped lift the coughing woman up and onto the floor.
"We've already sent six in," Captain Wilcox updated them as they worked. "There are three up front that need medical attention, and we are still missing four."
"I'll go down," Johnny suggested to Roy.
Roy nodded. "I'll assess these and be right there." He had no intention of letting his partner go at it alone.
While Johnny was working on getting his scuba gear on, Roy quickly moved from patient to patient, obtaining vital signs and providing first aid for the relatively minor injuries that included cuts, scrapes, and bruises. He knew it could have been a lot worse.
A member of the scuba team resurfaced and pulled off his mask, already shaking his head.
"I can see them trapped towards the center with a really small pocket of air, but I need more manpower to get past the wreckage.
"Cap, they are ready to be transported," Roy told him. "Minor injuries that need to be checked out at Rampart." He was already pulling on the scuba gear as Johnny climbed in the water.
"Okay DeSoto, we have another squad and a couple of ambulances waiting at the dock."
"Grab the underwater cutting rod," the diver called out to him. "It's in the compartment near your foot."
Roy nodded as both men disappeared into the dark water below.
Visibility was only partial once they left the surface and moved underneath the large houseboat. Two other divers joined the medics and passed them each an underwater flashlight which helped only to a minimal degree. Moving through the shattered windows on the side, they ventured inside to the living area adjacent to the galley area. Diver one quickly demonstrated to the others that the galley door was locked and unmovable from the front. There were only two small windows, luckily still intact, that allowed them to see the others inside.
Roy put his face up to the window. The cabin area was almost filled with water now. Miscellaneous items floated around in the water, pots, pans, utensils and destroyed food supplies. In the farthest right-sided corner, he could see four bodies with their heads bobbing in the limited airspace that was left. Grabbing Johnny by the sleeve, he pulled him to the window and pointed inside. Lastly, he held up three fingers. Johnny moved into his place and looked inside. He could see four sets of legs. However, only three were kicking to stay afloat. One person was either dead or unconscious.
Diver two powered up the specialized underwater tool and began cutting into the bulkhead door of the cabin. The others backed away a bit knowing all they could do at this point was wait until they could access the victims. The process was going very slow, and after Johnny took another glance into the cabin, he tapped the cutter then pointed to his invisible watch.
They were running out of time. The diver nodded and resumed cutting.
It was a long couple of minutes later when the door handle fell off. Johnny moved in with the diver to push it open, only to find it was still jammed shut. Being underwater didn't allow them any leverage to push against the door. At the moment they still had no access to the victims.
Roy got Johnny's attention and motioned with his hands about getting the jaws from above. After getting a return nod, Roy resurfaced for the critically needed piece of equipment. When he returned, the other's moved to the side, allowing him clear access to the door. Once the door was pried open the room was immediately flooded, and the small residual air bubble was pushed out. One woman and a man were still conscious, and the divers grabbed them quickly and headed to the top. Johnny reached out for the one closest to him, an unconscious man, as Roy grabbed the last victim, an unresponsive woman.
Once they reached the surface again, they found two new boats waiting for them. Eager hands reached down to help hoist everyone up. The two who were coughing and breathing had been immediately transferred to a Coast Guard vessel and sent to shore for continued medical treatment. That left only Johnny and Roy's patients remaining.
Roy knew his patient had been down the longest, he recognized the legs from his initial view into the porthole. She was in her mid-fifties, pale and cyanotic, pulseless and without respirations. Her skin was ice cold from the prolonged exposure to the deep water. Positioning her neck, he immediately began mouth to mouth ventilation and could feel the resistance of the tight, water-filled lungs. After a few compressions, he looked over to Johnny who was now doing the same to his male victim. Neither man held much hope in the silent exchange. Other's moved in and assisted in the duel resuscitation as they started the routine of IV fluids, airways, and medications. They worked silently, and in this rare occasion, separately in their efforts. When they reached the boat dock, two ambulances waited with each medic tending to their own patient.
"Sounds like it was pretty bad," Dixie said softly at the desk as she watched the two men closely. After working with them for a while, she knew the signs of a bad run. The kind of run that wore heavy on the hearts and souls of the on-scene rescue teams. Her favorite medics shoulders hung low with that burden now, and as usual, it worried her.
"Four dead, and what?" Johnny looked to her, "eleven injured?" He shook his head. It was a very high price to pay for a weekend on the water. He let out a deep breath as his shoulders sank lower.
"I'm sick of being wet."
Roy empathized with him. He was exhausted, too. "Let's get back to the station for some dry clothes, pally."
"You look like a wet rat," Chet kidded him.
Johnny ignored him as he proceeded from the bay directly to the dorm. Roy just looked at him.
"What?" Chet shrugged.
"Not a good time Chet, this last call, was," he hesitated, "rough."
Chet nodded, slipped his hands into his pockets and headed back into the dayroom. One thing he knew was to not mess with his coworkers after a bad rescue.
"You okay?" Roy leaned on the door frame as Johnny slipped on a new shirt.
"Glad to be dry."
Moving to his own locker, Roy pulled out some dry clothes and proceeded to change too. He considered how long to let his friend brew on the losses they just had. It was a lot to add to an already stressed friend.
"Come on, let's get some dinner."
Hank wandered into the kitchen as the dinner call was put out, poured himself a cup of coffee then sat down. Roy sat down beside him.
"I'm sorry to hear about the losses, Roy. Sounds like a bad accident."
"They were just talking about it on the news. An overcrowded party boat was hit by a power boat?" Mike asked as he put down a platter of grilled chicken and a bowl of rice.
Roy nodded. "Yeah. It slammed right into the middle of the houseboat. It was a mess. We pulled out four, but only two made it."
"That's a really bad scene," Chet added. "Sorry guys."
Johnny appreciated that Chet knew when to lay off them. "I'll just be happy to avoid the water for a while."
"Eat up," Mike announced and both medics were grateful when the conversation changed to the next plans for a cookout at Johnny's.
"Just so long as I don't have to fish again," Hank grumped.
Everyone laughed and for a little while small-town drama and losses were put in the back of their minds. There was time for that later, and Roy hoped that the worst was behind for his friend.