Title: Reservations Confirmed – Pt. 25

By: FanofRandy

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"In what I thought would be my last deed on this earth, I did it. I forgave Dave Foster for all the torture and abuse…all the hell he put me through. But, then…I realized I had to forgive myself, too." Johnny said quietly lowering his head in what looked like shame.

"Forgive yourself for what, Johnny?" Dr. Brackett asked almost defending his Friend against the self-accusation of some perceived wrong-doing.

"I needed to forgive myself for carrying this around with me all these years. It has taken its toll…nightmares, mood swings, keepin' me from comin' back here…I shouldn'ta let it consume me so much." Johnny determined.

Tim offered, "John…people who are hurt—hurt as badly as you were—they all deal with it differently. There is no right or wrong…though you will never forget what happened…maybe now it will be easier to remember the good stuff, huh?"

Johnny nodded and smiled. "Yeah…there sure has been a lot of good stuff…" His eyes brightened as he remembered what happened just the day before when used Sister M's gift to bless his Friends. "Roy…what's goin' on with your house deal?" Everyone was caught off guard. Though, the sudden change of subject was not atypical behavior in Johnny—his thought process was much like popcorn in a pan at times-but it was unexpected.

"Uh…well…it's moving along. The papers should be ready to sign in a few days. Oh, and, I need to thank a 'generous benefactor' for supplying the down payment." He winked and nudged his Partner. Everyone else was unaware of the secret.

Johnny blushed and explained. "Sister M's left me a lot of money. I couldn't see spending it all on m'self…so, I wanted to help my Family. Tim, Karen…your cars are both paid off now." Both stood in amazement at the declaration, muttering soft 'thank yous'. "And, when I get back home, I'm gonna give some to Rampart, too." He said as he nudged Dr. Brackett. Those around him smiled at his generosity…this man was a loving, generous, and caring person—despite what had happened to him as a child. "You know…" Johnny continued. "She left me some property…a ranch just outside the city...She musta known somehow that I lived in LA. I can't wait to go check it out."

"Well…for you to be able to check out that property…you need to get better. We need to get outta here now and let you rest, Johnny." Dr. Brackett ordered. Johnny began to balk, but he was clearly outnumbered as Roy, Tim and Karen all agreed. As the others left with their hugs and 'good-byes', Brackett remained.

The two men eyed each other for some time before either spoke. Johnny blushed and Brackett didn't know if it was his emotion or the fever, but responded safely, "Johnny, you still have a fever. You need to rest and let the meds take effect. We don't want you getting any worse." He cleared his throat. Johnny swallowed hard and when he felt as though he had control of his voice, he began.

"Uh…Doc…" Johnny muttered. "…about earlier…when I yelled at you…" Brackett's hand flew up to stop him from saying more.

"Johnny, no more needs to be said. You have just been through a highly emotional ordeal. Being trapped, nearly dying, facing your past…that is enough to overwhelm anyone…even someone as strong as you." Brackett said, smiling.

Johnny blushed again at the sentiment behind the words. His relationship with Brackett had a rocky start. But, as the years progressed, they came to respect one another for who they were and realized that they were quite similar in many ways. "You get some rest. I'm gonna call a friend who owns a plane and see if he can fly us all back home. You should be able to travel in a day or two. Is that alright with you, hose-jockey?" Brackett asked.

Johnny had a look in his eye that Brackett and others rarely saw unless looking closely. It was a vulnerability that a strong Fireman rarely displays, if ever. Brackett could see it clearly now…it was the look of a young boy who just needed to be loved. "Thanks, Doc." Was all Johnny could muster. Brackett nodded as he barely touched Johnny's arm and then left the room.

Johnny yawned and grimaced against the slight pain the burns radiated through his upper body. He looked around the empty room and realized he was alone…but, for the first time in a long while…he didn't feel lonely. He closed his eyes and went to sleep.

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Johnny was released from the hospital the following day. Dr. Helms and Dr. Brackett felt their patient should have one or two more days of rest before traveling. So, Johnny returned to the Garner's home. That afternoon, Roy and Brackett came by to visit.

Tim met them at the door. "C'mon in." He bellowed against the wind that blew outside. "Bet you aren't used to this blustery wind and snow, huh?" He laughed at the two as they shivered uncontrollably.

"It isn't somethin' I'm used to." Roy said through chattering teeth.

"That's for sure." Brackett agreed as they shed their coats. Karen was quick to join them with cups of hot coffee.

"Here, this'll warm you up." Karen said as she handed them the cups. Both men accepted the offering with gratitude. "Are you sure you won't stay out here while you are in town? We really do have plenty of room." She posed.

"No, we are fine at the hotel in town." Brackett replied as he had the day before. "Only problem is, this guy snores." He quipped.

Roy looked at his Friend with feigned outrage. "No, I don't…you do!" They were all laughing when they noticed Johnny coming down the stairs. He had overheard the banter.

"Having spent many a night in the bunk next to yours…I have to agree with Brackett, Roy. You DO snore." Johnny kidded as he joined the group standing in the foyer. The group laughed together as they made their way to the living room and each found a seat.

The room got quiet as they all regarded Johnny. Roy was the first to speak. "How ya feelin', Junior?"

Johnny nodded as he answered. "I feel better. My arms are startin' to peel and itch…no worse than a bad sunburn, I guess." John Gage had not had a sunburn in his life. His skin had a rich olive tone that deepened in the summer sun. That came from his Indian heritage, his father's genes. He shifted uncomfortably in his chair.

Karen asked. "Is there something I can get you, John?" Roy and Brackett looked on.

"No…'m okay." He answered. There was an elephant in the room and no one knew how to broach the subject. Like many people do, they danced around it.

Tim deflected. "When are you all plannin' to leave go back to California?"

Johnny deferred to Brackett, who answered. "I got us a flight out tomorrow evening. A friend of mine has a private plane and he is flying back this way from the East Coast. He's gonna stop here and refuel and then take us on home." He explained. Johnny sat back carefully…he was proud to know someone who knew someone who had his own plane.

Beating around the bush was not Roy's style…he finally asked. "Johnny, are you sure you wanna do this…today?" They all looked toward him.

He nodded. "Yes…if we're leavin' t'morrow, I have to do it now." He confessed. He took in a deep breath and let it out slowly. "I'll be okay…you're both gonna be there, right?" Johnny knew the answer as he looked to Roy and Brackett.

"We sure will be." Brackett affirmed. "But, Johnny, are you sure you wanna do this…are you sure you wanna revisit the place where you almost died the other night?"

TBC