See Chapter 1 for Disclaimer

CHAPTER Ten

ON THE HOMEFRONT

Meanwhile, back in Los Angeles, Dr. Brackett was busy rearranging his very busy schedule so he could consult with Dr. Craig in Boston. Dr. Joe Early was very willingly taking over most of Kel's caseload.

At the station, Captain Stanley was just hanging the phone up as John and Roy returned, intending to inform their crewmates of Chet's latest mishap.

Before they could do so, though, Captain Stanley asked everyone to go into the dayroom.

"Ok, men, I have some bad news. Chet Kelly has been severely burned and is in the burn ward of Massachusetts General Hospital. According to Doc. Bracket, he has as much as fifty percent burns on his upper torso, with many third degree. He also has a collapsed lung.

Doctor Brackett and Dixie McCall are preparing to go there as we speak.

They've also asked if anyone wanted to go, too."

As he was talking, he noticed Marco dropping the plate he had been drying and almost passing out.

"You ok, Marco?"

"Y..Yeah, Cap, it's just...Chet! I can't believe it! He's my best friend. Oh, Madre dios, I gotta go, Cap! I gotta be there for him. You do understand, don't you?"

"Yes, Marco, I do. I'll call the Chief now and get you an indefinite leave as well as let him know about Chet.

Roy? Why don't you call Rampart and inform Brackett to wait for Lopez?

Marco, go on home and pack, pal. Someone will call you with the details."

"Yes, Cap, thanks."

"No problem, Marco. Call us right away, as soon as you know something, ok, pal?"

"Will do, cap" Marco acknowledged as he ran out to his car.

Driving home, he began praying and kept right on praying as he packed. He thought to himself, "Man, poor Chet. This has been a horrible year for him and it's not getting any better. God, please, give him peace."

Johnny had gone into a funk feeling very guilty over the mean thoughts he'd had when he heard at Rampart. "I honestly thought it was something silly like he burned himself lighting a candle at church or something. Damn, Chet, GET BETTER, MAN!" He said to himself as he sulked.

Roy noticed how quiet his partner had become and asked, "Hey, Junior, what's up?"

"Oh, Roy, remember when Brackett told us and I laughed? God, how could I have been so insensitive? Chet would never be that way to me, you or anyone! Have I really gotten that detached?"

"Johnny, listen, when Brackett told us, we both didn't realize the seriousness of Chet's injuries. I certainly never thought anything like this would EVER happen to any of us! Please stop feeling so guilty. Just pray for Chet and be supportive of him. Just like last year, he's really gonna need his friends. You ARE his friend, right?"

"Of course, I am. YOU are right. Thanks again, Roy. As usual you've helped me."

"No problem, Junior."

And they smiled at one another.