Chapter Four
Egon, the ghost is coming!" Janine called out, her ion gun ready.
Egon turned around and got his pack ready. He saw the large and slimy blue object heading his way and he fired, Janine also firing. Once the beams had the ghost, he called out, "Janine, the trap! Hurry!"
Janine quickly stepped on the trigger and the ghost was sucked in. "Okay, that sucker's in there lock, stock and barrel," she said as she picked up the smoking trap and gave it to Egon.
Egon took the trap from her and sighed. "Thanks, Janine."
Uncle Cyrus, who had been watching from a safe distance, came over to them. "Good job, my boy. You too, young lady," he said with a smile. "I will pay you, of course."
"I told you, Uncle. You don't have to," Egon said.
"Yes, but you came here at what cost? Your friends' lives? I think I owe you something," he said.
"My friends are not dead!" Egon exclaimed.
Cyrus nodded and sighed. Without another word, Egon and Janine went to see Winston who was still resting up his ankle. "I heard you two did a great job," he said. "Wish I could've helped."
Egon smiled. "It's okay. You need your rest."
Winston nodded and yawned.
"Doctor Spengler?"
Egon turned around to see the sheriff at their door with his hat in his hands next to his Uncle. Egon didn't like the look on his face. "May I help you?" he asked.
The sheriff nodded. "I've been helping my officers at the scene, and I thought you should know what we found."
Egon sat down on Winston's bed and he squeezed Egon's shoulder.
"We found this," the sheriff said. He handed Egon a scarf - Ray's scarf, the one that his Aunt Lois had knitted him for Christmas last year. Egon nodded. "We also found this," he said and handed Egon Peter's golden pocket watch - a gift from his father.
Egon sighed. "You're not giving up." It was a statement more than a question.
The sheriff nodded. "We have to. Our town can only afford so much search and rescue and we're not even halfway finished with the snow yet. Unless you're willing to pay the amount for us to stay out there, it's a closed case."
"Closed case?" Egon jumped up and almost hit the sheriff. "Those are our friends out there! Don't you be calling them a closed case!" he snapped.
Cyrus pulled Egon away from the sheriff. "Take it easy, Egon," he said.
"But Uncle…"
"The sheriff is correct," Cyrus replied, "It's been several days. Even if they weren't there… There's simply no chance of survival."
Egon stared at his uncle and the sheriff. They couldn't be telling him that two of his closest friends in the world were dead. He glanced at Winston and Janine. Neither one knew what to say. Even Slimer was very quiet as he looked down at the floor.
This time it felt different, and Egon could tell Winston felt the same way. He glanced at everyone and took off. He didn't know where he was going, but he knew it had to be anywhere else but that room for right now.
"Egon, come back!" Janine shouted.
Peter was up the next day. After giving Ray some broth, he went outside. He decided to look around to see if maybe there was a way through the snow. Tom stood by the door and stared at him. "Son, I know you want to get help for your friend but I promise he'll be okay."
"How do you know? Are you a doctor?"
"I used to be but that was a long time ago."
"What happened?"
Tom turned away. "It's not important." He walked back into the cabin.
Peter went after him. "What do you mean it's not important? Ray's life might depend on you!"
"I lost a patient but that was a long time ago."
"You lost a patient?"
Tom stared at Peter. "Doctors lose patients. It's, unfortunately, a hazard of the profession. I'll do my best to save your friend."
"Peter! Peter!"
Peter nearly knocked Tom over as he ran in to his friend. "Ray, it's okay! I'm here."
Ray looked up at Peter. "I thought you left."
"No, I'm right here."
"Egon and Winston are dead. I know they are."
"No, Ray. I feel that they are all right."
"No." Ray closed his eyes and began to breathe rapidly.
Tom rushed over. "This doesn't make sense! His fever should be going down!"
"What did you give him anyway?" Peter asked.
"A homemade remedy, but it works all the time!" Tom cried. "Well it's not working now!" Peter snapped. Ray's fever was getting worse and Peter held him close. "Please Ray," he whispered. "I won't lose you."
"P-Peter?" Ray whispered.
"I'm here, buddy." Peter tried to keep his eyes from watering. That wasn't his way, but he was too worried about Ray.
Tom handed him another cold cloth. "Since the frostbite's gone now, I think it's safe to put him in a cool bath," he said.
Peter nodded. "Let's do it."
They carried Ray to Tom's bathtub and turned the water on. Peter helped Tom put Ray in the bathtub. Ray's eyes blinked open.
"So cold…" he said, shivering.
"I know, buddy, but you're burning up. We have to get your fever down," Peter said, slowly pouring water onto Ray's hair as he shivered.
Egon hadn't gone far when he felt a tap on his shoulder. He realized it was Janine. "Why are you here?" he muttered.
"I think you need me."
Egon shrugged. "Just leave me alone, Janine."
"Forget it, Egon!" Janine exclaimed. "We're in this together. Peter and Ray are my friends too, in case you've forgotten."
Egon sighed. Finally, he couldn't help himself any longer. He started sobbing and Janine took him into her arms. "They're gone, Janine," he whispered. "Peter and Ray are… are… gone!"
"Hey... That still might not be true. Just because the sheriff is giving up hope doesn't mean we have to."
Egon sighed. "You are right once again, Janine." He slowly pulled away from her.
"Where are you going?" she asked.
"To search those mountains myself if I must," Egon replied. "I won't them starve or freeze to death out there behind a snow bank." He paused for a moment. "And if they are dead, I'll bring back their bodies for a proper funeral."
Janine stared at him. "Egon, you're crazy! A professionally trained search team couldn't find them because of the snow out there! What makes you think we will?"
"I'll find them, or I'll die trying."
Janine reached out and put a hand on Egon's shoulder. "Egon, don't think I'm not with you, because I am, but do you know what Peter would say about now?"
Egon's lips curled up in a slight smile. "Yes. He would say for someone that's so smart, I am acting very foolish."
Janine nodded. "Please, Egon. It'll be spring soon. Let's at least wait until this latest snow fall melts. Then we'll go look for…well, for whatever we find out there, okay?"
Egon nodded, sighing as he stared out the window. Janine placed her arms around his waist and leaned her head against his shoulder.
Winston joined them a short while later, briefly closing his eyes and praying for a miracle. He wasn't sure if he could handle Egon if Peter and Ray hadn't made it through everything. If they were both gone, he knew that it would kill Egon. They were two of his best friends. He knew that he was one of Egon's friends too, but Peter and Ray had been there for him since college. They were his family.
The three of them headed for bed a short while later.
Ray was shivering even more as Peter poured the cool water over him. "Come on buddy, I know you're cold, but stay with me, okay?" he murmured. "Tom, he doesn't look good at all. Maybe we should take him out."
Ray stared at Peter, too sick to even care. Tom put his hand on Ray's forehead. "He's still too hot. It's no wonder he's shivering," he sighed. "The bath's good for him. I washed the rest of his clothes and I also have some clothes he can put on once he's out. I put them by the door."
Peter nodded. "Thanks." He felt Ray's forehead again and Tom was right. Ray was burning up even more.
"S-Scared…" Ray coughed.
Peter held Ray's hands. "Oh Ray, I know, but you've made it this far. We can't give up hope. By the way, kiddo, love your boxers," he murmured.
Ray only shivered more. He hadn't even caught onto Peter's joke.
Peter was really scared now. Usually he could get a smile or something from Ray, even when he was this sick, but this time he couldn't. He saw a tear slide down Ray's cheek. Peter hugged him. "I know, Tex. I know you feel awful and I know you're scared," he whispered. "But your big brother will be with you the whole time, okay? I won't lose you, Ray. I repeat, I will not lose you. I love you, Ray, and you can't leave me." He hugged Ray tighter, praying for a miracle.
Tom watched the two men for a long time. He knew Ray's fever would break soon. He noticed that Ray was sweating - that was a good sign. "Okay, it's time to take him out. We can get him dry and then into something warm."
Peter nodded as he helped Tom with Ray, who looked up at his friend. "I'm sorry for being such a pain, Peter."
"Ray, you're not a pain... Well, at least most of the time you're not."
Ray rewarded Peter with a slow smile. "Do you think we'll ever get found?"
"Yeah, I do. Hey, come on! We're Peter Venkman and Ray Stantz. You better believe that they'll find us!"
Tom walked over to the door and looked outside for a moment before turning around to face the two men. "I think I might be able to get through with my mule. In the meantime, keep giving your friend this broth. It'll help get him stronger - and you drink some too."
Peter nodded as he took Ray and held him in his arms. "Here, buddy. Drink this... It'll help..."
Ray gulped and winced. "P-Peter... Throat hurts too much..." he croaked.
"I know, Tex, but this will help it. please do it, for Uncle Peter?" Peter whispered trying to lighten things up. Ray nodded and finally drank some, "Please hurry guys," Peter whispered.
The next day, Winston hobbled into Egon's room and saw that Egon was quickly pulling a pair of pants and a heavy sweater over long-johns. "You're going out, aren't you?"
"I have to, Winston. Please understand. I have to find them."
"I know, man, but I can't help worrying."
"I know," replied Egon as he put on his parka and then snowshoes. "But I just can't stay here and wait any longer."
Winston nodded as he placed his hand on Egon's arm." Just be careful."
"I will - and thanks, Winston. Winston?"
"Yeah?"
"Look after Janine."
Winston nodded as he watched Egon leave.
Once outside, Egon looked around. "Okay, the powers that be; help me find my friends. Please give me a sign of some sort." He started walking, silently hoping for something to happen, but there was nothing. He sighed, shook his head and continued walking down the trail.
Ray was getting worse, not better, and Peter was never so worried in all his life. "Please Tex, be okay... I need you to survive this, buddy," he whispered as he force-fed his friend some broth, but Ray's cough grew harder and harder.
Peter tried keeping Ray awake and also tried staying awake himself. His eyes watered in frustration as he felt Ray's forehead and knew that his fever was going up again. Even though he wasn't religious by a long shot, he silently found himself praying for a miracle to happen.
Egon continued to walk on the snow, his snowshoes keeping him from sinking. He blinked in surprise when he saw a figure coming towards him. His heart leapt, hoping that it was one of his friends but it sank when he saw it was only an old man leading a mule.
"Hey, sonny. I need some help. I've got two men back at my cabin. One of them is pretty sick and needs medical attention."
Egon grasped the man's shoulders. "Do you know their names?"
"Yeah. The brown haired man called the sick one Ray and I think his name was Peter."
Egon wanted to let out a whooping cheer, but instead he said, "Please take me to them."
"I will, but first we need to get the sheriff to get a chopper in."
Peter listened to the sound of Ray's labored breathing. The man's fever kept shooting up and down and Peter feared the worst. "Hang in there, Ray." He looked up when he heard another sound that made his heart leap with hope. "Ray, it's a chopper! They're coming. Hang on, kid. It won't be long now."
Ray squeezed Peter's hand a little bit. He wanted so badly to go home. Ray's eyes watered hoping it was real this time.
Egon stared out the window of the chopper, looking for the cabin. "There it is!" he yelled, pointing down at the ground. The pilot landed a short distance away from it and Egon yanked the door open and jumped down, moving as quickly as he could in the snow. "Peter! Ray?" he cried as he jerked the door open.
Peter turned around at the sound of Egon's voice. Happy tears stood in his eyes as he rose to his feet to greet his friend. Egon hugged Peter so tightly it nearly made him lose his breath.
"Uh, Egon… Uncle Petey needs to breathe!" Peter wheezed.
Egon nodded as they broke the embrace and looked down at Ray. "We've got to get him to a hospital quickly. The chopper's ready to go."
Peter nodded as the two of them carefully picked Ray up. "Lead the way, Spengs."
The two took their sick friend out to the waiting helicopter. When they were all settled in, the pilot took off for the hospital, calling ahead on his radio to let the trauma team know that he had a patient in serious condition with him.
The pilot landed the copter on the roof, where the waiting emergency staff quickly rushed Ray to the emergency room. Egon and Peter followed them until they were told they had to wait in the nearby waiting room.
"Peter, I'm going to call my uncle and Winston. I want to let them know I found you and Ray. Will you be all right till I get back?" Egon asked.
"Sure, Egon. I'll be fine," Peter answered softly as he sat down.
TBC
Egon, the ghost is coming!" Janine called out, her ion gun ready.
Egon turned around and got his pack ready. He saw the large and slimy blue object heading his way and he fired, Janine also firing. Once the beams had the ghost, he called out, "Janine, the trap! Hurry!"
Janine quickly stepped on the trigger and the ghost was sucked in. "Okay, that sucker's in there lock, stock and barrel," she said as she picked up the smoking trap and gave it to Egon.
Egon took the trap from her and sighed. "Thanks, Janine."
Uncle Cyrus, who had been watching from a safe distance, came over to them. "Good job, my boy. You too, young lady," he said with a smile. "I will pay you, of course."
"I told you, Uncle. You don't have to," Egon said.
"Yes, but you came here at what cost? Your friends' lives? I think I owe you something," he said.
"My friends are not dead!" Egon exclaimed.
Cyrus nodded and sighed. Without another word, Egon and Janine went to see Winston who was still resting up his ankle. "I heard you two did a great job," he said. "Wish I could've helped."
Egon smiled. "It's okay. You need your rest."
Winston nodded and yawned.
"Doctor Spengler?"
Egon turned around to see the sheriff at their door with his hat in his hands next to his Uncle. Egon didn't like the look on his face. "May I help you?" he asked.
The sheriff nodded. "I've been helping my officers at the scene, and I thought you should know what we found."
Egon sat down on Winston's bed and he squeezed Egon's shoulder.
"We found this," the sheriff said. He handed Egon a scarf - Ray's scarf, the one that his Aunt Lois had knitted him for Christmas last year. Egon nodded. "We also found this," he said and handed Egon Peter's golden pocket watch - a gift from his father.
Egon sighed. "You're not giving up." It was a statement more than a question.
The sheriff nodded. "We have to. Our town can only afford so much search and rescue and we're not even halfway finished with the snow yet. Unless you're willing to pay the amount for us to stay out there, it's a closed case."
"Closed case?" Egon jumped up and almost hit the sheriff. "Those are our friends out there! Don't you be calling them a closed case!" he snapped.
Cyrus pulled Egon away from the sheriff. "Take it easy, Egon," he said.
"But Uncle…"
"The sheriff is correct," Cyrus replied, "It's been several days. Even if they weren't there… There's simply no chance of survival."
Egon stared at his uncle and the sheriff. They couldn't be telling him that two of his closest friends in the world were dead. He glanced at Winston and Janine. Neither one knew what to say. Even Slimer was very quiet as he looked down at the floor.
This time it felt different, and Egon could tell Winston felt the same way. He glanced at everyone and took off. He didn't know where he was going, but he knew it had to be anywhere else but that room for right now.
"Egon, come back!" Janine shouted.
Peter was up the next day. After giving Ray some broth, he went outside. He decided to look around to see if maybe there was a way through the snow. Tom stood by the door and stared at him. "Son, I know you want to get help for your friend but I promise he'll be okay."
"How do you know? Are you a doctor?"
"I used to be but that was a long time ago."
"What happened?"
Tom turned away. "It's not important." He walked back into the cabin.
Peter went after him. "What do you mean it's not important? Ray's life might depend on you!"
"I lost a patient but that was a long time ago."
"You lost a patient?"
Tom stared at Peter. "Doctors lose patients. It's, unfortunately, a hazard of the profession. I'll do my best to save your friend."
"Peter! Peter!"
Peter nearly knocked Tom over as he ran in to his friend. "Ray, it's okay! I'm here."
Ray looked up at Peter. "I thought you left."
"No, I'm right here."
"Egon and Winston are dead. I know they are."
"No, Ray. I feel that they are all right."
"No." Ray closed his eyes and began to breathe rapidly.
Tom rushed over. "This doesn't make sense! His fever should be going down!"
"What did you give him anyway?" Peter asked.
"A homemade remedy, but it works all the time!" Tom cried. "Well it's not working now!" Peter snapped. Ray's fever was getting worse and Peter held him close. "Please Ray," he whispered. "I won't lose you."
"P-Peter?" Ray whispered.
"I'm here, buddy." Peter tried to keep his eyes from watering. That wasn't his way, but he was too worried about Ray.
Tom handed him another cold cloth. "Since the frostbite's gone now, I think it's safe to put him in a cool bath," he said.
Peter nodded. "Let's do it."
They carried Ray to Tom's bathtub and turned the water on. Peter helped Tom put Ray in the bathtub. Ray's eyes blinked open.
"So cold…" he said, shivering.
"I know, buddy, but you're burning up. We have to get your fever down," Peter said, slowly pouring water onto Ray's hair as he shivered.
Egon hadn't gone far when he felt a tap on his shoulder. He realized it was Janine. "Why are you here?" he muttered.
"I think you need me."
Egon shrugged. "Just leave me alone, Janine."
"Forget it, Egon!" Janine exclaimed. "We're in this together. Peter and Ray are my friends too, in case you've forgotten."
Egon sighed. Finally, he couldn't help himself any longer. He started sobbing and Janine took him into her arms. "They're gone, Janine," he whispered. "Peter and Ray are… are… gone!"
"Hey... That still might not be true. Just because the sheriff is giving up hope doesn't mean we have to."
Egon sighed. "You are right once again, Janine." He slowly pulled away from her.
"Where are you going?" she asked.
"To search those mountains myself if I must," Egon replied. "I won't them starve or freeze to death out there behind a snow bank." He paused for a moment. "And if they are dead, I'll bring back their bodies for a proper funeral."
Janine stared at him. "Egon, you're crazy! A professionally trained search team couldn't find them because of the snow out there! What makes you think we will?"
"I'll find them, or I'll die trying."
Janine reached out and put a hand on Egon's shoulder. "Egon, don't think I'm not with you, because I am, but do you know what Peter would say about now?"
Egon's lips curled up in a slight smile. "Yes. He would say for someone that's so smart, I am acting very foolish."
Janine nodded. "Please, Egon. It'll be spring soon. Let's at least wait until this latest snow fall melts. Then we'll go look for…well, for whatever we find out there, okay?"
Egon nodded, sighing as he stared out the window. Janine placed her arms around his waist and leaned her head against his shoulder.
Winston joined them a short while later, briefly closing his eyes and praying for a miracle. He wasn't sure if he could handle Egon if Peter and Ray hadn't made it through everything. If they were both gone, he knew that it would kill Egon. They were two of his best friends. He knew that he was one of Egon's friends too, but Peter and Ray had been there for him since college. They were his family.
The three of them headed for bed a short while later.
Ray was shivering even more as Peter poured the cool water over him. "Come on buddy, I know you're cold, but stay with me, okay?" he murmured. "Tom, he doesn't look good at all. Maybe we should take him out."
Ray stared at Peter, too sick to even care. Tom put his hand on Ray's forehead. "He's still too hot. It's no wonder he's shivering," he sighed. "The bath's good for him. I washed the rest of his clothes and I also have some clothes he can put on once he's out. I put them by the door."
Peter nodded. "Thanks." He felt Ray's forehead again and Tom was right. Ray was burning up even more.
"S-Scared…" Ray coughed.
Peter held Ray's hands. "Oh Ray, I know, but you've made it this far. We can't give up hope. By the way, kiddo, love your boxers," he murmured.
Ray only shivered more. He hadn't even caught onto Peter's joke.
Peter was really scared now. Usually he could get a smile or something from Ray, even when he was this sick, but this time he couldn't. He saw a tear slide down Ray's cheek. Peter hugged him. "I know, Tex. I know you feel awful and I know you're scared," he whispered. "But your big brother will be with you the whole time, okay? I won't lose you, Ray. I repeat, I will not lose you. I love you, Ray, and you can't leave me." He hugged Ray tighter, praying for a miracle.
Tom watched the two men for a long time. He knew Ray's fever would break soon. He noticed that Ray was sweating - that was a good sign. "Okay, it's time to take him out. We can get him dry and then into something warm."
Peter nodded as he helped Tom with Ray, who looked up at his friend. "I'm sorry for being such a pain, Peter."
"Ray, you're not a pain... Well, at least most of the time you're not."
Ray rewarded Peter with a slow smile. "Do you think we'll ever get found?"
"Yeah, I do. Hey, come on! We're Peter Venkman and Ray Stantz. You better believe that they'll find us!"
Tom walked over to the door and looked outside for a moment before turning around to face the two men. "I think I might be able to get through with my mule. In the meantime, keep giving your friend this broth. It'll help get him stronger - and you drink some too."
Peter nodded as he took Ray and held him in his arms. "Here, buddy. Drink this... It'll help..."
Ray gulped and winced. "P-Peter... Throat hurts too much..." he croaked.
"I know, Tex, but this will help it. please do it, for Uncle Peter?" Peter whispered trying to lighten things up. Ray nodded and finally drank some, "Please hurry guys," Peter whispered.
The next day, Winston hobbled into Egon's room and saw that Egon was quickly pulling a pair of pants and a heavy sweater over long-johns. "You're going out, aren't you?"
"I have to, Winston. Please understand. I have to find them."
"I know, man, but I can't help worrying."
"I know," replied Egon as he put on his parka and then snowshoes. "But I just can't stay here and wait any longer."
Winston nodded as he placed his hand on Egon's arm." Just be careful."
"I will - and thanks, Winston. Winston?"
"Yeah?"
"Look after Janine."
Winston nodded as he watched Egon leave.
Once outside, Egon looked around. "Okay, the powers that be; help me find my friends. Please give me a sign of some sort." He started walking, silently hoping for something to happen, but there was nothing. He sighed, shook his head and continued walking down the trail.
Ray was getting worse, not better, and Peter was never so worried in all his life. "Please Tex, be okay... I need you to survive this, buddy," he whispered as he force-fed his friend some broth, but Ray's cough grew harder and harder.
Peter tried keeping Ray awake and also tried staying awake himself. His eyes watered in frustration as he felt Ray's forehead and knew that his fever was going up again. Even though he wasn't religious by a long shot, he silently found himself praying for a miracle to happen.
Egon continued to walk on the snow, his snowshoes keeping him from sinking. He blinked in surprise when he saw a figure coming towards him. His heart leapt, hoping that it was one of his friends but it sank when he saw it was only an old man leading a mule.
"Hey, sonny. I need some help. I've got two men back at my cabin. One of them is pretty sick and needs medical attention."
Egon grasped the man's shoulders. "Do you know their names?"
"Yeah. The brown haired man called the sick one Ray and I think his name was Peter."
Egon wanted to let out a whooping cheer, but instead he said, "Please take me to them."
"I will, but first we need to get the sheriff to get a chopper in."
Peter listened to the sound of Ray's labored breathing. The man's fever kept shooting up and down and Peter feared the worst. "Hang in there, Ray." He looked up when he heard another sound that made his heart leap with hope. "Ray, it's a chopper! They're coming. Hang on, kid. It won't be long now."
Ray squeezed Peter's hand a little bit. He wanted so badly to go home. Ray's eyes watered hoping it was real this time.
Egon stared out the window of the chopper, looking for the cabin. "There it is!" he yelled, pointing down at the ground. The pilot landed a short distance away from it and Egon yanked the door open and jumped down, moving as quickly as he could in the snow. "Peter! Ray?" he cried as he jerked the door open.
Peter turned around at the sound of Egon's voice. Happy tears stood in his eyes as he rose to his feet to greet his friend. Egon hugged Peter so tightly it nearly made him lose his breath.
"Uh, Egon… Uncle Petey needs to breathe!" Peter wheezed.
Egon nodded as they broke the embrace and looked down at Ray. "We've got to get him to a hospital quickly. The chopper's ready to go."
Peter nodded as the two of them carefully picked Ray up. "Lead the way, Spengs."
The two took their sick friend out to the waiting helicopter. When they were all settled in, the pilot took off for the hospital, calling ahead on his radio to let the trauma team know that he had a patient in serious condition with him.
The pilot landed the copter on the roof, where the waiting emergency staff quickly rushed Ray to the emergency room. Egon and Peter followed them until they were told they had to wait in the nearby waiting room.
"Peter, I'm going to call my uncle and Winston. I want to let them know I found you and Ray. Will you be all right till I get back?" Egon asked.
"Sure, Egon. I'll be fine," Peter answered softly as he sat down.
TBC