Chapter Five
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 went out to the hall and anxiously punched his uncle's number. He tapped his foot on the floor, waiting impatiently as the phone kept ringing. He breathed a sigh of relief when he heard someone pick up the receiver.
"Hello? Doctor Cyrus Spengler speaking. May I help you?"
"Hello, Uncle Cyrus. It's me. We found them and we're at the County Hospital. Peter is fine, but Ray has a very high fever. The doctors are trying to get it down. Please tell Winston and Janine," Egon said.
"Yes, of course, my boy." There was a pause before Cyrus softly added in, "Egon, how are you holding up?"
Egon smiled, grateful for his uncle's concern. "I'm doing well, Uncle Cyrus. I'm just glad we found them."
"I'll tell your friends and we will be over soon. You and your friends take care."
"Thank you, Uncle Cyrus."
Egon hung up the phone and went back to Peter who was looking out the big picture window. "Are you okay?"
Peter didn't turn around. "Yeah. I'm just waiting to hear something."
"Uncle Cyrus, Winston, and Janine are on their way."
"Good. I just hope Ray's around when they get here."
Egon put his hand on his friend's shoulder. "Peter... Ray's going to be okay."
"How the hell do you know that? You're not that type of doctor."
"Because I know Ray," Egon murmured.
Peter silently took in his friend's words and nodded slowly. Egon was about to say something else when a nurse came in the room.
"Your friend's fever is finally responding to the antibiotics. The doctor said after a few days of rest, he should be fine," she told them.
Peter smiled. "Thank you. Can we see him now?"
The nurse nodded. "He's in Room 320. If you'll excuse me, please," she said before leaving.
Egon turned towards Peter. "Now that Ray is out of danger, how are you holding up?
"I'm tired - very, very tired. I honestly thought I was going to lose the kid."
Egon's eyebrow rose. "Peter, Ray's not a kid."
"I know, Egon, but sometimes I feel like his protector."
Egon chuckled. "Come on. Let's go see him."
Peter nodded as they headed over to Ray's room. When they entered, they saw that Ray was sleeping peacefully. He was covered up, but to Peter's relief, he was only hooked up to an IV.
"You know something, Egon?" Peter asked as they sat down next to Ray's bed.
"Yeah, Peter?"
"Ray might not be a kid anymore, but right now he kind of looks like an angel."
Egon nodded, smiling. "Yes. I suppose he does," he said as he gently put his hand on Ray's forehead.
Ray stirred a little at Egon's touch while Peter held Ray's hand. "Come on, kid," Peter said."
Ray slowly opened his eyes.
Peter smiled. "Hey, kiddo."
Ray smiled weakly. "H-Hi Peter," he choked. His throat was still very sore from all the coughing.
Egon reached over for the pitcher placed on the nightstand next to the bed and poured some water into a cup. He placed a straw into the cup and held it for Ray, who drank thirstily. Egon slowly pulled the cup away. "Ray, slow down before you choke."
Ray nodded.
"How are you feeling?" Peter asked.
"Better," he said. "Not by much, but I'm okay…"
Peter rubbed his hand, smiling.
"Peter, I just… I wanted to say thank you… You saved my life…" Ray whispered.
"You did most of it yourself, kiddo, and I knew you wouldn't leave me. You sure gave me quite a few scares out there."
Ray nodded. "I-I remember everything..."
Peter pulled Ray into his arms for a hug
Egon smiled and hugged the both of them. "Raymond, you'll see Winston soon too. He wrenched his ankle pretty badly but he's okay," he explained.
Ray nodded. "O-Okay…." His eyes started closing.
"Go back to sleep, kid," Peter said with a smile.
Ray nodded and closed his eyes. A few hours later he woke up, feeling very hungry. He wondered how long it had been since he had last eaten.
"Hey, Ray! Glad to see you awake. How do you feel?"
Ray turned in the direction of the voice and saw Winston sitting down on the chair with his crutches by his side.
"I'm getting better. Right now, I'm so hungry I could eat a horse."
Winston laughed. "You mean to tell me you would actually eat the food here?"
Ray slowly sat up and smiled at him. "I really could go for a pizza," he admitted.
Winston laughed again. "Well, I'll see what I can do."
"Winston?"
"Yeah?"
"I'm sorry you got hurt."
"It wasn't your fault. It wasn't anyone's fault."
"Was the pilot's family told about his death?"
Winston shook his head. "He didn't have any family. As soon as the snow on the mountain clears up so they can find his body, he'll be taken back for a proper funeral."
Ray nodded and yawned as he lay back down. Winston fixed the covers for him and he smiled. "Thank you," he said, yawning again, "Thank you for being here."
Winston smiled. "Ray, we thought you were gone…" He closed his eyes. "You're our brother, Ray, no matter what. You'll always be our brother. If we were to lose you, I don't know what we'd do - Peter especially. He's like your big brother and I know how tight you two are, and he was worried sick about you, buddy."
Ray held Winston's hand as he spoke. "We all were worried sick about you. Ray, you hold the team together. Peter says you're the heart of the Ghostbusters, and that's the truth, man. We don't know what we'd do without you."
Ray gave Winston a weak hug, which he returned. "Ray... Man, you need your rest."
"I'm not tired, Winston… I keep…" Ray closed his eyes.
"You keep what?" Winston asked curiously.
"Having nightmares about the crash," Ray whispered. "Bad nightmares... We're going down and Peter is hurt… or worse… Then I see you guys…" He shivered. "And I'm the only one who makes it, but I can't do anything about it…"
"It was only a dream, Ray. You guys are all fine."
The two looked up to see Janine enter the room with a tray. "I met the orderly on the way here and I told him I would bring you your food. I hope you're hungry."
"Yeah I am. Is it pizza?"
Janine looked at the food and shook her head. "No, I'm afraid not. It's tomato soup, a cheese sandwich and pudding."
Ray made a face. "You know... Suddenly, I'm not so hungry anymore."
Janine placed the tray down on the nightstand. "Well, eat it anyway. Egon's been talking to the doctor and if you eat and get stronger, you might be able to leave either tomorrow or Friday."
Ray smiled at her, took the spoon and began to slurp his soup.
Peter and Egon walked in just then. "See, Mama? I told you our boy was doing fine. He's slurping his soup," Peter said to Egon with a smirk.
Egon ignored Peter and walked over to Ray. "Ray, I talked to the doctor."
"Yeah... Janine told me I might get out of here tomorrow or Friday."
"Then we can catch a plane and go home," Peter muttered.
Ray grew still at Peter's words. "I don't know if I can," he murmured slowly.
Winston quickly explained the dreams Ray had been having to the others.
"It'll be a big plane, Ray. It'll be okay. I promise - and I've never broken a promise to you," Peter said after Winston finished speaking.
Ray nodded. The nurse came in a short while later and told them visiting hours were over.
"Okay. Ray, we'll see you in the morning," said Egon. They all turned to leave and Janine gave him a kiss. Ray smiled and rubbed his cheek as he watched his friends leave. Soon after the guys left, he fell asleep. That night, Ray had nightmares again but this time he wasn't afraid. This time, he dreamed that he saved everyone.
The next morning, the guys were ready to go. Ray had everything packed and slowly sat up in his bed. He smiled when Peter and a nurse came in with a wheelchair.
"Hey, Tex!" Peter exclaimed with a grin. "How's our boy doing?"
Ray blushed. "Peter!" he complained. "I'm fine."
The red-haired nurse smiled. Ray returned the smile, realizing that she reminded him of Janine a little bit. "Your chariot awaits," she said.
Ray frowned because he didn't want to get in a wheelchair.
"Come on, Ray. You know the drill," Peter said. "Just sit back and enjoy the ride."
Ray nodded. The others were waiting for them outside in a taxi. Egon helped him from the wheelchair.
"Honest, guys! I'm fine!" Ray protested.
"Raymond, we were all very worried about you," Egon said. "Let us wait on you a bit."
"Yeah Tex," Peter said. "It's not every day you get waited on by the famous Doctor Venkman."
Ray laughed and shook his head. "Thanks, guys."
Everyone smiled as the taxi drove away and eventually brought them to the airport. Ray was a little shaky when they sat down at the gate's waiting area.
"Ray, we'll be fine," Egon promised. "I assure you."
Ray nodded. A little while later, they went to board the plane and Ray stepped back. "I-I'm not going…" he whispered.
"Ray, it's gonna be okay. It's a big plane," Winston said.
"It's not that, Winston."
Winston's eyebrows rose.
Ray blushed. "Yes, I do admit I'm scared a little, but I can't just leave without thanking the man who saved Peter and me. If it hadn't been for him, we might've died out there."
Egon nodded. "I agree with you, Ray. We should go and thank him. After all, he's the one that led me to you and Peter."
"Okay, then. We'll rebook our flight. Let's go find Mr. Tom Candy," said Peter.
Once back at the lab, Egon located his uncle. "Uncle Cyrus, do you know if there's a way to go up to where we were?"
"The only way up this time of year is by flying or snowshoeing, if you're crazy enough to. Why?"
"We want to thank the man who saved Ray and Peter."
"You can rent a chopper in town."
"Thanks." Egon joined the others, saying, "Come on, guys. We can rent a chopper in town."
When they arrived in town, they happened to find the very man they were looking for. He was standing in front of a store window and Ray went up to him. "Hello."
"Hi, kid. Nice to see you on your feet."
"I want to thank you for saving Peter and me."
"Don't need to thank me, kiddo. Well, I'd best be leaving now. You and those friends of yours take care."
Tom Candy turned around and walked down the road. The Ghostbusters watched as he walked away. Suddenly a blizzard surrounded the man and he disappeared into it.
Ray's mouth fell open. "Peter, he was a ghost! We were saved by a ghost!"
Peter shrugged his shoulders. "Somehow, that makes sense in our line of work."
"You know, Peter, I don't think that had anything to do with it. Maybe the library can tell us about Tom Candy."
"That's an excellent idea, Winston," said Egon. "Let's go and look at the old newspapers."
Once in the library, they searched the microfilm for anything on Tom Candy. Ray spotted it first. "Here it is, guys."
They all crowded around to look at the article and saw that it was dated 1979 - five years ago.
"Doctor Thomas Candy, after losing his wife and only son in a tragic car accident in late September, disappeared on the night of December 18, 1979. His body was found after the snow melted. The sheriff believes he was lost in the blizzard and died, but many have speculated that he went there to die on purpose. We'll never know the true story. May he rest in peace," Egon read.
Ray rewound the film and turned off the machine. "It sounds like he just needed to save someone in order to be with his family."
Peter smiled and placed his arm around Ray's shoulder. "You did it again, Ray. You somehow managed to help a lonely spirit be free."
Ray smiled. "Yeah, I guess I did. Come on, you guys. Let's go grab something to eat."
The guys nodded. They all decided on pizza and headed for Pizza Hut, where they talked while waiting for their order.
"Ray, are you going to be all right on the airplane?" Winston asked.
Ray nodded. "Yeah, I think so. I-I've got to admit, I'm a little nervous but I'm ready to fly again."
Winston smiled. "That's my main man," he said.
Their order of two pizzas, one with pineapple and one with everything except anchovies arrived twenty minutes later. As she put the pizzas on the table, the waitress smiled at Egon and Janine quickly sat closer to Egon, glaring up at the woman while the others gave Peter a hard time about the pineapple.
"I'm telling you guys, you have to try this!" he said.
They shook their heads.
"Okay Peter, I'll bite." Ray smiled as Peter handed him a piece. "Wow… This is actually pretty good!"
Peter smiled. "Told you," he said.
Winston and Egon tried it too and liked it.
"Very surprising, Peter," Egon said.
"Why, Egon, because you like it?" Peter teased.
"I like it, but only in a scientific sort of way."
Peter whispered in Ray's ear, "That's his way of saying he loves it."
Winston stood up. "I hate to spoil this happy moment, but we've got a plane to catch. Ray, are you sure you can do this?"
"Winston, if I can't face this fear, I might as well leave The Ghostbusters. In our line of work, we face fear everyday. I'm not afraid to fly. I just hate small planes."
"Don't worry, Ray. This one's a 747," Egon said.
"Okay, guys and gal, let's hit the road. I'll pay the bill." The others nodded as they went to the car. Peter paid the bill and left a good tip. Once Peter joined them in the car, Egon drove to the airport.
Ray gripped the seat's arms tightly as the plane taxied down the runway and arced up. He closed his eyes as the plane banked up and blew his breath out.
"Ray?"
"I'm fine, Peter."
"Okay, just checking."
Ray smiled at Peter.
After the plane landed at JFK and while the others got their luggage, Egon went to get Ecto. "Man, will I be glad to get home," Winston sighed as they waited outside for Egon to return.
"Me too, Winston," said Peter just as Egon pulled up. After they all got inside Ecto, Peter raised his hand up, and acting as if he was a rich man ordering his chauffer around, he exclaimed, "Home, Jeeves!"
"As you wish, but I want a raise."
"Egon, if you get one, so do I," said Janine.
Peter shook his head. "Not unless I do."
The others looked at Peter and laughed.
Later that night, Ray was in his bed, thinking. Peter, who was reading a magazine, noticed that he was still awake. "Come on, Tex," he said as he got out of bed. He pulled Ray to his feet and ushered him into the kitchen. "What's on your mind?"
Ray smiled at Peter as they sat down at the table. "Nothing, Peter. Really, I was just thinking how lucky we are."
"Oh you were, were you?" Peter asked with a smile.
"Yeah," Ray said. "I mean, we all could have died, but we didn't - and there's a ton of other times we could have died too and didn't... Do you think we're just meant to stay together somehow?"
Peter nodded. "Yeah, Tex. Sometimes I do think that. We all watch out for each other. You, me, Egon, Winston, Janine – and even the Spud sometimes, too," said with a wink.
Ray chuckled as he stood up. "Thanks for the talk, Peter. Goodnight."
"Anytime, Ray. That's what I'm here for," replied Peter. "Goodnight." He watched as Ray left the kitchen. "Yeah... Fate has brought us all together - and I wouldn't have it any other way."
The End
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 went out to the hall and anxiously punched his uncle's number. He tapped his foot on the floor, waiting impatiently as the phone kept ringing. He breathed a sigh of relief when he heard someone pick up the receiver.
"Hello? Doctor Cyrus Spengler speaking. May I help you?"
"Hello, Uncle Cyrus. It's me. We found them and we're at the County Hospital. Peter is fine, but Ray has a very high fever. The doctors are trying to get it down. Please tell Winston and Janine," Egon said.
"Yes, of course, my boy." There was a pause before Cyrus softly added in, "Egon, how are you holding up?"
Egon smiled, grateful for his uncle's concern. "I'm doing well, Uncle Cyrus. I'm just glad we found them."
"I'll tell your friends and we will be over soon. You and your friends take care."
"Thank you, Uncle Cyrus."
Egon hung up the phone and went back to Peter who was looking out the big picture window. "Are you okay?"
Peter didn't turn around. "Yeah. I'm just waiting to hear something."
"Uncle Cyrus, Winston, and Janine are on their way."
"Good. I just hope Ray's around when they get here."
Egon put his hand on his friend's shoulder. "Peter... Ray's going to be okay."
"How the hell do you know that? You're not that type of doctor."
"Because I know Ray," Egon murmured.
Peter silently took in his friend's words and nodded slowly. Egon was about to say something else when a nurse came in the room.
"Your friend's fever is finally responding to the antibiotics. The doctor said after a few days of rest, he should be fine," she told them.
Peter smiled. "Thank you. Can we see him now?"
The nurse nodded. "He's in Room 320. If you'll excuse me, please," she said before leaving.
Egon turned towards Peter. "Now that Ray is out of danger, how are you holding up?
"I'm tired - very, very tired. I honestly thought I was going to lose the kid."
Egon's eyebrow rose. "Peter, Ray's not a kid."
"I know, Egon, but sometimes I feel like his protector."
Egon chuckled. "Come on. Let's go see him."
Peter nodded as they headed over to Ray's room. When they entered, they saw that Ray was sleeping peacefully. He was covered up, but to Peter's relief, he was only hooked up to an IV.
"You know something, Egon?" Peter asked as they sat down next to Ray's bed.
"Yeah, Peter?"
"Ray might not be a kid anymore, but right now he kind of looks like an angel."
Egon nodded, smiling. "Yes. I suppose he does," he said as he gently put his hand on Ray's forehead.
Ray stirred a little at Egon's touch while Peter held Ray's hand. "Come on, kid," Peter said."
Ray slowly opened his eyes.
Peter smiled. "Hey, kiddo."
Ray smiled weakly. "H-Hi Peter," he choked. His throat was still very sore from all the coughing.
Egon reached over for the pitcher placed on the nightstand next to the bed and poured some water into a cup. He placed a straw into the cup and held it for Ray, who drank thirstily. Egon slowly pulled the cup away. "Ray, slow down before you choke."
Ray nodded.
"How are you feeling?" Peter asked.
"Better," he said. "Not by much, but I'm okay…"
Peter rubbed his hand, smiling.
"Peter, I just… I wanted to say thank you… You saved my life…" Ray whispered.
"You did most of it yourself, kiddo, and I knew you wouldn't leave me. You sure gave me quite a few scares out there."
Ray nodded. "I-I remember everything..."
Peter pulled Ray into his arms for a hug
Egon smiled and hugged the both of them. "Raymond, you'll see Winston soon too. He wrenched his ankle pretty badly but he's okay," he explained.
Ray nodded. "O-Okay…." His eyes started closing.
"Go back to sleep, kid," Peter said with a smile.
Ray nodded and closed his eyes. A few hours later he woke up, feeling very hungry. He wondered how long it had been since he had last eaten.
"Hey, Ray! Glad to see you awake. How do you feel?"
Ray turned in the direction of the voice and saw Winston sitting down on the chair with his crutches by his side.
"I'm getting better. Right now, I'm so hungry I could eat a horse."
Winston laughed. "You mean to tell me you would actually eat the food here?"
Ray slowly sat up and smiled at him. "I really could go for a pizza," he admitted.
Winston laughed again. "Well, I'll see what I can do."
"Winston?"
"Yeah?"
"I'm sorry you got hurt."
"It wasn't your fault. It wasn't anyone's fault."
"Was the pilot's family told about his death?"
Winston shook his head. "He didn't have any family. As soon as the snow on the mountain clears up so they can find his body, he'll be taken back for a proper funeral."
Ray nodded and yawned as he lay back down. Winston fixed the covers for him and he smiled. "Thank you," he said, yawning again, "Thank you for being here."
Winston smiled. "Ray, we thought you were gone…" He closed his eyes. "You're our brother, Ray, no matter what. You'll always be our brother. If we were to lose you, I don't know what we'd do - Peter especially. He's like your big brother and I know how tight you two are, and he was worried sick about you, buddy."
Ray held Winston's hand as he spoke. "We all were worried sick about you. Ray, you hold the team together. Peter says you're the heart of the Ghostbusters, and that's the truth, man. We don't know what we'd do without you."
Ray gave Winston a weak hug, which he returned. "Ray... Man, you need your rest."
"I'm not tired, Winston… I keep…" Ray closed his eyes.
"You keep what?" Winston asked curiously.
"Having nightmares about the crash," Ray whispered. "Bad nightmares... We're going down and Peter is hurt… or worse… Then I see you guys…" He shivered. "And I'm the only one who makes it, but I can't do anything about it…"
"It was only a dream, Ray. You guys are all fine."
The two looked up to see Janine enter the room with a tray. "I met the orderly on the way here and I told him I would bring you your food. I hope you're hungry."
"Yeah I am. Is it pizza?"
Janine looked at the food and shook her head. "No, I'm afraid not. It's tomato soup, a cheese sandwich and pudding."
Ray made a face. "You know... Suddenly, I'm not so hungry anymore."
Janine placed the tray down on the nightstand. "Well, eat it anyway. Egon's been talking to the doctor and if you eat and get stronger, you might be able to leave either tomorrow or Friday."
Ray smiled at her, took the spoon and began to slurp his soup.
Peter and Egon walked in just then. "See, Mama? I told you our boy was doing fine. He's slurping his soup," Peter said to Egon with a smirk.
Egon ignored Peter and walked over to Ray. "Ray, I talked to the doctor."
"Yeah... Janine told me I might get out of here tomorrow or Friday."
"Then we can catch a plane and go home," Peter muttered.
Ray grew still at Peter's words. "I don't know if I can," he murmured slowly.
Winston quickly explained the dreams Ray had been having to the others.
"It'll be a big plane, Ray. It'll be okay. I promise - and I've never broken a promise to you," Peter said after Winston finished speaking.
Ray nodded. The nurse came in a short while later and told them visiting hours were over.
"Okay. Ray, we'll see you in the morning," said Egon. They all turned to leave and Janine gave him a kiss. Ray smiled and rubbed his cheek as he watched his friends leave. Soon after the guys left, he fell asleep. That night, Ray had nightmares again but this time he wasn't afraid. This time, he dreamed that he saved everyone.
The next morning, the guys were ready to go. Ray had everything packed and slowly sat up in his bed. He smiled when Peter and a nurse came in with a wheelchair.
"Hey, Tex!" Peter exclaimed with a grin. "How's our boy doing?"
Ray blushed. "Peter!" he complained. "I'm fine."
The red-haired nurse smiled. Ray returned the smile, realizing that she reminded him of Janine a little bit. "Your chariot awaits," she said.
Ray frowned because he didn't want to get in a wheelchair.
"Come on, Ray. You know the drill," Peter said. "Just sit back and enjoy the ride."
Ray nodded. The others were waiting for them outside in a taxi. Egon helped him from the wheelchair.
"Honest, guys! I'm fine!" Ray protested.
"Raymond, we were all very worried about you," Egon said. "Let us wait on you a bit."
"Yeah Tex," Peter said. "It's not every day you get waited on by the famous Doctor Venkman."
Ray laughed and shook his head. "Thanks, guys."
Everyone smiled as the taxi drove away and eventually brought them to the airport. Ray was a little shaky when they sat down at the gate's waiting area.
"Ray, we'll be fine," Egon promised. "I assure you."
Ray nodded. A little while later, they went to board the plane and Ray stepped back. "I-I'm not going…" he whispered.
"Ray, it's gonna be okay. It's a big plane," Winston said.
"It's not that, Winston."
Winston's eyebrows rose.
Ray blushed. "Yes, I do admit I'm scared a little, but I can't just leave without thanking the man who saved Peter and me. If it hadn't been for him, we might've died out there."
Egon nodded. "I agree with you, Ray. We should go and thank him. After all, he's the one that led me to you and Peter."
"Okay, then. We'll rebook our flight. Let's go find Mr. Tom Candy," said Peter.
Once back at the lab, Egon located his uncle. "Uncle Cyrus, do you know if there's a way to go up to where we were?"
"The only way up this time of year is by flying or snowshoeing, if you're crazy enough to. Why?"
"We want to thank the man who saved Ray and Peter."
"You can rent a chopper in town."
"Thanks." Egon joined the others, saying, "Come on, guys. We can rent a chopper in town."
When they arrived in town, they happened to find the very man they were looking for. He was standing in front of a store window and Ray went up to him. "Hello."
"Hi, kid. Nice to see you on your feet."
"I want to thank you for saving Peter and me."
"Don't need to thank me, kiddo. Well, I'd best be leaving now. You and those friends of yours take care."
Tom Candy turned around and walked down the road. The Ghostbusters watched as he walked away. Suddenly a blizzard surrounded the man and he disappeared into it.
Ray's mouth fell open. "Peter, he was a ghost! We were saved by a ghost!"
Peter shrugged his shoulders. "Somehow, that makes sense in our line of work."
"You know, Peter, I don't think that had anything to do with it. Maybe the library can tell us about Tom Candy."
"That's an excellent idea, Winston," said Egon. "Let's go and look at the old newspapers."
Once in the library, they searched the microfilm for anything on Tom Candy. Ray spotted it first. "Here it is, guys."
They all crowded around to look at the article and saw that it was dated 1979 - five years ago.
"Doctor Thomas Candy, after losing his wife and only son in a tragic car accident in late September, disappeared on the night of December 18, 1979. His body was found after the snow melted. The sheriff believes he was lost in the blizzard and died, but many have speculated that he went there to die on purpose. We'll never know the true story. May he rest in peace," Egon read.
Ray rewound the film and turned off the machine. "It sounds like he just needed to save someone in order to be with his family."
Peter smiled and placed his arm around Ray's shoulder. "You did it again, Ray. You somehow managed to help a lonely spirit be free."
Ray smiled. "Yeah, I guess I did. Come on, you guys. Let's go grab something to eat."
The guys nodded. They all decided on pizza and headed for Pizza Hut, where they talked while waiting for their order.
"Ray, are you going to be all right on the airplane?" Winston asked.
Ray nodded. "Yeah, I think so. I-I've got to admit, I'm a little nervous but I'm ready to fly again."
Winston smiled. "That's my main man," he said.
Their order of two pizzas, one with pineapple and one with everything except anchovies arrived twenty minutes later. As she put the pizzas on the table, the waitress smiled at Egon and Janine quickly sat closer to Egon, glaring up at the woman while the others gave Peter a hard time about the pineapple.
"I'm telling you guys, you have to try this!" he said.
They shook their heads.
"Okay Peter, I'll bite." Ray smiled as Peter handed him a piece. "Wow… This is actually pretty good!"
Peter smiled. "Told you," he said.
Winston and Egon tried it too and liked it.
"Very surprising, Peter," Egon said.
"Why, Egon, because you like it?" Peter teased.
"I like it, but only in a scientific sort of way."
Peter whispered in Ray's ear, "That's his way of saying he loves it."
Winston stood up. "I hate to spoil this happy moment, but we've got a plane to catch. Ray, are you sure you can do this?"
"Winston, if I can't face this fear, I might as well leave The Ghostbusters. In our line of work, we face fear everyday. I'm not afraid to fly. I just hate small planes."
"Don't worry, Ray. This one's a 747," Egon said.
"Okay, guys and gal, let's hit the road. I'll pay the bill." The others nodded as they went to the car. Peter paid the bill and left a good tip. Once Peter joined them in the car, Egon drove to the airport.
Ray gripped the seat's arms tightly as the plane taxied down the runway and arced up. He closed his eyes as the plane banked up and blew his breath out.
"Ray?"
"I'm fine, Peter."
"Okay, just checking."
Ray smiled at Peter.
After the plane landed at JFK and while the others got their luggage, Egon went to get Ecto. "Man, will I be glad to get home," Winston sighed as they waited outside for Egon to return.
"Me too, Winston," said Peter just as Egon pulled up. After they all got inside Ecto, Peter raised his hand up, and acting as if he was a rich man ordering his chauffer around, he exclaimed, "Home, Jeeves!"
"As you wish, but I want a raise."
"Egon, if you get one, so do I," said Janine.
Peter shook his head. "Not unless I do."
The others looked at Peter and laughed.
Later that night, Ray was in his bed, thinking. Peter, who was reading a magazine, noticed that he was still awake. "Come on, Tex," he said as he got out of bed. He pulled Ray to his feet and ushered him into the kitchen. "What's on your mind?"
Ray smiled at Peter as they sat down at the table. "Nothing, Peter. Really, I was just thinking how lucky we are."
"Oh you were, were you?" Peter asked with a smile.
"Yeah," Ray said. "I mean, we all could have died, but we didn't - and there's a ton of other times we could have died too and didn't... Do you think we're just meant to stay together somehow?"
Peter nodded. "Yeah, Tex. Sometimes I do think that. We all watch out for each other. You, me, Egon, Winston, Janine – and even the Spud sometimes, too," said with a wink.
Ray chuckled as he stood up. "Thanks for the talk, Peter. Goodnight."
"Anytime, Ray. That's what I'm here for," replied Peter. "Goodnight." He watched as Ray left the kitchen. "Yeah... Fate has brought us all together - and I wouldn't have it any other way."
The End