Chapter 5-Johnny Meets with Hank
Summary Johnny has a meaningful, personal conversation with Hank
KMG 365
Thursday, November 8, 1979, promised to be a day that Captain Johnny Gage would never forget. However, before he could get excited, he had to offer an important breakfast invitation.
The men of A shift were on duty on the seventh. It was after dinner before Johnny had enough time to make the call that had been gnawing at him since that morning.
The nervous but excited man put down his infamous green pen and picked up the phone on his desk. He looked at the shortlist of phone numbers next to the device and found the one he needed. He quickly dialed the number and waited.
"Hopefully, he's home," he thought as the phone rang twice.
After the second ring, a familiar voice filled Johnny's ears. "Good Evening, this is Chief Stanley."
"Hi Chief, it's Johnny; how are you?"
Hank smiled; he always loved when his crews called him. "Doing well, Johnny; how are you?"
"Taking a break from paperwork mountain for a minute."
"You're my break as well. Who knew this many twits existed?"
Johnny laughed, "Sad part is, something tells me, we are in for more insanity the closer we get to the holidays."
"I have a feeling you are right. What can I do for you?"
Johnny took a quick breath. "I was wondering if you have plans tomorrow morning after we get off work?"
"Let me check; hang on."
"Okay, take your time."
The line went quiet for a minute while Hank checked his personal calendar. "No, I am not Johnny. Jamie has a business meeting. Kim and Jerry are taking their maternity pictures."
"Wow, can't believe it's that time already."
"Me either."
"Would you like to meet for breakfast after we get off?"
Hank smiled, "That sounds fun. Where would you like to go?"
"What about the Box Car diner?"
"That's one of my favorite breakfast spots."
"I'll meet you there after we get released."
"Sounds good."
"See you in the morning."
"See you in the morning, my friend."
Hank and Johnny hung up, so both could finish their paperwork.
KMG 365
It didn't take long for Johnny to finish his paperwork. The extra time proved to be good for the man whose brain was spinning out of control. Instead of staying in his office, he headed to the bay.
A quick peek into the dayroom brought a smile to his face. Victor and Bryan were trying to find something to watch. Marco was quietly reading an Engineering magazine that Mike had gifted him. Unsurprisingly, nothing was appealing on it. It was that awkward time of day between the news and the good primetime shows.
Johnny poked his head into the room. "Boys, I'll be out back if anybody needs me."
"Okay, Cap," Bryan and Victor said at the same time.
"Boys, I am going to go check on Johnny." Marco found the move a little out of character for his friend and was concerned. He let Johnny finish his walk outside before putting down his book and looking over at the lineman.
Victor became concerned, "Do you think something is bothering him? Did we screw something up?"
"I know we haven't messed anything up. I have a feeling something is messing with him in his personal life. He and his girl have been getting close over the last few weeks since she got hurt."
Bryan grinned, "Do you think he's getting ready to…."
Marco smiled, "I think so, but I don't want to speak for him. Let me go talk to him for a bit."
"Okay, Marco, let us know if we can do anything."
"Will do."
Marco turned and headed out of the dayroom. He made quick work of the span between the room and the back door.
KMG 365
Johnny was surprised to hear the back door open. He turned, concerned, and was surprised to see Marco walk out the door. "Is everything okay, Marco?"
The engineer smiled as he jogged over. "Yeah, Johnny, I came out to check on you."
Johnny blushed as he swallowed hard. "Are my nerves that obvious?"
"To me, yes. What's up?"
Johnny took a breath. "I am meeting with Hank tomorrow to ask him if I can have Lauren's hand."
Marco clapped his friend on the back. "That's amazing, my friend. I really can't see him telling you anything, but it's about time. The love you and Lauren have is something everybody wishes they had."
Johnny bowed his head. "I really hope so. I really do."
Marco sobered, "Can I ask you something, though?"
"Yes?"
"Why are you talking to Hank rather than his parents?"
Johnny swallowed hard and blinked as a painful phone call ran through his mind. "Do you remember when I took some emergency time off about two months into her and I knowing each other?"
Marco thought for a moment. "Yeah, even Roy didn't know what was going on because you up and left so fast."
"Yeah, that was a long conversation once I had time to breathe. Anyway, I went with Lauren down to Texas in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Amelia."
"To work?" Marco asked, confused.
"No." Johnny swallowed hard. "To identify the bodies of her parents. They were killed in the river flooding that resulted from the storms."
"Aye Dios Mio." Marco breathed. "Roy never told us."
"Lauren asked him not to. She was still getting used to us and didn't want anybody making fun of her or anything. She knows now that we wouldn't have, but at that time…."
"She didn't know us as well as she does now."
"Exactly."
Marco rubbed Johnny's neck. "Is there anything we can do for you tonight?"
"I'm okay."
"You might want to check in with Bryan, though. He nailed your nerves."
Johnny smiled, "I don't know what I would do without you guys."
Marco laughed. "I know."
"What?"
"Go nuts, like we all would without each other."
Johnny laughed. "Okay, you've got me there." He took a couple of deep breaths and finally felt his nerves calm. "Thanks for coming to check on me, Marco."
"You're welcome, my friend."
The duo turned and headed back into the station.
As they walked into the dayroom, Johnny grinned. "Hey, Bryan."
"Yes?" The requested linesman looked up.
"I didn't know you were a mind reader."
The engine crew laughed. Bryan said, "So I take it I was right."
Johnny smiled broadly. "On the nose my friend. I am going to meet with my girl's father figure for breakfast tomorrow morning to ask him for her hand."
Victor chuckled, "Alright, I guess we need to make sure our class As are in good shape."
Johnny held up his hand. "Whoa boys, yes, I want you in dress uniforms at the wedding. However, we're not to that point yet. Make ya a deal?"
Marco's eyebrow raised. "Okay?"
"We'll keep it in mind as we work out."
"Deal," three voices rang out at once.
"Alrighty then." Johnny spent the night in the dayroom watching television as he settled down.
KMG 365
Sleep did not come easy for the crew that night, as they had four calls. The crew was happy that none of the calls turned into major incidents but were frustrated because it disrupted their sleep cycle. After the fourth call, the county seemed to pity the men and finally went to bed at 0300.
It was 0400 by the time the paperwork from the calls was done, and Johnny finally rejoined his crew for a few hours of rest. The county woke the sleepy men at its typical time.
KMG 365
Johnny shook himself awake as he acknowledged the wake-up tones. Then he turned to Victor. "Can you do us a favor, my friend?"
"Yes?"
"Strong and true, just on the edge of mud." Johnny requested of the man who had become the shift's unofficial coffee man.
Victor smiled, "That's what I was thinking, Cap."
The men shuffled out of the dorms. Marco headed outside to do the flags while Johnny and Bryan followed Victor into the dayroom. As the colors went up, the coffee started waking the remaining men.
Victor yelled out, "Coffee's up."
Johnny smiled as the caffeine started to work on him. "Victor, you are the God of caffeine."
The lineman grinned. "Nah, Cap, just getting us started after last night."
Marco looked at Johnny. "Are you ready for breakfast, my friend?"
Johnny gulped down some nerves as he finished his coffee. "As much as I can be. She just…." Johnny's head dropped. Coffee cups met the table as the crew gathered around their captain.
Marco rubbed his back. "Easy, mi amigo. We're here."
Johnny slowly picked his head up. "There's something so special about Lauren. I mean, I've known that since the night I met her. As much as she had to drink, and you know what she said to me as we said good night that night?"
Victor asked, "What?"
"She asked if I was going to be okay to get home. She managed to stay awake, barely, but awake until I called her after I got home."
Marco smiled. "That sounds like Lauren."
"She always puts everybody ahead of herself. Even the night she got hurt, she was more worried about the ranch owner than her pain."
Bryan smiled, "We can't wait to meet her, Cap."
Johnny swallowed again. "If I know all is okay, why am I so nervous?"
"Because you're human," Marco commented. "My friend, I say this with all due respect. Go call Roy until Jeff gets here."
Johnny nodded as he hiccuped. Marco walked over and got him a glass of milk. "Here, take this with you."
"Th..thanks, guys." The nervous captain walked out of the room.
Victor asked, "Marco, who is Roy?"
"Johnny's former paramedic partner and best friend. He's one of the few people that can piece that puzzle back together."
"Ah, okay."
Marco made the second round of coffee as the guys puttered around the station.
KMG 365
While his crew enjoyed more coffee, Johnny sat down at his desk and quickly dialed the number to station 95's day room. He had memorized it before he took over at 127s.
The phone rang twice before Chet's voice surprised Johnny. "Good morning, station 95. This is Engineer Kelly."
Johnny smiled nervously. "Good morning Chet, is Roy there?"
Chet smiled, "Good morning Johnny. He's right here." Chet sobered. "Is everything okay?"
"Al good, just want to talk to him a few minutes."
"Okay. Hang on." Chet put the phone on his shoulder. He turned to call Roy and realized his Captain was standing right next to him.
Chet smiled, "It's Johnny."
Roy nodded, "Thanks, Chet."
Roy took the phone. "Good morning Junior."
Johnny let out a breath. "Morning, Pally."
"Everything okay? You guys seemed to be busy last night."
"We're all good. I just called for a few minutes with you,"
"Yes?"
"I'm going to meet Hank for breakfast…."
Roy couldn't hide his excitement. "I only have one question."
Johnny chuckled. "Yes, I will come over after breakfast. Although if I don't let my guys know too, I'm going to have latrine duty through the holidays."
"Thank you."
Roy calmed. "What's going on? You know what he's going to say."
Johnny let out a tight breath. "I know, but you know the way my mind works. Life hasn't exactly been roses for me, and I'm afraid…."
Roy cut his best friend off. "Junior, take a breath. Hank is not what you have dealt with in the past. You know what he thinks of both of you."
Johnny closed his eyes as Roy was talking. "I…I…can't see my life without her."
"And you won't have to, my friend. Everything is going to be fine. I promise."
Johnny let out another breath. "I'm actually going to do this."
"Finally," Roy said with a chuckle.
The light chuckle helped Johnny relax as he opened his eyes again. "Thanks, Pally, I needed that."
Roy smiled, "Anytime."
Johnny looked at the time as he heard Jeff's footsteps in the bay. "I'm going to go for now. Jeff is here."
"Okay, my friend, I'll talk to you later on."
"You bet."
The duo hung up.
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"Good morning, Jeff." Johnny let out a long-held breath as he smiled broadly. He met Jeff in the dorm as he walked out of the office.
"Good morning, Johnny. Anything I need to know?"
"The truck needs some TLC. We were busy last night."
"We got it."
"Thank you."
Johnny headed for the locker room as the crew turnover started. By the time he was changed, the rest of his guys were also changed. The foursome walked out of the station together. A smattering of good lucks sent Johnny on his way to breakfast with Hank.
KMG 365
Johnny and Hank pulled into the restaurant's parking lot at the same time. They parked next to each other and got out at the same time.
Hank smiled. "Good morning, Johnny."
"Good morning, Hank," Johnny responded with a smile.
"Are you hungry? I know you guys were up a lot last night."
"Yeah, not starving but hungry. You know how it is after a night like that."
Hank nodded, "We're in the same boat."
The duo walked inside. They only had to wait a few minutes before being walked to a table in the back corner. Coffee was ordered before either man looked at the menu. By the time the coffee arrived, the duo had their breakfast orders.
Hank was slightly concerned as Johnny's order was smaller than he was used to for his friend. "Johnny?"
Johnny took a drink to settle his nerves. It wasn't working. "Yes?"
"What's going on? I can tell your nerves are eating at you."
Johnny blushed. "I…I didn't think I was that obvious."
"To civilians, except Lauren and Joanne Desoto, probably not. However, to me, yeah, those nerves are painfully obvious."
Johnny took another drink. He knew it was going to be now or never. "Hank, I have something to tell you before breakfast gets here."
"Yes?" Hank's voice was full of curiosity.
"Beyond the fact that I wanted to catch up with you, there is another reason I asked you to breakfast today."
"Yes?" The curiosity was getting almost unbearable for Hank.
"You know how much I love Lauren. She is really and truly the other half of my world."
Hank grinned; he now knew where the conversation was going. He stayed quiet to let Johnny finish.
"The two of us bring so much life to each other even with everything we have gone through. If our lives have stated this way, well…." Johnny swallowed nervously before he finished. "What I'm trying to ask is if I can have your blessing to ask her to continue our journey together throughout the rest of our lives."
Hank stayed quiet for a moment. Instead, he stood and bear-hugged Johnny. Johnny was surprised but hugged him back. Hank's voice was low as he whispered into Johnny's ear. "Take care of my girl John. She's my third daughter. You once asked me what family was. Now, you know you have family in and out of work. It's time to start yours; do me a favor,"
Johnny smiled with tears of joy in his eyes as he asked, "Yes."
"Just make sure she doesn't fall over when you ask."
Johnny grinned as the duo let go of each other. "If she falls anywhere, it will be into my arms, Cap. I promise."
"I'll take that."
The now relaxed and excited duo retook their seats just before their breakfast arrived. Both men ate and caught up like good friends. Hank treated for the meal before they broke off to enjoy the rest of their day off.
Johnny headed over to Roy's house. The excited man was happy, for once, that Lauren had class, and they couldn't meet up for a while. His smile was as bright as the sun as he jumped out of his Rover and headed for the door.
KMG 365
Roy and Joanne had both been on edge since Roy told his wife about the day's events. Even though they anticipated the answer, both still were nervous and excited. Joanne had been watching for Johnny while Roy was getting cleaned up after work.
Roy had just walked out of the bedroom when Johnny pulled into the driveway. Joanne nearly yipped, "Roy, he's here!"
Roy grinned as he watched Joanne open the door. He was always happy to see his wife get excited.
Johnny laughed as he got to the door. "Pally, did you two have pure sugar for breakfast?"
Roy laughed heartily. "Nah, she's been waiting for you."
"For me?" Johnny cocked an eyebrow. "Why?"
"Roy told me about breakfast," Joanne replied.
Johnny grinned, "Ah."
"Don't make me wait, John Gage. You know I'm not good at that."
Johnny laughed, "This is true. I…I won't make you wait on one condition."
"Yes"
"Somebody pinch me."
"Don't say that too loud with Chet around," Roy laughed.
"At this point, it might take the Phantom for me to realize I am not dreaming."
"Oh?"
Johnny swallowed. "H…he gave me his blessing." Johnny stuttered as if he couldn't believe he was saying the words.
By the time he got the words out, he was the meat of a Desoto sandwich. Nobody said anything for a few minutes before Roy said, "Welcome to the club, my friend. This is only the first step."
Johnny caught his breath. "Oh, I know. Now starts the tricky part."
Joanne smiled, "As creative as you are, I know she'll be floored with anything you do."
Joanne bear-hugged her "brother". "I am so happy for you."
Johnny smiled as he returned the hug. "Thanks, Jo, that means the world."
Johnny took a breath as he broke away. "Guys, can I ask you a favor?"
"Yes?"
"Can I have a drink, and do you mind if I make a few phone calls?"
Joanne smiled, "I'll get you the drink."
Roy chuckled. "You call yours, and then I'll call mine. Once I told Chet what was going on, my entire crew wanted to know the results."
Johnny laughed. "Deal."
The two captains filled in their excited crews before they enjoyed some time together. Johnny left Roy's in time to have lunch with his future fiancé and to do some errands while he started to plan out an ideal proposal. The idea of proposing had been on his mind for a while, but now it was time to start putting dreams into reality; it was time to get to work.