Chapter Eighteen

Roy finally reached the ground. He was met by the questioning faces of all his shift mates. "What?" he asked, forgetting she was up there. Remembering, "Oh," he said as he dropped the ropes to give his arms a break, "You met her." he stated.

Four faces stared at him, "You know about her?" they asked in unison.

"That's not for me to answer, John'll have to tell you." He picked up his ropes again and walked to the squad, hoping to stay on the ground for the rest of the shift.

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

Chet, along with his crew, watched the heavy-laden medic walk toward the squad. There was a thunk as he dropped everything he was carrying. The four firefighters stood still for a moment until, "Alright boys, let's get outta here." Cap ordered. They waved as the snorkel drove off, it's firefighters tiredly waving back. Chet trudged to Big Red, he pulled his helmet and coat off, temporarily hanging them on the outside handle. He rolled his shoulders and let his mind wander as he waited for his fellow engine mates. As he thought, he stepped up into his seat, grabbing his coat and helmet behind him. "Johnny seemed pretty focused, but unnerved. I could tell." He rested his elbow on the open window looking out. "Who is she?" he asked out loud.

"I don't know Chet." Marco's voice appeared to his right. "He seemed, beuno, si?" He asked in Spanglish. Chet shook his head.

"Ready guys?" Mike interrupted from the driver's seat.

Chet looked up in surprise, "When did you guys get here?"

"You were pretty spaced out pal, you good?" Hank asked.

"Just confused and worried. Johnny acting weirder than normal, his apparent twin." he huffed. "I just want to know what the hell is going on!" he burst out. Marco looked at him, blinking in surprise.

"We all do, Kelly." Captain Stanley said sharing Chet's emotion, but subtly reminding Chet of where they were with the use of his last name. "Let's go home Mike."

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

Roy pulled the squad into Rampart and parked it. He stepped out, thankful to be harness and coat free. Running his hand through his hair he walked through the doors up to the nurse's counter. Dixie's head shot up when she heard the doors open. A smile graced her face when she saw Roy turn the corner. "Took you long enough." she said fondly.

"Yeah, well you try climbing up 130 feet, lowering ten people, walking 130 feet back down, and then packing all the equipment by yourself."

"I'm sorry I said anything." she said putting her hands up in mock annoyance.

"Sorry, I don't like high ropes rescues. They're too high up, give me water anytime." He looked around, "Any chance you've seen John?" he asked hopefully. "I'm ready for bed."

"Your partner's got a friend," she said in a concerned tone. "They're talking in the lounge." She sounded worried now, "Isn't she the same-"

"Yeah," Roy said cutting her off with a grim smile, "Thanks." Clearly stating that the topic was not open for discussion as he walked away. She frowned as he left, not angry but worried.

Dr. Early cut him off as he was walking, "You'll be glad to hear he'll be fine."

"Who?" Roy asked, too busy worrying about what state he would find his partner in.

"Your syncope guy?" Early questioned, obviously looking Roy over for an injury.

"Oh right, good good." Roy replied. "I didn't treat him," he explained, "I was on top of a roller coaster." He stole a glance at the break room door.

"Ah." Early replied. Joe saw him looking and smiled, "I hear Johnny's got a friend in there." he said, clearly oblivious to the nature of this 'friend'.

"Yeah," Roy said, "I know." he chuckled, "I'd like to get to bed at some point ya know." he said with a grin, deciding not to explain everything.

"Good luck," Early said, adding chipperly, "See you later."

Finally, at the doctor's lounge, Roy took a breath and knocked on the door. He felt rather ridiculous, no one ever knocked on that door. He glanced around, suddenly nervous in an environment he normally felt comfortable in. Not bothering to wait for a response, he opened the door and walked in. His partner, and his partner's 'twin' were sitting at a table, both clutching a mug of coffee as if their lives depended on it. Roy quickly evaluated Johnny. He looked uncomfortable, but otherwise fine. Roy noticed, with slight amusement, that Johnny was still wearing his harness. "Plan on climbing any more roller coasters tonight junior?" he asked, for now ignoring Jane. He wanted a work-related reaction out of John. John's response would dictate if he was still mentally fit for work.

"Oh." he said, sheepishly looking down. He stood up, loosened, and stepped out of his newly updated harness. "Not really." he said methodically re-wrapping it. Roy decided he was fine when the harness was automatically folded without thought. Johnny continued, "I know you've met before, but Roy, this is my cousin Jane. Jane, this is my partner Roy." The word 'cousin' sounded foreign on Johnny's lips.

"Your friend's gonna be alright by the way. I spoke to Early, his Doctor I mean." Roy said after politely nodding his head in greeting.

"Thanks." she said, nervously readjusting the grip on her mug.

"He woke up on the way in." Johnny said, filling Roy in. "I'm pretty sure he just vasovagaled and fell."

Suddenly, the radio keyed them up, "Squad 51, what's your status?" Roy glanced at Johnny, who quickly nodded his consent, and Roy answered.

"Squad 51, we're available from Rampart."The calm voice of the dispatcher responded, then remained silent

"We've got to head back." Roy said. Johnny drank the rest of his mug and reached his hand out for Jane's nearly empty one.

"You can't stay in here when we're gone, it's for staff only." Johnny said apologetically, putting the mugs in the sink.

"I understand. Can, can we meet tomorrow?" she asked hesitantly. "I'm free after five."

"That would be great." Johnny said, "I'll pick you up at your hotel?" he offered as he opened the door for her and Roy.

"That sounds good, it's the Red-"

"We know where it is." John said with a slight smile, glancing at her hand.

She looked down, blushing. "Oh, right." she said in a small voice. Roy and John walked her to the waiting room. Dixie observed the sight with a smile, pleased that John looked happy now instead of, well, constipated. "See you tomorrow John?" Jane asked confirming.

"Tomorrow at five thirty." He smiled and walked out of the ER, shoulder to shoulder with Roy.