The Jenkins Girl
by RosalindB
Chapter 7 - Three Cars One Spot
Last time: CJ's quick trip to the salon ends in a messy accident in the parking lot.
Captain Williams quickly assessed the scene. The driver of the cars that hit Cynthia from the left and rear were already out and walking. Scott and Bellingham from the squad began evaluating the driver on the right. Desoto & Gage went to Cynthia's car from her front. John began to climb onto the other car's hood when Captain Williams called out.
"Gage, don't! That engine's hot. Let us pull the car back some. Give you guys some space."
The lineman pulled a hose, and a nearby tow truck driver jumped in, winched the back of the car and pulled it away.
Bellingham called out, "Cap this driver has a laceration on the forehead." Scott pulled 36's bio-phone and began the call to Rampart.
"Okay, can you move him?" Williams asked. Bellingham managed to get the car door open.
"Looks like we can, he's just out cold."
36's lineman motioned to Cynthia's car.
"Cap, the driver's door is pretty bent."
Johnny tried to pry it open, but no luck.
"Cap, we'll need the jaws, or access from the other side."
Scott called out. "Give us one second, our victim is about ready, then you can tow this car back."
Williams looked over Johnny's shoulder into Cynthia's car. Cynthia was conscious, but obviously in pain. Fortunately her window was down, so Johnny could reach in for a pulse.
"Hey, CJ? Can you hear me?"
"Yes," she moaned, but didn't open her eyes. "I hurt. Your voice sounds familiar."
"What hurts? Tell me so we know," Johnny gently took her pulse. He didn't want her to know he was from Chet's station and panic her further.
"Ev-everything. Shoulder...head...ribs..neck," she tried to take a deep breath and winced.
"Okay, just be easy. We're going to get you out of the car in just a minute. Can you move your legs?" Johnny had to know if there was a spinal injury.
CJ moved her right leg. "My left foot...stuck.." She started to sob.
"Okay okay. Don't move any more. Let us take it from here."
Johnny turned to his partner. "She can move her legs, but the left one is stuck because of the door." Roy nodded, relayed the information to Rampart. Scott and Bellingham moved their victim out of the way. The helpful tow truck driver winched the second car and pulled it away.
Captain Williams directed his crew to ready the hoses in case of gas leaking from the cars. Vince and two other patrolmen moved the now growing crowd away from the area. Bellingham and Scott loaded their victim into the first ambulance. Scott rode with the victim. Bellingham stepped to Johnny.
"Need a hand guys? Our victim's on the way out."
"If you could grab the backboard for us that would help," Roy said. "Looks like whiplash bruised ribs and sprained shoulder."
Bellingham did a double take. "Is that the Jenkins girl?" he whispered. Johnny nodded. Bellingham headed to the squad and pulled the backboard for 51's team. He told Captain Williams the victim was Cynthia Jenkins.
"Oh lord, Charlie's daughter. Poor kid." His lineman maneuvered a crowbar to loosen the door, but Cynthia's foot remained stuck.
Johnny reached down and untied her hiking boot. He gently lifted her foot out of the boot.
"Okay Roy, let's do this."
"Roy?" Cynthia kept her eyes closed. "As in Roy DeSoto?" Johnny gently eased CJ across the seat. Once out and on the ground, Roy answered.
"Yes Cynthia it's Roy and Johnny. Chet's co-workers. We're going to get you to Rampart. Just stay relaxed okay?" The second ambulance pulled in and the attendants hopped out with the stretcher. Captain Williams bent down to her.
"CJ, it's Uncle Terrance. Do you want me to call anyone?" CJ kept her eyes closed, but the tears started to slide out.
"Uncle Mickey, please." Captain Williams patted her hand.
"Will do kiddo. You're in the best hands."
...
Roy was right. Cynthia had bruised ribs, sprained shoulder from having her arm over the passenger seat when backing out, and fortunately only mild whiplash. He and Johnny waited by the base station for Dr. Early's report.
"You two brought her in a few weeks ago right? Cut on the hand?" Dixie asked.
"Yep, and she was supposed to have a date with Chet tomorrow," Roy said.
Dr. Early overheard.
"And she's more worried about that than her injuries," he chuckled. "Thinks he's going to worry she's fragile."
Johnny shook his head. "So how is she?"
"She'll be okay," the doctor answered. "Nothing's broken. We're keeping her overnight since she has a headache, but should be out tomorrow sometime."
"We better head back and tell Chet," Roy motioned to the door. "Thanks doc."
Someone beat the boys to telling Chet. When they returned to the station, Captain Stanley called them into his office.
"Chief McConnike called. Praised you guys and 36 for the MVA. In particular taking care of Cynthia. Terrance Williams called too to see how she was doing. Kelly's a little upset, but he's going to finish the shift."
"No broken bones Cap, all bruises and some whiplash. She should be out tomorrow," Johnny said. "I'll tell Chet." Stanley nodded approval.