Author's note: Thank you to everyone for your kind words of comfort and condolences at the passing of my mother. And yes this has been a difficult time in my life. The knee surgery I spoke of in early chapters has been 28 years in coming, I knew I was going to have to have it when I fell and broke my knee but I was young and it was important to wait as long as I could. The surgery has been planned and postponed several times this last summer. I was more than ready to get it over with when it finally happened. My mother's passing was also expected but I was not ready in any way for it when it happened. I'm comforted to know that she died in the home she and my father helped build and that she was in my father's arms when she passed. I couldn't have asked for a more peaceful way for her to go.

Writing feels a little different right now but I still enjoy it. Thanks again for the kind words and being willing to wait on me.

Chapter 8

Once Julie was on her way and Chet had watched to make sure she reached the bottom of the stairs safely he turned to see that all was well in the bunk room. John was helping Roy get a drink of water before helping him find a more comfortable sleeping position.

Chet playfully moved in behind Johnny and turned down the bedding on the bunk he had been resting on and nearly fallen asleep on several times that evening. He then turned off all of the lights before moving into the kitchen to get a drink of water then out to the balcony for a breath of fresh air before turning in himself.

As he stood on the small deck he marveled at how cold it got in the desert once the sun went down and pulled his flannel shirt closed over his t-shirt and buttoned it up all the way. As he stood sipping his glass of water he noticed the man-made retention pond to the west and the moon reflecting in the water's breeze rippled surface. There were frequent splashes as the fish jumped to take a bug from flight and then dive into the water again to enjoy its meal.

"There you are," Chet heard from the ground below him and turned to see Julie's father waiting for her to join him after taking her time to walk around the barn on her way back to the party.

"Everyone all settled in up there?"

"Yeah," Julie answered as she closed the gap between her and her father. "He's doing well and his friend will take care of doing the middle of the night wake up check. I'll do a good evaluation and vitals in the morning then call it in to Doc. I'm sure they'll be on their way as soon as their truck is ready."

"They seem like nice guys." Chet watched Julie roll her eyes at her father's statement. "Maybe even nicer than the guys all your sisters invited to the party for you to meet."

Julie smirked. "I don't know about those sisters of mine. Just how desperate do they think I am? That one guy, the Carl, just wants you to help finance a business venture. One of the Roy's wants you to donate to his campaign for the state senate, and I'm not sure what the other Roy is interested in but it's not me."

"I think he's interested in your brother's future mother-in-law," Julie's father reveled, showing that he had been paying attention. "I have to admit she is a looker, but I'd like to know more about what happened to the girl's father."

"Dad, you do know that the odds are pretty slim of me finding someone named Roy that I want to share the rest of my life with don't you?"

"Julie, Julie, Julie, I don't care what the guy's name is, I just want you to find someone, anyone, to share your life with; someone to make you happy. To help you give me some more grandchildren."

"Let me guess that's heavy on the grandchildren, right?" Julie smirked at her question.

"Well, of course, they're a lot more fun than children, if I'd had known how much fun they were I'd have had them first so your mom would have had more time to enjoy them with me." The two giggled for a minute and then the elder of them turned serious once more.

"Honestly, Julie, why on earth did you pursue guardianship over Frank? I mean, sure he's the ultimate kid that will never grow up but he'll only drag you down. You'll never find a guy willing to share your life if he's part of it."

"Dad, what is it going to take to get you to understand that I don't want just 'a guy', I want a man that's worth having and if he can't take me as I am then he's just that, a guy. Just like all the other guys you've tried to interest me in that aren't worth the ground they walk on. If and when I do settle down it will be with someone of my choosing not yours, not Carl's, not Beth's, not Anne's, not Bethann's, and not Roy's. And for the record, I'm not going to exclude anyone not named Roy or Carl from my consideration. And as far as Keith goes someone needed to step up for years now to help protect him and no one has. Mom knew he was more than a throw away kid and so do I. There are programs in the bigger cities that can teach him to live on his own and give him the freedom to take charge of his life. He wants to learn how to cook and manage his own money so that he can have his own apartment. If making a difference in his life means no guy will have anything to do with me, so be it."

Julie then stormed off toward the house and her father followed after a few heavy frustrated breaths.

Chet silently finished his glass of water and when the father was far enough away that he was sure he wouldn't hear the sliding door open and shut again, Chet slipped back into the bunk house. Once he was sure all was well with his bunk mates he pulled the covers back on hid chosen bunk and climbed between the covers.

Sleep came quickly for Chet but it wasn't long into the night when he found himself totally aware of every little sound around him. Finally opening his eyes but remaining motionless in his bunk, Chet took in the silhouette of John with his arm flung over his eyes in sleep and Roy lying on his side breathing easily. A sound he had never heard in the station's quiet nights drew Chet's attention to the wall mounted bunks as he noticed a slight ruffle in the blankets of one bunk before all movement stopped once again.

Continuing to lay still Chet turned his thoughts to Keith and wondered what his life was really like as well as what it could become. As much as he couldn't see him on any firefighting team in the county of Los Angeles, or the city for that matter, he did however manage to truly help out with the relatively small brush fire he had spent the afternoon at. Was there a place for him in the maintenance section of the fire department? Just what is he capable of doing?

Then his thoughts turned to Julie and what her life was going to be like taking on the guardianship of such a young man. Could her actions require the sacrifice of future happiness her father talked about?

Before Chet's mind had explored those thoughts for long he was aware of Roy trying to get out of bed.

"Where do you think you're going?"

"Bathroom," Roy whispered, it was clear he was trying not to wake Johnny.

Chet understood and just as quietly climbed out of bed to help Roy to the bathroom and then back to bed again. He had just settled Roy in with a fresh tube sock of frozen rice when Johnny woke up looking at his watch.

"Time to wake Roy up," he explained to Chet as Roy was being tucked in.

"He just got up to the bathroom," Chet responded with a smile. "He knows who he is and where he is and all the waterworks are working appropriately."

"Like he said," Roy responded pointing with a finger as he settled into a comfortable position.

"Alright then, Roy do you need anything?" Johnny leaned up on his elbows.

"Not 'til in the morning," Roy responded and without hearing the request John knew Roy needed to talk to his wife.

John silently vowed to see to it that his partner made contact with his wife but he wasn't really worried since they were on the way home two days ahead of schedule. He still had a couple more days before JoAnne would be getting worried.

Chet lay back down on his chosen bunk and rested quietly, he slept off and on and by the first rays of morning was feeling rested.

As the room they were in grew light enough to see everyone, Chet remained still, not moving in his bed watching. All seemed well and the clock on the wall was easy to see. Chet continued to sleep on and off until he felt the call of nature and made the trip to the bathroom.

He was just pulling his pants on when he heard the muffled sound of a telephone. It took a couple of rings for him to realize that the sound was coming from the cabinet inside the bedside table next to Roy's bed and before the end of the fourth ring he was able to open the cupboard door and answer the phone.

"Hello?" Chet answered wondering who was calling.

"Good morning, did I wake you guys up?" Julie questioned from the other end.

"Ah, no you didn't wake me up it just took me a minute to find the phone."

"OH, it must have been put away in the cupboard again. I'm sorry; the cleaning lady does that a lot. I don't know why. Anyway, I was wondering if you boys were decent and ready for breakfast."

By now John was sitting on the side of his bed getting a pulse on Roy, he was still in his underwear and a t-shirt but they were all firemen and they could make themselves decent in a matter of seconds. The rumble of John's stomach was all the answer Chet needed to the other question.

"Sure we're ready for breakfast and as far as the other it will only take us ten seconds to get dressed. Frank's still asleep though."

"He won't be once I'm there with breakfast. I'll see you all in about five minutes then."

"Breakfast in five," Chet called out as he hung up the phone pulling the base up on top of the cabinet as he did so. Chet then walked over and placed a hand on Frank's shoulder giving it a gentle shake.

"Julie will be here with breakfast in just a few minutes, I think you better wake up now," Chet told Frank when he saw sleepy eyes open.

Frank started by pulling his blankets up to his chin as he took just a minute to wake up the rest of the way and then without saying a word he got up and walked to the bathroom. He was still in there when the knock came on the door letting them know Julie had arrived.

When the door was opened Julie stood there holding a basket that appeared quite heavy. She was wearing a form fitting t-shirt that showed her bandaged arms and also revealed bandages around her chest. She looked tired but she had a friendly smile.

Chet quickly took her load from her and guided her into the kitchen area where he set the basket down and Julie opened the lid to revel a literal feast of blueberry pancakes, scrambled eggs with bacon and mushrooms mixed in and hash brown potatoes. In the bottom of the basket was a heating pad to keep everything warm. Once she lifted the food from the basket she pulled a bottle of milk from the fridge and as she was setting it out on the table she looked to Roy.

"How are you feeling this morning?"

"Not bad," Roy responded but his pale features and stiff walking stance as he made his way to the table told her more than he wanted her to know.

"How are his vitals this morning?" Julie directed her question to Johnny.

"His pulse is 110, respirations 13, and blood pressure 90 over 60," Johnny answered with a bit of concern in his face. There was no question in Julie's mind why he was holding on to Roy as he moved to the table. Roy no longer had his foam caller on but he did have one of Julie's frozen rice socks wrapped around his neck and then tucked in his shirt.

Julie turned her attention back to Roy. "Sick to your stomach this morning?"

"Not too much, this all looks really good."

"Well, take it easy," Julie said as she placed an empty plate in front of Roy. Julie then looked around, "Where's Frank?"

Chet glanced toward the bathroom door. "He went to the bathroom, but he's been gone a lot longer than I thought he would be."

"He's probably doing his laundry," Julie answered while looking at the bathroom door. "His father demands that his chores are done before he's allowed to eat."

Just then Frank came out of the bathroom carrying his laundry hamper in his arms. He then stepped into his closet and shut the door behind him. Once again a light was seen under the door and the sound of drawers opening and closing could be heard. Julie just hung her head and smiled.

When Frank stepped out of his closet dressed in work jeans and a t-shirt, it was Chet who called him.

"Hey, Frank, you better get over here and eat before Johnny here eats it all."

When Chet next looked up he saw an appreciative smile from Julie.

Chet moved the next chair away from the table and motioned for Keith to sit down and start eating. Julie moved over to Roy and started shining a light in his eyes. "Still light-sensitive, I see."

"Yeah a little," Roy admitted.

Julie then moved around and shined her light in Roy's nose and then in each of his ears before clipping her small flashlight to the top of her shirt at the neck line.

"Were you dizzy when you got up just now?"

"Not too much," Roy answered.

"Then, just a little?" Julie translated.

"Yeah, I guess." Roy admitted.

"How stiff is your neck?" Julie questioned as she gently took his head in her hands and turned it watching for any signs of pain or resistance. She was pleased to see that he had a fair amount of pain free movement.

"I suggest that you eat slowly and be mindful of your stomach," Julie advised.

"I was wondering if it would be alright if I called my wife," Roy nearly pleaded. "I'll pay for the call."

"Yes, of course, I'm sorry I didn't make sure you knew where the phone was so you could have called her last night."

The four men ate, Roy eating less than he usually did and Frank surprising them all with his table manners after Julie reminded him once that he didn't have to hurry as no one was going to take his food away from him. When they were all done it was Frank that took the lead to gather up all of the dishes. Chet pitched in while Julie and Johnny helped Roy back to bed and helped him dial home to talk to JoAnne.

Jo was concerned when she was told that her husband was injured but it was all tempered by the fact that he was talking to her and telling her there was nothing to really worry about. Before they hung up Johnny took the phone and asked her to give the captain a call and warn him that they may not be able to get back for their shift. He'd know more later that day and would call her again that night.

When Roy was through talking with his wife Julie took the phone and dialed a number by memory. "Hello, this is Julie Clark calling in with the report on Roy DeSoto." There was a pause as Julie leaned against the wall and toyed with the coils in the phone cord. While Julie was on hold Frank and Chet finished loading the dishwasher and turned it on and Frank stepped out of the kitchen looking to Julie as if to say what next.

Julie responded to Frank's look. "They're getting ready to feed the baby lambs if you want to give them a hand; I know they'd appreciate it." Frank smiled with excitement and was quickly out the door rubbing his hands together in anticipation as he moved.

"Well hello, Ozella, you're a bit out of your territory." Johnny and Chet heard Julie's surprised voice. When they looked at her in response to the change in her voice they saw the look of concern.

"Yeah, I understand, that probably should have happened a week ago. So when is the replacement from upstate coming? Oh man, Doc's not going to like that. Yeah, yeah. Hey, I know there's someone he's worried about on his patient list, can you find out who it is. Yeah, yeah, your right I forgot about her. No I'd wait until the residents get here then I'm sure Doc is going to want to take her with him. So how's Doc holding out? That bad, hu? Alright, well he'll get the best care you know how to give him that's for sure.

Julie then proceeded to give the nurse on the other end of the line her report on Roy. She listed the mild nausea but reported that he ate a healthy breakfast and was successfully keeping it down. When she reported that Roy's left pupil was still slightly dilated, Johnny borrowed her pen light from her shirt and checked it himself. It wasn't too bad but Julie was right, the left pupil was just a little bit bigger than his right when the light was directed in his eyes.

When Julie was through talking she listened for a while and the guys wondered what she was being told. Then she hung up the phone. Still leaning against the wall Julie took in and let out a deep breath.

"Is everything alright?" Johnny asked.

"It's nothing to concern you guys. We're just to continue to keep an eye on Roy here and if there is anything else when they talk to the doctor they'll give us a call. If you guys would like to go do some fishing I can stay here with Roy for a couple of hours."

It took Roy persuading them to go, but Chet and Johnny finally left knowing the pond was just a few feet away and they could easily hear any call if their help was needed. They had been at the manmade retention pond for less than an hour when Julie and Frank were seen helping Roy up the bank to join them. He had on a large dark cowboy hat to shade his face and a pair of dark glasses to keep the sun from aggravating his headache. Frank had a folding lawn chair in one hand for Roy to sit in and before long Roy was relaxing in the chair and managed to cast his line into the water. With Julie making a suggestion as to what bait to use, they all started getting bites happy to see that the fish were larger than they expected.

Frank turned down the offer of using Chet's fishing pole to catch a fish but he was quick to pick up the net and scoop up any fish the three men hooked. They had all caught three fish apiece when Julie started to tell them that her father had planted fish in this pond for her mother, but now that she was gone he didn't eat them himself as much and the last couple of years the sheep shearing group he hired each spring came with their own camper trailers and didn't stay in the bunk house so they didn't fish the area like previous groups had done.

"They're getting a bit over crowded out there. If it weren't for you guys we'd have to go in with big nets and pull them out and do something with them. I'd hate to think of just burying them to keep the smell down but I don't think we would ever eat that many fish."

As the men were fishing Julie managed over to a dock post next to Chet to sit down and rest her bandaged arms in her lap. Speaking quietly to keep her words for Chet's ears only, "I want to thank you for being so good with Frank, most people either ignore him and hope he goes away or taunt him. You treat him like a little brother. Even though they let him help whenever there's a fire they treat him like he's one of their mascots and make him the brunt of all their jokes. You haven't done that and I just want to say thanks.

Chet blushed a little then found courage enough to say something that had been on his mind all night long.

"I overheard the talk you had with your dad last night. I wasn't trying to listen I was just on the balcony unwinding before going to sleep when you two had your talk." He added quickly then stopped to take a deep breath, "I just want to say that I think it's great what you're doing for Frank and well, well, I know your Dad would never see me as being anywhere near your league, but well, I just want you to know that what you're doing for Frank wouldn't keep me from getting interested in you."

Now Julie was the one blushing but there were also tears in her eyes.

"You'd be surprised about being in my league and getting daddy's approval. My dad himself is the line boss that was once the first one called out at the first hint of an out of control brush fire. He's actually worked all over the western states when he was younger then he finally settled down to work the ranch. Any more he only works a fire if he thinks his grazing lands are threatened. But he still has a rep for being able to draw a line and keep the fire from crossing that line.

Feeling confident enough to continue on with casual conversation Chet smiled at Julie and began to talk. "Our captain started out in wild fire suppression. He tells us some wild stories from time to time. He's shown us a few tricks of the trade when we've fought the many brush fires we get involved with in our area. So how did you burn your arms?"

"Stupidity, sheer stupidity," Julie started then turned horror filled eyes out across the water where they met with no one. "I've been working rehab stations for the wild fires over on the other side of the mountain range, I don't do too much up close to the fire line but I do go in to help pull out and downed firefighter, just grab and run stuff treat em' later type of thing. They had the fire contained and pulled the more tired and green firefighters off the line for a rest while the mop up crews worked on getting the hot spots out. They keep the crews around for a while just in case the winds whip the fire out of control again but for the most part their kept at the base camp a safe distance away from the fire so they can sleep soundly if they can. The seasoned guys do that, sleep deep and hard, the green horns are usually still so pumped full of adrenalin they can't sleep. There are a lot of freshmen in college looking to earn enough money for school so they don't have to work during the school year. Most of them are responsible level headed jock types, a few girls here and there but their few and far between, every crew has at least one teenager that never grew up and still thinks they're immortal. At least a good crew chief keeps it to no more than one per crew they tend to arrive at camp together."

"So there we were at base camp. I'm working over a dozen or so guys with small cuts, popped blisters, and a few small burns here and there. While on the other side of camp all of the never grow up's got together and started playing with fire and aerosol cans. A couple of empty cans get thrown in the fire and when they blow the idiots find out that while they were playing with the bug spray they managed to get the flammable stuff all over themselves. The first thing they teach at firefighting camp is stop drop and roll but all three of these dopes start running with their coats on fire. Me and two others from the aid station tackle them and start to roll with them while others ran for fire blankets. I tried to get my kid to roll in the dirt but he fought me. I tried to get his coat off and he pulled it tighter around him. Then the fuel canister for his dip can in his pocket ignited. By the time the fire blankets got there with some extinguishers the damage was done. All three of the guys had large areas of third degree burns and when I started to cut the guy I was wrestling's coat off someone took a hold of my shoulders and started covering me with wet towels. I'd got enough fire to burn not only my jacket but also my shirt right off of my body. All I could think about at first was about what they had seen before they had me covered with the wet towels and whether or not they were taking advantage of me."

"The guy I wrestled down had some bad burns to his face and down his lungs. He made it to the nearest hospital but they were never able to stabilize him, he died before they could transport him to a burn unit. My brother was sent to bring me home about the time the local ambulance gang left to transfer the other two to a burn unit four hours north of here. That's when I came across you guys."

"We were sure glad you came along when you did," Johnny reveled he had been listening in, "I don't think that other guy would have lasted much longer if you hadn't."

Chet looked over at Julie as she kept her eyes focused on something across the water; he had to wonder if she'd been taken advantage of before. Thinking about what little he knew about her she did seem to be a little gun shy when it came to the subject of men.

Somehow Chet managed to bring the conversation back to talking about the weather and life in the country and on a sheep ranch. Julie started talking about the wildlife that wandered in to get a drink of water at this very pond.

They were all enjoying themselves, even Frank when Roy let out an unexpected sneeze. The sneeze was nothing to worry about but when he took the handkerchief away from his nose there was blood on it and there was also fluid starting to fill the inside of Roy's left ear.