I Wanna Rockin' Roll All Night

by Thaena

Roy thinks he has placed all the main people in his life in comfortable predictable patterns but he should have realized that predictable can never be applied to Johnny Gage

2. Chapter 2

Hey, thanks for the great feedback. I know I said this was short…I meant like short in that its only three chapters, not 30 some. Although I loved all the feedback, I was starting to feel like the Ronco man "But wait! There's more!" Hope you enjoy this next chapter and you can see where I'm heading with this…

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Chapter 2 The PCH Cruysers

Johnny groaned at the jangling noise that had pulled him out of the comfortable sleep he'd been in. The previous shift had been very busy with the squad pulling nearly back to back runs, several requiring a trip to Rampart, and topped off with a 6 hour early morning fire that extended beyond shift change. Every muscle in his body ached and all he wanted was to sleep the day away. However, out of force of habit, his hand found the receiver and brought it to his ear. "hello . . .?" he mumbled.

"BJ! Hey man are you there? Awww, come on, you can't still be in bed, man it's waaay after noon!"

"I am in bed and I didn't get there until 10 this morning." He paused as he woke up a little more. "Who is this?"

A familiar laugh came over the phone lines. "Now I know you're still asleep." The voice chortled, "Who else would be calling you BJ, BJ?"

Johnny sat up, his eyes wide, now fully awake. "Mitch?" He asked excitedly. "Hey man, is it really you? Where ya at, man?"

"In town, fireboy! We've got a concert here tomorrow. We thought maybe we could meet ya and sorta hang out together, you know, for old time's sake! That is, if you don't have ta work or somethin'"

Johnny grinned, "Yeah! It'd be great to see you. No, I don't have to work. I'm off the next few days." Suddenly his aching body didn't seem tired and he was eager to see his friends.

"Cool man. We're stayin' at the Holiday Inn over off Martinsville Road. The concert will be in the Blazdell Arena. We thought maybe you could meet us for a late lunch. We're practicing until about 2."

"Great!" Johnny rubbed the last of the sleep out of his eyes as he looked at the clock by his bed. "Uhhh, do you want me to meet you at the hotel or some place else?"

"Hotel's fine. We can either eat there or some place you chose. So, we'll see you at 2?"

"Yeah," Johnny agreed, "I'll see you at 2 at your hotel."

"OK man, then later." And there was a click. Johnny hung up the phone, his mind racing. Mitch, Mitchell Patterson. Man! He hadn't seen Mitch in . . . had it really been nearly four years? He guessed that was about right, he'd been in his first year as a rescue man out of 10's. He climbed out of bed, wincing as the tired muscles in his legs and back complained over the motion. He stretched, rotating his shoulders and trying several deep knee bends as he made his way to the shower. He paused in front of the mirror, brown eyes widening at the pitiful sight looking back at him. His hair was standing straight up, his cheek was bruised, there were dark smudges showing his lack of sleep under his eyes and his lip was still tender and slightly swollen.

He looked down at his arms, flexing the muscles there, feeling the burn of overuse. The bruise caused by the huge man was no longer spreading and had settled into vivid shades of reds, purples and indigos. He looked over on his other arm, the one wrapped nearly from elbow to wrist in gauze. He slowly began unwrapping it, examining the burn underneath. It was still tender and the blisters were still filling with fluids. He debated wrapping plastic around it or leaving it open but decided to leave it and just be careful not to get any soap on it.

The hot water felt good on his shoulders and back as he stood in the spray, leaning against the wall, with his forehead resting on the cooler tile. He thought back over the busy fire they'd been toned out to about 3am. Roy had spent most of the time at triage but he'd been in and out of the building, carrying people down the ladders. He coughed, feeling a twinge in his chest from the smoke he'd eaten. His throat also felt a little rough but the warm steam soothed that. He'd been so tired that morning, he'd forgone a shower and headed straight to bed.

As he thought about his partner, he gave a rueful grin. "Bet he isn't as sore today," he mumbled. "Hope he made it home alright." He frowned, as he realized he didn't even remember the drive home or whether he'd said good-bye to his partner. He had a faint flash of concerned blue-eyes searching him over as a voice asked, "Are you sure you're alright to drive?" He didn't remember if he'd answered. Then another memory hit him, and he blinked. "He followed me home! I remember, he came up to me as I pulled in and was sitting in my Rover." Looking back, he now knew he'd fallen asleep right after he'd shut off the engine. He remembered thinking he'd just close his eyes and rest a moment before he got up the energy to walk up the stairs to his place. That was his last memory before the phone woke him.

More rejuvenated now, Johnny finished his shower, toweled his body dry and set about treating and re-wrapping the burn. Then he completed the rest of his morning's routine and entered his bedroom.

A faint smile tugged at his lips as he saw his soiled uniform folded and placed on a chair. Johnny knew instantly that his partner had been there; he would've just stripped to his skivvies and dropped in bed, not taking time nor caring where his smoky clothes fell. A strange warm feeling filled Johnny as he realized that his partner had put him to bed. It felt . . . different and not at all unpleasant. It had been a long time since anyone had showed more than a casual concern for his well-being. And sadly, Johnny could name the former on just his fingers. He sat heavily on the bed, for the first time really thinking about this new relationship he found himself in with his work partner. Maybe, just maybe, it was time to let someone else into his inner circle.

A glance at the clock on his nightstand made his pulse pick up. "Shoot! I've got to get!" He quickly dressed, ran his fingers through his now drying hair, grabbed his keys and left his apartment.

He quickly drove across town, using his skill at navigating to safely make good time. He found the Holiday Inn easily, finding a parking place was less so. He finally settled on parking in a nearby street, filled the meter and set off for the hotel. Once he entered the lobby, he looked around. He sighed as he realized he hadn't set a specific meeting place. He was just debating asking at the check-in desk for his friend's room numbers when a very familiar voice teased, "Now there's a truly sad sight; a lost Indian."

He whirled around, a grin on his face. Normally a comment like that would set Johnny's teeth on edge but coming from Lucas "Alwet (BlackCrow)" Mendoza, himself ¼ Indian, it spoke of kinship. Standing before the paramedic was a mountain of a dark skinned-dark haired man Johnny's age but a good 4 inches taller and another fifty pounds heavier. Johnny raised a hand which was immediately grasped in a huge hand. "BJ! Been too long, amigo."

"Luke! Great to see you! You look . . . um, bigger!"

Lucas laughed as he cuffed the slighter man, nearly knocking him over. Johnny had a flash of being slapped by a bear sans claws. "BJ, you're still a scrawny little . . . I thought firemen where 'posta be strong to carry people out and haul hoses and swing axes and stuff."

"They are and I was doing all that just a few hours ago." Johnny ruefully declared as he rotated his now aching shoulder. The smile dropped from Luke's face immediately. "Hey man, I'm . . ."

"We saw that apartment fire this morning on the news. Lisa was afraid you were there." Another voice spoke up and Johnny turned to shake hands with another man, this one built only slightly heavier than him with longish red-brown hair and intense grey eyes. "Mitch!" Johnny's voice and his face reflected his joy. He looked around. "Where's Lisa?"

Mitch pointed back behind him, "In the lady's room. Where she spends most of her life these days."

"You try carrying a melon around on your bladder and see how you do!" came a melodic voice as a petite, blonde, and very pregnant, woman joined the group. Johnny grabbed her shoulders, kissed her cheek and then pulled back to look at her. "Lisa! You look . . ."

"If you say I'm glowing, so help me, John Gage, I'll deck you." She growled.

Johnny laughed, "I was gonna say . . . round. But round looks really good on you."

She made a scoffing noise but her blue-green eyes twinkled. "Still the flatterer, I see, BJ" She reached up to kiss his cheek then frowned as her hand touched first on his bruised cheek then his healing lip. Behind her, Mitch said, "He was at that fire, hon."

Lisa bit her lip, her eyes now swimming with tears. "I knew it. I recognized the station number. I even thought I saw you on a ladder in at least one shot." She shook her head, "We woke you too, you look tired. Maybe we should . . ."

Johnny smiled gently as he took her hand and cupped it in his as he shook his head, "I'm alright. I got some sleep last night before the fire and then before you called. I'll sleep tonight." He looked excitedly at his friends, "Besides! How often do I get to see you guys!"

Lisa stifled a sob and Mitch slipped his arm around her shoulders. "Forgive her, ever since the baby her emotions are - like - right there."

Lisa punched him in the arm causing him to groan loudly and jump back. "That's enough out of you, Mr. Patterson."

"Yes, Mrs. Patterson." He replied meekly. Johnny grinned at Luke, "Still the same?"

Luke rolled his eyes, "Yeap. Like Ol' Faithful." He spoke up, "Hey boss? You need a medic? If so, I hear they have some special dudes who'll come right to you. I might be able to find one."

Now it was Johnny's turn to scowl, "Very funny." Just then Johnny's internal configurations decided to tell his brain, and everyone else, it was time for substance. Johnny blushed deeply as there was silence right after his stomach's rude comments then laughter filled the area.

"Something else that hasn't changed!" Luke crowed. Mitch howled and Lisa giggled.

"Hey!" Johnny protested, "I haven't eaten since about 8 last night!"

Mitch's eyes went wide, "Oh Good Lord! That long!" He looked at the others. "The poor man is wasting away before our very eyes."

"I'd certainly say so." Another voice joined in and Johnny turned to face the newcomer. The slender slightly paunchy man before him reminded him instantly of Chet Kelly, down to similar fuzzy brown hair. But there was a look in his hazel eyes, a slightly challenging gaze that instantly made John's neck hairs raise. Mitch stepped forward. "Hey BJ, I don't think you've met our drummer. This is Victor Kimmel. Vic for short. Vic, this is John Gage or BJ."

Johnny extended his hand, not really surprised when the other man grasped it and squeezed—hard. Johnny let him start, then increased pressure back with a hand used to intense physical labor. He made sure he didn't injure, backing off when he saw Vic's hazel eyes widen a little and dilate. Johnny grinned. "Nice to meet you. I've heard your work. I've kept up with the group and you're good."

Vic released his hand and nodded, "Yes, I am." He took a step back and Johnny hid a smile as he saw Vic massage his hand when he thought no one was paying attention. Lisa broke the tension by turning to her husband. "Mitch, BJ isn't the only one who is hungry. Now, where're we gonna eat?"

Mitch looked around then shrugged. "I don't care, I guess we can eat here again."

Lisa made a face, "To tell the truth, Mitch, their lack of variety is beginning to wear on us." She motioned downward to include her protruding belly. Mitch looked helplessly at Vic who looked bored then over at Luke who shrugged. "Don't look at me, I don't know places around here that well anymore."

"Why don't you ask the vertical stomach?" Vic tried for a teasing tone but somehow it fell flat. However, Johnny smiled. "Sure! If you don't mind, I know a great spot about two blocks from here. The food's pretty good and the prices aren't bad." As they assented, Johnny led the way.

Mitch quickly fell into step with Johnny and the two jabbered while they walked. Luke fell into step beside Lisa who stared at her husband and their friend, "Other than looking a little tired, he looks good." She commented.

Luke nodded. "He's filled out some." He chuckled, "In school I was always afraid the Santa Anna's would someday blow him away." Lisa giggled, recalling a tall reed-thin youth with a shy smile and hair hanging in his eyes. "I'm glad to see him, it's been too long."

Luke nodded his head, "Ya know? When you first told us that he'd written that he'd been accepted into the Fire Academy I really thought it was a joke." He frowned as he recalled his next thought, that his friend would be crushed when his inevitable ejection would come.

"But he made it. He not only became a fireman but went on to become a rescue man then one of the first ever paramedics." Lisa's voice held her pride. Luke nodded, then gave a grin, "Yeah, but sometimes I can't help but wish it'd turned out different. And that he'd come with us."

Lisa sighed, "Well, as long as he's happy." Silently to herself she added, ' I hope he's happy. He deserves to have some happiness in his life.'

Luke, however, was now watching as Vic tried several times to cut Johnny away from Mitch although the two friends seemingly remained oblivious. Luke frowned, wondering at their drummer's decidedly cool mind-set toward the younger man.

Johnny, however, was aware of Vic just as he was also aware of Lisa and had made several casual glances backward to make sure the pace and the walk wasn't too much for the pregnant woman. He'd slowed his original pace and caught Luke's smirk when he did. He rolled his eyes and Luke gave way to silent chuckles. Spinning around so that he walked backwards, Johnny told the group. "It's just at the end of this block."

Sure enough, they could see the entrance sign advertising 'Sheila's Diner'.

Johnny held open the door and they all trooped in. The manager hurried up to them, smiling brightly, "Hi there, 5? Smoking or non-smoking."

"Non smoking please," Johnny affirmed as he nodded toward Lisa. The manager smiled and motioned, "Certainly, if you'll just follow me." And they did so. She led them to a table set back enough from the smoking area to not drift over them. "How's this?"

Johnny flashed her a smile, "Great! Thanks!"

She looked him up and down as she returned the smile with one of her own. "Your waitress' name is Sheila and she'll be with you in just a moment." She left, glancing back several times at the group. Luke elbowed Johnny as he moved to sit down. "She's checking you out, BJ."

Johnny rolled his eyes, "She's a little older than I like, Luke."

Luke shrugged, "A girl is a girl is a girl." Then yelped and jumped as Lisa kicked him from under the table. The rest hid their snickers behind hastily lifted menus.

Another woman, this one in her late forties approached the table wearing a bright smile, "Hi, my name is Shelia, Can I get drinks for you?"

Luke smiled back, "Ice tea, lots of lemon." He said. Lisa nodded, "Yes please, me too."

"I'll have a large soda, which ever dark cola you carry." Mitch said as he continued to search the menu. Vic looked up, "Ya got a bar here?"

The woman frowned slightly, "No, sorry. If you want something stronger than our coffee, you'll have to go elsewhere."

Vic made a face then sighed, "Guess I'll have a cola too."

She wrote that down and turned to Johnny, her smile wider, "Hey sweetie! Don't have to ask what you want, milk with your meal and coffee after!"

Johnny grinned and winked, "You got it, Shelia."

She looked around, "Where's Roy? He's not with you today?"

"Nah, he's home with the family. Rough shift."

She patted Johnny's bandaged arm, "So I see. Guess you were at that fire over off Bluffton, huh. Looked pretty messy."

Johnny nodded, "It was."

She marked her pad, "Ok sweets, I'll get these in. The specials today are spaghetti and meatballs, stuffed cabbage rolls, or beef Manhattan. The sides are succotash, green beans or broccoli in cheese sauce. The soups are chicken noodle and vegetable beef and the pies are lemon, cherry and berry supreme." She turned and made her way to the counter and began getting the drinks.

Luke leaned over to Johnny. "You've been here before, what's good?" Johnny looked up, narrowing his eyes as he stared toward the kitchen. A figure ducked down to look through the order window as Shelia pointed out his table and the large man beyond gave them a toothy grin and a wave. Johnny returned both then turned to his friends. "Mac's cooking. Everything will be good."

Vic eyed the other man. "You seemed awful chummy with the waitress, thought you said you didn't like older women."

Johnny chose to ignore the insinuation but answered the comment. "This place is owned by a couple I know. He's a retired fireman and their son works out of my station on another shift. When he was working, Mac was one of the best cooks in the LA Fire department. He's won the chili cook offs more times then I've been fighting fires. But his knees gave out and he had to retire so they bought this place." Johnny shrugged at the end of his speech, looking back over his menu.

Before too long, Sheila reappeared carrying their drinks. She set each down in front of each person, giving Johnny a big smile as she placed a tall glass of milk in front of him. Vic couldn't help a snide snicker, "Milk! The big strong fireman drinks milk!"

"He's a growing boy," Shelia commented as she patted Johnny's shaggy head. Johnny ducked his head in reaction. Shelia looked Vic straight in the eye and something in her stare made the drummer suddenly feel small. "Besides, how do you think firemen stay strong?"

Then she turned to the others, her smile friendly once more, , "So whatall' ya have?"

"The beef manhattan sounds good to us." Lisa said as she rubbed her bulge. Sheila laughed, "You are so right in that, honey." she agreed, "At that stage you eat what baby wants, whether you like it or not!"

Lisa, laughing, agreed.

Shelia marked the order, "And for side do you want the veggies or a salad." Lisa thought for a moment then said, "Salad, with vinegar and oil dressing."

"You got it! Next?"

Mitch thought he'd try a burger platter and Luke decided on the manhattan as well. Vic opted for a steak and potatoes. Then she turned to Johnny. "And you sweets?"

He looked up and grinned, "I'll have the spaghetti." She nodded, "It's not Stoker's but it's good. Garlic bread, salad with french?"

He nodded and she left to give the cook the orders. "Who's Roy or Stoker, for that matter?" Lisa asked. Johnny grinned. "She meant Mike Stoker, our engineer. He makes the best spaghetti and Roy ," He got a shy look on his face that made Mitch and Lisa exchange glances, "Roy is Roy DeSoto, my paramedic partner and the whole reason I joined the paramedics."

Before he could answer, the food began coming and soon they were all filling their mouths, and thus their tummies, with sustenance. Lisa watched with a hidden smile as Johnny enthusiastically inhaled the large helping of spaghetti, garlic bread and mounds of meatballs. Lisa smiled at her husband, then tilted her head toward Johnny and rolled her eyes. Mitch chuckled as he watched his friend enjoy his food. "That's one thing that will never change," he whispered into her ear, "And that's how much BJ can eat. You remember back in school?" Her eyes twinkled as she nodded.

Mitch found himself lost for a moment in her lovely eyes. Lisa had been the object of his affection since she, a freshman, had been seated next to him in his sophomore English class. In fact the four of them had started their combined history in that same English class. He remembered the day, the second week of school. The bell had just rung and Mitch had escorted the leggy blonde of his dreams to her seat and had just sat down next to her when Mrs. Carmichael had closed the door and announced to the class. "Alright class, time to begin discussion on our first reading assignment."

The groans were interrupted by a soft knock on the door. "Class, I want you to pull out your books and start reading the short story titled "The Purloined Letter." She then opened the door, revealing three people standing there; the student counselor, a nun in habit, and a tall gangly youth with very dark hair and tanned skin. The counselor spoke first then the nun. When they had finished, Mrs. Carmichael spoke. They spoke quietly even though every ear strained to hear. It was English but they could only catch a few words. "freshman' "tested high" "put in your class" among them. Mitch heard someone snort, "Charity case from the ghettos. Damned Spics takin' over everywhere." Mitch glanced over at his friend, Lucas, who was half Mexican. Lucas caught the look, shrugged his shoulders then shook his head. Mitch looked back to that interesting grouping.

The boy never once raised his head from where his gaze focused on the floor at his feet. The nun, who had placed her hand on the youth's thin shoulder now gently cupped his chin and directed his gaze upward. She spoke to the boy who nodded his understanding and answered something back in the same language. Then she patted his cheek and left. Mrs. Carmichael directed the boy into the room and he followed her as she sat at her desk. She looked over the paperwork handed her, frowning. The boy's eyes were now looking sidewise, watching the room full of his fellow students from beneath the curtain of black hair that covered his forehead and hung into his eyes. His searching gaze caught on Mitch's and Mitch smiled what he hoped was a friendly smile.

Suddenly Mrs. Carmichael looked up and pinned the youth with her steady stare. "You do speak English, I assume."

"Yes ma'am." His voice was soft.

"I see your name is John. Do you go by anything else?"

He shrugged, "Johnny." came that soft answer.

Mrs. Carmichael shook her head, "That won't do. See we already have too many Johns in this class. Anymore would be confusing."

Mitch could've sworn the boy's complexion paled alittle and he glanced about then back toward the door. Mrs. Carmichael looked back at the paperwork before her as she muttered, "What's your birth date. Ah, here it is. Well, yes, hmm, that will do." She marked something in her grade book, handed him a textbook and informed him. "In this class you will respond to the name BJ. Is that clear?"

He nodded hesitantly and she directed him to the empty seat between Mitch and his friend Luke. Both boys grinned at the new kid as he sat in his seat but he didn't look.

When the bell for dismissal finally rang, most students quickly left their seats but the new kid hesitated as if unsure of what to do next. Mitch and Luke approached him from either side. Both caught the slightly panicked look he threw at each of them and tried smiling. Mitch spoke first, "That's the lunch bell. You wanna join us?"

The boy now named 'BJ' shrugged. He stood carefully as if expecting them to do something. When they didn't he moved with a little more confidence. Lisa came forward, smiling brightly and he gave a faint smile toward her. Together the four made their way toward the cafeteria. They walked him through the line where they all got trays, noticing he showed a card to the cashier at the end. She marked a number on her sheet and motioned him on. As they made their way toward a table, one of the older bigger boys shoved into them, hard, nearly causing BJ to lose his tray. Mitch grabbed the corner and steadied it as Luke pulled himself up to his full height of 6 feet, glaring at them.

"Charity boy. They won't be around you all the time." The other boy sneered. There was no expression change on the face of the new kid. He met the glare of the bully with a stone cold look of his own dark eyes. Finally the people behind them begin to push past and the tension broke. Mitch and Luke hasty moved their little group away.

As they sat and applied themselves to their meal, each tried to get the boy to talk but he never answered with more then a shake or nod or shrug. When he did speak, it was in the same soft voice with one-syllable words. Luke looked at Mitch and they both shrugged. Soon they begin their own conversations, complaining about the homework Mrs. Carmichael had assigned, the creepy story they'd read and how awful the school food was.

Lisa noticed that the new kid had wolfed down his meal as if half starved, then sat drinking his milk. She shoved her half-eaten tray toward him. "Here, you can have mine. I never can finish it all." For an instant, Luke looked at her. All last week she'd given him her leftovers but he looked at the skinny frame next to him and remained quiet. Suddenly he stared hard at the boy, calling out "Hey!" Surprised by the action and word, Johnny looked up and locked gazes with the taller boy. Then Luke's face broke into a wide grin. "You're not Mexican!"

Johnny shook his head, his gaze still on the black eyes before him. Luke pointed a thumb into his chest and with obvious pride announced, "Cahuilla, Agua Caliente."

Johnny blinked then pointed toward himself. "Dakota Sioux, M'Dewakanton." A shy smile completed the strange introduction. Luke grinned and slapped the smaller boy on the shoulder. "Well, hello Cousin! Tell me, what's a River Valley boy like you doing so far west?"

Johnny ducked his head as he shrugged, "No one else wanted me. They sent me here."

Luke's face fell and he sat closer to his new friend. "They sent you to a convent?" Mitch asked. At that, Johnny smiled bigger and each saw a flash of something in that smile. "No," he chuckled, "That's my aunt. She's a nun."

"So, you're an Indian." Lisa asked. The boy nodded. She extended her hand, "Well since no one else in this group has any manners I'll do the honors. I'm Lisa. Lisa Gould and that's Mitch Patterson, and that hulking giant who just nearly took your arm off is Lucas Mendoza."

He nodded to each as introductions were made and now said, "I'm Johnny. Johnny Gage."

Mitch laughed and dared to throw an arm over the other boy's shoulder, "Not any more you're not. You heard what Mrs. Carmichael said, you are now officially BJ." He had felt the boy's shoulder first jerk away from him, but kept his arm right where it was. He liked this shy boy and sensed that underneath he had a great sense of humor. It had showed in that brief lop-sided grin.

A hand closing over his brought Mitch back out of the past and he looked into the beautiful eyes of his wife. "Just remembering that first lunch after Mrs. Carmichael's class." He explained.

Johnny groaned. "I wish I could forget that."

Luke laughed, and Mitch added, "You looked so scared. You looked like if anyone had sneezed you woulda jumped straight out the nearest window.

Johnny nodded in shared memory. "I probably would've. I know I wanted to be anywhere rather than there at the time." He shook his head and shuddered, "Man, am I glad those days are long gone."

Luke slapped him on the shoulder again. "Ahh come on BJ. They weren't too bad. After all, you met us."

Johnny rubbed his shoulder again and answered in a cynical tone, "I rest my case."

The others laughed.

Soon the empty plates were being lifted from the table as coffee cups were set around and fresh hot coffee poured.

"Dessert anyone?" Sheila asked even as she placed a large piece of berry pie alamode in front of Johnny. Mitch laughed, "You really do know him, don't you!?" Sheila nodded. "Well?' Mitch and Lisa shook their heads, but Vic said he wanted to try a piece of the lemon and Luke asked for a fudge sundae. Before long, these too were gone and the five were back to their discussion.

Sensing a story, Lisa leaned forward. "BJ, before the food came, you were telling us about your partner. You said he was the reason you joined the paramedics?" Lisa asked as she sipped her coffee. "What do you mean by that, BJ?"

Johnny launched into the tale of how his chief had been telling him to try for the paramedic program but that he thought he was happy where he was until a failed rescue of an electrocution victim started snowballing things in his mind. Other victims they'd been too late or too unprepared to save flooded his mind and after much thought and a little research on his own, he went to speak with the fireman who was recruiting for the next paramedic class. He told, with glowing eyes, how Roy had retaken the training with Johnny's class then near the end told him he might request Johnny as a partner.

Johnny shook his head, wonder in his voice, "And when I got my new assignment, low and behold if it wasn't at Station 51 with Roy as my senior. We've been together since."

"Sounds like a really great guy." Luke remarked, each could hear the admiration in Johnny's voice whenever he talked about this Roy fellow.

Johnny nodded, 'He is. He's married to a great woman." He patted his stomach and grinned, "who's a great cook, too. They have two of the best kids. Chris and Jen."

"So, any chance we can meet this miracle worker?" Mitch teased. Johnny laughed, "I dunno. I'll try to drag him over before you leave but he's not much on what he calls 'loud music"

"Hmmpphhh, he's heard you play, huh?" Luke asked and all laughed as Johnny shoved his friend.

"Speaking of music, we'd best get back to practice. Sal, our manager, is probably having a cow as we speak." Mitch intervened. Just as they were getting ready to stand, there was a scream. Johnny whirled around but was shoved out of the way and nearly to the floor as four teenaged girls rushed them.

"OHMYGOGOHMYGOD!" one girl screamed over and over as she jumped up and down.

"I told you! I told you!" another one chanted, "I knew it was them. I just knew it!"

The other two pawed at Mitch, shoving pads of paper in his face. "Sign my book! Please Sign my book!"

Vic looked at Mitch then gave a condescending look to where Johnny had been pushed away. The paramedic stood, wide-eyed, next to Sheila. "Our adoring audience has found us." Vic gloated. More girls and soon some guys came through the door and began crowding around the four figures. Vic noticed Johnny's shocked look had faded into a scowl and smiled. 'Yeah, eat your heart out, man. This is the life you gave up. Sucker.'

Little did Vic know that was the farthest thing from Johnny's thinking. He turned toward Sheila and in a low voice asked, "Can you clear a way for us to leave through the back?" He glanced behind him at the growing mob. "I'm concerned over Lisa. She doesn't need to get pushed down and trampled in her condition."

Knowing the young paramedic spoke from experienced, having worked mob scenes and concerts, Shelia followed his thoughts exactly. She nodded. "You know the route. See if you can get them going. I'll see what I can do here. Should I call the police?"

Johnny looked the crowd over, "Let's see if we can get them out first, but it might be necessary." She nodded and waved at Mac who came barreling out of the kitchen.

Shelia slipped into the back area, going immediately to the phone, as her husband came roaring out.

"What the heck do you think you're doing in my diner?" Mac roared. Most of the shouting and picture flashes stopped in shock. Johnny had elbowed his way through and had grabbed a hold of Lisa, using his body to block any who tried to get near her. Luke had seen what Johnny'd done, and moved to her other side, grabbing Mitch's arm as he did. All five people started moving in the direction Johnny was pulling them. Mac glared at and held off several as he bellowed, "That's enough! If you want to eat, finda table! If not, get out before I call the cops!"

Someone somewhere dropped a glass as a voice said, "You can't; we have the right to see them. It's a public place."

"You're wrong there." A new deep voice bellowed. The crowd parted as a uniformed cop entered the area, another standing at ready just a little behind. "This is a private business. If you are eating here, sit. If not, the owner has asked you to leave." The cop came over to the group Johnny had managed to get out of the table area and closer to the back entrance. He blinked as he recognized the man in civilian clothes holding onto a clearly scared pregnant woman. He sighed, "Gage, why am I not surprised to see you in the middle of all this."

Johnny smiled a greeting, "Hiya Vince, Nice timing. I'll explain later."

Vince nodded, "Yes, you will." He looked over at his partner. "Let's get these folks outta here." Between the two cops, Johnny and Mac, the four performers were soon led through the kitchen. Vince stopped Johnny at the doorway. "I think Brady and I better drive you back to their hotel. I don't think walking is an option right now." He nodded out the windows in front of the diner. Johnny narrowed his eyes as he saw the crowd growing in front of the restaurant.

Mitch nodded. "Thank you, officer. I think you're probably right." He extended his hand and Vince took it as Johnny quickly said, "Oh, Vince Howard, meet the PCH Cruysers. They're in town for the charity concert tomorrow night. This here is Mitch Patterson, his wife Lisa, Luke Mendoza, and Vic Kimmel. Guys, this is Vince, we . . . uhhh, sometimes work together."

Vince tilted his head toward Johnny, "You could explain it that way, I guess. How did you come to know this hot-shot?" He jerked a thumb toward Johnny who rolled his eyes in reaction.

Luke grinned broadly, "Went to high school together." Vince nodded his understanding then looked over at his partner. Brady nodded back and Vince turned to the group once more. "Gage, you know these alleys. Can you get them over to Union street from here?"

Johnny looked around, his face scrunched up in thought then he nodded, "Yeah just a couple blocks south. I can do it." Vince nodded. "Good. We'll met you there and take you straight into the hotel drop-off area." He tapped his helmet as he nodded his head to the group and then left.

Johnny watched him go back through the kitchen and out into the growing mob. He heard the orders being shouted and turned back toward his friends. "Let's go. Vince and the others will take care of this mob." He turned to Sheila as he reached for his wallet. "I'm sorry about what happened. How much . . ." Shelia slapped his hand, "Don't you dare! It wasn't your fault. You should know by now your money isn't any good when we are here."

She turned to the others and said, "However, your tickets come to $15 and 78 cents with tax."

Mitch laughed as he reached for his own wallet. Even as he pulled it out, Shelia grabbed his arm, "I was kidding! I was kidding!" She smiled back at the young fireman. "I guess from all the hoopla that your friends are some sort of celebrities?"

Johnny nodded, "Yeah. They're a band, you know rock singers? They've had a few hit records."

"A few hit records!" Vic started, his eyes flashing, "Why I'll have . . ." Before he could say anymore, he let out a yelp at a sudden pain in his foot. He looked over at Luke in surprise who shrugged his shoulders, "Sorry man, I didn't realize your foot was there." Vic glared at the large man, knowing what he'd done and why. But as he turned back to correct the wrong he felt they'd been given, he found Sheila was walking back toward the kitchen, Johnny beside her. They watched as she hugged the younger man then disappeared back inside.

"Why'd you stop me?" Vic hissed.

"There was no need. Don't you see, ya idiot? These people treated us nice because of him, not because we are celebrities. They're his friends." Luke hissed back.

Vic watched the lanky paramedic as he rejoined the group, that irritating grin back in place. "He's a loser. He gave up fame and fortune to play fireman." Vic grumbled. He didn't think he'd said it loud enough for anyone to hear. But he didn't count on hearing that had been honed by listening to each creak and groan of a building, or the fact that Luke was standing right there.

"Well gang, let's go." Johnny said as he led them off. They traveled the back streets, pointing out the different ways people decorated their landings and back entrances. Before they realized it, Johnny had led them back out into the street and over to two waiting police cars. Just before the group split up into the two waiting cars, Mitch turned to Johnny. "Ok BJ, spill it. Why'd the cop assume you'd know the back streets, correctly I might add?"

Before Johnny could answer, Brady did. "Because Gage navigates the squad. We're on the edge of 51's response area here so he has to know it. It could be a matter of life and death."

Vince nodded, "that's right. If, for some reason the main thoroughfares are blocked or too heavy with traffic, Johnny has to know how to direct not only the squad, but the engine if it's following them."

Johnny shrugged as all eyes looked back at him. "Just part of our job. Brady, Vince and the rest hafta know the streets too." Then he motioned them over and into the cars. They were quickly hurried back to the hotel, and security there, who had been notified, whisked them up to their suites, Johnny with them. Once there, Lisa plopped down in a chair with a great sigh. She smiled at Johnny when he kneeled beside her, his hand going instinctively to her wrist as he checked her pulse and respirations. "Always the worrier." She teased. Mitch hovered behind him; Johnny looked up, "A little fast. I suggest she maybe lay down for a while." Mitch opened his mouth to say something but was interrupted as a portly man with a receding hairline and wearing a plaid suit burst in.

"There you are! I've been frantic! I was almost ready to call in the guard." He fumed around the room, "My star performers say they're just gonna take a break, get some food and when I check the rooms? Nobody. And when I check the dining area? Nobody. Nobody knows where they've gone or when they'll get back. Gone, just vanished. Who are you?" He stopped his tirade as he came to a halt in front of Johnny.

"Sal, meet nobody." Vic laughed as he pulled a beer from their bar. He popped the top and guzzled half the bottle in the first drink.

Mitch glared at him and stepped forward. "Relax, Sal, before you have a heart attack. This is our friend, BJ Gage. BJ, this is our manager Sylvester Salkind. BJ showed us a really nice place just down the street and that's where we were."

Sal peered at Johnny, his pale blue eyes intense, "Gage, Gage why does that name sound so familiar, Gage Gage Gage."

Johnny blinked at him and backed up. Suddenly the man stopped and turned back to Mitch, "No matter. It'll come to me later. Now Mitch, baby, we need to get back over to the arena. We have sound checks to do and maybe a little more practicing." He glanced at Johnny. "Your . . . uh, new friend can come too."

He turned around and clapped his hands, "Come on, come one, everybody back onto the bus. Come on."

"Excuse me, Mr. Salkind but I think Lisa should stay here and rest awhile. She's had a rough time and her pulse rate is a little . . ." Johnny began then backed up quickly, nearly tripping over his feet as Sal suddenly rounded back on him. "What are you? Some kind of Doctor? Is that where you were, Mitch? Did you go find a doctor? Well, ok, whatever you want. The doctor can come too but Lisa is going. She can rest on the bus, that's why there are beds there."

"I'm not a doctor," Johnny protested, "I'm . . ."

"He's just a fireman!" Vic howled as he cracked open another beer. Mitch and Luke glared at him but he only laughed, raised the beer in a mock toast and promptly drank deeply. Sal squinted at Johnny. "A fireman? Why'd you get a fireman? I don't think we need a fireman, Mitch. Now a doctor I could understand but a fireman?"

Johnny shook his head and moved forward to grasp Mitch's hand, shaking it firmly. "Mitch, it's been great to see you all again, I can't tell . .."

"Whoa, whoa, Amigo," Luke interrupted him, placing a meaty hand on his shoulder. "You're not leaving, are you? Already?"

"Yeah, BJ come with us. We'll be done in another hour or so." Mitch asked.

Lisa took his hand, "BJ? Are you tired?"

Johnny blinked at her, clearly puzzled, "No. Not really; why?"

Lisa smiled, "I thought maybe you were tired and wanted to get back to bed. After all, we did wake you."

Johnny vehemently shook his head, "No, no I'm not tired. Not right now." He shrugged his shoulders, "It's just that you're . . ."

"We're what?" Mitch broke in. "Come on John. Come with us. Please."

Johnny hesitated then nodded. "Ok. But I'll drive myself over." He looked back at Lisa and gently smiled, "I'm only coming to make sure you take it easy."

Lisa laughed and Mitch slipped his arm around her waist, "Don't worry, fireboy. I'll make sure she lays down while we're on the road and then while we run the sound checks. She doesn't have to be on stage until we actually practice the two numbers she's playing in." As the group trooped out, Mitch called back, "Remember, Blazdell Arena. Have the gate call us and we'll make sure you get in." Johnny nodded and heard Vic's parting shot. "If he really knows the city so well, he should beat us there."

Much later, when the bus pulled into the arena parking lot and up to the closed gate, Luke burst out with, "I'll be damned!" and then laughed hard.

"What? What?" Mitch asked, staring out the window to see what had caught the big man's attention. Luke slapped Vic on the back, making him spill his beer as he crowed, "I should've bet you! It woulda been easy money." He pointed to a strange white jeep-looking vehicle parked near the gate, and the sunglass-wearing figure lying casually on the hood, leaning against the windshield. "He did beat us here!"

By now everyone in the bus was staring out the windows at the sight and laughing. Mitch ran up to the driver and told him, "That car is with us, wave him to follow."

The driver nodded and blasted the horn. Johnny looked up from where he'd been relaxing and seeing the bus, and the waving arm out the window, waved back before sliding off his truck and getting behind the wheel. He followed the bus through the opened gate and around the back roads until it stopped behind the outdoor arena. He parked his Rover and got out, waiting until the bus pulled around into position and the door opened.

"Nice!" He said appreciatively. Mitch waved him in for the grand tour while the others trooped out and began looking over the stage. Lisa looked sleepily up from where she napped on one bed, grinned at her husband and friend and closed her eyes again. Mitch took Johnny throughout the bus, showing him every cool feature.

Afterwards, Johnny made sure he stayed out of the way, watching with clear pride on his face as his friends went through their paces. He sat in the front row and clapped after each song. Sal joined him for a while, still staring at him and occasionally muttering under his breath, "Gage, Gage, a fireman. What is it about a fireman?" But Johnny chose to ignore him.

Finally, after about two hours, Mitch waved Johnny to join them on the stage. Johnny eagerly came bounding up the stairs, his face alight with a grin. "That was awesome! It's great to hear you guys live. Your concert is gonna be incredible, just incredible!"

"Been sold out for two weeks," Sal looked pleased and Mitch laughed. "And you're coming right? And bring your partner and his family. We'd love to meet them." Johnny's grin faded a little.

"I . . .uh, I don't think I can, Mitch. I . . .uh."

Vic snorted, "I bet he couldn't afford the tickets! They don't pay firemen much!" He laughed at his own joke but Mitch looked stunned. "BJ? Is he right?"

Johnny gave a sardonic grin, "Oh he's right. They don't pay firemen much."

Mitch rolled his eyes, "No, fireboy. I mean that you don't think you can come because you don't have tickets."

Johnny looked down at his shoe tops. Mitch gave a big sigh. "BJ, you never have to have tickets to any of our concerts. Any time you can get to one, just walk in, You are part of the PCH Cruysers, always were and always will be. . ." He faced Sal, "Ya hear that Sal? Any time, anywhere, if he's there, he and who ever is with him walks right in, understood?"

Sal shook his head, "Sure sure, Mitch. VIP treatment I get it. Gage, Gage why do I know that?"

Johnny smiled, "Thanks. I'll be here. Right up front." Mitch nodded and Lisa smiled brightly at him. As the rest began to place their instruments away, Johnny found himself drifting toward the shining drum set. He reached out a long finger and tapped gently on the symbol.

"Ya wanna try it?" Vic slurred. Johnny jumped at the proximity of his voice. He hadn't realized Vic had followed him. Vic reached out, and attempted to place a set of sticks in Johnny's hand but he jerked away.

"Com' on hotshot," Vic's voice held a bit of a sneer to it. "Afraid to try? I thought you were 'all that' on a set. That's all I heard from these guys the first three months I hired on. The great hotshot, BJ, what a great guy he was."

Mitch glared at the other man, "Cool it, Kimmel."

Vic glanced his way but the sneer didn't leave his face. "Yeah right. OK. I'll cool it. Guess the fireman can't take a little heat."

Johnny refused to let any part of his body show how the other man's words had affected him. He continued his conversation with Luke as if Vic had never spoke. "You know. I'm really glad things have gone as well as they have for you. No longer struggling, playing local parties and those smelly nightclubs." He laughed as Lisa made a noise in her throat. "Yeah, some of the places . .." She shuddered and Johnny chuckled along with Mitch and Luke as they remembered their less than easy start.

"Guess you can say we paid our dues." Luke sighed.

Johnny nodded, "So, did you get that other record contract? I've been watchin' how you guys were doing. I've even heard you several times on the radio."

"Watchin'. That's all you can do, fireboy. Watch and dream there was more to your pathetic life." Vic laughed as he took another long drink from the bottle in his hand.

Now Luke turned around, anger on his face. "That's enough to drink and enough out of your mouth. You don't know what you're talking about; you're just flappin' your lips."

Vic raised his hands in mock fear, "oooooh! The silent one speaks and sticks up for the stick! I'm so scared." He laughed and took another drink, polishing off the bottle.

Johnny watched, his face carved in stone. A gentle hand touched his elbow. "You can if you really want too, BJ. I know you're not out of practice." Johnny turned to face Lisa's smiling blue-green eyes. She nodded.

"How. . .how did you . . ."

She laughed, "Your former landlady? The one who lets you practice over in her garage? Ms. Willamina Mueller is my Aunt Winne."

Johnny's eyes went wide. In a flash, he was once more at one of the saddest decisions of his life. His landlady had sold off her properties, sighting growing health problems and an "Offer too good to pass up" as her reasoning. Most of the residents had understood and paid the newer higher rent. However Johnny, who had just gone through paramedic training, didn't have the funds and had had to move to a smaller place closer to his new Station. It had been with a heavy heart that he'd filled out several 3x5 index cards with items he no longer had the room for in his apartment. One of them being his beloved drum set.

He had just placed the thumbtack through the card and fastened it to the corkboard in the supermarket entrance when a hand touched his elbow. "Johnny?"

He turned and smiled down at the diminutive woman looking up at him. She reached out and hugged him tightly, "Johnny! It is you! I thought it looked like you when I saw you standing there." She tightened her arms around his ribs and frowned, "You're too thin!" He laughed at the familiar comment.

"Hey Mrs. M! Nice to see you? How are you doing? Enjoying that life of ease now that you're retired?" Johnny grinned as he teased.

Mrs. M swatted his arm, "Retired, pooh. I'm busier now then I was with those properties. Seems the church is always needing this or the grandkids that." She teased back as she secretly scrutinized the tall man before her. He seemed taller, or maybe he carried himself straighter, with more confidence. He had filled out from the skinny kid who had first come to her seeking a place he could afford on his new firefighter's pay. She'd never let him know she knew him before he became one of her favorite tenants, when he was the shy teen who hung around with her niece and her band.

"So, how is the medical business? How do you like your new station?" She let her gaze go up to the board, then a frown covered her face as she pulled off the cards and read through them. She looked back at the man before her as he ducked his head and scuffed the toe of his shoe, "Johnny! What is the meaning of this? Surely you don't want to sell your drums?!" He shrugged, his head still down as he answered in a soft voice, "I have no choice."

She 'humpphhdd' and grabbed his elbow, pulling him along with her, "You always have a choice, young man. I've told you that plenty of times. There's a nice pharmacy next door with a soda fountain in it. Come share a coffee with an old lady and tell me all about it."

Johnny smiled as he let himself be dragged off. Part of him had missed this, a older woman role model who would fuss over him, worry over him and give him advice. He hadn't had that since his aunt moved back to San Salvador and he'd moved from Mrs. M's.

Soon they were seated in a booth, both with a cup of coffee before them and Johnny with the remnants of a banana split, which Mrs. M had bought, saying she had a craving for them only to have taken a few bits before proclaiming it "Too rich for my stomach" and shoving it toward Johnny. She'd watched in ill concealed pleasure as the young man devoured the treat, then sat back with a contented sigh to sip his coffee.

She sat forward and laid the cards on the table. Part of her cringed as her companion's face instantly fell. She tapped the cards with a thin finger. "Tell me about this, Johnny."

He shrugged again, eyes down. "Not much to tell. I don't have the time anymore."

She slapped the table and his head jerked upward, brown eyes wide. "Don't try to kid an old trickster, young man."

He gave a slow nod and dropped his head again but didn't speak. She laid a gentle hand on his, her voice soft as she asked again. "I asked you before but you didn't answer. How do you like your new station and your new job?'

He shrugged as he fiddled with the handle on his cup. ""S awright."

She rolled her eyes and muttered, "Honestly, getting information from you sometimes is like pulling teeth. So you hate your new field, and hate your new station, the guys are all mean cranky old men who do nothing but burp and scratch and call you 'kid' and say 'when I was your age'…."

He laughed, "No, most of the guys are probably around my age, but I am still the youngest. And we get along fairly well I guess."

She nodded, reading more into what he was saying, "So it's the job. Did your partner, what was his name, Ray? He turned out to be a real jerk." She goaded.

Right on queue, his head popped up as he shook it furiously, "No, oh no. I couldn't ask for a better partner. Roy's been great! You know he retook the class with us at Rampart. He really helped me a lot. And the job? Man once we got the green light, it's been incredible, just incredible." And he was off and babbling. Mrs. M both watched him and listened to him, nodding in the appropriate times as she hid a smile. It was clear by his excitement he'd really found his calling and enjoyed every minute. She'd seen that the active life of a fireman had changed his physique as well. Gone was the wiry thin teen body of a runner she'd first known and in its place was a heavier more muscular but still lanky version.

She let him talk and when there was a long pause, she tried again. Tapping the card, she looked pointedly at him. His eyes clouded and he shrugged slightly. She knew the drum set meant more to him then just an item. She knew the story of how he'd worked odd jobs to raise the money to buy his own set, having his eye set on one the school's had rented and the store now was selling as used for a reasonable price. Knew that just as he'd had enough money, he'd been robbed when he'd come to the aid of an older woman also being robbed by four youths. Johnny had managed to turn the attention from the woman, giving her time to hurry into a near by store before the gang had over powered him, dragged him into an alley, beaten him and left with his wallet. He'd spent three worrisome days in the hospital, half of that unconscious. When he'd returned home, he'd been surprised to find the drum set in his bedroom. The only thing his aunt would tell him was it was God's reward for his good act and that he must promise to learn the drumming of his own people as well as "that long haired screaming stuff". That, he had willingly done.

As her tenant, Mrs. M had placed him in the end apartment, over her own place, so that no one would complain. Even though he knew that where he'd been placed isolated him somewhat, he'd been considerate of others, most of his playing came in early evenings, before most tenants got home from work and those with babies were up from their naps. She'd liked hearing the steady rhythms coming from his room.

She watched him fidget a little longer before she said, "Truth John."

He sighed, "I'm in the middle of the second floor. There's a young couple with two toddlers below me, a man who works nights on one side of me and a grumpy old woman who complains if the wind is rattling the windows on the other. Besides, my place is really small, just a bedroom with a tiny bath and a large room for kitchen, living area." He shrugged again, "I've got no place to even store it." He smiled as the clerk refilled their cups and took a long drink before he continued, "Besides, I really don't have the time anymore."

Mrs. M looked over the other cards, seeing his couch also listed as well as his dining room table and some of his camping gear. She made a fast decision. "Well, Johnny. I'm soooo glad I ran into you. As it turns out, I'm in a bit of a pickle myself and you just might be able to help me out."

He raised his eyebrows at her and she nodded. "Yes. You know my Albert died two years ago." He nodded, he'd helped her arrange the funeral, even though he'd ended up on duty that day so unable to attend, but had still been a great comfort to the grieving woman. "Well, there are some things around the place that just need a man's touch."

He grinned at her, his sparkling eyes telling her he was on to her. "Such as. . .?" He drawled.

She looked him straight in the eye, daring him to call her bluff. "Such as mending the fence. Cutting the grass. Replacing some shingles taken off during that last storm… just stuff like that."

He nodded, "OK. I can do that. Just tell me when and where."

She flipped one of the cards over and wrote her address down, not missing his lop-sided grin when he saw it was the card offering his drum set. She handed it to him. "When is whenever you can. I live kinda far out there and you know I'm up all hours of the day and night. Durn arthritis." He chuckled, he did know, having heard her walking around her apartment when he lived above her. She looked him dead in the eye again and spoke in her best 'You will do as I say' voice. "I will pay you for what you do." She cut off his expected protest. "Your payment will be the unlimited use of one of the out buildings. You can use it as storage or build a workshop in there, whatever you want. It's yours as long as the property in mine. I have no use for it, it's just sitting there newly built and empty."

She stopped and her eyes misted over, "Albert was going to use it as his own place to get away and do his fly tying and his woodworking. He never got to use it." She smiled at the warm hand that had covered hers and turned her own so she could gently squeeze the long fingers. "He's even got some sort of tools in one of the rooms all set up with a special vacuum and everything. You have full access to everything in there, as I said." She squeezed his hand again and looked him in the eye, "Deal?"

He grinned broadly at her, "Deal."

Since then, sometimes when she knew he'd had a rough shift, she could hear the faint sound of the drums. Or perhaps the saw or drill. Things around her place were steadily fixed and improved. The mailbox on its metal pole was replaced by one in a wooden stand with a built in flower box on it. A new railing had appeared around her wrap around porch as well as other things. Sometimes, she'd fix him a meal and insist he join her as she'd "made too much" or was feeling "a little melancholy". He never seemed to realize those days also seemed to occur on the ones where he had been down. She never let him know she could tell by how she'd hear him play or what he was doing or the fact that a few times when it had been silent too long, she'd crept to the window and seen him hunched over, head buried in his hands. Mrs. M had also kept her favorite niece informed over their friend, sending any articles in the paper which featured the paramedics and in particular, Station 51. So Lisa was very aware of what her friend had been doing in the last few years, even if he didn't realize it.

Lisa nudged his shoulder gently as she repeated, "I know you're not out of practice. What say you. For old time sake?"

"Yeah," Lucas chimed in, "Come on BJ. Let's rock like we used ta!"

He grinned at the hulking man then turned to see Mitch nodding as well. "Weeeeelll. . . "

"Here's a set of sticks," Mitch added, snapping them into the paramedic's hand as if they were surgical instruments. Johnny chuckled. He walked toward the drum set as Vic made a show of moving out of his way with an exaggerated bow. Johnny ignored him as he settled himself on the stool. He carefully adjusted it until he felt comfortable. He looked up at the three expectant faces, again ignoring the smirking one. "What should I do?"

"Try warm ups, hotshot." Vic teased, then yipped at the rough elbow in his ribs from the bass player. But Johnny turned the sticks around in his hand and tried a few taps on the snare. Then he tried a roll, increasing his speed then slowing it then increasing it again. He kept that up as he added a bass line with the bass drum then began to work in the tom-tom rack. It didn't take long before he'd found a rhythm all his own and worked the set, first fast then slow and steady and then sped up again. He finally ended with a flourish and with the cymbals gradually fading off, there was silence. Pulling himself back to the here and now with the clearing of a throat, he suddenly became aware of his audience once more. His wide brown eyes took in the sparkling look Lisa and Mitch exchanged then the sound of clapping caught his attention. Luke was the clapper, the grin on his face big enough to rival any Johnny could come up with. The sound grew as Lisa and Mitch added their hands then Vic and Sal. Johnny ducked his head, his cheeks red with embarrassment.

"well whatdayaknow! He still blushes!" Mitch crowed and Johnny turned even redder as they all laughed. Vic stepped forward, the sneer gone from his face as he shook his head in wonder, his hand extended. "Man, I gotta admit. I was wrong and they were right. You are good." Then he gave a mock glare, making sure the paramedic knew it was in play by giving him a quick wink. "Hey man, ya aren't after my job, are ya?"

"Yes!" Another voice added, "I didn't know you were going to get another drummer, Mitch. He's good, really good." The stocky man pulled a pad of paper out of his pocket and began leafing through it. "Hmmmm, I can get another drum set from King's and have it delivered around supper time. That'll give you more time to practice. Let's see . . ." he shuffled off and Lisa nodded in his direction. Mitch sighed and called out loudly. "Sal! Sal! Wait Sal, don't make any plans. There's no point."

Sal stopped and turned back, his round face bewildered, "Why not? He's really good." Mitch grabbed his guitar as he winked at Lucas. "You think so? Well, you haven't heard anything yet. Naked Heart, guys."

Instantly Johnny began the starting beats as the bass guitar joined him. Soon Mitch's guitar picked up the melody while Lisa accented the harmony with the keyboard. The band preformed just as if they were once more playing a gig from years ago. Both Vic and Sal watched from the sides, listening as Johnny softly sang counter to Mitch and Lisa's melody. When the song was over, Luke immediately went into another one and the other three joined him. At the end of that one, Johnny started another beat as Lucas burst out laughing and Mitch groan and shook his head. Lisa giggled, "Like you thought BJ would forget that one?? It's all he ever wanted to play at the end of each practice."

The leader sighed as he fingered the guitar in the riff part of the song and the drums and guitar began having a contest over who could out do whom while the bass kept a steady line and the keyboard played a repetitious series of cords in accent. Finally the last notes were played and the four stopped, looking at each other, Johnny breathing a little heavier for his exertions. Then as one they all began laughing.

Sal stepped forward again. "OK, Mitch I think we should add him. He really is good. Now, what's the problem? He asking too much? We can work on that. Just . . ."

At the same time Vic stepped over to the drums and eagerly extended his hand, "Man! You are Far OUT! I can see now what Mitch meant!" He smiled broadly, "You sure you aren't after my job, man."

Johnny grinned as he twirled the sticks between his long fingers. "No, man. I only drum now to relax. I really do love my job and won't give it up right now for anything."

That caught Sal's attention, "Job? You have a job? With who? Is it a big group?"

Johnny's grin widened, "The biggest group."

Sal frowned, "Oh. A big name huh? Well, is the pay good? Maybe we can do better."

Johnny chuckled, "Probably, the pay sucks." Sal grinned again but it flipped as Johnny continued, "But the fringe benefits are incredible."

"Incredible huh. Any chance I can woo you away? Your name in lights? On the bills?" Sal tried to think of what he could offer the young man, stating a few figures that made Johnny's eyes widen but Johnny still shook his head.

In the background, Mitch, Lisa and Lucas watched the show, barely containing their laughter. Finally it was Vic who had had enough and demanded. "Well then just what is this incredible job that you won't leave." He was sure all that teasing earlier about this guy being a fireman was a inside joke or something. It had to be, nobody who played like that turned their back on a sure-fire career with a band on the top.

Johnny grinned broadly, his eyes sparkling as he flipped the sticks in his hand, caught them and tapped a quick rhythm on the snare edge. He ended with a flourish and quieted the residue as he said. "I'm a firefighter and Paramedic with the Los Angeles County Fire Department."

Four people burst into laughter at the looks of pure disbelief on both Sal's and Vic's faces.

"No way, no way! All that talent and you're wasting it running into burning buildings??!!" Sal was incredulous. Vic's mouth hung open; they had been right. This BJ really was a fireman!

"Not only does he run into them," Lisa added, her voice mischievous, "He pulls people out of them, medically treats them on the scene and then rides with them in the ambulance to assist the doctor once they get to the hospital."

"Oh and it's not just burning buildings." Mitch added as he grinned at his wife, "He also rescues people from wrecked cars, and from collapsed buildings, from broken elevators, from broken scaffolds, as well as responds to people having heart attacks, and all sorts of other ills."

Johnny made a rueful face. "What. You guys been reading the squad's logbook?" His three friends in-the-know laughed. "We'll never tell." Lisa sing-songed.

Johnny closed his eyes and groaned. "Mrs. M. I forgot." Lisa nodded as Johnny heaved a great sigh.

"You really are a fireman? I mean a real honest ride on a red firetruck fireman?" Vic's eyes couldn't get any wider. Johnny nodded then shrugged. "Well, I am a fireman and I do sometimes ride the engine when I sub at another station but mostly I ride in the squad."

"Squad. What's that man?" Vic was confused. Suddenly as if cued, the sound of a siren cut through the air. Instantly Johnny's demeanor changed and each person noticed. He stood up, his back straight, his muscles straining with the intensity in which he watched the little red truck weaving through traffic, a large engine following behind, blasting it's air horn at the surrounding traffic. Once the vehicles were nearly out of sight, Lisa broke the spell cast over the group as she softly said, "That is a squad."

Johnny nodded, his eyes searching the skyline in the direction the emergency vehicles were headed. "Yeah, that's Station 36. We're right on the edge of their district here. I don't see a header so it's probably not a structure fire or if it is, it's not bad yet. Not many residentials out that way. They were headed toward the mall, could be a medical call or a TA." He muttered as if to himself.

Vic watched him then let his breath out in a whoosh, "I stand corrected, man. You are a fireman."

Johnny broke his attention from the faded siren and turned back to his friends. He raised his eyebrows as he questioned, "Hmmm?"

Sal shook his head, a frown on his round face, "Well. I still think your talent is wasted. Any idiot can beat on a drum but it takes someone special to make it talk and you, young man, had that drum chanting."

But Johnny's attention had turned again toward where Vic had wandered, still shaking his head and muttering low as he made for the cooler on the edge of the stage. He didn't see that his foot had caught on a coil of cabling. As he lifted his foot to shake it loose, he staggered backwards and ran out of stage.

Johnny shouted out a warning as he started running just as Vic's arms windmilled, the unopened beer flying and he pitched off the edge. Johnny reached the edge first, dropped to a crouch and leapt off the stage. By the time the others joined him, he was kneeling beside the drummer, his hands bracing the man's neck and telling him in a soothing voice. "It's awright now, Vic. I got you. Now don't move and I'll check you over, ok?"

Johnny looked up and at Luke, "Call the fire department. Tell them we have a man down from a fall of about eight feet and tell them to respond a squad and an ambulance." Luke nodded even as he raced off. Mitch knelt beside his friends, one hand on Vic's shoulder. "What do you need, BJ?"

"My left rear pocket, a clean handkerchief. Pull it out and press it on that cut on his forehead. We need to control the bleeding. Sal? Can you come here?" Sal immediately joined the two but was trembling so badly Johnny knew he wouldn't be able to help much. Two more stagehands joined them and Johnny called to them. "You, with the red shirt. Can you kneel down right by me?"

The man grinned, "I have some first aid training. What do you need?"

Johnny gave a brief smile, "Do you know how to hold c-spine?"

The guy moved his hands closer to where Johnny's were. "I've never done it but I've seen it. Support the neck in exactly the position you have it, right?"

Johnny nodded, making sure the guy's hands were placed correctly before he moved away. "No Vic. Don't try to move at all. We don't know what all you've hurt so just stay still. I'll do all the work, ok?"

Johnny ran his hands down Vic's body, catching the wince over the ribs but felt no give or crepitus. He then moved on to palpitate the man's abdomen, again finding nothing more then some tenderness. He moved on down to his legs and found a reaction on the ankle that had been caught in the cable. He moved on to his arms, finding soreness and some minor scrapes. He moved his attention to his patient's eyes, using his hand and the sun to check for reactions. He felt around his skull for any other abnormalities. Then Luke came running back, "I got them, BJ. They're on their way."

Johnny nodded, noticing his friend's red face and increased inhalations so he turned to the other stagehand. "Could you go to the entrance and guide them back here?" With a nod, the guy was gone. Soon the sound of a siren coming closer had each person, but Johnny giving a sigh of relief. Johnny couldn't relax yet. He checked the bleeding, frowning over the still bleeding laceration. At least it was now a trickle but the handkerchief was nearly soaked through.

Just as he was going to ask Lisa for something else, two figures loaded down with equipment skidded to a stop. "What have we . . . Johnny?!"

Johnny reached for the trauma box, flipped it open and removed a c-collar even as he flashed a quick grin of greeting, "Hey Beckman, Bobby. I wondered if it'd be you guys responding. Saw 36's go by a bit ago."

"Yeah, they got a TA off Spencer." Karl Beckman answered as he dropped to his knees, pulling a BP cuff out as he did so. "What have we got?"

Johnny had finished applying the c-collar and the stage-hand moved back out of the way, standing with the others to watch the three paramedics work. "Victor here got his foot caught in a cable coiled up there on stage and fell. He's . . .uhhh, ETOH too. Pupils are reactive but sluggish. Respirations been steady and even at 14. Pulse strong at 86. I think he caught the edge of that stand there as he fell and that's how he got the lac." Johnny nodded toward the metal stairs pushed up to the stage nearby.

"There's tenderness over the right ribs but no bruising showing yet and no crepitus. Abdomen is unremarkable. There are some abrasions on the arms but no

deformities. There is marked swelling and deformity with pain Right ankle." Johnny finished as he removed the handkerchief and replaced it with a 4x4. He held firm pressure on it as Bobby set up the biophone and called it in. He looked up, "Rampart wants to know if the victim ever lost consciousness." He looked down into Vic's wide hazel eyes as he stared bewilderedly around him.

"Tell him negative. Victim has been conscious and talking. He's a little unfocused now but that could be from the ETOH or the head injury." Johnny supplied. Bobby Roberts turned back to the phone as Johnny checked the wound again, seeing the bleeding almost stopped, placed another folded 4x4 over the current one and taped it down.

"Off-duty paramedic who witnessed the accident says negative, Rampart. He also advised patient has been using ETOH. Slight slurring of speech and unfocused gaze unknown if from that or the head injury." He listened and nodded, repeating. "10-4 Rampart. IV normal saline, TKO, monitor vitals, splint ankle and transport." He grinned as he heard Johnny parroting the exact words he'd heard over the receiver.

Behind him others too had heard and stared down, open mouth, at the paramedic in civvies. Beckman grinned at his fellow firefighter as he readied the splint. "You've been doing this toooo long, Gage."

Johnny scoffed as he quickly set up the IV line. He smiled reassuringly at Vic and said, "The hospital ordered an IV. You'll feel a little prick." He had the needle set before the man could react.

"I don't like needl . . . hey!" Vic started to protest then stopped as he realized Johnny was done and only taping the line down. "I didn't even feel that!"

Beckman grinned at the patient, "That's 'cause Gage here is one of the best in the business. He and his partner were one of the first paramedic teams ever in all of LA County."

Johnny blushed as Bobby snickered. "Shut up, Roberts." Johnny muttered then turned to Beckman answering his earlier statement. "I've only been doing this for two years. But you have to admit, Brackett is the one stuck in the routine. He always orders normal saline for ETOH and the rest is standard."

Beckman titled his head, "True, but you'd hafta have worked with Brackett a long time to know that."

Johnny sighed heavily, "Why do I even try." Bobby chuckled deeply as he laid a sympathetic arm over Johnny's shoulder, "Face it, Gage. Paramedicing is in your blood."

The other band members, Sal and the two stage hands, all watched wide eyed, surprised at how quickly they'd watched this very talented drummer suddenly turn into this very efficient and obviously well experienced rescue worker. Johnny handled the IV and equipment with the same ease his hands had handled the drumsticks just moments before. Lisa, Mitch and Luke shared astonished looks that grew into big grins as they witnessed their friend in his chosen career.

They all looked up at the sound of another engine coming near. Soon a gurney rolled up. The two attendants nodded to the paramedics, "Roberts, Beckman. Gage what are you doing here? Just can't stay away from the job huh?"

"Funny Michaels, funny." Johnny muttered. He leaned over the supine man. "Vic? We're gonna move you onto the gurney now and take you to the hospital. You just relax; let us who are paid for it do all the work."

Vic smiled at the teasing tone, "All right man, I'll leave it all to you fireboys." Johnny grinned and tapped his shoulder, "That's the spirit." He positioned himself at Vic's head and nodded to the others. On my mark, one, two, three." They lifted the man as one and placed him on the gurney. The attendants positioned the blanket then the straps and soon Vic was being lifted into the back of the ambulance. Beckman crawled in, Johnny handed him the biophone and the drug box which he'd carried over. Then he shut the door firmly and gave it two swift taps. The ambulance roared off, Bobby grinned at Johnny as he placed the trauma box into it's compartment. "See you at Rampart!" Then he left, following the ambulance.

Johnny turned to the others. "I can give you a ride to the hospital in my truck. It might be a little crowded . . ."

Sal shook his head. "I'll drive too, that way we'll be able to bring Vic back."

Johnny made a face. "Um, Sal? I can just about guarantee they'll hold him over night for observation."

Sal looked pale.

"BJ, you sure?" Mitch asked.

Johnny nodded, "Yeah, at the least they'll want to make sure all the alcohol is out of his system. Head wounds can be tricky and the alcohol won't make it any easier." As he'd been talking, Johnny was leading them over to his Rover. The three men crawled into the backseat and Lisa settled into the front. They weren't as crowded as Johnny had thought. Johnny checked to make sure everyone was in and belted before he started up and headed out.

"So," Mitch's voice broke the silence. "That was an example of what you do."

"Yeap," Johnny nodded. "That was a typical call. We get a lot of falls."

"Young man, I take it back." Sal's voice suddenly sounded.

Johnny looked into the rear view mirror and saw those blue eyes looking straight into his. "Take what back?" He asked, his voice showing his puzzlement.

"You are a talented drummer, there is no denying that." Sal began, his mouth twisting as if he were tasting each word as he said it, "But you have another talent, one that I think we saw only a tiny piece of today. And that has a greater hold on you."

Johnny grinned but his eyes were serious as was his voice, "Yeah, you're right; it does."

Nothing more was spoken as Johnny drove. Soon he pulled into the hospital parking lot and found parking. He led them around to the ER doors, passing the squad parked there. Another squad was next to it, this one with a gold "51" on the side. As they walked in, two paramedics in uniform were walking out, "Hey Gage! You just can't stay away huh?"

Johnny grinned, "Hey Dwyer, Franks. Hard run?"

Tom Dwyer made a face and shook his head, "Naw, a guy got his hand smashed good with a sledge hammer while trying to build a fence. Doc thinks he broke several of the carpals."

Johnny made a face, "Ouch." Just then the HT in Frank's hand beeped, "Squad 51, what is your status?" a voice called

"Squad 51 available at Rampart." Franks answered.

"Squad 51 man down. 1086 Indiana Avenue, 1-0-8-6- Indiana Avenue, Cross street Oaksdale. Time out 17:35."

"Squad 51 10-4." Franks said. He looked up at Johnny. "Later Gage." Dwyer too raised his hand in leave-taking and the two climbed into the truck and roared off, lights and siren on as soon as they exited the grounds. Johnny watched them disappear and the ones around him watched Johnny.

"That was your squad, wasn't it?" Mitch's question was more of a statement.

Johnny nodded, "Yeah, that was my station."

"Like I said, it has a greater hold." Sal muttered. Johnny shook himself and turned back to his friends. He gave a grin. "Let's find out how Vic is." He led the way into the emergency room.

He looked around at the nurses coming and going, several smiled at the off duty paramedic and called out, "Hi Johnny." Johnny acknowledged each with a name. Another nurse went by, asking as she did, "Bored of your time off already Johnny?"

Johnny laughed. Another nursed came by and shook her head at him, "Weren't you just in here this morning, Johnny? Don't tell me you've hurt yourself again."

Johnny gave her a grin, "Nope, I'm fine. It was someone else."

"Awful busy isn't it?" Lisa asked as she looked around at the various people in medical garb coming and going out of rooms carrying all sorts of items. Johnny looked around and shrugged, "Nope. For a holiday weekend, it seems kinda slow."

"Oh Great, Johnny. Jinx the whole department why don't you." A voice came from behind them. They turned to see, Bobby Roberts standing in the hallway. Johnny grinned, "I just don't want you guys to get bored."

Roberts snorted, "more'n likely you're just tryin' ta make sure we have as much "fun" " he made quote marks in the air with his fingers, "on our shift as you did on yours."

Johnny laughed, "That too." Then he sobered. He motioned with his head toward the closed door, "How's Vic?"

Roberts shrugged, "He stayed the same all the way in. Early's in with him now. They just took the x-rays."

Just then the door opened and Dr. Early's grey head stuck out. "Bobby, when you called this in, you said there was an off duty paramedic who witnessed the . . .Oh hi Johnny! What are you . . .?" The doctor suddenly stopped speaking, dropped his head and shook it slowly. When he looked back up, Johnny was grinning at him widely. Dr. Early grinned as well, "I should've known. You just can't stay away from the job, can you?"

"Nope!" Johnny agreed, "I keep tryin' but it follows me." Dr. Early came out and let the door shut behind him. "Very well then Mr. Off Duty Paramedic Witness, I have some questions for you."

Johnny's grin got bigger, "Fire away Doc."

The two walked a little ways away over to the coffee pot by the nurse's station. Dr. Early poured a cup and gave it to Johnny then poured another for himself. The HT in Roberts' hand beeped. He motioned to Beckman who nodded and the two headed out after waving a good-bye to their friend.

Not knowing what else to do, the three remaining performers and their manager moved toward the chairs they could see at the end of the hallway. From there they observed the comings and goings of the hospital. They saw more blue uniformed paramedics bringing in patients on gurneys. They saw Johnny still talking with the doc. It was a whole new world and one foreign to them but obviously one their friend was comfortable in.

"You here for someone?" A voice asked. Lisa jumped and Mitch laid a hand on her shoulder. They both turned to the older man seated next to them. He smiled invitingly and Lisa answered, "A friend. He fell."

"Well you've come to the best place. See that grey haired doctor there, the one talking to that young man?' They nodded, knowing it was the doctor talking to Johnny. "Well, he's a top-notch neurosurgeon. One of the best in his field. And see that dark haired good looking fellow who just came out of that room? That's Dr. Kelly Brackett, the head of this whole department. He's a leader in the whole field of Emergency Medicine, trained at John Hopkins and is a sought after speaker all over the country for his know-how on emergency medicine. You can't find a better group of doctors, nurses or paramedics than right here. Why some of the best rated paramedics in the whole county operate out of this hospital."

Luke grinned at his friends as he told the old man, "Yeah. I think we just saw one in action."

The old man smiled kindly, "Paramedics responded to your friend huh. Great bunch of talented men." Just then a smiling nurse came forward. "Mr. Jenkins? Your daughter is back from the cast room. You can see her now if you want." The man left with the nurse, leaving the group alone.

Just then, they saw Johnny finishing his conversation with the doctor and hurried over to meet him. Johnny was grinning, "Well, it's like I said. Doc wants to keep him at least over night and possibly most of tomorrow. Looks like he's got a mild concussion and a severely sprained ankle. He'll have to stay off of it for a while."

"Concussion? Aren't those like bruising of the brain?" Mitch asked.

Johnny made a face, "Well, sorta. Yeah, I guess you could describe it like that."

"So what does that mean? I mean will he get all freaky or forgetful?" Mitch asked.

Luke rolled his eyes and snorted, "Like if he did, we'd notice a difference?"

They chuckled softly. Johnny shook his head, "No, not usually. He might forget how he got injured but it doesn't seem to be serious enough for more than that. Most likely he'll have one hellava headache, be a little dizzy and his eyes might be a little sensitive to bright lights. But those systems usually dissipate in a day or so."

Lisa frowned at him, "You look like you speak from experience."

Johnny let out a sharp laugh, "Yeah, I've seen my share of concussions in this business, had a few myself." He shrugged, "Like I said, Doc's pretty sure it's mild but he just wants to hold him a while to make sure. After they get him up to a room, they'll let you go see him."

Mitch and Sal looked at each other and frowned but before they could say anything else, a deep voice caught their attention. "Johnny? I thought that was you. What are you doing here? Isn't today your day off?" They turned to see the man whom they'd been told was the head of the department headed their way.

Johnny turned, grinning. "Hey Doc. Yeah, I'm off. A friend got hurt and I sorta helped bring him in." Johnny waved around himself to include the others. "These are friends of mine. They're going to be performing in your fund raiser concert tomorrow. This is Mitch Patterson, his wife Lisa and Lucas Mendoza. Oh and their manager, Sal Salkind. Guys, this is Dr. Kelly Brackett, head of this department and my boss."

Brackett looked at the people standing around, smiled briefly at them, shaking hands that were offered. "Well, I certainly want to think you for your help. Emergency Medicine is a much needed area and one that can be a great help to every community." That professional speech said, he turned to his paramedic with a frown.

"Johnny, you sound like you ate a little smoke. You were in that fire this morning, weren't you?" Johnny nodded. Brackett crossed his arms over his chest and frowned at his paramedic. "Did you come in and get checked out?" He stopped and grabbed up the wrapped arm, "What's this? Were you burned? Or is this a laceration? Step in here and let me listen to your lungs, you might need a breathing treatment."

The others looked shocked. Hadn't they just been told that this was the head of the emergency department? That would make him a very busy man as well as being a well-known doctor. And here he was, speaking to an ordinary fireman as if they were close friends. Then what the doctor was saying sank in. His voice? They looked at each other, realizing that they hadn't noticed anything about Johnny's voice. Now that they paid attention, they noticed there was a huskiness to it, maybe a little horsiness.

Johnny rolled his eyes, "Doc, I'm ok. Yes, I ate a little smoke and yes, I got a little cooked but I came in and got all checked over."

"Oh?" Brackett still held the paramedic in his gaze, "I know you, John Gage. You don't usually . . ."

"Roy dragged me in here as soon as we were relieved. Cap knew about it too. I saw Mike Morton." Johnny sighed. "Dixie can back me up."

"Back who up where?" came a clear sultry voice. A manicured hand lay gently on Johnny's shoulder and he turned to face the ash blonde nurse with a lop-sided grin. "Hiya Dix."

"Hi yourself, Johnny," she replied, "Now back who up where?" She repeated.

Johnny jerked his thumb toward Dr. Brackett. "Dix, would you tell the Doc I was checked out this morning?"

Dixie smiled, "Of course Johnny. For you, nearly anything." She turned to Brackett, "Kel. Johnny was in here this morning, about dead on his feet I might add. Roy dragged him in around 9 and I wrapped his arm myself, second degree burns, not too bad. He had one breathing treatment and then was sent home." She looked hard now at the paramedic, "To his bed, to rest." She stressed the word, "Which he doesn't have appeared to have obeyed."

Johnny rolled his eyes, "Thanks a lot, Dix." His voice held his sarcasm.

She smiled sweetly and patted his shoulder, "Sure handsome, any time."

"What'did our intrepid paramedic do to himself now?" Came another voice.

Johnny dropped his head onto his chest with a loud sigh. "I" he stressed the word, "Didn't do anything. I just happened to witness an accident and helped out."

Dr. Early chuckled as he joined his friends. "Johnny, I've concluded my exam of your friend and he'll be on his way up to a room soon. It looks good, but a mild concussion like we thought. He's asleep now and probably will be all night. His blood alcohol levels were rather high."

"I was just about to get Johnny into a room and take a listen to his lungs. He says he ate some smoke at that fire this morning. Dix said Mike gave him a breathing treatment this morning but I think he might need another," Brackett told his comrade.

Early looked at Johnny, "Johnny, you didn't say anything earlier."

Johnny gave out an long exasperated sigh, "I'm fine! I don't need examined and I don't need a breathing treatment!"

Early turned to Kel, his mouth turning up into an all out grin. "You have to admit, Kel. That sigh he just gave out sounded like it came from his toes and I didn't hear a single squeak or wheeze with it."

Brackett crossed his arms again, "well, you could be right. But with Johnny here, I'd prefer to err on the side of caution."

"Aw come on! A guy has one little case of radiation poisoning and one twisted knee after a fall and you've got me branded as some sorta calamity john!" Johnny protested. "give me a break already. I'm fine! Really!"

"What do you think, Joe?" Brackett asked as he rubbed his hand on his chin.

"I think he gets spun up too quickly." Joe Early chuckled, as he clapped the paramedic on the shoulder. "Relax Johnny, we believe you."

Johnny rolled his eyes, "You guys are a barrel of laughs. Do yourselves a favor; don't quit your day jobs."

Through all this the three friends watched wide-eyed, marveling at how these two doctors joked and talked to their friend and how he talked to them. This confident person in front of them was a far cry from the shy boy they knew in high school. The three exchanged glances, their thoughts the same. Lisa softly sang a bit of a song under her breath, "Respected. A purpose, a duty, a reason to be. Now I must go on. I've found the point to it all. I know I belong somewhere. No longer a useless waste of space."

Luke nodded and Mitch said, with a touch of awe in his voice, "He has. He really has found the place where he belongs."

"That's it!" Sal looked joyful. The others looked bewilderedly at him. "Gage! I figured it out! Where I heard the name Gage! That's the name on the royalty checks I fill out."

Mitch looked at the others and nodded, this wasn't something new to them. "Yeah, so."

Sal grinned, happy to have made the connection. "I send them to the LA County Firefighters Orphans and Widows funds on behalf of JR Gage but under the name "anonymous donor." That was something new and as one they turned to face their friend who was drinking coffee while leaning on the nurse's desk and talking with her. The two doctors had gone off to continue their jobs.

Johnny looked up and saw them staring at him. "What? What did I do?"

"Nothing BJ, nothing at all. Just being you." Luke said as he draped a heavy arm over his friend's shoulder. Johnny grinned and introduced his friends to the nurse whom he called, "Dix" They talked awhile then Dixie told them. "They've moved your friend upstairs but I suggest you head home and try to see him tomorrow. He's pretty out of it."

Mitch frowned, "We won't be able to see him tomorrow. We have a concert."

He stopped, suddenly aware of what he'd said and the implications of what had happened. "I'm gonna kill him" Mitch growled, "As soon as he's well enough to get outta this place, I'm gonna kill him." The other two looked equally sorrowful.

Dixie shook her head in sympathy, "I'm sorry. But I'm sure something will work out." She saw a nurse wave to her from one of the treatment rooms and excused herself.

Johnny hung his head, feeling badly for his friends. "I'm really sorry about the concert tomorrow, guys."

Luke slapped him on the shoulder, "I know you are, BJ."

Johnny shook his head, "I wish I could do something to help. You know I would do just about anything, if I could,"

Sal, who had been chewing worriedly on his fingernail suddenly stopped and stared hard at Johnny. He walked up to the paramedic and placed a heavy arm around his shoulders. "BJ, BJ, BJ, can I talk to you for just a moment . . ." Mitch, who had been watching his manager, now grinned broadly as the two shared a wink. He walked forward, standing on Johnny's other side. Johnny was staring at Sal with a 'I'm not sure I like this' look on his face. Luke and Lisa exchanged smiles as they two caught onto the thought.

Johnny eyed Mitch warily as the other man also slung an arm around his friend's shoulders. Johnny's brown eyes went from Sal on his left to Mitch on his right. Both were grinning evilly. Johnny's eyes narrowed, "Why do I suddenly feel like a rabbit in a pack of wolves?" He muttered. Luke gave out a barking laugh then howled softly for affect. Johnny glanced at him, "Very funny, ha, ha, ha."

Mitch tightened his hold, drawing Johnny's attention back to him, "BJ, ole buddy ole pal-o-mine. Now, before you say no I want you to just listen . . ."

Johnny sighed heavily and dropped his head down on his chest. "I think I'm in trouble." Everyone laughed as they drew Johnny away, out of the hospital and into the sunset.