Wet and Wild Wednesday (chapter 4)
"Cap?" called out a worried Chet.
"Yes, Chet?" responded Hank, turning around in his seat to face the Irishman.
"Roy and Johnny are okay, aren't they?"
"I'm sure they are, Chet. Roy just felt that since they weren't quite sure what might be in that water that they should get themselves checked out…that's all. I'm sure they'll be back before too long."
Listening to his captain's response, Mike couldn't help but to think about the earlier conversation that he had had with Johnny. Apparently he had been in rather deep thought, because it startled him to realize that he was now in front of the station and backing into the engine bay. He had virtually no recollection of most of the trip back to the station.
Once the engine had come to a full stop, Marco and Chet both jumped down from their spots in the engine, quickly hung up their turnout coats, and made a bee-line for the squad room to attempt to eat something before getting toned out again for another call.
After Chet and Marco left them, Hank and Mike continued to both sit in the engine's cab.
"Mike?"
Looking up at hearing his name called, Mike tried to brush off his feeling of anxiousness.
"Yeah?" He replied uncertainly.
"You alright over there? I know you said you were fine, on every occasion that I had asked you that question…but are you really sure? It almost seemed like you were on auto-pilot coming back to the station, just now."
Mike froze when he realized that his captain picked up on that.
Not receiving an answer right away, Hank continued. "If this is about Roy and John…the two of them are going to be just fine…it's all just precautionary."
Softly, Mike answered. "I know. It's just that…"
Mike didn't have to say anymore, Hank understood perfectly what his engineer was trying to say.
"Look, why don't we go join Marco and Chet for some lunch and lukewarm coffee?"
"Yeah, I guess."
Opening his door, Mike slowly got out and took off his wet turnout coat, Hank did the same.
After hanging the wet coats up, the two men joined Marco and Chet in the squad room for lunch.
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Having been asked to get out of his uniform so that they can take it to get dried, Johnny was now sitting in frustration, in a hospital gown, getting examined.
"How do you feel now, Johnny?" Brackett asked in a serious tone.
"I'm fine, Doc. I admit that I wasn't feeling too great before, but now that I've gotten warmed up a bit…I don't feel all that badly."
"Your vitals are pretty good, considering what you've been through already today. Did you swallow any water?"
While the two paramedics were being examined at Rampart, 51's Engine crew was back on the road and heading for home.
Glancing over at his engineer, Hank was having some trouble reading the emotion on Mike's face. While he didn't appear to be quite as bugged about things at the moment, as he had prior to this last call, Mike still seemed quite tense.
"Cap…" called a voice from behind him.
"No." Johnny replied quite emphatically.
"And how do your ears feel? Any soreness or pressure in them?"
"None. Really, I'm good. I would like to just to get into my dry clothes, get a hot cup of coffee, and get back to the station."
Brackett stood looking at the paramedic, a concerned look on his face.
"I understand, but unfortunately I can't take everything you say at face value. I want to do some blood work and take x-rays of your chest. I don't want you coming down with pneumonia."
Sighing in frustration, Johnny realized that he wouldn't be able to get off as easily as he had hoped. He wondered to himself how his partner was making out.
In room one Dr. Early was shaking his head after listening to Roy's breathing for the third time.
"I really don't like the way your lungs sounds, Roy. You swallow some water?"
"Uh…yeah, a little bit, I guess. I got pulled underwater by the current or something…kinda took me by surprise. I feel fine though."
"I'm sure you do. I'm going to order some x-rays and labs…for precautionary measures. If there is anything going on with you…we'll get you started on antibiotics right away. Sit tight, I'll be back in a bit."
Turning around, Dr. Early gave some orders to the nurse, and then left the room. At the same time, Dr. Brackett was leaving Johnny's room.
"How's Johnny doing, Kel?"
"Remarkably…he seems to be doing okay. He didn't look so good at first, but he does appear to be doing better now. How about Roy?"
"He has a little congestion in his lungs, otherwise he seems okay."
"Sending him back on duty?"
"Probably, but let's see what the x-rays say."
Back inside room three, Johnny was now lying carefully on the exam bed, covered with a warm blanket and talking to his friend Lauren.
"You really feeling okay, Johnny?" The nurse asked with concern, as she was carefully adjusting his pillow.
"Yeah, I'm fine Lauren…our date is still on for tomorrow."
Smiling, the nurse nodded. "Good…I'm glad."
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After finishing lunch, and cleaning up, Hank and company were now relaxing. Mike was in the recliner trying to focus on reading a magazine…Hank was sitting at the table reading the newspaper…Marco was also at the table playing a game of solitaire…and Chet was on the couch watching some TV…a soap opera that one of his sisters had turned him on to.
Looking at his watch for the umpteenth time, Mike wondered where the two paramedics were.
When the telephone rang, everyone jumped.
Getting up to answer it was Hank.
"County fire station 51, Captain Stanley speaking…"
"Hi there, Hank."
Recognizing the voice on the other end of the line as that belonging to his wife, Hank couldn't help but to smile.
"Suzanne. Everything okay?"
"Everything is fine. I just wanted to call and see how you and the guys were making out in this awful rain."
"We're doing okay…just wet. You?"
Responding to her husband in a very seductive voice, Suzanne reminded Hank how wonderful their previous evening and early morning were…and also as to what he had to look forward to when he again returned home safe and sound.
"I'm doing great…but the bed isn't quite as warm as it was this morning."
Hearing his wife's voice and response, Hank immediately blushed. He was hoping and praying that none of the other guys were looking in his direction.
"Uh…I…I guess it wouldn't be."
Suzanne giggled. It always tickled her at how easily flustered her husband could get in certain situations.
"Well…I was thinking about coming by the station and dropping off some freshly baked chocolate chip peanut butter cookies. I know how much Johnny, especially likes them."
"That's not necessary, Suzanne. I mean the cookies sound great, but I really don't want you to come out here in the rain…the roads are slippery, and the other drivers are kind of crazy."
"I suppose I could save them for the kids then…or…I could save them for you…and we can have milk and cookies when you get home tomorrow."
Hank continued to blush. His wife was starting to make him feel like a school boy again.
"Now that's not a bad idea. I gotta get going. I'll see you tomorrow."
"Love you, Hank."
"I do too, Suze."
Getting off the phone, Hank looked around the room to see if any of his men would say anything to him, sure enough it was Chet who did.
"Ahh…how sweet. Your wife loves you, Cap. You shoulda let her come out and bring the cookies…I bet they woulda tasted great with some hot coffee."
Looking up from his magazine, Mike shot Chet a look.
"What? Cookies wouldn't be good with some hot coffee, Mike?"
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Back at Rampart, both Roy and Johnny continued to wait for the results of their tests…Roy a bit more patiently than his partner.
"If Brackett doesn't come back soon…I'm leaving."
Smiling at her friend, Lauren patted Johnny's arm.
"And what exactly would you be wearing out of here, Johnny? Your birthday suit?"
Hearing Lauren's response, he groaned loudly, realizing that she had a point.
"Look, do you think you could go out there and hurry things up a bit…I really wanna get outta here."
"What's the hurry? I would have thought that you'd be welcoming the warmth and dryness of the hospital to being out in that awful rain."
"Normally I would say yes…but when you are a patient…not so much." Johnny said with a groan.
"Johnny, patience is a virtue, you know."
"So I've been told. I've also been told, and anyone who knows me well, knows this…I lack a bit of that."
Just as Johnny was about to throw all caution to the wind and get up from the exam bed, the door opened, and in walked Dr. Brackett.
"Uh…where do you think you were going, Johnny?" The doctor asked, noting that the paramedic was mid-way to getting off the bed.
"Okay…I'm busted. Just please tell me that I am okay, and that I can get out of here…please."
"Well…" Brackett started, trying to get under the junior medic's skin a bit.
Suddenly feeling like he wasn't going to get off scot-free after all, Johnny started to cringe.
"Well…what?"
"You're fine, Johnny. We are going to start you on some antibiotics to ward off any future problems. I would like you to try to get as much rest as you can…and no more swimming in the rain."
"You have my word on that, Doc. How's Roy doing?" the paramedic said in a tone filled with relief.
"Not really sure. I've been tied up on another case besides waiting for your lab results. Your uniform is dry now. One of the orderlies should be bringing it into you shortly…then you can get dressed. Make sure I see you before you leave."
"Will do." Johnny replied with a relieved smile.
Watching as Dr. Brackett left the room, Johnny again settled back under the blanket. Now that he knew he would not be staying overnight, he was content to lie down and enjoy the warmth of the blanket, as well as the attention he was receiving from Lauren.
Back in room one, Roy was anxiously waiting for the results of his tests.
Hearing the door open, Roy looked up, hoping it was Dr. Early. He was actually quite disappointed when it wasn't.
Sensing Roy's disappointment, Carol the nurse smiled sympathetically.
"Sorry, I take it you were expecting someone else."
"Yeah. Any sign of Dr. Early? This waiting is making me a little uneasy."
"Not yet, but it should be soon. How are you feeling?"
"I'm alright…mostly just tired. How's Johnny doing? Any news on whether or not he has to stay overnight?"
"I honestly haven't heard anything Roy, but if you promise to stay put, I'll go check for you."
Smiling in relief, Roy nodded his head. "Thank you."
Taking a last look behind her as she left his room, Carol went out into the hall, and made her way to where she had last heard Johnny was.
Opening the door, she peeked inside to see Lauren sitting on a stool beside Johnny, who actually didn't look too much worse for the wear.
"I'm sorry to interrupt the two of you, but Johnny I was wondering if you had heard anything about your test results? Your partner is a little concerned about you."
"I'm fine. Dr. Brackett was here a few minutes ago. How is Roy doing?"
"Still waiting for his test results…but he does seem okay. You seemed to have made a nice recovery." Carol replied with a wink. "I'll leave you alone now."
By the time she made her way back to Roy, Dr. Early had arrived in the room.
"What's the good word, Doc? Am I in the clear?" the paramedic asked, a hopeful tone in his voice.
"Yeah, for now. I'll let you back on duty. I know you get off in the morning, so I also know that you'll get plenty of rest once you're home. I would like to see you back here in a few days…just to make sure everything is okay. Though the x-rays were clear, I still don't like the slight congestion in your lungs. I'll start you on some antibiotics…make sure we ward off anything that might be brewing."
"Thanks…I appreciate it. Can I get going? Things around the station are a little tense…the rain and all. It would go a long way for the guys if Johnny and I could get back there."
Joe nodded his head.
"As soon as you get your dry uniform back…should be here soon. Meet me at the base station before you and Johnny go. Take care, Roy."
Shaking the paramedic's hand, the good doctor left the room to tend to other business.
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In the midst of enjoying some down time, the engine crew was suddenly called out to a structure fire…a big warehouse fire in which several engine companies were also responding to.
Putting on his turnout coat, Mike had a bad feeling about this call…but he was also relieved to know that however Roy and Johnny were doing, at least they wouldn't be at this fire.
"Engine 51 responding, KMG-365…" responded Hank on the radio.
Climbing into the engine, beside his second in command, Hank looked over in his direction, and sensed that Mike was still quite rattled about something.
"Let's go, Michael…easy does it."
Hearing his captain say 'easy does it' made the engineer wince a little. He had needed no reminders to go 'nice and easy' while driving Big Red out in this rain…or during any other time for that matter.
Watching as the vehicle bay doors went up, Mike said a silent prayer that they arrived at their destination safely, and while there, no one got hurt, especially no one from their station.
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After getting dressed in their dry uniforms, both paramedics met at the base station to receive their antibiotics and treatment orders.
"Doin' okay, partner?" Johnny asked Roy, as he patted his best friend on the back.
"I'm fine." Roy replied nonchalantly.
"Okay…I was just asking…after all, I'M not the one who got caught in that whirlpool effect out there in the water."
"Your concern is touching, Junior…but really, I'm fine. And how are you doing?"
"Never better. This gave me some alone time with Lauren. We're reconsidering the 'just friends' thing."
Seeing Johnny's big smile and the twinkle in his eyes, Roy was glad that at least something good had come out of this miserable day so far.
Arriving at the base station, two slips of paper in hand, as well as two small medication bottles, was Dr. Early.
"These are for you fellows. Johnny, this is from Dr. Brackett. He echoes the same feelings that I do…come back if you don't feel up to par…at any point…but DO come back in a few days, anyway."
"Sure thing, Doc." Johnny answered, as he took the paper and bottle from the doctor's hands.
"And Roy…the least bit of discomfort, I want you back here...and I mean it."
"You have my word, Dr. Early." replied Roy, his right index and middle fingers raised in a boy scout salute.
"Very well then, these are for you…and I will hopefully not see you again until much later. Stay out of trouble, fellas."
"We'll try, Doc…just tell everyone to stay off the roads…that would make our jobs a heck of a lot easier. See ya later." said Johnny, waving to the doctor.
"Come on Junior, we better make ourselves available."
"Uh, Roy…mind if we just make it out to the squad first?" Johnny asked hopefully.
Buckling up his turnout coat, Roy nodded his head. "Fine…you have one minute. See ya later, Doc."
Watching as his partner started to walk away, Johnny then turned and looked behind his shoulder. "I almost get crushed by a collapsing house, then drowned in water…he's all heart."
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When the engine arrived on scene at the fire, everyone's jaws dropped open. It was a big warehouse fire. The flames were shooting out from various parts of the structure, and the thick black smoke was billowing out from almost everywhere.
Each man experienced various emotions of the situation. Hank was actually grateful that he was not the first captain on scene, and therefor did not have to take charge…though the battalion chief would undoubtedly be there to take over anyway. Chet and Marco both sat quietly in the back of the engine, hoping that there were no victims that needed to be pulled out. Mike continued to have a bad feeling about things. At the moment all he could think of was the awful dream that he had had about losing one of his good friends, and of the near misses today with Johnny and Roy.
Jumping down from the engine, Hank met with Captain Marsh from Station 110.
"What do we have, Steve?"
"It's bad, Hank...real bad. Men are trapped in the building. We're waiting for a head count to determine how many are missing."
"What's the cause of the fire? Any ideas?"
"The foreman said there was some kind of gas explosion. Some guys were smoking where they shouldn't have been smoking. Another guy mentioned something about some other substances being stored in the locker room…but he didn't know much about it. Why don't you guys go around back…work the northeast wall."
"Will do."
Getting back into the engine, Hank motioned to Mike to go around to the back of the building.
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When the paramedics finally made it back to their squad, Johnny sighed heavily as he picked up the radio mike.
"You're sure you really want me to do this, Roy? It could really open us up for a huge disaster."
Smiling at his partner, Roy pointed at the mike. "That's what we get paid for."
Running his hand though his still damp hair, Johnny sighed again. "Okay…here it goes. Squad 51 available from Rampart General Hospital."
Waiting for the typical 'ten-four, 51' response from the dispatcher, they received something else instead.
"Squad 51, respond to structure fire, 32123 Charles Avenue."
"Ten-four, LA…Squad 51 responding." Returning the mike to its holder, Johnny looked over at his partner. "Satisfied, Roy?"
Turning on the squad's lights and siren, Roy backed out of their parking spot.
Arriving at the burning warehouse, both paramedics sat in their squad looking at the scary, yet magnificent sight.
"Wow…would you look at that? Sure hope we're here to work the fire Roy, and not to go digging for victims."
"You and me both, partner."
Pulling up to where the battalion chief was standing, Roy rolled down his window.
"Chief McConnike…where do you want us?"
"DeSoto, you and Gage go around back. Get your gear…you're going in…about ten men are missing. Your captain is back there, he'll give you further instructions."
Nodding his head, Roy rolled up the window and drove around back.
As Mike was working the engine's pumps, he spotted Roy and Johnny arriving in the squad…instantly the awful feeling that he had been experiencing all day returned with a vengeance.
"Cap…" Mike called out.
Turning around, worried that something was wrong, Hank faced his engineer.
"What is it, Mike?"
"Johnny and Roy are here."
"That's good. At least we know they're okay. Brackett wouldn't have let them return to duty otherwise."
Parking on the other side of the engine, the two paramedics got out, and made their way over to their captain.
"Cap…McConnike told us to talk to you. Looks bad."
"It is bad, Roy…ten men missing. The fire isn't exactly contained, but if there is any chance that they're still alive…we gotta risk it. Get your gear…and go to the second floor. Paramedics from 110 and 99 are already in there."
Quickly getting their air tanks and breathing devices on, the paramedics were ready to do battle with the flaming monster.
"Okay, Cap…we're going in."
Nodding his head, Hank laid a hand on Johnny's shoulder. "Be careful fellas…it's already been a crazy day."
"Piece of cake, Cap." Johnny replied with a grin.
As he started to turn towards the building with Roy beside him, Johnny stopped, pulled up his mask, and gave a thumb's up.
"Mikey…spaghetti for dinner tonight."
Hearing the junior medic say that made Mike relax a tiny bit. He knew his two paramedics were topnotch and careful, but he still worried about them, especially in this instance.
Entering the inferno, all thoughts of the rain left both paramedics. Their focus turned to helping to find the missing men. They just hoped that they weren't too late.
Carefully making their way up one of the catwalks, Roy and Johnny made their way toward the second floor, and to where the missing men were. As they arrived at the second floor, they happened to meet up with the paramedics from both squad 110 and 99. Each man was carrying a man over his shoulder in a typical fireman's carry.
One of the paramedics from 110's signaled behind them.
Understanding that motion to mean that there were men over there that needed to be carried out, Roy nodded his head.
Making a mad dash in the direction that the other paramedic was pointing, they each scooped up a man. That made six men found and rescued, but four still missing. Hoisting the men over their shoulders, Roy and Johnny carefully started their return trip down the stairs, and hopefully back to safety.
As they made their way through the thick smoke, and closer to an exit, there was an ominous sound.