CS7

Before leaving his OT station, John had a chance to talk to the guys at the station. Seemed his name was getting known around the county, not in a bad way, but as a dedicated fireman/paramedic and go to guy in a crunch. The other fireman were saying he was the perfect replacement and they needed more men like him, however the Cap had another idea and called him into the office before he left.

"John," Horner pointed to a chair.

"Cap?" Gage stood afraid to sit down.

"You know I just wanted to say you're a damn good fireman and wouldn't mind you on my shift, it's just I heard you've been working a lot and thought I'd warn you. You might be in trouble, but we have a damn good union, so I wouldn't worry about it, okay?" Horner shook his head. "You're welcome back anytime."

"Thanks Cap it's nice to know and Merry Christmas, huh?" John waved as the worry lifted from his shoulders.

Pulling into the station, the dark haired paramedic pulled out the donuts from his front seat and started to walk towards the station, a gentle hand on his shoulder stopped him. Turning around he saw Roy.

"Hey Roy," Johnny grinned, feeling better all ready.

"Johnny, we need to talk," Roy said gently.

"Talk? About what?" John's nose flared and the donuts felt like lead.

"Hold it Johnny. It's just the Cap's been asking about you. Don't worry I didn't tell him you're living in your car. But, I heard a rumor you've been working a lot of OT and I'm just warning you Cap may want to talk to you about it and…."

"Well listen here partner," John pointed his two fingers at Roy. "I'm not breaking any rules; see there isn't any reg on how many hours we can work. Oh they have guidelines but there isn't any regs. Besides why I work OT is none of your business. I never ask why you work yours. So just mind your own business okay partner!" Turning on his heels Gage was shaking by the time he made it to the dayroom. He held tightly to the counter and slowed his breathing.

Roy stood in the parking lot as the rest of the shift appeared. Marco, Mike and Chet gathered around him.

"Hey Roy, I was talking to a boot I knew from the academy. Johnny was working in San Dimas," Marco looked at the paramedic.

"Yeah," Chet added. "I heard he worked in Beverly Hills, wonder in their engines are gold plated." He laughed at his own joke.

"Roy," Mike looked towards the station, "you have to talk to Johnny to see what's bugging him, k? We don't want to see him get hurt or in trouble."

Roy stuck his hands in his pocket. "Don't you think I've tried? He's shutting me out, hell he's shutting us all out and I don't know why. We have to watch his back."

"Sure Roy."

"Of course."

"He's my amigo."

"Yeah, better get changed huh."

The day progressed until at nine p.m. the station got a call for a house fire, Roy and John were sent into check the house and Gage found a little child, putting his mask over the child's face he was coughing heavily by the time he got outside.

Stanley looked at the ashen faced paramedic and made a decision, knowing the child was fine.

"Roy take your partner to Rampart and have him checked out," Hank said sternly.

Glaring at his captain, John took off his helmet.

"I'm fine." Cough. Cough. "Cap."

"You heard me John. Roy take John to Rampart. I'll meet you there," Cap eyed Roy.

Driving to Rampart, Roy looked over at his partner. "I told you Johnny, something's up."

Turning to his partner, "Just mind your own damn business Roy. Like I said I can take care of myself."

Brackett was waiting for them when they went to the ER; John was tight lipped and clenched jaw. They went into exam room three.

"Johnny, could you remove your shirt please."

Roy stood off in the room then Kell turned to him. "Roy why don't you wait outside please."

"Sure Doc," Roy left under pressure and felt sorry for his tired partner.

Brackett was through and looked like he was delaying, and then Cap Stanley entered the examination room.

"Hank."

"Doc," Stanley crossed his arms. "Well?"

"He's perfectly healthy Hank, but nothing but a few hours sleep couldn't cure." Brackett smiled but didn't seem satisfied.

"Well this time of year we could all use an extra few hours," Stanley smiled.

Gage sat there watching the exchange, talking around him. "I'm sitting right here you know. So what's this all about, huh?"

Kell and Hank exchanged looks. "He's healthy and fit for work Hank. A clean bill of health."

"So can I get dressed now? OR do you blood or something too?" Johnny put his shirt on and headed towards the door.

"One minute John," Hank looked at Brackett. "Mind if I borrow this room?"

"No be my guest," Brackett headed out of the examination room and found Roy staring at him.

"So Doc is Johnny okay?" Roy frowned. "I mean I know my partner very well and…"

"Roy it's nothing that concerns you and…"

"Doesn't concern me? In case you forgot Doc, me and Johnny are partners. WE look after each other's backs and I want to know what's going on," Roy demanded.

"I'm sorry Roy." Brackett left Roy standing in the hallway.

"John, we know or rather I know you're working a lot of overtime and I gave you several chances to come clean and…."

"Or what do I get written up? I'm not breaking any rules Cap. I checked and double checked because that's the kinda guy I am. AS to overtime, no I don't owe any gambling debts or any other unsavory reasons. I'm a straight shooter. Any other questions?" Gage was fuming but held his temper.

"John, it's just I consider you family and well I was concerned about you," Hank looked at his shift mate.

"It's all right Cap," Johnny smiled. "I…I think I understand and well you won't have to worry about next year okay?"

"Promise?" Stanley trusted John's smile.

"Promise Cap. Sorry if I was a little short but."

"It's okay John," Stanley sighed, glad the worst was over. "Let's get back to the station, K?"

"Sure Cap. I'm hungry."