PS4
John rubbed his hand over his forehead.
"Man I've been talking to Chet, you know. Checking up on you. Bad enough they saddled you with Brice and…" Gage sighed and looked forlornly at his former partner.
"Brice was the least of my problems," Roy clasped his hands together and sighed. "I shoulda figured it was Chet. You and Chet have..."
"Man we're friends. I mean. Look Roy I knew the crap you put up while I went through all the hearings, depositions and court proceedings. IT was the reason I stayed away. Chet told me all about the jerks you had to work with and…"
"Like I told the Cap I can work with anybody, I may have to bust their chops but I can work with 'em," Roy smiled. "It's all right Johnny really. Besides I have Joanne and the kids, they keep me centered you know."
"Man but Brice? How do you put up with him? The perfect paramedic," John shook his shaggy head.
"He and I have come to an understanding. I'm the senior paramedic, besides I think I've mellowed him out a bit," Roy said gleefully.
"Man you've mellowed out a guy who acts like there is a stick up his butt?" Johnny laughed. "Man, I find that hard to believe."
"It's true only after you mellowed me out, Johnny," Roy turned serious, "besides when you come back."
Johnny stared at him. "Roy, you can't be serious? You don't think we'll be partners again?"
Roy shrugged. "Why the hell not?"
"Well for one thing, if I come back they'll have these hoops I have to jump through and then if I pass them, they'll stick me in a deep, dark hole and hope I disappear or quit. Roy, that's what will happen, pally." Johnny crossed his arms and frowned.
"So," Roy smiled. "How bad could it be? You'll pass easy and then…"
"And what about the firefighter part, Roy? I'm not exactly in shape you know. Besides what makes you think I'll come back?" John looked at his former partner with curiosity.
"Of course you'll come back Johnny. Like I said you're a fighter and..." DeSoto looked at his watch, "Dammitt. Johnny I have to go." Roy stood up and reached out his right hand.
John reciprocated.
"Look Johnny you'll stay with us until you get on your feet okay?"
"Roy!" John was still standing there in shock.
"I mean the kids miss you something terrible." Roy headed for the door. "Their looking for their Uncle Johnny to pay a visit."
"ROY!?" John stood with his hands on his hips.
"Now I left our address and our phone number in case you forgot. I'll see you real soon."
Roy walked out of the trailer, waved then climbed into his car as Johnny watched.
"ROY HOW THE HELL DO YOU DO THIS TO ME!" Gage threw his arms up in the air.
Gage watched as the tail lights receded and pondered his next move.
Roy whistled as he drove back to the airport and pounded on the steering wheel, yes siree Bob John Gage would be back in town and there would no way to stop him or the asses who ran the department.
*****
Sitting in the dayroom, reality socked Roy in the gut, roll call and assignments had been assigned and he and Brice had a one call after another.
At lunch all the guys had expectant looks.
"Well how did he look?" Marco asked.
"Does he have a girl friend?" Stocker smiled.
"Well maybe you should ask Chet that," Roy pointed at Kelly.
"Hey man Roy I just talked to Johnny on the phone a few times exchanged a few letters. I never saw him in person, you know," Chet shrugged.
"Well," Roy was pissed, "How come you never told me about it, Chet?"
"Man, c'mon Roy, Johnny swore me to secrecy okay. I'm sorry. So when is he coming back?" Chet smiled broadly.
Roy stood up and walked over for more coffee. Leaning on the counter he sighed and then turned around.
"I wish I knew Chet. I wish I knew. I might have just pushed him too hard." DeSoto's shoulders drooped only to toned out and later to finish the conversation.
"Hey man you don't know that," Chet walked over to Roy. "You know Johnny he'll surprise us. You all see," Kelly played with his moustache and hoped he was right.
