“Didn’t those files come up from records yet?” said a very angry Dr. Brackett.

“Now Kel you know they’re short handed. As a matter of fact I here they’re interviewing for a new clerk typist today.” Head nurse Dixie McCall stated. “I’ll go down there myself and get those files. Go cool your heels before you scare my student nurses.”

Dixie went down to the records department. When she entered there had to be 15 to 20 young women and men waiting to be interviewed. She quickly sought out the files Kel wanted and left the office. As she was about to shut the door she heard the receptionist call the next applicant.

“ Jessica Lyn Gage,” she called.

Dixie turned to see. She only got a glimpse of the girl. Tall, slender and with very long black hair. The girl was ushered into the office so fast Dixie couldn’t get a good look at her face. Looking at the files Kel wanted and knowing the girl wouldn’t be coming out soon she left.

Inside the office a very nervous Jessica Lyn Gage sat patiently. She’d worked in offices before and had excellent references. But this was different a new city and no friends since she had only been in town a week.

Mr. Renalds entered the office and gave the applicant a quick once over. *At least this one is clean and not wearing those damn love beads.* He thought. "You have a very nice resume. A lot of experience handling a variety of
office needs. Good. Okay Miss Gage tell me about yourself. Says here you’re from Montana.”

Jessica-Lyn liked the gentleman. He didn’t look her up and down like a nice piece of meat and he was actually reading her resume’.

“Yes sir, Pine Ridge Montana. I worked for a short time in the records department of the town hall there.”

“I see you have a GED” Mr. Renalds looked up from the papers, “Why didn’t you finish high school?”

*Why do they always ask that?* “I had a very sick family member and I was needed at home to care for them. After they passed away I got my GED.” *Great story, and not a word of truth to it.* Jessica-Lyn then
gave her best pitiful smile.

The rest of the interview was the standard type stuff. Other jobs, why did you leave, money, and when would you be available to start. Jessica-Lyn was going through the paces until the last question.

“Excuse me? Did I get the job?” Jessica-Lyn was awestruck. This was too easy.

Mr. Renalds came over and put out his hand. “Welcome to Rampart. I think you’ve got the qualifications and the experience I’ve been looking for.”

Jessica Lyn took his hand and shook it. “Thank you. When do you need me to start?”

“How about day after tomorrow?” Mr. Renalds asked.

“Sure no problem.”

Jessica-Lyn was on cloud nine.

A few days later Jessica-Lyn was settling nicely to her new job. When some of the nurses asked for her name she couldn’t understand the sideways glances she was getting. One morning Dr. Brackett made a stat
request for a patients file and since she was free she ran it up to the ER.

“I’ve got that file Dr. Brackett wanted,” Jessica-Lyn said handing it to Dixie.

“Well that was certainly quick. You stay put. I’ll be right back.” Dixie delivered the file and returned to Jessica-Lyn. “I’ve been meaning to talk to you.”

Jessica narrowed her brows. “Me, Miss McCall. Have I done something wrong?”

“Oh no. It’s just I like to get to know the people I deal with. So, where are you from?”

“Miss McCall I really should get back.” Jessica-Lyn was a very private person and wasn’t sure who to trust.

“They can spare you for a couple of minutes.” Dixie took the girl by the arm and led her to the lounge.

Once in the lounge Dixie mentioned for Jessica-Lyn to sit. Then she got coffee for the both of them. Returning to the table Dixie asked again about where Jessica-Lyn was from.

“I’m from Montana. A little town, Pine Ridge. You probably never heard of it.”

Dixie interest was peeked. Johnny and Jessica-Lyn now not only shared a last name but a hometown. Dixie looked the girl up and down. There was no resembles between Johnny and this girl. She looked a couple years younger, maybe 22-23. Her face was oval in shape and her eyes were a deep brown. Her hair reminded Dixie of Cher, very long and straight. But Jessica-Lyn always wore it in a long braid.

“That’s a reservation isn’t it?” Dixie inquired with a raised eyebrow.

Jessica-Lyn turned her head slightly, “How, how did you know that?”

*She’s scared* “I’ve got a friend from that area.”

Jessica-Lyn stood, “I’ve got to go.” She left the room without allowing Dixie another word.

She stormed down the hall with her head down mumbling, “Stupid, stupid, stupid, probably get fired now. Probably a no injun rule.”


Out in the ambulance bay Roy and Johnny were coming in for supplies.

“I’m telling you Roy I can’t believe how much stuff we need. Didn’t Dwyer refill anything.” Johnny talked on and Roy nodded.

Jessica-Lyn slammed right into Roy. Both went down to the floor. “Oh I’m so sorry. I didn’t see you.” Jessica-Lyn was helping Roy back up.

“Hey, it’s okay. You alright,” Roy asked as Jessica-Lyn brushed off his shirt.

“Yeah, I ...”

Suddenly she felt herself being grabbed and spun around. The hands on her arms squeezed tightly and lifted her a little. It hurt.

Johnny couldn’t believe who he was seeing. A swirl of emotions-anger, betrayal, and love. “YOU, WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?!” He pushed her up against the wall. “Well answer me.”

Jessica-Lyn was stunned. “I--I--please.”

Roy could see the girl was in pain. He’d never seen this reaction in Johnny before. Roy grabbed Johnny’s arms trying to pull him off the girl. “Johnny let her go, you’re hurting her.”

Dixie couldn’t believe the scene before her. Johnny had the new clerk pinned against the wall. Dix began helping Roy pull Johnny off of her. “Johnny let her go.”

Johnny eyes were locked on Jessica-Lyn. As he stared into her face he saw fear. He’d always promised her that he would protect her and now he was hurting her. “Oh God, Jessica I’m so sorry.” He released her and
she slid to the floor.

Dixie knelt down next to Jessica-Lyn and held her close. “John Gage get out of here now.”

“Dix, I ---she--Jess--”

“Come on Johnny,” Roy began pulling his friend away from the two women. “You go wait in the squad. I’ll get the supplies.”

Johnny backed away. His eyes never leaving Jessica-Lyn. Turning he ran from the ER.

Dixie helped Jessica-Lyn to stand. “You okay. I’m sorry Johnny doesn’t usually behave that way.” Dixie patted her shoulder.

Jessica-Lyn sniffled and wiped at her face nodding. “I know.”

Roy didn’t know what to say and was feeling very uncomfortable. “Really miss I don’t know what to say. I’ve known Johnny awhile and this isn’t like him.”

Still sniffling Jessica-Lyn half-smiled. “I know. I gotta go back to work.” Jessica-Lyn straightened herself up said thank you to Roy and Dixie then left.

Roy and Dixie watched her leave.

“Dix, who is she? I’ve never seen her around here before.”

“She is new. She works in records.” Dixie then looked straight at Roy. “Her name is Jessica-Lyn Gage.”

“WHAT? GAGE?” Roy looked down the hallway, the way Jessica-Lyn had gone. “He never mentioned a relative living around here. I only know about his Aunt.”

“I don’t know Roy that reaction was more than just meeting up with a relative.”
Roy and Dixie filled the supply order.

Back in the squad Johnny held his head in his hands. “I can’t believe this. After all this time. How could I treat her like that after the promises I made to her.”

* * * * * *

Years earlier.

“Hey Jess wanna come over and see the new colt?” A seventeen year old Johnny asked the pretty sixteen year old Jessica-Lyn.

She had only moved into town six months earlier with her mother and stepfather. The two had become close friends.

But today Johnny recognized the signs. She wouldn’t look up. She had jumped when he surprised her.

“Nnnot today Johnny there’s stuff I gotta do at home.”

Johnny reached out and grabbed her arm.

“Oww,” Jessica-Lyn put her hand over where Johnny had grabbed.

Johnny closed his eyes. “Oh dam Jess it happened again didn’t it?”

“I gotta learn to get the chores done like he wants ‘im. Then he’ll stop.”

Johnny was furious but held his temper. “This has nothin’ to do with chores. NO ONE should be hitting you.”

Jessica slammed her school books done on the desk. “What am I suppose to do? Look at me. I’m just weak girl. He’s so much bigger. Mom doesn’t stay sober enough to help me.” Jessica-Lyn started crying. “Johnny he’s been watching me sleep. I’m scared Johnny, he says things.”

Johnny pulled Jessica-Lyn into a hug. He knew about the beatings but now was getting nervous by what other things Jessica-Lyn was implying. “Jess has he tried to....” His stomach was twisting. Jessica sobbed into his shoulder. “No, but he took the lock off my door. I was cooking dinner last night he came up behind me and was....” She
couldn’t continue.

“What Jess?”

“Rubbing himself against me. Mom came in and he backed off. Oh God Johnny what if Mom hadn’t come in.” She was sobbing again.

“I’ll protect you. He’ll have to go through me first.” Johnny had no idea how he would protect her but he couldn’t say nothing.

* * * * * *


The slamming of the squad door brought Johnny out of his flashback.

Roy looked at his friend and noticed the light sheen of sweat. “You okay?”

Johnny looked down at the floor. “I’m sorry I really lost it in there. Is she alright?”

Roy listened to Johnny’s low and melancholy voice. It was as if the life had been sucked out of him. Roy couldn’t get mad at him now. “Yeah, she’s okay. Do you wanna tell me why you reacted like that?”

Johnny looked out the side window. “No.”

Roy thought it better not to push the subject just yet. “Okay, for now.”

Once back at the station Johnny made himself scarce. He wouldn’t even look up when his friends spoke to him. On runs he did what he had to do. He took the squad to the hospital but never went inside. Chet felt his friend’s depressed attitude and disabled the water bomb from Johnny’s locker. Later that night as the rest of the crew sat and watched
television Johnny went to the dorm. Roy followed a few minutes later.

Roy saw Johnny laying on his bunk, curled up and facing the wall. A very uncharacteristic sleeping position for him.

Roy sat across from him on his own bunk. “Johnny I know your awake.” No response. “Come on pal, tell me about her. It’s obvious this isn’t just any girl.”

Johnny listened and stared at the brick wall.

“Johnny what happened between the two of you that could make you that angry?” Then thinking about the girl’s last name. “Is she a relative?”

Johnny made no move. “No.”

“But her last name?”

“That isn’t her maiden name.”

Roy sat and thought for a moment. “She married a relative?”

“No,” Johnny rolled over and sat up.

Roy couldn’t believe what he saw in Johnny’s eyes-tears. Roy rose and then sat next to Johnny. “Johnny who was she married to?”

Johnny let go a little laugh. “Me.”

“What?” Roy’s eyes went big as the shock of what his best friend was saying. “You were married when? I’ve known you for years. It had to be before you joined the department. You joined at nineteen. God, Johnny how old were you when you got married?”

“Seventeen.”

“That’s not legal, is it?” How old was she?” Roy was surprised and bewildered.

“It’s legal when your parents sign for permission. And Jess was sixteen.”

“SIXTEEN. What would ever posses a parent to allow a sixteen year old to get married.”

“Desperation.” Is all Johnny said.

Roy desperately wanted to continue the conversation but the guys were coming in to go to bed. “Tomorrow my house and don’t try to back out.”

Johnny laid back down, rolled over, and faced the wall. He didn’t want anyone to see the tears.

Sleep was not a haven.

Images of Jessica-Lyn bruised and crying crept in to his dreams.

After Jessica missed school two days in a row he went to her home to see what was going on. As he got closer he heard a scream from the barn. Dropping his books he raced to the barn and whipped open the door. He saw all 6’4" of Charles Birdwell backhand Jessica-Lyn across the face.

“Your ass is mine little girl,” Charles said trying to unbuckle his pants.

Johnny ran full steam into Charles sending him flying into a stacked pile of hay. Johnny got up and grabbed Jessica’s hand and yelled, “RUN!” The two teenagers ran all the way to Johnny’s home.

Scenes of Johnny’s mother icing Jessica-Lyn’s cheek. The sheriff coming out saying that Charles Birdwell wanted to file charges against Johnny for assault, trespassing, and possible rape.

“What I found him trying to---He was---.” Johnny tried to explain.

Jessica-Lyn just cried while being held by Marta Gage, Johnny’s mother.

Joseph Gage, John’s father put his hand on his son’s shoulder. “Hush John. Sheriff my son has a slightly different version of what happened in that barn.”

“I’m sure he does. But it would be his word against Birdwell’s. However, Birdwell said he’d forget the whole thing if I brought Jessica-Lyn back.”

Johnny jumped up, “YOU CAN’T. HE BEATS HER. HE WAS TRYING TO ---RAPE HER.” Then turning to his parents. “MOM, DAD PLEASE LET HER STAY.”

Johnny’s parents knew there son was no liar, but they also knew the law was on Birdwell’s side. “Johnny there’s nothing we can do.”

Jessica-Lyn watched and listened. Then with growing fear let go of Marta Gage and latched onto Johnny. “Please Johnny don’t let them. You know what he’s going to do.”

The sheriff began pulling Jessica-Lyn off Johnny. He screamed and she cried. The last image he had of Jessica-Lyn was of her kicking and hitting the sheriff begging him not to take her back.

“JOHNNY HELP ME! YOU KNOW WHAT HE’S GOING TO DO. NOOOO!” The sheriff closed the door on Jessica-Lyn’s screams.

Joseph Gage had a hard time holding his son back. Once the sheriff’s car was out of sight Joseph Gage released his son. Johnny turned and faced his father.

“How could you? You should have stopped him?”

Joseph Gage remained calm, “Johnny I had no choice.”

“No Dad, she has no choice now. Think about that tonight when you try to sleep.”

* * * * * *

“Johnny wake up,” Roy shook the thrashing Johnny. “Come on Johnny wake up.”

Johnny opened his eyes and realized where he was. “I’m sorry.”

“You alright pal?,” Captain Stanely said looking down at Johnny.

It was then Johnny realized he had woken up the whole crew. “Ah, sorry guys.”

“It’s alright John,” His crew mates responded then went back to there bunks.

Johnny pulled on his turnouts and left the dorm.

Roy was not sure what to do. The words Johnny said while in the throws of the nightmare scared him. He knew the rest of the crew had heard them as well. Sheriff, beatings, and rape. *Dear God Johnny what the hell is
all this about.*

Roy put on his bunker pants and went to find his friend. After looking in the dayroom and not finding Johnny he looked outside. Roy saw Johnny sitting on the ground with his back against the bay door, his knees drawn up, with his arms wrapped around them. His head was down.

Johnny heard someone approach and knew who it was. “Roy go back inside.”

Roy kept moving toward his friend, then sat down next to Johnny. “Nope, you’re stuck with me. I can’t ignore a friend in need.”

Johnny looked at Roy and shrugged his shoulders. “Okay, but I can’t talk about it just yet, okay?”

“Johnny just know I’m here.”

“I know.” Johnny shook his head. “So, did I say anything while I was ...”

“Yeah, you did.”

Johnny looked at Roy. “What did I say?”

Roy wasn’t sure if he should say. “Johnny why don’t we save this time we get off shift. You’ll come over for breakfast and ....”

“No, Roy. I don’t need to ...”

“John you need to talk about what all this is about. Don’t shut me out.” Roy decided to remind his friend about the incident at the hospital. “Johnny you did something today I thought I’d never see you do. You grabbed and shoved that girl. You can’t act like that when you see her again.”

“Ex-wife Roy. Jess is my ex-wife not just ‘some girl’.”

“Okay, ex-wife. That’s even more reason to get some help.”

Johnny jumped up and started talking loudly. “Help, what you think that’s why she’s my ex--because I hurt her. I married her so she wouldn’t be hurt.”

Roy stood and grabbed Johnny by his shoulders. “Calm down, I didn’t say that. I never thought you would hurt anyone. Especially, a woman. But you did loose it today---And that can’t happen again.”

Johnny’s head dropped. “I know. I think I will come over to your house.” Then mustering up a smile, “Think Jo will make us pancakes?”

“I think if you ask her nicely she’d make ‘em.” Roy slapped Johnny on the back, “Let’s try to get some sleep. Okay Junior.”

Johnny nodded. Slowly and quietly the men made their way back into the dorm. Neither really slept. Roy worried about what other revelations Johnny had. Johnny worried about what his friends would think of him
after he shared his past.

Across town in a small efficiency apartment Jessica-Lyn was packing her bags. After everything John Gage had done for her she couldn’t and wouldn’t cause him any more pain. She would quit her job and leave town
in the morning.

Roy knew JoAnne was up by six every morning so he called her from Cap’s office to tell her about Johnny coming over and why.

“Ex-wife, he’s got an ex wife. I don’t believe this,” JoAnne was shocked. “You better bring him over here.”
“Oh and Jo, I think he’s going to ask for pancakes.”

“Oh what a surprise. I’ll see you and the partner of yours in a bit. Love you.”

“Love you too Jo.” Roy hung up the phone and ran his hand through his hair.

“Uh, can I use my office now?” Captain Stanely said poking his head in.

“Oh, sorry Cap.” Roy began to leave the office.

“Roy hold up a minute.” Cap closed the door to his office. “I need to know. Is John okay? He seems very distracted.”

Roy knew that was the truth but couldn’t complicate Johnny’s life anymore. “He’ll be fine Cap.”

Just then the tones went off calling out the station to a fire.

Johnny did his job and backed Roy up. It wasn’t until the fire was just about out that his other problem distracted him. While helping with putting the hose away he noticed someone in the crowd that reminded him
of Jessica-Lyn. He watched her instead of where he was walking and fell over the hose.

Chet and Marco watched Johnny fall unable to stop it. “Johnny!”

Falling backwards he cracked his head on the pavement. “Dam stupid Gage,” Johnny said to himself as the little stars danced in his vision.

Chet and Marco helped Johnny to sit up.

“Hey Johnny you okay?” Marco asked looking closely at Johnny.

“Johnny you’re bleeding back here.” Chet said inspecting the back of Johnny’s head.

“Hey what happened?” Roy asked seeing the others gathered around Johnny.

“Your partner wanted to lay down on the job. But he did it a little to quickly,” Chet said showing Roy the blood on his hand from Johnny’s head.

Roy saw the blood and told Chet to get the equipment.

“Roy I’m fine. It’s just a bump.”

“Humor me.” Roy checked John over and was pleased to see everything check out. The cut didn’t even seem that bad. “I think we should run you into Rampart,” Seeing John about the answer Roy put his hand up. “You’re going so don’t even start with me.”

Johnny knew he was beat. “No ambulance. I’ll go in the squad.” Roy nodded.

Cap was told what happened and was none to happy. Their shift was over an hour ago. “I’ll have Dwyer and Kling bring your car to the hospital with your stuff. Then they can bring the squad back to the station.”

“Thanks Cap,” Roy new this would mean he’d still be able to get Johnny to his house.

Jessica-Lyn showed up early to work. She didn’t want to have to talk to everyone about why she was leaving. She quickly took her personal items from her desk and then left to take the box to her car.

Dixie arrived for work and began going over the paperwork left at her station. She decided to return some of the files herself to records. It would give her a chance to talk to Jessica-Lyn again.

But before she could she saw Jessica-Lyn walking with a box out to the parking lot.

Dixie caught up to the girl by the main doors. “Hey what is all this.”

“I uh got to uh got a better offer from another place. So, I’m gonna quit,” Jessica-Lyn was never a good liar.

Dixie put her hands on her hips and stared down the girl. “Not very likely. Listen I don’t know what is going on with you and Johnny but don’t just run away.”

”What makes you think this has anything to do with John?” Jessica-Lyn tried to back away. But just then the automatic doors opened and hit her in the back sending her and the box to the floor.

Roy and Johnny saw the accident. Roy went to help Jessica-Lyn. “Hey you okay?”

Jessica-Lyn saw Johnny staring down at her and felt very uncomfortable. “I’m okay.”

“Here let me help you up then,” Roy reached out and took her hand. Jessica-Lyn gasped. “You did get hurt. Is it your wrist?”

Jessica-Lyn’s anxiety was growing. “Look I said I’m fine. Just let me get my stuff and get outta here, alright.” Her anger caught Roy off guard, he backed away.

Dixie didn’t scare so easily. “Oh no, if you’re hurt you aren’t getting one foot out that door without seeing a doctor.” Dixie threw a couple of the items she had picked up into Jessica-Lyn’s box picked it up and said, “Go wait in one. I’ll send Kel in to check that arm.”

Jessica-Lyn was about to protest when Roy spoke. “You can tell Dr. Brackett he needs to look at Johnny too. Banged his head on our last call.”

Jessica-Lyn’s demeanor changed dramatically. She went immediately to Johnny. “You got hurt! Do you need to sit?” She watched Johnny closely. “Come on you take 1, I can wait.”

“No, you go ahead. I can wait,” said lightly touching Jessica-Lyn’s arm.

Jessica-Lyn couldn’t believe how much his simple touch still excited her. She wanted more.

Touching her brought back wonderful memories to Johnny. "How about both of you go 1, and I get Dr. Brackett?” Dixie asked. It was against protocol but these two needed to be kept together.

Johnny and Jessica-Lyn never stopped looking at each other. “Come on let’s go to 1.” Jessica-Lyn nodded and followed Johnny.

Roy and Dixie watched the two walk off. “Roy what’s the story? Did Johnny tell you anything?”

“Dix I don’t know how to say this other than just say it. Jessica-Lyn is Johnny’s ex-wife.”

“What? Ex-wife? When were they married? As children?”

Roy nodded, “Yeah, something like that.”

In the exam room Johnny and Jessica-Lyn just stood there. Neither one saying anything.

*What do I do? How do I talk to her? It use to be so easy. God she’s so beautiful. That beautiful black hair.* “You let your hair grow?”

Jessica-Lyn looked sideways at Johnny. “You said I should let it grow.” *Stupid, stupid.*

“I asked you to do a lot of things. The one you pick is letting your hair grow.” Johnny rolled his eyes.

“Johnny I, I don’t want to fight,” Jessica moved closer.

Johnny turned away. “What are you doing in L.A.? Last I heard you were out east somewhere?”

Jessica-Lyn’s heart pounded. *He kept tabs on me.* “Yeah, I was, but not for long. I’ve just been moving around a lot. Never found anywhere that felt like home.”

Dixie and Roy entered the room.

“I gave you a home. We had a home. Then I come back after work and you’re gone.” Johnny shouted at her.

“You barely spoke to me for weeks after your parents died,” Jessica-Lyn voice was pleading. “I wanted to be there but you pushed me away.” Jessica turned away and saw Roy and Dixie standing there. “I can’t do
this, not here.”

Johnny turned to say something else and saw his friends. “Get Brackett the sooner we can get away from each other the better.”

“I agree that’s what I was trying to do when you plowed into me. Don’t worry John Roderick Gage I’ll be out of L.A. by tonight.” Jessica-Lyn sat on the exam table cradling her hand.

Johnny turned and sat on the stool.

Brackett walked in a moment later and saw Johnny with Roy standing next to him and Dixie next to the new clerk. When he looked at the charts that Dixie had started he thought she had made a mistake on the girl’s
name.

“No mistake Kel. This is Jessica-Lyn Gage, uh, Johnny’s ex-wife.”

Brackett shot a look at Johnny. “Really?”

“Take care of her first Doc. Looks like she broke her wrist. It’s been broken before. She’s allergic to morphine.”

“Hmmm, thank you Johnny for the information.” Brackett said noting Johnny was trying to hide his concern for his ex-wife.

Jessica-Lyn half smiled, “You remembered about the morphine? Thought you would’ve forgotten that.”

Brackett gently worked Jessica-Lyn’s hand causing her to hiss. “Sorry, it is broken. Dix let’s get her up to x-ray.”

“How could I forget that? You almost died. I almost lost..” Johnny couldn’t hide the fear in his eyes. “The doctor always needs to know about allergies like that.” Johnny tried to hide his previous concern. "Jess you don’t have to leave town. I mean L.A. is a big place. You’ve got a job and everything. We’re not kids. We should be able to be civil to each other.” Johnny’s face remained neutral.

An orderly brought in a wheel chair for Jessica-Lyn. Dixie guided her to the wheel chair. Dixie leaned in and whispered in Jessica-Lyn’s ear. “Stay, he wants you to stay.”

Jessica-Lyn looked at Dixie and then noticed Roy nodding as he stood behind Johnny. “I don’t know John. We always end up hurting each other.”

“I just meant you shouldn’t feel like you have to run away.”

“Run away! Is that what....” Jessica-Lyn’s face became bright red.

“Dix get her out of here,” Brackett ordered.

Dixie pushed the chair into the hall and listened to the ramblings of it’s occupant. “Run away, John Gage I’ll show you. I will stick around just to show you.” Dixie smiled though Jessica-Lyn didn’t see it.

Back in the exam room Johnny was also blowing off steam. “See she’s impossible. I should be glad she took off all those years ago. Who knows what kind of trouble I’d be in now if she hadn’t taken off.”

“Johnny let me check this cut and see if you need stitches,” Brackett looked over the cut and deemed no stitches necessary. Without looking at Johnny he made another diagnosis. “It seems to me that young lady still has some strong feelings toward you. And if would pay attention to your heart instead of that hard head--you’d notice the same goes for
you.”

“No way Doc, you are way off. Come on Roy Joanne’s pancakes await.” Johnny got up and left not waiting for Roy.

Brackett took hold of Roy’s arm. “Make him talk to you. He’s in pain and not the type I can take care of.”
“I know Doc,” Roy went to catch up with Johnny.

The ride to the DeSoto’s was quiet. Johnny stared out the window. Roy had to tap his shoulder after he neglected to get out of the car when they arrived at the DeSoto home.

JoAnne was at the door. “You’re late. Everything alright?”

“Yeah, just got another bump on the head. Hope I didn't ruin breakfast?”

Johnny’s appearance was that of a wounded puppy. Having heard from Roy about the ex-wife JoAnne tried to console her friend. “Johnny I haven’t started the pancakes yet. I wanted you to tell me what kind you wanted.” JoAnne looped her arm into Johnny’s and led him into the house. “So what kind will it be?”

Johnny looked at the floor and a smile crept across his face. “Applesauce, Jess use to make the best applesauce pancakes in the world.” Johnny noticed the look Jo was giving him, “I think I’ll go clean up first, okay.” Johnny walked off to the bathroom not waiting for a response.

“Oh Roy he sounds terrible.” JoAnne watched her normally energetic friend walk slowly with shoulder rolled down.

“I know. Come on. I’ll clean up in the kitchen and tell you what I know.” Roy cleaned up and Jo listened as she started making the applesauce pancakes.

Roy told JoAnne about Johnny’s nightmare and hearing him mention the sheriff, beatings, and rape.

“Rape, he said rape?” JoAnne was shocked.

“Roy I said what about rape?” Johnny stood in the doorway. “Was it last night?”

“Sit John.” Roy directed Johnny to a chair. “Yes last night during your nightmare you said something about a sheriff and a rape. Johnny what was it all about? Is that Why Jessica-Lyn left you? Was she ...?”

“No, she wasn’t. Oh I don’t know how to explain all this.” Johnny crossed his arms on the table and laid his head down. He felt someone touch his hair and looked up.

“Start at the beginning and I’ll start the applesauce pancakes. Roy and I will be here for you.”

Johnny looked at his friends and began his story.

“I already told Roy we married really young. I bet he told you that already.” JoAnne nodded. “Well, we didn’t marry for love but for friendship and escape.”

“Johnny, how is marriage an escape?” Roy asked.

“Jess’ step Dad used her for a punching bag. Hated her from the moment he met her. But as Jess got older and her Mom drank more dear ole step Dad wanted more than a punching bag.”

“Dear God, he was the one who tried to rape her?” JoAnne surmised.

“Yeah, I went over to her home after school one day. She never missed school it was her escape. Well, I hear screaming from the barn. I see her being hit and he’s trying to undo his pants.” Johnny stops and stares off. “I can still see the terror in her eyes. If I hadn’t come by he would have done it that day.” Johnny shakes his head, “Well, you know me. I charged in there and pulled her out of there. We ran all the way to my house, three miles. Fear is a great incentive. Anyway, my Mom and Dad listened to our story. They knew about the beatings but no one could help. I’d hide her and Mom would patch her up. That night the sheriff came by and basically said we had no choice, Jess had to go back. Her step dad claimed he caught us together. He was going to have me charged with statutory rape since Jess was sixteen.” Johnny took a drink of his coffee. Closing his eyes and tightening his jaw. “I still remember her screaming as the sheriff forced her into his car to take her home. My Dad held me back. I just knew I had to do something. That night I didn’t know what was happening to her. But I came up with a plan.

* * * * * *

“Mom, Dad I got something to tell you,” a seventeen year old Johnny said entering his family’s kitchen.

“John if it is about last night. I had no choice. I don’t want you to end up in jail.”

“Well Dad you better listen up then. I’m going to marry Jess.” When Joseph Gage was about to speak Johnny put up his hand. “Listen Dad don’t talk. You will sign the papers so I can marry her. Somehow we’ll get her Mom to sign. Shouldn’t be that hard. We’ll just hit her up when she’s drunk. If we are legally married Charles Birdwell can’t touch her.”

Marta Gage was stunned. “Johnny you can’t do this. Throw away your life. We won’t give our permission.”

Johnny nodded and looked at his father. “You agree with Mom?”

“Yes, son. This is too much. I know you feel horrible about Jessica-Lyn’s situation but....”

“Well, then I guess you won’t be seeing me for awhile.”

“What the hell does that mean?” Joseph Gage’s anger swelled.

“I’m getting her out of that house. And if I don’t do it legally I will be charged with kidnapping. I will keep us outta site ‘til she’s eighteen and then no one can hurt her.”

Joseph and Marta Gage exchanged shocked looks. As they looked at their son they saw only resolve. “So, Mom, Dad, what will it be. A daughter in law or a son on the run.”

* * * * * *

“Later that morning I went to the town hall and got the papers. I saw the justice of the peace and told him we’d be back around 2pm for the ceremony.” Johnny laughed a little when he looked at Roy and JoAnne’s faces. “And you thought I have crazy ideas now.”

“But Johnny you hadn’t even told Jessica-Lyn about your plan or got her mother to sign.” Roy said confuse.

“I knew I could get Jess agree. And her mother was already at the bar getting plastered. I went into the bar put the paper in front of her and a ten dollar bill, she signed. That woman even said she would’ve signed for a buck to be rid of Jess.” Johnny lip twitched. “That was the first time I ever wanted to hit a woman.”

“Johnny how did you tell Jessica-Lyn?” JoAnne asked. “And had her step dad--uh-well...”

“She didn’t know anything til I got to her house around eleven that morning.”

* * * * * *

Young Johnny sat in his truck watching Charles Birdwell getting into his car then drive off.

Johnny left his car in the bushes and headed for the house.

“Let me out, PLEASE. LET ME OUT. SOMEBODY HELP MEEEE!”

Johnny heard Jess’s screams and ran upstairs. A chair was hooked under the doorknob of Jess’s closest door.

“Jess it’s Johnny. I’ll get you out.” And he did.

Jess wrapped her arms around him. “Oh Johnny I was so scared.”

“Shh, I’m hear. Let me look at you.” Seeing the new bruises on her face he thought the worst. “Oh Jess he did it didn't he.”

Jess cried and shook her head then smiled, “No, that’s why he beat me. I did just like you said. I grabbed and twisted the hell outta him. Even as he hit me I squeezed and twisted. He hurt to bad to do anything but
hit me.”

Johnny almost laughed out loud. “That explains why he was walking so strange just now.”

Jess blushed.

“Come on we got to get outta here before he comes back,” Johnny pulled Jess out of the house.

“Where will we go Johnny? I don’t want you to get into trouble.”

Johnny put his hand on her freshly bruise cheek. “We, my darling, are getting married. My parents signed and so did your mom. So, two pm my parents are meeting us at the justice of the peace.”

Jess pulled herself away. “No, I just, we can’t. Johnny I know you mean well, but...”

“But what? This is the only way to protect you.”

Jess couldn’t figure out how to tell him what worried her the most. “Johnny I fought like hell to keep him off of me. Now, you expect me to just.... with you....I’ll end up pregnant....”

“Oh God. Jess listen to me. You are my best friend in the world. You are sixteen years old. I know ‘that’ normally comes with marriage but I don’t expect it.” Jess tilted her head and looked confused. “This will be a marriage on paper only till your eighteen. Then if we want to stay married we can, well you know.”

“Johnny how? I mean that’s asking too much from you.”

“I bet I’ll corner the market on cold showers.”

“John Gage you are amazing. But what if we want to make this more than a paper marriage before my eighteenth birthday.”

“No, Jess. It may kill me. But I won’t til your legally an adult.”

Jessica-Lyn looked at John Gage and thank god for such a guardian angel. “Okay, let me get my stuff.”

At two pm that afternoon Marta and Joseph Gage were the witnessed to their sons marriage to Jessica-Lyn.

* * * * * *

Breakfast was over and Johnny went to sit on the deck of the DeSoto home. It was obvious Johnny needed some time alone, so Roy and JoAnne made the excuse of having to clean up the breakfast dishes.

JoAnne stood at the sink, hands covered with soap, and watching Johnny on the deck. “Roy this is so unbelievable. Did you see the way he looked when he told us, like he was living it all over again.”

Roy had been equally disturbed at Johnny’s almost trance like state but something else bugged him. “I know, but there’s more. What happened to drive them so far apart that they can’t even be in the same room anymore.”

“Give him time Roy. He’s not going anywhere. If he were done he would have left by now.”

Roy saw Johnny take a seat on the deck. “Yeah, you’re right. Come on, looks like our friend is ready to talk again. And I can’t do this without you.” Roy kissed his wife and helped wipe her hands. The two then took fresh cups of coffee out to the deck.

Johnny looked over at his friends, took the offered cup of coffee, and waited to be asked the next question.

“So, you were married, then what? What did Birdwell do when he found out?” JoAnne asked.

Johnny smiled, “My Mom fixed up the spare room while I was off getting everything ready that day. Mom figured she should make the best of a bad situation. I told them we would get a place of our own. But Dad wouldn’t hear of it. Married or not I was to finish high school.”

”The school allowed that for you and Jessica-Lyn?” Roy knew it would never normally be allowed.

“I was a track star, remember. And well I only had a few months to go. Dad made it clear to the school I was going to finish my education.” Johnny laid his head back. “But no one wanted Jess in school. They all figured because of how we got married she must be pregnant. Jess hated the way people were looking at her and talking behind her back so she
didn’t go back. I got a set of her books and we started studying at home. Mom kinda taught her at home. My Mom spent every minute with Jess. She really loved her.” Johnny smirked. “As time went on people realized Jess wasn’t pregnant. But her step dad was causing problems. Anytime he saw Jess he’d shout obscenities at her. Never when Dad or I was with her. Once he did it not realizing Mom was with Jess. My Mom gave him what for over it.” Then Johnny got quiet and told the next part sadly. “Jess slowly stopped going into town. She was scared to be alone. She’d jump at the slightest noises. I noticed she stopped taking rides into the hills. Jess was just past her seventeenth birthday when
it happened.” Johnny swallowed hard. “A new colt had gotten loose. Jess went off after it. No big deal. Except Birdwell had been watching for her to be alone. He jumped her, began beating her and tearing at her clothes. My Mom heard Jess scream and ran to find out what was wrong. Well, Mom took one of those cast iron fry pans with her.” Johnny wiped at his brow.

“Did Birdwell---Did your Mom get there in time?” JoAnne asked.

“Birdwell learned not to mess with my Mom.” Johnny shook his head. “She found Birdwell holding Jess down, his hand covering her mouth. Before he knew what was happening Mom started beating on him with the pan. Dad and I were riding in and all of a sudden we are hearing my Mom swearing her head off.”

* * * * * *

“You filthy son of a bitch, get off of her,” Marta swung the pan again this time causing Charles Birdwell to fall off of Jessica-Lyn. Realizing he wasn’t going to win the fight he ran off. Marta watched him go. Then turning to her daughter in law she saw the bloody and unconscious girl. “Sweet Jesus.”

* * * * * *

“Birdwell almost killed her,” Johnny tried to shake the image from his head. “Dad and I got there and Mom is cradling Jess in her arms. Jess had several broken ribs, broken collar bone, broken nose, cracked cheekbone, and a broken wrist. When we got her to the clinic in town they gave her morphine.”

“That’s how you found out she was allergic to it,” Roy surmised. “What happened?”

“She had a seizure and went into respiratory arrest,” Johnny wiped at his face and turned away from Roy and JoAnne.

“Johnny had she also been...” JoAnne asked.

Johnny cut her off, “No.” Johnny hesitated a moment then rose from the chair, “I gotta go, I need to get away. This all is too much.” Johnny didn’t let Roy or JoAnne stop him.

“Johnny!” Roy called after him.

“Let him go Roy,” JoAnne said taking hold of Roy’s arm. “He needs to work things out.”

Roy knew Jo was right but Johnny was still reeling from the events of the last twenty-four hours.

Johnny drove up the coast. The wind blowing the salty air through his hair. He hadn’t realized till today how much of a hold Jess still had on him. His thoughts went to women he had dated and how not a one could hold a candle to his Jess. “My Jess.” He thought about how he hoped and prayed that when she turned eighteen she wouldn’t want to leave him. How his father had picked out a piece of land for the couple and was drawing up plans for a house. Then that awful night when the world came crashing down on his hopes and his family. Jess yelling and screaming and holding him back. Afterwards, his coldness towards her. Next, a simple note saying she was leaving since it would be best. Finally, a week after her eighteenth birthday he got the divorce papers from a lawyer in New York.

Now here he sat on a beach somewhere up the coast not even knowing how he got there. Not wanting to go anywhere or see anyone. Johnny watched the sunset and wished he was holding Jess.

Back in L.A. Jessica-Lyn had been trying to sleep the day away but her wrist ached and the cast was heavy. She thought about Johnny, her Johnny. The way he could sweep her off her feet and turn dark into light. What would have happened if he hadn’t taken her out of her home that day. “I caused you so much grief Johnny, how can I ever expect you
to care about me again.” Jessica-Lyn cried and fell into a fitful sleep.

Dixie had gotten Jessica-Lyn’s address from personnel. She knew the girl needed a friend and more than likely a shoulder to cry on.

The doorbell brought Jessica-Lyn out of her nightmare just as Johnny hit her knocking her to the ground. Shaking the dream Jessica-Lyn went to the door.

Dixie did not like what she saw. Jess was a mess. Very dark circles under her tear stained face. She seemed to be trembling. “Let’s get you to the couch.” Dixie guided the unsteady girl to the couch.

“I’m okay, just had a bad dream,” Jess said sitting down. “Miss McCall you don’t need to ...”

“I’m staying until I see you are better-Got That!”

“You sound like Johnny’s Mom. She never let me...” Jess lowered her head.

Dixie watched and waited but when Jess didn’t continue Dix forced the issue, “You and John’s Mom were close?”

With her head still hanging down, “Yeah, she taught me what a good mom should be like. And his Dad, well his Dad was great.”

“Care to tell me the story?” Dixie put her fingers under the girl’s chin and gently raised her head. “I know you don’t know me that well but I listen very well and only have your best interests at heart.” Dixie added one more thing, “I love Johnny like a pesky little brother and I can tell he still loves you.”

“Miss McCall I wish that were true. But it can’t be. I’ve hurt him too much.”

“First it’s Dixie. Now talk.”

Jessica-Lyn looked closely at the woman. Something told her she could trust Dixie. Jessica-Lyn spent the day recalling the wonderful and the horrible time she spent with Johnny. Once done she curled up in Dixie’s arm and cried herself to sleep.

When Dixie knew Jess was asleep she cried. *How could Johnny have kept such things to himself? I knew Johnny’s parents had been killed but never imagined this.* Thought Dixie. Then looking at the sleeping girl
she knew Jess still loved Johnny and with a little push they could have a future.

* * * * * *

Johnny felt the cold ocean breeze and woke up. He slowly got to his feet and went to the Rover. Climbed in the back and fell asleep. Johnny thrashed and woke up sweating. He woke up panting. Jess screaming and begging him not to go in the burning house was his last memory of the nightmare. Johnny saw the sun coming up and began driving back to L.A.. He knew he couldn’t go home, Roy would be trying to contact him and he wasn’t ready to talk about the rest of his history with Jess.

* * * * * *

Dixie woke feeling Jess squirm in her arms. There was no way she’d let Jess go into work today. Dix had the day off and was going to spend it getting Jess to talk to Johnny.

When Dixie tried to get up of the couch Jessica-Lyn woke up. “Oh, I’m so sorry. You should have woken me.”

“No, you needed the sleep. Besides I did sleep my self. Let’s get some breakfast. Do you like eggs?” Dixie asked moving the hair from Jessica-Lyn’s face.

“Yes I do. But I’ll get breakfast.”

“No, we’ll get breakfast.”

The conversation was kept light. Jess even laughed a few times. Dixie watched and listened and grew sure that this was the girl Johnny should spend his life with. Dixie wrapped Jess’ arm in a bag so she could shower. While Jess was in the shower she called Roy.

Roy and Dixie exchanged information. Dixie didn’t like it that Johnny had taken off without telling Roy everything. “Roy, Johnny left out some very important information.”

“What information?”

“Roy did he every tell you how his parent’s died?”

“No,I always thought it was in an accident of some kind then he went to stay with his aunt out here.” Roy thought for a moment, “Dix it wasn’t an accident?”

“No, Roy it wasn’t. From what Jess said it was murder.”

Roy sat down and ran his hand through his hair. “Murder. Are you sure Dix?”

JoAnne heard the word murder and saw her husband reaction. “Roy what is it?” Jo whispered.

Roy waved her off. “Dix maybe you should bring her by. We need to understand this if we are to help these two.”

“I agree. How about we come by around 10?”

“That sounds good Dix. I’ll get Johnny here.”

Roy and Dixie said their goodbyes. Roy told JoAnne what Dix had told him. JoAnne was shocked.

“This explains a lot about Johnny,” JoAnne thought aloud.

“How so?”

“Roy he lost his parents and the woman he loved. Still loves if you ask me. It explains why he tries to act like...mister good time. It stops people from really looking deeper.”

Roy thought about what his wife said. It was true. Anytime someone tried to get Johnny to talk about his past he laughed it off and would change the subject. And all the girls, but never a serious relationship. Maybe cause no one came close to Jessica-Lyn.

Roy told JoAnne that Dix was bringing Jessica-Lyn by around ten. JoAnne was eager to meet the girl who had Johnny’s heart.

Despite Roy’s best efforts he couldn’t reach Johnny. He wondered where he could’ve gotten off to.

Dixie had a hard time convincing Jess to go to the DeSoto’s. It wasn’t until Dix told Jess that this could help her and Johnny realize what they lost and what they could have again.

“Dix do you really think he could....love me?” Jess pleaded with her eyes.

“Yes, I think he never stopped loving you. He might have pushed those feeling aside,” Dixie wiped the tear from Jess’ cheek, “and I think with a little effort he will realize he still loves you.”

Jessica-Lyn nodded but had her doubts.

Later that morning they arrived at the DeSoto’s. Jessica-Lyn looked around but didn’t see Johnny. JoAnne understood Jessica's distraction.

“Jessica-Lyn he’s not here. Roy couldn’t reach him,” JoAnne saw her shoulders sag. “Hey come on, that just means we get to know you. And I bet your something special. You’d have to be to capture Johnny’s heart.”

Jess wasn’t sure what to do. Dixie saw the indecision and comforted the girl. “Roy and Jo are Johnny’s closest friends. Johnny told them about you too.”

JoAnne led Jessica-Lyn into the living room. Roy and Dixie followed.

Jessica-Lyn watched these people interact. It was obvious they were very good friends. Johnny always was able to surround himself with the best kind of people.

JoAnne could see how anxious Jess was. “Jessica-Lyn I want you to know that Johnny has shared some of your history with us.”

“He did? I thought... I don’t know what I thought.” Jess looked at Roy. “Dixie said you’ve been partners with Johnny for years. Did you even know about me before the other day?”

Roy knew what Jess was trying to get to. “No, but that doesn’t mean he forgot or doesn’t care about you.”

Jessica-Lyn was trying to control herself but she was tired of hearing how much Johnny cared about her. “Cares about me, I heard that so much it’s making me sick.” Jess stood and began pacing the DeSoto living room. “If he cares so dam much why isn’t he talking to me instead of his friends. If he cares so much why didn’t he come to me,” The next words were spoken between sobs. “If--he--cared- so--much --why did-he sign the divorce papers?” Jess sat down and buried her face in her hands.

Dixie and JoAnne sat on either side of the girl. Roy just shook his head.

The ringing of the phone broke the silence. Roy left the women to comfort Jess.

“Hello.”

“Roy it’s Dr. Brackett.”

“Yeah, Doc, what can I do for you?”

“Roy, Johnny was just brought in.”

“What? Why?”

“I don’t know all the details. It seems he was involved in trying to help some people who’s house was on fire.” Brackett hesitated. “He’s taken quite a bit of smoke and has some second degree burns.”

“Doc is he gonna be okay?”

“I think so but he’s very agitated,” Brackett then added. “He keeps calling out for his parents.”

“His parents?”

“Roy I’m hoping you can calm him down. How soon can you get here?”

“I’m leaving now. Dix is here. I’m sure she’ll come too." Roy hung up the phone and dreaded having to tell the others. Roy took a deep breath and went to tell them about Johnny.

Seeing Roy’s face JoAnne knew something was wrong. She rose and went to him. “Roy what is it?”

Roy patted Jo’s arm and walked to Jess. “Jess that was Dr. Brackett on the phone. Johnny’s in the hospital.”

Jess jumped up, “What? Why?”

“I’m not sure of much. But according to Brackett he ate some smoke and has some burns.”

“Oh god, just like the last time.” Jess shook. “I bring him nothing but pain.”

“Jess I don’t know what your talking about but we need to get to the hospital. Are you coming with us?” Roy watched her look around the room.

“Yes, I’m coming with you.”

Once the group reached the hospital they were directed to ICU. At the nurses station Dixie asked to have Brackett paged. Jess backed away and began looking into the rooms. Looking into the second room she saw Johnny. He was asleep and he had an oxygen mask over his face. Jess moves in closer. Johnny’s arms are loosely wrapped with gauze. His face is red and shiny from the burns and antiseptic cream.

“Oh John this can’t be happening again.” Jess gently runs her fingers through Johnny’s hair.

Roy, JoAnne, and Dixie watch from the doorway.

Jess pulls back her hand as Johnny begins thrashing. “Johnny calm down. Your alright.” Johnny’s thrashing increases when he hears Jess’ voice.

“No, got to get them out. Let me go Jess. They’re dying.” Johnny sputters out between coughs.

Roy and Dixie take up position on either side of Johnny. They each take hold of his arms trying to hold him down.

JoAnne comes up behind Jess and takes hold of her shoulders.

“I didn’t want to stop you. But I couldn’t let you go. I didn’t want you to die too. They were dead already Johnny.” Jessica shouted and cried.

Brackett had heard the outburst as he came down the hall. He saw Johnny thrashing and a hysterical Jess. “JoAnne get her the hell outta here. Dixie get me 10mg diazepam. Roy don’t let him pull out those IVs.” Brackett rapidly delivered his orders.

JoAnne lead Jess from the room and down the hall to the waiting room. Shortly she is joined by Roy. “I called Cap to let him know. He’s calling the other guys.” Then seeing Jess sitting on a chair with her legs pulled up tight against her chest and her arms wrapped around them he asked, “She alright?”

JoAnne whispers to Roy, “No, she’s completely shut down. I can’t get her to talk or move. I think we should get a doctor.”

Roy nods and goes to see if Brackett could take a look at Jess.

Brackett comes to the lounge several minutes later. He tries to get Jess to respond but she makes no move. “Jess I’m sorry I yelled at you. Come on now. Johnny will be okay.” Brackett starts rubbing her arm.

“Don’t touch me.” Jessica-Lyn’s voice is low and her eyes narrow as she looks at Brackett. “Johnny says no one has the right to touch me if I say no.”

Brackett tries talking to her but Jess is unresponsive. “Okay Jess you just sit, I’ll be back.”

Brackett backs off. Turning to Roy and JoAnne. “I think we may need to sedate her before we try to talk to her again.” Brackett looked back at the Jess. “Let’s talk in the hall Roy.”

Once in the hall Roy saw Cap, Mike, Chet, and Marco coming down the hall. “How is he?” Cap spoke first.

Brackett answered that he felt very strongly that Johnny would make a full recovery.

“Well, I found out what happened from the Captain at 45’s. Seems John stumbled onto a house fire. He evidently ran in couple of times pulling out an elderly woman and her husband before 45’s got there.”

“That’s Gage for ya, Disaster Magnet,” Chet commented.

“Actually, right now I’m very concerned about Jessica-Lyn.” Brackett lip twitches. “I think whatever caused them to divorce is causing Johnny’s reaction to her and her reaction to that.”

“Divorce? Who’s divorced?” Marco asked.

“Johnny’s.” Roy said somberly. “I just, we just found out that Johnny was married when he was very young. Seems she’s settled here in L.A..”

“Is that why he was so upset the other day?” Mike asked.

Roy briefly explained the situation as Brackett left to get a shot of valium for Jessica-Lyn.

The men followed Roy into the waiting room. Jess still sat curled up into a ball. JoAnne was still trying to get Jess to talk. “Jess, honey, please talk to me. Maybe you can help Johnny.”

Jess looked up and at JoAnne, “Help Johnny? How?”

JoAnne was relieved at least Jess was talking now. “Do you know why Johnny is so upset? Why would he talk about his parents now?”

“I--I--don’t wanna talk about it.”

“Jess how did Johnny’s parents die?”

The men listened to JoAnne talking to the girl they just found out was Johnny’s ex-wife.

Jess started crying. “They burned to death.”

There were several audible gasps.

“It was my fault. Charles set the house on fire. He wanted to kill me and Johnny. But we weren’t home.” Jess went back to that horrible night.

* * * * * *

“It was nice to get out,” Johnny said holding Jess’ hand as they drove home.

Jess looked at his face as he drove. She was sure of her future. “Yes, it was nice. Johnny,” Jess scooted over and snuggled in close to Johnny. He wrapped his arm around her shoulder. “I know what we said about waiting til I’m eighteen, it’s only a short time away and I already know I want to stay Mrs. John Gage...

Johnny squeezed her shoulders and kissed the top of her head, “Jess that would make me the happiest guy in the world, but not until your eighteen.”

Jess thought she might be able to persuade him with a little hands on effort. But before she could do anything the car swerved violently.

“What the hell?” Johnny shouted swerving out of the way of the on coming car. “That was your step dad.”

“What was he doing out here?” Jess had a horrible thought.

So did Johnny. He stepped on the gas. The glow in the night sky set a cold chill down their backs.

Johnny skidded to a stop in front of his parent’s home. The house was engulfed in flames.

“MOM, DAD” Johnny screamed and ran towards to house, racing up the front steps Johnny tried to get through the flames licking at the front door, but he couldn’t. The sleeves of his shirt ignited and he slapped out the fire. He tried the windows but there was just no way. All the while he screamed for his parents.

Jess watched in horror as the home burned. Seeing Johnny trying to enter the inferno Jess ran up the steps grabbed Johnny and tried pulling him back.

“NO, JOHNNY, YOU CAN’T.” Jess pulled Johnny away from the house.

“I GOT TO. DON’T YOU CARE.” Johnny struggled to free himself from Jess’ hold. “LET ME GO, I CAN SAVE THEM!”

“THEY’RE ALREADY DEAD.”

Johnny stopped struggling and looked at Jess. “They’re already dead Johnny.”

Jess saw Johnny’s eyes narrow, “This is your fault.” Johnny then did something he never thought he could do to anyone.

Jess reached out for her husband, “No Johnny.” Suddenly she was on the ground and her face burned.

Johnny stood over her and pointed his finger at her." Don't you come near me, or touch me, ever again.” Johnny turned and watched as the house began to come down. The sound of sirens in the distance.

* * * * * *

All in the waiting room could only imagine what Johnny went through watching his home burn knowing his parents were inside.

JoAnne motioned for Roy to get some water for Jessica-Lyn and he did. JoAnne handed the cup to Jess. Jessica-Lyn’s hand shook so badly Jo had to help her bring the cup to her lips.

Jess felt something in her arm and looked to see Dix giving her a shot. “Just something so you can rest.”

“I don’t wanna rest,” Jess said with a little girl voice. “I want Johnny.”

JoAnne sat next to Jess and pulled her head into her lap. Jess soon was asleep. JoAnne wiped at her eyes. The guys left the room, each finding a unique way of wiping their eyes.

Once in the hallway Roy explained a little more of the situation.

“Married, Gage,” Mike said. “Roy he never told you about his parents.”

Roy shook his head. How could Johnny have kept so many painful secrets?

Seeing Dix come out of the waiting room Captain Stanely stepped forward, “She gonna be alright?”

“I think so. The last few days have been an emotional roller coaster for her and for Johnny.”

“Can we see Johnny?” Chet asked hopefully.

“Why don’t you take turns? Just a couple of minutes each though.”

Johnny was sleeping. But each took there turns. Roy stayed and sat next to his partner. *My God Johnny, how could you not tell me all this? Your life is torn from you at 19 and you rant about empty milk boxes and sounds coming from the squad. You joke about getting married while all the time you had your true love and lost her.* Finally, Roy spoke aloud, “You my friend are an enigma.”

The guys had returned to the lounge. Jessica-Lyn still slept with her head in JoAnne’s lap. JoAnne fingered Jessica-Lyn’s hair.

JoAnne made eye contact with Chet. “She’s pretty,” he whispered. “You think she’ll be okay?”

“Yes Chet I think she will be okay.” JoAnne had a soft spot for Chet. For all the problems he caused for Johnny and Roy he truly cared.

Marco noticed JoAnne trying to stretch. “Here let me help.” Marco carefully lifted Jess off Jo’s lap and let her head fall against his chest.

Jess never opened her eyes but she sleepily mumbled, “Johnny.”

“No little one, but I’m sure he will see you soon.” Marco patted her head.

Jess started mumbling again a half hour later. Only this time she was getting agitated. Marco held her and said things to comfort her but it wasn’t helping.

“You’re wrong, no I can't, needs me,” Her words made no sense. Finally her eyes opened and seeing Marco she pushed away. “Who -who are you?” Jessica-Lyn turned and saw JoAnne and the other men.

“Easy Jess these men work with Johnny. They came by to make sure he was alright.” JoAnne walked over and took the seat next to Jess. JoAnne introduced everyone. The men said their hellos.

“What about Johnny? Is he alright?”

“He’s going to be just fine?” Cap said coming over and kneeling in front of her. “How ‘bout you? Feeing better?”

Jessica-Lyn smiled shyly, “Yeah I’m okay.” Jessica-Lyn rose and tried to work some of the kinks out and faltered slightly. Cap grabbed her arm. “Hey easy, okay?”

“Thanks, I’m fine really.”

Marco and Chet coughed to cover their inadvertent laughs.

Jessica-Lyn shot them a disapproving looks.

Marco stood, “Jess you gotta understand. Johnny is always saying he’s fine--when he isn’t--just sounded kinda funny to hear from another Gage.”

“You know about me?” Jessica-Lyn was shocked.

Captain Stanely motioned to JoAnne, “JoAnne and Roy told us.”

Dixie came into the waiting room and Jessica-Lyn rushed at her. “Johnny, how is he?”

Dixie smiled, “He’s doing just fine. You look better.” Jessica-Lyn nodded. “Johnny’s aunt should be here shortly.”

“You called her?”

Dixie didn’t understand the tremor in Jessica-Lyn’s voice. “Yes, is there a problem?”

“Not so long as I’m gone when she gets here.” Jess ran her hand through her hair then looked around the room. Seeing her purse she went and got it. Then went for the door.

Chet grabbed her arm. “Hold it. Don’t you want to see Johnny? So what if his aunt is coming.”

With deep dark voice Jessica ordered Chet to let her go. Chet immediately released her and she calmed. “I’m sorry, it’s just that I can’t be here when she gets here.”

“Jess, why not?” Mike asked stepping forward.

“She hates me,” Jess said tearfully shrugging her shoulders.

JoAnne took hold of Jess’ hands and led her back to the couch. “Jess, why?”

“She blames me for Marta and Jo dying--just like Johnny does.”

Jo once again found herself comforting Jess. The guys felt uncomfortable and left the room.

“This all just too much. Johnny’s aunt is a nice lady. I can’t see her blaming this Jess for Johnny’s parents death,” Chet said lightly kicking at the wall.

“Families can be hard to deal with under the best of circumstances. From what JoAnne and Roy have told us Johnny’s situation was far from ideal.” Captain Stanely said.

Within minutes the elevator door opened and the men saw Johnny’s Aunt Betty get off.

Betty Gage made a bee line for the men. “Johnny, how is he?”

Captain Stanely smiled, “The Doc’s say he’s going to be fine.”

Betty closed her eyes and put her hand to her chest. “Oh Thank you God.” Opening her eyes she asked, “Can I see him?”

“I’m sure the doctor will let you go in,” Stanely added.

At that moment JoAnne and Jess came out of the lounge. Jess’ head was down and she clung to JoAnne.

Aunt Betty saw her and her eyes narrowed. She pushed the men out of the way. “YOU FILTHY LITTLE WHORE, I TOLD YOU NEVER TO COME NEAR MY JOHNNY AGAIN. WASN’T ENOUGH YOU CAUSED MY BROTHER AND WIFE TO DIE. YOU WANT TO FINISH THE JOB AND KILL JOHNNY TOO.”

JoAnne pulled Jessica-Lyn behind her. “Now just a dam minute. Betty Gage you leave her alone.”

“JoAnne you don’t know what trash this girl is. She nothing but some opportunistic whore who Johnny felt sorry for.”

Betty reached around JoAnne and took hold of Jessica-Lyn’s shirt. “Get your no.....”

“Get your hands off of her,” Betty felt someone grab her arm and pull. Looking up from her arm she saw Chet Kelly.

“I think you should go and cool off,” Mike added.

Betty saw the faces of the men she knew were Johnny’s friends. They held contempt for her. “I see she’s gotten to all of you the same way she got to Johnny.” Straightening her clothes and calming herself, “I think I’ll find Johnny’s doctor and see about visiting him.” Betty Gage started walking away, “Oh and,” She turned back to the group, “I expect her gone when I get back.”

JoAnne could feel Jessica shaking.

“She’s gone Jess, calm down,” Chet spoke softly to her. JoAnne rubbed her back and the other guys also offered words of comfort.

Roy heard the conversation in the hall as he sat next to Johnny. He got up and looked out the door. He saw Betty storm off. Turning around he saw that Johnny was awake.

“Get Jess in here, please,” Johnny said with a scratchy voice.

“Johnny you need your rest,” Roy wasn’t going to allow anyone to upset Johnny.

“I need to know what <cough, cough> Aunt Betty was talking about.” Johnny breathed in the oxygen. “Please Roy, get Jess.”

“Alright but I’m staying and if you get upset she’ll leave.” Roy went out in the hall.

Roy could see Jess still shaking. “Jess, Johnny wants to see you.”

“I don’t think I should. I’ll upset him.”

“Knowing Johnny, if you don’t go in he’ll come out here and get you,” JoAnne said squeezing Jess’ hand, “Go.”

Jess looked at the faces of the others and they nodded for her to go.

Jessica-Lyn followed Roy into Johnny’s room.

Johnny heard the door and opened his eyes. *God she’s so scared.* “Hey come here.” Johnny patted his bed. Jess went to his bed and had a hard time looking at him. “Do I look that bad.”

“NO, you are as hand...I just shouldn’t be here.” Jess pointed to his arms, “You going to be okay?”

“Hey this ain't nothin’, “ Johnny tried to ease her mind. An uncomfortable silence followed. Johnny watched her face. Fear. “Jess I heard what Aunt Betty said to you.” Jess looked up at the ceiling. Johnny knew she was trying to hold back her emotions. “Jess--when did she--tell you to stay away from me?”

“Johnny you need rest. I should go.”

Johnny struggled to sit up, “No dammit. What did she do? How could she get you to stay away?”

Jess put her hands on his shoulders and pushed him back down. “Johnny please, this isn’t the time.”

“Jessica-Lyn you tell me right now,” Johnny was running out of steam.

Roy stepped up, “Johnny she’s right..”

“Roy No, I need to know, now Jess,” Johnny rallied and took hold of Jess’ hand.

“Johnny this can wait. What she did isn’t important any more.” Jess pulled her hand back and moved to the door. “I’ll come back tomorrow.” Turning quickly she fled the room.

“JESS???!” Johnny slumped against the bed. “Roy please go watch out for her okay.” Johnny was panting. “There’s more to all this.”

“Johnny we’ll take care of her. You rest.” Roy patted Johnny’s leg then left the room.

Jessica had gone to the ladies restroom down the hall. She gripped the sink and stared at her reflection. Then she flashed back to the confrontation with Johnny’s aunt the day after the fire.

* * * * * *

“Where’s Johnny I need to speak to him?” A shy young Jess asked Johnny’s Aunt Betty. Then the pain in her arms and being slammed against a wall.

Aunt Betty grabbed Jess’ arms just above the elbows, squeezed and dug her nails in, then pushed her into the wall. Never raising her voice Aunt Betty expressed herself, “Listen you little good-for-nothing, you don’t come near that boy.” Jess tried to answer but was slammed against the wall again. “Shut up! I know the only reason he married you was
because he pitied you. I don’t.”

Jess began fighting back trying to get Aunt Betty to let her go. Betty quickly let go of an arm but took hold of Jess’ hair pulled and twisted Jess’ head. “Oh, don’t even try it. Now listen carefully. You are going to leave town and divorce Johnny.” Jess tried shaking her head but Betty pulled harder. Then she whispered in Jess’ ear, “Charles is still
around. That dumb sheriff won’t find him.”

“He killed your brother and Marta why are you...” Jess wanted to scream as her head was jerked back. Aunt Betty’s hand clamped down over her mouth.

“That is no concern of yours. What is your concern is that I could deliver you to him and watch with great pleasure as he finally gets a chance at you.” Betty laughed quietly, “Oh, I could give you a little something so you won’t even be able to fight back. Johnny could even walk in on the two of you. His poor little Jess just laying there letting Charlie do his worst.” Jess shook her head. “I could even start people to thinking that maybe you and Charlie planned the fire so you could inherit the Gage ranch. Oh yeah, that would work. You and Charlie have been lovers all along and poor sweet Johnny....” Betty heard Johnny coming down the stairs. Betty released Jess and hugged her as Johnny appeared. “Oh, Johnny how are you doing dear? Poor little Jess here is so upset.”

Johnny was so lost in his grief he nodded and kept walking by the women.

Once Johnny was out of sight Betty turned back to Jessica, “If you come to that funeral tomorrow you’ll be dead by tomorrow night.” Betty walked away.

Jess walked into the bathroom and stared at herself in the mirror. Everything was falling apart. Johnny’s parents gone. Johnny so lost in grief didn’t want anything to do with her. Jess wasn’t sure why but she knew Betty would follow up on her threats if she tried to stay with Johnny.

Over the next few days and weeks Jess watched as Betty took over every aspect of Johnny’s life. Johnny was totally controlled by her. Jess knew she would never be able to convince Johnny of the awful truth about his aunt. So, with a heavy heart, she disappeared one night.

* * * * * *

The feeling of someone watching her brought Jess back to the present.

Standing in one the bathroom stalls looking at Jess was Betty. Betty put her hand to her chin and smiled. “I think Charlie would like the way you grew up.” Betty looked Jess up and down. “Yes, I think I’ll give him a call.” Betty laughed and left the bathroom.

* * * * * *

Jess watched her go not knowing what to do.

JoAnne had been with the guys and didn’t know about the encounter Jess had with Betty. So, when she found a shaking Jess she thought the girl was concerned about Johnny. A short time later Roy and JoAnne took Jess home with them. Jess was introduced to the Christopher and Jenn as a friend of Johnny’s. They accepted her and talked non-stop about the “Uncle Johnny”. Jess tried to put up a happy front but failed miserably. Roy and JoAnne assumed Jess’ discomfort was worry over Johnny.

Jess went to get some air on the deck. Looking up at the star filled sky Jess prayed for guidance. In the still of the night she calmed. Things said and done by Betty took on a new meaning. Now she had a new dilemma. Who does she share her suspicions with? What if she was right?

She heard the phone ringing in the house. Roy called Jess into the house.

“It’s for you Jess,” Roy hands Jess the phone.

Jess is confused. No one but Johnny’s friends knew where she was. “Hello?”

“Johnny is sleeping so soundly, he didn’t even know I looked in on him.”

“What? Who is this?” Jess asked knowing full well who it was.

“I want to hear you scream, squirm, and beg for me to let you go.” The caller laughed. “Then I’ll finish what I started so long ago.”

“Listen you son of a bitch I’m not a little girl anymore. I’m not running.” Jess slammed the phone down then covered her face with her hands.

“Jess who was that?” Roy asked grabbing her by the shoulders. Not getting any response and feeling Jess shaking Roy repeated his question, this time with force.

Jess took her hands away from her face. The two stared at each other for a moment. "That was Charles Birdwell. You better call the hospital, he said he was in John’s room.” Jess voice was trembling.

“In Johnny’s room?” Roy asked and Jess nodded. Roy reached for the phone and called Dr. Brackett and had him arrange for security to be stationed outside Johnny’s door.

JoAnne brought Jess some water. “Jess Johnny’s okay. He’s protected. Roy’s gonna call the police. They are going to want a statement and a history of what’s going on. Are you going to be okay?”

Jess’ mind was putting the puzzle pieces together. The picture she was getting was worse than she ever could’ve imagined. “JoAnne,” Jess wore a confused look on her face. “I think Betty and Charlie are working together. But that would mean she was part of what happened to Johnny’s parents.” Jess shook her head.

JoAnne thought for a moment. She didn’t have all the details but the idea wasn’t that far fetched. “You tell police everything when they get here. Maybe they will help us to understand what is going on?”

A short time later Detective Stevens listened to Jess tell the gruesome details of how Johnny’s parents died. All Betty had done after the fire. Then what had happened in the hospital. When she told the story about her encounter with Betty in the ladies room. Roy and JoAnne became upset that she hadn’t told them earlier. Finally, Jess told about the conversation with Charles Birdwell and the threats he made.

“Well, detective, what do you think? Could Betty Gage be behind all this? Is she helping Birdwell?” Roy asked.

The detective knew they were going to hate what he had to say. “Right now there’s no evidence that in anyway implicates Betty Gage.” Jess tried to jump in but the detective stuck out his hand, “That doesn’t mean she’s innocent. But she’s done a good job of covering herself. As far as Birdwell is concerned there is a warrant out for his arrest for
the murders of the Gages.”

“So there’s nothing you can do? This man is threatening Jess and Johnny!” JoAnne was so frustrated.

“I do understand your frustration but there’s nothing I can do except give you some advice,” The detective turned and took Jess’ hands, “Don’t be alone, keep alert to who is around you, and call us if anything seems suspicious. I believe you and my gut tells me there is more going on. I’m gonna do a little research and get back to you. Okay?”

“It’s not okay, she’s in real danger, and that’s the best you can do?”

“Mr. DeSoto until he makes his move, yes this is it.” The detective rose and headed for the door. “I’ll get back to you.” With that he left.

Roy and JoAnne exchanged angry looks. Then they looked at Jess. Her eyes stared at the carpet, she looked so lost.

JoAnne sighed, “Well, I better get the spare bedroom ready. Come on Jess,” Jo patted her arm, “I think I’ve got a nightshirt that you can sleep in.”

“What do you mean? I can’t stay here.” Jess was confused and angry, “What if Charlie comes here? What if he starts another fire? You’ve got your children to think about. I’m nothing to you.”

“You are staying. There’s no way I’m letting you go off and be alone.” JoAnne turned on her mother voice and gave Jess a look to melt rock. “You are something very special to Johnny and after all the times he’s put himself on the line for Roy I’m not about let anything happen to you.” Jess tried to interrupt. “I will not hear another word. This subject is closed.”

Jess turned to Roy, “I agree with Jo. You’re staying.”

After they got Jess settled in Roy made an exacting search of his home. Every window and door locked. He left the exterior lights on. He allowed the dog to roam freely. Then he settled in on the living room couch. He would get very little sleep. He decided he’d talk to Vince about asking off duty officers if they could help out in protecting Jess and Johnny.

The next morning Roy took Jess to see Johnny. Johnny was quietly reading the paper when they came in. He noticed the security guard by his door. He had noticed the guard earlier when they had brought him his breakfast. Johnny saw Jess and thought she looked terrible. The dark circles under her eyes matched Roy’s.

“Jess come here,” Johnny patted his bed, “Sit next to me. I won’t break.” Jess barely made eye contact with him but did sit on his bed. Johnny used his hand to lift her chin. He ran his fingers down the side of her face and gently moved her hair behind her ear. “Now talk to me. Tell me what Aunt Betty did?" Jess choked back a sob. “Oh Johnny, I don’t, we can’t prove it, this is insane.” Jess laid her head down on Johnny’s chest. Johnny patted her head and tried to calm her but it wasn’t working. “Roy what is going on? And why is there a guard at my door?”

Roy stepped up closer to the bed, “John I’m gonna tell you everything Jess has told us. John some of it is going to be a shock so bear with me okay?”

“Roy you called me John twice. This isn’t going to be good is it?”

“No John, it isn’t.” Roy then told Johnny everything. As the story unfolded Johnny kept glancing at Jess and she would nod. Johnny pulled her up onto his bed and she laid next to him. Jess watched Johnny’s face. He was biting his lip. As Roy finished with the discussion they had had with the police Johnny now understood why there was a guard at his door.

“Jess,” Johnny used a calm and soothing voice. “Jess are you alright? I’m so sorry about all of this.”

Jess didn’t move to look at him. “You believe me?”

“Jess I believe you.” Johnny moved slightly so he could make eye contact. “Do you want to know why?”

Jess looked at him and nodded.

“I can’t excuse the way I behaved-the way I treated you-but I just figured you’d always be there. I knew you loved me and we’d always be together. So, when you just up and left I felt like a fool for believing you loved me.” Johnny sighed, “And Betty used my grief and insecurities to blind me to the truth. I’m sorry Jess.”

Jess sat up, “Sorry? Johnny I knew what she was doing I should have, maybe if I’d gone to sheriff, or someone this wouldn’t be happening now. I’m sorry.”

“Let’s just say we were both young and stupid.”

“Oh no, young yes but no one calls me stupid John Gage.” Jess jabbed Johnny in the chest then smiled. Johnny saw a spark of the old Jess and smiled back.

“You look good with that on your face.” Johnny pointed to her face.

“Huh? What? I don’t have anything on my face.” Jess wiped at her face.

“The smile. The way it lights up your whole face. I forgot how much I loved to just watch you smile.” Johnny stared at Jess lost in some distant memory.

Roy felt very uncomfortable. It was obvious that despite a hospital setting these two were rekindling an old flame. He coughed, and then again only more loudly. “Uh, we need to make arrangements for when you’re released.”

Johnny blinked and turned to Roy, “What? Oh yeah released. I’m going home. Jess wanna stay with me?”

“Now wait a minute,” Roy tried to reason with the couple but neither one wanted to put the DeSotos at risk. Jess and Johnny would stay at his apartment. They would see about increased patrols in the area. Neither one would go anywhere alone.

Dixie was adamant that a person from hospital security would be assigned to stay with Jess when she was at work after hearing about the threats.

The only time Jess would be alone was nights when Johnny worked. Roy wanted her to stay with JoAnne but Jess wouldn’t hear of it. “I’ll be okay.” Her voice didn’t sound so sure. “I mean there will be people around. I don’t think he’d try anything in that situation.”

Johnny didn’t like it. “I don’t feel comfortable with this Jess. What if you stay with my land lady those nights. He won’t know where you are and Mrs. Blin is one tough lady.”

Arrangements were made and Johnny was released later in the day. Life went on. Over the next several days nothing happened. Neither Betty or Charlie contacted the Gages. By the second week some suggested that maybe Betty and Charlie had taken off.

Johnny and Roy were preparing dinner around 5 when the phone rang. Jess always called at 5 to let Johnny know she was home and safe. “Safe phone calls” had become a way of life. Johnny hung up the phone and went back to helping Roy with dinner.

Roy watched Johnny closely. His energetic demeanor had dwindle dramatically over the last two weeks. The stress and constant state of caution had taken it’s toll.

There was a knock on the station’s back door. Roy went and let in Detective Stevens.

Johnny and Stevens had talked a lot over the last couple of weeks.

“Hi, Roy, Johnny.”

Johnny wiped off his hands, “What brings you by? Please say you got Birdwell.”

“John I think you had better sit.” Stevens pulled out a chair for Johnny.

“What happened? Jess, is she alright?” Johnny’s mind began racing.

“Jess is fine. I managed to dig up some information though. And it explains a lot.”

Roy and Johnny sat down to listen to the officers information. It was then that the engine returned from it’s run. The noise level of the men dropped when they saw the officer. Once again he explained why he was there. The guys offered to give Johnny some privacy but Johnny insisted they stay, they’d find out anyway what was going on.

“Johnny you turn 25 this fall right?” Johnny nodded to the officers question. “John did you ever consult an attorney about your parents will?”

“Betty handled all that. I wasn’t in to good a shape.” Johnny thought for a minute. “What’s in the will?”

“To start with if you and Betty inherited the property equally. Unless you and Jess stayed married for 5 years. If you and Jess divorced Betty keeps half.” Stevens watched as Johnny slumped in the chair. “Gets worse John. The day before the fire your Dad went to his attorney to have the will amended and give you and Jess sole control of the land. But since
Jess wasn’t 18 he was told to wait.”

“What? Why?” Johnny asked.

“Your Dad and Betty had an argument about selling some of the land for development.”

“Dad would never let that happen.”

“That’s right. He knew you and Jess wouldn’t allow it either didn’t he?” Johnny nodded.

Captain Stanely was seeing where to officer was going. “So, you think Birdwell killed John’s parents for the land. But the land would be Johnny’s.”

The officer looked around the table at John’s friends then back to Johnny. “John were you and Jess suppose to go out the night of the fire.”

“No, but Mom and Dad said they needed time alone and ...”Johnny swallowed hard. “We were suppose to die that night too, weren’t we?”

“That’s what I believe. Then the land would have gone to Betty Gage.”

“I don’t believe this. She always seemed so sweet,” Chet commented.

Mike was a bit confused, “But Johnny’s alive she can’t get the land, right?” Mike wondered about something else, “Why is Johnny’s 25th birthday important?”

“Because part of his parent’s will states he has to hold onto the land until his 25th birthday. After that he could do whatever he wants to the land.”

“Oh my God,” Johnny lowered his head to his hands.

Roy placed a hand on Johnny’s shoulder, “Johnny what is it?”

“I’ve been discussing with Betty turning the land over to the tribe. I don’t want it.”

“If you were to die before your 25th birthday Betty gets the land,” Stevens watched Johnny expression. “I believe if you hadn’t been hurt or Jess hadn’t shown up you would have had a fatal accident before your 25th birthday.”

“Curtisey of Charles Birdwell I bet,” Captain Stanely added. “

Johnny just sat staring at the officer.

“Hey, Johnny you okay?” Marco said.

“I thought maybe we were wrong, she’s been so wonderful to me and now I find out all this.” Johnny stood tossing the chair to the floor, “She killed my parents and then hugged me and let me cry on her shoulder.” Johnny began pacing the length of the kitchen. “She drove the one person who really cared right out of my life.” Johnny stopped and looked at the
officer. Johnny’s breathing was loud and rapid, “If I see her I’m going to kill her.”

Stanely stood down the station. Johnny needed his friends. This was too much just to send Johnny home. Seeing John so totally consumed with hatred was unnerving for his friends.

“Jess, I, we need to tell Jess,” Johnny closed his eyes. “All the lost time.”

“Pal, you go talk to her. I’ll get replacements for you and Roy,” Stanely smiled and patted John on the back. “You be careful. Charles Birdwell is still out there.”

* * * * * *

“You’ll have to kill both of them,” Betty said caressing Charles face. “Then I-we’ll have the land.” She kissed his lips, “Of course you’ll have to go into hiding again for a little while.” Betty started playing with the buttons on his shirt.

“But I get to have some fun with Jess first right? You promised.”

Betty ran her hands over his chest as she kissed him. “They have to die together. It’s got to look like an accident.” Betty kept massaging and kissing Charlie, “Besides what could she do for you that I couldn’t?”

“I want her. She hurt me. I need to hurt her.”

Betty stopped what she was doing, “Get over it. You’ve got me.”

“I want her.”

Betty slapped Charlie, “That girl is nothing, grow up.”

Charlie hated it when women ordered him around, “ Don’t you hit me.” Charles anger was growing.

“YOU ARE THE IDIOT WHO COULDN’T WAIT TIL THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT TO START THE FIRE. IF YOU HAD, WE’D HAVE THAT LAND NOW. SO, YOU WILL DO AS I SAY,” Betty yelled at him. “JUST REMEMBER YOU HAD NOTHING WHEN I FOUND YOU--ONE PHONE CALL AND YOU’LL BE SPENDING THE REST OF YOUR LIFE IN JAIL.” Betty smiled and turned away.

Seeing Betty turn on him Charles lost all control. Moments later Betty’s lifeless body fell to the floor, he’d broken her neck.

He stormed out of the house where he’d been hiding and made his way to Rampart.

* * * * * *

Dixie sat with Jess in the lounge sharing a cup of coffee. Dixie watched Jess stir and stir the coffee. “I think the coffee could use a break.”

“What? Oh, yeah.” Jess took the spoon from the coffee and put it on the table and began tapping her fingernails on the side of the cup.

Dix rolled her eyes. “Okay give? What has you this distracted this morning?”

“I don’t know how much more of this I can take. What if they did take off? How can I ever have a normal life again? I hate having someone standing guard over me. Johnny is consumed with my safety. He keeps a bat by his bed. The other night I just couldn’t sleep so I raided the fridge. Well, next thing I know there’s John with the bat.”

“He’s worried and rightfully so.” Dixie wondered about the rest of their relationship. “Jess I may be out of line here but have you and Johnny talked about getting back together?”

Jess shook her head, “No, he doesn’t even mention anything about it. I think he’s being my protector and that’s it. I haven’t told him but I think I need to move out.”

“Jess that could be dangerous.”

“So, I’ll buy a gun. Maybe get a dog. I don’t know. But Johnny has no interest in me. Hell we live in the same apartment and he doesn’t even try to kiss me.”

Dixie smiled, “Do you want him to kiss you?”

“Oh god yes,” Jess closed her eyes and sighed. “Sorry got a little lost there.”

“No I think you found something and you shouldn’t give up on it.” Dixie raised her eyebrow and winked. “Now we have to get back to work.”

As they left the lounge Jess looked at her guard and whistled, “Come on, back to work.”

As they made there way to records the guard tapped Jess on the shoulder, “Uh I need to use the bathroom.”

“Yeah go ahead. I know don’t move from this spot.”

The guard nodded and went to use the bathroom. Jess heard a crash from the stairwell. Her concern overrode her caution.

In the stairwell she found an orderly lying on the floor. Jess immediately went to investigate. “Hey you okay?” The knife was at her throat before she finished speaking.

“Oh, I’m okay now Jesse-girl. Let’s you and me find someplace quiet.”

Jess stomped her foot on his leg. He grunted and pulled her down. “Still a fighter. Well,...”

Jess felt the blow to her jaw then saw stars. The next several minutes she was barely aware of him dragging her up the stairs. Finally, the bright sunlight caused her to shut her eyes.

She stumbled. He swore at her and yanked her arm. Jess tried to pull back. Charlie let loose a violent blow to her midsection. Jess felt herself fall to the hot roof. She could barely breathe.”

Jess could hear Charlie shouting at her but couldn’t understand what he was saying. Charlie was out of control, no one knew where she was, and she had no energy to protect herself.

* * * * * *

When the guard couldn’t find Jess he notified security. The building was being searched floor by floor. Brackett and Dixie were conferring with the head of security when Roy and Johnny entered the hospital. Seeing the guards and policeman Johnny eyes went wide.

“Dix, what’s going on? Where’s Jess? Please tell me this isn’t about Jess!” Johnny asked taking hold of Dixie.

Brackett pulled Johnny off Dixie. “Johnny we are trying to find her. We don’t know if anything has happened.”

“Where’s her guard? Why was she alone? How long has she been missing?”

Roy grabbed Johnny’s arm, “Let him answer. You’ve got to calm down. Go ahead doc.”

Brackett knew the information would only make Johnny even more nervous. Hell it made him nervous. “The guard had to use the bathroom when he came out Jess was gone. It’s only been about 10 minutes. Every guard is searching this place. The police are watching the exits. I don’t think he’s gotten outta here.”

“Doc that don’t mean anything. What he wants to do to her he could do right here.” Johnny slammed his fist down on the counter.

Over the security radio it was reported that there was blood in the stairwell and it was being tracked to the roof.

“Dix get a med kit and let’s go.” Brackett turned to Johnny and Roy, “I assume you’re coming.” Roy and Johnny followed. The group took the elevator to the top floor.

There was a group of police and security officers standing at the door leading to the roof. The door was slightly open. They could her Birdwell screaming at Jess.

Vince saw Brackett, Roy, Johnny and Dixie and went to tell them about the situation.

Johnny could hear Birdwell screaming and he couldn’t understand why the officers didn’t do something.

“Johnny,” Vince took hold of Johnny’s shoulders. “we can’t just charge out there. He has a knife and could use it before we can stop him. Right now he’d see us coming. So, we gotta sit tight for Jess’ sake.”

Johnny hated the inaction, “What about Jess? They said there was blood.”

Vince was able to see Jess lying on the roof. “Johnny she is hurt but we don’t know how serious.”

Johnny tried to push past Vince, “Please she needs me.”

“Johnny you need to let Vince handle it,” Roy said pulling Johnny back, “If you charge out there he might kill her.”

“I love her Roy. I’m gonna loose her all over again.” Johnny collapsed onto the stair.

Dixie sat next to him and held him. “No you aren’t going to loose her.”

Vince motioned for Brackett and Roy to come with him. Once out of Johnny’s site. “Listen it does look like he’s beaten her pretty badly. She’s not moving.”

Roy ran his hand over his face. “Then you gotta end this now.”

“Everytime we try to open the door he moves closer to her and puts the knife to her throat.” Vince shook his head, “We’re dammed if we do and dammed if we don’t.”

More screams and shouts could be heard coming from the roof. Johnny moves closer to the door. Through the crack he can see Charlie grab Jess by her shirt and pull her up to act as a shield. Jess is barely able to stand. Johnny can see her blood stained face.

“Johnny come on move away from there,” Dixie tried to pull him back. Dixie saw what he did and her stomach turned.

* * * * * *

The officers discussed their only option. It was decided that a sniper would be used. He’d be positioned on an adjacent roof.

* * * * * *

Johnny listened to Vince explain what was about to happen. “But Jess is--he’s using her as a shield. I mean...”

“Johnny this guys a crack shot. He won’t do it unless he’s sure Jess is in the clear,” Vince tried to calm Johnny’s fears. “We just got to get him to stop moving around so much.”

“Let me go out there. He hates me. I could distract...”

“NO, Johnny that’s not going to happen,” Roy jumped in.

“Actually, that might work,” Vince said. “But Johnny you’ve got to stay cool. Can you do that?”

Johnny thought for a moment. “Jess needs me. I can do this.”

“Johnny?” Roy shook his head.

“Roy if that was Jo out there could I stop you?” Roy had nothing to say, “Yeah exactly.” Turning to the officers, “So how do we do this?”

A brief time later Johnny called out to Charlie. Charlie pulled Jess closer ignoring her pain filled moan. “So, Johnny come see what I’m doing to your girl.” Charlie watched Johnny step out of the doorway. “Well, well the source of all my problems.” Then he ran the knife along Jessica’s arm. Johnny stepped forward seeing Charlie cut Jess. “Stay back Johnny -boy. I ain't got nothing to loose. I’ve killed 3 times 1 more don’t mean nothing.”

“I won’t move. Just don’t cut her again okay.” Johnny moved sideways so Charlie would match his movements. Charlie’s back was now facing the building with the sniper. *Just got to get him to let go of Jess* “Charlie I know my Aunt put you up to all of this. Maybe you could work a deal with the cops---you know give evidence against her---cut down your time.”

Charlie cupped Jess’s face and pulled her head back. Jess grimaced and cried. “OH, Jess he don’t know yet.” Charlie kissed Jess’s face. “Johnny that ain't gonna work. I finished off Betty before I got my hands on dear ole Jess.” Charlie laughed and kissed Jess’ face again. Only this time she tried to pull away. Charlie hated the defiance, “Little witch still has some fight left.” Then watching Johnny closely he spoke softly to Jess but loud enough for Johnny to hear. “You know I could cut just below your left ear, and Johnny could slowly watch you bleed to death.” He tapped the knife against her neck.

Jess drew what little strength she had left and looked at Johnny. Then slowly mouthed, “I love you,” and stomped her foot into Charlie’s foot.

Caught off guard he threw her to the ground. A shot rang out. Charlie looked down at his chest and saw the exit wound. His eyes rolled back in his head and he was dead before he hit the ground.

Johnny caught Jess before she hit the roof. “HELP, ROY I NEED YOU.” Turning his attention back to Jess. “I got you. You’ll be okay. Please be okay.” He kissed the top of her head.

A flurry of activity surrounded Jess and Johnny. Brackett and Dixie started applying pressure bandages to her wounds. Feeling her ribs Brackett could tell several were broken. Johnny still cradled her in his arms. “Johnny we need to get her downstairs. Help us get her on the gurney.” Brackett spoke softly to Johnny. Jess was quickly moved to the gurney then brought down to the ER.

Roy stayed with Johnny in the lounge. “Johnny ...”

“Don’t tell me ‘she’s going to be alright’. We don’t know that. Roy she was like a rag doll-limp and lifeless.”

“No, Johnny not lifeless. She’s hurt and it may take sometime but she’s still with us--you.” Roy could see how pale Johnny was and exhaustion from staying up and worrying had taken it’s toll. “Johnny sit,” Roy pulled John towards the couch. Johnny went along and sat down.

Johnny laid his head back and rubbed his face with her hands. “Roy if Jess comes through this I think I’m gonna take her away for awhile. Some place where we can forget all this and ...find each other again.”

Roy looked at Johnny. His head back and his eyes closed. “Johnny where might you go? Montana?”

“No, I can never go back. I was thinking of somewhere in the Dakotas. A place where we could start over. Begin a new life.” Johnny didn’t open his eyes so he missed the surprised look on Roy’s face.

“Johnny are you saying you want to move away?” Roy couldn’t believe it could come to this.

Johnny sat up straight and looked at Roy, “I just don’t know. But Jess and I need some time away from any distractions. I’m sorry.”

Roy hated the idea of losing his best friend and partner. “Johnny don’t be sorry. If that’s what it’ll take for you and Jess to be happy. Well, I just hope it all works out.” Roy smiled but it lacked feeling.

When Brackett came in moments later Johnny jumped. “Well, how is she?”

“She doin’ good,” Brackett said patting Johnny’s arm. “Jess does have 4 broken ribs but there stable. No internal bleeding. He must have hit her several times about the face and head. She’s got a concussion..” Brackett sighed before he continued. “I know you want to see her but Johnny I need to tell you what you’ll see.”

“Oh god, what’s wrong?”

“John she will be fine. It looks worse than it is. Her face is extremely swollen, so much so her eyes are just about shut. Jess has a broken nose and a badly bruised jaw. Also, she is very groggy from the pain meds. I’ll let you stay with her but I want her to stay calm and try to rest. Can you handle that?”

“I can handle it,” Johnny may have sounded sure but the images flashing through his head left him unsure. “Doc is she awake?”

“No I sedated her... she was getting too upset. Come on let’s go see her. Roy you coming?”

Johnny nodded to Roy. “I’m coming doc.”

Johnny stood back against the door with Roy next to him. He couldn’t believe that was Jess on the treatment table. Gathering his resolve he walked to the table. Dixie nodded and winked at him.

Dixie could see how devastated Johnny was. “Johnny this is only temporary. A few days and the swelling will be gone.” She whispered. “Talk to her Johnny. I’m sure she’ll hear you. She had been asking about you.”

Jess’ long hair hung off the table. Johnny sat on a stool by Jess’ head. Not knowing where to touch her he began stroking her hair. “Jess it’s Johnny. You’re going to be okay. I’m okay too. God Jess this reminds me of the times when we were kids. I’d sit with you and tell you everything would be okay. Well, it will be. Charles can’t hurt us anymore.” Johnny used his fingers to comb out her hair. “You always hated it when your hair got messy. I talked to Roy about taking some time off. We could go away. Just travel. I think you would like that.” Johnny didn’t realize what he was doing with her hair. “Listen I gotta go. When they get you settled in a room I’ll be back.” Johnny looked down at his hands and smiled. “Hey, I braided your hair just like Mom use to do when you were upset and hurt.” Johnny thought for a moment and looking up closed his eyes. Then he mouthed, “Thank you Mom.”

Roy and Dixie watched the scene unfold. Dixie saw how incredible gentle Johnny was and had to hold back tears when he started to braid Jess’ hair. Roy didn’t fair much better. He found it almost impossible to look at Jess’ battered face. So, he had concentrated on Johnny. He had always known the kind sensitive side that Johnny had, but today it was
different. Watching Johnny with Jess made Roy want to run home and hug his wife and never let her go.

* * * * * *

Jess only allowed Johnny to visit. She was to upset by her appearance to allow anyone else to she her. Johnny took a months leave of absence to spend as much time with Jess. A week later Jess was released. Johnny took her home. She had withdrawn into herself and Johnny had talked to Brackett about getting her some help. Jess wouldn’t hear of it.

“You said we’d go away, just travel. Please can’t we do that? I want to just get away. Please Johnny?” Jess had a hold of his shirt and when she finished speaking her head fell against his chest.

Johnny hugged her, “Yes, we’ll go. But you still need to heal and rest. Maybe in a couple of weeks....”

“I’m okay. Please let’s go now. If I get tired I can lay down in the back seat. Please Johnny please.”

Johnny could deny her nothing. “Okay, you have an appointment with Brackett tomorrow, if he thinks you’re up to it we can leave the day after.”

Jess spent the rest of the day planning what they would need to take. The next day Brackett was reluctant to let her go. But Johnny explained that he would keep a close eye on her and any sign of a problem he’d get her to the nearest hospital.

Johnny called Captain Stanely and asked for an extension on his leave-from one month to two. They joked about how Roy was going to take the news. He’d been lucky so far. Most of the time it was Dwyer he ended up working with, but Brice had done a few shifts. Cap wished him luck and a good trip.

Johnny could hear Roy’s disappointment that he was going to be on leave even longer. But Roy assured John that Jess was more important. Roy wanted to come by with Jo to wish them luck. Johnny explained that he would stop by Roy’s house alone. Jess was still very uneasy about her appearance and being around others was just to stressful.

Johnny and Jess took off the next day. No definite destination planned. When John asked her where she would like to go Jess simply said, “Which ever way the wind is blowing.”

* * * * * *

“You mean you haven’t heard from him this whole time?” Chet was stunned.

“A phone call, post card, something?” Marco added.

Roy was getting annoyed with the same questions everytime he came on shift. “Listen if he called or wrote I would've told you. But no, I haven’t heard from him,” Roy slammed his locker, “Okay!” Roy stormed out of the locker room.

Chet turned to Marco, “You know I might just feel bad for Brice this shift.”

Stanely heard the loud discussion and went to speak with Roy. “Hey Pal, three more days and he’ll be back.”

Roy had been checking the drug box. He threw down a package of ringers, “Not a word. Those two could be dead somewhere. How could he just be so damn insensitive? He knows better than this.”

“Roy the way I look at it is Jess and Johnny must be enjoying themselves. Let’s face it if things weren’t going well he would've called you everyday.”

Roy snorted, “That’s what Jo said. But I just want to be sure. You know?”

Cap was about to continue when the phone rang. “Just hang in there Roy three more days.” Cap ran off the answer the phone.

A couple of minutes later Captain Stanely approached Roy who was now in the day room. Stanely had his hands in his pockets and kicked at the floor. “Uh Roy,” Roy looked a the captain, “That was headquarters. It seems Johnny called in and extended his leave another month. Sorry.”

Roy’s mouth fell open, “I don’t believe this. He didn’t even call here to tell us. Try to tell me nothings wrong now. This isn’t like him, something is definitely wrong.” Roy stormed off.

“I gotta say I don’t like it either,” Chet commented wiping his hands, “Johnny knows this has got to be annoying Roy. So, why would he do this?”

Cap shook his head. “I think Johnny is probably more concerned about Jess. Maybe things aren’t going well.”

“I don’t want to think about what Johnny might go through if Jess doesn’t....well you know,” Marco added.

“Jess is a strong lady. Just think about what she has already gone through. We just gotta be patient,” Mike said shrugging his shoulders.

“Patience is not a strong suit of this shift,” Brice added.

“Shut up Brice,” the other men shouted.

The following day when the men got off shift Roy drove to Johnny’s apartment complex. He thought, maybe since Mrs. Blin was collecting Johnny’s mail, he could get some information.

As he walked toward the apartment manager’s office he heard someone call his name.

“Chet what are you doing here?” Roy was annoyed.

“Hey I just thought Johnny had to call his landlady. You know about the rent and stuff.” Chet smirked, “Okay, so I’m worried about the guy, sue me.”

After knocking and being greeted by Mrs. Blin, Roy and Chet couldn’t believe what she was telling them.

“Oh and tell Johnny I’m going to miss having him around. Such a nice young man.”

“Uh, Mrs. Blin what do you mean you’ll miss him?” Chet questioned.

“He called yesterday and asked to be let out of his lease. Such a nice boy, he apologized and said I could keep the security deposit. So, are you here to pack up his stuff. He said he would send someone.”

Roy didn’t know what to say. This wasn’t what he was expecting. Chet watched Roy walk away without answering the woman. “Uh, no, Johnny must be sending someone else. Gotta go Mrs. Blin.” Chet caught up to Roy. “Hey Roy ..”

“Not now Chet,” Roy turned on his heels and let it rip. Two months of concern and anger. “He’s not coming back. That’s why he hasn’t called. He can’t face me. Jess has probably talked him into moving away. You know she’s got him wrapped around her little finger. He’s got no money, no home, and a raggy old truck. Where could they go? How could he give up everything?”

“Roy we don’t know that?” Chet wasn’t use to being the voice of reason. “Johnny didn’t quit the department--just extended his leave. Now calm down.”

“No Chet, not this time. I’m use to his hair brain schemes and wild ideas. But this is down right inconsiderate. This isn’t Johnny’s doing --it’s Jess who’s behind this.”

Chet watched Roy storm off. He wondered if Johnny were to show up at this very minute if Roy would even speak to him.

Over the next couple of weeks everyone learned not to even mention Johnny’s name around Roy. Though everyone was hurt by Johnny’s lack of communication no one had anticipated Roy’s anger.

Dixie despite her own feelings concerning the subject of Johnny’s disappearing act tried to console and counsel Roy. She was ignored.

One week before Johnny’s leave was up a letter arrived at the station.

* * * * * *

It was clearly Johnny’s writing on the envelope. It was addressed to A-shift. Inside was a simple invitation to come and see Johnny’s new home. Nothing else. No explanation about his where abouts or Jess. Two days, and they would have the answer to all their questions.

JoAnne couldn’t get Roy to go. The hurt went to deep. JoAnne even used the children to try guilt their Daddy into going. “We’ll I’m going Roy DeSoto. I do want to know what has been going on with that partner of yours.”

* * * * * *

“Will you look at that?” Chet said pointing to the mailbox. It was fire engine red and in gold letters it said Gage. “Come on Mike drive, I gotta see this place.”

The drive was about 30 minutes out to Johnny’s new place. Mike drove while Chet, Marco and Cap discussed what could be going on. JoAnne and the kids also saw the brightly colored mailbox. Though she was mad at Roy she was also mad at Johnny and planned on giving him a piece of her mind, when the children weren’t around.

Johnny came out of the barn when he heard the car drive up. Seeing his shift mates he shouted a greeting and waved. They shook his hand but held back on smiling.

Johnny knew they would be mad but he figured they’d eventually understand. “I’m sorry. I know I shoulda called and stuff but well Jess and I were just so ...” Johnny smiled, “And then this came up,” Johnny waved his hand motioning to the house and barn.

“So, what'cha doing out here anyway? Renting it or something?” Marco asked.

Johnny stood up straight and proud, “I, my dear Marco, own it.”

“What how?” the men said together.

Just then JoAnne arrived. Johnny saw that Roy wasn’t with them.

“I blew it didn't I?” Johnny said to JoAnne as the two little DeSoto’s hugged his legs.

“Johnny he just doesn’t understand why you couldn’t call? And truthfully Johnny neither do I?”

Johnny was about to speak when he heard Jess yell, “Hi.” As she came from the house.

JoAnne was taken back. The guys just stared. Johnny loved their reactions. Over the last three months Jess had transformed from the scared, bruised, and quiet young woman they had known back into the exuberant person Johnny remembered. Jess came running down the stairs and jumped the last three.

“Oh, it is so good to see you all again.” She hugged each one. “Come on talk to me.” Jess smiled and laughed. “I guess this is a shock.”

JoAnne noticed how bouncy Jess was. Jess smiled and laughed tossing her head. Even her hair seemed to glow. “My god Jess you look wonderful.”

“Thanks, come on,” Jess grabbed Jo’s hand and pulled. “Come on, you gotta see the inside.” Jess barely noticed that Jo had a hard time keeping up.

Johnny laughed. Then turning to his shift mates he lost his smile. “Roy’s that mad huh? “

“Well, John can you blame him?” Cap said. “I mean would've killed you to make a phone call?”

“You’re right. I-we were just so preoccupied that it never seemed like I had the time. Dam I blew it.” Johnny gritted his teeth. “Jess was my only concern.”

“Johnny I gotta say you worked a miracle on Jess. I hardly recognized her. I’m sure Roy will come around when he sees Jess.”

Johnny brightened at the mention of Jess. “She does look great doesn’t she?”

* * * * * *

Roy sat at home stewing in his anger. Grabbing his car keys he headed out to Johnny’s. He figured Johnny deserved a good old fashioned talking too. When he arrived he stayed in his car just out of site of the house. Chris and Jenn were playing with a woman. She would scoop them up and run then put them down and chase them again. Roy saw Johnny and his shift mates come out of the house.

The children ran to Johnny. The woman laughed. Roy watched and was amazed at the transformation--the woman was Jess.

Jess swung around and look down the driveway. She could see a car parked just around the corner. Squinting she noticed it was Roy. A huge smile spread across her face. She broke into a run.

Arriving at the car she opened it’s door and literally pulled Roy out. She hugged him, “ Oh Roy you came. Johnny’s gonna be so happy.” She stood back. Roy didn’t look happy. “I know we were terrible not to call. But Roy wait until you hear where we’ve been and then how all of this came about. Please Roy give us a chance? Don’t be mad. The guys are here. JoAnne is inside. Your kids are great. Leave the car here.” Jess started to walk back to the house, turning she noticed Roy not following. Jess shot him a funny look, walked back and took his hand. “Did I give you the impression you had a choice? That was my mistake, Pally.” Jess pulled, “Come on Junior awaits.” It became obvious Jess had gotten her strength back. He couldn’t pull free.

Johnny heard Jess yell and looked in her direction. So, did everyone else. They tried not to laugh at Jess dragging Roy along. “Look what I found. Can we keep him?” Jess laughed. They all lost it.

JoAnne had come out of the house hearing Jess yell. JoAnne could tell Roy was still angry but Jess was breaking him down. Just as she had when everyone saw her true personality.

Jess dragged Roy right up in front of Johnny. “Now, Roy I’m sorry we didn’t call. But we were well there really isn’t an excuse. So, how about we just beg for forgiveness.” Jess smiled. Johnny knew Roy would be angry. So, he smiled and shrugged his shoulders.

“Roy I’m gonna hope you can find someway of forgiving me. I know how absolutely stupid I’ve been. But I’m really gonna need a best friend,” Johnny took Jess’ hand and pulled her in front of himself. Wrapping his arms around her and putting his head on her shoulder, “Actually, I’m gonna need a best man.”

Johnny and Jess were inundated with hugs and words of congratulations. Roy just watched.

As the day wore on Jess and Johnny explained their travels. They at one point even traveled into Canada. Johnny even told of their visit back to Montana and their childhood homes. Jess held Johnny’s hand as they talked about visiting the ruins of Johnny’s home. Then how they talked to the tribal leaders about giving them the land once Johnny turned
twenty-five. The leaders wouldn’t hear of it. They would pay a fair market price for the land. They even gave Johnny a down payment of good faith. That was how he was able to buy the little ranch he was living in now.

During the entire question and answer session Roy had stood in the doorway of the kitchen. Jess noticed. She excused herself from the group. As she passed Roy she took his hand a pulled him into the kitchen then shut the door.

Jess still held Roy’s hand. She looked at it. “Roy I know how you feel.” She raised her eyes and looked at Roy for a moment before looking back at his hand. “Remember I lost him too. I know what a” she sniffled, “huge empty hole can be left in your life without John Gage around.” Jess looked up at Roy and tried to smile. “I just wanted him to myself
for a bit. We had to figure out whether we shared a history or a future.” Jess shrugged her shoulders. She couldn’t read Roy’s expression. So, she continued, “Do you know not a day would go by without him mentioning you, or your family.” Jess poked Roy in the chest. She saw him about to smile. “Roy do you know how much it means to him to have you around. He was so nervous today. And when you didn’t come with Jo--well ....please Roy talk to him. There are going to be a lot of changes in his life and he needs a Pal or should I say Pally.”

Roy couldn’t stay angry. Jess had torn down the wall he had built up. “So, he talked about me huh?”

Jess smiled and nodded, “Oh please, Roy this and Roy that. Or it was stories about your kids.” Jess got serious, “Really, though, it was nice to know Johnny found a family he could belong to.”

“It was our pleasure,” Roy smiled. “I think we should get back to the party.”

“Yeah,” Jess turned and wavered a bit, ”Oooh, damn.”

“Hey, what’s wrong?”

“Johnny doesn’t know it yet, but he’s gonna have another question for you?” Jess saw the confused look on Roy’s face, “How do you feel about being a godfather?” Jess winked.

Roy saw Jess blush, “You’re pregnant?”

“Shhh, he doesn’t know yet.”

“Well, when were you going to tell him?”

“I wanted to make sure everything would be okay between the two of you first.”

Roy felt guilty about ever doubted Jess’ motives. Roy’s eyes grew big, “Can I tell him?”

Jess laughed a little, “Oh come on, I should be the one." Jess looked around, “How would you tell him?”

“Leave that to me,” Roy grinned and narrowed his eyes. “Can I do it today?”

“You better I don’t think I can hide getting sick anymore.”

* * * * * *

“One more thing before we go back in. When are you do?”

“Roy what are you going to do?” Jess tried not to smile.

“I’m not telling. So?”

“January.”

“Just play along Jess, follow my lead.”

“I thought Johnny was the one with the wacky ideas.”

Roy pulled Jess back into the living room. Roy made sure his face wouldn’t reveal anything.

Johnny saw Roy and Jess come back into the room. Roy didn’t look any better.

JoAnne saw it too. She went over to Roy, “Come on lighten up. They’re here now. Be happy for them.” Jo nudged Roy, “Go sit next to him. Roy you didn’t even answer him about being his best man.”

Roy shrugged and went over to where Johnny was sitting. “Can I sit here?”

Johnny hopes rose, “Yeah of course.” Jess sat on the floor by Johnny’s feet.

The guys were standing watching Roy and Johnny.

“So Roy you gonna be his best man?” Chet was promptly elbowed in the ribs by Cap.

Johnny looked at Roy, “You never did answer me.”

“John I just think- I need to think about it.” Roy saw the hurt look on John’s face. “I mean these past months you hurt all of us a lot. I ---just don’t know---if I can forgive such a blatant disregard of our friendship.”

Johnny swallowed hard and looked down at Jess.

“Roy that’s unfair. I know ...”

“Jess this is between Johnny and I. As far as I’m concerned you caused all this.”

Johnny didn’t like this development at all. “Hey, now back off Roy. Leave Jess out of this."

“No Johnny let him talk. Roy what can I do to change your mind?” Jess was working hard not to laugh. The others interpreted her look as if she was about to cry.

“I want your first born,” Roy said staring at Jess.

Johnny didn’t understand the comment.

Jess smiled and cocked her head to one side, “That’s sounds reasonable. When would you expect delivery of your payment?”

Roy rubbed his chin, “January’s a nice month to have a baby.” Roy extended his hand.

Jess shook Roy’s hand, “It’s a deal.”

“What the hell are you two talking about?” Johnny said with frustration. “First born, January---Can someone explain---Jess?”

Jess smiled. A wave of realization spread through the group. “I don’t think we should wait til the fall to get married. They don’t sell maternity wedding dresses---Poppa.”

Johnny stared at her. The hopes and dreams of long ago being fulfilled left him teary eyed. “Come here,” Johnny pulled Jesse up onto his lap. “So, it wasn’t a touch of the flu the other day was it?” Jess shook her head. “You told Roy before me. You to make quite a team.”

“Hey Gage and DeSoto strike again,” Jess said. "You're not mad are you? About Roy knowing before you or the baby?”

“Jess right now I can’t be mad about anything,” Johnny wrapped his arms around Jess and shouted to his friends, “I’m gonna be a Poppa.”

Everyone gather around and congratulated the couple.

Pulling Jess into a hug and nuzzling her neck, “So when do you want to get married since our original plans are kinda thrown out the window now?”

“Hey, Jo,” Jess called over to her new friend. “Do you think you can help me plan a wedding for next month?”

“Jess I’ll be at your beckon call.”

“Alright then. Everyone one month from today we expect you back here for a wedding.” Johnny announced to his friends.

The day had started out stressed but ended discussing wedding plans and a new life.

The End

To be continued in In Sickness and In Health

                    Webpage Copyright 2003-2004 by krys and Johnny B
                     This page last updated on:  Tuesday, 25 May 2004 13:48:53