Part 2
A small house on Elmhurst Avenue

Mitchell Bateman pulled into the driveway and parked. He looked at the small slip of paper he had in his hand then at the numbers on the house. He let out a whistle as he stepped out of the car. “Man Gage, you sure do know how to get the best deals.” He looked at the front of the two story house feeling a vague sense of jealousy. He lived in a condo in Whittier that he’d bought just out of University and here was his best friend from High School living in a five bedroom house on two acres of prime land in the hills of L.A. life just wasn’t fair.

Mitch had spent the better part of high school hiding from the school bullies. During that time, he met young John Gage. They had become fast friends since both were doing a lot of running and hiding. Mitch had gone on to college after high school earning his bachelor’s degree in business, then going on to law school. He had graduated at the top of his class and was now practicing law in the neighborhood he grew up in. He had hung out his shingle three days after having a fight with his father over turning down a position at a Beverly Hills law firm. So now here was Mitch standing outside a beautiful house that John Gage owned in the hills of L.A. County.

Johnny was sitting on the deck off his bedroom watching the birds fly and his neighbor’s cats chase the small brown squirrels around. He had his own kitten lying in his lap sleeping. He was thinking of nothing in particular when the door bell rang, “AUGGHH!” Johnny jumped as the cat dug her claws into Johnny’s bare leg. He ran down the stairs not knowing that the claw marks had left long scratches that were bleeding.

The door bell rang a third time when Johnny got to the bottom of the stairs. “Hold your fuckin’ horses!” He yelled as he yanked the door open.

“Wow, wasn’t expecting that kind of greeting, but hello Johnny.” Mitch smiled at his friend.

“Hey Mitch, sorry,” Johnny stepped back to let his friend in. “I…”

“Hey, don’t sweat it Johnny.” Mitch walked into the great room and looked around. The house was sparsely furnished but every piece sitting in that room was all Johnny. “Hey, I like this.”

“Thanks, uh, sorry I haven’t had you over sooner.” Johnny led his friend into the kitchen. “Get you something to drink?”

“You got a beer?” He asked.

“Sorry, I’m all out how about a soda instead?” Johnny opened the fridge and peered into its depths. “Uh, scratch that. It appears that all I have is water.”

Mitch took a close look at his friend and frowned, “You loosing weight there Johnny?”

“Huh?” Johnny hitched up his shorts and scratched his arm. “Don’t think so.”

“Well, tell ya what, why don’t you run upstairs and get dressed, then I’ll take you out to lunch, my treat.” Mitch stood hoping his friend took the bait.

“Ya know, Mitch, I really don’t feel like going out. I’m sorry, but I’ve been having these killer head aches lately and I’m kinda tired.” Johnny didn’t bite.

“Okay, then grab your shoes and wallet and we’ll go down to the store and buy the makings for some killer sandwiches and pick up a twelve pack of brew. We’ll sit in front of the tube all afternoon watching the basketball games and getting shit faced.” Mitch crossed his fingers.

Johnny sighed. He knew he needed to go shopping and it was easier when you had some one with you. “All right, give me five minutes to change then we’ll go, but you’re driving.”

“Wouldn’t want it any other way,” He knew Johnny loved riding in his Mustang convertible. And since the weather was warm, he’d dropped the top on his way over.

“Good deal,” Johnny walked up the stairs and headed for his bedroom.

Mitch frowned again, usually his friend would run instead of walking if he could get away with it. ‘Oh well’ he thought. He looked around the kitchen and found a shopping list held on the fridge by a magnet. He pulled the list down and took a pen out of his jacket pocket. Opening the door of the fridge, he looked inside. ‘No wonder you’re so damn skinny Gage, there’s nothing to eat in this house.’ He scribbled some stuff on the list that wasn’t already there but knew Johnny would want. He then walked over to what looked like a pantry door and opened it. Sure enough, there were boxes and cans of food. There was also a bag of kitty chow that looked a little low. ‘Better get cat food and knowing Johnny, litter.’ He wrote these items on the list as well.

Johnny returned ten minutes later dressed in jeans and a button down shirt. He had socks on his feet but no shoes.

“Uh, where are your shoes?”

“What?” Johnny looked at his feet and shrugged, “dunno.”

Mitch looked around the kitchen and dining room. “Well, they have to be somewhere Johnny.” He looked at his friend. Johnny was standing in the middle of the room with a blank look on his face. Mitch walked over to Johnny, “Hey buddy, what’s wrong?”

Johnny continued to stand there totally spaced out. Nothing that Mitch did would bring him out. Fifteen minutes later, Mitch was ready to call Johnny’s partner and ask his advice when Johnny shook his head and looked around.

“Thought we were going to the store,” He headed for the door.

“You still need to get your shoes, buddy.” Mitch walked over and stopped Johnny from going outside with just his stocking feet.

Johnny looked down. “Oh, uh…” He scratched his head, “Ya know what I think I’d better not go shopping.”

“Look John, go get your shoes and I’ll take you to the store. You need to get out and get some food for the house and for your kitty.” Mitch said.

The mention of the kitten perked Johnny up. “Smokey?” He looked around the room. “Smokey…where are you Smokey?”

Mitch sighed as he watched Johnny walk around the living room calling for the kitten. “Come on Johnny, we need to go.” He stepped up to the man and grabbed his arm.

Johnny flinched. “What?” He snapped.

“Whoa there…” Mitch stepped back. “What’s wrong Johnny?”

“Nothing’s wrong Mitchell!” Johnny again headed for the door. He picked his keys up and shoved them into his pocket. He was still in his stocking feet when he walked out the front door.

Mitch shook his head and followed his friend. He knew Johnny didn’t drink heavily and he could not detect any alcohol on his friend, so he did the only thing he could think of and that was pick up the pair of sneakers by the door and follow his friend, “Hey Johnny!”

Johnny stopped at the drivers’ side of his Rover and looked at Mitch. He had put a pair of sunglasses when he’d stepped out the door. “What?”

“Your shoes, man.” Mitch held up the sneakers.

Johnny looked down at his feet to see that he was only wearing his white athletic socks. “Oh, fuck!” He slammed the door shut and walked over to Mitch. He snatched the shoes out of his friends hand and sat down on the top step of the porch. “Dammit!”

“Hey buddy, take it easy.” Mitch watched his friend as he put on his sneakers. “What’s wrong Johnny?” He was beginning to see what Hank Stanley had told him. He looked closely at his friend. He had seen the weight loss and the obvious fatigue.

“Nothing is wrong, Mitchell. Why don’t you just leave me the fuck alone?” He stood and stomped over to his truck. “I don’t need a baby sitter, nor do I need anyone to help me do my grocery shopping.”

Mitch walked over to the truck and slid into the passenger seat. “Ain’t getting’ rid of me that easily, Gage. Besides, I thought you wanted to ride in my Mustang.”

Johnny glared at Mitch. “I kinda figured that,” he pulled the door open and got in, “and I changed my mind.” He stated. Starting the engine, Johnny backed out of the drive and headed down the street.

Mitch held on as Johnny took the turn onto the main drag at a higher than normal rate of speed. He wasn’t sure if he wanted to say anything to his friend about his driving.

DeSoto house

Twelve-year-old Christopher DeSoto was watching as his father worked the clay on the wheel. “How long have you been doing that?”

“Since I was about your age,” Roy said as he adjusted his hands on the bowl he was making.

“Oh,” Chris looked at his thumb then at his father, “Dad?”

Roy stopped the wheel and looked at his son, “What’s wrong Chris?”

“Nothing with me, but…” Chris wasn’t sure how to ask the question he wanted to ask.

“Well, something’s been bothering you all day.” Roy spoke in his usual soft tone.

“What’s wrong with Johnny?” Chris asked.

“What do you mean?” Roy was pretty sure he knew what Chris was talking about.

“Well, you saw how he was acting last week. He was like a space cadet, then he yelled at Jenny,” Chris pulled himself up straight, “Then he snapped at you and mom.”

“Johnny’s got something bothering him, son, and I wish I knew what it was.” Roy put his clay away and cleaned up the work area. “Help me with this.” He and Chris finished cleaning the work bench off and putting the twenty-five pound box of clay in the cupboard. “I’ll talk to Johnny tomorrow, Chris. Will that make you feel better?”

“Yes, sir,” Chris smiled at his father. “Thanks, Dad.”

“You’re welcome Chris.” Roy watched his son run into the house.

Chapter Five

Station 51 Three days later

Hank Stanley stood in front of his men frowning. John Gage was late for the fourth shift in a row. He hadn’t had a real problem with tardiness, especially since he’d been dating Dixie McCall. Now all of a sudden he’s been late consistently. He was trying to figure out how to handle the situation when the tones went off sending the engine to a fire. “I want Gage in my office when I get back, Roy,” were his parting words.

Roy sat at the table thinking when the phone rang. He walked over to the phone and answered, “Station 51 Firefighter DeSoto.”

“Roy?” A male voice was on the other end.

“Yes,” Roy gripped the receiver in a near death grip.

“I’m lost Roy. I don’t know where I am.” Johnny was near hysteria.

“Take a deep breath Johnny. Can you describe your surroundings?” He looked over at Jimmy Djilas who had stayed over to cover for Johnny.

Johnny stood at the phone booth trying to control his breathing. He looked around the area trying to focus. “I can’t see the signs Roy. Can you help me see the signs?” Johnny gripped the receiver as he slid down to the concrete.

“Where are your glasses Johnny?” Roy asked softly. He had pulled his notebook out of his pocket and clicked his pen. He wrote a note to Jimmy telling him to call in that Johnny was out there, but they didn’t know where there was.

“I dunno, Roy. Help me.” He felt the sting of tears forming in his eyes as he sat with his back against the wall of the phone booth. He wanted to go home, but he didn’t know where home was. “Can you come and get me?”

“I’m working on it, Johnny. You need to tell me where you are though.” Roy had a thought, “Are you in a phone booth?”

“Uh-huh.” Johnny mumbled. “It closes.” Johnny was describing one of perhaps hundreds of phone booths in that part of the county. “But the glass is busted.”

Roy was writing this down. “Are there shrubs near the booth?” Roy was almost certain he knew where his friend was.

“Yeah, tall ones, they smell pretty Roy.” Johnny wiped his nose with the back of his hand. “I’m scared Roy.”

“I know you are, Junior. I’m working real hard to find you.” He wrote another note to Jimmy. “Is there a park near where you are with a lot of kids playing outside?” Roy had heard what sounded like children running around yelling and laughing.

Johnny stood and looked out the broken glass at his surroundings again, “Yes, Roy, there’s a park right behind me. With a brick building a little ways away,” Johnny speech was sounding slurred.

“Okay Junior, I know where you are.” Roy didn’t want to hang up but he knew he needed to get to his partner. “I need you to hang up now so Jimmy and I can come and get you.”

“Okay Roy.” Johnny slowly hung up the phone then slid back down. He was dressed in jeans and a long sleeved shirt with the tails untucked. His hair was messy and his shoes were untied. To the mothers walking by him he looked like another junkie strung out on smack. To the cop that had been waved down by one of the mothers he looked like someone who needed to take a trip to the drunk-tank.

Officer Wilson Payne walked slowly up to Johnny after reporting his location and requesting backup. He wasn’t sure how this was going to go down, but he wasn’t going to lose another perp to shitty police work. He saw Johnny sitting on the concrete rocking slightly. “Hey there buddy, you all right?” He approached slowly.

Johnny looked up at the cop and squinted, “Huh?”

Payne squatted down in front of Johnny about five feet away from the man. “Hey, I’m talking to you.” He pulled his night stick out of its holder and prodded Johnny’s knee.

“Hey!” Johnny looked at the man, “Wha’ da fuck you wan’?” His speech was getting more and more difficult to understand.

“Isn’t it a little early for you to be drinking?” He asked Johnny. “What’s your name, buddy?”

“Name?” Johnny looked at the man again, “Don’ know no name…” He dropped his head.

Payne was just starting to lose his patience when Officer Vince Howard approached. “What have you got here, Payne?”

“Ah, just some drunk,” Payne stood and wiped his hand on his trousers, “although I’m more inclined to think he’s strung out on something.”

Vince stepped closer and looked at the man huddled on the ground, “Shit, Gage what are you doing sitting on the ground?” He looked at Payne, “Call in and tell them that the missing paramedic’s been found and have them contact Captain Hank Stanley out at station 51.” He turned back to Johnny, “Hey Johnny, Roy’s looking all over for you. He should be here soon.”

Rampart Hospital

Dr. Joe Early was manning the base station when the call came in from 51s.

“Rampart this is County 51.” Jimmy’s voice came over the radio.

“Go ahead 51.” Joe raised an eyebrow at Dixie. “I thought Johnny was working today.”

“That’s what he told me when he dropped me off last night.” Dixie picked up a pencil and the clipboard to take the information.

Miller’s Park

“Rampart, we have a male, 30, who’s disoriented with slurred speech. No sign of drugs or alcohol detected. Stand by for vitals.”  Jimmy looked at Roy.

“His BP’s a little high, 160 over 84, pulse is 27 and strong, respirations 19. Pupils are sluggish and speech is slurred. No sign of head injury.” Roy furnished the vitals.

“Rampart, BP’s 160 over 84, pulse 27 and strong, respirations 19, pupils sluggish and speech still slurred. There’s no sign of head injury. Be advised the patient is John Gage.” Jimmy finished.

“51, start IV, normal saline, is Gage lucid?” Joe asked.

“Ten-four Rampart, IV normal saline,” Jimmy looked at Johnny, “Not really Rampart. He’s aware somewhat of his surroundings but isn’t cognizant of what’s going on or who he is.”

Johnny watched as Roy started the IV. “Ouch!” He jerked his arm out of Roy’s grasp. “Don’ do that!”

“Stop it Johnny.” Roy grabbed the arm back.

“Hey,” Johnny made to stand up, “Leggo of me.”

Roy watched as Jimmy reached out for Johnny.

“Yo, Johnny, you need to sit back down and let Roy take care of you.” The much younger man said.

“Don’ wan’ no needle in me. I ain’ no fuckin’ junkie.” Johnny’s slurred speech was making Roy more worried. “Get ‘way from me!” He stood and started walking away. He got no more than four steps before he tripped over his shoelaces and fell. “Oof, shit!”

Jimmy and Wilson reached down for Johnny. This caused the man to panic. “NO! You can’t take me in.”

“Sit down, Gage.” Wilson pushed Johnny down onto the sidewalk. He wasn’t very nice about it either. He was almost certain Johnny was on some drug. “I want blood drawn for a drug test.” He looked pointedly at Roy. “I found him in the phone booth here looking pretty strung out.”

Vince looked at the younger cop, “There’s no way in hell John Gage is strung out on anything.” He looked from Roy to Johnny then back, “I’ve known him for six years and he’s NEVER touched drugs.”

Johnny looked at Roy, “Where am I?” He asked softly. Looking around he started getting agitated, “How did I get here?”

“What’s the last thing you remember, Junior?” Roy asked.

“Uh, I ‘member dropping Dix off at her housh lasht night,” Johnny slurred out.

Roy took another look at Johnny’s eyes, “Where’s your contacts Johnny?”

“Hurt,” Johnny rubbed his eyes, “Lef’ ‘em at home.”

“What about your glasses?” Roy looked around for Johnny’s truck. “Vince can you see the Rover anywhere?”

Vince looked around, “Yeah, it’s parked back there about a half a block. Want me to go look for his glasses?”

“Yeah, if you see either his glasses or his sunglasses can you bring them to me?” Roy again reached for Johnny’s arm. “Now, I’m going to start this IV and you are going to co-operate.”

Johnny looked at Roy then tipped his head. “Okay Roy.” He whispered.

Roy started the IV and got Johnny settled on the gurney that the ambulance attendant had just shown up with. “Here ya go, Johnny. We’ll take you to Rampart and you can give Dixie and Joe a hard time.”

Rampart Hospital Emergency Department

Roy stepped out of the ambulance and followed Johnny down the hall. He had spent the fifteen minute ride to the hospital trying to get a coherent thought out of his partner and failed. He watched as Johnny was wheeled down the hallway to a treatment room.

Dixie walked up to Roy, “Any change?”

“It’s really strange, Dix. He was fine the other day.” Roy’s shoulders slumped. “I never saw this coming.”

“I did,” Dixie looked at Roy. “In fact I think we both have been denying that something was wrong with Johnny.”

“What do you mean?” Roy looked down the hall at the door to the treatment room.

“Roy, you and I both know that Johnny’s been having problems for almost six months now.” Dixie looked worn out. “I kept trying to get Johnny to talk to Kel or Joe but he wouldn’t.”

“That’s not your fault, Dix. You know how stubborn Johnny is.” Roy leaned against the counter. He looked into the room that now housed the base station.  “Jimmy’s a little rattled.” He commented.

“I can understand why.” Dixie smiled.

Jimmy Djilas walked down the hallway and stopped next to the desk. “How’s Johnny?”

“Haven’t gone in yet,” Roy shrugged.

Dr. Joe Early walked up to the Nurses’ station. “Well, let’s go take a look at John Gage.”

Dixie, Joe, and Roy headed to treatment room four and John Gage.

Treatment Room 4

Johnny was lying on the exam table. His head had started hurting again and all he wanted to do was go to sleep but the over head lights weren’t allowing that to happen. He took a deep breath and blew it out in a puff. He looked at his right arm where the IV was attached and he let his eyes follow the tubing up to the plastic bag hanging from the pole. ‘Wonder what’s in there,’ he thought.

Joe Early walked into the treatment room alone. He wanted to see how much memory loss Johnny was suffering from so he had asked Dixie and Roy to stay in the hallway.  Once in the room, Joe looked at Johnny from the doorway. “Hello Johnny.”

Johnny turned his head at the sound of the voice. He didn’t know this man who had entered the room. Johnny gave a soft whimper and tried to sit up.

“Hang on there, kiddo, don’t want you to fall off the table now.” He reached over to settle Johnny back down.

“NO! Don’t touch me!” Johnny yelled at Joe.

“Take it easy Johnny. I’m not going to hurt you.” Joe spoke softly and slowly.

Johnny sat back panting. His breathing becoming more and more labored.

Joe walked over to the door and poked his head out, “Dix, I need you and Roy in here. Also, get another nurse to help with some tests.”

“Right away Joe,” Dixie walked over to the nurses’ station and had one of the nurses paged. She then joined Roy outside the treatment room. “Well, here we go.”

“Right,” Roy pushed the door open and looked at Johnny. “Hey partner.”

Johnny looked at Roy and Dixie and frowned, “Wha’s goin’ on?”

“Well, you haven’t been doing too well lately Tiger,” Dixie walked up to Johnny. “We brought you here to get you taken care of.”

“Oh,” Johnny’s brow furrowed deeper. “Who are you?”

Treatment Room 4 Rampart Hospital

Dr. Kelly Brackett walked into the treatment room, “I just got off the phone with radiology; they’re ready for you any time.” He looked from Johnny to Joe.

“Okay,” Joe turned to the young man now lying on the table covered with a blanket over his gown clad body. “We’re going to send you upstairs for some x-rays and a new procedure called a C.T. scan, or as we like to call it, a CAT scan.”

Johnny opened his eyes wide at this, “NO! No cats. Please, don’t… no cats.”

Kel and Joe started snickering. Dixie slapped Joe on the arm, “Not cats Johnny. Don’t worry, no furry little animals are going to get hurt or hurt you. This is a special machine that will help us look inside your head.” She brushed his unruly hair off his forehead.

Johnny heaved a sigh of relief, “Okay.”

“Now that that’s settled, we’re going to send you upstairs in a few minutes. This should help us find out what’s wrong with you and why you’re having trouble with your memory and your vision.” Joe gave Johnny a soft pat on his arm, “Who knows, maybe you can give up the glasses soon.”

Johnny stared straight ahead. He had blanked out again.

“Is this what you saw the other day?” Kel asked Roy.

“Yeah,” Roy looked at Johnny, “Just like he’d shut off or something.”

Kel looked at Johnny closer, “You know you are right, Joe look at him. It’s just as Roy said.”

Joe and Kel walked up to the exam table and peered closely at Johnny. “This is getting curiouser and curiouser.”

Ten minutes later Joe went up with Johnny to get the pictures taken of Johnny’s thick head.

Five hours later

Joe Early was talking to William Coward, head of the Neurology Department at Rampart, “Well Bill, it looks like a growth in the back portion of the base of the skull.”

“Looks like that to me too,” Bill looked at Joe, “Surgery?”

“No doubt about it,” Joe sighed, “He’s not going to be happy.”

“Do you want me to tell him?” Bill looked from the screen to Joe.

“No, I’ll do it tomorrow.” Joe shut down the machine and put the films away. “I know one person who I am telling tonight though.”

“DeSoto?”

“No, Dixie,” Joe picked up the folder and headed for the door, “She’d skin me alive if I didn’t.”

“I don’t envy you,” Bill followed Joe making sure to close the door as they left the room.

Rampart’s Cafeteria

Joe looked up as his name was called, “Oh, hello Kel.”

Kelly Brackett sat down at the table Joe was occupying, “Well?”

“Johnny…” Joe wiped his mouth, “I found a tumor.”

Kel sighed, “Have you told him or Dix yet?”

Dixie walked up just then, “Told me what?”

Both men stood and offered Dix a seat at the table, “Hi Dix.” Joe said softly.

“You found something?” Dix didn’t even need to hear the answer, she provided it for them, “You found a tumor, didn’t you?”

“Yes, Dixie we did,” Joe started, “but Bill and I are pretty certain it’s benign and operable.”

Now it was Dixie’s turn to sigh, “I want to be there when you tell him.”

“I agree,” Joe took a drink before continuing, “I’m planning on telling him tomorrow morning. I want to give the boy some time to rest and get to feeling better.”

Kel gave a soft chuckle causing the other two to glare at him, “You know, I was just thinking.”

“About what?” Joe asked.

“Johnny’s not going to like that you’re planning on shaving his head.” Kel chuckled again.

Dixie and Joe couldn’t help themselves as they too laughed at the thought of a bald John Gage and his reaction to the loss of his hair.

Chapter Six

Room 412

Johnny moaned as he opened his eyes. The pounding in his head was still there and he was feeling a bit nauseous, “Ahh.”

Leslie Delzer looked up at the board when the buzzer sounded. “Ah, he’s awake.” She picked up Johnny’s chart and headed down the hall.

The room was dark when Johnny had awakened. He looked around the room after his eyes had adjusted. He wanted to find the emesis basin that should have been next to the bed but wasn’t. He lost the battle with his stomach just as the nurse walked into the room.

Leslie scrunched her nose as she took in the sight. She had only been working on this floor for three months and had only been out of school for five, so she wasn’t really use to seeing these kind of things. She walked over to Johnny and peered at him. “You just couldn’t wait?”

Johnny looked up at the woman, “Sorry,” he whispered.

Leslie walked out of the room without even attempting to clean Johnny up.

Fifteen minutes later

Dixie McCall couldn’t say what caused her to wake up and get dressed, nor could she say why she drove to Rampart that early morning. All she could say was what she found when she entered Johnny’s room.

Johnny lay in bed shivering from a fever that had taken hold. He was covered in the mess he’d made upon waking and was feeling alone and miserable. He thought that he was in trouble since the nurse hadn’t been back to clean him up. He hugged himself in an attempt to self-comfort.

Dixie pushed open the door and took a deep breath. Her face contorted at the odor that hit her nose. She turned on the over head light and took in the sight before her, “Oh, Johnny.” She went over to the cupboard for a clean gown and some clean bedding before going into the bathroom for some damp rags and a bowl to clean Johnny up. She gently cleaned the younger man while talking quietly to him.

“Shh, it’s all right, Tiger. You just rest and let me do all the work.” Dixie crooned as she removed the gown and wiped Johnny’s face and torso off, “Did you have a bad dream Sweety?”

Johnny nodded his head but refused to speak.

Leslie opened the door and scrunched her button nose again before loudly exclaiming, “Ooohh, does it stink in here! Did you make a mess again?”

Johnny chose just that moment to release a little pent up gas causing even more of a stink not to mention making a very loud and rude noise. Leslie had her back to Johnny as she closed the door, “Now that was totally uncalled for Mr. Gage. It’s bad enough I have to put up with the stink from your throwing up, I won’t put up with you making that rude noise.”

Dixie turned and faced the nurse, “Miss Delzer you had better have a good reason for not being here when Mr. Gage needed you to take care of him. Now, you’d better get your thoughts together so you can explain to your supervisor why I found this patient sitting in his bed in a soiled gown and bedding. I don’t allow this kind of behavior from my nurses in the ER and I should hope that your supervisor doesn’t allow it from her nurses here either. Now get out of my sight!” Dixie picked up the soiled gown and linen and dropped it in Leslie’s arms. “NOW!”

Leslie looks from the pile of dirty, smelly items in her arms to Dixie and knows that to say anything will get herself into even more trouble.

Dixie turned back to Johnny to see the man shivering on the bed. He had a fresh gown on but no sheets or blankets so he was partially exposed. She rushed to get Johnny some covering. “I’m sorry Johnny. Here, let me take care of you.”

“NO! Stay away from me.” Johnny pushed away from Dixie and climbed out of the bed and pulled the IV out as he scrambled to get under the bed and in his mind: safety.

Dixie watched as Johnny crawled on the floor. His gown hadn’t been fastened so it was coming off. Johnny pulled the gown off with a grunt and finished pulling his long legs under the bed. He curled into a ball. Dixie knelt on the floor and pulled the gown closer so that she could cover the now naked patient. “Johnny,” she spoke softly, “come on out please.”

Johnny whimpered for a few minutes. Dixie watched the younger man closely. She saw the change happen right in front of her eyes. Later she would tell Joe what it really looked like to her, but right at that moment Johnny’s face contorted as if in extreme pain. He gave a low guttural growl as he clawed his way out from under the bed, “I said leave me the fuck alone, bitch!” Johnny stood with his hands balled into fists ready to strike out.

Dixie stood quickly and stepped out of Johnny’s long reach. She turned her head to look for the door when she felt the fist strike her.

Dr. William Coward entered the room just as Johnny’s fist connected with Dixie’s shoulder. He rushed to the patient in efforts to restrain the man. “Calm down Mr. Gage.” He slowly stepped up to the young man. “Why don’t you let Miss McCall get you dressed in a clean gown and under the covers? You’ll be much more comfortable.”

Johnny blinked his eyes as he looked around the room. “Huh?”

“Come on Johnny, you need to get a gown on.” Dixie approached the man without any fear.

Dr. Coward tried to warn her off, “Don’t get too close.”

“Why not?” Dixie and Johnny said at the same time.

The doctor looked at the two. A memory came to him. Joe had informed the doctor about the relationship between the patient and nurse. “Okay, Mr. Gage, you let Miss McCall take care of you and get back into bed. I’ll be back in a few minutes to take a look at you.”

Johnny nodded and looked at Dixie. “Dix?”

Dixie got Johnny settled back into bed with a fresh gown and clean bedding. After restarting the IV, she quietly talked to Johnny until he was asleep.

Next Morning

Dr. Coward met up with Kel and Joe before heading in to see Johnny. They talked for a few minutes over how they were going to approach telling Johnny about their findings. Kel had suggested that Roy and Dix be on hand when they broke the news. All three had agreed. They were now waiting for Roy to arrive.

“Has Dix arrived yet?” Bill asked.

“Arrived?” Joe laughed, “Bill, she’s been here all night.”

“Ah, so she has it bad huh?” Bill, who was the youngest of the three doctors, winked.

“You could say that,” Joe said. He looked at Kel and noticed how quite his colleague was, “Although I think the feeling’s mutual.”

“Really?” Bill also noticed Kel’s lack of participation in the conversation, “Well, I hope Roy gets here soon, I missed my morning coffee.”

“And whose fault is that?” Joe smiled.

“I know, but hey, I was here all night too. The ER kept sending me head cases.” Bill shook his head. “No pun intended.”

“Now he tells us.” Joe says as he and Kel laugh at the inside joke.

“What did I miss?” Dixie asked as she came down the hall. She had been in the nurses’ locker room changing from her uniform to her street clothes. She hadn’t bothered changing the night before.

“Nothing, Dix,” Kel smiled at the nurse, “We’re just waiting for Roy so we can talk to Johnny.”

“Oh,” Dixie sat down on the empty chair, “Then you’ll tell Johnny?”

“Yes, Dix, then we’ll tell Johnny.” Joe smiled, “I just know he’s not going to be happy about the hair though.”

Dixie laughed, “He’s not as vain about his hair as he was four or five years ago, Joe.” She looked at the three men, “In fact, he was telling me the other day that he wanted me to make an appointment for him to get his hair cut.”

“Wow,” Joe whistled, “Well, I guess we’ll save him a few bucks.”

Dixie smacked Joe on the arm, “Stop that!”

Kel and Bill laughed at the way Joe looked. “Guess she told you.” Kel snickered.

“Yep,” Joe agreed.

Roy DeSoto walked slowly down the hallway. He had been informed yesterday evening that a diagnosis had been made and that his presence was requested when they told the younger man what was wrong. He looked at the assembled medical personnel and his heat sank. ‘This can’t be good.’ He thought as he approached, “Doc?”

“Roy,” Joe stood, “Please, have a seat.” They were in the waiting area that at the moment was empty.

“What’s wrong with Johnny?” Roy remained standing.

Dixie stood up and walked over to Roy, “They found a tumor, Roy.” She spoke softly, quietly, trying to keep back the tears.

“The type of tumor is normally benign Roy.” Dr. Coward said.

“What’s that mean?” Roy looked at the doctor, “Is Johnny going to die?”

“Not if any of us have anything to say about it.” Kel spoke up. “Look Roy, Johnny had a rough night and could really use a friend. Why don’t you come up with us so we can tell him that we are going to operate and that means his head is going to be shaved bald.”

Roy laughed at that last bit of information, “Oh-ho, Johnny is NOT going to like that.”

“Come on, Roy let’s go tell your partner what’s in store for him.” Dixie put her arm through Roy’s and led him to the elevator. The five friends and co-workers entered the elevator quietly. Kel reached out and pushed the number four button and sighed as the doors closed.

Roy looked at Dix, “Did I ever tell you that Johnny really hates elevators?”

“No, you didn’t. When did you find that out?” Dixie asked.

“Well, two years ago we had a rescue that involved some one stuck in an elevator. It was that call that turned into a heart attack. Anyway, Johnny went down via life-line from the floor above, the thirteenth floor in fact, and landed on the top of the car. He climbed in through the service hatch and came across a forty-three year old man….a rather obese man in fact. He was breathing heavily and sweating. Johnny knew right away that the man needed to be out of the elevator so that he could get the medical attention he needed. It took us over an hour and a half to get the elevator down to a floor where we could open the doors and get the man out. That meant that Johnny had to keep the man calm for thirteen floors while we hand cranked the car down. The maintenance people didn’t know what had happened. The building was relatively new and the elevators had been inspected just a couple of months prior.” Roy looked at Dixie as he stepped out of the elevator on the fourth floor.

“I remember that call,” Kel said, “Morton took the call that morning and really ticked Johnny off. I guess Morton couldn’t figure out why Johnny couldn’t patch the man through for an EKG. What with Johnny stuck in the elevator and the biophone out of reach. Really ticked that man off,” Kel gave a short laugh, “Mike tried to get a few more digs in while Johnny was cleaning up after arriving here. I had to step in because Johnny was ready to beat the shit out of Morton.”

“Would serve him right too,” Dixie said.

Room 412

Johnny was getting restless. His breakfast had consisted of some watery Cream of Wheat and dry toast, juice but no coffee. This made Johnny shudder. He needed his coffee. His head had begun to ache again and he was certain that if he had a little caffeine in his system the discomfort would go away. He looked up when the door to his room opened. “It’s about friggin’ time.”

“Hey, is that any way to speak to your favorite nurse?” Dixie walked over to the bed. “Good morning.” She brushed a kiss over Johnny’s lips. This caused Johnny to blush.

Roy pulled up a chair for himself and Dixie and sat, “Doc?” He waved his hand at the three doctors.

“Yes,” Joe looked at Roy then turned his attention to Johnny, “We have the results of the tests Johnny.”

“And,” Johnny prompted. He felt his hand taken into a firm grip and looked down to see Dixie holding his left hand.

“We found a tumor,” Joe walked up to Johnny and placed his hand on the back of Johnny’s head, “Right about here.”

“A tumor?” Johnny whispered. He felt a hand on his knee as he closed his eyes, “Cancer?”

“No Johnny.” Joe stated strongly. “This type of tumor is benign ninety-five percent of the time, and is in a spot that’s totally operable. We plan on doing the operation this afternoon.”

Johnny reached up and fingered his hair, “You’re gonna shave it, aren’t you?”

“I’m sorry Johnny, really, but yes, we are going to have to shave your whole head.” Bill tried not to snicker.

Johnny sighed, “Is this why I’ve been acting like a total asshole?”

“Well, it sure does explain the changes in your behavior. It could also be why you’ve been having vision problems.” Joe smiled, “Maybe, just maybe mind you, you’ll be able to give up the glasses once you’ve healed.”

Johnny perked up at this. “Okay, let’s get this show on the road. What do I need to do?”

“Well, we see you haven’t touched your breakfast, that’s good. It means we can schedule you for Noon instead of four, like I was planning on doing. I’m also going to have Dixie give you a little something to keep you calm so you don’t get another headache. Your only job is to lie there and rest.” Joe said.

“Okay,” Johnny sighed, “Thanks Doc.”

“Don’t thank us until after you see what you look like after the bandages come off.” Kel laughed.

Johnny gave the doctors a dirty look as they left the room. He looked over at Roy, “Roy?”

“I’ll be here when you wake up Junior.” Roy smiled.

“Thanks Roy.” Johnny yawned.

“You get some sleep Johnny.” Roy patted Johnny’s leg. “Everything will be all right.”

“Okay,” Johnny snuggled down under the covers, “Dixie?”

“What Johnny?” She was running her hand through his hair.

“You still love me?” Johnny yawned again.

“Always Handsome,” Dixie kissed Johnny softly on the forehead. “Go to sleep, I’ll be here when you wake up.”

Johnny let sleep tug him under while Dixie held his hand.

Chapter Seven

Room 412 11 p.m.

Dixie stirred as the sound broke through her sleeping mind. “Shh, it’s all over.” She said quietly.

Johnny moaned in pain but didn’t fully waken.

Dixie took a look at Johnny and decided to stretch and take a short walk. She didn’t think Johnny would be completely awake until morning. She walked into the bathroom and took care of things. She then walked out of the room and down the hall. She wanted to get something to drink and check Johnny’s chart. She really didn’t trust the night staff on this particular floor.

Nurse Delzer, the nurse from hell, was on shift that night. She walked down the hall to room 412 to do a check on the patient. She thought that all surgical patients were kept on the surgical floor in their ICU for at least twenty-four hours, but not this patient. No, he was deposited back in his room less than two hours after coming out of surgery. She looked down at the sleeping man and thought that it would be so nice if he woke up and saw her laughing at him. She checked his pulse and blood pressure, writing them down in a small spiral notebook then she flicked on her pen light to check his pupils and frowned. ‘Now that can’t be right.’ She thought as she wrote her findings down. She wasn’t a bad person, it was just that she had heard all sorts of rumors about the man and didn’t like what she had heard. She headed for the door just as it opened and Roy DeSoto walked in. “Excuse me but visiting hours ended two and a half hours ago.”

“So?” Roy grunted as he elbowed his way past. He sat down in the chair that Dixie had pulled up beside the bed and looked at his sleeping friend. Roy looked at the door, “You can leave now.”

“I don’t know who you are, but no one is allowed in here after visiting hours.” She put her hands on her hips and planted her feet firmly.

Roy stood slowly, his eyes narrowing, “I am this man’s best friend and partner,” Roy spoke in a soft, even tone that made most men cringe, “and I will sit with him whenever I damn well please.”

“That’s not the policy Sir!” Leslie was mad now. She clenched her hands tightly at her side. “Now, I suggest you leave before I call security.”

Roy looked back to the bed where Johnny had begun groaning. Looking back at the nurse he narrowed his eyes even more thinking how Johnny looked when really peeved, “You’re the nurse who didn’t help him last night, aren’t you? The one who made him lie in his own mess while you went and did God knows what. If you were in my employ you would be out on your ass so fast it would make your head spin.” Roy continued in his quiet manner, “How dare you leave a patient like that, especially one with a possible head injury!”

Delzer cringed a little at the words. Some say the truth hurts when words are spoken; in this case, they were more than true. She looked Roy in the eyes, “I don’t have to explain or justify my actions to you. Now leave this room before I DO call security.”

“You go right ahead Miss Delzer. You call security and you’ll see that I have every right to be in this room no matter the hours.” Roy had moved back to the bed as Johnny was showing signs of aggravation, “Also, find a doctor.”

Dixie walked in just then and took in the sight, “Roy?” She asked as she brushed past the nurse and took up her vigil on the other side of Johnny’s bed. “Shhh, it’s all right.” She looked at Roy.

“Nurse Ding Dong here has told me that I need to leave the room.” Roy pointed to the nurse in question.

Dixie stifled a giggle as she looked at the nurse, “Don’t you ever read a patients charts?”

Leslie looks from Dixie to Roy, “He doesn’t belong here Miss McCall. It’s against the rules.”

“Well, it seems to me that you haven’t read this patient’s chart or you would know that both I and Mr. DeSoto are allowed unrestricted visitation until Mr. Gage has shown marked improvement in his health.” Dixie went toe-to-toe with the other nurse. “Now, if you don’t get out of this room right this very minute, your supervisor and I are going to have another little chat.”

Leslie audibly gulped as she scrambled for the door, “Yes, Miss McCall,” she exited as quickly as possible.

Roy stared at Dixie, “Remind me never to piss you off.” He chuckled before turning back to his sleeping friend, “He will be all right, won’t he?”

“Yes, Roy,” Dixie assured her friend, “Joe has every faith that Johnny’s going to pull though this with no future problems or side effects.”

Roy sat down with a sigh, “That’s good.”

Two weeks later

Johnny was sitting up in his bed staring at the little pills that were in a little paper cup. He really didn’t want to take them.

Johnny was still staring at them twenty minutes later when Dr. Brackett walked into the room.

“Why are you just staring at the pills, Johnny?” He asked softly.

“I figure if I stare at them long enough, I’ll feel better through osmosis.” Johnny looked up at the doctor with a slight gleam in his eyes.

Kel just rolled his eyes and sighed, “Johnny take the pills before I find another more inventive way to take away your pain.”

Johnny’s head jerked at that. He wasn’t sure if Kel was joking or not but thought better than to test the man, “Yes, sir.” Johnny gulped the pills down and held out the paper cup to show he’d taken them all. “More water please?”

Kel poured the younger man some more water, “How are the eyes?”

“Still fuzzy, can hardly see to read.” Johnny rubbed his eyes as he spoke. “I’m going to see the eye doctor tomorrow; she should be able to tell me if I need a stronger prescription or what.”

“Well, you take care of yourself, Johnny. Take all your medications and do everything the doctors say and I can see you back to work in two months.” Kel sat on a chair by the bed and watched Johnny’s reaction.

“Only two months?” Johnny asked.

“Yes, two months. But in order to do that, you have to do everything you’re told to do without bitching, or giving anyone a hard time.” Kel watched as Dixie entered the room.

“He’s serious Johnny, we both are. We want to see you home and back to work as quickly as possible.” Dixie picked up one of Johnny’s hands, “I want you home with me as soon as possible.”

Johnny grabbed Dixie’s hand that held his with his other hand and brought them to his mouth. He gently kissed Dixie’s hand and smiled, “I want that too, only I want you in my home.”

“I think that can be arranged.” Dixie blushed at Johnny’s display of affection.

Joe and Bill walked into the room at that time, “Well Johnny, how’s the ol’ noggin?”

“Shaved,” Johnny groused. “I can’t believe you had to shave my whole head.”

“Well, it was explained to you on the day of the surgery, but you not remembering is understandable.” Joe laughed, “It’s just hair Johnny.”

“I know, but it’s MY hair.” Johnny ran his hand over his now bald scalp. The only covering was the bandage taped to the back of his head.

“It will grow back Johnny. Who knows maybe it’ll be more manageable.” Dixie ran her hand over his scalp feeling the soft baby fine hair that was just beginning to return. “Besides, I like it short and fuzzy. It’s soft.”

Johnny just groaned.

The Following Week
Johnny’s small house

Chet Kelly smiled as he walked around the house to the back yard. He was carrying a bag with bottles of soda and a bag of chips. He whistled when he saw someone with a ball cap on his head, “That you Gage?”

Johnny turned around showing the LA Dodgers base ball cap he was wearing on his still hairless head. “Yeah, it’s me, Kelly.”

“Where’s the cooler?” Chet stepped up to the deck looking for said object.

“Inside, Roy’s filling it with ice.” Johnny was sitting on a chair relaxing. He was still weak from the surgery and knew it was going to be awhile before he had more energy. He was only having this get together because his friends had pressed him to. Not that he minded though.

Roy walked out with the cooler, “Hey Chet, you can put those sodas in here.”

Joanne DeSoto walked out of the door and looked around. Her eyes fell on her husband talking to his partner. She smiled as she walked over. “Hey, the kids would like to know if they can turn on the sprinkler and play.”

“Sure, Jo,” Johnny smiled, “Wish I could join them.”

“Soon, Junior,” Roy laughed, “Soon.”

The afternoon gave way to evening and all were having a good time. Chet gave Johnny a hard time about his lack of hair and Johnny groaned but took the ribbing. At nine o’clock Hank Stanley stood.

“May I have everyone’s attention please?” He tapped his glass with his knife.

Everyone looked at him.

“John, we just wanted to welcome you home and to say that we are extremely glad that you are whole and on your way back to healthy. We want you to return to work as soon as possible, and we are looking forward to that day.” Hank raised his glass in a salute.

Everyone took a sip of their sodas or tea then looked at Johnny.

“Well, I guess you all want me to say something.” Johnny looked at the people gathered ‘round the table. Dixie was sitting on his right hand side as Roy and Jo sat at his left. “I don’t know what to say other than I’m sorry.”

“What?” Chet Kelly spoke for the group. “What have you got to be sorry for Johnny?”

“I’m sorry for being foul tempered, and for being late, and calling in sick. I’m sorry you had to worry about me.” Johnny spoke softly.

Dixie put her hand on Johnny’s shoulder, “John Gage, you have absolutely nothing to be sorry for. You were sick and we care about you so we worried. End of discussion.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Johnny ducked his head.

Everyone laughed at Johnny’s antics.

Christopher DeSoto walked up to his father’s partner and friend, “We love you Uncle Johnny.” The now thirteen-year-old said.

“Yeah Uncle Johnny,” Jennifer DeSoto piped up.

This brought another round of laughter including Johnny’s.

11 p.m.

Johnny held Dixie in his arms as he snuggled down to sleep. “Thank you Dixie.”

“You’re most welcome Johnny. I love you.”

“I love you too.” Johnny shifted and pulled Dixie closer, “I was really scared Dix.”

Dixie turned and switched on the light, “Scared about what?”

“Well, I didn’t know what was happening to me. The headaches and mood swings, then when I got lost.” Johnny wiped at his face. “I was scared I was losing my mind.”

Dixie pulled the man into her arms and spoke softly of love and forever. “Shh, you didn’t lose your mind Johnny and you didn’t lose me. I’m here, forever.”

Johnny looked at his lover, “Forever?”

“Forever,” Dixie kissed Johnny’s forehead then worked her way down to his lips. “I want you forever and ever John Gage.”

Johnny sighed and let her pull him down under the covers. “Yours forever Dixie,” he mumbled before giving in to sleep.

The End