Author's Note: I can't remember if there were tv helicopters back in the 70's or not but hey...it's only fanfic. Any errors are mine.

1

Johnny and Roy were returning to Station 51 after leaving Rampart Emergency. They had received a call about an elderly man in his mid sixties who was having chest pains. Neither he nor his wife thought it was anything too serious and waited for over two hours before they called the paramedics for help. If Johnny and Roy had only gotten the call one hour earlier, the doctors told them that the man might have made it.

With Johnny looking out the window and being lost in his thoughts and Roy trying to drive and worry about his friend, all at the same time, the trip back to the station was being done in silence. Finally with the silence getting to him, Roy spoke up.

"Somethin' is bothering ya...tell me what's wrong Johnny."

"Nothin', I was just thinkin'. Why do people do stuff like that?"

"Like what?"

"Have chest pains like that guy did or really have anything seriously wrong with 'em but wait too long before they call for help."

"Well maybe..."

"You know that's the only reason that guy is dead right now...he waited too long to get help. Even after doin' this for all these years I still can't believe that people do stuff like that. He...he kinda reminded me of my grandfather."

Roy thought his partner was about to go on one of his ranting fits, this time on why people won't call for help until it's too late...until he mentioned his grandfather. He knew that Johnny had been very close to his grandfather and that he had lost him only seven short months ago.

His death had been sudden and unexpected and Johnny was still hurting because of it. He remembered his partner's reactions of disbelief, shock and anger when he received the phone call at the station from his mother telling him the bad news. His grandfather had passed away peacefully and painlessly in his sleep at the age of 89.

"I don't know Junior. I guess like his wife said at the hospital, they didn't think anything was wrong and the pain would go away, thought it was just indigestion. But we did everything that could have been done and so did the hospital staff so don't go second-guessing yourself...it'll only make you crazy. Thinking about your grandfather again?"

With tears coming to his eyes he whispered, "Yeah Pally, I know everybody did their best...but still. You know I...I miss grandfather so much. I started thinkin' of him when I saw that old man today...somethin' about him reminded me of grandfather. But, he's with the spirits and my grandmother now so I know he's happy and at peace and I know she's keeping him in line...even though she never could before. Guess that makes it a little bit easier to accept."

"Yeah, I guess it does. Anytime you wanna talk about it Johnny, you know I'm here."

"I know partner and you always are and I appreciate it...thanks but I'll be okay, I guess. Hey, look at that, I wonder what's goin' on up here?" Johnny asked, wiping his eyes and wanting desperately to change the subject.

"I don't know, let's check it out."

As they were approaching the station, they saw a multitude of police cars in the area along with numerous television helicopters in the air. At first they thought there had been a major accident until they saw two men, dressed in black, running up and down the highway between the stopped cars with guns, firing at anything and everything that moved. The two paramedics sat frozen in the squad.

The radio broke the silence and momentarily drew their attention away from what was happening.

"Squad 51 LA."

Keeping an eye on what was going on around them, Johnny slowly reached down and picked up the mic and answered.

"Squad 51."

"Squad 51, what is your status?"

"Ah...LA squad 51 is available and we are right outside the station. We do have a problem, there are two men in the street firing weapons."

"10-4 51. Engine 51 sees you and what is going on and wanted to make sure you two were alright."

The two paramedics looked at each other and smiled as Roy said, "Leave it to Cap and the guys."

"Yeah. Well, it's nice to know we got co-worker who care and worry about us Pally."

"This is true Junior, very true."

Speaking back into the mic Johnny said, "10-4 LA. Please advise Engine 51 that we're..."

"Johnny, look out!"

Johnny turned his head as Roy yelled and tried to warn him when he suddenly saw one of the two men running toward the squad, rapidly firing his gun. But, he was too late.

Sam heard Roy shouting to his partner, followed by gunshots and then nothing...nothing but silence.

"Squad 51, do you read...squad 51, do you copy...squad 51, come in please."

But Sam received no response.

When Roy heard that everything had become quiet, he slowly eased himself back up into a sitting position. Looking around, he saw the windshield shattered from the bullets, the man standing in front of the squad with his gun pointed at them and then...he saw his partner.

"JOHNNY!"

The rest of the crew from 51 had heard the entire thing.

"Cap...I heard..."

"I know Mike, we all did pal."

The crew rushed to the Captain's office and looked out the window, hoping to see how their friends were doing. With them being so close to the station, they saw more than they wanted to see. One or both of their friends had been caught in what they first thought was cross fire.

"Cap, they need help. It's...oh man, it's Johnny...and it looks like he's hurt bad."

"I know that Chet but if we go out there, we may end up in the same shape Johnny's in. I'm afraid this is one time that we can't help them."

"Cap, there's gotta be something we can do...anything."

"There isn't Marco...at least not right now." Cap sadly answered."

2

Back outside the gunman walked up beside the squad and was talking to Roy.

"Tommy, come over here...got a couple of cops. What'cha think we should with 'em...kill 'em like we did the one in the bank?"

"We're not cops...we're firemen/paramedics, we work for the fire department. Please let me help my partner, he's bleeding badly." Roy begged as he raised his hands in the air, hoping for no more trouble.

"Don't touch him. Firemen...Chuck you idiot, they ain't cops and you shot a fireman. How stupid can one man be!"

"Don't call me an idiot and don't call me stupid...they're wearing uniforms ain't they? So, I made a mistake!

"Oh yeah, some mistake, thinking that firemen are cops. They're drivin' a red truck dummy."

"Quit callin' me a dummy. Tommy...stop pickin' on me, why do you always do that?"

"Okay, sorry, I didn't mean to hurt your feelings...big baby. Well, cops, firemen, it don't matter, we got ourselves a couple of hostages and with the shape that one seems to be in, they'll do anything to save his butt. Don't worry Chucky, we'll get outta this."

Roy took in the sight of his best friend and partner. He was unconscious and slumped down in the seat with his head leaning on the back of the seat. The front of Johnny's shirt was covered in blood where the bullets ripped through his chest and abdomen, his breathing was labored and he was becoming very diaphoretic. Roy saw that the mic was still lying in Johnny's limp hand.

"Johnny...come on partner, wake up for me...please." Roy whispered.

Pointing the gun at Roy, Tom said, "You, driver, what's your name?"

"Roy...Roy DeSoto."

"His?" Pointing towards an unconscious Johnny.

"John Gage...Johnny."

"You pigs stay away from us or you'll have two dead firemen on your hands. You almost have one now and I'd love to finish him off!" Chuck laughed as he shouted to all the police gathered.

"Okay Roy, pull this truck over to the side of the road here. No wait, over here, back into this driveway and as soon as these cops back off, you can get your friend some help. But until they do, he gets no help."

"This is Stan Alden from WJLA channel 4 news. We have an update on our breaking story that is taking place here in Carson City. Below, as you can see, a fire department rescue squad, squad 51, that has been fired upon by the two bank robbery suspects. Right now we do not have any information on the conditions of the two occupants, but we will bring you further details as they become available to us. Please stay tuned to this station."

Tom had pointed over to the station's driveway and Roy hoped, for the safety of his other friends inside, that this nut case wouldn't want to go inside the building. Johnny was already badly injured and he didn't want anyone else in the same shape. The bay door was closed so he hoped these two men would think the engine was out on a run.

"Okay, I'll do it. Just stay calm, nobody else has to get hurt.

"Well, that's up to you.  And don't try anything funny or we'll finish your partner off...got it?"

"Yeah, I got it. Please, just don't hurt 'im."

"At least not anymore than you already have. Hang in there Johnny. Roy though to himself.

Tom climbed up on the running board of the squad on Johnny's side, keeping his gun aimed toward the unconscious paramedic. As Roy pulled up and backed the squad in the driveway at the station, he heard Chuck firing more shots to keep the police at bay and Roy hoped the police wouldn't fire back, knowing that he and his partner were in the line of fire.

Parking and glancing over to his left, he saw the rest of his friends standing at the door to Cap's office with looks of panic and worry on their faces. Roy felt bad for not being able to let his friends know how Johnny was doing but when they saw the look on Roy's face, they all knew their friend was in bad shape.

"Johnny's in trouble Cap...real trouble."

"I know Mike."

As Roy saw Chuck walking towards him, he quickly turned his head away and looked back at Johnny and Cap and the men quickly moved out of sight. Roy took the mic out of Johnny's hand and quickly grabbed his friend's wrist and started taking his pulse and counting his respirations.

"Johnny...can you hear me? Open your eyes for me."

Johnny slowly began to come around when he heard his friend's voice.

"R-Roy...what...happened...were...we in...an...accident...you're okay...aren't...you...?"

"Take it easy Johnny, don’t worry about me, I’m fine. We weren't in an accident, you’ve been shot but you’re gonna be alright."

"I…I doubt it…feels like…ton…of bricks…on my…chest…hurts…to breathe…stomach hurts…how…how ‘m…doin’…?"

"Your pulse is around 130 and rapid, respiration is 35, rapid and shallow."

Johnny placed his hand on his abdomen as the pain went through him. After the pain subsided Johnny looked down at his hand and Roy saw his friend’s face go pale.

"I’m…in trouble…Pally…big…trouble…"

"Hey, I’ve done told you Junior that you’re gonna be fine. Let’s face it, you always are."

"Not…this…time…blood…too much…blood…cold Roy…I’m so…cold…"

Looking at Tom, Roy asked, "Can I please get a blanket from the compartment for him, he’s going into shock and I need to keep him warm. I promise I won’t try anything."

"Alright, but your friend’s life is in your hands. Do anything and I put him outta his misery."

Roy saw the guns pointed at him as he got out and walked around to Johnny’s side of the squad. Carefully opening the compartment door he retrieved a blanket pack and as he was opening it, he thought of all the equipment that he knew he had right there in front of him, available to him to help keep his partner alive but figured he could use none of it. Unfolding the blanket, he walked up to his partner and seeing Johnny shivering he placed it over him and tried to make him comfortable.

"Ahhh! Watch…Roy it…hurts…so…un…uncomfortable…bleed…bleedin’ bad…"

"Sorry Johnny, didn't mean to hurt ya. I know, you’re bleeding bad and I need to control it."

Turning to Tom, Roy asked, "I need to slow the bleeding down, please let me get some of our equipment and help him."

"No! He gets no help even if he has to die."

"And what good is a dead paramedic gonna do the two of you except get you into more trouble? Please…I don’t want my friend to die, let me do more for him."

"NO!"

Since Roy was out of the squad helping Johnny, Chuck had slipped in under the wheel, taunting Johnny and poking him with the gun.

"Hey…hey paramedic…how’s it feel knowin’ you’re gonna die huh…come on, tell me man, how ya feel?"

"Ahhh…please…don’t…Roy…help me…feel…bad…"

"Leave him alone please!"

"You, shut up! Me an’ ya buddy here is having a private conversation. Johnny…your names Johnny right…RIGHT!"

Chuck poked Johnny in the chest again with the gun when he didn't answer right away.

Breathing hard Johnny spoke in a whisper, "R-Right…it’s…its Johnny…please…don’t…do that…hurts…"

Hank and his men could do nothing but stand and watch as Johnny cried out in pain.

Hearing the loud voices by the squad the police commander used the bullhorn to talk to the men holding the two paramedics.

"You…over by the squad…how is the injured paramedic doing?"

Pointing the gun at Roy, Tom said, "You, get up there and tell them. And watch what ya say… Chunky would love to finish your partner off."

"Oh yeah. I do wanna kill Johnny here, he just ain't any fun to have around now. He’s almost dead anyway so I might as well finish the job."

Hearing Chuck’s tone of voice made chills run up and down Roy’s spine. He knew they could kill both of them and not think twice about it.

"I’ll talk to them. I’ve got to get Johnny some help now."

Raising his hands and walking to the front of the squad Roy shouted, "I’m Roy DeSoto, one of the paramedics. Johnny, my partner is hurt real bad. He’s bleeding heavily and they won’t let me treat him and he’s going into shock. These men said if you all back off, then I could get my partner some help…please, let me help him!"

Roy hoped the officers would get the hint and back off, at least long enough to let him get his best friend some help, but he wasn't holding his breath. Johnny’s weak and scared voice brought him back to his partner’s side.

"Roy…where are…you…don’t…don’t leave…me…please…"

"I’m right here, don’t worry I’m not goin’ anywhere. What’s wrong Johnny?"

"R-Roy…hurts…to breathe…gonna join…grandfather…the spirits…here…for me…"

"Well, you aren't goin’ with them…not for a very, very long time. So don’t even think about it."

"Yeah…sure…I’m not…you…you lie…man it…it…hurts…still…s-s-so…c-c-cold…"

"I know Johnny…I know it does." Roy whispered to his friend.

Roy knew that Johnny was probably right…he wasn't going to make it but for the time being he didn't want to think about that. He couldn't think that way. He carefully wrapped the blanket closer to his friend’s body.

"Hey Tom, he’s an injun’ and he’s talkin’ about spirits."

"Chuck, shut up."

"Well he is and…"

"Shut…up!"

Suddenly the police shouted back to Roy.

DeSoto…they’ve killed one officer already and wounded three other people. We won’t back off until they give themselves up. I’m sorry but there is nothing else I can do!"

Standing but staying by his partner’s side, Roy replied, "And what about my partner, he needs help and he needs it now!"

"I’m sorry about you partner…but I don’t have a choice!"

"Yeah, sure you’re sorry but that won’t help Johnny. And you’re not just gonna have one person dead, you’ll have two. You’re helping them to kill my best friend and partner. And you do have a choice…back off!"

The commander knew that Roy was right, he did have a choice. But he was stubborn and wouldn't’t let these robbers and murderers get away…no matter how many innocent people had to die.

3

"No DeSoto…we won’t back off…not since they shot your partner!"

Roy noticed that Johnny was about to go out on him and he knew he had to keep him awake and talking…no matter what they talked about.

"Johnny…hey listen to me for a minute. I got a question for ya partner."

"Huh…what…too…tired for…questions…jus’…let me sleep…please..."

Touching his friend’s wrist and feeling for a pulse Roy said, "I know you’re sleepy Johnny, but you have to try to stay awake for me, stay awake and talk to me…I’m gettin’ bored here Junior. You remember the heart attack victim we had a little while ago?"

"You’re…always bored…did I…ever…tell ya…that…you’re…mean to me…Pally…oh alright…Mr...Jacobson…yeah…what…about ‘im…?"

"Who me? No way Junior, I’m the nicest person you’ll ever know. Anyway, you never told me why he reminded you of your grandfather. Why did he?"

"Pulse is down to 120. He’s goin’ on me." Roy thought.

Johnny’s eyes were slowly closing and Roy was scared. His partner was loosing a large amount of blood and not being able to control it wasn’t helping his friend either.

"Johnny…come on partner stay with me. Tell me, why did he make you think of your grandfather?"

Swallowing hard and forcing his eyes open Johnny whispered, "Grandfather…he looked…like ‘im…little bit…a little…pale faced…but…close…I miss ‘im…Roy…chest…hurts…"

Johnny tried to laugh over the "pale face" comment but only manage to make more pain shoot through his body. Roy smiled over it till he saw his friend tense up with the pain.

"Hang on Johnny…please. Would you feel better if you were lying down?"

"Don’t know…could…try…willin’…to try…anything…to end…the…pain…"

Roy looked at Tom and said, "I need to get him out of the squad and over in the grass. I need to get him on his back."

Alright, do it."

"Johnny, stay awake for me. I’m gonna get ya out of the squad okay?"

"Would’cha like that injun’…you want outta this squad?"

Chuck again nudged Johnny in the chest with his gun making him cry out in pain.

"Nooo…stop please…Roy…can’t…breathe…make it…stop…"

"Would you please leave him alone!" Roy shouted to Chuck.

Realizing how loud he shouted at the man made Roy hope his outburst wouldn’t cause Johnny more pain. He hoped wrong.

Starring up at Roy, Chuck said, "Are you tellin’ me to leave your friend alone…are ya…why should I?"

Roy changed his tone and said, "I’m asking you, please leave him alone. He’s hurt bad enough as it is, can’t you see that? Please." Roy begged.

"Chucky don’t like Indians so he’s gonna have his fun with your friend there."

"No he isn't...not with my friend."

"That’s right, I am. How’s that feel Johnny…does it hurt?"

"AHHHH! Roy…help…me…why…is he…doin’…this…to me…stop it…please…"

"I don’t know Junior. Look, I have to get him outta here so help me or get outta my way. Come on Johnny, lean on me and I’ll take you over here and let you lay down."

"I’ll…try…" Johnny very weakly said.

While Roy and Johnny were keeping the two men busy, the police had been able to clear the area and keep any civilians from being hurt. Now all they had to worry about was the seriously injured paramedic.

"Stay with me Johnny, we’ll be over there in a minute."

"Don’t…know if…I can…weak…"

"Yeah injun’ don’t die now and take my fun away from me. Stay awake for your partner."

Roy helped Johnny sit up as he put his arm around his shoulder and pulled his friend close to him. All of Johnny’s weight was on Roy as they slowly got out of the squad and Johnny’s knees buckled under him as they moved over to the grass in front of the station. As the rest of the crew saw them coming around the squad they saw that both men were covered in blood and this scared the men.

"This is Stan Alden from WJLA news. One of the paramedics from squad 51 has been seriously injured and is being helped by his partner to get out of the squad and is moving toward the station. We are unable to see what type of injuries he may have due to a blanket that is over him. More details as they come to us."

Seeing a movement from inside the station caused Tom to ask, "Whose in there?"

Looking up Roy lied, hoping to protect the rest of his friends.

"Nobody…the engine is still out on a run."

"Don’t lie to me man or your partner dies right now!"

"There’s no one in there. If the engine was here the bay door would be open!"

Roy knew that wasn’t always true but he figured these guys didn’t know that…and didn’t need to know that and he only hoped the engine wouldn’t be called out on a run…at least not until this was all over. He tried to sound more convincing but knew he hadn’t succeeded.

"Wrong answer."

Tom raised his gun and aimed it at Johnny, ready to fire the shot that would certainly take the younger paramedic’s life.

"Wanna try again or do I kill him now?"

"No don’t! All right…okay. Our Captain and the engine crew are in there but please just leave them outta this."

Having an evil smile spread across his face, Tom said, "That’s what I thought but no can do. Let’s just go see what we have in there. Chuck, cover these two."

"Gladly. I may have to finish what I started."

Chuck kept his gun on Johnny and Roy as Tom slowly walked toward the station. Pulling open the door he saw the other four men.

"Well, well, look what we got here, four more…what’s the word…hosejockys? Roy, bring Johnny inside, it’ll be safer. I don’t think the cops will be dumb enough to try anything if we’re in here."

"Not unless they want six dead firemen on their hands instead of just one. How does it feel Johnny…knowin’ you’re the one that’s gonna die?"

Chuck again jabbed the paramedic in the chest and stood there laughing as Johnny cried out in pain.

"Nooo…stop…don’t hurt…me…!"

Hearing this and seeing what was being done to their friend angered the other men but especially Chet. He and he alone could torment Johnny but if anyone else did, he was mad and ready to fight.

"Roy…can’t…breathe…set…me up…quick…"

Along with not being able to breathe, Johnny had started coughing and was also bringing up blood.

"Cap, I need help out here…bring some towels! Johnny, lean over to the side...you’re okay, I got ya"

"Roy…jus’ let…me…go…please…let this…end…pain…can’t take…the…pain…"

"No way Johnny, I am not gonna let you die on me…I won’t let that happen, you gotta hang on a little while longer."

"May…not…have a…choice…Pally…not sure…if…I can…"

"Oh yeah Junior, we always have a choice. You just have to choose to keep fighting this."

"I’ll…try…but can’t…make…no…promises…"

"That’s all I can ask Johnny. Please just try to hang on for me."

"You gotta hang on partner, I can’t loose you." Roy softly whispered.

Seeing that Chet was starting to go toward the two paramedics and hearing Johnny say that he couldn’t breathe, Cap quickly put his hand on his shoulder and said, "Chet, why don’t you go into the bathroom and grab a few towels then go help Roy bring Johnny inside pal."

"Right Cap."

Quickly stopping Chet, Hank asked, "It is alright if he helps, isn’t it?"

"Yeah…go ahead. But don’t try anything or your friends die."

Chet quickly shock his head and whispered, "Don’t worry, I won’t."

Chet quickly made his way to the bathroom and came out with a handful of towels then exited the station to go help Roy. That’s when he got a better look at his injured friend.

"Oh god, Johnny…what did they do to you?"

"He’ll be okay …I hope. Chet…Chet, you okay?"

Taking a few deep breaths and trying to get his nausea under control, he finally answered, "Yeah Roy, I’m okay. Johnny’s the one that’s hurt."

"Okay, we gotta get him sittin’ up, he’s having a hard time breathing. Place your arm behind his shoulder and lock wrists with me and we’ll sit him up slow and easy then we can try and get him on his feet. I almost had to carry him over here from the squad cause he’s gotten so weak. But let’s try this…ya ready?"

"Ready when you are Roy."

Looking at Johnny he asked, "You ready Junior?"

"Oh man…it’s…gonna…hurt…let’s jus’…do it…"

Roy and Chet gently and slowly eased their arms under Johnny’s shoulders and back causing him to wince in pain.

"Ahhhh…e-easy…guys…easy…"

"Sorry Johnny."

"Don’t…worry…’bout it…Chet…just…get…me up…hurry…!"

"Roy, he’s gettin’…"

"I know Chet. Let’s just keep goin’ and set him up. Move show and easy, grab my wrist and hold on tight."

As soon as they grabbed on to each others wrists, Roy continued, "Okay Chet, raise him up on the count of three with one steady movement. One…two…three."

They slowly raised Johnny up as he whispered, "Stop…hurts…can’t…get warm…"

"Chet, wipe his mouth."

"Get him in here!" Tom shouted.

"These guys are really makin’ me mad Roy." Chet whispered.

Even though it hurt, Johnny had to laugh at the tone of Chet’s voice.

"What’s so funny Johnny?"

"You…you are…Chet…"

"How ya breathing now Junior?"

"Little…bit better…Pally…chest really…hurts…stomach…does to…"

"Well, do you think you can stand long enough to get in the station and into the dorm?"

"Don’t think…so…no…strength…left…too…too weak…"

Roy could feel how limp his partner’s body was and knew he would probably have to carry him into the station.

"Well let’s try. We’ll be easy partner."

Roy took Johnny’s right arm as Chet took his left and they tried to help Johnny stand. But as soon as he got on his feet, his knees gave out and as Chet and Roy held on to him he cried out in pain.

"No…can’t…do this…!"

"Put him down…easy Chet."

"Roy…I…I’m sorry…I’m causin’ so…so much…trouble…I’m s-s-so…c-c-cold…hurts…jus'…let me…go Roy…please…"

A stunned Chet, thinking he knew what his friend meant, looked up at Roy and asked, "What’s he talkin’ about Roy?"

As he looked at Chet tears started to fill his blue eyes as he thought of what his partner was asking him to do.

Shaking his head he whispered, "He…he wants me to let him die. This is the second time he’s asked me to do that."

Turning his attention back to his partner he said, "Just relax partner, this certainly isn’t your fault, you’ll be okay, just hang on for me. I’ve done told you once Junior, I will not let you die on me, we’ll just have to find another way to do this. When we get ya inside we’ll get you all warmed up."

"What’s taking so long?"

Johnny saw Chet getting angrier and as he grabbed his friend’s arm he said, "Chet don’t…don’t… let…your big…mouth…get ya in…into…trouble…’k…don’t…don’t want…you…hurt to…"

"Okay, I won’t Johnny. Just lay there and take it easy, don’t worry about me."

"Can’t help…help it…you’re always….gettin’…yourself…in…some kind…of…trouble…takin’…after me…"

Both Roy and Chet smiled at Johnny’s remark then Roy looked over at Chuck and said, "We’re just trying to figure out an easier way to get him inside. I’m gonna have to carry him in."

"Then do it and get him in here!"

Roy gathered Johnny up in his arms as easy as he was able to and with some help from Chet, Roy took Johnny into the station. Johnny moaned as the pain went through his body as his friend picked him up.

"I’m sorry Johnny. I don’t mean to hurt you."

"This is WJLA news. The robbers have taken over the fire station and are forcing all the men inside. The injured paramedic is being carried inside by his partner…he must really be hurt bad. If there are any further updates, we will be sure to bring them to you."

As he went through the door Roy said, "Guys, let’s take him to the dorm and use one of the extra bunks. Get all the pillows that you can so we can prop him up so he can breathe. Also, grab a couple of blankets…he’s really cold."

Tom and Chuck followed very close behind and never took their eyes off the men as they got everything ready for their friend.

As they finally got Johnny settled and as comfortable as possible, Tom said, "Chuck, go see what the cops are doin’ out there."

"Aw Tommy, you go do it. I wanna stay here with the injun’ and…"

"GO!"

Roy took his friend’s pulse again and Johnny saw the look on his friend’s face as he softly asked, "Be…be honest…with…me Pally …I’m gettin’…worse…aren’t I…"

Roy shook his head as he answered, "Yeah…it’s down to 85 already and getting weak, I just wish there was more I could do for ya, I wanna get the equipment. Are you warmed up yet?"

"Not…too much…but…better…than I…was…thanks…"

"Anytime. Ya know Junior, if you don’t hang on for me, you’ll get Chet mad at me."

After thinking for a moment, Johnny finally said, "Mad at…oh yeah…he’d…have to…break…in a…new…pigeon…wouldn’t…want that…to…happen…"

"None of us do Johnny…especially me."

Seeing the look in his friend’s eyes Johnny whispered and said, "Thanks Roy…you’re do…doin’…all… ya can…don’t blame…yourself…"

Roy only shook his head…he did blame himself.

"No, I could do more." Roy thought to himself.

4

Chuck came running back into the dorm and shouted, "Tommy, they’re all around the place. There ain’t no way for us to get outta here!"

Tom calmly got up, looked outside and said, "Chucky, now what did I tell ya before…huh? We have six hostages, one of ‘em that is definitely dying. Those cops won’t let a fireman die just to get to us…so calm down and relax. We’re gonna make it outta here."

"Yeah…I guess you’re right."

The crew was sitting around Johnny, as he became restless. They saw all the blood and they wanted to do something, they wanted Roy to do something to save their friend. Johnny slowly closed his eyes and Marco quickly spoke up with panic in his voice.

"Roy, is he okay…he isn’t…?"

"Johnny, can you hear me?"

Keeping his eyes closed and showing a slight smile, Johnny softly answered, "Don’t…worry…’m…jus’ restin’…my… my eyes…’m…okay…can’t a…person…even rest…around…you guys…let me…rest…tired…so tired…hurt…"

"Okay, you rest. You need it but you had us worried for a minute. Partner, please don't scare us like that."

"Sorry…’bout…that…"

"Roy, how’s he doin’…can’t you slow the bleeding down some?"

"No Cap, they won’t let me get any equipment to help him. His pulse and respirations are getting slower, he’s extremely diaphoretic and he’s having a real hard time breathin’…we need to get ‘im to Rampart. I need to take his B/P."

Roy didn’t know if it would help, but he decided to ask anyway.

"Tom, I need to take Johnny’s blood pressure, please he’s gettin’ worse. I need to get some equipment."

Becoming agitated he said, "Alright, but Chuck will go with you. But after you do that I want all of you to shut up…and shut him up. All that coughin’ is gettin’ on my nerves…all that blood is gross!"

"Come on DeSoto, let’s go."

Chuck grabbed hold of Roy’s arm and was taking him out of the dorm.

Johnny felt Roy stand up and forced his eyes open. He saw Roy being lead out of the room and became scared and agitated as he weakly asked, "Roy…where…where ya…goin’…stay…stay with…me…"

Stopping and looking back at his friend Roy softly answered, "Take it easy Johnny, I’m just gonna to get the drug box so I can check your B/P. I’ll be right back and Cap and the guys are gonna be here with ya."

Johnny was almost gasping for breath now as he whispered, "Don’t…be gone…long…ain’t…got too… much…time…left…"

"Don’t die on me Johnny…please partner try to hang on." Roy thought.

"You’ve got plenty of time left, just take it easy and you’ll be alright. I’ll be right back, hang in there."

Roy looked at the rest of his friends and the look on his face told them all they needed to know…their friend was dying.

"Roy, be honest with us, he isn’t doing good…is he?"

"No Cap, he’s not doin’ good at all. Everything’s shutting down and…"

Roy lowered his head and looked at the floor…he hated to think about the "and" part of his sentence.

"And what Roy?" Mike quietly asked.

Raising his head Roy answered but he lowered his voice so his partner couldn’t hear, "And…he may be right. If we don’t get him to Rampart…and soon…he isn't gonna make it."

"Don’t think that way, he’s gonna make it. Don’t worry Roy, we’ll watch out for him." Cap said.

As Roy left the room, Cap and the rest of the men stayed with Johnny with Chet taking Roy’s place beside him. This was affecting all of the men but they could all tell that Chet was being affected more as he took the towel from Johnny’s weak hand and continued to wipe the blood from Johnny’s mouth as he continued to cough.

"Here, let me have that. I’ll do it for ya."

"Thanks…Chet…you’re not…such…a bad…guy…after all…what was…Roy…whisperin…about… was it…about…me…?"

"I’m not such a bad guy huh, you must be delirious. Yeah, he was talkin’ about what a pain in the butt you are most of the time. No really, it’s nothin’ to worry yourself over so you hang on Johnny and rest. I know you’re gonna be okay."

Johnny could only manage a weak smile as he said, "I take…after…you…bein' a...pain...guess I…am…kinda… out of it…must… not…know…what I’m…sayin’…Chet…you’ve…called me…Johnny…six times…now…I know…I’m…in trouble…when…you do…that…but…you…are…a good…friend…"

The others smiled knowing that the only time Chet ever called him Johnny was either when he had done something to him and he was sorry about it or if he was hurt…and they knew it wasn’t the former.

"I try. So now you’re keepin’ count huh? Well, I’ll let you in on a little secret pal, it’s really been seven, and you just didn’t hear one of ‘em.  But since you feel that way then…Gage…you are gonna hang on and beat this thing. And my…pigeon…is gonna be just fine. Happy now?"

"That…sounds better…yeah…guess so…but…it don’t…change…anything…I’m…not gonna…make it…"

"Hey Johnny now come on, stop talkin’ that way. I know how much we all hate to admit when Chet’s right about something but on this one he is and we all know it. You’ve made it through worse so you’ll make it through this to."

"Never heard…you…say so…many…words…at once…Mikey…you…you can talk…after…all…"

"Sure I can…when I have to. The rest of the time, I’m listening. Remember that it’s the quiet ones you have to watch out for."

"Yeah…the guys…better keep an…eye…out for…you…but…you do…need…to…talk more…maybe…Chester B…can…teach ya…"

"Well, we need all the help we can get watchin' out for Stoker. Me, Marco, Roy and Cap can’t do it all by ourselves so you have to stick around to help us out. Besides, you talk more than I do."

"No…no way Chet…you beat…me…at that…sorry but…you…guys will…have…to manage…without…me…I ain’t…gonna… last too… much longer…not…not this…time…its too…bad…where’s…where’s Roy…need…Roy…I…can’t…breathe…"

Johnny was becoming more agitated and restless about the time Roy and Chuck came back into the dorm with the drug box and the biophone.

"Now, check him out and shut him up, him coughin’ like that is drivin’ me nuts…and all that blood. Shut him up…or I’ll be glad to do it!" Chuck growled.

"He’s right here Johnny, just take it easy. Come on Johnny try to stay with us." Marco told Johnny as he watched his friend loose consciousness.

"What’s wrong?"

"He’s havin’ more trouble breathing Roy. He was getting more agitated then he lost consciousness."

"Okay Mike, you guys get some more pillows and put behind ‘im, fold up some blankets if you have to. Cap, can you get another pulse and respirations for me?"

Tom watched very closely while Roy got out the B/P cuff and stethoscope and Cap took another pulse. Chuck watched the others as they hurried to get more pillows and blankets and gently put them behind their friend.

Seeing this Tom said, "Chuck, watch these guys. You, the one that’s been so quiet, what’s your name?"

"Me…Mike Stoker."

"Okay Mike, you come with me. I’m gonna tell those cops to back off…again…or get ready to have a dead paramedic thrown at their feet…maybe two, a paramedic and a firemen, a nice combination don’t’cha think. You might be joining your friend there Mikey."

Mike’s face paled as Tom took the engineer by the arm and led him into the Cap’s office to the door.

"He doesn’t care about Johnny." Cap whispered while he took his friend’s pulse and respiration.

"I know. What’cha got Cap?"

"His pulse is 60 and irregular, respirations are slow and very shallow, about 18."

"His B/P is 60/40…everything is shuttin’ down, we’re gonna lose ‘im. I’m contacting Rampart."

Roy was angrier than he had ever been in his life. He and his partner were just coming back from Rampart then suddenly and without warning, his best friend was fighting for his life…and loosing. He grabbed the biophone and after opening it and attaching the antenna, he picked up the handset.

----------

Johnny felt himself floating and feeling no pain. Suddenly, he heard a familiar voice speaking to him.

"Grandson…why are you here now?"

"Grandfather, I’m ready to go with you."

"It is not yet your time. Go back my son…you will be fine."

----------

"We have an update for you now. One of the robbers apparently has a firefighter in front of him and is using him as a shield and looks as if he is about to talk to the police."

Tom walked to the door and placed the gun at Mike’s head as he shouted, "Hey pigs!"

"Hold your fire, he has one of the hostages. What do you want?"

"Back off, I wanna come out and talk!"

The officers kept their guns aimed at Tom and Mike but did back off…a little.

Tom came out of the door and said, "That paramedic is almost dead, so if you don’t want his dead body out here, back off and let my brother and me get outta here. If you let us go, you can get help for this guy, If you don’t, you won’t just have one dead fireman, you’ll have six…we’ll kill all of ‘em one by one and this one right here will be next. You got five minutes to decide then we start shootin’!"

Tom pointed the gun at Mike and he became more frightened. Quickly, the engineer spoke up.

"Wait. Please, do like he asks. Johnny is really bad and he lost consciousness a few minutes ago. Look, I don’t know what all these guys have done and I don’t really care…none of us do but what we do care about is Johnny…he’s our friend. Please, don’t let him die."

"Oh that’s a nice speech. Remember pigs…five minutes. Come on Mikey, get back in there!"

"We are unable to hear what the firemen was saying but it may be a plea for his friends life. They are now going back into the station. We will keep you updated."

----------

"I’m in too much pain…I don’t want to go back."

"You must…go back for you can not stay with me now, your friend needs you. You will save his life."

Johnny’s grandfather began fading from his view.

"My friend…save his life? No grandfather…wait!"

----------

"Hold it! What do you think you’re doing?" Chuck asked Roy as he aimed the gun at him.

"I’m getting in touch with the hospital. I need permission to start an IV on ‘im."

"No, you’re not, you were told he couldn’t have any help. Put it down now!"

"I’m not going to continue to sit here and let my partner die without trying to help him. So if you don’t like it, do something about it!"

"Fine, have it your way then."

The shouting had brought Johnny around just in time to see Chuck raise his gun and aim it at Roy. He knew his friend was about to die and realized that his grandfather had been right…he had to save Roy’s life.

With what little strength he had left, Johnny shouted, "NOOOO…don’t…hurt…Roy…or…the guys…please…!"

Johnny’s weak voice startled everyone.

"Johnny…hang on partner, I’m alright. I’m gettin’ Rampart on the line, we have to get you some help."

Placing his hand on Roy’s arm he weakly gave it a squeeze as he whispered, "No…Roy it’s…too…late…for me…don’t like…needles…anyway…’member…I…don’t want…you…guys…hurt…I know…I…won’t…make it…"

"Johnny, you got nine lives and you sure haven’t used them all up yet pal. You are not going to die."

"Cap…’fraid I…I’ve…used up…my…last one…today…you guys…can…still…make it…but…"

Tom brought Mike back into the room and interrupted Johnny and said, "They can if the cops back off within five minutes. Otherwise, after you die Johnny, your buddy Mike here is next then the Captain, Roy, the short guy there and then the Mexican."

Tom pointed the gun at each man as he named them off. Then Chuck spoke up.

"Yeah, but if you ain’t dead in five minutes injun’ I get to kill ya myself…while your friends watch."

----------

Outside, the police commander looked at his watch.

"Three and a half minutes left before…I’m sorry men but I didn’t have a choice… there was nothing I could do."

Vince came up to the commander and said, "Commander, you have to do something, those men in that station are my friends, do something before it’s too late."

"Vince, I understand how you feel but those two men have already robbed a bank, killed one officer and injured three other people. Now they’ve taken six hostages and one of them is in bad shape. I can’t just let them walk away from this."

Vince was becoming very agitated. He didn’t want his friends to die.

"Don’t let them walk. You have sharp shooters on the squad…use them!"

"Look Vince…"

"No commander you look, with all due respect, I don’t want my friends to die and if Johnny doesn’t get help…and fast…that’s exactly what’s going to happen to him…if it hasn’t happened already. If you have a clear shot at these men take it…please!"

The commander reluctantly got on the radio and said, "Parker, Anderson, how do you read?"

"Go ahead commander."

5

"Why do you have to call him that?"

"C-Chet…don’t…its…okay man…been…called…worse…"

"No, it’s not okay. He does have a name ya know and it happens to be Johnny…use it."

"I don’t care what his name is or what any of your names are. In a little less than…three minutes…it isn’t gonna matter cause you’re all gonna die…one by one by one." Chuck told Chet as he got right up in the fireman’s face.

Chet wanted to kill this guy on the spot for what he did to Johnny but what his friend had said to him earlier came back to his mind.

"Don’t…want you…hurt…to…you’re always…gettin’…yourself in…some…kind of…trouble."

"I guess you really DO care about me Johnny. Maybe the phantom has gotten some ammunition to use against his favorite pigeon. You’re an okay guy to Johnny." Chet though to himself.

Chet managed to keep his cool and turned away from Chuck. Looking at Johnny, his injured friend gave him a weak thumbs up…as if he were saying he was proud of the phantom.

Feeling their time was running out and needing to tell his friend how he really felt, Chet turned to Johnny and said, "Johnny, look I…"

"Eight…"

Half-smiling, Chet said, "Be serious Johnny. Listen…"

"Nine…anybody…wanna take…bets…on how…many…more times…he…calls…me…Johnny…?"

All the guys welcomed the comic relief that Johnny was trying to give them and all said they would take the bet…all except Chet. He wasn’t finding any of this amusing.

"I’m not bettin’. This isn’t funny so listen to me, you have to pull through this, ya know why?"

"Chet…lighten…up a…little…its…just…a joke…I got…a…good…good idea…but…tell…tell me…anyway…" Johnny managed to whisper to his friend.

"30 and way too weak...it’s droppin’ too fast. I’m loosin’ ya Junior…I’m gonna lose the best friend I’ve ever had. I don’t know how you’ve held on this long." Roy wondered to himself.

"Well yeah, I would have to find a new pigeon…not really sure who it would be…but that isn’t what I was gonna say."

All the guys looked at Chet, hearing the tone of his voice, as if HE was about to loose his best friend instead of Roy. They had seen him this serious and worried over Johnny only three other times, when the car hit him, the snake bit him and when he caught that virus that almost killed him. Now Johnny was again fighting for his life and they all knew that Chet was scared…scared to death…as they all were.

Seeing how scared Chet was, Johnny whispered, "Sorry Chet…what…were ya…gonna…say…?"

Clearing his throat Chet went on, "What I was gonna say was that if something should happen…even though I know it won’t, but if…I…I just wanted to tell ya what a…a great friend you’ve been to me…not to mention being the best pigeon a guy could even ask for. And I wanted you to know…"

Johnny stopped him as he softly said, "Chet…guys…you’ve…been…great friends…to…me to…no…nobody else…would…have…put up…with you…don’t know…how…I did it…but I… lived…through…your…pranks…jus’…want you…guys…to do…me…a favor…"

"What’s that Johnny?" Roy asked, wiping Johnny’s mouth again.

"I know…I’m…not gonna…make…it…but I…"

"Johnny, you are…"

"Roy…let me…finish…all I…ask…is…that…none…of you…do…anything…crazy…after I…well…ya know…don’t…want…you…guys hurt…you’re my…family…love…you all…hey Roy…"

Roy knew his friend’s time was running out, although he and the guys kept trying to convince Johnny and themselves otherwise.

Wiping tears from his eyes Roy answered, "Yeah Johnny?"

Johnny saw the tears from his best friend and as he weakly took hold of Roy’s hand he quietly said, "Roy…don’t do…this…please…ya did all…you…were able…to…do…you’re…my best…friend…always there…for…me…no matter…what…thank…you all of…you…have to…promise…me…not to…blame…yourselves…for this…not…your fault…promise…"

Johnny looked at each of his friends and reluctantly, each man agreed.

First Chet. "Yeah Johnny."

Then Cap. "Sure John."

Next was Mike. "Okay Johnny."

Then finally Marco. "Alright Johnny."

As Johnny lay there, struggling to breathe, he waited for Roy to also agree but his friend just sat there, not saying a word. Roy wasn’t so sure he could agree that it wasn’t his fault…he sure felt responsible for this mess. He also knew the others weren’t as sure as they wanted Johnny to believe either.

"Roy…promise…me…"

"I don’t think I can. It is my fault that you’re…you’re…if I had turned the squad around or warned you sooner or…"

"Or…what…there was…nothin’…you…could do…you…tried and…that’s all…I…could have…asked…for…you can…say it…Roy…I’m dyin’…sayin’ it…won’t…make it…happen…any faster…"

Roy tried to say it but the words wouldn’t come out of his mouth. He had known and worked with Johnny for over nine years and he wasn’t about to let his best friend go without a fight.

"No Junior, you are gonna be fine and none of us are gonna think otherwise."

"That’s right Johnny." the other men answered.

"No…Pally…I’m…at peace…grandfather is…is…waiting…for me…I’m…ready…to go… to…him…not…your fault…just…my…time…I’m so…tired…and…you’re…hardheaded…by the…way…’member…when I…said…you were…mean…to me…"

Slightly smiling Roy answered, "Yeah partner, I remember."

"I didn’t…mean it…Roy…you’re…the…nicest person…I know…my…best friend…never…mean…to me…can’t…go on…like…this…"

"Thanks Johnny, I knew you were kidding. Yes you can…just rest."

Johnny’s voice was getting harder and harder to hear, as he became weaker from his injuries and they all knew they were loosing Johnny.

Tom and Chuck had been quietly listening to the conversation the six friends had been having.

"This is so…so…touching…I guess is the word. It’s so sweet how all of you care about each other but if it’s your time Johnny, then let’s get it here a little bit faster."

Walking over to the men, Tom continued, "I guess I was wrong. Those pigs out there really don’t care about you guys…I am surprised though. Well, sorry about this fellas, this is nothin’ personal. Chucky…you get the honor of finishin’ off Gage. Don’t think he’ll give ya any trouble."

----------

This is the WJLA news team and we have an update for you now. It appears that the police department is finally getting ready to use their sharp shooters to end this hostage situation. We still have not been able to get any word on the condition of the injured paramedic that’s inside the station or about any of his co-workers. We can only hope that they are all still alive but we will keep you posted on any updates.

"Do you have the two suspects in sight?"

"10-4."

"Can you take them out?"

"10-4 commander, can do."

"Alright, on my signal, take them down."

"10-4, awaiting your signal."

"Parker wait. Commander, suspect is moving toward the injured paramedic with gun raised."

"Take them now!"

"Negative…the Captain is now in the line of fire."

"Come on Cap…move…step back…come on get outta the way!" Anderson whispered.

6

"Please don’t do this!" Cap spoke up as he and the others automatically gathered around their friend to protect him.

"What’s this…you all know this guy is gonna die and yet you’re risking your lives to save him…why is that?"

Roy spoke up and said, "Because Tom, he’s our friend…my BEST friend. We risk ours lives for each other on a daily basis and today is no different. You don’t have to do this ya know, please don’t do this to Johnny…or us."

"Roy…"

"Yeah we do because after all, you all have seen us and know too much. This wouldn’t be happening if those cops would have back off and let us outta here so blame them. Today is different…today he dies and you can’t save him, so just step aside and let’s get on with this. Don’t worry, the five of you will be joining him soon enough."

The guys were getting desperate, they didn’t want Johnny to die and they were trying to come up with any way to stall for time, not knowing what the police had in mind to do…if anything.

"If you do this, do you really think those cops out there are gonna let you two outta this station…alive?"

"Roy…"

"Well, I’ll tell ya Mexican…"

"It’s Marco, thank you very much. Like Johnny, I do have a first name."

"You firemen sure are picky. Okay then...Marco…we’ll walk outta here…or die tryin’."

"Yep, might even take out a few cops on the way."

Captain Stanley was just about to loose his patience with these two men and he was about to show it. He was standing, watching one of the best paramedics in the county, not to mention one of his good friends slowly dying, with nothing that he could do to stop it and these two men thought of it as just a game.

"Roy…"

"Why risk dying yourselves when all you have to do is give yourselves up and you can get outta here then we can get Johnny to the hospital. Do you think it’s fun to kill people?"

Tom looked at Hank and placed the gun in his chest and answered, "Yes Captain I do…but only if I have to. Why do it like this you ask…because we think it’s more fun. We don’t have nothin’ to lose and we don’t care about your friend…or any of you."

"Well, that’s obvious but you didn’t have to do this to Johnny. He wasn’t a threat to you." Chet angrily commented.

"Well, it doesn’t matter if he was or not, he’s still gonna die. So again…step aside and let’s get this over with. Move over there now!"

Johnny had called out to Roy several times but his voice was so weak that his best friend didn’t hear him.

"Roy…please…"

"I’m sorry Johnny, I didn’t hear ya. I’m right here."

"Yeah…noticed…that…Roy…it’s over…I…know that…it’s…okay…I can’t…be…helped…now…I can’t…take…the pain…it’s…gotta end…can’t…do this…anymore…"

"Yeah Roy, listen to your friend. He has enough smarts to know when it’s time to give up, maybe all of you could learn something from him. Now move!"

All the men looked at Johnny, almost as if they were waiting for him to tell them it was all right to walk away. Johnny looked each man in the eye and weakly nodded his head and his friends slowly moved away from him, regretting every step they took.

"Got any last words Gage?" Chuck sarcastically asked as he aimed his gun at his target.

"Please…don’t…hurt my…friends…I’m…the only…one…you…need to…to…hurt…please…let…my friends…go…"

He turned his head to look for his friends. Finding them he very softly whispered, "Guys…never…forget me…please…you’re…my…family…I’m…sorry…"

Then Johnny slowly closed his eyes.

"Johnny…Johnny don’t you dare quit on us. Please hang on partner…please…we can’t lose you! Johnny. Cap, let me go to him!"

"Roy…it’s too late…he’s gone." Hank sadly said.

"NOOOO!"

Cap and the men held a distraught Roy back from his partner.

----------

"Commander, we now have a clear line of fire!"

"10-4 Anderson, take them out now!"

"10-4."

Suddenly, shots were heard, glass was breaking and five very frightened firefighters hit the floor as the clock ran out.

"Go…enter the station and secure it!" the commander shouted to his men.

The police stormed the station and saw that the two men were dead and saw the crew from the station lying on the floor with their heads covered. Their eyes then wondered to the injured paramedic lying on the bed.

As things began to settle down, the crew scrambled to get to their friend, ignoring the two men lying on the floor. Roy quickly felt for a pulse on Johnny…and found nothing.

"No pulse! Cap, call it in and request an ambulance, Mike, you and Marco go get the rest of the equipment. Chet help me get him on the floor…we gotta start CPR!"

Mike and Marco went and retrieved the needed equipment as Cap called it in.

"LA station 51."

"Go ahead 51."

"LA, we have a still alarm at the station. A shooting has occurred and we have a Code I, repeat, a Code I. Respond an ambulance immediately!"

"10-4 51."

The three men came back to the dorm and saw Roy and Chet working to save Johnny’s life. Roy looked up from doing CPR and saw his Captain standing there.

"Cap, can you take over here and let me get on the line with Rampart?"

"Sure thing pal."

Since Marco wasn’t needed, at least for the time being, he knelt by Johnny, softly saying a prayer in Spanish for his friend as Roy wiped the blood from his hands and picked up the handset.

"Rampart, this is squad 51 how do you read?"

Not receiving an immediate answer, Roy again said, "Rampart, this is squad 51, come in please!"

"Come on, come on. You’re wastin’ time Johnny doesn’t have." Roy mumbled.

"51, this is Rampart, go ahead."

"Rampart, we have a 30 year old male, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to the chest and abdomen. He lost consciousness about a minute and a half to two minutes ago, he’s in full cardiac arrest but we don’t know for how long. We are administering CPR and request an esophageal airway. We can find no exit wounds. Doc, we had a hostage situation at the station…the victim is Johnny…stand by for vitals."

Kel couldn’t believe what he had heard but pulled himself together and answered, "10-4 51, we’ll stand by. Go ahead with the airway and defibrillate at 400 watts/seconds. Is there anyway you can send me a strip?"

"10-4 on the airway and defibrillate but negative on the strip, his chest is in bad shape Rampart. It's gonna be hard enough to find a place to shock him."

"10-4 51, do the best you can and get me a reading as soon as possible."

"10-4."

Roy inserted the airway. Seeing Marco kneeling beside his partner, Roy lightly placed a hand on his arm and without a word being said, Marco started to bag Johnny but never missed a beat in the prayer he was saying. Cap stopped CPR when Roy took out the paddles and finally found a place to put them on Johnny's chest, he saw V-fib.

"Cap, continue CPR."

Picking up the handset he said, "Rampart, we have V-fib, preparing to defibrillate. Airway is established."

"10-4 51.

Mike gelled the paddles for Roy.

"Okay Cap, stop."

Roy placed the paddles on his friend’s chest and shocked him. Checking again, Roy saw no change.

"Come on partner, don’t you do this to us!"

He again shocked his friend.

"Sinus rhythm…Cap, where’s the ambulance?"

"They’re on their way Roy, they should be here any minute."

Without being asked Mike quickly got Johnny’s vitals as Roy was getting back online with Rampart. Roy gave Brackett an update on Johnny.

"Rampart, we defibbed times two and Johnny is now in sinus rhythm. Vitals signs are, B/P is 50/20, pulse is weak and slow, hard to palpate and his respirations are being assisted."

"10-4 51, start IV D5W TKO, keep pressure on the wounds and transport as fast as possible. Bring his straight to treatment 5."

Roy and the crew heard the ambulance finally approach the station and breathed a sigh of relief.

"About time you guys got here. Hang on Junior, you’re gonna make it…you gotta make it."

"10-4 Rampart. Ambulance has finally arrived and we’ll be transport in a few minutes."

----------

Kel stepped outside the base station to tell Joe and Dixie the news.

"What’s coming in Kel?" Dixie asked.

"Joe, Dix, I’ve got some bad news."

"What is it Kel?" Joe asked.

"Roy just called in. They had a hostage situation at the station and Johnny…Johnny’s been shot multiple times in the chest and abdomen and he’s bringing him in, they’ll be here in a few minutes. Dix, get treatment 5 ready and get at least 6 units of blood, have more standing by for the OR. Also call x-ray and have them down here and standing by and make sure an OR is ready for us."

"Right Kel."

As the two doctors made their way to treatment 5 Joe said, "Kel, there’s more to this then what you told us, isn’t there?"

"Yeah. I didn’t wanna make Dix worry anymore than I know she already is. Johnny went into cardiac arrest on them and it took a couple of time before Roy could get ‘im back. He still isn’t back to breathing on his own either."

"Okay, I’ll get the respirator ready also. Don’t worry, he’s gonna be okay."

"I hope so Joe, I really hope so."

7

Since Johnny was still unable to breathe on his own, the ambulance attendant continued to bag the paramedic while Roy kept a close eye on his best friend during the ride to Rampart. After checking him over for what seemed to him like the hundredth time, Roy sat holding his friend’s cold limp hand while he softly spoke to him.

"We’re almost there Johnny, hang on a little bit longer for me…please."

As Roy sat there with his friend, the events of the day played over and over in his mind…discussing a patient, being stopped in the traffic, the police, gunshots and then having it all end with Johnny in critical condition. He racked his brain trying to figure out what he could have done differently to save Johnny from all he was going through. Words that Johnny had spoken to him earlier flooded his memory…

"Why…is he…doing…this…to me…ain’t got…too much…time…left…you’re…doin’…all ya…can…Roy…"

"No, I didn’t do everything I could Johnny. Please don’t leave me…I can’t lose you like this. Hang on partner…you’ve got to."

After pulling into Rampart, they were met by Brackett and Early. Even the two seasoned and experienced doctors, who thought they had seen anything and everything come through the doors, paled at the sight of their friend.

"Johnny, no. Get him to 5 now!" Brackett ordered.

"Kel, if you don’t need me I’ll go on up to the OR and help get everything ready."

"Okay Joe, thanks. We can’t afford to waste any time."

After Johnny was wheeled in treatment 5, Dixie walked in and when she saw him she knew it was bad but tried to keep her composure.

"Hang on Johnny. You’ve made it this far…don’t you dare quit on us now." she whispered to herself.

Walking over to Kel she said, "Kel, Joe is getting things ready in OR 4 and they’ll be waiting for us when we bring Johnny up."

"Okay Dix thanks, he said he’d have things ready. Carol, hook him up to the respirator and Dix, get Johnny’s vitals and x-rays before we go."

Carol attached the respirator to the tube while Dixie got a new set of vitals. Kel was talking to Roger and telling him what x-rays he wanted as Roy stood out of the way…worrying.

"Roger, full chest and abdominal. Also get a full c-spine just as a precaution. Make it fast, we gotta get him to surgery. I need ‘em stat."

"You got it doc."

Walking over to the treatment table and his friend, Kel still couldn’t believe the condition Johnny was in. He didn’t hear Dixie calling to him.

"Kel…Kel, are you alright?"

"Huh, what did you say Dix?"

"I’ve got Johnny’s vitals. Pulse is very weak and slow, B/P is 50/20 and his respirations are assisted."

"Okay, let’s get outta here and let Roger get the x-rays."

Walking to the door and Roy, Kel said, "Come on Roy, let’s step outside for a minute."

"Doc?"

"Roy…he is bad…but we’ll get him to surgery and do everything we can for him. We’ll know the extent of the damage when we get the pictures back. Come on, we need to go out in the hall."

"Give me a minute."

Walking over to the gurney, Roy took his partner’s hand and softly said, "Fight this Johnny…it’s not your time yet…please…please don’t give up now partner. They’re gonna take some pictures of ya and get ya to surgery and you’ll be just fine. Just hang on for us."

Laying Johnny’s hand back down, Roy walked away from his friend and went out in the hall. Moments later, Hank and the crew came up to Roy and the others.

"Roy, Dix and I are gonna go get ready and we’ll be back down to get Johnny."

"Okay Doc."

The look Hank and the others saw on Brackett’s face made them panic.

"Roy…how…how is he?"

"They’re doing x-rays before they take him up. They don’t know much yet…but he’s bad."

No one said anything but just stood there as Roy began to pace back and forth in front of the treatment room. A few minutes later Kel and Dix came back with two orderlies as Roger came out of the room.

"Give me a few minutes doc and I’ll have the x-rays to you."

"Okay, bring them up to the OR. Room 4." Kel replied.

"Doc, how is he?"

Looking down at the floor Kel said, "Johnny’s not too good Hank but as I told Roy, we’ll do everything we can for ‘im, we’re taking him up now. Why don’t you guys go to the lounge, get some coffee and try to relax, it’s gonna be a while."

The orderlies came out of the room with Johnny, Dixie walking beside him, working the ambu bag. As Johnny passed by, each man whispered to him to hang on and fight. They could only hope he would.

"I’ll let you guys know as soon as we find out anything," Kel told the group of friends as he followed Johnny to the OR.

"I could use some coffee…how ‘bout you guys." Chet said.

A round of sure, sounds great, me to and alright came from the men…except Roy. He stood and watched long after Johnny had been wheeled out of sight.

Cap walked over and touched Roy’s shoulder and said, "Johnny’s gonna be fine pal, we all have to believe that."

"Yeah, I know. But seeing him that way…I don’t know how he could ever pull through this time."

"He will Roy. If anybody is strong enough to do it, Johnny is. He’s done it lots of times before." Mike told him.

"I hope you’re right Mike."

"He is and Johnny is gonna be just fine. Now, let’s go get that coffee." Marco replied.

The men walked to the lounge to sit, wait and worry about their friends. Yes, they were worried just as much about Roy as they were about Johnny, knowing the impact it would have on Roy if Johnny didn’t pull through.

An hour had past and the crew still had not heard any news on Johnny when the thing they were all worried about, happened.

"CODE BLUE OPERATING ROOM 4, CODE BLUE OPERATING ROOM 4, CODE BLUE OPERATING ROOM 4."

----------

Johnny again saw his grandfather appear before him.

"Grandson, why is it that you wish to stay with me now?"

"I…I miss you grandfather, I wasn’t there with you when you died and I feel guilty about that. Was…was it Roy that I had to save?"

"Do not feel guilty, it was not meant for you to be there. But you were there this time, when it mattered. Yes grandson, it was Roy."

"Then I did what I had to do, it is now my time to be with you…let me stay, please."

"I would like for you to stay…but you have not yet finished your work. You must be there to help your friends at a later time for you are the only one who can. Do not argue but go back now my son and have peace, you will join me in time. I love you and miss you."

"As you wish. I love and miss you too. Good-bye grandfather."

----------

"Cap!"

"I know Roy, but he has the best doctors in this hospital…in the county working on him…he’ll pull through."

Although the men…especially Roy…wanted to rush to their friend and offer help, they knew they couldn’t. All they could do was wait and worry, wondering if their friend was still alive.

It had been over fifteen minutes later and the men had not heard any news on Johnny.

Chet nervously spoke up and said, "Well, that must be a good thing…right?"

Nobody knew what Chet was talking about but he wasn’t volunteering any information.

Mike finally spoke up and said, "Well, since no one else is brave enough to ask, I will. What are you talking about Chet?"

Chet began to pace as he said, "Well, look at it this way, they called the code over fifteen minutes ago…right?"

"Right." All the men answered.

"And neither one of the docs have come down to tell us anything…right?"

"Right."

"What’s your point Chet?" Marco asked his friend.

"My point is…that must mean that Johnny’s okay…doesn’t it?"

Even though Chet could be a pain in the butt sometimes, he would always try to cheer everybody up when it was needed. Right now it was and the guys appreciated him being there.

"You know pal, you just may be right." Cap answered.

"Or they’re still trying to get him back." Roy said as he held his head in his hands, wondering if his partner had finally decided to give up.

He was also remembering something else that his best friend had said to him…

"No Roy…I’m…at peace…grandfather is…is waiting…for me…I’m…ready…to…to go…to…him…it’s… over…"

"No Johnny, don’t give up, it isn’t over and you can’t go be with your grandfather…not yet." Roy whispered.

The men heard what Roy had said but no one asked questions because they knew what he meant.

8

Two more hours had passed before Kel came into the lounge to give them an update on Johnny’s condition.

Roy was the first to his feet as he said, "Doc…please tell me he’s alright."

"He’s still critical Roy but holding his own. Hopefully, he’ll start to stabilize soon but he has a long way to go though and he’ll be laid up for a while. Joe’s with him right now, he’s keeping an eye on him till we move him into ICU."

"What kind of damage was there doc?"

Kel smiled slightly as he answered, "Well Hank, there was quite a bit. His right lung was punctured but his left one was only nicked in a few places, somehow, it was just nicked. Both of his kidneys, pancreas, liver and gallbladder were all damaged. Fortunately, none went close to that hard head of his but one did come way too close to his heart. And we took a c-spine x-ray, just as a precaution, and I’m happy to say that there was no damage done. His insides looked like hamburger and there was a lot of bleeding, which is why it took so long. But we repaired the damage and stopped the bleeding but we’ll have to keep him on a respirator till his lung heals. Over all, I’d say that Johnny was a lucky man this time…very lucky."

"So he is gonna be alright then?" a very worried Chet asked.

"Given some time and a lot of rest…yeah, I think he will be. There doesn’t seem to be any permanent damage."

Sighs of relief and handshakes went around the room. Once again Johnny Gage had faced death and again lived to tell about it…so far.

Cap remembered what Johnny had said to him earlier and said, "Guys, remember back at the station when I told Johnny he would make it because of his nine lives and he said he was afraid he had used up his last one?"

All the men shook their heads yes and then waited for Hank to continue.

"Well, to be honest, I thought he had to…I really thought we were gonna loose him this time."

"You’re not the only one Cap. When can we go see ‘im doc?" Chet asked.

"Give us about thirty minutes and we’ll move him into ICU and I’ll take you to him. We’ll let two of you in at a time but I guess you wanna go in alone, don’tcha Roy?"

"Yeah, I would like to…if that’s okay."

"Sure it is. I’ll be back in a about half an hour."

Kel came back thirty minutes later and took the men up to ICU and Johnny. Just then Joe came out of the room.

"How’s he doin’ Joe?"

"He’s the same, we just got him settled. You can go on in Roy." "Thanks doc."

When Roy walked in the room he heard the beeps and hums of the various machines surrounding his friend. The respirator that was helping Johnny breathe and the heart monitor that was keeping track of his heart rate and rhythm. Roy was relieved to see a normal sinus rhythm showing on the monitor.

Walking close to the bed and touching Johnny’s hand Roy said, "What am I gonna do with you partner…it took three hours of surgery this time to put you back together, but Brackett said that with some time and rest that you would be fine. I see they got you fixed up good enough to patch you in…you scared us Johnny, worse than you ever have before. All of us thought you had used up your nine lives on this one but please don’t do that to us again.

"I’m so sorry Johnny. I tried to warn you but…I guess I just wasn’t fast enough and now look at the shape you’re in…this is all my fault…please don’t be mad at me. You just need to hang on and fight this thing a little longer and before you know it, you’ll be back to work and everything will be back to normal. I guess I better go and let the rest of the guys come in and see ya. But don’t worry, as soon as they leave, and if Brackett will let me, I’ll be back to sit with ya for a while. Just rest partner."

As Roy reluctantly left his partner, he went back out into the hall and rejoined his friends.

"Roy, how are you doing?"

"I’m okay Cap, now that I know that Johnny’s gonna be alright. After Cap and the guys all see him, doc, if it’s okay, I’d like to sit with him for awhile."

Kel knew that Johnny would probably be unconscious for the rest of the day but he knew Roy needed to be with his partner. He knew it would be good for both of them.

"Sure it is Roy."

"We won’t take long Roy. Mike, if you and Marco wanna go on in and then Chet and I will."

"Right Cap, we’ll be out in a few minutes." Mike answered as he and Marco went in to see Johnny.

The two men stood by Johnny’s bed for a few minutes before either one spoke. They were just happy to see that their friend was still alive.

"Do you think he can hear us Marco?"

"I don’t know, hopefully he can."

Mike spoke first.

"Johnny, we’re all here for ya and you’re gonna be alright. We just want you to get well and get back to the station."

"Mike’s right Johnny, you’ll be fine. We’ll miss ya at the station until you get back…especially Chet. You just take it easy and we’ll stop by and see ya again later."

Exiting the room, Cap and Chet came in to see their friend.

"Cap, I hate seeing Johnny when he looks like this. He’s so…so…"

"So still…quiet…not gettin’ into it with you?" Hank asked as he smiled.

Smiling back at his boss Chet softly answered, "Yeah, I guess so. I mean, I know I give the poor guy a hard way to go sometimes but when I saw him at the station and the shape he was in…man, I really didn’t think he had a chance at makin’ it. I thought I was gonna have to find a new pigeon."

"I don’t think so…the phantom would have retired…permanently. I think we all felt that way pal, I know Roy did. But, let’s not dwell on that now, Johnny has made it this far and he’ll continue to get better. Then he’ll get back to work and everything will be back to the way it was and the two of you will start getting on each others nerves again…along with driving all of us crazy."

"I sure hope so. I mean…I don’t mean driving you and all the guys crazy, just Johnny."

"Uh huh."

Touching his friend’s arm, Chet said, "Johnny, you just keep fightin’ and you’ll be fine."

Cap suddenly noticed how pale Chet’s face went.

"Chet…you okay pal?"

"Yeah Cap…I just need to get outta here. Excuse me a minute."

"Chet…Johnny is gonna be alright."

"I wish I could be as sure about that as you are Cap." Chet replied quickly then left ICU.

Cap turned back to Johnny’s still form and chuckled as he said, "Well pal, you really know how to shake Kelly up…without even tryin’. You two really do care about each other."

Roy suddenly rushed into ICU along with Brackett, Stoker and Lopez.

Moving quickly to his partner’s bed, Roy asked, "Cap, what’s wrong with Johnny?"

Turning with a surprised look on his face, Cap looked into the scared eyes of four very worried friends.

"Take it easy, calm down. What makes you think something’s wrong? Everything’s alright…Johnny’s fine."

"Yeah, but Chet…"

"Oh that…upset huh? No Marco, Chet just remembered the way Johnny looked back at the station and…well I guess it kinda got to him."

They all breathed a sigh of relief as Mike replied, "Marco, remind me to strangle Chet when we get back to the station. We thought something was wrong."

"No, just settle down guys, Johnny’s fine. Well Mike, Marco, we better get going and go find Chet…make sure he’s alright. Roy, we’ll talk to you later."

"Okay Cap, thanks. Doc, I can stay with him for a while?"

"Sure Roy, take your time."

As the men left the room, Roy placed a chair close to his partner’s bed and made himself comfortable. He knew he was in for another long beside vigil.

Holding Johnny’s hand Roy said, "Johnny, can you hear me? I’m worried about you Junior so you need to wake up…open your eyes for me."

Deep in Johnny’s subconscious mind, he could hear his best friend and partner talking to him, just like he had heard the rest of his friends. And he knew he had rattled Kelly’s cage, but under the circumstances, he wasn’t enjoying it very much.

The problem was, he also felt the tube down his throat and knew if he woke up, he would probably be fighting it to try to breathe on his own, plus the fact that he was just too tired to open his eyes. He heard the worry in his friend’s voice and although he hated to put Roy through that, for the moment, he just wanted to remain in the blessed pain free darkness. So that he did.

9

Johnny remained unconscious for four more days. When he finally awoke, he saw Roy, Kel and Dixie standing around his bed and just as he figured, he started fighting the tube to try to breathe on his own.

"Johnny, calm down and don’t fight the tube. We’re getting ready to take it out okay." Brackett said as he tried to calm his friend.

But it wasn’t working until Roy placed his hand on Johnny’s arm and softly said, "Johnny…listen to me. Slow your breathing down and breathe with me…breath normal…come on you can do it…slow it down…that’s it. Let the machine do the work."

Johnny slowed down his breathing and began to relax. Everyone was amazed at how easily Roy could get Johnny calmed down and relaxed.

"Okay Johnny, are you ready to get rid of this thing?" Brackett asked.

Johnny nodded his head yes.

"All right then, on the count of three I want you to exhale as hard as you can and I’ll pull it out. One…two…three."

Johnny exhaled as Kel pulled the tube out. It left Johnny having a coughing fit and pain coursing through his body. Finally being able to get his breathing under control the coughing subsided, as did the pain.

"Johnny, how ya feel?"

"Terrible Doc. Hurt all over…including my throat." Johnny answered with a raspy voice.

"That’s from the tube, but I guess you already knew that. Want some water Junior?"

"Yeah…thanks Pally."

Roy picked up the glass from the table by the bed and lifted Johnny’s head so he could drink from it. As Roy placed the glass back on the table, Kel spoke up.

"Johnny, let Dix get your vitals and we’ll get outta here and let you get some rest."

"Sounds good doc."

Dixie took her friends vitals and said, "Kel, his B/P is 110 /70, respiration is 22 and pulse is around 20."

"How…how ‘m doin’…doc?" Johnny sleepily asked.

"A whole lot better than you were about a week ago. I think you’re on the mend."

Johnny weakly replied, "Thanks doc. Still feel…pretty weak…tired to."

"Well you’ve been through a lot and it’s gonna take awhile to get over everything."

"Thanks. I’m really tired…Roy would you…stay with me for a while?"

Roy looked to Brackett to make sure it would be okay. Kel shook his head yes as he smiled then Roy answered his friend.

"Sure I will Johnny. That’s no problem."

Come on Dix, let’s let Johnny get some more rest."

"Johnny, I’ll stop by to see ya later."

Johnny had his eyes closed and only nodded to Dixie. As the two left the room Roy mouthed "Thanks Doc" to Kel then turned his attention back to his partner. He had the feeling that something was bothering Johnny.

With concern in his voice Roy asked, "Johnny, are you sure you’re okay?"

"Yeah…well no…I don’t really know Roy. When we were being…held hostage at the station, I got to thinkin’ about…about something and I wanted to talk to you about it before…I decide what to do."

"Okay. What’s this all about?"

Johnny knew that his partner would fight him on this but he knew he had to make the decision that was right for him. He only hoped that Roy would understand.

"Roy…I’m thinkin’ about quittin’ the department…or at least the paramedics."

Roy was stunned and surprised. He never thought he would hear his partner say that.

"Johnny, you can’t be serious. Why?"

Roy knew that was a stupid question as soon as he asked it. If he had gone through what his partner had, he figured he would be thinking the same way.

"Because of this…because of what happened."

"Johnny, now wait a minute, this could’ve happened…"

But Johnny interrupted his friend before he could finish.

"Roy, just…hear me out okay."

Roy didn’t want to hear his friend out, he just wanted to stop his best friend from making the biggest mistake of his life. But he decided to listen to Johnny’s explanation anyway.

"Okay, let’s hear it."

"Roy, how many times have I been injured on this job…I mean seriously injured?"

Counting in his head Roy answered, "Well, you’ve been hit by a car, bitten by a rattlesnake and I guess you can count that virus you caught…it happened on the job. And now this. Four times."

"That’s right, and that isn’t counting…the bumps, bruises and…broken bones either, right?"

Roy was starting to get a little nervous. He was afraid he knew where this was headed.

"Right…so where are you goin’ with this?"

Clearing his throat, Johnny went on. "Remember…back at the station, the day this all happened?"

Roy knew that was a day he would never forget because he almost lost his partner and best friend.

"Yeah, I thought I was gonna loose ya."

"And while you guys were trying to…to get me to hang on Cap…said somethin’ about me…havin’ nine lives and not using them up yet so I couldn’t die?"

"Yeah, I remember. So?"

"Well, I know you guys say that to me…as a joke ’cause of all the times I’ve been hurt…but…what if he had been…wrong…what if I hadn’t made it this time…what if I had…"

"But you didn’t Junoir and that’s all that matters."

"I know that Pally, but I almost didn’t. Roy…I just can’t do this anymore…I can’t risk it. I don’t have it in me to…to keep getting hurt. One of these days…my so called "nine lives" and my luck are gonna run out."

Deep down, Roy knew his friend was right. Johnny had been hurt more times than anybody else he knew of in the department but somehow he always bounced back and was able to go on. But he knew Johnny couldn’t continue being as lucky as he had been in the past…and Johnny knew it to. He certainly didn’t want Johnny to die but he didn’t want to lose him as a partner either. For Roy’s own selfish reasons, he had to keep trying.

"Johnny, you’re just…"

"Just what…tired…I just need a little…more time to think about it?"

"Well…yeah."

"That’s the problem Roy I…I have thought about it. Lying there in the bunk…at the station, that’s all I thought about. Give me one good…good reason why I shouldn’t quit."

"You ought to ask me something hard. That’s easy, but I can give you five."

"Roy…I only asked for one."

Roy wasn’t about to make it easy for his friend to quit so he replied, "I know you did but you’re gonna get five."

Roy counted on his fingers as he gave Johnny the reasons.

"One, you are one of the best paramedics in this county and people need you. Two, you wouldn’t be happy doin’ anything else. Three, who would I get to watch my back and look out for me. Four, you can’t break up the best paramedic team in the county. And five, you wouldn’t wanna make Chet break in a new pigeon…would you?"

Johnny had to laugh at that last one. That’s what Chet was always saying to him everytime he got hurt.

"Roy, please don’t make me laugh…it hurts. And don’t make this…harder for me than it already is. I know you mean well…but I have to think about myself for a change."

"Johnny, please, just promise me you’ll think long and hard about this…please."

"Okay, I will, but no promises."

Roy didn’t want to but knew he had to accept that. At least Johnny promised he would think about it and that was all he could ask of his friend.

"You’re tired, get some rest and I’ll be here when you wake up."

----------

Johnny had to stay in the hospital for three more weeks. He slowly regained his strength and his injuries were healing. Johnny had spent those three weeks thinking about his life, his latest brush with death and what he planned on doing. He thought about it, long and hard, in fact that was all he thought about. He had finally come to a decision.

Saturday morning Roy came to Johnny’s room to see if his friend was ready to go.

"Mornin’ Johnny. You ready to get outta here?"

"Hey Roy, come on in. I’m more than ready, I was ready the first day I came in here."

There was an awkward silence between the two friends. Roy wanted to ask but was afraid to hear Johnny’s answer and Johnny knew he wanted to ask. But neither wanted to be the first. Finally, Johnny spoke up.

"Roy, I know what you’re waitin’ for so I’ll go on and tell you. I have come to a decision."

"By the look on your face I don’t think I’m gonna like this, but let’s have it and get it over with."

Smiling, Johnny replied, "Well, looks can be deceiving...but…in this case you’re right, you won’t like it but I can only hope that you’ll respect it and someday understand why I have to do this. Roy…I‘ve decided to resign from the department. I…I just can’t do this anymore. Please understand."

Roy looked away from his friend. Finally he said, "I do understand Junior, but no, I don’t like it. We’ve worked together for over ten years and been through so much together. The good times and the bad and it isn’t easy just throwing all of that away, like it never happened."

Touching his friends shoulder Johnny said, "Roy, this doesn’t mean we have to throw anything away…especially NOT our friendship. If it hadn’t been for that I don’t think I…no, I know I never would’ve fought as hard as I did to stay alive. I…I almost stayed with grandfather but you saved my life again Roy, you and the rest of the guys and I’m so grateful for that and I will never forget it. All this means is that we won’t be partners anymore…but we’ll ALWAYS be friends…BEST friends and nothin’ will ever change that."

"You promise Junior?"

"I promise Pally. And…who knows, maybe after I’ve had time to rest and maybe do something else for a while, you may be stuck with me for a partner again…it could happen."

"I hope so."

"Come on, let’s get outta here, I’m ready to go home."

The End…or is it?

Will Johnny change his mind and go back to the department or will he decide not to…we'll have to wait and see.

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