by Janis Turner
copyright Janis Turner1999

He heard the sirens first. Then the shots and they were off of him. He knew he would not make it to work on time, but what else could he have done.

"Squad 46 man down 2598 South Adams Street cross street Timberline Time out 7:45am

"Squad 46 KMG 365"

He tried to sit up but officer Vince stopped him. "Vince could you call the station and let them know I'll be a little late."

"Cap, Officer Vince is on the phone" Chet said.

"Hi Vince what can we do for you? Is it time for the policeman ball again? WHAT how is he? Sure I understand."

After hanging up he turn to "What did Johnny go and do now?" from four voices all at once.

"It seems he put himself in between a pack of wild dogs and a group of kids. Squad 46 is taking him to Rampart. "

" How bad is he?" ask Roy.

"According to Johnny he'll be a little late. By Office Vince account he will be out a couple of weeks if not more."

As Captain Stanley went to go and call in a replacement Roy was heard to say "Johnny if you stuck me with Brice those dog bites will be nothing compared to what I'll do to you."

Thirty minutes later when Dwyer walked in he asked. "So how bad is he?"

"Cap we are off to Rampart to pick up supplies and to check on Johnny" Roy said.

"Call as soon as you find anything out."

They arrived at Rampart in no time with Roy driving. Roy was out of the squad and half way into the hospital before Dwyer even had one foot on the payment. "How is he?" Roy asked as he saw Dixie coming out of treatment room two.

"He's going to be fine" Dixie said to Roy and Dwyer who had finally caught up. "Johnny is in no danger but he had to have 75 stitches in his left leg and another 44 in his right arm. We are going to be keeping him for at least 48 hours. He also may have to under go rabies shots depending upon the results of the tests"

"Can we see him"

"Just for a few minutes he's in room 216 but he may already be out of it . Kel gave him a pretty strong pain killer." When Roy and Dwyer went in to see Johnny they found him feeling no pain and making no sense when they tried to asked him a question."

"We'll come back when you feel better. Just get some rest Junior."

Before they could call the station they were called out on another run. Half way there the run was cancelled. When they returned to the station they informed everyone on Johnny's condition and the possibility of him having to have the series of rabies shots.

"Man I heard those are pretty painful" Marco said.

"I would not wish that on my worst enemy" replied Dwyer.

The rest of the morning went awful slow. Not one run for either the engine or the squad. They were watching the news while eating lunch when the TV anchorman announced. "Our next story might be offensive to some viewers, and if there are any children watching, you might want to have them leave the room."

He then proceeded "Early this morning a paramedic from LA County came across three dogs about to attack a group of school children waiting for their school bus. He put himself between the dogs and the kids. He deliberately caused the dogs to attack him, so the children could run to safety. What you are about to see is a home movie taken by a elderly man confined to a wheelchair".

With that the tape was ran and before their eyes they saw the whole drama unfold. They could see Johnny getting out of his car, taking his jacket off and rolling it around his right arm. He is then shown getting between the children and the dogs all the while talking .

Finally after the dogs attacked him they could see him mouthing the word "Run now."

The film then showed Johnny on the ground and the vicious attack. After a minute Chet got up and turned off the set visibly shaken. After that no one was able to finish their lunch and it became the first time that Marco's chili went almost untouched.

Within minutes the stations phone started ringing off the hook. It seemed that every fire station in the county was calling and checking on Johnny's condition. They all said they figured it would be better to call the station than to tie up the phones at the hospital. After about an hour Chet picked up the phone and automatically said "He is fine" before the other party had a chance of saying anything.

"Oh sorry Chief the phones have been going crazy every since the news broadcast. Sure just a minute. Cap, Chief is on the phone."

"Hi Chief what can I do for you? Oh Chet filled you in. No kidding wait till I tell the fellows." After a few minutes he hung up and said. "The department has been inundated with phone calls about Johnny and there are discussions about him receiving the medal of valor."

The rest of the day felt like they were all on a slow boat to China. No calls, no false alarms, no nothing. Finally around 10pm they all turned in just for something different. Around 5am the Klaxons went off to a two alarm fire that quickly escalated into a three alarm. By the time A-shift returned to the station it was 11:00am. After changing they went over to the hospital to see Johnny.

"Hi Dr. Brackett how is Johnny doing this morning?" They all said at once.

"Not so good." When he saw their faces drop he was quick to add. Now don't get me wrong, Johnny is mending well. Should be able to leave the hospital tomorrow."

"Than what's the problem" Captain Stanley asked.

"The test results came back. We had to start Johnny on the rabies shots and he is really in a lot of pain. I'm sure he will be happy to see you. Just don't make him laugh. What you could do thou would be to see that he tries to eats his lunch when it comes. I know our food is not the greatest , and with the shot he won't want to eat , but he really needs to keep up his strength."

"Hey Dr. how about if we brought in lunch. Like you said the food around here is not the greatest and it might be more appealing?" Mike asked.

"That would be fine, just nothing to spicy. Roy can I talk to you for a couple of minutes?"

As Roy and Dr. Brackett went to talk the rest of the group were deciding what to get Johnny. After agreeing on chicken soup much to Chet’s disdain Marco and Mike went out to get it. With Roy’s return the rest of the fellows went to visit their pal.

"Up to a visit" Hank asked as he open the door to Johnny’s room.

"Come on in guys, how’s it going?"

"We should be the ones asking you that question" replied Chet. Even though Johnny tried to put up a happy front they could see the pain he was in.

"How does it feel to be the city latest hero?" Roy asked his partner.

"Aww come on guys not you too. That's all I have been hearing since yesterday. Can't we talk about something else. What about the three alarm fire this morning?"

With that they all starting telling Johnny about the fire noticing that he was unusually quiet. A few minutes later Marco and Mike returned and announce that they had brought lunch for everyone including Johnny. "Pizza for us and chicken soup for you" Mike said.

"Thanks but if you don't mind I eat it later."

"No Johnny, trust me you want to eat it while it is still hot" Chet said.

Upon hearing that Johnny started to laugh but stopped after a few seconds with tears in his eyes. Four pair of eyes focused on Chet who immediately said "I'm sorry I didn't mean to make him laugh."

"It's okay Chet no problem" Johnny replied wearily.

"Noticing that Johnny was starting to eat Roy said "Johnny the doc said you could leave the hospital tomorrow. He also said you could not go back to your place for a couple of weeks. I called Joanne and we have decided that you are coming to stay with us till than."

"Thanks but I don't see why I can't go home?"

"Mainly because you live on the third floor and there is no elevator."

"So what's wrong with that."

"Think about it. You have to come back to the hospital for check ups and you treatments. How will you manage the stairs in a wheelchair?"

"What do you mean a wheelchair?"

"You can't put any weight on you left leg and with you right arm in the condition it's in crutches are out."

"Well if you put it that way tell Joanne thanks." After a half hour later they notice that Johnny had fallen asleep.

"I think we should leave so as not to wake him."

As they were leaving they ran into Dr. Brackett and informed him that Johnny had eaten most of his lunch.

"Thanks if we have any problems we know who to contact."

The next day Roy and Joanne came not only to pick Johnny up but to talk to Dr. Brackett about his care.

"If he wants to sleep a lot let him. Joanne you have the list of food Johnny can have and the ones to avoid that I gave Roy yesterday. Do you have any questions?"

"No I cook pretty much what's on the list already so I see no problem. You want to see him Saturday at 11am for his next shot right?"

"Yes that will be fine. He had his second shot about two hours ago so he should be pretty well worn out. I told you about the side effects and what to do for them, but call me if you think it is necessary. Well if there are no more questions I have to get back to my other patients."

"Come on mom lets go pick up our third child" Roy said laughing as he took her hand.

After getting Johnny home, and insisting that he take a nap, Roy got him settled in the den.

"Any problems Joanne" asked as Roy came into the kitchen?"

"No he was pretty well beat. The trip from the hospital took a lot out of him."

"When are you going to talk to him about Saturday night."

"I was hoping to put it off as long as possible" Roy said.

"I'm sure he'll understand, he has known about this party for weeks now."

"I know but I also know him!. He is still going to think we got a babysitter for him no matter what we say."

"But Roy you said it yourself he can't be by himself just yet. Maybe if you ask a couple of the guys to come over and visit surely he wouldn't mind.

"Okay I'll talk to him later this evening. I'll go call the guys and see if any of them are available but I am going to save Chet for last. That's all Johnny would need is Chet starting in on him."

"Chet wouldn't do that, not while Johnny is still recuperating."

"No your right I'm not being fair to Chet, I was"

"You were just thinking about Johnny and how he would feel that's all."

"Think you know me pretty well."

"After 10 years of marriage I hope so."

A few minutes later Roy came back into the kitchen, put his arms around his wife and said. "What did I ever do to deserve someone who is not only beautiful but smart too."

"So who is coming over Saturday night" Joanne said as she turned facing Roy.

"Cap said he would. He had wanted to get a poker game up. He said he would get with the rest of the men. Now I know Johnny is asleep and the other two are over at the Stroker’s house so how about if we go upstairs?"

"Oh your tired also?"

"Who said anything about sleeping. " Roy said with a gleam in his eye.

Later that evening, while Joanne was getting Chris and Jenny ready for bed Roy, figured this was the perfect time to talk to Johnny. "John can we talk for a few minutes"

"Sure what’s up? Tired of me already?"

"Um no that’s not it. You remember me telling you about the party Joanne's family is having this Saturday?"

"You two aren't thinking about not going because of me are you?"

"No the four of us are still going but"

"But what?'

"Well I... that is... we both feel that it is still to soon for you to be left alone so Cap and the fellows are coming over."

"They are what! Roy come on I'm quite capable of taking care of myself." I don't need a babysitter"

"They are not going to be babysitting you. They are using my house to play a couple friendly games of poker that’s all."

"And what’s wrong with one of their places?"

"Well"

"Well what."

"Well nothing they are coming and that’s final" Roy could tell that Johnny didn't like it but he said nothing further. Now come on its time you went to bed."

"BED! It's only 8 o'clock even in the hospital I at least got to stay up till 11!"

"Sorry I forget who I was talking to."

The rest of the week went by quickly. After returning Saturday from the hospital Johnny asked Roy what time the fellows would be coming by.

"The Cap will be here around four and the rest of the fellows around 5 or 5:30." At five minutes to four Captain Stanley showed up with enough food to fed a army.

"Cap you didn't need to bring food we had plenty here" Roy said when he answered the door.

"You never have to much food when you have a poker game going. So where Johnny? Is he taking it any better about us being here?"

"He's in the den watching the game. I think so. He been quiet but that has a lot to do with the shots he been receiving. With each shot the pain get a little worse."

"How many more does he have to get?"

"He got his third one today so he has another two to go. Before we go see Johnny I want to give you the number where we will be. I've already told you about some of the other side effects he could experience. So far he has only experience severe pain but that could change at any time. Did you talk to Chet?"

"Chet understands fully what he can and can not say tonight so don't worry. You and Joanne go and have a good time. Now lets get this food put away and go see Johnny."

A few minutes later Joanne came down dressed to the hilt. After the three men made the appropriate comments they were off.

"How's it going Johnny? You up to a few hands of poker tonight?'

"Sure but you know Cap there was no need for you guys to give up your evening for me. I'll be fine here along. It's just Roy and Joanne being paranoid."

"I know but why be alone when you can have the privilege of our company for the evening."

"Now if Roy really was a friend he would of had a pretty nurse come instead." Johnny jokingly replied.

A few minutes later Chet, Marco and Mike showed up and the poker game was on the way. Around 6:30 they broke for supper. While the were getting everything ready they told Johnny about Roy being stuck with Brice the last shift and how Brice had all but driven them all up the wall.

"So any word yet on when you can come back to work?" Marco inquired.

"No but I figured it will be after the last shot which should be in three weeks ."

"Say Johnny did I tell you that my cousin Rosita called from Chicago. They saw the tape of you on the local channel last night."

"No, that's old news you would of thought it would not make the news anymore."

Johnny was eating very little and after a few minutes he said " I think I'm going to lay down for a little while." When the fellows came back into the den they noticed that Johnny was already asleep.

"Do you think we would wake him if we continue playing?" Mike asked.

"I think it should be ok as long as we hold the noise level down to a minimum roar" replied Hank.

With that they got down to some serious poker playing. About an hour later they started hearing low moaning sounds coming from the sofa which seemed to be getting louder. Johnny also started to thrash around. Suddenly Johnny let out a loud moan and set upright.

"Hey are you ok" Chet said as they all went over to the sofa. Johnny who was having trouble catching his breath just nodded yes.

"No you aren't I'm going to call Roy" Hank said.

"No I'm fine. The pain will go away shortly." Forty-five minutes later the pain had subsided and Johnny was resting comfortable. Chet wanted to comment on it being a good thing that they were there but remember the Captain's warning in time.

When Roy and Joanne returned home Cap inform them what had taken place before he left. The next day Roy notice that Johnny was even quieter than usual.

"Are you okay?"

"I'm fine."

"Are you sure?"

"Roy, last night....."

"I know I heard about it."

"No something else."

"So what else?"

"Last night Marco told me that his cousin saw the tape on a tv channel in Chicago."

"So?"

"Don't you see?"

"See what?"

"If it was shown in Chicago, how about Montana!"

At first Roy did not understand what Johnny was getting at. A minute later he realized what Johnny meant.

"Don't worry Johnny if he did see it, there is no way he will get to you . He will have to go through me first."

"Thanks but this is not your battle."

"It became mine when you told me about him."

"But what if ?"

"No what ifs now lets talk about something else. As my mom use to say don't worry about something happening until it happens."

The following week Johnny was finally up and about. Roy and Joanne still insisted that he should remain at their house until he had completed his last shot. At first he was going to refuse, that would mean he would be there almost a full month. With the side effects he realized it would be better to have someone around.

Finally he was given the ok to return to work. On his first day back he was surprised to see a banner over the locker area welcoming him back. Chet even refrain the Phantom from making a appearance for two whole shifts.

*****

One bright sunny afternoon while the squad was out on a run the rest of the station was surprise by a visitor.

"Cap this gentleman would like to ask you a question."

Hank , Marco and Chet looked up to see the man Mike was referring to. He looked like an older version of their co-worker.

"How do you do Mr ?"

"Gage James Gage"

"Mr Gage as in Johnny's father?" asked Captain Stanley.

"Yes does he work here?"

"Why yes , he and his partner are out on a run but should be back before too long. Johnny didn't mention you would be visiting ." replied the captain.

"He doesn't know. I haven't seen or talked to him in a long time, a very long time ."

Chets curiosity got the better of him. "How long has it been?"

"It will be eight years the 28th of this month ."

Chet mentally did the math. Johnny's birthday was in two weeks , on the 28th, and he would be 24 years of age.

"You mean you haven't seen him since the day he turned sixteen!"

"Yes we had a fight that morning and when I came home he and his belongings were gone. He just disappeared. I tried to find him but there was no trace."

"How did you locate him here?" Marco asked.

"I was watching tv one night. I saw a story about a fireman who put himself between a group of school children and a pack of dogs. It wasn't until they mention Johnny’s name that I recognized him. I had to come out here to find him."

A few moments later they could hear the squad pulling in.

"That’s them now." Chet said.

They could hear Roy talking and Johnny laughing as they made their way into the kitchen area.

"Hey John you have a visitor" Chet said wanting to see his expression.

The two paramedics both stopped in their tracks . Johnny looked liked he was in a state of shock. Roy looked ...hell he looked like a mother bear about ready to protect her cub.

"Aren't you going to say hello to your father Johnny?" Hank said.

"Johnny can I talked to you alone?" Mr. Gage asked.

"We don't have anything to say to each other." Johnny said curtly.

"Just for a few minutes and than I will leave."

Johnny looked around and realized it would be better if they were alone.

"Lets go out here."

No one said anything till they were out of sight, than they all looked at Roy expecting him to give them the answers .

Roy had started to go over to the doorway when he heard.

"Roy care to explain"

"Sorry Cap but what I know was told to me in confidence."

After about five minutes they heard loud shouting coming from the bay area and knew that they might have to intervene between the two men. Roy was the first to arrive in the apparatus bay than stopped. As long as they were just shouting he would leave them alone. I hope he realized that Johnny is not a child who can not defend himself he thought almost out loud.

"Did you say something Roy?"

"No Cap just thinking "

Although they could not understand what the two were saying they knew it was getting hot and heavy. All of a sudden Johnny's father grabbed him, slapped him in the face, and then pushed him against the engine hard. Roy was there in an instant.

"I think you better leave now" Roy shouted!

"I'm not ready to leave yet" Johnny's father shouted back.

"You don't have a choice, Marco, Mike escort him out" Roy shouted barely able to control his anger.

While Roy was seeing to his father leaving, Captain Stanley offered his hand to help Johnny up. He was surprised at Johnny reaction. Not knowing it was the Cap he instinctively raised his arms in a protective mode to protect himself. He also said in a small voice "No don't."

"Whoa , its me are you ok?" Hank asked as he and Chet helped him up.

"I'm fine where is he?"

"Mike and Marco are seeing to it that he leaves." Chet told him.

"We need a paramedic out here looks like he is having a heart attack" yelled Mike.

Roy went running with Johnny a close second.

"Rampart we have a man 47 years of age."

"50 Roy he is 50."

"Correction Rampart 50year old man with a apparent heart attack. Vitals to follow."

"10-4 squad 51 does the patient have a history of heart problems?" asked Dixie.

"Johnny?"

"Not that I knew of."

"Unknown Rampart BP is 90/65 pulse is 75 reps 16."

"Strip to follow Rampart." Replied Roy

"Squad 51 start Ringers Lactate.".

"Has the ambulance arrived yet?"

"Just now." Roy answered.

"Transport immediately."

"I'll ride with him Johnny."

"Johnny can you drive or would you rather have Chet drive?" Hank asked with concern in his voice.

"No I'll be fine."

"Take him into treatment room four Roy." Dixie said as Roy helped roll the gurney in.

As Dr. Brackett and Dr. Early were examining him they could not get over the resemblance between the patient and John Gage.

"Dix see if he is related to Johnny?" Brackett said.

When Dixie went out looking for Johnny she was surprise to only see Roy. "Where's Johnny, Roy? Dr. Brackett would like to ask him a few questions."

"What does he want to know Dix?" a voice from behind asked.

"Lets go into the treatment room."

Once inside the room Johnny was unable to answer any of Kel questions. "Sorry Dr. but I haven't seen him in eight years. Do you need us for anything else? If not than we have to be going."

"We will keep you informed on his condition." Dr. Early told Johnny.

"Anyone care to guess what that was about?" Dr. Early said.

"No, Johnny never mention his father before. I thought he was dead" replied Dixie.

Roy, knowing that Johnny needed time, drove back to the station in silence.

"How is your father Johnny?" Hank asked as they came into the dayroom.

Johnny looked directly at Hank and said quite emphatically "Lets get this perfectly clear. That man may be responsible for me being born, but he was never , nor will he ever be my father !

Some what taken aback Hank was left speechless.

"Foods on" Marco yelled.

As they were sitting eating no one was really talking until finally Chet spoke up.

"So Roy how long have you known that Johnny here was a runaway? And Johnny why did you run away from home?"

Johnny fork froze in mid-air. He glared at Chet, put down his fork and left the room.

"Chet you had better drop it." Roy warned.

"Roy take it easy, Chet didn't mean no harm" Marco said coming to Chet’s defense.

"Roy you better go see if he is okay" Hank injected into the conversation.

Finding him sitting on the ground out back Roy lowered himself down . "Are you okay?" he asked.

"Fine. What do they say about not worrying about something until it happens. Well it happen."

"Maybe it's for the best ?"

"Best for who? Certainly not me."

"I don't know about that. You finally faced him and you also stood up to him."

"Yeah but alot of good that did."

Roy realized that Johnny was still not ready to talk as the two sat in silence for about fifteen minutes. He could see the turmoil in his friend face. As much as he wanted to help he knew that Johnny would have to be the one to start.

Meanwhile back inside the other four were deep in conversation.

"Child abuse! Cap you must be joking" Chet said almost in a whisper.

"From Johnny’s reaction to seeing his father and what happen I don't think so"

"Yeah. But Cap, don't you think you are taking a big leap to child abuse?" Mike asked.

"What about his back?. Have you all forgotten what it looks like?" Hank said back.

They all remembered playing a game of basketball last year. Chet had accidentally torn Johnny’s T-shirt. The shock of seeing their co-workers back and his effort to play it down. Plus they had all been on runs where children had been deliberately injured by a parent. Now it made sense why these runs had always affected Johnny so deeply. They all wanted to help their friend. To be there if he needed them. But how could they do that without it looking like they were just being nosey. Or worse yet they were pitying him.

"He may be embarrassed if he thinks we know. Just be your normal self. Don't go out of your way." Captain Stanley told them.

When Roy and Johnny came back inside they found the other four glued to the TV. It was almost as if they did not want to know that they were back . After getting some coffer they settle in to watch the movie. Finally after another bad movie Johnny had enough. If they wanted to watch that junk so be it. As for him he just wanted to forget this day. Maybe if he turned in early when he woke up he would find that it had all been a nightmare.

When the rest finally turned in Johnny was already asleep although a little restless. Within minutes they were all asleep except Chet. As he laid in his bunk the past few years were replayed in his mind. "Did any of my pranks and comments cause him pain? Did I ever go to far? Does he know I really like him? As he got up a couple of time, on the pretense of getting something to drink, he would look over to make sure that he was okay.

Johnny was already up and fixing breakfast when the rest came into the kitchen.

As Roy was pouring himself a cup of coffee Johnny said. "I'm going to the hospital when we get off."

"Do you want company?"

"Yes if you do not mind I don't trust myself to be alone with him."

"Let me go call Joanne and let her know I will be late."

A few minutes Captain Stanley told Johnny he wanted to see him in his office. "Pull up a chair" he said as he closed the door. Seeing the look in the younger man eyes he said.

"John if you want to talk my door is always open. In fact if you would like to talk but not here that can be arranged. Also I made a few calls this morning. I got the numbers of a couple of groups that could help if you are interested?"

"What kind of groups?" Johnny said defensively.

"Groups that deal in child abuse."

"Child abuse! Are you out of your mind?"

"Look pal are you trying to tell me that your father never abused you as a child? Because if you are I don't believe you."

"So my father hit me yesterday and that turns into child abuse! Come on get real."

"If that was the only time I might believe you but..."

"What has Roy been telling you?"

"Roy hasn't said one word. We just put the pieces together."

"We! what am I the topic of the day?"

"A course not. We are just concerned about you that’s all."

Roy knocked on the door and came in. "Sorry ,Johnny, Dixie called, your father just died."

At Roy’s insistence Johnny went to the DeSoto's home. Roy also insisted that he make the arrangements to have the body shipped back to Montana the next day.

"Are you sure about not going back for the funeral?"

"There is no reason for me to go. I said my goodbye years ago,"

Joanne came out on the patio and said "Roy, Captain Stanley and the men are here."

"I can't see them now Roy. Please there is nothing for them to do."

"They can listen Johnny."

"Listen to what. That my father hated me since the day I was born be...because." Unable to finish Johnny finally broke down.

"Its going to be okay pal." Roy said as he pulled Johnny to him.

A few minutes later Roy and Johnny went over to where the rest of the fellows were waiting.

"John is there anything we can do for you? Help with arrangements or make calls?" Chet asked.

"Thanks Chet but Roy has made the arrangements to have the body shipped back and there is no one to call" replied Johnny.

"Do you want to talk? We have all day with nothing to do."

"Thank Cap but I know you don't want to sit around and listen to me talk about my sorry childhood."

"Why don't you let us be the judge of that" Marco said.

"Ok but stop me when you don't want to hear anymore. It started the day I was born. Actually no it started when my mom and dad meet each other. It was love at first sight or so I was always told. It didn't matter to them that she was white and he was Native American. Five months later they were married and about a year later my mom was expecting me. Than everything changed."

"What happen?"

"My mother died while I was being born Cap and my father never let me forget that if it wasn't for me she would still be alive."

"Johnny he must have loved you or he would not have taken care of you?" Upon hearing that Johnny started to laugh uncontrollable.

"Sorry Cap but the only reason he keep me was so that he could make me pay for killing his sweet Beth."

"How did he do that Johnny?"

"My very first memory is my father hitting me with his special belt when I was four. Every year on my birthday he would get it out. He would than proceed to give me my birthday present. One hit for every year she was gone than one for every year I was alive and she wasn't."

"My god didn't anyone try and stop him?" Marco asked.

"There was no one. Neither one of them had any living relatives and the neighbors didn't care what happen to a half breed."

"What a...bout the rest of the year. What else did he do?'

While Johnny was telling them about the rest of his childhood they all were putting two and two together. When he told them about never being allowed to go outside and play or have any friends, Roy realized that that was why he always loved playing with his kids and having just as much if not more fun than they did. I'll have to have him over more often he thought.

Marco and Chet both decided that when it was their turn to cook they would make extra after he told them how his father would make him go days with very little to eat. That's why he seems to have a bottomless stomach.

Mike realized that the reason Johnny seemed to talk and talk was because he needed to hear the sound of someone talking even if it was his own voice. I am going to have to be more talkative around him. He must have been very lonely growing up!

Captain Stanley who had come from a very loving family could only feel the anger rise in him. If Johnny’s father was still alive and here he would of deck him.

"What were the holidays like?" Mike asked Johnny.

"Well we never were one for Thanksgiving you know. The first one was supposed to be a going away party but the guests of honor didn't take the hint."

"Very funny Gage what about Christmas?" Chet asked.

Johnny paused briefly before answering Chet’s question as if he needed to compose himself. Finally he looked up as he replied. "Christmas was just like my birthday. It only served as a reminder as to what I caused my father to loose. You see they meet around the holidays. So he did something special than. After he took out his belt he would put water on it. That way it would hurt more. How many times he would hit me would depend on how much he had to drink."

By this time tears were running down his face and he could not continue. Roy who hadn't asked Johnny questions like the rest of the fellows had realized that Johnny had left out the worse parts months earlier when he had finally confided in him.

"Johnny if you want to stop now we will understand."

After wiping his face with his arm Johnny told Roy he would continue and finish if they wanted him to.

"How did you come to LA pal." Hank asked.

"I knew for years that one day I would have to leave. I had been saving money every chance I got. On my sixteenth birthday I realized that day had come. That year he gave me the worse whipping ever. He also said that since he enjoyed it so much, he would do it again when he came back. After he left I pack a few things took what little money I had managed to save and started out. Hitchhiked to the next county and caught the bus. I knew I could lose myself in a large city. "

"How did you survive out here." Marco asked.

"Well for the first two weeks I lived on the streets. Going hungry wasn't anything new, so going without food, for a day here and there, wasn't a problem. The middle of the third week my luck changed. That is when I met Father Mike. He ran a home for runaways. He took me in gave me something to eat and listen to me. . After many talks he convinced me to go back to school. In fact if it hadn't been for him I would never of joined the fire department.

"How so?" Roy asked .

"One day when I came back from work I discovered there had been a fire. Father Mike died while trying to get the rest of the boys out. After realizing feeling sorry for myself was not what he would of wanted I decided to do something that would make him proud of me. That’s when I looked into joining the department.

While Chet was listening plans were forming in his mind. He knew the rest of the guys would go along . It would be what Johnny needed. To show him that they cared. That they were his family.

A few hours later they left with Chet telling them about his ideas for Johnny.

After taking time off by orders of Captain Stanley Johnny came back to work. Everyone was relieved that he seemed to be his old self.

"Hey Johnny Joanne wants to know if you can come to dinner tomorrow night?"

"Isn't she tired of me yet? I've been over there this last week and a half."

"You know Joanne. Besides your family."

"Yeah family" he said with sadness.

The next night when Johnny walked into Roy’s house he was greeted with "SURPRISE HAPPY BIRTHDAY" by the entire A-Shift.

"I don't know what to say except thanks."

Later he was a little shock to discover that the party was Chet’s idea.

"So Chet I hear that I owe you for this party."

"Well I'm always ready to party and your birthday just happen to come along."

"Where is Johnny? time to cut the cake."

"Chet, I have to give it to you this was a great idea of yours."

"Thanks Cap when do you tell him?"

"Why don't we wait till after he opens his gifts."

"But before the one gift right Cap?"

"Right Chet."

When Johnny started to blow out the candles he was reminded by Chris DeSoto that he had to make a wish first. "Did you forget Uncle Johnny?"

"Yes Chris I forgot thanks for reminding me." How do you tell a little boy that this is the first time someone has ever given you a birthday party let alone a cake and you didn't know what to do.

After the cake it was time for the presents. From Marco he got a book on the latest pranks to pull.

"Way to go Marco I will know who to blame if he pulls any of them on me." Chet stated. From Chet he got a reprieve card for one month from the Phantom plus a book on how to have a successful date with the girl of your dreams.

Mike gave him a beginners cookbook. "So you can fix something besides hamburgers and hot dogs.

Cap and Roy both gave him ordinary gifts saying he had enough reading material for several months.

After the gifts were open Captain Stanley said he had an announcement to make .

"Johnny we all know that the last couple of weeks have been hard on you. But that's in the past. It is now time to look to the future. And part of the future is, I am now proud to tell you , that next month you are going to receive the Medal of Valor."

"The Medal of Valor Cap?"

"For what you did for those children awhile back. When you had the dogs attack you instead of them. The department felt that this was something that should not wait until the annual banquet for awards. You do not know how many calls they received not only from the public but also from your fellow firemen on this. So that night there will be just the one award. It will be your night and your night only."

"I don't know what to say Cap."

"Good because we have one more gift for you that is from the five of us." Roy said as he handed Johnny the last gift.

When Johnny open it and started to read what was written tears came to his eyes as he read.

Johnny we want to tell you what you mean to us.

Johnny looked at his friends, no, not his friends, for they were indeed his family and for once in his lifetime he was speechless as all he could do was read and reread the plaque.