| Part Seven: Previously: Johnny gets attacked by Knuckles and his gang Authors Notes: None Content Warning: oooooooo Johnny walked into the station still sore from last nights attack. " What the hell happened to you?" Roy asked watching Johnny walk into the day room with a swollen lip. " Nothing, I was just in the wrong place at the wrong time." Johnny lied " Well maybe you should have it looked at." Stanley suggested he too noticed the bruises on Johnny's face. " Come on Capt, they're just bruises it's not worth making a big deal out of." Johnny declared taking a seat at the table " Okay if you're sure, but put this on your lip to help the swelling." Roy said handing a baggie of ice to Johnny " Thanks partner." Johnny said just as the klaxons sounded " Squad 51 woman down, Clairborne Shopping Center in the back parking lot, across form Darrels tire and lube shop, time out 10: 45." " Squad 51 KMG 365," Captain Stanley responded ............. Roy and Johnny walked up to the crowd behind the shopping center. Johnny knelt down to the woman who was gasping for air." Ma'me are you okay?" Johnny asked " I'm fine young man, now help me up." The lady gasped while trying to get up " Ma'me calm down, here this will help you feel much better." Roy said putting the oxygen mask over the victims face. While trying to ignore the roar of motorcycles in the back ground, Johnny began to get her vitals. " How's that, you feel better?" Roy asked " Yes I feel much better, now be a dear and help me up." The lady ordered tugging on the two paramedics Roy and Johnny looked at each other in total confusion." Ma'me we don't understand." Roy said " I'm here for the Crazy Bobs Warehouse sale, I can't miss it." The lady announced running anxiously to the store " Just proves my point, Never get between a sale and a woman." Roy said with a grin looking at his partner before walking to the squad. " Thanks for the warning, I'll have to remember that." Johnny agreed. Johnny glanced over his should as he opened the passenger side door. There he saw Knuckles and his gang watching him at a distance. Knuckles was hitting his fist against his other hand while glaring at Johnny. ................ " Junior, you feel okay you seem a little out of it." Roy asked as he parked the squad into the bay. " I'm fine don't you worry about me." Johnny lied just as Captain Stanley walked up to the squad. " Hey Pal you have a visitor. He's in the day room." Captain Stanley announced Johnny nerviously climbed out of the squad and walked into the day room. To find Paster Daniels sitting at the table talking with Chet and Mike. Paster Daniels noticing Johnny stood up greeting him with a hand shake. Johnny could tell that this was not a social visit from the look in the Pasters eyes. " Mr. Gage, I hope you don't mind me stopping by, I was going to call you but I thought it best if I talked to you in person. Is there some place that we can talk in private?" Paster asked Johnny felt the blood in his viens run cold. He knew in his heart that it wasn't good knews." Sure we can use the Captain's office. If that's okay, Cap?" Seeing his Captain's answer by the way of nodding his head, Johnny and Daniels walked into the office shutting the door behind them. " How's Nicci?" Johnny asked scared of what the answer might be. " She's okay now, The reason I stopped by was to let you know she had a pretty close call. Today during group she had a grand mal seizure. From what the nurse wrote in her chart the seizure lasted well over fifteen minutes. Luckily she didn't go into cardiac arrest like so many addicts do." " Well how is she now." Johnny asked " She's was resting when I left the clinic. She'll probably be a sleep for a long time. She......" Daniels started just as the Klaxons sounded ********Two days later******** After working four hours over Johnny was finally able to go home. As Johnny drove home he couldn't help but wonder where Knuckles was. Johnny knew he meant it when he said that he would keep paying him visits. Still he didn't care. He still loved Nicci and he would do anything including die for her safety. As Johnny walked up the sidewalk he saw knuckles and his goons standing in the shadow." Hey Pretty Boy have you thought about the danger yet?" Knuckles asked while taking the last sip from a bottle that was hid inside a bag. " Nope." Johnny said while trying to walk past the gang with Devils Angels jackets on " You do have a lot of balls, but you're one stupid son of a bitch." Knuckles said grabbing Johnny by the neck embedding his nails in flesh." Boys it seems to me that this Red Skin needs another ass whippin." Knuckles added back handing Johnny in the mouth. " You like that.? you want another?" Knuckles sneered punching Johnny in the head " I dont' care what you do, You can kill me if you want and you still won't have Nicci." Johnny said taking every blow with a sence of honor. " I thought you said you didn't know her, you lying to me bitch?" Knuckles said shoving Johnny to the ground then kicking him repeatedly in the ribs. " You like that? cause we will be back, see we're not ready to kill you yet, We just want to hurt you real bad." Knuckles said kicking Johnny full force in the back of the head before leaving. Laying beaten and bloody on the sidwalk, Johnny could feel that his ribs were fractured and that he had a possible concussion. Even though he knew he needed medical attention he felt he couldn't go to the hospital. He did not want to risk anyone finding out about Nicci. He knew that they would ask questions and he didn't want to lie anymore then what he has already. With those thoughts Johnny picked his injured body up and carried himself into the house. ******** The next morning******** Johnny woke up the next morning just in time to leave for work. I'll take a shower at the station at least someone would be there in case something happens. Johnny thought as he left for the station in the same clothes he slept in. ................. Johnny walked quietly into the locker room hoping none of the guys noticed him or his black eye. Johnny slowly took off his clothes totally exposing his battered ribs. Johnny then turned the water on and climbed in the stall letting the hot water soothe his sore body. " I wonder where Johnny is." Chet said walking into the locker room followed by Roy. " Beats me, with Junior there's no telling." Roy said opening up his locker door. " I'm in the shower." Johnny announced holding his head from the pain his own voice caused. After Roy and Chet left the room, Johnny turned off the water deciding it was safe to get out. Johnny slowly climded out of the stall and started to dress. He was so busy getting dressed that he didn't notice that Chet walked back into the room." What the hell happened to you?" Chet asked looking at Johnny's black eye. Then moving down he spotted the large bruises of Johnny's rib cage. Johnny grabbing his head from Chet's voice he whispered." Chet just leave it alone." Chet walked over to Johnny." No I'm not going to leave it alone." Chet protested " Chet please just forget it would ya, Can't a guy get dressed around here? besides it's none of your business what happened." Taking a degree of offence Chet spoke." Yeah we'll see about that, maybe it's none of my business but I bet the Captain would love to hear about it." Chet threatened with concern while preparing to yell through the apparatus bay. " Chet please." Johnny said." Okay if you must know, I got bucked off a horse last night after work that's all. Don't tell the others okay, I don't want them to know I lost to a horse." Johnny lied Even though Chet didn't believe Johnny's excuse he accepted it." Ah huh, well you are going to Rampart to get them looked at, Aren't ya?" Chet asked " Yeah but later, I promise, now drop it please." Johnny pleaded leaving the room. " Okay man whatever." Chet agreed following Johnny to the day room ............... it was a rather slow day at the station. For Johnny it was good news because his head felt like it was coming off his shoulders." Well Junior lets go to Rampart and get some supplies." Roy suggested taking the last bite of his lunch Johnny then stood up from the table and started walking to the bay." Yeah Gage, don't forget about your date with the doc." Chet reminded " Shut up would ya." Johnny said spinning around in his tracks then looking around the room to see the expressions on the faces of his friends. With concern Stanley Spoke." Is there something I should know about Pal ?" " Nope, just a check up." Johnny lied leaving the room avoiding any more questions from his Captain ............... Roy and Johnny walked up to the base station to see Dixie who was sitting on the stool and Dr. Brackett standing there with a cup of coffee. " Hi guys," Dixie greeted "Hey Dix, we're going to need some supplies." Roy said setting the drug box down on the counter. " Sure help yourself." Dixie said looking at Johnny seeing his face etched with pain and blackened eyes. " Johnny you okay?" she asked " I'm fine, Hey doc if you got a minute could I talk to you in private?" Johnny asked " Sure, I got a moment." Brackett said leading Johnny into a treatment room ......... "What's on your mind?" Brackett asked folding his arms up in front of his chest. Johnny looked at Brackett." First I need to know that patient and Dr. confidentialy still holds and whatever I say doesn't leave this room." Johnny said with the look of plea " Johnny, how can you ask that, you know it does." Brackett assured becoming increasingly concerned With Brackett's assurence Johnny opened up his shirt to show his broken ribs." I fell off a horse last night, I don't need any exrays, we both know they're fractured. Could you just tape them up?" Johnny asked " I can do that, Tell me something did you bump your head when you fell?" Brackett asked " Not to speak of." Johnny lied as Brackett began tapping up his ribs. ................ The squad pulled up into the bay, As soon as they came to a stop Johnny hopped out and headed for the locket room followed by Chet." So did you get em' looked at?" Chet asked " Yes I got them looked at now drop it please." Johnny pleaded just as the Klaxons sounded " Stationg 51, unknown type injury at Richards Rehab Clinic. 112 West Valley, 112 West Valley, time out 1:02." " Station 51, KMG 365." ............ As Captain Stanley and his crew walked into the six story building they were greeted by a nurse running up to them." We have a report that someone has an injury." Captain said " Oh yes follow me." The nurse said As soon as they stepped off the elevator they were greeted by Paster Daniels. They could hear the screams of pain coming from the residents as they fought their own addictions." Thank God you guys are here, follow me, We have her restrained in the sick room." Daniels said walking down the hall as the guys followed. " Would you just listen to them, Why are they screaming like that." Mike asked hearing the sharp shrills through the walls. " Oh believe me, this is mild compared to a lot of days. One thing's for sure it keeps us busy." Daniels said coming to the end of the hall. Followed by the others, Roy and Johnny entered the sick room to find a girl no more then fifteen being restrained by straps. She was thrashing her small body violently screaming out in pain. Johnny took her vitals while Roy contacted Rampart. Suddenly without warning the young girl went into a grand mal seizure, rolling her eyes back in her head before colasping." Roy she's in Cardiac Arrest." Johnny said as he began CPR while Roy prepared to V fifferlate. " 1,2,3,4, CLEAR." Johnny announced as Roy zapped their young victim. After trying several times to restart her young heart, she still did not respond and was pronounced dead. As Johnny looked at the girl he felt a sudden burst of saddness go right to his soul. Although it wasn't Nicci who had just died, he knew in his heart that it very well could have been. With a sigh Johnny left the room Soon the guys were headed back down the long hall that led to the elevator." Hey Roy, you go ahead I'll catch up with ya in a few." Johnny said spotting Paster Daniels leaning against the wall with his head down. As soon as Roy was out of sight, Johnny walked up to the Paster putting his hand on his shoulder." Hey don't feel bad you tried your best." Johnny said soothingly Daniels looked up at Johnny with tears running down his face. " Yeah I guess, it's just so hard seeing one of Gods children suffer and knowing there is nothing you can do to stop it." " I know but you got to know we did all we could do." Johnny soothed Wiping his eyes Daniels spoke." I know in my heart you're right but it's hard to lose so many youngsters to these drugs. If the drugs themselves don't kill them often times the withdrawl does. Their bodies get so use to the drug that when they stop using, their dependant bodies can't handle the shock." " I know it hurts and it's not fair but if you, or I, or anyone can reach just one of them then it somehow makes it all worth while." Johnny said " Yeah I guess I shouldn't take a loss personal but I can't help it. You see I was just like them all messed up on Cocaine. It took me finding the strength in the Lord to get clean. For some reason he saw fit that I survived. Six months later I bacame a paster. When I won the lottery I didn't know what to do, but I knew it was a gift from God. So I chose to do Gods work, I put myself through collage and beacame a Dr. and then I built this facility. That was over thirty five years ago. I am here seven days a week. I promised myself I was going to save these kids from the devil. I am a Paster first and then a Doctor." Daniels explained " Wow thirty five years is along time. Sure some of them die, but think of all you have saved. When I first came here to visit Nicci, I didn't have much hope but listening to you I see that there is some hope for her. Tell me how is she doing?" " Oh Yes Nicci, Well there's some improvement but she is still having troubles. I know that I originally said that she could be released in four weeks but I really dont't think she'll be ready. It might take another couple of weeks or so. On a good note she hasn't vomited any blood in about a week.. In Nicci's case she really doesn't have a problem with vomiting blood unless she gets extremely upset or agitated " That's good, maybe I'll stop by and see her after I get out of work." Johnny said " I think she'd like that, I dont' think she'll be able to visit with you but she'll know you are there. You two must be close because she speaks your name out loud in her sleep." Paster Daniels said Johnny's heart filled with hope as he listened to the Paster words. With a sigh of relief Johnny said goodbye to Daniels then headed back to the squad. ............... Turning off the engine to the squad both Roy and Johnny walked into the day room." Man that was a rough one." Johnny said sinking into a chair. Roy dropped into a seat next to Johnny." It sure was, I can still hear the screams." Roy agreed. Stanley shook his head trying to get the memories out of his head." Only fifteen, my God she was just a baby." Captain Stanley said thinking about his niece being the same age. " Well it was her own fault." Chet said coldly still staring at the paper. With Chet's harsh words, Johnny grabbed the paper out of Chet's grasp." Just want do you mean by that?" Johnny asked taking great offence at Chet's words Looking up at Johnny, Chet grabbed the paper." Just what I said, it's her own fault nobody forced her to stick needles in her arm and get strung out on dope." Hearing Chet's words Johnny snapped." JUST WHO THE HELL GAVE YOU THE RIGHT TO SAY THAT, WE DON'T KNOW HER AND WE'LL NEVER KNOW HER CAUSE SHE'S DEAD CHET, SHE'S DEAD." " Gage now that will be enough." Captains Stanley ordered sternly " Fine Capt, I just want to know, what gives Kelly here the right to judge her, and how dare him sit here and act like her death was her fault he didn't know her. none of us did." " Okay you're right we didn't know her, And we're sorry she's dead,and no it doesn't give him the right to judge. But it doesn't give you the right to jump on him either. After all he is entitled to his oppinion the same way that you are." Stanley athoritatively speaking Feeling his blood boil in anger at his Captain, Johnny bolted up from his chair " FINE CAP HAVE IT YOUR WAY." He shouted while throwing his arms up in the air leaving the room in a huff. Roy stood up grabbing onto his Partners arm to stop him from leaving." Johnny now hold it, this is getting way out of hand." Jerking away from the hold Roy had Johnny stepped back looking around the room with fire, Then looking at Roy " Roy just leave me alone, it's done and besides it don't matter you guys wouldn't understand anyway as far as Kelly's here is concerned she was nothing but white trash anyway." He said quickly leaving the room All the guys sat there looking at each other in shock at Johnny's outburst. It was obvious to them that something was wrong. They knew that he would have never blew up the way he did expecially to the Captain. They didn't know why but they knew that the run they had tore him up inside. Ignoring everyone in his path, Johnny walked out and got into his Land Rover as soon as B shift arrived. Seeing Roy out of the corner of his eye Johnny quickly turned over the engine then throwing it in reverse Johnny sped away leaving Roy behind. After witnessing Johnny peeling out of the driveway the guys joined Roy." What was that all about?" Stanley asked looking down at the black marks on the pavement. " I don't know what's bothering him Capt, maybe he just doesn't want me as a friend anymore." Roy said with a hurt look on his face ............... Johnny walked into Nicci's room only to stop short when he didn't find her there. Panic filled every part of him as he thought about the girl who just died there a short time ago. With his thoughts running wild he bolted out of the room grabbing the first nurse he saw by the arm." Where's Nicci?" He asked fear sweeping across his face The nurse turned and gasped out in fear. Seeing it was Johnny she quickly calmed down." Oh she's in group right now. You can wait in her room if you'd like." She offered " Oh thank God," Johnny said letting out a sigh of relief as he turned to go back to Nicci's room After a short time Nicci walked in the room. Without a word she walked over to the window and sat down in the chair. As she walked by Johnny he could tell she had lost some weight. Starring out the window she spoke," Johnny what happened to your eye?" She asked almost in a whisper " Oh I just got banged up at work." Johnny assured " Is that really what happened?" Nicci asked in dout " Really, don't worry about me bumps and bruises come along with the job." For the rest of the visit, Johnny sat watching Nicci tremble as she starred out the window in complete silence. After some time had past a nurse came into the room." Excuse me Sir, but visiting hours in over." She announced sitting a dinner tray down to the side table Johnny stood up "Nicci I'll be going now but I'll be back." Johnny said softly gently placing a hand on her shoulder making her jump." Nicci you're okay, you don't have to be afraid. You try and eat some dinner. I have tomorrow off and I'll stop by and visit with you." Johnny soothed Johnny and the nurse left the room together as Nicci looked over the tray for any chocolate that might have been left. "Poor kid, she's so scared." The nurse said watching Nicci take the candy bar from the tray."I've never seen anything like it. What ever happened to her must have been horrible." " How is she really doing. I mean is she getting any better?" Johnny asked " Yes she's doing better, she still has her moments. Like yesturday in group. You see, they were doing a exercise where the staff went around the room to hug each resident. The reason for this exercise is to let the residents know that they are important. Anyway when it came to Nicci's turn she freaked. They had to give her a shot to calm her down. She doesn't trust people, and as you can see she lost some weight. When she first came here, she weighed 98 pounds now she's down to 92. Even though some weight loss is normal with the meds she's taking it still concerns me. She doesn't really eat much except for chocolate. It's like she's giving up seems the only thing she really cares about is the gold chain around her neck. We tried to get her to take it off and put it in a safe but she refused although we discourage jewelry we thought it best if we left it . Oh and lets not forget she really cares about her chocolate. That's the first thing and most often the only thing she'll eat." With those last words Johnny let out a chuckle for he remembered how she was about her hershey bars when thery were back in school TBC |