NOTE: This story was originally a contest entry for the “Bite Johnny” Contest on Squad 51 Where Are You? Thanks to Redgirl for adopting yet another story for me! :)

 

The Perfect Day

By: Cheryl

 

Johnny Gage whistled joyfully as he walked in through the back door of Station 51.  It was a beautiful day and his mood reflected it.  He smiled slightly around his whistle, satisfied with the way it echoed in the apparatus bay.

 

“Not THAT song!  It’s been…what, four years?  Let it go already!”

 

Johnny rolled his eyes. “That doesn’t matter, it’s a good song!” He turned around to face Chet Kelly, who continued ribbing Johnny on his musical taste.

 

“It makes no sense whatsoever!”

 

Johnny glared at Chet.  I refuse to let you ruin my mood on this beautiful day.  “Chet, you just have no respect for good music,” he pointed at the stocky fireman.  “You, have no taste!”

 

“I have no taste!”  Chet retorted, slapping his hand on his chest. “At least I like music that makes sense!”

 

“It does make sense!”  I understand it!” Johnny said.

 

“Proof positive, Gage.  You make about as much sense as…as…whatever his name is that sings that…whatever it’s called!”

 

Johnny rolled his eyes.  “McLean, Chet!  Don McLean!  And the song is American Pie!  Jeez, you can be so dense sometimes!”

 

“ME, dense? At least I like lyrics that have some kind of point!  I mean really Gage! ‘Drove my Chevy to the levee but the levee was dry’.  What’s that all about?  If the levee was dry, then why did he go?  And why would someone go to a levee in the first place?”

 

Johnny just shook his head as he walked to the locker room.  “Chet the levee is…never mind, it’s beneath me to even explain that to you.”

 

“Oh yeah?  Well that’s a short trip.”

 

Johnny paused, a retort brewing on his lips.  He stopped himself mid-thought.  No.  I won’t let him ruin my perfect day.   Johnny just smiled, continuing into the locker room, whistling the same tune.

 

“GAGE!”  Chet yelled.   

 

 

Johnny walked around behind his partner, Roy DeSoto as he approached his locker.  “Good morning Roy!”  Johnny exclaimed opening the door.

 

Roy stared at him for a moment, amusement forming on his face.  “What’s got you in such a good mood today?” he asked pinning on his badge. 

 

Johnny sighed contentedly.  “Didn’t you look out the window this morning, Roy?  It’s a perfectly beautiful day!” Johnny spread his arms in an animated gesture.  “The birds are chirping, the air is clean…at least for LA it is,” he chuckled.  “It’s just a wonderful day.  I’m going to have a perfect day today, I just know it.”  Johnny reached down, unbuttoning his shirt. 

 

Roy smiled as he watched his partner.  “Glad to hear it.  See you at roll call.”  Roy walked out, leaving Johnny to change by himself. 

 

A few minutes later, Captain Hank Stanley assembled his crew for the assignment of the station’s chores.  He flipped through his clipboard, reviewing over the day’s events and departmental news.  “Okay.  Roy, John, Squad 45 has to have some maintenance today, so you’ll be covering their area for a couple of hours this afternoon.  Because of this, I’m reassigning you off KP, John.  Knowing our luck you’d be gone for dinner.” 

 

“Wow, we should be so lucky.”  Chet piped in still miffed about their previous discussion. 

 

Hank rolled his eyes.  “Kelly…”

“Yeah, Cap?”

“Shut up.” 

“Right, Cap.”  Chet responded, amidst the snickers from the rest of the crew. 

 

“Okay,” Hank continued, “I’m assigning KP to Stoker.  Mike, no spaghetti, my pants are getting tight.” 

Mike nodded, smiling.

 

Hank turned to Johnny.  “John, you take the dorm pal.  Marco, you’re up on the latrines…” Hank was cut off by the tones. 

 

“Station 51, man down.  1473 South Wilmington.  1-4-7-3 South Wilmington.  Cross street 2nd, time out 8:05.”

 

“Station 51, KMG 365,” Hank responded from the engine as they followed the squad out of the station. 

 

“I hate these “man down” calls,” Roy mumbled, as he skillfully maneuvered the squad through the early morning traffic.  “We don’t know if it’s a sprained ankle or a cardiac arrest.” 

 

“Yeah,” Johnny replied, “but I’m sure it’ll be okay.” 

 

Roy glanced at his partner.  Even through the serious look on Johnny’s face, Roy could still see his partner’s good mood showing through.  “Well, I hope so.”

 

Johnny and Roy both looked at the large house in front of them as they pulled into the driveway, the engine right behind them.

 

“Wow!  That house is huge.”  Johnny’s eyes widened as he stared out the windshield. 

 

Roy nodded in agreement, “they must have a lot of money.”

 

A woman ran out of the front door to greet them.  “Please hurry!” she exclaimed, grabbing Hank’s arm and pulling him with her. “He won’t wake up and he’s…he’s…jerking around!” 

Hank carefully disentangled himself from her, speaking in soothing tones.  “Ma’am it’s okay.  We’ll help him alright?” Hank turned to his crew.  “Kelly you’re with us.  Lopez, Stoker, wait here in case we need you to bring anything else in.”  Hank and Chet walked along behind Roy and Johnny who were following the woman into the house. 

 

Roy and Johnny dashed into the bedroom to find an unconscious man on the floor.  He was sweating profusely and twitching uncontrollably, hands clenched as he writhed around.

 

Roy opened the biophone, as Johnny palpated the man’s pulse.  He glanced up at Roy.  “Roy, his pulse is 130.”  Johnny placed his hand on the man’s abdomen.  He shook his head.  “Respirations are 28.” Johnny narrowed his eyes, palpating the man’s rib cage.  “There’s significant muscle twitching in his intercostal spaces.”  He glanced back up at Roy, a confused look on his face, as he reached for the BP cuff.

 

Roy nodded.  What the heck is going on?  “Rampart, this is Squad 51.” 

 

Dr. Joe Early responded.  “Go ahead, 51, this is Rampart.” 

“Rampart we have a male, age…” Roy looked up at the woman questioningly. 

 

“35” she whispered.

 

“Rampart age is 35.  Victim is unconscious and diaphoretic.  Pulse is 130, respirations are 28.  Stand by for BP.”  Roy looked over at Johnny just in time to see his partner’s eyes widen in disbelief.  He looked up at Roy, the BP cuff hissing as he released it. 

 

“Just a second.”  Johnny said, re-inflating the cuff.  He listened intently, shaking his head.  Johnny pulled the stethoscope from his ears.  “BP is 240/150.”

 

Roy relayed the information.  “Rampart, BP is 240/150.  Also, there is significant muscle twitching in his intercostal spaces.” 

“51, check pupilary response, and check for hypertensive pulmonary edema.” 

Roy pulled out his penlight, flashing it in each one of the victim’s eyes.  He checked them again, to be sure.  “Fixed and dilated, Johnny.” 

 

Johnny grabbed the stethoscope and listened to the victim’s breath sounds.  He shook his head.  “Rales in both lungs.”  Johnny grabbed for the resuscitator.

 

Roy pocketed his light and began to palpate the man’s head.  “Ma’am, did he fall down or hit his head?”  He asked as he felt the man’s head for evidence of injury. 

 

The woman shook her head.  “No, he just returned from a business trip to Sydney, Australia.  I looked in on him about a half-hour ago and he said he was going to unpack, then get some sleep.  I walked by about 10 or 15 minutes later and he was writhing on the floor saying ‘it hurts, make it stop.’  Then he passed out.  That’s when I called you.” 

 

“Ma’am, did he say where it hurt, or was he holding his chest or arm or anything?”  Roy lowered his head, closely examining both the man’s ears. 

She shook her head.  “No, in fact his hands were clenched and his face was twitching.  Please!  Is he going to be okay?”

Johnny placed the mask over the victim’s face as Roy reached for the biophone. “We’re going to do our best, ma’am.” 

Roy relayed the added information to Dr. Early who immediately prescribed care for the victim.

 

“51, start an IV D5W-TKO.  Get him on 6 liters O2 and transport immediately.”

 

Johnny adjusted the airflow and monitored his pulse and BP, while Roy attempted to start the IV. 

 

Roy shook his head, gripping harder on the victim’s arm.  “His muscle spasms are getting worse.  I can’t get the IV started.  Chet, can you give me a hand?” 

 

Chet knelt down, grasping the man’s arm tightly.  “Is this good, Roy?” 

Roy concentrated hard on the selected vein. “Yeah, that’s fine.”  He was successful this time and quickly started the IV. 

 

Just then, the ambulance attendants entered the room, pulling a gurney behind them. 

 

Johnny positioned himself behind the victim’s head, sliding his hands under his shoulders, slowly.  “Okay, let’s get him…” Johnny never finished his sentence as white-hot pain shot through his left hand.  “Ah…OUCH!” he cried out, jerking his hand back.  Johnny stared at his hand in horror.  Hanging from the space between his thumb and forefinger was a spider.  It was black with long legs and must have measured two inches from front to back.  Agonizing pain once again shot up his arm.  Johnny shook his hand hard.  “OW! It won’t let go! Get it off!”  He shook his hand again, this time harder.  The spider lost its hold and sailed onto the bed.  It quickly scurried back against the pillow, rearing back; it’s dangerous fangs twitching menacingly. 

 

Johnny looked down at his assaulted hand.  He grimaced in pain; sweat popping up on his brow.  “Man, that hurts!”  He shook his hand, staring at the red welts developing.

 

Roy dashed to his side.  “Are you okay, Johnny?” he asked, examining the hand. 

 

Johnny was breathing hard.  “My hand is really throbbing, Roy.”  He glanced over at the bed and his assailant.  His eyes fell on the victim.  “Roy, could that spider…”

 

Roy caught his train of thought, squatting down next to the victim.  He lifted his left arm, wary of the IV, scanning the length.  “Nothing here.”  He grabbed the other arm, pausing as he stared at the ventral side of the victim’s index finger.  “Here it is.”  He turned over the man’s hand revealing two red and swollen fang marks.  “With all his twitching, we never saw it.” 

 

Johnny tore his eyes from the victim, staring down at his hand.  He looked at Roy.  “Oh man!” 

 

Cap yanked his HT out of his pocket.  “LA, Engine 51.  We have a Code I at this location.  Request an additional squad be dispatched.  He turned to the woman.  “Ma’am its imperative we catch that spider and take it with us.  Do you have a jar or something with a secure lid?” 

She nodded staring at the bed, a horrified look on her face.  “Y..yes, come with me.”  She walked out the door, Hank motioning for Chet to go with her.

 

Roy grabbed the biophone receiver, waving at Johnny to sit down.

 

Johnny sighed, sweat trickling down his forehead.  He slowly sank to the floor, cradling his hand.

 

Roy stared for a moment at his partner.  He took a deep breath pushing down his concern and replacing it with as much professionalism he could muster.  “Rampart this is Squad 51.  We have additional information on this victim’s condition.  Victim has been bitten on the left index finger by a large, black spider.  We don’t recognize it, Rampart, but the victim just returned from a business trip to Sydney, Australia.  Also, be advised we have a second victim.  Johnny’s been bitten on the hand by the same spider.”  Roy glanced over at the spider warily. 

 

Dr. Early’s voice immediately responded. “51, apply a pressure immobilization bandage to both victims immediately.  Start an IV D5W-TKO on Johnny and start him on 6 liters O2.  Monitor vitals closely and transport as soon as possible.  Also, bring the spider with you if you can.  We’ll have an entomologist standing by.”

 

“10-4, Rampart.”  Roy replied, reaching for the bandage materials.  He motioned for Hank.  “Cap, I’m going to apply this to the victim, but we also need to get one on Johnny as soon as possible.  It’s really simple to do.  Just wrap the entire limb snugly, but not too tight.  Start at the bite, work down to the fingers then back up to the armpit.” 

 

Hank nodded.  “Got it, Roy.”  He pulled his HT “Lopez, bring in the O2 from the engine.”  Hank shoved his talkie back into his pocket, grabbing some bandage materials. He walked over to Johnny, tearing open the wrapping around the bandages.  “Okay, John.  Let’s get this on you.”  He squatted down and gently placed a sterile 4x4 over the bite. Carefully, Hank wrapped Johnny’s arm. 

 

Johnny leaned his head back against the wall, closing his eyes in pain. 

 

Hank glanced up in concern as he noticed a twitching beginning on Johnny’s cheek.  He turned his head.  “Roy, can you come make sure this bandage is okay?” He asked, jerking his head towards Johnny. 

 

Roy caught on to what Hank was trying to say.  “Sure, Cap.”  He looked over at Chet, who had returned with a small jar in his hands.  “Chet, watch this victim, okay?  I’ll be right back.”  He walked over to Hank and Johnny.  Roy momentarily stared intently at Johnny’s face, noting the twitch on his cheek.  He ran his hands over the bandage.  Looks good, Cap.  How you feeling, Johnny?” 

 

Johnny opened his eyes, lifting his head weakly.  “Not so good.  I’m starting to feel a bit nauseated, and my mouth is tingling.”

 

Roy nodded. “We’ll get you to Rampart and they’ll fix you up right away.  Don’t want this spoiling your perfect day, do we?”  He joked lightly. 

 

Johnny smiled.  “No, that wouldn’t do at all.”  Roy turned his head to see Squad 16’s paramedics; Bellingham and Davis enter the room.  “Be right back, Johnny.”  Roy walked over, quickly filling them in on the situation.

 

The two men immediately took over care of the first victim.  They quickly placed him in the gurney and left the room, the man’s wife right behind them. 

 

Hank motioned at the paramedics.  “Give us a second to catch this bugger.  We’ll be right out. Another ambulance is on the way for you, John, so let’s catch this guy and get out of here.”  He turned and regarded the tiny assailant, still backed up to the pillow on the bed.

 

Roy returned to Johnny’s side, BP cuff and stethoscope in hand.  “Johnny?  I’m going to get some vitals on you, okay?”

 

Johnny nodded as Roy palpated his wrist for a pulse. 

 

Chet glanced at the spider warily.  “How do you want to do this, Cap?  I’ve got a size 10 shoe with his name on it.”  Chet reached down to unlace his boot.

 

Hank sighed.  “I’d love nothing more than to let you at him, pal, but the entomologist has to be able to recognize what kind of spider he is.”  Hank glanced around, spying the man’s comb on the dresser.  “Let’s try this.”  He walked over and grabbed it, turning back to the bed.  “Kelly, hand me that jar.  Be ready with the lid when I ask for it, okay, pal?” 

 

Chet nodded, handing off the jar and backing away.

 

Hank glared at him.  “Not too far, ya twit.  I would like you in the same room, you know.” 

Chet stopped his retreat.  “Sorry, Cap.” 

 

Hank slowly approached the spider.  Left alone for a few minutes, the spider had relaxed his stance some, but as Hank approached, he reared back again, exposing his fangs. Hank shuddered.  That’s disgusting!  He carefully prodded at the spider with the comb, which the agitated little spider quickly attacked.  Taking advantage of its distraction, Hank swiftly scooped the spider up and shook it off the comb into the jar.  “KELLY!” he shouted, dropping the comb, holding the jar at arms length. 

 

Chet dashed up, slamming the lid on the jar and screwing it on tight. 

 

Hank pulled out his pocketknife and put a small hole in the top.  “There,” he said, sighing.  “Now, that wasn’t so bad.” 

 

“Whatever you say, Cap.”  Chet responded eyeing the jar with suspicion.  He shuddered as the spider scurried around, trying in vain to climb up the sides. 

“Pretty slick, Cap.”  Johnny mumbled from his seat.  He swallowed hard, trying to rid his mouth of the excess spit he all the sudden noticed.  “Uh, Roy.  I seem to be salivating a lot.  My arms feel weird, too.”  He looked down, watching as the muscles on his arms began to twitch slightly. 

 

Cap opened the door, motioning for the second set of ambulance attendants to enter the room.  He looked up at Roy, who was walking towards him.

 

Roy stopped the ambulance attendants.  “Get him on the gurney, I’ll be right back.”  He continued on over to Hank. 

 

“How is he, Roy?” Cap asked, concerned. 

 

Roy sighed.  “His BP is already going up and he’s beginning to show the early signs of what’s ailing the victim.  We can be relatively sure that the venom from whatever kind of spider that is, is responsible for the victim’s condition…and for Johnny’s.” 

 

Hank clenched his jaw.  “Is he going to be okay, Roy?” 

 

Roy looked back at his partner.  “I don’t know, Cap, I really don’t know.” Roy walked back over to Johnny, ready to assist the ambulance attendants.

 

Johnny was quickly placed on the stretcher and wheeled out.

 

**************

 

Johnny laid on the stretcher, listening to the howling of the siren.  His whole body was out of control, muscles twitching all on their own.  Johnny felt sweat rolling down his face and his stomach was doing flip-flops. He swallowed hard.  Okay, this is starting to ruin my day.  Johnny coughed and glanced at Roy, who was taking his BP. 

 

Roy released the cuff, looking up at his partner.  He smiled slightly, grabbing for the biophone receiver.  “Rampart this is Squad 51.  New vitals.  Pulse is 110, respirations are 25, BP is 150/110.  Also, Rampart, muscle spasms are intensifying.”

“10-4, 51.  Administer 10milligrams Diazepam and continue monitoring vitals.” 

 

“10-4, Rampart.”  Roy set down the receiver, reaching for the drug box.  Roy pulled out the pre-filled syringe of Diazepam, quickly administering the drug to his partner.  He looked down at Johnny, watching as the muscle spasms lessened. “We’re almost there, Johnny, how do you feel?” 

“Not so good, Roy.  I feel…sick…” All of the sudden Johnny struggled to sit up.

 

Roy quickly pulled off the O2 mask and helped him roll onto his side, as Johnny vomited. 

 

Roy supported his head, as Johnny continued to retch.  Finally, he subsided, rolling onto his back again. “S…sorry.” he slurred, breathing hard, sweat pouring down his face.

 

“It’s okay, Johnny, you’re going to be okay.”

 

Johnny stared hard at Roy for a moment, trying to keep the fear out of his eyes.  “Sure I am.” He smiled slightly. “This is my perfect day, remember?”  Johnny closed his eyes grimacing in pain. 

 

Roy looked out the window, trying to estimate their ETA.  Come on!

 

***************

 

The automatic doors to Rampart Emergency hissed open as attendants and paramedics wheeled the two gurneys into the hospital.  Joe Early grabbed the side of the first victim’s stretcher, as Davis updated him on the critical patient.  They quickly wheeled the man into treatment 1. 

 

Brackett stalked down the long hallway towards Roy, who was attending to Johnny.  He stopped, next to the gurney, looking down at the paramedic.  “How you feeling, Johnny?”  He asked.

 

Johnny coughed again. He raised his hand, trying to control his movements.  “Not so good, Doc. My arm is killing me and my belly really hurts.” 

 

Kel nodded, looking up at Roy’s concerned face.  “Bring him this way, Roy.”  He pointed at treatment 2. 

 

A short man, sporting thick, black-framed glasses joined them.  He looked down at Johnny.  “Hmm…interesting symptoms.  Where’s the specimen?”

 

Brackett introduced the man to Roy and an ailing Johnny.  “This is Rich Stanton.  He’s an entomologist from UCLA.  Hopefully he can identify your attacker.”

 

Roy handed Stanton the jar, which he studied closely.

 

Bellingham walked up behind Roy, stepping around him and one of the attendants, trying to get to the base station.  Unbeknownst to him, there was a small patch of water on the floor right under his foot.  Bellingham slipped, flailing out with his arms, trying to steady himself.  His right arm smacked the spider’s jar right out of Stanton’s hand, sending it sailing through the air. 

 

Roy stared in horror as the jar shattered on contact with the floor.  “LOOK OUT!” He shouted as the little spider scurried across the hallway.

 

Bellingham lifted his foot, ready to stop the spider in any way possible.  “I GOT him!” He shouted, poised to squish the spider. 

 

“NO!!” Stanton shouted, extending his arm.  “We need it alive! Don’t KILL it!” 

 

Bellingham dropped his foot, leaping out of the way of the little vermin.

 

The spider scampered down the hall towards the base station, hospital personnel leaping out of its way. 

 

Brackett looked ahead to see two nurses, chatting back and forth, completely oblivious to the situation. “Watch it!”  Brackett shouted, gaining the nurse’s attention. 

 

The two women looked at Brackett, then down in horror at their attacker.  Simultaneously they screamed, scrambling on top of the base station desk. 

 

The little spider ran into the corner of the base station, under the coffeepot, where he turned around, rearing back and exposing his fangs. 

 

Brackett skidded to a stop, spreading his arms out to stop the flow of people behind him. “Everybody FREEZE!” He shouted with authority.  “Everyone needs to calm down.”  Me too!  “Then we’ll try to catch him.”  He motioned for the two nurses to climb down off the base station desk.

 

Rich Stanton calmly walked forward, a new specimen jar and a magazine in hand.  “I think I can take it from here, Doctor.  I’ll let you know when I know something about this little guy.”  He walked up to the spider as Brackett walked back to Johnny’s gurney and Roy, who had never left his partner’s side.  The rest of the crowd slowly dispersed. 

 

Carefully, Rich scooped the spider into the jar, securing the lid. As he walked by Johnny’s gurney, Brackett grabbed his arm. 

 

“We have one critical patient, and another headed that way.”  He said in low tones, “I need to know everything about this spider and I need to know it now.” 

 

Stanton glanced down at the ailing paramedic.  “I’ll go upstairs and get right on it.” 

 

Roy looked down at Johnny, smiling.  “You should’ve seen it Junior, I’ve never seen so many people move so fast.” 

 

Johnny smiled weakly, the corners of his mouth twitching.  “Must’ve been some sight.  Full grown adults jumping out of the way of a two inch spider.”  Another round of coughing gripped him as Brackett and Roy wheeled him into the treatment room. 

“Let’s get you taken care of, Johnny.” Brackett said, pulling out his stethoscope. 

 

“Johnny, I’m going to get a new BP on you okay?” Roy asked, grabbing the cuff.  “Johnny?”  He asked again, when his partner didn’t respond.  Roy leaned in closer.  “Johnny, can you hear me? Doc,” Roy said, his eyes wide in concern, “he just lost consciousness.”  Roy quickly inflated the BP cuff and got a reading.

 

Kel pulled off his stethoscope.  “He’s got bilateral rales.  What’s his BP?” 

 

Roy shook his head, his concern mounting.  “180/120.  Doc…” The treatment room door opening interrupted Roy.

 

Joe Early walked into the room.  He stared down at the unconscious paramedic. 

 

Brackett looked at him.  “How’s your patient, Joe?” 

Early shook his head.  “He isn’t.  He just died Kel.  Cardiac Arrest brought on by acute pulmonary edema.  How’s Johnny?  Has anyone figured out what kind of spider bit them?” 

 

Brackett shook his head.  “Not yet, they’re working on it.”  He leaned over Johnny, staring at the unresponsive paramedic.  “Johnny?” he asked loudly, “Johnny can you hear me?”  Kel watched intently for a moment, searching for any response by Johnny.  Brackett shook his head.  “He’s totally unresponsive, we’re going to have to intubate.  Joe, give me a hand.”  Working quickly, the two doctors intubated Johnny and got him on a ventilator.  Brackett watched Johnny twitch slightly.  “He’s still twitching too much for my liking.  With all that fluid in his lungs, ventilating him will be hard enough without him getting a pneumothorax on top of the edema.  That could kill him.”

 

Early nodded.  “Do you think you’ll have to paralyze him, Kel?”

 

Brackett sighed.  “I hope not.  Let’s give the Diazepam one more try.  Carol, give him 10 milligrams Diazepam and 2 milligrams morphine.  Also, lets give him 20 milligrams furosemide.”  

 

Carol nodded, quickly walking to the drug cabinet. 

 

Brackett turned to Roy.  “Roy, get me another BP reading.”

 

Roy quickly inflated the BP cuff.  He listened for a moment, shaking his head slightly.  Roy released the cuff, pulling his stethoscope from his ears.  “It’s up to 200/140, Doc.”

 

Brackett pursed his lips in concern, looking at Joe, who returned his concerned glance.

 

“Propranolol?”  Early asked.

 

Brackett nodded.  “I think so.  Carol, also give him 1 milligram Propranolol, IV.” He looked at Roy.  “Roy, I want a BP in two minutes.  If it hasn’t come down, we’ll repeat the dose.”  He looked up as the treatment room phone rang. 

 

Roy walked over and answered it.  “Fireman DeSoto…Just a second.”  He looked over at Brackett.  “Dr. Brackett, its Rich Stanton.” 

 

Brackett took the receiver from him.  “This is Brackett.  What have you got for me, Rich?” he paused, listening.  “You’re kidding…” Brackett clenched his jaw, continuing to listen. 

 

Roy watched the tension mount on the doctor’s face.  This can’t be good. God, what is it?

 

“Okay, thanks Rich.”  Brackett turned to his nurse, hanging up the phone.  “Carol, I want a CBC, arterial blood gases, electrolytes and creatnine.  Tell the lab I need the results stat.”

 

Brackett paused, glancing over at Johnny.  “Rich checked twice, there’s no doubt.  Joe, your patient and Johnny were bitten by a Sydney Funnel Web Spider.  A male, to be exact, whose venom is about five times more potent than the female.  He’s contacting some university colleagues down there to find any treatment protocol they may know.  He did tell me one thing though,” Brackett sighed, pursing his lips.  “There’s no antivenin.”

 

Roy just stared at him in shock. There’s no cure?  “Doc, did he say how lethal this spider is?” 

 

Brackett looked at Roy.  “People have been known to survive…but the mortality rate is very high.”

 

All three men looked back at Johnny’s deceptively peaceful face.

 

***************

 

Roy paced the waiting room impatiently.  How many times have I done this?  I swear partner; you give me gray hairs every day.  It’ll be a miracle if I make forty with one blond hair left on my head.  Roy was alternating back and forth between anger and concern over Johnny’s critical condition.  It’s just so pointless.  Bitten by an Australian spider in LA?  Don’t we have enough danger to worry about?   He looked up to see Joanne walking down the ER hallway.  They quickly embraced, Joanne pushing back and staring her husband in the face.  “Roy.  How’s Johnny?” 

 

Roy sighed, glancing down the hallway towards Johnny’s room.  “They’re still working on him.  He’s on a ventilator and is still unconscious.  Where are the kids?” 

 

“They’re spending the night over at Helen’s.  They’ve been bugging me to let them go to a sleep over with their friends so it worked out well.  Helen said they could stay as long as necessary.  Roy, what happened?  You mentioned a spider bite on the phone?” 

 

Roy nodded.  “Yeah.  It’s a very dangerous spider from Australia.  The victim we responded to had just returned from Sydney.  He must have inadvertently brought it back with him.  He was in pretty bad shape when we arrived.”  Roy glanced down the hall towards the treatment room.  “He…he died shortly after we got here.” Roy continued to look down the hall, staring at Johnny’s room.

 

Joanne shook her head, sitting down in a chair.  “Of all the…Roy, is Johnny going to be okay?” 

 

Roy’s jaw clenched, his gaze shifting to the floor.  “We don’t know, honey.  There’s no antivenom for this spider and the mortality rate is very high for significant envenomations.  It really depends on how much venom Johnny received.”  He sat down next to Joanne, taking her hand and squeezing it lightly.  He flashed her a reassuring smile.  “It’ll be okay, honey.  If anyone can beat this, Johnny can.  You know Johnny, he has more lives than a cat.” 

 

Joanne nodded.  “I suppose so.” She laid her head on his shoulder.

 

Roy stroked her hair, once again staring down the hall towards the treatment room.  Come on, Johnny.  I know you can beat this.

 

***************

 

“Come on, Johnny, you can beat this.”  Brackett muttered, staring down at Johnny.  In his hand was the latest lab report.  “Atraxotoxin.”  He said, shaking his head. “I’m really starting to hate that toxin.”  Brackett opened the door, staring down the hall towards the waiting room, where Roy and Joanne were seated.  I wish I had better news.  Brackett silently walked down the hallway to update them on Johnny’s condition. 

 

Roy stood up, meeting Kel halfway, Joanne right behind him. 

 

Brackett nodded at him. “Roy.  I’m glad you could stay.”

 

Roy shrugged.  “Cap, thought I’d be too distracted to work, so he called in replacements.  Doc how’s Johnny?”

 

“Holding his own.  The lab has identified the toxin affecting him.  Its called Atraxotoxin.  It’s a presynaptic neurotoxin that causes spontaneous muscle contractions.  Researchers in Australia are close to developing an antivenom, but for now the only recommendations are to treat the symptoms as they occur.”

 

“What does that mean, doctor?”  Joanne asked.

 

“That means, we treat his symptoms and hope he can survive long enough to rid his body of the poison. We’ve got him on a vent to help counteract the pulmonary edema. He’s going up to intensive care in a few minutes, but you can see him now if you’d like.” 

 

Roy nodded, speechless.  All this modern medicine and you can only treat the symptoms, not the cause?  He finally managed to find his voice. “That’d be great, Doc.”  Roy and Joanne followed Brackett into Johnny’s room.

 

Roy silently walked up to Johnny’s bed, sitting down in a chair next to his partner.  Joanne stood behind him, her hand on his shoulder.  “Johnny?” Roy asked, staring at Johnny’s face.  “I’m here, partner, everything’s going to be okay.” 

Brackett watched the blonde paramedic for a moment, cursing the dumb luck that landed Johnny in that bed in the first place.  He shook his head, silently leaving the room. 

 

Nurse Dixie McCall had just come on shift.  She looked up as she approached the base station, watching Kel Brackett stand silently outside the door of treatment 2.  Her eyes narrowed as she noticed the intense look on his face.  What’s wrong?  She walked over to him, a questioning look on her face.  “Kel, what is it?”  She asked, looking him in the eyes. 

 

Brackett returned her gaze.  “Hi, Dix.  Come on, I’ll buy you a cup of coffee and tell you all about it.”  He walked off to the cafeteria, Dixie one step behind him. 

 

Roy laid his hand over Johnny’s, squeezing slightly.  “You hang in there, Johnny.  There’re a lot of people that want to see you up and about again.”  He stared at Johnny’s face, searching for some clue that his partner had heard him.  But there was none.  Johnny lay there, deathly still, the muscle spasms long gone. 

 

Joanne squeezed his shoulder.  She looked at the still form of her husband’s best friend.  “Johnny?  Wake up soon, okay?  The kids are really anxious to see you again.  We all want to see you’re smiling face, Johnny.  So don’t stay asleep too long, okay?”  Joanne left her husband’s side, softly approaching Johnny’s bed.  She leaned over his pale face, kissing his forehead gently, the same way she kissed her children when they were sick.  Her hand lingered on his cheek momentarily.  “We miss you, Johnny.”  She whispered, resting her hand on Johnny’s forearm. 

 

Roy watched his wife as they stood vigil over Johnny.  He thought back to the first time Johnny had come over for dinner.  Joanne had been unsure of him, at first.  He was so young and seemed so rash and impulsive, that Joanne had her doubts about Roy being partnered with him.  Eventually, like most other people Johnny had ever encountered, he won her over with kindness, caring and genuine honesty.  These days, Johnny was a regular figure at the DeSoto house, Joanne treating him like one of the family, which pleased Roy to no ends.  The door opening interrupted Roy’s thoughts.  Two hospital orderlies entered the room to take Johnny up to the ICU.

 

Joanne gave Johnny’s chest one last gentle pat as she stood up and followed her husband out of the room.

 

Roy and Joanne stood silently in the hallway as they watched Johnny being wheeled to the elevator. 

“Roy, I’m so sorry.”  A soft voice behind them caused both Roy and Joanne to turn.  Dixie walked up, Kel Brackett just a step behind her. 

 

Roy smiled slightly.  “Thanks, Dix.” He looked up at Brackett.  “Doc, anything new on Johnny’s condition?” 

 

Brackett pursed his lips.  “Yes, although it isn’t good news.” 

Roy clenched his jaw, closing his eyes in pain. He felt Joanne’s hand grasp his, squeezing tightly.  “What is it, Doc?”

 

Kel sighed.  “I just talked to the experts in Sydney.  While the muscle tremors have stopped, I’m afraid Johnny’s not out of the woods, yet.  According to the doctors in Sydney, this stage of the envenomation will end soon, only to be replaced by severe hypotension, and possible cardiac failure.  We’re going to have to watch Johnny very closely for the next few days…if he lives that long.”  Kel added quietly. 

 

Roy dropped his head.  God, how much worse can this get?  What do we do, Doc?  What now?” 

 

Brackett shrugged.  “We do the only thing we can do.  And that is to treat Johnny’s symptoms as they occur and try to give his body time to recover.  That’s all anyone can do.”

 

***************

 

Dixie walked into Johnny’s room, pausing at the sight of Kel Brackett standing by Johnny’s bed.  She glanced at her watch.  His shift ended hours ago but he’s still here.  That doesn’t surprise me.  She walked up next to him, staring down at one of her favorite paramedics.  “How is he, Kel?” she asked, quietly. 

 

Brackett shrugged.  “The same.  He hasn’t gotten any worse, but he hasn’t gotten any better either.” 

Dixie shook her head.  Don’t be so hard on yourself, Kel.  “Give him time.  You know Johnny, he’ll bounce back.  He always does.  You should go home and get some sleep.  I’ll call you if anything changes.”

Brackett shook his head.  “No.  I’m not leaving Johnny to anyone else.  No intern is going to take care of him, I’m going to care for him, no one else.” 

 

Dixie nodded slightly.  She knew Kel trusted his interns completely, but this was different.  It was Johnny that was lying in that bed, not some unknown patient.  Sure Kel growled and barked a lot, but that was only a cover for the compassionate man that lay just beneath the surface.  He cared a lot about his friends.

 

“Kel…”

 

Suddenly the monitors behind Johnny began to beep wildly.  Brackett’s head snapped around, staring at them.  “V-fib!” He shouted, pulling the pillows out from under Johnny’s head.  “Get a crash cart, STAT!”  He yelled at Dix as he began chest compressions.  Kel looked down at his patient.  “Damn it, Johnny, don’t do this!”

 

***************

 

Roy tossed restlessly in bed, trying to catch even a little sleep, but he couldn’t get his mind off Johnny.  He glanced over at Joanne, who seemed to have finally drifted off.  They had lain in bed for some time, talking and drawing strength from each other.  Not wanting to disturb his wife, Roy carefully and quietly swung out of bed, pulling on his pants and walking downstairs.  The cool kitchen floor felt good on his bare feet as he padded over to the door and walked outside onto the back porch.  The late night air was cool, the quiet only broken by crickets chirping.  He looked to the east.  The predawn light was casting a pink glow to the sky, the night’s stars beginning to fade.  Roy inhaled deeply though his nose, trying to unwind.  He and Joanne had sat by Johnny’s side for most of the night, only to be shooed away by Dixie who promised to call if Johnny’s condition changed, insisting they both go home and get some sleep.  Roy had reluctantly agreed, hesitant to leave Johnny’s side. 

 

Roy glanced up at the sky, loosing himself in the stars.  While not an overly religious man by nature, Roy now closed his eyes and silently prayed for his partner’s life, to anyone who may be listening. 

 

After a few moments, Roy walked back into the house, returning to his bedroom.  He carefully lay down in bed, so as not to disturb Joanne.  Roy tried to sleep, but his concern over Johnny prevented it.  The ringing of the phone startled him.  He sat straight up, his stomach in knots.  The phone rang again.  Roy reached over and picked up the receiver, glancing at Joanne who was awakened by the ringing.  “Hello?”  He asked tentatively.  “Hi, Dix…No, I wasn’t sleeping.  What’s wrong?  Is it Johnny?”  He looked back at Joanne, fear in his eyes.  Roy’s jaw clenched.  “I’ll be right there.”  He hung up the phone, leaping out of bed. 

 

Joanne sat up staring at him.  “Roy what’s wrong?  What happened?” 

 

Roy hastily pulled on his pants, rummaging through the dresser for a shirt and socks.  “Johnny’s taken a turn for the worst.  His heart stopped just a few minutes ago.  They got him back, but he’s critical.” 

 

Joanne threw the covers back, jumping up.  “Hold on, Roy.  I’m coming with you.”  She ran into the closet, pulling out some jeans and a t-shirt. 

 

Roy paused, sighing.  “Jo, you should stay here and get some sleep.  Come in later.” 

Joanne looked at her husband incredulously.  “You really think I could sleep right now?  No way, Roy, I’m coming with you and that’s the end of it.” Joanne finished dressing and slipped into some shoes.

 

Roy allowed himself a slight smile of admiration at his strong willed wife.  Without another word he snatched the car keys off the dresser and walked out the door, Joanne right behind him. 

 

***************

 

Joanne and Roy rushed up to the ICU nurses’ station, glancing around, looking for anyone they knew.  Roy made a beeline for Johnny’s room, stopping abruptly as the door opened and Brackett walked out.  “Doc…Johnny?”  Roy asked fearfully. 

 

Brackett sighed.  “We’ve managed to stabilize him.  I’m afraid he’s entered the second stage, his blood pressure is now very low.  That sudden drop may have been what caused his heart to stop.  I’ve got him on medication now to stabilize his heart and try to bring up his BP.  That’s all I can do…for now.” 

 

Roy stared at the doctor.  Brackett looked haggard and tired.  A shadow was forming on his face indicating a need for a good shave and circles underlined eyes that were bloodshot.  “Doc, maybe you should go home and get some sleep.”  Roy suggested.

 

Brackett shook his head.  “No.  Not yet anyway.”  He walked away, ending the conversation. 

 

Roy sighed, looking over at Dixie.  She smiled slightly.

 

“I already tried that, Roy.  He wouldn’t listen.” 

 

Roy looked at the retreating back of the doctor.  “He cares a lot, doesn’t he Dix?” 

Dixie walked up to Roy and Joanne, her hands stuffed in her pockets.  “More than you’ll ever know.  Keep that in mind the next time he growls at you.” 

 

Roy smiled.  “I will.  Can we see Johnny?” 

 

“Sure, Roy, come on in.” 

 

The DeSoto’s followed Dixie into Johnny’s room.

 

***************

 

Roy and Joanne stopped in surprise as they returned from a breakfast in the cafeteria a few hours later.  Sitting patiently in the waiting room were Hank, Chet, Marco and Mike.  Roy smiled slightly, looking down at his wife.  “Somehow I just knew they’d all be here.” He looked at the clock.  “Their shift ended a half-hour ago; they must have come straight here from the station.”  Roy and Joanne walked in, the four firemen standing up to greet them. 

 

“Roy.  How you holding up, pal?”  Hank asked, concerned. 

 

Roy shrugged.  “Fine, Cap, I’ll be okay.” 

 

Hank nodded.  “How’s Johnny?  Dixie called us first thing this morning and updated us on his condition.  Any change?” 

Roy shook his head.  “Not really, he’s stabilized…for now.”

 

“Well, that’s good isn’t it?”  Chet interjected, eyes hopeful.

 

Roy shrugged.  “I guess.  I…I just don’t know how much more of this his body can take.”

 

Everyone was silent, watching Roy in concern.  The blond paramedic was exhausted, worry creasing his handsome features. 

 

“It’ll be okay, Roy.”  Hank said quietly, “John’s strong.  He won’t give up without one heck of a fight.” 

 

Roy just nodded, staring at the doors of the ICU.

 

***************

 

Roy sighed as he stared at his still partner.  “Okay, Johnny.  It’s been long enough now.  Three days is plenty of time for you to decide to come back.” 

 

Johnny’s BP had been slowly coming back up after his cardiac arrest, and his condition had stabilized with the initial cardiac incident being the only one he’d had. 

 

Roy was beyond exhaustion.  He’d spent every waking hour, and even a few sleeping ones, at the hospital.  He’d taken emergency leave from the department, knowing that he was way to distracted to be able to do his job well.  Hank had agreed, pushing his leave through the proper channels swiftly. 

 

Roy rubbed the stubble on his chin.  I really need a shave.  He looked down at Johnny, his partner’s boyish features looking so vulnerable.  Come on partner!  I know you’re in there!  Roy squeezed Johnny’s hand gently. 

 

Joanne paused in the doorway, two cups of coffee in her hands.  She stared at her husband as he gripped Johnny’s hand with both of his.  He looks so tired!  “Roy?” she asked quietly, “I brought you some coffee.”  Joanne walked around Johnny’s bed to her husband. 

 

Roy looked up, gently setting Johnny’s hand back on the bed.  He took one of the cups.  “Thanks, Jo.  I really need this.” 

Joanne shook her head.  “No, Roy, what you really need is some sleep.  Real sleep in a real bed, not in a hospital chair.  You need a shave, too,” she added, smiling as she ran her hand over his rough cheek. 

 

Roy nodded.  “I know.  But I need to be here, Joanne, I have to be here for Johnny.” 

 

“I guess so,” Joanne smiled, “still, you really need an honest night’s sleep.  Not these two or three hour cat naps you take in that chair,” she said, pointing. Her hand dropped suddenly as she stared at Johnny. 

 

Roy’s head swiveled around.  He stared at Johnny’s face, not believing his eyes.  “Jo…did you see what I just saw?” 

She nodded.  “His eyelids…they moved!” 

Roy once more grabbed Johnny’s hand squeezing gently but firmly.  “Johnny?  Can you hear me?  Open your eyes, partner.”

 

Again, Johnny’s eyelids twitched.  In Roy’s hand, his fingers moved slightly. 

 

Roy turned his head towards Joanne.  “Honey, go tell the nurses.” 

 

Joanne nodded, dashing towards the door. 

 

Roy looked back at his partner.  “That’s it, Johnny.  Time to wake up.  Open your eyes.  Come on, open them.” 

 

Johnny’s eyelids fluttered again.  Slowly, they cracked open, his brown and tired eyes looking about. 

 

Roy tightened his grip on Johnny’s hand.  “Welcome back, partner.” 

Johnny’s eyes turned towards the voice.  He just stared at Roy, visibly relaxing at the sight of his partner. 

 

Brackett burst into the room Joanne and Dixie right behind him.  He swiftly approached the bed.  “Johnny?  Just take it easy, you’re going to be fine.  You’re at Rampart, Johnny.  You’ve been unconscious for a while but you’re okay, now.”  He turned to Dixie.  “Dix, I want a fresh set of vitals.   Roy, could you and Joanne wait outside?  I’ll let you know when I’m done examining him.” 

Roy nodded, glancing down at Johnny.  He flashed his partner a reassuring smile.  “Take care, Johnny, I’ll be back in a little while.  Don’t give Brackett too much trouble.”

Johnny smiled slightly around the ventilator, the light beginning to return to his eyes. 

 

Roy grabbed Joanne’s hand and they left the room. 

 

****************

 

Joanne sighed in exasperation, throwing an annoyed glance at her husband.  “Roy would you please stop fidgeting?  Brackett’s only been in there for 10 minutes.  He’ll let us know how Johnny is as soon as he can.” 

 

Roy nodded, making a conscious effort to hold still.  He was antsy to find out about his partner’s condition.  “I know, Jo, I just hate the wait.” 

Joanne smiled.  “And you say Johnny’s impatient.  In some ways you and that partner of yours are two peas in a pod.” 

Roy rolled his eyes.  “No way.  There’s only one Johnny Gage.” 

Brackett walked out of the ICU, smiling broadly.  “I think Johnny’s going to be fine.  His vitals are stabilizing, and his edema is clearing.  If he continues this way, I’ll take him off the ventilator and move him to a regular room tomorrow.” 

Roy and Joanne sighed in unison.  “Thank God.” Joanne whispered. 

 

“Can I see him again, Doc?”  Roy asked, hopefully.

 

Brackett nodded.  “Sure, on one condition.  Only a five-minute visit, then both of you go home and sleep for at least 12 hours.  Deal?” 

 

Roy smiled.  “Deal, Doc, as long as you do the same.”  Brackett looked about as bad as Roy, for he had refused to turn over Johnny’s treatment to anyone, including Joe Early. 

 

Brackett smiled.  “Okay. I guess I had that coming.” 

Roy returned his smile.  “Yep.  If not from me, then it would have come from Dixie.” 

 

Brackett winced, chuckling.  “I’d rather get it from you, Roy.”  

 

Roy smiled at the thought of Kel Brackett getting a thorough dressing down by Dixie.  His smile faded, replaced by warm gratitude.  “Doc…thanks.  Thanks for everything.  I…” Roy’s voice trailed off, as words escaped him. 

 

Kel smiled.  “You’re welcome, Roy.  I’m just glad everything is turning out for the best.  Now, if you’ll excuse me, I believe I have a date with my bed.”  He turned and walked toward the elevator.  After a few steps, Brackett paused.  He turned back, still smiling.  “Five minutes, Roy.  I’m going to send Dix this way to make sure you keep your end of the deal.” 

 

Joanne jumped in before Roy could say a word. “Don’t worry, Doctor, I’ll make sure he goes home.”  She eyed her husband with a mock stern glance. 

 

Kel nodded as the elevator door opened.  He walked in and turned around, staring back out at Roy and Joanne as the doors closed.  Kel caught a glimpse of the purely relieved look on Roy’s face at the knowledge that his partner was going to be okay.  Kel smiled again, in spite of himself.  Good job, Johnny, I knew you had it in you to beat this thing. 

 

Roy slowly walked into Johnny’s room, Joanne a step behind him.  He looked down, sighing in relief to see Johnny’s brown eyes looking up at him.  Johnny smiled slightly around the endotracheal tube as Joanne grasped his hand, squeezing it gently. 

 

“Johnny.  Welcome back,” she whispered. 

 

Johnny nodded eyelids heavy. 

 

Roy stepped around behind his wife.  “You look pretty tired, Junior.  We’ll come back later.  You get some sleep, okay?” 

Johnny stared hard at Roy’s exhausted face.  He raised his eyebrows questioningly. 

 

Roy smiled, nodding.  “I know, I know, we don’t look so hot either, huh?”

 

Johnny nodded back, smiling again. 

 

Joanne slapped Roy playfully.  “Speak for yourself, Roy.”

 

Johnny’s smiled broadened. 

 

Roy patted Johnny on the shoulder.  “See you tomorrow, Johnny.”

 

Joanne bent over, gently kissing Johnny on the forehead.  “Pleasant dreams, Johnny Gage,” she whispered.

 

Johnny nodded, closing his eyes. 

 

Joanne and Roy just stood there watching Johnny.  When they were sure he was asleep, they quietly left the room. 

 

***************

 

Roy smiled broadly as he walked into Johnny’s room.  Once he’d known that Johnny was going to be okay, he and Joanne had gone home and slept straight through to following day.  After a long, hot shower and a shave, Roy felt like a new man.  Roy paused in the doorway, staring at the sleeping form of his partner.  Color had returned to Johnny’s face and he was resting peacefully.  He’d been taken off the ventilator earlier that morning right before he was moved out of the ICU and into a regular room.  Roy backed up quietly, trying to leave without disturbing his resting partner. 

 

Johnny stirred, opening his eyes.  He smiled as he caught sight of Roy.  “Roy.”  He said quietly, his voice still horse from the breathing tube.  “Come in.”

 

Roy pushed the door open, walking into Johnny’s room.  “Johnny.  Sorry, I didn’t mean to wake you.”

Johnny shrugged.  “I wasn’t really asleep, anyway.”  He stared hard at Roy.  “You look a lot better than the last time I saw you.”

Roy chuckled.  “So do you.  How are you feeling, Johnny?”

Johnny nodded.  “Better.  I still feel like I was run over by a freight train and I sleep a lot.  But every time I wake up, I feel just a little better.” 

 

“Has Brackett said how long you’re going to be cooped up in here?”  Roy asked.

 

“Probably about a week, if I continued to get better.”  Johnny rolled his eyes. “I’m already stir crazy, in a week I’ll be climbing the walls to get out of here.”  He paused.  “Roy, the victim.  Did he make it?” 

Roy sighed, shaking his head. “No.  He died in the ER shortly after we arrived.” 


Johnny dropped his head. “Man, that could’ve easily been me,” he whispered.

 

Roy nodded. “It almost was. You gave us all quite a scare, Johnny.”

 

Johnny blinked heavy eyelids as he looked at Roy.  “Sorry.”

 

Roy smiled.  “That’s okay, I’ve decided that one of your jobs is to give me gray hairs.”  He pointed at his younger partner, amusement lighting his eyes. “You do a very good job at that, Junior.”

 

Johnny smiled widely; his partner’s amusement was infectious. “Glad to do my part. But, Roy, come on, this really wasn’t my fault.” 

 

Roy’s smile turned into a chuckle.  “It never is, Johnny, it never is.”  He broke into a laugh, relieved when his partner joined him.

 

Johnny laid his head back on the pillow, sighing contently.  Once again, his eyelids grew heavy.  Johnny stifled a yawn, looking over at his partner, apologetically. 

 

Roy smiled fondly.  “It’s okay, Johnny.  You get some sleep.  I’ll come by later, okay?”

 

Johnny nodded allowing his eyes to close.

 

Roy walked towards the door.  Suddenly he heard Johnny let out a loud groan.  Roy spun around, swiftly approaching Johnny’s side.  “Johnny? What is it?  What’s wrong?”  Roy’s eyes were wide in concern as he stared down at his partner.

 

Johnny opened his eyes, looking up at Roy.  “I just thought of what fun Chet is going to have with this when I get back to work.”  He groaned again.

 

Roy’s concern was replaced with amusement.  “The Phantom is going to have a heyday.” Roy chuckled as Johnny let out another melodramatic groan. 

 

“Oh, MAN!”

 

****************

 

Roy walked out of the locker room, heading for the coffee.  He jumped back as he was nearly bowled over by his tardy partner.  “Johnny!”  He exclaimed, swallowing hard, trying to dislodge his heart from his throat.  “Hurry up! You don’t want to be late on your first day back!” 

Johnny stripped off his tee shirt as he darted up to his locker.  “I know, Roy, I know.  My car wouldn’t start, then the traffic was awful. Man, you wouldn’t believe how many really SLOW drivers there are on the str…AHHH!”  He exclaimed, jumping back from his opened locker door.

 

Roy covered his mouth with a hand, trying hard not to laugh out loud.  He failed, which earned him a cold glare from his partner.

 

Johnny shifted his glare back to his open locker, shaking his head in annoyance at the large plastic spider that hung from fishing line attached to the top of the frame.  It twisted around swinging back and forth gently, giving Johnny the chills.  “CHET!” he shouted, spinning around, searching for the stocky fireman.  Johnny paused as an ominous noise echoed from the apparatus bay. 

 

“BWAHAHAHAHA!  THE PHANTOM IS EVERYWHERE!”

 

Johnny threw his shirt down on the bench in annoyance, running in the direction of the shout.  “Chet!  Where are you?  Wait until I get my hands on you!”

Roy just watched as Johnny dashed off, in search of the mischievous fireman.  Well, glad to see things are back to normal.  Roy just chuckled as he walked off after his partner.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Thank you CamE!ron for all the encouragement, medical web pages, and for coming up with this truly gross attacker in the first place!

 

Pat!  Thanks for helping me eliminate the medical “no-no’s!” <G>

 

For those who are interested, the antivenin for the Sydney Funnel Web Spider was developed in 1980.  Since then, deaths from this spider’s bite have decreased dramatically. 

 

~Cheryl~

 

July 8, 2000// July 19, 2000