The Silent Killer

By Sheryl & Alice

Monday

Roy DeSoto rubbed his temples as he sat in front of his locker. He cursed softly. It seemed the flu season had hit the DeSoto household. The kids were lethargic and headachy and he was beginning to feel that way himself. As a parent, he was guaranteed to pick up every germ that came down the pike. I hope this shift is quiet. Roy didn’t know if he’d have the energy for back-to-back responses.

As he was sitting there, his partner, John Gage, entered the room.

"Hey, Roy. How was your day off? Mine was great." John continued, not pausing to allow his friend to answer. "I took out that new nurse at Rampart, Valerie. Man, she was hot. We decided to get all dressed up and go to…"

Roy shut his locker, not responding. He held his head in his hands. John broke off mid-sentence.

"What’s wrong?"

Roy sighed. "Got a headache. I think Jen or Chris brought the flu home. You know what that means."

Johnny nodded sympathetically. "That time of year again, huh?" Okay, keep my distance from Roy! Last year, Roy had caught the flu from the kids and spread it around the entire station. Johnny had been hit worst of all, laid up for a whole week and nearly hospitalized for dehydration. "Maybe you should have taken a sick day?"

Roy shook his head. "Really, it’s just a headache. Need to save time in case this develops into something worse. To tell you the truth, I feel a lot better than I did yesterday."

John nodded and continued dressing. Roy stood up and stretched. "Maybe some coffee will wake me up."

Johnny watched as Roy left the locker room. Then he reached into his locker and pulled out a can of Lysol. He sprayed the area around his friend’s locker. This year, I’m not taking any chances! No flu bug will find it’s home on John Gage! No sir!

A few hours later, Roy was feeling like a new man. His headache was gone; he felt more alert. Guess it wasn’t the flu, he thought, running to the squad in response to a call. Johnny climbed into the passenger side, quickly appraising his partner.

"You look better."

Roy nodded. "Yeah, I feel good. Guess I fought it off."

John nodded but still hugged the passenger door. Just in case! They sped off to their destination.

"Man, I hate water rescues." John grumbled as he and Roy set off to meet the coast guard chopper. Their victims had been surfing in a restricted area. One of the men had wiped out, hitting his head on the board as he fell. His friend had managed to drag him over to nearby rocks, but the two were now stranded.

John looked into the choppy waters. "Oh, man. This isn’t gonna be fun!"

Roy glanced down and nodded. He knew his partner wasn’t fond of the water. The riptides in this particular section were extremely bad. Thus, the reason it was restricted. But every year, some idiot ignored the warning signs.

"Come on, Johnny. Let’s tie off these ropes. Grab a couple safety belts. And we’re gonna need a stokes."

John nodded and the two prepared to be lowered into the water, donning lifejackets first.

Two hours later, sopping wet and chilled to the bone, the hapless paramedics headed back to the station. Teeth chattering, John turned up the heat in the squad.

"I’m fre-freezing."

Roy nodded. "That water was so rough that I thought we’d never get those guys out of there. That one was lucky to escape with only a mild concussion."

John nodded, sneezing.

Roy grinned. "Uh-oh. Sounds like I’m not the only one coming down with something."

Johnny shot him a dirty look. "Well, if you weren’t sick before, you will be after that rescue. I can’t wait to take a hot shower."

Roy pulled the squad into the engine bay. John hopped out and headed for the locker room. Roy followed, hoping to stay dry the rest of the day.

The next shift: Wednesday

Roy walked slowly into the break room and headed for the coffee. He was feeling lousy again. When he reached the break room, he found Johnny already seated at the table, looking miserable. A box of tissues was in front of him.

"A-a-aachooo!" John sneezed three times in a row and reached for a tissue.

Roy raised his eyebrows. "Looks like I’m not the only one suffering from that water rescue."

"I could hab done withoud id." John looked at Roy. "What’s wrong with you?"

"Still not feeling ‘right’, you know?" Roy said, sitting down clutching his coffee. "I don’t feel terrible, but I feel kind of achy and headachy. Joanne has the same thing. Even the kids have been miserable."

John sneezed again. Roy put his hand to John’s forehead and John batted it away.

"No fever." Roy said. "Could be worse. I could sound like you!"

"Lousy head cold!" Gage remarked as Chet walked in. Spotting Johnny sitting with the tissues, he stopped.

"Come on, Gage. Couldn’t you have kept your germs home?" Chet grabbed coffee and sat as far away from John as he could manage. "I got a hot date this weekend."

Johnny glared at Chet, but before he could respond, Cap called them in for roll call.

DeSoto house

Joanne DeSoto dragged herself off the couch. She really felt lousy. Maybe a cup of tea would help, she thought. She padded slowly into the kitchen and put the water on to boil. This had been a really rough morning. She knew Roy was feeling achy, and it was almost impossible to wake Chris and Jen today. She sympathized with the poor kids because she, too, had to force herself out of bed this morning. Joanne had considered keeping them home, but neither child was running a temperature and Chris had a big test. Jen was practically in tears over breakfast, which was so unlike her.

Joanne had planned to run some errands today, but she had so little energy that she ended up falling onto the couch after dropping off the kids. Now, two hours later, she concluded that the nap didn’t really help. As she waited for the water to boil, Joanne sighed. She wished if they were all getting the flu that it would just come and go already! This general lethargy they were all suffering from was getting old fast.

I should make toast, she thought. But just the thought of food made her feel queasy. Another thing this flu is affecting, she thought. Our appetites!

The Station

Roy hung up the phone, frowning.

"How’s Joanne?" Cap asked.

"She’s not feeling so well," Roy answered. "Flu’s going around our house. Hopefully, she’ll feel better soon."

Cap nodded sympathetically. "I remember when my kids were young. Ellen and I picked up everything they brought home. Those schools are breeding grounds for germs."

Roy nodded. In the background, Johnny sneezed four times in a row.

"Speaking of a germ breeder!" Chet piped up.

"Shuddup Ched," Johnny snapped, miserably.

"Gage, you sound terrible," Cap added.

"I’m okay," John said, shivering. "It’s jusd a head cold." He broke out in a fit of coughing. Stoker handed him a glass of water. "Thanks."

Cap frowned, "John, if you’re sick, I can call in a replacement, pal."

John shook his head. "I’ll make id. I’m okay." He sniffed loudly.

"Yeah, but how many of us will sound like you next shift?" Chet grumbled.

"Shuddup Ched." Johnny went over to the couch and sat with his head back and his eyes closed.

Roy stood up and stretched. Cap looked at him. "How are you feeling, pal?"

"Funny thing," said Roy. "In the mornings, I really feel bad. I could swear I’m getting this flu, too. But after a few hours, the symptoms go away and I’m good. Must be fighting it off."

Cap grinned. "If I were you, I’d stay out of the house. Just till the germs pass!"

Roy laughed. "Must be it."

"Well," added Chet, "make sure you keep those germs at your house. Don’t bring them in here!"

"Shut up, Chet." Roy answered amicably. The others laughed.

Next Shift: Friday

"You're still not feeling well?" Johnny asked, walking into the locker room and finding his partner massaging his forehead, looking very haggard.

"Ugghh, I can't seem to shake this! The kids have been home sick practically this entire week! Joanne's sick. Hell, even the dog seems sick!" Roy went over to the sink and turned on the cold water. He stood there studying himself in the mirror for a moment and then splashed the cold water on his face.

Johnny handed him a towel. "You don't look so good, maybe you ought to go home and join your family."

"I'm hoping that being here will take my mind off of it or something. I just had to get out of there. I think the germs are playing "musical victims" or something."

"Well, just keep your germs away from ME!" Johnny told him with a grin, taking a step back.

"I think I need some coffee," Roy commented. "I need something to wake me up." He studied his partner. "You look better than you did last shift."

"Yeah, I am...that's why I want you to keep your germs to yourself."

"Thanks a lot, CHET!" Roy remarked sarcastically, as he quickly headed out of the locker room.

"CHET?" Johnny exclaimed, hurrying to catch up with his partner. "I think you're delirious Roy."

They went into the kitchen and each poured themselves a cup of coffee, before sitting down at the table.

"Gage, I hate you," came the raspy voice of Chet Kelly, from behind the newspaper he was reading. He broke into a loud coughing spell.

"What'd I do?" laughed John. "I just got here!"

"A-A-a-choooo!" came a loud sneeze. "Tha's whad you did," he replied, folding his newspaper and tossing it in the direction of Gage and DeSoto.

Both men quickly backed away from the paper. "Chet!" John shouted, shooting him an irritated glance. John grabbed another section of the paper to scoot the "infected section" back toward Chet. "Some people!" muttered Johnny.

Later that morning:

Roy was backing the squad into the bay, after returning from Rampart to pick up supplies.

"You seem to be feeling better, I guess you were right about getting out of the house, huh?" Johnny surmised to his partner.

"Yeah, I do feel better. Since we're on for two days, maybe I'll be able to shake this whole thing!" the fair-haired paramedic said, hopefully.

"Yeah and hopefully you won't have it waiting for you when you get home!" chuckled John.

Before they were able to get out of the squad the tones went off.

"Station 51...unknown type rescue..."

When the squad and the engine pulled up to the house, a woman ran out from the house next door.

"I'm the one who called you," she shouted excitedly, as she ran up to Roy and John.

Captain Stanley walked over to them. "I'm Captain Hank Stanley, ma'am. What seems to be the problem?"

"It's the Weavers! They live right there...I'm their next door neighbor. I haven't seen them for days. Their car is in the garage and I'm sure they haven't gone anywhere! I'm afraid something has happened to them."

"Ma'am calm down," Captain Stanley soothed. "Now, what makes you think they haven't gone anywhere?"

Just then Officer Vince Howard pulled up, got out of his car and joined them.

"Hi Vince," Hank said to the officer. "This woman...what was your name, ma'am?"

"My name? Oh my name is Rita...Rita Blake."

Vince pulled out his notepad and started jotting in it.

"Well, you see, I was just telling these firemen here, that they...The Weavers..." she said pointing at the house, "always let me know if they go out of town. I usually talk to Pam every day. They weren't feeling well last week; they all had the flu. That's the last time I spoke with them. I've been trying to call them for a few days now and no one answers. I spoke with Julie...she lives on the other side of them...she hasn't seen or heard from them either. This morning I went over and thought no one was home, but I looked in the garage and saw their car! I'm really worried!"

"Okay, just keep calm," Hank told the woman. "What do you think, Vince?"

"You say they usually contact you if they go anywhere?" Vince asked the neighbor.

"Oh, yeah. Always."

"Well...I don't know..." Vince looked uncertainly at the house. "I guess if nobody's seen or heard from them, maybe we better take a look."

"Lopez, Kelly go take a look...see if the doors are all locked." Stanley ordered.

Kelly hurried to the front door as Lopez ran around to the back. "It's locked Cap," Chet yelled, as he attempted to turn the doorknob. "Back one's locked too, Cap," Marco shouted.

"I have the key, if you need it." Rita offered.

"That would be a help ma'am, thank you," said Vince.

The woman ran back to her house, returning a minute later with a single key that she handed over to Vince. They all proceeded to the front door. "Ma'am, you better wait out here," Vince warned the woman. He then unlocked the door and went in, followed closely by Captain Stanley. Not too far into the house, Vince almost tripped over a golden retriever, lying curled up on the floor, unmoving. Hank and Vince only glanced at each other. Seeing no sign of danger or of any victims, Hank motioned for the rest of his men to enter the house.

The crew quickly spread out to search the house. "Found 'em! Here in the bedroom!" came a shout from down the hallway. The others hurried to the bedroom. Roy was standing in the master bedroom where a man and a woman lay in the bed. He looked at Hank, shaking his head regretfully.

"I need some help in here!" John shouted from another room. There were two single beds, with two little bodies laying in them. "This one still has a pulse."

Station House: Hours Later

Cap watched as Roy backed the squad into the bay. He was anxious to hear news of the little girl they had rescued. The carbon monoxide reading of the house had been through the roof. Bad ventilation on a new heater had been the culprit. One look at the dejected faces of his paramedics and he knew he need not ask the question.

"She didn’t make it," he said.

Roy shook his head. "No, she’s still alive. But she’s comatose and it doesn’t look good."

Cap sighed. He, like all the men, felt deeply affected when responding to any situation involving a child. "Damn. We were just too late."

Gage nodded morosely. Cap headed into his office. Roy and John walked slowly toward the day room. Neither was up to speaking at the moment. Conversation would come later, Roy knew, when the wounds weren’t so fresh. A short while later, the tones sounded, calling out the engine. The two paramedics were relieved. Both needed the downtime after the last call.

John Gage opened the refrigerator door for the fourth time in twenty minutes. He stared blankly at the contents, not really knowing what he was looking for. A few minutes later, Roy DeSoto walked over to the refrigerator and closed the door.

"Didn't your mother ever tell you not to stand in front of the ice box with the door open?" He smiled.

Johnny looked a little surprised, but didn't protest. The senior paramedic put a hand on his partner’s shoulder and guided the younger man over to the table.

"Sit down, Johnny," he told him. John nodded and complied. Roy walked over to the coffeepot and poured two cups of coffee. He came back to the table and set one of the mugs in front of John, then sat down himself.

"Do you wanna talk about it?" Roy asked. He felt that it was time to talk about the last run they'd been on. It was bothering Roy, too. Having kids and a wife, Roy saw things in a different way than his partner. Every response they went on that involved a child made Roy's heart sink. He couldn't help but think of his own children. Worse yet, to have had a whole family destroyed, well, that was emotionally devastating for both paramedics.

"Nah...it's nothing,'" Johnny replied. He sat slouched in his chair, holding on to his coffee cup, but not drinking. Instead, he just stared at it. At times like this, Johnny was glad he didn't have a family to worry about. If he were in Roy's shoes, he'd be a basket case now. But as typical, Roy seemed to be more concerned with how his partner was handling things. How does he do that? Johnny marveled.

"You know Roy, I was thinking..." John began, then paused a moment, instinctively expecting a retort from his partner. Roy just took a sip of his coffee, waiting for John to continue. "We need to get the word out, somehow...you know? I mean about Carbon Monoxide poisoning. We have to make people aware of how dangerous it can be! I don't see why we couldn't give talks about Carbon Monoxide just like we do on fire safety!"

Roy rubbed his chin thoughtfully for a minute. "You know, Johnny...you're right!" He sounded enthused. You never cease to amaze me, partner!

Johnny looked confused; he sat with his mouth hanging open. "You mean...you think it's a good idea?" John asked uncertainly.

Roy smiled at his partner, his blue eyes twinkling with pride. "I think it's a GREAT idea, Johnny! We need to run it by Cap, as soon as he gets back!"

"Yeah!" John agreed, beaming. He wasn't used to getting this kind of response from his partner, so he wasn't sure how to react. He just took a sip of his coffee, glancing once more at Roy...just to be sure...and then sat back, savoring the moment.

"Really! It's a good idea!" Roy affirmed, with a laugh.

John sat there, grinning. "It is, isn’t it? It’s a good idea."

A short while later, after the Engine had returned, the phone at the station rang briefly. Captain Stanley answered it, then gestured to Roy. "Roy, phone's for you. It's Joanne...she sounds pretty upset. Go ahead and take it in my office, Pal."

Roy stood up quickly, a wave of panic shooting over him. Joanne rarely called the station, and for her to sound upset…well, it wasn’t a good sign. He headed for Cap's office trying to convince himself that this feeling of alarm was being caused by the earlier rescue involving the ill-fated family.

"Joanne, what is it, honey?"

"Roy, it's the kids..." She sobbed. "I can't wake them! You have to come! Hurry!"

"What do you mean...Jo..." Roy was stunned for a second, his mind racing. "Okay, calm down honey; hold on...we'll be right there!" He set the phone down and hurried from the office. "Cap!"

Captain Stanley called in the still alarm. The engine followed the squad, sirens wailing, to the DeSoto house. On the way to the house, a niggling suspicion started to plague Johnny.

"Hey Roy, you know how you've been sick...but when you came to work you felt better?"

Roy just nodded. He was barely listening, his eyes intent on the road.

"Then you got sick again when you went home." He looked at his partner to see if anything was clicking. It didn't seem to be. "Didn't you say that even your dog was sick?" He studied Roy's features for another moment as the realization suddenly dawned on his partner. Roy's mouth dropped open and he shot a terrified glance at John.

"Johnny...no..." was all he managed to whisper.

Both men rode in silence, keeping their eyes fixed on the road until they pulled up to Roy's house. Johnny was the first to jump out. He ran over to Captain Stanley and Roy ran straight for the house, not even bothering to grab any equipment. John explained his suspicion to Stanley, as the captain helped him get the bio-phone and drug box from the squad. They both followed Roy into the house. Johnny grabbed an unconscious Jennifer DeSoto from Roy’s arms and he and Roy carried both of the children out into the fresh air. Captain Stanley exited the house a moment later with his arm around Joanne who, although very groggy, was still conscious.

"Cap, can you get Rampart for us?" Johnny asked, as he worked over the little girl. He glanced over at Roy, who was amazingly calm and collected as he began taking vitals on his young son. Hank Stanley set up the bio-phone and opened the line to Rampart.

A short time later, the ambulance arrived. "Roy, you and John both ride in. Chet will drive the squad. I'll call in a replacement for you as soon as I get back to the station." Stanley said, giving the paramedic a firm squeeze on the shoulder.

"Thanks Cap," Roy responded quietly. He climbed into the ambulance behind John. They had placed Chris into the stokes and Jennifer on the gurney. Joanne rode in the front of the ambulance. The senior paramedic looked sadly down at his two unconscious children, the fate of the family they had "attempted" to rescue earlier that day still far too fresh in his mind. What kind of a paramedic am I? I couldn't even save my own family! I can't even see what's right in front of my face...plain as day! How could I not recognize the symptoms?

"Roy!" Johnny gently shook his arm, startling him out of his thoughts. He pointed to the little boy. Christopher was moving his head back and forth, starting to come around. He began to softly cry for his "mommy" and tugged at the oxygen mask that covered his mouth and nose.

"Hey, buddy," Roy spoke calmly into his son's ear. "It's dad. Mommy's up in front. You guys are pretty sick so we're taking you to the hospital. They're gonna make you feel all better." He looked over at his daughter who still remained motionless then glanced helplessly at Johnny. He returned his attention to the scared little boy. "Everything's gonna be okay, Chris. I promise" He broke off as his voice cracked with emotion.

After what seemed like an eternity, the ambulance slowed and Roy could feel it come to a stop and then back up. Christopher had improved slightly during the ride, but Jennifer remained unconscious. Roy stroked his daughter’s hair and whispered into her ear a few times, but there had been no response from the child.

The ambulance doors opened and suddenly Roy felt as if he were in a horrible movie. He wasn't really aware of who the other actors were. His attention was focused solely on his young daughter, lying there so still. Her face was deathly pale; she seemed so lifeless. Not the cheerful, bubbly little girl he knew her to be. Please God, Don't let her die! He felt sick to his stomach.

He was barely aware of the sound of his partner’s voice, speaking soothingly trying to comfort... Christopher. He took his eyes off of Jennifer for a moment, to glance at his son. He looks so pale too! How could I have let them down like this? He trembled. Roy watched as Johnny ruffled Chris's hair and smiled at him. Thank God you’re here, Johnny! He turned his attention back to Jen. Her gurney was being wheeled through the doors, into the treatment room. He stood there not knowing if he was going to panic or pass out. He felt as if he were swimming underwater. He wanted to say something, ask something...but he was unable to form any words. The room began to sway and he put his hand against the wall to steady himself.

The next thing he knew he was being led out of the treatment room. Dixie.

"...doing everything they can for her. Roy?"

"Huh?"

"You need to sit down for a bit and pull yourself together." Dixie suggested, as she led the dazed paramedic into the lounge.

"Roy? How are they?" Chet Kelly asked, looking up from the table he where he sat.

Roy shook his head, still dazed. Chet studied him for a moment, then poured him a cup of coffee. He squeezed Roy’s shoulder. "Come on, Roy. They’ll be okay. I just know it."

Roy glanced at the coffee, then looked at Chet. He nodded, silently. He dared not talk over the lump that had formed in his throat. Chet sat down next to Roy. Then, they waited.

Johnny stood in Treatment Room Two, observing the frenzy of activity. An oxygen mask had been placed on the little girl. Monitors were being connected. Brackett was yelling out tests and giving instructions to the medical personnel. Jen’s vitals were being checked and rechecked.

Finally, the door opened. Dixie McCall approached Johnny.

"Roy’s in the lounge. He could probably use the company."

Johnny looked at her, but didn’t move. He gestured toward the child on the table. Dixie patted his arm.

"Come on." She led him out of the Treatment Room. "Dr. Early is with Chris and Dr. Morton is checking out Joanne. We’ll take good care of them."

Johnny leaned against a wall. The DeSotos were his family. He took a deep breath that sounded almost like a strangled cry. Dixie grabbed his arm.

"John Gage, come on. We’re doing everything we can. Now, Roy needs you. You have to pull yourself together." Sure, I sound so tough, she thought, but God, this is hard!

After a few seconds, Johnny nodded. He shook his head and took a few deep breaths. He looked at Dixie. "Where’s Roy?"

She smiled. "He’s in the lounge." She patted John’s arm once more, then headed into the treatment room. John watched her leave, then he walked down towards the lounge.

Roy and Chet looked up as the door opened. Johnny walked in.

"Johnny?" asked Roy.

John looked at his friend. "They’re running tests. I’m sure Brackett will be in when he knows anything."

He nodded, disappointed. Roy watched as Johnny grabbed a cup of coffee. Then, he dropped his head into his hands, a strangled sob escaping his throat. Chet and Johnny exchanged a worried glance. Johnny sat next to Roy and squeezed his friend’s shoulder.

"They’re gonna be alright, Roy. They’re getting the best care possible." He looked at Chet, feeling helpless. Chet dropped his eyes, uncharacteristically silent. Great! No help there! thought Johnny.

Roy pushed his chair back from the table and began to pace.

"How could I miss this?" he raged. "How?"

Johnny and Chet looked at each other. "Roy-" Johnny began.

"I’m a fireman, dammit! And a paramedic! I should have seen the signs." He stopped pacing, his knees buckling. "What if I killed them?"

Johnny and Chet both jumped up to support their friend. They sat him on the couch.

"Listen to me, Roy DeSoto!" Johnny lectured. "You DID NOT kill anyone. This is all just a …a … horrible accident! And we may be firemen, but we’re not perfect. Hell, I saw you come in…feeling sick, feeling better…you told me the kids and Joanne…hell even the dog felt sick, and I didn’t catch the signs either. You know, you were probably groggy from that…poison in your system. But, I don’t have that excuse. I should have…I should have picked up on this." Johnny broke off for a few seconds, allowing his own words to sink in. He ran his hand through his dark hair and then he continued in a shaky voice. "If anybody’s at fault, it’s me… and I’m sorry!"

Roy stared at his distraught friend as Johnny sank onto the couch and lowered his head into his hands. Roy glanced at Chet who was standing with his mouth open, his face a mask of anxiety. Then, he turned back to Johnny. "No," he whispered. "It’s not your fault. You’re right. You’re right. It’s just a ...stupid…meaningless accident."

He clutched his friend’s shoulder, looking for strength. Chet sat down nervously on the arm of the couch, wishing he could comfort his suffering colleagues. But for once, he was completely speechless.

Just then, the door opened and Brackett entered the lounge, followed by Dixie.

Roy practically leapt to his feet. "How are they? How's Jen?"

John remained seated, but he too stared attentively at the medical personnel. Please don't let it be bad news! He looked at Dr. Brackett and then at Dix, searching their faces for some clue.

Bracket's mouth twitched and then one corner of it curved up slightly, into a cautious smile. He crossed his arms in front of him.

"Well, Roy...we still have a few more tests to run, but everything looks good. Jennifer is awake now, if you'd like to see her for a few minutes."

Without realizing it, Roy had been holding his breath. At Brackett's news, he expelled the air. He almost felt as if he were going to pass out with relief. He grinned and held out his hand to the doctor. "Thanks! Thanks, Doc! You don't know what this means..."

Dr. Brackett firmly grasped the paramedic's hand. "Oh, I think I have an idea, Roy," he replied with a smile. These are the good moments! The ones that define why I went into medicine in the first place!

"Come on Roy. Let's go see that little girl of yours," offered Dixie. She gave him a pat on the arm and guided him out of the lounge.

"Wow, Doc! That was a close one; a little too close for me!" Johnny scrubbed his hands over his face, desperate to hide his emotions and regain control. "They're really going to be okay?"

"Well, like I said before, Johnny, we still have a few more tests to run. But since they've been on the oxygen, they seem to be improving dramatically."

"Thanks Doc!"

"Yeah! Boy, I was really scared there for awhile," commented Chet, with a hint of worry still evident in his features.

Roy cautiously entered treatment room four. Is she really okay? Jennifer lay on the exam table. Her hands clasped tightly together, across her stomach. A nurse that Roy had never met before was speaking softly to her. The nurse looked up when Roy and Dixie entered the room.

"Looks like you have some visitors, Jenny." The nurse smiled at Roy. "She's been asking for her mommy and daddy."

"I'll be back in a little bit, Jenny," the nurse told her, before walking away from the table.

Jennifer nodded. "Okay, Kate."

Roy looked at Dixie, who gave him a wink, and then he walked over to his daughter.

"Hey, Princess," he barely managed to whisper. He was finding it hard to control his emotions. Can't lose it now, you'll scare her to death! He cleared his throat and took a deep breath.

"Daddy! I was afraid! Is mommy okay?"

"Mommy and Chris are kinda sick too, but they're gonna be just fine," he assured her, while stroking

her hair.

"Daddy, are you sick too?"

"No honey, I'm okay." Smiling, he bent over and gently kissed her on the forehead. "You're gonna be okay, too."

"That's what Kate said, too."

Roy exited the treatment room and headed to check on his wife and son. He stopped just outside the door, catching sight of his partner and Chet Kelly. Both men had just cornered Jen’s nurse, Kate.

"Hi! I don't think we've met. I'm John Gage."

Roy smiled to himself and shook his head as he watched Johnny attempt to turn on the charm.

Chet elbowed Johnny out of the way, stepping in front of him. "I'm Chet Kelly, pleased to meet you...uh...Kate," he said after reading her nametag.

"Johnny? I just thought I'd let you know Jen's doing much better! I'm on my way to check on Chris and Joanne right now," explained Roy.

Kate took advantage of the interruption and slipped past the two firefighters. "See ya later," she called out with a wave as she made her escape.

Johnny frowned for a moment as he watched the nurse go. Then he looked at Roy and smiled.

"That's great, Roy!" He regarded his friend for a minute. "Cap said you had a faulty water heater. That’s where the Carbon Monoxide was leaking from."

Roy nodded, troubled.

John quickly changed the subject. "Is it okay for me to see Jen for a minute?"

"Sure, she'd love that Johnny!" answered Roy. "She's in four."

Roy watched his friend enter the treatment room and then he went to seek out his wife.

Joanne DeSoto lay on the table in treatment room two, sporting an IV and an oxygen mask. Tears glistened in her eyes. Carol came up to recheck her vitals. Then she patted Joanne’s arm, smiling reassuringly and turned to leave.

"I’ll go check on your children again."

Joanne smiled at the nurse, then struggled to sit up as Roy entered the room. Quickly, he rushed to his wife’s side, placing a restraining hand on her shoulder.

"It’s okay, Jo. Just relax." He smiled.

She reached up to pull the mask off. "Roy, the kids?"

He gently placed the mask back on her face. "The kids are going to be fine."

She smiled and clutched her husband’s hand. A sob of relief escaped her.

Roy’s smile faded as he sat down beside his wife. "I’m so sorry, Jo. Oh God, I was so scared. I’m so sorry."

She frowned, reaching up again to remove the mask. "Roy DeSoto! Don’t you dare blame yourself for this! How could you possibly know?"

"I should have…should have noticed the symptoms…I should have…"

Joanne shook her head forcefully. "I thought the kids were just sick, too. Please don’t blame yourself." She set up straighter. "Promise?"

Roy glanced at his wife, a single tear escaping his eye. Gently, she wiped it away. He smiled then replaced the mask on her face again.

"I promise."

A Month Later:

"Hey, Chris! Go long!" John Gage yelled as he threw a football to Chris DeSoto. Chris caught it and tossed it back. Roy laughed as Chet Kelly tackled Johnny.

"This is a nice barbecue, Roy," said Cap as he sidled up beside the grill where Roy was busy cooking hamburgers. "Thanks."

"Thanks, Cap." Roy grinned. "We just wanted… to show our thanks to everyone."

Cap slapped Roy on the back. "Glad we could help, pal. Glad we could help."

Joanne approached carrying a platter. "Here’s the ribs!"

Roy grinned. He looked around the yard. Jen was holding poor Marco captive, his hand entangled in the cat’s cradle she had just mastered. He watched his daughter frown as the second part of the trick failed to release Marco’s hand.

Johnny and Chet were arguing over the legalities of Chet’s low tackle. Chris was yelling at them to break it up and throw the ball. Finally, Mike Stoker grabbed the ball from Johnny, running down the yard toward Chris, the other two in hot pursuit.

Roy and Joanne glanced at each other, both thinking about how close they came to losing it all. They locked eyes for a moment.

"Hey! I’m starvin!"

"You’re a bottomless pit, Gage!"

"Shut up, Kelly. You’re just jealous of my superior metabolism."

"Oh yeah," Chet replied, sarcastically. "I almost envy it more than your razor sharp wit."

Roy and Joanne laughed. "Burgers coming up!" Roy called. He grinned. It’s sure a good day to be alive!

This story was lost in cyberspace and long gone from both of our hard drives…and would have stayed that way if it wasn’t for Loretta who was kind enough to find a copy and forward it to me for reposting. Thank you, Loretta! And thanks to Cece for always giving our work a home!