John Gage stepped off the plane in Billings Montana and he took a deep breath. "Now that's what I call air," he said. He turned to make sure his companion was behind him. He smiled and shook his head. She was a bundle of nerves, it was a side of her he hadn't seen before. Back in Los Angeles, she had all the confidence in the world, but here in Montana, she was a bit out of her element.
They were heading to Lame Deer, Montana to visit his family for a couple of weeks. John was going to compete in the local rodeo and he had talked KJ into coming with him to experience life on a reservation. He thought it would be a good way for her to explore her Native American side. It had taken some convincing, but she had finally agreed.
"Hurry up, KJ," he said with a crooked smile. "I wouldn't want you to get lost out here in the wild west."
KJ gave him a dirty look. "Don't worry about me," she said. "But, since you know where you're going, lead on."
"About time you realized my leadership abilities," he said with mock arrogance.
KJ reached out and popped him in the stomach. "Don't you wish," she said with a laugh, as he bent over to protect himself.
As they made their way into the terminal John heard someone call his name. As he looked around he saw his father heading their way. John nudged KJ and they moved to meet him. John gave his dad a hug and then turned to KJ.
"Dad," he said, resting his hand on her shoulder, "I'd like you to meet a friend of mine. This is Karen Jacobs."
"Nice to meet you, Karen," John's dad said as he shook her hand.
"Nice to meet you, Mr. Gage," she replied with a smile.
"None of that 'mister' stuff," he said. "We're pretty informal out here, just call me Bob"
"Thank you," Karen said. "Then, please, call me KJ."
"KJ it is," Bob said. "Now, lets get your bags. We have a long drive a head of us and if we're late for chow your mom will skin me alive."
Karen smiled to herself, this was going to be an interesting vacation.
* * * * * * * * * *
During the long drive to Lame Deer, KJ began to relax. The first thing that struck her was how flat the landscape was. There were a few mountains, but mostly, just flat. She had grown up in the Pacific Northwest surrounded by trees, mountains and the ocean. Even in L.A., it was only a relatively short distance to the mountains. It was wierd, but she felt exposed.
It was late afternoon when they arrived at the house. It was a single story, ranch style building. There was a barn out back and a corral with several horses. John's mother came out to greet them. She was an outgoing woman with a beautiful smile. She greeted her son with a hugs and kisses. Then John introduced her to KJ.
Annie Gage surprised her with a welcoming hug. Then she looked at her son. "You didn't mention that your friend was a woman," she said, with a wink. "We will have to change the sleeping arraingements a bit."
* * * * * * * * * *
That night, after dinner, John and KJ sat outside looking at the stars and talking.
"It's been years since I've seen so many stars," she said.
"That's one of the things I miss most in L.A.," John said, "There's too many city lights."
"Is that why you bought that place so far out of town?" KJ asked.
He nodded. "That and I needed someplace to keep my horse," he answered.
"I don't know if I'm going to be able to sleep tonight," she said.
"Why not?" John asked, giving her a puzzled look.
"It's too quiet," she said with a smile.
* * * * * * * * * *
But, she did sleep that night, and she slept soundly. John's mother had put her in John's old room and had made John sleep on the couch. When she offered to sleep on the couch, Mrs. Gage would not hear of it.
"I will not have company in my house sleeping on the couch," she said in a tone that left no room for argument.
"Take my advice, KJ," John said with a laugh, "you don't want to get on her bad side."
She awoke the next morning to the sounds of a working ranch. She quickly pulled on some sweats, ran a brush through her hair and walked into the livingroom. John was still asleep on the couch. She could barely see the top of his head poking out from under the blankets. John's mother had heard her moving around and came into the room.
"Good morning," she said. "Did you sleep well?"
"Good morning," KJ replied. "Yes I did, Thank you."
Mrs Gage looked at her son and shook her head. "All that city living has made him lazy," she said with a wink, "he used to be up with the sun. Now look at him, he'd sleep till noon if I let him." Karen just smiled, she knew that John's mom was enjoying having him around to fuss over. "Come on into the kitchen, breakfast is almost ready," she said.
"I'll be there in a second," she said with an evil grin. "I'll see if I can wake sleeping beauty here."
As Mrs Gage dissappeared into the kitchen, Karen walked over to the couch. Just as she reached for the blankets, a muffled voice said, "Don't you even think about it, Karen Jacobs."
"Who me?" asked Karen, innocently. "What on earth ever made you think I was going to do something?"
"Because," John said as his face appeared, "I know you. You're not as bad as Chet, but you can hold your own."
Karen sat down in one of the nearby chairs. "Why, John, you've hurt my feelings," she said. "Besides, you ruined my fun."
"Good!" he said sitting up. "Now, let's go get some chow."
After breakfast and a shower, the morning routine kicked in again. John pitched in to help his dad finish the chores around the ranch. Karen just watched the flurry of activity around her. She had been raised in the city and she had no idea how much work a ranch took.
By afternoon, John was able to take her on a tour of the ranch and the surrounding area. He had been teaching her to ride, so he saddled up a couple of horses. As they went John pointed out different landmarks around the area. Then they ran into some men herding cattle and stopped to watch. One of the men broke away from the others rode over to them. As he approached KJ could see he was about John's age and just as good looking.
"Hey, Johnny," he said. "I heard you would be coming for a visit."
"Hi, Tommy," John replied with a smile. "Long time no see. What have you been up to?"
"Not much," Tommy said. "Nothing much changes out here." he turned a questioning look at KJ. "Who's your friend?" he asked.
'KJ," John said. "I'd like you to meet a friend of mine, Tommy Lone Wolf. Tommy, meet Karen Jacobs."
"Nice to meet you, Tommy," Karen said.
"Nice to meet you, KJ was it?" Tommy said with a broad smile. Karen returned his smile. "Well I've got to get back to work. Maybe we can get together while you're here. I can tell you some stories about Johnny's wilder days," he said with a wink.
"You wouldn't dare," John said.
"You know I would," Tommy said with an impish grin, and with that he turned and rode back to the others.
As KJ watched him ride away, she smiled. "He seems nice."
John looked at her with a knowing smile. "He is. We've known each other since we were kids." he said. "Just do me a favor, huh? Don't believe half of what you hear and don't repeat any of it to the guys. Chet would never let me live it down."
"I won't promise a thing," she said with a laugh.
Gage rolled his eyes. "What have I gotten myself into," he groaned.
* * * * * * * * * *
That night Karen was again outside looking at the stars and enjoying the night sounds. She heard the backdoor open and close. She thought it was John, so she was suprised to hear a woman's voice.
"Beautiful, aren't they?" John's mother said looking at the night sky.
"Very," KJ said.
"Mind if I join you?" she asked.
"Please do," KJ replied.
They sat and quietly talked about different things. What KJ thought about Montana so far, her job in LA, etc. Then they were quiet for a few minutes.
"Johnny tells me that you are half Indian, also," Annie said quietly.
KJ looked from the stars to the horizon. "That's what I've been told," she said.
"I know, he told me," Annie said.
Karen looked over at the woman sitting next to her, John's mom met her gaze. "Don't be upset with him," she said. "He only told me so I could check our records for any mention of your biological father, otherwise, he wouldn't have said a word."
Karen nodded her understanding. Mrs. Gage continued. "You are very special to my son," she said. "He has told us how you saved his life and what a good friend you are. I think he looks upon you as the sister he never had."
KJ smiled. "Well the feeling's mutual," she said. "John's saved my neck a couple of times too. He's also closer to me than my own brothers are. Until I met John, I really didn't have "family" in L.A."
"That must have been difficult," his mother said. "Don't you get along with your family?" Before KJ could answer she said. "Forgive me, I ask too many questions."
"No, it's alright," Karen said. "Let's just say that my career choices aren't very popular with my family. I'm still close to my mother, but my father, sisters, and brothers are another story." She took a deep breath and then continued.
"You see, "good girls" didn't join the military, "good girls" got married and had kids. They really blew a cork when I told them I wasn't coming back home when I got out of the Coast Guard. That I was going to stay in San Francisco and become a paramedic. The final straw was when I joined the fire department. My mom is the only one that's supported my decisions. She understands that I wouldn't be happy if I moved back home. If it wasn't for her support, I wouldn't be where I am today."
"She sounds like a wonderul woman," Mrs. Gage said. "Do you still talk to her?"
"Yes, but I try to call when the others aren't home. Mom doesn't need the hassel from the rest of them," KJ said quietly.
John's mother reached out and touched her arm. "My son is right, you are special," she said. "I should get back inside before they send out a search party. Would you like to jon us?"
"I'll be in in a few minutes," Karen said quietly.
Mrs. Gage patted her shoulder, then got up and went back inside.
John looked up as she entered. "I thought you were going to get KJ," he said.
"She'll be here in a few minutes," his mom said.
* * * * * * * *
The next day, John started practicing for the rodeo, and KJ sat on the fence watching him. He had just finished roping a calf when Tommy Lone Wolf showed up. He climbed up and sat next to KJ.
"Hi," he said.
"Hello," she replied.
"So, how do you like Montana so far?" he asked.
"Not bad," she said. "It's just alot flatter than I'm used to."
"Flatter!" he said. "LA's not exactly known for it's mountains."
"I was raised in the Northwest," she replied. "I still haven't completely adjusted to the lack of trees and mountains in LA, but having the ocean nearby makes up for some of it."
"So, how'd you meet, Johnny?" he asked as he watched John make another run with his rope.
KJ smiled. She knew he was fishing to find out how serious a relationship they had. "At work," she said. "I substituted at his station a while back."
Tommy turned and looked at her. "What do you mean, you substituted at his station?"
Karen met his gaze. "I'm a firefighter/paramedic just like John," she replied.
Tommy couldn't hide his surprise. "I heard Johnny was bringing home another firefighter, but when I saw you, I thought he had changed his mind."
"Nope. He didn't," she said, turning her gaze back to John.
Tommy wasn't sure what to say next, so he didn't say anything.
About that time, John lost his footing when he jumped from his horse and landed rather roughly on his back, it knocked the wind out of him. Karen had seen, and heard, how hard he had hit and when he didn't get up right a way, she was off the fence and running toward him. As she knealt down next to him, he wave her off.
"I'm okay," he said, with some difficulty. "just had the wind knocked out of me, that's all."
"Do you hurt anywhere?" she asked.
"Everywhere," he said with a grin.
"Don't get smart with me," she said.
"Yes, mother," John laughed. "Now help me up."
Karen took his hand and pulled him to his feet. "I think that I'll take a break, however," he said.
"Sounds like a good idea to me," she laughed. "Besides, Tommy's here."
John looked around and saw his friend standing near the fence. John waved to him and they headed that way. KJ stopped and whispered something in John's ear. He looked at her and smiled.
"How ya doing, Tommy?" John asked as they got closer.
"Not too bad," Tommy replied. Then nodding toward the horse. "You're getting rusty. If you're planning on winning anything at the rodeo next week, you're going to have to do better than that."
John just laughed and nodded in agreement. "I'm not worried about winning," he said, "I'm just going to enjoy competing."
"Yeah, right," Tommy laughed, and with that they headed for the house to get something to drink.
* * * * * * * * * *
John and Tommy got a beer and KJ got a coke, then they went back outside to talk. After a couple of minutes, John's mom called out and asked Karen if she could help her with something. After she had gone inside, Tommy looked at John. "So....how long have you two been dating?" he asked.
John had been waiting for that question. "We aren't," he said. "We're just good friends."
Tommy cocked an eyebrow. "She's not your girlfriend?" he asked in surpise.
"No, Tommy, she's not my girlfriend. She's just a friend," John said with a smile.
"Oh..." Tommy said, and he stared off in the distance. "Is she really a fireman?" he asked finally.
"Firefighter," John corrected, "and yes she is. She's a good one too."
Tommy shook his head. "That's too dangerous a job for a woman," he said.
Johnny just shook his head. "If you want to stand any kind of a chance with her, you better change your thinking," he said. "She doesn't tolerate male egos very well."
"What do you mean.....stand a chance with her?" he asked.
"You know what I mean," John said, taking a drink. "You won't know if she'll go out with you until you ask her."
"It's that obvious?" he asked.
"Yep," John laughed. "Only, one thing. She's a good friend and I don't want to see her get hurt. Okay?"
"Understood," said Tommy.
When KJ joined them again, Tommy asked. "So,...KJ,...want to go riding in the morning?"
"Sure!" she said with a smile.
* * * * * * * * * *
Late the next afternoon, the three of them went into town to get supplies. Lame Deer wasn't a very big place and word of KJ's profession had spread quickly. She found that she was a bit of a local curiosity. A woman firefighter was unheard of in their small community. Karen just laughed it off, she still ran into that kind of thinking down in L.A.. Some of the young girls approached her and started asking her questions. "Was she really was a fireman?" "Did she really do the same job as the men?" "What was it like to fight a fire?" Karen patiently answered all their questions.
John and Tommy went into the feed store to get the supplies. When they had loaded the feed and other supplies into the pickup, they tracked KJ down. They found her on a bench still talking to a couple of girls. As they approached her, they saw that the girls were fascinated listening to her stories. When Karen noticed them, she said something to the girls and the party broke up.
"Did you have a good time?" John asked, as they got closer.
"As a matter of fact, I did," she replied with a smile. She linked her arms with theirs and walked between them back to the truck.
Just as they reached the truck another pickup full of men from a nearby town came to a stop. They saw what they thought was a white woman getting friendly with a couple of Indians. "Hey cutie, why don't you drop them two injun's and try some real men," one of them shouted.
Karen felt the two men tense. Karen started to say something, but John gave her a look that stopped her. Tommy walked around to the driver's side, while John and KJ got in the passenger side. As they started to leave, their path was blocked by the other pickup. The other men got out and approached them. One of them, a sandy haired man about 25, walked up to the passenger side window. Karen could see and even feel John's barely controlled anger. She placed her hand on his arm, hoping he knew she understood. The man leaned on the window, he cocked an eyebrow when he saw her hand on John's arm. Karen could smell the alcohol on his breath.
"What's a nice white girl like you, doing these.......injun's?" he sneered.
Karen didn't say a word, something told her that anything she said would give them the excuse they needed for the fight they were looking for.
"Please move your truck," John said. "We'd like to leave."
"It's a free country," the young man snapped. "We'll park wherever we want to. Unless, that is, you plan on doing something about it."
John looked over at Tommy, and a knowing look passed between them. These guys were looking for a fight and no matter what they did or said, there was going to be trouble. Tommy looked in the rear view mirror and saw that no one was behind him. He quickly put the truck in reverse and before the others could react, he hit the gas and backed away. The sandy haired man barely had a chance to jump out of the way of the mirrors before they started moving. Tommy quickly turned the truck and went around them. They could hear angry shouts behind them as they drove off.
When they had put a few miles behind them, everyone started to relax a little bit, but Tommy kept an eye on his rear view mirror.
KJ shook her head. "I've always heard about this, but this is the first time I've ever experienced it."
John reached out and patted her arm. "That's because you were raised white and off the reservation," he said.
Tommy looked at her in surprise. "You're Indian?" he asked.
"Half," She replied.
"What tribe?" he asked.
"I don't know," she said. Tommy just nodded his head in understanding.
Tommy looked in his rear view mirror again, this time he saw the flashing lights of a couple of police cars. "It looks like we have company," he said. The other two looked behind them. "I'll bet those drunks called the police."
"But why would they do that?" KJ asked.
"The local boys don't like Indians dating white women," John answered. "And even though your half Indian, it doesn't show."
"The cops are involved in that?" KJ asked, disbelieving.
"These are tribal police," Tommy answered as he pulled the truck over to the side. "Most likely they got a call about a couple of Indians kidnapping a white woman. It's one of their favorite 'jokes'."
The police officers got out of the cars with their guns drawn, and took cover behind their doors. "Driver, turn off the ignition and throw the keys out the window," one of them shouted. Tommy sighed and did as he was told.
"Now driver get out slowly with your hands in the air."
Tommy looked over at KJ, "Welcome to the reservation," he said and opened the door. He then laid down on the ground as instructed. Next it was Johns turn. When both men were lying on the ground one of the officers approached the truck. Then they called for KJ to get out and come back to them. Instead of a terrified woman getting out of the truck they found themselves faced with a woman that was mad as hell.
"Don't worry ma'am," one of them said, "You're okay now."
"For your information, Officer, I was okay before," KJ said with a distinct edge to her voice. The officer stopped and gave her a questioning look. "Those men that your partner is handcuffing are friends of mine and I'd like to know what there being arrested for?"
"What? You weren't kidnapped?" the officer asked.
"Not hardly," KJ said. "One of those men is my partner and the other one is a friend."
"Partner?" he asked. "What kind of partner?"
KJ reached into her back pocket, pulled out her ID and handed it to him. "We are both firefighter/paramedics with the Los Angeles County, California Fire Department. My name is Karen Jacobs and that man," she said, pointing to John. "is John Gage, my partner. The other man is Tommy Lone Wolf, a friend of John's."
The officer gave her a skeptical look, "A woman fireman," he said, "I've never heard of such a thing."
"I'm sorry if LA is a little a head of Montana, in that respect, but that's what I am," she said, her irratation was obvious. "Now, since I'm obviously not a kidnap victim would you kindly release my friends?"
By this time both John and Tommy had been handcuffed and were standing against the truck, quietly watching the interaction between KJ and the officer.
"Not before I find out what happened back in town," the officer said.
"We had a run in with some non-indians who thought they saw a white woman getting too friendly with a couple of Indian men," she said.
"What do you mean..."they thought they saw a white woman," the officer asked. "you are white aren't you?"
"Only half white," she replied. The past couple of days had found her defending her Native heritage more than she had in all the years before.
"I see. So these men," he said nodding at the others, "weren't harrasing you and didn't force you into the truck?"
"No," she said. "I went with them of my own free will. And besides, you can ask John, someone would be hard pressed to make me do 'anything' against my will."
The officer chuckled. "I can see that," he said as he handed her back her ID. Then to his partner he said. "Let them go, it's a bogus call." KJ turned to see the other officer removing the handcuffs.
"Thank you," she said and started to walk back to the truck.
"Just a second," he said. KJ turned and looked at him. "Are you really a fireman?"
"Yes," said KJ, "I'm really a firefighter." With that she turned and walked back to her friends while the officer stood there shaking his head.
As she got close to John and Tommy she asked, "You guys okay?"
"Yeah," said John as he rubbed his wrists. Tommy didn't say anything, he just picked up his keys and got back into the truck. Karen gave John a questioning look, but he just shook his head, so she let it drop.
* * * * * * * * * *
They were quiet for the rest of the drive. After they had unloaded the supplies, Tommy said goodbye and started to leave. KJ walked over to him and touched his arm. Tommy wouldn't look at her.
"Tommy," she said, "did I do something wrong?"
Tommy still didn't look at her. "No, you didn't do anything," he said. "I just wish you hadn't had to go through that. I'm sorry."
"It was an experience, I'll give you that," she said. "But, there's nothing for you to apologize for, I don't blame you or John for what happened." She paused. "Do you blame me?" she asked.
"Blame you," he said surprised, finally looking at her. "Why would I blame you?"
"Because, if I hadn't been with you, none of this would have happened," she said.
"No, I don't blame you," he said. "I was just embarassed."
"Well, don't be," she said.
"Thanks," he said with a smile and got into the truck. They talked for a few more minutes and then Tommy left. As he drove away, John came up behind her.
"Did you find out what was bothering him?" he asked.
She nodded. "He was embarassed about what happened this afternoon. I think he thought I blamed him."
"He obviously doesn't know you very well," John said with a smile.
"Hopefully, that will change," KJ said returning his smile. "We have a date tomorrow night."
* * * * * * * * * *
The day of the rodeo arrived. Tommy and John were both competing so KJ sat with John's parents. They explained what each of the events were and how they were scored. Karen watched the different events and found them exciting but, she would cringe everytime one of the cowboys was thrown. Fortunately, everyone escaped with only bumps and bruises. She almost couldn't watch when John and Tommy were riding. The Gages laughed as she tried to look away, but found herself being pulled back to the events. They had noticed Tommy hanging around a lot more than usual and had a pretty good idea why.
Tommy won three events and John had managed to win one. As they were leaving, Tommy was giving him a bad time about being a city boy. When he noticed both John and KJ stop. "What's the matter," he asked.
"Smoke," KJ said.
"It's probably from one of the bar-b-que pits," he said.
"No," said John. "That's not bar-b-que smoke."
About that time someone yelled that one of the barns was on fire. Without hesitation, John and KJ ran in the direction of the smoke with Tommy and the Gages right behind them. Fire, as a general rule, is dangerous, but a fire in a crowded barn could turn into a major disaster within a matter of minutes.
As they approached the barn they could see smoke coming out the doors and people screaming and running in all directions. John knew that the volunteer fire department would be arriving shortly, but with a barn involved, every second counted. He and KJ grabbed fire extinguishers and entered the building. The fire was beyond the ability of the extinguishers to handle, so they turned their attention to getting the people and horses out.
As the smoke got heavier, they had to get some fresh air. Once outside, they started checking to see if everyone was out. A woman came running up to John screaming that her son was still inside.
"Where!?" John asked.
"He was in the tackroom," she wailed.
Johnny grabbed a nearby rope and tied it around his wasist. Without even asking her, KJ grabbed the other end of his lifeline. John wet his hankerchef, tied it around his face and headed for the barn doors.
"You be careful in there!" KJ yelled after him. He nodded and waved as he entered the barn.
* * * * * * * * * *
John quickly made his way to where he thought the tackroom was. He found it in the back left hand corner. The fire was progressing rapidly and he knew he had to hurry.
"Anyone in here!?" he yelled.
"Help me!" a voice said.
John found the boy in the back of the room. "Are you hurt?" he asked.
The boy shook his head. John looked around the small room for another way out, but there was only a small window. Although John had a thin build he would not fit through it, but the skinny teen next to him might. He picked up a nearby branding iron and smashed out the window. He cleared out as much of the glass as he could.
He then turned to the boy. "Come on, lets get you out of here." He lifted the boy up and shoved him out the window feet first. The boy barely fit.
"Get to the front of the barn," John yelled after him, "Let them know you're alright."
He didn't know if the boy heard him or not. He turned and headed out of the barn. As he did he gave the rope a couple of tugs so KJ would know he was coming out and take up the slack. The main area of the barn was well involved and John knew he didn't have time to waste. He ran for the door as fast as he could. The smoke was starting to get to him and he was coughing badly.
He was about 25 feet from the door when he hard a cracking noise. He looked up and saw one of the main beams starting to fall. He dove backwards and landed on the floor. The main beam just missed him, but smaller pieces of debris rained down on him. Johnny curled up into a ball, trying to protect himself, but it was not enough to escape injury. A piece of debris hit his ribs causing him to cry out in pain. As he clutched his chest, something hit the side of his head and everything went black.
* * * * * * * * * *
The boy had just made it to the front of the barn when they heard the crash. KJ pulled on John's lifeline but it wouldn't budge. She ran to the entrance and saw the fallen timbers. Through the smoke she could barely make out John's prone figure just beyond.
"Johnny!" she yelled. "Johnny, can you hear me!?"
No response. "Damn!" she said to herself.
Just then the volunteer fire department engine arrived. She saw spare turnout gear on the truck and ran for it. Without saying anything, she grabbed a coat, helmet and axe. She turned and saw Gage's parents holding each other with a look of terror on their faces. As she ran for the barn, she was met by Tommy.
"You can't go in there," he said. "It's too far gone."
"Johnny's still in there," KJ said.
As she moved past him, Tommy grabbed her arm. "I can't let you do this, KJ," he said.
She twisted out of his grip. "My partner's in there," she said, "and I'm going in after him."
"But, that's not what women....." Tommy started.
"Don't start, Tommy," she shot back. "This is my job, remember?" Now, if you want to help, fine, otherwise, get the hell out of my way!"
The look in her eyes told him that short of hogtying her, he wasn't going to stop her. "How can I help?" he asked.
"Ten to one I won't be able to get back out this way with John," she said. "Get some help and then start cutting a hole in the back wall."
"You got it," he said.
With that, KJ turned and ran into the fire.
"What the hell does that woman think she's doing?" someone yelled.
"Her job!" Tommy yelled back.
He then grabbed a couple of men, some saws and axes and headed for the back of the barn.
* * * * * * * * * *
As soon as KJ entered the barn she was surrounded by fire. She immediately dropped to the ground and began crawling to where she had last seen John. She found him covered in debris. Fortunately, most of it wasn't burning, it had just come down as a result of the falling support beam. As she dug him out she could see the blood from his head wound, but there was no time to check him further. She picked him up in a fireman's carry and headed for the back wall.
She could hear the axes on the other side. "Come on!" she said, coughing fom the smoke. Then she heard the sound of a chain saw. She stood back a safe distance, but made sure that she wasn't too far away from the sound.
It seemed to take forever, then the wall was knocked in. KJ didn't waste anytime getting out. She carried John around the barn to the engine and carefully laid him on the ground. As she took off her helmet and coat she yelled. "I need a backboard and a medical kit! Now!"
As she check John's vitals, she gulped in air trying to clear her own lungs of smoke. His pulse was weak and his respiration was shallow. Tommy knealt down beside her with a medical kit and an oxygen bottle.
As he watched her work, he was amazed at her concentration. She seemed completly oblivious to the quickly gathering crowd. He watched as she quickly started Johnny on oxygen and then began checking him for injuries. She grabbed the bandage scissors from the medkit and began cutting away his jean jacket and shirt.
"Get his chaps off," she told him. She knew the scissors wouldn't cut through the leather leggings. "Where's that backboard?"
Tommy looked at her sheepishly. "We don't have one," he said.
"What?" she couldn't believe what he had said.
"This isn't LA," he said defensivly, "We're a little volunteer department on a reservation. We don't have alot of gear to work with."
"Okay," she said looking around, "then we'll have to improvise. Bob," she yelled at John's dad. "I need a board aproximately two feet wide and six feet long."
Mr. Gage didn't know what she needed it for, but he didn't question her. He gave his wife's shoulder a squeeze and ran to find what she needed.
When she had cut away John's shirt she saw minor burns and some bruising. His jean jacket had apparently given him some protection from the fire. She gently, but thoroughly checked is arms and ribs. She found no obvious fractures. When Tommy finished removing John's chaps, she was relieved to find no apparent fractures of his legs.
She turned to the medkit. It was only a basic kit, there wasn't even a BP cuff or a stethascope. "Damn." She placed her ear to his chest to try and listen to his lungs. What little she could hear was not good. She was really begining to worry.
"Where's the nearest hospital?" she asked.
"About two hours away," Tommy answered.
"Do you have a clinic of some kind?"
"A small one," he said, "but the doctor's on vacation."
"John needs treatment now," KJ said. "We need to get him to that clinic."
"But the doctor...." Tommy started, but KJ cut him off.
"I can get him stabilized, then we can transport him," she said. "But, right now, he won't make it to the hospital."
Just then John's dad returned with a piece of wood that was a good substitute for a backboard. KJ checked John's vitals again, his pulse was extremely weak. When she checked his respiration, she paled.
"Respiratory arrest!" she said.
There was no ressusitator and no way to intubate him. She quickly removed the oxygen mask and started artificial respiration. "Breathe, damn you! Breathe!" After about a minute, John started coughing and began to breath on his own.
As she replaced the oxygen mask, she said, "We have got to get him to that clinic. Help me get him on the board." She gave quick instructions on how to log roll him and place the board underneath. She held his head, while the others performed the rest of the task.
"Give me your hankerchef," she said to Tommy.
"What for?" Tommy asked as he untied it from around his neck.
"You'll see," she said. "Now come here and trade places with me. Whatever you do, don't let his head move."
Tommy held John's head while Karen folded the hankerchef and placed it on his forehead. She then grabbed the tape from the medkit and taped John's head in place. She then indicated to Tommy that he could let go. Unfortunately, there wasn't enough tape to tape his body to the board.
"I need straps of some kind," she said. "We need to secure the rest of him to the board." While Tommy cut up a rope, KJ took John's vitals again. Pulse was still weak, and his repirations were shallow and a bit labored, but he was still breathing on his own.
John's mother knealt down beside her son. She took hold of Johnnys hand and then looked at KJ. The fear in her eyes was obivious. Karen put her arm around the womans shoulders. "He's holding his own," she said quietly. "I'll do everything I can for him."
The older woman looked at Karen. "I know," she said. "I never doubted that for a second."
Once the ropes were cut, Tommy and the volunteer firefighters helped her secure John to the board. Since there wasn't an ambulance in town, pickup had been brought over to transport them.
KJ briefed the driver as they loaded John into the truck bed. "Take it slow until you hit smooth road. He can't take alot of bumping and jarring," she ordered. "If I need something I'll knock on the window." Then she turned to Tommy. "I may need some help along the way."
"You've got it," he said and climbed into the back of truck with her. John's mother rode up front, his father would meet them at the clinic.
During the ride, Karen monitored John closely. She kept her hand on his chest to monitor his breathing and every few minutes, she checked his pulse. When they arrived at the clinic, it was closed and locked. They had to break in.
Once inside, KJ did a quick check of supplies and equipment. The clinic seemed to be pretty well equipped. She then turned to John and began taking a complete set of vitals. His blood pressure was low, his pulse had not improved and his respiration was dangerously slow and shallow. She turned to the supply cabinets and found what she needed. She quickly moved to John's head and began to intubate him.
Tommy winced as she did so, he'd never seen that done before. KJ hooked Johnny up to a resuscitator since the clinic didn't have a respirator. She showed Tommy how to use it to assist John's breathing. Then she started an IV.
She was well aware that what she was doing would most likely cost her her paramedic license, but right then....she didn't care.
After the IV was in place, she checked his vitals again. His pulse was stronger and the BP was up. She let out a sigh of relief. As Tommy continued to work the ressusitator, she bandaged John's head wound and rechecked him for other injuries. To her great relief, she didn't find any.
Over the next hour, Johnny continued to improve. His breathing and improved well enough that, KJ had removed the rescusitator and placed him on straight oxygen. Someone had called a doctor from another clinic and he had just arrived. Since the doctor was there, Tommy went out to the lobby and sat with Johnny's parents.
* * * * * * * * * *
Dr. Bradley had been skeptical of the medical skills of the woman he had met when he arrived. She smelled of smoke and sweat, and was covered with dirt. But after she had started filling him in on the patient's condition, it obvious she knew what she was talking about. After completing his own check of John's condition, Dr. Bradley turned to Karen. "You did an excellent job," he said. "I don't exactly know what a firefighter/paramedic is, but you're a good one."
"Thank you," she said. "I was just doing my job. Unfortunately, because of what I did here, I may not have a job when I get home."
The doctor looked at her puzzled. KJ looked from him to Johnny. "I'm not licensed to practice outside Los Angeles County," she said, "and....we're only supposed to administer medication under the supervision of a doctor."
"So, you treated him illegaly," the doctor said. KJ just nodded. "I see, that does pose a problem. But....if you knew it would cost you your license, why'd you do it."
She didn't say anything for several seconds. She reached out and brushed back the hair off John's forehead, then she looked the doctor in the eye's. "If I had done nothing and John had died, I would have lost more than just my job."
Doctor Bradley nodded . "I think I can understand that," he said. "Now, why don't you go tell his family the good news?"
Karen gave John's hand a squeeze and headed for the door. As she went out of the room, Dr. Bradley shook his head. He'd never seen anything like her before.
* * * * * * * * * *
As KJ walked into the waiting room, everyone looked up. She smiled and said, "He's going to be okay."
Everyone let out a sigh of relief. The Gages held each other and thanked the Great Spirit for watching over their son. Then John's mom walked over to Karen and gave her a hug. That was all it took. All the emotions she had suppressed in order to treat Johnny came to the surface and she cried in Annie's arms. The older woman held her and soothed her as she would any child.
When Karen's tears were dry, she pulled away and wiped her eyes. She was embarassed. "I'm sorry," she said. "I don't usually cry."
"Don't be sorry," said John's mother, as she smoothed Karens hair. "You were crying for a friend. That is something you should never be ashamed of."
Karen gave her a greatful smile. "Come on," she said. "lets go see Johnny."
* * * * * * * * * *
A couple of hours later, John was breathing well enough that the doctor removed the tube from his throat. By that time, x-rays had shown that there were no cervical or spinal injuries, so he was also removed from the makeshift back board.
Karen hadn't left John's side since the fire. Both the doctor and John's mother had tried to talk her into going and getting some rest, but she had refused. However, she was exhausted, so she finally agreed to a nap. She pulled a chair alongside John's bed and went to sleep with her head leaning on the mattress.
John woke up very early the next morning feeling tired and sore. He looked around trying to figure out where he was and how he got here. Then he saw his mother next to him. "Where am I?" he asked, confused. "How'd I get here?"
"Shhhhh," his mother said, pointing to KJ's sleeping form. "You were injured after you rescued the boy," she said quietly. "KJ got you out and treated you until the doctor arrived."
"How bad is it?" he asked hoarsly. His throat was still sore from the intubation.
"You've got a concussion, bruised ribs, some minor burns, and a pretty bad case of smoke inhalation," she said, fighting the tears again. "You stopped breathing a couple of times, but KJ pulled you back."
John nodded, that explained alot about the way he felt.
"John," his mother said uncertainly, "the doctor didn't arrive until almost two hours after the fire."
John looked at her and then the reality of what she was saying sank in.
"She didn't....." he started.
"Yes," she said quietly.
"She shouldn't have done that," he said. "She could lose her license."
"She knew exactly what she was doing," his mother said as she squeezed his hand. John reached out and touched KJ's arm. "She hasn't left your side since the fire," his mother told him.
The pressure on her arm woke her. She smiled when she saw John was awake. "Welcome back," she said. "How are you feeling?"
"Sore, but otherwise, okay," he replied.
"I'm glad to hear it," she said.
"I'll go tell the others that you're awake," his mother said. She kissed John's cheek and left the room.
"KJ," John said, "Mom told me what you did." Her smile faded and she looked down at her hands. "You shouln't have risked everything...."
Karen stopped him. "It's over and done with," she said. "I made the decision and I'll face the consequences."
"You won't have to face them alone," he said.
"I know."
* * * * * * * * * *
Everyone was glad John was awake. Tommy and his dad headed for his room, but Annie stopped them. "Give them a couple of minutes," she said.
Tommy sat back down shaking his head. "I don't understand them," he said.
"What don't you understand?" Mrs. Gage asked.
"Them," he said. "They say they are not a couple, but they obviously love each other a great deal. Why else would she risk so much for him?"
John's mother sat down next to him. "You're right, they do love each other," she said. "But it's not the kind of love your thinking it is. It's the love a sister and brother have for one another."
"I'm not sure I'll ever understand," he said.
"Let me tell you something," she said, "KJ and John live in a world far different from ours. They risk their lives everyday for each other and for total strangers. That's their job. Because of that, there is a bond between them that many outside the fire department don't understand," she paused, looking over at her husband. "We saw that bond of friendship when John was badly hurt and we went to LA. His coworkers almost never left his side. It's an amazing thing to see."
"I guess you're right," Tommy said. "I'm just not sure I could get used to it."
Annie patted his knee. "Any man in her life is going to have to accept her men friends. And Johnny in particular. She won't turn her back on them. Not for you, not for anyone," she said. With that she got up and walked over to her husband. "Now, let's go see how he's doing."
* * * * * * * * * *
The next couple of days passed quickly. John was released from the clinic, with orders to take it easy. His mom had called Captain Stanley explained the situation to him. And he, in turn, had called Captain Williams. Both were concerned about KJ's status and had promised to do everything in their power to help her.
KJ put up a good front once they were back at the Gages. Anyone who didn't know her very well wouldn't have realized anything was wrong. But, John did know her well and knew that she was worried about her job. It bothered him that it was because of him that she was in trouble. When he tried to talk to her about it, she would always stop him. Although it was hard, he quit trying, knowing that she would talk when she was ready.
* * * * * * * * * *
It was two days before John and KJ were to leave. They had taken an early morning ride to enjoy the sunrise one last time. The next day would be too busy with packing, and getting things together. They sat and watched an eagle soared high above them.
"I'm going to miss this," KJ said.
"I usually do," John replied. Then he looked over at KJ. "Karen, I want to thank you for saving my life. And I want you to know, I'll be there with you when you go before the board," he said.
"Thanks, John," KJ said. "You'd have done the same thing if I'd been the one injured."
"I.....don't.....knowwwww," he said with a crooked smile. "You being a woman and all."
With that he quickly turned his horse and headed for the ranch. KJ spurred her horse after him.
"You better run, you coward!" she shouted. "Because when I get my hands on you, you're dead meat."
* * * * * * * * * *
As they got close to the house, they saw several cars and trucks parked outside. After putting the horses away, the walked toward the house. Before they got inside, several people came out to meet them. The KJ recognized Dr. Bradley and Tommy, but John also recognized the teenage boy from the fire. John's dad introduced the boys parents and Jim Running Deer, one of the tribal elders.
"We know that you're leaving soon," Dr. Bradley said, "so we wont take up too much of your time." He handed each of them a manila envelope and they gave him a questioning look in return. "Inside you'll find that you have both been certified to practice paramedic medicine on the reservation. And that they are dated the day before the fire."
Karen and John looked at each other in total amazement. "But, how?" she asked. "There was no testing...."
Dr. Bradley stopped her. "You proved to me that you knew what you were doing when you saved John's life. That was the only test I needed," he said. "And since I have a little pull with the BIA health department, I was able to get the certification."
John's dad laughed. "Yeah. I'd say he has a little pull. He's one of their head doctors."
Then Jim Running Deer stepped forward. "You will also find letters of thanks from the tribal council and from the family of the boy you saved," he said. Then he turned to Karen. "And you will find a letter from the tribal council, supporting the actions you took to save the life of another. You risked everything and showed our young people the kind of loyalty and friendship we should all have."
"Thank you," was all Karen and John could manage. Then the parents of the boy came over and thanked them personnally for their son's life. Neither of them could speak.
"I also talked with Dr. Brackett in LA," Dr. Bradley said. "He said that with these documents, you shouldn't have any problems keeping your certification. After all.....you were cetified the day before you treated John and I told him you did it under my supervision."
"I can't let you lie for me....." Karen started, but Dr. Bradly stopped her.
"It's already done," he said. "You shouldn't be punished for saving a life."
A wave of relief swept over her. "I don't know what to say....."
"You don't have to say anything," he said.
With that everyone turned to leave. The Gages and Karen walked everyone to their vehicles. Goodbyes were said and they waved as they drove off.
After everyone was gone, Karen looked down at the envelope in her hands. John noticed that her hands were shaking. "You okay?" he asked.
"Yes," she said, "It's just that....." she couldn't finish.
John understood. He and Tommy put their arms around her and the walked back to the house.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*