Chapter 15
The crews of Station 51 and 110, along with the staff at Rampart met once again at Wolfe's house. She lived on the outskirts of LA County. Her region had not yet been encompassed by the County Fire Department. Some would call the small town out in the boon docks, she called it a little piece of heaven on earth. Since everyone brought a covered dish, the food and drink were plentiful.
Harry Anderson lived on the opposite end of town and he owned a horse ranch. When A.J. told him about Maggie, he volunteered his horses, before she could even ask. He had helped her to rig a harness of sorts, one that allowed her to ride on one of his most gentle stallions, unassisted. The look on her beaming face was reward enough for everyone there. Her mother was never so proud of her young daughter.
She had recovered from her surgery quickly. Most adults don't have the fortitude that this little girl had. She pushed her self through rehab and came through on her promise to listen to the hospital staff.
Since there were other kids there, Harry and his wife brought a couple other horses so everyone could share in the fun.
Chet had also come through with his silent promise. He verbally rode Gage about dating A.J. At her station she got the remarks of "you know if you want to go out with a real fireman..." Then came the finale, in which he conspired with the men at the 110. They each on the same shift decided to make sure their comrade in arms weren't lonely for their better halves. So when Wolfie and Gage decided to bunk down for the night, they were greeted by look a like blow up dolls, complete with complimentary bikini underwear and negligee, respectively. The joke was preserved for history, complete with photos.
"Dr. Early, you should have seen Gage's face! The Phantom was proud indeed!" Chet was about as happy as he had ever been. Chet had been bringing him up to speed on the torture of his niece and Gage.
Kevin Davidson, a fireman at the 110 had organized the stellar joke at his station. "Well, it was brilliant but I am waiting for the other shoe to drop. She won't rest until she gets us back!"
"Oh, don't you worry boys, the Gremlin can strike at any station at anytime...when you least expect it!" She said with a knowing grin.
Ever since that one shift, Brice had really begun to loosen up around A.J., but only her. To everyone else he was still the stick in the mud of the department. She had sensed that he wanted to keep it that way, so she only mentioned it to a couple of trustworthy paramedics, who could keep a secret.
Standing back watching everyone else, he thought, "What they don't expect is how and when we'll strike! They won't know what hit them!"