Christmas Crash

The morning of December twenty-fourth, Sergeant Getraer greeted his officers as usual and proceeded with the general briefing.

"And finally," he began to conclude, "Officer Baker has volunteered to work a double shift today."

A round of applause erupted and Getraer patiently waited for it to subside.

"Jon," he continued, "You'll be riding solo for your first shift, then team up with Grossie tonight."

"You got it, Sarge," Jon nodded.

"And the rest of you, don't forget to stop at the annual Christmas party tonight and, most importantly, be safe out there."

As soon as the sergeant finished speaking, the room was filled with chatter and the sound of chairs scraping against linoleum as the men and women filed out to begin their patrols. Jon waited for the merriment to die down before he headed for his motor. When he had signed on for extra holiday shifts, he hadn't anticipated missing Ponch this much and he certainly hadn't planned on wishing he was spending the day with a very special teacher. A ball of dread began to form in the pit of his stomach. It was the same feeling he often got in 'Nam. He sent up a rare, silent prayer that all CHP officers returned home safely this Christmas.

The day passed quickly for Jon, probably because of all the last minute shoppers who were over-eager to get home and instead earned themselves a traffic ticket. By the time he pulled into Central at the end of his first shift the sun had set and there was a cool dampness in the air. He hurried inside to wash up since he expected Kate soon and wanted to be at the door to greet her.

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Kate parked her rented compact in the CHP Central visitors' lot, her stomach in knots. She was thrilled that Jon wanted to introduce her to his co-workers, but she was also very nervous. Normally shy and reserved, she tended to avoid social gatherings whenever possible, especially among strangers. She relaxed a bit when she saw Jon walking towards her. At least she wouldn't have to enter the building alone.

"Glad you could make," Jon said as he guided her through the door, his hand on the small of her back. "Here, let me take your coat."

Kate shrugged out of her wool coat revealing a knee-length black skirt and what she hoped was a festive-looking red sweater. She was still trying to get her bearings when she felt Jon's hand on her back again as he escorted her into what was labeled as the briefing room but was gaily decorated for the holidays complete with a live Christmas tree and seasonal music. Tables laden with food and drink lined the perimeter of the room as groups of men and women, some in uniform and some not, talked and laughed.

Jon led her over to a particular group of officers and began introducing her. Her mind swam as she struggled to remember their names as she smiled, shook hands, and exchanged greetings with Bonnie Clark, Joe Getraer, and Barry Baricza whom everyone called "Bear".

"So, where has Jon been hiding you?" Bear teased, causing Kate to blush.

"Never mind him," Bonnie, the lone female officer, told her. "Jon hasn't said a thing about you and I'm dying to know everything! How did you guys meet?"

As Kate began to relate the story of how Ponch pulled her over, she didn't notice Jon slip away from her side. Soon she and the others were engaged in light-hearted conversation and Kate felt her former anxiety drift away.

"I thought you might be hungry," Jon said, once again standing at her elbow, this time holding a cup of punch and a plate of finger sandwiches.

"Thanks, I am" Kate replied.

"He's such a gentleman!" quipped Bonnie who soon disappeared, leaving Jon and Kate alone.

"I'm glad you hit it off with the gang, but I was hoping to have some time alone with you before I have to go back out." Jon said softly

"Don't you want something to eat?" Kate asked, even as she got lost in Jon's gentle eyes.

"Grossie and I can pick something up. Ponch's favorite taco stand never closes."

Jon moved closer, slowly tilting his head. Kate feared he was going to kiss her in the midst of everyone when an officer she hadn't met approached him from behind and poked him on the shoulder.

"What is it," Jon growled, turning around.

"You about ready to head out?" Grossie asked.

"Um, yeah," he replied, running his hand through his hair. "Arthur Grossman, this is Kate Williams."

She shook Grossie's hand as Jon grabbed his helmet.

"Feel free to stay and enjoy yourself," Jon urged her. "And if it gets too late, ask someone to escort you home." He bent and gave her a quick peck on the cheek before leaving the room with Artie Grossman in tow.

Before she knew it, Kate was enveloped by the group of officers Jon had introduced her to at the beginning of the evening. They were eager to share stories about Jon and Ponch's exploits, all the while reassuring her that Jon was one of the best officers the CHP had. She didn't know how much time had passed before she saw Sergeant Getraer heading toward their group, a somber look on his face.

"There's been an accident," he said in a low voice so as not to be overheard. "It's Jon. He's in the hospital."

Kate gasped, her muscles freezing even as her heart sped up and her mind spun. She felt Bonnie's strong but gentle arm settle around her shoulders.

"Come on, you'll ride with me," she said, leading Kate from the room as the others followed silently.

Minutes later, Kate was being guided into the emergency room waiting area. Thankfully, they had brought Jon to the same hospital where Trish worked. Kate looked around, desperately hoping to find her cousin, but instead she saw Artie Grossman pacing back and forth in a near panic.

"Grossie, what happened!?" Getraer demanded.

"I'm not sure, Sarge. We were chasing a stolen car through an alley. Jon was in the lead and all of a sudden he just wiped out. He went down really hard."

As if to prove his point, Grossman held Jon's helmet up to show the dent where his head had connected with the concrete.

"Black ice," Kate whispered.

"What?" Bonnie asked.

Kate held back tears as she explained. "The pavement was damp earlier. When the temperature dropped it iced over just enough to be slick. He probably thought it was just wet."

"How is he, Grossman?" Getraer asked, an uncommon huskiness in his voice.

"I don't know. He was unconscious by the time I got to him."

And so the vigil began. More officers arrived as the minutes ticked by. Coffee was bought and passed around. Whispered conversations peppered the room and an eerie silence fell each time a doctor or nurse appeared, but none had any information about Jon. Kate sat in a molded plastic chair, away from the others, her eyes on the floor. So this was how it was. This was what it was like to love a cop. She had heard people talk about it, but she never imagined it would apply to her. The dreaded phone call, the rush to the hospital, the interminable wait for information.

"Can I get you anything?" the tall officer they called "Bear" crouched in front of her, his face full of concern.

She shook her head. "No, I'm good." What a stupid answer. She was anything but good!

The room hushed as a middle-aged man in a white lab coat approached the group of officers. Kate and Bear hurried to join them.

"I assume you're all here for Officer Baker?" the doctor asked. When everyone nodded he took a deep breath and continued. "Mr. Baker took a pretty hard fall, but he was very lucky. He has a couple broken ribs and a rather severe concussion, but it could have been much, much worse."

"When can we see him?" Bonnie asked.

"He's being moved to a regular room now, but I suspect he will sleep through the night. You can come back in the morning to see if he's up for visitors."

Jon's friends mumbled their thanks and slowly dispersed.

"Need a ride home?" Bonnie asked Kate.

Kate hesitated when she caught sight of Trish.

"No, thanks. That's my cousin. I can get a ride from her."

"You're going to stay, aren't you?" Bonnie asked with a sad smile.

Kate just nodded, a stray tear rolling down her cheek.

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"Come on, Trish," Kate argued with her cousin outside Jon's hospital room. "Can't you pull some strings?"

"Yeah, but you really should let me take you home so you can get some rest."

"I'm not leaving him!"

"He won't even know you're here!"

"But I'll know. I need to stay with him."

Trish sighed her acquiescence. "All right. I'll let his doctor know and see if I can get you a more comfortable chair."

Kate never knew a night could be so long. There certainly wasn't any peace on earth for her this Christmas Eve as she sat next to Jon's bed holding his hand, his face almost as white as the sheets that covered him. His injuries didn't appear all that serious, but years of having a nurse in the family taught her that nothing was for certain, especially until he woke up.

When she couldn't keep her eyes open any longer, Kate lowered her head to the edge of the bed and let herself fall into sweet oblivion, completely unaware of the nurses who continuously checked Jon's vitals and the cousin that covered her with a blanket. However, she jerked awake at the strange feeling of a hand stroking her hair. She raised her head, only to lock onto Jon's gentle, sleepy eyes.

"Sorry I woke you," he said in a raspy voice. "How long have I been out?"

Kate looked at her watch. "A little over twelve hours. You took quite a spill."

"And you've been here all this time?"

Kate nodded.

"You didn't have to stay, ya know."

"I know, but I wanted to."

"I'm sorry you had to experience, first hand, the perils of dating a cop."

"I'll admit it wasn't easy," Kate confessed. "But your co-workers were all really supportive. I know it comes with the territory."

"It can also be a deal breaker. Are you still willing to continue exploring this territory or do you want out?"

"I want to be right where I am. Where you are." Kate swallowed hard. "I should go get your doctor.

Jon's hand reached out, catching her wrist and pulling her closer. "It's Christmas Day, right?"

"Right."

"Then before the doc comes in, Merry Christmas, Kate Williams." Jon pulled her down so their foreheads were nearly touching.

"Merry Christmas, Jon Baker," Kate whispered before his lips claimed hers in a kiss she would remember for years to come.