Title: Brother's Keeper – Epilogue

By: FanofRandy

Disclaimer: I do not own these characters. Emergency! is owned by Universal and Mark VII Productions. I make no profit from my imagination—only a personal joy and peace.

Summary: Gage is dealing with some personal issues. He also helps a young boy recover from a traumatic event. Will he accept help from those around him? (set after season 5) May benefit from reading my story "Without Reservation" as there are some inferences…however, this is a stand-alone.-

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EPILOGUE

Bobby's parents were charged and later convicted of negligent homicide, various counts of child abuse, possession of unregistered firearm, and a few lesser charges. They were granted leniency in confinement if they would relinquish their parental rights. Both Bob and Karen agreed to the deal. Kyle and Helen Wells were granted permanent custody of their grandson and allowed to formally adopt him as their son.

Bobby and the Wells' stayed in California for another week after the Grand Jury hearing. They were delighted when Johnny asked them to stay with him at his home. Johnny took it easy for a while—well, as easy as Johnny was able to—and enjoyed his guests. He let Bobby ride Osceola, since he was the most gentle of the two horses. Cimmarone, Johnny explained, was still a bit on the wild side and only allowed Johnny to ride her. It would be a few more weeks before he would be able to oblige her, though.

When it was time for the Well's to return to Michigan with Bobby, they packed up all their things and waited for their cab on the front porch. Kyle Wells thanked Johnny for saving his grandson's life and for providing such a wonderful role model for the boy. Helen Wells had cooked all day the day before to ensure that Johnny had enough meals to get him through the rest of his medical leave.

When the cab arrived, Mr. Wells began to load their luggage and belongings while Johnny walked over to the corral with Bobby. "Hey, Osceola. I'll miss you." Bobby called out to the horse as he climbed up on the first rung of the fence. Johnny walked up behind him and put his arms on the fence on either side of Bobby. Bobby sunk back into Johnny's larger, but thin frame. They shared their final moments together.

"I won't see you again, will I?" Bobby cried as the words came out of his mouth.

"I don't know, Sport. But, we can write to each other, you know?" Johnny threw some hope to the boy who had already lost so much.

"Yeah, I guess." Bobby slowly stepped down from the fence and turned to face Johnny, his tears flowing freely now. "You know how you said I saved your life, Johnny? Well, I guess you saved me, too. We're even, huh?" He reached out and hugged the man, who returned the embrace.

"Bobby, you know, you have been through a lot. More than a boy your age should hafta deal with. But, you are strong and you are gonna make it. I know what it is like to feel that everything and everyone you care about is gone, but you have your grandparents now and they love you very much." Johnny said as tears formed in his eyes, too. "And, Bobby, you don't have to feel guilty for what happened to Henry. No one blames you. And, you need to understand that you are forgiven...God forgives you for what you did. Just live the best life you can, and that will be how you honor Henry from here on out. Okay?" The boy nodded into Johnny's shoulder.

Bobby let go of Johnny and they began walking away from the corral toward the cab. They walked silently, in step with each other, like they were an odd pair of twins—one short, one tall. Bobby stopped short of the cab and looked up to Johnny. He dug in his pocket and held it out for Johnny. "You want this back now?" Bobby asked.

"No, Bobby. You keep it. I can get a new one when I go back to work." Johnny snapped his fingers at a thought that quickly came to him. "Bobby, how 'bout we make a deal. When you hold that badge, you say a prayer for me. And, whenever I hold my new badge, I will say a prayer for you. Is it a deal?" Johnny bargained.

Bobby's tears dried and a smile crossed his face. "You bet." The boy cried out. "I'll say a prayer for you every night, Johnny. I promise."

"One more thing, Bobby. Remember, 'A friend loves at all times and becomes a brother in times of trouble.'" Johnny remembered the dream he had and the figure that told him that he and Bobby were to help each other. "Bobby, you and I are brothers. Nothing can change that. I will always think of you in that way. And, now that Henry is gone, you can think of me as your brother, okay?"

Bobby nodded and promised he would write to Johnny as soon as they got to Michigan. Johnny received hugs from both Kyle and Helen Wells and they departed. Johnny turned and went into the house feeling as though there was nothing else in the whole world that he needed-he had more than he could ask for.

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Johnny returned to work two weeks later. He entered the locker room to the sound of men cheering. B-Shift and the men of A-Shift welcomed their friend and brother back to work. Johnny smiled and shook hands with them all before going to his locker to get dressed for his shift.

Chet was quick to ask him how "things" were going with Allison Reed. "We're just friends, Chet." Johnny remarked.

"Sure, Gage. Like you can be 'just friends' with a girl like that." Chet teased.

"Really, Chet. We talked it all out and I guess we are just too much alike to actually be together…we drive each other crazy. She is sweet and all, but we are just friends." Johnny shifted his attention from Chet back to his locker to begin getting ready for his shift.

As he sat down on the bench in front of his locker to unlace his shoes, he paused as he noticed a small black box at the bottom of his locker. He reached out and took it in his hands. As he opened it, he closed his eyes and took out the contents. Roy noticed Johnny's strange behavior. "You okay, Junior?"

Johnny looked at his partner and smiled. He got up from the bench and, as he put his new badge on his uniform shirt he said, "Just saying a little prayer, is all."