Lights & Sirens Read online

  We met one time on a call when she was an innocent passerby and saw a wreck and stopped to offer aid. I knew her instantly by her voice. Later, I called in to dispatch to get our times and she answered the phone. We started talking about the patients from the wreck and the next thing I knew ten minutes had passed. Ten minutes doesn’t seem like a lot to civilians, but to me that’s a huge chunk of time to have to myself during a busy shift. We’ve gotten pretty close over the years, hanging out and doing things together.

  I answered my phone with a greeting for my favorite dispatcher, and was surprised when Caity didn’t respond right away. I knew something was wrong, so I tried again.

  “Caity, are you there? What’s going on?” I heard a muffled cough and then a sniffle before her voice came on the line.

  “Sorry, Donny, I’m gonna bail on you tonight. I feel like crap. I think I have a head cold coming on.”

  “Okay, Caity. Drink a lot of OJ and get some sleep. Did you want me to bring anything over for you? Soup, tea, me?” I said it with a grin, but knew I meant it. I would have taken care of her while she wasn’t feeling well, but there were certainly times, well most of the time lately, I wouldn’t mind us getting a lot closer.

  She laughed. “That’s the best offer I’ve had in a week. Didn’t you plan on us hanging out with some of the crews though? I don’t want to keep you from your plans. Besides, you take care of sick people all day.”

  I put a stop to that nonsense right away. “Caity, I see them all the time. We practically all live together here anyway. I’d rather see you. Besides, it’s different taking care of someone you know instead of some random stranger. Let me come over. I have homemade chicken soup in my freezer that’s yours for the asking.”

  I knew I was sort of wheedling my way in, but it was worth it to me. We’ve been getting a lot closer the past year, but I’m not sure if it’s closer as friends, or closer like we might end up as lovers.

  “Well, if you don’t mind risking exposure to my contagions, I won’t turn down homemade soup.”

  “I’ll stop at my house for the soup and be over after shift change.”

  “I’ll be there. I’ll be the one with the red nose.”

  Hanging up, I swiveled around and found my soup and my partner waiting for me. Oops, I guess he overheard at least part of that conversation. A major rule in life: Never let the probie know much about you until you figure out what kind of medic they’ll evolve into. He got enough out of me earlier. I already figured Tony would be a good medic, but now I’d never hear the end of it if he suspected I was after Pauli’s sister.

  Of course, he asked about the call. “So, who was on the phone? Hot date cancel on you?”

  “Wise ass! It was Caitlyn. She can’t join us tonight because she’s sick. I’m bringing her some soup and juice later.” I don’t know if he bought it, but he shut up so we could eat in peace.

  I PULLED INTO Caity’s driveway and parked behind her beat up Ford Explorer. She lived in a single ranch style house on the edge of suburbia with a small, but nicely kept front yard. She had left the garage door open, so I let myself into the house.

  “Caity, where are you, woman?” I admit it, I was bellowing and the size of the house didn’t warrant it, but I was having fun. I heard a muffled response from her bedroom and for a minute, I thought of going in on the pretext I thought she could be hurt. I decided discretion is indeed the better part of valor and went into the kitchen to heat up the soup. As I was banging around, digging out a pot to boil noodles, Caity walked out looking freshly showered and adorable in navy blue sweats. I know, sweats aren’t exactly erotica material to most, but I love a woman who is able to look comfortable in her own skin. Sweatpants mean the wearer is either happy with herself or she doesn’t give a rip. Her short dark brown hair was in slight disarray and her hazel eyes were tired and bloodshot. Her cute nose was red from too much tissue abuse. It was time to take matters into my own hands.

  “All right, go get comfy on the couch. I put a box of those tissues with lotion on the table for you, and a wastebasket near the table. I’ll finish heating the soup and get you some juice.” She shook her head, smiled, and did as she was told.

  “I don’t think I have any juice,” she said.

  “It’s okay. I didn’t think you would so I brought my own. Orange Mango in fact, quite tasty and chock full of vitamins to help you get better quickly.”

  “You’re too sweet, Donny. I don’t understand why some cute woman hasn’t laid claim to you yet.”

  Little did she know, a woman had laid claim to me, and I was honoring that claim by taking care of her when she was sick. Yeah, I know, I’m a romantic sap at times, but beneath the chest of every tough girl beats the heart of a marshmallow. I brought out the soup and juice then went back to the kitchen to grab my own. When I got back, she was sitting up and looking at me with a thoughtful expression on her face.

  “Did I ever tell you I require egg noodles in my chicken soup?” she asked.

  “Um, you might have mentioned it at some point, I guess. I like it that way too so I brought a bag with me.” I started to blush because while I wanted her to realize I was into her, I didn’t want her to get it if she didn’t feel the same way. Subtle, yeah, that’s what I wanted.

  Okay, I’ll admit it. I’m a major chicken shit. I didn’t want to come out and tell her I’m interested because if she isn’t I might mess up a great friendship. Plus, can you imagine the crap around the station if Pauli finds out and doesn’t like that I hit on her sister? I was playing it safe. Yeah, I’ll keep telling myself that story.

  Caity ate her soup, looking over at me occasionally. For my part, I was fine with it. When we finished I gathered up the dishes and loaded them in her dishwasher, then got more juice for us and went back to her.

  “So, why didn’t you want to go out tonight, Donny? You love hanging out with everyone. Did something happen?”

  “No, nothing like that. I didn’t want you home alone when you were sick. We both know you don’t cook when you’re sick, and you would’ve gone to bed without eating. Besides, I haven’t seen you much lately, with all the doubles we’ve both been pulling, so I thought it would be cool to catch up.” It sounded believable and was actually the truth, well partially at least.

  She chuckled. “You know me too well. I love cooking but it’s too much bother when I don’t feel well. I know it’s only a head cold, but I’d rather be hungry than exert myself. Thanks for thinking about me.” She reached out to me but withdrew her hand to grab a tissue as she sneezed.

  “Bless you.” I moved closer to hand her another tissue if she needed it.

  “Thanks. I didn’t feel that one coming. Hey, you don’t want to get too close. I would feel horrible if you got sick too.”

  “C’mon, we both know at this point you aren’t contagious.” However, I moved anyway since I didn’t want to push my luck. Tonight felt different, like maybe she was catching on but didn’t know what to make of my interest. Of course it could simply be she didn’t feel well. Who knows? I don’t claim to understand women just because I am one.

  “I was looking in the REI catalog today. They have some sweet new gear for spring. I saw a new tent that’s supposed to have great ventilation but also keeps in the heat better. We could maybe get out a bit earlier in the season and camp closer to winter with it.”

  Caity shivered. “As long as you also found a tent heater. I told you, I want one for those times the weather people are wrong. Like always. Though I did just order a new sub zero rated mummy bag. I knew you wouldn’t last a minute once the catalog came out.”

  “Well, I’m taking advantage of my seniority when the weather gets nicer. I’ll be going back to a couple of sixteen-hour shifts and an eight hour shift. Four days off a week is nice.

  “Sadly, they don’t let us work those long hours in dispatch. We’d go nuts. I do like the new rotation they started. I can work a double by switching from radio to phones part way through the shift. It will help save up some spare time off too.” Caity yawned.

  “I can take a hint. I’ll get going but you better get some rest, drink the rest of the juice, and call me if you get any worse. I’m also leaving the rest of the soup for you”

  “Thanks. I feel a ton better already. I’m wiped out. I’ll sleep in tomorrow, I promise.”

  I PULLED INTO my driveway and sat there a minute, listening to the engine ticking as it cooled down. I gave a sigh and headed inside. As expected, the house was empty and there were no messages waiting for me. It was close to two years later, and on nights like this, my house still felt large and empty around me.

  I used to have a live-in girlfriend. I still remember the night we met. It was six years ago. I was about to get off duty when one last call came in. I was on with Spike that day. I was still a pretty new medic back then, only about a year on the job.

  When we got to the scene we saw a woman, maybe about twentyeight or so, holding the screen door open for us. She pointed us toward the bathroom. It’s a fact, more people code in the bathroom on the john than anywhere else in the house. She told us she didn’t know how long the patient had been on the floor, but she didn’t want to move him in case he was injured. We found an elderly gentleman on the floor with his eyes open. He had a pulse and was breathing, though it was a bit shallow and rapid for my liking. We got him into a sitting position after doing a quick exam to rule out any physical injuries. We put him on oxygen and the heart monitor before we determined that while he wasn’t critical, we should transport as soon as possible. I left Spike with the patient while she started a line, and I walked out to get the litter and talk to the woman who let us in.

  She was standing in the living room gathering medications and paperwork for us. “Excuse
me, miss, but do you have any information about the patient? Name, age, medications, past medical history?” She turned and handed me a bag of medications and a stack of paperwork about an inch thick.

  “That should have everything in it, but this was my first visit to his house. I’m Karen, a visiting nurse from St. Mary’s Hospital.” She had amazing eyes, the kind of greenish blue that remind you of really clear seawater, diving in looked so appealing. I reminded myself I had a patient to care for.

  “Okay, thanks. Are you riding along to the hospital? If so, I’ll have you sit up front with me.” Yeah, it was a shameless attempt to get more time with her, but she was hot with a capital H. She looked to be about five-nine, reddish blond hair pulled back in a no nonsense bun, and she was wearing dark blue scrub pants with a matching scrub top with those slip on clogs nurses seem to favor. She was either blessed with a good metabolism or she worked out. It’s hard to tell for sure behind baggy scrubs, but her arms looked toned to me. Besides, it’s why I find scrubs so hot. You can get a general feel for the person wearing them, but for the most part, they hide the physique. Taking them off someone is like unwrapping a surprise package.

  “He is my last patient of the day, so I was planning on heading back to the office but maybe I should go in with him. Just in case, I guess.”

  I silently gave a whoop of gratitude and gallantly showed her to the front seat of the rig then grabbed the litter to bring to Spike. We loaded the patient and locked the door behind us as we maneuvered the litter to the back of the rig. I hopped in the front to take us into the hospital.

  I chatted with Karen while I drove, learning about her career and she was single for the past year. I was getting signals from her she might be interested in me as well, but it was hard to gauge. Besides, my gaydar has never functioned well. I’m even slower to realize when someone is interested in me. I was certainly interested in seeing what was beneath those scrubs she wore so well.

  When we pulled up to the ER, I jumped out and helped Karen out before going around and helping Spike with the litter. Once we got the patient transferred to an ER bed and signed over to someone else’s care, I walked over to Karen to let her know we were heading out. Then it dawned on me, her car was at the guy’s house.

  “How are you getting back to your car?” I’m not the most suave of people, but hey, at least I showed an interest.

  “I guess I hadn’t thought that far ahead. I’m sure I can catch a cab or call someone at my office to come get me once he’s settled in.”

  There was the cutest frown line forming between her eyebrows and I was struck with an irrational urge to kiss it away. Instead, I offered an alternative in transportation options.

  “I’m off duty now, all we have to do is drop the rig off and I’m done. If you’d like I can come back and pick you up to take you back to your car.” Part of me was praying she’d say yes, the other part was terrified she’d say yes.

  “Are you sure? I don’t want to be any trouble and you must be tired by now.”

  “I promise you, it’s no trouble at all. After all, as a Paramedic, I spend my days rescuing damsels in distress. Especially when it’s my fault you were stranded here.”

  Karen raised her hands in supplication. “I give up and give in. I’d be happy for the ride. By the time you get back, things here should be settled.”

  Back in the rig, I filled Spike in on my plans.

  “Donny you dog! When we get back, I’ll restock and do check out. You get cleaned up and go rescue that nurse of yours. Might want to make sure to wear your uniform though.”

  “Why?”

  “Cause women swoon over you in your hot medic get up. You have a cocky strut when you have it on.”

  “Me? What about you? I think it’s the belt full of gear and the boots. I don’t strut.” I hesitated, not wanting to go to far. “She looks damned good in her uniform too. I loved the way her scrubs fit.”

  A quick wash of my face, a brush of my teeth, and I was in my car heading back to the lovely Karen. I parked and re-entered the ER through the EMT doors and quickly found Karen still sitting with her patient. She gave me a bright smile, and my heart did a little flutter.

  “Hey, told you I’d be back in a flash. How’s he doing?” I thought it only polite to ask even though my entire being was focused on Karen now.

  “Better. They think it was a mild infarct. They’re moving him upstairs to CCU soon. He’s been asleep, and besides he doesn’t know me, so it’s safe to leave. I did call his family and they’re on their way.” She gave me a weary grin and continued, “The good news is my supervisor is giving me until Thursday to get the paperwork in since I have off the next two days.”

  “Me too. Since we’re both off, why don’t we spend tonight relaxing? Could I interest you in joining me for dinner?”

  She looked at me with one eyebrow raised and a quizzical expression on her face. Suddenly, it seemed as if she’d made up her mind about something and she shook her head no.

  My heart plummeted like a stone to my gut, and I tried to play it off. “Okay, no problem. I’ll run you to your car and then I’ll grab dinner.” As if I was going to be hungry after getting turned down by my Aphrodite of nurses.

  “Donny, I wasn’t saying no to dinner, just no to going out. I’m still in scrubs.” She gave a small laugh, “You’re still in uniform too, it does kind of limit where we could go.”

  Damn. I hadn’t thought of that. I was only thinking of getting to see what was under those scrubs! Thankfully, I had an inspiration to salvage the night.

  “Well, there is a killer chef available who doesn’t have a dress code. If I can get us in would you be interested?” I smirked knowing I could get a seat any time.

  She gave me a skeptical look and asked, “What kind of food? And how do you know we can get in?”

  “Tonight’s specialty would be chicken piccata with angel hair pasta and the house salad, served with a nice white merlot. I know we can get in because I have the key.” I dangled my key ring in front of her and showed her my house key. I knew I had all the makings for the piccata at home and I’d already thawed some chicken so I was set.

  “Uh huh, and who exactly is our chef of the evening?” she asked with a grin.

  “Me of course. Haven’t you heard about firehouse chefs?” I paused, realizing I might be coming on too strong since I still wasn’t positive we were both batting for the same team. “Look, it’s no hassle to toss a little extra salad and add a chicken breast to the pan. You’ve had a rough day and I liked talking to you in the rig earlier. I don’t know about you, but I don’t get to meet a lot of people who understand the jobs we do.”

  “I guess you’re right. I’m in.”

  I was nervous, but excited, as we headed out to my truck. She smiled when I opened her door for her and my heart fluttered. I went around and got in, offering her full control of the radio and CDs, not something I usually relinquish so easily. We rode back to her car, and then she followed me to my house. When we got there and parked, I opened her car door for her and asked if she needed help carrying anything inside. What can I say? She made me want to be a bit more butch. I’m usually pretty middle of the road with the whole butch/ femme thing, but I felt protective of her in a way that made me feel tough and butch. Maybe it was me still being in uniform. She smiled and declined as she took a small backpack from her backseat.

  “I’ve got it. It’s my usual mess of stuff. I don’t carry a purse but my backpack does great double duty.” She nodded toward the house I’d purchased last year. “Is this all yours? It’s really nice.”

  I blushed a little with pride. I had scrimped and saved, and pulled as much overtime as I could to get the money together to afford this place. I waited until I had enough of a down payment so the monthly payments would be reasonable before making the leap to home ownership last summer. It was larger than I needed for myself, but I fell in love with it the moment I saw it. I spent my free time renovating and refinishing the woodwork, making the old Victorian look darn good for her age. When we entered, I gave her the quick tour before I started dinner.