Chapter Text
Johnny's Addiction
by Robin R. Neher
An hour after getting the call, Engine 51 returned to the station, Johnny Gage riding on the back. A sleepy Roy met it in the bay.
"Satisfied?" Roy asked.
"Yeah." Johnny nodded as Roy led him into the dorm.
"We need to talk, Junior." Roy told Johnny as each man sat down on his bed.
"I know, my insomnia." Johnny sighed. "I've already asked Cap for a few days off."
"And?" Roy demanded.
"It was denied." Johnny informed his partner. "Roy, am I safe for victims this way?"
"If you keep going this way, you won't be." Roy warned. "After shift, I'm taking you to see Doc Brackett."
"Okay." John shrugged.
"What? No argument?" A concerned Roy asked.
"Roy, there's something wrong if I'm not sleeping." John said. "Even I know that."
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The next morning, after getting off-duty, Roy waited in Rampart's ER as Dr. Brackett examined Johnny in treatment room 2. A few minutes later, the ER chief emerged, along with Johnny.
"Doc?" Roy asked, worry filling his blue eyes.
"Johnny's fine." Brackett said, much to Roy's relief. "Physically. Mentally, your partner is stressed out and exhausted."
TBC........