Joanne DeSoto was in the kitchen, putting the final touches on a tray of hamburger patties when a scream from the backyard drew her attention to the small window over the sink. Outside, she could see her two sons, Chris and Tommy, lashing their younger sister, Erin, to the children's swingset. Rascal, the family's German Shepherd, circled the swingset, barking at either Erin, or the boys. Joanne couldn't tell for sure.

"Roy!" Joanne called.

Followed immediately by her daughter's agitated voice, "Mommy!"

Roy, who had been in the living room, picking up the kid's toys, entered the kitchen, his arms loaded with trucks, cars and assorted toys, "What's up?" he asked.

"The terrible two are at it again," Joanne informed, "They're tying Erin to the swingset. Would you go out and rescue her?"

Shaking his head, Roy deposited the armload of trucks and toys on the table, then stalked to the backdoor, "All right, guys!" he bellowed, "That's it!"

"It's Dad! Let's beat it!" Chris shouted, taking off around the corner of the house to the back gate, with his younger brother hot on his heels. Rascal took one look at Roy and, with a yelp, followed the boys.

Roy strode across the yard to the swingset, where 7 year old Erin stood, bound at the feet and ankles to one of the poles on the A-frame, "I'll have you out of there in a second, honey," he informed, kneeling to work at the knots around her ankles.

"Thanks, Daddy," Erin smiled appreciatively.

"What were they planning to do with you once they got you tied up?" Roy asked.

"We were just playing, Daddy," Erin informed, "I only called Mommy 'cause Tommy tied my hands too tight. It hurts."

Roy stopped working on the knot at Erin's ankles and moved to the knot binding her wrists, "Honey, they're always tying you up, or locking you in somewhere, or something," he began, "If I were you, I'd just stay out of their way."

"Then I wouldn't have anybody to play with," Erin said matter-of-factly, "'sides, I'm too smart for them. If they wanted to do something dumb like shut me in a 'frigerator, I wouldn't let 'em. I know better than that."

"It's a good thing, too," Roy smiled, finally freeing the tiny wrists and moving to the knot at his daughter's ankles, "Let's get you out of this, then Dad'll check you out."

Roy got the knot loose and freed Erin's ankles from the rope. Out of habit, he began winding the rope around his arm, coiling it, then putting it on his shoulder, "Okay, little girl," he said, bending down and picking Erin up, "Let's get you checked out."

Roy carried Erin into the house. After depositing the rope on the table with the abandoned toys, he set his daughter on the table, where Joanne already had the first aid kit out and waiting.

"What's the damage this time?" Joanne asked. So far they'd avoided a trip to the ER, but Erin had been scraped, scratched and bruised over just about every part of her body in the last six weeks.

"I think she's okay," Roy informed, holding Erin's arms at the elbows and quickly examining both sides of her wrists, "Okay, flex your fingers for me."

The little girl obeyed, nervously eyeing the first aid kit, "Not the stingy stuff, Daddy," she said quietly.

Roy smiled, "No stingy stuff," he said, kissing Erin's smudged forehead, "Why don't you go on upstairs and have your shower? Mom'll be up in a few minutes to dry your hair."

Roy lifted Erin from the table and deposited her on the floor.

"Do I have to, Daddy?" Erin asked plaintively, "Can't I just wash my hands and face?"

"Erin Elizabeth DeSoto," Joanne began, "We have guests coming over in an hour. Upstairs."

"You don't have to bite my head off," Erin muttered, shuffling out of the kitchen and disappearing in the living room.

Joanne started to reprimand her youngest for smart mouthing, but Roy stopped her with a hand on her shoulder.

"You can't take that away from her, Joanne," Roy said, smiling slightly, "Being smarter than her brothers is her only defense."

Joanne, too, smiled, "Yeah, but it's being smarter than us that worries me," she informed wryly, "We really need to get out of this neighborhood," she began.

Roy rolled his eyes, "Now we need to buy a house so Erin has somebody to play with?" he asked with a laugh, "That's the most creative reason you've come up with, yet, honey."

Joanne laughed, "Come on, Roy," she argued, "We're paying rent for this place. It's not like we're living here for free."

"A mortgage payment would be twice what we're paying now," Roy countered, "We just need a little bit more time."

"I'm afraid we don't have any more time," Joanne said sadly, "When Erin's not being tortured by Chris and Tommy, she's hiding in her room," she paused, "I'm afraid of what might happen to her if we wait too long."

Roy rolled his eyes,, "The boys don't mean to hurt her. They just don't think," he said, "And, I promise that after today, I'm going to make it clear that their little sister isn't a crash test dummy, or some kind of science experiment."

"It's not the boys I'm worried about, Roy," Joanne informed, "I'm worried about drugs. She's isolating herself. Becoming a loner."

"She's only 7, Joanne," Roy said with a laugh.

"Things have changed, Roy," Joanne informed, "How old was the boy you and Collins had on that run the other day?" she asked.

Roy took a deep breath and let it out. When his wife was right, she wasn't shy about it, "He was 10."

"And he won't see 11."

Roy put his arms around his wife and pulled her into a hug, "That won't happen to Erin," he said quietly, kissing the top of her blond head, "She's too smart," he informed, then chuckled, "She told me so herself."

Joanne wrapped her arms around Roy's waist and returned the hug, "She had to get that from one of us, didn't she?" she asked, "It wouldn't hurt us to look, would it?"

Roy smiled and kissed her, "No, I guess it wouldn't," he admitted, "Next weekend I'm off. Okay?"

"Deal," Joanne said, smiling triumphantly, "Now, go round up your sons and get them cleaned up. The crew from Station 51 will be here in less than an hour. I can't wait to meet everybody."

"Chris and Tommy're yours, too," Roy joked, "No way I'm taking sole responsibility for 'em."

"Get a move on," Joanne ordered, releasing Roy, giving him a gentle push, then swatting his butt.

"Yes, ma'am," Roy drawled, walking through the living room and out to the front door.

Outside, he crossed the lawn to the empty lot next door, where the neighborhood boys had built a treehouse. A hand painted sign nailed to the tree declared, "NO GIRLS ALLOWED." Since Erin was the only girl in the neighborhood, the sign was meant solely for her.

His guess that the boys were hiding out in the treehouse was confirmed when he spotted Rascal sunning himself a few feet away from the base of the tree.

He climbed the ladder, which he'd personally installed so there wouldn't be any paramedic runs into the neighborhood because a kid fell off the boards the boys had intended to use. He was halfway up when the boys gave themselves away.

"No girls, Pumpkinhead," Tommy's voice called down. He and Chris called their sister Pumpkinhead, because of her strawberry blond hair.

"I'm definitely not a girl, Tommy," Roy called back, finally reaching the top, "You guys need to find another hideout. This was the first place I looked," he finished as his head and shoulders emerged through the square opening in the floor.

Chris and Tommy, both blond and blue-eyed, exchanged a worried luck.

"We were just playing, Dad. We didn't mean to hurt Erin. Honest," Chris began.

"Down, now," Roy ordered, descending the ladder, then waiting at the bottom as first Chris, then Tommy descended. He'd also made sure that the boys knew only one person was allowed on the ladder at a time.

Once Tommy's feet touched the ground, Roy knelt and put a hand on each boy's arm, "All right, guys," he began, "Erin's the only girl in the neighborhood. She gets lonely. That's doesn't give you two carte blanche to do whatever you want to her."

"What's carte blanche, Dad?" Tommy asked.

"We'll look it up when we get back inside," Roy returned.

"She's a girl, Dad. And she's always tagging along and getting in the way," Chris said, defending himself and Tommy.

"It's not like she wants you to play with dolls, guys," Roy returned, "She likes trucks and cars and stuff like that. From now on, you two play nice. No more tying your sister up, pushing her down, tackling her, locking her up, or anything else that might end up with her getting hurt," he paused, "Got it?"

Both boys nodded sullenly, "Got it, Dad," they both said, tones equally sullen.

Roy stood, "All right, we've got people coming over, so you two need to get inside and get your showers and change your clothes."

Chris and Tommy silently headed for the house. The sullen attitudes over being forced to play nice with their sister were gone, replaced by excitement over the prospect of meeting Matt and Greg Stoker and showing off the great treehouse their dad had helped them build.

Roy looked over at Rascal, lying on his back in the dirt, "You, too, Raz," he called.

With a grumble, Rascal slowly rose and followed Roy to the house.

**********

Joanne put the finishing touches on her make-up, then left the master bedroom and went back down to the living room, where Roy was watching the kids, making sure they didn't get into any trouble while her back was turned. He'd done that by putting them to work picking up their toys and straightening up the living room.

"Final inspection," Joanne called out as she entered the living room.

As Roy lined the kids up, she took a quick look around. The floors, couch and chairs were clear. The usual disaster area was no where in evidence.

Roy took his place to Chris' left, standing ramrod straight as though he were being inspected by the Battalion Chief instead of his wife of 13 years.

Joanne straightened Erin's tee-shirt and tightened the laces on her shoes, then moved on to Tommy. After inspecting behind her younger son's ears and under his fingernails, she moved on to Chris. Before she could lift his hands, he broke ranks.

"Sorry, mom, I forgot," he called, disappearing up the stairs.

Joanne moved onto Roy, looking him up and down with a critical eye, "You're not wearing that shirt, are you?" she asked. The shirt had red and white checks, making him look like a table cloth in an Italian restaurant.

Roy laughed, "Since they're going to be here in a minute, yes, honey, I'm going to wear this shirt," he paused, "Besides, it'll give Chet something to pick on me about. Maybe then he'll leave John alone."

Joanne sighed dramatically, "All right," she returned, "I can't wait to meet this partner of yours," she added.

Roy smiled, "Tell me that after you meet him," he responded. She'd been hearing about John Gage since he and Roy started working together six months ago. She thought he was exaggerating his partner's annoying, yet endearing qualities. Boy, was she in for a surprise.

The doorbell rang and Joanne walked to the front door. She put her hand on the knob just as Chris was coming down the stairs, "Everyone on their best behavior," she ordered, then turned the knob and opened the door.

Hank, Marie and Brad Stanley stood on the porch.

"You must be Captain Stanley," Joanne smiled, stepping back and allowing their first guests to enter the house, "I'm Joanne," she introduced.

"Glad to finally meet you face to face," Stanley smiled, "This is my wife, Marie and our son, Brad."

"Come in," Joanne led the Stanleys into the living room, where Roy and the kids were still lined up.

Rascal entered the living room from the kitchen, whining excitedly and hopping around the Stanleys. Brad made the mistake of reaching out and scratching the dog behind the ears, earning himself a pair of paws in the center of the chest.

"Rascal, go lay down somewhere," Roy ordered.

Rascal dropped back to the floor and walked out of the living room, then thumped up the stairs.

"Cool dog, Mr. DeSoto," Brad said appreciatively.

Joanne walked over behind the three children, "This is our oldest, Chris, then our second, Tommy and finally, Erin."

Marie smiled and knelt, "What a pretty little thing you are," she smiled.

Erin smiled, "Thank you, Mrs. Stanley," she said quietly.

"And this is Captain Stanley's son, Brad," Joanne introduced.

Brad waved, "Hi," he mumbled.

Erin was awed by the handsome teenager.

"How old are you, sweetie?" Mrs. Stanley asked.

"7," Erin murmured, taking refuge behind her mother.

Joanne laughed, "She's going through a shy stage," she informed.

"Playing shy, is more like it," Roy said, leaning down and scooping Erin up from the floor, "You're about as shy as old Rascal. Aren't ya?"

Erin giggled and hid her face in her father's shoulder.

"And what about you two?" Mrs. Stanley asked the two blond boys.

"I'm 12 and Tommy's almost 10," Chris informed, "Wan'a see our treehouse, Brad?" he asked.

"Yeah, sure," Brad said, looking to his dad for a rescue.

Stanley winked, "Go ahead, son, but don't be too long."

"Gee, thanks, Dad," Brad muttered sarcastically, following Chris and Tommy out of the house.

Mrs. Stanley stood, "He's 16 and afraid he's going to get stuck babysitting," she informed.

"They'll forget all about him once the Stoker boys get here," Roy informed.

There was a knock on the door and then it opened, "Anybody home?" Chet Kelly's voice called.

Chet was followed by Marco Lopez, "I told you Cap would beat us here," the other firefighter joked.

"Chet, Marco, this is my wife Joanne and my daughter Erin," Roy introduced, "You just missed the boys and Cap's son, Brad," he added, "They're checking out the neighborhood treehouse."

"And you both know Marie," Stanley said.

"Great to see you again," Chet said, "Hi, Erin. Did you know your Daddy talks about you all the time?"

"Yeah and now we know why," Marco smiled.

Erin politely returned the smile, then buried her face in Roy's shoulder again.

The doorbell rang again and Roy looked at Erin, "Wan'a help me get the door?" he asked.

Erin nodded, her head still firmly buried in her father's shoulder.

"I don't know what's gotten into her," Joanne said, "She's not a shy child."

"She's just making sure we all know she's her Daddy's girl," Marie returned, smiling, "Now, Joanne, what can I help you with?" she asked.

"I've got just about everything under control," Joanne began, "What can I get all of you to drink?"

Still holding Erin, Roy pulled the door open and stepped back to let Mike and Beth Stoker and their sons enter.

"Now the party can start," Roy grinned, "Mike's here," he called.

"Oww, Daddy, not so loud," Erin scolded.

Roy laughed, "Sorry, sweetie," he said, "Hi, I'm Roy DeSoto and this is Erin. She's playing shy right now."

Beth Stoker smiled, "Beth," she said, "And these two are Matt and Greg. Say hi to Erin, boys," she ordered.

"Hi, Erin," the boys said in unison, "What about Chris and Tommy, Mom?" they asked.

Beth laughed, "I'm sure they're around," she informed.

"Actually, they're in the neighborhood treehouse," Roy informed, "Wan'a go check it out guys?" he asked.

"Yeah," Matt, the older of the two, said enthusiastically.

"That okay with you and Mike?" Roy asked.

Mike shrugged, "Sure," he said, looking to his wife.

Beth smiled, "That sounds fine to me," she agreed, "Be careful, boys," she admonished.

"Joanne and Cap's wife are in the kitchen," Roy informed, "Chet, Marco and Cap are in the living room," he added, "Come on, guys," he said, leading the two boys out of the house and across the yard.

While he was there, he decided to rescue Brad Stanley, "Okay, guys, only one of you on the ladder at a time," he said.

"Yeah, our dad tells us the same thing," Greg informed, earning a nudge in the ribs from his brother, "But thanks," he added.

"He's got no manners, Mr. DeSoto," Matt said, rolling his eyes.

"No harm done," Roy smiled, "When you get up there, would you send Brad down?" he asked.

"Sure," Matt responded, waiting as Greg climbed the ladder. Once he reached the top and disappeared into the treehouse, Matt stepped on the bottom rung and began his climb.

"Put me down, Daddy," Erin said quietly as Matt reached the top of the ladder.

"You over your shy spell, now?" Roy teased, setting Erin on the ground.

As Brad began descending the ladder, Erin scooted around to hide behind Roy's leg.

"Or not," Roy chuckled, resting a hand on top of his daughter's head, "He's just a teenager, honey. He won't bite."

"Daddy," Erin said, rolling her eyes, but not stepping out from behind his leg.

Brad reached the next to last rung of the ladder and jumped to the ground from there, "Thanks, Mr. DeSoto," he said, "It's a cool treehouse," he added.

Roy chuckled, "Don't sweat it," he returned.

"How long did it take to train your dog?" Brad asked as the three of them walked across the yard.

"We're still training him," Roy laughed, "He knows the basics and he listens 50% of the time."

"I don't mind him jumping on me and junk," Brad began, "Can he come out to the yard?" he asked, too old to admit that he wanted to play with Rascal, "Our dog's about a hundred. All he does is lay around on the floor."

"Not at all," Roy said, "Erin's got a knack for keeping him in line. Honey, you wan'a show Brad all the tricks you've taught the Ras-man?"

Erin shook her head.

Roy laughed, "Guess it's just you and Rascal, Brad," he informed.

Just then, Roy heard the rumble of John Gage's Mustang as it turned the corner and pulled in behind the Stoker's sedan. He, Erin and Brad stopped in the front yard.

"You finally made it," Roy called as Johnny stepped out of the car.

"I know, I know," John returned, "I'm late. What else is new?" he called as he walked up the sidewalk and crossed the yard.

Erin forgot all about Brad Stanley when John Gage arrived.

"Johnny, this is Cap's son, Brad," Roy introduced, "And this is Erin."

John shook hands with Brad, smiling, "Nice to meet you, Brad," he said, then looked down at Erin, "You, too, Erin," he added.

"Hi," Erin responded quietly, slowly inching her way behind Roy's leg again.

Roy laughed and scooped her up, "Come on, Squirt," he said, "She's playing shy today."

John reached over and gently tweaked Erin's nose, "I used to do the same thing myself, Erin," he informed.

"Ha! You were never shy, Johnny," Roy teased.

"You didn't know me when I was a kid," John argued.

"If you were shy as a kid, you'd be shy now," Roy returned.

"I am shy," John insisted.

Brad was laughing at the exchange, "Don't worry, Erin," he said, noticing the little girl's confused look as she watched her father and Gage bantering back and forth, "My dad says they do this all the time."

"Well, Brad, let's get back in the house and track Rascal down," Roy said, "Sorry Erin doesn't want to show you the tricks she taught him," he added.

"I was looking forward to that myself," John announced, "Your dad says you're the only one that could teach that dog anything, Erin."

"You wan'a show Brad and John one trick, sweetie?" Roy asked gently.

"Okay," Erin agreed, "Put me down, Daddy," she added.

Roy laughed and set Erin down, letting her lead the way into the house.

"Come here, Raz," Erin called as she entered the house, "Raz!" she shouted, whistling and patting her leg, "You go wait in the backyard," she ordered as the dog's footsteps thumped toward the stairs.

Roy laughed, "See, not the least bit shy," he said, "Right this way," he gestured through the living room.

Rascal bounded down the stairs, colliding with Erin at the bottom and knocking her off her feet to the floor. The dog excitedly licked Erin's face as she tried vainly to push him away. John was the first to react, kneeling next to the little girl and blocking the dog.

"Down, Raz," Roy ordered.

"You okay, Erin?" John asked, as Rascal whined behind him.

"Yes, he does that all the time," Erin informed, picking herself up, "He's worse than the boys," she added in a long-suffering tone, "He needs a doggie downer," she added.

"Erin! Where'd you hear that?" Roy asked.

"Cartoons, Dad," Erin returned, "Come on, Raz. And be nice," she ordered, "Come on, Daddy," she said, grabbing Roy's hand, "You have to get his treats 'cause he learned how to open the cabinet and Mommy had to move them."

Johnny laughed as Erin led her father through the living room and into the kitchen. Rascal, now somewhat calmer, followed Erin, looking up at her as he walked along beside her. John and Brad followed them, heading out to the backyard while Roy and Erin got the dog's treats.

"It's about time, Gage," Chet called as Johnny stepped into the backyard, "We were about to start this party without you."

"There is no party without me, Chet," John shot back.

Joanne walked over, "So glad to finally meet you, John," she smiled, "I'm Joanne."

Johnny smiled, "Same here," he said, "It's nice to have a face to go with the voice," he said, "And now I see where Erin gets her looks. They're sure not from her father."

"Stop flirting with my wife, Gage," Roy growled as he and Erin walked out behind John and Brad, "Ladies and Gentlemen, we have a special treat for you."

"Daddy," Erin said loudly, rolling her eyes, "I was just gon'a show Mr. Gage and Brad."

Roy laughed, "It's not like everybody else is gon'a turn their backs, honey," he informed.

"So, what's this show?" Chet asked.

"Erin taught Rascal a few tricks. She's gon'a put him through his paces," Roy responded.

Erin took Roy and Joanne by the hand and led them to the group standing at the far side of the yard. She returned to where John and Brad were still standing and led both of them by the hand to stand next to her parents.

"Stay right here," she said, "He gets easily distracted."

The adults chuckled as Erin returned to the other side of the yard, where Rascal was sniffing the bushes around the foundation of the house.

"Okay, Rascal," Erin began, stuffing the treats into her pocket, keeping only one in her tiny hand, "Sit," she ordered, holding her left hand over the dog's head.

Rascal whined, wagged his tail, then sat.

"Good boy," Erin cooed, reaching out to scratch the dog's ears. Then she straightened up, "Down," she said, motioning with her left hand.

Rascal lowered his chest to the ground, extending his paws to the front.

This time, Erin let him have the treat in her left hand, "Good boy, "she cooed, scratching the dog's ears as he inhaled the morsel.

The adults clapped, oohing and aaahing.

"That's not it," Roy said proudly.

"Okay, Raz, up," Erin ordered, raising her hand over her head.

Rascal sat up and raised his paws, briefly balancing on his hind legs.

"Good boy," Erin cooed, "Roll over," she said, pulling another treat from her pocket and making a circle with her left hand.

Rascal rolled over, looking eagerly up at Erin and thumping the ground with his tail.

"Speak," Erin said.

Rascal yipped.

"Speak," Erin repeated.

Rascal barked and Erin gave him the treat. She then pulled another treat from her pocket.

"Down," she said, motioning down. Rascal laid down, "Play shy," she said, swiping her hand across her face.

Rascal lifted his right paw and covered his eyes with it.

"Good boy," Erin crooned, giving the dog the treat and scratching his ears, "Good dog," she repeated, "Last one," she said, "Sing," she said, then began singing "I'd like to teach the world to sing . . ."

Rascal yipped, then began singing along with her.

The adults clapped when the chorus ended. Erin turned to them, bowing. When she straightened up, she smiled sheepishly, "I'll have to teach Rascal how to bow, too."

"That's amazing," John said in awe, as Erin and Rascal walked over to them, "How old are you, Erin?" he asked.

"Almost 8 . . . in September," Erin responded shyly.

"When in September?" John asked.

"September 2nd," Joanne responded, when Erin didn't.

John grinned, "Guess what, Erin? Our birthday's are only 5 days apart. Mine's August 28th."

"Really?" Erin asked.

Roy laughed, "I didn't even realize that," he admitted, "See, honey, you have something in common with Johnny."

"That's just amazing," Johnny began, kneeling and scratching Rascal behind the ears, "Where'd you learn to teach Rascal all those tricks?" he asked.

Erin shrugged, "On t.v.," she said quietly, "And I got a book from the library," she added, suddenly seeking the safety of Joanne's legs again.

Joanne grabbed Erin's shoulders and held her gently, "John's really impressed," she informed, then winked at John, "She's not usually like this."

John smiled, "That's okay," he said, "You know, Erin, you've got yourself a career training animals."

Erin shook her head, "I'm gon'a be a paramedic, like my Daddy," she informed, "Mommy, may I go in and get a glass of water? I'm thirsty."

Joanne patted Erin's head, "Sure, sweetie," she said, "Then you can help me bring the chips and vegetables out," she looked at her husband, as Erin turned and walked into the house, "Roy, why don't you get the grill started?" she suggested.

"Okay," Roy said, "I set everything up this morning."

"You didn't put on to many briquets, did you?" Joanne asked.

Roy rolled his eyes, "I put on as many as the bag said to."

"Well, not too much starter this time," Joanne said, "We want the burgers well done, not burned beyond recognition."

"Don't worry, Joanne," Chet called, "If the fire gets out of hand, you've got LA County's best here."

"We want to eat sometime today, Chet," Joanne returned, winking at Roy.

"She got you, Chet," Marco said, laughing as Stanley, John and the others joined in.

"Yeah, good one, Joanne," Chet called sarcastically as Joanne walked into the house.

"I'll give you a hand," John offered, following Roy over to the barbecue grill.

"I've got it under control," Roy insisted, lifting the lid and picking up the container of starter fluid.

"Erin is something else, man," John complimented, "I think you should have her IQ tested," he began, "Not even 8 years old and she learned how to train a dog from television and a book."

Roy chuckled, "The school tested her last year," he began, setting the starter fluid down to rearrange the coals, "Then they put her into 3rd grade."

"Wow," John whistled, "You never told me that."

Roy grinned, "You didn't ask," he joked, "I've got this under control. Why don't you go in and get yourself a beer?" he suggested.

John frowned, "I still can't drink," he informed. He'd contracted a virus on a run and had spent a week in the hospital. He'd only been released a week before, "Doc Early says he won't release me for another 2 weeks."

"Then go in and get me a beer," Roy teased, squirting starter fluid on the charcoal briquets.

"Get your own beer," John returned, "What made 'em test Erin and put her ahead a whole grade?" he asked curiously.

Roy shrugged, setting the starter fluid on the table behind the grill, "She started 2nd grade and was acting up. The teacher figured she was bored, so they called me and Joanne in for a meeting and got our permission to test her IQ. Then they decided to promote her."

"That's somethin' else," Johnny commented, "Man, you and Joanne have a prodigy on your hands," he informed, "Did they tell you what her IQ was?" he asked.

Roy shrugged, "Somewhere over 100," he said, "It's not that big a deal," he added, "I mean, yeah, she learned to read early and she's a smart little girl. But, that's the key, she's a little girl."

John grinned, "And she wants to be a paramedic like her daddy," he teased.

Roy laughed, "I'm sure she'll outgrow that."

"She'll outgrow what?" Joanne asked, stepping over next to Roy and setting the tray of hamburgers and several packages of hot dogs on the table.

"Wanting to be a paramedic," John responded.

"Roy DeSoto!" Joanne exclaimed, "You are such a chauvinist sometimes," she scolded, "Just because Erin's a girl doesn't mean she can't be a paramedic if she wants to."

"Thanks, Gage," Roy said, through clenched teeth. Then he smiled and turned to Joanne, "That's not what I meant, honey," he tried, "It's just that Erin's so smart, she could be a doctor instead of a hose jockey."

"Could you excuse us a second, John?" Joanne asked.

"I think I'll go get a soda or something," John said sheepishly, walking to the back door and disappearing into the house.

Joanne took a quick look to make sure the other guests weren't watching them. Satisfied that they were all involved in their own conversations, she turned to Roy, "If it was Chris, or Tommy wanting to be a fireman, you wouldn't think it was a waste," she began, "We agreed when Erin was born that we wouldn't raise her thinking she was inferior because she was female."

"And that's why she gets into so much trouble with Chris and Tommy," Roy argued, then sighed, "It's not that I think she's inferior because she's a girl," he began gently, "It's that I don't want to worry about her," he paused, "Chris and Tommy will go out on their own, but Erin's my little girl. I'm always going to worry about her. Until the day I die."

Joanne smiled, "That's so sweet," she said quietly, "I hate it when you do that," she added with a quiet laugh, "Wanting Erin to be a doctor is a good thing," she said.

"Yeah, she can take care of us in our old age," Roy said with a wink.

Joanne laughed and kissed him, "Get the fire started, hose jockey," she ordered.

"Stand back," Roy warned, lighting a match and tossing it on the charcoal. The coals caught and flames leapt toward the sky.

Joanne shook her head, "Too much starter," she said, sing-song, then walked toward the back door.

"It'll be fine," Roy called after her.

Neither of them saw Erin and Rascal sitting less then ten feet behind them during their discussion.

**********

Two hours later, Erin sat outside the backdoor, watching the party her parents had decided to throw so that all the families of the men her father worked with could get to know each other. But it didn't seem like anyone wanted to get to know her. Matt and Greg Stoker were at the side of the house, playing in the sandbox with her brothers. And, like her brothers, they didn't want her around because she was a girl.

Brad Stanley was standing with the adults. He'd come over to the tree and sat next to her, asking questions about training Rascal until the burgers and hot dogs were done. Since then, he hadn't said two words to her.

She'd tried standing next to Johnny, hoping to get his attention. He was really nice and he thought it was so cool that she trained Rascal to do all those tricks. But every time he tried to talk to her, she got nervous and that was embarrassing. So, she'd given up on that an hour ago.

The whole thing was so unfair. Her mom and dad were always telling her that being a girl didn't mean she couldn't do what she wanted to do. She thought at least her mom would understand what it was like to be picked on by older brothers and every other bully in the world. Not only was Erin a girl, she was the smallest girl in her class, especially since the school put her ahead to the third grade last year.

She didn't fit in with her brothers and the Stoker boys. She didn't stand out enough to be noticed by the adults. And she was too young to be interesting to Brad Stanley. It just wasn't fair.

Erin stood and walked into the house, going upstairs to her room with Rascal at her heels. Once in her room, Rascal settled on the end of the bed while Erin reached under the bed and pulled a paperback book out. She'd saved her allowance and bought a book about the Bermuda Triangle when she went to the drugstore with her father the night before.

Mom had found a book about ghosts in her room once and had taken it away. So, this time, she'd bought the book when her dad wasn't looking and hid it under the bed the minute she got home. Her parents didn't seem to understand that most of the books at the library that her parents thought were right for her were too babyish. And they didn't take any time for her to read.

She opened the book and tried to concentrate on the words on the page, but the music and laughter from the party in the backyard only reminded her of how lonely she was. She was usually good at shutting all the noise in the house out when she read. But that wasn't working today.

Erin stood and closed the book, then quietly stepped out of the room, hoping her parents weren't inside the house. She would find some place quiet where she could read. Seeing her leave the room, Rascal grumbled and jumped down from the bed, following the little girl down the stairs and out the front door.

**********

Joanne stepped away from the party, standing at the back door and watching it with a smile on her face. She'd always known that Roy was fond of Johnny and the other members of the shift from the way Roy talked about all of them when he was at home. When John was sick, she realized how close they all were. Roy was at the hospital every day to visit his partner.

And with their jobs, the closer the better. After Johnny got out of the hospital, she decided even if their families didn't get along, they should at least know one another. She spoke to Johnny, Chet, Marco, Mike or the Captain whenever she called Roy at the station. She wanted to meet them in person.

It looked like the families were going to be just as close. Brad was bantering back and forth with Johnny and Chet. She, Beth and Marie had become instant friends. Even the terrible two were getting along famously with Matt and Greg Stoker. And she'd been a little girl once, so she knew that Erin had a bit of a crush on Johnny. And perhaps on Brad, too. The young man was certainly a heartbreaker.

The thought made her look around for Erin, but the little girl wasn't in the back yard. She walked around to the side of the house and the sandbox, hoping that the boys had finally let Erin play with them.

Chris and Matt were building roads and digging tunnels while Tommy and Greg rolled cars and trucks around in the dirt. There was no sign of Erin.

"Chris, have you seen your sister?" Joanne asked.

"She wanted to play with us, but there isn't room," Chris informed, he sat up and looked around the yard, "She was sitting over by that tree with Rascal."

"That was before lunch," Joanne returned, "You four brush that dirt off before you go in the house," she said.

"Okay, mom," Chris and Tommy responded.

"We will, Mrs. DeSoto," Matt and Greg chimed in.

Joanne walked over to Roy, who was next to the still smoldering barbecue with Stanley and Mike, "Roy, have you seen Erin?" she asked, worry starting to tinge her voice.

Roy looked around, "She's probably in her room," he said.

"She was sitting over by the door the last time I saw her," Stanley offered.

"I'll check upstairs," Joanne responded.

"I'll check downstairs," Roy offered, following his wife into the house.

"Erin," Joanne called, climbing the stairs.

To her dismay, she found the little girl's room empty. Fighting panic, she went through the boys' room, "Erin!" she called, getting down on her hands and knees to check under the bunk bed, then rising and checking the closet.

When she found no sign of her daughter in the boys' room, she tried the master bedroom, again looking under the bed and in the closets. The bathrooms were next. And the linen closet in the hall.

"She's not down here," Roy called from the bottom of the stairs.

"And she's not up here," Joanne called back, "Roy," she began.

Roy bounded up the stairs, "Did you check the attic?" he asked, "Remember the time Tommy went in there and fell asleep?"

Joanne rolled her eyes and rushed to the trapdoor in the ceiling. Roy reached around her and grabbed the rope that would pull the stairs down. Before he could offer to go up, Joanne began climbing the short ladder.

"Erin, sweetie!" she called, then descended, "Roy, she's not there."

Roy helped Joanne off the ladder, "Now, calm down, Joanne," he said gently, "Getting yourself rattled isn't gon'a find her."

"Erin! Come out now!" Joanne called, "You're scaring, Mommy," she added.

"Everything okay?" Stanley asked.

"We can't find Erin," Roy informed calmly.

"Because we weren't paying any attention to her," Joanne said guiltily, "This is why I want a house, Roy. So Erin will have friends," her voice broke.

"Shhh," Roy consoled, "Let's talk about that later," he said, "Cap, can you get Johnny and the guys together? We'll check the neighborhood."

"Sure thing," Stanley replied.

Roy led Joanne downstairs, where they were joined in the living room by Beth and Marie. They were followed by Johnny, Chet, Marco, Mike and Stanley.

"Brad's going to keep an eye on the boys," Stanley informed, "We don't want one of them getting any ideas."

"Hank!" Marie scolded, putting a consoling arm around Joanne, who burst into tears at the Captain's lame attempt at humor.

"Sorry, Joanne," Stanley said sheepishly. He motioned for the men to follow, then led the way out of the house.

Once outside, Stanley switched from relaxed to all-business, "All right, Marco, Chet, take your car and search each block from the street," he ordered.

"Got it, Cap," Chet said, then he and Marco jogged over to his car, which was parked on the street across from the DeSoto house, "Mike, Roy, you each take one side of the street working east. Check the back yards, too. John and I will take the west and do the same."

"I'll take this side," John said, jogging off.

Soon, the neighborhood was filled with the sound of male voices calling Erin's name over and over.

"Erin!" John called, checking under bushes and over fences, looking for any sign of the little girl. He hoped Erin hadn't found her way into an abandoned well, or a sinkhole, both of which dotted the LA area and the outlying suburbs. That would be a terrible ending to what had been a great day.

He and the Captain had made it two blocks, when he stopped, "Any sign of her, Cap?" he called across the street.

"Nothing," Stanley called back.

A woman stepped out to the driveway of the house Stanley was standing in front of.

"Ma'am, have you seen a little girl? Strawberry blond hair?" Stanley asked.

"You mean Erin?" she asked, then shook her head, "No, I haven't seen her today. Is she all right?"

"We hope so, ma'am," Stanley responded, "If you see her, tell her to stay put, please."

"I'll get my husband. He can help you," she offered, going back into the house and returning a minute later with a tall, burly man in tow.

Stanley was about to tell her they had it covered when he looked across the street at John, who was bent over with his hands on his knees, "You okay, Johnny?" Stanley called.

John straightened up, still trying to get his breath back, "I'm not quite up to speed, Cap," he admitted, "It's only 2 blocks, but it wore me out."

"Sir, we're looking for a little girl. Erin DeSoto," Stanley began.

"Bob McConnell," the man introduced himself, "I know her. I'll give you a hand," he offered, jogging across the street, "Why don't you head on back to the DeSoto's, pardner," the man suggested, "There's a house at the end of the next block. Lady has about 20 cats. Erin goes there sometimes. Her dad knows about it. That'll probably be the first place he checks."

"Thanks," John said, still slightly out of breath. He waited a minute as the Captain and McConnell continued up the block, then turned and headed back the way he'd come, double checking on his way back.

He was about to cross the DeSoto's yard when he saw a German Shepherd sunning itself in the empty lot next door.

"Rascal?" John called, hoping it was the DeSoto's dog. Otherwise, he'd be making a return visit to Rampart as the victim of a dogbite. As if a monkey virus wasn't bad enough.

The dog rolled onto it's back and thumped it's tail against the ground, but didn't get up to join Johnny on the sidewalk. If the dog would follow Erin through the house, maybe he'd followed her out of it, too.

Johnny crossed the lot and knelt next to the dog, "What're you up to, boy?" he asked.

Rascal rolled onto his stomach and looked up at John, still thumping his tail in the dirt.

"Erin!" Johnny called, looking up at the treehouse. When he got no response, he stood and walked over to the ladder. It was just his luck that the stern "No Girls" sign wouldn't deter Erin DeSoto. And since she wasn't coming down, he'd have to go up and get her. That the little girl might be afraid to climb down crossed his mind. Which meant they both might be in trouble.

John hadn't been any higher than his second floor apartment since he'd fallen off that scaffold weeks earlier. Telling himself that he fell because of the virus didn't help the flutter in his stomach as he looked up the ladder, which disappeared in a small square opening in the floor of the treehouse.

He took a deep breath, then began to climb, keeping his eyes trained on the top of the ladder. Halfway up, he tried calling Erin again, but still got no answer.

When he reached the top, John pulled himself into the treehouse, not surprised to find Erin sitting against the far wall. She had her legs drawn up and her arms wrapped around them, her chin resting on her knees.

"Erin, didn't you hear us calling you?" John asked, trying not to sound as angry as he suddenly was.

Erin nodded.

"Then why didn't you answer us?" John demanded, "Your mom and dad are worried sick about you. So is everybody else. We thought something bad happened to you."

"I didn't want to get in trouble," Erin returned logically.

That brought a grin to Johnny's face, "Makes sense to me," he said, "I can't say the same about your dad and mom, though," he said, "Now, come on down out of here."

"I don' wan'a," Erin said plaintively, suddenly crying.

"Hey, what's this for?" Johnny said, scooting over and pulling the little girl into his arms, "Come on, you're not in that much trouble," he said, voice gentle, "I used to do stuff like this all the time. My parents were so glad I was okay, they never got that mad at me."

"That's not it," Erin wailed, crying harder.

"Shhh, now," Johnny soothed, stroking the strawberry blond hair and gently rocking, "It's okay, Erin," he said, "Why don't you tell me what the problem is, then?"

The tears and sobs continued for a few minutes, then died off, leaving behind hiccups and sniffles.

"Come on, Erin," Johnny said, "Tell Uncle Johnny what's got you so worked up."

"The boys . . . won't . . . let me . . . play . . . with them," Erin began between hiccups, "The grown . . .ups. . . ig . . . ignored me for 2 hours," her voice rose and the sobs came back, "I've been . . . up here . . . for over . . . an hour."

"Well, that's just unforgivable," Johnny said sincerely.

"Not . . . funny," Erin hiccuped.

"I know it's not," Johnny said, his voice still sincere, "When I was a kid on the reservation, the grown-ups used to have get togethers a lot like this."

Erin lifted her head from John's shoulder and looked up at him, "You're a . . . real Indian?" she asked.

"Yep," Johnny responded, "I was the youngest kid and the older kids didn't want me around. My parents and the other grown-ups didn't notice me," he paused, "It was just terrible."

"So . . . you snuck . . . off, too?" Erin asked.

John nodded, "Once, I hid in a corn crib for hours, while my parents and all the adults searched high and low for me," he said, "I heard them, but I knew I was in for it, so I didn't answer them," he laughed, "All the men searched the cornfield, walking around the rows."

Erin laughed, "You're making that up," she said, the hiccups finally gone, "They plant corn in straight rows. It's easier."

John grinned, "We planted our corn in circular rows, 'cause you got more corn that way," he informed, "Your mom feels real bad about not noticing you. You want to go down and let her know you're okay? She's real worried."

"Erin!" Roy's voice called from beneath the tree. In a minute, his head emerged through the opening in the floor, "Erin, thank God," he said, breathing a sigh of relief, "I saw the stupid dog down in the lot and figured you were up here," he paused, "Why didn't you answer when we started calling you?" he demanded, anger seeping into his tone.

"She wasn't speaking to any of us, Roy," John informed, kissing the top of Erin's head, "We all ignored her for three hours. No wonder she was mad at us."

John winked and Roy caught on, "Oh, well, I don't blame you, sweetie. If we promise not to ignore you, will you come down?"

"Am I in big trouble?" Erin asked.

Roy smiled at his youngest, "Little trouble," he responded, "Can you get down, or do you want me to carry you?"

Erin rolled her eyes, "I can climb down, Daddy," she said, "I climbed up, didn't I?"

John laughed, "Can't argue with that, Roy," he teased.

Erin turned to John, "Thanks, Uncle Johnny," she said shyly. Then, she impulsively kissed John's cheek, scrambling off his lap and scampering to the opening in the floor.

John smiled, "You're welcome, Erin," he said quietly, watching as she disappeared down the ladder.

"Okay, Johnny, your turn," Roy's voice called from below.

John scooted over to the ladder and made the mistake of looking down. It wasn't that high, but it was too high for him. Suddenly, the opening and the ground below it started spinning crazily, sucking all the air out of the small space.

On the ground, Roy and Erin stood at the bottom of the ladder, waiting for John. When he didn't appear, Roy frowned, "Erin, go back in the house and get the Captain. And ask him if he has any rope."

"What's wrong with Uncle Johnny, Daddy?" Erin asked.

"I'm not sure. Go get the Captain for me, okay?"

Erin ran across the lot and the DeSoto's yard, disappearing into the house.

Instead of waiting for the Captain, Roy climbed up the ladder and poked his head into the treehouse, where he found his partner, sweating and hyperventilating.

"John, what's going on?" Roy asked, the worry torquing up a notch.

"I can't . . ." pant, pant, "Go down . . ." pant, pant.

"Okay, I've got the Captain coming out," Roy informed, "He's bringing some rope and we'll get you down. It's gon'a be okay. You just have to control your breathing. Concentrate on that."

"No," John said, shaking his head, "I don't . . ." pant, pant, pant, "want Kelly . . ." pant, pant, pant.

He didn't need to finish the sentence. Roy knew his partner was in for a lifetime of teasing over the monkey virus. He didn't want to add being rescued from the kids' treehouse to the list. That would go a lot farther than the virus.

"Look, John, Cap said you were getting tired," Roy began, "We can just say you were too tired to climb down," he tried.

John, who was still struggling to breathe, shook his head vehemently.

"Daddy?" Erin's voice called from below.

"Johnny, concentrate on controlling your breathing," Roy ordered, "I'll be right back."

Roy climbed back down the ladder, where Stanley waited with Erin. Luckily, Stoker, Marco and Chet were still out searching for Erin.

"What's up, Roy?" Stanley asked.

"Johnny's developed a fear of heights since he fell off that scaffold," Roy informed.

"I didn't think he was even conscious," Stanley remarked.

"Well, I guess being up there and knowing he was going to pass out stuck with him," Roy returned with a shrug, "Whatever did it, he can't make it down and he doesn't want any help from us. He doesn't want to hand Chet any ammunition."

It was so absurd, Stanley couldn't help but chuckle, "Is he going to live up there?" he asked.

"This is Johnny, Cap," Roy returned, smiling.

The Captain had told Erin to stay in the house, but she'd come back out when her father, Johnny and the Captain didn't return. She stopped next to Roy.

Erin tugged at Roy's hand, "What's wrong with Uncle Johnny?" she asked.

"He can't get down the ladder," Roy said simply, "Go on back to the house."

"What's the matter?" Erin asked, "Did the ladder break, Daddy?"

"Sweetie, Uncle Johnny's afraid to come down," Stanley offered, "He fell at work and that scared him."

"When he was sick?" Erin asked, "That was when Daddy was so worried about him."

"That's right, hun," Roy responded, "Would you go back into the house and have your mom bring me a paper bag?" then turned back to Stanley, "If I can get him calm, I might be able to talk him down."

Erin watched as, once again, she was ignored by the adults. Instead of going back to the house, she went back to the tree and quickly climbed the ladder. She reached the top and disappeared into the treehouse without her father, or Captain Stanley noticing.

"Uncle Johnny?" Erin asked a little uncertainly when she saw John's red face and heaving chest.

"Erin?" John wheezed.

"Captain Stanley said you fell and you're afraid to come down," Erin said.

John rolled his eyes, "Great," he wheezed.

"Are you breathing funny 'cause you're scared?" Erin asked.

Johnny couldn't talk, so he just nodded.

"Then you have to start breathing right again," Erin said, scooting over to sit next to Johnny and putting her left hand on his left hand, "Close your eyes," she ordered.

"Okay," John managed, then closed his eyes.

"I'm gon'a draw something on the back of your hand," Erin informed, "You have to guess what it is."

Eyes still closed, Johnny concentrated on the small finger on the top of his hand. It took a minute, then he realized it was a flower.

"Flower," he said.

"Aww, you got it," Erin said with a giggle, "Okay, try this one," she said.

Johnny concentrated, but he couldn't figure out what the finger was drawing this time, "I give up," he finally admitted.

"A car," Erin giggled, "And, you're breathing okay again," she added, grinning at him when he opened his eyes, "When I get scared, Chris and Tommy make me guess until I'm not scared anymore," she paused, "I'm usually crying, not breathing funny, though."

John smiled, "Amazing," he said, "Unfortunately, you can't get me out of this tree."

"Want me to show you how I used to climb down? When I was still scared of climbing down the ladder?" Erin asked.

John cocked his head, then shrugged, "Sure, why not?"

Erin slid on her belly to the ladder, then lowered her feet until they touched the top rung.

On the ground, Stanley saw two small legs appear through the opening, "Ah, Roy," he began, pointing upward.

"Erin!" Roy shouted.

Back in the treehouse, Erin slid back in, "See, you just put your legs down until your feet touch. Then you don't have to look down," she paused, "I'm little, so if I can get down that ladder without falling, you sure can, too."

"It's worth a try," John muttered.

"Chris had to come up here and get me once," Erin informed as John lowered his legs, "When your feet touch, you just start climbing down," she paused, "But you have to keep looking at me. Okay?"

"Okay, Erin," John returned.

He focused half of his attention on Erin, and the other half on feeling out the rungs with his hands and feet. Since climbing had become almost second nature, it really wasn't as bad as he'd made it out to be. He hoped that meant his sudden fear of heights would only be temporary.

Stanley and Roy watched as Johnny slowly made his way down the ladder, never missing a rung, even though his eyes were focused above him. When he reached the ground, John leaned against the tree, trying to catch his breath. This time, he was only winded, not hyperventilating.

Erin was next down the ladder. When she reached the ground, Roy had to take several deep breaths before he could speak.

"Big trouble, young lady," Roy said finally, "Big trouble."

Erin put her hands on her hips, "I got Uncle Johnny down, didn't I?" she asked, cocking her head at her father.

"'Xcuse me," Stanley said, walking away before he laughed out loud.

"She's got you there," John said, still wheezing slightly.

"Don't help me," Roy returned.

"I'm helping Erin," John stated, pushing himself away from the tree, only to find that the tree was anchoring him to the ground.

Roy caught John as he stumbled.

"Daddy?" Erin asked.

"He's okay, punkin'," Roy soothed, "He just tired himself out," he turned to his partner, "Come on, Gage," he said, leading John into the house.

"My God, Roy, what happened to Johnny?" Joanne exclaimed as Roy led Johnny into the house and deposited him on the couch.

"He just over did it, Joanne," Roy informed, reaching down and grabbing Johnny's wrist to take his pulse, "A little fast," he commented.

"I'm fine, Roy," Johnny insisted, "I'm tired, but going home and getting some sleep will cure that."

"If you think we're gon'a let you leave like that and drive yourself, you'd better think again, Johnny Gage," Joanne informed, "You can go up to the boys room and, if you're better after dinner, you can go home. Otherwise, you'll just stay here tonight."

Johnny looked at Joanne, "Thanks, Joanne, but I don't wan'a put the boys out of their room."

"You aren't," Joanne returned, "Matt and Greg are spending the night, so the boys will be camping out in the living room."

John turned pleading eyes up to Roy, "Help me out, here, partner."

"Give it up now, Johnny," Roy said with a wide grin, "The dog has an exclusive on the house and my wife is the boss," he informed, "As long as I know those two things, I'm a happy man."

Joanne patted her husband's stomach, "That's right, honey," she looked down at Erin, "And you, young lady, you're grounded for the rest of your life."

Roy leaned down, "Erin was a little upset. Seems we all ignored her for 3 hours," he said quietly.

"Oh," Joanne murmured, looking at Roy, then down at Erin, "Okay, you're grounded for 2 weeks, young lady."

"And you can add another 2 weeks for disobeying me and going back up into that treehouse," Roy informed.

"What!?" Joanne exclaimed.

"That's my fault," John admitted, "I freaked out and couldn't get down, but I didn't want Roy and Cap getting me down," he informed.

Unfortunately, Mike, Chet and Marco returned to the house at the very moment and overheard the admission.

"Erin, we were worried about you," Chet exclaimed, "Where'd you get to?"

"In the treehouse," Erin informed, "Uncle Johnny found me."

Chet smiled, "Good work, Gage," he complimented.

Johnny grinned, believing that Kelly was none the wiser, "Why, thanks, Chet," he responded.

Chet walked over and knelt next to Erin, "And, know what, Erin?" he began.

"What?" Erin asked.

"A little bird told me you started your paramedic career early," Chet said.

"Aww, man," John sighed, slowly rising from the couch, "I'm going up for a nap before Chet gets started."

"Second door on the left," Roy informed with a grin.

Once Johnny disappeared upstairs, Roy turned to his fellow firefighters, "As for you guys," he began, "Take it easy on this, at least until John gets over it."

Chet's face was the picture of innocence, "Take it easy on what, Roy?" he asked, "Hey, it's not every day that one of us gets rescued by the 7 year old daughter of the best paramedic in the County. It's an honor."

Roy leaned toward Chet, "John couldn't come down because he fell from a scaffold two weeks ago and hung by his belt 200 feet from the ground," he said, voice low, "Give him a chance to get over that, okay?"

Chet rolled his eyes, "Okay, okay, I'll lay off," he promised, "But first time he climbs a ladder, he's mine."

Erin tugged at Joanne's hand, "Mommy, is Mr. Kelly making fun of Uncle Johnny 'cause I helped him?" she asked.

Joanne laughed, "They like to tease each other, sweetie," she responded, "Kind'a like your brothers teasing you."

"You're mean, Mr. Kelly," Erin declared, "And I don't like you," she added, running out of the living room and thumping up the stairs.

"Now, you've done it, Chet," Marco teased, "Erin doesn't like you."

Chet followed Erin, "Erin, honey, Uncle Johnny teases me, too," he called up the stairs, "All the time."

Roy had followed Chet to the bottom of the stairs, "She'll get over it, Chet," he promised, "When she's about 30."

**********

Crisis averted, the party returned to the backyard and continued into the early evening. After a brief nap, Johnny rejoined everyone in the backyard. Erin was sitting on Marie Stanley's lap, while the Captain's wife braided her hair.

"You know, Roy, in a coupl'a years, that little girl's gon'a be a real handful," Stanley commented.

When they'd first returned the backyard, Erin had brought Rascal out to show off his tricks for the Stoker boys. Now, Erin was animatedly talking to the two boys, who had abandoned Chris and Tommy for their more interesting sister, the dog training rescuer of grown firemen.

"I was thinking the same thing, Cap," Johnny commented, "In a year or two, Mike's boys are gon'a be knocking down your door."

"Mike's boys are okay," Roy returned with a grin and a wink at the station's engineer, who ducked his head shyly, "They take after their dad."

Johnny laughed, "They won't be the only ones," he warned.

Roy laughed, "Do you think I didn't start planning for that the day I had a daughter?" he asked, "I've already got it covered, Junior."

"You do, huh?" Johnny teased, "What's the plan, then?"

Roy shrugged, "I make the rules and Chris and Tommy are my Enforcers," he returned, "That's why we had this party today," he added.

Johnny raised an eyebrow, "Oh, really?" he challenged.

Roy grinned, "Yep, so they could meet the kind of guys I don't want around Erin," he informed, "Why do you think you and Chet are here?"

"Ha, ha," Johnny returned sarcastically.

"Yeah, I'm insulted by that," Chet chimed in.