Sleigh bells jingled as Frank Poncherello pulled open the door to the officers entrance at Central. Walking in, he eyed his mailbox, stuffed with red and green envelopes. Ah, Christmas. His favorite time of the year. He grinned and reached for his mail.
"Hi Frank. Where's Baker?" Joe Getraer called from the doorway of his office.
"Hey Sarge. He's on his way. Had to wait for the trailer. He got a flat."
"Well I hope he's not gonna be late for briefing. Lieutenant Bates is going to be there."
"C'mon Sarge. Have you ever known Jon Baker to be late for anything?" Ponch grinned.
"True Frank. I just wish some of that famous Baker punctuality would rub off on you." Getraer replied with a sigh.
"Someone mention my name?" Jon asked, walking in.
"Hey partner. Sarge was just saying how he wishes you'd rub off on me." Ponch told him, his dark eyes twinkling.
"Now thats a scary thought." Jon smiled.
"Okay, enough. Get yourselves to briefing." Getraer snapped.
"On our way Sarge." Jon replied.
As they watched him disappear inside his office, Ponch shook his head. "Somethings up. Sarge has been really on edge lately, you know?"
"Yeah," Jon agreed, "I wonder what's eating him?"
* * * * *
"Okay everyone, listen up." Getraer said as he walked into briefing with Lieutenant Bates.
A hush fell over the room.
"The Lieutenant has an announcement to make." Joe stepped aside as Bates approached the podium.
He cleared his throat. "Good afternoon. As you may know, the state legislature met recently to discuss certain budget issues, including the CHP budget for the coming year. The news was not good. The patrol submitted a request for a budget increase of over a million dollars to cover the renovation and repairs of several stations, including this one. What it got was a budget cut of almost fifty percent. This has forced the patrol to make some difficult decisons. It simply can't afford to maintain all of its current stations. Therefore, as of March 1, 1986, Central Divison Station will be closed and its personnel transfered to other stations."
"What? Can they do that?" Grossie exclaimed.
"Grossman, they already have." Getraer said softly.
"It's just heartwarming to know how much the state values us." Jon said sharply.
"Hey, what's going to happen to you, Sarge?" Ponch asked
Getraer cleared his throat. "I'm being transfered to San Diego."
"When do the rest of us find out our fates?" Meg asked softly.
"You'll all be receiving reassignment letters in the next few weeks." Bates explained.
"I don't believe this. The patrol is just going to leave the people in this area high and dry? With fewer stations that means longer response times, less community involvement. What is wrong with them up there in Sacramento?" Jon exploded.
"Sarge, is there anything we can do?" Bruce asked.
"They're holding a community hearing on the matter in a few weeks. But I think their minds are already made up."
"When is that hearing? I'll be there." Ponch replied.
"Yeah, me too." Grossie chipped in.
"Yeah Sarge, when is it?" Jon asked.
Joe ran a hand over his face and sighed. "A little over two weeks from today. Right before Christmas."
Jon laughed bitterly. "Some Christmas it's gonna be this year."
Bates cleared his throat. "Any more questions?"
The room fell silent.
* * * * *
"I just can't believe it! Man, I can't imagine not coming to work here everyday." Ponch said as he took the cup of coffee Jon handed him and sat down.
"Yeah, I know. This is the only station I've ever been assigned to. Never realized how attached I'd become to the place." Jon replied.
"Man, it's not fair. This neighborhood needs us. There must be something we can do." Grossie sighed.
"I think the best thing we can do is make a good showing at that hearing. We've really got to wow them." Meg said.
"Hey, maybe we ought to get the media involved. We could call the papers and the TV stations. It'd let the community know we're not leaving without a fight." Bruce suggested.
"That's not a half bad idea." Getraer said from the doorway.
"Hey Sarge." Ponch greeted him heavily.
"Hey, I want you all to know I'm just as opposed to all this as you are. San Diego? This is where I belong! This is where we all belong." Getraer told them, pounding the doorway.
"I'm really going to miss you guys." Meg said suddenly.
"What, you going somewhere?" Ponch asked.
Meg sighed heavily. "Ponch, what do you think the chances are that we'll all be transfered to the same station?"
"Not very good, I'm afraid." Getraer answered. He looked over at Jon and Ponch. "God I'd hate to see them break the two of you up. You're a hell of a team."
"Hey, no way." Ponch protested, "No way thats going to happen."
"I don't care if we get sent halfway across the state. You guys are family. You don't ever turn your back on that." Jon added softly.
"Aw man, that never even occured to me! They're splitting up our family too..." Bruce's voice trailed off.
Suddenly, a burst of Christmas music came from across the hall.
"Somebody turn that off!" Joe snapped.
* * * * *
Jon opened the door and flipped on the lights. He dropped his mail on the kitchen table and walked in the bedroom, trying not to look at the box of Christmas decorations sitting next to the sofa. He sat down heavily on the edge of the bed and rubbed his eyes, then reached down and yanked off his boots. He tossed his sunglasses on the bedside table, then stood up and stretched. He suddenly felt much older than his 36 years. He unbuttoned his uniform shirt and tossed it on a chair. He was reaching in the closet for a pair of jeans when the phone rang.
"Hullo?"
"Do you feel as lousy as I do?" Ponch's voice asked.
Jon sighed. "Worse."
"Why man? I mean, it's just a station, right? It's not like we're all never going to see each other again."
Jon didn't respond.
"Partner?"
"I'm here Ponch. I was just thinking. Maybe it should be just a station, but it's not. Not anymore than Joe is just our boss or Meg,Grossie, Bear, Steve, T.C, and Bruce are just people we work with."
"Yeah, you're right. I guess when you put it on the line as often as we do it changes things."
"We're lucky guys Ponch. We have two great families."
"Well if I'm so lucky, why do I feel so bad?"
* * * *
A week later Ponch was still trying to answer that question as he parked his motor and followed Jon inside. Grossie was standing in front of the mail boxes with a grim expression on his face.
"They're here." he said simply.
The knot in Jon's stomach tightened. The reassignment letters. He reached for his mail and thumbed through it. Memos, junk mail, reminder to pick up his paycheck- and a long white envelope with the CHP seal on it. Ponch was holding an identical one. The two partners looked at each other.
"Cross your fingers." Jon said as he began to tear his envelope open. He pulled the letter out and scanned it quickly, then looked up.
"Well?" Grossie asked.
Ponch slowly folded his letter. "San Jose."
Jon felt his heart sink. "San Francisco." he said softly.
Ponch swallowed hard and looked away.
"I got San Diego. At least I'll be with Sarge." Grossie said to no one in particular.
Baricza looked up from his mail. "I got Sacramento."
The four men were silent as Joe approached them. "Well, what's the word, fellas?"
Jon looked at him and looked away. Ponch crumpled up his letter and tossed it in the trash.
Getraer looked from him to Jon and back again. "Wait a minute, don't tell me they separated you two?"
"Yep," Ponch replied angrily. "Merry Christmas!"
The side door opened and Meg and Bruce walked in, carrying their paychecks.
"What did you two get?" Baricza snapped, waving his letter in the air.
Meg turned to him with tear filled eyes. "Pink slips."
"What?" Jon exclaimed.
Bruce handed him his envelope. "See for yourself. We've been laid off as of February."
Getraer cursed under his breath.
Jon scanned it and handed it back. "This is just ridiculous now. I mean what's next?"
Meg sighed. "I wonder how many others are being reassigned to the unemployment line."
* * * *
"Damn it!" Joe banged his fist on his desk, "you didn't tell me that there'd be layoffs!"
Harold Bates cleared his throat. "If I had, would it have made any difference?"
Joe sat up, shoving his chair away. "Let me ask you something, Harold. Where are they sending you?"
"I've been offered a postion in the Comissioner's office."
"Ah...I get it now. You got yourself a cushy job, so the hell with the rest of us, is that it?" Joe was livid.
"Cool it Sergeant! Those layoffs were and are beyond my control!" Bates snapped.
"That's not the point. The point is you knew- you knew that day in briefing didn't you? When Meg asked when everyone would find out their new assignments, you looked her straight in the eye and told her, knowing damn well she and Bruce wouldn't be getting one!"
"Look Sergeant, I know Bruce and Meg were good officers. It was nothing personal."
"Hell of a Christmas present." Joe muttered.
* * * * *
Ponch handed Meg a cup of hot cocoa and sat down. "What are you guys gonna do?" he asked softly.
Meg put down the cup and sighed. "I don't see that I have much choice. I'm going to have to move back to Colorado, rejoin the patrol. They offered me a postion just a few months ago, so I'm sure they'll have a use for me."
"Leave L.A.?" Jon asked. "Isn't there another way?"
Meg sighed again. "I wish there was. But as of February, I can't afford to live here anymore."
Jon was silent. He swallowed the rest of his coffee and tossed the cup in the trash. Meg turned to Bruce. "What about you?"
"Well, I guess I could start racing again. It paid the bills before, I guess it'll have to again."
"I hate this." Jon said suddenly, "it really stinks!" He walked out.
Ponch smiled apologetically and hurried out after his partner.
* * * * *
Jon was lying on his bed, eyes closed, trying to will away the pounding in his head. He finally gave up and walked into the kitchen to retrieve the bottle of asprin he kept there. After swallowing two, his eyes fell on the box of Christmas decorations still sitting untouched by the sofa. Only 2 weeks til Christmas and he hadn't so much as picked up a decoration or addressed a Christmas card. He walked over to the box and stared at it. A sudden rage came over him and he gave the box a swift kick. It hit the wall with a colorful explosion as ornaments and lights spilled out everywhere. As his eyes fell on a minature CHP motorcycle, the rage left him as quickly as it had come. He knelt down and picked up the ornament. Ponch had given it to him their first Christmas as partners. He'd never expected their last to come so soon. He dropped it and picked up another ornament, a battered rocking horse. It had been given to him by his mother 36 Christmases ago. There was a toy badge Wes had given him, along with a "World's Greatest Brother" one from Caroline. There was a star made of popsicle sticks and red glitter he'd made when he was 5, and a wreath made out of green beads and red pipe cleaners that Kellie had given him. He swallowed hard as he picked up a crystal saddle. Holding it up to the light he watched as a rainbow of colors spilled from it. Meg had given it to him just last Christmas. He closed his fist around its cool heaviness. Damn, he thought, will I ever see her again? The doorbell rang, shattering his thoughts.
"Hi," Meg greeted him, "okay if I come in?"
"Sure." he replied. holding the door for her.
Her eyes widened as she saw the mess. "What happened?"
He gave her an embarassed grin. "Oh I got clumsy and knocked it over." he said quickly.
Meg sighed. "Want to tell me what's bothering you? Besides the obvious." she asked as she sat down.
"What do you mean?"
"Jon, you haven't said two words to me since you found out about the layoff. Are you angry with me?"
"No, of course not!" he replied, sitting down next to her.
Meg smiled sadly. "If it makes you feel any better, I am going to miss you. It's just not going to be the same."
He leaned forward and rested his arms on his knees. "Then why don't you just stay?"
"I wish I could. But I've got to make a living. What other choice do I have?"
"There must be something you can do..something!"
"Jon, being a cop is the only thing I know how to do. It's the only thing I want to do. If there was any way I could stay I would! I love the CHP! I love....." her voice trailed off.
Jon stood up and looked out the window. "I didn't think anything could make me feel worse than the end of my partnership with Ponch. I was wrong."
"You two won't be all that far apart. Your friendship will endure." she said softly.
"What about ours?" Jon snapped. "Why do I get the feeling I'll never see you again?"
Meg stood up and walked to him, taking his arm and forcing him to face her.
"Listen to me, I don't care if we end up on opposite ends of the earth! We'll never be more than a phone call away. And there are planes you know. We'll be seeing each other again, I promise you. What was it you said the other day? 'never turn your back on family'?"
"Yeah, but it's not the same. Do you know what it feels like to find out you're losing the best thing that's ever happened to you?"
Meg looked up at him, her eyes glistening with tears. "I sure do. And it hurts worse than anything." her voice was a whisper.
Jon pulled her into a hug, and a for a moment they just stood there holding each other and fighting tears.
"Meg, I..I think I'm..I mean....." he started.
Meg began to laugh. Jon was puzzled until he saw her reach down into the pile of decorations and pick up something.
"I'm sorry," she said, still laughing, "but plastic mistletoe? You sure Ponch didn't leave this here by mistake?"
Jon took the ugly green decoration from her, looked at it and began to chuckle.
"It does look like something he'd have, doesn't it?"
"Can't you just see him waving that around the station?" Meg giggled.
Jon began to laugh. "I think I have!"
Meg looked around at the mess. "Hey, why don't you let me give you a hand with these decorations? It is Christmas after all, we may as well enjoy the season."
Jon smiled. "Sounds like a plan."
The doorbell rang. Still laughing, Jon reached for it.
"Hey partner! Glad you're home. Bruce and I have a plan!" Ponch greeted him.
"Yeah guys! We're gonna save Central, and our jobs!" Bruce said excitedly as he followed Ponch inside.
"A plan huh? Well let's hear it." Meg replied, amused.
"Listen, remember what Bruce said the other day, about getting the media involved in all this?" Ponch asked.
"Yeah," Jon replied, "Sarge said it wasn't a bad idea, and I happen to agree. But where do we start?"
"Right here, ol buddy!" Ponch grinned as he fished a stack of folded papers from his jacket. "We wrote up this press release. I figure we could use Meg's computer to polish it up and make copies. And I've got a friend down at KTNS willing to do a story on Central. The idea is to put the heat on those bureaucrats up in Sacramento."
"Yeah," Bruce added, "Did you know they voted themselves a pay raise the same day they cut the CHP budget?"
"Figures." Jon replied.
Meg was scanning the press release. "Hey, this is pretty good! We may actually have a chance at a miracle! Course we may also have a white Christmas, but hey!" she smiled.
"Great! Meg, what do you say we head over to your place now? That way we can get these out in time for the evening papers tomorrow." Ponch suggested.
Meg was already tugging on her jacket. "Let's go!"
* * * * *
* * * * *
Meg paused as she started to open the door. "Please excuse the mess, my mind hasn't exactly been on housework lately." She grinned.
"Oh, please...I've seen Ponch's place. Nothing can top that. " Jon grinned.
"Thanks, partner, you're just beautiful." Ponch retorted.
Meg flipped the switch as she tossed her jacket on a chair. "Make yourselves comfortable."
As Meg started the computer, the three men admired her gaily decorated apartment. A fresh balsam fur sat in one corner, waiting to be decorated. The mantle was decorated with fresh pine boughs and tiny white lights, a red ribbon hanging in the middle, and twinkling lights lit up the window.
"Wow, your place looks terrific!" Bruce exclaimed.
"Yeah, it's great. All it needs is snow." Jon added, grinning.
"Thanks." Meg smiled, "Okay Ponch, lets see that release."
As Meg typed it into the word processor, Ponch picked up the remote control.
"You mind?"
"Not at all."
Ponch began flipping through the channels, suddenly stopping at the 10o'clock news. "Hey, look!"
There on the screen, a reporter was standing in front of Central.
"Hey, turn it up. We can't hear what she's saying!" Jon said.
".......and in other legislative news, the Budget Committee announced a nearly fifty percent cut of the Highway Patrol's budget, sending the agency into a tailspin. Sources say at least 6 stations are slated for closing, and several hundred officers face layoffs. This development comes in the wake of another legislative decision to institute a sixty-eight percent pay raise....."
Ponch clicked the TV off. "68 percent? Oh please let me get some of these guys on my beat...it'd be a pleasure to cite 'em!"
"I hear ya Ponch." Jon replied.
"Guys, this is great...word's already getting out to the public. No taxpayer in his or her right mind is going to be happy with that news!" Meg added.
"Got that right. " Bruce said.
Meg stopped typing and pressed a key. With a clack, a printed page slowly rolled off the printer. "Okay, how's that look?"
Jon took it and read out loud.
"On December 10, 1985, it was announced that our station, CHP Central Division, would be closed as of March 1986. and several of its officers laid off. Most of us have served at Central for the better part of a decade, some even longer. That in itself should be worthy of some respect. However, it has come to our attention that the State Legislature has seen fit to line its pockets with money that could and should be used to keep ours and other stations open, and laid off officers on the job. Central has served its community for over 20 years, and we wish to let them know we do not plan to leave without a fight. With the closing of this station, the officers, the community, and the city of Los Angeles all suffer. We ask all concerned citizens to contact their state representatives.
Signed,
The Officers of Central Division, A Watch"
"I love it." Jon said with a grin, "how soon can we get it out?"
"I'll drop them off at as many newspapers as I can on my way home. I don't know if we can make the morning editions, but I'm sure gonna try!" Ponch grinned.
* * * * *
Jon glanced at his watch as he sat on his motor at the Glendale overpass. Ponch, as usual, was late. He sighed as he watched the traffic passing below. God, please make this work. He glanced skyward and grinned. "A white Christmas would be nice too." he said aloud, his voice drowned out by the roar of Ponch's motor as he rode up.
"Hey partner! Get a load of this!" he said excitedly, reaching into his saddle bag and pulling out a crumpled newspaper, grinning as he handed it to him. Jon opened it to the front page and smiled. The headline screamed,
"POLITICIANS LINE POCKETS AT EXPENSE OF CHP-PUBLIC SAFETY JEOPARDIZED"
and a sidebar contained their release.
"All right! It's a start, huh?"
"Better believe it, Baker! This is going to work, I know it is!" Ponch grinned.
"Yeah well we'd better hurry up and get to Central before we're late for briefing, otherwise Sarge may make sure you don't live to find out!" Jon laughed and sped off, Ponch on his heels.
* * * * *
Central was buzzing. Jon and Ponch walked into briefing to find Bruce handing out copies of the LA Times. Grossie walked in carrying a stack of papers.
"Hey guys! We made the Santa Barbara Sentinel too!" he cried happily, passing out papers.
Ponch grabbed one and grinned. "This is even better than the Times! Listen to this!" he began to read.
"State legislature showing lack of concern for Public Safety-traffic fatalities expected to rise with station closings on horizon-public outraged"
"Nice job Frank." Getraer smiled as he walked in. "I'm beginning to think this just may work."
"Sarge, trust ol Ponch. The public gonna have those bureaucrats wishing they'd never been elected!"
Before Getraer could respond, Lieutenant Bates, stormed in, jaw twitching, a copy of the L.A. Times clutched in his fist. He brushed past the surprised Sergeant and stepped to the podium.
"Do you people care to explain yourselves? Just what is this?" he set the paper down with a slap."Need I remind you of the regulations against becoming involved in political situations?"
"With all due respect sir, I don't see how that applies. We're just exercising our free speech." Ponch replied.
"Free speech? You call scaring the public free speech? And just how do you think this is going to help? Do you think you're putting the patrol in a favorable light?"
"Lieutenant, the papers came up with the public safety issue on their own, but I think they're right. With the stations closing, you're talking less officers covering more area. As it is Ponch and I cover about 50 miles a day on our beat. When the station closes, that could very easily double. I'm sorry sir, but that puts the public at risk." Jon said quietly.
"Harold," Getraer interjected, "aren't you the least bit upset about the closing? The highest ranking station in the state is being wiped out of existence!"
"I realize that, Sergeant, and no, I don't happen to agree with it, but that's no reason to go embarrassing the patrol."
"Embarrassing the patrol? I happen to be very proud of my people and until I hear differently from the Captain, I'm going to assume he is too." Getraer replied, hands on his hips.
"Lieutenant, we're just trying to save our station! It's like a second home to us." Grossie spoke up.
"Yeah, Lieutenant, some of us our trying to save our jobs." Bruce added.
"Give it up, people, and that's an order. The decisions have been made. Learn to live with them." Bates' voice was as cold as ice. Silence fell over the group as they watched him leave.
"Can you believe that?" Jon exclaimed. "I mean, where's he get off?"
"Well I'm not giving up. Let him throw the book at me. I've got nothing to lose." Bruce said defiantly.
"I'm with Bruce." Meg said.
"Here here!" called Grossie.
"I'm in." Baricza added.
"Hey, I started this whole thing. And I always finish what I start." Ponch grinned.
"Count me in." Jon said with a smile.
Getraer cleared his throat. "Ah, me too."
"Me three." said a voice from the back of the room. "That is, I'd like to help, if you'll let me."
They turned to grin at Harlan.
"Of course Harlan, you're one of us too." Ponch smiled.
The diminutive mechanic smiled and took a seat.
"Okay then, what next?" Grossie asked.
Ponch tapped his pen on the table. "I'm going to call my friend down at the station and have her put together a piece on us."
"Wait a minute, Ponch. What makes you so sure she'll do it? The Poncherello charm?"
Ponch grinned. "That and the fact that we're the hottest news story in town!"
* * * * *
Two days later, they were even hotter. Every newspaper, magazine, and local news program had picked up on the story and was running with it. Ponch's friend did her piece, and dozens of other stations and papers were calling. Talk radio was exploding with the issue. Better still, the officers from the other stations slated for closure were joining the band wagon. Bates was furious, but his hands were tied. So far, every media outfit that had asked had been cleared through the Captain's office.
Jon, Ponch, Meg, Baricza, Grossie, Steve, and Getraer were all gathered in the break room, steaming cups of coffee in their hands, a small radio holding their attention.
"KNES, you're on the air!" said the announcer.
"Hi Mike. I am so angry I don't know where to start! What kind of people have we sent to Sacramento? Aren't they supposed to be looking out for their constituents?"
"You'd think so, caller, wouldn't you?"
"I'm almost afraid to drive on the freeways! They should have given the CHP officers a sixty-eight percent pay raise!"
"Right on!" Ponch told the radio.
The next caller wasn't so pleasant.
"Mike, I'd like to know what the big deal is! So they're closin' a couple a stations, and layin' off a few Chippies. I say good! Less headaches for us drivers. The freeway is crawlin with em as it is.. lookin to fill their damned quota! Ya know them SOB's gave me a ticket for goin' 3 miles over the limit?" the caller fumed.
Jon rolled his eyes while Ponch made a face at the radio.
"You know, I think I've cited that guy before." Baricza said.
"I wouldn't doubt it Bear." Ponch replied.
"Gosh, I hope that guys in the minority." Steve added.
"Someone tell me, where did this idea come from that we have quotas?" Meg asked, "Cause it's news to me!"
"Don't you know? We get gold stars and tutti-frutti ice cream!" Ponch said, laughing.
"Shh..listen!" Getraer said.
"........The State House today reported that their phone lines have been jammed with people calling to protest the latest budget decisions, which cut the CHP budget in half while inflating the Legislature's salaries by more than fifty percent. Sources inside the House Budget Committee refused to comment on rumors that an emergency session was being planned."
"Yes!" Grossie exclaimed, "If they do hold that session..."
"The heat's getting to them." Jon added.
"Sarge!" Bruce walked in breathlessly, "Captain's on the phone."
Joe ran a hand over his face, then hurried out. In less than ten minutes he was back.
"What the Captain have to say, Sarge?" Jon asked.
Getraer eyed the radio. "Turn that off, will ya Frank?"
With a questioning look, Ponch reached over and turned it off. The room was silent.
"C'mon Joe, what's wrong? Captain disapproving of our efforts too?"
"No, Frank. In fact he was quite impressed. Said it made what he had to say all the harder." he swallowed hard. "The Commissioner's office decided things are worse than they originally thought. They moved the closing date for Central up- to January."
The officers were silent as they tried to deal with their shock.
"That their idea of a Christmas bonus?" Ponch asked, crushing his coffee cup with his fist.
"Ah..speaking of Christmas, I plan on bringing in the station Christmas tree tomorrow. I hope you'll all stay late and join in the trimming. After all, it is Christmas." Joe said softly.
"Yeah...and it looks like we all got coal in our stockings." Jon said quietly.
"Merry Christmas." Grossie added glumly.
"And a Happy New Year. " Steve said softly.
***************
Jon paused in the middle of putting an ornament on his tree and sat down. The clock in the kitchen read 10:35. He was nearly finished decorating the small apartment. He sighed. Ordinarily it was one of his favorite things to do. Jon loved Christmas, but this year his heart just wasn't in it. Five, six, sometimes seven days a week for over ten years Jon had reported to Central. Everything had a familiar, comfortable feeling, from his seat in briefing to the coffee in the break room. He'd never known another station, another Sergeant. Bates could yell until he turned bluer than the sky, there was no way Jon was just going to "learn to live with it." Central, and the family he'd become part of there, had become too much a part of him to let that happen.
Halfway across town, Ponch was pacing around his apartment. January? They had to be kidding. No way. It just wasn't going to happen, not if Frank Poncherello had anything to say about it. They needed that emergency session. They also needed a miracle. He smiled for a moment at his small tree, its golden star casting a warm glow over the room. Well it was the right season anyway. Ponch's mind took him back nearly a decade ago, to a hotheaded kid's first day out of the academy....
"Take it easy Ponch. You'll be fine, trust me."
"Easy for you to say. Getraer talks about you like you're God's gift to the patrol!"
Jon laughed. "Far from it. I never told you about my first day, did I?"
Ponch's eyes lit up with a mischievous twinkle. "No, you never did."
Jon smiled, his eyes twinkling merrily. "Good. Now c'mon, we're almost late for briefing."
They took their seats in the last row just in time. As they set their hats down, Getraer walked in.
"Morning. First item of business. We have a new recruit with us, just 4 days out of the academy. Please welcome Frank Poncherello."
He stood up and smiled, his knees shaking. The rest of briefing flew by in a blur as he tried to get everything down in his brand new notebook. He'd been about to follow Jon out the door into the lot when he'd tripped and fallen flat on his face, ripping a hole in his pants.
"Hey Poncherello!" Grossman called, laughing, "Didn't your mama ever teach you to keep your shoelaces tied?"
Anger rose up inside him as he looked down. His left shoe was completely untied.
"Hey Frank, walk much?" Fritz called as he drove by.
He'd opened his mouth to say something when he felt a hand on his shoulder. "Forget it Ponch, they don't mean anything by it." Jon's voice said.
"Yeah right. I just got elected class clown."
"What are you two still doing here?" Getraer asked, approaching them, helmet in hand.
"Ponch had a little accident, that's all Sarge. He's gotta go change."
Getraer eyed Ponch's bloody knee. "And you're not even out of the station yet! Baker, make sure you drive, okay?" he headed for his motor.
Ponch turned around and stormed inside. He walked into the locker room and opened his locker with a clang. Jon walked in behind him and sat down on the bench across from him. As Ponch unbuckled his Sam Browne and dropped it on the bench, he turned and glared at Jon.
"This is all your fault!" he said, his dark eyes flashing.
"My fault? I didn't tie your shoelaces!" Jon said with a grin.
Ponch turned away. "You're the one who wanted me to join this outfit. I told you I wasn't cut out for this!"
Jon smile faded. "You don't know that Ponch. And you never will if you don't ease up and give yourself a chance."
"Yeah right," Ponch retorted, tugging on a fresh pair of pants, "You just wanted me to join the CHP to provide some comic relief."
"Wait a minute Ponch. In the first place I don't recall putting my gun to your head and making you fill out those papers. And in the second place, I wanted you to join because I think you're gonna make a heck of an officer.I think you can do a lot of good out there."
"What do you know anyway? Getraer hates me, the rest of the guys think I'm a complete idiot, and for all I know you just feel sorry for me." Ponch shot back, sitting down and putting his shoes on.
"Ponch, Getraer doesn't hate you. He's tough on everyone. But he's also a fair and understanding guy. And the guys don't think you're an idiot. C'mon Ponch, you gotta admit it was funny. You know you would have laughed if it'd been me."
A smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. "Well maybe just a little."
Jon smiled. "And I don't feel sorry for you. I have faith in you."
Ponch returned the smile. "Tell me about your first day."
Jon looked down, embarrassed. "C'mon Ponch, you don't want to hear that."
"Sure I do. Course, if you don't want to tell me, I can always ask Grossman. Or Getraer." Ponch flashed a wicked grin.
"All right, all right. Here goes. It actually started out pretty well. Gary and I hit it off, and Getraer seemed to like me. And I got out of the station without falling on my face." he grinned.
Ponch balled up his torn pants and tossed them at him. Jon ducked and continued.
"It was a pretty slow day actually. Then we got a call about a fender bender. When we got there, we found these two old ladies arguing. I mean really going at it. Their cars were barely scratched, but the way they were yelling you'd have thought they were totaled. Anyway, Gary put the call in for a couple of tow trucks and sent me to calm them down. Well I'd gotten them to move over to the side, and was asking them for their information. Suddenly one of them whirled around-and I swear her breath was eighty proof- and told me in no uncertain terms to shut up and butt out. Then she raised her purse..." his voiced trailed off as he looked down.
"Yeah, and? C'mon Jon, spill it!"
"and she decked me with it." Jon said in a small voice.
"What?" Ponch asked in disbelief.
"I said she decked me with it, okay? Knocked me senseless. Gave me a quite a shiner too."
Ponch was laughing hard now. "You got KO'd by an old lady? No wonder you didn't want to tell me!"
Jon's face was flushed with embarrassment. "She must have had a lead pipe in that purse."
Ponch was laughing so hard he couldn't speak.
"Hey, it wasn't that funny, okay?"
"Listen, partner, if we run into any old ladies today, I'll take care of it, okay?"
Jon grinned. "Okay, but if you run into one named Mrs. Downey, better make sure you have a helmet on!"
Ponch laughed. "I'll remember that. Seriously though, you really think I'm cut out for this?"
"Yeah I do Ponch. Just give it some time. You're already part of the family. Before you know it, Central will be like home."
Ponch blinked as the memory faded. Jon had been right. Some- where along the line, Central had become home, Getraer had become a friend, and he'd become a CHP officer. Who would have thought? He glanced at the wall. A drawing of two interconnected CHP badges, one 3700, one 8712,between two CHP motors hung on the wall. Jon had given it to him several Christmases ago. Three years earlier, when Jon had been forced to take an extended leave of absence to care for his ailing father's ranch, Ponch had taken it relatively in stride. He'd missed Jon, and the partners he'd been saddled with in the meantime had left much to be desired, but he'd understood. And deep down inside he knew Jon would one day be back. But this time was different. It was senseless, stupid, unfair. Over the years they'd become a part of each other. If you had told him ten years ago that he was destined to become best friends with a man whose idea of junk food was an orange, who devoured books the way Ponch devoured Ding Dongs, and who adored horses the way Ponch adored women, he would have laughed in your face. They'd come from such totally different worlds, yet they'd come together so naturally, you'd have thought they'd known each other their whole lives. Ponch smiled, remembering something Getraer had said long ago: "Poncherello and Baker's friendship is just another one of the great mysteries of the universe." Suddenly his phone rang.
"Ponch, turn on your TV!" Grossie's voice said excitedly.
Ponch hung up and switched the TV on. He couldn't believe what he saw. It looked like half the state was marching in front of the State House! He turned up the volume.
"Today, state lawmakers were stunned to find thousands of people lined up outside the state house protesting the recent CHP budget cuts and personal raise passed by the legislature just three weeks ago. This is in reaction to statistics released yesterday by an independent highway safety group claiming that the planned closure of six CHP stations and layoffs of over two hundred officers will result in a twenty five percent increase in highway fatalities, and a 30 percent increase in non-fatal accidents. The public appears furious at the lack of concern for public safety that the legislature has shown. Sources inside the state house still refuse comment on whether an emergency session is planned, but with the coming year being an election year, it does not seem unlikely. At the State House in Sacramento, this is Race McKey, Channel 3 Eyewitness News."
Ponch switched off the news and reached for the phone. As he dialed Jon's number, his heart pounded in his chest. They weren't out of this yet!
"Hello?" Jon's sleepy voice answered.
"Hey partner! Did you see the news?"
"Yep, Grossie called me. It was really something, huh? Having the public behind us like that?"
"Yeah. Wish they'd be that cool when we're giving them tickets!"
Jon laughed sleepily. "Now that would be a true miracle!"
"Jon, I just know things are gonna work out! I can feel it."
"I hope you're right Ponch." he yawned.
"What, am I boring you?"
Jon chuckled. "It's just past this kid's bedtime, that's all. See ya in the morning, Ponch."
* * * * *
As they walked into briefing the next morning, they were greeted by a lush balsam fir, easily 8 feet tall, its heady fragrance filling the room.
"Mmmm...." Meg said as she took her seat, "Now that's Christmas!"
"You said it!" Baricza agreed.
Getraer smiled as he arrived and walked to the podium. "Morning all."
"Hey, great tree Sarge!" Grossie replied.
The others agreed.
"Well I'm glad you all approve. I trust I'll see you all this afternoon after shift changes for the trimming?"
"You bet Sarge!"
Lieutenant Bates walked in, eyeing the tree disdainfully. "What is THAT doing here?"
"It's the station Christmas tree, Lieutenant. We have one every year. Sarge brings it in and the rest of us chip in with the decorating." Ponch explained.
The Lieutenant's eyes swept over the group. "I see. Very nice. I trust this is all done on your own time, not the patrol's?"
Getraer cleared his throat. "Of course Lieutenant."
After he left, Grossie spoke up. "Since when did Lieutenant Bates turn into Lieutenant Scrooge?"
* * * *
Later that day, after their shift had ended, everyone gathered around the tree in the briefing room. Boxes of lights and ornaments lay at their feet.
Meg buried her face in the fragrant branches and breathed deeply. "Oh that reminds me so much of home!" she smiled.
Jon returned her smile.
"Okay, where do we start?" Jed asked.
"Lights first." Getraer replied.
As they began the task of testing and stringing the lights, the Christmas spirit they thought they'd lost began to creep up on them. By the time the tree was nearly done, it had them fully in its embrace as they were singing a very off key rendition of "The 12 Days of Christmas". Finally, Getraer climbed up on the ladder and set the star in place. Then they turned off the lights and turned on the tree. As the tree was enveloped in a majestic glow, they couldn't help but notice the star was shining particularly bright, and that it looked for all the world like a shining CHP badge.
Jon sighed and crumpled up the piece of paper he'd been writing on. He stood up and tossed it in the nearby trash can. They'd all decided to speak at the hearing later that week, but he just couldn't figure out what to say. How can you condense 12 years into a paragraph or two? As he was contemplating a fresh sheet of paper, someone knocked on the door.
"Hey partner!" Ponch said with a grin as he walked inside, "How's the writing going?"
"Don't ask." he replied with a sigh.
"You too, huh?" Ponch said as he sat down.
"Yeah. I have no idea what I'm going to say."
"I know...I thought maybe I'd share an anecdote of life on patrol ... but there are so many!"
Jon grinned. "And most of them are embarrassing."
Ponch laughed. "Remember the chicken truck? We made the papers with that one!"
"Hey, I tried to tell you city boys how do it, but ya wouldn't listen." Jon shook his head, smiling.
"Yeah, Farmer Jon to the rescue!"
"Ponch, why don't you tell them about the car you- or should I say we-bought for 83 bucks?" Jon laughed.
"Hey, I still drive that car! It's been worth every penny."
"Yeah, and how many paint jobs?"
"Hey Baker, one of them was your fault! Remember the demolition derby?" Ponch retorted.
"Well next time I'll think twice before I save your life, okay?"
"Oh yeah, I forgot that part." Ponch grinned.
Jon began to laugh. "Remember that day you took the freeway on two wheels to save that paint job?"
Ponch's laughter joined his. "Oh man, how could I forget? I'd never been so freaked out! And you! You were no help! You could barely stop laughing long enough to use the radio!"
"C'mon Ponch...I couldn't help it...I tried..I really did!"
"Remember that pursuit in the construction yard? That's the only time I've ever had fun on a pursuit! Poor Joe was ready to have a heart attack!"
Jon grinned. "I'll say...we put on quite a show, didn't we?"
Ponch laughed. "Hey, maybe you ought to tell them about ticketing Broderick Crawford."
Jon blushed at the memory. "No thanks. I never did get his pen back to him either."
Ponch's eyes twinkled mischievously. "Maybe I'll tell 'em about your book."
"You know, you still haven't paid back the money I lent you so you could buy that car." Jon said, trying to change the subject.
"C'mon man! That would have been a classic! You just had the angle all wrong!" Ponch said, ignoring him.
"Yeah? How so?" Jon replied, amused.
"You were trying to fictionalize everything. Jon man, in this line of work the truth is even better than fiction!"
Jon rubbed his chin. "You got a point there, Ponch. Remember when we pulled over that Muffinpuf dude?"
"Puf'n'Stuf, Jon! HR Puf'n'Stuf! He's fantastic."
Jon smiled and shook his head. "That's my partner. 34 going on 10." he laughed.
"Oh yeah? Remember that cowboy dude of yours? The one with the blind horse? Who was star struck then?"
Jon grinned. "Zephyr. One of the greatest moments of my life."
"Yeah, well I still think you're crazy. Pursuing a suspect on horseback through downtown L.A.?"
Jon began to laugh. "Well at least I didn't get pulled over for riding my motor half-naked through L.A. !"
Ponch flushed with embarrassment. "Who told you about that?"
"Getraer. He said Bobby could barely keep a straight face when he told the officers you were his FTO." Jon laughed harder.
"Yeah well, least I never got my mailbox blown up. Remember that?" Ponch retorted, a grin tugging at his lips.
"Yeah. Bill Clayton sure was something else. Remember he hotwired the seat of Grossie's motor? I don't think the poor guy sat down for a week after that!"
Ponch grinned. "Maybe I'll tell them about my days as Barcelona Man."
Jon rolled his eyes. "Oh please. I still have that poster you sent me. Fritz was right. You have become a legend." he grinned.
Ponch sighed. "This stuff would be great for a book, but I don't think it's what the public wants to hear. Maybe we ought to stick to the delivering babies/protecting the public stuff."
"Yeah. We could tell them about the lady in the disco. Remember her? We delivered her little boy."
"Sure do partner. Can you believe we were considering becoming car salesmen?"
"I know. Unbelievable."
Ponch's voice grew quiet. "Maybe we could tell them about Andy."
"Yeah, and Gary."
"Tell em why you joined the CHP in the first place. Even I don't know that story."
Jon smiled. "It's a long one, starting in a place a long ways away from here."
Ponch was silent a minute. "Man, we've sure racked up a lot of memories."
"Sure have. Wouldn't trade a minute of them."
Ponch began to laugh. "Not even your bout with Mrs. Downey?"
Jon flushed, then grinned. "Hey, she made great cookies!"
Ponch grinned, shaking his head.
Jon smiled. "I just figured out what I'm going to say."
"Fill me in, Baker."
"Simple, Ponch. I'm going to tell them what's in my heart, then top it off with my Christmas wish."
"Hey, mind if I use that?" Ponch grinned.
"Go ahead." Jon began to laugh.
"What's so funny?"
"I was just remembering that girl in your old trailer park. Remember? The one with the cute feet?"
"Oh yeah, the one you stole from me!"
"Stole? All I did was have a glass of ice tea with her!" Jon protested.
"Remember at the hospital, when Getraer told us she'd been calling you?" Ponch asked
"Remember? You nearly knocked my head off trying to make the automatic door open!" Jon exclaimed, laughing.
Ponch joined in the laughter. "Remember that fancy restaurant we doubled at? The one with the snails?"
"How could I forget? I can't believe you, the Ding Dong king, liked them!" he grinned
"Me? You liked them too!"
"Yeah, but not as much as that old lady's bacon. Remember, the one we found cooking over an open fire?"
"The bacon!" Ponch exclaimed, "I still can't believe you ate the bacon!"
* * * * *
Two days later, Jon and Ponch joined the rest of the gang from Central at the hearing. As they took their seats, they noted with satisfaction that the place was packed. Seated at a long table up on stage were several State representatives, the Governor's chief aide, and several CHP officials. Hordes of press people jostled each other for position. Grossie took a seat next to Ponch, them elbowed him.
"Hey, Ponch, you ready?
"Ready as I'll ever be."
Suddenly a tall, husky man wearing a business suit, his graying hair rumpled, brow shiny with sweat, stepped on stage and took a seat at a small table to the right of the main one. He picked up a gavel and began to bang it on the table.
"Quiet please! My name is Nathan Peters. I'm in charge of this area's Neighborhood Watch, and I'll be running this hearing. Please do not speak until you are called on, and please try to limit your remarks to 15 minutes. This hearing is being held to give our residents a chance to be heard regarding the planned closure of the CHP's Central Division station. We are concentrating on Central because it's closure will affect the greatest number of people. Now let's begin. Who would like to go first.?"
A young man stood up, his green eyes flashing in anger. "I'd like to know just what you politicians think we're supposed to do without Central? The nearest police station after it is over 15 miles away! People depend on that station for peace of mind!"
"Yes," echoed an old woman, leaning on her cane, "I've gone to their Open House every year for 20 years. Never met a finer bunch. It's a crime I tell ya, a crime!"
Ponch stood up and cleared his throat. "Hi. My name is Frank Poncherello. I'm a California Highway Patrol Officer, and I've been assigned to Central for 10 years. Besides motorcycle enforcement, I'm the advisor to the station's Explorer Scout Troop. I'd like to know what's going to happen to them. For most of those kids it's either the Explorers or the streets. My fellow officers and I aren't the only ones losing a home."
"C'mon now, " one of the panelists scoffed, "it's just a damned building!"
"No, it's not. It's much more. It's a second home to all of us. You see sir, in our line of work, you lay it on the line every time you go out on the beat. Sometimes you have to put your life in someone else's hands. When there's that much trust, that kind of a bond, you can't help but become family. And you sir, have taken that family and torn it apart in the name of greed. The people in this community are going to suffer because of it!"
"Yeah, c'mon." Jon's annoyed voice called out as he stood up. "we all know how unnecessary that raise was. You sure didn't need it."
Peters eyed Jon over his glasses. "And you are?"
"Oh, sorry. I'm Jon Baker. I'm a CHP officer too. I've been assigned to Central for the past 12 years or so. I've never known another station, another Sergeant. I love my job, and I'll gladly do it anywhere the patrol sends me, but this just isn't right. Budget cuts I can understand, but when I heard you guys gave yourselves a raise the same day, well then I got angry. The way I see it, you cut the budget so you could stuff your wallets. You took people's jobs away! And you wonder why people are angry? As it is, my partner and I see more than enough fatalities out there. When the station closes...well all the studies say that numbers gonna go even higher. Is that really worth it?
"I came to the CHP straight out of 'Nam. I made a promise to myself back there that I was gonna dedicate my life to helpin' people, do what I could to make a difference out there, and maybe save a few lives along the way. I never expected to find a second family. But the people at Central are all very special to me. We've done a lot of good for this community, and for that I'm proud. But I'm ashamed to think we're being forced to turn our backs on them. With all due respect, I make $535 a week, and I get by just fine. Why can't you?" Jon ducked his head and sat down.
Ponch cleared his throat. "You know something? We were calling our Watch Commander 'Lt. Scrooge'...but I think the real Scrooges are up at the State House!"
The hall erupted into applause. "Yeah! We voted you SOB's in, and we can vote ya out!" someone yelled.
Jon stood up again. "What kind of Christmas do you think you've given those laid off officers?"
"Yeah," Grossie echoed, " it's not fair! What are they supposed to tell their families?"
Chaos ruled after that. Finally, one of the politicians stood up. "Look, what do you want from us?" he asked in an exasperated tone.
"We just have one Christmas wish, sir," Getraer answered. "Give us our station back and allow us to continue serving the community here."
"And a White Christmas wouldn't hurt either!" Ponch added.
* * * * *
Jon and Ponch rode into Central the next morning in silence.
"I dunno Ponch, you think we did any good last night?" Jon said finally.
"I sure hope so, partner. Man, you were terrific!"
They walked into the station and stopped to get their mail. Suddenly Meg's voice broke the silence.
"Jon, Ponch hurry up! We did it!"
They traded looks before hurrying down the hall and into the briefing room. They found everyone gathered around the TV.
"Hey what's-" Ponch began.
"Shhh! Listen!" Baricza said.
".....once again, the State Legislature has been called into an Emergency Session this morning. Sources say that the recent CHP budget cuts are the main topic of discussion. After a heated public hearing on the matter last night, several politicians revealed that they were not prepared for the severe backlash from the public and the CHP itself. While it is unknown whether the legislature will do anything as drastic as repealing the cuts, the CHP, and the public are hoping for a Christmas miracle. The budget committee declined comment on the matter."
"YA-HOO!" Jon shouted, unable to control his glee.
"All right!" Ponch said, grinning widely.
Getraer smiled. "While I wouldn't get my hopes too high, I have to say I'm pretty damned proud of you all."
"Sarge," said Meg with a smile, "I'm betting we get our Christmas wish and then some!"
Christmas Eve dawned cloudy and cool. Joe Getraer walked into his office and tugged off his blue uniform jacket. He sat down and sighed. Still no word from the budget committee. Betty had already started packing for San Diego. He was still hoping for a last minute miracle.
* * * * *
Jon pulled into Central and parked his motor. It was Christmas Eve, but his heart was heavy. It looked like the last one he'd ever spend at Central. He pulled a couple of gaily wrapped packages from his saddlebag and headed inside. He was about to pull the door open when Ponch's voice called to him.
"Hey Partner! Wait up!"
He turned to see Ponch jogging over from the garage.
"Something wrong with your motor?" he asked as Ponch caught up to him.
Ponch grinned. "Nothing Harlan can't fix."
The two men walked inside and went into the locker room. Jon stashed the packages in his locker, then slammed it shut. "You ready?"
"In a minute."
Jon grinned as he watched Ponch give himself a quick shave. "Don't cut yourself now." he called over the buzz of the electric razor.
Ponch made a face. "Very funny."
Getraer poked his head inside. "Morning fellas. Briefing in 5 minutes."
* * * * *
The shift flew by, and soon they were gathered in the briefing room for the station Christmas party.
"Any word yet, Sarge?" Grossie asked, munching on a Christmas cookie.
"Not yet Grossman." Getraer replied, "and I'm not expecting one, not on Christmas Eve."
"What could they be waiting for? The session was nearly two days ago." Baricza asked.
"With all due respect Barry, that's the last thing I want to think about tonight."
"Yeah, I know what you mean." Barry said softly.
Somebody turned on some Christmas music, and at least for the next few hours, the uncertain future of the station was forgotten as they celebrated.
Meg was watching and laughing as Grossie demonstrated a new dance he'd learned when she felt a hand on her shoulder and Jon's voice in her ear.
"Can I talk to you for a minute?"
She smiled. "Sure."
Meg followed him down the hall and into the deserted break room.
"Wait here." he said softly. He went into the locker room and came back with one of the gaily wrapped gifts he'd stashed in his locker earlier.
"Merry Christmas." he said, handing it to her.
Meg smiled. "Should I open it now?"
He nodded.
"Oh how sweet!" she exclaimed, lifting a teddy bear dressed as a CHP officer out of the box. From his tiny helmet to his baton, he was perfect. He was holding a small piece of paper.
"What's this?" she asked, motioning toward it.
Jon smiled. "It's a warrant for your arrest."
Meg had to laugh. "On what charge Officer?" she asked the bear.
Jon took the bear out of her arms and gently set it on the table. Then he took her hands in his and smiled.
"Grand Theft of Heart." he whispered, kissing her.
* * * * *
Later, as they rejoined the party, Ponch noticed them and grinned.
"Hey Baker, where've you been?"
Jon grinned. "I had to interrogate a suspect."
Ponch gave him a puzzled look, but before he could say anything, the phone rang.
Getraer set down his ginger ale and answered it.
"Good evening, California Highway Patrol, Sergeant Getraer speaking."
Suddenly he ran a hand over his face. "Hello Captain. What can I do for you?"
A hush fell over the room. All eyes were on Getraer. As he listened, his eyes grew brighter and brighter, until they could swear tears were glistening in them. They were thinking the worst until the biggest grin they'd ever seen spread over his face.
"Yes, that certainly is good news. Thank you Captain, oh, and Merry Christmas!" he said as he hung up.
He turned toward the group, pounding his fist on the table. "We did it! We got our miracle!"
Ponch's face lit up. "You mean-"
"They just announced it. The budget commitee revoked the budget cuts. The station is staying open and Meg and Bruce are still part of it!" he said gleefully.
They were silent for a minute, then the room shook with shouts, whoops, laughter and tears. Jon wiped tears from his eyes as he hugged Ponch. Meg and Bruce shared a high five. Grossie was dancing around the room. Even Dave the dog barked his delight.
As Meg heart filled with joy, something told her to go look outside. She slipped away from the group and walked down the hall. She opened the door and stood there in awe, her eyes widening.
"Oh my God..hey everyone, look!" she called.
As they joined her, they shared her awe.
"Is this possible?" Getraer asked, his voice filled with wonder.
"Man, two miracles in one night? Someone up there really likes us!" Ponch said softly.
It was snowing. The ground, cruisers, and motors were covered with a thin fluffy layer of snow.
"Who would have believed it, a white Christmas in L.A.!" Jon exclaimed, laughter in his voice.
"Look!" said Meg's hushed voice.
They looked up. Although the snow was falling, they could see the stars shining above, one in particular shining brighter than the rest.
"If I wasn't seeing this with my own eyes, I wouldn't believe a word of it." Getraer said.
Off in the distance, church bells struck midnight.
Jon smiled. "Merry Christmas everyone."
~0~
