That's What Friends Are For

Takes place after "Downhill All the Way"

Chapter One

Ironside and Jerry returned from looking at the corner to the dinner table, where Samantha, T.D., Fran, Ed, and Mark sat. Ian still was standing.

Jerry said "Baa" to the Chief, and the Chief replied "Baa".

Ironside asked Ian, "Do you want to stay for dinner?" Ian thought about it and then said, "No, I think I need to get Jerry home to his mother."

The Chief stopped Ian and said, "It not in my nature to thank people, but in your case, I am grateful for all you did to save my life."

Ian answered, "You are a good friend and I didn't want to see anything else happen to you. You have a lot to be thankful for. Particularly, these young people that surround you every day and support and protect you. And having Samantha help you during the time you were away was a blessing. You also helped Jerry a lot."

Ironside looked around the table to each one of his friends, saying nothing, but showed a slight grin, as he was known to do occasionally. Then the Chief looked back to Ian and said, " I have already told them in my own way how much they mean to me. All I ask for you is to get Jerry home safely and not park illegally." Everybody laughed when they heard the Chief say that.

Ian looked sheepishly at the group,then took Jerry's hand, and walked out the door.

Ironside turned to everyone. "Chief, you look tired", Fran said. "Maybe we should clean up the dishes and leave so you can get some rest. After all, you just got out of the hospital." Ironside glared at Fran with the look that told her that she was worrying too much. "If I am tired, I will let you know", the Chief replied emphatically. Fran looked at him, a little startled, but knew that this was the usual reaction of the Chief.

The group continued to converse until the Chief let out a big yawn.

Fran responded, "You see, I knew you were tired. Maybe you left the hospital too soon. Do you want us to take you back there?" Ironside didn't like what Fran said, but admitted, "After Jerry left, I did feel that I needed a nap, but I will not go back to the hospital!" Samantha, after being silent for a while, replied, "Robert, maybe it's time for T.D. and I to return home, since it is getting late. You do need to get rest. This experience has been hard on you, and your spirit needs to find peace." Ironside looked at her and finally admitted that he did need rest. "You helped me through a tough period. I can't ignore what you are saying. I hope you will keep in touch with me." Samantha stood up and gave the Chief a kiss on the cheek. " I will be thinking about you. You have a kind soul and friends that care about you." T.D. stood up and both Samantha and he said goodbye to everybody and left.

"I hope that both of them stay safe", Ironside said.

Fran, Ed and Mark picked up the dishes and quickly washed, dried and put them away. "Ed and I will leave you, so you can get some sleep," Fran said to the Chief. "And Mark, make sure that he doesn't sit up all night long." Ironside looked at her. "You're not my babysitter, Officer! I can take care of myself." Mark looked at him, and thought to himself why he was there, if Ironside could handle everything. Mark told him, "Chief, we know you can take care of yourself. We just want you to get some rest". Ironside replied reluctantly, "OK, OK, I'll get some rest." With that concession, Ed and Fran bid goodnight and left the office.

Ironside rolled into the bathroom and changed into his pajamas. When he returned, he rolled by Mark to his bed and tried to get into bed himself. Mark, sitting at the table, watched as the Chief tried to pull himself into bed, but was having trouble. "Want to have some help?", Mark inquired. "Normally, Mark, I would insist that I do it myself, but I'm so tired, I could use your help. I know some times I can be stubborn, but I know how important you are to me." Mark smiled as he helped Ironside get into bed. The Chief said goodnight to Mark and closed his eyes. Mark left him and walked quietly back to his room.