Second Chances: A Brother's Strength

Rick Simon is targeted by mercenaries with one objective: kill Oscar Goldman. How can one man withstand torture to save a life? And can A.J. and his family find him in time?

(This is a work of fiction. No money is being made on it, and the characters are owned by Universal Studios and are only being borrowed for a little while. .)

A/N: For any new readers, "Second Chances" is my "what if?" for Rick and A.J. Simon...What if they didn't end the partnership or A.J. didn't marry Janet or Liz... What if Rick had a long-lost sweetheart who needed protection from a crazed stalker? And ...what if Rick and his girl fell in love, adopted her niece and nephew, and made a home first in San Diego then in Arizona? These "what if''s" are the basis for my continuing "Simon & Simon" as if they never went off the air. This series also includes crossovers from Six Million Dollar Man/Bionic Woman and Dark Shadows...so feel free to read my other stories for the whys and wherefores of these three worlds meeting!

"No."

The word dribbled out of his cut and swollen mouth, but the sound was unmistakable.

"I don't think you quite get it, Mr. Simon. What did you say?" The neatly dressed man held up a hand as Rick saw a ham-fisted goon approach him.

"I said no. I won't do it." Rick barely saw the blow that made his head snap back, and his legs gave way. A steely grip held him upright, then the same genteel voice spoke.

"Well, if physical…persuasion doesn't work.. maybe we ought to try something else….Charlie, go call Mrs. Simon…she might be able to change his mind."

"NO….leave her out of this…ow!" Rick yelled out in pain as his arms were jerked backwards, then he was dragged to a pole and bound with thick ropes.

"See, gentlemen….perhaps we needn't bother the lady….think about it, Mr. Simon."

Chuckling, the three men walked away, a door clanging shut and bolted behind them.

For a moment all Rick could do was draw painful, choking breaths, then he managed to calm his racing heart.

"They'll find me….there's no way A.J. would believe I'd take off like that…." He thought. But the words of his captors ran through his mind.

"You're going to kill Oscar Goldman…..if you don't, your family will die."