Second Chances: A Christmas To Remember
When A.J. is the chief witness against a vicious criminal,
Rick must protect their family in a deadly game of retribution.
A Simon & Simon/Six Million Dollar Man Story (This is a work of fiction. No money is being made on it, and the characters are owned by Universal, with a cameo mention of Dark Shadows, whose characters are owned by Dan Curtis Productions
and all are only being borrowed for a little while. .)
Prologue
"Where's Poppa?" she heard the little voice, and her heart melted. "Ricky, didn't Momma tell you where your Poppa and Uncle are?
The little eyes, so like his father's blinked up at her. "Poppa's working?"
"Yes, Poppa's working. Uncle Rick is helping him, and he 's watching over him so he doesn't work too much hard so he can come home soon, okay?" Laurie hoped this would help the toddler understand. She started picking up his toys, then handed him his favorite bear.
Just then Linda Simon came into the front room, "there you are, Ricky, it's time for lunch. Sis, are you sure you want hot dogs, I can fix something else if you like?" "Oh no, I love hot dogs, and I promised the big boy here, what he picks for lunch, I'll eat." Laurie laughed. "Besides, how often can you have hot dogs at Christmas time!"
The little blond-haired boy smiled and nodded, then taking his auntie's hand looked up at his mother. "Auntie wants lots of yellow stuff on her hot dog, and pickles."
"All right, Laurie, they'll be ready in a minute, let me just go get the mail." Linda went to the front door and opened it, only for her sister-in-law to call her back. "Linda, no, shut the door!" As her friend turned, startled, the sound of a car screeching to a stop was heard.
Laurie let go of the little boy's hand and darted in front of Linda, pushing her out of the way as a loud thump sounded against the front steps. Instinctively she turned toward the noise, then a bright flash and burst of flame went off in her face. Crying out in pain, Laurie managed to slam the door shut, then slid to the floor in the entry way, covering her face. "Sis, no! Don't move!" Linda gasped, then hurriedly made her son go to the kitchen. "Linda, call the fire department, hurry!" her sister-in-law cried, her voice muffled.
As the sirens wailed in the background, Ricky came back into the room, then started to cry himself, frightened by the sight of his aunt slumped on the carpet. Linda knelt beside her, "Laurie, the paramedics are coming, I have some ice in a towel, where does it hurt?" "My forehead and my eyes, but, Linda, get Ricky and Ceci, I don't want you here by yourself. Call Oscar, he'll make sure you're safe!
"We'll be okay, but, honey, take your hands away from your eyes, let me see." Laurie lifted her hands off her face, and her friend could hardly look without crying at the burns on her forehead and eyebrow area. Suddenly she saw Laurie's eyes open, then looking around, close then open again. "Linda, I, oh my God, I can't see!"