Second Chances: Not The Retiring Kind
When a new private investigator agency comes to town, Rick and A.J. have mixed feelings about having retired from the business. But when a crime wave hits, Chief Johnson hires the Simons to find out-is it coincidence, or a sinister way to increase someone's business!
(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 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!
"And here to honor Rick and A.J. Simon, is Chief of Detectives Ronald Johnson!"
The crowded auditorium burst into applause as the emcee ushered the grinning policeman to the stage. In back of him, an embarrassed Rick Simon and his brother tried not to poke each other.
"Thank you, Ladies and Gentlemen, and Rick and A.J….." Ron started, turning back and wagging his finger at the guys. Rick replied silently "You are so in trouble…." as A.J. shook his head, smiling.
"Seriously, when I was told that the Phoenix City Council and Chamber wanted to honor these two for their 25 years of service to the community….I almost asked, "Are you sure?" Gales of laughter shook the crowd, and Laurie Simon took her husband's hand in hers and squeezed it. "He's kidding, of course." she whispered. At that Rick winked at her.
"But then …all joking aside, I was more then happy to endorse and push ahead with the idea to salute two men, who with their family have contributed to our city not only with actions, but words. Rick and A.J. Simon have saved countless lives with their determination to not only serve their clients, but stop crime from making anyone a victim. From San Diego to Phoenix and all points in-between, the Simons have made everywhere they've lived and worked a safer place."
Ron paused, then added, "Rick Simon has helped preserve not only the rights of the Navajo nation through his acting as a liaison to them, he's shared the talents of his wife, Laurie Scott Simon for countless charitable fundraisers. Not to be outdone, his brother A.J. has mentored countless youngsters as a youth baseball coach even when his own children have out-grown the program."
Holding up a glass trophy, Ron choked up a bit as he added, "This is a proud moment for me, so I would like to award Rick and A.J. Simon the Governors Award ."
Red-faced, the two brothers got up and walked over to Ron, then took turns hugging him. The ovation they received only stopped when Rick held up his hands.
"Thank you, folks..I'm very appreciative of this honor. I'm just sorry our Dad didn't live to see this, but I know he'd be proud of what we all have accomplished. We have been lucky enough to work with some of the finest, and bravest police and sheriffs of two cities, and I'd like to especially thank Chief Johnson and Phoenix PD. A.J….." Rick stepped aside, as his brother stood in front of the microphone.
"We would also like to thank the many business leaders, clients and friends who have supported us through the years, as well as our family. Our mother, Cecilia Simon…" A.J. turned toward where she sat, and the spotlight picked her beaming face out as she stood and blew a kiss to him and Rick. "And our wives and children, especially Linda and Laurie….without them, we would not have been able to do our jobs." Again the light shone on the two women, and Linda wiped her eyes as Laurie mouthed, "Thank you."
"Thank you again for this honor, I hope we continue to uphold its message." He finished, then he and Rick bowed as the audience applauded.
Going back to their seats, Rick hugged his mother as she told him, "I'm so proud of you, you and A.J. did a good job."
"Thanks, Mom….you too Dad…" he nodded at a smiling Oscar Goldman, who he was pleased to see was holding Cecilia's hand.
"You're welcome, son….but all we did was let people know what an impact you've made….besides, it was worth it to see you two surprised." He chuckled. At that A.J. grinned.
"Surprised is the understatement…but I'm just glad Linny and Sis got new dresses out of it!"
"And such nice ones too, A.J…." Cecilia commented, insisting on a picture of Linda with A.J., her new red silk dress complimenting A.J.'s tux.
Just then the MC of the dinner started thanking people, then announced, "Our State of the City organization would also like to welcome Safety, Inc. to its membership. They are a private investigative company headed by Jules Martin out of Los Angeles, and will be located in the new Gateway center."
Curious, Rick craned his neck and got a glimpse of a silver-haired man, seated at a table with several lawyer-types. Their eyes met, and Rick nodded to him. The man held up his glass and returned the nod.
"I wondered who that was, Rick." Laurie said after the good nights had been made and the room began to clear. "I suppose with the way the city has grown…it's time another company started working the area."
"Well, Ron says they come highly recommended, but they do seem to specialize in corporate cases mostly." Rick answered, putting his wife's coat over her shoulders, then snickering when she draped her arms around his, saying, "I know someone else I'd like to specialize in…."
"Okay, you two, wait until you get home…." Cecilia wagged her finger at her son and daughter-in-law. Laughing, the Simons walked out of the ballroom and out to the lobby.
"Wait here, I'll give the valet our tickets…." Rick volunteered, collecting the party's claim checks. As he walked away, a few boisterous voices caught their attention, and A.J. turned to see a rumpled man in a tux leering at his wife.
"Lady in red, the guys are crazy for the lady in red…ma'am, can I buy you a drink?" he asked, approaching her. Linda shook her head, a polite smile on her face as she replied,
"No, thank you, sir…I'm just waiting with my husband here…." At that the drunken man looked over at a stone-faced A.J., then advanced towards him.
"Oh, so this pretty lady is your wife….no wonder you look so full of yourself… I hope you've enjoyed yourself…cause now we're the new rule in town…"
"Hey, you're drunk…so why don't you back off…" A.J. held in his temper as he slid in front of his wife. Before the tipsy man could react, an older man came forward and grasped him by the collar.
"All right, Johnny, you've embarrassed us enough….pour yourself into a cab and go home." Without a word the man staggered toward the taxi line as the newcomer turned toward Linda and A.J..
"I'm so sorry, Mr. Simon, Mrs. Simon. Johnny's a good investigator, but bad at holding his liquor. My apologies."
"Thank you, Mr…." A.J. started, only to have his hand clasped in a firm grip.
"Mr. Jules Martin, head of Safety, Inc., Phoenix division. I'm so pleased to meet you and ….oh here he is, .." Martin acknowledged Rick as he came forward to get Laurie.
"Mr. Martin….it's nice to meet you. Chief Johnson has good things to say about you." Rick added.
"Well, that is kind of him…but I wanted to let you folks know what a privilege it is to work in this city, and I hope I may call upon you sometime?" Martin included Laurie in his question.
"Of course, it would be a pleasure." Laurie acknowledged.
As Martin took his leave, Rick looked after him, something about the distinguished man bugged him.
"A.J….it's okay, he's gone…" Rick looked over and saw Linda with her arm around a visibly tense A.J..
"I know, honey…but I didn't like how he was…well.. " now his brother looked sheepish as Linda kissed his cheek, then said, "I didn't either, I only like "my guy" to be crazy about me."
'I always will be, Linny." He sighed, helping her into their car then saying good night to the others. As Rick watched him drive off, he felt that something was bothering A.J..
"Rick?"
Startled, Rick hurriedly took his car keys then handed the valet a tip as Laurie hugged Cecilia and Oscar. "Now you two don't stay up late!" she teased, then dodged a swat from her father.
"You're as bad as Rick, honey…." Cecilia replied warningly, then embraced her son.
"We expect you two for brunch, all right?"
"Yes, Mom…." Rick pretended to groan, then took Laurie's hand and helped her into his truck as Oscar opened the door of his car for Cecilia. As the two cars drove away, a figure stood in the shadows, then shook his head. Next to him was an older man, who whispered, "See what I mean….you have to be careful….. When you get rid of the competition, you have to eliminate them permanently."