Second Chances: A Life Revisited

Someone is trying to blackmail the Collins family, so Rick and A.J. travel to Maine with their families to help. Is it a threat from the grave or a modern-day takeover of the Collins fortune?

(Authors Note: For those who just started reading my "What If" series, "Second Chances", this story features a look at the background of Rick Simon's wife, Laurie, and her ties to the Collins family of "Dark Shadows". I used the canon history of DS as set forth by the wonderful writers Sam Hall and Gordon Russell, using the premise that Barnabas Collins was cured of vampirism by his late wife, Dr. Julia Hoffman-Collins. As portrayed in recent (and authorized) stagings, Carolyn Stoddard is a psychologist and David a CPA, so I refer to those developments, as well As to the passing of Elizabeth Stoddard Collins and Roger Collins. This story is dedicated to the 40th Anniversary of DS-and the memory of Dan Curtis. As always, the characters of Simon & Simon/Six Million Dollar Man/Bionic Woman and Dark Shadows are owned by Universal Pictures and Dan Curtis Productions, respectively. No money is being made on them and the original characters belong to me and are mine-no you can't have them!)

"Okay, what time is he coming back?"

Rick paused outside the Cultural Center meeting room, then grinned. "Boy, is somebody going to be surprised!" he thought.

Pushing the door open, he saw his father-in-law Oscar Goldman, on the phone writing notes, then raising his voice just a bit, asking again, "So when is Dr. Wells expected?"

Rick tried not to laugh, as the answer was not to the older man's liking. "No, I don't want to leave a message, I will hold!"

"Something wrong, Dad?"

Oscar looked up, glaring, then his face softened and he wryly answered, "Only the intelligence of a receptionist, Rick. Finding Rudy at the clinic seems to be beyond her abilities."

"I forgot, he had an appointment with Doc." Rick managed to hide his amusement at Oscar's frustration.

"Yes, and all I wanted to do was find out what time to pick him up from A.J.'s; Robin and Ian invited us to dinner."

"Tell you what, Dad. Why don't we have dinner here, I'm sure the cook at the snack bar can fix a mean hot dog or two." Rick teased. Oscar shook his head, chuckling.

"You're funny, miss out on Robin's filet of sole?"

"Uncle Oscar, you don't have to do that..." A familiar voice caused the former OSI chief to whirl around, as Robin came through the doorway, dressed in her best chef's jacket.

As the proverbial light dawned in Oscar's eyes, Ian and Petey came in the door, carrying a cake, lit with a host of candles. Behind them a chorus began.

"Happy Birthday to you..."

Seeing the surprise and pleasure on Oscar's face, Rick had to clear his throat as his wife Laurie joined him, then beckoned the rest of their family into the room. As Cecilia and Ron and Abby Johnson entered with their son, Joey, Laurie whispered in Rick's ear, "Rudy's bringing up the rear, he wants to get out of his wheelchair and give Oscar his new fishing poles at the same time." As she spoke, Steve, Jaime and Chrystal Austin came in with the good doctor in tow.

"That's great, sweetheart, good work." Rick quietly told her, then added "And many more!" at the end of the song.

" Guys, I don't know what to say..." Oscar wiped his eyes, then put an arm around Laurie as she planted a kiss on his cheek.

"Talk about surprises, Uncle Oscar doesn't know what to say..." Robbie joked, then Rudy wheeled himself forward, and stood up.

"Well, I know what to say, to my best friend. Happy Birthday, Oscar, and thanks for always being there." Rudy said, then extended a wrapped present to the birthday boy.

"Thank you, my friend. You and our family mean the world to me, and I'm just amazed
that you were able to sneak this on me!" Oscar laughed, taking the gift, then exchanging hugs with first Rudy, then all the celebrants.

Once everyone was properly greeted, Lala and Andy Simon helped bring in platters of fish and chicken and salads, while Rob Gamez and Rick fetched fry bread and casseroles fresh from the Heritage ovens.

"Well, Oscar, how does it feel to be eighty?" Cecilia asked, bringing him a beer as he sat with Robin's youngest on his knee.

"Amazingly, not that different from seventy-five, my dear. Which you will not see for a while." He added with a smile.

"Flattery will get you everything, Oscar, including another piece of fish." She replied, blushing. At the sight of their mother turning red, Rick and A.J. started tsk-tsking.

"What did you do now, Dad...you made Mom blush...huh,huh huh?"

"Never you mind, boys. You're not too big to swat, you know." Cecilia warned, as Oscar just smirked. "And I'll sell tickets!" Steve kibitzed, earning a "you would!" from Rick.

Oscar had just finished opening his "grandchildren's" present of a new fishing case, when a new guest came in the door.

"Permit me to wish you a Happy Birthday, Oscar."

As he turned at the familiar voice, Laurie looked up, and gasped.

"Cousin Barnabas!"