Second Chances: "Faded Visions, Fresh Tomorrows".

When a vicious criminal Rick and A.J. put away twenty years before comes up for parole, an ominous premonition strikes two of the Simons; can it be stopped before a murderer goes free? This story as well as the referenced story "New Year, Old Memories" inspired by the story "In The Line Of Duty" by Kenda

(This is a work of fiction. No money is being made on it, and the characters from Simon & Simon/Six Million Dollar Man are owned by Universal Studios and are only being borrowed for a little while. All original characters are mine and no...you can't have them!)

"No, Ceci. it was James Madison and his wife who were in the White House when the British tried to re-take the United States." Ramona Simon smiled at her young cousin as she filled in the correct information.

"I should have remembered that, especially since Ricky loves those cupcakes named after her." She laughed. Ramona just sighed.

"Well, I'm glad you don't mind doing your history quiz after that spill you took at gym. Though I think Uncle A.J. wasn't too pleased you were playing Horse on a trampoline."

"Wait a minute, that's how you broke your ankle?" Rick Simon came into the family room, now a makeshift schoolroom.

"Hey Uncle Rick!" Ceci reached up and gave him a hug from the comfort of her father's old lounger, left leg in a walking cast.

"Yep, my oldest daughter pulled a stunt and now she's off the basketball team for the year." A.J. followed him into the room, a frown on his face. At once the teenager gave him a hurt look.

"I said I was sorry, Dad. Please, don't keep bringing up how stupid I was, but how come I was the only one punished?"

Rick saw A.J.'s expression change. "I'm sorry, honey..unfortunately all your two friends got was a suspension for 3 days...they claim you dared them. I know.." A.J. crossed the room and sat down on a chair next to Ceci as she started to argue. "It's your word against theirs, but you're smarter then that. I hope you'll never, ever take a chance like that again."

"Oh, Daddy." she burst into tears, then Rick felt his throat tighten as A.J. pulled his daughter into his arms. "It's okay, honey, it's okay..."

Rick exchanged sympathetic looks with Ramona, then cleared his throat. "Honey, I'm sorry too, can I bring my favorite injured niece her favorite snack?"

A muffled giggle erupted from Ceci as she lifted her face from A.J.'s shirt. "Thank you, Uncle Rick..I'd love some Two's onion rings."

"Dad...that sounds great. I love their food, 'specially their bacon and grilled cheeses." Ramona remarked, then saw a light gleam in her father-in-law's eyes.

"Ramona, you just gave me an idea...A.J., ask Linny if we can have a Two's dinner here. I know Laurie would go for it!"

An hour later Ceci was all smiles as her brothers and sister were happily ensconced next to her, enjoying burgers and rings while her father and mother helped dole out plates of chicken and sandwiches to her uncle and aunt, cousins and Uncle Rudy.

"I'm just sorry Oscar and Cecilia had to miss out on this," the old doctor sighed, eyeing with pleasure the plate of grilled cheese, cole slaw and French fries Linda placed in front of him. Rick just grinned.

"I think they're enjoying their own party at the movies, Rudy. Dad's movie passes were about to go up and there's no way Mom wanted to miss that film festival in town."

As a chorus of groans and "ugh!" rose up from the kids, the phone rang and Linda picked up a load of plates and said, "I'll get it!" Disappearing into the kitchen, the ringing stopped as Laurie reached for the last of her grilled cheese, only to find it in Rick's mouth.

"Oh, you so didn't, Rick!" she shook her head, then giggled as he wiggled his eyebrows and mumbled, "Wanna share?"

"Not chewed up cheese and bacon, thank you!"

"A.J...phone for you and Rick!" Linda reappeared in the doorway, a puzzled look on her face. At once the two brothers got up and A.J. took the phone from her, dropping a kiss on her cheek. "Thanks, Linny."

"You're welcome, honey." She smiled, then glanced at his retreating back with a worried expression.

As A.J. said, "Hello?", Rick perched next to him on the kitchen counter.

"Mr.Simon? This is District Attorney Hank Frias..Chief Johnson gave me your number. I need to give you and your brother a heads up on an upcoming parole hearing."

"Mr. Frias, who are we talking about, both my brother and I have, well, we've worked on several cases with the Chief." A.J. replied. Immediately Rick tensed.

"Well, it's actually on a case that I guess started in San Diego, Frederick and Christopher Stinson.." At that A.J. drew a sharp breath. "You're kidding, the Stinsons?" He pressed the speaker button and motioned to Rick to listen.

"I see you remember them, yes, Fred Stinson has requested and received a parole hearing next month at the state courthouse as per his life sentence. I thought you gentlemen might want to testify as to his unfit stature for parole." The DA continued.

"You thought right, Mr. Frias..My brother and I will want to make a statement, but why is he getting a hearing?" Rick spoke stiffly, his anger building.

"He claims he's reformed, and that he wants to have the chance to change his brother's kids lives. Apparently he got a new attorney, who says Junior and Tony Stinson are to be released in a couple of months, and he wants to provide a "stable home" for them." The DA's tone changed to one of sarcasm. At that Rick muttered, "let me put you on hold for a moment"., then pressed the button.

"Did you hear that...how dare they even listen to that .." He started, then A.J. shook his head and lowered his voice. "Rick, the kids..Sis."

"Right." Rick took a deep breath, then punched the speaker again. "Sorry, Mr. Frias. Yes, please let us know what date and time we need to be there. I appreciate that you let us have some notice."

"Thank you, Mr. Simon. I knew I could count on your help..these people do not need another chance to commit more crimes. I'll call you with the hearing information and also let Chief Johnson know." The relieved tone of the man's voice stayed with Rick after he and A.J. made their goodbyes. As he clicked off the speaker, A.J. found his own voice.

"Rick, I can't believe it.not them, not Stinson."

Seeing the look of fear on his brother's face, Rick looped an arm around his shoulders. "A.J., it'll be okay.I won't let this .jerk freak us out. We're going to testify to his being a monster, and make sure he and those offspring of theirs won't get out anytime soon!"

A.J. shook his head, but he smiled as Linda and Laurie apprehensively stepped into the kitchen. "A.J...what's going on ?" Linda asked.

"Uh, honey. Rick and I have to appear at a hearing next month, that's all. Nothing to worry about." A.J. explained bravely.

Laurie crossed to Rick's side, then took his hand in hers. "Rick?"

"It's all right, sweetheart.but A.J..we have to tell them. especially since they came after Laurie." Rick said wearily. He squeezed her hand. "Darlin', let's finish dinner, then we'll talk, okay?"

"Si, mi amour." Laurie managed a smile, then wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him. At once Rick returned her kiss, then chuckled. "Anytime you speak Spanish, I can't resist!"

"Hmmm, maybe I should try French." Linda quipped, breaking them all up.