Chapter 3
"Happy Birthday to you!" Ricky's face was a picture, his uncle thought. Watching him blow out the candles on his cake, Rick wiped his eyes as everyone vied for a picture with the birthday boy.
"Uncle Rick, cum here!" the little guy hollered, and Rick beamed as he picked up Ricky and posed for a shot next to the cowboy cake Robin had painstakingly baked.
"Well, pardner, what do you think of your cake." He smirked as his nephew ran his finger through the side of the cake then popped it into his mouth.
"Good!" he pronounced importantly, then smiled when everyone laughed.
"Hear that, honey, your cake is gooood!" Rick teased his daughter. Shaking her head, Robin brought more ice cream then took a bite of the pastry herself.
"Hmmm, that really tastes good, Mom was right, gelatin mix does make it moist!" the chef snickered, then gave her father a kiss. "Thanks for letting me do this, Pop, this brings back such good memories."
"You're welcome, sweet. Now where is Ian today, I'd didn't see him come in." Rick asked, seeing a sad look in her eyes.
"He was busy again, Pop. It's okay though, I had a good talk with his grandfather. And I want to ask your advice about something later, if that's okay." She returned somberly.
"Sure, honey." Rick gave her a hug, then hearing a sniff from Robin, whispered, "I love you, bird."
"Me, too, Pop!" she gave him a watery smile. Just then a loud cheer erupted from the front of the house as A.J. called out "Ricky, your extra surprise guest is here!"
Playfully Rick hoisted his nephew onto his shoulders, then grinned when the object of their attention was led up the driveway to the front door. He felt Ricky stiffen in astonishment, then start yelling "it's a pony, I get a pony picture like Papa and Uncle Rick!"
Carrying him over to the small chestnut, Rick gently placed him on the horse, then putting a small cowboy hat on his head, tightened the cinches and walked Ricky around the front yard as everyone took pictures.
Crowing with delight, Rick y decided he wanted to ride the pony by himself. "No son, a cowboy never rides by himself the first time," a deep voice announced, and Buck Yancy, the Range Rider himself stepped forward.
Totally surprised, Rick and A.J. both came forward to greet their friend, who then walked over to the wide-eyed boy and held out his hand. "Howdy, pardner, Happy Birthday!"
"Wow, you're real!" was all Ricky could say, then he threw his arms around the old lawman's neck, nearly bringing everyone to tears.
Rick managed to contain his emotions long enough to take the now chattering birthday boy's picture with the Range Rider, then everyone came forward to thank him and pet the gentle horse.
"Papa, can he stay, can the pony stay, just for the night, please?" Ricky begged, then his face fell as A.J. began, "No, son, I'm afraid Star can't stay just for the night, because....."
"He's going to stay as long as you want him to, he's yours, Ricky. Happy Birthday from your uncle and auntie!" Linda finished, elbowing her husband for dragging it out.
"Honest, oh thank you, Papa, I mean thanks Uncle Rick!" Ricky was ready to burst with joy and after his father helped him down, ran to first Rick then Laurie for kisses and hugs.
Buck looked at Rick then shook his head. "You beat all, Simon, you really went all out for that little guy. And I know why!" He turned to Laurie, and removing his hat, told her, "Ma'am, when you called me to come, I was afraid I'd disappoint the little guy. But I wouldn't have missed seeing this for the world!"
"Thank you, Buck, you are the best!" she beamed, then put her arms around him and kissed his cheek. Blushing, the old gentlemen looked at her grinning husband, growling, "What are you looking at, Rick, if I were twenty years younger you wouldn't have a chance!"
Laughing, Rick added, "If you were twenty years younger, none of us would have! You're still the Range Rider!" Just then Ricky came racing back to Buck and grabbing his hand, insisted he have some "good" cake. "Excuse me, folks, but when he says good cake, I follow!" he chuckled then went along with the birthday boy.
As the party wore down, Rick was helping Laurie put things in to-go containers when she suddenly stiffened, then turned white. "Rick, someone's going to take Ricky!" she gasped.
"Where, darlin'?" Rick asked, starting toward the front of the house. "Near the back gate, hurry!" she replied, trying to breathe.
Racing through the back door, Rick tore through the patio, just to see a man running away down the road.
Reaching the back gate, he was halted in mid-run by the sight of Buck holding Ricky with one arm and supporting a shaking Robin with the other.
"Rick, someone just tried to take your daughter and nephew at gunpoint, better call the sheriff." he announced, releasing Robin into her father's arms.
"Honey, are you all right?" he gulped. "Yes, Pop, if Buck hadn't come, that man, the one you testified against, it was him!"
Just then Robbie came racing into the yard, then grabbed his sister in a frantic embrace.
"Robin, you're okay? Mom said someone tried to take you and Ricky!" She nodded as Yancy answered, "Yes, son, you can still catch up with him, he's driving a black sedan, I think it was parked on the shoulder of the highway!"
"I'll call it in, Buck, thanks! Pop, just sit tight!" Robbie called over his shoulder as he released his sister and raced for his patrol car.
As Rick and the former actor herded the others inside, Robin told her father how she had been chasing Ricky to wipe his face, when a man in western gear stepped through their gate.
"He had a gun, Pop, and he grabbed Ricky by the arm and said we were coming with him or else he'd hurt the first person who came to stop him. Ricky managed to wriggle out of his grasp, but he pointed the gun at the two of us and was going to take us away when Buck came out and stopped him." she said, coming into the living room where her mother put her arms around her. A.J. and Linda rushed into the room and immediately the older man handed the now quiet little boy to his parents
Looking over her daughter's head, Laurie whispered "thank you" to Buck, as he gently patted the girls back. "No, thank you, Laurie. I saw this one's bravery in action, I just made sure no one's going to be taken away. Now, Ricky." He took the boy's hand in his. "You were a brave little guy out there, but it's all right to be scared if something like that happens, okay, partner?"
Ricky nodded, then said quietly, "that gun was real, right Buck?"
Swallowing hard, Yancy replied straightforward "Yes."
Suddenly the little boy put his arms around the older man and started to cry. Carefully A.J. released him to Buck's arms as he comforted Ricky. Abruptly his tears stopped as he looked up at Buck, then asked, "is your gun real?" "Sure is, son, I never know when a bad man might show up. I only pull my gun when I have to defend myself or someone else."
A smile tugged at Ricky's mouth. "Like me and Auntie Robin. Like in the movies."
Buck chuckled; he knew where this was going. "Yes, son."
"Cool. Thanks, Buck!" Ricky held out his hand and Buck shook it, then set Ricky down so he could go to his mother.
Abruptly the tension left the room, as Rick smiled at the others and said, "I think we could all use some lemonade or something stronger." As A.J. led the way to the kitchen, Rick looked down at his wife, still holding Robin in her embrace. "Sweetheart, are you all right?"
Raising her eyes to his, Laurie managed a smile. "Yes, darling, as long as my baby's safe. Rudy's breathing exercises sure helped." Robin looked at her than realized what she was talking about.
"You saw what happened, Mama?" she asked, wonderingly. Laurie stroked her hair.
"Yes, honey. I saw the man's hand with the gun in it, then your face and Ricky's. Like a snapshot. I'm fine, Robin." She added, seeing the worry in her daughter's face. "I just wish Dad and Rudy were here, their flight must have been delayed."
"You can say that again." A familiar voice sounded and Laurie and Robin sprang up from the sofa to see Oscar with Robbie and Rudy. Upset, Oscar advanced to enfold both women in his arms, as Rudy shook hands with Buck then sat down to receive Ricky in his lap.
"Dad." Laurie leaned into him, then kissing his cheek, said "I was worried, did you have plane trouble?"
"Yes, we had an engine go out, but the pilot was fantastic and we landed safely. When we were passing through Silver Rock, I picked up Robbie's transmission. I can't believe that animal was able to escape, thank God we'll not have to deal with him again," he answered, sitting down then pulling Laurie down next to him.
"What do you mean, Uncle Oscar, Robbie, did you catch him?" Robin looked at her brother, who finally grinned. "Yes, in a matter of speaking. He rounded the bend at the rock, then lost control when Uncle Oscar blocked the road and he slammed into the hillside and just went up. We figure he had some kind of explosives on board, whatever it is, he's gone for good."
"Bless you and Rudy for backing him up, Dad." Laurie hugged him and Rudy both, then smiling, said, "We've had a day, I think you two could use some lunch."
Rick laughed. "Try dinner, darlin'."
"Dinner it is, guys!" Laurie let him pull her up and lead her into the kitchen.
When Monday dawned warm and dry, Rick inwardly cursed the fact he'd have to wear a shirt and tie.
"What time do I have to be at the courthouse, Rick." Laurie came out of the bathroom then went over to Rick in front of the mirror to help him with his tie.
"Eleven o'clock, sweetheart. What time is Oscar picking you up?" he replied, making faces at her in his reflection.
"Nine, you silly. You're going to make me fumble, you are." She smiled up at him, then gave up and put her arms around his neck. "I love you, Rick. You always make me happy."
"You being happy is what I most want, Laurie." Rick told her tenderly, putting his arms around her and engaging her lips with his.
Forgetting the clock and everything around them, Laurie finally spotted the time in the mirror and murmured, "Darling, you have to go. I'll see you after Linda's appointment, she and Oscar will drop me in the parking structure to meet Ron."
"Don't forget, angel, if you don't see Ron, you don't get out, capice?" Rick reminded her.
"Capice, love." She kissed him once more, then whistled for Mike to say goodbye.
Fortunately for Rick, he and A.J. had a busy morning planned, and by the time he knew his wife was leaving for Silver Rock, he was in the middle of a client interview. A.J. and he exchanged glances when the clock struck ten, relieved, he told his brother "I know they're in good hands, but It still makes me nervous when I can't keep an eye on Laurie."
"Me too, Rick, Oscar's the best, but Dr. Lindstrom's appointments always scare me, I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop regarding the RH factor in Linda. I'll be glad when this morning's over." A.J. voiced his concern. Just as both brothers started to get ready to go to the courthouse, the phone rang, and Rick grinned to see Rudy's id.
Rick barely was able to say "Hey Rudy, what's up?" only for the doctor to interrupt him. "Rick, you and A.J. have to call Ron, Laurie and Linda were kidnapped about 10 minutes ago, Carlson and another man grabbed them from in front of the clinic and shot Oscar."
Seeing Rick's face turn white, A.J. picked up the extension as Rick gasped "No, how'd it happen, is Oscar all right?" "Yes, son, he's got a bullet wound to the shoulder, seems Laurie struggled with the gunman before he could fire again, then he threw her into a van and took off with both of them." Rudy told him, his voice breaking with emotion.
"We'll be right there, I'll call Ron and have him tell the judge what's happened. On our way!" Rick slammed the phone down then turned on his transmitter. "You take care of that, Rick, I'll call Ron!" A.J. said furiously, then getting the chief of detectives, told him what had gone down.
"I've got a reading, A.J., I'm going to need you to call Robbie and Rob while we're on our way, that way they can meet us when I pinpoint the girls whereabouts." Rick said as they ran down the stairs.
Just as they made for the doors, the security guard hailed them. "Mr. Simon, someone just dropped off a message for you, said it was important."
A cold knot formed in Rick's stomach he took an envelope with something heavy in it. Opening it, He swore out loud as he pulled out a note and two watches. Laurie's and Linda's.
"Read it to me, A.J." he said quietly, handing the note to his brother.
"Don't call the police or try to find us, otherwise your ladies are dead. We will call you to arrange an exchange. Be at your home phone in one hour. Here's proof we have your wives."
A.J. choked as he saw a scrape of blood on his Linda's bangle.
"We'll head for home, A.J., I'll try to reach Laurie, maybe we can get an idea where they are." Rick's voice shook with anger. A.J. just looked at him.
"Linda. Rick what if they, what if the baby..." he couldn't finish, and his brother grabbed his arm.
"Don't even think that, Laurie won't let anything happen to either of them, now come on!"
As both Simons ran for Rick's truck, Laurie closed her eyes, trying to stop shaking. She had thought the worst thing she had ever seen was the sight of Rick being shot. But Oscar, clutching his shoulder and falling to the pavement while Linda let out a scream. God help her, that was awful.
She had dived for the gun, stopping Carlson from firing again. She'd almost had him pinned, only the van lurched forward and he snarled, "I'll kill him if you don't get in." Laurie froze, then he dragged her in and threw her next to Linda. As the van tore away from the curb, the convicted felon bound her and Linda with tape, then taped their mouths.
As he moved away from them, she felt her wrist grabbed, then gasped as her watch was removed. Turning, she saw Carlson do the same to Linda, only she jerked her arm away from him as he touched her and the man slapped her then wrenched the piece of jewelry off her wrist.
Letting out a muffled sound of protest, the evil man looked down at her, then reached down and tore the tape off her mouth. "What is it, Mrs. Simon, shall I kill you both now?" he smirked.
"Kill me if you want, but don't hurt my sister-in-law, she's done nothing to you. If you kill her, you'll be murdering her unborn baby too! " she told him angrily.
"Well, well, feisty as well as smart. All right, Mrs. Simon, I won't kill her, she'll be my exchange for what I want from your husband. Now, not another sound or I'll put this back on." he gloated, turning and pulling the tape off Linda's mouth. Gasping, Linda managed to catch her breath, then put her face against Laurie's shoulder as Carlson moved forward to the driver's compartment.
"Laurie, thank you, but I won't have you beg for my life," she whispered. Laurie fought back tears as she murmured, "You're my sis, he'll have to take me out before I let him hurt you or the guys."
After a couple of brief stops, the van slowed, then turned quickly, causing the two women to bang into the metal door of the vehicle. Coming to a halt, the panel was opened and Laurie and Linda were lifted out, then led inside a corridor then down a hall to a storage room of some kind.
Carlson opened the door, then pushed them inside where he sat them each on a chair, then bound them back to back. "There you are, ladies. I promise to keep you together as long as you don't cause any trouble." he grinned. "I have to go make a phone call to your husbands, then I'll be back."
As he shut the door of the room behind him, they heard the lock turned, then silence. Closing her eyes, Laurie tried to reach her husband, then felt a flicker of his thoughts.
"Linda, I can feel Rick trying to reach me, if I could just turn my pendant on." she told her sister-in-law. Linda turned her head, then felt a little bit of looseness in the tape holding her. "Laurie, maybe I can turn enough to reach it with my mouth."
She twisted all the way around, then as Laurie leaned forward, managed to catch the chain holding pendant with her teeth. Pulling it onto her friend's blouse, she moved away as Laurie managed after several minutes to press the watch stem to turn on the transmitter.
Instantly she heard her husband respond. "Darlin', did you put your transmitter on?" "Yes Rick, Linda managed to pull the chain from under my blouse and I hit the signal. Please hurry, love." she "called" to him.
"We're waiting for their phone call, sweetheart. As soon as they call I'm going to insist on speaking with both of you. Just hang on, my angel, A.J. says for Linda not to worry, he'll buy her a new watch." Rick added.
"Oh, poor A.J. tell him I won't let Carlson or his sidekick hurt her." Laurie assured him. Just then footsteps were heard in the hall, and she quickly had Linda push the pendant back under her collar, then turn back to face the door.
The man who entered with Carlson caused Laurie to gasp; it was his attorney, Stan Mahoney. Looking at her over his spectacles, Mahoney told his partner "You should have just taken her, she's the one I think who was the decoy!"
"Well, only one way to find out. I've got her husband on the line, he'll do anything to get her back. We'll make him an offer he can't refuse." Carlson boasted, then looking at both women, informed them "I'll let you both talk to your husbands, you tell him to do whatever I want and I'll let you go. If you cry out or make any other noise, I'll kill you both."
Laurie nodded her assent, then the crook put the receiver next to her ear. "Rick?"
"Laurie, are you all right, did he hurt you?" Rick sounded upset. "No, darling, I'm okay. Please do what he says." Before he could answer, Carlson took the phone from her ear, then grated "Okay, you got to talk to your wife, now your brother gets a turn."
Holding the phone to Linda's mouth, she teared up as she too exchanged a few words with A.J.. Taking the receiver away, the felon told A.J. "I don't want to hurt your wife, you and your brother give me what I want, I'll give you back her. In one hour I want his truck with both of you in it, at the parking lot of your office building. If I see any cops around, I'll dump their bodies where you'll never find them. One hour, and I also want the identity of the woman you used as a decoy, she gets to pay too!"
Hanging up the phone, Carlson grinned nastily at Laurie. "I could make your husband sweat, or I can ask you point blank, you were the redhead, weren't you?"
Furious, she wanted to throw her aid in his conviction in his face, but the need to save both her and Linda stopped her from the insult that came to her lips.
"If I tell you, will you stop and let Linda off in front of the hospital, unharmed. She shouldn't pay for what I did or didn't do."
Carlson blinked, then smiled. "Of course, we'll stop there first, then you can tell me whether or not you're the one."
Leaning closer to her, he whispered, "and then you and I can have some fun, hmmm?"
Laughing, he said "I'll be right back." then left the room. Feeling sick, Laurie cleared her throat.
"Linda, if something happens..." "No, I won't let you say goodbye, I won't leave you alone with him." Her friend told her emphatically. "If he tries any tricks while we're in the van, as soon as it stops, I want you to jump for it and run for help if you can. Promise me, Linda." Laurie added, managing to grasp Linda's fingers in hers.
"I will, sis, I promise. " Linda replied, then was silent as they saw an out of breath Carlson come running back in. "All right, ladies, plans have changed." he snarled. Cutting the tape that bound them together, he yanked them up, then forced them ahead of him back into the van, slamming the door shut. Suddenly Laurie could "hear" Rick; "Sweetheart, we're coming, we know where you are. Just hang on."
"Linda, they're on their way, the guys know where we are!" she whispered to Linda, then wriggled Closer to her sister-in-law and tried to tear the tape holding her wrists.
"Stay still, sis, I think I can loosen the tape." Laurie murmured, then found she could tear the bindings layer by layer. Once she had freed her wrists, Linda was able to loosen the tape on Laurie, just as they heard Carlson yell, "someone's following us! Head for the mountains."
Panicked, Laurie "called" to Rick, "they know they're being followed." "I know, we got your transmitter turned on. We're only about ten minutes away, darlin'." Rick's thoughts reassured her.
Suddenly the van slowed, then turned abruptly, nearly slamming both women into the driver's compartment. Stopping abruptly, the van sat idle for a moment, then backing up, turned back onto the road as Laurie told Rick "we're back on the road, darling, I think they tried to lose you."
"Gottacha, sweetheart. We're going to stay back; Captain Ron has an airborne unit overhead. He's tracking you guys and he'll tell us where you go." she "heard".
After what seemed like an hour, they felt the van climbing, then Mahoney told his partner "we'll hole up around here after we dump the body, then lure her husband in...."
Terrified, Laurie whispered to Linda, "We're going to have to jump, they're going to kill one of us. Be ready!" Just then she heard Rick call to her, "Laurie, the copter lost sight of you, did you change directions?"
"No, Rick, Mahoney said he's going to kill one of us, then lure you in. If the van slows down, we're going to jump. We'll hide until you come for us." She told him, trying to remain calm.
Feeling the vehicle lose speed going around a curve, she nudged Linda to edge toward the side door, then crawled toward the driver compartment.
Suddenly Carlson looked through the windshield and yelled, "they're following us by helicopter, we'll have to get rid of them now!" At that, Laurie ripped the remaining tape off her wrists and shoved Carlson into Mahoney, then getting to her feet, moved toward the panel door and unlocking it, slid it open.
Helping Linda to the door, she told her "Now!", then watched her jump onto the dirt shoulder. At once Carlson tried to grab her around the neck only for Laurie to knock him again into his partner, causing him to lose control of the wheel, then she jumped from the vehicle, just missing a tree then rolling down the slope of the road.
As she reached out to break her fall, Laurie caught her arm on a rock and screamed in pain as she felt a snap, then everything went dark.
"Happy Birthday to you!" Ricky's face was a picture, his uncle thought. Watching him blow out the candles on his cake, Rick wiped his eyes as everyone vied for a picture with the birthday boy.
"Uncle Rick, cum here!" the little guy hollered, and Rick beamed as he picked up Ricky and posed for a shot next to the cowboy cake Robin had painstakingly baked.
"Well, pardner, what do you think of your cake." He smirked as his nephew ran his finger through the side of the cake then popped it into his mouth.
"Good!" he pronounced importantly, then smiled when everyone laughed.
"Hear that, honey, your cake is gooood!" Rick teased his daughter. Shaking her head, Robin brought more ice cream then took a bite of the pastry herself.
"Hmmm, that really tastes good, Mom was right, gelatin mix does make it moist!" the chef snickered, then gave her father a kiss. "Thanks for letting me do this, Pop, this brings back such good memories."
"You're welcome, sweet. Now where is Ian today, I'd didn't see him come in." Rick asked, seeing a sad look in her eyes.
"He was busy again, Pop. It's okay though, I had a good talk with his grandfather. And I want to ask your advice about something later, if that's okay." She returned somberly.
"Sure, honey." Rick gave her a hug, then hearing a sniff from Robin, whispered, "I love you, bird."
"Me, too, Pop!" she gave him a watery smile. Just then a loud cheer erupted from the front of the house as A.J. called out "Ricky, your extra surprise guest is here!"
Playfully Rick hoisted his nephew onto his shoulders, then grinned when the object of their attention was led up the driveway to the front door. He felt Ricky stiffen in astonishment, then start yelling "it's a pony, I get a pony picture like Papa and Uncle Rick!"
Carrying him over to the small chestnut, Rick gently placed him on the horse, then putting a small cowboy hat on his head, tightened the cinches and walked Ricky around the front yard as everyone took pictures.
Crowing with delight, Rick y decided he wanted to ride the pony by himself. "No son, a cowboy never rides by himself the first time," a deep voice announced, and Buck Yancy, the Range Rider himself stepped forward.
Totally surprised, Rick and A.J. both came forward to greet their friend, who then walked over to the wide-eyed boy and held out his hand. "Howdy, pardner, Happy Birthday!"
"Wow, you're real!" was all Ricky could say, then he threw his arms around the old lawman's neck, nearly bringing everyone to tears.
Rick managed to contain his emotions long enough to take the now chattering birthday boy's picture with the Range Rider, then everyone came forward to thank him and pet the gentle horse.
"Papa, can he stay, can the pony stay, just for the night, please?" Ricky begged, then his face fell as A.J. began, "No, son, I'm afraid Star can't stay just for the night, because....."
"He's going to stay as long as you want him to, he's yours, Ricky. Happy Birthday from your uncle and auntie!" Linda finished, elbowing her husband for dragging it out.
"Honest, oh thank you, Papa, I mean thanks Uncle Rick!" Ricky was ready to burst with joy and after his father helped him down, ran to first Rick then Laurie for kisses and hugs.
Buck looked at Rick then shook his head. "You beat all, Simon, you really went all out for that little guy. And I know why!" He turned to Laurie, and removing his hat, told her, "Ma'am, when you called me to come, I was afraid I'd disappoint the little guy. But I wouldn't have missed seeing this for the world!"
"Thank you, Buck, you are the best!" she beamed, then put her arms around him and kissed his cheek. Blushing, the old gentlemen looked at her grinning husband, growling, "What are you looking at, Rick, if I were twenty years younger you wouldn't have a chance!"
Laughing, Rick added, "If you were twenty years younger, none of us would have! You're still the Range Rider!" Just then Ricky came racing back to Buck and grabbing his hand, insisted he have some "good" cake. "Excuse me, folks, but when he says good cake, I follow!" he chuckled then went along with the birthday boy.
As the party wore down, Rick was helping Laurie put things in to-go containers when she suddenly stiffened, then turned white. "Rick, someone's going to take Ricky!" she gasped.
"Where, darlin'?" Rick asked, starting toward the front of the house. "Near the back gate, hurry!" she replied, trying to breathe.
Racing through the back door, Rick tore through the patio, just to see a man running away down the road.
Reaching the back gate, he was halted in mid-run by the sight of Buck holding Ricky with one arm and supporting a shaking Robin with the other.
"Rick, someone just tried to take your daughter and nephew at gunpoint, better call the sheriff." he announced, releasing Robin into her father's arms.
"Honey, are you all right?" he gulped. "Yes, Pop, if Buck hadn't come, that man, the one you testified against, it was him!"
Just then Robbie came racing into the yard, then grabbed his sister in a frantic embrace.
"Robin, you're okay? Mom said someone tried to take you and Ricky!" She nodded as Yancy answered, "Yes, son, you can still catch up with him, he's driving a black sedan, I think it was parked on the shoulder of the highway!"
"I'll call it in, Buck, thanks! Pop, just sit tight!" Robbie called over his shoulder as he released his sister and raced for his patrol car.
As Rick and the former actor herded the others inside, Robin told her father how she had been chasing Ricky to wipe his face, when a man in western gear stepped through their gate.
"He had a gun, Pop, and he grabbed Ricky by the arm and said we were coming with him or else he'd hurt the first person who came to stop him. Ricky managed to wriggle out of his grasp, but he pointed the gun at the two of us and was going to take us away when Buck came out and stopped him." she said, coming into the living room where her mother put her arms around her. A.J. and Linda rushed into the room and immediately the older man handed the now quiet little boy to his parents
Looking over her daughter's head, Laurie whispered "thank you" to Buck, as he gently patted the girls back. "No, thank you, Laurie. I saw this one's bravery in action, I just made sure no one's going to be taken away. Now, Ricky." He took the boy's hand in his. "You were a brave little guy out there, but it's all right to be scared if something like that happens, okay, partner?"
Ricky nodded, then said quietly, "that gun was real, right Buck?"
Swallowing hard, Yancy replied straightforward "Yes."
Suddenly the little boy put his arms around the older man and started to cry. Carefully A.J. released him to Buck's arms as he comforted Ricky. Abruptly his tears stopped as he looked up at Buck, then asked, "is your gun real?" "Sure is, son, I never know when a bad man might show up. I only pull my gun when I have to defend myself or someone else."
A smile tugged at Ricky's mouth. "Like me and Auntie Robin. Like in the movies."
Buck chuckled; he knew where this was going. "Yes, son."
"Cool. Thanks, Buck!" Ricky held out his hand and Buck shook it, then set Ricky down so he could go to his mother.
Abruptly the tension left the room, as Rick smiled at the others and said, "I think we could all use some lemonade or something stronger." As A.J. led the way to the kitchen, Rick looked down at his wife, still holding Robin in her embrace. "Sweetheart, are you all right?"
Raising her eyes to his, Laurie managed a smile. "Yes, darling, as long as my baby's safe. Rudy's breathing exercises sure helped." Robin looked at her than realized what she was talking about.
"You saw what happened, Mama?" she asked, wonderingly. Laurie stroked her hair.
"Yes, honey. I saw the man's hand with the gun in it, then your face and Ricky's. Like a snapshot. I'm fine, Robin." She added, seeing the worry in her daughter's face. "I just wish Dad and Rudy were here, their flight must have been delayed."
"You can say that again." A familiar voice sounded and Laurie and Robin sprang up from the sofa to see Oscar with Robbie and Rudy. Upset, Oscar advanced to enfold both women in his arms, as Rudy shook hands with Buck then sat down to receive Ricky in his lap.
"Dad." Laurie leaned into him, then kissing his cheek, said "I was worried, did you have plane trouble?"
"Yes, we had an engine go out, but the pilot was fantastic and we landed safely. When we were passing through Silver Rock, I picked up Robbie's transmission. I can't believe that animal was able to escape, thank God we'll not have to deal with him again," he answered, sitting down then pulling Laurie down next to him.
"What do you mean, Uncle Oscar, Robbie, did you catch him?" Robin looked at her brother, who finally grinned. "Yes, in a matter of speaking. He rounded the bend at the rock, then lost control when Uncle Oscar blocked the road and he slammed into the hillside and just went up. We figure he had some kind of explosives on board, whatever it is, he's gone for good."
"Bless you and Rudy for backing him up, Dad." Laurie hugged him and Rudy both, then smiling, said, "We've had a day, I think you two could use some lunch."
Rick laughed. "Try dinner, darlin'."
"Dinner it is, guys!" Laurie let him pull her up and lead her into the kitchen.
When Monday dawned warm and dry, Rick inwardly cursed the fact he'd have to wear a shirt and tie.
"What time do I have to be at the courthouse, Rick." Laurie came out of the bathroom then went over to Rick in front of the mirror to help him with his tie.
"Eleven o'clock, sweetheart. What time is Oscar picking you up?" he replied, making faces at her in his reflection.
"Nine, you silly. You're going to make me fumble, you are." She smiled up at him, then gave up and put her arms around his neck. "I love you, Rick. You always make me happy."
"You being happy is what I most want, Laurie." Rick told her tenderly, putting his arms around her and engaging her lips with his.
Forgetting the clock and everything around them, Laurie finally spotted the time in the mirror and murmured, "Darling, you have to go. I'll see you after Linda's appointment, she and Oscar will drop me in the parking structure to meet Ron."
"Don't forget, angel, if you don't see Ron, you don't get out, capice?" Rick reminded her.
"Capice, love." She kissed him once more, then whistled for Mike to say goodbye.
Fortunately for Rick, he and A.J. had a busy morning planned, and by the time he knew his wife was leaving for Silver Rock, he was in the middle of a client interview. A.J. and he exchanged glances when the clock struck ten, relieved, he told his brother "I know they're in good hands, but It still makes me nervous when I can't keep an eye on Laurie."
"Me too, Rick, Oscar's the best, but Dr. Lindstrom's appointments always scare me, I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop regarding the RH factor in Linda. I'll be glad when this morning's over." A.J. voiced his concern. Just as both brothers started to get ready to go to the courthouse, the phone rang, and Rick grinned to see Rudy's id.
Rick barely was able to say "Hey Rudy, what's up?" only for the doctor to interrupt him. "Rick, you and A.J. have to call Ron, Laurie and Linda were kidnapped about 10 minutes ago, Carlson and another man grabbed them from in front of the clinic and shot Oscar."
Seeing Rick's face turn white, A.J. picked up the extension as Rick gasped "No, how'd it happen, is Oscar all right?" "Yes, son, he's got a bullet wound to the shoulder, seems Laurie struggled with the gunman before he could fire again, then he threw her into a van and took off with both of them." Rudy told him, his voice breaking with emotion.
"We'll be right there, I'll call Ron and have him tell the judge what's happened. On our way!" Rick slammed the phone down then turned on his transmitter. "You take care of that, Rick, I'll call Ron!" A.J. said furiously, then getting the chief of detectives, told him what had gone down.
"I've got a reading, A.J., I'm going to need you to call Robbie and Rob while we're on our way, that way they can meet us when I pinpoint the girls whereabouts." Rick said as they ran down the stairs.
Just as they made for the doors, the security guard hailed them. "Mr. Simon, someone just dropped off a message for you, said it was important."
A cold knot formed in Rick's stomach he took an envelope with something heavy in it. Opening it, He swore out loud as he pulled out a note and two watches. Laurie's and Linda's.
"Read it to me, A.J." he said quietly, handing the note to his brother.
"Don't call the police or try to find us, otherwise your ladies are dead. We will call you to arrange an exchange. Be at your home phone in one hour. Here's proof we have your wives."
A.J. choked as he saw a scrape of blood on his Linda's bangle.
"We'll head for home, A.J., I'll try to reach Laurie, maybe we can get an idea where they are." Rick's voice shook with anger. A.J. just looked at him.
"Linda. Rick what if they, what if the baby..." he couldn't finish, and his brother grabbed his arm.
"Don't even think that, Laurie won't let anything happen to either of them, now come on!"
As both Simons ran for Rick's truck, Laurie closed her eyes, trying to stop shaking. She had thought the worst thing she had ever seen was the sight of Rick being shot. But Oscar, clutching his shoulder and falling to the pavement while Linda let out a scream. God help her, that was awful.
She had dived for the gun, stopping Carlson from firing again. She'd almost had him pinned, only the van lurched forward and he snarled, "I'll kill him if you don't get in." Laurie froze, then he dragged her in and threw her next to Linda. As the van tore away from the curb, the convicted felon bound her and Linda with tape, then taped their mouths.
As he moved away from them, she felt her wrist grabbed, then gasped as her watch was removed. Turning, she saw Carlson do the same to Linda, only she jerked her arm away from him as he touched her and the man slapped her then wrenched the piece of jewelry off her wrist.
Letting out a muffled sound of protest, the evil man looked down at her, then reached down and tore the tape off her mouth. "What is it, Mrs. Simon, shall I kill you both now?" he smirked.
"Kill me if you want, but don't hurt my sister-in-law, she's done nothing to you. If you kill her, you'll be murdering her unborn baby too! " she told him angrily.
"Well, well, feisty as well as smart. All right, Mrs. Simon, I won't kill her, she'll be my exchange for what I want from your husband. Now, not another sound or I'll put this back on." he gloated, turning and pulling the tape off Linda's mouth. Gasping, Linda managed to catch her breath, then put her face against Laurie's shoulder as Carlson moved forward to the driver's compartment.
"Laurie, thank you, but I won't have you beg for my life," she whispered. Laurie fought back tears as she murmured, "You're my sis, he'll have to take me out before I let him hurt you or the guys."
After a couple of brief stops, the van slowed, then turned quickly, causing the two women to bang into the metal door of the vehicle. Coming to a halt, the panel was opened and Laurie and Linda were lifted out, then led inside a corridor then down a hall to a storage room of some kind.
Carlson opened the door, then pushed them inside where he sat them each on a chair, then bound them back to back. "There you are, ladies. I promise to keep you together as long as you don't cause any trouble." he grinned. "I have to go make a phone call to your husbands, then I'll be back."
As he shut the door of the room behind him, they heard the lock turned, then silence. Closing her eyes, Laurie tried to reach her husband, then felt a flicker of his thoughts.
"Linda, I can feel Rick trying to reach me, if I could just turn my pendant on." she told her sister-in-law. Linda turned her head, then felt a little bit of looseness in the tape holding her. "Laurie, maybe I can turn enough to reach it with my mouth."
She twisted all the way around, then as Laurie leaned forward, managed to catch the chain holding pendant with her teeth. Pulling it onto her friend's blouse, she moved away as Laurie managed after several minutes to press the watch stem to turn on the transmitter.
Instantly she heard her husband respond. "Darlin', did you put your transmitter on?" "Yes Rick, Linda managed to pull the chain from under my blouse and I hit the signal. Please hurry, love." she "called" to him.
"We're waiting for their phone call, sweetheart. As soon as they call I'm going to insist on speaking with both of you. Just hang on, my angel, A.J. says for Linda not to worry, he'll buy her a new watch." Rick added.
"Oh, poor A.J. tell him I won't let Carlson or his sidekick hurt her." Laurie assured him. Just then footsteps were heard in the hall, and she quickly had Linda push the pendant back under her collar, then turn back to face the door.
The man who entered with Carlson caused Laurie to gasp; it was his attorney, Stan Mahoney. Looking at her over his spectacles, Mahoney told his partner "You should have just taken her, she's the one I think who was the decoy!"
"Well, only one way to find out. I've got her husband on the line, he'll do anything to get her back. We'll make him an offer he can't refuse." Carlson boasted, then looking at both women, informed them "I'll let you both talk to your husbands, you tell him to do whatever I want and I'll let you go. If you cry out or make any other noise, I'll kill you both."
Laurie nodded her assent, then the crook put the receiver next to her ear. "Rick?"
"Laurie, are you all right, did he hurt you?" Rick sounded upset. "No, darling, I'm okay. Please do what he says." Before he could answer, Carlson took the phone from her ear, then grated "Okay, you got to talk to your wife, now your brother gets a turn."
Holding the phone to Linda's mouth, she teared up as she too exchanged a few words with A.J.. Taking the receiver away, the felon told A.J. "I don't want to hurt your wife, you and your brother give me what I want, I'll give you back her. In one hour I want his truck with both of you in it, at the parking lot of your office building. If I see any cops around, I'll dump their bodies where you'll never find them. One hour, and I also want the identity of the woman you used as a decoy, she gets to pay too!"
Hanging up the phone, Carlson grinned nastily at Laurie. "I could make your husband sweat, or I can ask you point blank, you were the redhead, weren't you?"
Furious, she wanted to throw her aid in his conviction in his face, but the need to save both her and Linda stopped her from the insult that came to her lips.
"If I tell you, will you stop and let Linda off in front of the hospital, unharmed. She shouldn't pay for what I did or didn't do."
Carlson blinked, then smiled. "Of course, we'll stop there first, then you can tell me whether or not you're the one."
Leaning closer to her, he whispered, "and then you and I can have some fun, hmmm?"
Laughing, he said "I'll be right back." then left the room. Feeling sick, Laurie cleared her throat.
"Linda, if something happens..." "No, I won't let you say goodbye, I won't leave you alone with him." Her friend told her emphatically. "If he tries any tricks while we're in the van, as soon as it stops, I want you to jump for it and run for help if you can. Promise me, Linda." Laurie added, managing to grasp Linda's fingers in hers.
"I will, sis, I promise. " Linda replied, then was silent as they saw an out of breath Carlson come running back in. "All right, ladies, plans have changed." he snarled. Cutting the tape that bound them together, he yanked them up, then forced them ahead of him back into the van, slamming the door shut. Suddenly Laurie could "hear" Rick; "Sweetheart, we're coming, we know where you are. Just hang on."
"Linda, they're on their way, the guys know where we are!" she whispered to Linda, then wriggled Closer to her sister-in-law and tried to tear the tape holding her wrists.
"Stay still, sis, I think I can loosen the tape." Laurie murmured, then found she could tear the bindings layer by layer. Once she had freed her wrists, Linda was able to loosen the tape on Laurie, just as they heard Carlson yell, "someone's following us! Head for the mountains."
Panicked, Laurie "called" to Rick, "they know they're being followed." "I know, we got your transmitter turned on. We're only about ten minutes away, darlin'." Rick's thoughts reassured her.
Suddenly the van slowed, then turned abruptly, nearly slamming both women into the driver's compartment. Stopping abruptly, the van sat idle for a moment, then backing up, turned back onto the road as Laurie told Rick "we're back on the road, darling, I think they tried to lose you."
"Gottacha, sweetheart. We're going to stay back; Captain Ron has an airborne unit overhead. He's tracking you guys and he'll tell us where you go." she "heard".
After what seemed like an hour, they felt the van climbing, then Mahoney told his partner "we'll hole up around here after we dump the body, then lure her husband in...."
Terrified, Laurie whispered to Linda, "We're going to have to jump, they're going to kill one of us. Be ready!" Just then she heard Rick call to her, "Laurie, the copter lost sight of you, did you change directions?"
"No, Rick, Mahoney said he's going to kill one of us, then lure you in. If the van slows down, we're going to jump. We'll hide until you come for us." She told him, trying to remain calm.
Feeling the vehicle lose speed going around a curve, she nudged Linda to edge toward the side door, then crawled toward the driver compartment.
Suddenly Carlson looked through the windshield and yelled, "they're following us by helicopter, we'll have to get rid of them now!" At that, Laurie ripped the remaining tape off her wrists and shoved Carlson into Mahoney, then getting to her feet, moved toward the panel door and unlocking it, slid it open.
Helping Linda to the door, she told her "Now!", then watched her jump onto the dirt shoulder. At once Carlson tried to grab her around the neck only for Laurie to knock him again into his partner, causing him to lose control of the wheel, then she jumped from the vehicle, just missing a tree then rolling down the slope of the road.
As she reached out to break her fall, Laurie caught her arm on a rock and screamed in pain as she felt a snap, then everything went dark.
