Chapter 1-
A.J. looked at his brother from the doorway, "Laurie?", he quietly asked.
"Yeah, she saw the newspaper, I'm going home after the Chambers appointment. I told her to stay put." He shook his head, "A.J., it's going to be 5 years next week that we've been together, I keep thinking how wonderful our life has been, and now to have this, this.." "Monster, Rick, who is going to be caught and you and Laurie are going to be safe and have a wonderful anniversary." A.J. came over and hugged him, then picked up his brother's keys and dropped them in his hand. "I'll take the last appointment, you go home to your wife." "You're sure?", Rick looked at A.J.. "Yes, now go and make sure you bring chicken and biscuits for lunch tomorrow". Rick picked up his jacket, then ruffled his brother's hair. "Ok, and I'll even bring dessert. I'll check in with you when I get in, just in case there are any messages." A.J. sat at his desk and grinning, said "Go already!". As soon as the door closed behind the older Simon, he picked up the phone and punched a number in. "Rob, hi, it's A.J. Rick just left for home, could you keep an eye out for him, you know, make sure he gets home ok. Just in case, you understand." Pause. "Thanks, Rob, I appreciate it. I'll see you around." As soon as he hung up with the sheriff, he looked over at the empty desk across from his. Nothing's going to happen, he promised silently to his brother, not with me around. He picked up the phone again and started making calls.
Rick was already past Window Rock when he spotted the patrol car in back of him Torn between irritation at what he assumed was his brother's babysitting him and his relief that someone was on the lookout for him and his wife, he slowed down, trying to see if it was Rob Gomez or his deputy, Andy. Suddenly up ahead he saw another patrol car, coming from the opposite direction. Immediately he was suspicious, only to be surprised to see the car slow down, then make a u-turn and pull in front of him. Pulling over to the shoulder of the road, he watched the car in front also pull over, then saw in his rear view mirror the other sheriffs car. as it also came to a stop. He saw Rob climb out of his car and come over to his window. "Hey, Rick, you're home early." the lawman leaned in, grinning. "Yeah, got a hot date for lunch, whatcha doing out this direction?" "Oh, just on patrol, and, well, look who's here?", Rick looked up to see Chief Joseph approaching, Robin and Robert in tow. Worried, he got out of the car and embraced his kids. "Hey, Chief, guys, is everything ok?" "Yeah, Pop, we're just, well, we wanted to make sure Mom was all right, and I was supposed to be home for lunch anyway, so I called the Chief and he picked Robin and I up over at the bus stop." The elder smiled at Rick, "I think Light will be pleased to have her family with her for lunch. Rob and I will keep an eye out on things." Moved, Rick thanked both friends and loading the kids into the truck, took off for the ranch.
As they drove through their gate, Robin saw Laurie peering though the curtains. "Pop, do you think that Willowby creep will try to get Mom here?" He shook his head, "I don't think so, hon, unless he's totally crazy, he'll stay as far away from her as possible to avoid being captured. We're just going to be extra careful the next couple of days, ok?" Both kids said yes, then as soon as the truck came to a stop, Rob and Robin jumped out to greet their Mom on the front porch. Hugging both of them, she laughed, "You two must be hungry, you're early! Go ahead and wash up." Getting the hint, they disappeared into the house. Rick got out of the truck, opening his arms as Laurie ran down the walk to meet him. Embracing her, he kissed her as she whispered "I love you." "I love you, too, my darling", he replied, then whirled her around before setting her down. "I didn't expect you for another half-hour, did your appointment cancel?", she said, as they entered the family room.
"A.J. couldn't stand my grumbling stomach any longer, so he said he'd take it", he teased, sitting down at the table where Rob and Robin had already set out sodas and chips. "Remind me to send some chicken and biscuits to work for your lunch tomorrow," Laurie grinned, bringing a plate of sandwiches from the refrigerator. Rick snickered, "That's what A.J. wants, I promised him I'd bring dessert, too." Laughing and bantering through the meal, Rick almost forgot the reason for being home on a work day until the phone rang. Grabbing the extension, Rick answered, "Simon Residence". They all relaxed when he smiled and replied, "I'm sorry, A.J., I was going to call when I got in, but lunch was ready and, oh here, you talk to her." Laurie took the phone and immediately teased,
"Rick and the kids are here for lunch, why didn't you come?" "I would have, but somebody has to go without a delicious sandwich so we can make a living! How's my favorite sister?" "I'm all right, A.J., serious, thanks for taking that appointment, I know everything's going to be fine, but I appreciate Rick not having to fight Thursday afternoon traffic."
"You're welcome, hon, just remember to send chicken and biscuits with him for lunch, and don't forget dessert!" "Ok, I won't forget. Now here's the senior partner.", she added, passing the phone and a plate of cupcakes. Taking the extension, Rick went into the living room, where he dropped his voice. "A.J., any news on Willowby?" There was silence, then "Yes, he's been reported in the Nevada area, there's an all-points alert for him. I think you should stay home tomorrow, no use in taking any chances." "No, A.J., I think I'll have the Chief come by, he was nice enough to pick the kids up from the bus stop and drop them off. Either that or I'll bring Laurie into the office for her regular day in." Rick paused, then "Maybe I ought to call Steve, we might need some backup. What do you think?" "I already called him, Rick, he'll be in town this weekend. Jaime would come, but Crystal has a cold and she doesn't want to leave her." His brother heaved a sigh, "Thanks, little brother, I don't know what I 'd do without you. I'll talk to the Chief, let you know tomorrow if Laurie's coming in. Now, be careful, Willowby has a bone to pick with you, too." A.J. laughed, "Don't worry, I'll keep an extra eye out. I'll talk to you tomorrow."
Ending the call, Rick went into the dining room to find Rob and Robin fighting over the last cupcake. "Where's your mom?", he asked, swiping the object of the dispute from the plate. Both kids looked at each other, then Rob replied soberly, "She went to get some eggs for a quiche, but I think she's upset 'cause you had to leave work early. Pop, I'm not going to school tomorrow, I'd rather stay here and be with Mom. I can always make up my test." His sister shook her head, "No, Rob, I don't have any tests, that class is important, I'll stay home."
Rick put an arm around both of them. "Thank you, guys, but nobody is missing school tomorrow. I think I'm going to have your Mom come to the office with me and A.J. that way she'll have both of us to watch her back. Now, " he set the dessert down and cut it in half. "This is how we settle things, right?" Both of them laughed, then groaned as he took one of the pieces and went out the door.
Going outside, Rick made a check of all the windows and doors and double- checked that everything save the kitchen door was locked. Going into the barn, he heard muffled crying coming from the stalls, and found his wife with her face buried in Lightning's mane. "Sweetheart," he said, then as she turned, he took her in his arms and sat down on a bale of hay, just holding her. "I'm sorry, Rick, I feel so bad that you had to leave work because of me," she sniffed. He pulled away from her, suddenly furious. "Laurie Light Simon, don't you ever apologize for my or A.J.'s wanting to protect you. I love you, I wouldn't have been able to work if I had tried, you hear me!" She stared back at him, then smiled. "I hear you, my love, and I'm not going to be scared, not with you and A.J. watching over me." She put her arms around him and he let out a ragged breath, "Don't worry me like that, darlin', I didn't mean to get so angry, just the thought of you being in danger, well, it's going to be all right." He kissed her, and as she relaxed against his chest, told her, "I want you to come to the office with me tomorrow. A.J. and I have a lot of paperwork you can file for us, and this way if there is any, uh, developments, you'll be safe with us." She grinned, "Slave driver, you two just don't like putting stuff away." He lifted her over the hay, then putting her coat over her shoulders, teased, "that's what secretaries are for."
As the sound of their laughter filtered back toward the house, Robin glanced at her brother as they put the dishes away. "I knew things would be ok when Pop talked to her." Rob nodded, flicking a towel at her, "Guess we go to school tomorrow, figures, now I have to study." Taking a towel to Rob, she chased her brother through the kitchen and into the family room, where Laurie and Rick found them when they came in. "Ok, you two, want to go for a ride, I think Chief and Cloud need some exercise.", she said. "All right! Pop, you'll come too, won't you?" Robin added, to Rick's discomfort. "You just want to see Fire give me a sore seat, don't you?" he grumbled, seeing Rob try to hide a grin. As the kids ran out the door to saddle the horses, he made a face at his wife, saying "If I get tossed, you get to carry me this time!" Giggling, she promised, "If you get tossed, we'll all lug you home!"
The next day, A.J. had the dubious pleasure of his brother moaning and groaning around the office, complaining about all the bruises he had due to his "strenuous" afternoon off. When Rick limped downstairs to fetch a soda from the machine, his little brother turned to Laurie and complained, "Why did you have him go riding, he always acts like you tortured him!" She laughed, "Don't blame me, your niece and nephew raced him back to the barn and I think Fire found every bump in the road. I'm just glad he didn't get tossed on his tush!"
"Oh, I'll be sure to thank them at Christmas, with some coal in their stockings!" he returned. Just as Rick came back in, the phone rang, and Laurie automatically answered it "Simon and Simon Investigations."
"Ms. Scott? My dear, I'm looking forward to seeing you soon.", a familiar voice replied.
Click.
A.J. looked at his brother from the doorway, "Laurie?", he quietly asked.
"Yeah, she saw the newspaper, I'm going home after the Chambers appointment. I told her to stay put." He shook his head, "A.J., it's going to be 5 years next week that we've been together, I keep thinking how wonderful our life has been, and now to have this, this.." "Monster, Rick, who is going to be caught and you and Laurie are going to be safe and have a wonderful anniversary." A.J. came over and hugged him, then picked up his brother's keys and dropped them in his hand. "I'll take the last appointment, you go home to your wife." "You're sure?", Rick looked at A.J.. "Yes, now go and make sure you bring chicken and biscuits for lunch tomorrow". Rick picked up his jacket, then ruffled his brother's hair. "Ok, and I'll even bring dessert. I'll check in with you when I get in, just in case there are any messages." A.J. sat at his desk and grinning, said "Go already!". As soon as the door closed behind the older Simon, he picked up the phone and punched a number in. "Rob, hi, it's A.J. Rick just left for home, could you keep an eye out for him, you know, make sure he gets home ok. Just in case, you understand." Pause. "Thanks, Rob, I appreciate it. I'll see you around." As soon as he hung up with the sheriff, he looked over at the empty desk across from his. Nothing's going to happen, he promised silently to his brother, not with me around. He picked up the phone again and started making calls.
Rick was already past Window Rock when he spotted the patrol car in back of him Torn between irritation at what he assumed was his brother's babysitting him and his relief that someone was on the lookout for him and his wife, he slowed down, trying to see if it was Rob Gomez or his deputy, Andy. Suddenly up ahead he saw another patrol car, coming from the opposite direction. Immediately he was suspicious, only to be surprised to see the car slow down, then make a u-turn and pull in front of him. Pulling over to the shoulder of the road, he watched the car in front also pull over, then saw in his rear view mirror the other sheriffs car. as it also came to a stop. He saw Rob climb out of his car and come over to his window. "Hey, Rick, you're home early." the lawman leaned in, grinning. "Yeah, got a hot date for lunch, whatcha doing out this direction?" "Oh, just on patrol, and, well, look who's here?", Rick looked up to see Chief Joseph approaching, Robin and Robert in tow. Worried, he got out of the car and embraced his kids. "Hey, Chief, guys, is everything ok?" "Yeah, Pop, we're just, well, we wanted to make sure Mom was all right, and I was supposed to be home for lunch anyway, so I called the Chief and he picked Robin and I up over at the bus stop." The elder smiled at Rick, "I think Light will be pleased to have her family with her for lunch. Rob and I will keep an eye out on things." Moved, Rick thanked both friends and loading the kids into the truck, took off for the ranch.
As they drove through their gate, Robin saw Laurie peering though the curtains. "Pop, do you think that Willowby creep will try to get Mom here?" He shook his head, "I don't think so, hon, unless he's totally crazy, he'll stay as far away from her as possible to avoid being captured. We're just going to be extra careful the next couple of days, ok?" Both kids said yes, then as soon as the truck came to a stop, Rob and Robin jumped out to greet their Mom on the front porch. Hugging both of them, she laughed, "You two must be hungry, you're early! Go ahead and wash up." Getting the hint, they disappeared into the house. Rick got out of the truck, opening his arms as Laurie ran down the walk to meet him. Embracing her, he kissed her as she whispered "I love you." "I love you, too, my darling", he replied, then whirled her around before setting her down. "I didn't expect you for another half-hour, did your appointment cancel?", she said, as they entered the family room.
"A.J. couldn't stand my grumbling stomach any longer, so he said he'd take it", he teased, sitting down at the table where Rob and Robin had already set out sodas and chips. "Remind me to send some chicken and biscuits to work for your lunch tomorrow," Laurie grinned, bringing a plate of sandwiches from the refrigerator. Rick snickered, "That's what A.J. wants, I promised him I'd bring dessert, too." Laughing and bantering through the meal, Rick almost forgot the reason for being home on a work day until the phone rang. Grabbing the extension, Rick answered, "Simon Residence". They all relaxed when he smiled and replied, "I'm sorry, A.J., I was going to call when I got in, but lunch was ready and, oh here, you talk to her." Laurie took the phone and immediately teased,
"Rick and the kids are here for lunch, why didn't you come?" "I would have, but somebody has to go without a delicious sandwich so we can make a living! How's my favorite sister?" "I'm all right, A.J., serious, thanks for taking that appointment, I know everything's going to be fine, but I appreciate Rick not having to fight Thursday afternoon traffic."
"You're welcome, hon, just remember to send chicken and biscuits with him for lunch, and don't forget dessert!" "Ok, I won't forget. Now here's the senior partner.", she added, passing the phone and a plate of cupcakes. Taking the extension, Rick went into the living room, where he dropped his voice. "A.J., any news on Willowby?" There was silence, then "Yes, he's been reported in the Nevada area, there's an all-points alert for him. I think you should stay home tomorrow, no use in taking any chances." "No, A.J., I think I'll have the Chief come by, he was nice enough to pick the kids up from the bus stop and drop them off. Either that or I'll bring Laurie into the office for her regular day in." Rick paused, then "Maybe I ought to call Steve, we might need some backup. What do you think?" "I already called him, Rick, he'll be in town this weekend. Jaime would come, but Crystal has a cold and she doesn't want to leave her." His brother heaved a sigh, "Thanks, little brother, I don't know what I 'd do without you. I'll talk to the Chief, let you know tomorrow if Laurie's coming in. Now, be careful, Willowby has a bone to pick with you, too." A.J. laughed, "Don't worry, I'll keep an extra eye out. I'll talk to you tomorrow."
Ending the call, Rick went into the dining room to find Rob and Robin fighting over the last cupcake. "Where's your mom?", he asked, swiping the object of the dispute from the plate. Both kids looked at each other, then Rob replied soberly, "She went to get some eggs for a quiche, but I think she's upset 'cause you had to leave work early. Pop, I'm not going to school tomorrow, I'd rather stay here and be with Mom. I can always make up my test." His sister shook her head, "No, Rob, I don't have any tests, that class is important, I'll stay home."
Rick put an arm around both of them. "Thank you, guys, but nobody is missing school tomorrow. I think I'm going to have your Mom come to the office with me and A.J. that way she'll have both of us to watch her back. Now, " he set the dessert down and cut it in half. "This is how we settle things, right?" Both of them laughed, then groaned as he took one of the pieces and went out the door.
Going outside, Rick made a check of all the windows and doors and double- checked that everything save the kitchen door was locked. Going into the barn, he heard muffled crying coming from the stalls, and found his wife with her face buried in Lightning's mane. "Sweetheart," he said, then as she turned, he took her in his arms and sat down on a bale of hay, just holding her. "I'm sorry, Rick, I feel so bad that you had to leave work because of me," she sniffed. He pulled away from her, suddenly furious. "Laurie Light Simon, don't you ever apologize for my or A.J.'s wanting to protect you. I love you, I wouldn't have been able to work if I had tried, you hear me!" She stared back at him, then smiled. "I hear you, my love, and I'm not going to be scared, not with you and A.J. watching over me." She put her arms around him and he let out a ragged breath, "Don't worry me like that, darlin', I didn't mean to get so angry, just the thought of you being in danger, well, it's going to be all right." He kissed her, and as she relaxed against his chest, told her, "I want you to come to the office with me tomorrow. A.J. and I have a lot of paperwork you can file for us, and this way if there is any, uh, developments, you'll be safe with us." She grinned, "Slave driver, you two just don't like putting stuff away." He lifted her over the hay, then putting her coat over her shoulders, teased, "that's what secretaries are for."
As the sound of their laughter filtered back toward the house, Robin glanced at her brother as they put the dishes away. "I knew things would be ok when Pop talked to her." Rob nodded, flicking a towel at her, "Guess we go to school tomorrow, figures, now I have to study." Taking a towel to Rob, she chased her brother through the kitchen and into the family room, where Laurie and Rick found them when they came in. "Ok, you two, want to go for a ride, I think Chief and Cloud need some exercise.", she said. "All right! Pop, you'll come too, won't you?" Robin added, to Rick's discomfort. "You just want to see Fire give me a sore seat, don't you?" he grumbled, seeing Rob try to hide a grin. As the kids ran out the door to saddle the horses, he made a face at his wife, saying "If I get tossed, you get to carry me this time!" Giggling, she promised, "If you get tossed, we'll all lug you home!"
The next day, A.J. had the dubious pleasure of his brother moaning and groaning around the office, complaining about all the bruises he had due to his "strenuous" afternoon off. When Rick limped downstairs to fetch a soda from the machine, his little brother turned to Laurie and complained, "Why did you have him go riding, he always acts like you tortured him!" She laughed, "Don't blame me, your niece and nephew raced him back to the barn and I think Fire found every bump in the road. I'm just glad he didn't get tossed on his tush!"
"Oh, I'll be sure to thank them at Christmas, with some coal in their stockings!" he returned. Just as Rick came back in, the phone rang, and Laurie automatically answered it "Simon and Simon Investigations."
"Ms. Scott? My dear, I'm looking forward to seeing you soon.", a familiar voice replied.
Click.