Chapter 3
Arriving back at the ranch, Robert and Robin greeted Rick by enveloping him in a hug, bringing him nearly to tears. Clearing his throat and walking inside, he sat them down and explained to them about the attack and why their Mom was still with Willowby. When he told them how she had slipped him her ring and his promise to come back for her, Robin broke into tears and ran from the room. Robert looked at her retreating figure, then burst out angrily "How can he do such a horrible thing, Mom's not a piece of property, she's a person! I'd like to go and smash his face!"
Rick put an arm around him and said, "Rob, he's a selfish ego maniac who believes he can do anything. We've got to stay calm and try to find his trail. Now, the best thing you can do is help your Uncle A.J. with those property records he's looking through, ok. If we can find any property Willowby's purchased in the area, we'll be halfway to bringing your Mom home." Robert reluctantly got up and joined A.J. at the dining room table, where he helped sort title pages.
Rick took a deep breath, then went to Robin's door and knocked. "Honey, can I come in?" There was a moment of silence, then a muffled, "Yes." He opened the door to find his daughter on her bed, face buried in a pillow. Rick sat down next to her, then pulled the distraught girl over and comforted her. When her sobs quieted, he said, "Honey, it's hard to be the one left behind when someone's in danger. You've got to stay calm, though, your mom and I are going to need all the support you can give us, ok?" Robin lifted her head and nodded, saying "I'm sorry, Pop, I feel so bad, especially when I see what that horrible man did to you." Jumping up, she wiped her tears away and said, "You need Doc to look at your forehead, that cut doesn't look so good." Touched by her concern over the gash from the ambush, Rick allowed her to clean the wound, then cover it with a larger bandage that made him feel like a prizefighter. Leading Robin out to join her brother with the paper search, they met Steve Austin coming in the front door, escorting Cecilia.
Rick felt a load off his mind when, after greeting her sons and grandchildren, she set to work in the kitchen making sure they had coffee and food to keep them going. Cecelia was emphatic that they would find her daughter-in-law, a point strengthened when Steve took Rick aside and told him he had finally "heard" Laurie after so many hours. "She's really dizzy, Rick, and hard to read. From what I can tell, Willowby has been forcing sedatives on her. She's been sick to her stomach since you were taken away, and she's afraid that maniac will take her out of the country, he said she would get used to him better if she was in a more "exotic place". Rick swore at that idea, then looked at the big man. "Any idea how far away she is?"
Steve nodded. "She's only about an hour or so away, I got a stronger sense of her as we passed the turnoff to Tempe. Did she turn her watch on?"
"Yes, as a matter of fact that's when I figured she was trying to tell me not to believe anything she said in front of that crazy, she pointed at her watch", Rick replied. "Can you call and see if the OSI can pin-point her whereabouts?"
"Sure, give me the extension.", Steve punched in a number and after fulfilling his security clearance test, requested one of the cryptographers to trace Laurie's signal.
Within the hour, the focus was now on the RockRidge estates in the hill section of Tempe, which real estate title plans showed had been purchased by one of Willowby's holding companies. Chief Joseph called around midnight, saying he had news and was coming immediately.
His sense of urgency gave a shot of adrenalin to the searchers, especially when he walked in and said, "I know where Light is being kept, and I know how we can get her out."
"Ok, Chief, where is she?", Rick asked impatiently. The elder looked at him, then smiled and said, "She's in a mansion next to the RockRidge development, an old friend of mine, August Livingston has been invited to hear her speak this morning. The invitation came by way of the Indian Studies program at the University from an Horace Appleby, supposedly a wealthy alumnus." August has offered to have one of you go in his place, which would allow the rest of us to cause a diversion."
Rick let out a sigh of relief. "Chief, that's the best news I've heard all day. What I need now is a disguise so I can look like your friend." "Wait a minute,", A.J. interrupted him, "Willowby hasn't seen me all that close, it would be safer if I went as Professor Livingston."
Before an argument could break out, Chief Joseph held up a hand.
"I think, A.J., you should realize that August Livingston is a tall man like your brother, speaks with a Scottish accent, and has a reputation with the ladies. I believe, Rick, you've done a similar accent, and, well, you would be above suspicion if you get close to Light."
The older Simon smiled for the first time since the attack, and told Steve, "Let Laurie know her old friend Professor Livingston is coming to see her."
Later that morning, on the drive to Tempe, Rick rehearsed greeting Horace "Appleby", as A.J. fussed with the gray wig and sideburns that kept on curling up. Steve had gone ahead to the airport, as Dr. Rudy Wells and his assistant Linda had insisted on flying in to help find Laurie.
They were to meet at the bottom of the hill leading to GreyManor, the mansion where "Dr. Livingston" was expected at 10:00 am.
Suddenly their transmitter went off, and A.J. leaned forward between the seats to answer it. "Steve, did Rudy and Linda get in on time?" The speaker crackled "Yeah, he's with me now, Linda's gone on ahead to be with your mom and the kids; we'll be at RockRidge in 10 minutes. We'll rendezvous with you at 9:45 am." "See you there", A.J. signed off, then turned to Rob, who had insisted on driving. "Think we can make it by then?" "Only if you guys pay the ticket, "the sheriff deadpanned, turning the speed up a bit. He looked in his rear view mirror and waved at the police car pacing them, as Rick shook his head and grinned. "Who'd have guessed we could get Captain Ron to help us, it's not even his jurisdiction!" Rob chuckled. "Blame it on the guy liking your wife's books, I had no idea he was a fan until he told me his kids made him read "Rainbird" every night for a month."
The smile disappeared off Rick's face; he still was apprehensive about meeting up with his would-be killer, Steve had already relayed that Laurie had managed to ditch the pill Willowby had insisted be served with her breakfast, so she would have a some-what clearer head. She had "Pictured" to him the rear entrance to the mansion and the layout as far as she had seen, He glanced at his brother, who put a hand on his shoulder. "It's going to work, Rick, don't worry. Just get Laurie started on one of her stories and we'll give you the signal to get out of there."
Arriving at the foot of the RockRidge complex, the three men waited until several cars had passed them, before climbing out of the sheriffs car and joining Steve and Dr. Wells. Steve had obtained a limousine, and A.J., now dressed as a a chauffeur, was going to take Rick up the hill to GreyManor.
"All right, Steve, once we're inside, make sure no one else comes up the hill, so the Captain can bring his back up from Tempe PD in.", A.J. said, tugging on his tie.
Rudy turned to Rick, who was making sure his sideburns were still on. "Remember, son, Laurie may be pretty weak from the sedatives in her system, so if she makes a mistake or something, just stay calm and get her out of there as soon as you can." Rick nodded. "I'm not worried about her, Rudy, I just want to get her back and then finish Willowby off once and for all." Captain Ron came up just in time to hear the last part and interrupted.
"Simon, that's not what's going to happen, you're going to rescue Mrs. Simon, then you and your family are going to get out of the way so we can take Mr. Willowby back into custody." Rick stared at him, then reluctantly, "Alright, Captain."
"Fine, now, it's 10:00, you go on up and have your brother signal us, I have two cars just off the highway ready to go.", the policeman said, checking his watch.
A.J. gave Rick his cane, and both brothers climbed into the Limo and turned onto the private drive.
Taking in the homes lining the narrow road, Rick slipped into his dialect and said "Hoot, mon, this isss a verry prosperous town you got here, laddie". His brother stifled a laugh and replied, "Not so heavy, "August", he's been at the university for over 20 years according to the Chief." As they came to the gates of the old mansion, a security guard approached the car, then seeing the invitation A.J. presented, peered inside and waved them through.
Pulling up to the covered entry, A.J. came around the car, and escorted "August" to the door. As he pretended to flick a piece of fuzz off Rick's jacket, he tapped the Transmitter to turn it on. Turning away, he whispered, "testing, can you hear me?" "Yes, laddie, ye coming in clear.", came the retort, as Rick turned and shook off the butler's arm to hobble into the entrance.
Once inside, he nodded genially to the small crowd of professors and scholars that had been asked to the reception, then focused his gaze on the dais in the center of the hall. Willowby had changed his wire-rim glasses for tortoise shell, and had a fake hairpiece of his own, but had otherwise done little to disguise himself from his fugitive posters. Laurie was seated on his left, wearing a faux buckskin outfit and as he fixed his gaze on her, she looked up and seemingly froze. He immediately made his way to her, as she stood up and came toward him, Willowby trailing after her.
"Professor Livingston, it's so good to see you again!" she exclaimed, her eyes bright. He went to hug her, and turning her away from the little maniac, embraced her, whispering in her ear, "I'm here, darling, hang on, I won't let go". She let out a breath, then replied softly, "I love you, just tell me what to do."
Kissing Laurie ceremoniously on the cheek, he winked at Willowby's sudden frown and offering his other hand, said "Mr. Appleby, a rrrreal pleasure to make your aquaintance, sirrah. I admire your taste in authors, parrrticularly when it's one of my favorite students." Willowby was clearly surprised and leaned forward, saying "Professor, I had no idea you had so much to do with Ms. Scott's work".
"Oh, yes, Horace, the Professor helped inspire some of my best work, especially,..", she looked at Rick, as if for a clue. "Why, my dear, the Ma Barker story, one of the most moving, I might say!", he added, then taking Laurie's arm, he asked "Mr. Appleby, might we have Ms. Laurie tell this little-known tale. It is a true testament to the power," he paused looking at his wife, "of love." She squeezed his hand, then nodding to the very interested Willowby, let Rick lead her from the dais to a chair near the foot of the steps.
Settling himself next to her, Rick whispered, "Story Time." into the transmitter. Laurie glanced sideways at him, then began her story. As her audience became in enthralled in the story of the outlaw mother and the Mother-to-be, he noticed Willowby whispering something to one of his attendants. Fearful that something might tipped him off, Rick waited until Laurie paused, then pressed her hand. Imperceptibly she nodded, and condensed the tale to highlight the change of heart by Ma Barker into sparing Kasey Adams, then ended it with her rescue. As the small crowd burst into applause, she stood up, then as Willowby started to approach her, she swayed, then putting a hand to her mouth, said, "I don't feel good, excuse me, please."
Gallantly, Rick also stood and led her toward the front of the room, as if to help her to the bathroom. Under his breath he told her, "Sweetheart, whatever you do, don't stop."
As the assembled throng parted for her, he heard Willowby call, "my dear, wait a moment!" and saw two of his men moving toward the entrance. He whispered, "Steve, now.", and immediately heard a boom, then saw the front doors burst open. Quickly he boomed out "Fire! Everybody out!", and as if to lead the way, put his arm around Laurie and rushed the front.
He heard Willowby yelling "Stop them!" above the noise of all the professors and faculty running behind them.
Running out of the entryway and pulling Laurie down the steps, he felt her slip and only his arm around her kept her upright. "Rick!", she gasped, "My ankle, I can't.run!".
Immediately, he swept up in his arms, only to have Steve Austin come around the side of the house and seeing them, start running interference, knocking aside two of Willowby's henchmen in the process.
Running past the police cars that now covered the driveway, they approached the sheriff's van, where Rudy slid open the door and called, "Over here." Laurie sighed with relief when she saw the doctor, then suddenly said, "Darling, is A.J. here?"
Rick looked at Steve, "Did you see my brother in that melee." Steve frowned, "Yeah, he and Rob were chasing Willowby the last time I saw them."
Panicked, Rick lifted his wife into the van, "Rudy, take care of Laurie, I've got to find them." She reached out her hand to Rick, "Rick, be careful, come back to me, please." He leaned down and kissing her, said, "I'll be right back, I promise. Steve, can you stay with her, just in case." He nodded, "She'll be safe with us, just go find the guys."
Running back up the drive, he passed Captain Ron, who yelled "come back here, Simon!" Not stopping, he called back, "Got to find my brother and the sheriff!", and kept going until he reached the side of the mansion.
Going in the side entrance, he heard a commotion upstairs and went in to see his brother dangling from the second floor balustrade as Willowby kicked at his hands. Pulling his gun, Rick yelled "get away from him" and fired a shot above the fugitive's head. Startled, Willowby backed away from the rail, only to grab a staff from a set of knights armor and rush down the stairs with it. Rick saw at once he was heading towards Rob, who was lying dazed on the first flight of stairs, so he shot again at the millionaire, causing him to miss his target.
Distracted, he turned and raced back up the stairs, with Rick right behind him. Seeing A.J. pulling himself halfway over the railing, Willowby rushed at him, aiming to knock him over. Rick leveled his revolver again, only to have the maniac whip around and knock him down. Turning back toward A.J., he grinned and said "first you, then your brother, then I own her for good!"
"No!", Rick shouted, coming to his feet and leaping toward him, only to hear a shot, and see the madman drop in his tracks, then pitch over the rail and land below.
Reaching over to pull his brother to safety, Rick looked down to see Captain Ron holstering his gun, then examining Willowby's body. Heaving a sigh of relief, he helped A.J. down the stairs, where they found the sheriff getting to his feet. "Rob, are you ok?," the older Simon asked, "Yeah, only thing wrong with me is stupidity," he answered, rubbing his jaw. "I fell for his fake surrender, and he sucker-punched me. I saw him knock A.J. over the balcony, then one of his goons threw me down the stairs." Rick grinned with relief, "Nothing stupid about dealing with a maniac, Rob." Turning toward the Phoenix chief, he stuck out his hand and said, "Thanks, Captain, we owe you one." Embarrassed, Captain Ron shook both their hands, then admitted, "You were right, Simon, uh, Rick, this guy was pure evil. He tried to shoot two of my men in the back, and I wasn't going to let the third time be the charm." Looking down, he said, "You don't owe me, just go take care of your wife, she's one brave lady."
Rick gratefully thanked him again, then rushed back outside to find Laurie. Coming to the van, he saw Rudy and Steve step outside with the Chief and he ran over to them.
"Rudy, is she going to be all right?", he panted, trying to peer past him. The doctor smiled, "Rick, she's going to be fine, but she has to take it easy for a few days. I gave her something for her upset stomach and to counter-act the drugs they've been giving her. I want to get her into the hospital so I can run some blood work, just make sure there no toxicidity in her system. Laurie also has a sprained right ankle, but see if you can calm her down, she's scared that monster's going to kill you or A.J."
Rick grinned, "You're not going to have to worry about that maniac again. Captain Ron shot him before he could kill A.J., he'll never terrorize anyone again."
Both Steve and Rudy sighed, "Thank God, that's a relief," the doctor said, " Now go to your wife, Steve and I'll sit up front with the Chief, we'll see if we can take her to the clinic at Silver Rock."
Opening the door of the van, Rick saw Laurie lying on a reclining seat, her foot wrapped with ice. She had her hands over her face, shaking with sobs.
"Sweetheart, it's all right, I'm here, I won't leave you." She lowered her hands, dazed, and stared at him. "Rick, oh darling, thank God,"she whispered, as he embraced her and covered her with kisses. She put her arms around him and as the van began to move, nestled her head against his shoulder.
"My love, I knew you'd keep your promise, I was so afraid when Willowby told me that he killed you. I had to pretend I could forgive him, when I wanted to kill him on the spot."
Rick pulled out a Kleenex so she could blow her nose as she said, "You know, I'm so grateful to Steve, when I could finally make sense, he told me that Willowby had failed, that you were alive." Rick stroked her hair, and told her how the bomb was discovered in time. "What did he tell you, darlin', to make you think you had to stay?" He saw her lips quiver, then pull a picture out of her pocket. "This, this photo, oh, Rick, he's had people watching us for over a month now." He looked down at a shot of Robin and Robert coming home for the weekend. "When I came to, he was standing there, saying he had a proposition for me. He kept smirking at me, saying if I didn't make you go away, he'd take Rob and Robin and I'd never see them or you again. He said it was, "she exhaled, "even exchange."
Swearing under his breath, he put his arms around her and comforting her, said, "My brave girl, you'll never have to fear him again. Captain Ron shot him to save A.J." He felt her relax, then she said, "So much of what happened feels like a bad dream,
I thought I was going to lose my mind, but I kept seeing your face as you left, and I heard you say you'd come back for me. That's what kept me going, darling, your promise."
Moved almost to tears himself, Rick took her wedding ring off his pinky, then holding her hand, slid it back on her finger. "Here's my promise again, sweetheart," he said, as he kissed her.
By the time the sheriff's van arrived in Silver Rock, Laurie had dozed off in his arms. Not wanting to wake her, Rudy went into the emergency room to alert Doc Walker, then had Rick carry her in . She stirred when Doc removed the ice pack on her ankle to examine it, and when she opened her eyes, Rick was careful to be in her line of sight. For a moment Laurie was confused, "Rick, what happened, oh..", she put a hand to her head, remembering. He took her other hand in his, saying, "I'm here, sweetheart, we're at the clinic in Silver Rock. Doc and Rudy just want to check you out. How do you feel?"
"Kind of groggy, at least my stomach settled down. Rick, the kids!", she started up abruptly, and he had to push her back down. "Laurie, honey, Rob and Robin are fine, you need to take it easy." She nodded, looking at the i.v.'s hooked up to her arm. "Do you want some water, Doc is looking at your tests but he said if you got thirsty." Laurie gazed up him, "Darling, I could use some water."
Rick lifted her up so she could sip through a straw, then she put her free arm around him and kissed him. "I love you, Rick, I now know the hardest thing I've ever had to do was let them take you away from me." Looking away from him, she admitted, "I don't know if I could do it again, so awful.." "Shh, it's over, darlin', " he interrupted her, pulling her into his arms and stroking her hair. "I won't ever let it happen. "
She smiled up at him, "I'll hold you to that, Mr. Simon." In the middle of kissing her again Rudy came in, followed by Doc Walker. "All right you two, wait until you get home." Doc laughed. Rudy looked at them and then told Doc, "You'll be lucky if they wait until we leave the room."
Rick and Laurie blushed then he complained, "We've got teenagers at home, I've got to kiss her someplace".
Amid the laughter, Doc said, "Speaking of kids, yours and your Mom are waiting outside. I told them they could come in for a minute after I talked to you." He pulled up a chair and said, "Rudy and I looked at your tests, Laurie, and I think most of the sedatives you were given are out of your system. I want you to stay here tonight, just to make sure you don't have any bad reactions. You have a sprained right ankle, so we'll just use ice and heat to treat it. Otherwise," he smiled, I don't see why you can't go home in the morning."
"Thank you both, " she said, as she hugged the two doctors. Doc went out and returned with both Robert and Robin in tow, followed by Cecilia. As all three embraced Laurie and then Rick, Rudy excused himself and went out to the corridor. The older Simon followed him and found his brother with Linda, Rob, Steve and Chief Joseph. Rudy turned and told him, "I think it's better if Laurie is in familiar surroundings as soon as possible. She's still dehydrated, but what I'm concerned about is her emotional state, like nightmares. Just be as patient as you can with her, Linda and I are staying over tonight and we'll check on her in the morning."
"Thanks, Rudy, you don't know how I appreciate you taking care of her, heck, of all of us.", he said, realizing how much this man meant to them.
The doctor shook his head, "Rick, you guys are my family, I just want to make sure our girl is all right."
After seeing that A.J. and Steve were going to have dinner and bunk with the Chief, Rick went back in to see how Laurie was.
He found his Mom had talked her into drinking some soup, while Rob and Robin had settled in next to her and were telling her how they had helped the vet with their brood mare, who was due to give birth. They had also brought some clothes for her to change into, as she was adamant she would not wear Willowby's clothes another second.
She looked up with a smile, "There's my brave Scotsman, you guys should have heard him, he was fantastic!" Rick drew himself up and replied "Thank ye, ma brave lassie, I dinna think I was so bad meself!" Both teens fell off the bed laughing as Laurie and Cecilia giggled.
The next day, Laurie remarked she felt like a princess with so many people seeing her home. With A.J. driving, Steve, Rick and Rudy helped lift her into the sheriff's van with Linda, while Rob drove Cecilia, Robert, Robin, and Chief Joseph on ahead to the ranch.
On the way home, she involuntarily glanced at the spot where she and Rich had been ambushed. Rick followed her gaze and put an arm around her. "It's all right, darlin', we should have the truck back in a couple of days, those tires were kinda worn anyway. " "I'm glad, Rick, I love that silly truck", she teased, glancing up at him."
"Silly, my truck is silly? Laurie, trucks are supposed to be manly, rugged, hard working, not silly!", he told her, as the others laughed.
Once they came within sight of the ranch, Rick felt his throat tighten with emotion. No place ever looked better, and for the first time in nearly five years he realized how much he loved the place. Suddenly he felt Laurie grip his hand, and looking down saw her gazing at their house. He squeezed back, and as she lifted her eyes to his, he said, "we're home, darling, home to stay."
Arriving back at the ranch, Robert and Robin greeted Rick by enveloping him in a hug, bringing him nearly to tears. Clearing his throat and walking inside, he sat them down and explained to them about the attack and why their Mom was still with Willowby. When he told them how she had slipped him her ring and his promise to come back for her, Robin broke into tears and ran from the room. Robert looked at her retreating figure, then burst out angrily "How can he do such a horrible thing, Mom's not a piece of property, she's a person! I'd like to go and smash his face!"
Rick put an arm around him and said, "Rob, he's a selfish ego maniac who believes he can do anything. We've got to stay calm and try to find his trail. Now, the best thing you can do is help your Uncle A.J. with those property records he's looking through, ok. If we can find any property Willowby's purchased in the area, we'll be halfway to bringing your Mom home." Robert reluctantly got up and joined A.J. at the dining room table, where he helped sort title pages.
Rick took a deep breath, then went to Robin's door and knocked. "Honey, can I come in?" There was a moment of silence, then a muffled, "Yes." He opened the door to find his daughter on her bed, face buried in a pillow. Rick sat down next to her, then pulled the distraught girl over and comforted her. When her sobs quieted, he said, "Honey, it's hard to be the one left behind when someone's in danger. You've got to stay calm, though, your mom and I are going to need all the support you can give us, ok?" Robin lifted her head and nodded, saying "I'm sorry, Pop, I feel so bad, especially when I see what that horrible man did to you." Jumping up, she wiped her tears away and said, "You need Doc to look at your forehead, that cut doesn't look so good." Touched by her concern over the gash from the ambush, Rick allowed her to clean the wound, then cover it with a larger bandage that made him feel like a prizefighter. Leading Robin out to join her brother with the paper search, they met Steve Austin coming in the front door, escorting Cecilia.
Rick felt a load off his mind when, after greeting her sons and grandchildren, she set to work in the kitchen making sure they had coffee and food to keep them going. Cecelia was emphatic that they would find her daughter-in-law, a point strengthened when Steve took Rick aside and told him he had finally "heard" Laurie after so many hours. "She's really dizzy, Rick, and hard to read. From what I can tell, Willowby has been forcing sedatives on her. She's been sick to her stomach since you were taken away, and she's afraid that maniac will take her out of the country, he said she would get used to him better if she was in a more "exotic place". Rick swore at that idea, then looked at the big man. "Any idea how far away she is?"
Steve nodded. "She's only about an hour or so away, I got a stronger sense of her as we passed the turnoff to Tempe. Did she turn her watch on?"
"Yes, as a matter of fact that's when I figured she was trying to tell me not to believe anything she said in front of that crazy, she pointed at her watch", Rick replied. "Can you call and see if the OSI can pin-point her whereabouts?"
"Sure, give me the extension.", Steve punched in a number and after fulfilling his security clearance test, requested one of the cryptographers to trace Laurie's signal.
Within the hour, the focus was now on the RockRidge estates in the hill section of Tempe, which real estate title plans showed had been purchased by one of Willowby's holding companies. Chief Joseph called around midnight, saying he had news and was coming immediately.
His sense of urgency gave a shot of adrenalin to the searchers, especially when he walked in and said, "I know where Light is being kept, and I know how we can get her out."
"Ok, Chief, where is she?", Rick asked impatiently. The elder looked at him, then smiled and said, "She's in a mansion next to the RockRidge development, an old friend of mine, August Livingston has been invited to hear her speak this morning. The invitation came by way of the Indian Studies program at the University from an Horace Appleby, supposedly a wealthy alumnus." August has offered to have one of you go in his place, which would allow the rest of us to cause a diversion."
Rick let out a sigh of relief. "Chief, that's the best news I've heard all day. What I need now is a disguise so I can look like your friend." "Wait a minute,", A.J. interrupted him, "Willowby hasn't seen me all that close, it would be safer if I went as Professor Livingston."
Before an argument could break out, Chief Joseph held up a hand.
"I think, A.J., you should realize that August Livingston is a tall man like your brother, speaks with a Scottish accent, and has a reputation with the ladies. I believe, Rick, you've done a similar accent, and, well, you would be above suspicion if you get close to Light."
The older Simon smiled for the first time since the attack, and told Steve, "Let Laurie know her old friend Professor Livingston is coming to see her."
Later that morning, on the drive to Tempe, Rick rehearsed greeting Horace "Appleby", as A.J. fussed with the gray wig and sideburns that kept on curling up. Steve had gone ahead to the airport, as Dr. Rudy Wells and his assistant Linda had insisted on flying in to help find Laurie.
They were to meet at the bottom of the hill leading to GreyManor, the mansion where "Dr. Livingston" was expected at 10:00 am.
Suddenly their transmitter went off, and A.J. leaned forward between the seats to answer it. "Steve, did Rudy and Linda get in on time?" The speaker crackled "Yeah, he's with me now, Linda's gone on ahead to be with your mom and the kids; we'll be at RockRidge in 10 minutes. We'll rendezvous with you at 9:45 am." "See you there", A.J. signed off, then turned to Rob, who had insisted on driving. "Think we can make it by then?" "Only if you guys pay the ticket, "the sheriff deadpanned, turning the speed up a bit. He looked in his rear view mirror and waved at the police car pacing them, as Rick shook his head and grinned. "Who'd have guessed we could get Captain Ron to help us, it's not even his jurisdiction!" Rob chuckled. "Blame it on the guy liking your wife's books, I had no idea he was a fan until he told me his kids made him read "Rainbird" every night for a month."
The smile disappeared off Rick's face; he still was apprehensive about meeting up with his would-be killer, Steve had already relayed that Laurie had managed to ditch the pill Willowby had insisted be served with her breakfast, so she would have a some-what clearer head. She had "Pictured" to him the rear entrance to the mansion and the layout as far as she had seen, He glanced at his brother, who put a hand on his shoulder. "It's going to work, Rick, don't worry. Just get Laurie started on one of her stories and we'll give you the signal to get out of there."
Arriving at the foot of the RockRidge complex, the three men waited until several cars had passed them, before climbing out of the sheriffs car and joining Steve and Dr. Wells. Steve had obtained a limousine, and A.J., now dressed as a a chauffeur, was going to take Rick up the hill to GreyManor.
"All right, Steve, once we're inside, make sure no one else comes up the hill, so the Captain can bring his back up from Tempe PD in.", A.J. said, tugging on his tie.
Rudy turned to Rick, who was making sure his sideburns were still on. "Remember, son, Laurie may be pretty weak from the sedatives in her system, so if she makes a mistake or something, just stay calm and get her out of there as soon as you can." Rick nodded. "I'm not worried about her, Rudy, I just want to get her back and then finish Willowby off once and for all." Captain Ron came up just in time to hear the last part and interrupted.
"Simon, that's not what's going to happen, you're going to rescue Mrs. Simon, then you and your family are going to get out of the way so we can take Mr. Willowby back into custody." Rick stared at him, then reluctantly, "Alright, Captain."
"Fine, now, it's 10:00, you go on up and have your brother signal us, I have two cars just off the highway ready to go.", the policeman said, checking his watch.
A.J. gave Rick his cane, and both brothers climbed into the Limo and turned onto the private drive.
Taking in the homes lining the narrow road, Rick slipped into his dialect and said "Hoot, mon, this isss a verry prosperous town you got here, laddie". His brother stifled a laugh and replied, "Not so heavy, "August", he's been at the university for over 20 years according to the Chief." As they came to the gates of the old mansion, a security guard approached the car, then seeing the invitation A.J. presented, peered inside and waved them through.
Pulling up to the covered entry, A.J. came around the car, and escorted "August" to the door. As he pretended to flick a piece of fuzz off Rick's jacket, he tapped the Transmitter to turn it on. Turning away, he whispered, "testing, can you hear me?" "Yes, laddie, ye coming in clear.", came the retort, as Rick turned and shook off the butler's arm to hobble into the entrance.
Once inside, he nodded genially to the small crowd of professors and scholars that had been asked to the reception, then focused his gaze on the dais in the center of the hall. Willowby had changed his wire-rim glasses for tortoise shell, and had a fake hairpiece of his own, but had otherwise done little to disguise himself from his fugitive posters. Laurie was seated on his left, wearing a faux buckskin outfit and as he fixed his gaze on her, she looked up and seemingly froze. He immediately made his way to her, as she stood up and came toward him, Willowby trailing after her.
"Professor Livingston, it's so good to see you again!" she exclaimed, her eyes bright. He went to hug her, and turning her away from the little maniac, embraced her, whispering in her ear, "I'm here, darling, hang on, I won't let go". She let out a breath, then replied softly, "I love you, just tell me what to do."
Kissing Laurie ceremoniously on the cheek, he winked at Willowby's sudden frown and offering his other hand, said "Mr. Appleby, a rrrreal pleasure to make your aquaintance, sirrah. I admire your taste in authors, parrrticularly when it's one of my favorite students." Willowby was clearly surprised and leaned forward, saying "Professor, I had no idea you had so much to do with Ms. Scott's work".
"Oh, yes, Horace, the Professor helped inspire some of my best work, especially,..", she looked at Rick, as if for a clue. "Why, my dear, the Ma Barker story, one of the most moving, I might say!", he added, then taking Laurie's arm, he asked "Mr. Appleby, might we have Ms. Laurie tell this little-known tale. It is a true testament to the power," he paused looking at his wife, "of love." She squeezed his hand, then nodding to the very interested Willowby, let Rick lead her from the dais to a chair near the foot of the steps.
Settling himself next to her, Rick whispered, "Story Time." into the transmitter. Laurie glanced sideways at him, then began her story. As her audience became in enthralled in the story of the outlaw mother and the Mother-to-be, he noticed Willowby whispering something to one of his attendants. Fearful that something might tipped him off, Rick waited until Laurie paused, then pressed her hand. Imperceptibly she nodded, and condensed the tale to highlight the change of heart by Ma Barker into sparing Kasey Adams, then ended it with her rescue. As the small crowd burst into applause, she stood up, then as Willowby started to approach her, she swayed, then putting a hand to her mouth, said, "I don't feel good, excuse me, please."
Gallantly, Rick also stood and led her toward the front of the room, as if to help her to the bathroom. Under his breath he told her, "Sweetheart, whatever you do, don't stop."
As the assembled throng parted for her, he heard Willowby call, "my dear, wait a moment!" and saw two of his men moving toward the entrance. He whispered, "Steve, now.", and immediately heard a boom, then saw the front doors burst open. Quickly he boomed out "Fire! Everybody out!", and as if to lead the way, put his arm around Laurie and rushed the front.
He heard Willowby yelling "Stop them!" above the noise of all the professors and faculty running behind them.
Running out of the entryway and pulling Laurie down the steps, he felt her slip and only his arm around her kept her upright. "Rick!", she gasped, "My ankle, I can't.run!".
Immediately, he swept up in his arms, only to have Steve Austin come around the side of the house and seeing them, start running interference, knocking aside two of Willowby's henchmen in the process.
Running past the police cars that now covered the driveway, they approached the sheriff's van, where Rudy slid open the door and called, "Over here." Laurie sighed with relief when she saw the doctor, then suddenly said, "Darling, is A.J. here?"
Rick looked at Steve, "Did you see my brother in that melee." Steve frowned, "Yeah, he and Rob were chasing Willowby the last time I saw them."
Panicked, Rick lifted his wife into the van, "Rudy, take care of Laurie, I've got to find them." She reached out her hand to Rick, "Rick, be careful, come back to me, please." He leaned down and kissing her, said, "I'll be right back, I promise. Steve, can you stay with her, just in case." He nodded, "She'll be safe with us, just go find the guys."
Running back up the drive, he passed Captain Ron, who yelled "come back here, Simon!" Not stopping, he called back, "Got to find my brother and the sheriff!", and kept going until he reached the side of the mansion.
Going in the side entrance, he heard a commotion upstairs and went in to see his brother dangling from the second floor balustrade as Willowby kicked at his hands. Pulling his gun, Rick yelled "get away from him" and fired a shot above the fugitive's head. Startled, Willowby backed away from the rail, only to grab a staff from a set of knights armor and rush down the stairs with it. Rick saw at once he was heading towards Rob, who was lying dazed on the first flight of stairs, so he shot again at the millionaire, causing him to miss his target.
Distracted, he turned and raced back up the stairs, with Rick right behind him. Seeing A.J. pulling himself halfway over the railing, Willowby rushed at him, aiming to knock him over. Rick leveled his revolver again, only to have the maniac whip around and knock him down. Turning back toward A.J., he grinned and said "first you, then your brother, then I own her for good!"
"No!", Rick shouted, coming to his feet and leaping toward him, only to hear a shot, and see the madman drop in his tracks, then pitch over the rail and land below.
Reaching over to pull his brother to safety, Rick looked down to see Captain Ron holstering his gun, then examining Willowby's body. Heaving a sigh of relief, he helped A.J. down the stairs, where they found the sheriff getting to his feet. "Rob, are you ok?," the older Simon asked, "Yeah, only thing wrong with me is stupidity," he answered, rubbing his jaw. "I fell for his fake surrender, and he sucker-punched me. I saw him knock A.J. over the balcony, then one of his goons threw me down the stairs." Rick grinned with relief, "Nothing stupid about dealing with a maniac, Rob." Turning toward the Phoenix chief, he stuck out his hand and said, "Thanks, Captain, we owe you one." Embarrassed, Captain Ron shook both their hands, then admitted, "You were right, Simon, uh, Rick, this guy was pure evil. He tried to shoot two of my men in the back, and I wasn't going to let the third time be the charm." Looking down, he said, "You don't owe me, just go take care of your wife, she's one brave lady."
Rick gratefully thanked him again, then rushed back outside to find Laurie. Coming to the van, he saw Rudy and Steve step outside with the Chief and he ran over to them.
"Rudy, is she going to be all right?", he panted, trying to peer past him. The doctor smiled, "Rick, she's going to be fine, but she has to take it easy for a few days. I gave her something for her upset stomach and to counter-act the drugs they've been giving her. I want to get her into the hospital so I can run some blood work, just make sure there no toxicidity in her system. Laurie also has a sprained right ankle, but see if you can calm her down, she's scared that monster's going to kill you or A.J."
Rick grinned, "You're not going to have to worry about that maniac again. Captain Ron shot him before he could kill A.J., he'll never terrorize anyone again."
Both Steve and Rudy sighed, "Thank God, that's a relief," the doctor said, " Now go to your wife, Steve and I'll sit up front with the Chief, we'll see if we can take her to the clinic at Silver Rock."
Opening the door of the van, Rick saw Laurie lying on a reclining seat, her foot wrapped with ice. She had her hands over her face, shaking with sobs.
"Sweetheart, it's all right, I'm here, I won't leave you." She lowered her hands, dazed, and stared at him. "Rick, oh darling, thank God,"she whispered, as he embraced her and covered her with kisses. She put her arms around him and as the van began to move, nestled her head against his shoulder.
"My love, I knew you'd keep your promise, I was so afraid when Willowby told me that he killed you. I had to pretend I could forgive him, when I wanted to kill him on the spot."
Rick pulled out a Kleenex so she could blow her nose as she said, "You know, I'm so grateful to Steve, when I could finally make sense, he told me that Willowby had failed, that you were alive." Rick stroked her hair, and told her how the bomb was discovered in time. "What did he tell you, darlin', to make you think you had to stay?" He saw her lips quiver, then pull a picture out of her pocket. "This, this photo, oh, Rick, he's had people watching us for over a month now." He looked down at a shot of Robin and Robert coming home for the weekend. "When I came to, he was standing there, saying he had a proposition for me. He kept smirking at me, saying if I didn't make you go away, he'd take Rob and Robin and I'd never see them or you again. He said it was, "she exhaled, "even exchange."
Swearing under his breath, he put his arms around her and comforting her, said, "My brave girl, you'll never have to fear him again. Captain Ron shot him to save A.J." He felt her relax, then she said, "So much of what happened feels like a bad dream,
I thought I was going to lose my mind, but I kept seeing your face as you left, and I heard you say you'd come back for me. That's what kept me going, darling, your promise."
Moved almost to tears himself, Rick took her wedding ring off his pinky, then holding her hand, slid it back on her finger. "Here's my promise again, sweetheart," he said, as he kissed her.
By the time the sheriff's van arrived in Silver Rock, Laurie had dozed off in his arms. Not wanting to wake her, Rudy went into the emergency room to alert Doc Walker, then had Rick carry her in . She stirred when Doc removed the ice pack on her ankle to examine it, and when she opened her eyes, Rick was careful to be in her line of sight. For a moment Laurie was confused, "Rick, what happened, oh..", she put a hand to her head, remembering. He took her other hand in his, saying, "I'm here, sweetheart, we're at the clinic in Silver Rock. Doc and Rudy just want to check you out. How do you feel?"
"Kind of groggy, at least my stomach settled down. Rick, the kids!", she started up abruptly, and he had to push her back down. "Laurie, honey, Rob and Robin are fine, you need to take it easy." She nodded, looking at the i.v.'s hooked up to her arm. "Do you want some water, Doc is looking at your tests but he said if you got thirsty." Laurie gazed up him, "Darling, I could use some water."
Rick lifted her up so she could sip through a straw, then she put her free arm around him and kissed him. "I love you, Rick, I now know the hardest thing I've ever had to do was let them take you away from me." Looking away from him, she admitted, "I don't know if I could do it again, so awful.." "Shh, it's over, darlin', " he interrupted her, pulling her into his arms and stroking her hair. "I won't ever let it happen. "
She smiled up at him, "I'll hold you to that, Mr. Simon." In the middle of kissing her again Rudy came in, followed by Doc Walker. "All right you two, wait until you get home." Doc laughed. Rudy looked at them and then told Doc, "You'll be lucky if they wait until we leave the room."
Rick and Laurie blushed then he complained, "We've got teenagers at home, I've got to kiss her someplace".
Amid the laughter, Doc said, "Speaking of kids, yours and your Mom are waiting outside. I told them they could come in for a minute after I talked to you." He pulled up a chair and said, "Rudy and I looked at your tests, Laurie, and I think most of the sedatives you were given are out of your system. I want you to stay here tonight, just to make sure you don't have any bad reactions. You have a sprained right ankle, so we'll just use ice and heat to treat it. Otherwise," he smiled, I don't see why you can't go home in the morning."
"Thank you both, " she said, as she hugged the two doctors. Doc went out and returned with both Robert and Robin in tow, followed by Cecilia. As all three embraced Laurie and then Rick, Rudy excused himself and went out to the corridor. The older Simon followed him and found his brother with Linda, Rob, Steve and Chief Joseph. Rudy turned and told him, "I think it's better if Laurie is in familiar surroundings as soon as possible. She's still dehydrated, but what I'm concerned about is her emotional state, like nightmares. Just be as patient as you can with her, Linda and I are staying over tonight and we'll check on her in the morning."
"Thanks, Rudy, you don't know how I appreciate you taking care of her, heck, of all of us.", he said, realizing how much this man meant to them.
The doctor shook his head, "Rick, you guys are my family, I just want to make sure our girl is all right."
After seeing that A.J. and Steve were going to have dinner and bunk with the Chief, Rick went back in to see how Laurie was.
He found his Mom had talked her into drinking some soup, while Rob and Robin had settled in next to her and were telling her how they had helped the vet with their brood mare, who was due to give birth. They had also brought some clothes for her to change into, as she was adamant she would not wear Willowby's clothes another second.
She looked up with a smile, "There's my brave Scotsman, you guys should have heard him, he was fantastic!" Rick drew himself up and replied "Thank ye, ma brave lassie, I dinna think I was so bad meself!" Both teens fell off the bed laughing as Laurie and Cecilia giggled.
The next day, Laurie remarked she felt like a princess with so many people seeing her home. With A.J. driving, Steve, Rick and Rudy helped lift her into the sheriff's van with Linda, while Rob drove Cecilia, Robert, Robin, and Chief Joseph on ahead to the ranch.
On the way home, she involuntarily glanced at the spot where she and Rich had been ambushed. Rick followed her gaze and put an arm around her. "It's all right, darlin', we should have the truck back in a couple of days, those tires were kinda worn anyway. " "I'm glad, Rick, I love that silly truck", she teased, glancing up at him."
"Silly, my truck is silly? Laurie, trucks are supposed to be manly, rugged, hard working, not silly!", he told her, as the others laughed.
Once they came within sight of the ranch, Rick felt his throat tighten with emotion. No place ever looked better, and for the first time in nearly five years he realized how much he loved the place. Suddenly he felt Laurie grip his hand, and looking down saw her gazing at their house. He squeezed back, and as she lifted her eyes to his, he said, "we're home, darling, home to stay."