SECOND CHANCES:
STRONGER TOGETHER THEN APART.
A.J. has to work together with Rick's fiancée to solve his disappearance- can they find him in time? (This is a work of fiction. No money is being made on it, and the characters are owned by Universal and are only being borrowed for a little while.)
Chapter 1-A.J.
"Laurie, hi, it's A.J. I need to tell you some bad news".
"Laurie, hi, I need you to sit down, I have to tell you something."
A.J clicked off the receiver, totally frustrated. How, he wondered, was he going to break it to Laurie that Rick was missing, possibly dead somewhere.
No, he isn't dead; he's a prisoner somewhere on the island, probably of Madame Kahane or her "club". A.J. repeated to himself. But if Rick was alright, there was no way he wouldn't have contacted A.J, let him know where he was. And why after 2 days did he get the impression from the police that his brother was just a crime statistic, victim of a robbery or worse.
"Look, Mr. Simon, he may turn up on one of the beaches, maybe in the hospital. Go back to your hotel and leave the search to us", Captain Howard had said, steering him out the station door. He had been more then generous with his time, but still, A.J. had the feeling the chief had given up hope considering the criminals they had been investigating. He cursed the day he had taken the old man's money, and promised to look for his client's missing granddaughter. Rick had laughed at his brother's taking only a portion of their usual fee, until A.J. had told him their investigation would take them to Hawaii, and that Mr. Sagami had already paid their hotel and airfare tickets.
"Forget everything I said, little brother, about your taking assignments without checking with me, you can book our business anytime!" Rick slapped his brother on the back and went to look for his suitcase. Unspoken was the thought that a couple of weeks before it would have been scouted as a spot for his honeymoon with Laurie. He could almost picture the whole traditional honeymoon, instead of the civilized "let's put off the wedding for another six months," which was just tearing Rick apart.
A.J. realized that brought him back to how to tell Laurie and Mom that his brother might not come home. The younger Simon picked up the phone and punched in the number. Half hoping that she wouldn't answer; A.J. nonetheless steeled himself when he heard Laurie's voice.
"Hello?"
"Laurie, it's A.J. How are you?"
"Oh, A.J., it's good to hear you. I'm all right. How are you? Is Rick with you?"
He took a deep breath. "Laurie, I have something to tell you. I'm still in Hawaii, and Rick.."
"A.J., did something happen to Rick, is he hurt?" He heard the worry in her voice, knowing he was about to add to it.
"No, that is, I don't know. Rick's been missing almost 2 days, hon, he might just be following a lead but I called the police and they are searching for him now."
"Oh, god, A.J., I knew it, I knew something was wrong. Have you told Aunt Ceci?"
He felt a chill down his back. "No, not yet, I was going to see if she was home, but, wait, you said you knew something was wrong? Did you hear from Rick?"
She cleared her throat. "No, A.J., but I had an awful feeling that he was in trouble the other night, I woke up and thought I had a bad dream, but I could swear I heard him. Where are you now?"
"I'm at our hotel, I just left the Police Station and came straight back here in case Rick called, but.."
Laurie interrupted him. "Don't call Aunt Ceci, I will, just in case he tries to reach you or the police call. I'm going to call the airport and get a flight. What room are you in?"
"Wait a minute, you don't have to come, hon, I told you the police are looking for him and I'm going to retrace his steps. I'd rather you just call mom or if you want, you can fly over and stay with her." A. J. was frantic; he didn't need Laurie coming over all upset and interfering with the search.
"No, A.J., I'm going to get a flight over, just as soon as I talk to Aunt Ceci and the kids. I won't be in the way, and I just can't sit worrying about you and Rick. Now, let me have your room number and I'll make some calls." He heard her stubborn tone and sighed, he'd have to deal with Laurie later, now wasn't the time to argue.
"All right, Laurie, we're in Room 127, go ahead and call Mom, but don't do anything until I call you tonight, ok?" A.J. tried to put some authority in his tone, make sure she didn't just take off.
"Yes, A.J., now you be careful. I'll call you later", she replied, and he knew by her tone he was still the little brother, he hadn't made a dent.
Hanging up, he stared out the window. One thing's for certain, he thought, she still loves him. Enough to drop everything and come search for him.
Please, God, let him be alive for them to find.
A.J. stood scanning the crowd at the airport, mentally cursing his brother, his mom and Laurie, not necessarily in that order. He'd been on the phone non-stop for almost a day, and between checking with the police, talking to his client and wrangling with both women, he was exhausted.
Now he was at the Honolulu airport, waiting to pick up Laurie, who had stopped in San Diego to drop off her niece and nephew. She had insisted in coming, not bothering to remind A.J. that she had done investigative work before. He and Rick had both surmised that she had been involved in undercover work for the Government years ago, and Laurie herself had told them a few stories involving Steve Austin and the OSI. He didn't see how she could help, his last lead had just fizzled and the colder the trail, the more likely it seemed he would be too late to find his brother.
Not going to think that way, he told himself, watching the passengers coming out of the entryway and receiving a traditional "Lei" greeting. Suddenly he caught sight of Laurie coming thru the door, and a greeter putting the garland around her neck. He started to move toward her, only to see her start to sway, and a strange man take her arm and start to walk her the other direction. "Laurie!", he called, and pushed his way through the incoming crowd.
He saw the man who had her arm look at him then push her into a row of chairs and run down the corridor. A.J. reached Laurie and immediately tore the flowers from her neck, catching a strange, sticky odor as he tossed them to one side. He saw her taking a couple of deep breaths, trying to focus and reassured her, "It's ok, Laurie, I'm here".
"A.J., what happened, what was that smell?" She straightened up and opened her eyes, as he lifted her up and made sure she was unhurt.
"Some kind of knockout drug, gas, I don't know", he answered, "Are you alright?"
"Yeah, just woozy", she said, standing up and embracing him. "Thanks to you. Have you heard anything from the police or, or Rick?"
"Not a word, no calls, no demands, nothing. I can't help but think you shouldn't have come, Laurie, this wasn't an accident or chance attack, somebody knew you were coming and tried to kidnap you". A.J. looked around, "Hey, where did that garland go?" They both looked around and didn't see it, so he picked up her bag and taking her arm, led her thru the airport to a cab.
They made small talk until they got to the hotel and she checked into a room next to the Simons, making sure it had an adjoining door. Once inside, A.J. sat Laurie down and said, "I'll tell you what happened, Laurie, but you've got to promise me you'll stay back and let me look for Rick. I know you think you can help, but ." "But nothing, A.J., I won't promise what I can't do", she interrupted. "I know how to work on an investigation, I have a lot of experience working undercover. I'm pretty good at it, and even though it's Rick, I won't get in the way." She smiled at him. "I know you only see me as a friend, pretty good with horses and kids, but, I know how to shoot a gun, and how to defend myself and, " "Laurie, how many years has it been since you did any of these things, I mean, examined evidence, run a lead." She looked down, "When was the last time you shot at anyone, or talked someone out of shooting you. And what do you know about the crime scene in Hawaii, who runs the illegal gambling and prostitution." Laurie held up her hand. "A.J., the last time I shot someone was four years ago, to save myself and Steve Austin. I know how to negotiate and stall for time and be someone else for several days. As for Hawaii," she sighed, "I was here five years ago, at a book convention. I was undercover, and at the same time I was getting over breaking up with Steve. I had to deal with a murderer at the helm of an airplane and I got shot." She stopped, eyes wet with tears that didn't fall. It was the younger Simon's turn to look down. "I didn't know, Rick and I only guessed at what you had done the last few years, but I had no idea." He glanced back at her. "You're sure you can handle this?"
She nodded. "A.J., I can do this. Of course I won't pretend I'm not scared. I love Rick, you don't know how I've been dreading this day, knowing how dangerous your work is. But, this is what you want to do, and there is no way I would stop him or you from what you do best. Now, tell what happened, your mom said you were here searching for a missing girl."
A.J. pulled out a picture from a file, a headshot of a sultry Asian girl. "This is Jade Sagami, her grandfather reported her missing a month ago and after waiting for the police to find her, Mr. Sagami came to us for help. He had received a letter from her six weeks ago, then nothing. When he contacted her friends, they said she just didn't show up to work one day and they just assumed she went home to San Francisco. The last lead we had on her was that she went to a place called the Gentlemen's Club, supposedly to see a friend. Nobody seems to have seen her since. Rick and I retraced all her steps, Her apartment, her job, all her usual hang-outs." "What about this Gentlemen's Club, is that the place with near Waikiki?" A.J. stared at her. "Yeah, you know about it?" She grinned. "It's been around since the 60's, the Kahane Family has run it just under the radar of Five-0 and every law enforcement outfit. I've never heard of them pulling anything like this though." She studied the photo. "What if she went to work for them willingly, I mean, they tend to have a very high priced clientele." He shook his head. "Mr. Sagami swears she's never been the type to do anything like that. Of course he could be mistaken, but why the disappearing act, that's what we found suspicious.
Rick and I searched her place, everything was in order, and we found her car in its parking place, Locked, no signs of trouble. Rick was talking to some cab driver we met at the airport, and he said he picked up a girl matching Jade's description the last day she reported to work, and dropped her at the gate of the club. Three days ago, Rick and I had breakfast then he got a call from the same guy, saying he had some more info, but wanted to meet Rick somewhere private."
A.J. got up from his chair. Now was the hard part. "Rick insisted on going alone, he was afraid two of us would spook the guy. I wasn't real happy with the idea and I.. I told him he was only doing it because he was frustrated with everything. He yelled at me that he could take care of himself and his personal business just fine. Just before he went out the door I told him to be careful, to call me after he met with the guy. He just nodded and left. After several hours of silence I called the front desk to see if there was any message. Nothing. That night I started calling cab companies and found which one our source worked for. They knew whom I was calling about right away, then they told me he was Found dead on an off-road site up in the hills a couple of hours before. I called the police at that point and spoke with Captain Howard, who directed me to Homicide. I spent about 12 hours talking to them and giving them what we had. They think he took Rick someplace and dropped him off, then went to another call and was killed at that point." Laurie looked up at him, then pulled him down by his arm and embraced him. After a moment, he cleared his throat and said, "The captain thinks maybe Rick was the victim of a robbery or an accident, told me to go home and let them search for him.. I don't know, Laurie, it seems too coincidental that this guy felt ok to talk before, and then clams up except to set up a meeting with Rick." She was silent, then, "A.J., was the personal business he was frustrated about me, I mean me and the kids and not being able to decide where we would make our home?"
"I don't know, hon, I thought everything was too polite and careful and it was just bothering him that he couldn't commit to moving to Arizona. He loves you and Rob and Robin, and I know you encouraged him to consider staying in San Diego until Robin at least finished her Freshman year, but.."
"No, A.J., it went both ways", now it was her turn to get up and pace around the room. She turned and now he saw the tears running down her cheeks. "I should have been stricter with Robin, made her face the fact that any high school, small or big might be hard to deal with at first. I've always let the kids know that they were important and could have some say in deciding things that affected them. You know they are both head over heels in love with you and Aunt Ceci and Rick, it wasn't that. I just let my memories of how hard a new school could be sway me into wanting to postpone our wedding. And now, oh A.J, what if we can't find him?" Laurie sat on the sofa and put her hands over her face. A.J. put a hand on her shoulder.
"We can't talk like that, Laurie, no, I won't even think that. If we start retracing his steps, maybe with a fresh set of eyes, we might have a better chance, ok?" She wiped her eyes and nodded, "You're right, let's start with the trail of the girl, then the cab driver. But first." Suddenly the phone rang, and A.J.caught on the first ring. "A.J. Simon".
"Mr. Simon, this is Captain Howard. I just got a call from the manager of the Gentlemen's Club, the place you were investigating regarding the missing girl."
"Yes, Captain?" A.J. felt cold.
"I'm afraid they think your brother may have suffered an accident on their property. Could you meet me at the front gate on Alana Way?"
He took a deep breath. "Of course, Captain. My brother's fiancée has just arrived and the two of us will meet you there in 15 minutes."
"Thank you, Mr. Simon, I'll see you there".
Laurie stood up. "The police have news about Rick?"
A.J. spoke in a steady voice. "The manager of the Gentleman's Club called Captain Howard, reporting that Rick may have had an accident on their property. We're going to meet him there."
STRONGER TOGETHER THEN APART.
A.J. has to work together with Rick's fiancée to solve his disappearance- can they find him in time? (This is a work of fiction. No money is being made on it, and the characters are owned by Universal and are only being borrowed for a little while.)
Chapter 1-A.J.
"Laurie, hi, it's A.J. I need to tell you some bad news".
"Laurie, hi, I need you to sit down, I have to tell you something."
A.J clicked off the receiver, totally frustrated. How, he wondered, was he going to break it to Laurie that Rick was missing, possibly dead somewhere.
No, he isn't dead; he's a prisoner somewhere on the island, probably of Madame Kahane or her "club". A.J. repeated to himself. But if Rick was alright, there was no way he wouldn't have contacted A.J, let him know where he was. And why after 2 days did he get the impression from the police that his brother was just a crime statistic, victim of a robbery or worse.
"Look, Mr. Simon, he may turn up on one of the beaches, maybe in the hospital. Go back to your hotel and leave the search to us", Captain Howard had said, steering him out the station door. He had been more then generous with his time, but still, A.J. had the feeling the chief had given up hope considering the criminals they had been investigating. He cursed the day he had taken the old man's money, and promised to look for his client's missing granddaughter. Rick had laughed at his brother's taking only a portion of their usual fee, until A.J. had told him their investigation would take them to Hawaii, and that Mr. Sagami had already paid their hotel and airfare tickets.
"Forget everything I said, little brother, about your taking assignments without checking with me, you can book our business anytime!" Rick slapped his brother on the back and went to look for his suitcase. Unspoken was the thought that a couple of weeks before it would have been scouted as a spot for his honeymoon with Laurie. He could almost picture the whole traditional honeymoon, instead of the civilized "let's put off the wedding for another six months," which was just tearing Rick apart.
A.J. realized that brought him back to how to tell Laurie and Mom that his brother might not come home. The younger Simon picked up the phone and punched in the number. Half hoping that she wouldn't answer; A.J. nonetheless steeled himself when he heard Laurie's voice.
"Hello?"
"Laurie, it's A.J. How are you?"
"Oh, A.J., it's good to hear you. I'm all right. How are you? Is Rick with you?"
He took a deep breath. "Laurie, I have something to tell you. I'm still in Hawaii, and Rick.."
"A.J., did something happen to Rick, is he hurt?" He heard the worry in her voice, knowing he was about to add to it.
"No, that is, I don't know. Rick's been missing almost 2 days, hon, he might just be following a lead but I called the police and they are searching for him now."
"Oh, god, A.J., I knew it, I knew something was wrong. Have you told Aunt Ceci?"
He felt a chill down his back. "No, not yet, I was going to see if she was home, but, wait, you said you knew something was wrong? Did you hear from Rick?"
She cleared her throat. "No, A.J., but I had an awful feeling that he was in trouble the other night, I woke up and thought I had a bad dream, but I could swear I heard him. Where are you now?"
"I'm at our hotel, I just left the Police Station and came straight back here in case Rick called, but.."
Laurie interrupted him. "Don't call Aunt Ceci, I will, just in case he tries to reach you or the police call. I'm going to call the airport and get a flight. What room are you in?"
"Wait a minute, you don't have to come, hon, I told you the police are looking for him and I'm going to retrace his steps. I'd rather you just call mom or if you want, you can fly over and stay with her." A. J. was frantic; he didn't need Laurie coming over all upset and interfering with the search.
"No, A.J., I'm going to get a flight over, just as soon as I talk to Aunt Ceci and the kids. I won't be in the way, and I just can't sit worrying about you and Rick. Now, let me have your room number and I'll make some calls." He heard her stubborn tone and sighed, he'd have to deal with Laurie later, now wasn't the time to argue.
"All right, Laurie, we're in Room 127, go ahead and call Mom, but don't do anything until I call you tonight, ok?" A.J. tried to put some authority in his tone, make sure she didn't just take off.
"Yes, A.J., now you be careful. I'll call you later", she replied, and he knew by her tone he was still the little brother, he hadn't made a dent.
Hanging up, he stared out the window. One thing's for certain, he thought, she still loves him. Enough to drop everything and come search for him.
Please, God, let him be alive for them to find.
A.J. stood scanning the crowd at the airport, mentally cursing his brother, his mom and Laurie, not necessarily in that order. He'd been on the phone non-stop for almost a day, and between checking with the police, talking to his client and wrangling with both women, he was exhausted.
Now he was at the Honolulu airport, waiting to pick up Laurie, who had stopped in San Diego to drop off her niece and nephew. She had insisted in coming, not bothering to remind A.J. that she had done investigative work before. He and Rick had both surmised that she had been involved in undercover work for the Government years ago, and Laurie herself had told them a few stories involving Steve Austin and the OSI. He didn't see how she could help, his last lead had just fizzled and the colder the trail, the more likely it seemed he would be too late to find his brother.
Not going to think that way, he told himself, watching the passengers coming out of the entryway and receiving a traditional "Lei" greeting. Suddenly he caught sight of Laurie coming thru the door, and a greeter putting the garland around her neck. He started to move toward her, only to see her start to sway, and a strange man take her arm and start to walk her the other direction. "Laurie!", he called, and pushed his way through the incoming crowd.
He saw the man who had her arm look at him then push her into a row of chairs and run down the corridor. A.J. reached Laurie and immediately tore the flowers from her neck, catching a strange, sticky odor as he tossed them to one side. He saw her taking a couple of deep breaths, trying to focus and reassured her, "It's ok, Laurie, I'm here".
"A.J., what happened, what was that smell?" She straightened up and opened her eyes, as he lifted her up and made sure she was unhurt.
"Some kind of knockout drug, gas, I don't know", he answered, "Are you alright?"
"Yeah, just woozy", she said, standing up and embracing him. "Thanks to you. Have you heard anything from the police or, or Rick?"
"Not a word, no calls, no demands, nothing. I can't help but think you shouldn't have come, Laurie, this wasn't an accident or chance attack, somebody knew you were coming and tried to kidnap you". A.J. looked around, "Hey, where did that garland go?" They both looked around and didn't see it, so he picked up her bag and taking her arm, led her thru the airport to a cab.
They made small talk until they got to the hotel and she checked into a room next to the Simons, making sure it had an adjoining door. Once inside, A.J. sat Laurie down and said, "I'll tell you what happened, Laurie, but you've got to promise me you'll stay back and let me look for Rick. I know you think you can help, but ." "But nothing, A.J., I won't promise what I can't do", she interrupted. "I know how to work on an investigation, I have a lot of experience working undercover. I'm pretty good at it, and even though it's Rick, I won't get in the way." She smiled at him. "I know you only see me as a friend, pretty good with horses and kids, but, I know how to shoot a gun, and how to defend myself and, " "Laurie, how many years has it been since you did any of these things, I mean, examined evidence, run a lead." She looked down, "When was the last time you shot at anyone, or talked someone out of shooting you. And what do you know about the crime scene in Hawaii, who runs the illegal gambling and prostitution." Laurie held up her hand. "A.J., the last time I shot someone was four years ago, to save myself and Steve Austin. I know how to negotiate and stall for time and be someone else for several days. As for Hawaii," she sighed, "I was here five years ago, at a book convention. I was undercover, and at the same time I was getting over breaking up with Steve. I had to deal with a murderer at the helm of an airplane and I got shot." She stopped, eyes wet with tears that didn't fall. It was the younger Simon's turn to look down. "I didn't know, Rick and I only guessed at what you had done the last few years, but I had no idea." He glanced back at her. "You're sure you can handle this?"
She nodded. "A.J., I can do this. Of course I won't pretend I'm not scared. I love Rick, you don't know how I've been dreading this day, knowing how dangerous your work is. But, this is what you want to do, and there is no way I would stop him or you from what you do best. Now, tell what happened, your mom said you were here searching for a missing girl."
A.J. pulled out a picture from a file, a headshot of a sultry Asian girl. "This is Jade Sagami, her grandfather reported her missing a month ago and after waiting for the police to find her, Mr. Sagami came to us for help. He had received a letter from her six weeks ago, then nothing. When he contacted her friends, they said she just didn't show up to work one day and they just assumed she went home to San Francisco. The last lead we had on her was that she went to a place called the Gentlemen's Club, supposedly to see a friend. Nobody seems to have seen her since. Rick and I retraced all her steps, Her apartment, her job, all her usual hang-outs." "What about this Gentlemen's Club, is that the place with near Waikiki?" A.J. stared at her. "Yeah, you know about it?" She grinned. "It's been around since the 60's, the Kahane Family has run it just under the radar of Five-0 and every law enforcement outfit. I've never heard of them pulling anything like this though." She studied the photo. "What if she went to work for them willingly, I mean, they tend to have a very high priced clientele." He shook his head. "Mr. Sagami swears she's never been the type to do anything like that. Of course he could be mistaken, but why the disappearing act, that's what we found suspicious.
Rick and I searched her place, everything was in order, and we found her car in its parking place, Locked, no signs of trouble. Rick was talking to some cab driver we met at the airport, and he said he picked up a girl matching Jade's description the last day she reported to work, and dropped her at the gate of the club. Three days ago, Rick and I had breakfast then he got a call from the same guy, saying he had some more info, but wanted to meet Rick somewhere private."
A.J. got up from his chair. Now was the hard part. "Rick insisted on going alone, he was afraid two of us would spook the guy. I wasn't real happy with the idea and I.. I told him he was only doing it because he was frustrated with everything. He yelled at me that he could take care of himself and his personal business just fine. Just before he went out the door I told him to be careful, to call me after he met with the guy. He just nodded and left. After several hours of silence I called the front desk to see if there was any message. Nothing. That night I started calling cab companies and found which one our source worked for. They knew whom I was calling about right away, then they told me he was Found dead on an off-road site up in the hills a couple of hours before. I called the police at that point and spoke with Captain Howard, who directed me to Homicide. I spent about 12 hours talking to them and giving them what we had. They think he took Rick someplace and dropped him off, then went to another call and was killed at that point." Laurie looked up at him, then pulled him down by his arm and embraced him. After a moment, he cleared his throat and said, "The captain thinks maybe Rick was the victim of a robbery or an accident, told me to go home and let them search for him.. I don't know, Laurie, it seems too coincidental that this guy felt ok to talk before, and then clams up except to set up a meeting with Rick." She was silent, then, "A.J., was the personal business he was frustrated about me, I mean me and the kids and not being able to decide where we would make our home?"
"I don't know, hon, I thought everything was too polite and careful and it was just bothering him that he couldn't commit to moving to Arizona. He loves you and Rob and Robin, and I know you encouraged him to consider staying in San Diego until Robin at least finished her Freshman year, but.."
"No, A.J., it went both ways", now it was her turn to get up and pace around the room. She turned and now he saw the tears running down her cheeks. "I should have been stricter with Robin, made her face the fact that any high school, small or big might be hard to deal with at first. I've always let the kids know that they were important and could have some say in deciding things that affected them. You know they are both head over heels in love with you and Aunt Ceci and Rick, it wasn't that. I just let my memories of how hard a new school could be sway me into wanting to postpone our wedding. And now, oh A.J, what if we can't find him?" Laurie sat on the sofa and put her hands over her face. A.J. put a hand on her shoulder.
"We can't talk like that, Laurie, no, I won't even think that. If we start retracing his steps, maybe with a fresh set of eyes, we might have a better chance, ok?" She wiped her eyes and nodded, "You're right, let's start with the trail of the girl, then the cab driver. But first." Suddenly the phone rang, and A.J.caught on the first ring. "A.J. Simon".
"Mr. Simon, this is Captain Howard. I just got a call from the manager of the Gentlemen's Club, the place you were investigating regarding the missing girl."
"Yes, Captain?" A.J. felt cold.
"I'm afraid they think your brother may have suffered an accident on their property. Could you meet me at the front gate on Alana Way?"
He took a deep breath. "Of course, Captain. My brother's fiancée has just arrived and the two of us will meet you there in 15 minutes."
"Thank you, Mr. Simon, I'll see you there".
Laurie stood up. "The police have news about Rick?"
A.J. spoke in a steady voice. "The manager of the Gentleman's Club called Captain Howard, reporting that Rick may have had an accident on their property. We're going to meet him there."