SECOND CHANCES: Happy Anniversary, Anyone?
A Simon and Simon/Six Million Dollar Man Crossover It's been an eventful first year for the Simons, will they survive to make
it two? 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.
"Rick."
"Yeah, what is it?"
"You know what next week is?"
"What, A.J.?"
"Come on, you can't have forgotten, have you?"
"Of course I haven't forgotten, it's.. it's."
His brother groaned. "I don't believe it, I ought to let you mess this one up, 'cept Mom would really make you sorry."
Rick stopped tipping his chair and came down hard. "Oh really, A.J., I was kidding, I remember what next Saturday is, it's our anniversary. Geez, how could I forget?"
"O.K., I just wanted to make sure you wouldn't let it pass by. What are you going to give Laurie?"
"Well, the first one is supposed to be paper, but I was thinkin' of a pendant or somethin', you know, to match her ring" Rick shook his head, "Can you believe it's been a year, seems like just a few days ago we moved in and now we're moving out."
"I know, Mom says she can't remember time passing more quickly. She really loves having the kids around and you guys moving to the ranch is hard on her, I'm glad she decided to spend some time with you for the holidays." A.J. finished his paperwork, and then leaned back. "I really think the office in Phoenix is going to pay off; a couple of local businesses called today and were interested in hiring us on retainer there."
His brother grinned, "I have a good feeling about it, new clients, new offices, clean air and best of all.." "a happy family, ", A.J. finished with a smile. "You know it," Rick laughed. "Robin and Rob gave it a fair shot, I just wish that the punks at that school hadn't spoiled it for them. They were head and shoulders smarter then everyone in their classes." "Yes, but I think going to school in Phoenix is a good change and they can still see their friends in town," A.J. added, "and Laurie won't be stuck by herself all day." "No, subbing a couple times a week at the office will give us more time together." his brother agreed. "Speaking of which," A.J. pulled out his calendar, "when does she come back from Chicago?"
"On Monday, she flies into Phoenix, I'm going to pick her up at the airport after work and we'll head to the ranch to finish unpacking. She really didn't want to go, but she owed her publisher one more book. I told her it was ok if she wanted to go on a short book tour, but she says she doesn't want to be away from home that long." Rick stood up. "Do we have any more appointments today? The kids and I are having dinner with Mom."
"No, go ahead, I'll probably stop in before I go home, tell Mom to save me a piece of Lemon Pie before you eat it all." his little brother teased, dodging a wad of paper. "You'll be lucky if I save you the crust", Rick tossed over his shoulder, heading out the door.
"Pop, what time is Mom coming in?", Robert came into the kitchen bouncing a basketball, causing Rick to wince at the sound. "About 5pm, she wasn't able to get an earlier flight, but it works out cause your Uncle and I have an assignment today, so I should be on time to meet her. What did your Mom tell you about basketballs in the house?" Suddenly he realized how like his dad he sounded. Rob looked contrite, "No bouncing unless it's into a hoop, I know, sorry." Rick put an arm around his son. "It's ok, Rob, no harm, no foul." The teen looked up at him, "I know, Pop, I miss her too, things don't seem right without Mom." "You can say that again, Rob," his sister chimed in, bringing in the breakfast eggs from the barn. She looked at Rick, "You look awful tired, Pop, you should have some more coffee." He shook his head, marveling at the way she sounded like her mom. He was lucky, most kids weren't anywhere near as considerate as his two. Sitting down at the table with them, he realized how his morning routine had changed in the last year. No more donut and bad coffee meals by himself, now he looked forward to pancakes and bacon or eggs and toast with Rob and Robin and, his wife. He couldn't imagine life without Laurie and the kids, and as he helped clean the dishes and lock up, Rick found himself hoping that A.J. and he could finish early so he could surprise her at the gate.
"Glad we could take care of things for you, Mr. Thompson", A.J. smiled, shaking hands with the client.
Seeing the satisfied businessman out the door, he turned to see his brother impatiently turn on the answering machine. Rewinding the tape, Rick pressed it only to hear a couple of sales people and the confirmation of an appointment for the next day. Annoyed, he sat down and drummed his fingers. "Rick, she probably got delayed, Laurie said she would call when she landed, " A.J reminded his brother. "I know, I just wish that stakeout hadn't taken so long, I wanted to surprise her at the airport," the older Simon grumped. A.J. grinned. "You know what you sound like? An impatient groom!"
"Very funny, little brother, see if I invite you for dinner," Rick replied, getting up and straightening the blinds. "Oh no, you're not depriving me of chicken and biscuits, not with Mom's recipe, " his brother protested, interrupted in mid-objection by the phone. Rick grabbed for the receiver.
"Simon and Simon Investigations."
"Rick, it's Oscar. Is Laurie there?" Rick felt his stomach drop. "No, Oscar, she's due in from Chicago, as a matter of fact she was supposed to have called here for me to pick her up over 40 minutes ago." "I've got some bad news. Steve's been hurt. We think he was the target of a bomb planted in his car. " "Oh, God, is he going to be alright?" Rick could hear the relief enter the OSI boss' voice. "Yes, he was lucky, he saw the wires to the bomb just as he opened the car door. He managed to dive away from the explosion, but he's still unconscious." Rick motioned for his brother to pick up the extension. "I'm sorry, Oscar, do you have any idea who would have done it?"
He heard a pause, then, "I hate to tell you this, Rick, but we just got a notice that Michael Caparelli was given a medical pass to leave prison last week, and never returned. I'm afraid that he may be responsible for the attack on Steve and he may next go after Laurie."
Rick took a deep breath. "I'm going to the airport, maybe her plane is just late, but I have a bad feeling about this. Let us know how Steve's doing." He handed the phone to A.J., then grabbing his hat and coat, started toward the door. His brother said a quick good bye to Oscar, then catching up with Rick, said, "Did you call the kids, may be they heard from Laurie." He stopped, then picked up the phone and punched in their number.
He heard it ring a couple of times, then Robin's voice, "Simon residence."
"Honey, it's Pop, did your Mom happen to call?" A.J. watched his expression go from worried to stone-faced as the girl said, "Yes, Pop, but she was cut off in mid-sentence. I tried to have the operator call her back, but they said she was calling from a pay phone at the airport. Didn't she call you?"
"No, Robin, we've been waiting but she hasn't called here. Where's your brother?" Rick tried to keep the worry out of his voice. "He's at basketball practice, he should be home pretty soon. Pop, has something happened to Mom?" He winced at her frightened tone. "I don't know, honey, Uncle A.J. and I are headed to the airport, I'll call you as soon as know anything, ok? And stay put, just in case she calls again."
"I will, don't worry".
Rick ended the call then ran out the door with A.J. close behind. Making the airport in less then ten minutes, they found a new aquaintenance, Captain Johnson of PPD near the arrival terminal. Having two run-ins with him their first week on the job, Rick was wary of approaching him but sighting two of his men dusting a nearby phone booth for fingerprints, he headed straight for him. Looking up, the detective frowned then extended his hand as the Simons came toward him.
"Mr. Simon, I was just about to call you. Were you expecting Mrs. Simon to
come in on a flight this afternoon?" Rick nodded. "Yes, Captain, she was due in on a 5pm flight, and when I didn't hear from her, I called home. Our daughter said she got a call from Laurie, but it was cut off. I came straight here, where is she?" Johnson shook his head and guided the brothers to a couple of terminal seats. "I'm afraid she may have been kidnapped, we got a 911 call that a man grabbed her and dragged her into a car out of that phone booth. A couple of witnesses tried to stop the attack, but her assailant pointed a gun and threatened to shoot anyone in his way, so they backed off. We have a license plate number, but it came up as stolen so that may not be any help."
Rick's shoulders sagged, as A.J. put an arm around him and asked the Captain, "Are any of the witnesses still here who saw Laurie taken, did they say what happened?"
"Yes, a husband and wife gave us a good description of her attacker, and we have some good prints off the phone booth door. Your wife has some loyal fans, Mr. Simon, they knew right away this was out of the ordinary and tried to help her." Rick shook his head. "Captain, I'm afraid we have an idea who's responsible. Michael Caparelli, he attacked my wife and I a year ago and threatened to finish us if he ever got out. We just got word he's escaped and he may have tried to kill a friend of ours." Johnson stood up.
"Mr. Simon, I'd appreciate any information you can give us. I've heard of this guy and his family, and I won't pretend this is bad. I promise you we'll do everything we can to find Mrs. Simon." Rick shook his hand then asked to meet the witnesses. The detective led the Simons over to an older couple, standing by the phone booth. When they were introduced, the woman gasped, and then took Rick's hand. "Mr. Simon, we tried, we really tried to stop that man. He had Laurel, I mean Mrs. Simon around the neck and she was limp, like he had knocked her out. My Ray here, he pulled at your wife and almost had her away from him, but that hideous man, he pointed a gun and pushed us away, saying he'd kill her and anyone who got in his way. He dragged her into a car at the curb, then screeched away. We called the police right away, I do hope we weren't too late."
Rick thanked her and her husband, then he and A.J. walked over to the phone booth, and saw the receiver still dangling from its cord. Looking at it, Rick woodenly said, "A.J., why didn't she call us, why did she call the kids?" His brother squeezed his shoulder. "I don't know, but we're going to find her, Rick. We need help, though, I'm going to call Rob and Chief Joseph. They might have an idea where around here where Caparelli, would have taken Laurie." As they started to walk back to their car, Captain Johnson called after them and handed Rick two brown bags. "We found these in the booth, Mr. Simon, we already examined them so I think you can take them." He opened the smaller of the two packages and saw Laurie's purse. Nodding at the detective, he headed back to the car, where he sat gazing at the well-worn bag that Laurie had carried everywhere. "Rick." He glanced at his brother. "I called Chief Joseph, he picked up Robert and he'll meet us at the ranch. Rob is going to call Captain Johnson and coordinate Caparelli's trail with him. I asked the Chief not to tell Robin about Laurie until we get there." Rick roused himself from his thoughts. "Thanks, A.J., I think we ought to call Mom when we get in, then stay off the phone in case .." He left the rest unsaid, but as A.J. started the car and headed toward the highway, one thought hung in the air.
"In case Caparelli calls."
Pulling up to the ranch driveway, Rick noticed the sheriff's car and the Chief's jeep alongside his truck. Just as the Simons got out of the car and started toward the front door, both Robert and Robin ran out of the house toward them. Rick stopped and opened his arms, enveloping both teens in a hug. Robin was shaking, and Robert had to swallow hard before he said, "Pop, there was a package in the mailbox addressed to you, it might be about Mom." Clearing his throat, Rick patted his shoulder and replied, "I need to talk to both of you." Entering the house, he found Rob and the Chief around the coffee table, examining the small parcel. Exchanging handshakes, he looked at the typed label.
Mr. Rick Simon C/o Triple S Ranch Silver Rock, AZ
He shook his head, "Rob, there's no postmark, this must have been put in the mailbox this evening. Robin, did you see anyone drive up before your brother and the Chief got here?"
"No, Pop, but I was in the barn feeding the horses just before you called, maybe that's when it came. Rob said this might have something to do with Mom being cut off, has something happened to her?" She sat down on the couch next to her brother, and looked up at Rick.
He sat down between the two, and calmly told them of Laurie's kidnapping at the airport. Robin covered her face when Rick told them of the attempt by the witnesses to stop the attack, and of who the gunman was. "But why would the prison let that Caparelli out when he was so dangerous, even to see a doctor? That's crazy!" Robert burst out, shaking with anger. Rick put a restraining hand on his arm. "I don't think they realized what a danger he is, son, I'm going to need you and Robin to stay calm, especially if he calls here. It won't help your Mom if you get so upset."
He looked over at A.J. "Did you reach Mom?" His brother nodded. "Mom will be here tomorrow morning, I'll pick her up myself. I also called Oscar, Steve is still unconscious but he's improving. Jamie's with him, and if he says anything or wakes up, she'll call us immediately. Oscar also said he got approval to turn on Laurie's transmitter by remote, they should have a general position on her within an hour."
Rick took a deep breath. "Thanks, A.J., I don't know why I forgot about her watch. I just hope Caparelli doesn't know about it." He looked at the parcel, which A.J. had just taken prints off. Opening it carefully, he found it contained a small item wrapped in paper, and a note.
"No FBI, No wiretaps, No tracers, or your wife ends up like the enclosed object, in pieces.
I want my brother, alive and turned over to me in 24 hours.
I will contact you with further instructions.
No tricks, or your family is next."
He unwrapped the small object and found Laurie's wedding ring, cut into small pieces.
Tears stung his eyes, and only the sound of Robin's anguished "No!" kept him from breaking down. He wrapped his arms around the girl and comforted her, then looked up at the Chief and Rob.
"I've got to talk to Oscar. I know we can't let them free that maniac's brother, but we have to know where he is and what kind of stall I'll have to do." Chief Joseph looked down at what was left of the ring, anger burning in his eyes. "Rick, I will start searching the area for where this evil one is holding her. It can't be too far, but it must be isolated enough for him to have escaped our notice." Rob exchanged glances with A.J. and said, "I'll go back to the office and check with Captain Johnson, see if the car Caparelli used has turned up and if they did a through search of it yet. Keep off the phone as much as you can, Rick, I hooked up a recorder and a tracer that is soundless, but just in case hit the red button next to the on switch and I will get a signal that Caparelli has called."
Rob grabbed his hat and after saying goodbye to the kids, walked Rick out to the car. Once outside, he faced the older Simon. "God, I'm sorry, Rick, I wish we had more to go on, but if we can get a general idea where Light is being held, we could possibly set up a phony exchange and be waiting for Caparelli to come out of hiding." "Thanks, Rob, I appreciate you're being here and, remember, if you hear anything." The sheriff patted his arm. "You'll be the first to know, and don't forget, the minute you hear any thing, push the button and I'll be on my way."
Rick and A.J. couldn't remember a longer night in their lives. Both teens refused to go to bed, but eventually Rick persuaded them to lie down on the sofa and they both finally slept. Chief Joseph left close to midnight, promising to call him the minute he had any information.
Oscar called, saying the directional locator on Laurie's watch only indicated she was within an hour of the Phoenix area. "She must be in an area of high metal concentration, but we'll keep trying. Call me the minute you hear anything."
Rick finally talked his little brother into taking a catnap, and once everyone was settled down, he sat down to think things through.
He didn't realize he had nodded off until the phone woke him. He automatically hit the red button, then picked up the receiver.
"Simon Residence"
"Mr. Simon, did you receive my message?" Caparelli's voice, cold and menacing, caused Rick to count to ten before replying.
"Yeah, I got it. What have you done with my wife?"
"She's unhurt for the moment, but that won't be the case if I don't get word by this afternoon that my brother is on his way from Northern California. I will call you back at 6pm with instructions, either to arrange a swap of my brother and your wife or where you'll find the body, it's up to you".
Rick cut him off. "No deal unless I talk to my wife first. I want to make sure she's all right."
Silence. Then "Rick, it's Laurie". Her voice was trembling, and Rick felt anger building inside. "Sweetheart, are you ok, did he hurt you?" "No, I'm all right", she said, "Laurie, it's going to be ok, we'll be watching and waiting for you". He prayed she would get the hint and turn on her watch if it wasn't activated already. Suddenly he heard her say, "No, I won't beg for my life, Rick, don't give in to him, don't", and a slap sounded in his ears.
"Laurie!" he shouted into the receiver.
Caparelli's voice again. "Didn't you ever teach your wife not to speak unless spoken to. If you want to see her alive, be there at 6pm with my brother or else."
Click.
A Simon and Simon/Six Million Dollar Man Crossover It's been an eventful first year for the Simons, will they survive to make
it two? 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.
"Rick."
"Yeah, what is it?"
"You know what next week is?"
"What, A.J.?"
"Come on, you can't have forgotten, have you?"
"Of course I haven't forgotten, it's.. it's."
His brother groaned. "I don't believe it, I ought to let you mess this one up, 'cept Mom would really make you sorry."
Rick stopped tipping his chair and came down hard. "Oh really, A.J., I was kidding, I remember what next Saturday is, it's our anniversary. Geez, how could I forget?"
"O.K., I just wanted to make sure you wouldn't let it pass by. What are you going to give Laurie?"
"Well, the first one is supposed to be paper, but I was thinkin' of a pendant or somethin', you know, to match her ring" Rick shook his head, "Can you believe it's been a year, seems like just a few days ago we moved in and now we're moving out."
"I know, Mom says she can't remember time passing more quickly. She really loves having the kids around and you guys moving to the ranch is hard on her, I'm glad she decided to spend some time with you for the holidays." A.J. finished his paperwork, and then leaned back. "I really think the office in Phoenix is going to pay off; a couple of local businesses called today and were interested in hiring us on retainer there."
His brother grinned, "I have a good feeling about it, new clients, new offices, clean air and best of all.." "a happy family, ", A.J. finished with a smile. "You know it," Rick laughed. "Robin and Rob gave it a fair shot, I just wish that the punks at that school hadn't spoiled it for them. They were head and shoulders smarter then everyone in their classes." "Yes, but I think going to school in Phoenix is a good change and they can still see their friends in town," A.J. added, "and Laurie won't be stuck by herself all day." "No, subbing a couple times a week at the office will give us more time together." his brother agreed. "Speaking of which," A.J. pulled out his calendar, "when does she come back from Chicago?"
"On Monday, she flies into Phoenix, I'm going to pick her up at the airport after work and we'll head to the ranch to finish unpacking. She really didn't want to go, but she owed her publisher one more book. I told her it was ok if she wanted to go on a short book tour, but she says she doesn't want to be away from home that long." Rick stood up. "Do we have any more appointments today? The kids and I are having dinner with Mom."
"No, go ahead, I'll probably stop in before I go home, tell Mom to save me a piece of Lemon Pie before you eat it all." his little brother teased, dodging a wad of paper. "You'll be lucky if I save you the crust", Rick tossed over his shoulder, heading out the door.
"Pop, what time is Mom coming in?", Robert came into the kitchen bouncing a basketball, causing Rick to wince at the sound. "About 5pm, she wasn't able to get an earlier flight, but it works out cause your Uncle and I have an assignment today, so I should be on time to meet her. What did your Mom tell you about basketballs in the house?" Suddenly he realized how like his dad he sounded. Rob looked contrite, "No bouncing unless it's into a hoop, I know, sorry." Rick put an arm around his son. "It's ok, Rob, no harm, no foul." The teen looked up at him, "I know, Pop, I miss her too, things don't seem right without Mom." "You can say that again, Rob," his sister chimed in, bringing in the breakfast eggs from the barn. She looked at Rick, "You look awful tired, Pop, you should have some more coffee." He shook his head, marveling at the way she sounded like her mom. He was lucky, most kids weren't anywhere near as considerate as his two. Sitting down at the table with them, he realized how his morning routine had changed in the last year. No more donut and bad coffee meals by himself, now he looked forward to pancakes and bacon or eggs and toast with Rob and Robin and, his wife. He couldn't imagine life without Laurie and the kids, and as he helped clean the dishes and lock up, Rick found himself hoping that A.J. and he could finish early so he could surprise her at the gate.
"Glad we could take care of things for you, Mr. Thompson", A.J. smiled, shaking hands with the client.
Seeing the satisfied businessman out the door, he turned to see his brother impatiently turn on the answering machine. Rewinding the tape, Rick pressed it only to hear a couple of sales people and the confirmation of an appointment for the next day. Annoyed, he sat down and drummed his fingers. "Rick, she probably got delayed, Laurie said she would call when she landed, " A.J reminded his brother. "I know, I just wish that stakeout hadn't taken so long, I wanted to surprise her at the airport," the older Simon grumped. A.J. grinned. "You know what you sound like? An impatient groom!"
"Very funny, little brother, see if I invite you for dinner," Rick replied, getting up and straightening the blinds. "Oh no, you're not depriving me of chicken and biscuits, not with Mom's recipe, " his brother protested, interrupted in mid-objection by the phone. Rick grabbed for the receiver.
"Simon and Simon Investigations."
"Rick, it's Oscar. Is Laurie there?" Rick felt his stomach drop. "No, Oscar, she's due in from Chicago, as a matter of fact she was supposed to have called here for me to pick her up over 40 minutes ago." "I've got some bad news. Steve's been hurt. We think he was the target of a bomb planted in his car. " "Oh, God, is he going to be alright?" Rick could hear the relief enter the OSI boss' voice. "Yes, he was lucky, he saw the wires to the bomb just as he opened the car door. He managed to dive away from the explosion, but he's still unconscious." Rick motioned for his brother to pick up the extension. "I'm sorry, Oscar, do you have any idea who would have done it?"
He heard a pause, then, "I hate to tell you this, Rick, but we just got a notice that Michael Caparelli was given a medical pass to leave prison last week, and never returned. I'm afraid that he may be responsible for the attack on Steve and he may next go after Laurie."
Rick took a deep breath. "I'm going to the airport, maybe her plane is just late, but I have a bad feeling about this. Let us know how Steve's doing." He handed the phone to A.J., then grabbing his hat and coat, started toward the door. His brother said a quick good bye to Oscar, then catching up with Rick, said, "Did you call the kids, may be they heard from Laurie." He stopped, then picked up the phone and punched in their number.
He heard it ring a couple of times, then Robin's voice, "Simon residence."
"Honey, it's Pop, did your Mom happen to call?" A.J. watched his expression go from worried to stone-faced as the girl said, "Yes, Pop, but she was cut off in mid-sentence. I tried to have the operator call her back, but they said she was calling from a pay phone at the airport. Didn't she call you?"
"No, Robin, we've been waiting but she hasn't called here. Where's your brother?" Rick tried to keep the worry out of his voice. "He's at basketball practice, he should be home pretty soon. Pop, has something happened to Mom?" He winced at her frightened tone. "I don't know, honey, Uncle A.J. and I are headed to the airport, I'll call you as soon as know anything, ok? And stay put, just in case she calls again."
"I will, don't worry".
Rick ended the call then ran out the door with A.J. close behind. Making the airport in less then ten minutes, they found a new aquaintenance, Captain Johnson of PPD near the arrival terminal. Having two run-ins with him their first week on the job, Rick was wary of approaching him but sighting two of his men dusting a nearby phone booth for fingerprints, he headed straight for him. Looking up, the detective frowned then extended his hand as the Simons came toward him.
"Mr. Simon, I was just about to call you. Were you expecting Mrs. Simon to
come in on a flight this afternoon?" Rick nodded. "Yes, Captain, she was due in on a 5pm flight, and when I didn't hear from her, I called home. Our daughter said she got a call from Laurie, but it was cut off. I came straight here, where is she?" Johnson shook his head and guided the brothers to a couple of terminal seats. "I'm afraid she may have been kidnapped, we got a 911 call that a man grabbed her and dragged her into a car out of that phone booth. A couple of witnesses tried to stop the attack, but her assailant pointed a gun and threatened to shoot anyone in his way, so they backed off. We have a license plate number, but it came up as stolen so that may not be any help."
Rick's shoulders sagged, as A.J. put an arm around him and asked the Captain, "Are any of the witnesses still here who saw Laurie taken, did they say what happened?"
"Yes, a husband and wife gave us a good description of her attacker, and we have some good prints off the phone booth door. Your wife has some loyal fans, Mr. Simon, they knew right away this was out of the ordinary and tried to help her." Rick shook his head. "Captain, I'm afraid we have an idea who's responsible. Michael Caparelli, he attacked my wife and I a year ago and threatened to finish us if he ever got out. We just got word he's escaped and he may have tried to kill a friend of ours." Johnson stood up.
"Mr. Simon, I'd appreciate any information you can give us. I've heard of this guy and his family, and I won't pretend this is bad. I promise you we'll do everything we can to find Mrs. Simon." Rick shook his hand then asked to meet the witnesses. The detective led the Simons over to an older couple, standing by the phone booth. When they were introduced, the woman gasped, and then took Rick's hand. "Mr. Simon, we tried, we really tried to stop that man. He had Laurel, I mean Mrs. Simon around the neck and she was limp, like he had knocked her out. My Ray here, he pulled at your wife and almost had her away from him, but that hideous man, he pointed a gun and pushed us away, saying he'd kill her and anyone who got in his way. He dragged her into a car at the curb, then screeched away. We called the police right away, I do hope we weren't too late."
Rick thanked her and her husband, then he and A.J. walked over to the phone booth, and saw the receiver still dangling from its cord. Looking at it, Rick woodenly said, "A.J., why didn't she call us, why did she call the kids?" His brother squeezed his shoulder. "I don't know, but we're going to find her, Rick. We need help, though, I'm going to call Rob and Chief Joseph. They might have an idea where around here where Caparelli, would have taken Laurie." As they started to walk back to their car, Captain Johnson called after them and handed Rick two brown bags. "We found these in the booth, Mr. Simon, we already examined them so I think you can take them." He opened the smaller of the two packages and saw Laurie's purse. Nodding at the detective, he headed back to the car, where he sat gazing at the well-worn bag that Laurie had carried everywhere. "Rick." He glanced at his brother. "I called Chief Joseph, he picked up Robert and he'll meet us at the ranch. Rob is going to call Captain Johnson and coordinate Caparelli's trail with him. I asked the Chief not to tell Robin about Laurie until we get there." Rick roused himself from his thoughts. "Thanks, A.J., I think we ought to call Mom when we get in, then stay off the phone in case .." He left the rest unsaid, but as A.J. started the car and headed toward the highway, one thought hung in the air.
"In case Caparelli calls."
Pulling up to the ranch driveway, Rick noticed the sheriff's car and the Chief's jeep alongside his truck. Just as the Simons got out of the car and started toward the front door, both Robert and Robin ran out of the house toward them. Rick stopped and opened his arms, enveloping both teens in a hug. Robin was shaking, and Robert had to swallow hard before he said, "Pop, there was a package in the mailbox addressed to you, it might be about Mom." Clearing his throat, Rick patted his shoulder and replied, "I need to talk to both of you." Entering the house, he found Rob and the Chief around the coffee table, examining the small parcel. Exchanging handshakes, he looked at the typed label.
Mr. Rick Simon C/o Triple S Ranch Silver Rock, AZ
He shook his head, "Rob, there's no postmark, this must have been put in the mailbox this evening. Robin, did you see anyone drive up before your brother and the Chief got here?"
"No, Pop, but I was in the barn feeding the horses just before you called, maybe that's when it came. Rob said this might have something to do with Mom being cut off, has something happened to her?" She sat down on the couch next to her brother, and looked up at Rick.
He sat down between the two, and calmly told them of Laurie's kidnapping at the airport. Robin covered her face when Rick told them of the attempt by the witnesses to stop the attack, and of who the gunman was. "But why would the prison let that Caparelli out when he was so dangerous, even to see a doctor? That's crazy!" Robert burst out, shaking with anger. Rick put a restraining hand on his arm. "I don't think they realized what a danger he is, son, I'm going to need you and Robin to stay calm, especially if he calls here. It won't help your Mom if you get so upset."
He looked over at A.J. "Did you reach Mom?" His brother nodded. "Mom will be here tomorrow morning, I'll pick her up myself. I also called Oscar, Steve is still unconscious but he's improving. Jamie's with him, and if he says anything or wakes up, she'll call us immediately. Oscar also said he got approval to turn on Laurie's transmitter by remote, they should have a general position on her within an hour."
Rick took a deep breath. "Thanks, A.J., I don't know why I forgot about her watch. I just hope Caparelli doesn't know about it." He looked at the parcel, which A.J. had just taken prints off. Opening it carefully, he found it contained a small item wrapped in paper, and a note.
"No FBI, No wiretaps, No tracers, or your wife ends up like the enclosed object, in pieces.
I want my brother, alive and turned over to me in 24 hours.
I will contact you with further instructions.
No tricks, or your family is next."
He unwrapped the small object and found Laurie's wedding ring, cut into small pieces.
Tears stung his eyes, and only the sound of Robin's anguished "No!" kept him from breaking down. He wrapped his arms around the girl and comforted her, then looked up at the Chief and Rob.
"I've got to talk to Oscar. I know we can't let them free that maniac's brother, but we have to know where he is and what kind of stall I'll have to do." Chief Joseph looked down at what was left of the ring, anger burning in his eyes. "Rick, I will start searching the area for where this evil one is holding her. It can't be too far, but it must be isolated enough for him to have escaped our notice." Rob exchanged glances with A.J. and said, "I'll go back to the office and check with Captain Johnson, see if the car Caparelli used has turned up and if they did a through search of it yet. Keep off the phone as much as you can, Rick, I hooked up a recorder and a tracer that is soundless, but just in case hit the red button next to the on switch and I will get a signal that Caparelli has called."
Rob grabbed his hat and after saying goodbye to the kids, walked Rick out to the car. Once outside, he faced the older Simon. "God, I'm sorry, Rick, I wish we had more to go on, but if we can get a general idea where Light is being held, we could possibly set up a phony exchange and be waiting for Caparelli to come out of hiding." "Thanks, Rob, I appreciate you're being here and, remember, if you hear anything." The sheriff patted his arm. "You'll be the first to know, and don't forget, the minute you hear any thing, push the button and I'll be on my way."
Rick and A.J. couldn't remember a longer night in their lives. Both teens refused to go to bed, but eventually Rick persuaded them to lie down on the sofa and they both finally slept. Chief Joseph left close to midnight, promising to call him the minute he had any information.
Oscar called, saying the directional locator on Laurie's watch only indicated she was within an hour of the Phoenix area. "She must be in an area of high metal concentration, but we'll keep trying. Call me the minute you hear anything."
Rick finally talked his little brother into taking a catnap, and once everyone was settled down, he sat down to think things through.
He didn't realize he had nodded off until the phone woke him. He automatically hit the red button, then picked up the receiver.
"Simon Residence"
"Mr. Simon, did you receive my message?" Caparelli's voice, cold and menacing, caused Rick to count to ten before replying.
"Yeah, I got it. What have you done with my wife?"
"She's unhurt for the moment, but that won't be the case if I don't get word by this afternoon that my brother is on his way from Northern California. I will call you back at 6pm with instructions, either to arrange a swap of my brother and your wife or where you'll find the body, it's up to you".
Rick cut him off. "No deal unless I talk to my wife first. I want to make sure she's all right."
Silence. Then "Rick, it's Laurie". Her voice was trembling, and Rick felt anger building inside. "Sweetheart, are you ok, did he hurt you?" "No, I'm all right", she said, "Laurie, it's going to be ok, we'll be watching and waiting for you". He prayed she would get the hint and turn on her watch if it wasn't activated already. Suddenly he heard her say, "No, I won't beg for my life, Rick, don't give in to him, don't", and a slap sounded in his ears.
"Laurie!" he shouted into the receiver.
Caparelli's voice again. "Didn't you ever teach your wife not to speak unless spoken to. If you want to see her alive, be there at 6pm with my brother or else."
Click.