Chapter 4

"I've got him on the line now, Rick, but I don't want you making threats, he could make serious trouble for you!" Oscar lectured, holding the receiver away from his friend.

Just then Abby stepped forward, "Oscar, I think we've been going at this all wrong, let me take a crack at it!" Wordlessly he handed the phone to her, after three hours of haggling to get this far, he was too exhausted to argue.

"Mr. Secretary, this is Lt. Abby Marsh, San Diego PD. I understand there's been a snafu regarding turning on Mrs. Simon's locator. I just thought I should get a clarification on the reasoning behind this action." Rudy gave a small smile to Rick; he got what Abby was doing.

Oscar paced as the detective listened attentively, then replied, "I see, so what you're saying is despite the lack of proper procedures being followed at the federal prison holding Adam Fitzpatrick, the government is willing to allow Mrs. Simon to be murdered at his hands."

Again there was a long discourse on the other end of the conversation, then Abby spoke again. "I agree, it is a tragedy, especially since we know she's now an object of torture, which does add a count of mayhem to the charges facing this criminal. Oh yes, the van which Fitzpatrick abducted her in was found a little while ago, with some of her clothing in it. A note detailing the threat to her was found by her children with these items. Naturally, the news media will have to know about this now, since we have no other way to locate her except with the public's help. Yes?"

After a minute, she responded, "In an hour, thank you Mr. Secretary, we'll run a test at 6 pm, we'll call if there's any problem. I appreciate your help."

As the call ended, she handed the phone to her stunned friend, then said, "They'll turn her locator on in one hour, we should know something then."

Speechless, Rick grabbed her hand, "I, I don't know how to say thank you. but" "Save it for later, Simon, all I did was throw some of his bull back in his face!" Abby returned. Looking at Oscar and Rudy, she shook her head, "How did you deal with that crap all these years, deliver me from bureaucrats!"

As she started to leave the room, Robin threw her arms around her, "Abby, thank you, you were great, Mom will love it!" Moved, she patted the girl, then told her, "That's why I did it, so your Mom can hear how it's done!"

The next hour crawled as Oscar re-doubled his search with Chief Joseph of the various abandoned and "tourist" towns that were located near or just off Interstate 40. Just as they were getting ready to test Rick's watch and Oscar's transmitter, Steve Austin arrived at the hospital.

"Steve, thank God you're here!" Oscar gratefully hugged him, then gave way for A.J. and Robin and Robert. "Where's Rick, how's he doing?", the big man asked, worried. "As well as expected, that Fitzpatrick is one sick pervert," Oscar added, scowling. "Have you had any luck reading Laurie?"

Just then they heard Rick holler, quickly the group raced to his room. Just as they got there, the watch in Rick's hand lit up and the digital read out gave a map location.

As her family worked to find her, Laurie slowly came to, fighting a wave of nausea as she slowly sat up on her wooden "bed". Once her balance steadied, she felt a slight coolness, then gasped to see that she was only in her slip and underwear. The bastard, she thought furiously, then realized he had untied her legs and ankles. Barely making it to the crude "toilet" in the corner, she got sick to her stomach, then heard hysterical laughter from outside the cell.

Whirling around, she saw the ex-con standing next to the bars. A wave of anger washed over her, and forgetting her queasy stomach, Laurie approached the door, knowing this was her last chance. Suddenly she felt like she had help, she could hear Steve reaching out to her. Here goes nothing, she decided...

"She's conscious, Rick, let me look at that reading, "Steve told his friend, then seeing the longitude and latitude, scribbled out some figures. He was silent for a moment, then told them, "She's outside old Tucson, one of those tourist traps closed for the summer. We need to go right now, she's trying to escape." Oscar told Rudy, "I need you to come, in case she's hurt or sick!" Forestalling any effort of his father's to go, Robbie spoke up, "You'll need backup, Uncle Oscar, let me go with you, I promise not to go overboard."

"All right, Robbie, Rick, we'll keep in touch," Oscar promised, grabbing their equipment. As they left, Abby put a hand on Rick's shoulder, "It won't be long now, Rick, she'll be home soon!"

As the four men made tracks to the airport, Laurie was holding the jail door closed, trying to lock it.

"Please, Steve, somebody, help me!" Laurie Simon called out mentally, knowing she couldn't hold up much longer.

Suddenly she heard Steve, stronger now. "Laurie, honey, where are you?" Frantic, she practically screamed, "I'm in a ghost town or mining town, Fitzpatrick, he killed Rick and took me, locked me in a jail cell. I just got out; I don't know where I am. If he comes after me, oh, God, Steve, find me!"

"Honey, it's ok, Rick's alive, just bruised. We're on our way, Laurie, just stay calm!" she heard Steve say, just as she heard shouting through the door. Shocked, she thought back to him, "Rick's alive, oh Steve, I saw him shot in front of me, he's all right?" Abruptly, a shot exploded through the door and she stumbled away in a panic.

Half running, half crawling, she moved down the block of false fronts and locked tourist shops. Suddenly Laurie heard the jailhouse door slam, and quickly ducked into a tight space between buildings. Trying not to make a sound, she brought her hands up and covered her mouth, then saw the red light on her watch dial. Putting the transmitter to her lips, she whispered, "Robbie, Oscar, can you hear me?"

There was a rustling sound, then "Laurie, sweetheart, ..." Tears stung her eyes, "Rick? Oh darling..."

Suddenly she heard steps approaching, and flattened herself into the shadows. Just as a shadow crossed the opening, the sound of a helicopter low overhead seemed to stop the figure in its tracks. The copter got louder and louder, then she saw a cloud of dust kicked up.

"Rick, I think Steve's here, I'm going to run for it. I love you, if I don't make it,"she stopped, feeling a cold chill down her back, then hands grabbed her.

"No!" she moaned, then saw Fitzpatrick's face as he pulled her by the wrists and dragged her out of her hiding place.

"One sound, one move and I'll kill you in front of them!" he ordered, then pulled her into the fading sunlight. "Listen up, "he yelled through the cloud of dirt, "I'm taking off, and if anyone gets in my way, she's dead!"

"Laurie, move away from him, now!" she heard Steve's voice, then something pushed her away from Fitzpatrick and she fell to the ground.

Gunshots went off around her, then she felt arms lifting her as she tried to catch her breath.

Blinking in the sudden silence, she saw her uncle's face. "Laurie, honey, it's ok, can you hear me?" Oscar asked, embracing her. "Oscar, oh thank God! ", she whispered, tears running down her cheeks. "Baby, you're safe now.", he told her, picking her up and untying her wrists. Carrying her toward the helicopter sitting in the middle of the street, she heard Robbie's voice, "Mom!" then looked up to see her son coming to her. "Oscar, Robbie came with you?" she said, hoarsely, as he gave her a hug. "Yes, honey, thanks to him that animal will never hurt you or Rick again." her uncle promised.

"Speaking of Pop, he's been frantic, he told us you were grabbed and we had to wait until you were clear of that crook." Robbie told his mom, helping lift her into the cargo bay. Inside the copter, Rudy covered Laurie with a blanket, then embraced her. "It's a miracle, honey, we've been trying to find you everywhere. We're going straight to the hospital, Rick won't rest until he sees you!"

Steve stuck his head between the seats, and she reached out her hand to him. "Steve, you saved my life by telling me you were coming, and that Rick was alive. I was so desperate!" she managed, then Rudy shushed her. "Laurie, just rest, let me take a look at you."

Uncovering her arms, he saw the blood oozing from a gash on her left shoulder. "Honey, did he shoot you?" the doctor asked, grabbing a compress and having Robbie put pressure on the wound.

She nodded, "He grazed me as I was trying to escape from the jail cell, that's when I heard Steve. If you hadn't come..." she closed her eyes, trying not to break down. "Mom, it's all right, here, do you want to talk to Pop?"

"Oh yes, Robbie, thank you!" she breathed as she opened her eyes, then took the receiver from him. Putting it to her ear, she heard Rick again, "Laurie, are you ok?"

"Rick, darling, yes, now that I know you're all right, I was so scared. " she rasped. "Sweetheart, I know, I've been frantic. Everyone's been looking for you, my brave girl. I can hardly wait to put my arms around you, I've missed you so." he soothed her, his voice calming her down.

"I love you, darling, I'll be there in a few minutes, and then I never want to let you go." she replied, tears in her eyes. Looking at her son's worried face, she smiled then said, "I'm going to give you to Robbie, I want Rudy to straighten me up so I don't look so bad, my love. I'll see you in a little bit." "I'm waiting, darlin', now let me talk to our son." Rick answered, relief in his voice.

As she handed the transmitter back to her boy, Rudy had her open her mouth and he looked down her throat, seeking the cause of her hoarseness. Shaking his head, he glanced at Oscar, "She's all inflamed, and I've got to start her on anti inflammatory medicine as soon as we get to the hospital." Giving Laurie some small sips of water, the doctor got her ready for transport as Steve prepared for landing right on the hospital roof.

As they opened the bay doors, she saw Dr. Clarke and a woman waiting with a gurney to transport her. Laurie suddenly realized it was Robin. "Mom," she cried, helping her onto the gurney and hugging her. "Darling, I missed you so much, are you ok?" "Yes Mama, now that you're safe. Pop is going crazy, he can hardly wait to see you."

Hearing that, Dr. Clarke greeted her, and said, "Rather than keep that husband of yours waiting, let me take you to him. We can examine you in his room." "Thank you, Dr.Clarke, I appreciate that you're taking care of him." she smiled.

As they got to Rick's hospital room, Rudy took her hand, "Honey, he's going to be just fine, but he's in some pain. He has a couple of broken ribs, but he should be all right in a couple of weeks. Just be prepared for a grumpy Gus!"

"I wouldn't mind if he acted like a troll, Rudy, just as long as he's going to be fine!" she insisted, then kissed him on the cheek.

Shaking his head, Rudy wheeled her into the room, and then all bets were off as Rick rose from his chair then embraced his wife, kissing and rocking her in his arms. "Rick, darling," she whispered, touching his face.

Oscar helped lift her into bed, then Rick sat next to her and put an arm around her, as Laurie told them, "It's like waking up from a horrible dream, I can't believe it all happened." "You're safe now, sweetheart", Rick promised, comforting her. "I know, as long as I'm in your arms, I'm not scared." she told him, then kissed him.

"All right, lovebirds, I need to clean and dress that wound, missy." Rudy interrupted. Rick grinned, then helped sit her up so the doctor could finish taking care of the cuts and bruises she had. When Rudy was finished, Laurie looked down at her torn slip, and shuddered. "Rudy, could I have something to wear, please, I can't stand to wear this any longer!"

"Sure, honey, it's all right," he said, looking at Rick and Oscar meaningfully. He handed a cotton gown to Rick, saying, "We'll be right back." Outside Rudy told her uncle, "Laurie's starting to come out of shock, I'm just glad Rick's with her. When it really registers I don't want her to be alone." Oscar nodded, "Don't worry, pal, she's not going to be by herself one minute until she's ok."

When they were alone, Rick gently helped Laurie out of her slip, and dressing her in the hospital shift, kissed her everywhere she was cut and bruised. "Hmm, Dr. Simon, I like your version of kissing it to make it better!" she sighed, smiling at her husband.

After running several tests, Rudy allowed the rest of their family in to see Laurie, while he conferred with Dr. Clarke. Laurie got weepy when she saw A.J., still bruised from his encounter with Fitzpatrick.

"A.J., are you all right, I was so worried what that guy would do." she choked, as he embraced her. "I'm fine, just scared sick about you! You are such a fighter, honey. I knew we'd find you, especially with Abby's help!"

Surprised, Laurie looked around, "Abby? Is she here?"

"I think she's filling out some paperwork on Fitzpatrick, honey," Cecilia added, slipping an arm around her. "Oscar can tell you, she really came through for us."

Her uncle smiled down at his niece, seeing her puzzled look. "It's true, I couldn't reason with the Secretary, so Lt. Marsh gave him a little of his own medicine. He put your transmitter on line one hour after she spoke with him!"

"Oscar, I can't ever say enough thank you's for what everybody's done," she said, gazing at Rick.

Turning to her uncle, she told him, "I'm sorry you resigned, only for the fact the OSI needed you. I'm selfish enough to like the fact I get to see you more!"

He shook his head, "Nothing makes me happier; honey. Now Rudy and I can focus on building that hospital!" Kissing her cheek, he excused himself to find the lieutenant.

Just then Dr. Clarke came in with Rudy, "Doctor, how is she?" Rick drew Laurie closer to him, seeing the chart in his hand.

Grinning at the two of them, the chief of staff turned to his colleague, "What do you think, Rudy, can I throw them out in a few days?" "At least three, I want to make sure they'll both behave themselves!" Dr. Wells laughed.

"Oh you, you're incorrigible!" It was Laurie's turn to smile at the doctors. "I'll be good, I just need to know how much down time Rick needs!"

"At least two weeks before you try going back to work, son." Rudy advised, "The bruise on your chest will heal in a couple of days, but the broken ribs will take at least two weeks. I don't want either you or A.J. in your office full time for a while!"

Dr. Clarke cleared his throat, "Laurie, I want you in bed for the next several days, your feet will be healed in a day or so, but that graze wound needs to heal properly. You're dehydrated, so I'll wait to stitch it up for a day or so. I think your throat is just inflamed

from stress; I don't want a lot of talking for now." Rick snickered, "Oh, I think that can be arranged!" He turned and kissed his wife, who put her arms around his neck, then kissed him back.

Laughing, Rudy then announced that visiting hours were over for now so that the two could get some dinner. Dr. Clarke had arranged for a late meal to be available in the cafeteria, so the rest of the Simons went to get something to eat.

A knock sounded at the door just as Rick was feeding Laurie the last of her soup. "Come in!" Rick called as his wife giggled, then they were both pleased to see Abby Marsh in the doorway.

"Rick, Laurie, am I coming at a bad time?", she asked almost nervously. "Oh, no Abby, thank you for coming by, I wanted to say thank you for what you did to get the secretary to turn my transmitter back on!" Laurie beamed.

"Oh honey, it was no problem. Your uncle should never have been put in that predicament by the government. I don't blame him for resigning; deliver me from bureaucrats!" she smiled, then hugged both Simons.

"Abby, you really did make the difference, anytime you want the services of the agency, you've got it!" Rick told her seriously.

"Well, you may not like this part; I have to take a statement from Laurie for pressing the charges against Justin Brown, Fitzpatrick's accomplice, to close the books on Fitzpatrick." the detective explained, uneasily.

"It's all right, Abby, I can do this, only I want Rick here too, just in case I get, you know." Laurie replied uncomfortably.

Rick put his arms around her and drew her against him, as Abby nodded. "Sure, honey, I just want what you remember, I can fill in any blanks you have from Rick or A.J or Oscar."

As Laurie related what she remembered after waking up in the ghost town jail, the lieutenant saw the range of emotions from Rick. His rage when the convict taunted her with news of his "death", to his compassion for her when she was sick to her stomach, to pride in her escape and hiding long enough for Robbie and Steve to get to her.

When his wife finished, trembling with emotion, Rick stroked her hair, saying, "I'm proud of you, sweetheart, so proud."

'I'm proud, too, honey;" Abby told her, "There's one thing I don't understand, though. When Fitzpatrick dragged you out from behind the buildings, you said Steve yelled for you to get away from him. Rob said he saw someone push you away from him, yet there was no one else on the street. Do you remember if he let you go, or if you were able to free yourself?"

Laurie tried to think, then had a flash of memory. "Abby, I remember a pair of hands pushed me to the ground, but I don't see how, unless."

Rick smiled, "Laurie, I think your Grandmother may have been around, she told me you would be all right." "Then that's one more thank you I owe; Abby, you may not want to put that in your report, but it's the only explanation." she added.

Abby closed her book. "I'll think of something, meanwhile, it's late, so I want you two to get some rest. I'll make sure this is the last you have to deal with this guy!"

"Thank you, Abby, I appreciate it. The others are having dinner in the cafeteria, why don't you join them for a cup of coffee?" Laurie suggested, feeling drained.

"I think I'll do that, I could use a cup for the road!" she grinned, then came over and embraced her friends.

Once they were alone, Laurie snuggled next to Rick,

"Darling, I need you to tell me, what happened when I thought you got shot. Rudy said you got a bruise?"

"Sweetheart, I saw the gun go off and then I was knocked backwards. I heard you screaming, I was terrified when that monster threw you over his shoulder and you passed out. I closed my eyes, then when I didn't feel any blood I hollered for A.J. When first he and then Rudy felt around my chest, all they found was this." Rick pulled a small object out of the pocket of his robe.

Laurie gasped; it was the small sheriff's pin Robbie had given Rick at the sheriff's graduation ceremony. Only there was a bullet lodged, no, smashed in the center of the shield.

"Oh, Rick, it's the gift Robbie gave you, it saved your life!" she cried, then buried her face in his shoulder.

"Darlin', I'm ok now, don't cry, my angel." he comforted her, caressing her face. Feeling her tears slowing, he lifted her chin and kissed her wet cheeks. "Rick, I love you so much, when that horrible man called me "Widow Simon", I thought I would die. But he would have won, darling, I couldn't give up, our children need us still!" she told him, sniffing.

"My brave girl, I knew once we found where that bastard took you, that Oscar could bring you safe to us, to me." he assured her. "I can't face being without you, but when Robin came to me in the middle of the night, frightened, I told her we had to be strong, I had to be strong for you until you came home." Now it was Laurie's turn to put her arms around him. "I know you'll always take care of our children, darling, you're my rock. I'm not afraid of anything when I'm in your arms."

"Well, sweetheart," he kissed her neck, "As soon as Rudy checks in, I'm going to take care of "anything!" Sighing, she whispered, "Promise?"

"Promise!"