Chapter 1
"Mr. Simon, what did Mr. James do next?" The prosecutor stood calmly by the jury box, watching as the defendants gazed uneasily at each other.
"He offered me a $10,000 life insurance policy, no medical exam, no pre- existing condition rider, and a $1,000 advance just for signing up. I pretended to think about it, then when I said yes, he produced an already completed application and told me to sign it for my advance. My brother and Captain Johnson came out at that moment and arrested James."
A.J. looked over at the taller of the two defendants, then pointed at him when the prosecutor asked, "Which one is Mr. James?" "Objection, counsel is leading the witness." the sharp-faced defense attorney shouted, then slumped in his chair as the judge slammed his gavel. "Overruled, and any more frivolous objections, I will hold you in contempt!"
The jurist turned to A.J., "You may step down, Mr. Simon." As the younger Simon walked to the prosecution table, Rick grinned and patted his shoulder as he sat down.
"The prosecution wishes to add into the record the sworn testimony of Captain Ron Johnson, Phoenix Police Department, that when Mr. James was searched, he was carrying a concealed '38 caliber weapon, matching the murder weapon used on the late Hamilton Peabody." the grey-suited state attorney said.
Looking at the morose defense attorney, the Judge wryly asked "Does the defense wish to cross-examine Mr. Simon or review the testimony of Captain Johnson?"
"No, your Honor, the defense rests." the attorney replied, then ducked the punch thrown by his nearest client. "You idiot, I have nothing to shake him with!" the rattled lawyer shouted. As the judge gaveled for silence, two bailiffs took both defendants out of the courtroom. As James was being dragged out the door, he yelled back at the Simon brothers, "You'd better not be here tomorrow, Simon, you'll regret it!"
Shaking his head, the black-robed jurist stared at the prosecutor. "Under the circumstances, we'll recess until tomorrow morning at ten. Mr. A.J. Simon?"
Both Rick and A.J. sat at attention as the judge scowled at them. "You will be here, also, Mr. Richard Simon. Protection will be provided if you feel it necessary."
"Won't be needed, your Honor, we have, uh, protection already in place." Rick spoke up, looking him in the eye.
"Of course, Mr. Simon, I expect nothing less. Court adjourned."
A.J. watched the former prosecutor exit the courtroom, then said, "What was that all about, Rick?"
"That, little brother, is an ex-Marine with a long memory. Reginald Mason served in Vietnam the same time I did, he's tough but fair." he answered. "I know they're all bark and no bite, but just in case I think you and I better move into the safe room Ron arranged at headquarters, Laurie can stay with Linda and the kids until those two animals are locked up!"
"Come on, Rick, James and Lopez couldn't plan their way out of a paper bag. The only reason they got away as long as they did with that insurance scam was Martin was pulling their strings. Killing Peabody was something he thought up, and that was his only mistake. Once they're sentenced, they'll deal anyone for a lighter term!" A.J. scoffed, following his brother to the courthouse lobby.
After they were screened, the two Simons headed towards the parking structure, only to see a crowd gathered in the area of A.J.'s car. Suddenly a uniformed officer stopped them; "Mr. Simon, you and your brother better come with me, Captain
Johnson wants you back inside."
As A.J. opened his mouth to object, Rick took a look just as the lookyloos parted and saw what apparently remained of his brother's car.
"Don't argue, A.J., let's move!" he growled, then took his brother's arm and steered him back into the building.
Just as they re-entered the security area, Captain Ron came toward them and motioned for Rick and A.J. to follow him.
"What happened, Ron, is it Linda, did something happen to her or the kids?" the blond-haired detective demanded once they were in the bailiff's room.
"Calm down, A.J., they're safe. Rick, did you see it?" Ron looked at him and he nodded.
"A.J., someone torched your car, or was it...?" Rick looked at their friend.
"We think it was firebombed, guys, it happened just after James and Lopez were taken back to jail. A call came into the station, if you finish your testimony, A.J., your family's next." the Captain added somberly.
Pushing his now ashen-faced brother into a chair, Rick knelt next to him. "A.J., I'm not taking any chances, we'll stop by your place, then you are going into protective custody until these guys are in prison. Linda and the kids will be safer at the ranch where Oscar and Robbie can watch over them, not to mention your big sister!"
Forcing a grin, A.J. shook his head. "Nobody messes with her, I know she'll keep them safe. What I don't like is the fact Martin seems to have some kind of inside info that let him know when we were leaving, same as the other times the police would search and find nothing. If Laurie hadn't distracted him that day, we wouldn't have found his little escape route or his stash."
The police captain nodded. "Whoever's talking must be in the prosecutor's office, my department's been scoured from top to bottom, nothing!"
A knock on the door interrupted him, and as Captain Ron opened it, he found Oscar Goldman at the door.
"Ron, I'd hoped I'd find you with the guys, Laurie called me, someone's been making crank calls to Linda and the ranch. I dropped Laurie off at A.J.'s then came straight here." the older man reported sternly.
"I'm glad you're here, Oscar, someone firebombed A.J.'s car, right after James threatened him in court. We were just discussing Rick and Laurie taking Linda and the kids to the ranch." Ron added.
"Oscar, I don't like that they were calling the ranch, what did Laurie say about the calls?" Rick asked, worried.
"Every ten minutes starting about two hours ago, first it was a heavy breather, then a man's voice saying "if Simon's in court tomorrow, his family's next." Laurie had the machine pick up the message several times. Finally she called me and I picked up her and Mike. She's pretty mad, Rick, she says only cowards pick on women and children!" Oscar smiled ruefully.
"I'm glad she reached you, pal, but why didn't she call me, oh, wait a minute." the light dawned on Rick.
"They don't call Mason the "drill sergeant" for nothing, Rick, Laurie knew you were in court!" A.J. returned, then frowned.
"Ron, what are we going to do, Van Martin and his people have the number of the ranch, what's to stop them from attacking our family there?"
"I think if we can just keep Laurie and Linda and the kids out of their reach tomorrow, we'll be able to set something up to smoke our quisling out of the woodwork!" Captain Ron spoke into the silence. "In the meantime, let's get you guys back to A.J.'s for the night. I think you'll be safe enough there with a police car or two around."
Figuring this was the best strategy, the four men took a secured route to the parking garage, then with Oscar acting as a decoy, Captain Ron drove the two brothers through police headquarters, left his car, then met up with Oscar and he drove Rick and A.J. home while Ron followed with an unmarked police car.
On the way to his brother's home, Rick felt his wife's worried thoughts reaching out to him. "It's all right, sweetheart, we're almost there." he "told" her.
As Oscar hit the code for entering the project, a police car stationed itself at the entrance, and Captain Ron followed them in.
Allowing Captain Ron to vet the garage, Oscar drove the brothers in, allowing them to enter the house through a closet door, which A.J. had converted into an extra entrance into the kitchen.
As A.J. came in, Linda was waiting at the kitchen door and he gathered her into his arms. Smiling at his sister-in-law, Rick left them alone and headed into the living room, where he found Laurie waiting with a sleepy Ricky in her arms.
"Can Uncle Oscar tell you a bedtime story, big guy?" his wife asked, seeing at the wistful look her uncle had.
Nodding happily, the little boy let her set him down, then he put his hand in Oscar's. "Come on, Ricky, I'll tell you a story about your daddy, would you like that?"
Grinning, Rick watched Ricky go down the hall chattering away at Oscar. "Rick." he turned at the sound of his name, then went into Laurie's embrace.
"Thank God you're all right, darling. I was so worried when Oscar told me they threatened A.J. right in front of the judge." she told him. Rick kissed her, then putting his arms around her, sat down on the sofa and held her against him. "We're safe, sweetheart, nothing's going to hurt us."
"I love you, Rick." she whispered, then kissed his neck. "I do feel safe as long as your arms are around me. I was so angry when the calls started, I called Linda and when she told me Ricky heard the message and got scared, oh, I wanted to punch something!"
"Now, darlin', you know better then that!" he teased, holding up her right hand. "No punching, my angel, remember?" he kissed it, then went up her arm, bringing sighs of pleasure from her. "My love, oh, what you do to me."
A knock on the door brought Rick to full alert, only to be reassured when it turned out to be Captain Ron.
"We caught a suspect on the next street over, Rick, looks like he may spill for us!" he reported, relieved. "Ron, you're a lifesaver, you are!" Rick exclaimed, then gave Laurie a hug.
"Well, guess I 'll let you guys get some dinner, I'll check in with you when you turn in for the night." Ron acknowledged, then was embarrassed when Laurie shook her head at him.
"You'll do no such thing-we have plenty for dinner and you can't work on an empty stomach. You two talk, and I'll bring you a couple of drinks."
After dinner, Captain Ron watched Linda go to check on the children, then lowered his voice. "Laurie, I think it'll be safer if you and Linda stay here and the guys come with me tonight. The less opportunity someone has for intercepting A.J. and Rick, the better."
Rick caught a flash of fear from his wife, then gripped her hand as she nodded. "You're right of course, Ron. As long as one of your patrols is around, I can hold down the fort here. I brought a couple of Rick's things with me, let me get them and tell Linda."
Seeing her walk rapidly down the hallway, Rick let out a deep breath. "I know, son, I know." Oscar smiled at his expression. "She's not going to let it out until we leave." A.J. looked at the older man, "Can you stay here tonight, Oscar, I'd feel better if you did."
"Sure, son, I have to finish a story for Ricky that I started, anyway. I can meet you at the courthouse in the morning." he grinned. Seeing his niece and Linda both returning, he cleared his throat and told them, "While two you say good night, I'll make some coffee."
Laurie was the first to catch on, then shaking her head, said "Bless you, Oscar." and hugged him. Linda followed suit, adding, "I'll make up the bed in the guest room for you, you don't want Ricky waking you up at 6 am!"
When the brothers were ready to go, Captain Ron discreetly waited at the door as A.J. took his wife into the kitchen, while Rick and Laurie embraced each other in the hall. "I love you, Rick, please be careful." she murmured in his ear, as he kissed and rocked her in his arms.
"I do, and I will.", he choked, not wanting to let go. Feeling his emotions starting to slip, he gave her one last kiss, lingering on her lips then feeling her pull her hands free to cup his face. "We will be all right, my Lionheart. You stay safe, for me, for us."
Seeing the smile in his wife's eyes, he held her tightly to him, then took her by the hand as he walked to the front door to join A.J.. "Thank you, Ron, you take care of yourself." Laurie told the captain, then surprised him with a kiss on the cheek.
Flushing, Ron met her eyes. "Thank you, Laurie, remember, keep the door locked at all times, and if you or Linda have to got outside, make sure one of our cars is in sight before you open the door."
"We will , we'll talk to you guys tomorrow." Linda added, wiping her eyes. Without another word, the three men went out the door, leaving the two women to cling to each other. Laurie managed to recover first, then sniffing the air, smiled at her sister-in-law. "Oscar's making cocoa, somebody's up."
Walking into the kitchen, Linda couldn't help but laugh at the sight of the big man putting a piece of toast in front of her son, cup of cocoa in hand.
"Momma, Uncle Os's going to finish my story." he informed her, then dunked his toast and dripped it on his pj's. "All right, Ricky, one piece of toast then bed!" Linda sighed. Oscar looked at his niece, "I thought cocoa was a better idea, and so did he!" "All right, make mine with marshmallows!" she giggled.
"Mr. Simon, what did Mr. James do next?" The prosecutor stood calmly by the jury box, watching as the defendants gazed uneasily at each other.
"He offered me a $10,000 life insurance policy, no medical exam, no pre- existing condition rider, and a $1,000 advance just for signing up. I pretended to think about it, then when I said yes, he produced an already completed application and told me to sign it for my advance. My brother and Captain Johnson came out at that moment and arrested James."
A.J. looked over at the taller of the two defendants, then pointed at him when the prosecutor asked, "Which one is Mr. James?" "Objection, counsel is leading the witness." the sharp-faced defense attorney shouted, then slumped in his chair as the judge slammed his gavel. "Overruled, and any more frivolous objections, I will hold you in contempt!"
The jurist turned to A.J., "You may step down, Mr. Simon." As the younger Simon walked to the prosecution table, Rick grinned and patted his shoulder as he sat down.
"The prosecution wishes to add into the record the sworn testimony of Captain Ron Johnson, Phoenix Police Department, that when Mr. James was searched, he was carrying a concealed '38 caliber weapon, matching the murder weapon used on the late Hamilton Peabody." the grey-suited state attorney said.
Looking at the morose defense attorney, the Judge wryly asked "Does the defense wish to cross-examine Mr. Simon or review the testimony of Captain Johnson?"
"No, your Honor, the defense rests." the attorney replied, then ducked the punch thrown by his nearest client. "You idiot, I have nothing to shake him with!" the rattled lawyer shouted. As the judge gaveled for silence, two bailiffs took both defendants out of the courtroom. As James was being dragged out the door, he yelled back at the Simon brothers, "You'd better not be here tomorrow, Simon, you'll regret it!"
Shaking his head, the black-robed jurist stared at the prosecutor. "Under the circumstances, we'll recess until tomorrow morning at ten. Mr. A.J. Simon?"
Both Rick and A.J. sat at attention as the judge scowled at them. "You will be here, also, Mr. Richard Simon. Protection will be provided if you feel it necessary."
"Won't be needed, your Honor, we have, uh, protection already in place." Rick spoke up, looking him in the eye.
"Of course, Mr. Simon, I expect nothing less. Court adjourned."
A.J. watched the former prosecutor exit the courtroom, then said, "What was that all about, Rick?"
"That, little brother, is an ex-Marine with a long memory. Reginald Mason served in Vietnam the same time I did, he's tough but fair." he answered. "I know they're all bark and no bite, but just in case I think you and I better move into the safe room Ron arranged at headquarters, Laurie can stay with Linda and the kids until those two animals are locked up!"
"Come on, Rick, James and Lopez couldn't plan their way out of a paper bag. The only reason they got away as long as they did with that insurance scam was Martin was pulling their strings. Killing Peabody was something he thought up, and that was his only mistake. Once they're sentenced, they'll deal anyone for a lighter term!" A.J. scoffed, following his brother to the courthouse lobby.
After they were screened, the two Simons headed towards the parking structure, only to see a crowd gathered in the area of A.J.'s car. Suddenly a uniformed officer stopped them; "Mr. Simon, you and your brother better come with me, Captain
Johnson wants you back inside."
As A.J. opened his mouth to object, Rick took a look just as the lookyloos parted and saw what apparently remained of his brother's car.
"Don't argue, A.J., let's move!" he growled, then took his brother's arm and steered him back into the building.
Just as they re-entered the security area, Captain Ron came toward them and motioned for Rick and A.J. to follow him.
"What happened, Ron, is it Linda, did something happen to her or the kids?" the blond-haired detective demanded once they were in the bailiff's room.
"Calm down, A.J., they're safe. Rick, did you see it?" Ron looked at him and he nodded.
"A.J., someone torched your car, or was it...?" Rick looked at their friend.
"We think it was firebombed, guys, it happened just after James and Lopez were taken back to jail. A call came into the station, if you finish your testimony, A.J., your family's next." the Captain added somberly.
Pushing his now ashen-faced brother into a chair, Rick knelt next to him. "A.J., I'm not taking any chances, we'll stop by your place, then you are going into protective custody until these guys are in prison. Linda and the kids will be safer at the ranch where Oscar and Robbie can watch over them, not to mention your big sister!"
Forcing a grin, A.J. shook his head. "Nobody messes with her, I know she'll keep them safe. What I don't like is the fact Martin seems to have some kind of inside info that let him know when we were leaving, same as the other times the police would search and find nothing. If Laurie hadn't distracted him that day, we wouldn't have found his little escape route or his stash."
The police captain nodded. "Whoever's talking must be in the prosecutor's office, my department's been scoured from top to bottom, nothing!"
A knock on the door interrupted him, and as Captain Ron opened it, he found Oscar Goldman at the door.
"Ron, I'd hoped I'd find you with the guys, Laurie called me, someone's been making crank calls to Linda and the ranch. I dropped Laurie off at A.J.'s then came straight here." the older man reported sternly.
"I'm glad you're here, Oscar, someone firebombed A.J.'s car, right after James threatened him in court. We were just discussing Rick and Laurie taking Linda and the kids to the ranch." Ron added.
"Oscar, I don't like that they were calling the ranch, what did Laurie say about the calls?" Rick asked, worried.
"Every ten minutes starting about two hours ago, first it was a heavy breather, then a man's voice saying "if Simon's in court tomorrow, his family's next." Laurie had the machine pick up the message several times. Finally she called me and I picked up her and Mike. She's pretty mad, Rick, she says only cowards pick on women and children!" Oscar smiled ruefully.
"I'm glad she reached you, pal, but why didn't she call me, oh, wait a minute." the light dawned on Rick.
"They don't call Mason the "drill sergeant" for nothing, Rick, Laurie knew you were in court!" A.J. returned, then frowned.
"Ron, what are we going to do, Van Martin and his people have the number of the ranch, what's to stop them from attacking our family there?"
"I think if we can just keep Laurie and Linda and the kids out of their reach tomorrow, we'll be able to set something up to smoke our quisling out of the woodwork!" Captain Ron spoke into the silence. "In the meantime, let's get you guys back to A.J.'s for the night. I think you'll be safe enough there with a police car or two around."
Figuring this was the best strategy, the four men took a secured route to the parking garage, then with Oscar acting as a decoy, Captain Ron drove the two brothers through police headquarters, left his car, then met up with Oscar and he drove Rick and A.J. home while Ron followed with an unmarked police car.
On the way to his brother's home, Rick felt his wife's worried thoughts reaching out to him. "It's all right, sweetheart, we're almost there." he "told" her.
As Oscar hit the code for entering the project, a police car stationed itself at the entrance, and Captain Ron followed them in.
Allowing Captain Ron to vet the garage, Oscar drove the brothers in, allowing them to enter the house through a closet door, which A.J. had converted into an extra entrance into the kitchen.
As A.J. came in, Linda was waiting at the kitchen door and he gathered her into his arms. Smiling at his sister-in-law, Rick left them alone and headed into the living room, where he found Laurie waiting with a sleepy Ricky in her arms.
"Can Uncle Oscar tell you a bedtime story, big guy?" his wife asked, seeing at the wistful look her uncle had.
Nodding happily, the little boy let her set him down, then he put his hand in Oscar's. "Come on, Ricky, I'll tell you a story about your daddy, would you like that?"
Grinning, Rick watched Ricky go down the hall chattering away at Oscar. "Rick." he turned at the sound of his name, then went into Laurie's embrace.
"Thank God you're all right, darling. I was so worried when Oscar told me they threatened A.J. right in front of the judge." she told him. Rick kissed her, then putting his arms around her, sat down on the sofa and held her against him. "We're safe, sweetheart, nothing's going to hurt us."
"I love you, Rick." she whispered, then kissed his neck. "I do feel safe as long as your arms are around me. I was so angry when the calls started, I called Linda and when she told me Ricky heard the message and got scared, oh, I wanted to punch something!"
"Now, darlin', you know better then that!" he teased, holding up her right hand. "No punching, my angel, remember?" he kissed it, then went up her arm, bringing sighs of pleasure from her. "My love, oh, what you do to me."
A knock on the door brought Rick to full alert, only to be reassured when it turned out to be Captain Ron.
"We caught a suspect on the next street over, Rick, looks like he may spill for us!" he reported, relieved. "Ron, you're a lifesaver, you are!" Rick exclaimed, then gave Laurie a hug.
"Well, guess I 'll let you guys get some dinner, I'll check in with you when you turn in for the night." Ron acknowledged, then was embarrassed when Laurie shook her head at him.
"You'll do no such thing-we have plenty for dinner and you can't work on an empty stomach. You two talk, and I'll bring you a couple of drinks."
After dinner, Captain Ron watched Linda go to check on the children, then lowered his voice. "Laurie, I think it'll be safer if you and Linda stay here and the guys come with me tonight. The less opportunity someone has for intercepting A.J. and Rick, the better."
Rick caught a flash of fear from his wife, then gripped her hand as she nodded. "You're right of course, Ron. As long as one of your patrols is around, I can hold down the fort here. I brought a couple of Rick's things with me, let me get them and tell Linda."
Seeing her walk rapidly down the hallway, Rick let out a deep breath. "I know, son, I know." Oscar smiled at his expression. "She's not going to let it out until we leave." A.J. looked at the older man, "Can you stay here tonight, Oscar, I'd feel better if you did."
"Sure, son, I have to finish a story for Ricky that I started, anyway. I can meet you at the courthouse in the morning." he grinned. Seeing his niece and Linda both returning, he cleared his throat and told them, "While two you say good night, I'll make some coffee."
Laurie was the first to catch on, then shaking her head, said "Bless you, Oscar." and hugged him. Linda followed suit, adding, "I'll make up the bed in the guest room for you, you don't want Ricky waking you up at 6 am!"
When the brothers were ready to go, Captain Ron discreetly waited at the door as A.J. took his wife into the kitchen, while Rick and Laurie embraced each other in the hall. "I love you, Rick, please be careful." she murmured in his ear, as he kissed and rocked her in his arms.
"I do, and I will.", he choked, not wanting to let go. Feeling his emotions starting to slip, he gave her one last kiss, lingering on her lips then feeling her pull her hands free to cup his face. "We will be all right, my Lionheart. You stay safe, for me, for us."
Seeing the smile in his wife's eyes, he held her tightly to him, then took her by the hand as he walked to the front door to join A.J.. "Thank you, Ron, you take care of yourself." Laurie told the captain, then surprised him with a kiss on the cheek.
Flushing, Ron met her eyes. "Thank you, Laurie, remember, keep the door locked at all times, and if you or Linda have to got outside, make sure one of our cars is in sight before you open the door."
"We will , we'll talk to you guys tomorrow." Linda added, wiping her eyes. Without another word, the three men went out the door, leaving the two women to cling to each other. Laurie managed to recover first, then sniffing the air, smiled at her sister-in-law. "Oscar's making cocoa, somebody's up."
Walking into the kitchen, Linda couldn't help but laugh at the sight of the big man putting a piece of toast in front of her son, cup of cocoa in hand.
"Momma, Uncle Os's going to finish my story." he informed her, then dunked his toast and dripped it on his pj's. "All right, Ricky, one piece of toast then bed!" Linda sighed. Oscar looked at his niece, "I thought cocoa was a better idea, and so did he!" "All right, make mine with marshmallows!" she giggled.