Chapter 2
"Are you certain you didn't lead Mr. James into thinking you were interested in signing the contract, Mr. Simon." Eddie Husen, the defense attorney questioned.
Trying not to smirk, Rick sat back as A.J., straight-faced, replied, "No, sir, I told him that even though I was 70 years old and not well, I wanted to think about it."
Husen, perspiring freely, looked back at someone in the public seats, then muttered, "no further questions" and sat down.
"Mr. Simon, you may stand down." the judge ordered, then as A.J. exited the witness box, added, "Thank you for your testimony, the court is taking the circumstances into consideration."
Nodding his thanks, the younger Simon went back to his seat as the prosecutor's table. Just as he was sitting down, Rick suddenly went ashen, then turned to A.J.
"Something's wrong, Laurie, she's in pain!" he whispered. Turning his watch on, he hit the receive button. The sound of sirens came through his transmitter, so he squib bled a note to the prosecutor and had his brother pass it to him.
Instantly the man got the bailiffs attention, then requested a bench conference. Irritated, the jurist allowed him to approach, then called Rick and A.J. over.
"What do you mean, your wife's been hurt, how do you know, Simon?" he demanded sternly.
"My transmitter went on, your Honor, I kept it as low as possible, but I heard the sirens, she's been hurt! Please, at least let me find out what happened!" he desperately pleaded.
Staring at Rick, Judge Mason finally agreed, announcing a recess.
Once in his chambers, Rick called to his wife, then turned his receiver up, as they heard Captain Ron suddenly respond. "Rick, I'm with Laurie, she's been burned. The paramedics are taking her to the hospital, I'll stay with her until you get there."
"Ron, what happened, how did she get burned?" A.J. called to him, motioning the bailiff to get them a ride. "Linda was at the door when a car screeched by, Laurie pushed her out of the way and a flash bang device of some kind hit the steps and went off. She caught part of it in her face and managed to close the door before the fire got in the house. It looks just like surface burns, but, well, you need to get to the hospital right away."
The judge stood up. "Both of you are excused. I think, Mr. Jacobsen, you can wrap it up right now." As the brothers started to leave, Mason called to Rick, "Simon?"
He turned, and saw a look of concern on the old Marine's face. "I hope she's going to be all right. I'll make sure you have extra protection at the hospital."
"Thank you, sir." Rick replied, then ran out the door after his brother.
As they sped to the hospital in a police car, Rick called to Oscar and found him already enroute. "Rudy picked up Robin from the hotel, guys, he'll be there in a minute. I've got Linda and the kids, they'll be safe with me." he growled, sounding very angry.
Skidding into the emergency room entry, the bailiff let the two Simons out and they ran into the personnel entrance, finding Robin waiting for them.
"Pop, Uncle Rudy's in with Mom, she's, oh, Pop, she can't see!" his daughter told him. Shaken, Rick hugged her, then asked, "Did you talk to Captain Ron, he said he came in with her."
"Yes, Pop, he told me to wait here for you, he'll be right back. Aunt Linda told him Mom saved her life, she told her to get away from the door and then they heard a car. Mom shoved her away then something exploded and she closed the door then fell down. When Aunt Linda tried to help her, Mom said she couldn't see." Robin took a deep breath, trying not to cry as her father sat down next to her. "It's okay, honey, Rudy'll take care of her. Did you talk to your brother?"
"Yes, he's on his way, but he had to wait until Rob came in . The Chief is coming, he was talking Grandma out of flying in early when I called." The girl took a Kleenex from her uncle and blew her nose, then smiled when A.J. said, "Just like your Mom, a nose honker!"
"Oh you're bad, Uncle A.J., now I know where Robbie gets it from!" she sniffed, putting her head against his shoulder.
After a few minutes, Oscar came in holding Ricky by the hand, followed by Linda holding a sleeping Ceci. A.J. nearly broke down as his wife crumpled in his arms, and Robin took the baby from her so A.J. could comfort her. Rick looked at his wide-eyed namesake, then managed a grin when Ricky came and hugged him. "Hi buddy, have you been minding Uncle Oscar?"
"Yes, we're on guard duty, we're taking care of Mommy and Ceci!" Ricky told him proudly, then sat on his lap and said, "Auntie got hurt, Uncle Ron had to carry her like Ceci."
Swallowing, Rick patted him then looked up at Oscar, who cleared his throat. "Ricky was very brave, he helped keep Laurie calm. Ron says she was upset at his crying so she asked him to hold her hand so she'd feel better."
Just then Rudy came out of the Trauma area, then seeing Rick, called him over. "Rudy, how is she?" he asked, trying to control his emotions.
"She's lucky, Rick, very lucky. If she hadn't closed the door as quickly as she did, the fire would have flashed at more then her face. I don't know what kind of device hit the steps, but the burns only splashed at her face. Laurie has first degree burns on her eyelids and eyebrows, and cuts and second degree burns on her forehead.
As for her eyes, I think her sight will return in the next few days, it's just a reaction to the bright flash in her eyes, like staring at the sun too long.
She says everything's fuzzy, but I think, given time, she'll get her ability to focus back. I've given her some medication, but it's the shock to her system, more than anything that's affecting her." Rudy explained.
"Can I see her, I need to make sure, oh, hell Rudy, I felt her calling to me and I wasn't there, she was so scared!" Rick burst out, then felt his friend's firm grip on his arm.
"Rick, you can see her, but you need to stay calm. She's going to need you more then ever now, especially if these animals try again to hurt you or A.J. through your family again!" the doctor told him emphatically.
"I'll be all right, I just need to be with her." Rick said. Smiling, Rudy agreed, stopping at an enclosed section of the unit. "You're her best medicine, son. She's right in here, I didn't want to move her to a permanent room until I knew how she'd handle the medicine. "
Opening the door, he said, "Go on in, if she has any problems, hit the button. She might be a little groggy, but just be patient, Rick."
He nodded, then entered the semi-darkness of the trauma room. "Laurie." He said her name softly, not wanting to startle her. No sound.
"Sweetheart, I'm here." He walked toward her, seeing her still form in the bed, crumpled paper gown showing above the coverlet. As he drew near, he saw a tear rolling down her cheek, then the bandages on her forehead and eyebrows. Burn cream was visible on her closed eyelids, and he unashamedly wiped his own eyes, seeing his wife in pain.
Suddenly he heard Laurie draw a ragged breath, and he went to her side. "My darlin' " he whispered, putting his arm under her and raising her up.
Holding her to him, he carefully stroked her face, and kissed her hair. "Sweetheart, it's going to be okay, I'm here and I won't leave you." Abruptly Rick felt her begin to shake, then she clutched at him, crying, "But I can't see, darling, I won't burden you with a wife who's going to put you and, and A.J. in danger!"
"No, no, angel, you're not a burden, you're my brave girl, you saved Linda and Ricky. If you hadn't pushed her out of the way, oh, Laurie, I love you, do you hear me, I love you and I need you." he told her, cuddling her to his chest.
Slowly the tears subsided, then raising her face to his, Rick gently wiped her tears away. "Sweetheart, I want you to open your eyes, don't be afraid. Rudy said your sight would come back, open your eyes and look at me."
Laurie slowly opened her eyes, unable to resist the pleading of her husband. As she blinked, the fuzzy whiteness began to clear, and she saw Rick's face in front of hers, eyes red and moist. "Rick, darling." she gasped, then she blinked, not believing yet knowing it was real.
"What is it, my Laurie, tell me!" he begged, not knowing what she saw. "Darling, you have grey in your mustache, the most beautiful mustache!" she tearfully replied, then saw the recognition of what she had said in his tired eyes.
"Darlin', you can see!" he choked, then called "Rudy!". Remembering that he might not be in earshot, Rick pressed the call button, then buried his face in Laurie's arms as she clung to him and kissed him.
"Don't cry, my love, please! I'll be all right!" she promised, then he raised his face to hers and kissed her long and lovingly.
Rudy came rushing in, "Rick is she...?" then he saw her look up at him. "Rudy! I can see you!" "Oh, honey, I knew it, I told you your sight would come back. Rick, help me sit her up so I can take a look at those beautiful eyes." Rudy asked, beaming.
After examining her eyes, the doctor smiled at both of them. "You'll be chasing your nephew around in a couple of days, missy. Now I want the optomologist to see you tomorrow, you are still a little nearsighted, plus I want to check your burns in the morning. Rick," he glanced at him as he held Laurie protectively. "I want to admit Laurie, but I think all of you should stay the night. Allen's not here, but he sent word to open up both family rooms, no one else needs them. It'll be safer, plus I can keep a better watch on Laurie until her sight's clear."
"Good idea, Rudy, thanks! Now let me get Laurie settled before everyone goes upstairs." Rick decided. "Rick, where's Oscar? Linda and the children are all right, aren't they?" Laurie asked, realizing she hadn't heard anything about them since she was loaded into the ambulance.
"Yes, sweetheart, he hasn't left their side, as a matter of fact Ricky told me they're "guarding Mommy and Ceci". He's too young to have to deal with this, Rudy, yet he is, thanks to Oscar." Rick said, his voice catching.
"He's a tough little boy, but we'll make sure he's taken care of, son. Now I'll go make sure Laurie's admitted, then you can take her upstairs. Honey, have Rick help you put something warmer on, you'll be more comfortable." Rudy added, fetching a warm hospital gown and laying it on the bed.
"Thank you, Rudy, you always take good care of me!" Laurie reached over and hugged him.
"Always, honey, now you just rest!" the older man kissed her cheek, then left the two Simons alone. Laurie looked with distaste at the uncomfortable hospital issue she was wearing, then smiled up at Rick as he shook out the cotton substitute then playfully ripped the paper gown off her, making rude sound effects.
"Darling, you're terrible, now help me on with this, oh, that's better!" she sighed, as he kissed her shoulder, then helped slide her arms into the nightgown. Laurie was giggling helplessly when a nurse finally brought word that she could be wheeled upstairs.
As Rick helped push her off the elevator, he sensed an immediate tension as they approached Laurie's room. Captain Ron had his weapon out in plain sight on his holster, as he and another officer had posts set up outside each of the family rooms.
Relief was apparent on the policeman's face as he stood up and opened the door for Rick and the nurse to push Laurie inside. "Honey, how do you feel?"
"Much better, thanks to you getting me here so quickly." she replied, then was astonished as he bent down to kiss her cheek.
Straightening up, he cleared his throat, "Rudy told me that he gave you some medication, but, do you think you can tell me if you saw anything when you opened the door at A.J.'s?"
"Yes, Ron, I did see something, a black car, with silver trim. Two men, one dark haired, with sunglasses, then another, I didn't get a good look at, but he looked thinner, and there was something, I don't remember, but, something distinctive about him, oh , I can't place it, but a piece of jewelry, or something shiny." Laurie answered.
"It's okay, precious, it'll come to you", Rick spoke quickly, not wanting her to get upset. "Of course, you rest, I'll just be outside." Captain Ron told her, then went to his post.
As Rick walked the captain out the door, he saw Rudy leading his brother and the rest of the family down the hall. Oscar caught sight of him and handing Ricky to A.J., approached the room.
"Rick, Rudy says Laurie's better, that she can see. How does she feel?" he asked. concerned.
"She's got a little pain, but the stuff Rudy gave her seems to be working. She was worried about you, Oscar, you know she feels better when you're around." Rick said, opening the door. As the two men came in, Laurie watched them come in, then called "Oscar!" Going to her side, the big man put his arms around her and hugged her, saying, "I'm so proud of my girl!" "Oscar, you don't know what it means when you say that, I love you!" she replied, beaming up at her uncle. As he sat down next to her, Rudy opened the connecting door, then announced, "honey, you can see everyone for just a few minutes, then I want you to get some rest."
Immediately Ricky came running in, and with the help of Oscar, climbed up on the bed and sat on his auntie's lap. "Auntie, I've been taking care of Momma and Ceci." he told her. "That's a good boy, Ricky, you know you helped me too when I got hurt, you made me feel better." she said, kissing him. The little guy turned, and seeing her bandages, suddenly put his arms around her neck. "Auntie, do you want me to kiss your owwies and make them go away?"
Laurie smiled at him, then nodded, afraid she'd break down in tears. He kissed her forehead, then she hugged him as she whispered "all better!" Rick didn't look at her, he was going to lose it if he did, so he cleared his throat. "Uh, Ricky, how about a hug for me, too!"
As the little boy went happily to his uncle, Linda and A.J. took turns embracing Laurie, then she reached out for Robin. "I couldn't bear the thought of not being able to see you!" she murmured, holding her tightly in her arms. "Mama, I was so afraid about your eyes!" her daughter sniffed. "Honey, I'm going to be all right!" Laurie comforted her, then looking at the door, said "Chief?"
The older man smiled as he came towards her. "Light, I see you've been in good hands." he said, nodding toward Ricky. "Dr. Ricky to you, Joe!" Oscar laughed, as Ricky played with Rudy's stethoscope. After a few minutes, Rudy shooed the rest of the family out of the room.
As Ricky fell asleep in Oscar's arms, A.J. joked "Guess who's staying overnight!" Carefully carrying his pal, Oscar stopped to kiss his niece. "You and Rick get some rest, honey." He winked at Rick, then softly closed the adjoining door behind him.
The doctor shook his head, grinning. "He'll be out like a light in ten minutes, that little guy's worn him out. Speaking of which...." "Can I have something to eat, Rudy, I'm hungry." Laurie interrupted, then saw her friend look upset. "Honey, I didn't even think, have you had anything today?"
"Not since breakfast, Rudy, it's okay, you didn't know. Besides, you know how my stomach is with medication, better empty then sick!" she giggled, then turned red as her insides rumbled.
Both men burst into laughter, then Rick gathered his wife in an embrace as Rudy went to get them some dinner. "You're funny, sweetheart, you'll do anything to get a chuckle out of us!" he teased. "Not that far, my love." she smiled, then leaned against him, placing light kisses on his lips. "Darlin' "he said between kisses, "We may have to save some of this for when we get home, you know Rudy'll be back in a few minutes."
"I know." she whispered, then he felt her head drop against his shirt. "It's all right, I just want to go home; but Rick, what's going to happen with court, I'm scared for you and A.J.." she said, raising her head to look in his eyes. "Angel, I'm more worried about you and Linda and the kids, these SOB's seem to know what's going on and where to hurt us. Ron seems to think the leak is in the prosecutor's office, but he swears everyone's clean. We're going to try something, Laurie, but I want you in a safe place when we do." Rick explained, then kissed her neck.
"You're doing that on purpose, mmm, so I won't argue with you, darling." Laurie sighed, as he dropped kiss after kiss on her face.
He paused, then grinned. "Works, doesn't it?"