Alert to the warnings Laurie had before her premonitions hit, Rick took her arm and had her sit down next to Temple.
"Laurie?" Towne looked at Rick, then understood and reached over and took her hand. "It's all right, honey. What do you see?"
She took a deep breath, then she gasped. "Oh, no! he's going to use me to kill you and Ron." Rick saw the panic in his wife's face and gently put his arm around her. "Breathe, darlin', it's okay. Just breathe."
Slowly Laurie calmed down, then raised her eyes to her husband. "Thank you, darling." Looking at the concerned faces of their friends, she managed a smile. "I'm sorry, I hope I didn't scare you two. At least it wasn't as bad this time."
"Only thing that scares me is what you said, who's after you, honey?" Towne said, as Rick comforted her.
"It was Stevens, he's an ex-cop who tried to take Linda and I hostage several years ago.." She explained. "He's supposed to be in prison, though.
But it was awful, darling." Laurie stopped, then Rick soothed her. "It's all right. What did you see?"
"There was a rope around my neck, and Stevens was dragging me into a garage. He was firing at you, Rick. I tried to scream but the rope was twisted around me and I couldn't. Then he turned and shot Ron, and he was laughing."
"You're safe, my Angel. I'm here." Rick was horrified by the specter of what she had seen. "I'll have Ron check on Stevens' status tomorrow, if he's gotten out of jail it's news to me. Sweetheart, I have an idea. You could still do Temple's show, to talk about BraveKnight Press, and if anyone brings up that picture, you can mention it in passing."
"Rick, that's a good idea. That way we can show it's not worth talking about." she responded, as Towne got up and brought her some water.
Laurie glanced at Temple, who nodded. "I agree, Rick. And actually, honey, it would be a good way of talking about the work of the Cultural Center. I'm going to call the show my "Surprise Gift for the Holidays!"
Rick saw his wife's spirits lift, as she and Temple discussed the program for her show, then went into the kitchen to put dinner on.
When the beef stew, potatoes and salad were history, Laurie and Temple went to close up the barn as Rick and Towne waited for Ron or Robbie to call. Just then the phone rang, and grabbing it, Rick found it was Robbie on the other end.
"What happened, Son?"
"It was a set up, Pop, we caught Ben Nash with a tape recorder and an automatic camera. He was going to try to get Ron on tape agreeing to give information about the Kingston case in exchange to an admission that the picture and information about Mom and Ron being lies." Robbie explained, to his father's great relief.
"When I came around the corner with his camera in my hand, Nash just about had a heart attack. We called in Branson and he arrested him for attempted extortion."
"Nice work, son. You go on home to Ramona now; I don't think we'll have any more problems with Mr. Sleazy after this." Rick added.
Just then Towne looked at the back door. "Rick, it doesn't take that long for them to close up, I'm going to see what's keeping them."
"What, can't us girls have some private time?" Laurie teased as she came into the kitchen, Temple right behind her.
Rick got up and took his wife in his arms. "Yes, you silly girl. But it's awfully cold out, how 'bout some hot cocoa?"
"Mmm, you buying?" Laurie giggled, then laughed as Towne pretended Temple was too cold to hug. "Man, you're sad, I'm not an icicle, I won't melt!" Temple joked as Towne finally embraced her.
Suddenly Laurie had a brainstorm. "Why don't you guys stay tonight, we've got plenty for breakfast and we can drive to the taping together!"
Towne looked at Temple who nodded, then put her arms around his neck. "I think we ought to stay, too."
The former detective couldn't help but grin. "You do, do you? I guess that makes three of us."
"Four, Towne, you can help me put the Christmas lights on the bushes while these two get gussied up for the show." Rick told him mischievously.
"All right, Rick, what I won't do for friendship!" Towne pretended to grouse, then ducked his wife's swat to pick her up and kiss her.
Rick gave Laurie a wicked look. "I have an idea." "Uh, Rick, you do?" she pretended not to get it as he advanced toward her, then let out a squeal as he tickled her, then sitting on the sofa, pulled her into his lap and kissed her.
"Remind me to thank you, Towne, for giving my husband ideas!" Laurie managed, breathlessly.
"Like he needs any help!" Temple returned, laughing.
The next day, Temple had a full house for the taping of her Christmas show. Rick could never get over how fussy Towne's wife could be before entering the studio, and how smooth she would be the minute the red light went on. While they waited, Laurie called her cousins in Maine and told them what time the show would be on. Barely had she finished when it was show time.
It was the first time in a year that Laurie had made an appearance on Temple's show, and the enthusiastic greeting she got brought tears to her eyes. Rick had a corner seat with Towne, and the two of them got caught up in the very natural conversation the two friends had regarding the new publishing company and the stories from Grandmother Kasey.
At the end of the first break, Temple asked Laurie, "Would you read just one of Kasey's stories, please?"
Smiling, Laurie nodded. "I have a Christmas story of hers to tell, it's perfect for today."
"And, cut! 2 minutes!" the director yelled.
Watching the makeup person and assistants touching their wives up, Rick caught a glimpse of Ron Johnson at the back door of the studio, frantically signaling to him. Nudging Towne, Rick managed to get up and over to the door before the taping started again.
"Outside, quick!" Ron whispered, then all three men slipped out the security door.
"What's up?" Rick asked, worried. Ron looked him in the eye.
"Ben Nash spilled the beans about that setup last night. He says some guy with an axe to grind against you slipped him the gossip about Laurie and I. Nash says he used to be a sheriff in California, name of Stevens."
Rick unleashed a swear word as Towne said "God, no, Ron. Laurie had a premonition yesterday that he was after her and Rick. We were waiting for Abby to check and see if he was still in prison."
Johnson shook his head. "According to Nash, he's out. Apparently he's been in the area a couple of weeks, because he wanted to know all sorts of stuff about you guys."
"And I bet for a price that bastard gave it to him." Rick raged.
Suddenly he saw the red light go on outside, and his heart sank.
"They're taping, one of us has to get back in there." He said quietly.
"You go, Temple'll forgive me." Towne inched the door open wide enough for Rick to slip back in.
Silently going back to his seat, he saw Laurie glancing around for him, then give him a smile as Temple finished a promo. As soon as tape rolled, Temple reintroduced her, then sat back as Laurie started. "Let me tell a story about a very special Christmas in Kasey's life."
"So here I stood at the jewelers in Prescott, osensibly to pick up supplies and drop off paperwork. I gathered up my courage and boldly went into the cramped little shop my father had visited to purchase the little rememberances he sent on each birthday and holiday.
Greeting the proprietor,Mr. Johnson, I asked to see the sturdy-looking watch in the window. I noticed a silver locket next to it, and I was tempted to ask to see it too. "No, you're buying presents for someone else, not yourself!" I reminded myself, tearing my eyes away, it was beautiful.
When he put the watch into my hand, I marveled at how light it was. Opening it,, I was happy to see a place for a photo. "I wish I dared put one of me." I thought, as I asked for it to be engraved and wrote down the inscription. I had wasted many a piece of paper deciding what to put on the inside, then I settled for a simple "to Gene, Merry Christmas, Kasey."
I was fortunate not to be on duty until Christmas morning, so I could dress up for the Christmas Eve ball being held in town. Unfortunately the best laid plans don't often turn out. Instead of going to town, I ended up making dinner for the men while Mamacita lay upstairs with a bad cold. She tried to convince me that she was well enough to stay home by herself, but I refused. There was no way I would enjoy myself knowing that she was sick in bed all alone.
Nonetheless, I felt like Cinderella watching her stepsisters go off to the ball as the ranch hands rode off to town. As I tidied the kitchen, I realized I had done much the same thing last year, only at least we'd had a party at home, and Gene had kissed me under the mistletoe And I wasn't alone. Abruptly my thoughts were interrupted by a knocking at the front door.
Smiling at the foolish thought that sprung from childhood that Santa had arrived, I went to open the door, only to find a snow-covered Gene on the threshold.
"Merry Christmas, Kasey." he said. "Gene, get in here, you must be freezing!" I gasped, and pulled him inside. He insisted on shaking the snow off in the entry, then allowed me to take his coat.
"Merry Christmas, Gene. Why aren't you at the party in town?" I asked without thinking as I led him into the family room.
"Why aren't you?" he replied, seating himself on the sofa, then catching my arm as I started to get him a hot beverage.
"Uh, Mamacita's sick, I didn't want to leave her alone on Christmas." I suddenly felt shy, his hand on my arm felt so....right. Not wanting him to let go, I sat next to him on the sofa.
"You could have asked Slim or one of the guys to stay, you didn't get to go last year and you deserve to have some fun." He said seriously, then slid his hand off my arm.
My heart suddenly felt light: He had noticed I wasn't at the party. "I wouldn't have enjoyed myself knowing Mamacita was sick, besides, the guys deserved to have some fun too!"
"Well, I wanted to let you know you were missed." Gene told me earnestly.
"Thank you, Gene. Listen, did you have anything to eat at the party, because I made cookies." I couldn't stop from smiling, he missed me!
"To tell the truth, I'm starving." He admitted, and I rose to my feet. "Gene, you wait right here." I said, then escaped to the kitchen.
Loading a tray with goodies, I waited for the coffee to heat while my mind went round and round. There was no escaping the conclusion. I was in love with Gene Adams.
Not knowing whether to laugh or cry, I decided to just enjoy the moment. There was no future in what I wanted, but I could at least pretend for tonight. I wiped a tear from my eye, then picked up the tray and headed to the door, only to have Gene enter and take it from me.
"Let me help."
Not," it's too heavy", but "let me help." A little thing, but it meant all the world to me.
Picking up the coffee pot, I followed him back into the family room, only to see a present set out for me on the table in front of the sofa. Setting the coffee down, I went to the tree and retreved the gift I had for Gene. I placed it next to mine.
"Merry Christmas." I said, then poured out a cup of coffee and set it in front of him.
"Merry Christmas to you." He smiled, then pushed my package toward me.
"Thank you." I saw that he wanted me to open it, so I untied the bow, then undid the wrapping paper to see a familiar box.
"I see you went shopping in Prescott, too." I grinned, then opened the box and inhaled.
The locket. He had bought me the locket I had admired in the window.
"Oh Gene." That is all I could say. I fumbled with the clasp, then it sprung open to reveal an inscription, simply "To Kasey, Merry Christmas. Gene".
"Mr. Johnson said you were looking at it. It reminded me of you." he said, then I raised my eyes to his.
"Thank you, Gene. I love it" I managed past the lump in my throat.
He lifted the box from my hand, then taking out the locket, put it around my throat. I bent my head down so he could fasten it, his fingers so gentle against my skin. Straightening up, I fingered the oval then met his gaze. "I will wear it always." I heard myself say.
All at once the watch seemed so important. "Your turn. Merry Christmas." I handed him the box, and he chuckled at the bunny-eared bow.
"Neat is not my strong suit." I joked, trying not to stare at his expression.
When he opened the box, his face never changed, and I was afraid he didn't like it.
Then he took it out of the lining, and opened it to the inscription. "I know you have a watch, Gene, but, you could save it for special occasions." I added.
He took my hand, and squeezed it. "Thank you, Kasey, but I need it for everyday. The chain of my gold watch broke, and Champ stepped on it when it dropped on the ground."
"Oh Gene..." I stopped, unsure of whether I should say what I was thinking.
"Yes?" he prompted, still clutching my hand.
"I think, we both got what we want this Christmas." I said, smiling into his eyes.
"Not everything, but this will do." He said, then standing up, he lifted me by the hand and led me over to the doorway.
"You forgot something." He teased, then I looked up and knew. Over our heads was mistletoe.
"Merry Christmas, Kasey." He grinned, then kissed me.
"Merry Christmas Gene", I replied, echoing his kiss.
I couldn't tell you what else happened that Christmas, but locked in my heart is the memory of the most wonderful Christmas gift I ever received, my first love.
There was a moment of silence, then thunderous applause came from the studio audience. Rick felt tears in his eyes. The crew was sniffing all around him, and as soon as Temple managed to wipe her eyes and say, 'We'll be right back.", he got up and going to his wife, took her in his arms.
"Rick." She lit up, as he kissed her. He felt her surprise, then she melted into his embrace as the audience cheered. As they parted, he heard Temple laugh. "Now who's getting ideas."
Smiling at her, he noticed Towne and Ron had slipped into the studio. Reminded of the new danger, he whispered to Laurie, "Sweetheart, we have to go, something's happened."
Going straight home, Rick filled his wife in on the appearance of the former police captain. "Rick, that's horrible, how did he get out of prison?" she worried.
"Of all things, Stevens was a snitch, they cut off half his prison term in exchange for information." Rick explained, still angry. He felt Laurie put her head on his shoulder, and his anger was replaced by fear.
"I won't let him get anywhere near you, Angel." he said, then his heart melted when she snuggled against him. "Darling, I'm not afraid when I'm with you. I know I'll be safe." she reassured him.
Pulling into the ranch driveway, they found both Robbie and Robin waiting on the porch.
Rick felt better seeing his children home, then saw worry on Robin's face.
"What is it, honey, what's happened?" Rick asked, then Robin went into his arms.
"Pop, there was a message on the machine from some man, that he's coming after you and Mom." She told him, hugging him tightly. Robbie patted her shoulder, then embraced his mother.
"No, that monster's not going to hurt my family. It stops here." Laurie told her son, then kissed him and Robin and went into the house.
"Did you listen to the tape, son?" Rick asked, then his son nodded. "It sounds like an older man, with a lot of noise in the background. Kind of odd, almost like machinery or a press of some kind."
"I'm going to call A.J., just in case Stevens decides to go after Linda, then Oscar and see if he's back from Ojai yet, then check in with Ron. They should know about this animal." Rick decided.
Striking out on all fronts in reaching his brother and friends, Rick plopped down onto the sofa then pulled Laurie into his lap after she brought in some tea.
"Rick, you goof!" she laughed, then let him feed her a cookie.
"Hmm, now I could get used to that." She sighed, as her son chuckled.
"Wish I had a camera, only thing is I think my wife might get ideas!"
Giggling, Laurie added, "And I know what happens when a Simon gets ideas!"
As Robin came in to join her folks, Laurie remembered something. "Honey, I forgot to ask, did David call about his arrival?"
"Oh, Mom, I'm sorry. I forgot." her daughter looked embarrassed. "David'll be in about noon on the 23rd, I told him one of us will pick him up. Ian wasn't happy about my not going to Flagstaff, but I told him my cousin's never been here before, so Ian'll said he'd might come for Christmas Day breakfast."
"That's all right, Robin. I'm sorry Ian's acting up, but I'm glad you'll be here to see David. Maybe once he meets him, Ian'll remember what I told him about learning to share." Laurie hugged her.
After finally speaking with A.J. and Oscar, Rick was satisfied that everyone was warned about Stevens' being in the area, and the threat he posed.
Playing the threatening message from the ex-con for Chief Ron, Rick was heartened to learn there was enough cause to take Stevens in for breaking parole.
"I'll be in to swear out a complaint tomorrow against this maniac." Rick promised, hearing a sigh of relief coming from his friend.
"Thank you, Rick. You just keep an eye on Laurie, she was fantastic on Temple's show today." Ron added.
"I will, Ron, you just watch your step. I'll call you tomorrow." Rick promised.
Ending the call, he caught sight of Laurie and his children fixing the Christmas decorations in the front yard, and he smiled.
"Everything's going to be all right." he thought.