The next day, Rick and A.J. fielded a number of calls from former clients, all expressing worry that someone was spreading rumors about them closing. Robin called them from the Heritage, telling Rick that her boss had gotten a call canceling reservations because "we don't want to be around the daughter of a criminal."
"Honey, I'm sorry, let me talk to that hotel manager!" her father said, furious.
"It's okay, Pop, Marcus checked and found we had no reservations for a Mr. Barnes, he thought it was some kind of harassment and told me not to pay attention to it. I'm just worried about you and Uncle A.J." Robin explained calmly.
"We're all right, honey, I just want you and Ian to be careful. I'm going to get to the bottom of this." he replied, then promised he'd stop by after work.
When one client related receiving a call from a law firm in Maine, Rick frowned, then remembered the evil "lawyer" who had attacked Laurie and tried to destroy her cousin's family.
"A.J., I'm going to call Barnabas Collins, he's bound to know if a firm exists under the name of Nicholas Barnes. It's too much of a coincidence that the caller to Robin's boss used the name Barnes"
His brother stared at him, "You're kidding, I thought this guy exploded when that old relic hit him?"
Rick sighed. "You never know with this kind of thing. It doesn't faze Laurie, heck, I'm not sure I half-believe some of the things she's gone through."
"I do, I think that why she's so strong, Rick. She's had to be to survive those years with the OSI." A.J. reminded him. "Besides, if this Nicholas Blair is behind these rumors, who's to know if he's behind the other stuff that's been happening."
Dialing Collinwood, Rick was surprised when his wife's cousin Carolyn answered the phone at the Old House.
"Rick, I'm glad you called. Barnabas was going to try to reach you before he left."
"He was?" Rick was startled, then his jaw dropped as Carolyn continued.
"Yes, he's on his way to Bangor with Quentin, something's happened and he's afraid you and Laurie are in danger. They're booked on a flight tonight."
"Uh, Carolyn, something has been happening, is there a chance that, uh, Nicholas Blair is alive?" The older Simon hazarded, as his brother looked shocked.
"Yes, Rick. Some environmental agency sent a crew to check on the cliff erosion off Smugglers' Point, and they apparently caused a cave in. When Barnabas went to look at the damage, he found that where Blair was buried was disturbed. He also found a remnant of the old cross that you threw at him, apparently it was dislodged and that's what may have brought him back." Carolyn sounded upset at the thought, and Rick hastened to reassure her.
"Don't worry, Carolyn. If that monster has come out here, we'll be prepared for him. I think Chief Joseph may have some stuff on how he was defeated the last time he fought Barnabas here." Rick tried to sound confident.
"Thanks, Rick. I know Barnabas and Quentin are doing the right thing then in coming to Arizona. They'll call you from the airport when they get in. Would you let me know when Barnabas does?" the young woman asked.
Promising to do that, Rick then added, "You mentioned Quentin, is that your other cousin?"
"Yes, he's just back from a business trip and he was concerned that Blair might be after Laurie. He's been meaning to come meet you, I'm just sorry it's because of this." Carolyn explained.
Saying his goodbyes, Rick hung up, then called Laurie.
When he found the machine on, instantly his stomach knotted.
"A.J., I'm calling Oscar, she's not answering and I don't think she was teaching today." Rick told his brother, dialing the older man's cabin.
After a moment, Oscar's machine also went on, and he hung up, then dialed the Cultural Center.
After striking out at finding Chief Joseph, Rick grabbed his jacket, then stopped as the phone rang.
A.J. picked it up, then let out a sigh. "Oscar, we've been trying to get a hold or Laurie, is she with you?"
By the smile on his face, Rick knew the answer was yes, and he relaxed.
"All right, here's the worried husband now." A.J. dodged his brother's headlock and handed him the phone.
"Dad, I was just…." He started, then heard Laurie's voice, "Rick, I didn't mean to worry you, did you call?"
"Yes, sweetheart, where were you?" he asked, then shook his head ruefully as she answered "I was in the barn, Winnie's ready to foal, darling. Dr. Anderson is here, and Dad came over to give him a hand.
He made an audible groan, in the middle of their mess he'd forgotten the mare was ready to give birth.
"I'm sorry, darlin', I completely forgot. I've got some news to tell you, but I think it'll keep. You go back to the barn and let me talk to Oscar."
"All right, love. Come home soon and be careful." He heard a pause, then she murmured, "I love my worried husband very much."
Rick turned his back to a grinning A.J. so he could whisper "I love you too, angel. I'll be home as soon as I can, maybe with a surprise."
Ending their conversation with an air kiss, he filled in Oscar on the two Collins' arrival, then made plans to meet him at the ranch. Replacing the receiver Rick then faced his brother, pretending to growl, "What?"
"Nothing." A.J. smirked, then ducked the crumpled up paper ball Rick tossed at him.