Rick's heart leaped into his throat as he choked, "You've got to be kidding…..Father's been healthy as a horse as long as we've known him."
"I know….Oscar checked with his doctor just to see what could be done for him, and Dr. Andrews said he's got adult onset leukemia….it's bad…but his doctor says he might have years left if he goes in for treatment. It all depends on him starting immediately, but he's refused to have it done.
"No….Laurie caught her breath, then somehow calmed down as Rick shook his head.
"Well then, we'll just have to convince him to fight this…..when is he arriving?"
"Tomorrow….he's going to stay in Oscar and Rudy's cabin…that way he'll be close to everyone." A.J.'s eyes were misty, and Rick was hard put not to break down.
"Well, either way, he'll have us to support him." Laurie was doing her best not to cry, but instead gave both brothers another hug, and added, "Now you guys be safe….drive careful."
"We will, princess.." Rick kissed her again, then took their lunches from her and hurriedly followed A.J. to his car. As they drove away, Laurie wiped her eyes, then mustered up a smile as Oscar and Cecilia pulled up.
The drive to Phoenix normally would have been the time the brothers would talk about what was going on with their family, or bounce vacation or holiday ideas off one another. But the bombshell announcement about Father Nick silenced both of them, and Rick found himself almost on autopilot. It wasn't until A.J. pulled into the courthouse parking lot that Rick realized they couldn't let their friend's news distract them from the possible confrontation with Dr. Adams in the courtroom.
"A.J…..we'll have to deal with Father's illness later….right now something feels off about this hearing." He said, then saw recognition in his brother's eyes.
"I thought it was just me, I'm glad that George is up for this-but what if Adams has a helper or helpers just waiting to get us out of the way?"
"Then we'll just have to put the squeeze on his hired help….those two jerks in stir might just roll over for a lighter sentence." Rick added. Just then Robbie pulled up next to them, and both brothers breathed a sigh of relief.
"Sorry, Pop, Uncle A.J….Andy just got back 20 minutes ago.."
"That's okay, son. We just got here ourselves." Rick explained, then decided not to tell his son about Father Nick's illness. As the three Simons got out of their cars, Ron Johnson rushed out of the parking garage elevator, then hurriedly beckoned to them.
"Guys, something's happened….get in here quick!"
Concerned, Rick quickened his pace as Ron turned and put his key into the side elevator and opened it. As soon as he and Robbie and A.J. got in, Ron closed the doors and clicked the elevator on.
"What's wrong, pal? Did something happen to Laurie or Ramona or Linny?" A.J. asked, then turned red with anger as the chief of detectives shook his head.
"No, and now I'm really glad the girls stayed home. About 45 minutes ago a guard found your attorney on the floor in Dr. Adams' holding cell, half-conscious. Seems someone turned their back long enough for Adams to knock George out, then trade places with him. He's going to be all right, but now we have Adams on the loose."
"What!" Rick exploded, as A.J. gripped his arm. Robbie shook his head in disgust.
"I can't believe it, Ron….How could this happen? How much of a head start did that monster get?"
"About 30 minutes, according to the video tape. We've already relieved the two deputies on duty and put them in interrogation. As soon I get you in to see George, I'll go see what they have to say." Ron said tersely.
"Let me call Dad first, then he can check with Rob and Rudy." Rick said, as the elevator doors opened on the medical wing of the jail. Hanging back a moment as his son and brother went ahead, Rick found a pay phone and called the ranch.
"Simon residence." Oscar's voice was wary, and Rick felt a surge of relief.
"Dad, it's Rick. We have a problem." he began.
A few minutes later Rick rejoined the other men as they stood at the first aid station waiting to see their attorney.
"I still think he should see a doctor, Chief." The police surgeon was saying as Ron beckoned them in .
"You can't make Mr. Abbott go if he doesn't want to." Ron retorted, then gestured with his head at the curtained off bed.
"He's in there, guys….don't take too long, okay?"
"We won't, Ron." A.J. assured their friend, then led the way to the attorney's bedside.
Surprisingly, Gregory looked tired but fine, a small bandage on his forehead.
"Rick, A.J….I'm glad you're here…I was afraid that jerk was laying in wait for you." He started, then noticed Robbie's concerned look.
"I'm all right, son…..I sure feel stupid, though."
"No, Gregory, that bastard had months to plan this….I'm just glad you're okay." Rick told him."
"I am too, after the threats that metallic voice made against Laurie. I was thinking he would stay around town, but I think he's headed into Mexico." The attorney remarked, then leaned against his pillow as Robbie asked, "Do you remember what happened, sir?"
"Not much…I just came to see what condition Adams was in, when he reached through the bars and grabbed me by the throat. He banged my head against the bars, then I thought I heard the deputy yell. That's the last I remember until a deputy found me." George explained.
"That's okay, Gregory…as long as you're okay. We'll keep in touch, pal." Rick assured him. Saying goodbye, Rick led the way out of the medical office, then the three men waited for Ron to join them.
"I've got an APB out on Adams, but in the meantime I've requested the transcript from Nixon's interview with Adams' henchmen. I think if Don plays it right, we might find out what he has planned." Ron told them, a puzzled look on his face.
"What is it, pal? Something else wrong?" Rick asked, then A.J. chimed in, "You look as if …."
"As if there's a loose end..yeah. But it'll come to me. Let me walk you guys out….Robbie, I had your car moved to next to your dad's." the chief explained.
"Thanks, Ron." Rick said gratefully, then shook his hand as they reached the secured parking lot next to the courthouse.
As they approached his truck, a sudden chill struck the older Simon, as he saw his hood slightly ajar.
"Ron, is there some reason someone needed to get into my truck?" he asked, then stopped A.J. and Robbie when the Chief answered, "No, we didn't move it an inch."
"Okay, then something is wrong..look..my hood is open." Rick quietly said. At once Ron pulled out his radio and alerted Courtroom security to clear the area.
While he did that, Rick and Robbie and A.J. took refuge behind the building, as a bomb detector was used near the driver side of Rick's truck. Almost instantly a loud beep sounded, then Ron confirmed that the bomb had been placed within the last hour. Carefully removing it, the head of the bomb squad quickly immersed it in a bucket of water, then jumped back as a sudden bubbling sounded from the container. Immediately smoke rose from the soaked bomb. Ron swore quietly as the agitated liquid slowly receded.
"This is an order for all of you, even Laurie." He added angrily, then told Rick, "I don't care what you have to do….Laurie and Ramona and Linda are not to go anywhere without one of you along. Robbie, do you need some extra patrols?"
"No, thanks Ron…." He answered calmly, and Rick had a lump in his throat seeing how in control his son was.
"They'll mind us even if we have to lock them in the house, pal." Rick announced, making Robbie and A.J. smile, then waited until his truck was swept again before climbing into the cab.
"Let me check Robbie's real quick." Ron said, then the three Simons spent an anxious few minutes until the squad captain sounded the "all clear" to his men.
"Okay, Pop….let me pickup Ramona-then I'll head for the house." The younger Simon sighed, then got into his cruiser and headed toward Silver Rock. Rick shook his head in disgust as he started his motor.
"Ron, I don't know which of those deputies sold out…but call me as soon as you look at surveillance, okay?" he asked, and the disgruntled chief nodded.
"Heading into my office now…call me when you get home, guys."
When the guys finally reached home, having followed Robbie to his home near the sheriff's station, they found Linda and Rudy were helping set the table for lunch. In the kitchen, a thin but cheerful Father Nick was demonstrating to Laurie the "proper way" to make salsa. Rick paused in the doorway and silently "told" his wife, "good work, darlin'."
Smiling before she even turned around, Laurie caused the older man to stop in mid-explanation and chuckle, "don't tell me, Rick's here."
"Yes, Father, here's my prince…" she beamed, giving her husband a kiss. Grinning, Rick reciprocated, then hugged the old priest as he teased, "Geez, what does it take to get you to take a vacation!"
"Well, Oscar told me the fish were biting…so here I am!" he replied, a relaxed smile on his face.
"And about time…" A.J. added, his expression one of relief. Instantly Father Nick released the older Simon to embrace both A.J. then Robbie.
"I still expect to see you with a baseball glove in hand, son….Robbie, where is Chelsea and Ramona?"
"In the bedroom, Father….the kids are excited that you're going fishing with them." The younger Simon said, just as his oldest daughter Lala came into the kitchen.
"Father, the kids and I want to ask you something when you're done." She asked, and Laurie covered her mouth to keep from laughing at Rick's expression.
"Of course, honey… why don't we get your grandmother some eggs." Father Nick suggested. He winked as he excused himself. As soon as the kitchen door closed behind them, Rick burst out laughing.
"Sweetheart….what was all that about?"
"You're not going to believe this…Lala and Andy and Petey all decided we should have a surprise party for Mom and Dad…like a wedding reception." Laurie giggled. "They already called Robin, and she and Ian are on their way over."
At once an idea popped into Rick's head, and he kissed her cheek as he said, "I have to talk to Father, sweetheart. If everything works out, well, we have a chance to really celebrate Mom and Dad's marriage!"