Chapter 15

They arrived at Silvenus’ Manhattan apartment fifteen minutes before one o’clock. Helen and Charles had been very excited and impressed with riding in Silvenus’ limousine. This was the first time either of them had every rode in such a luxurious vehicle. Matt, Madeleine, Honey and Brian followed the limousine in the sedan, while the rest of the Bob-Whites, followed in the station wagon.

Silvenus opened his apartment door, which was on the fifth floor, and took half of the floor. There was only one other apartment on this floor. They all took off their coats and hung them on the coat racks that were in the entranceway. They then walked in to an elegant but sparse room. Silvenus invited everyone to have a seat if they liked, or they were welcome to explore the apartment. He did warn them not to start searching for the rifle until the police arrived. He then offered to get them something to drink. Madeleine and Helen walked over to the large bay windows to look out of. Matt and Charles walked over to step out on the terrace. The Bob-Whites went to explore the rest of the apartment. Roiya followed Silvenus into the equally sparse kitchen. Roiya looked around the gleaming clean, room, with all of the up to date appliances, but as impersonal as the main living room and dining room were.

"I hope that you have a least one room that has some personality to it," she said some what rudely.

Silvenus smiled. "Not really. This apartment is used for business, so I often have many people staying in it. It seems to make them more comfortable if they get the feeling that they’re not invading my home. This apartment comes with laundry service and there are several good restaurants that will deliver. My real home is my Long Island home."

"Well, thank goodness for that. I was being to worry about what type of man you were," Roiya said.

"Oh, I didn’t think you cared," Silvenus said with his green eyes focused on her.

Roiya shrugged. "I need to know what you’re about if I’m to make a decision about the book. You know very well that I can’t just give the book to anyone."

"I’m happy to hear that you’re at least thinking about it," Silvenus said as he set the glasses out and then walked over to the refrigerator/freezer. He pulled the ice tray out and handed it to Roiya; then he took out a pitcher of tea and a pitcher lemonade. Roiya put the ice in the glasses and watched him pour the drinks.

"I’m surprise that you have anything to serve, considering that you haven’t been here, lately," Roiya said.

"I was just here last night," Silvenus said. "I happen to like tea and lemonade, but I like both my tea and lemonade fresh. I pay a service to come in three times a week to stock the refrigerator and other items. I never know when I’m going to need the place or when I might have to let someone else use it. So, it’s worth keeping the place stocked and cleaned."

"But doesn’t that waste a lot of food, especially things like milk, bread as well as your tea and lemonade," Roiya said with a frown.

Silvenus shrugged again. "Does it matter? I pay these people very well, so if you look at it that way, then it’s not a waste."

"You must be very wealthy if you can afford to keep this place up all the time, plus your Long Island home," Roiya said.

Silvenus looked at her again and put his hands on his hips. "Why do I have a feeling that being wealthy is a strike against me as far as you’re concern?"

Now it was Roiya’s turn to shrug. "I’ve never really cared for rich people. From what Tansy tells me, its seems like the Wheelers and the Lynches are good people, but you know as well as I do that most of them are snobs."

Silvenus shook his head at her. "You, Miss Gifford, are an inverted snob."

Roiya was thankful that he turned from her at that moment, it had been years since she last blushed, but she could feel the red coming to her cheeks. She looked around to occupy herself, seeing napkins, she walked over to them and took some out. Silvenus had pulled out a serving cart and started putting the drinks on it. She walked over to him and laid down the napkins on the .

"Maybe I am," Roiya admitted. "But, if I am, then the rich only have themselves to blame. I’ve met quite a few of them, especially since Tansy started designing and sewing gowns."

"Just out of curiosity, what exactly do you do for a living?" Silvenus asked.

"Oh, this and that," Roiya said. "I know you’re a businessman but how did you get started?"

Silvenus looked at her with his deep green eyes. "Forget it. If you’re not going to share with me, then I’m not going to share with you."

He walked out of the kitchen pushing the serving cart and went into the living room, where everyone had converged. Just as he sat the tray down on a table, the doorbell rang. When Silvenus opened the door, there were five men standing there. He recognized Spider right away. He could only assume that the older officer in the Sleepyside uniform was Lieutenant Molinson. He deducted that the other three men were the New York police. He invited them in. The men entered the living room area. Silvenus pointed out the drinks, where there happened to be five glasses left. The men thanked him and took the drinks as they introduced themselves around.

"So, did you manage to contain Trixie and Honey from searching?" Lieutenant Molinson asked Matt Wheeler.

Matt smiled at him. "Yes, we did. It really wasn’t hard. Once it was explained to them about the legalities of the search, they were more then willing to cooperate. They want to catch this guy and they don’t want to mess anything up that might get him off on a technicality."

"If you say so," Lieutenant Molinson growled, but had a twinkle in his eyes.

The New York police detective suggested that they began the search. As he and his two officers put on gloves he told everyone that if they found any weapons, they were not to touch them, just come and tell one of the officers.

The search was very thorough as well as neat, but after a half a hour of searching, they did not find any sort of evidence that Kern or the twins had even been in the apartment since it was last cleaned. Lieutenant Molinson thanked the New York detective and officers for their assistance, as they were leaving. He then turned to the group that were collecting and putting on their coats.

"I wanted to inform you that we have found rifles registered to Kern Marcellus in Hawaii and Chicago. In both of these places it is required for anyone who owns riffles, shotguns, or a handgun to register it. It seems that Kern followed the law in this instance," Lieutenant Molinson said. "Even better, we now have a list of his rifles. It seems he collects antique rifles as well as modern. In many parts of the world, it is required for rifles to be registered. According to our experts the bullet is from an old and rare rifle and Kern has one registered."

"So, we find the gun and we can match it to the bullet!" Trixie said excitedly as the walked out of the apartment and waited for the elevator.

"If he has it in New York," Spider pointed out. "We’re trying to trace his movement before coming to New York. So depending on where he came from and how he got here, will tell us if he might have brought the gun with him. Of course then we must ask him why did he bring it to New York?"

Well, I can answer where he came from and how he got here," Silvenus said. "Kern and the twins have a place outside of Chicago, on Lake Michigan. He keeps his collection there. He and the twins drove down."

"I thought you said that he was in Hawaii?" Diana pointed out.

"No, I said that was where they were supposed to be," Silvenus told her. "When I talked to my mother two weeks ago, she told me that Kern and the twins would be in Hawaii, instead of going to see her."

"Did your mother have to spend Christmas alone?" kind hearted Honey asked as they got on the elevator.

"No, my sister and her family live just down the road from her. So she had them and my youngest brother was there with his family. He lives in England," Silvenus assured her.

Trixie looked at him strangely. Silvenus noticed the look.

"What’s the matter? Didn’t you think I had other family members?" Silvenus asked, genuinely smiling at her for the first time.

Trixie was astonished at how handsome he was when smiled like that. She also noticed that his smiling green eyes looked a lot like Jim’s. Trixie glanced up at Jim and wasn’t surprised to see him watching her. Jim squeezed her hand, which he was holding.

"I guess I never thought about it," Trixie said honestly.

"That’s all right. I know that most people find me autonomously," Silvenus told her. "Most people are surprised to find that I have nieces and nephews, which I try to see often and according to my brother and sister, I spoil the rotten when I do see them."

"So you like children?" Roiya asked.

"For the most part," Silvenus said. "It depends on how well behaved they are."

The elevator had arrived to the basement parking area. Once again they split up and went to the different vehicles and set off to Long Island.

It took them about an half and hour, they came along a high stone wall, then they turned into a long drive way, as the past through the gates Trixie noticed what looked like a security camera on both sides of the wall. The gate looked like it was made of solid steel.

"I wonder if that gate is always opened?" Sirene asked casually.

"I would think that it is," Trixie answered. "Silvenus probably has an electronic opener. No one puts up a steel gate like that unless they want to keep the place locked up."

"They must be too heavy to close manually," Jim remarked. "Look over there! Isn’t that a wooden bridge?"

"Yes it is! " Diana exclaimed. "It looks like has some statues around it. From here they look like baby dragons!"

Well, Diana and I know where we’re going to look," Sirene exclaimed.

"Just remember that you’re looking for a rifle not baby dragons," Dan said teasingly.

Sirene just gave him a cheeky grin. As the car curved around a bend, the house came in view. Everyone gasped.

There stood a massive castle. It was all black, but shined as the sun light reflected off of it. Even from a distances they could see turrets and balconies. As they drove closer they could see that the castle was built

with two main buildings, at least five stories high, forming a V-shape, at each point the turrets rose high above the rest of the house. Attached to the main buildings were smaller buildings, some built in as a round room with a balcony attached, some were squared shaped. These buildings had their own roof which all were pointed.

"Wow! Can you believe that house?" Trixie exclaimed. "It’s even bigger than that castle we saw in Scotland."

"Well, it’s definitely unusual," Jim commented. "I wonder how many acres he owns."

"Yeah, I was thinking the same thing," Dan commented. "It could be very difficult finding what we’re looking for."

"Oh, gosh! I didn’t think about that," Trixie groaned. "This place is bigger than the Manor house and I don’t know if we would be able to find something hidden there, and we know that place a lot better."

"Don’t be a pessimist," Mart said. "Did you see the security around this place?"

"Mart’s got a point. I would think that it would be very difficult for Kern to get on this property without alerting someone. So if we’re able to pinpoint when he was here and for how long, that should give us an idea where to look," Jim pointed out.

"Of course, you’re both right," Trixie said frowning. "I wish I could just remember to think before speaking, sometimes."

Jim grinned at her affectionately. "But then you wouldn’t be the Trixie we all know and love."

"Well, I have to admit that I’ve been in big, fancy castles, when I lived in Palm Beach, but nothing as unusual as this one," Sirene said.

They pulled up to the house and got out of the car. They looked in awe as the noticed that there was an huge archway that formed a walkway through the low stoned wall that encircled the building. On top of the archway, stood a huge stone dragon. It was green and had red glowing eyes. Diana shuddered as she looked at it.

"Goodness, that thing looks real!" she exclaimed as they walked through the arches and joined everyone.

Silvenus and his party had already met the police on the top of the stairs. Matt, Madeleine, Honey and Brian were walking up the stairs, while looking around. Matt had a calculating look in his eyes, while Madeleine was admiring the extensive detail work on the gargoyles that were lined up on the side of the walkway and stairs; Honey and Brian were just looking around in awe.

"Some place, huh?" Jim whispered as his group approached them.

"Tell me about it. Did you see those statues in the trees?" Brian asked. "They looked like small dragons. Honey pointed them out. They were by that wooden bridge we passed."

"I’ve seen some beautiful big places before but I’ve never seen a place with dragons on the roof!" Honey exclaimed, pointing up towards the highest part of the roof.

"Wow! Those have to weigh a ton to be that big!" Dan exclaimed.

"But look at the detail in color and design. That red one looks like it’s ready to fly down and get you, while the black one has a superior stance, like we’re too small for it to bother with us," Sirene said, somewhat dreamily.

" I imagine to a dragon we are too small to bother with," Trixie said,, " But enough of that. Let’s find out whether Kern or the twins have been here recently,"

Silvenus turned to the group as they came upon him. "It looks like Kern was here last week. The same day that someone took a shot at you. He arrived late afternoon, stayed for about twenty minutes and left."

"Do we know where he went while he was here?" Trixie asked excitedly.

The Long Island Detective looked surprised at her, while Lieutenant Molinson sighed. "Trixie, if you don’t mind. Let us ask the questions."

After a brief discussion with Silvenus’ personal secretary, it was determined that Kern had arrived and went straight to the room he was using and then went out. They could count out the stables because there were security cameras there. The cameras had shown him driving in the front gate, but he did not show up along the wall anywhere. So they were able to establish the places that he was most likely to have been too, given the short time he was there. It still was a lot of ground to cover. Silvenus took them into the castle. They all were in awe of the marble floors and the flowing staircase. The rooms had high ceilings. The hallways was long and there were many turns and intersection, where one long hallway met another. The walked in a hallway that had Waterhouse paintings all along it. They came to huge black doors, with a white dragon carved and painted into the doors. They followed Silvenus through the door and into a huge room, which had a fire going in an enormous fireplace, Roiya nodded her head. "Now this looks like a place that would belong to you."

All along the walls were Celtic relics and huge tapestries of long ago. There were also symbols over the window sills. The room was very mystic looking.

They split up into groups. The police reminded the civilians that they were not to touch anything that they might find. Diana and Sirene were disappointed to find out that Kern couldn’t have gone to the wooden bridge to hide it. Apparently the bridge was further away then it looked. But Silvenus assured them that he would show it to them at a later date. The adults took the inside of the house and the Bob-Whites went to search the outside. The search lasted for a little over an hour and they met back into the room with the Celtic artifacts.

"I guess this was a waste of time," Trixie commented. "It looks like we’ll have to set up a meeting after all."

"What puzzles me is why did he come here?" Silvenus wondered. "I searched his room and I can’t imagine what could have been so important that he had to drive all the way out here to get. I could see him doing it to hide the rifle but not for any other reason."

Helen had wandered over to the big windows that faced out to the west side of the castle. She leaned closer to the window and then let out an "Oh my!"

Everyone followed her as she grabbed her coat and quickly walked out of the room, she stood for a moment then followed the long hallway back to the front entrance. She then walked out of the front entrance and walked down the stairs and went through the archway. Then she started walking over the lawn looking for the window she had been looking out of.

"What is it, Moms?" Trixie asked. "Did you see something?"

"I’m not sure," Helen said slowly. "Yes, I believe that’s where I saw something."

Helen pointed towards the shrubs and flower bushes that ran underneath the window of the room that they had been standing in. This room extended out over the low stone wall. The Long Island police officer with Spider slowly made their way through the dense shrubs covered with snow.

"Well, what do we have here?" Spider said out loud as he disappeared for a moment then they could see him slowly backing out of the shrubs. In his hands was a rifle.

"Wow! That’s a Weatherby Mark V, if I’m not mistaken," Dan said.

"You’re not. This is quite a find," Lieutenant Molinson said.

"Don’t tell me you were lucky enough to find a rifle that has been registered by your suspect?" the Long Island Detective asked.

"As rare as this rifle is, even if it wasn’t registered, matching it up to the ballistic report on the bullets will be a cinch," Spider said.

"Well, it just so happens that Kern Marcelluses has one of these babies registered. We’ll have to check the serial numbers to be sure, but I doubt if there’s two of these hanging around here," Lieutenant Molinson said.

"But how do we prove that it belongs to Kern. Anyone could have put it there!" Trixie asked, willing to learn.

Spider smiled gently at her. "Now that is where good police work and good forensic detailing comes in. Between the bullets, the key and the piece of fabric found in the tree, it’s up to us to make the case."

"Don’t worry , Belden. You’ll get to learn all about that soon enough. But if you want to get a head start I have some old college books I can loan you," Lieutenant Molinson said gruffly. He walked away with Spider and the two Long Island police officers discussing the rifle. Trixie watched him with amazement in her eyes.

"Gosh! Do you think he’ll really let me read his old college books?" Trixie said her eyes big as she and the rest of the group walked back into the warm Celtic room.

Helen smiled at her daughter. "I think the Lieutenant has come to recognize your genuine interest in police work. So I imagine that he would rather guide you in his own way instead of constantly bumping into you at the wrong moment."

Trixie blushed at her mother’s comment.

"Well, I think Honey and Trixie are going to have to look to their laurels," Madeleine said. "Good catch, Helen. I was standing by that window earlier and I never detected anything. Obviously, Trixie got her instincts from you."

Helen laughed. "Anyone who has to pick up after Bobby learns to catch anything that looks odd or out of place."

"Well, I’m glad this is almost over," Roiya said. "I hope they have enough so that Tansy doesn’t have to meet Kern. I’m not sure she could handle it. She’s not very strong you know."

"Well, this may be the end of the police part, but we still have to negotiate about the book," Silvenus said with his green eyes looking at her.

"Prove the book belongs to you and it’s yours," Roiya said.

Silvenus raised his eyebrow and looked thoughtfully at her.

"We could get married, and then the book would stay in both families," he suggested.

Everyone gasped in shock at his suggestion, except for Roiya. Her deep blue eyes looked into his and a Mona Lisa smile came across her face.

"Mmm…that might be worth thinking about. But only after you have proven the book belongs to you," Roiya answered.

"Well, then, why doesn’t everyone come and stay here next weekend. I think I’ll have the proof you need and that gives you plenty of time to think about combining our families," Silvenus offered.

"You mean you want all of us to stay at this enchanted castle?" Diana asked.

Silvenus smiled charmingly at her. "Of course. I certainly have room enough and it’s been awhile since I’ve had a house party. I’ll have my secretary send your parents a formal invitation."

"Well, this has been an experience but I’ll have to pass. Emmalyn doesn’t like to travel too far from home. But I’m sure Sirene will be more than pleased to join everyone." Charles told them.

"I’ll talk to Peter about it, but I don’t see why we Beldens can’t take a weekend off," Helen said, watching the big grins that came to their faces.

"Well, everyone needs to warm up before we head back. I’ll have Mrs. O’Brien bring us some coffee, tea and hot chocolate," Silvenus said after insisting that everyone make themselves comfortable. As he left the room everyone started talking about what would be the police’s next step in catching Kern and what would happen to him.

"Well, I hate to say this but I doubt if my brother will learn anything from this. That is if they catch him," Silvenus said as he came back into the room.

"Why wouldn’t they catch him?" Trixie asked. "He doesn’t know that we’re on to him."

"My brother has a unique way of disappearing when things get too hot for him. I guess you could call it a second sense. I would bet that he and the twins will be long gone and out of the country by the time your officers have warrants for their arrests," Silvenus answered. "Unfortunately, my family is wealthy and have a lot of money and property outside of the United States. He could go anywhere."

"Well, won’t they put a freeze on his accounts and stuff like that?" Diana asked.

Matt sighed. "As much as we would like to catch Kern, Silvenus is probably right. Even though we all think what they did was not only criminal but dangerous and they should be punished, the truth is, compared to other crimes and criminals, they’re not important enough to pursue to that extent."

"What do you mean? That nothing will be done?" Honey cried.

"Oh, the police will put out a warrant for his arrest. Once it’s been established that he’s gone, they’ll put out an APB on him, and send his picture to all criminal organizations saying that’s he’s wanted, but that’s about all they will do. If he’s picked up by someone else in the United States for speeding or some other violation, then he’ll be arrested for this," Matt said. "The fact of the matter is that a lot of crimes get unsolved because the criminal disappears before the police can arrest him."

Silvenus nodded. "I’m afraid that Matt’s right. But on the bright side, if a criminal keeps breaking the laws of the land long enough, eventually he will get caught."

"So, Kern might try something like this again, and next time get caught, is that what you’re saying?" Sirene asked.

Silvenus nodded. "If he does this sort of thing in a different country, he might find himself in very serious trouble. Remember other countries don’t have the same laws as we do. In some countries, doing what he did could get him killed. I’m hoping that I might be able to salvage the twins. I’m going to have a PI search for them."

"Aren’t we jumping the gun?" Jim asked. "We’re assuming that Kern got away."

"You’re right, son," Matt said. "We’ll just have to wait and see."

"Well, I’m ready for home," Madeleine said. "Maybe the Lieutenant or Spider will have some more information after we have dinner tonight."

Everyone started gathering up their coats. Matt had asked Silvenus to come back and finish his visit with them. Silvenus and Matt were scheduled to leave for the Denver meeting together. Silvenus agreed and left to give Mr. O’Brien, his personal assistant, instructions.

"Poppy, you’re a formal police officer, what do you think of Kern’s chances of getting away?" Sirene asked her Grandfather as they walked out of the castle.

"I’m afraid that Matt and Silvenus may have predicted the right scenario," Charles said with a sigh. "I know that Trixie and Honey would like to be detectives. Let me caution you, there are some cases that are unsolvable, some cases where you know who did it but can’t prove it and some cases where the bad guy just gets away. The only way to keep from getting frustrated is to keep in mind that every case that is solved and justice is done, then that’s one more bad guy behind bars. I believe mysteries are the same. Just solve the ones you can and learn to let go of the ones you can’t."

"We’ll try to remember that,’ Honey said solemnly.

They all got into the vehicles and headed back to Sleepyside. Trixie didn’t say anything much on the way back home, but she also was extremely curious about Silvenus. What kind of man lived in a castle that seemed to have been built from a fantasy world? What were his abilities? And why would a rich, handsome, powerful man marry a poor women to get his hands on a book? And how did he plan on proving that the book belonged to him?

 

Chapter 16

Friday Night

"I can’t believe that Kern got away!" Trixie moaned.

"Well we were warned that he probably would. I’m just glad that we know for sure that it was Kern behind everything," Honey said.

"I wonder if Silvenus is going to be able to help his nephews. I think it was pretty rotten for Kern to leave his sons behind to take the heat," Sirene added.

It was Friday night and the Bob-White ladies, except for Diana, who was at a dance, were staying overnight at the Manor House. The Bob-White guys were all over at Mr. Maypenny’s having a guy’s night out. It had turned out that Kern had left town and the police officers had picked up his sons. They were charged with ‘Breaking In and Entering’ (B&E) and ‘Assault with a Deadly Weapon. Silvenus had hired a lawyer to try to help his nephews out. There was no doubt about Kern’s influence and involvement. But since he had left the country, as Silvenus had predicted, it would take time to bring him to justice, if at all.

"So, what do you think Silvenus is going to do to prove the book belongs to him?" Sirene asked.

"I’m not sure he can do anything to prove it to Roiya’s satisfaction. She seems pretty determine to keep the book in her family," Trixie answered.

Do you really think she would marry Silvenus just to keep the book in her family?" Honey asked.

Trixie shrugged "I don’t know. I think Tansy was real worried. Did you see her watching her Aunt and Silvenus?"

"She might have felt something. I think there is quite a bit of spark between them. They do make a unique couple," Sirene said.

"I wonder where they would live." Trixie said. "I can’t wait to explore the grounds around Silvenus’ estates."

"I hope if Roiya does marry Silvenus and decides to move in with him, that Tansy will decide to stay here. I think Regan would be upset if she left,’ Honey said.

"Why wouldn’t she stay here?" Trixie asked. "After all she’s eighteen, so she’s considered an adult."

Sirene smiled at both girls. "I don’t think Tansy’s going to go too far away from Regan. But have you thought about what happens if Regan and Tansy marries?"

"I guess I had assumed that they would live in Regan’s apartment," Honey said thoughtfully. "But I guess it would make more sense for them to live in Tansy’s house. But that shouldn’t make too big of a difference. He still would be here most of the time."

"I don’t know, Honey," Trixie said. "Regan’s pretty independent and a bit old fashion. I’m not sure he would live in a house that belongs to his wife‘s aunt."

"Trixie’s right. Now if Roiya should give the house to them, and they’re responsible for the upkeep, then that would be different. There’s no way Tansy makes enough on her sewing to keep that house. But with Regan’s income and hers, then they could do it."

"Which means Regan would still need his job here!" Honey pointed out. "So we still have Regan, just not on the grounds."

"I wonder if your Dad will hire some security guards if Regan moves out." Sirene asked. "After all, Regan being so close to the main house is one of the reasons he feels comfortable about leaving the house with just women in it."

Honey shrugged. "I don’t know. But don’t forget, that Jim’s here."

"Yeah, but only until the end of summer, then he’s going away to school." Trixie reminded her, somewhat depressed. "I wonder if Diana’s having any fun."

Sirene, respecting Trixie’s desire to change the subject, spoke up. "She probably is. But I think she’s worried about losing Mart. Diana’s mom has this thing about Diana being popular with the boys. Every time I spend the night over there, her mom will go on and on about how Diana will have all of these boys calling her and how she’ll have them lining up. Diana has been torn between pleasing her mom and pleasing Mart. Luckily Mart hasn’t put any pressure on her."

"I can’t understand Diana’s mom letting her date as young as we are. Only reason I got to go out is because it was a school function and I was double dating with my brother," Trixie said. "I have to admit that I’ve noticed that lately her mom does seem to make a big deal out of Diana going out with this person and that person."

Honey nodded her head. "I was over there a few weekends ago and Mrs. Lynch was telling me how it was important for Diana to meet and date the proper guys. She also seemed to think that it was important for all of the right people to think of Diana as being popular."

"I know. I think her mom has made a mistake. By next week it will be all around school that Diana can date and is willing to go out with someone other then Mart," Sirene said. "I’m not sure Diana can handle the rush she’s going to get. Diana’s gorgeous but she’s not a femme fatal. I ,also, think her heart is set on Mart."

"Excuse me, is this coming from a girl that started dating two years ago?" Trixie asked.

"Well, first of all, I’m a year older then you all," Sirene said calmly. "Second of all, I was brought up by a Mother, who may not have been much on the motherly advice, but she does know how to handle men. I guess you could say, I was born to handle them."

"All we can do is be here for her," Honey said. "I know that I’m not ready for a bunch of boys calling me and asking me out."

Trixie laughed. "I thought you were already having those problems. Didn’t Bill call you last week?"

"Yes, but that was just to ask about a homework assignment," Honey answered

Sirene rolled her eyes. "Somehow I doubt if that’s the only reason he called you."

Honey blushed. "Well, he did ask me if I wanted to go to the movies on Saturday with him. But I told him that I wasn’t allowed to date. I felt bad about turning him down, but I didn’t want to waste a Saturday sitting watching a movie with some guy I barely know."

"Well, you did say you weren’t ready to date. But, you seem to do alright with my brother," Trixie pointed out.

"Well, that’s different. I know Brian and I know what he wants and what he expects," Honey said simply.

"I guess the fact that he’s tall, dark, handsome, sensitive and intelligent doesn’t have anything to do with you preferring his company?" Sirene teased with a smile in her eyes.

Honey just smiled at her friends. She knew that they thought she was just to shy to go out with other guys, but Honey knew that she only had a short time with Brian Belden before he went off to college and there would be plenty of time for other boys later.

 

Meanwhile, at Mr. Maypenny’s…

"So, what do you think about this book being magical?" Dan asked casually as the guys were sitting around the living room, in front of the old potbelly stove. They were eating apple pie and drinking hot chocolate.

"I find it hard to believe that something that Merlin told someone hundreds of years ago, actually got translated properly," Mart said.

"That’s assuming that Merlin was magical or a Druid," Jim added.

"It really doesn’t matter what we think. The fact is that Silvenus and Roiya are convinced that the book is real and magical," Brian said. "It will be interesting to see what he comes up with to prove to Roiya that the book is his."

"Exactly why would he think the book was his again?" Dan asked. "I have admit that I got a little confused on his reasoning. It seems silly to think that he would think that the book belonged to him because of a wedding that didn’t even take place that long ago."

"That might be part of it. But as strange as this sounds, I think he believes he‘s Merlin incarnated. Did you see his noticed his eyes when Roiya was telling us about the part where Merlin told her ancestors to hold the book in trust until he returned. They glowed and I could actually feel some sort of energy coming from him. I could see a wizard living in that house of his.’ Jim answered.

"So, to get the book, he has to convince Roiya that he’s Merlin," Dan said, somewhat skeptical.

Jim nodded his head. "Oh, I don’t believe he’s Merlin either. I’m not sure I even believe Merlin was a wizard or that there are wizards. But I think next weekend will be very interesting."

"What I find interesting is that lately you seemed to have picked up some of Tansy’s and Sirene’s ESP," Mart commented, looking closely at his friend. "I have to admit that Silvenus did seem to be very interested in that part of the story, but I didn’t noticed anything strange coming from him."

"I’m just sorry that the police didn’t pick up Kern with the twins. I know that Honey and Trixie were disappointed that he didn’t get caught," Brian said, changing the subject, quickly. Jim threw Brian a grateful smile. Jim realized that he was going to have to watch what he said in the future. It seems that he has been picking up strange feelings from people lately and wasn’t sure what to do about it. He knew that someday he would have to discuss it with the group but for now, he just wanted to run experiments with Brian and see if he could get a handle on what was happening.

"Yeah, but it is a good lesson for them. They’ve been lucky so far in having everything tied up neatly in their mysteries. If they’re serious about being detectives, which I believe they are, then they need to see the down side as well as the up side," Jim said. "I wonder if they really realize what they’re getting into. From what I’ve read and seen it seems to me that most detective agencies count on tracking down cheating spouses for their bread and butter. I find it hard seeing my sister taking pictures of a cheating spouse."

"I don’t know about that. I think someone breaking their marriage vows would really anger your sister as well as Trixie. I think they would go after those types of people with a vengeance, thinking that the person being cheated on would be better off without the cheater. As long as they get other types of jobs to counter those, they’ll be all right," Brian said.

"But the point is that as detectives, they’re going to see only the seamy side of humans. What’s to keep them from forgetting about the good things in life?" Jim asked worriedly.

"Well, my friend that will be our job.‘" Dan said.

Brian nodded. "I think Dan’s right. All of us will have to be careful. After all, Jim, you will be dealing with kids that are alone and maybe even have been abused, Dan will be dealing with criminals and I’ll be dealing with sick people. So, Mart, I guess it will be up to you and Diana to watch over the rest of us."

"Well, I can’t speak for Diana, but believe me, if I see any of you getting out of touch with the lighter side of life, I will certainly remind you of it," Mart said, very seriously.

"So, what’s the next step to keeping our women in line?" Dan asked. "I have to admit that not being home when Diana calls is smart. I think you also should be less available to her while she’s dating other guys."

"That’s my plan. I understand that she’s doing this to please her parents, but she can’t expect me to sit on the sidelines because she can’t stand up to her parents," Mart said.

"Do you really think that she’s only doing this to please her parents?" Dan asked.

"No, I think a part of her likes the fact that other guys find her attractive and having a lot of guys after her makes her feel more confident of herself. But she also wants me there, in the background waiting," Mart said seriously. "I refuse to play that role."

"I wish we could have a guidebook to women," Jim said with a sigh.

"Why? It seems to me that you and Trixie have it worked out," Brian said.

"So far so good, but I can tell that she really doesn’t believe that I’m not interested in any other girl. I know that it’s in the back of her mind that when I go away to college that I’m going to want to date older girls. Trixie is being very cautious and careful, which is totally against her nature" Jim said.

Brian said. "I know all about deep feelings for someone but I can’t help being realistic about the chances of them lasting for the next six to eight years, let alone any longer than that. Trixie can be impulsive but she does have a realistic side to her. After all she is a Belden."

Jim just grinned at his friend. "I think I’ll remind you fifty years from now about this conversation."

"Well, we’ve covered Jim’s and my relationship, so that leaves yours and Brian’s. So what’s the status on Sirene and you?" Mart asked Dan.

Dan rolled his eyes. "That girl is about as backwards as they come. But I think I got her finally thinking on the right path."

Mart, Dan and Jim all turned their eyes toward Brian, with a question on their faces.

Brian smiled. "Honey and I are fine. I think we both understand each other and at this time, are content with the way things are."

"Sure, you are!" Mart said somewhat sarcastically. "I noticed that you seem to have a hard time keeping your hands off her and keeping your lips to yourself as well."

Jim and Dan smiled as Brian glared at Mart. They also had noticed that Brian seemed to always have a reason to touch Honey or found an excuse to kiss her. Jim couldn’t really object, considering that he was having the same trouble keeping his hands and lips to himself around Trixie. Brian was always respectful and gentle towards his sister as he, himself, was towards Trixie.

"I don’t have a problem with you and Honey," Jim said. "I know that you’ll take care of her. I have to admit I dread the day she starts dating other guys."

Brian was disturbed about that, but being a realist, knew that someday he would have to deal with that. The guys started talking about the Super Bowl that was coming up. For now the subject of the book and the Bob-White women were shelved.

 

At Crabapple Farm…

Helen and Peter were enjoying some time alone. Bobby was in bed and the rest of their children were out. They had the fire going and soft music playing in the background. The room was lit in a rosy glow. They were enjoying a rare glass of warm mulberry wine, when Peter asked his wife about her day. Helen told him that it was the same as usual, nothing new or exciting.

"I see,’ Peter said. "Helen, I think it’s time you went back to school."

Helen sat real still and then turned her head to look at her husband. "But it’s been so long; besides what do we do with Bobby. He gets home before the rest of them do."

‘We can ask Miss Trask to watch him for those ten to fifteen minutes or we can look into an after school care," Peter said. "I’ve noticed that you seem restless lately. Be honest with me. You’re finding being just a housewife and mother limiting, don’t you?"

"I love my life!" Helen exclaimed. "I love taking care of the house and children!"

"And you do a great job. But wouldn’t you like to do something for yourself?" Peter asked.

"But what courses would I take? Anyway it’s too late to enroll to any schools," Helen countered.

Peter shook his head. "No it’s not. I checked into the adult classes at the local Community College. They have an afternoon art class and an evening art history class. The day classes are on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays from two- three o’clock and the night class is on Tuesdays night from seven to nine o’clock. Bobby’s bus arrives at two- twenty and the high school bus arrives at two- thirty. So that means that the kids will be on their own for about and hour before you get home. I believe they can handle it. I also think we can find someone to watch Bobby for us three days a week for about fifteen minutes."

Helen sat stunned. She knew that Peter was right; she had been feeling restless lately. She started to cry. Peter gathered her to him as she cried on his shoulder.

"You are so wonderful,’ Helen said as she gave him a teary smile. "You always seem to know what I need before I even realize what I need."

"Well, I hope those are happy tears," Peter said.

Helen nodded. "If you think I could do it, I would like to take some courses. I’ve been thinking that after Bobby is grown that maybe I could try to do some graphic art."

"Well, then you need to start taking courses now," Peter said. "That way you’ll be ready."

"What about the housework and dinner?" Helen said frowning. "Dinner might be a little late and the housework might get a little behind if I have a lot of homework."

"Then we’ll all pitch in and help," Peter said. "I think I can remember how to cook a few meals. Remember when we were first married and you would lose track of time while painting."

Helen smiled. "Yes, I remember and you were wonderful. But I have spoiled you these last seventeen years."

"Then it’s time that I started spoiling you,’ Peter said.

Helen turned a bewitching smile up to her husband. "Well, if you insist, you could start right now."

Peter felt his heart melt once again and as he met her blue eyes he could see the desire that was always between them start firing up. He gathered her up tightly and started kissing her.

"Just tell me what you want and it’s yours," he whispered as he kissed her ear. At her suggestion, Peter could feel the fire go into full flame. Later as he guided her upstairs, he realize that he was indeed a fortunate man.

 

Meanwhile at the Country Club Dance….

Diana was looking beautiful as usual. She was also being charming and giving the impression of having a good time. She had danced with several other guys besides her date. John was really nice and he treated her like a princess, but he didn’t seem to catch her small jokes. Mart always laughed at her jokes. Diana was glad when it was time to go home. She thanked John for a pleasant evening and left with her parents. She listened to her mother chatter about how successful and popular Diana had been. Diana rushed upstairs to call Mart. It wasn’t very late, so he should still be up. She couldn’t believe it when Mrs. Belden told her that Mart wasn’t home and wouldn’t be back until the next day She slowly undressed thinking about her evening. It started out fine and she had a good time, but after awhile she found herself wishing for Mart, wanting to whisper her comments to him about other people, knowing that he would understand her. She found out that other guys either held her too close when they danced with her or their hands were clammy or too hot. Diana looked at herself in the mirror as she brushed her hair. Surely, there was more to her than a pretty face, she wondered as she got ready for bed. She said good night to her parents and as she turned off her light and snuggled down in her bed she wondered how Mart had spent his time and where he was.

 

Epilogue

One Week Later

It was Sunday night and the Wheelers, the Beldens, the Giffords, Regan, Dan and Sirene were sitting in the Celtic room at Silvenus’ Long Island castle. They had spent the last two days explore the huge estate, riding as well as going deep see fishing. Silvenus has a huge fishing boat, which he used to take them out into the ocean. During their exploring, they had found wonderfully small decorated statues of baby gargoyles and baby dragons in the trees, near the bridge and all through the gardens. Larger decorated statues of dragons and gargoyles were also found through out the grounds and a large statue of a wizard stood center of the huge courtyard in the back of the castle. They had slept in rooms that had a dragon themes and gargoyles watching over them. Each room had it’s own unique mystical quality to it. Most of the rooms had stain glass windows, so that a ray of colorful light would dance across the room when the sunlight hit it. Most of the rooms were decorated in either green, gold, blue and reds, dragon colors. Somehow Silvenus had manage to make each room enchanting as well as tastefully elegant. Everyone had enjoyed the relaxing atmosphere that Silvenus had created for them. The O’Briens had been friendly and welcoming. The castle was warm and enchanting, even though it had heirlooms and expensive items all through the castle. The modern conveniences of the modern world were cleverly disguised and hidden.

"Well, I believe it is time for me to demonstrate why the book belongs to me?" Silvenus said to his relaxing guests as he stood in front of the huge fireplace. Everyone sat up and looked towards him. He faced them and his green eyes deepened as he murmured some words that were foreign. All of a sudden Tansy let out a scream, while Sirene turned white with pain.

"Stop it!" Roiya said in a voice filled with pain. Jim and Brian both had felt a sudden pain in their heads as well as a bit of dizziness. Silvenus looked at her and stopped chanting, he than looked towards the open doors of the room. Regan had moved to comfort Tansy and Dan was massaging Sirene’s shoulders, to try to help relieve the pain. Honey had glanced over to Brian and noticed that he was massaging his head. She nudged Trixie and nodded towards Brian. Trixie looked at her brother then towards Jim, who was sitting next to her. Her blue eyes narrowed as a suspicious thought came into her mind. She decided that sometime in the near future, she and James Frayne were going to have a talk.

Trixie turned her head as she heard a gasp. Coming through the open doors, floating through the air, was the Book of Be’al. It looked like it was floating on a blue cloud. It floated right up to Silvenus, who gently took the book into his hands.

Silvenus looked towards Roiya. His green eyes commanding her to recognize his right to the book, Roiya’s deep blue eyes looked back at him in defiance. "Maybe you did call the book to you, but I’m not convinced that you are the right one," she told him.

Silvenus smiled. "Does it matter? I have the book."

Roiya just smiled mysteriously at him as she saw him get ready to open the book. Silvenus looked up at her quickly as he tried to open the book and it would not open. "Did you really think I would hand you the book without some precautions?" Roiya said. "Only my sister and I can open that book."

"Are you sure about that?" Silvenus asked quietly. "Oh, you might be able to figure it out eventually, but it would take you years,"

Roiya said. "So, we are still at an impasse," Silvenus stated.

Roiya chuckled. "I guess the offer of marriage is null now that you found out that you need my sister as well as me in order to obtain the book."

Silvenus looked at the bewitching woman in front of him. "No, my offer still stands. It’s time that what was promised to Duncan MacGowen be fulfilled," Silvenus said. "As for your sister, it won’t take me long to locate her. So the real question is, are you willing to take me on?"

Roiya looked into the green eyes of a man that could be a wizard re-incarnated or a very clever magician. Either way, she felt the need to discover exactly what he was and to acknowledge the attraction that had been between them since the day they met.

"You do realize that if you marry me and don’t take my last name, that I lose my property in Sleepyside."

Silvenus shrugged. "I have enough property all over the world. You can take your pick as to where you want to live."

"Okay, then I’ll marry you," Roiya declared.

Everyone looked at her as Silvenus walked over to her and took her hand. He bowed over it and gently kissed her fingers. Roiya could feel the fire from his lips and saw it in his eyes. Maybe he was the one after all, was all she could think of.

"Well, if all of you would excuse us, I believe that my fiancé and I have a few things to discuss," Silvenus said as he gently pulled Roiya out of her seat and tucked her hand in his arm. They both walked out of the room gazing at each other.

"Aren’t you worried about your aunt?" Regan asked Tansy. "I, mean they just met a couple days ago and now their getting married."

Tansy smiled at Regan. "My aunt knows what she’s doing and so does he."

"But to marry someone without being in love," Diana said, sadly shaking her head.

"What makes you think that they don’t love each other?" Tansy said. "Remember that both are psychics, which means that their bonding is on a different level then most relationships. Besides, we Giffords have a tradition of knowing instantly, when we meet the right one." Tansy looked into Regan’s eyes as she said that last piece.

"Well, I think it’s romantic," Mrs. Lynch said. "To think that finally Duncan MacGowen can find some peace. I think they make a wonderful couple."

"I do know that Silvenus is no fool. I’ve never met a sharper businessman," Matt said. "I’m looking forward to doing business with him. I must admit having him related, even in a distant manner, is an advantage. That man takes family seriously."

"Oh, how do you figure we’ll be related?’ Madeleine asked.

"Well, Tansy is Jim’s cousin, which makes Roiya his aunt. Since we’re his parents, that makes Tansy our niece, and Silvenus will be Tansy’s niece as well."

"I can’t believe this!" Helen said astounded. "We just witnessed a book floating through the air and all you can talk about is them marrying and how you’ll be related."

"Now, Helen, I’m sure that there is a logical explanation," Peter said soothingly.

"Oh, and what might that be?" Helen demanded.

The Bob-Whites had gotten up as soon as Silvenus and Roiya had left. They had been searching the entrance way of the room as well as the area in front of the fireplace. Brian shook his head. "I’m sure Dad’s right. I think Silvenus is an amateur magician but I can’t figure out how he did it."

"I’m amazed that someone with Sirene’s ability would dismiss a magical answer," Madeleine stated.

"Believe it or not, those of us that are psychic can be very skeptical of the paranormal. Now Silvenus may be a telekinetic, which would explain the book floating, but I don’t believe for one minute that the book has magical abilities. I think the pain we all felt in the book is just a lot of psychic energy that has been built up over the years as psychics used their ability to protect the book. But once the book is opened and the psychic energy is released, I think, you’ll just find an old book written in an old language," Sirene explained

"Well, that’s good enough for me," Dan stated. "When it comes to the paranormal, I trust Sirene’s instincts."

Tansy nodded her head. "I agree with Sirene. I honestly don’t believe the book is anything more then an ancient text."

"But why would your aunt and mother feel so strongly about it?" Mr. Lynch asked. The Lynches had been away, but Diana had caught them up on what had happened.

Tansy smiled. "The book gave them a purpose, and an excuse for being different. To them it’s a sacred mission. To have to admit that they gave up so much for a dusty old book, well, I don’t think they could handle that. I’m learning to be comfortable at being different and my life is taking a different path then theirs did. So I don’t need the book to feel like I have a purpose in life."

"Well, that makes sense," Trixie said. "I just find it hard to believe someone as levelheaded as Silvenus thinks that this book is magical and it is not."

"Now, Trixie, that book is valuable even if it’s not magical. Just the age and text is important," Peter Belden said. "From a monetary value, that book is a good business deal."

Matt Wheeler nodded his head in agreement.

Honey sighed. "So we still don’t know the truth."

Tansy stood up and smiled at her. "I think this is one of those times where each person will have to make up their own mind about what they saw. Some will think that Silvenus does have some magical powers, some of us will explain it by telekinesis and some will think of it as a magician’s trick. The truth is only Silvenus, and maybe Aunt Roiya, know for sure. I’m just glad that the future of the book has been decided and it will be kept in a safer place then my house."

"You mean your aunt’s house?" Sirene said.

"Nope, as soon as she marries the house will come to me," Tansy said. "I already own half of it, because my mother turned her half over to me when she left."

"But you’ll only have it until you marry, right?" Regan asked.

Tansy shook her head. "Nope, Granddaddy was able to change the will. He changed it to as long as the couple lived in the house so the last name thing went by the wayside."

"So Silvenus and Roiya could have lived there?" Diana asked. "

Yes, she could have, but why would she want to when she has the whole world to choose from?" Tansy said. "Roiya always hated staying in Sleepyside. She always wanted to travel. This is her way of getting out. She gave up a lot to take care of me. Now it’s her turn to enjoy life."

"Well, let’s hope that Silvenus can give her what she needs’ Mrs. Lynch said as she stood up. "It’s been an interesting evening but I’m ready to go to bed."

"It is getting late," Madeleine said. "And we all must leave early so that the kids can get to school on time."

"Luckily Peter has bank business in the city tomorrow or we would have had to leave tonight," Helen said as she started to head out of the room.

Everyone said good night and went off to their rooms. Trixie and Honey were sharing a room and each were in deep thought on what they had witnessed tonight. Brian’s and Jim’s responses to the book were on their minds.

Diana and Sirene were snuggled in, both sleepy and happy that they had spent time with their favorite guys. As for the book, Diana did believe it was magical and hoped to be around when it was finally opened.

Jim and Brian had on their minds what they were going to tell Trixie and Honey when they started asking questions.

Dan and Mart wondered when will be the next time that they get to spend so much time with their special ladies. As the house settled and the inhabitants slept, the book, which was placed in a glass case, in a secret room, glowed with blue energy surrounding it.

The end.

(for now)

Comments:

I want to thank Susan and Teresa for all of the hard work they put in by editing and guiding me when I went off the deep end.

I want to thank the Jix people who were in the chat room on Thursday, March 11. They gave me some much needed information. I’m not saying them by name because there were several people and I don’t want to make the mistake of missing them. But they know who they are.

A reminder that all the characters that do not belong to Random house are my own creations. They are not meant to reassemble anyone. The views on Druids and psychics are strictly my own and is meant for entertainment only. I have only the greatest respect for those who follows the untraditional paths.

Once again. Trixie Belden and crew belong to Random house and have not given me permission to use them in my stories. Yes, I stole them, but since I’m a poor person and am not making any money off of this, they’ll just have to live with it.

Last but not least, I want to thank all of my readers that take the time to post a reply. Your comments, good and bad keeps me writing and trying to improve. I wouldn’t do it if I didn’t know that someone was out there reading it.

If I missed anyone then I apologize but my memory is feeble at best, so please excuse me.

TBH Main